RED Construction Group has been awarded the £13.5m contract to deliver 44 extra-care apartments for the St Monica Trust at The Chocolate Quarter retirement village in Keynsham near Bristol.
RED Construction’s South West team will carry out the works which include the removal of an existing basement, construction of a five-storey block of 44 extra-care apartments, a communal café, a basement plant room, cycle store and extensive associated external works.
The external façade will preserve the heritage style of the former Fry’s chocolate factory, with an SFS and Y-Wall inner skin enveloped by a traditional brick outer façade treatment and glazing, leading out onto a balcony terrace for each flat. The works are expected to complete in September 2025.
David Williams, chief executive of St Monica Trust, said: “The building of Block D not only marks the completion of the trust’s redevelopment of the former Fry’s chocolate factory, but it also fulfils our original commitment to provide affordable housing for the local community. We are thrilled to have appointed RED Construction South West to deliver the final phase of the project, not only because of the team’s exceptional technical capabilities, but because they share that same spirit of community, and their expertise in the local area is unparalleled.”
RED Construction South West managing director, Derek Quinn, added: “We are delighted to be working with St Monica Trust to deliver the last phase of this prestigious development that is sewn into the fabric of Bristol’s history. Not only that, but providing much needed high-quality homes and care services to residents that require additional support. We are looking forward to delivering this community net zero carbon scheme and providing a lasting legacy for Keynsham, Bristol.”
