BoKlok UK Ltd, the sustainable, quality and low-cost home provider jointly owned by Skanska and IKEA, has announced plans to develop 200 homes in south Bristol with Bristol City Council. Subject to planning permission, construction is expected to start in autumn 2020.

Bristol City Council, who owns the Airport Road site, has committed to pursuing the development of this partnership with BoKlok as part of the five-year Bristol Housing Festival which is trialling innovative offsite housing solutions across the city.

The proposed development will be the first BoKlok community in Bristol. About 140 of the homes will be for market sale under the BoKlok brand. The remaining homes will be for social rent and shared ownership.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “At the festival’s launch a year ago, we said we would invite ideas from all over the world and be imaginative in solving the city’s housing emergency. This is exactly what BoKlok will bring with these exciting plans. We are also exploring how Bristol City Council might acquire a number of these new homes as part of our commitment to providing more social housing.”

BoKlok has more than 20 years’ experience and has developed about 12,000 homes in the Nordics. Jonas Spangenberg, CEO of BoKlok, said: “When we entered the UK market we pinpointed Bristol as a key city, and now we are excited to move ahead with the plans for Airport Road. We are here to stay for the long-term, making it possible for more people with average incomes to realise their dream of owning their home.”

BoKlok is jointly owned by Skanska and IKEA. Gregor Craig, President and CEO, Skanska UK said: “Skanska’s purpose is to build for a better society and BoKlok will broaden our offer in the UK with sustainable, quality homes at a low cost. Skanska has been actively involved in Bristol for many years, building or re-furbishing over 50 schools in the area. So, I am delighted that these plans for BoKlok would extend our association with the city.”

Jez Sweetland, Bristol Housing Festival’s Project Director, said: “The festival is all about re-imagining new and better ways to live in our cities. BoKlok provide creative solutions with a fantastic track record of creating great homes and strong communities, we are really thrilled to be working with them.”