NEW BUILDS The best new homes appearing across the city

“Wapping Wharf is a vibrant new community with an enviable harbourside location”

NEW BUILDS ON THE BLOCK

Just check the national polls: Bristol is officially the best place to live and work in the West. But with so many making the move here, where will we put them all? Well, here, for a start…

By Meg Coast

We’ve lost count of the number of times that Bristol’s topped ‘best in the UK’ lists; it’s been named one of Europe’s top ten cities, the happiest city in Britain, the ecofriendliest – the accolades go on and on.

This being the case, we weren’t remotely surprised when research from Rightmove revealed that Bristol was the most searched-for location outside of London for buyers and renters last year. Of course people want to live here. Who wouldn’t?

While it’s great that the city is booming and attracting so many prospective property buyers, there is the small issue of supply and demand; the population isn’t exactly shrinking, and the housing shortage makes the process of acquiring sticks easier said than done. The city’s enduring popularity also means that property prices here have soared - all well and good for those lucky enough to be on the ladder, but what about first-time buyers?

Thankfully, Bristol is always on the go in one way or another – and new and reimagined spaces are popping up all the time, both in and around the city.

We approached a choice selection of pros on the Bristol newbuild scene and asked them to share some of their latest favourite developments. With a range of innovative regenerations and buying options, property ownership in some of the most up-and-coming areas of Bristol is very much on the cards, even if you’re a first-time buyer. Let’s go around the houses and have a look, shall we?

Brooks Dye Works: the only development we know of with a gurt big chimney

ACORN PROPERTY GROUP “Brooks Dye Works is an exciting new collection of homes in St Werburghs, Bristol,” said Cassie Perkins from Acorn Property Group. “The properties centre around the retained 19th-century chimney and offer you the chance to be part of a vibrant new community. ” Who can buy them? “The homes areavailable suit a variety of people from first-time buyers to those looking for a place for a growing family.” Let’s talk money – what’s the price range? Phase 1 prices from: Three-bed coach houses from £375,000 Three-bed houses from £435,000 Four-bed houses from £485,000 Any other special touches? “The homes feature open-plan living and modern fitted kitchens with allocated parking and outside space. Considerate design concepts offer different colour choices for kitchen units, bathroom tiles and flooring finish. The homes are built with quality specification and sustainable features including timber frame construction, communal cycle storage and PV solar panels and electric car charging points to selected homes.”

The first phase of homes are now released for sale. www.acornpropertygroup.org CITY & COUNTRY What’s new? Factory No.1, the latest development by City & Country, is “a sophisticated blend of warehouse architecture and contemporary new-build style, creating a wonderful atmosphere in Bedminster and bringing significant regeneration to this part of the city”, said Immy O’Keeffe, Savills Regional PR Manager.

Located on East Street, at the gateway to Bedminster, Factory No.1 includes two listed, historic buildings – Consort House and Regent House, as well as Imperial Arcade on East Street. In total the development will provide 271 new apartments.

“We are restoring and converting the listed buildings into a range of stylish apartments, many of them featuring original details like fireplaces, cornicing and plasterwork, as well as large windows and generous ceiling heights,” said Alex Reid at City & Country.

“Alongside the original buildings, we are also building five stylish new apartment buildings designed around attractively landscaped courtyard gardens. Each of these new apartment buildings have been named to reflect the site’s tobacco heritage and many have attractive terraces or balconies.

“We have already transformed Imperial Arcade and you may have noticed the striking graffiti design that was created by a local artist. We are now creating a range of creative workspaces and new retail premises, so that the arcade will become a vibrant mixed-use environment attracting a range of new people to the area.” What kind of buyers are they aimed at? “With one- and two-bedroom apartments available, Factory No.1 is likely to appeal to young professionals and first-time buyers looking for a city centre home in a vibrant, stylish part of Bristol.” What are the top and minimum prices? Is Help to Buy on offer? From £255,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, to £430,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Help to Buy is available on all qualifying properties. What makes them special? “Factory No.1’s historic buildings are some of the most distinctive in Bristol. Designed by Sir Frank Wills, Consort House is known for being the first factory of tobacco importers and manufacturers in 1886, hence the development name.” www.cityandcountry.co.uk “New and reimagined spaces are popping up all the time”

JUNIPER HOMES Tell us about your most recent developments. “2020 sees Juniper Homes launch the spectacular reimagined Redland Court, thelandmark developmentof new build and exquisitely refurbished homes on the former site of Redland High Girls School,” says Jenny Gee. “With many of the original period details meticulously retained, these 44 apartments, duplexes and town houses provide a luxurious standard of urban living. In addition, Juniper will be launching St Gabriel’s Court in Easton, a development that offers 10 family town houses in the heart of this popular urban community.”

