There are now only five homes available to buy at a new housing development in Rochford. Ashberry Homes is delivering 401 new homes at the Elizabeth Gardens development off Hall Road, to the west of the town. All homes at the Rochford development have been sold on the first phase
Three influential industry experts have joined rapidly expanding property developer Strawberry Star Group to help elevate the businesses residential sales and Build-to-Rent (BTR) arms. Yash Dave joins Strawberry Star as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO), having over two decades of experience in finance and operations, with his most recent
An apprentice who works for a property maintenance company has won an award from the college where he studies. Sam Cooper, an apprentice property maintenance operative at Platform Property Care – a subsidiary of Platform Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest social landlords – has been awarded a Best
Leading the way in sustainability, award-winning interior design studio Andrew Henry Interiors has launched a new service focused on creating environmentally friendly designs for its corporate clients in the housebuilding industry. The comprehensive service for show home design is another addition to the expanding design practice, which aims to add
A ground-breaking event to mark the start on site of the first new homes at McArthur’s Yard in Bristol took place on Wednesday 17th November, when the Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard joined senior members of The Guinness Partnership and The Hill Group to officialise
There are just three homes now available to buy at a housing development in Salisbury where work is set to be completed next year. Bellway is building 82 new homes at Harnham Park, off Netherhampton Road, including 49 two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale and 33 affordable homes
Inland Homes has started work on the construction of Patchworks, the regeneration of the former Homebase site in Walthamstow, on behalf of its partners London BTR Investments (LBTR) (the build-to-rent joint venture between EQT Exeter and Sigma Capital Group Limited) and Newlon Housing Trust (Newlon). Brownfield developer and housebuilder Inland
After last year’s Christmas lockdown, UK retail sales over the Christmas period are expected to rise to £84.71 billion this year, which is a 1.9% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. With many expected to strive for a bigger and better Christmas this year, Shanly Homes’ is delighted that their latest
National construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has committed to creating equal opportunities for ex-servicemen and women and their families after signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated
Regularly voted as one of the best places to work in the UK – it is clear to see why Reading is in such high demand and why central residency is much needed. This well-planned town is an increasing hub of service sector job opportunities, with titans of the industry
There are now only five homes available to buy at a new housing development in Rochford. Ashberry Homes is delivering 401 new homes at the Elizabeth Gardens development off Hall Road, to the west of the town. All homes at the Rochford development have been sold on the first phase where 183 new homes were built and there are now just a handful of properties available on the second phase where 218 homes are being delivered. Elizabeth Gardens forms part of a wider 620-home scheme being delivered in partnership with Bellway, whose neighbouring 219-home Eastbury Park development is now complete. The remaining properties for sale at Elizabeth Gardens include a mix of four and five-bedroom houses. “Elizabeth Gardens has proved to be an extremely popular development from the outset. One of the major factors that has attracted buyers is that it is a well-designed development with a wide mix of homes built to a very high standard,” said Kate Jones, Sales Manager for Ashberry Homes. “The quality of the development is demonstrated by the fact that Phil Taylor, the site manager at Elizabeth Gardens, has received a top industry award in recognition of his work at the development for two years running. Phil won his second NHBC (National House Building Council) Pride in the Job Quality Award for Elizabeth Gardens this year, reflecting his commitment to producing homes of outstanding quality.” As part of the planning agreement for the 620-home scheme, Ashberry Homes and Bellway are providing significant funding for local services and infrastructure. More than £225,000 has been allocated for local healthcare, £15,000 for air quality measures, £60,000 to aid conservation in the area and £50,000 for road improvements. At least £3.5million will also be invested in local education. “Building work is progressing well and we are on schedule to finish construction on the site by July 2022. A brand-new community is being formed at Elizabeth Gardens and we are looking forward to welcoming more and more residents to this sought-after neighbourhood. With only a few homes still available, I would encourage anyone considering living in this charming little town which has its own railway station and peaceful countryside on its doorstep, to get in touch,” Kate added. There is currently a range of four and five-bedroom homes available at Elizabeth Gardens, with prices starting at £534,995.
