A DEVELOPER has unveiled its plans for up to 1,600 homes in the middle of Fishponds.
Castel’s Timber Mills development is one of three neighbouring projects, jointly named Atlas Place, which are set to transform the area between the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, Lodge Causeway and Forest Road.
As well as housing, the developer says it will create “green spaces, community facilities, and improved transport links” as part of the scheme.
Castel says it wants residents, businesses, and community groups the chance to “help shape the proposals” at two community drop-in events this month.
It will also launch an online consultation with more details of the plans.
At this stage, the developer says the “key features” of the development are:
*Up to 1,600 energy-efficient homes of “various sizes and styles”, including affordable homes.
Images released by the developer show buildings of between three and eight storeys.
*A central “green spine”, with “pocket parks and biodiverse areas” for recreation and wildlife.
*Improved pedestrian and cycling routes, including connections to the Railway Path, and “easy access to public transport”. The site is close to the junction of Lodge Causeway and Fishponds Road, which is a main bus route to and from the city centre.
*Spaces for shops, services, and facilities.
The development site (outlined in red, above) is north west of Goodneston Road, opposite the former Graphic Packaging International factory, which is another part of the Atlas Place scheme and already has planning permission for 252 homes.
It is on the opposite side of the railway path to Morrisons, between Lodge Causeway and Filwood Road.
Currently the site is home to the Oakwood Park business park, a scaffolding firm and an area used to store vehicles.
The owner of a third Atlas Place site, Central Fishponds Ltd, announced plans in 2023 to build 900 homes including blocks of up to 13 storeys on land currently occupied by industrial buildings Filwood House and Verona House, off Filwood Road.
It has yet to submit a formal planning application.
‘Sustainable neighbourhood’
The project has been named Timber Mills after a timber business on Fishponds Road run by the family behind Castel, which bought the site in the 2000s “with an ambition to regenerate the former industrial site into a sustainable development to benefit the Fishponds and Hillfields community”.
Castel property manager Simon Crocker said: “We’re excited to launch this consultation and hear from the local community about how Timber Mills can contribute positively to the future of Fishponds and Hillfields.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to transform a well-connected brownfield site into a thriving, sustainable neighbourhood, and we want local people to help shape our plans.
“Our vision is to create a community where people can live, work, and relax, with excellent connections to Bristol city centre and beyond. We encourage everyone to get involved, share their views, and be part of this conversation.”
Consultation events
The drop-in events will take place at Fishponds Old Library in Fishponds Road on Friday March 21 from 2-7.30pm and Saturday March 22 from 9.30am-1.30pm.
The developer says the events will “give people the chance to explore the vision for Timber Mills, meet the project team, and share their thoughts”.
Plans will also be available online from noon next Monday, March 17, at www.tmfishponds.co.uk, where people can also fill in an feedback survey.
Castel says feedback from the consultation “will play a crucial role in shaping the planning application”, which is expected to be submitted to the city council later this year.
Top picture: Image from Castel shows apartment buildings of up to eight storeys above open space and “central green spine” of Timber Mills development