New vision for homes, community and work space revealed for Vassall Centre, Fishponds One of Bristol's oldest charities has this week revealed its early ideas to transform the Vassall Centre in Fishponds into a vibrant new neighbourhood centre for multigenerational living and working. Bristol Charities purchased the site in spring this year and has been working with Bristol architects AWW to develop ideas to deliver much-needed, affordable, high-quality homes for older people and families, along with accessible, contemporary workspace for businesses and charities and a range of new community facilities. Bristol Charities, which provides opportunities and support for people and communities to improve lives through grants, housing and charitable projects in Bristol and South Wales, is asking local residents, neighbours and current tenants of the Vassall Centre to review the outline proposals when they are published later this month and share their views and ideas. The Vassall Centre was built in 1945 as a base for American soldiers and currently offers affordable, accessible workspace and conference facilities for businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations. The buildings are now at the end of their practical lifespan and offer very low levels of energy efficiency and sustainability.
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The proposed new centre will be made up of three areas, offering contemporary homes for older people at one end of the site, affordable homes for families at the other, and workspace, community facilities and shared, public outside space in the middle. Its modern, high-quality design will significantly improve the visual appeal of the centre and include landscaped, outdoor space for the use of tenants and residents whilst also reducing barriers and increasing public access through the site. Biodiversity will also be significantly increased including new trees, planting and space for wildlife. Potential community facilities include a nursery, café, and a landscaped courtyard, with a view to encouraging interaction between older people and children and staff in the nursery. Bristol Charities is committed to the site for the long-term and plans to own and manage the housing for older people, community facilities and workspace. Brighter Places, a highly experienced charitable housing association based in Bristol, has been selected to develop and manage the affordable housing. Bristol Charites will also continue to offer accessible workspace for charities and businesses. It is proposed that construction will take place in two phases, so that tenants can continue to operate from the site whilst work is underway.
