Chocolate Factory breathes new life into BS5

Greenbank has long been the hidden gem of east Bristol. Bordered by the Bristol and Bath Railway Path to the north and Greenbank Cemetery to the south, the neighbourhood has a strong community feel due the quiet streets of Victorian and Edwardian housing, the OFSTED outstanding Whitehall Primary School and the open green spaces where people have been able to come together, exercise and connect during the last year.

Now, over 15 years since chocolate making stopped, the first new homes have gone on sale at The Chocolate Factory, the former Elizabeth Shaw site in Greenbank which closed in 2006.

When construction is complete the development, from Generator South West, will encompass new retail, a range of offices and workspace, a café / bar, a community hub and 140 new homes.

The first of the houses have recently gone on sale. Completing the vista along Co-Operation Road where the factory wall once stood, the 3-bedroom properties have been popular with a range of buyers. Many have a connection to the area but it has also attracted people from across the city discovering Greenbank for the first time.

Mya Castillo, sales and marketing consultant for Generator South West, said: “Greenbank is a great place to live. It’s got a wonderful school, loads of green spaces and a great community spirit. Two local high streets within walking distance are bustling with independent businesses. It’s also closer to Bristol city centre than people think – you can get to Temple Meads in around 15 minutes on a bike.

“There is a fantastic sense of community already present in Greenbank, and The Chocolate Factory will cement that diverse neighbourhood feel with a good mix of houses and apartments, commercial space for independent businesses, public landscaped square and community hub.

“The areas that make up the BS5 postcode – Easton, Eastville, Redfield, St George, Greenbank and Whitehall – represent the best of Bristol’s enterprising spirit so we’re really pleased to be delivering a regeneration of this important site that was once a huge part of the community.

“We have created a visitor centre and marketing suite that honours and recognises the past whilst helping people visualise the future. The new show-home is about to open and people will be able to see inside the newly built homes for the first time. The architects have created interiors that feel bright and spacious, with wide hallways, sweeping stairs and big windows to let in lots of light. Some of the houses have views as far as Purdown.”

Later this summer 3- and 4-bedroom homes with parking will be ready for occupation and in the autumn a range of townhouses fashioned from one of the original Victorian buildings will give people the opportunity to buy into a slice of the chocolate factory history. The apartments are due to be released in the summer.

The visitor centre and show home will be open five days a week from 22 April. In the meantime viewings are by appointment. Call 0117 374 6600 or email enquiries@chocolatefactorybristol.com

For more information visit www.chocolatefactorybristol.com