Curo News

Curo granted planning permission for 38 new flats in Bristol

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:00:00 Z

Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of Holly House in Lawrence Weston, Bristol. This project will replace an outdated block of flats with 38 brand-new, energy-efficient homes exclusively for social rent.

(Proposed frontage of the Holly House redevelopment, showcasing modern design and improved landscaping)

Construction is set to begin in the spring, following the demolition of the existing flats on the site.

The redevelopment will provide a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats across three modern blocks. Each home will come with a private parking space ready for electric vehicle charging, a balcony, and secure bike storage with a maintenance rack. The homes will be allocated through Bristol City Council, with priority given to local residents.

To better serve the community, we’re including a small satellite office for colleagues on the site. The redevelopment will also improve the surrounding area with new pedestrian routes, a zebra crossing, landscaped communal gardens, and green spaces featuring wildflowers, bird boxes, and bat boxes. These additions will create a welcoming environment and support local biodiversity.

As part of our commitment to improving sustainability across our developments, the new homes will not use gas. Instead, they’ll rely on solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and energy-efficient materials, helping to reduce residents’ bills and support a greener future.

This redevelopment is part of a broader strategy for placemaking in Lawrence Weston, where we’ve already completed 44 affordable homes on neighbouring sites at the former Long Cross Inn and Rockwell Care Home. Together, these projects will deliver a total of 82 affordable homes for the area, addressing the growing need for high-quality housing.

(The site at Holly House, shown alongside the neighbouring Long Cross and Rockwell developments)

Directors comment

“We initially considered refurbishing the block, but the scale of work required led us to explore a more sustainable solution,” said Sarah Maylor, Director of Development at Curo.

“By working closely with Bristol City Council and local stakeholders, we’ve developed a long-term strategy to regenerate these homes, which are at the end of their useful life, and deliver new, high-quality homes for the community.

“We’ll be managing these homes for the long term, so we’ve put a great deal of thought into ensuring they’re well-built and designed to be places people can enjoy for years to come.”

Curo breaks ground at Locking Parklands Phase 4

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:10:32 Z

Curo has begun works at a new 124-home development in Locking, Weston-super-Mare.

A special ceremony was held to mark the beginning of works on site. Attended by Councillor Sonia Russé, Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, alongside Curo CEO Victor da Cunha and a number of other Curo colleagues, the ceremony offered an opportunity to tour the site, and the group jointly participated in ‘breaking ground’ to signify the project's commencement.

Together, the group spoke about the next steps for the site, as well as the benefits the development would bring to the local Weston-super-Mare community. Victor da Cunha, also explained how, in the absence of any shareholders, Curo re-invests the profits from its sales into building more affordable homes.

Phase 4 at Locking Parklands forms a key part of the regeneration of Locking’s former RAF base – which will eventually become a new 1,450-home neighbourhood.

Upon completion, the brownfield scheme will deliver a diverse selection of housing types across 124-homes. The majority of these homes will be allocated for private sale, however, a significant number of the homes will also be designated as affordable housing, available for social rent or Shared Ownership, offering an accessible route onto the property ladder.

Originally, planning requirements mandated that only 15% of the homes at Locking Parklands Phase 4 be designated as affordable housing. However, Curo has gone above and beyond this threshold, and is working with Homes England to increase the percentage of affordable provision on site.

Future residents, and the wider Locking community, will also benefit from the opening of a series of a new amenities - including a brand new community centre, a doctor's surgery, a variety of shops, as well as a recently opened primary school, and a secondary school, being developed by a third party.

Victor da Cunha, CEO says, “At Curo, we believe that everyone should have access to quality, affordable housing, so we are thrilled to have broken ground at Locking Parklands, where we are not only building homes for sale and rent but also providing much needed affordable housing."

"With dedication and Homes England's support, we are delighted to have increased the percentage of affordable homes on the site from the original planning requirement, demonstrating our shared commitment to creating thriving, sustainable communities for all. We take great pride in being able to contribute to the Weston-super-Mare community for the long term benefit of both our future residents and local people."

Works to start at £16 million affordable housing development in Bristol

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 09:19:46 Z

Image above: CGI of the 70-home development that will be delivered by Curo in Bishopsworth

Housing association Curo will start works this August to build 70 new affordable homes in Bishopsworth, Bristol, after securing planning consent for the site earlier this year.

Curo will work with contractor Vistry Partnerships at the £16.4 million development to deliver a mix of apartments and houses with one, two and three-bedrooms on one of the last remaining undeveloped plots of land of the former Imperial Tobacco Factory.

The scheme will provide 12 homes for social rent, 29 homes for affordable rent and another 29 homes for sale through the low-cost homeownership scheme, shared ownership.

The new homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps, a low maintenance and more environmentally friendly alternative to gas boilers. Homes for social and affordable rent will also feature photovoltaic solar panels, helping to reduce the future residents’ carbon footprint and energy bills. Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points will be available around the new neighbourhood, which will also feature a central area of green open space with trees, shrubs and natural wood play equipment.