Three influential industry experts have joined rapidly expanding property developer Strawberry Star Group to help elevate the businesses residential sales and Build-to-Rent (BTR) arms. Yash Dave joins Strawberry Star as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO), having over two decades of experience in finance and operations, with his most recent position as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Henley Homes. Mark Parker, who was the former regional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Executive Board Member at Redrow, joins Strawberry Star as a Senior Advisor, alongside another ex-CEO heavyweight, Steve Walker, who previously led L&Q’s low-cost home ownership subsidiary, Tower Homes. The appointments are set to help expand Strawberry Star’s reach in the UK residential sector, whilst strengthening its ambitious housing vision to deliver 2,000 new homes by 2025. “The added expertise that these appointments bring is exactly what Strawberry Star needs to reach its next step after a challenging year for the housebuilding industry. We joined the UK market in 2007 and have already acquired over 1.5 million sq. ft to date, but we have even bigger plans for the future. Mark and Steve’s extensive experience and past successes will help us in our mission to rebalance the under supply of housing in the South East, whilst Yash’s operational understanding will ensure we continue to nurture the business as an end-to-end developer,” said Chief Executive Officer of Strawberry Star, Steven Beveridge. With 2,000 units already planned or under construction, Strawberry Star will continue to concentrate on the needs of first-time buyers who are priced out of central London, as well as providing investors with a fully managed buy-to-let experience. Current developments include LU2ON in Luton, and Harlow Quarter in Essex, with two further sites in the pipeline. Strawberry Star’s BTR arm is set to expand the developers offering in addition to residential sales, lettings, asset management and acquisitions. Successful schemes to date include Hoola at the Royal Docks, Bronze in Wandsworth, Sky Gardens in Nine Elms, and Greenview Court in Southall. As Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO and Directors of Strawberry Star, Mark Parker brings with him decades of experience at top tier housing providers. As well as leading three London divisions at Redrow, during his time as Managing Director of Telford Homes, he became the driving force behind its successful BTR expansion. In Mark’s newest role, he will act as a critical guide in helping to form the strategic direction of the company on its growth journey. Steve Walker will also help Strawberry Star deliver sector leading customer satisfaction and operational performance. Walker’s track record includes facilitating L&Q’s exponential growth over 20 years as Director of Regeneration, managing some of the largest development programmes in the UK. During this time period, he oversaw a turnover that reached nearly £300m with asset values of over £4bn. He is the only Housing Association CEO to receive HR magazines Most People Focused CEO Award as well as the National Housing Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award for services to low-cost home ownership.
An apprentice who works for a property maintenance company has won an award from the college where he studies. Sam Cooper, an apprentice property maintenance operative at Platform Property Care – a subsidiary of Platform Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest social landlords – has been awarded a Best Progress Award from Herefordshire and Ludlow College. Sam started at Platform Housing Group in November 2020 as an apprentice working towards becoming a multi skilled engineer. He combines his time at Platform with his college course which includes brickwork, plumbing, carpentry, decorating and electrics. Platform Housing Group has worked closely with Herefordshire and Ludlow College for more than 10 years, seeing many apprentices complete their studies with its support in areas including plumbing and heating, electrical and carpentry. In 2020, the two organisations worked together to introduce the property maintenance operative – or PMO – role into Platform Property Care under the apprenticeship umbrella. “Sam joined us just over a year ago, successfully gaining one of eight property maintenance operative apprenticeships placements from more than 70 applicants. This was Sam’s first success! Since then Sam has consistently demonstrated the values we believe he possessed from the point of his interview,” said Adam Rudge, Head of Voids at Platform Housing Group. Sam is a humble man who has shown honesty, commitment and dedication to learn his trade, whether this be at college or onsite in one of our empty homes. Sam is a likeable person who has fitted well into the wider void team and has developed a strong working relationship based on mutual respect with his mentor. We are all so proud of Sam and would like to encourage him to build on the success he has justifiably achieved to date.” The college awards take place annually to reward the students for their hard work. “This is a new qualification in its first year; Sam had lots to learn, including skills, knowledge and behaviours and new surroundings at college and in his workplace. He has taken it all in his stride and his commitment during what has been a tough year has been excellent. Well done Sam,” added Brian Rodgers, Apprenticeship Support and Marketing Officer at Herefordshire and Ludlow College. “Platform continues to develop its apprenticeship programme; it is not just the number of apprentices that is impressive but the individual support the apprentices receive from this forward thinking and vibrant company. Each apprentice has a mentor and is able to access support and guidance within the company. The contact with the college is superb and we have established a great working relationship. Platform most definitely put their apprentices first and is with them every step of the way. An excellent company and a well deserved award for Sam.” Since September 2021, 17 new apprentices have joined Platform Property Care; with 30 apprentices in total, this equates to 5 per cent of its total workforce.
Leading the way in sustainability, award-winning interior design studio Andrew Henry Interiors has launched a new service focused on creating environmentally friendly designs for its corporate clients in the housebuilding industry. The comprehensive service for show home design is another addition to the expanding design practice, which aims to add more green features in the interior design process as the industry veers towards a new sustainable way of working. Created to suit individual projects, budgets will be bespoke to requirements where design specifications will focus on upcycled furniture, artworks, flooring, lighting and mirrors individually sourced, without compromising on quality. “As the ESG agenda becomes an increasingly key priority within the industry, it is more important than ever to offer a service to our customers which will allow them to be more environmentally conscious, while still delivering beautifully designed products. We are thrilled to be working on our pioneering sustainable show home design for Newland Homes and are looking forward to further projects like this, as the industry joins the sustainability movement,” commented Andrew Henry, Director at Andrew Henry Interiors. The design studio’s first ever fully sustainable show home will be created for developer Newland Homes, at its zero carbon homes development in Tickenham, North Somerset. This property will showcase their responsibility to the environment using elements sourced sustainably including reclaimed and upcycled pieces. The design inspiration for this four- bedroom show home is focused on creating a modern abode for a prospective family. Eclectic, warm and welcoming with some rustic elements in the furniture, the impressive design will be complete in February 2022. “Newland Homes is on a journey to create more energy efficient homes for our customers and we are delighted to be able to reflect the zero carbon values of the new homes at Tickenham through an exceptional interior design process. Working together with Andrew and the rest of the AHI team has been enlightening and we can’t wait to see the final results of this innovative show home,” said Chris Parker, Marketing Manager at Newland Homes.
A ground-breaking event to mark the start on site of the first new homes at McArthur’s Yard in Bristol took place on Wednesday 17th November, when the Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Councillor Tom Renhard joined senior members of The Guinness Partnership and The Hill Group to officialise this important milestone. “A great partnership between Guinness and Hill, together with Bristol City Council planning department has resulted in this derelict brownfield site, which sat vacant for 20 years, to at last be put to good use. I am thrilled to be here today to break ground on what will soon become new homes for the people of Bristol,” said about the start of work on site, Councillor Renhard. This significant harbourside site in Bristol’s historic dockyard is one of a few areas that has remained undeveloped in the City. Once completed, McArthur’s Yard will provide 142 new-build homes for market sale, shared ownership and social rent as well as commercial space on the ground floor and a café for the enjoyment of the community. “We are delighted to have welcomed Councillor Renhard to join us this morning and thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend our event. This ceremony marks an important ‘next step’ for Guinness and our delivery partner, Hill as we begin to create a new waterside community. I am delighted that work has now commenced on this significant addition for the city,” added Jon Milburn, Group Development Director at The Guinness Partnership. Mc Arthur’s Yard will provide a collection of 142 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes will be modern in design, thermally efficient and economical to live in with 20% of the energy generated through renewables. The scheme will also include cycle spaces for residents to easily access the city centre and electric car charging points will be installed to enhance the environmental credentials. Throughout the build of this new mixed- used development, new jobs will also be created for skilled local construction whilst the new street-level commercial units at the development will continue to boost the local economy whilst also offering local residents a wider choice of businesses on their doorsteps. “We are delighted to celebrate the start of this exciting regeneration project in Bristol, a city which has a growing demand for housing. McArthur’s Yard will provide an attractive mix of new social and private apartments and houses which we will be creating to suit today’s lifestyle. I am sure many people will really enjoy living in this unique waterside development once completed,” commented Chief Executive for Hill Group, Andy Hill.
