DEVELOPMENT: COMPLETED OCTOBER 2017 LOCATION: KEYNSHAM, BRISTOL CLIENT: ST MONICA TRUST
The Chocolate Quarter, Assisted Living, Keynsham
Assisted Living
The assisted Living accommodation is provided in Blocks A and B of the Former Cadbury’s Chocolate factory buildings in Keynsham.
Originally the home of Fry’s Chocolate, and more latterly Cadburys, the buildings were part of a site acquired by Taylor Wimpey SMT purchased the site and KWL Architects were appointed to develop a scheme to create a state-of-the-art non-gated Care Village.
The development comprises of three inter-connected blocks A, B and C. Block A has been converted to provide a total of 106 apartments with two additional floors built off the factory roof that has been inset and finished in zinc cladding, a philosophy that continues across the development and identifying all the new additions to the original buildings. A large two- storey atrium is provided on the western elevation which has been designed as a multi- functional amenity space for relaxing, play, entertainment and socialising. All circulation to individual apartments are accessed from the west side of the building allowing uninterrupted long distant views to the river Avon and countryside beyond.
Block B has been converted and extended at ground floor level to provide all the communal facilities for all residents including restaurant, bistro, bar, hairdressing, Barber shop, swimming pool, fitness centre, cinema, pottery, woodwork & arts studio, and a chapel. A 93 Bedroom Care Home is accommodated over three floors with the top two floors housing a further 30 Assisted living apartments with a large glazed rooflight to the top floor level.
A podium deck to the Northern end of the site conceals an upper and lower basement level car parking with parking for residents provided at surface level with a small number underground.
Between blocks A and B roof top terraces over the new link provides first floor level gardens for the residents of the Assisted Living apartments to enjoy with large spaces for relaxing, gardening and BBQs.
The Chocolate Quarter enjoys a commanding location in the heart of Keynsham and as SMT’s first intergenerational development is open to the local community and wider public. This project is one of the first of its type in the UK.
It has been a huge success for our client and was officially opened by HRH Princess Royal on the 13 th April 2018 and has attracted both national and international interest and since been shortlisted for the 2018 Housing Design Awards.
