Green light given for major build-to-rent scheme at historic sawmills

Planning permission has been granted for a major build-to-rent scheme at a historic industrial site.

Bristol City Council’s planning committee has approved PLATFORM_’s plans to redevelop the former Crown Sawmills site in St Jude’s.

The long disused riverside site – most recently used as a party venue by Alfreso Disco – is expected to be transformed into a new neighbourhood with 352 homes, public green space and a range of new amenities, forming part of the wider Frome Gateway regeneration.

The development, with some blocks towering up to 19 storeys high, will deliver a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, alongside 6,000 sq ft of commercial and employment space.

Residents will have access to shared facilities including a gym, co working spaces, a cinema, private dining rooms, rooftop terraces, play areas, allotments and dog grooming facilities – photo: AHMM

Seventy-one homes, nearly 20 per cent of the scheme, will be offered at local housing allowance rents, with a number of apartments designed for wheelchair users.

Residents will have access to shared facilities including a gym, co working spaces, a cinema, private dining rooms, rooftop terraces, play areas, allotments and dog grooming facilities.

At the heart of the scheme will be a new riverside park and a pedestrian bridge across the River Frome, opening public access to the water for the first time in over 100 years.

Designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the 1.8 acre site off Pennywell Road will target strong sustainability standards.

71 homes, nearly 20 per cent of the scheme, will be offered at local housing allowance rents – photo: AHMM

The scheme has received backing from several community figures during the planning phase, including the well-known publican Sam Gregory.

Gregory, who operates six pubs across Bristol including the Crown Tavern near the PLATFORM_ site, said: “St Jude’s is a fantastic location, but it urgently needs investment and regeneration.

“We fully support the proposals put forward by PLATFORM_, which will greatly enhance the area by adding high quality, accessible homes and creating excellent walking and cycling links to the wider city, as well as opening up the waterfront.

“Crucially, these plans will also benefit the local hospitality sector, driving more visitors to businesses like the Crown Tavern and giving us the opportunity to grow and invest further in the community.”

The development stands on the other side of the River Frome from Riverside Park – photo: Martin Booth

The development is expected to tender for a main contractor in the second quarter of 2026, ahead of a Gateway 2 submission at the end of the same year.

Community engagement is already under way, with the site previously hosting events in partnership with Bristol cultural venues Alfresco Disco and The Jam Jar, welcoming more than 2,000 people in a single day.

Jean Marc Vandevivere, chief executive of PLATFORM_, said the decision marked a “major milestone” and would “deliver much needed homes”.

He said: “We are thrilled with the planning committee’s decision, which represents a significant milestone for this important city centre regeneration site.

“This project will deliver a new generation of homes, exceptional public realm and high quality amenities to Bristol, helping to meet the city’s housing needs while creating a thriving new riverside neighbourhood.”

Located just a short walk from Cabot Circus, the long disused riverside site is expected to be transformed into a new neighbourhood with 352 homes – photo: AHMM

Main image: AHMM

Read next:

• Review: Alfresco Disco, Sawmills – ‘A whimsical experience’
• Council-backed housing scheme breaks ground
• Luxury build-to-rent development set to transform former sawmill site