Work to create the first new socially rented properties for Bath & North East Somerset Council in nearly three decades is due to be completed this autumn.
Cllr Tom Davies; Cllr Kevin Guy; Cllr Richard Samuel; Charles Gerrish, Aequus Chair | Photo © B&NES Council
A Victorian building at 117 Newbridge Hill in Newbridge, which was formerly used as council offices, is currently being converted into seven 1 and 2-bed apartments as one of the first steps in the local authority’s new Council House Building Programme.
Works to install a new roof are nearly complete and the old interiors have been stripped out.
The new internal layouts are progressing, with portioning, electrical and blockwork underway. It is expected the new apartments will be completed in the autumn.
The refurbishment of the building features improved sustainability measures including replacement windows, additional insulation, low energy lighting and A-rated boilers.
A new cycle shelter will also be provided together with a communal electric vehicle charging point.
The apartments are being developed by the council’s own housing company Aequus Construction Ltd.
They will be allocated through Homesearch, the council’s single access point for social housing in the district.
The first phase of the Council House Building Programme for B&NES will provide 58 new council houses for social rent to help meet the demand for affordable homes in the area.
The homes will be designed, delivered and owned directly by the council.
Councillor Tom Davies, cabinet member for Council House Building, said: “The refurbishment of 117 Newbridge Hill is now well advanced and will make a valuable contribution to providing affordable homes in B&NES when they become available later this year.
“High property prices and rents in the city render them too expensive for many people, so we are committed to delivering homes that offer a realistic prospect for residents.
“Our Council House Building Programme also includes a commitment to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.
“I’m pleased that despite the age of 117 Newbridge Hill, the apartments will include sustainable measures to lower the building’s carbon footprint and create a healthy indoor environment for future residents.”
Charles Gerrish, the Aequus Chair, said: “We are pleased to be working with the Council to support the delivery of its affordable housing programme helping to support greater housing choice and quality in line with our company aims.”
The sale of the building on Newbridge Hill from Bath & North East Somerset Council to Aequus for almost half a million pounds less than its market value was challenged last year.
The reasoning behind the discount was to stop the property from being turned into a single luxury home or rented out to students or tourists.
Conservative councillors had said the “gross” undervaluation of 117 Newbridge Hill was at best unjustified and at worst “financially irresponsible in the extreme”.
Councillor Richard Samuel, the Liberal Democrat cabinet member for resources who signed off on the sale, dismissed the challenge as “spurious and politically motivated”.
