A five-figure donation from the Highlands’ leading roofing company has provided a welcome boost for a charity supporting children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities. Macleod Roofing has donated £10,000 to the Elsie Normington Foundation’s upcoming Dragons’ Den fundraiser, set to take place on April 25,
Popular holiday operator Center Parcs has revealed ambitious plans to establish its first holiday village in Scotland, marking a significant expansion into the country and a major boost for Scottish tourism. The new resort, planned for a picturesque location three miles north of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, represents an
Pharmacy Plus Health (PPH) has unveiled the first of a proposed 40 new pharmacy stores in West Yorkshire as part of its aim to re-invent the community pharmacy world. Devised in conjunction with the Interior Design team at AJ100 architectural practice, Stephen George + Partners (SGP), the ‘pharmacy of the
Leading global non-combustible insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL today announced it has signed an agreement to buy 114 acres (or 46 hectares) of land at the Peddimore site, north east of Birmingham, with the intention to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility featuring proprietary electric melting technology for its stone wool insulation products.
Architecture firm Holmes Miller has submitted a planning application to Midlothian Council for the redevelopment of Penicuik High School. Holmes Miller’s plans include the re-use and retrofit of the original 1930s school building, the infilling of existing external courtyard spaces and a new three storey extension to the north of
A robust management plan to continue to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in the Capital will be considered for approval by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Committee next Wednesday (13 November). Shaped by an extensive programme of public and stakeholder
Leading property investor and developer Prologis has announced a £500 million investment in Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC), a move that aligns with the Chancellor’s recent commitment to the life sciences sector in the Autumn Budget. With the completion of Phase 2, Prologis’ total investment in the campus now stands at
LandsecU+I, the regeneration arm of FTSE100 real estate giant Landsec, has submitted ambitious plans to transform Lewisham Shopping Centre into a vibrant, sustainable town centre. The proposed redevelopment aims to deliver a blend of housing, green spaces, and lively social areas, revitalising the site while preserving its role as a
A major new public-private partnership aimed at delivering affordable, sustainable housing has been launched by Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), a leading UK investor in housing and infrastructure, and national placemaker Muse, in collaboration with Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency. The partnership, named Habiko, is set to deliver
Leading independent housebuilder City & Country has pledged its support for a new national campaign by Pocket Living urging the Government to help unlock the potential of small and medium-sized developers to end the housing crisis. Pocket Living’s “Get SMEs Building Again” reports the difficulties that SME housebuilders face and
A five-figure donation from the Highlands’ leading roofing company has provided a welcome boost for a charity supporting children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities. Macleod Roofing has donated £10,000 to the Elsie Normington Foundation’s upcoming Dragons’ Den fundraiser, set to take place on April 25, 2025. Following this commitment, the company is now calling on other local businesses to join them in supporting this impactful event, which aims to empower Highland charities and foster community development. Elizabeth Mackintosh, who has been patron of the Foundation for three years, explained: “Next year we are holding a Dragon’s Den dinner, raising money not just for the Elsie Normington Foundation but also five local charities that might not otherwise have access to funding. “Charities will have the opportunity to put their case forward to our panel of ‘Dragons’ who will decide how the money will be divided up. “Macleod Roofing has kindly started this off with a very generous £10,000 donation. We are so grateful for their support, and hope that other businesses in the area will follow their example and support great local causes.” Sandy Macleod, managing director of Macleod Roofing, echoed Elizabeth’s sentiments, saying, “The work that the Elsie Normington Foundation does for people and families in the north of Scotland is extraordinary, so we are proud to support them in their mission to provide vital facilities in Inverness. Both Elizabeth and Elsie are true inspirations, dedicating their time and efforts to make a difference in our community. “At Macleod Roofing, we believe that supporting local charities not only strengthens the fabric of our community but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging. By investing in our neighbours, we can tackle the unique challenges we face together and create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. “For this reason, I’m calling on other local businesses to join the Elsie Normington Foundation in this important mission. When we come together to support local causes, we can amplify our efforts and drive meaningful change in the Highlands.” The Elsie Normington Foundation was founded 11 years ago by disability campaigner and author Elsie Normington, whose son Andrew was diagnosed with a severe and intractable form of epilepsy when he was just four years old. Realising the need for specialist services and facilities for children and young people in similar situations, and their families, she spearheaded the construction of the Haven Centre in Smithton, just outside Inverness. Over the past ten years, Elsie and a team of dedicated trustees, staff and volunteers have raised over £4 million to turn this into a reality. The Haven Centre is Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe learning disabilities, comprising a specialist play centre which is run by partners, SNAP, and includes sensory and art spaces. The Haven Centre includes 3 respite suites for short breaks, overnight stays and emergency respite. The Haven Café, which is also situated on site, is open to all and provides teas, coffees, breakfast, lunches and delicious home baking. Elsie Normington, Chair and Visionary of the Elsie Normington Foundation said: “We decided to think out of the box to deliver a new fundraising event and came up with the Dragon’s Den format. “This event will not only benefit the Elsie Normington Foundation but also other local charities, who will pitch to the dragons for a share of the prize pot. Each charity taking part will receive a share of the prize pot. “We are very excited to be launching this event and look forward to working with our sponsors and partners in the coming months to orchestrate an unforgettable event, which will not only provide a funding boost to the charities involved but also greater awareness of these fantastic local charities who do so much good in our local community.” Macleod Roofing has provided exceptional roofing services in the Highlands and the north of Scotland for over 30 years. Founded by Sandy Macleod, the firm provides a one-stop roofing service – bringing roofers, slaters, joiners, builders, plumbers and painters under the same umbrella. For more information, visit www.macleodroofing.co.uk. For more information about the Elsie Normington Foundation’s Dragons’ Charity Den, visit www.havencentre.org/dragons-charity-den-inverness and for information about the Haven Centre, visit www.havecentre.org. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Popular holiday operator Center Parcs has revealed ambitious plans to establish its first holiday village in Scotland, marking a significant expansion into the country and a major boost for Scottish tourism. The new resort, planned for a picturesque location three miles north of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, represents an investment of £350–400 million and promises to bring long-lasting economic benefits to the region. The proposed resort will feature around 700 premium lodges, offering a luxury, nature-oriented holiday experience. Guests will enjoy a wide range of facilities, including an Aqua Sana Forest Spa, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise water park, shops, restaurants, and bars—all seamlessly integrated with the area’s stunning natural landscapes. In addition to its long-term economic contributions, the resort is expected to generate approximately 1,200 permanent jobs locally. During the construction phase, it will create between 750 and 800 temporary jobs, providing immediate employment opportunities for skilled workers in the region. The project is in its early planning stages, with a formal application slated for 2025. Center Parcs’ expansion into Scotland is in response to high demand from Scottish families, many of whom currently travel to the operator’s sites in England. Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity to transform leisure and tourism in the Scottish Borders. Center Parcs is a beloved destination for families across the UK and Ireland, and there is strong demand to support a seventh village in Scotland.” He added, “Throughout our history, we have demonstrated the local, regional, and national economic benefits that a Center Parcs village can bring. Many Scottish families already visit our villages in England, so this new location will enable them to enjoy their holidays closer to home while positively impacting the local economy.” A focus on sustainability is central to Center Parcs’ vision for the project. McKinlay explained, “Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. For over three decades in the UK and Ireland, we have transformed commercial woodlands into rich ecosystems, significantly boosting biodiversity. This site gives us an opportunity to go further, creating new woodlands with a commitment to biodiversity net gain and planting thousands of new trees.” In the lead-up to the formal planning submission, Center Parcs will continue site surveys, design development, and consultations with local communities, ensuring the project aligns with local needs and environmental priorities. Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman of the Buccleuch Group, voiced support for the project, saying: “This development promises outstanding benefits for tourism and leisure in the Scottish Borders, and we’re thrilled to have signed an agreement enabling Center Parcs to take its next steps.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pharmacy Plus Health (PPH) has unveiled the first of a proposed 40 new pharmacy stores in West Yorkshire as part of its aim to re-invent the community pharmacy world. Devised in conjunction with the Interior Design team at AJ100 architectural practice, Stephen George + Partners (SGP), the ‘pharmacy of the future’ pilot store in Alwoodley, Leeds, showcases a patient-focused layout, a modern, high-end aesthetic and dedicated consultation rooms for in-pharmacy non-invasive treatments that will both alleviate pressure from local doctors’ surgeries and provide a more efficient service to the patient. The rebrand of the PPH stores, comes following the innovative partnership with HubRx, who are the UK’s first large-scale automated dispensing facility designed specifically to benefit independent pharmacy. The integration of the HubRX automated dispensing system will streamline prescriptions from facility to store, and not only reduce the amount of time pharmacists spend managing prescriptions, but also reduce the need for on-site storage capacity, freeing up floorspace and placing an increased emphasis on seamless face-to-face interactions between patient and pharmacist. SGP Interiors was appointed to develop the brief for the new pilot store, with a view to rolling out the design across a number of pharmacy and retail units that PPH had recently acquired throughout West