Curo News

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.”

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.

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.

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."

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.

The Better Social Housing Review

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:17:01 Z

We’re partnering with The Better Social Housing Review to help gather insights and experiences about social housing in the South West.

The Better Social Housing Review was set up in June this year by the National Housing Federation and Chartered Institute of Housing to look at the issues and quality of social housing in England. By gathering as much feedback as possible from people and organisations with a stake in social housing, the project aims to make practical recommendations to Government, housing providers and other organisations about what improvements will make social housing in England better for everyone.

The review has brought together an independent and diverse panel of experts, all with direct experience of social housing. Together they have been travelling around the country speaking to tenant groups and customer-facing staff in their communities about their experiences in social housing and ideas on what could help improve it.

Curo are hosting the panel for a day in our area on 26 October at The Hub at Mulberry Park in Bath with a session for customers to get involved in the afternoon between 2-4pm.

If you’d like to come along to share your thoughts, experiences or ideas about how we could make social housing better, we’d love to hear from you. You can send us your details here VoiceBox@curo-group.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.

You can find out more about the review, the panel and its aims here: www.bettersocialhousingreview.org.uk

Providing housing for people fleeing the war in Ukraine

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 16:40:33 Z

Translate to Ukrainian | Translate to Polish

At Curo, we stand with Ukraine. Like many other housing associations, we already provide housing and support for refugees from other parts of the world, and we are ready to help again. We are talking to our local authority partners about the support we can offer as a housing association.

Homes for Ukraine

We’ve been contacted by many Curo residents asking whether their tenancy agreement will allow them to host refugees. If you want to do this, it’s important that you have enough space and that you tell us first.

Our standard tenancy agreements says you have the right to take in lodgers as long as:

it doesn’t lead to overcrowding,
you don’t grant a tenancy,
you take responsibility for the people who live with you, and
you get our agreement first.

If you’re a shared owner or leaseholder, the situation will be different.

Please contact us so we can look at your tenancy agreement or lease.

Find out more about the UK Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme here.

This web page list some of the many ways people can help.

Find out how to take a first step on the property ladder with Shared Ownership in Lawrence Weston

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:00:52 Z

Residents in Lawrence Weston and surrounding areas who are dreaming of taking a first step on the property ladder at Century Park or The Willows developments can now find out more about the affordable homeownership scheme, Shared Ownership, directly from Curo’s sales team.

The Shared Ownership experts will be hosting a free drop in event on Saturday 26 February from 10am until 3pm at Ambition Lawrence Weston Youth Centre (BS11 0RX).

Curo are currently building 185 new homes in Lawrence Weston, across two developments: The Willows at Corbet Close and Century Park at Henacre Road. More than half of these – 95 homes – will be affordable housing, including 28 homes for Shared Ownership.

Paula Beel, Affordable Sales Manager at Curo, says: “Shared Ownership homes are allocated on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis and we want to make sure that local residents in Lawrence Weston and surrounding areas are prepared to take advantage of these fantastic homeownership opportunities in their neighbourhood.

“Come along to find out if you qualify for Shared Ownership and how to access this government-backed scheme. Our friendly team will be on hand to offer advice and answer any questions you may have.”

Local residents will also have the chance to speak to independent financial advisors from Evolve Financial Solutions about their specific circumstances on the day.

Shared Ownership enables first time buyers - and those who used to own a home but can no longer afford one - to purchase a share of a property, significantly reducing mortgage requirements and the sum needed for a deposit. The buyer then pays rent on the remaining share and has the option of increasing their own share over time until they reach 100% ownership and no longer need to pay rent.

For further details about the event call our Curo Sales colleagues on 0345 140 5050, or Ambition Lawrence Weston on 0117 9235112.

What?

Shared Ownership drop in event

When?

Saturday 26 February

From 10am until 3pm – drop in anytime

Where?

Ambition Lawrence Weston Youth Centre

Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0RX

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.

Underfloor Insulation with Q-Bot

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 11:36:25 Z

Curo, in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, have received an award of the Green Homes Grant to part-fund a project of innovative underfloor insulation.

