We are delighted with the success of our Housing Partnership Summit in Bristol on 17/09/25, held in partnership with Foot Anstey.
The event was well attended by our members and it was a privilege to be joined by Mayor Helen Godwin, who emphasised that housing delivery remains a central priority for MHCLG. The Mayor commended the calibre and insight of the event speakers and reminded delegates that WECA is set to launch its Growth Plan during the week commencing 22 September. The Housing Forum and its members eagerly anticipate the announcement and stand ready to support WECA’s ambitions.
Presentations by our expert speakers included insights into housing policy, sustainability solutions, development partnerships, and the crucial role SME’s in delivering 1.5 million homes.
Key insights:
Anna Clarke provided an update on The Housign Forum’s Roadmap to 1.5 million homes – one year in. Although housing starts are declining, the Govt has been busy with lots of planning reform and progress with policy is good overall.
Paul Butterworth highlighted the recent trend of affordable housing transactions slowing down, but offered tangible solutions such as finalising heads of terms, and ensuring that development plans align with legal boundaries.
Aliki Zeri spoke about Foot Anstey’s sustainability initiatives and the key challenges of retrofit. Solutions include the Energiesprong model, a dutch-born model now spreading across Europe and the UK that is supporting the sector to deliver net-zero energy homes through deep retrofit and new build strategies.
Ed Rowberry and Adam Greenlaugh at BBRC highlighted solutions to the SW regions investment challenges, such as mixed tenure developments and ‘place-based private market accelerator funds’. Ed warned that although Bristol is a great place to be with lots of inward funding, there is an economical risk if the housing affordability issue is not resolved.
Lousie Davidson highlighted the key elements of Bristol City Council’s ambitious affordable homes programme, reflecting on the council’s success in building 465 homes a year on average over the last five years. Louise spoke about the council’s commitment to partnership working and to getting schemes up and running, demonstrated by the council’s willingness to flex on grant funding to ensure that the McArther’s Yard development project went ahead.
Ben Cook went on to illustrate the construction challenges of the McArhter’s Yard scheme, including viability issues, skills shortages, and engagement with local stakeholders. Ben praised Lousie and the team at BCC for their collaborative and flexible approach to the partnership, which produced a wonderful collection of high-quality affordable homes in the heart of the city.
Dan Haines spoke about Hill Group’s growth in affordable housing delivery through its strategic, partnership-first approach. Examples include Southville, Bristol, a redevelopment of the former Wills Tobacco Factory into 106 homes, with 30% designated affordable.
Lawrence Wright gave us insight into the speed at which Helix Group can deliver housing on small sites. 50% of the 1.5 million homes are to be delivered on small sites, stressing the need for a robust and dependable SME sector.
Lunch was followed by a walking tour of the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration project. Thanks to Clem Teagle for an insightful tour.
Thanks to Helen Tilton and colleagues at Foot Anstey for hosting the summit.
Discover upcoming Housing Forum events.
