Exclusive: ‘Largest city social housing project’ by a private developer unveiled for Bedminster

Plans have been unveiled for a huge social housing project in Bedminster by a developer - the sixth major homes scheme for the area.

The PG Group wants to build 220 new homes at the former Selco warehouse site in Sheene Way.

The mix of one, two and three bedroom flats could be in addition to five housing projects planned as part of regeneration work in nearby ‘Bedminster Green’.

More than 2,000 new homes are already planned at ‘Bedminster Green’, with work starting on two of the five brownfield plots either side of the A38 last month.

On the former Selco warehouse - the first store and car park on the left on entering Sheene Way - the PG Group intends to start work in the spring of 2023.

The company has exchanged on the land and is now drawing up design proposals for a consultation with the nearby community.

PG Group said the development is the largest social housing project ever to be undertaken by a private developer in the city.

It wants the homes to be owned and operated by a housing association or other registered provider.

Chief operating officer Dave Gray said: “We are all extremely excited about our latest venture which will provide a substantial bank of much needed one, two and three bedroom apartments to rent.

“Breathing new life into empty or derelict sites in and around the city has always been our mission and the Selco project is perfect example of this ethos where design and place making are always at the heart of any development we undertake.”

The company is currently working on redeveloping Carriageworks and Westmoreland House in Stokes Croft.

Prior to that, the developer had turned the former Lewins Mead office block near Broadmead into a 148-apartment block now named Number One Bristol.

If a planning application for the former Selco site is submitted and approved by Bristol City Council, the company will join the developers working around Bedminster.

Work has started on two of the five schemes - 837 student flats in Dalby Avenue (Plot 3) and 316 homes next to St Catherine’s Place (Plot 4).

On another, permission has been granted for 180 flats at St Catherine’s Place shopping centre (Plot 2).

While a planning application has been lodged for 339 homes around Bedminster Green (plot 5).

Plans were rejected, along with subsequent appeal, for 590 homes between the railway line and Malago Road (Plot 1).

During the regeneration works, changes to the road layout have been implemented, including a one-way system along Malago Road.

They are set to remain in place until summer 2024.