The long-awaited redevelopment the former Grange school site in Warmley is a step closer.
South Gloucestershire Council has agreed the masterplan for the 12-hectare brownfield site. It includes up to160 properites, of which 56 will be so-called “affordable homes”.
The scheme will see more than half of the land used as a community sports hub.This will include grass and artificial pitches, netball courts and a clubhouse.
The site is owned by the council, which received funding from Homes England to prepare it for development. It will be marketed to potential builders later this year, with a decision expected by the end of 2026 on who will lead the development.
Once a constructor has been selected, final designs, plans and a full project timeline will be brought forward.
The council will also begin a process engaging with local organisations, groups and sports clubs to determine how the new sports facilities will be managed and operated. The planning permission guarantees that the new facilities will be available for community use.
South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for corporate resources, Cllr Adam Monk, said: “The development of this site will bring the space back into productive use for the community, helping do deliver not just new homes, but space for local people to enjoy and participate in sports in their area.
“We have worked hard with partners and stakeholders, including Homes England to develop a masterplan for the site that will benefit the whole community.”
South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for planning, regeneration and Infrastructure, Cllr Chris Willmore, said: “These new homes and sports facilities will be developed at the same time as a condition of the planning consent we’ve granted. It is a brownfield site, but more than half of it will be given over to the sports hub. It means that new residents, existing clubs and groups and the wider community will all benefit.
“More affordable homes are what we know our younger generations need to have the option to live locally, and we are committed to making sure that where development happens it will bring community benefits for years to come.”
The Grange School closed in 2016 and most of the buildings were demolished in 2021. One was turned into a base for Majestics gym in 2023. Digitech Studio School and Warmley Park School are nearby.