Curo News

Demolition countdown for Tintagel Close

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 22:02:56 Z

1970s Keynsham estate to be knocked down in early 2026
A transformed liveable neighbourhood of affordable homes to follow

Keynsham residents found out more about Curo’s plans to regenerate the Tintagel Close estate at a public meeting recently, with demolition of the 1970s development confirmed for early next year.

Attendees at the event on 19 November learned about progress at the site, which was recently fenced off for removal of fixtures, fittings and utilities. They were also updated on plans for the controlled removal of asbestos from across the development in the coming weeks.

Curo, working with development partner EG Carter, secured planning permission for the scheme in March 2025. It will provide 45 modern, energy-efficient affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership.

The development will feature a mix of homes with one to four bedrooms, with several adapted for wheelchair use. Each home will have its own private entrance, designated parking and electric vehicle charging point.

The new scheme promises an attractive, liveable neighbourhood that’s better integrated with the surrounding community. A new access road will open up the area amid landscape improvements and accessible open space.

Sarah Maylor, Curo’s Director of Development, said, “I’d like to thank local residents for their involvement in the design of this exciting new scheme - their input has been crucial.

“Like them, I’m looking forward to seeing this site transformed. The new neighbourhood will enhance the local area and offer its residents a great place to live.”

The majority of homes in the fully affordable development will be available for subsidised social rent, typically 40% below the market rate. These will be offered through Bath & North East Somerset Council’s lettings system, HomeChoice. The remainder will be available for shared ownership purchase.

Curo and Woodstock Homes prepare to start work on 50 home scheme in South Gloucestershire

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:17:00 Z

CGI of the new homes viewed from Bradley Stoke Way

We have partnered with private developer, Woodstock Partnerships, to deliver 50 new affordable homes in South Gloucestershire.

Works are preparing to start on the development, which will feature two 4-storey apartment blocks comprising 32 two-bedroom and 18 one-bedroom flats which will all include private balconies or private courtyards.

This scheme prioritises sustainability through features that benefit both residents and the environment. The site will feature green open spaces that will improve the biodiversity of the site, while we will also provide a number of parking spaces ready for electric vehicle charging.

The two buildings’ flat roofs will host solar photovoltaic panels, generating 11.6kWp of power, or approximately three times the annual electricity needs of an average UK home. This will help offset 2-3 tonnes of CO₂ per year - equivalent to the carbon absorption of around 50 mature trees.

Domestic hot water needs will be met sustainably through air source heat pumps, complemented by efficient electric panel heaters for space heating. These features are carefully chosen to make a meaningful difference in residents' everyday lives, keeping bills down while contributing to a greener future.

All the new homes will be available through social rent – roughly 40% below the market rate, addressing the high demand for affordable housing in the area.

With more than 4,000 households on South Gloucestershire’s social housing waiting list, this partnership has allowed us to exceed the initial affordable housing quota of 35%. Through this partnership, every one of the 50 homes will provide housing options for local families.

"To tackle the housing crisis in the South West, it’s clear that we need to work together. Our partnership with Woodstock Partnerships shows how these kinds of collaborations can really make a difference for communities. Through this partnership, we’re able to create a fully affordable scheme that meets the pressing housing needs here in Bradley Stoke and brings lasting value to the area," said Sarah Maylor, Director of Development at Curo.

"We’ll also be managing these homes for the long term, and we’ve put a lot of thought into making sure they’re well-built and designed for people to enjoy for years to come. Because we’re a profit-for-purpose organisation with no paid shareholders, any extra funds go right back into maintaining our homes or building more affordable schemes."

“We are delighted to partner with Curo on this exciting project to deliver 50 high-quality apartments for social rent. At Woodstock Partnerships we are committed to creating homes that make a real difference to communities, and this development represents a significant step in addressing the demand for affordable housing in the region. We look forward to working closely with Curo to bring this project to life and provide much-needed new homes for local people to enjoy” said James Hutchinson, Managing Director of Woodstock Partnerships.

Planning permission secured for 280 new homes in Street, Somerset

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:17:00 Z

We have secured planning permission to deliver 280 new homes and major landscape improvements in Street, Somerset. Somerset Council resolved to grant permission for the development, which will include a mix of one- to four-bedroom homes and apartments, all featuring private balconies or gardens. The homes will include an attractive mix of mews houses, apartments, and large family houses.

(A row of thoughtfully designed mews homes within the development)

Of the 280 homes, 84 will be affordable. The majority will be allocated for social rent through Somerset Council’s ‘HomeFinder’ system or available through Shared Ownership, helping first-time buyers and those looking to step onto the property ladder. We are also seeking Homes England funding to convert 11 further homes to social rent, increasing the affordability of the scheme.

Stuart Smith, Director of Technical and Commercial at Curo, said: "As a housing association and housebuilder, our mission is to provide high-quality homes for those who need them most. We’re really proud of the homes we build and excited to offer them to the local community. We want to maximise our impact, so we’ll be applying for additional grant funding to convert 11 more homes to social rent, increasing the number of truly affordable homes within this development."

(A visualisation of the apartment buildings within the scheme, designed to offer high-quality, energy-efficient homes)

The site features extensive green spaces, including a central wetland area with a boardwalk crossing, designed to enhance biodiversity while providing a scenic and tranquil setting for residents. The scheme will also boost local biodiversity by 10% through the creation of orchards, allotments, tree and hedge planting, and additional wildlife habitats. New play areas will also be provided as part of the development.

