A planning application has been submitted for more than 200 new retirement homes at the massive Brabazon development underway north of Bristol. A new section of the neighbourhood has been revealed, with facilities such as a spa, restaurant, boules, yoga and a library for residents living in the retirement complex.
Developers behind the huge project at the former Filton Airfield, YTL Developments, confirmed that the latest plans include the development of 239 one- and two-bedroom properties, which have been designed by architects at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB). The design is inspired by the style of historic ‘mansion houses’ which encourage communities to grow around shared facilities.
Brabazon could eventually accommodate up to 6,500 homes, neighbouring the new Bristol Arena that YTL is also building. The homes are being built in phases, with the first already completed and occupied, and there will also be facilities including a new public park.
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A spokesperson for YTL said of the newly-announced retirement homes: “Residents will be able to relax in the landscaped grounds, take a walk around a meadow designed to encourage wildlife, or enjoy the sunshine from a peaceful roof garden.
“Internally the carefully considered communal spaces will include a comfortable lounge in which to play games or to gather with friends, a restaurant and bar to act as a social hub, as well as a library and well-being suite with spa facilities and activity rooms.”
There will also be an extensive calendar of events, such as boules or yoga on the outside lawn. This aims to encourage a sense of community and social bonds.
YTL said the 'continuing care retirement community' will also feature 24/7, flexible on-site support from a trained care team which will be registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The design will also include fully-integrated call points and assistance buttons.
Sebastian Loyn, planning and development director at YTL Developments, said: “The changing needs of our ageing society means there is an increasing demand for special housing and care. These homes are designed to enable residents to be more active, more social and more independent in their retirement years.”
The retirement properties will be located close to Aerospace Bristol Museum and bordered on three sides by green public spaces. Landscaped pedestrian walkways will provide links to Brabazon Train Station, Brabazon Park and the heritage trail through to the new social hub at Hangar 16U.
There will also be traffic-free routes to the shops, cafes and restaurants in the heart of Brabazon. This will allow older residents to remain active with no need to worry about crossing roads.
The design of the properties has also ensured sustainability with no fossil-fuel based heating, with generous balconies and picture windows to maximise natural light. Rachel Sayers, partner at FCB Studios said: “This landscape-led proposal features mansion blocks arranged around a central, communal garden and is designed to sit within a wider context of new parks and green spaces that are a feature of the new neighbourhood at Brabazon.”
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- How Bristol Arena's two roof design should stop noise from annoying neighbours
