Housing construction and development company Aequus, which was set up by Bath & North East Somerset Council to create sustainable homes that meet local demand, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for its redevelopment of the council’s former offices in Keynsham.
The 1960s building had been derelict for three years when Aequus took possession following the relocation of council staff to Keynsham’s new Civic Centre in 2015.
The company transformed the office block, now named Riverside View, into 95 high-end, spacious and affordable contemporary studios and one and two-bedroom apartments, all of which have now been sold.
The scheme, Aequus’ first, has been shortlisted in the housing category of the annual LGC Awards run by the Local Government Chronicle, where it is up against a strong field of 10 other council-led developments.
The Riverside View apartments include electric-only heating, composite double-glazed windows, energy efficient doors and cost saving low energy LED lighting. All apartments come with fully fitted kitchens, complete with misting sprinklers and have a high-speed fibre internet connection.
Council deputy leader and cabinet member for resources and economic development, Cllr Richard Samuel, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Aequus’ work on the Riverside View development, which forms a key part of Keynsham’s regeneration.
“It has created a new community and breathed new life into a previously empty office building.
“The development exemplifies the aims and values of the council in providing affordable energy efficient sustainable homes.
“It’s no wonder Riverside View has already won a host of awards and I wish the Aequus team every success as they make their final pitch to the judges.”
Aequus supports the council’s objectives to improve the supply, quality and quantity of homes available in the area by redeveloping disused properties. Its profits are used to deliver services for residents and reduce public costs.
The firm has also developed nine energy-efficient family homes at St Joseph’s Court on Sladebrook Road, Southdown, and is to recently began a 12-month project to convert a building on Newbridge Hill into six apartments.
At Riverside View it adopted a ‘think local’ approach to procurement, including using local businesses such as website designers and sales agents, sourcing materials locally such as site staff PPE and developing ‘healthy lifestyle’ offers for homeowners, including discounted memberships at a nearby gym.
Aequus will present its entry to the LGC Awards judging panel on September 24. The winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony on November 4 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
Pictured: Top, Riverside View as it is now, and, above, when it was council offices