There are just three homes now available to buy at a housing development in Salisbury where work is set to be completed next year. Bellway is building 82 new homes at Harnham Park, off Netherhampton Road, including 49 two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale and 33 affordable homes available for local people through rent or shared ownership. “Harnham Park has proved to be an incredibly popular development and our sales team has been inundated with enquiries from the outset. Construction work began on the site in June 2020 and we sold more than half of the homes in just six months following the release of the first plots in January this year. Now, we have sold 46 out of the 49 homes for sale on the development,” said Kim Caldwell, Sales Director at Bellway Wessex. “Harnham Park has been in high demand from both local people and buyers looking to relocate from elsewhere. The broad appeal of the development has much to do with the fact that it is within walking distance of Salisbury city centre yet is very close to open countryside. Bellway has taken a disused storage yard and transformed it into a new residential development which is providing much-needed housing for the area. We are also creating an attractive area of public open space for people to enjoy.” A four-bedroom detached Bowyer home is currently available to reserve at Harnham Park, priced at £469,995, while two further properties – a three-bedroom Thespian and the four-bedroom Goldsmith showhome – are yet to be released for sale. “The first residents have recently moved onto the development and a new neighbourhood is taking shape. Work is due to finish by next summer when the final touches will be put on what we are confident will be a vibrant new neighbourhood which will make a lasting and positive contribution to the economy and daily life of Salisbury,” added Kim. “There are three homes which are still available, one of which is the stunning Goldsmith showhome. I would advise anyone who still wants to secure a home on the outskirts of this charming city to contact us.”
Inland Homes has started work on the construction of Patchworks, the regeneration of the former Homebase site in Walthamstow, on behalf of its partners London BTR Investments (LBTR) (the build-to-rent joint venture between EQT Exeter and Sigma Capital Group Limited) and Newlon Housing Trust (Newlon). Brownfield developer and housebuilder Inland Homes gained planning consent for the development of 583 homes in April this year. The site was then sold to LBTR with the remaining for housing association Newlon, with Inland securing build contracts to construct the homes on behalf of both parties. This major regeneration scheme in Walthamstow will deliver 355 private rented apartments under Sigma’s Simple Life London brand for LBTR and 228 affordable homes for Newlon. New commercial and community space, gardens and play areas, a cycle hub and pedestrian routes will also be delivered, creating a sustainable and integrated place to live. It is expected to be complete in 2025. “We are delighted that construction has begun at Patchworks in Walthamstow, with Inland working in close partnership with Sigma and Newlon to transform this brownfield site into a vibrant new community and deliver 583 additional new homes to the area,” said Gary. “Both partners share our vision of high-quality regeneration and I am excited to see the scheme progress and deliver benefit for the whole community.” This strategy of securing land and planning before selling and building on behalf of third parties is a core part of Inland’s business model, playing to the team’s strengths of working in partnership and adding value. The deal with LBTR at Patchworks is Inland’s largest partnership housing contract secured to date at almost £90 million. Inland currently has a total of 1,257 homes under construction on behalf of partners. “Newlon are delighted to be working in partnership with Inland homes on this exciting new development, which will provide a further 228 much needed new affordable homes in Waltham Forest,” added Angela Wint, Senior Project Manager at Newlon Housing Trust. Following demolition of the former Homebase store, construction has now begun on site. Inland Homes Group Managing Director Gary Skinner and Sigma Investment and Acquisitions Director Jack Barnet met on site last week ahead of groundworks starting on the first build to rent block.