Peter Roberts, Head of Planning at Curo, added: "This development is located on the southeast edge of Street, so we’ve taken great care to create a scheme that respects the area’s natural beauty while forming an attractive gateway to the village. Working with our architects, we’re excited to bring forward this striking central wetland and boardwalk feature which we are confident will be enjoyed by all residents – both new and old.”

In line with our commitment to sustainability, the new homes will be built to high energy-efficiency standards, incorporating air source heat pumps and solar panels to lower carbon emissions and reduce energy bills. The use of these sustainable tools is expected to offset an estimated 228 tonnes of CO₂ annually – equivalent to the carbon absorption of around 6,800 mature trees. Every home will also include an electric vehicle charging point, supporting greener transport options.

(A key ecological feature of the development, the wetland area enhances biodiversity while providing a scenic and peaceful space for the community.)

The scheme includes key infrastructure improvements such as new access arrangements, a Sustainable Urban Drainage System, and phosphate mitigation measures. We will also provide significant financial contributions towards education and highway upgrades as part of the planning agreement.

We acquired the site from Nine Square Trust in November 2023 and expects to start construction in late 2025. The scheme has been designed in collaboration with David Rhodes Architects, Focus and Tumu Engineers, Landmark Landscape Architects, Tyler Grange Ecologists and Darren Evans Sustainability Consultants.

Planning permission granted for redevelopment of Tintagel Close in Keynsham

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:17:00 Z

CGI of the new homes viewed from Queen's Road

We've been granted planning permission to demolish Tintagel Close in Keynsham and replace the existing 1970s-built block with 45 affordable, modern homes.

The re-development will deliver a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes, including several properties adapted for wheelchair users. All of these homes will be available for social rent- about 40% below market rate through the Council’s letting service HomeSearch - or Shared Ownership, helping to meet the high demand for affordable housing in the area.

All the new homes will have dedicated parking and their own electric vehicle charging point. Alongside this, each home will use an energy-efficient heating system, with air source heat pumps for houses and a combined heat pump/electric panel system for flats. Every property will benefit from solar panels which will also help to keep bills down. The plans also include planting a wide range of trees – including fruit trees – and adding more seating throughout, creating more usable green space for local residents.

The redevelopment follows extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders over a period of three years. The latest plans, shaped by feedback and discussions with the Council, include a slightly denser layout with more terraced houses and fewer buildings behind Queens Road Church to improve the open space available to residents.

“This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the whole neighbourhood,” says Sarah Maylor, Curo’s Director of Development. “We’ve worked closely with local people, the council, and our partners to shape something that really reflects what the community wants and needs.

Our new scheme will be greener, better connected, and built to a much higher standard than the old block.”

Sarah adds, “We looked carefully at all the options, and this approach gives us the best chance to create something truly special. It’s an opportunity to bring high-quality, energy-efficient homes to the area, while also improving the public spaces and creating a greener, more welcoming environment for everyone.”

Collaborating to train the next generation of builders

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 Z

We’re proud to be working with local partners at Bath College and the University of Bath to help boost local skills in construction.

Construction is one of many industries crucial to the UK economy, but it’s also one of the hardest hit by recent labour shortages. In fact, it currently has the second-worst workforce shortage in the country. That’s why we’re committed to addressing this challenge by supporting local people into high-skilled jobs and sustainable employment.

Our employability service, Work Wise, connects local people with training and employment opportunities—including those at our flagship development, Mulberry Park. Since the site received outline planning permission in 2015, we’ve helped create 32 apprenticeships, 164 new jobs with local training, and 399 work placements in the community.

Over the last few months, we’ve welcomed students from the University of Bath’s Civil Engineering courses and Bath College’s Construction programme to Mulberry Park, giving them a first-hand look at a live construction site. These visits provide valuable insights into modern building methods and innovative design principles, showcasing the thought and care that go into creating neighbourhoods like Mulberry Park.

University of Bath students and lecturer, Gavin Knowles, in front of the latest phase of development

During the tours, students had the chance to see Phase 2 of Mulberry Park in progress. This next phase builds upon the existing amenities, which already include a primary school and community centre, and will soon feature shops and other facilities to enhance the neighbourhood even further.

Our Senior Site Manager, Alan Mapston, shared his thoughts: “It’s been fantastic to welcome students from Bath College and the University of Bath back to the site. Their enthusiasm for construction and architecture is always inspiring, and it’s rewarding to share our journey as Mulberry Park continues to grow. We’re proud to support future professionals in their learning and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the industry.”

We’ve also had great feedback from our partners:

Gavin Knowles, Director of Studies in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath, said: “We are always looking for interesting Civil Engineering projects in the local area, and the Curo team at Mulberry Park have been so accommodating in showing our students around the site with so much enthusiasm. A live construction site is such a valuable teaching tool and shows our future Engineers how building designs go together both physically and logistically. We’ve really valued this continued partnership.”

Karen Simmons, Employability and Engagement Officer at Bath College, added: “Visiting a live site and talking to experienced people already working in construction really helps to bring the learning to life and inspire our students on their future career journeys. It’s a valuable asset to our courses, and we are very grateful to be working with Curo.”

