Bristol will be the first city in the UK to have dedicated cycle housing conceived for cycle orientated families if preliminary designs released by developers Squarepeg get the go ahead from the City Council.

The proposed cycle housing, which fronts on to the Bristol to Bath cycle path, is part of an extensive mixed use regeneration project for the Elizabeth Shaw Chocolate Factory, which will be submitted for planning in September of this year. The development borders the cycle path at Greenbank and accessibility to the path is a key part of the scheme.

Architects Acanthus Ferguson Mann, are working with Squarepeg on the Chocolate Factory scheme, and are responsible for the development of the cycle house concept. George Ferguson, Chairman of AFM, who came up with the idea said, “The design is still evolving in consultation with Sustrans, and we have already received positive feedback from national organisations for the idea”.

The three bedroom, 3 to 4-storey homes will have dual aspect, but are designed to front on to the cycle path in contrast to the tradition of backing onto what was a railway line. The plan is to use a palette of materials and colours that complement the site and natural environment of the cycle path. The roof terraces create private outdoor spaces for families and there is a natural rhythm to the shape and style of the design which can be designed to suit the location. The sedum roof will also encourage wildlife, reinforcing the vision of an urban greenway.

"We see this as potentially making a serious national contribution to the drive for sustainable housing and to the natural surveillance of the paths."

Developer Steve Storey of Squarepeg.

The homes aim to meet high sustainability standards - for more information read the "Energy efficient housing" article

Venue: The Pickle Factory,
All Hallows Road, Easton

Date: Friday 18th July

Time: 2pm - 7pm

Date: Saturday 19th July

Time: 10am - 2pm

Achieving the vision

Following the excellent support for April’s exhibition, Squarepeg has announced a second exhibition will be held in July, using the same venue.

Over 140 people came to review the initial proposals for The Chocolate Factory. Squarepeg took on board many of the suggestions made both at and since the exhibition. The designs which will be on view at the exhibition encompass these suggestions and will hopefully be close to a finished scheme.

Squarepeg’s Steve Storey said, "From the outset, our vision has been to create a development that is both financially and environmentally sustainable, whilst both involving and enhancing the local and wider neighbourhood."

From the feedback we have received so far, you think the Chocolate Factory development is a great opportunity for the area.

The final planning application will be submitted to the Council in early September 2008. So come along to the exhibition and see how the plans have developed with your help.

The exhibition dates are Friday 18th July from 2pm to 7pm and Saturday 19th July from 10am to 2pm.

Venue: The Pickle Factory, All Hallows Road, Easton.