Bath-headquartered architecture and placemaking consultancy Nash Partnership has secured full planning permission for one of the UK’s largest community-led development projects of its kind.
The approved proposals represent the first build phase of the ground-breaking masterplan in the Southmead area of Bristol, with 187 new flats and a mix of non-residential uses.
The project will develop around two thirds of Glencoyne Square – a designated open space – for a mix of much-needed smaller and largely affordable homes, new community uses including a library, and a mix of complimentary uses.
There will also be substantial investment to improve the quality of the new streets and spaces, including a new public realm layout, cycle routes and a central spine.
The Glencoyne Square redevelopment will contribute significantly to Southmead’s housing needs while diversifying the housing mix in a sustainable, well-linked location. It will also provide safe and vibrant new spaces along with attractive outdoor areas.
The project has been driven by the Southmead Community Plan, an initiative shaped and implemented by Southmead residents and stakeholders with significant involvement from the community.
Published in 2015, the plan defines a vision for the area and an action plan for delivering meaningful change.
Thanks to an inclusive approach taken throughout the process, the masterplan vision was supported by around 80% of respondents.
The latest application is a revision of a scheme approved in 2021, which – due to escalating build costs and the need to reconfigure for other uses – became unviable.
It includes more new homes to support deliverability and optimise the use of scarce land resources within the city.
Nash Partnership provided design and planning services for the creation of both the masterplan and the detailed proposals for Glencoyne Square.
Nash Partnership sustainability director Paul Miller said the firm was “over the moon” to have the revised plans for Glencoyne Square approved as it marked a significant milestone for the masterplan as a whole.
“The first phase of building can now be delivered, which fits with the vision and aspirations of the local community – and which is already acting as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area,” he added.
“We’re looking forward to working with Southmead Development Trust as the scheme starts to take shape.”
Founded in Bath 36 years ago, Nash Partnership has a team-focused, creative culture geared to working on small and large projects – from individual homes to large-scale urban regeneration projects.
It opened its Bristol office in 2011 and last year added a London office as it continues to win prestigious commissions in the capital and across the South East.
