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March 9, 2022

Quintain kicks off 30th anniversary year by breaking ground on next major phase of Wembley Park and prepares to award its biggest construction contract to date

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

Once complete the North East Lands neighbourhood will provide over 2,000 homes in addition to the 4,780 already complete across Wembley Park. Planning permission has been secured for the first phase of this district, which will provide 769 new homes, 201 of which will be affordable within a range of

Read More »

Increasing Diversity of Construction has never been more CRITICAL

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting its work on a National Equity and Inclusion Plan for the construction industry in Scotland which will drive increased inclusivity. Funded by Scottish Government this latest initiative is part of the wider plan for the industry to

Read More »

UK Manufacturing Key to the Government’s Heat Pump Charge

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

With the impending Boiler Upgrade Scheme set to accelerate the UK heat pump rollout, local manufacturing and support will be key to addressing demand for remote installations, says a sector expert. Set to launch this April, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) flagship Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

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CONSTRUCTING EXCELLENCE MIDLANDS LAUNCHES INFRASTRUCTURE FORUM

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

ENABLING infrastructure clients to deliver improved outcomes by collaboratively working faster, greener, safer and smarter, Constructing Excellence Midlands has launched its Infrastructure Forum, enhancing the visibility and perspective of infrastructure activities in the region. The forum aims to assemble businesses from client organisations and supply chains in the Midlands, modernising

Read More »

Bridge milestone for £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

Work on the much anticipated £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme has reached a major milestone. The final five bridge beams have been lifted into place for the new Chester Road bridge. A 500-tonne crane was used to lift the 22.5m-long beams into position, with each beam weighing 37.8 tonnes. The

Read More »

Shorts Group expands rental fleet with Yanmar ViO17 excavators

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

Berkshire-based plant hire firm, Shorts Group, has further expanded its growing rental fleet with five new Yanmar ViO17 zero tail-swing mini excavators. This complements four Yanmar machines purchased last year. The state-of-the-art models, which were delivered earlier this month, are already operational on sites across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and the

Read More »
RoSPA and L'Oreal Launch 'Leading Safely for Women' Programme

RoSPA and L’Oreal Launch ‘Leading Safely for Women’ Programme

Cristina Diaconu March 9, 2022

RoSPA and L’Oréal have partnered to successfully launch their Leading Safely for Women programme ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8 2022). The programme is designed to empower women working in health and safety. The free programme, which forms part of RoSPA and L’Oréal’s innovative Safe@Work-Safe@Home partnership, has a shared

Read More »
Partnership in Stockton-on-Tees Delivers Quickest Ever Development 

Partnership in Stockton-on-Tees Delivers Quickest Ever Development 

Cristina Diaconu March 9, 2022

New residents now occupy the new homes in Stockton-on-Tees, following national housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, completing its £2.2 joint venture scheme, and handing over to housing provider Thirteen Housing Group in a development partnership.  The 14 two-bedroom, energy efficient and environmentally friendly bungalows at Elm House were built by Keepmoat Homes in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and Thirteen Housing Group, to provide

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

March 9, 2022

Quintain kicks off 30th anniversary year by breaking ground on next major phase of Wembley Park and prepares to award its biggest construction contract to date