Curo’s investment of just over £12 million will be completed with money from its Homes England strategic partnership grant allocation as well as a £700,000 grant from Bristol City Council.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re looking forward to building another 70 new affordable homes for local people in Bristol, where we’re already delivering nearly 300 homes across a number of development sites currently.

“This sustainable development will make a significant contribution towards a low carbon future for Bristol, while helping more families to live in high-quality homes either through affordable homeownership or life-long tenancies. The homes will also cost less to run, helping to tackle fuel poverty – especially important in these uncertain times with skyrocketing energy prices.”

With works beginning this month, Curo is looking to name the new development that will take shape over the next couple of years.

Victor says: “We’d really like to hear from local people about a name for our new housing development – we’re keen to choose an idea that celebrates the local area and its history and you can find out more about how to get involved and submit your suggestions at www.curo-group.co.uk/imperial-park.”

Bristol City Council Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard, says: “Our city continues to be gripped by the national housing crisis leaving many people without a safe and secure place to live. We must build more homes in the right places if we’re to meet the needs of the city and move people out of temporary accommodation.

“Bristol City Council is committed to building more affordable homes, quicker – that’s why, aside from our own building programme we’re also supporting our housing association partners with grants to help accelerate delivery of these much-needed new homes.

“I’m really pleased Curo is using this brownfield site to provide another 70 new sustainable and affordable homes for Bristol, helping to lift and improve the area for existing residents too, and drive investment in the local economy.”

Vistry Partnerships West Managing Director, Marc Thompson, says: “We’re delighted to work with Curo on this new development, building a wide choice of high-quality affordable homes in Bristol. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver a sustainable new community, with homes fit for the future that are more environmentally friendly and will lower costs for the families who’ll move here in a couple of years.”

All 70 homes are due to be completed by spring 2024.

Homes for social and affordable rent will be let through Bristol City Council’s Home Choice system, while shared ownership properties will be sold by Curo, who are encouraging people to register their interest at sales@curo-group.co.uk.

Housebuilding in Lawrence Weston brings opportunities for local people

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:31:55 Z

A Lawrence Weston resident is among the newest members of contractor Jehu’s site team at Curo’s The Willows development, in Bristol.

The Willows is a 100% affordable housing development of 57 homes for social and affordable rent and shared ownership. Curo is working with contractor Jehu to deliver the much-needed new homes.

James Beck joined the site team two months ago as labourer and construction traffic marshall for the project. The 34-year-old father-of-three and his family have lived in Lawrence Weston all their lives and their current home is just across the road from the new development site.

James says: “I’ve always been interested in construction and I started working on sites right after I finished school. I really enjoy this line of work and look forward to learning new skills in my current role.

“It’s great to be able to work so close to my home. I saw the job advertised and I thought it can’t get any better, it’s straight across the road from where I live - the shortest commute!”

James believes that employing local people to work in their communities is a win-win situation for everyone. He says: “When you have a busy construction site there can sometimes be some difficulties with things like deliveries of materials. Having a friendly face on site, someone local people recognise and can approach with any comments or suggestions is great because whatever it is, if they tell us, we will do our best to sort it.”

James’ current goals include gaining some further construction qualifications. He says: “The teams here at Jehu and Curo are very supportive. In the long term, I would like to become a site manager myself and I know that with this job there are opportunities, training and support for this.”

James was offered a permanent role with contractor Jehu and will continue to work alongside the team after the construction at The Willows is completed.

Read more about The Willows development in our contractor's latest construction newsletter here.

Want to find out more about the future shared ownership homes at The Willows? Visit our sales website to register your interest.

2-bed flat in Saltford available

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:35:18 Z

Jena Court, Saltford

Two-bed, ground floor flat
Sheltered scheme, over 55’s only, benefits from allocated sheltered housing officer
Rent is £154.59 per week plus £3.60 support charge for housing alarm. We require four weeks' rent in advance
Situated close to transport links and great amenities, including the local high street in popular Saltford location
Location ideal for transport into Bath, Keynsham and Bristol
Gas central heating
Property is let on an affordable rent basis

Please contact our Lettings Team on 01225 366000 or Lettings Services lettings.services@curo-group.co.uk if you are interested.

Important: If you're interested in renting other Curo social housing, you'll need to be registered with your local authority's housing waiting list - find out more here. You can then view and apply for properties online.

Work starts on new affordable homes in Weston-super-Mare

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 09:28:51 Z

Image above: (L-R) Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, Leader of North Somerset Council, Cllr Donald Davies, and Clayewater Homes Managing Director, Brian Webber, breaking ground at Curo's new affordable housing scheme in West Wick, Weston-super-Mare.

West of England housing association Curo have started construction works with contractor Clayewater Homes to deliver another 17 new affordable homes in Weston-super-Mare.

The three and four-bedroom homes will be built on two sites in West Wick, at Scot Elm Drive and Warelys Lane.

