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The Hill Group has been signed to take on construction of a 166-home harbourside development on Bristol’s Spike Island, in joint venture with Goram Homes, Bristol City Council’s housing company .

The development is moving forwards on the back of a deal with social housing provider Sovereign Network Group (SNG) to purchase 66 of the homes, with 50 for social rent and 16 for shared ownership.

The development, which was approved by councillors in April 2024, will provide a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. New landscaped public spaces will open a section of the floating harbour that has not been accessible for decades, while space for cafés and retail will help create a new waterside destination.

Baltic Wharf is the fifth development from Goram Homes, which brings the number of homes either complete or in construction by the council-owned housing company to more than 800.

Goram Homes managing director Stephen Baker said: “Our joint venture with The Hill Group marks a major milestone and moves Baltic Wharf into the delivery phase. Our focus is now on creating these high-quality, energy-efficient homes. We’re particularly proud that 40% of these will be affordable, directly addressing Bristol’s urgent housing need in a desirable, central location.

“As with all our projects, a significant share of any profit will be reinvested back into Bristol, either directly or through future housing provision.”

Hill Group chief executive Andy Hill said: “Baltic Wharf will not only provide much-needed affordable housing but will also create vibrant public spaces that enrich and enhance Bristol’s harbourside. We look forward to starting construction and seeing this ambitious vision come to life.”

Cllr Barry Parsons, chair of the city council’s homes and housing policy committee, added: “This is a pivotal moment for Baltic Wharf. With Goram Homes and The Hill Group’s partnership formalised, we can look forward to dozens more homes for those households with the greatest need of housing, in the heart of the city. We can also confirm that the affordable homes will be owned and managed by the social housing provider SNG.

“Baltic Wharf demonstrates what’s possible when we unlock the potential of challenging sites through strong partnerships. The delivery of 66 affordable homes reflects Goram Homes’ commitment to working collaboratively to bring forward the homes our city so urgently needs, despite significant viability challenges for the Baltic Wharf development.

“This important announcement also confirms our commitment to delivering affordable housing in this city by every means possible, recognising that direct management by the council is not the only solution.”

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