People can take a virtual reality peek inside one of the 95 new apartments being built on the site of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s former Riverside offices in Keynsham. The Riverside View redevelopment of the empty council

building on Temple Street will deliver new homes and further enhance the regeneration of Keynsham town centre.

Members of the public can have a look at the virtual show apartment by using a virtual reality headset at the offices of Gregory’s Estate Agents, on Market Walk, and register their interest in the development.

The launch of the virtual show apartment highlights the progress being made with the first major development for Aequus – the new property company wholly owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council – which features a mix of 95 contemporary studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Councillor Tim Warren, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “This development delivers fantastic opportunities to support Keynsham’s regeneration, alongside Market Place, the Chocolate Quarter and other local developments in the town.

“As well as providing much-needed housing by redeveloping this empty building – and reducing the need to further encroach on the green belt – all the profits will go straight back into supporting and protecting the Council’s front-line services.

“I’m also pleased to say that Aequus, the Council and one of our housing association partners are in discussions around the delivery of some shared ownership apartments, and Aequus are considering what other housing options there may be to support local residents at Riverside.”

Councillor Charles Gerrish, Chair of Aequus Construction, said: “We are pleased to be moving ahead with this development, working with Bath & North East Somerset Council, to deliver 95 apartments here in Keynsham; regenerating the old council office building to further enhance this area of the town.

“As well as our virtual show apartment, we have also launched our marketing website to keep everyone informed of the development progress. We will be formally releasing the first phase of apartments for sale in the New Year and completing the first units in the spring, but this marks an exciting opportunity for anyone interested, to register their interest in this fantastic new development.”

West of England Regional Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “This is a great example of how, by working together and being innovative, we can provide more homes for our residents. We know that we need more homes, to buy and rent – homes where they are needed at prices people can afford.

“Working together, we must make sure we’re building well-connected communities, not just houses. We want to ensure homes have great transport links to employment and educational opportunities, the right community services such as schools, and broadband.”

For more details, visit: www.riversideview.co.uk