Category: Housing

A project to transform a former council-owned brownfield site into 29 new council homes and a community centre has been completed.

Undertaking the St Peters House project for Bristol City Council, through Procure Partnerships Framework (PPF), Stepnell led the construction of 15 houses, ten flats and four maisonettes, alongside the community centre, which will also has associated parking, roads, hard and soft landscaping.  

In line with Bristol City Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Practice, the project has taken a fabric first approach – meeting the Future Homes and Buildings Standard 2025 target for airtightness. The installation of renewable technologies such as ground source heat pumps and 100% low energy lighting was also carried out by the Stepnell team. Additionally, the implementation of low-flow sanitary ware items is set to reduce water consumption.

Ian Woodward, contracts manager at Stepnell said: “Bristol City Council has shown enormous ambition in creating a transformative and multifaceted regeneration project for the city’s Horfield area. Our regional team in the south has showcased our expertise in delivering high-quality public-sector provision, that is set to be a pivotal community hub for the area.” “During the works, we endeavoured to help solve on site challenges such as lack of parking and limited storage space, which resulted in a lot of careful forward planning to ensure these elements were delivered effectively. Throughout, we’ve also had to carefully navigate materials shortages and ensure that deliveries are well timed due to lack of storage areas.”

During the construction, Stepnell were committed to offering significant amounts of social value for the benefit of the community, by employing a local workforce and supply chain. Local schools and colleges also benefitted from careers support, with the contractor providing opportunities for apprentices and trainees to gain valuable experience. Recycling and car sharing schemes have also been in place.

Rob Speirs, director at Stepnell, said: “The scheme in Horfield is an extension of our current relationship with Bristol City Council ,. As part of this, we have been able to deliver vital public sector provisions to a high specification for the city while generating lasting social value throughout the project delivery.”