The underfloor insulation will be installed by a company called Q-Bot. The company uses a small robot to install the insulation remotely with minimal disruption. The installation will be hassle free, socially distanced and typically takes just one day.

Watch this video to see how Q-Bot works:

Curo Hot Topics - Housing first

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 12:09:00 Z

What is the Housing First project? Find out here in our latest Hot Topics video.

Enjoy this discussion? We have even more chats like this on our Youtube channel.

Find out more about Housing First here.

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.

Curo welcomes residents to new affordable homes in Midsomer Norton just in time for Christmas

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 11:40:12 Z

16 families in Midsomer Norton will celebrate Christmas in brand new homes this year, thanks to the completion of a 100% affordable housing development by housing association and housebuilder Curo and contractor E G Carter & Co Ltd.

Pictured above (R-L): Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, Town Mayor Michael Evans, ward councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paul Myers, and Curo Deputy Managing Director, Sarah Maylor, with the new residents at St Chad's Green, Midsomer Norton

Curo has last week welcomed residents at its regeneration scheme of 16 new affordable homes at St Chad’s Green in Midsomer Norton. The occasion was marked with a Christmas lights switch-on ceremony attended by the new residents, Town Mayor Michael Evans and ward councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paul Myers.

Construction of the 15 homes with two, three and four bedrooms and a one-bed flat started in February this year; all homes are now occupied, with 12 being let on affordable rent and 4 sold through the low cost homeownership scheme, Shared Ownership.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “It’s fantastic to see the new residents move to high quality, safe and secure homes in time for Christmas and we wish them a very warm welcome.

“This scheme is a great example of how housing associations can address the changing housing needs of an area by working in partnership with local authorities and central government.”

The new homes were created in partnership with Homes England and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) who provided grant funding of £480,000 and £200,000 respectively, topping up Curo’s investment of almost £2 million.

Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, welcomed the new development saying “I am delighted that the Council was able to help Curo deliver these much needed homes in Midsomer Norton through the use of our Affordable Housing capital funding. The delivery of affordable homes is a key priority for the Council and we are particularly pleased when a housing association like Curo can bring forward developments that are 100% affordable housing”.

Ward Councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paul Myers, has been involved in the development since its inception and says: "It’s great to meet the new residents and see how providing good quality affordable homes in the right locations can positively impact the community and people’s lives. The families I’ve met today will benefit from these modern new homes well into the future.”

Amongst the new residents are Laura Prior, her partner Sam and five children. They’ve been living in temporary accommodation for 18 months before moving to a four-bedroom detached home at St Chad’s Green.

Laura says: “We were living in a two-bed flat with five children - it was very hard work. Our new home is absolutely lovely and it feels like a mansion in comparison. We’re all looking forward to enjoying our garden - the kids are overwhelmed with the space they have to play in.”

Pictured above: Father Christmas handing presents to some of Curo's youngest new residents at St Chad's Green, Misdomer Norton

Elizabeth is a teacher. She lived in Midsomer Norton all her life and her son goes to a local school; they moved to a new two-bed home at St Chad’s Green.

Elizabeth says: “My little boy and I feel really blessed and lucky to move in a house like this. We’ve always lived in this area, we love it here and it’s amazing that we now have a place where we can stay for the long term and put down roots, the secure tenancy means a lot to us.”

Daniel Young is one of the new shared owners at St Chad’s Green. He’s 32 years old and works as a machine operator for a local company producing medical packages. Daniel has been living with his parents just up the road from the new development, saving up for a deposit to buy a place of his own. He says: “It’s absolutely fantastic that Curo have built these homes here. It enabled me to stay close to my parents if they need me, but also to invest in my own future, get on the property ladder and have my independence.

“I think young people today have to make a lot of sacrifices to be able to buy a home, especially if they choose to do so on their own - Shared Ownership is a great way of taking that first step on the housing ladder. I look forward to inviting my friends around for the local cricket club’s New Year’s Eve firework display – I now have the best view in town from my back garden.”

