Plans for social housing, community space and cafe in Barton Hill

The site of a once-derelict property is set to be home to a new community-led development of social housing, a community space, garden and cafe.

Blue hoardings currently surround the plot on Avonvale Road where, until recently, the former Barton Hill Tenants’ Association building stood.

Following the demolition of the historic building that had fallen to rack and ruin, plans are being drawn up for the new construction that will see 13 units of social housing built for people in Barton Hill, alongside much-needed community facilities.

It comes in the wake of a long campaign by residents to revive the site for the wider community, with initial hopes of renovating the existing building, which was ultimately deemed too dilapidated.

Bristol Somali Resource Centre (BSRC) has been selected by landowners Bristol City Council as the preferred bidder for the site and members are now working with Spike Island-based architects One50 Studio to develop the design and submit their planning application.

The historic Barton Hill Tenants’ Association Hall building was demolished last month – photo: Bristol City Council

Abdullahi Farah, director of Bristol Somali Resource Centre, said: “We are really excited to be leading the Tenants’ Hall development on Avonvale Road, working with the council and local residents.

“The building, when completed, will not only provide up to 13 units of social housing for local people – but also a community space, garden and café for local residents which will meet their needs.

“We are proud that all the designs to date have been developed through consultation with local people, and that the project is being overseen by a steering group of local residents and community groups. We are also taking the advice of the Barton Hill History Group to keep it in character with the local area. We intend for this building to be sustainable, accessible, and a great example of community-led housing.”

Bristol City Council said the demolition of the existing property took longer than expected as bats were found to be nesting in the building and needed to be found new suitable homes.

BSRC will also be seeking to work with a housing association partner to develop the site, and access Homes England affordable housing grant funding. The group has received a grant of £197,000 through the council’s community resilience fund, which will fund the community space attached to the new housing.

Tom Renhard, Labour’s cabinet member for housing delivery and homelessness, said: “We are delighted that progress has been made on the former Tenants Hall on Avondale Road. This will provide more affordable homes to communities in need in the city.

“At a time when over 21,000 households are on the housing waitlist, and a further 1,500 are in temporary accommodation, it is great to see progress being made on building more homes.

“This project is only becoming a reality due to a unique set of partnerships, and the commitment and vision of local people.”

Main photo: Ellie Pipe

Read next:

• Artifacts salvaged from derelict Barton Hill building prior to demolition 
• Residents march from Barton House to City Hall 
• New consultation on Bristol’s first proposed liveable neighbourhood

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