Urban Splash tops off Lakeshore housing scheme in Bristol

The 'topping out' event marked the completion of the building's main frame. The work on the project is progressing as per schedule and the complex will be ready for the first residents in early 2011. A range of new show apartments will also be launched in early 2011. The HCA has invested almost £17.5 million ($27.33 million) in the project, which will directly fund the delivery of around 400 homes on the scheme. A further £936,000 has been provided to Sarsen Housing Association to deliver 36 affordable homes on the site. Lakeshore is a Grade II listed, 20th Century icon, formerly known as the Imperial Tobacco Factory. It was initially built in 1973 and designed by American architects Skidmore Owings Merril who, inspired by the modernist pioneer Mies Van Der Rohe, adopted an innovative CorTen steel structure for the building. Following a period of decline, Lakeshore is now undergoing an extensive transformation by Urban Splash with award winning Bristol based architects Ferguson Mann to help regenerate the area. Hundreds of homes are being created and green technology, including geothermal boreholes for heating, an ETFE roof and recycling systems in each apartment, have helped the building achieve an 'excellent' ecohomes rating. Residents will also benefit from stunning views across the lake, 10 acres of green space and communal areas such as an atrium and winter gardens.