Sarah is also local to Midsomer Norton and purchased a new 2-bed home at St Chad’s Green with Shared Ownership. She says: “I moved back home eight years ago to save up after renting privately for quite a long time. To finally be in a home of my own feels pretty amazing and I’m absolutely elated with it – best Christmas present anyone could wish for.”

Alongside new homes, the regeneration project also enabled Curo to deliver enhancements for two existing bungalows at St Chad's Green, with the provision of dedicated parking and solar panels, benefiting existing customers.

Pictured above: Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha (left) with some of the new residents at St Chad's Green, Midsomer Norton

Bristol housing associations tackle skills shortages with new Academy

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 11:53:09 Z

Bristol Housing Partnership (BHP), a group of 14 housing associations – including Curo - working with Bristol City Council (BCC) to deliver more affordable homes in the city, has launched a pilot training and employment scheme aimed at attracting young people to choose a career in housing development.

The initiative, known as the BHP Academy, offers a number of people the opportunity to train and work as affordable housing development officers over a period of 24 months. They will receive specialist training in the first year and will continue to learn while working within established development teams for the following 12 months. Each trainee officer will receive a salary of £23,000 pa during the two-year period.

The pilot scheme offers ten places on the programme and represents an investment by BHP and Bristol City Council of £100,000 in training alone. Seven of the available places are newly created roles, five of which have been recruited externally from more than 100 applicants. The remainder three positions represent internal training opportunities for BHP and BCC employees.

Sarah Maylor, Chair of the BHP, says: “A career in housing development can be incredibly fulfilling but, despite the many advantages it offers, our sector is still affected by skills shortages. There’s a particular lack of applicants with the right skills in development roles and housing associations are struggling to recruit experienced candidates.

“Our members are committed to building 2,500 new homes in Bristol alone over the next five years and, to do so, we need more skilled people – this is why we’ve decided to invest in ‘growing our own’ talent.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain valuable new skills and join a sector that offers clear career progression. At the same time they will be making a positive difference to local people’s lives, by helping to build more affordable homes in our city and region.

“I’m delighted that we are able to support this initiative, alongside a number of other training, skills and employment schemes we’re running to ensure that Bristol continues to thrive and attract investment.”

New tenancies mean peace of mind for nearly 700 more Curo tenants

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 11:26:11 Z

We are converting our 680 fixed-term tenancies to lifetime contracts. With the majority of tenants in our 13,000 homes already benefiting from the security of a lifetime tenancy, we've now decided to convert all of our fixed-term tenancies in response to customer feedback.

Curo Chief Executive Victor da Cunha said: “We’ve listened to our customers who have fixed-term tenancies with us. We’ve heard how important having a long-term tenancy is to feel safe, secure and be able to put down roots in the local community. In direct response to this feedback, we’re moving all our social tenants who currently have fixed-term tenancies onto Assured lifetime tenancies.

“As a responsible social landlord, we try hard to really listen to and act on the feedback our tenants and other residents give us. Moving all our social tenants to lifetime tenancies is just one example of how customer feedback leads to changes for the better.”

With no end date, Assured Tenancies are sometimes called ‘lifetime tenancies’ and give tenants the stability and peace of mind of knowing that they have a home for as long as they need it.

Feedback from residents has been very positive, with a tenant in Bath commenting: “Now I’ll be moving onto a lifetime tenancy I’ve got the security of knowing that if my circumstances change, I’ll always have a roof over my head.

“A lifetime tenancy means no more uncertainty for me, as it will for many other people too.”

We are writing to all tenants on fixed-term tenancies – which are usually renewed every six years – with the good news that when their current tenancy term ends, they will be moved onto a lifetime tenancy. This will be subject to Curo’s standard tenancy conditions having been met.

Brand new show home to launch at Mulberry Park

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 11:29:18 Z

Image above: Mulberry Park show home living room

Curo will be opening the doors to a much-anticipated brand new show home at Mulberry Park, the award-winning residential development in South Bath.

The launch will take place over the last weekend of the month, with home buyers invited to attend the special celebrations on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September from 11am until 5.30pm at Curo’s Marketing Suite on Bradford Road (BA2 5BZ).

