The Chocolate Quarter, Keynsham

The former Cadbury’s Factory in Keynsham represents one of the region’s most distinctive regeneration stories, transforming a historic industrial site into a vibrant, sustainable community for the future.

Set within a wider 220-acre masterplan, the site has been carefully redeveloped to include new homes, a primary school, local amenities and community facilities, creating a well-balanced and thriving neighbourhood. At the heart of this transformation lies the original Victorian factory buildings, which form a striking architectural backdrop and preserve the site’s rich heritage.

In 2014, MF Freeman Group acquired approximately 300,000 sq ft of these historic buildings, recognising both their character and their potential for sensitive reuse. Proposals were swiftly developed to bring the buildings back into active use, with plans to create a thoughtfully designed mixed-use environment including assisted living apartments, a care home, alongside office, retail and leisure spaces.

The scheme attracted strong interest and, in 2015, St Monica’s Trust acquired the development to bring forward a high-quality later living community. Now completed, the project reflects a long-term vision to create a place that respects its past while supporting modern lifestyles.

This landmark regeneration demonstrates MF Freeman Group's ability to unlock the potential of complex sites, combining heritage, design and community to create places with lasting value.