Residential developer Crossman Homes has signed off on a deal with Yarlington Housing Group to provide much needed affordable housing in Bristol. The company will re-develop the Speedwell Swimming Baths site on Whitefield Road creating 31 new affordable homes for local people.
Speedwell Baths was built in 1937, but closed down in 2005 when it was deemed surplus to requirements by Bristol City Council. Very little of the original interior exists with only the metal roof structure remaining. Representatives of Historic Pools of Britain agree that the conservation and repair of the existing baths is “wholly unrealistic”.
Brad Hughes, at Crossman Homes said:
“We are delighted to be leading this exciting development which will provide much-needed social housing for the area. The site has been vacant since 2005 and has become a dangerous eyesore, attracting anti-social behaviour which has been a real concern to the local community.”
Since 2005 two plans to redevelop the site for residential have not gone ahead for financial reasons. Crossman Homes will now build a mixture of one and two bedroom apartments on the site, with work expected to start in early 2019.
Wyn Bevan, Yarlington Housing Group’s Head of Development said:
“We are delighted to be working with Crossman Homes and to have received grant funding from Bristol City Council to build 31 much needed affordable homes. As disused, existing developed land we are able to deliver much needed homes and help solve the city’s housing need without putting pressure on an expanding city.”
Councillor Paul Smith, Cabinet member for Housing, said:
“The Speedwell Swimming Pool site was sold in 2006, so I am pleased to see it is finally being developed. It is important that we make the best use of land across the city and not allow sites to be left empty for too long. There was initially only going to be four affordable properties on this site, so this is another great example of how our grant funding can help support the construction of more affordable housing, which will be available for those who need it most.”
Working closely with Angus Meek Architects & Bristol City Council’s design & planning team, the new five-storey development has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the area, reflecting the style & shape of the existing building in a contemporary way.
Crossman Homes was advised on the deal by Bristol solicitors Temple Bright. Real estate partner Amelia Douchet said:
“It was a pleasure and a privilege to be involved in this project, which will rejuvenate a significant local site for a truly creative and practical purpose.”