Award for innovation and design
23 July 2024
The innovative and pioneering Elderberry Walk housing development in Southmead has won a Bristol Civic Society Award in recognition of the high standards it sets for the housing sector nationwide.
The 161 home development on a former Bristol City Council primary school site was praised for it’s exemplary design, sustainability, innovative funding approach and unwavering commitment to residents' quality of life.
The scheme is a unique partnership between BBRC Homes, Cheyne Capital, Brighter Places Housing Association and Bristol City Council, designed to deliver affordable and ethical accommodation for local people and key workers close to work.
The mixed tenure development showcases the possibility for designing vibrant, inclusive communities with a mix of open market, affordable, shared ownership, rent to buy, key worker and ethical market rent homes.
The Civic Society award praised the unique partnership that made Elderberry Walk possible. In a first for the UK, it brought together innovative funding strategies and the interests of a housing association, a community investment company and private sector capital to provide much-needed high quality affordable homes as part of the six tenures on offer.
BBRC Homes secured Cheyne Capital as an investor, who then provided investment through its Impact Real Estate strategy. This, alongside grant funding from Bristol City Council and Homes England, enabled a development of striking homes designed for modern living.
Elderberry Walk’s exemplary and thoughtful design was praised for it’s careful balance of private spaces with encouraging social interaction and a sense of belonging. Sterling Prize winners AHMM architects designed the sustainable ‘fabric first’ constructed homes that help ensure an EPC B rating. They are set in a secure and inviting environment with Media release 17 July 2024 For immediate release Brighter Places – Media release 2 multifunctional landscaping, communal gardens and ecological and wildlife links to adjoining parkland.
Anna Klimczak, Chief Executive of Brighter Places said, “As an innovative Bristol housing association committed to providing high quality, energy efficient affordable homes in thriving communities we are proud this award rightly recognises the partnership behind Elderberry Walk. AHMM’s excellent design and the committed collaboration of Cheyne Capital, BBRC Homes, Bristol City Council and Homes England brought funding, commitment and creative thinking plus, above all, a shared belief to provide the best possible homes for residents.”
Cormac Farrelly, Director at AHMM says, “Elderberry Walk shows how we can intensify suburban brownfield sites whilst still prioritising high social, environmental, and ecological aspirations. The project focuses on great homes and streets that work hard, with a priority for people and nature, while at the same time stitching the development into an established community. We are really pleased to have played a part in the creation of this wonderful new place.”
Ed Rowberry, Chief Executive, BBRC Homes, says: “Elderberry Walk is a ground-breaking housing scheme that tackles the issue local people - particularly key workers and those on low incomes – face in finding affordable, quality homes in the city.
“This has been a fantastic partnership project that has delivered significant social impact whilst also ensuring a return for investors, giving them the confidence to invest further. We’re delighted that the scheme has been recognised by the Bristol Civic Society for its quality and impact.”
Matt Floyd, Development Manager at Cheyne Impact Real Estate said “Elderberry Walk is a perfect example of our mixed tenure and tenure blind approach which provides 70% affordable housing across six different housing tenures. As a firm, we are known for going the extra mile to deliver better outcomes and quality of design and delivery which is welldemonstrated by the innovative partnership approach here which took considerable work to structure but has proved its worth. We are proud to have that recognised through this award.”
John Smith, Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration at Bristol City Council, said: “We are delighted to see this pioneering housing development receive the design recognition it deserves. As a long-term partner in this project, we are proud to have seen council land transformed into a housing asset that will benefit the city for many years to come, meeting a wide range of housing needs whilst providing a beautiful place for its residents to live.”
