News / Housing
Work could restart soon on infamous stalled housing development
Work could restart on a stalled housing development in Bristol as soon as late spring.
A sign on the hoarding around the Boatyard on Bath Road says that the new flats are “coming soon” but work has remained unfinished since builders Mid Group collapsed into administration in July 2022.
There are more fears of collapse with part of the embankment beneath the new flats reported to be sliding into the River Avon.
is needed now More than ever
The tallest part of the Boat Yard development is this 17-storey tower block – photo: Martin Booth
Bristol24/7 has seen an email from Latimer by Clarion Housing Group saying that it is “a complex puzzle to put back together when a company goes into liquidation”.
The email also assures that the safety of the site is not an issue, despite reports of the landslips making the national news.
Developers say that “timing wise we hope to have a meaningful start late spring/early summer – and whilst the outside looks complete there is still significant work to fit out the buildings and complete items such as the heating system”.
“That will likely take us into 2025 before we can look at handovers to our colleagues in the housing teams.”
‘Coming soon’ at the site formerly known as Totterdown Reach – photo: Martin Booth
Green Party councillor for Windmill Hill, Ed Plowden, said: “I can understand the frustration of people in Totterdown, many of whom raised concerns about the height and safety of the tallest tower in this development.
“They now regularly ask me and councillor Lisa Stone what is happening, as the construction has been stalled for at least 18 months.
“Despite investigating this, we have found it difficult to get any meaningful information from the developers.
“They should be communicating much more openly and regularly with the local community to address any concerns and rumours
“For example, many have expressed concerns that the entire development is now unsafe after the collapse of part of the riverbank underneath.
“We are now keen to see progress on this development and for it to play its part in adding to the affordable housing provision in Bristol.
“Although the quality of housing offered by these tower blocks is controversial, we look forward to being able to celebrate when we eventually see new tenants in need moving in.
“There are over 13,500 homes with planning permission in Bristol waiting to be delivered, as well as thousands of empty properties across the city.
“Come May, the Green Party will work hard to get them delivered.”
Some local residents have reported landslips beneath the Boat Yard but developers have confirmed there are no issues – photo: Martin Booth
In April 2021, the Boatyard was where outgoing mayor Marvin Rees took Labour leader Keir Starmer to show him Bristol’s housing boom.
It remains in Starmer’s gift to elevate Rees to the House of Lords after he missed out on gaining the Labour nomination for the new constituency of Bristol North East.
Keir Starmer and Marvin Rees visited the Boat Yard in April 2021 – photo: Labour Party
Main photo: Martin Booth
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