Full construction works to provide 15 social rent homes at Delabere Avenue in Oldbury Court have now started.

Led by Bristol housing association Brighter Places, the development of two-bed flats will include two adaptable/accessible flats to support independent living. As social rent homes they will be available at around 50% less than local market rent.

The comfortable, energy-efficient homes are being built using carbon-reducing technologies to reduce energy bills for tenants.  A fabric-first approach will use building materials to reduce energy consumption plus Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems will reduce moisture and keep the homes warm.

The development project also includes improvements to the neighbouring Oldbury Court Out of School Club (OOSC). Project contractor EG Carters & Co Ltd completed a new ramp for wheelchair users plus a secure parking area with CCTV in time for the autumn school term.

The development has been supported by affordable housing funding from Homes England and Bristol City Council, plus additional funding from Brighter Places.  Following a delay due to the impacts of Covid-19, EG Carters were appointed as the new development partner in spring 2025.  With full works now starting on site the development is scheduled for completion in winter 2026.

Anna Klimczak, CEO of Brighter Places said; “At Brighter Places, we focus on contributing to communities by creating energy efficient affordable homes for local people that they are proud to call home. So we are delighted that all the homes at Delabere Avenue will be available at social rent and that the scheme is supporting a local community asset with improvements to the Oldbury Court Out of School club.”

Mathew Vye, Residential Director from EG Carters and Co Ltd said; “We’re excited to begin construction work at Oldbury Court where we’ll be delivering 15 much-needed new homes. It’s fantastic to be working in partnership with Brighter Places on a project that will have such a positive impact on the local community. We look forward to bringing these homes to life and continuing our strong relationship with the team at Brighter Places.”

Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee at Bristol City Council said; ‘Working with partners like Brighter Places is key to helping us find solutions to our city’s housing supply challenges and achieve our goals for the delivery of affordable, high-quality homes for Bristol.  Everyone should have access to a safe, warm, and affordable home, and I’m delighted to see that construction works for these 15 social rented homes has now started. Thanks to Brighter Places continued commitment towards sustainable delivery, these new affordable homes will also be energy efficient and sustainable, helping to reduce energy bills for future tenants.”

Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants for Homes England, added;

“As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting Brighter Places to achieve their ambitions. The Delabere Avenue development of 15 much-needed social rent homes a prime example of how we are working with partners to achieve our mission of creating thriving communities that people can be proud of.”

Ebi Cole, Board Chair at Oldbury Court Out of School Club said; “We are pleased to see that the construction of these much-needed affordable homes in our community is progressing smoothly.  The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is always our top priority so we appreciate EG Carters’ and Brighter Places’ efforts to minimise disruption to our afterschool activities and maintain safety measures during the construction.

“We are optimistic about the benefits the development will bring to our neighbourhood and the lasting improvements to our environment and excited about the positive impact it will have on our community, especially for the families who will call these new homes their own. We can’t wait to see the end result of this important initiative.”

Councillor Al Al-Maghrabi, Frome Vale ward councillor said; “This exciting new development will include 15 affordable, energy efficient homes including two flats accessible for people with mobility related disabilities – a rarity among new developments. The homes will use building materials that reduce energy consumption and various technologies to reduce moisture and keep the homes and residents warm. This will go a long way in helping to address Bristol’s lack of housing and is a wonderful addition to Frome Vale.

“In addition to all this, the development is also helping the nearby Oldbury Court Out of School Club by providing a ramp for wheelchair access to the club and a space for them to park their minivans.   I am proud to welcome a development like this in our community.”

The development works are overseen by Wellings Partnership on Brighter Places behalf.