Curo are investing more than £4.6million in the new homes, along with just over £800,000 of government funding from Homes England and £305,000 grant funding from North Somerset Council. These investments will help keep rents significantly below the local market rent levels in perpetuity and will enable more local people to take a first step on the property ladder. This is the first time the Council have worked in partnership with Curo in this way and marks the beginning of a longer-term relationship between the two.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “Curo have committed to build 1,700 homes across the West of England over the next five years. Weston-super-Mare, like many other parts of the region, is in desperate need for additional good quality affordable housing for local people, so we’re really pleased to be playing our part in supporting the local authority in its ambitious plans to deliver the homes local people need.

“Building new homes is also good for the local economy, helping to provide jobs and ploughing money back into local supply chains. Over recent months, we’ve worked with North Somerset Council to help shape their economic recovery plan and we’re pleased to see that new housing will feature strongly at the centre of their strategy.”

Eleven of the new homes in West Wick will be sold through the part rent/part buy scheme, Shared Ownership, and the remainder six will be let at social rent through North Somerset Council’s choice-based lettings scheme. All of the homes will be fitted with solar panels on the roofs, benefitting future residents who will be able to enjoy lower electricity bills.

Cllr Donald Davies, Leader of North Somerset Council, says: “We’re pleased to support this scheme, which will deliver desperately needed new affordable homes in Weston-super-Mare, helping people on the Council’s housing waiting list, and those local residents who can’t afford to buy a home on the open market.

“These new homes will benefit the local community well into the future and we look forward to welcoming their residents with Curo next year. It’s vital that the Council and housing associations work together to address the housing crisis in our area, putting residents and the needs of the community first.”

The homes will be completed and ready to receive their new residents by November 2021.

Curo acquires Bristol site to deliver 32 new affordable homes

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 10:47:46 Z

Image above: Artist's impression - street view of the new homes at Midland Road, Old Market, Bristol.

Bath-based housing association Curo will deliver 32 affordable homes at Midland Road in Bristol, after acquiring a new site in a package deal with developer Autograph Partnerships.

The scheme, situated in the heart of the historic Old Market Quarter, one of Bristol’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, was designed by NOMA Architects and will be built by Autograph Partnerships for Curo. Works on site have already started and it is anticipated that the homes will be ready for occupation by Summer 2022.

The majority of the one, two and three-bedroom apartments will be let to people on Bristol City Council’s housing list – 16 at social rent and nine at affordable rent. Another seven apartments will be sold through the affordable home ownership scheme, Shared Ownership.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “A successful, growing city such as Bristol needs to have the widest possible range of good quality housing in high value areas, such as the city centre, not only to meet the housing needs of its diverse residents but also to continue to be successful into the future.

“Lockdown has reminded us about the importance of ‘home’ and that society functions best when our bus drivers, care workers and shop assistants live locally and are part of the community.

“These Curo homes will allow these essential workers, as well as many others, to rent affordably or to buy low cost housing near their place of work, near their family or other support networks in a way which might not otherwise be possible for them. We need to do much more affordable housing in these generally much more expensive parts of the city if we are to continue to be a successful place to live. I’m delighted Curo are playing their part in making this happen.”

Simon Taylor, Autograph Partnerships Managing Director, says: “We are delighted that our Partnerships arm has been able to unlock this site for Curo. We are now looking forward to delivering a quality affordable scheme and building on our reputation as a trusted developer partner.”

The city centre apartments will be among the first to be connected to Bristol’s Heat Network, providing future Curo residents with affordable, low-carbon heat and energy. The Heat Network, or district heating, supplies homes and businesses with heat and electricity from more sustainable sources, including biomass and water source heat pumps, which integrate the production of heat and electricity into a single process, reducing carbon emissions and increasing efficiency. The infrastructure will enable a move towards renewable energy alternatives over time, progressively reducing the carbon footprint of the homes.

The network is a Bristol City Council initiative and part of a wider commitment to address the climate emergency and make Bristol a carbon neutral city by 2030.

Victor says: “For our residents, being part of the Bristol Heat Network will mean lower heating bills compared to a conventional boiler system. It’s great to know that, as the city will increase its reliance on renewable energy over the coming years, these homes will be perfectly placed to take advantage of greener energy and contribute to achieving Bristol’s carbon neutral commitment.”

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees says: “We have an ambitious target in Bristol to become carbon neutral by 2030 and our heat network infrastructure is a fundamental part of achieving this. Curo’s new affordable homes in the Old Market district are a great example of local authorities and housing associations working together and doing their bit to put residents and the environment first. I look forward to seeing these homes completed and I’m pleased that their future residents will benefit from greener and more affordable energy.”

More than £5million will be invested by Curo, who have also secured just under £1.8million of grant funding from Homes England to deliver the scheme.

Artist's impression - street scene of the new affordable homes in Bristol

Artist's impression - aerial view of the new homes at Midland Road, Bristol.