Derelict Bedminster building to be transformed into flats for young homeless people

It’s been said many times before: Bristol’s derelict buildings should be brought back to life to provide homes for some of the city’s many homeless people.

Now a collaboration of businesses, charities and property experts are making this idea a reality, with plans to transform the dilapidated East Street Mews in Bedminster into 11 apartments for young people, who would otherwise be facing life on the streets.

East Street Mews has stood empty for many years

Youth homelessness is on the rise at an alarming rate, with charity 1625 Independent People reporting a 34 per cent increase in the number of referrals of people who were either homelessness, or at risk, in 2016/17, compared to the previous year.

Recognising the major gap in provision for this vulnerable group, Cubex, the Bristol-based developer behind Finzels Reach, LandAid and Bath-based charity Developing Health and Independent (DHI) decided to take matters into their own hands.

They have enlisted the support of other local businesses and contractors for the ground-breaking initiative, that will see the row of three properties restored and converted into homes – with all of the work carried out completely free of charge.

Gavin Bridge (left) pictured at the official opening of Castle Bridge, linking Finzels Reach to Castle Park

“Living and working in Bristol, we are only too well aware of growing homelessness in the city and wanted to do something about it,” said Gavin Bridge, Cubex director.

“It seemed to us that the best way to contribute would be to use our own expertise, along with the skills of many of the companies we’ve worked with, to put the East Street Mews project together.”

The aim is to provide a solid foundation on which young people can build towards the next stage of their lives in education and employment. Rent will be set according to how much tenants can afford to pay.

Youth homelessness is increasing at an alarming rate

David Walton, housing director of DHI, said: “We are proud to be part of a project developed and made possible by the partnership of local charities and private companies, who are together making a lasting difference for fellow Bristolians.

“This project is enabling us to address the huge need for high quality and truly affordable homes for young people in Bristol. This is an important project to prevent youth homelessness and help young people turn their lives around.”

The property is owned by Bristol City Council and will be managed by DHI. When complete, the new development will include space on the ground floor for businesses.

Alice Lamb, director of fundraising and partnerships from LandAid, said the project will go some way to plugging the gap in affordable housing for young people in Bristol and expressed hope it will be the first of many similar initiatives around the country.

She added: “East Street Mews is an excellent example of how by bringing together the property industry, local authorities and front-line charities, we can make a huge impact to the lives of those who need it most.”

Plans for converting the property, which has stood empty for many years, are currently being drawn up and the aim is to submit a planning application in the next few weeks, start work on conversion in late summer, and welcome the first residents into East Street Mews in 2019.

Willmott Dixon will be leading the construction procurement and management aspects of the project.

Other companies and organisations that have pledged to help include Palmer Capital, The Bush Consultancy, GVA, JLL, Hydrock, Creation Design, Spirit Public Relations, Carbon Consult, TFT, and Cook Brown Building Control.

Companies or individuals interested in getting involved can find out more on the project website www.eaststreetmews.co.uk or contact project director Eleanor Lynch at eleanor@eaststreetmews.co.uk.

Main image: An artist’s impression of the transformed building.

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