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

Once complete the North East Lands neighbourhood will provide over 2,000 homes in addition to the 4,780 already complete across Wembley Park. Planning permission has been secured for the first phase of this district, which will provide 769 new homes, 201 of which will be affordable within a range of tenures including Shared Ownership, Affordable Rent and Discount Market Rent. Union Park, Wembley’s first new park in 150 years, will be a major part of this new development, providing seven acres of new green space for the community 3.5 of which are already complete. The construction contract for the first two plots will be the largest ever awarded in Quintain’s 30-year history – approximately £220 million. Quintain has recently announced it has broken ground on the next major phase of the 85-acre neighbourhood being created at Wembley Park. Named North East Lands, this 12-acre site will deliver over 2,000 new homes with 769 to be built in its first phase. The first two developments at North East Lands comprise of two buildings with blocks ranging from 10 to 27 storeys, centred around communal gardens, a public park and each block includes a roof terrace. North East Lands will provide almost a quarter of the 8,500 homes within Quintain’s Wembley Park overall masterplan and has been designed with high levels of sustainability in both construction and operation, in line with Quintain’s sustainability priorities.  The majority of the new Haworth Tompkins’ designed homes in this first phase will be for rent and managed by the award-winning Quintain Living team that already operates over 3,250 homes across Wembley Park within nine diverse Build-to-Rent communities. North East Lands will feature furnished apartments with best-in-class interior design and the lifestyle amenities that Quintain Living is famous for. The buildings will be designed and operated to recognised industry sustainability standards such as the WELL Building Standard. James Saunders, Chief Executive of Quintain said: “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, it is fantastic to start work on this new significant phase of Wembley Park, a neighbourhood that we are extraordinarily proud to say is one of the most exciting new districts in London. Over the last 20 years, Quintain has built Wembley Park from the ground up and North East Lands will not only add to our flourishing Build-to-Rent portfolio, it will also bring a new seven-acre park and a home for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who are relocating to this area. Union Park will open up new green space for all the residents of Brent and we are very proud to be able to deliver what will be the first new park in the area for 150 years.” All the buildings in North Eastern Lands have been designed around the new seven-acre Union Park, with local retail in mind, including new space for a community hall, corner shop and café on the park creating a relaxed place to live, work and visit. The first three acres are complete and open for the community to enjoy. Demolition and enabling works started in January 2022 and are being undertaken by John Sisk & Son, they mark the closure of the last of the surface carparks that historically surrounded the National Stadium. These historic car parks have been replaced by state-of-the -art car and coach facilities, delivered in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the development will embrace Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) helping to dramatically reduce vehicle and labour movements as well as improving the on site environment. To deliver North Eastern Lands, Quintain are in advanced discussions with John Sisk & Son over the largest construction contract ever to be awarded at Wembley Park at approximately £220m. Sisk have been a key delivery partner for Quintain for 17 years working on residential developments, the Hilton hotel and the refurbishment of the Grade 2 listed, OVO Arena Wembley.

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Increasing Diversity of Construction has never been more CRITICAL

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting its work on a National Equity and Inclusion Plan for the construction industry in Scotland which will drive increased inclusivity. Funded by Scottish Government this latest initiative is part of the wider plan for the industry to develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce, giving the sector access to a wider talent pool to support growth and help to address labour shortages. In the construction industry in Scotland in 2020[1], 84.6% of workers were men and 15.4% were women. 1.6% of workers in the construction industry were from a minority ethnic background compared with 4.3% of minority ethnic workers in Scotland as a whole. The National Construction Equity and Inclusion Plan seeks to address these imbalances by mainstreaming equity and inclusion within the industry as part of the CLF’s Construction Recovery Plan. The goals of the plan are to assess the current situation, share information on impactful equity and inclusion initiatives and develop actions to drive the realisation of a workforce that is more representative of society. The plan is being delivered in partnership with industry by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) on behalf of the CLF and is funded by the Scottish Government. The project is being supported by a steering group of experts who represent multiple aspects of the industry and have championed the cause of equity and inclusion throughout their careers. The strength of the steering group, combined with industry and Government support, will help ensure that the recommendations of the plan are moved to active implementation once it has been published. Emma Dickson, Technical Director at Arcadis and industry co-chair of CLF’s Skills and Workforce sub group issued a challenge to the sector to “Celebrate International Women’s Day by taking a meaningful step towards improving gender diversity in your workplace. What will you do?” She said: “The new Plan will focus on meaningful action, drawing from best practice and experience. It will be critical for industry to embrace and action the recommendations; our strong industry networks and leadership groups must take the lead. Skills shortages alongside the need for new green / digital skills in the industry mean that improving the diversity of our industry has never been so critical.” Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise and CLF chair Ivan McKee said: “It is really encouraging to see much needed progress towards creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive construction industry that is representative of the world we live in. I am delighted to see this work being promoted on International Women’s Day, when we can celebrate raising awareness against bias and taking action to advance equality.”    Lynsey Brydson, Head of Digital Programmes, CSIC said: “The collective objective we are aiming for is building a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for the construction industry and this investment is an important move in that direction. It is anticipated that the plan will be delivered in May”. Peter Reekie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust and chair of the executive group of the CLF, said: “The CLF is embarked on a radical overhaul of the industry in Scotland and it is important to maintain momentum as the recovery gathers pace. “The data shows that our track record on diversity is poor. The industry is missing out on the talents of too many people, and too many people who could have rewarding careers in the industry are not seeing it as a place for them. Leaders at all levels must do better and I am proud to support the group putting in place our first National Equity and Inclusion Plan, which will help them to do just that.” [1] Annual Population Survey, Jan-Dec 2020