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 takes home six award wins in November

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:15:37 Z

We’re thrilled to announce a series of award wins this month, recognising our work in regeneration, landscape design, and community-focused housing development.

WhatHouse? Awards 2024

Mulberry Park, received a Bronze Award for Best Regeneration Scheme at the WhatHouse? Awards 2024. Once a Ministry of Defence site, Mulberry Park has been transformed into a vibrant community, with 700 homes, a central park, natural woodland walks, play spaces, and sensory gardens designed for everyone to enjoy.

[Image of Mulberry Park from the top of Bath]

Excellence in Landscape Architecture

We’re equally proud to have been recognised at the UK Property Awards, where our landscaping at Mulberry Park won Best Landscape Architecture in both the regional and national categories. This award follows our collaboration with The Landmark Practice. From green spaces and natural play areas to woodland pathways supporting local wildlife, these designs are at the heart of what makes Mulberry Park unique.

Andy Spargo, Director at The Landmark Practice commented:

“It is an absolute pleasure working with the team at Curo on Mulberry Park, winning these awards is recognition of a truly fantastic landscape led development that responds directly with the context of its surroundings and provides a legacy space for both people and nature.”

Bath Property Awards

Closer to home, we also won at the Bath Property Awards 2024, taking home three major awards:

Developer of the Year
Civic and Community Award
Winner of Winners

Judges praised the breadth and depth of our work, describing our developments as “thoughtful, impactful, and heavily engaged with the community.”

Chief Executive's statement:

Talking about the awards, Curo’s Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, said:

“These awards reflect our team’s commitment to developing homes and places that genuinely serve the Bath community. We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues who come to work every day to shape the spaces that support our region’s future.”

“Curo is proud to distinguish itself by prioritising social impact over profit, reinvesting all our profits from development into new affordable, high-quality homes and improving our existing stock– rather than paying dividends to shareholders. Unlike other developers, our mission is driven by this commitment, ensuring all our developments become sustainable, thriving neighbourhoods”

Curo creates opportunity for local talent in construction

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:30:59 Z

We recently welcomed Grace Young, a student from Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton, for a work experience placement at Mulberry Park.

During her time at Mulberry Park, Grace got hands-on experience with our Construction and Sales teams, providing her with valuable insight into the housebuilding industry. Mulberry Park, when complete, will see 700 new homes, with 30% earmarked as affordable housing.

Grace said: “Working at Mulberry Park has been an eye-opener. It’s fantastic to see how a development like this can benefit the local community in so many ways. The experience has definitely helped me think about my future career options.” Grace has returned to college to finish her studies and is considering an apprenticeship with Curo in the future.

Paul Fackrell, Head of Construction and Grace’s mentor, said: “We’re always open to supporting local people to develop their skills and explore potential careers in construction. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts making a positive impact on the community.

“We were delighted to welcome Grace to the Mulberry Park team. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and it was clear she learnt a lot from the experience.

“Since its inception, Mulberry Park has been about more than just homes. The development has created more than 100 work and educational placements, and provided training for 70 new jobs, as well as 15 apprenticeships.”

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace within the construction industry. By offering underrepresented groups the opportunity to explore careers in construction, we hope to address the sector’s skills shortages and create opportunity in the areas we operate in.

If you or someone you know wants to find out more about a career in construction, please email or call our Work Wise team.

We work with many employers looking for labourers and experienced tradespeople. They can help you apply for Health and Safety in Construction Environment Level 1 and achieve your Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Health and Safety card through Bath College’s Constructing Lives Together scheme. You'll also get help with updating your CV, interview advice and a guaranteed interview with an employer.

For more information please contact Katie Houlden, Employability Services Team Leader, by email: employmentandtraining@curo-group.co.uk

First Family Moves into New Development at Locking Parklands

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:56:00 Z

A family of NHS workers are the first to move into their new home at Locking Parklands in Weston-super-Mare, marking the first completion at the development from Curo, the Bath-based housing association and housebuilder.

Locking Parklands will eventually comprise 124 homes, 33% of which will be affordable housing, including a mix of apartments and family houses, catering to a range of needs and budgets.

The Deepesh family, who work for the NHS, are thrilled with their new home. They commented, “After searching for our dream home for six months, discovering the show home at Curo was a turning point. We instantly fell in love with it and made the decision right away to secure our new home. The sales advisors were incredibly supportive and very customer-friendly, making the entire process enjoyable. We are very happy with our new home. The children have been particularly joyful since the move, and as any parent knows, if the children are happy, we are happy too."

"We were immediately drawn to the layout of Locking Parklands; it’s wonderfully peaceful and has a lovely green environment. It feels pleasantly rural yet remains close to essential services like the GP and surgery, which adds a lot of convenience."

This new development also provides community infrastructure, including a new GP surgery, primary and secondary schools, as well as local shops and workspaces. Prospective buyers can register their interest on Curo’s website: https://www.curo-sales.co.uk.

Lisa Howell, Sales Director at Curo, commented on the broader impact of the development: "We're thrilled to welcome the Deepesh family to Locking Parklands. This development is not just about building homes; it's about creating a community. With families like the Deepesh family, who contribute so much to our communities, moving in, we are confident that Locking Parklands will become a thriving part of Weston-super-Mare.”

