Socius, alongside our partners, ethical investor FORE Partnership and integrated retirement community operator Amicala are pleased to announce that proposals for St Christopher's Square have been submitted for planning.
Following a detailed design, consultation and engagement process, which has been led by Socius, the proposed plans for St Christopher’s Square will deliver one of the first net zero communities in the UK with 122 homes for seniors as well as a café, wellness centre, and activity rooms.
St Christopher’s Square will be built to the highest levels of sustainability, designed using low carbon construction techniques and materials. In operation, the development will be net zero carbon and fossil fuel free, generating on-site solar energy through solar PVs and drawing energy from 100% renewable electricity. BREAAM Outstanding is being targeted as well as Platinum WELL and WiredScore ratings.
The plans have been submitted following extensive local community engagement and consultation and the proposals comprise the sustainable refurbishment of the existing heritage buildings on the site, including the Grade II listed Grace House, as well as a new collection of two storey cottages and four low-rise blocks.
The designs feature extensive open space, which will include a range of different types of gardens including sensory gardens and community food growing spaces designed to promote sustainable living and the wellbeing of residents. The landscaping has been designed by architects Stride Treglown, with the aim of generating a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%.
St Christopher’s Square is expected to bring a package of socio-economic benefits to Bristol including 33 new full time jobs and jobs for disadvantaged groups. The development will deliver social and economic value of up to £36.3 million.