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UK Manufacturing Key to the Government’s Heat Pump Charge

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

With the impending Boiler Upgrade Scheme set to accelerate the UK heat pump rollout, local manufacturing and support will be key to addressing demand for remote installations, says a sector expert. Set to launch this April, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) flagship Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) will offer homeowners grants of £5,000-£6,000 to facilitate the installation of air and ground source heat pumps. This development aligns with the Prime Minister’s earlier target of achieving 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, and will drive uptake of this technology in order to achieve this goal. However, Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, warns that immediate availability of manufactured parts will be required to meet these ambitious objectives. “At present, around 30,000 heat pumps are installed per year in the UK,” said Steve. “In order to increase this by a factor of twenty before the end of the decade, the Government’s push for installations is going to need to be backed by a comprehensive supply chain. “This necessitates opting for locally manufactured parts where possible in order to cut down lead times and meet the anticipated boom in demand. This extends to accessories as well as heat pumps themselves. REHAU’s RAUVITHERM pre-insulated pipe, for example, has been manufactured in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales, since 2012, making it the only pre-insulated PE-Xa pipe to be made in the UK.” As some heat pump installations take place away from the property itself, the availability of pre-insulated pipe will be key to covering all bases in the Government’s heat pump rollout, and enabling the wider success of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. However, Steve highlights that as each heat pump installation is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the uptake of this technology. “It’s important to recognise that air source heat pumps are not able to be installed directly next to every property,” he explains. “This can be for a variety of reasons – heat pumps need good air flow to work effectively, and noise can also be an issue in some cases, so situating them on the side of the property is not always feasible. “For this reason, some installations require the heat pump to be located at the end of the garden or similar. However, this must be coupled with effective pre-insulated pipe between the heat pump and the home to ensure that there are minimal thermal losses. Polymer solutions such as RAUVITHERM can address this particular concern.” Steve concludes: “In an effort to further streamline the process of sourcing materials for remote heat pump installations, we’ve launched a dedicated landing page for installers to receive a quick quote. This tool, combined with UK manufactured parts, will be vital to ensuring an all-encompassing approach for achieving a prompt and effective transition to low-carbon heating.” For more information on RAUVITHERM and to receive a quote, visit: www.rehau.uk/heatpumps

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CONSTRUCTING EXCELLENCE MIDLANDS LAUNCHES INFRASTRUCTURE FORUM

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

ENABLING infrastructure clients to deliver improved outcomes by collaboratively working faster, greener, safer and smarter, Constructing Excellence Midlands has launched its Infrastructure Forum, enhancing the visibility and perspective of infrastructure activities in the region. The forum aims to assemble businesses from client organisations and supply chains in the Midlands, modernising the methods of industry collaboration and utilising digital tools for knowledge sharing to drive efficiency and improved outcomes. Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of Constructing Excellence Midlands, who has created the Infrastructure Forum, said: “The forum will present a fantastic opportunity for the Midlands infrastructure community to coordinate responses to key industry challenges and collaborate on projects and programmes, ensuring continued infrastructure advancement that is pre-emptive of the demands and opportunities for the region. “Infrastructure requires a collective planning approach where visibility of the opportunity to collaborate is essential, whether that’s rail, aviation, utilities, roads or power. An infrastructure forum will provide an opportunity to work smarter with collaborative efficacy and prove how we can provide ‘more for less’, while improving safety and sustainability outcomes.” Mark Lyddon, Midlands regional infrastructure lead at Turner & Townsend, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the conception of the Constructing Excellence Midlands Infrastructure Forum. The Midlands boasts leading global pioneering minds in infrastructure development, working on world class projects and programmes. This forum will enable clients and the entire supply chains to utilise the power of their combined expertise and experience. “Consultation and collaboration through this platform will help us drive improvement in our industry and deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment. With the current volume of infrastructure construction activity and projects planned to take place in the Midlands region, we must create an improved way of working across clients and programmes.” Alec Gillham, business engagement manager for DIGI-RAIL at the University of Birmingham, said: “DIGI-RAIL is thrilled to have been asked to participate in the newly-established Constructing Excellence Infrastructure Forum. Currently working with some of the UK’s most innovative and technologically advanced rail businesses, we are keen to explore the opportunities that the forum will present for collaboration around the themes of connected transportation and infrastructure. “As we transition towards the creation of the public body Great British Railways (GBR), we are experiencing levels of investment and technology adoption in UK railways not seen for a generation. It is our firm belief the forum will provide a valuable platform to engage with stakeholders working within advanced transportation and infrastructure sectors to reimagine the UK passenger travel experience for the future.” If you or your organisation would like to be involved or to find out more, please contact Constructing Excellence Midlands at info@cemidlands.org.

