October Up-date: The Road to Glencoyne Square 2015 – 2025, and Beyond

Whenever we are out and about in Southmead residents ask us, “Is Glencoyne still happening?” Our answer is always yes! And this year marks 10 years since the project began.

We wanted to share the story so far to highlight what has been achieved, what is currently underway, and what is next on the horizon. The work and passion to complete this fantastic Southmead community-led housing project never stops.

Read on or view our graphic below. As always, our contact details are at the bottom for any questions.

Between 2014 and 2018 we carried out initial consultation and studies; The Southmead Community Plan, the Housing Needs Study, the Southmead Town Centre Vision study, and the Masterplan were all completed.

Between 2018 and 2021 the initial designs and building contractor were ready, but just when the plans were all set, rising costs, technical challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic meant everything slowed right down.

Between 2022 and 2025 we prepared new designs, received a new planning approval, and began our search for a housing partner to build the new homes.  The building design was changed to make it financially viable for enough affordable homes. The volume of work at the Council delayed their planning decisions. There was national uncertainty about funding for affordable housing.

2025 and beyond: Design coordination is finished. We are looking for a like-minded housing provider who can supply quality housing and begin construction.

Did you know many community-led schemes can stretch well beyond 10 years? The reasons can be:

• Size and ambition of the project
• Level of community involvement
• Availability of funding and land
• Legal and planning hurdles

We are proud to ensure that the plans for new homes on Glencoyne Square are the best for the Southmead Community, and that the project is one of the largest community-led housing schemes in the UK. If you have any questions, please email: info@southmead.org, or call 0117 950 3335.

The Road to Glencoye (2)