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 This project will replace an outdated block of flats with 38 brand-new, energy-efficient homes exclusively for social rent.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.”

New affordable homes

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:25:42 Z

We’re happy to announce that we have received planning approval for a large new residential development in Keynsham, located along Bath Road. This project will deliver 208 homes designed with energy efficiency, community living, and sustainability in mind.

The development will include a mix of 168 houses and 40 flats, with 62 of these homes designated as affordable housing. These will be managed by Curo, with 47 allocated for social rent and 15 available through shared ownership. All homes will be tenure-blind, ensuring no visible distinction between affordable and market-sale properties.

What to Expect

A mix of home styles: Ranging from two-storey houses with dormer windows to three-storey properties along the main route through the site and fronting the A4 Bath Road.
Green spaces and community amenities: The site will preserve part of the Green Belt, transforming it into allotments and an orchard, alongside generous landscaped areas for residents to enjoy.
Recreational facilities: Two new sports pitches will be provided—one dedicated to Two Rivers CofE Primary School and another open for public use. This builds on our commitment to supporting local young people, including our sponsorship of Keynsham Town FC’s under-13 team.
Sustainable transport links: Infrastructure upgrades include a new signal-controlled junction on Bath Road, pedestrian and cycle path improvements along the A4, and a long-awaited connection from Keynsham to the Bristol-Bath Cycle Path.

Supporting Keynsham’s Growth

This development represents a significant investment in the Keynsham community. In addition to delivering much-needed housing, we’ll contribute approximately £2 million through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), with £300,000 directly supporting local initiatives in Keynsham.

Timeline

Spring 2025: Infrastructure work begins, including the new junction and cycle/pedestrian pathways.
Late 2025: Construction starts.
End of 2026: First homes expected to be completed.
2030: Full completion.

Director’s Statement

Stuart Smith, Director of Technical at Curo, said: “This project is a natural step in Keynsham’s continued growth and will include options for social rent and shared ownership for local people.

We're excited to create something that will genuinely benefit the town, providing the things Keynsham needs like highway improvements and more recreational spaces. We appreciate the support from Bath and North East Somerset Council and look forward to continuing to work closely with the community to make this vision a reality.”

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.

Bristol and South Gloucestershire councillors break ground on new affordable housing scheme

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:32:08 Z

From R to L: South Gloucestershire Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure, Councillor Steve Reade, Bristol City Council Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard, Curo Deputy Managing Director of Housebuilding, Sarah Maylor, Clayewater Homes Land Director, Paul Madge, and Clayewater Homes Managing Director, Brian Webber.

Housing association Curo and contractor Clayewater Homes have officially started works to build 20 new affordable homes on the site of a former car garage at Soundwell Road in Bristol.

The £5.3 million brownfield development will deliver six homes for social rent and 14 homes for sale through the low-cost homeownership scheme, shared ownership.

The site straddles the administrative boundary between two local authority areas, with the official start of works being marked by Bristol City Council Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard, and South Gloucestershire Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure, Councillor Steve Reade.

Councillor Tom Renhard, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, says: “I’m delighted to break ground today with Curo on this site which will help more people in Bristol to move into energy efficient, modern affordable homes. Housing associations are key partners in building new homes for Bristol and we’re working with Curo on a number of other developments across the city where we’re supporting delivery of new affordable housing with grant funding.”

Councillor Steve Reade, cabinet member with responsibility for new housing at South Gloucestershire Council, says: “It is a pleasure to mark the start of this exciting scheme which will deliver high-quality, affordable housing within South Gloucestershire. Having a safe and secure, affordable home is a fundamental need for everyone, which is why we are delighted to be partnering with Curo to help even more of our residents have access to this type of home.

“We have a strong track record of affordable housing delivery, with South Gloucestershire regularly delivering more than 40 per cent of all new affordable homes in the West of England region built each year, as a result of us working with our housing association partners and developers.”

Featuring solar panels which will help to reduce future residents’ electricity bills, the one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes are being delivered thanks to a Curo investment of just under £4 million, alongside funding from the government’s housing agency, Homes England, and other grants totalling more than £1.3 million.

Curo Deputy Managing Director of Housebuilding, Sarah Maylor, says: “Bristol, like many other cities, towns and villages in our region, needs more good quality affordable housing and we’re pleased to play our part, alongside contractor Clayewater Homes, in building the homes local people need.

“Developments like this one at Soundwell Road can deliver much-needed inner-city regeneration of brownfield sites, helping to lift the area and provide new homes for local families at the same time. We’re working on other similar sites in Bristol, at Lawrence Weston, Old Market, Bishopsworth and Filwood and we’re always looking for new opportunities to build more affordable homes for local people.”

Homes at Soundwell Road are due to be completed by the end of 2023.

Tintagel Close to be redeveloped by Curo

Mon, 23 May 2022 11:07:49 Z

Housing association Curo has announced its intention to demolish and redevelop a block of 44 maisonettes at Tintagel Close in Keynsham, following a prolonged period of consultation with residents of the estate.

