Hull City Council has submitted plans for the first phase of the East Bank Urban Village, a major regeneration scheme set to transform land along the River Hull into a new residential neighbourhood. The council is working in partnership with ECF, a development collaboration between Homes England, L&G and Muse, to deliver what is expected to become one of the city’s largest regeneration projects. The initial application includes detailed proposals for phase one, alongside outline plans for a wider development that could eventually deliver around 850 homes opposite Hull’s Old Town. Once central to the city’s maritime economy, the East Bank area has seen decades of decline and is now largely made up of surface car parks and vacant brownfield land. The East Bank Urban Village is planned as a 15-year development that will introduce a mix of affordable housing and Build-To-Rent apartments, alongside retail, leisure and community spaces. Plans also include new streets, public squares, green areas and a riverside promenade aimed at improving connectivity and encouraging walking and cycling. Phase one will form the foundation of the project, delivering 37 townhouses and 78 apartments across two buildings. All homes in this phase will be designated as affordable housing, targeting local demand and promoting accessibility. The first phase will also incorporate infrastructure improvements, including a landing for the Scale Lane bridge on the eastern side of the River Hull and a connection to the Trinity Buoy Shed, a historic structure set to be brought back into use as part of the wider redevelopment. Future phases are expected to deliver more than 700 additional apartments, both Build-To-Rent and affordable, while improving links to nearby areas such as the Fruit Market district. Plans also include the revitalisation of the Drypool Basin area into a new community space. Public consultation played a key role in shaping the proposals. During engagement sessions held in September and October 2025, residents highlighted priorities such as increased green space, better traffic management, enhanced biodiversity and the reuse of historic buildings like the former Lock Keeper’s Cottage. The project is backed by £9.8 million in government Levelling Up Partnership funding, which will support early infrastructure and enabling works. It is also expected to contribute significantly to the council’s target of delivering 2,500 new homes in Hull city centre under its Local Plan. Sustainability is a key focus, with the development incorporating modern materials and technologies such as sustainable drainage systems in line with the city’s ‘Living With Water’ initiative. The East Bank Urban Village has also been selected as a national case study by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, an annual industry event held in Leeds. A newly released video case study highlights the partnership between the council and ECF and aims to attract further investment into Hull’s regeneration efforts. If approved, the project is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Hull’s riverside and boosting confidence among investors as development progresses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Latimer at Lumina Village is soon set to launch in Trafford, a new collection of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes available with shared ownership. Launching on 17th April, the development represents Latimer’s continued investment in Manchester’s affordable housing market and offers a rare opportunity to buy with shared ownership in a thriving city suburb. Part of a wider regeneration project, Latimer at Lumina Village will host a mix of contemporary apartments and spacious townhouses, designed to suit a variety of buyers, from young professionals to growing families, and will help shape a vibrant new community in the heart of Trafford. Latimer at Lumina Village has been thoughtfully conceived to champion sustainable, sociable living at the vibrant heart of this much-loved pocket of Manchester.  Featuring cycle- and pedestrian-friendly pathways, generous lawns, landscaped gardens and wildflower planting, it offers the ideal setting for homebuyers seeking a greener, more balanced lifestyle within the city. The architecture reflects the area’s traditional red-brick character, with a varied roofline of three, six and seven-storey buildings adding visual interest throughout the development. Positioned directly opposite Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, Latimer at Lumina Village also provides the perfect location for residents to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of match days and summer events. Tobias Brown, Sales Director for Latimer Homes in the North, comments: “It’s a pleasure to officially launch Latimer at Lumina Village, our latest contribution to affordable homes in Manchester. For many, buying a home in a large city can often feel like making a set of compromises. Lumina Village defies that expectation – at the centre of the Trafford regeneration and with doorstep links to the city centre, this entire development is fully affordable. We’re excited to present such a valuable opportunity for new residents to be a part of a mixed and vibrant neighborhood in an up-and-coming region.” Both the apartments and townhouses at Lumina Village have been crafted to a high-quality specification, with every home designed to maximise light and space. Open-plan kitchen and living spaces flow effortlessly beneath floor-to-ceiling windows, filling each home with natural light and creating bright, welcoming interiors. Selected homes also benefit from private outdoor space, extending living beyond the indoors.  Kitchens feature sleek laminated worktops and integrated appliances, including ovens, fridges and freezers, while bathrooms are finished with contemporary, luxury tiling. These refined, practical spaces enhance the generous living areas, offering the perfect balance of comfort, flexibility and effortless entertaining. Latimer at Lumina Village offers homebuyers the opportunity to buy a share of a property, starting at 40%, with a much smaller deposit than would be required at open-market value. Homeowners then pay subsidised rent on the rest of the property, with the option to staircase their ownership and buy more shares at their own pace. This offers a chance for buyers to secure a home without a large deposit, providing a more affordable route onto Manchester’s property ladder. As part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration Project which includes major investment in new homes, public spaces and infrastructure alongside plans for a world‑class Manchester United stadium, residents here will benefit from a revitalised, future‑focused district. The transformation will bring long‑term growth, improved transport connections and community‑led amenities to the area. Homes at Lumina Village offer the ideal balance between green, open space and vibrant city living. The development is surrounded by well‑landscaped parks, including nearby Longford Park, home to the popular Stretford Saturday Parkrun. For longer scenic walks and weekend activities, residents can head to Chorlton just a few minutes’ drive away, with its beautiful nature reserve and two expansive water parks.  At the same time, some of Manchester’s best restaurants, bars and independent cafés are within easy reach, placing the energy of the city’s thriving food and drink scene right on your doorstep. Latimer at Lumina Village also sits at the centre of a buzzing entertainment scene. Sports fans are moments from world‑class action, with Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium close by. Directly opposite, Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground brings a lively, energetic atmosphere to summer weekends. Culture lovers will feel equally at home, with MediaCity, a major UK hub for media, creative and tech industries just around the corner, and the full breadth of Manchester’s cultural scene within easy reach. The development will appeal to both families and young professionals seeking excellent transport links and strong education options. With the Old Trafford Metrolink stop on the doorstep, residents can reach Deansgate and Manchester Piccadilly stations in approximately 20 and 25 minutes, enabling seamless travel across the city and beyond. The wider Trafford area also has a strong reputation for education, offering highly rated primary and secondary free schools. Just next door is University Academy 92, a pioneering institution offering degrees and courses in sport, business, media and digital studies. Prices at Latimer at Lumina Village start from £89,000 for a 40% share of a one bedroom apartment. Further information can be found at  https://www.latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/manchester/homes-trafford/lumina Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals