Hill, the award-winning top 20 UK housebuilder, and Goram Homes, a housing company founded by Bristol City Council, have announced their first joint venture that will see the delivery of a 165-unit development in Bristol. The scheme, located on Bristol’s iconic Floating Harbour, will have a Gross Development Value (GDV) of over £55 million and represents Hill’s first development in Bristol and the South West of England.
The site is currently the location of the Baltic Wharf Caravan Club. Once complete, the development will comprise a range of one, two and three bedroom homes of which approximately 100 will be for private sale and will include a selection of exclusive waterfront penthouses. There will also be 66 affordable homes delivered, over 75% of which will be affordable rented accommodation. Many of these apartments will boast stunning views of the harbourside and the hills of Clifton. In addition, more than 3,000 square feet of commercial space will also be provided.
The new scheme will transform this underutilised parcel of land, creating a new destination in Bristol that integrates seamlessly with the area’s historic centre and distinctly urban harbourside. Designed by architects, JTP Studios, the development has been inspired by the city’s former industrial dockland, with designs paying particular homage to the heritage of Underfall Yard – the former timber yard – by replicating the historic grain and roof scape.
Surrounding iconic vistas of the Floating Harbour and River Avon will be a focal point for many of the new homes, and a new public route will connect residents with the beautiful river frontage and harbour. Residents will also have access to The Yard, which includes a new public square with retail space, a listed pub and a sailing school.
Each of the homes feature open-plan living spaces and private outdoor areas either in the form of a garden, terrace or balcony. Some of the apartment buildings will benefit from green roofs and landscaped podium gardens, and, to increase biodiversity and encourage wildlife habitats, bat, bird and insect boxes will also be incorporated into the communal green space.
Construction is set to start on site in late 2020. The development hoardings will feature street art from renowned Bristol street artist, Mr Penfold, whose work can be seen in locations across the world.
Andy Hill, Chief Executive of Hill, comments: “We’re delighted to be working on our first joint venture with Goram Homes in Bristol. Together, we’re creating an exciting new community that is inspired by the surrounding streetscape and harbourside history. The scheme will see the area transformed into a fantastic new waterside location, with a new public square, wildlife-friendly green spaces and commercial units that will add significant value to Baltic Wharf.
“We’re very excited to also be expanding our geography into the South West of England, building further on the successes we’ve had in the South East as a leading provider of distinctive, quality homes. It’s a very exciting time for our business and we’re looking forward to bringing many more homes to the region.”
Sales are expected to launch at the Baltic Wharf development in late 2021, with the first homes expected to be complete in Autumn 2022.