What kind of buyers are they aimed at? “These developments showcase Juniper’s breadth of style and flexibility. Homes range from one-bedroom apartments through to fivebedroom family homes. There is something here for everyone, from first-time buyers and families to downsizers.”

Is shared ownership or Help to Buy on offer? “Redland Court has five beautiful one- and two-bedroom shared ownership apartments on Woodstock Road. Help to Buy is available on all developments below the regional property price caps.”

What’s the price range? “Three-bedroom family homes are available at around £350,000, and we have duplex apartments in excess of £1m, with plenty of options in between.”

What makes them special? “With Juniper Homes the end results speak for themselves: high-quality, affordable urban residential projects that combine both form and function to create well designed homes that truly meet the needs of today’s buyers.” www.juniperhomes.co.uk

WAPPING WHARF “Wapping Wharf is a vibrant new community with an enviable harbourside location,” said Immy O’Keeffe, Savills regional PR manager. “A landmark for Bristol, Wapping Wharf is breathing fresh life into its historic location. This exciting new neighbourhood offers the very best of urban living with a superb mix of restaurants, bars and retail.”

Tell us about the latest development “The most recent and exciting development is Phase 2 at Wapping Wharf, Bristol’s much-loved harbourside neighbourhood”. “Of the 163 one-, two- and three-bed apartments, 30% are already sold. The new apartments buildings, Abel Yard and Hope Quay, have been designed with the same contemporary style and high quality as the first homes, and will also benefit from the vibrant mix of independent shops, cafes and restaurants on their doorstep.”

What kind of buyers are they aimed at? Everyone, from first time buyers to older down-sizers.

Is there Help to Buy? Help to Buy has just launched meaning you can snap up an apartment at one of Bristol’s most sought after waterside locations with just a 5% deposit.

What are the top and minimum prices? Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start from £255,000; a two-bedroom apartment from £355,000; and a three-bedroom apartment from £499,950.

What makes them special? “Wapping Wharf is right in the heart of the city, located next to the harbour in Bristol’s cultural hub. In keeping with the historic dockside location and the original homes, the new development has the same industrial wharf-like character.

“Many apartments have balconies overlooking the new street scenes or internal garden courtyards, whilst airy vaulted ceilings and terraces feature in many of the top floor apartments. The restored early 19th-century, Grade-II Gaol Gate is set to become an impressive new public entrance to Wapping Wharf.” n www.wappingwharf.co.uk

Factory No. 1

BARRATT HOMES

Filwood Park “Filwood Park, at the heart of a multi-million-pound regeneration scheme, is proving incredibly popular. As well as a broad range of three- and four-bedroom homes, this development currently offers a large selection of twobedroom houses in a contemporary style, designed to appeal to first-time buyers and couples in particular. Semi-detached, and featuring French doors onto a spacious garden, prices start at £261,995. And with Help to Buy, which will change this time next year, buyers need only a 5% deposit to secure one of these stylish new homes.”

Northfields Park “Opposite the up-and-coming Brabazon development, Northfields Park is a new community of two-, three- and fourbedroom homes close to Charlton Hayes. Linked to Bristol city centre via the M32 and just a seven minute drive to Bristol Parkway it is a convenient commuter base, yet also has all the benefits of a green outlook with allotments and a play area close by.”

Golden days

Move to The Vincent on Redland Hill and you’ll be living your retirement amongst the most beautiful surroundings.

The late 19th-century Queen Victoria House is a magnificent building that’s rich in history, with its own Grade II-listed obelisk, erected in commemoration of Charlotte Augusta, Princess of Wales.

It’s now been refurbished as 25 new apartments with terraces, an arboretum garden, luxury lounge areas and a fully equipped gym and spa. Newly built terraces have been designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in the spirit of Redland’s Victorian mansion blocks with light brick façades and bay windows offering fabulous floor-to-ceiling views. Each apartment has been sympathetically designed to incorporate original period features and make the most of views across

the grounds, the Bristol skyline and beyond. Open-plan living areas and large kitchens fitted with overhead storage, wide composite-stone worktops and integrated appliances make for luxurious living. Bedrooms have large windows with views across the grounds, while built-in wardrobes in master bedrooms present ample space for clothes and belongings. The tiled bathrooms have mirror-fronted cabinets and either a bathtub or walk-in shower.

