Gainsborough Square scheme in Lockleaze under way

Work has begun on a £3.5m project to construct 28 affordable homes and business space on a rundown Bristol housing estate.

The Gainsborough Square project, in Lockleaze, also includes a community hall and children's soft play centre.

The site was abandoned during the 1960s and has been described as an eyesore.

The project, which is being led by Bristol Community Housing Foundation (BCHF), is due to be completed in summer 2014.

Oona Goldsworthy, chief executive of BCHF, said: "This project is really important to us as it provides the opportunity to bring much needed new homes to a site that has lain unused for over 25 years.

"Plus we are able to invest in community and business space to help attract jobs and activity to Gainsborough Square."

Councillor Guy Poultney said: "This community-led project forms the first stage of a regeneration programme that has been 10 years in the making."