Plans for ‘100% affordable’ housing estate near former Somerfield HQ take step forward as developer snaps up land

Plans for an ‘100% affordable’ housing estate at the car park of the former Somerfield HQ in Hartcliffe have taken a major step forward after developers snapped up the brownfield site this week.

Keepmoat Homes purchased the land at Parkview Campus, Bristol from MCR Property Group for an undisclosed sum.

MCR Property Group won permission from Bristol City Council for the wider scheme in 2019 and landed consent for its first phase last November, before selling it to Keepmoat Homes to build a community of 91 new homes.

The new Parkview development based on Whitchurch Lane will transform the underused plot, previously used as a car park for the old Somerfield head quarters, into much-needed housing for the area.

The development will consist of 17 one and two-bedroom flats and 74 two, three and four-bedroom houses, made ‘100% affordable in partnership with housing association Bromford.’

The new residents will also enjoy a purpose-built play area.

Affordable housing is low-cost housing for people who can’t meet their housing needs because their income is too low to meet private market costs.

It can include social rented, build to rent, shared ownership or first homes.

Charlotte Goode, regional managing director at Keepmoat Homes, said: ‘’We’re thrilled to have purchased brownfield land in Bristol which will be transformed into 91 quality homes, set amongst picturesque surroundings to be enjoyed by residents and the local public alike.

“This desirable hotspot will provide more choice for residents in Bristol and is set in an ideal location for commuters, families and couples.

“The land acquisition of Parkview is another positive step towards our further growth in the region.”

Harry Ladds, asset manager at MCR Property Group, said: “The sale of the Parkview site ensures our vision for Parkview Campus is fulfilled, having worked closely with Bristol City Council and a number of local stakeholders on the masterplan of Parkview Campus.

“The sale allows us to focus on delivering our current development pipeline and continuing our primary focus on industrial acquisitions across the UK.

“We would like to thank all those involved in the transaction and we’re very much looking forward to seeing the local community benefit under Keepmoat Homes.”

Construction is due to commence in early 2023, with the first homes being completed in the summer of 2023.

The development will take approximately two years to complete.