Curo has been working with residents at Tintagel Close since 2018 to understand the work that would be needed to upgrade the buildings and provide homes that are suitable for the future.

Initially it was believed that homes at Tintagel Close could be refurbished while the residents remained in their homes. However, following more detailed surveys as well as new government legislation on fire and building safety and energy efficiency, Curo decided to re-evaluate the project. It was decided that the demolition and redevelopment of Tintagel Close would be the best long-term solution.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “The decision to proceed with the redevelopment of Tintagel Close was taken after careful consideration of all the options and following extensive consultation with residents who live there. It was always going to be impractical and extremely difficult to achieve the future standards of housing we, as a society, aspire towards – particularly from an environmental point of view – while the residents remained in their homes, and given the construction of the existing building. Our ambition now is to continue to engage with local residents to design homes that are fit for the future - homes that will be high quality in the broadest sense and that will fit in with their surroundings”.

Curo has been supporting residents at Tintagel Close over the past few months to find new homes in the local area and so far, 22 families have moved to a new property they have chosen.

Victor says: “We’ve put in place a complete support package for residents at Tintagel Close, including a dedicated liaison officer, funds to cover their moving costs and a one-off home loss payment. We will continue to work with families at Tintagel Close to help them find a new home they like, as we start to look to the future of the estate.”

Curo is now asking the local community to help shape plans for a future development. To take part, residents are invited to fill in this short survey by Sunday 5 June.

The feedback will help Curo design proposals for the site over the next few months. A second public consultation, in winter this year, will give local residents the opportunity to view and comment on the specifics of the project, including the number and appearance of homes and other details such as parking arrangements. Curo will use this further feedback to refine any proposals with a view to submit a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council early next year.

Residents living near the site and the wider community will be kept informed about the next steps at Tintagel Close including through updates via Curo’s website at www.curo-group.co.uk/tintagelclose-redevelopment.

Victor adds: “Our aim is to provide new affordable homes that meet local needs and integrate well within the existing neighbourhood. We’d really like to hear from residents at Tintagel Close and the local community in Keynsham about the future of this estate so we can understand what is important to them and use this knowledge in the design process.”

Bristol Cabinet Member for Housing impressed with progress of new homes in Lawrence Weston

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 11:01:47 Z

Image above (R-L): Homes England Head of Provider Management, John Kearney, Curo Head of Construction, Paul Fackrell, Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, Curo Health and Safety Manager, Andrew Culverhouse, Bristol City Council Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard, Homes England Senior Manager, Helen Bone, and Kensa Contracting Managing Director, David Broom, at Curo's development of 128 new homes, Century Park, in Lawrence Weston, Bristol.

Bristol City Council Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard, visited Curo’s Century Park and The Willows developments in Lawrence Weston to see the construction progress of 185 new homes for the city.

More than half of the new homes currently being delivered by Curo across the two schemes will be much-needed affordable housing for local families.

Cllr Renhard was accompanied on the visit by Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, and Homes England’s Head of Provider Management, John Kearney and Senior Manager, Helen Bone.

At Century Park, where Curo has already welcomed eight families this year, they visited the recently launched show home and saw how ground source heat pumps work. All homes at Century Park benefit from heat pumps, a greener, more environmentally-friendly way to provide domestic heating and hot water compared to gas boilers.

When completed, Century Park will deliver 128 homes in total, including 29 homes for social rent and nine homes for shared ownership.

At The Willows, where Curo is working with contractor Jehu Group to deliver the regeneration scheme, Cllr Renhard met James Beck, a local resident who is now employed as part of the building team on site.

Image above: Bristol City Council Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard (left) with Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha (right) and Lawrence Weston resident, James Beck (centre), who is now part of the construction team at Curo's development of 57 new affordable homes at The Willows in Lawrence Weston, Bristol.

Due to be completed by the end of the year, The Willows will provide 38 homes for social and affordable rent and 19 homes for shared ownership. The project benefits from a Homes England grant of just over £2.8 million, alongside Curo’s investment of almost £5.7 million.

Curo will also refurbish an existing block of 12 apartments which will benefit from external panelling, new windows and new electricity supplies. The improvements will help reduce heating bills and increase comfort for residents.

Councillor Tom Renhard, Bristol City Council Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes says: “I’m impressed with the progress Curo is making in Lawrence Weston to deliver these much-needed new homes, while supporting the community and local economy. It’s fantastic that more than half of the new homes will be affordable housing, with many benefitting from low carbon ground source heat pumps. This will help many local families to live in good quality, future proof homes which will also support our city to move to closer to its net zero carbon ambitions.”

Image above: Representatives from Curo, Bristol City Council, the government's housing agency Homes England and contractor Jehu Group at Curo's development of 57 new affordable homes in Lawrence Weston, The Willows.