After last year’s Christmas lockdown, UK retail sales over the Christmas period are expected to rise to £84.71 billion this year, which is a 1.9% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. With many expected to strive for a bigger and better Christmas this year, Shanly Homes’ is delighted that their latest collection of three-bedroom homes at Millside Place in Epsom will be ready to move into for Christmas. Currently available to purchase at Millside Place are three three-bedroom houses. Ideal for buyers looking to be settled into their new home before the start of the new year, these spacious homes provide ample space for families looking to get together this holiday season. “The three-bedroom homes now available at Millside Place are ideal for hosting family and friends over the Christmas period and into the new year. These homes have been finished to a high specification and enjoy beautiful, contemporary interiors. Anyone interested in settling into their new home in time for Christmas should arrange a visit at Millside Place as soon as possible,” said Greg Kaye, Head of Sales at Shanly Homes. All of the three-bedroom houses currently available at Millside Place enjoy spacious interiors. Open-plan layouts provide plenty of space to host family and friends over the festive period. Contemporary kitchens come complete with a range of integrated appliances including a fan-assisted single oven, induction hob and a full height fridge/freezer, perfect for preparing Christmas dinner. The ground floor is complete with the convenience of a downstairs toilet. Upstairs the homes enjoy three stylish bedrooms. Primary bedrooms provide a cosy retreat away from the rest of the home, and are complete with the added luxury of an en-suite shower room. The second and third bedrooms ensure there is ample space for overnight guests, as well as space for a designated workstation, ideal for home working. Sleek family bathrooms are complete with white porcelain sanitaryware and luxury Minoli tiling. Residents also benefit from private parking spaces. Millside Place is positioned just a stone’s throw away from Epsom’s charming town centre, meaning a plethora of shops, cafes and restaurants are available nearby. Ideal for Christmas shopping, The Ashley Centre is just a 15-minute walk away and hosts a range of shops including The Body Shop, New Look and M&S. For supermarket needs, a Sainsbury’s superstore is a short 10-minute walk away. Ideal for a festive Panto, Epsom Playhouse is just an 18-minute walk away. This venue won ‘Panto of the Year (Under 750 Seats)’ at the 2020 Great British Pantomime Awards and this year is showing Beauty and the Beast. Located in Epsom, Millside Place has plenty of picturesque greenspaces available on the doorstep. Nearby Alexandra Recreation Ground is home to cricket and football pitches, tennis courts and a bowling green. Alternatively, Rosebery Park is the ideal place for an evening or weekend stroll, complete with well-maintained lawns and a duck pond. For those hoping to enjoy longer walks once the warmer weather comes around, Epsom Downs is under two miles away and provides miles of fantastic walking routes. Epsom train station is just a 15-minute walk from Millside Place. Ideal for visiting friends and family over the holiday season, residents can enjoy direct services to London Waterloo (36 mins), London Bridge (43 mins), London Victoria (39 mins) and Guildford (37 mins). Junction 9 of the M25 is just an 18-minute drive away, providing convenient access to the wider motorway network.
National construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has committed to creating equal opportunities for ex-servicemen and women and their families after signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Under the agreement, the leading hire firm has pledged to establish a tailored employment pathway for veterans by working with not-for-profit service Career Transition Partnership, and by recognising military skills and qualifications in interview processes. “Signing this covenant formalises the respect we have for those that come from armed forces backgrounds and underlines our commitment to supporting them in developing their future careers,” said Ellie Armour, HR director at Speedy. “Our veteran colleagues enrich our business with the training and skills they developed while serving their country, from project management to driving heavy goods vehicles, and we recognise our duty as a major employer to give back to armed forces communities nationwide.” The company, which already has a number of ex-service personnel in their ranks, is aiming to increase the number of employees from armed forces backgrounds. Having signed the Armed Forces Covenant it’s received the Bronze Award in the Employee Recognition Scheme, which evidences the tangible support an organisation offers to its armed forces community, with the company now progressing through silver towards its gold standard. The covenant was signed at the firm’s national support centre in Tamworth, where HR director Ellie Armour was joined by co-signatory Colonel Paul Gilby alongside veteran colleagues from across the company. Speedy joins other major employers in the construction industry including some of the UKs largest contractors in signing the covenant, signalling to ex-service men and women that they are armed forces friendly organisations at a time when almost one in five (17%) veterans in work say that finding the right job is very difficult*. The business has also committed to support its employees with family in the armed forces by upholding several principles that include sympathetically reviewing requests for leave surrounding partners’ overseas deployment and providing paid leave for employees whose loved ones are lost or injured in the line of duty. “Construction services and the armed forces share many complementary skill sets. It’s excellent to have Speedy’s support with the covenant. The company shows clear intent to help veterans across the country to build successful careers as they transition away from the military,” added Colonel Paul Gilby, co-signatory and Ministry of Defence representative. Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment, and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure, and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers. It operates from 200 sites across the UK and Ireland.
Regularly voted as one of the best places to work in the UK – it is clear to see why Reading is in such high demand and why central residency is much needed. This well-planned town is an increasing hub of service sector job opportunities, with titans of the industry Microsoft and The Oracle having their UK headquarters in the area. Combined with its growing selection of good schools and excellent transport links, Reading has secured itself as a prime spot for homebuyers. The town centre offers residents an excellent place to reside with a fabulous work/life balance but homes close to the heart of town are becoming increasingly hard to find. Based in central Reading, close to the mainline train station, The Printworks is an impressive collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom properties from five-star housebuilder, Bellway. Enjoying a prime position on Cardiff Road, The Printworks comprises a collection of contemporary apartments and houses set on an historic location dating back to 1777 that was once home to local printing house Cox and Wyman. “Homes are becoming an increasingly rare commodity in central Reading. The Printworks is perfectly situated for buyers that want the buzz of being close to the centre of town and I urge potential buyers to act now to secure one of these popular properties. With a selection of apartments and a variety of three-bedroom houses still available, home hunters will struggle to find a better opportunity to live in an area that has so much to offer, as well as fantastic connectivity links to London and the home counties,” said Emma Jones, Sales Director for Bellway Thames Valley. The impressive homes are enhanced with attractive landscaping and include an accessible play area, ideal for residents with children. A total of 121 parking spaces have been included in the scheme and many of the three-bedroom homes come with parking for two cars. Designed with sustainability in mind several electric car charging points are available, and a car club scheme will ensure that residents who don’t own a car are still mobile. Each property includes an open plan kitchen and dining area, a spacious living room and plenty of storage options. An integrated Zanussi oven, Roca sanitaryware and a generous balcony contribute to the stylish and contemporary aesthetic of the homes. The Printworks proximity to Reading town centre offers both convenience and choice with plenty of fantastic shopping, dining and leisure options available for those choosing this central residency. High street stores, well-known restaurants (including the Michelin-starred L’Ortolan) and artisan bakeries are all on the doorstep. Less than five miles away, a conservation centre known as ‘The Living Rainforest’ houses more than 850 species of animals and plants. Ideal for a family day out – this is just one of the very many places of interest in the surrounding area. Convenient connections should also be considered. The A33, which connects to the M4 for London, is close and Reading railway station is a short walk from home providing regular services to Oxford, London and Manchester.
