Hillsborough House, a tower block on the Bournville estate in Weston-super-Mare, is set to be demolished this spring to make way for a modern affordable housing development. Originally constructed in 1965 as social housing, the building no longer complies with contemporary structural standards.
Alliance Homes, the housing association that owns Hillsborough House, received planning permission in August to demolish the building. Now, they are seeking approval for a new development on the site, which also includes the long-vacant former Bournville Infant School next door.
The proposed project aims to create 36 new affordable homes ranging from one to four bedrooms, located on Selworthy Road. According to the planning application submitted to North Somerset Council, the development could serve as an exemplar of 100% affordable housing within the Bournville estate.
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The design ensures that all homes will feature private amenity spaces, including rear gardens for houses, balconies, and shared gardens for maisonettes. Nearly half of the site will be dedicated to publicly accessible amenity space, with a designated fenced area where dogs can roam off-leash.
The decision to demolish Hillsborough House, along with its sister building Alexandra House on Lonsdale Avenue, followed structural surveys conducted under post-Grenfell building safety regulations. While the buildings are not deemed immediately dangerous, engineers noted a potential long-term risk in the event of a major explosion or impact.
Both towers served as social housing for residents aged 55 and over. In July 2025, Alliance Homes informed tenants about the demolition plans and coordinated with them to secure alternative accommodation within its portfolio.
The redevelopment promises to revitalize the area by providing modern, affordable housing while preserving valuable community space.