Victor says: “These new affordable homes will change the lives of many families struggling to take a first step on the property ladder or rent affordably in the local area. But our homes for sale are also helping young couples to achieve their homeownership dreams close to their families and friends – the majority of our new residents at Century Park so far are people under 35 years of age from Lawrence Weston, Shirehampton, Avonmouth and Brentry and most have purchased their homes with Help to Buy, available only on new-builds.

“Our developments in Lawrence Weston are great examples of partnership working between a housing association, the local authority and the government’s housing agency. We worked closely with Bristol City Council to secure the sites, while Homes England grant funding is making it possible for us to deliver a 100% affordable housing scheme at The Willows.”

Curo to put forward plans for 58 new homes at Underhill Farm in Midsomer Norton

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:11:38 Z

Image above: CGI of the proposed development at Underhill Farm, Midsomer Norton

Housing association and housebuilder Curo is proposing to build 58 new homes, including 30% affordable housing, on the land between Underhill Farm and Orchard Vale in Midsomer Norton.

A public exhibition of the development plans will take place on Tuesday 22 March at the Orchard Community Hall (BA3 2RB). Local residents are encouraged to drop in anytime from 1pm to 6pm to see the proposals and speak to the project team.

The site was allocated for housing development in Mendip District Council’s Local Plan Part II, adopted in December 2021. Most of the land is situated in Mendip and could accommodate 58 new homes, while the access route for the proposed development is located within Bath & North East Somerset’s authority area.

Curo is proposing to create access from Orchard Vale by demolishing two existing Curo homes on this road. These homes would be replaced with two new-build properties for social rent along the access route so there will be no net loss of affordable housing in B&NES.

The residents living in the two Curo homes have been consulted and they’re being fully supported to move to a new home in an area of their choice. The support package includes moving costs and a ‘home loss’ payment.

Curo is hoping to build 41 homes for sale and 17 new affordable homes, of which 14 would be for social rent and the remaining three would be for sale through the part rent-part buy shared ownership scheme. The homes would be a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and 2- to 4-bedroom houses.

Homes at Underhill Farm would meet the new 2021 building regulations standards, which are yet to come into effect, and would achieve a minimum of 31% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to current Building Regulations requirements.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “As a local housing association and developer, we’re looking forward to share our plans to build 58 new homes, including desperately-needed affordable homes, on a site that is allocated for housing development. We hope that many local residents will visit the exhibition on 22 March to see the plans and have their voice heard.”

Local residents who can’t attend the exhibition at the Orchard Community Hall will be able to view and comment on the plans from Wednesday 23 March until Tuesday 12 April on our website here.

Curo will review the proposals following feedback from the public consultation and will aim to submit a full planning application to both Mendip District Council and B&NES this summer.

Curo to build nearly 200 homes in Frome after Mendip District Council approves planning application

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:06:06 Z

West of England housing association and housebuilder Curo has been granted detailed planning permission by Mendip District Council to build 198 new homes on land at Sandys Hill Lane in Frome.

The decision was made at the Council’s Planning Board meeting on Wednesday 16 February and is subject to a revised landscaping plan being approved by Mendip District Council officers.

The development, which will be known as Keyford Meadows, will deliver 139 homes for sale, 47 homes for social rent and 12 homes for Shared Ownership, the affordable homeownership scheme. Homes will range from 1-bedroom apartments to 4-bedroom family houses, in response to the local demand for housing.

Over the past few months, Curo has worked with Mendip officers, local councillors and other stakeholders to refine their detailed proposals, first submitted in July 2021. A series of changes were made as a result of feedback from local community representatives and the Council and the revised proposals were put forward in November last year.

Curo’s plans will see the new homes’ CO2 emissions reduced by 41% compared to current Building Regulations, and by 10% compared to emerging standards. To achieve this, all of the homes equipped with gas boilers will also be fitted with photovoltaic solar panels which will provide greener electricity. Many of the new homes will feature highly efficient air source heat pumps instead of gas boilers, while the affordable homes will also have photovoltaic solar panels.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re pleased that Mendip District Council has approved our application for these much-needed new homes in Frome. We will continue to work with the planning officers to further refine our landscaping proposals for the development. We look forward to starting works on site soon to deliver homes that are beautiful, energy-efficient and sustainable, including the full 30% affordable homes requirement which will be managed by Curo.

“The development will give local people and families more opportunities to stay in an area they’re connected to through family, school and work. Our social homes will help many families on the Council’s housing list to live in high-quality, affordable homes while Shared Ownership will enable young first-time buyers to take a first step on the property ladder.”

Aside from homes, the development will also provide more than 2 hectares of wildlife habitat and green open space, including two play areas.

The Keyford Farmhouse and converted barn, which were previously earmarked for demolition through the outline planning permission, will be retained and incorporated in the new residential development, as desired by the local community.

Curo will start works on site at Keyford Meadows this summer, while housebuilding will begin in winter. The first new homes will be ready to move into by summer 2023, while the development is expected to be completed by autumn 2026.

