Tumble dryer factory to be turned into 190 homes
South Gloucestershire CouncilA former tumble dryer factory is set to be sold for more than £10m and developed into 190 homes.
The 14.1-acre former Hotpoint UK site in Yate, near Bristol, closed in 2024, leading to 142 redundancies.
Now South Gloucestershire Council has found a developer to buy the site and is seeking final approval of the sale at a cabinet meeting on 13 July.
The developer's vision includes 190 homes, half of which will be affordable, commercial space that will create jobs, and a public car park.
The plans will be subject to a public consultation and planning permission.
The site on Station Road was initially used as a Royal Flying Corps base in 1917, before it became Parnall Aircraft's factory during World War Two.
It later took on the various names of industrial companies that came along – Jackson's, Creda, and then Whirlpool (a previous owner of Hotpoint).
The council bought the land in 2021 and leased it back to appliance company Beko Europe (current owner of Hotpoint UK) until the company left the site in January 2025.
Since the council took back full control, it says it has been saddled with significant costs, including business taxes, and security and maintenance fees.
The council said two break-ins had caused "widespread damage and concern amongst the local community".
The chosen developer is planning to create pedestrian routes to connect the site to the train station, and build a green corridor.
It also wants to preserve a World War Two-era bunker that was used as a first aid post.
Councillor Chris Willmore, who previously spoke of the local loss felt by the factory's closure, said: "This is a really important site for Yate and we are doing all we can to get the best outcomes for the local community."
Councillor Adam Monk said: "We have run a successful marketing process to attract bids for this land that will help deliver for Yate and the council's budget."
He said the plans would would provide a capital receipt from the sale if approved by the cabinet.
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