Yorkshire. Working closely with the client and shopfitting contractor PEC, SGP’s design underwent constant evolution, moving towards a modular approach, fit for all shapes and sizes with minimal changes, keeping time and therefore costs down, while also establishing a cohesive brand identity. Amy Fulford, SGP’s Principal Interior Designer, explains: “There was a clear requirement from the client to keep both costs and the install period to an absolute minimum as any down time or closure of stores could prove extremely costly. By cleverly designing the display units and reception desk to standardised key components, we created a kit of parts that could be mass produced to combat waste and cost. This off-site production method enabled the install team to achieve the tight time scales with minimal shutdown.” Having engaged with key stakeholders through various initial design reviews, it was evident the design should focus on the patient and streamline their experience. A minimalistic appearance evolved as a result, with clean lines, hidden joints, concealed fixing details and futuristic white canvas. Whilst still incorporating display islands, the intention was to keep the floor space as clean and distinct as possible, creating clear sight lines to the reception counter and reinforcing the physical relationship between patient and pharmacist. Daniel Lee, Chief Executive Officer at HubRX, in partnership with PPH, said: “As a brand we are working with innovative technologies to revolutionise the prescription process. With our automated HubRX system in successful operation, we approached SGP, with a clear vision to design the ‘pharmacy of the future’ and provide our customers with a 5-star experience. Amy & the SGP Interiors team rose to every challenge we set out and meticulously worked through the design development, working with us to extract what we really needed. This has resulted in a Design concept that truly embraces our brand identity and has transformed our customer experience”. To achieve the desired aesthetic, the concept of capsules progressed to creating an illusion of floating displays, raised off the floor on a post. The number of products on the shelves were stripped back to echo the kind of high-end experience you might encounter at a perfume counter. Although products displayed were reduced, stock replenishment was still a high priority for the daily operations of the stores. To keep the minimalist look at the forefront, hidden storage was integrated into the base of the display units, including the perimeter wall units and island capsules. Due to the success of the ‘pharmacy of the future’ pilot store, rollout has now commenced on the interior scheme and kit of parts across further stores, with a second completed and another on site. Alan Soper, SGP Studio Director, concludes: “There is a growing recognition that community pharmacies can play an important role in the delivery of primary care, as well as reinvigorating our high streets and town centres. However, many pharmacies have not been set up or designed to realise this potential. We are therefore delighted to be working with PPH on the delivery of a transformational model of modern, patient-focused pharmacies. Drawing on our strong track record of successful interior design delivery and cross-sector experience in retail, leisure and healthcare sectors, the design of these stores will transform the patient experience, creating an important healthcare hub within the local community and, in the long-term, go some way to relieving pressure on other parts of the health service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading global non-combustible insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL today announced it has signed an agreement to buy 114 acres (or 46 hectares) of land at the Peddimore site, north east of Birmingham, with the intention to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility featuring proprietary electric melting technology for its stone wool insulation products. The new facility would boost supply capacity for UK and Republic of Ireland customers, whilst also supporting ROCKWOOL’s ambitious global sustainability plans. This significant investment would also create skilled long-term jobs and local supply chain opportunities as well as help in achieving the UK’s net zero targets and in creating a safer and more sustainable built environment through ROCKWOOL’s portfolio of non-combustible and recyclable stone wool insulation products. Local community consultation plans The Peddimore site, which is designated specifically for manufacturing use, is included in Birmingham City Council’s Development Plan and has outline planning permission for a manufacturing facility. Key infrastructure including a new access road and roundabout into the site is already in place, servicing an adjacent facility built in 2023. In the coming weeks, ROCKWOOL will begin consulting with the community about its plans, including open house events where community members can meet ROCKWOOL leaders and learn about the business as well as its commitment to delivering social and environmental value in the communities in which it operates. ROCKWOOL will subsequently submit applications to Birmingham City Council to adapt the existing planning permissions to its specific proposal. Information about the plans will also be made available at www.rockwool.com/uk/peddimore as the proposal develops. Building on long-term success Nick Wilson, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK & Ireland, said: “We’re very excited at the opportunity to expand the business into the West Midlands that would enable us to boost our production capacity in the UK and to create quality jobs and business opportunities in the local community. During the past 45 years, we have built a strong foundation at our site in South Wales where we will continue to manufacture and invest for the long-term, and are now looking to build on that success with a second manufacturing plant at the Peddimore site. “The West Midlands has a skilled, local workforce, a strong manufacturing tradition, and