“People often think of development as adding extra strain to local services, but this is a great example of the benefits new homes can bring to an area. We take care to think about integration into the existing community, facilities, public transport, public spaces and aesthetic character. We treat each site as a unique place and create attractive, thriving neighbourhoods that people love to call home."

Students at Parklands Educate Together Bury Time Capsule at Curo Development

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:56:25 Z

July, 2023 – Students from Parklands Educate Together partnered with Bath-based housing association and housebuilder Curo at their new development in Locking Parklands to bury a time capsule, celebrating a recent boost to their arts funding.

The school received a £1,000 donation from Curo to improve their speech and drama facilities, including the construction of a new stage, improving local children's access to art and culture.

To mark the moment, the students buried a time capsule at Locking Parklands. The event was attended by Curo colleagues, including Sales Director Lisa Howells and Head of Construction Paul Fackrell, as well as Principal of Parklands Educate Together Jeremy Hughes and local students.

Students seal the time capsule at a Locking Parklands show home

The students did a presentation featuring items they picked for the time capsule, each showing what life is like in 2024.

These items included newspapers, recent schoolwork and letters to their future selves. After sealing the capsule, the students took it to a spot in one of the many green areas of the development and buried it. The capsule won’t be dug up for another 50 years.

One student said, "It's exciting to think that in the future, people will open this capsule and learn about our lives today. This is our way of connecting with the future."

Students and headteacher Jeremy Hughes stand outside a Locking Parklands show home

Lisa Howells said, "Curo is committed to supporting the communities where we develop – we are long-term investors, managing our affordable housing on-site for many years into the future. Development often gets a bad rap in local communities because some other developers don’t stay invested in the long term in the way that we do."

She continued, “This time capsule symbolises our ongoing involvement in the area's growth and prosperity. We are proud to support this school and look forward to seeing more local children take up the arts – or even consider a career in housebuilding!”

This donation coincides with Curo's celebration of their first move-ins on the site, which offers 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes. This new development also provides community infrastructure, including a new GP surgery, primary and secondary schools, as well as local shops and workspaces. Prospective buyers can register their interest on Curo’s website: https://www.curo-sales.co.uk.

Peasedown St John Primary School receives donation from Curo

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 12:09:27 Z

The donation has been used to fund a new grounds area for forest school.

Curo has donated £2,000 to Peasedown St John Primary School, funding a brand-new conservation area. This space is now a hub for forest school activities, where students are learning about the environment and sustainability.

The donation was presented to the school by the Sales Team, and Councillor Karen Walker, Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council and Independent Member for Peasedown. They were warmly welcomed by Ruth Noall, Head Teacher, along with the school’s dedicated 'Eco' and 'Nature' student teams, who proudly showed off their flourishing garden, including impressive rhubarb and tomato plants. "We want to crush, can and share these to help those in need," one student explained.

Jodie Winter, Sales Manager, said, "Curo is completely committed to supporting the communities that we develop in. We're going to be neighbours after all! It’s great to see the direct impact our contribution makes to the children's education and well-being. We look forward to doing more with the school as our development nearby progresses."

Councillor Karen Walker also commented on the importance of the project, "Peasedown St John Primary School is a major part of our community, delivering a very versatile education. I am happy to have been able to secure £2,000 funding from Curo for the children to enjoy a very much-needed conservation area on the grounds of their school. A big thank you to Curo!"

Ruth Noall, Headteacher at Peasedown St John Primary School says, "We are very grateful for this generous donation from Curo which has enabled us to dedicate a large area to conservation and gardening. This supports every aspect of our curriculum as well as enabling children to learn gardening skills. Thanks to this investment our gardening club has already achieved Level 1 for the RHS School Gardening Awards and are now working towards Level 2."

This donation comes as we prepare to build 51 new homes at Hawthorn Rise in Peasedown St John, of which 30% will be affordable housing. This includes 11 homes available at social rent and four homes accessible through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prospective buyers will be able to register their interest on the Curo website: https://www.curo-sales.co.uk/ to receive updates about this exciting new development.

Curo celebrates fourth consecutive quality awards win

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 12:21:00 Z

Breaking ground at Keyford Meadows in 2023 - from left to right: Paul Fackrell Head of Construction, Jim Dowling Chair of Selwood Parish Council, Victor da Cunha Chief Executive Officer, Councillor Ros Wyke Former Leader of Mendip District Council, Lisa Howells Sales Marketing Customer Care Director, Tom Duggan Senior Site Manager

Tom Duggan, Senior Site Manager at Keyford Meadows in Frome, has won the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Quality Award.

The NHBC Pride in the Job Awards spotlight the crucial role of site managers like Tom in ensuring that his site upholds strict safety measures while homes are delivered on schedule and to the very highest quality standards.

This achievement marks our fourth win in the competition since 2021. When asked about his win, Tom is quick to explain that “It is great to be recognised, but it really was a team effort between my site team and the contractors – all of whom did an outstanding job.'"

Tom oversees development at Keyford Meadows, just outside of Frome. In total, the development will include 139 homes for sale on the open market, ranging from 1-bed apartments to 5-bed family houses. Another fifty-nine homes will be delivered as affordable housing, including 47 homes for social rent and 12 for Shared Ownership.

Alongside nearly 200 new homes, Keyford Meadows will provide more than two hectares of green spaces, equivalent to about three football fields, creating a significant natural area for residents to enjoy. The homes are also designed to be environmentally friendly, achieving a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to current building regulations.

