Bromford wins next phase of affordable housing at Graven Hill

A Midlands housing association has secured the next phase of work at the UK’s largest self and custom-build development.

Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) has re-appointed Bromford for this latest phase, which will include 50 homes; 31 of which will be affordable rent and 19 shared ownership at the 462-acre site.

As with all new builds at Graven Hill, regardless of construction form, they will meet the Passive Design Standards Revision F which, since adopted by Graven Hill in 2016, have delivered dwellings with energy standards which are higher than the statutory requirements set out in current building regulations. Graven Hill doesn’t just comply with statutory policy requirements, it exceeds them by incorporating sustainable design and construction technology to achieve low carbon development through a combination of fabric energy efficiency and carbon compliance for example.

Gemma Davis, customer experience director at GHVDC, said: “Bromford has worked at Graven Hill since 2017, helping to deliver 93 affordable homes to date.

“Graven Hill is unique and diverse and aims to offer the widest range of housing, from self and custom-build to apartments and extra care facilities. With 30% of the site providing affordable homes, it has been essential that we find a partner that shares the same vision; to deliver a successful, diverse and pioneering development.”

Bromford has 46,000 homes across its operating area in the West Midlands and West of England. Alongside its existing 93 properties at Graven Hill, the housing association will take ownership of the first 26 new homes before the end of the year, comprising of 16 for affordable rent and 10 for shared ownership. The remaining 15 affordable and 9 shared ownership homes will be handed to Bromford next year and are part of the 1,200 new homes the housing association will be delivering during the year.

Satty Tiwana, project manager from Bromford said: “We’re delighted to be working with Graven Hill Village Development Company again to provide affordable housing on the latest phase of this project. We’ve just had the first eight homes handed over to us and our latest customers are getting ready to move into their new homes.

“They will all benefit from our unique approach to housing management which is focused on creating a close relationship between our customers and their neighbourhood coach. We know that every customer is unique and different customers will benefit from different types of relationship, but we will work with each of them to learn and understand each of their aspirations so we can work together to help them achieve them so they can thrive in their new home.”

Graven Hill is a former Ministry of Defence site, which has become a thriving new community with almost 500 homes delivered to date and hundreds more to come. The primary school opened its doors this month, alongside a cocktail bar, wine shop and dentist practice. A nursery school provider is also set to commence development.

Further retail units are currently under offer and a site at the frontage intended for a pub restaurant continues to be marketed. Significant amenities planned include a sports pavilion, pitches and allotments and access to the Graven Hill wood.

GHVDC is also seeking local contractors to tender for its next phase of new homes and apartments.