The first build-to-rent development in Bristol has been launched, ushering in a new type of accommodation that aims to fill a gap in the city’s highly competitive housing market.
The 194-apartment Hawkins & George scheme at Finzels Reach, opposite Castle Park in the city centre, is operated by London-based Grainger, the UK’s leading provider of rental homes. 
It is expected to be the first of more than 2,000 such apartments to be developed in Bristol over the next two years to help meet spiralling demand for housing in the city, according to a forecast by property consultancy JLL.
Build-to-rent schemes across the UK attracted more than £6bn of investment last year. Unlike the wider private rental sector, build-to-rent schemes are designed specifically for a community of people renting their homes, are managed by a single professional landlord and investor and offer a range of services and communal spaces from a 24-hour concierge to guest and event spaces to hire.
While residents benefit from this emphasis on quality, community and service, the model also provides a valuable long-term asset for investors, while for developers, improved cashflow means the homes can be delivered quicker than traditional homes.
Grainger launched the country’s largest build-to-rent development outside of London in Salford Quays, Manchester, last year and was recently selected by Transport for London to provide 3,000 homes across London.
It said it was now setting out to transform the Bristol rental market by raising standards and offering occupiers greater certainty and flexibility through its optional longer-term tenancies and what it calls a strong focus on community, customer service, and convenience and ease for renters. 
The modern waterside development, which has been built by Finzels Reach’s Bristol-based developer Cubex, includes two distinct buildings – Hawkins Lane and George’s Wharf – providing private, purpose-built rental accommodation.
The scheme offers a range of apartment types from furnished and unfurnished studios, to one and two-bedroom homes, with prices starting from £895 a month.
Residents also benefit from the range of amenities included in the rent such as an on-site gym, Wi-Fi, a residents’ lounge, a dining room and roof terrace with views over Bristol, pictured right, bike storage and co-working space, pictured top.
Grainger will manage Hawkins & George directly, with professional services including a concierge and dedicated onsite management team.
The opening comes as Finzels Reach continues to emerge as a new mixed-use quarter for the city, bringing together homes and businesses with artisan food and drink outlets, including a new craft brewery and bar run by Bristol’s Left Handed Giant.
The development has already attracted Channel 4, which is opening its new regional creative hub in its Fermentation Buildings, along with creative studio OUTLAW and Historic England and English Heritage. 
Grainger chief executive Helen Gordon said: “Our aim at Grainger is to redefine the rental experience, and in Bristol we will do this by creating an exciting new community at Finzels Reach that combines the flexibility of renting with professional services to give our residents the best rental experience possible. This launch marks another key milestone in Grainger’s growth plans.”
Hawkins & George resident services manager Salima Cherrad added: “It’s very exciting to be part of this new community.
“Our residents will benefit from an impressive range of amenities as well as professional service from the Grainger team. We think the roof terrace with its fantastic views of the city is going to be hugely popular.”
Cubex executive director Gavin Bridge said Hawkins & George made up one of the final pieces of the jigsaw in the creation of the first phase of Finzels Reach.
“We’ve paid careful attention to developing a mixed and balanced community of homes, workspace and social spaces,” he said.
“Hawkins & George provides much-needed homes through the innovative build-to-rent model, where residents essentially rent the building rather than an apartment, benefiting from an emphasis on high-quality communal spaces and customer service.”
Cubex is planning a further 250 build-to-rent apartments on the former Avon Fire and Rescue headquarters site as part of the next phase of Finzels Reach.
Around the city there are also build-to-rent schemes at both concept and construction stages at Bedminster Green, Temple Quay, Castle Park View and around Ashton Gate stadium, where there are plans for a new community next to the proposed basketball arena.
