Police are continuing to be called to a former office block in South Bristol pretty much every day. Avon and Somerset Police data shows officers were called to Imperial Apartments in Hengrove 113 times in the space of four months.
This means that, between February and May, officers were on average called 28.25 times to the site each month. The average number of police call-outs from mid-November 2021 to January 31, 2022 was slightly higher (29 times).
In comparison, from October 2020 to mid-November 2021, police were being called to the complex an average of 15 times a month. Since the beginning of the year, police have recorded 26 crimes at the site - including 12 in the month of March.
READ MORE: More than 100 children living at converted south Bristol office block
These crimes reported have included seven instances of violence without injury, two of violence with injury and five stalking and harassment incidents. Four public order offences have also been recorded as linked to the site and three "other theft".
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "Our neighbourhood officers continue to work closely with management staff, Bristol City Council and other partner agencies to closely monitor crime and anti-social behaviour at the Imperial Apartments.
"As part of a problem-solving plan set up in November 2021, officers patrol the location regularly. The neighbourhood team also hold monthly beat surgeries at which residents can raise any concerns about crime or ASB and are a visible, uniformed presence at community events."
This latest data has come to light as a review into Imperial Apartments is due to be published imminently, BristolLive understands. Back in mid-February, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees announced the council was to pause housing families with children at the controversial complex as he admitted there are "some challenges" at the site.
In recent months, BristolLive has reported on many concerns from residents at the former Parkview office complex in Hengrove - now known as Imperial Apartments. Earlier this year, Karin Smyth, the Bristol South MP, asked the council to stop housing families with children at the development, with the Lib Dems then joining the call and one councillor urging the council "to take responsibility".
Back in August 2020, Bristol City Council revealed it was planning on housing people in the converted office block in South Bristol. Initially, the council agreed to take on 216 properties at Imperial Apartments and, at the time, housing chiefs at Bristol City Council admitted they had concerns about teaming up with a developer accused of creating “human warehousing” - but said they were "determined to make this development a success and thriving community in which to live".
Do you live at Imperial Apartments? What do you think about living there? Our reporter Estel would love to hear from you. You can contact her directly on estel.farellroig@reachplc.com
What Caridon has said
Caridon has previously said it has security on site every day and night who are trained to deal with any anti-social behaviour and who will call the police if there are any serious issues.
A spokesperson for Caridon said: “We have a collaboration at Imperial Apartments with the local authority to offer accommodation to a range of tenants some of whom were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and have jointly worked very hard with the objective of developing a safe and thriving community.
"A key component of this was to offer Assured Shorthold Tenancies for all residents that are secure and long term, we have no temporary accommodation at the property so no one has been forced or placed into Imperial Apartments and everyone lives here out of choice. The vast majority of our tenants and community are very happy in the building.
"Since its launch in 2020, we have been committed to providing a sustainable future by continually making considerable investments as part of the development’s second phase.
"So far this year [referring to 2021] we have unveiled three gyms, IT suites, a conference room, a ‘zen’ garden offering a quiet outdoor space to relax and a newly-created soft play area, our latest addition, as well as a state of the art outdoor play facilities which is currently under construction.
"This has all been completed during a pandemic and shows how we are working towards being a holistic housing provider. This means not just helping to put a roof over someone’s head but providing the foundations to help them improve their overall quality of life.
"We are constantly looking for new ways to help people engage in a range of activities which will improve their personal and professional mindset, as well as encourage them to feel part of a community.
"Naturally, with over 450 residents housed at Imperial Apartments we receive a few complaints from time to time, but these are dealt with as quickly as possible. As a company we have strict policies in place to ensure all complaints are thoroughly investigated and the appropriate action is taken.
"We have a security team based on site who are on hand for tenants should they have any issues and our Director of Housing along with his team carry out full and thorough investigations when a complaint is made.”
The company added: "We absolutely believe Imperial Apartments is a success. With the support of the local authority, we offer long term sustainable and affordable accommodation for individuals, couples and families."
