Homes plan Council to start work this year at site of derelict pub
THE redevelopment of a derelict pub in Lockleaze into affordable homes could begin within the year, according to Bristol City Council.
The Gainsborough has lain empty since it closed in 2010 and was gutted by a fire four years ago.
Councillors approved a compulsory purchase order for the premises in September, 2019 along with a nearby semi-detached house at 16 Branwhite Close but were forced to re-approve a second CPO in May 2022, as too much time had elapsed since the original decision. Planning permission had been obtained for 48 homes to be built on the site, all classed as affordable, with a ‘majority’ likely to be new council houses.
Despite this, the burned-out pub has remained an eyesore, with little evidence of redevelopment taking place. The council has revealed that barring any legal challenges, it will be the legal owner of the pub in late August and hopes work can start on site later this year.
Councillor Tom Renhard, cabinet member for housing delivery and homes, said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to tackle the housing shortage in the city and making sure that this affordable council-owned housing scheme, which will provide homes to 47 families, can be delivered.
“It is not just about the number of new homes we build. We are committed to developing mixed and balanced communities, working hard to make sure any new homes are suitable for the surrounding local area. Lockleaze is going through a big transformation at the moment, and we are working hard to make sure all the developments complement each other, as well as bringing forward additional amenities for community members to use.
“As well as enabling the housing development, the demolition of the pub will come as a relief to local people, as it has become an eye sore and a target for fly-tipping and graffiti in recent years. I look forward to finally being able to break ground on this site, hopefully later this year.”
The pub on Gainsborough Square stood in a state of disrepair for many years before the CPO was made. The property owner was recently fined after failing to take care of the site and two other buildings in the city that they own or manage.
The council claims it made several approaches to buy the property at full market value. But as the owners were unwilling to sell, it took the CPO route to acquire the property.
A report made to cabinet members last year said that the owners of 16 Branwhite Close had accepted an offer on the basis that the family living there would be rehoused. Up to £700,000 had been set aside for the purchases and associated costs from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, while various other Whitehall sources have been secured for the long-term regeneration of the area.