Hub, in a collaborative effort with Bridges Fund Management, has marked a new chapter in Bath’s urban development by acquiring a strategically located 4.5-acre brownfield site. This £18.5 million acquisition near Bath city centre is poised to invigorate the Bath Western Riverside enterprise area, addressing the acute need for quality rental housing in the city.

This project plans to overhaul the site into a mixed-use scheme, promising a considerable influx of Build-to-Rent (BTR) and affordable homes. The scheme also envisions incorporating commercial spaces and enhancing the surrounding public areas, contributing to the broader regeneration efforts in the region.

Damien Sharkey, the managing director at Hub, stressed the city’s urgent requirement for professionally managed rental properties. He conveyed his enthusiasm for this project’s potential to meet these needs, reflecting Hub’s dedication to developing BTR communities that enrich local neighbourhoods and cities.

Sharkey also underscored the project’s commitment to engaging with the community, revealing plans to work closely with local residents in designing the development to ensure it meets their needs. Additionally, Hub is considering temporary uses for the site in the near future, demonstrating their commitment to providing immediate benefits to the community.

Simon Ringer, representing Bridges Fund Management, emphasised the development’s synergy with contemporary living standards, focusing on delivering sustainable, appealing homes. He noted the strong demand for such living environments in major UK cities, with this project poised to fulfil these requirements.

CBRE played an advisory role for Hub and Bridges in this acquisition, while Knight Frank represented the seller.

This development is not just about addressing the housing shortage in Bath but also represents a vital investment in the city’s future, marrying sustainability with the demands of modern living.