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Bridge milestone for £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

Work on the much anticipated £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme has reached a major milestone. The final five bridge beams have been lifted into place for the new Chester Road bridge. A 500-tonne crane was used to lift the 22.5m-long beams into position, with each beam weighing 37.8 tonnes. The operation was completed within a day and the beams now form part of the largest structure in the scheme. The 3km Poynton Relief Road will relieve Poynton and neighbouring areas of high traffic volumes and congestion as well as improve air quality for residents and open up employment land. During March, concrete will be poured to form the west abutment for the Adlington bridge, marking the completion of all major concrete works across all the project’s structures. Other ongoing works include installation of drainage systems. A second season of major earthworks will start early next month. The road is due to open to traffic at the end of the year. Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of the authority’s highways and transport committee, said: “This is an impressive achievement by our construction contractors Graham, and a key milestone in progressing this important and long-awaited scheme. I congratulate all on a smooth operation. “This scheme shows the council’s commitment to deliver major infrastructure improvements for Cheshire East and will improve links to Macclesfield, the surrounding area, south Manchester and the airport. It will also open up some much-needed employment land, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the area.” The relief road will include two overbridge crossings for use by walkers, cyclists and farm vehicles and a 3.5m-wide combined cycle and footway, which will run beside the length of the route in the western verge. Nick Hodder, project manager at Graham, said: “We’re pleased with the progress being made on the Poynton Relief Road scheme and reaching the milestone of the beam lifting for the new Chester Road bridge. The lift was a delicate operation delivered carefully by our project team to ensure a safe and timely installation of the beams, which will support the new bridge.  “We now focus our attention on completing the remaining concrete works and earthworks to prepare for the opening of this much-anticipated relief road later this year.” Cheshire East Council contributed £21m towards the cost of the road scheme with Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership providing £5.6m from the government’s Growth Deal and the Department for Transport providing £16.4m. A total of £7.7m is planned to come from developer contributions. For more information on the Poynton Relief Road and to read the latest updates, visit: graham.co.uk/poynton-relief-road

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Shorts Group expands rental fleet with Yanmar ViO17 excavators