More than 20% of the completed homes at Keyford Meadows are now occupied. If you're interested in learning more about the development, look at Curo’s sales website here: https://www.curo-sales.co.uk/keyford-meadows/ or call the Sales Team on 0345 140 5050.

Work starts at new development in Bristol: 47 affordable homes coming soon

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:05:34 Z

We are building 47 affordable homes on the land next to the Broad Plain House social club, near the Broadbury Road/ Leinster Avenue junction.

We have started work on 47 affordable homes on the land next to the Broad Plain House social club, near the Broadbury Road/ Leinster Avenue junction.

Part-funded by a £3.3 million grant from Homes England, every home at the development will be designated as affordable housing. Ranging from one to three bedrooms, the 47 homes will either be available for subsidised social rent – typically 40% below the market rate – or sold through Shared Ownership.

Site layout at Broadbury Road

Shared Ownership is a part-rent, part-buy scheme meaning the deposit is far less than a buyer would need to purchase a home on the open market. 37 homes will be available through the scheme, with the remaining 10 offered for social rent through Bristol City Council.

Francesca Topazio, Head of Affordable Housing, said, 'We're excited about the contribution this scheme will make to affordable housing in Bristol. If we were a typical private developer, only 30% of this scheme would have to be affordable housing. Instead, we’ve made the choice to invest in this area and ensure that all of these homes will be accessible for working people."

“We will also manage these homes in the long term. We put a great deal of thought into the quality of the build and design to ensure they are places people love to live in for years to come. We create profit for purpose; we have no paid shareholders, so we can guarantee that any surpluses are reinvested in our existing homes or used to build more affordable homes", she continued.

Artists depiction of street scene at Broadbury Road

The final development plans include a natural play area for the local community, alongside thoughtfully designed private and communal green spaces. Additionally, homes will benefit from upgraded parking facilities, including electric vehicle charging points, catering to the current and future needs of local residents.

For more information about the development, see Curo’s dedicated website page or for information regarding Shared Ownership, please contact the Curo Shared Ownership Team.

Bath Rugby Stars Bring Community Together at Mulberry Park Christmas Light Switch-on

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:15:34 Z

The smell of mulled wine and hot chocolate drew the crowds to our Christmas light switch-on at Mulberry Park last week.

The Mulberry Park community came together to watch Bath Rugby stars Miles Reid and Tom Dunn flip the switch to illuminate the twinkling Christmas lights.

(Pictured: Bath Rugby players, Miles Reid and Tom Dunn, Curo Head of Construction, Paul Fackrell and Sales Manager, Jodie Winter)

As laughter and festive tunes filled the air, families, friends and neighbours gathered around the tree to enjoy mince pies and pizza provided by The Hub, Mulberry Park’s café and community space. To add an extra touch of magic, a snow machine dusted the neighbourhood, transforming it into a winter wonderland.

To add to the festive goodwill, we will give a special donation to the Bath Rugby Community Foundation. The foundation empowers vulnerable children and young people in Bath and the surrounding area to achieve success.

Jodie Winter, Curo Sales Manager, said, "The Christmas light switch-on marks the start of this special season and is a beautiful moment for the Mulberry Park community. We were thrilled to be joined by Miles and Tom, who helped bring a real sense of togetherness and holiday spirit.

"We are delighted to continue to support the Bath Rugby Community Foundation, which will join us in making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable people in our community."

Curo announces new street names in Frome

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:19:57 Z

Curo, the West of England housing association and housebuilder, has announced the street names for their Keyford Meadows development of 198 homes in Frome.

The announcement comes shortly after the launch of Curo’s new show homes at Keyford Meadows in October this year.

Last year, Curo invited Frome residents to take part in naming the new streets which will be created as part of the development.

More than 50 suggestions were received, and a shortlist was submitted by Curo to Mendip District Council for consideration, with the final decision being made by the council.

Most of the ten new roads have been named based on suggestions submitted by the Frome Civic Society. The names celebrate the historic uses and ownership of the land now occupied by Keyford Meadows. From “Haymakers Mead”, “Mowers Mead”, and “Graziers Mead” to “Spring Paddock”, “Keyford Farm Close”, “Oakley Way”, “Mow Barton” and “The Four Acres”, the names reflect, and help to preserve, the agricultural heritage of the area.

A map of the new streets at Keyford Meadows, North of Sandy’s Hill Lane

Curo has also named one of the roads "Keyford Orchards", a tribute to the orchards formerly located in the Northern section of the development.

Finally, Louise Nutley, a Frome resident, suggested the name "Meadows Reach", a charming addition that evokes a sense of calm and peacefulness in the neighbourhood.

A map of the new streets at Keyford Meadows, South of Sandy’s Hill Lane

Victor da Cunha, Curo Chief Executive, says: "We are incredibly proud to introduce these road names, each deeply rooted in the unique character, community, and heritage of our site.

"Our heartfelt thanks go out to local resident Louise Nutley and the Frome Civic Society, who have been instrumental in this process. Their contributions have helped us to choose names that resonate with a sense of place and history."

Keyford Meadows is located on Little Keyford Lane and will provide 198 new homes - 30% of which will be designated as affordable housing. With the first homes ready for move-in by early 2024, Curo has recently opened their two new show homes on site, to give visitors a taste of life at Keyford Meadows.