All images: CGIs of Curo's new Keyford Meadows development at Sandys Hill Lane in Frome

Two bedroom flat available in Bath for keyworkers

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:45:55 Z

Available to let shortly: a two bedroom apartment at The Hexagon, Kempthorne Lane, Bath, BA2 5RS

Rent £165.23 per week
We require four weeks' rent in advance as a deposit

This is a second floor, two bedroom flat in The Hexagon, Bath. This apartment was created following the conversion of part of St Martins Hospital and is prioritised for keyworkers.

The apartment is carpeted and furnished with a cooker and fridge. The bedroom has a built-in wardrobe.

Conveniently located for transport links into the city and the Royal United Hospital. The flat includes a car parking space.

You don't need to be registered for Homesearch to apply for this property. For more information and to book a viewing, call our Lettings Team on 01225 366000.

Listing updated 8 Feb 2022

Bristol school opens sensory garden with help from local housebuilders

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 09:26:36 Z

Image above: Curo Sales Advisor, Ruby Webber and Jehu Project Manager, Tomasz Magiera helping Year 1 and Year 2 pupils to plant their new sensory garden at Oasis Academy Bank Leaze.

A school in Lawrence Weston, Bristol has opened a new sensory garden to help promote the pupils’ wellbeing and mental health.

Oasis Academy Bank Leaze, also known locally as ‘the blue school on the hill’, was helped to set up the garden by housing association and housebuilder Curo and their contractor Jehu Group.

Curo is working with Jehu to deliver 57 new affordable homes for social and affordable rent and shared ownership at The Willows, a residential development near the school.

The materials and labour for the planters as well as all the plants were donated by Curo and Jehu as part of their joint commitment to support communities and make a positive contribution to the neighbourhoods they work in.

Students from Year 1 and Year 2 were helped by Curo and Jehu colleagues to plant the garden with low ferns, rose bushes, ornamental grasses, coloured heathers and some herbs.

L-R: Paula Beel, Curo Sales Manager, Ruby Webber, Curo Sales Advisor, Tomasz Magiera, Jehu Project Manager and Georgina Fitz-Gerald, Oasis Academy teacher with Year 1 and Year 2 pupils.

Curo Sales Manager, Paula Beel, says: “Supporting local communities where we build much-needed new homes is part of Curo’s purpose – Homes for Good.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve all rediscovered how powerful nature can be in helping us to maintain and improve our well-being and mental health. We’re really pleased that, alongside our contractor Jehu, we were able to help the school create this lovely garden for their children to enjoy every day.”

Jehu Project Manager, Tomasz Magiera, says: “We’re proud to work with Curo at The Willows, delivering much-needed new affordable homes in Lawrence Weston, and supporting community initiatives that benefit local residents. It’s great to see how much the children are already enjoying the new garden and we’re proud we could come together and use our strength as a force for good in society.”

Oasis Academy Bank Leaze teacher, Georgina Fitz-Gerald, says: “The children loved planting and tending to the garden. They’re really excited about watering the plants to help them grow and look forward to seeing how they will change over the seasons.

“At our school, we try to use the outdoors as much as possible to teach our children about nature and the environment, and to promote their mental health. We’re over the moon with our new garden and I’m certain it will be enjoyed by the kids for many years to come.”

The Willows is a 100% affordable housing development, including 19 homes for sale through the part-rent/part-buy scheme, shared ownership. The development will be completed by the end of 2022.

For more information about The Willows click here. For shared ownership, visit our sales website.

Youth football teams sport new strip thanks to Curo sponsorship

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 08:00:00 Z

Clutton’s youth football teams are sporting brand new kits after receiving a £3,000 sponsorship donation from housing association and housebuilder Curo.

Curo last year completed the Highbury Fields development of 36 new homes in the village, which included 21 affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership. The development has enabled many local people to put down long-term roots in the community near to family, schools and jobs.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’ve always believed that truly integrated, sustainable and happy neighbourhoods need more than just new homes. That’s because it’s the people, not the homes, that make it a great place to live.

“As a developer and housing association, we remain involved in local communities well after we build our homes, by providing a wide range of activities and services to support people and neighbourhoods - from tailored individual support for those needing a little extra practical help, to skills, training, employment advice and job opportunities. We also offer funding for community-led projects, such as the wonderful youth football club in Clutton.

"The club is very active, popular and successful locally, and doing a great job in helping families and kids to connect, socialise and keep healthy. We’re proud to be associated with them and to play a part in helping them to keep doing what they’ve been doing so well for a while. We hope that this donation helps them continue to go from strength to strength.”

Curo’s donation has enabled the club to purchase new Hummel kit including shirts, shorts and socks for all players from the under-7s, under-9s and under-11s teams, as well as 25 children from Reception and Year 1, also known as the ‘Mini Swans’. In addition, the club was able to purchase other much-needed equipment, including 40 new footballs and two goals for matches.