excellent transport links, so it is an ideal location for us to expand our business in the UK and bolster our service to customers in the Midlands and across the north of England and Scotland. We’re looking forward to sharing our plans with the local community and are fully committed to being a good neighbour and partner for the Minworth and wider West Midlands community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Architecture firm Holmes Miller has submitted a planning application to Midlothian Council for the redevelopment of Penicuik High School. Holmes Miller’s plans include the re-use and retrofit of the original 1930s school building, the infilling of existing external courtyard spaces and a new three storey extension to the north of the site. The ‘heart’ of the school will be centred around the original assembly hall and courtyard spaces, creating a hub for indoor sport, dining and social interaction, and a unified core between old and new. The proposed plans for the school include core accommodation to facilitate teaching, sports, dining, catering, pupil breakout and community use. The building will accommodate more than 900 pupils, including up to 24 with Additional Support Needs (ASN), which is more than double the number of ASN places currently available. Access will be improved across the site, with the introduction of a new accessible entrance to the north, fully accessible floor plates with improved lift and WC provision, clear circulation routes, and an inclusive wayfinding and interior design strategy. As well as improvements to the building, the application sets out how active travel will be encouraged using bike and pedestrian paths, along with adequate bike parking. There will be significant enhancement to the site’s biodiversity and greenery, as well as the introduction of new outdoor learning settings and a hard landscaped entrance plaza. The retrofit works to the original school building are designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce whole life carbon and provide a more comfortable learning setting. Retrofit measures include new triple glazed windows, the insulating of existing walls, floors and roof spaces, and implementing low energy services, including high-efficiency MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery) units in classrooms. If approved, the project will be part funded by the Scottish Futures Trust LEIP (Learning Estates Investment Programme) and will meet its metrics required for operational energy, digital, and space standards. Joanne Hemmings, associate at Holmes Miller, said: “Our plans illustrate how a historic building at the heart of a community can be sensitively modernised, retrofitted and made more accessible for its pupils, staff, and the wider community to enjoy. “Our proposals aim to optimise the site with new and improved playground, green space and outdoor learning environments. The internal upgrades will provide a comfortable and inspiring setting for pupils to learn and grow in. We look forward to Midlothian Council’s consideration of our application.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A robust management plan to continue to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in the Capital will be considered for approval by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Committee next Wednesday (13 November). Shaped by an extensive programme of public and stakeholder engagement it includes actions to tackle the climate emergency, create a sustainable visitor experience and the conservation and maintenance of buildings and public spaces. The Site is managed by the City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage. The partners work together to ensure that they protect the authenticity and integrity of the World Heritage Site while at the same time making sure it can operate as a thriving city centre. The proposed management plan sits alongside a two-year action plan to ensure improvements continue to be made in the Site going forward. It is a forward-looking strategic document which sets out the framework for the preservation and enhancement of the Site’s cultural heritage. Five key themes which were highlighted during the engagement period are now included in the plan. These are awareness, appreciation and activity around WHS status; climate emergency; conservation and maintenance of buildings and public spaces; control, guidance, and contribution of new developments to city centre and sustainable visitor management. Cllr James Dalgleish, Convener of the Planning Committee, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: Edinburgh’s old and new towns are exceptional places to live, have a business and visit. It’s the recognition of this that led to the city’s inscription by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in December 1995. World Heritage Sites must have strong and robust management plans in place to keep their Outstanding Universal Value. This is what makes them of worldwide importance. This must be preserved and enhanced for future generations to come. Like many other internationally renowned cities in Edinburgh we face the challenges of a growing population and the climate emergency and we must balance this with need to preserve our incredible and historic World Heritage Site. Edinburgh has many iconic and historically significant buildings and the Council works hard with partners to make sure any new development is appropriate and fitting with the rest of the site. In doing this a wide range of issues are considered including the needs of residents, tourism, culture and climate change. Edinburgh’s World Heritage site belongs to everyone and so I’d like to thank our partners and everyone who engaged with us on the Plan to get it to this stage. We’re continuing to speak to our partners and other interested groups as we look to implement it in the coming years. Dr James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: The history and heritage of Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns is internationally significant, and plays an important role in shaping local identity for the