Proposals announced for up to 213 new homes in Keynsham

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:27:04 Z

Curo has announced plans to build up to 213 homes, including 30% affordable housing, on land situated on Bath Road in Keynsham.

Curo’s plans for the site prioritise open spaces and local infrastructure. Green open spaces, community orchards, and grow patches are all part of the newly unveiled plans for the scheme. The ecological and landscape proposals for the site will enhance the local ecosystem by a minimum of 10% from its current state.

A sports pitch is also planned as part of the works and will be located next to the Two Rivers Primary School, offering ample opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities. Curo has partnered with local architects and contractors to bring this development to life, including Thrive Architects, PFA Engineers, David Jarvis Associates Landscape Architects, and Clarkson Woods Ecologists.

Victor da Cunha, CEO at Curo, says, “Our plans for Bath Road look to address the severe lack of homes for local people in Keynsham, offering solutions to the diverse housing needs of the area. This project is set to be a catalyst for the creation of an accessible and vibrant neighbourhood, with 67 affordable homes included in the plans.”

With outline planning permission for up to 213 homes already secured, Curo will now refine its development proposals to showcase the detailed design of the scheme in the next stage of the project’s evolution.

Curo manager takes home third consecutive win at prestigious building awards

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:51:28 Z

Pictured: Alan Mapston, Senior Site Manager at Curo (M) with colleagues Lee Clarke (R) and Grant Wells (L)

Senior Site Manager at housing association and house-builder Curo, Alan Mapston, marked his third consecutive win this week at National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Award competition.

The NHBC has presented Alan with another Quality Award for his outstanding work at Curo’s flagship development, Mulberry Park, a 19-hectare site, which when complete will comprise 700 high quality homes, community facilities and open spaces. The award recognises Alan's exceptional leadership and consistent pursuit of high standards on site.

Having worked as a Site Manager for over two decades, Alan notes that the NHBC Awards remain among the most prestigious awards for professionals in his field. The judging process celebrates the role of site managers in making sure that homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to the highest quality standards.

Talking about what it means to receive the award once more, Alan says, "It was brilliant to receive this again for the third year running. Winning one of these awards shows that you have done your job to the best of your ability and brought out the best from your team.”

He adds, “My assistants play a big role in achieving the standards required to win, which is also great for their personal development. Hopefully, they’ll also go on to be winners in the future."

The Mulberry Park development has already delivered more than 550 homes and is due to be completed in 2026.

The Story of a Neighbourhood

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:52:31 Z

We're excited to share with you our commemorative booklet, "The Story of a Neighbourhood," as we celebrate a decade at Mulberry Park.

This booklet dives into the rich history of Mulberry Park and the people who have made it special. Discover how this former MOD site has transformed into a vibrant community over the years.

Through captivating storytelling and stunning photos, "The Story of a Neighbourhood" captures the essence of Mulberry Park—past, present, and future. It's a celebration of the milestones we've achieved and the rich history of Combe Down that continues to shape our community.

To make this journey accessible to everyone, we've made the digital version of the booklet available on our website below - take a look!

University of Bath students visit award-winning development from Curo

Tue, 09 May 2023 09:54:45 Z

Pictured: University of Bath students and lecturer, Gavin Knowles, in front of the latest phase of development

Mulberry Park, the award-winning residential development from Curo, recently hosted students from the neighbouring University of Bath as part of their education in civil engineering and architecture.

The students, led by their lecturer Gavin Knowles, visited Mulberry Park to learn about the innovative construction methods and housing designs featured in the development. The visit offered a unique opportunity to observe the latest building techniques and structural engineering practices in action.

The development has been designed with the needs of modern family living at its forefront; and the students had the opportunity to explore this concept first-hand. Of particular interest was the diverse range of homes at Mulberry Park, which range from semi-detached and terraced townhouses to smaller apartments and larger detached houses.

Curo is committed to supporting education and training opportunities in the local area and established a leading partnership with Bath College and local construction firms to provide accredited work placements and apprenticeships at Mulberry Park and across its housing and support organisation. By 2020, Curo had aimed to deliver 100 work and educational placements, 70 jobs with training, and 15 apprenticeships at Mulberry Park, and is pleased to report that it has achieved and exceeded these targets.

"We were delighted to welcome the Bath University students to Mulberry Park and share with them our innovative approach to creating a family-friendly, sustainable community," said Alan Mapston, Senior Site Manager at Mulberry Park. "It's always inspiring to see the next generation of architects and builders developing their skills and knowledge, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future."

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."

Donation to Yatton school means new play area for local children

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 10:52:19 Z

Pupils at a local primary school in Yatton are enjoying a new play area after Curo made a generous donation towards the purchase.

Curo made a donation of £2500 after Chestnut Park Primary School put out a call for sponsors to support the installation of a new play area at the school. The money was put towards a new natural play area and trim trail for the primary school students.

To mark the event, a short ceremony was held at the school, which was well attended by local children, parents, teachers alongside representatives from Curo’s Sales Department. After handing over a ceremonial cheque, Curo’s team challenged the children to have a go at building their own cardboard Curo house.

Parents, children and teachers all bundled in quickly to put together their own unique designs. After a flurry of colouring, these wonderfully designed new houses were taken home to serve as a reminder of the day of fun that was had.