The three-bedroom, semi-detached ‘Portland’ show home is ideal for family life, featuring a contemporary kitchen/dining area with separate living room, WC and utility room to the ground floor, with a master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms, a family bathroom and plenty of storage space occupying the upper floor.

Boasting a modern, stylish, yet homely interior décor, the new show home will give visitors a glimpse into the type of lifestyle that properties at Mulberry Park can offer. One of the rooms, imagined as a child’s bedroom, was furnished in a tropical rainforest theme and features a very special art piece – an orangutan painting by one of the 5-year old pupils at Mulberry Park Educate Together primary school.

Lisa Howells, Curo Sales Director, explains: “Mulberry Park is a strong, growing community, with the new nursery, school and Hub sitting right at its heart and bringing everyone together. We wanted to celebrate this by giving the younger members of the community an opportunity to put their stamp on the new show home.

“Children from the new local school painted their favourite rainforest animal to complement the design of one of the rooms – we chose the orangutan to be displayed in the show home but all of the art pieces are fabulous and can be seen on our website.”

Image above: Curo Sales Director, Lisa Howells (left) and Mulberry Park Educate Together primary school Headteacher, Emma Garnett (right) with the winning artwork

Mulberry Park Educate Together Headteacher, Emma Garnett, says: “It’s fantastic to be part of the thriving community at Mulberry Park and the children love getting involved in these activities. We had fun painting and drawing while learning some interesting facts about the rainforest; thanks to Curo for the wonderful rainforest books gifted to our Bumble Bee class pupils.”

The newly released properties at Mulberry Park are 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes, with prices starting at £295,000.

Mulberry Park properties are also available with Help to Buy, the government’s Equity Loan scheme that lends home buyers up to 20% of the value of a new build home.

Image above: Mulberry Park show home master bedroom

Lisa says: “With such a wide choice of properties now available for reservation, we’re able to help families of any size find their ideal home in this vibrant, new community. Whether you’re on the market for a new home right now or just waiting to be inspired – we invite all home buyers to pop along to our new show home launch and discover what’s on offer at Mulberry Park.

“Visitors will also have the chance to experience the community Café’s delicious drinks and homemade cakes for free at The Hub with our complimentary vouchers which will be handed out and validated after the show home tour.”

To see the new show home at Mulberry Park, visit Curo’s Marketing Suite on Bradford Road (BA2 5BZ) on Saturday 28th or Sunday 29th September from 11am until 5.30pm. For more information, go to www.curo-sales.co.uk or call 0345 140 5050.

Here are all the drawings and paintings produced by children in Bumble Bee class, aged 5, Mulberry Park Educate Together primary school:

The orangutan (winning artwork)

A tree frog

The tiger

A panther

Gorilla and baby

Parrots

Another panther

Bristol housing associations launch academy to tackle skills shortages

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 09:49:32 Z

Bristol Housing Partnership (BHP), a group of 14 housing associations working with the Council to deliver more affordable homes in the city, has launched a pilot training and employment scheme aimed at attracting young people to choose a career in housing development.

The initiative, known as the BHP Academy, will offer a number of people the opportunity to train and work as affordable housing development officers over a period of 24 months. They will receive specialist training in the first year and will continue to learn while working within established development teams for the following 12 months. Each trainee officer will receive a salary of £23,000 pa during the two-year period.

The pilot scheme offers ten places on the programme and represents an investment by BHP and Bristol City Council of £100,000 in training alone. Seven of the available places are newly created roles, five of which will be recruited externally and two recruited internally by BHP members. The remainder three positions will be offered as internal training opportunities to BHP and BCC employees.

“The ideal candidates are university and sixth form college graduates, regardless of degree specialty – as we’re offering extensive training, our recruitment will focus more on attitude to learning, personal competence and enthusiasm.”

Curo is one of the BHP members recruiting for a new colleague to join our development team through the Bristol Housing Partnership Academy. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills that are in high demand, while earning an attractive salary.

To apply for the Trainee Development Officer role with Curo, click here.

To see the other roles available through the BHP Academy, visit www.housing.org.uk/bhp-academy.