A History of Social Housing in Bristol

Bristol is an exceptional city. In a recent interview with the Bristol Housing Festival, Councillor Asher Craig described Bristol as ‘a city who goes first,’ and as we researched Bristol’s story of social housing we were struck by the truth of this statement. As a city, Bristol creates, innovates and leads, and the growth of social housing in the past 100 years has not only shaped the look and feel of Bristol’s neighbourhoods, it has built our communities too.

We are currently facing a housing crisis, a climate crisis and a construction skills shortage, and yet within this is an opportunity to build on the legacy of the past, harness our DNA as innovators and change-makers, and write the next chapter of Bristol’s story of housing for present residents and the generation to come. As you read on, our hope is that you’ll be inspired to join us in re-imagining housing in our city.