At the heart of the development is the arboretum garden, a green oasis of calm with Victorian-inspired stepped landscaping, colourful hedges, magnificent trees and a seating area with views of Queen Victoria House.

The house has a space functioning as a cafe during the day, and a restaurant serving a delicious seasonal menu made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and artisanal produce. The south terrace, with its views across the grounds, is a lovely place to be in the summer months – it’s made for alfresco dining and socialising with friends.

For the rest of the year, the lounge area at the front of the building is a cosy place to hang out and catch up over a drink. Everything from cheese and wine-tasting nights to debating sessions will be held here in the lounge; you can trust you’ll never be stuck for things to do. There’s also a private dining room which is available for bookings.

On the lower ground floor of the new build terraces are the spa, gym and stretch studio. Come here to relax in the herbal sauna and hydrotherapy pool, or work up a sweat in the steam room. The spa gives out everything from manicures to massages, available in the treatment room or your own apartment. Keep active in the gym and stretch studio where you can sign up for personal training and join in yoga, aerobics and Pilates classes.

If you believe life only gets better with age, then come to The Vincent and enjoy an incredible quality of living in fabulous surroundings. PegasusLife developments are built for independent living as well as socialising, ensuring you can make the most of beautiful communal spaces and facilities without compromising your own space. n

Prices start at £400,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £475,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £890,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. To arrange to view the beautifully dressed apartments and social spaces call us on 01172 050 359.

BUILD A NEW FUTURE

Doing up an old house? Don’t panic! These guys have been there before, know what it’s like, and have plenty of tips to help you on your way…

KUSTOM FLOORS AND FURNITURE 6 DOWNEND ROAD, DOWNEND, BRISTOL, BS16 5UJ TEL: 0117 9569000 WWW.KUSTOMFLOORSANDFURNITURE.CO.UK

Based over 3 stores in and around Bristol, we are an independent retailer of flooring and furniture. We supply and fit real wood, LVT, laminate, vinyl, carpets, underlay and safety flooring as well as any preparation work if needed. We also supply a wide range of high quality furniture, accessories and soft furnishings to Bristol and the south west. Having such a vast array of flooring and furniture options with staff that are specialised in all areas, who will go above and beyond for our customers, is what makes us stand out from the crowd. Simply, for all things flooring and furniture in Bristol (and the south west), think Kustom Floors and Furniture.

EDEN GARDEN DESIGN HOPYARD COTTAGE, ITCHINGTON, ALVESTON, BRISTOL, BS35 3TG TEL: 0145 441 2117 / 07850655913 WWW.EDENGARDENDESIGNBRISTOL.CO.UK

At Eden Garden Design, we’re passionate about garden design and believe that a well-designed garden will add considerable value to your lifestyle as well as to your home. We see gardens and outdoor spaces like outdoor rooms; perfect places to relax, entertain and have fun in - yet they tend to be underused and undervalued. Often this is simply because we are unable to see their potential, or we feel lacking in inspiration or overwhelmed by the space. Take your first step, contact us and let us help you release the potential of your outdoor space and home.

STAR PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLIES UNIT 15, KENN COURT, ROMAN FARM ROAD, HENGROVE, BRISTOL, BS4 1UL TEL: 0117 329 5525 WWW.STARPLUMBINGSUPPLIES.CO.UK

Star Plumbing & Heating Supplies is an independent business owned by Rob who has over 35 years of experience in the trade. The business prides itself on good old fashioned customer service. If you’re not sure what you need, Rob will help; whether it’s a washer for your tap, replacement boiler or a new bathroom. All known brands such as Worcester Bosch, Vaillant and Ideal boilers are available for next day delivery. The showroom has plenty of inspiration for you to design your perfect bathroom. Come in and grab a free coffee and discuss all your plumbing, heating and bathroom needs.

BRISTOL WINDOWS 177 SOUTH LIBERTY LANE, ASHTON, BRISTOL BS3 2TN TEL: 01179 665292 WWW.BRISTOLWINDOWSLTD.CO.UK

Bristol Windows have over 30 years experience in manufacturing UPVC window, doors and conservatories and have expanded into the professional window and door manufacturers they are today. Our aim is to ensure all customers get the best quality made products for the best price. We source our glass from a local supplier less than 10 minutes away. We also manufacturer our own wide selection of Composite doors. Please contact us today to get a free no obligation quotation.

