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New homes could be built on office roof in St Paul’s
A new rooftop community could be created on top of an office building in St Paul’s.
The proposal by homelessness charity Emmaus Bristol is to use the roof of their own office and retail space on Upper York Street to build 15 new eco-homes.
Plans due to be discussed by Bristol City councillors in February are for 11 one-bedroom two-storey homes, three two-bedroom single storey homes, one one-bedroom single storey home, as well as food growing and shared amenity space.
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The initiative aims to provide homes for people who are ready to move out of the charity’s own supported housing.
At least 50 per cent of the houses will be for rent at Local Housing Allowance rates, with the rest available at market rents.
Revenue funding for the project has already been provided by Homes England’s Community Housing Fund.
Emmaus chief executive, Jessica Hodge, said: “Some of the people we support eventually and understandably want their own home and their own independence, but then struggle to find affordable rented homes to move into or meet significant barriers to private rented accommodation such as cost, competition, credit ratings and references.
“The aim of our rooftop development will give people the option to live independently when they are ready to, but still keep them connected to Emmaus Bristol and the support we can provide if they need it.”
The homes will be available to people moving on from Emmaus as well as others, some through referrals and some through the open market.
Each home will have its own private space but will be connected to a shared landscaped courtyard and rooftop garden allotment for both communal and private use by residents.
Emmaus’ Backfields House is opposite Lakota on Upper York Street in St Paul’s – photo: Emmaus
Craig White, the CEO of Agile Homes, in charge of the layout and design of the new development, added: “Working with Emmaus Bristol, we are pleased to have come up with a unique way to deliver low-carbon, affordable homes.
“Unlocking a land supply hidden in plain sight, in the heart of the city, on the rooftop of Backfields House, means we will be helping a new community come together in a place that will be beautiful, affordable and resilient.”
Main photo: Emmaus
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