Clutton Football Club Chairman, Stuart Price, says: “We’re thrilled to have received this generous donation and really grateful to Curo for their support. Our young players are loving their new Curo-branded equipment and it’s great to see them looking the part on the pitch.

“Football is really important in our community, bringing together not only local children, but also their parents, grandparents and siblings. Our matches make for great fun days out for the whole family and Curo’s sponsorship will help us to continue this important work.”

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.

Radstock residents get first look at redevelopment proposals for Walnut Buildings

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:47:32 Z

Around 70 people attended Curo’s public exhibition last week to see the proposals for the redevelopment of the land formerly occupied by Walnut Buildings.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of survey respondents stating they support the redevelopment proposals as showcased, while the remainder were unsure.

Among the visitors’ favourite features were the layout of the scheme and home zone concept for the main road. There was also strong support for the design of the new homes, which were seen to complement the existing buildings and neighbourhood character.

Local residents also liked that the 32 homes proposed will be affordable, available through a mix of social rent and low-cost home ownership.

Many respondents commented positively about the sustainability features of the proposed homes, which will aim to achieve a minimum of 19% reduction in CO2 emissions using energy-efficient building materials, PV solar panels and air source heat pumps. Wildlife-enhancing features such as hedgehog highways and bird/bat/bee boxes were also popular.

Most visitors agreed that the proposals will lead to an improvement in the appearance of the area.

One visitor said: “The houses look as though they will be attractive; it will be a good mix of properties” while another commented: “It is a shame that the commercial builders do not adopt some of these practices.”

Ward councillors Bruce Shearn and Chris Dando were also present at the event.

Cllr Shearn says: “This is a great opportunity for Curo and our town to regenerate the area in keeping with the wider neighbourhood while providing modern and energy-efficient affordable homes.

“I know that there will be more tweaks and changes to the scheme, not least because of feedback received from residents during this public consultation, but I think Curo’s plans look great and could really transform this part of town for the better. I look forward to seeing the homes built and welcoming their new residents over the next couple of years.”

Cllr Dando says: “It was great to meet with local residents at the public exhibition last week and hear what they had to say about the proposed redevelopment. Curo’s designs show a well-thought-out scheme that could really benefit both existing residents and those families who may live in these new homes in the future.”

North East Somerset MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, commented: "Curo has clearly listened to residents and is offering attractive, traditional housing that is affordable and in keeping with Radstock’s history."

Local residents can still view and comment on the proposals here by Friday 24 September. Curo will take this feedback into consideration when refining the plans, before submitting a planning application to B&NES Council in late autumn.

Curo to consult on plans for 32 new affordable homes at Walnut Buildings site

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:31:07 Z

Curo is proposing to build 32 new affordable homes on the land formerly occupied by Walnut Buildings in Radstock.

A public exhibition of the redevelopment plans will take place on Thursday 9 September at Whisty Community Hall (BA3 3JL) and local residents are encouraged to drop in any time between 2-7pm.

The proposed homes are a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and 2- and 3-bedroom houses. Just over half of the new homes will be let at social rent to people on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s housing list (17) while the remainder (15) will be sold to first time buyers through the Shared Ownership scheme.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re looking forward to sharing our redevelopment plans for Walnut Buildings with the community in Radstock this month. I want to thank all residents who got involved in our first consultation earlier this year – your feedback was invaluable in developing these proposals and we hope you’ll come along to the exhibition to let us know what you think.

“The new scheme has been designed to complement existing homes and buildings and to improve the appearance and safety of the area, which were the community’s main priorities. The development could give more local people and families the opportunity to live in modern, warm and energy-efficient affordable homes.”

The proposals include electric vehicle (EV) charging points and a ‘home zone’ as the main road through the new development. A home zone is a space shared between vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and children, with consideration given to the wider needs of the residents.

The development will aim to achieve a 19% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to building regulations requirements, by using energy efficient building materials and renewable/low carbon technologies. This could mean the future homes at Walnut Buildings may feature air source heat pumps instead of gas boilers, while some may also have photovoltaic solar panels.

Curo are looking to submit a planning application to B&NES Council in winter 2021. Subject to securing planning permission, Curo could start works on site at Walnut Buildings by spring 2023 and complete the development by summer 2024.

198 new homes proposed for land at Sandys Hill Lane in Frome

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:25:28 Z

Details of a residential development planned for Frome have been revealed by West of England housing association and house-builder Curo.

The site, which received outline planning permission from Mendip District Council in March 2021 for up to 235 homes and a number of commercial units, is situated along either side of Sandys Hill Lane, near the town's Sainsbury's supermarket.

Curo are looking to develop the residential site and have now submitted a detailed planning application for 198 new homes, including 59 affordable homes of which 47 will be provided at social rent. This represents the full 30% affordable housing planning requirement.

Responding to the local demand for housing, the scheme will deliver a wide range of homes, from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom family houses.

Proposals for the commercial site will be put forward by a different developer under a separate planning application.

