Work has officially begun on Baltic Wharf, a major new harbourside neighbourhood in Bristol that will deliver 166 homes, 40% of which will be affordable.

The groundbreaking marks the start of transforming a brownfield site on Spike Island into a mixed-tenure community with public spaces, commercial areas and improved waterside access.

The milestone was attended by senior representatives from Bristol City Council, Hill Group, Goram Homes, Sovereign Network Group (SNG) and Homes England.

The scheme is being delivered through a joint venture between The Hill Group and Goram Homes, with 66 of the homes to be owned and managed by SNG. Fifty will be for social rent and 16 for shared ownership, contributing to the council’s goals to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city.

Council leaders highlighted the role of partnership in unlocking development on a challenging site and emphasised that the project supports Bristol’s wider strategy to tackle housing need through high-quality, sustainable and accessible homes.

-- Advertisement --

The Hill Group said the project will open up an area of the harbourside previously closed to the public, creating landscaped open spaces and amenities alongside the new housing. Goram Homes noted that 40% affordable housing and strong energy performance standards demonstrate how innovative delivery models can address Bristol’s housing pressures in central urban locations. SNG said the development would increase access to affordable homes in a high-demand setting while supporting long-term housing objectives for the city.

Situated on Spike Island, Baltic Wharf will consist of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, flexible commercial space and new landscaped areas. The development will create new pedestrian connections, reconnecting the River Avon with the Floating Harbour, and establishing community spaces including a café and public seating areas.

Sustainability measures will include green roofs, air-source heat pumps, solar panels and extensive cycle storage, supporting Bristol’s ambitions for reduced car dependency. The site is within cycling distance of Temple Meads station and close to Metrobus links.

Baltic Wharf has received £2.4 million in funding from the Government's Brownfield Land Release Fund through the One Public Estate programme, which supports councils in regenerating unused land for housing.

The first homes are scheduled for completion in spring 2027.