Working for Southmead Development Trust, Nash Partnership and Streets Reimagined prepared a masterplan for the Southmead Regeneration – working for the community project.
Southmead faces the same challenges as low-density, car-oriented and deprived urban areas on the fringes of many UK cities. Health issues, lower skill levels and anti-social behaviour undermine people’s sense of wellbeing and perceptions of the area. This was amplified by the rundown nature of the local centre at Arnside, which subsequently has seen a programme of public realm improvement works carried out.
Working hand-in-hand with the local community, we developed a masterplan vision to transform the central area. It involved building on under-used open space and council-owned sites to deliver around 300 new homes and a range of new facilities at the heart of the community.
First phase
The first phase of development will deliver new smaller housing options tailored to first-time buyers and downsizers, helping to release existing larger homes back into the market, while also funding new and enhanced facilities. This will include a relocated library, co-working space, a range of flexible spaces potentially suitable for a gym and other commercial uses, together with upgraded public realm and open space.
Truly community-led
One of the largest community-led development projects in the country, the masterplan vision was supported by around 80% of respondents, due to the approach taken and the inclusive nature of the engagement process. This included a series of exhibitions, workshops, street stalls, one to one meetings and attendance at local festivals.
Planning permission has since been secured for detailed proposals for the first phase, which will deliver nearly 180 new homes.
