Global design practice BDP is the architect and engineering consultant for this major refurbishment
A £5 million project to fully renovate and refurbish three blocks of flats in Foxhill, Bath, has been completed by housing association Curo, global interdisciplinary design practice BDP and affordable housing construction company Mi-space, part of the Midas Group.
All 48 flats in the 1960s Bradford Park buildings have been fully refurbished to create homes fit for the future and the first new residents are now moving into the previously vacant properties.
Designed by BDP, which is committed to re-using, refurbishing and refitting existing buildings as the most sustainable solution wherever possible, the project is part of a programme of refurbishment across much of the Foxhill estate.
The importance of re-using buildings was highlighted in a recent report[1] by leading engineering organisations urging the government to stop buildings being demolished, due to the level of CO2 emitted during the construction process and creation of materials. The report argues the construction industry should, where possible, re-use buildings, employ more recycled material and use machinery powered by clean fuels in order to help the UK achieve net zero carbon emissions.
Bradford Park, Foxhill, Bath – before and after
Credit: Rebecca Faith/Curo/Mi-Space
The extensive renovation of Bradford Park flats included the installation of new kitchens, bathrooms and gas boilers as well as fire safety improvements and a full electrical re-wire.
The fully refurbished flats have increased natural light and ventilation, through new floor-to-ceiling, energy efficient windows in homes and communal areas, new roofs and improved insulation. These upgrades are helping to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs for residents.
Work also included fully remodelled internal layouts designed around modern family life, the reconfiguration of communal areas and improvements to external landscaping.
Matthew Mayes, architect director in BDP’s Bristol studio, said:
“Bradford Park Flats is an exemplary project showing how dated buildings can be given a new lease of life, to provide safe, healthy, affordable, and sustainable homes and regenerate a thriving community.”
“Reusing, refurbishing and refitting existing buildings is by far the most sustainable solution to creating homes for the future. This major renovation has transformed the previously dated flats to create stylish and comfortable homes, with more natural light and improved contemporary layouts, whilst increasing energy efficiency and cutting running costs.”
Wayne Ward, Regeneration Programme Manager at Curo, added:
“I’m delighted to welcome residents to the newly refurbished Bradford Park flats. At Curo, ensuring our homes are safe, healthy, affordable and warm is a priority and we’re investing more money than ever before in improving our existing homes through refurbishment projects like this.
“In designing and carrying out this work at Bradford Park, we’ve listened carefully to residents’ priorities and worked closely with the local community. The refurbishment has transformed the buildings inside and outside and will make these homes warmer and more energy efficient for residents.”
AJ Eaton, Divisional Director at Mi-space, said:
“We have worked hard to ensure that as well as bringing a new lease of life to the properties, we have created a positive impact on the local community by maximising local employment through the project and developing the skills of our workforce on site.
“Despite the restrictions caused by the pandemic, we are proud to have delivered this project safely, having worked closely with residents, the wider community and our customer, Curo Group. The transformation is impressive and we are really pleased to complete the refurbishment work to these buildings that will deliver widespread benefits to residents of Bradford Park for years to come.”
Local primary teacher Samira Hussein moved into her new two-bedroom home at Bradford Park in September with her newly born twins, Maleek and Alima. Samira said:
“I have never before moved into somewhere with such an amazing finish and in such good condition. I think that’s what I like most about my new home. I hope that people will look after the building and I’m looking forward to meeting my new neighbours as more people move in.”