Tamara Dexter, Head Teacher at Chestnut Park Primary School, says, "Curo's generous donation has had a huge impact across our school and the Yatton community. Not only did it help us install new play equipment, but it also brought the community together in a really unique and engaging way."

"The children loved building and designing their own Curo houses, which was a great bit of fun for both the kids and also a number of parents who were in attendance. We are immensely grateful for Curo's ongoing support, and as an integral member of the Yatton community, their commitment to supporting local organisations like Chestnut Park Primary School is truly appreciated and valued."

Curo is well known in Yatton for its Eaton Park development. Located just opposite Chestnut Park Primary, the scheme will comprise 154 new homes alongside high quality public open space with tree and shrub planting, wildflower meadows and a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP).

Jodie Winter, Sales Manager at Curo, says, “It’s been a real privilege to support Chestnut Park Primary with this donation. We’re deeply committed to our relationships with our community partners - especially in this case as we are basically neighbours!”

“It was a delight to meet the wonderful children and parents of Chestnut Park Primary, and we can’t wait to welcome the rest of our ever-growing community to Eaton Park.”

Chestnut Park Primary is still looking to expand its play area. The school is hoping to install a climbing frame next. It is currently fund-raising through its PTA, but would welcome any further donations towards costs from the local community.

Council leader commemorates start of work at new major residential development in Frome

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 12:21:06 Z

Pictured above from left to right: Paul Fackrell Head of Construction, Jim Dowling Chair of Selwood Parish Council, Victor da Cunha Chief Executive Officer, Councillor Ros Wyke Leader of Mendip District Council, Lisa Howells Sales Marketing Customer Care Director, Tom Duggan Senior Site Manager

Curo has officially begun works on a new residential development in Frome.

The site, aptly named Keyford Meadows, is located on Little Keyford Road and will provide 198 new homes - 30% of which will be designated as affordable housing.

In total, the development will include 139 homes for sale on the open market, ranging from 1-bed apartments to 5-bed family houses. 59 homes will be designated as affordable housing, with 47 for social rent and 12 for the part-buy/part-rent scheme, Shared Ownership.

A short ceremony was held to celebrate the occasion, with Selwood Parish Council Chairman Jim Dowling, and Mendip District Council Leader Cllr Ros Wyke in attendance.

Cllr Ros Wyke, Leader of Mendip District Council, said: "This new development at Keyford Meadows is an exciting step forward for the community of Frome. Not only will it provide much-needed housing, including a significant amount of affordable options, but it rightly focuses on environmental sustainability.

“I’m pleased work on this project is underway, and look forward to seeing the finished development in the near future."

Keyford Meadows prioritises open space and biodiversity. The development will also include more than 2 hectares of green open space as well as biodiversity enhancement features, such as bat and bird boxes.

With the first homes ready for move-in by summer 2023, these will also benefit from CO2 emissions 41% lower than current Building Regulations. Many of the homes will be equipped with highly efficient air source heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels.

Victor da Cunha, CEO of Curo, said, "We are thrilled to be officially starting construction of our largest housing development project in Frome. As a long-term social business, we build communities, not just homes.”

“Keyford Meadows is a project we are immensely proud of. We listened carefully to community feedback and retained the existing farmhouse, blending it in the design which also provides extensive open space, maximises affordable housing and delivers great ‘green’ credentials. When we begin to welcome new residents onto the development later this year, we feel sure they too will feel the same level of pride we do", he continued.

For more information about the Keyford Meadows development, please visit https://www.curo-group.co.uk/house-building/schemes/keyford-meadows-frome/

Moorlands Estate features in new book

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 13:36:21 Z

Moorlands Estate, Bath, is a shining example of well-designed post-war social housing. We asked author John Boughton (pictured below) to tell us a bit about its beginnings and why he included it in his book, A History of Council Housing in 100 Estates

What was the housing situation like in Bath when Moorlands was built?

It was built in 1945, just after World War 2. The war had a significant impact on housing in Bath – more than you might think for a provincial city outside of London. In 1939, the headquarters of the Royal Navy relocated to Bath, with its staff adding to the overcrowding problem in the city. Then, in 1942, Bath was targeted by the Luftwaffe as part of the Baedeker Blitz aerial attacks on historic English sites. As well as killing hundreds of people, these destroyed more than 1,000 homes, adding to the housing crisis.

When the war ended, building homes for families was a priority for the Labour government, which won a landslide victory in 1945. The conflict had destroyed 450,000 homes across the country and there was an aspiration to reward the people for their sacrifices during wartime with well-designed homes.

Why did you decide to include the Moorlands Estate in your book?

Moorlands is exceptionally well executed and lives up to the promise of providing attractive, aspirational homes in the post-war rebuilding of Britain. Nye Bevan, the Government’s then Health and Housing Minister, praised it highly. He believed social housing should be somewhere everyone should aspire to live and spoke of creating “the living tapestry of a mixed community”. He believed that Moorlands fulfilled that goal. On a visit to the estate, he said: “These houses at Moorlands are fit for everybody, and not only the working classes. It shows we want all the different families of the community to be living with each other and we do not want those snobbish villages we had before.”

He also praised the design and layout of the houses themselves: “When I come across local authorities that are not paying sufficient regard to the design of their houses and the use of materials, I will tell them to visit Bath and see a good example of what they should do.”

What makes Moorlands stand out from other estates?

