Back to the drawing board for landmark Hengrove housing development

Bristol City Council has gone back to the drawing board on plans for a “flagship” mixed-use development.

Hengrove Park used to be the site for the city’s main airport but, since its closure in 1957, the 185-acre plot has been turned into one of the largest recreational green spaces in south Bristol.

Having secured outline planning permission two years ago, plans for the former runway include building 1,400 new homes, as well as community and sports facilities and education and employment space.

Plans for the site have previously been met with outrage from local residents. One petition argues that changes to the proposals threaten a “precious resource that must be protected for communities and future generations”.

Marvin Rees has promised to deliver 1,000 new affordable homes a year across the city by 2024 – photo courtesy of Bristol City Council

Earlier this year, Bristol City Council launched its search for a long-term partner to work over the lifecycle of the development to deliver the project.

A notice on Bristol City Council’s website in March 2021 invited firms to put themselves forward for the contract, which was valued at £290m.

The statement reads: “Bristol City Council is seeking a long term development partner who understands and shares our vision, and has an organisational commitment to and experience of working successfully in partnership to achieve outstanding development quality and placemaking.”

However, the council has now U-turned in its approach to the Hengrove site and terminated the search for bidders.

Mayor Marvin Rees and Tom Renhard, the cabinet lead for homes, announced they have halted the procurement process in order to “pursue an approach that is more likely to meet the council’s strategic priorities for housing in the city”.

Homes at Hengrove Park will contribute to the 1,000 affordable homes promised to Bristol by Rees’ administration by 2024.

The contract offered has closed, with the council’s website stating “the buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made”.

The area is home to Hengrove Mounds Nature Reserve – photo by Ellie Pipe

Plans for the site next-door could also see the demolition of existing facilities at Hengrove Leisure Park, including the cinema, bingo hall and food outlets, to make way for 350 residential units.

Renhard said: “We have decided to end the current procurement process because we believe there is a better way to meet our objectives for affordable housing in the city.

“By looking again at how we approach the scheme we can ensure that we maximise the highest number of affordable homes for those in need, as well as providing the community facilities and infrastructure that will support an inclusive community in the future.”

The changed plans to deliver the housing development in Hengrove will be released in early 2022.

Main photo by Ellie Pipe

Read more: Ward profiles: Hengrove & Whitchurch Park, ‘Green spaces are threatened by development’

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