News / Development

Luxury build-to-rent development set to transform former sawmill site

By Martin Booth  Monday Mar 3, 2025

More than 350 build-to-rent flats could be built overlooking the River Frome on the site of a former sawmill.

The 1.8 acre site off Pennywell Road in St Jude’s sits within the Frome Gateway, with its London-based developer hoping to create “a vibrant, sustainable residential community”.

On-site amenities for residents within the planning application from Platform include a cinema room, private dining room and a dog grooming facility.

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Two rooftop terraces spanning 5,000sq ft promise panoramic views while allotments at ground level will enable residents to grow their own food.

The proposed development just a few hundred metres from Cabot Circus will contain studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom build-to-rent (BTR) flats, 20 per cent of which will be available at affordable rents.

Four commercial spaces are also said to “have been carefully designed with local makers, creatives and small business in mind”

On-site amenities for residents within the planning application include a cinema room, private dining room and a dog grooming facility – image: Platform

Platform CEO, Jean-Marc Vandevivere, said: “Bristol currently has just four operational BTR developments, meaning the provision of high-quality, purpose-built rental accommodation is far below that of other leading regional cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

“Our proposed development opens up a historic city centre site that has been inaccessible to the public for over a century, retaining part of its heritage while offering unmatched amenities, accessibility and sustainability.

“Working with an expert project team, we have developed a unique and flexible residential offering that meets the needs of modern renters while creating a truly inclusive community.”

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

Main image: Platform

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