Demolition Works At Speedwell Baths Begins - Providing Social Housing For Local People With Crossman Homes

News
07/06/2019

Demolition work has started at the Speedwell Swimming Baths site following Crossman Homes’ deal with Yarlington Housing Group to provide much needed affordable housing in Bristol. Crossman Homes is re-developing the Speedwell Swimming Baths site on Whitefield Road providing affordable homes for local people. Bristol City Council has allocated £1,860,000 to Yarlington Housing Group for the development of 31 units of one and two bed flats for rent as part of the Affordable Housing Grant scheme.


Brad Hughes, Crossman Homes, says:

“The demolition of the derelict swimming baths marks an important milestone in this exciting development. 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.”


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 continues:

“We are delighted to be instrumental in pushing forward this development which will provide much-needed social housing for the area. The new scheme has been designed to enhance the area and reflects the style & shape of the previous building in a contemporary way.”


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 completion expected to be towards the end of next year.


Wyn Bevan, Yarlington Housing Group’s Head of Development said:

“Yarlington Housing Group is proud to be a part of this exciting development, seeing the derelict swimming baths being turned into much-needed affordable housing. Not only this, it will help build a more vibrant local community. This scheme is part of Yarlington’s geographical expansion into Bristol to help solve the UK’s housing crisis and showcases our commitment to providing affordable housing.”