Aside from a lower-density development with fewer homes, Curo have made a series of changes to the scheme approved at outline stage, in response to feedback from local stakeholders and community. This includes retaining the Keyford Farmhouse and converted barn, which were previously earmarked for demolition through the outline planning consent.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We listened to the community, who wanted us to keep the farmhouse and we designed a scheme that protects these buildings for the future.

“We worked with Mendip District Council officers through the pre-application process to refine our proposals and we believe the current plans could deliver much-needed homes in an attractive new neighbourhood that’s respectful of the local character.

“We’re hoping these homes will help more local people and families who feel they’ve been priced out of the housing market in Frome to stay in or return to the town they love. Our homes for social rent will give many families on the Council’s housing list the opportunity to live in a high-quality, affordable home while the Shared Ownership scheme will help young first-time buyers to make that all-important but difficult first step on the property ladder.”

Large areas of wildlife habitat and open space, including two play areas, are also being proposed.

Details of the reserved matters proposals can be viewed on Mendip District Council’s website. Subject to planning permission, works on site could start next year with the whole development anticipated to be completed by 2027.

Curo site managers in Bath and Keynsham scoop double win at building awards

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:59:32 Z

Two site managers from housing association and house-builder Curo have received the National House Building Council’s 2021 Pride in the Job Quality Award.

Alan Mapston, senior site manager at Mulberry Park in Bath and Lee Watts, senior site manager at Woodland View at Hygge Park in Keynsham were recognised for their dedication, leadership and the high standards achieved at their respective developments.

Often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the house-building industry’, the Pride in the Job Awards celebrate the vital role that site managers play in ensuring new homes are constructed on time, on safe sites and to the highest quality standards.

The competition endorses the best site managers from across the country, following a rigorous and lengthy judging process that looks at key areas such as leadership, technical expertise, health and safety and attention to detail.

Alan Mapston, Curo Senior Site Manager at Mulberry Park, Bath

Married father-of-two, Alan, who in his spare time enjoys a spot of fishing and tinkering in the garage with his classic motorcycles, says:

“I’m very pleased to have won this award for our Mulberry Park site. Building homes of such high quality in a safe, timely and cost-effective way is certainly a team effort and I work alongside some fantastic people here at Mulberry Park, from my two assistant site managers, Grant Wells and Lee Clarke, to our trusted contractors.

“Our focus is always on building beautiful, high quality homes for our customers and I think the award recognises this.”

Lee Watts, Curo Senior Site Manager at Woodland View at Hygge Park, Keynsham

Bristol Rovers and Bristol Bears supporter Lee likes snowboarding and weekends away when possible. This is Lee’s second Pride in the Job Award, having won his first in 2013. He says:

“I’m proud of our Woodland View development where our customer satisfaction rate is 100%. This is a true reflection of how we build our homes, our focus on quality and attention to detail.

“I’m delighted with this recognition, not just for myself but for the entire team here at Woodland View who are working hard to make our customers happy – our contractors, labourers and my assistant site manager Steve Weymouth.”

Mulberry Park is a contemporary development of almost 700 homes, open spaces and community facilities in Combe Down, Bath. This thriving new neighbourhood has already delivered more than 380 homes and is due to complete in 2026.

Woodland View is creating 56 high-quality new homes within the larger Hygge Park scheme and is anticipated to complete in Spring 2022.

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.

2-bed sheltered apartment in central Bath

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:50:14 Z

2-bed, second floor apartment in St John’s Court, Bathwick, Bath: Available to let now

St John’s Court sheltered housing has a strong sense of community, with a shared entrance and communal gardens. Find out more about St John's Court here. Sheltered accommodation is for over 55s only across this scheme.

Total weekly rent £132.66, with an additional £3.60 a week charge for the sheltered housing alarm charge within the scheme.

Bus stop nearby for links out of Bath.
Wonderful location extremely close to Bath city centre providing great shopping and eating locations.
Off-street parking in small car park to rear.
Walk-in shower tray with shower seat.
On second floor, with lift.
Electric heating.
Built-in cupboard space in bedrooms.
Lovely fitted kitchen with space for washing machine or dishwasher, electric cooker and full size fridge freezer.

We require four weeks' rent in advance.

For more information and to book a viewing, call our Lettings Team on 01225 366000.

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.

2-bed bungalow available in Midsomer Norton

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 09:02:33 Z

NOW LET: Hillside Crescent, Midsomer Norton

2-bed bungalow with ramp access
Available to over 50s, £97.25 per week
Nearby bus stop on slight down slope

This property is situated close to transport links and great amenities, including the local high street. The bungalow features electric heating, an over-bath shower and off-street parking. The kitchen is a good size and can accommodate a washing machine, cooker and full size fridge/freezer, and the master bedroom contains a good size storage cupboard. The rear garden is large and ideal for any keen gardeners.

We require 4 weeks rent in advance.

For more information and to book a viewing, call our Lettings Team on 01225 366000.

