August 22, 2017
PREMIER INN BEING PUT TO BED
The 168 bedroom hotel at Finzels Reach is in the final stages of construction. By the Autumn it will be open for guests bringing great opportunities for local businesses. The scaffolding is now coming down to reveal the finished elevations, while workers inside are putting the final touches to the internal services. It will soon be handed over to Whitbread for them to carry out operational checks.
Shane Pomery from Dickson Powell told us: “The method of construction is particularly efficient, for example bringing in completed pods for the bathrooms. These are simply lifted into place and connected up. If you thought the final stage of the build has passed by in double quick time, that’s the reason why.”
CASK STORE COMPLETION
With all but two of the 38 luxury apartments now sold, Cask Store will soon be a thriving community of its very own. Apart from some snagging procedures Cask Store will be all but completed in July. The first residents are already moving in and, if you are one of them, we’re very pleased to welcome you to Finzels Reach. The remaining residents will be taking possession of their wonderful new homes in stages. You’ll also notice that the outside of the building is now in the process being landscaped. This will include the finishing of the planters in the North Courtyard, softening the landscape and adding some natural colour.
FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH
May 5th saw the inaugural Finzels Reach street market. You can now enjoy delicious street food every Friday between 12 and 2pm. Up to 10 stalls sell everything from traditional pies to sushi – and it’s been getting some rave reviews. The street market has not just tickled Bristol’s taste buds, it’s also brought Finzels Reach to life. Up to 300 people have enjoyed the atmosphere over the last few Fridays, many strolling over the graceful new Castle Bridge to eat al-fresco in Castle Park.
NOW OPEN: CASTLE BRIDGE
The new pedestrian and cycle bridge was officially opened on 7th April. After a public vote it has been named Castle Bridge. Gavin Bridge, director of developers Cubex, and local musician, Barry Walsh, one of the people who originally suggested the name, jointly cut the ribbon for Bristol’s newest landmark. “Castle Bridge sums up the history of the place perfectly – given it was in the shadow of the castle for hundreds of years. It’s a beautiful bridge and a real honour to have been chosen to help name and open it,” said Barry. The ferry landing stage in Castle Park has also seen a £30,000 upgrade as part of the work. This will improve access to the boats and increase ferry passenger numbers including the new commuter service.
BRISTOL’S FIRST PRIVATE RENTAL SCHEME
Willmott Dixon has started work on 194 new apartments at Hawkins Lane and George’s Wharf. These are Bristol’s very first PRS (Private Rental Scheme) specifically designed to provide affordable, longterm rental homes. Grainger, the UK’s biggest private landlord, has purchased the buildings. The company provides quality, affordable homes for families, young couples and even downsizers who choose not
to buy. Rents are set using the Shelter guidance that they will be no more than 30% of a person’s income. These contemporary one, two and three bed apartments will have access to an excellent range of communal facilities, including a rooftop terrace as well as WiFi and fibre optics. The ground floor of each block will be reserved for leisure and retail use.” Gavin Bridge, Director of Cubex Land, said: “Grainger has an excellent reputation in providing affordable housing of great quality. We are very pleased to welcome them as part of the Finzels Reach community.”
AURORA STILL RISING
This exceptional headquarter building will provide an inspiring working environment and sets a new benchmark for sustainable office development in Bristol. The work on Aurora is now going full steam ahead with the third and fourth floor completed and now moving on to the fifth floor out of seven. This will be followed in due course by the exterior cladding and installation of all the services. Work is on target and proceeding extremely well towards the anticipated completion date of June 2018.