A former railway depot in the heart of Gloucester is being transformed into a major new housing development, with 113 affordable homes now under construction for local families.
Housing provider Bromford, part of Bromford Flagship, acquired the southern phase of the Great Western Yard site earlier this year, and demolition work is now under way. The homes form just over a third of the 315 properties planned for the site off Great Western Road, close to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Once complete, the development will breathe new life into a long-disused industrial area, continuing its legacy of serving the local community.
Adam Crompton, Senior Pre-Contract Manager at Bromford, said the start of work marked a fresh chapter for the site.
“With work demolishing the disused buildings now under way, this is a fresh start for the site,” he said. “It has a long history of supporting the community through the rail network, and we’re proud to be part of its next steps.
“This sustainable new development will help a new community flourish, and we’re very happy to offer local families somewhere affordable, safe and secure to live where they can thrive.”
The homes will include 72 properties for affordable rent, which will be allocated to households on the local council waiting list and let at around 80 per cent of market rent. A further 41 homes will be available through shared ownership, helping residents take their first steps onto the property ladder by combining renting with buying a share of their home.
Contractors David Horton Ltd and R2 Contracting have played a key role in clearing the former railway buildings and are supporting the construction of the new homes.
Daniel Horton, Director at David Horton Contractors, said the project was particularly rewarding.
“We’ve been working with Bromford for more than 15 years and we’re really pleased to be doing so again here, with support from R2,” he said. “Projects like these are always special because we’re helping turn old, unused buildings into valuable new homes. I can’t wait to see the development come together.”
The scheme has been designed with sustainability in mind. The homes will use timber frames built off-site, reducing construction time and improving energy efficiency. Each property will be heated using air source heat pumps and fitted with electric vehicle charging points, while apartment blocks will also feature solar panels on their roofs.
Residents will benefit from parking for 125 cars, secure storage for 234 bicycles, and a children’s playground within the development.
Families are expected to begin moving into the new homes from autumn 2027, with the full development scheduled for completion by spring 2029.