EURIMEX FENCING & CONSTRUCTION 43 WEMBERHAM CRESCENT, YATTON, BS49 4BD TEL: 07768 296984 / 07720 610014 WWW.EURIMEXFENCINGANDCONSTRUCTION.CO.UK

Eurimex Fencing & Construction is a small family business which started in 1998 providing a fencing, landscaping and garden service in the Bristol area. From this beginning Eurimex expanded in 2001 and took on contracts from various utility companies throughout the South West. Whilst maintaining our local business we are now installing cross country pipeline fencing and gates as well as related works such as tree work, small building work, ground work and all types of surfacing EG: tarmac brick paving etc. In recent years we have expanded into the security sector, installing security fencing and gates at various locations throughout the SW, SE, Midlands & Wales.

BRISTOL ROOFING UNIT 7 BAKERS PARK CATER ROAD BRISTOL BS13 7TT TEL: 0117 978 0070 WWW.BRISTOL-ROOFING.COM

We are Bristol’s established roofing specialist. A small, friendly business run by three fully qualified roofers. All aspects of pitched and flat roofing. Replacement of rainwater goods, valley gutters, parapets, fascia’s and soffits and any related works. We have years of experience in the roofing trade and we’re able to help you with any aspect of roofing repair, replacement or installation. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you’ve specific roofing needs. We’re so confident in the quality of our work that we offer a minimum of 10 years guarantee on all work we do, and up to 20 years guarantee on all felt or fibreglass roofing.

KATE SAVILL LANDSCAPES BRISTOL TEL: 07792 657777 WWW.KATESAVILL.CO.UK

Multi award-winning Kate Savill Landscapes undertakes a full range of projects from inner-city sanctuaries to large family gardens. Kate combines her love of functional design, her sharp eye for detail and her passion for plants in every garden; taking pride in listening to a client’s brief and aspirations to create their truly personal space. With 8 years’ experience and an RHS Gold medal, Kate has a reputation for creating beautiful gardens both locally and nationally. She recently won Channel 5’s Great Gardening Challenge and has designed and built two RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens including the Jo Whiley Scent Garden.

BRISTOL BOILER COMPANY 50 NORTH STREET, BEDMINSTER, BRISTOL, BS3 1HJ TEL: 0117 9396202 WWW.BRISTOLBOILER.CO.UK

Bristol Boiler Company has been established for 18 years, carrying out plumbing and heating work in residential and commercial properties. We undertake servicing and repair of boilers, through to boiler changes and installation of complete heating systems. In this time we have created a significant, and loyal, customer base of homeowners, landlords and letting agents. Modern technology, and the introduction of Smart Controls, all goes to increase the efficiency of your heating system. We are a Which? Trusted Trader and an Accredited Installer with the major boiler brands allowing us to offer 12 year guarantees on selected boilers.

THE CARPET BARN THE CARPET BARN, THE OLD COACHWORKS, BATH ROAD, LONGWELL GREEN, BRISTOL, BS30 6DL TEL: 0117 947 7721 WWW.THECARPETBARN.CO.UK

We are a Bristol based carpet and flooring business that offers the same choice and quality as top national companies, but at a lower price. Our main aim is to help and advise our customers in finding the right flooring for their home and budget. We specialise in turning your house into a home. We understand that the carpet and/or flooring are an important part of your home and that it is crucial to have the right choice, quality and style available. Our experienced staff can offer advice on the most appropriate flooring for the size and type of room and, most importantly, to meet your budget.

HEADS APART LTD HENLEAZE HOUSE, 13 HARBURY ROAD, BRISTOL, BS9 4PN TEL: 0117 989 8208 WWW.HEADS-APART.CO.UK

Offering kitchen design, installation and renovation; whether it be a complete transformation or alterations to modernise existing fittings. Our services are comprehensive and cover the full design process, all the way through to fitting and finishing of the final product. Once the planning or design is finalised and work begins, you would have a dedicated and highly skilled kitchen fitter from start to completion who would run the project and liaise with you. We are a local, reliable and knowledgeable company which has been grown and is based in Bristol. Get in touch with Heads Apart Ltd for your free quote, plus local knowledge and reliable service.