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.

Meet the families helping to design the energy-efficient homes of the future

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:19:40 Z

Image above: Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, with new residents Jade Hamzelou and her daughters (left) and Nick Harvey and his sons (right).

Four local families in Bath and North East Somerset will be moving in to the region’s first Passivhaus homes at the end of the month. The ultra energy efficient homes were built by Curo at their 700-home development in Bath, Mulberry Park, and have been let at social rent to local families in housing need.

The residents were shown around the new homes by Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha. Victor says: “A truly sustainable place to live needs to be energy efficient, spacious and have access to good quality open spaces as well as being close to public transport, shops, schools and other important community services.”

“That’s precisely what we’ve been trying to do at Mulberry Park over recent years and these new, more energy efficient homes will help us continue to shape our designs, so the homes of the future are even more affordable for residents and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“We know that these first four pilot homes for rent will help us set the standards for that home of the future, and these new residents will play a critical role in helping us learn and improve our designs, so we can roll out more and more of them. I want to thank the families for agreeing to provide us with the ongoing feedback we need and wish them well in their new home.”

“This home is like a shining glimmer of hope,” says Nick Harvey, one of the new residents. For the last 12 months, Nick has been living at his mother’s house where he shared a bedroom with his three sons aged six, four and two.

Nick says: “There was a series of circumstances that pushed us into this situation. This past year has been quite difficult for us but now I feel like I’m finally able to provide the home my boys deserve; they deserve to grow up in a safe, secure home where they can thrive. They are so excited about moving to a home of our own – my eldest who is 6 and has just started year 2 is absolutely over the moon. I really think that the boys and I will be very happy here.

Image above: Nick Harvey and his sons at their new home at Mulberry Park.

“It’s fantastic that our new home is better for the environment and cheaper to run too, that will help a lot. I’m also very much looking forward to being part of the community. Mulberry Park is looking amazing – I’ve been watching the development take shape over the past few years; gorgeous looking houses, a school and nursery – where I hope to move my boys to - and a community café right on our doorstep. This will be perfect for us.”

Nick’s next-door neighbour, Jade Hamzelou, is an experienced music teacher, a harpist and singer. In normal times, she would play the harp at weddings and work with charities to bring music into hospitals. Since the pandemic, she has been focusing on providing harp lessons online and, with restrictions easing off, in person as well.

Image above: Jade Hamzelou with two of her daughters, aged six and four.

Jade and her three daughters aged 12, six and four, currently live in a 1950s maisonette in a block of flats.

She says: “I feel very excited about the opportunity to live in a low-carbon home that also costs less to run. This is a huge improvement from our current living situation, where we have mainly concrete and timber construction with minimal insulation and only electric heating and hot water.

“Presently, my heating bills are very high in the winter. With three children to look after, this is very difficult for me to afford. It’s also fantastic that within our new home we will be able to do more for the environment.”

Jade and her daughters are also looking forward to having a garden and enjoying their own bit of outdoor space, as well as being part of the vibrant community at Mulberry Park. Jade says: “Having the community Hub on our doorstep is just fantastic and it’s great that I can use the spaces there for my business. My youngest two daughters are in Reception and year 2 and they will be joining the fantastic new school at Mulberry Park – they’re very excited.”

Mike, who is a landscape gardener and has a background in building, is very interested in seeing how the new home will be performing. He is moving in one of the new Passivhaus homes with his partner Sarah and their two daughters.

Mike says: “I think these homes are a brilliant idea and will provide a much healthier way of living for our family.

“We know our new home comes with some slight differences in the way it needs to be operated in order to get the best energy efficiency and we look forward to making these changes not only for lower bills but also to do our bit for the environment.

“The house is much larger than our current home, so we are looking forward to more space. We’re also very excited about the community itself and the future park that Curo will be building. For the first time, we’ll be able to walk both our daughters to school as they go to local schools in Combe Down.

“It would be a totally different lifestyle to the way we’re living now – much better, positive and full of hope for the future. It’s a dream come true.”

Bath-resident Lana Murphy and her daughter, 11, and son, 4, are moving over to Mulberry Park from a two-bed flat.

Lana says: “I’m so excited to move into this new home with my children, and to have a garden! My daughter is thrilled because she’ll have her own big bedroom. She’s really looking forward to it and has already picked out all her furniture, she couldn’t be happier.”

Just over 30% of the new homes at Mulberry Park are being delivered as affordable housing for rent and Shared Ownership. The development is already home to more than 300 families and benefits from a state-of-the-art community Hub and Café, primary school and nursery, as well as great transport links to the city centre. Over the next couple of years Curo will build eight more Passivhaus-certified homes at Mulberry Park, which will be sold on the open market.