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2022

Berkshire-based plant hire firm, Shorts Group, has further expanded its growing rental fleet with five new Yanmar ViO17 zero tail-swing mini excavators. This complements four Yanmar machines purchased last year. The state-of-the-art models, which were delivered earlier this month, are already operational on sites across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and the surrounding areas. Purchased from Farol Ltd, Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA’s official dealer for the south-east of England, the new excavators are compact, productive and have been designed with the operator firmly in mind. Powered by an EU Stage V-compliant 3-cylinder direct injection engine from Yanmar’s acclaimed TNV series, the ViO17 delivers impressive power and control. Thanks to state-of-the-art engine technology, operators benefit from low fuel consumption, maximum efficiency and minimal emissions. Achieving a digging force of 9.6/16.1kN (short arm/bucket), traction force of 16.9kN (first speed) and two travel speeds (2.1 or 4.3km/h), the ViO17 sets the standards in compact performance. Thanks to a three-pump ViPPS hydraulic system, which works with a double variable displacement piston pump and gear pump, the innovative model delivers a maximum hydraulic flow of 48.4 l/min and 210 bars pressure. Bryony Morten-Short, Commercial Business Manager at Shorts Group, commented: “When it comes to specifying new plant equipment, power, performance and reliability are key. The perfect blend of Japanese design and European build quality, the ViO17 is stylish, sophisticated and guarantees exceptional productivity. “Since taking delivery of our five new models, we’ve been hugely impressed with their performance and versatility. Alongside class-leading power and performance, a transport weight of just 1,695kg means that the units can be easily towed – along with buckets or a light work tool – on a standard GVW trailer.” Kerr Stephenson, Construction Sales Manager at Farol Ltd, added: “We’re delighted to hear such positive feedback from Bryony and the team. Robust, reliable and a true class-leader in terms of performance, the ViO17 units are perfectly suited to the rental market. “Shorts Group is no stranger to Yanmar equipment, with twelve SV08 machines already in its fleet. We hope the new zero tail-swing models fit seamlessly into its portfolio and continue to deliver above and beyond expectations for the company’s rental customers.” For more information about Shorts Group, visit https://shorts-group.co.uk. For more information about Farol Ltd, visit https://www.farol.co.uk. To find out more about Yanmar, or the company’s extensive range of compact equipment, visit  https://www.yanmar.com/gb/construction/.

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RoSPA and L'Oreal Launch 'Leading Safely for Women' Programme

RoSPA and L’Oreal Launch ‘Leading Safely for Women’ Programme

Cristina Diaconu March 9, 2022

RoSPA and L’Oréal have partnered to successfully launch their Leading Safely for Women programme ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8 2022). The programme is designed to empower women working in health and safety. The free programme, which forms part of RoSPA and L’Oréal’s innovative Safe@Work-Safe@Home partnership, has a shared vision to support women, an underrepresented group in health and safety, to become more ‘visible’ and better ‘connected’. Its goal is to help women already in the profession to progress, or to support those interested in developing a career in the health and safety sector. The initiative consists of a series of one-day courses for women from across the globe. The thought-provoking content is designed to inspire delegates to realise their full potential by reflecting on where they are now, where they aspire to be and how to develop a health and safety strategy which aligns with business values, along with how to reach and exceed personal and business objectives. Following the course, attendees will be supported by a mentor, and encouraged to feel confident in choosing health and safety as a career option. The courses are fully funded by the Safe@Work-Safe@Home partnership and attendees commit to a day of training, joining the mentoring programme and writing about their journey. At the recent RoSPA ‘You are good enough’ webinar, the energy and enthusiasm of the truly international panel was plain to see. The panel consisted of: Severine Convenant, Corporate Health and Safety Manager at L’Oréal; Dr Jwan Kamla, Senior Safety, Risk and Operations Consultant at Atkins; Daniele Paulino, Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator at Tetra Pak; and Lauren Crawley, Health, Safety and Biosafety Advisor at Oxford Biomedica, all offering perspectives from the UK, France and Brazil. One of the key benefits of the programme is its global reach, with geographical location not being a barrier to taking part. Malcolm Staves, L’Oréal’s Global Vice President, Health and Safety, confirmed that the partnership with RoSPA has been a game-changer both for its Safe@Work-Safe@Home initiative and the recent launch of this Leading Safely for Women programme. Malcolm said: “We are very proud of what we are starting to achieve with RoSPA, with the support of Hosking Associates, with this pioneering training. The first training was a great success and the attendees have now entered into an exciting coaching/mentoring phase. “Diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA in L’Oréal and we are convinced that better diversity will result in better decision-making which, in the health and safety profession, will mean we could save more lives and reduce injuries. It just makes sense.”