In some ways it’s a traditional design, with two-storey family homes constructed out of Bath stone. The decision to use local stone was important. It fitted into the locality and gave a sense of permanence. It also contrasted with the red brick that was widely used to build council housing at the time.

But it’s also a very modern estate, with clean lines and an open-plan layout. After World War 2, architects and planners wanted to get rid of fencing and privet hedges and open up spaces for communities - Moorlands reflects this aim.

When it was first built, Moorlands was held up in the architectural press as a good example of design, as well as being praised by the Bath Chronicle as “an example to the whole of the West Country”. It seems there was a decision by the council to invest in the estate and prioritise good design.

What’s special about the homes themselves?

You have to look at them in the context of the time. In 1945, 54% of homes didn’t have a bathroom, instead they had shared or outside toilets. So, with their upstairs bathrooms, the homes at Moorlands must have seemed luxurious. They were also attractive-looking properties, with south-facing living rooms, gardens with fuel stores and sun terraces for easy access to fresh air.

How has Moorlands evolved over the years?

I’m surprised by how little the estate has changed. The open-plan layout has been respected and maintained. It really has stood the test of time. It’s still smart and modern in appearance and doesn’t look old fashioned or dated.

Moorlands was built at the start of the golden age of social housing. What does the future of social housebuilding look like?

In 1945-1979, Britain was building 126,000 social houses a year. Now that figure is 6-7,000. That’s a huge change. I do think, however, that there’s recognition that social housing will play an important part in solving the current housing crisis. We have only ever reached the figure of building 300,000 homes a year when 100,000 of those were for social rent. Housing associations have ambitious goals to build new homes and it’s striking to see how much is being achieved, despite financial and planning restrictions.

Local councils and housing associations are also in the vanguard when it comes to building the sustainable, energy-efficient housing that we need for the future.

Mulberry Park wins in Best Development category at national competition

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:20:35 Z

Curo’s flagship development, Mulberry Park, has been presented with the Silver award in the Best Development category at the annual WhatHouse? Awards. The WhatHouse? Awards are a national competition that celebrate the very best developments, housing associations and developers from all over the country.

The recognition honours Mulberry Park's stunning architecture, superb craftsmanship, and focus on place-making. Mulberry Park encompasses over 19 hectares - a similar size to Bath’s Royal Victoria Park - making it one of our largest developments. Previously described as “the perfect model of place-making, rather than just housebuilding” by Design for Homes Chief Executive, David Birkbeck, Mulberry Park comprises 30% affordable housing and is a ‘tenure-blind’ scheme – meaning that there is no differentiation between privately owned homes and our affordable housing units.

Upon full completion, Mulberry Park will offer up to 700 high-quality homes, as well as swathes of community facilities and open spaces. The development already includes a £10m award-winning community Hub, a 210-place primary school, a 70-place nursery, a 4G sports pitch, with retail space and a large new public park also coming soon.

Almost entirely built by our house-building business, Mulberry Park has won numerous awards over the last few years. In 2021, the Mulberry Park site team won the first National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Award for Curo. They repeated their success again in 2022, and in 2019, The Hub at Mulberry Park won the RICS Community Benefit Award for significant positive impact on the local community.

Simon Collins, Construction Operations Director said “We are delighted to have won yet another award for our work at Mulberry Park. Being awarded the Silver award for Best Development is yet another accolade that underscores Mulberry Park’s status as one of the most desirable new developments to live in in the South West”

Phase 2 of the development has already begun, and this bustling new neighbourhood is scheduled to be finished in 2026.

Curo commemorates Remembrance Day at Mulberry Park

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 11:07:24 Z

A silhouette of the Unknown Tommy, and another commemorating women in war, mark Remembrance Day at Curo’s flagship development – Mulberry Park.

Purchased from the Royal British Legion (RBLI), the statues were hand-made by veterans employed at RBLI's social enterprise, Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company. The statues serve as striking and enduring reminders of Britain’s fallen soldiers, as well as those who continue to serve in the armed forces.

Mulberry Park is rich in Britain’s military history – the site itself was built on the southern hillsides formerly taken over during World War II to create the Foxhill Ministry of Defence (MOD). Used throughout the Second World War and the Cold War, the site incorporates these historical links throughout its design. The names of the local men and women who dedicated their lives to the war effort are commemorated forever in the names of the roads that make up the neighbourhood.

Jodie Winter, Curo Sales Manager said “Mulberry Park is a development that holds so much history ensuring that we commemorate the lives served and lives lost, and show our continued support for the RBLI was at the top of our list this November. These fabulous statues help us highlight what’s really at the heart of Mulberry Park and how there is so much more to our community than selling homes to excited buyers”.

The Hub’s copper alloy façade has also been designed to be reminiscent of temporary ‘Mulberry’ Harbours which were formed to allow the quick landing of supplies onto beaches during the Allied invasion of Normandy. These Harbours were designed in the Foxhill Ministry of Defence (MOD) site in 1943, and have been heralded as one the greatest technological innovations of the War.

The Combe Down area is also known as the birthplace of local hero Harry Patch, "The Last Fighting Tommy," and other famous veterans. As a testament to the wonderful stories of the local men and women who are commemorated throughout the site, Curo is developing a booklet that will detail their histories – dubbed “the Story of a Neighbourhood” to be launched in the New Year.