Breaking ground at Baltic Wharf in Bristol
The start of construction at Baltic Wharf was officially marked by a traditional groundbreaking ceremony. The scheme will deliver a major new harbourside neighbourhood for Bristol and will see 166 new homes, 40% of which will be for affordable tenures.
The event was attended by Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, and Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the council’s Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, alongside colleagues from Bristol City Council and representatives from Hill, Goram Homes, SNG and Homes England.
Baltic Wharf is being delivered through a joint venture between Hill and Goram Homes and the development will provide 66 affordable homes, owned and managed by SNG. Of these, 50 will be for social rent, available to people on Bristol’s housing register, and 16 will be for Shared Ownership.
Located on Spike Island, this new neighbourhood will feature one, two and three-bedroom apartments, flexible commercial spaces, and landscaped public areas. The development will transform a previously restricted section of the harbourside into a publicly accessible open space with new social and community areas. Plans include a café and flexible commercial spaces, creating a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. The development will reconnect the River Avon with the Floating Harbour, establishing new pedestrian links and outdoor spaces for the wider community to enjoy.
Designed with sustainability in mind, Baltic Wharf will feature energy-efficient measures such as green roofs, air-source heat pumps, solar PV panels, and extensive cycle storage.
The first homes will be available from spring 2027.
James Gibson, SNG - Regional Managing Director - West commented: “It’s fantastic to see work starting on this important development at Baltic Wharf. SNG is proud to be providing 66 affordable homes of which 50 will be available for social rent and 16 through shared ownership, helping more people access quality housing in a highly desirable location. Through our partnership with The Hill Group and Goram Homes, we’re supporting Bristol’s long-term housing goals and creating homes that people can be proud of.”
Cllr Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, said: “I was delighted to attend the groundbreaking at Baltic Wharf. These will be homes for everyone, not just the wealthy, giving people the chance to build their lives together right in the heart of Bristol. And this is only happening because we’re working together to build affordable and social rent homes.
“The groundbreaking brings us a step closer to delivering much-needed new and affordable homes that Bristol urgently requires. This milestone is a great example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration. Together, the council, Goram Homes, and The Hill Group are transforming a challenging brownfield site into a vibrant new neighbourhood, right in the heart of our city.
“This development reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to tackling Bristol’s housing crisis by creating high-quality, sustainable homes that genuinely meet local need.”
Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, comments: “We are delighted to mark the start of construction at Baltic Wharf, a development that will transform this prominent brownfield site into a sustainable and inclusive new neighbourhood. Working in partnership with Goram Homes and Bristol City Council, we are creating publicly accessible landscaped open spaces in the area that was previously closed off. We look forward to delivering high-quality homes and vibrant public spaces that will enrich Bristol’s harbourside for generations to come.”
Stephen Baker, Managing Director of Goram Homes, said: “Breaking ground at Baltic Wharf is a significant milestone for our partnership with The Hill Group and for Bristol. Together, we’re unlocking a complex site to deliver much-needed homes, 40% of which will be affordable. These homes are also beautifully designed and energy efficient. Baltic Wharf demonstrates that with an innovative approach, there are solutions for addressing Bristol’s housing crisis even in the very heart of the city.”