National developer Crest team up with Curo to build new homes at Hygge Park

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:22:26 Z

Bath-based Curo has started works on site at Crest Nicholson’s residential development of 250 homes in Keynsham, Hygge Park. The housing association and housebuilder will work alongside the national developer to build 56 homes on a parcel of the site, known as the ‘Woodland View at Hygge Park’.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re delighted to be working with Crest at Hygge Park, helping to deliver these much-needed new homes as quickly as possible. Curo’s presence on site means local people will have an even wider choice of homes to buy and rent.”

Affordable homes are being built by each of the housebuilders across Hygge Park and will be owned and managed by Curo; they include 6 supported accommodation flats and 4 wheelchair-adapted houses. In total, there will be 78 new affordable homes – 58 for social rent and 20 for Shared Ownership.

Victor added: “We’re also really pleased to have secured all of the affordable homes on this site, meaning we’ll be able to help even more families on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s housing list to move in to a comfortable, modern and energy efficient home soon.”

Crest Nicholson Managing Director, Darren Dancey, says: “It’s great to be working with Curo at Hygge Park, a beautiful new development in a standout location, with Bath and Bristol right on your doorstep. The first residents at Hygge Park have moved in to a Crest home this summer and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more house hunters over the next few months.”

Curo will launch their show home at Woodland View in spring 2020, with the first homeowners expected to move in the new build homes by early summer.

Curo’s Sales Director, Lisa Howells, says: “This is a very popular development in a desirable location and we’ve already started taking early bird plot reservations. Home buyers interested in finding out more about our stunning 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses at Woodland View are invited to give us a call on 0345 140 5050 or email sales@curo-group.co.uk.”

Homes for heroes 100 – celebrating a century of social housing

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 10:53:06 Z

Image above: Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, with Lawrence Weston residents Rhiannon Beail (left) and Becky Cockle (right). Becky named our Century Park housing development in Lawrence Weston, Bristol, to mark 100 years since the first homes for heroes were built in the area after World War I.

This year marks the centenary of the 1919 Housing and Town Planning Act, known as The Addison Act, after the Minister of Health and Housing at the time. The 1919 Act represents the start of the first significant era of social housing building in the UK, from delivering new homes to creating communities and changing the social fabric of the country.

Bristol City Council, the Festival of Ideas and Bristol Cultural Development Partnership are running 'Homes for Heroes 100' - a year-long programme designed to mark the special centenary of the first council homes built to accommodate servicemen after the first world war.

Curo are proud to support Homes for Heroes 100 and earlier this year, we also marked 100 years of social housing with the naming of ‘Century Park’, one of our newest development sites in Bristol. The name was suggested by local resident Becky Cockle. Her choice recognises the 100th anniversary since the first ‘homes for heroes’ were built in the wider area of Lawrence Weston, Bristol.

As part of the 'Homes for Heroes 100' programme, on Wednesday 16 October, Chief Executive Victor da Cunha will take part in a one-hour debate about ‘Building New Communities in New Estates’ alongside Peter Barber Architects Director, Alice Brownfield, National Housing Federation Chief Executive, Kate Henderson, author and social historian, John Boughton, and former radio presenter, Jenny Lacey.

To attend this 4:45pm - 5:45pm session at the Watershed in Bristol click here.

We’re also sponsoring the 'Showcasing Bristol Projects' session on Wednesday 16 October, which will look at experiences of growing up in council housing in the past and what this means today, as well as examples, lessons learned and where we go next when it comes to building new social housing and creating new communities.

To attend this free session taking place at the Watershed in Bristol between 8:00pm - 9:15pm, click here.

Public exhibition will show plans for 47 new affordable homes in Filwood, Bristol

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:41:20 Z

Image above: Partial street elevation sketch of the proposed development

Housing association Curo has announced it proposes to build up to 47 new affordable homes at Broadbury Road in Filwood, Bristol.

A public exhibition will be held on Wednesday 3 July to share the proposals and enable local residents to give their views. The consultation will take place between 3-7pm at the Broad Plain House social club, opposite the police station on Broadbury Road, BS4 1JT.

The 100% affordable housing scheme could deliver 25 houses and 22 flats and maisonettes with 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms – of these, 37 homes would be available to purchase via the Shared Ownership scheme, while the remainder ten homes would be let on social rent through the Council’s choice-based lettings system, HomeChoice.

The development would provide a majority of Shared Ownership homes in response to the local housing demand, which highlights a need for this type of affordable homeownership product, offered on a part-buy/part-rent basis for local people who qualify. People interested in Shared Ownership can register their interest and check their eligibility at www.helptobuysouth.co.uk.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re pleased to announce another 100% affordable housing scheme in Bristol, the third in just 18 months.

We’ve developed the proposals in consultation with Bristol City Council (BCC) and local stakeholders and now we want to hear from the community; please come along to the exhibition to let us know what you think.”

The Broad Plain House social club will not be affected by the development plans and will remain in place for local residents to continue to enjoy into the future. Curo’s plans also include sufficient parking provision for new residents on site, in line with BCC’s policy.

Subject to planning permission, Curo could start building works in June next year and complete the development by mid-2021.