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World’s First Purpose-Built Multi-Storey Skatepark Comes to Folkestone

World’s First Purpose-Built Multi-Storey Skatepark Comes to Folkestone

Cristina Diaconu March 9, 2022

Hollaway Studio has designed the world’s first purpose-built multi-storey skatepark in Folkestone, UK, as part of a major ongoing programme to regenerate the seaside town. The landmark building features three skateparks, climbing wall (the tallest in the South East of England), and boxing ring, and opens to the public on 4 April 2020. For Hollaway Studio, F51 is an ‘adrenaline building’. From its initial ambition and conception through to the articulation of its form and architecture and ultimately its end use, F51 is the shot of adrenalin needed by all – from those using it to the local community and the town itself. To create this, Hollaway Studio has designed an imposing concrete beacon shrouded in mesh rising out of the Folkestone Creative Quarter, acting as a focal point within both the local landscape and the community. With its three layers of high quality skateparks, boxing gym, climbing wall, and café space, it is a central hub for youth culture following the year that skateboarding was recognised at Tokyo as an Olympic sport and in advance of Paris 2024, just across the Channel from it. F51, named after its location in the heart of Folkestone, a burgeoning seaside town in South East Kent, has been commissioned by the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust. The Trust views the skatepark project as a further means to support the local community and has been responsible for much of the ongoing regeneration currently taking place that is transforming and reviving Folkestone. F51 is a gift to Folkestone and the young. Located on the edge of one of the most deprived wards in Kent, it will offer young locals freedom and the opportunity to push both physical and mental boundaries within a safe space away from screens. In doing so F51 aims to put young people first, conveying to the youth of Folkestone that they are important and have opportunities that may not have been immediately apparent before. Membership for young locals who attend schools in the area, will be offered at a heavily discounted rate making F51 accessible for all of the local community. F51 also aims to attract the large number of locals who moved away and are now returning to bring up their own families and continue the regeneration of Folkestone. F51 will be managed by The Sports Trust, the Folkestone independent not-for-profit sports charity, previously known as Shepway Sports Trust, established to encourage participation and excellence in sport. The Sports Trust will use the new facility as a base from which to support local clubs, strengthening their connections with primary and secondary schools and encouraging people of all ages to adopt a more active lifestyle.

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Partnership in Stockton-on-Tees Delivers Quickest Ever Development 

Partnership in Stockton-on-Tees Delivers Quickest Ever Development 

Cristina Diaconu March 9, 2022

New residents now occupy the new homes in Stockton-on-Tees, following national housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, completing its £2.2 joint venture scheme, and handing over to housing provider Thirteen Housing Group in a development partnership.  The 14 two-bedroom, energy efficient and environmentally friendly bungalows at Elm House were built by Keepmoat Homes in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and Thirteen Housing Group, to provide a desirable place to live for older people and vulnerable residents in the area.  The site is adjacent to Keepmoat Homes’ £21m Sycamores town centre regeneration project which is delivering a further 143 new homes.   “We’re delighted to be involved in the revival of this exciting part of Stockton that’s created new homes where they’re needed most,” said Stuart Poulter, Thirteen’s head of affordable homes delivery. “These bungalows for older people are a stunning addition to the town centre, and it’s been great working with all partners, including Keepmoat, Stockton Council and TVCA, to regenerate an area so close to the shops and amenities in Stockton.”  Ian Prescott, North East Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “This is without doubt the quickest ever project in my time at Keepmoat Homes. We were asked to consider the site by the Council in mid-November 2020 and by mid-February 2021 we had obtained planning, secured brownfield grant funding, and signed contracts with Thirteen Housing Group  “By December 2021 all dwellings had been completed – a mere 13 months from us first looking at the site. The provision of much needed affordable homes in such a rapid pace of time is testament to all of those involved at Stockton Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Thirteen Housing Group, and the team at Keepmoat Homes as well as our consultants and sub-contractors.   “This illustrates just what can be achieved through strong partnership working, despite Covid and all of the challenges it has created.”   The development forms part of an ambitious partnership plan to regenerate Stockton town centre, creating over 1,000 new homes in Tees Valley on neglected and disused land, following £19.3million funding from Government’s Brownfield Housing Fund.  Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “The bungalows at the former Elm House site are an exciting addition and another piece in the jigsaw as we continue on with our plans to improve every town centre across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough and make them fit for the future.  “We know we have to rejuvenate our town centres and high streets in different ways and encouraging people to live in or nearby them is key to what we’re trying to achieve.” 

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