Building Communities, Inspiring Futures: The St. Peters Housing Development Success Story

Client: Bristol City Council
Value: £9 million
Architect: Kendall Kingscott
Framework: Procure Partnerships

Project Background

As part of its commitment to deliver 1,769 new council homes by 2027, Bristol City Council launched the St. Peters Housing Development. Located on a former brownfield site in Henleaze, Bristol, this ambitious project involved the construction of 15 houses, 10 flats, four maisonettes, a community centre, and a children’s home. The project was undertaken through the Procure Partnership Framework (PPF), with Stepnell stepping in as the main contractor to bring the vision to life.

Stepnell Teamship Day: Fostering Collaboration

From the outset, we prioritised collaboration and effective communication. To ensure a unified approach, we organised a “Teamship Day,” bringing together all key stakeholders, including the PPF team, the architect Kendall Kingscott, and the client, Bristol City Council.

During this day, the team focused on aligning goals, finalising the project strategy, and mapping out the approach to enabling works and site progression. An Insights Discovery workshop was also conducted to help team members understand each other’s communication styles, leading to the creation of a project charter and a stakeholder engagement plan. This collaborative effort laid a solid foundation for the project, ensuring that all parties were aligned and motivated to work towards the successful delivery of the St. Peters development.

Challenges and Solutions

The St. Peter’s project was not without its challenges, but our proactive approach ensured these were effectively managed:

1. Design and Planning: The project initially faced issues with incomplete design documentation inherited from the previous contractor. We worked closely with Kendall Kingscott to refine the designs, ensuring they met current standards and the client’s evolving requirements.
2. Site Logistics: The urban location of the site, nestled between two active residential areas, required innovative logistical planning. We implemented a one-way system for on-site roads, arranged off-site parking for staff, and scheduled deliveries to minimise disruption to the local community. A mobile crane was used for the installation of roof trusses, optimising the use of space and resources.
3. Utility Complications: An unexpected issue arose with the main drain connections, requiring a complete redesign of the system. We coordinated closely with Wessex Water to obtain the necessary approvals, minimising delays and keeping the project on track.
4. Supply Chain Disruption: When the window contractor went into administration during the final phase of the project, we quickly sourced a new contractor, ensuring that the project continued without compromising on quality.

Innovations and Sustainability

Stepnell introduced several innovations and sustainable practices in the St. Peter’s project:

• Ground Source Heat Pumps: The project includes 15 boreholes, each 100 meters deep, to service all dwellings, contributing to a 20% reduction in carbon emissions and exceeding the council’s sustainability targets. This has contributed to an impressive EPC B rating for all homes, alongside a 3.2 air tightness rating, which ensures energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
• Environmental and Community Engagement: A 40-meter mural was commissioned in collaboration with Bristol Community Arts. This initiative not only beautified the construction site but also engaged 35 adults and 31 children from the community, including marginalised and vulnerable groups, fostering a strong sense of community ownership.
• Lifetime Homes Standards: All homes in the development were designed to the latest Lifetime Homes standards, ensuring they are adaptable and future-proofed with modern heating, lighting, and sustainable materials.

Value Engineering and Cost Savings

Our commitment to delivering value for money was evident in several key areas of the project. By working closely with the electrical contractor and groundworkers, the team was able to rationalise the trenching, significantly reducing the number of single-use trenches required. This not only cut costs but also minimised disruption to the site and surrounding areas.

Furthermore, we sourced superior materials without additional costs. For instance, the team replaced the originally specified plastic gutters and drainpipes with zinc alternatives, which matched the roof’s aesthetic and offered enhanced durability. Similarly, windows, front doors, bin, and bike stalls were upgraded to better products without impacting the budget.

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) Achievement

Stepnell’s commitment to excellence was further recognised by the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), where the St. Peters Housing Development achieved a perfect score of 45/45. This outstanding rating reflects the project’s adherence to the highest standards in respecting the community, protecting the environment, and valuing the workforce.

• Respect the Community: we maintained a professional and considerate approach towards neighbours and the general public, ensuring minimal disruption and fostering positive relationships with the surrounding community.
• Protect the Environment: The site’s environmental and sustainability practices were exemplary, aligned with our ISO 14001 accreditation. The team actively engaged with local environmental groups and volunteers, further enhancing the project’s green credentials.
• Value the Workforce and Care about Safety: Our health and safety procedures, coupled with its commitment to workforce well-being, were highlighted as exceptional. The site’s ISO 45001 accreditation and proactive mental health training programs, including initiatives for neuro-diverse individuals, underscored the company’s dedication to creating a supportive and safe working environment.

Community and Social Value

Social value was a key consideration in the St. Peter’s project, going above and beyond to support the local community:

• Local Supply Chain Engagement: We sourced 97% of its supply chain and materials from within a 30-mile radius, supporting local businesses and minimising the project’s environmental impact.
• Educational Outreach: We engaged with local schools and colleges, offering career sessions, site tours, and hands-on learning opportunities to inspire future generations.
• Charitable Initiatives: The project supported several local charities, including “Help Bristol Homeless” and “Save the Children,” and made contributions to local food banks, demonstrating our commitment to the wider community.

Conclusion

The St. Peters Housing Development stands as a testament to our ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing while navigating complex challenges. The collaborative efforts initiated through the Teamship Day, combined with innovative solutions and a strong focus on social value, have not only met but exceeded Bristol City Council’s expectations, setting a new standard for future housing projects in the region. The perfect CCS score further cements our reputation for excellence in construction and community engagement.