PLATFORM_ submits plans for sustainable Bristol BTR development at key city centre regeneration site

28 Feb PLATFORM_ submits plans for sustainable Bristol BTR development at key city centre regeneration site

More than 350 homes and employment space proposed as part of Frome Gateway Regeneration

24 February 2025 – PLATFORM_, a leading build-to-rent (BTR) developer, investor, and operator, has submitted a planning application to Bristol City Council for the redevelopment of a historic brownfield site into 352 BTR apartments and 6,000 sqft of employment space. The 1.8 acre site, which was acquired by PLATFORM_ and its investors in summer 2024, sits within the Frome Gateway Regeneration Framework and operated as a sawmill for over 100 years. PLATFORM_’s proposals will transform it into a vibrant, sustainable residential community.

Located just a five-minute walk from Cabot Circus, Bristol’s premier retail and leisure destination, and overlooking the River Frome, the proposed development will deliver a range of high quality studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom rental apartments, 20% of which will be available at LHA affordable rents and 10% of which are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

On-site amenities totalling 6,700 sqft will include a gym, co-working space, cinema room, private dining room, children’s play area and a dog grooming facility.  Residents will also benefit from two rooftop terraces spanning 5,000 sqft, offering panoramic views of the city and spaces for relaxation. Additionally, allotments will be provided, allowing residents to grow their own food.

Four double height, BREEAM Excellent commercial spaces have been carefully designed with local makers, creatives and small business in mind, delivering on Bristol City Council’s Frome Gateway Regeneration ambitions.

Sustainability has shaped the proposals, in line with PLATFORM_’s commitment to sustainable living as part of its Nurturing Neighbourhoods initiative launched in 2024. The development will connect to the city’s ambitious district heat network, achieve the requirements of the BREEAM Communities Excellent standard and feature solar panels, intensive green roofs and sustainable urban drainage. All apartments will be at least EPC B rated, ensuring energy efficiency for all residents, keeping utilities bills low and contributing to the city’s carbon reduction targets.

70% of the site will be dedicated to green spaces, walkways, play areas and community space available to the public. Along with the incorporation of bat bricks and bird boxes, this is expected to contribute to a huge biodiversity net gain of over 3,400%. More than 500 cycle spaces, multiple electric vehicle charging points, and a car club space will promote active and sustainable travel options.

The design opens up a section of the River Frome that has been inaccessible to the public for over a century and provides a generous new riverside park for everyone to enjoy. The park and riverside walkway will integrate the site with the wider development of the ambitious Frome Gateway Regeneration Framework.

Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “Bristol currently has just four operational BTR developments, meaning the provision of high-quality, purpose-built rental accommodation is far below that of other leading regional cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

“Our proposed development opens up a historic city-centre site that has been inaccessible to the public for over a century, retaining part of its heritage while offering unmatched amenities, accessibility and sustainability. Working with an expert project team, we have developed a unique and flexible residential offering that meets the needs of modern renters while creating a truly inclusive community.

“We have worked very collaboratively with teams across Bristol City Council, the Environment Agency, neighbours and other interested parties to create our vision for the site. The submission of this planning application represents an important milestone in the project, crystallising the design team’s hard work over the last year. We are confident that Bristol City Council will share our vision which offers significant social and economic value for the local economy and makes a significant contribution towards their housing delivery targets.”

Sam Gregory, a local business owner who operates six pubs across Bristol including the Crown Tavern located near to the PLATFORM_ site, said:  “St Jude’s is a fantastic location, but it urgently needs investment and regeneration. We fully support the proposals put forward by PLATFORM_ which will greatly enhance the area by adding high-quality, accessible homes and creating excellent walking and cycling links to the wider city, as well as opening up the waterfront.

“Crucially, these plans will also benefit the local hospitality sector, driving more visitors to businesses like the Crown Tavern and providing us with the opportunity to grow and invest further in the community.”

The scheme will create over 1,300 jobs throughout the construction and operational phases, boosting local employment, apprenticeships and supply chains, adding £75m direct Gross Value Added (GVA) and around £100m indirect GVA to the local economy.

PLATFORM_ in Bristol is the developer’s 12th high-quality Build to Rent neighbourhood as part of its developed portfolio and pipeline of over 4,200 apartments spanning England, Scotland and Wales.