Project team behind what will be Bristol’s first net zero integrated retirement community launch public consultation on proposals for scheme on former St Christopher’s School site

Local residents and the wider community will be able to review and feedback on emerging proposals for an ultra-sustainable later living community planned for Westbury Park at a public exhibition next week.

The five-acre site of the former St Christopher’s School comprises around 93,000 sq ft of existing buildings, including the Grade-II listed Grace House. The emerging proposals will provide about 120 much-needed specialist homes for seniors through the sustainable refurbishment of the existing buildings, along with a collection of two storey cottages and four low-rise blocks ranging from 4-6 storeys designed to sit sensitively within the local context.

Ethical investor FORE Partnership, extra care operator Amicala and developer First Base, are launching a public consultation on the proposals, with a public exhibition at St Christopher’s running from 3pm-7pm on the Wednesday, 1 December and 9.30am-1pm on Saturday, 4 December. The public consultation will continue toWednesday 19 January, with a further exhibition to be held in the new year. Additional information is available at www.stchristophersbristol.com.

The latest designs by award-winning PRP Architects will see Grace House transformed into a hub for the wider community, with a publicly accessible café and activity rooms, as well as ‘wellness’ facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and gym. The designs also include extensive open space, sensory gardens, community food growing spaces and other rich landscaping. The project team is committing to generating a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%.

Pledging to build to the highest levels of sustainability, the project will use low carbon construction techniques and materials. In operation, the community will be net zero carbon and fossil-fuel free, drawing energy from renewable electricity as well as generating onsite solar energy.

The plans will include on-site parking spaces for residents, staff and visitors, including electric vehicle spaces, with the primary vehicle access from Westbury Park.

The development will also generate wider social and community benefits; helping address the shortage of specialist accommodation for older people in Bristol, alleviating pressures on the NHS and social care systems, and freeing up local homes for families in the city looking to up-size.

Representing an investment of up to £80 million, a package of socio-economic benefits to Bristol includes local jobs and training opportunities, from construction through to the ongoing operation of the extra care community.

Lucinda Mitchell, Director, First Base, said:

“We very much look forward to engaging with the community and key stakeholders over our sensitive and appropriate plans for this important development site. Our proposals will address a real need for high quality specialist housing in Bristol for older people as well as providing new community facilities. By retaining and enhancing existing buildings and adopting ultra-low carbon construction techniques, we will minimise environmental impact and become the first retirement living community in Bristol to achieve net zero. These carefully considered plans provide for a gentle scale and density, striking an appropriate balance between optimising this important site for much-needed homes for seniors, while delivering designs that are environmentally friendly and sensitive to the local area.”

The project will help address the shortage of specialist accommodation for older people in the local area and Bristol as a whole. Within Bristol, the over 65s account for every one in seven people, while there are 9,100 people aged 85 or older. By 2043, Bristol Council predicts there will be a 40% increase over-75s in the city, which demonstrates the increasing demand for age-appropriate housing.

As residents often move from family homes into extra care communities, typically from within a 5-10 mile radius, the project can also help strengthen the local housing market, by freeing up under-occupied large homes for up-sizers and in turn smaller homes for younger families or first-time buyers.