people who live and work here, as well as drawing millions of visitors from all over the world each year. This management plan will ensure that this significance will continue to be managed, protected and celebrated over the next decade, and we look forward to working with our partners at City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage, as well as other key stakeholders across the city, to implement the plan. Christina Sinclair, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage site is special – it is a complex, living capital city and its conservation requires considered action, great investment and long-term planning. Through a rolling pipeline of conservation work, engagement, climate emergency and city advice work, EWH preserves, protects and promotes the city’s unique architecture and built environment. The World Heritage Site Management Plan is a vital tool for active conservation, and is fundamentally important to identifying, agreeing and delivering necessary action. We have worked collaboratively with colleagues in CEC and HES to develop the Plan. Throughout, we have invited and incorporated the views of local communities, allowing actions to be shaped by people who live and work in the site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property investor and developer Prologis has announced a £500 million investment in Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC), a move that aligns with the Chancellor’s recent commitment to the life sciences sector in the Autumn Budget. With the completion of Phase 2, Prologis’ total investment in the campus now stands at £500 million ($635 million). In addition to expanding CBC, Prologis will also host a pavilion at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), the UK’s largest investment and infrastructure conference. This pavilion will provide a platform for discussions around sustainable development and networking with potential partners, reinforcing Prologis’ dedication to advancing the UK property landscape. State-of-the-Art Life Sciences FacilitiesAt the heart of Prologis’ latest development is 2000 Discovery Drive, a new six-storey facility designed for life sciences, offering a blend of laboratory and office space across 115,000 sq. ft. This cutting-edge building will serve as a launchpad for scale-ups and research-driven life sciences firms, enhancing CBC’s globally recognised ecosystem that unites clinical, academic, and commercial leaders. The project is a product of a longstanding public-private partnership, which previously delivered 1000 Discovery Drive—home to key tenants like Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a major European biotech firm. Infrastructure and Community BenefitsThe development of 2000 Discovery Drive includes significant shared infrastructure enhancements for the campus and surrounding community. Planned additions include a semi-sunken CycleParc with 450 spaces, multistorey parking, and extensive landscape-led design, creating improved public spaces and expanded cycle paths. Furthermore, the opening of the new Cambridge South station in summer 2025 will bolster connectivity for campus users. Currently, CBC contributes £4.2 billion in annual gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy, a figure projected to grow as Prologis and CBC continue to expand. Prologis’ investment is expected to directly and indirectly support over 4,000 skilled jobs in the life sciences sector. Future Expansion PlansPlanning consent has also been granted for 3000 Discovery Drive, a speculative 100,000 sq. ft. development that will form part of CBC’s Phase 2 expansion, providing further high-quality space for the life sciences industry. Government and Industry SupportChancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves commented on the importance of Prologis’ investment: “This commitment from Prologis—so soon after the government’s first Budget—underscores confidence in our vision for the UK economy.” Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle added, “Major investments like this bring global leaders in life sciences under one roof and underscore the UK’s strategy for sustained growth.” Andrew Blevins, Head of Life Sciences at Prologis, reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Our work at Cambridge Biomedical Campus exemplifies the impact of public-private partnerships in the UK life sciences sector. With developments like 2000 Discovery Drive, we’re advancing spaces that support job creation, foster innovation, and contribute to both the local and national economy.” Blevins added that providing sustainable, modern spaces for life sciences and associated supply chains is essential to the UK’s Industrial & Logistics sector. This investment forms part of Prologis’ broader strategy, which spans over 25 years, to deliver specialised infrastructure and green energy solutions for high-growth sectors, including data centres and manufacturing facilities, highlighted in the government’s latest Industrial Strategy Green Paper. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LandsecU+I, the regeneration arm of FTSE100 real estate giant Landsec, has submitted ambitious plans to transform Lewisham Shopping Centre into a vibrant, sustainable town centre. The proposed redevelopment aims to deliver a blend of housing, green spaces, and lively social areas, revitalising the site while preserving its role as a community hub. The plans envision 1,700 new homes, 445 co-living units, and accommodation for up to 660 students. Alongside housing, the development will introduce a pedestrianised high street with a variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars, plus a 500-person live music venue, creating a new cultural destination for the borough. At the centre of the eight-acre site, an expansive urban meadow will provide much-needed green space, offering residents and visitors an oasis amidst the lively town centre. To support continuity for the local community, the redevelopment will take a phased approach, allowing sections of the existing shopping centre to remain open throughout construction. LandsecU+I plans to retain as much of the original structure as possible, preserving key aspects of the centre’s heritage while introducing modern, sustainable elements. Mike Hood, CEO of LandsecU+I, highlighted the impact of this proposal, stating, “This submission marks a milestone in our journey to create a vibrant green heart for Lewisham. We aim to deliver a place that people will cherish, bringing social and economic transformation, thousands of essential homes, and a beautiful meadow above a revitalised shopping centre.” The masterplan follows an extensive two-decade collaboration with the Lewisham community, with thousands of residents contributing to the vision through one of Landsec’s largest public engagement initiatives. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new public-private partnership aimed at delivering affordable, sustainable housing has been launched by Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), a leading UK investor in housing and infrastructure, and national placemaker Muse, in collaboration with Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency. The partnership, named Habiko, is set to deliver 3,000 low-carbon, energy-efficient affordable homes across England over a 12-year period, addressing critical housing needs while unlocking large-scale institutional investment. Designed to become self-sustaining, Habiko will focus on delivering high-quality, affordable rental homes at rents set 20% below local market rates, prioritising areas where housing demand is high. Affordable Housing with a Focus on Energy EfficiencyHabiko’s housing developments aim to provide up to 100% affordable homes for rent, offering essential options for those whose housing needs are not met by the market. By incorporating low-energy, low-carbon design principles, these homes will help residents reduce their energy bills while contributing to the UK’s climate goals. Homes will be strategically located near employment hubs, ensuring accessibility to jobs and essential services, with a commitment to creating social value and economic benefits for local communities. Investing in Communities and Sustainable DevelopmentThrough PIC’s long-term stewardship model, this partnership will bring both financial security and social benefits. PIC’s ongoing investment, with the flexibility to forward fund development throughout the 12-year programme, will allow it to ultimately own and manage these homes, providing secure, inflation-linked cashflows to back the pensions of its policyholders. PIC has already invested around £4 billion in social and affordable housing, reinforcing its role in creating resilient, community-oriented housing solutions. Habiko’s construction approach will also diversify the housing supply chain, encouraging innovative building techniques and green skills development in local communities. This initiative is anticipated to boost local economies by creating jobs and training opportunities aligned with sustainable housing goals. Showcasing Innovation at UKREiiFMuse, PIC, and Homes England will promote the Habiko partnership at the upcoming UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), the UK’s leading platform for investment in sustainable infrastructure. Their presence will allow them to engage with other stakeholders, discuss strategies to expand affordable housing, and showcase their joint commitment to addressing the housing crisis through innovative, community-centred, and environmentally resilient solutions. Tracy Blackwell, CEO of PIC, emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying, “Meeting the UK’s affordable housing needs requires the combined efforts of government, developers, and private investors. Habiko demonstrates how public-private partnerships can create low-carbon, low-energy affordable homes, aligning with our commitment to secure cashflows for our policyholders and generate considerable social value.” Phil Mayall, Managing Director at Muse, echoed this sentiment, “The government has set an ambitious target for affordable housing. By collaborating with PIC and Homes England, we can harness our collective expertise to deliver thousands of low-carbon homes that truly meet the needs of communities nationwide.” Peter Denton, CEO of Homes England, added, “Institutional investment is vital to meet the demand for new homes. Habiko combines Muse’s technical expertise with PIC’s financial strength, positioning this partnership as a pivotal force in delivering low-carbon, affordable housing across England.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading independent housebuilder City & Country has pledged its support for a new national campaign by Pocket Living urging the Government to help unlock the potential of small and medium-sized developers to end the housing crisis. Pocket Living’s “Get SMEs Building Again” reports the difficulties that SME housebuilders face and puts forward a 10-point plan to boost housing delivery by levelling the playing field. The report notes that the number of SME housebuilders has plummeted from 12,000 in the 1980s to just 2,500 today, with the sector now building just 10% of the UK’s new homes, compared with nearly half of homes in the 1970s. Pocket Living, supported by City & Country and a number of other developers, has put forward a manifesto of recommendations that it believes will revitalise the struggling small and medium-sized housebuilder sector and massively speed up the number of homes being built on smaller sites across the country. Wayne Douglas, Managing Director at City & Country, comments: “The report by Pocket Living clearly highlights the difficulties that SMEs face, and puts forward a sound and well-researched plan that could unlock the full potential of smaller businesses to create the homes the country so badly needs. At City & Country, we are keen to support it and would encourage the Government to take urgent action to put smaller developers back at the heart of housebuilding. “SMEs have a vital role to play in the housing market, but there are too many barriers in their way – the pace of planning is one such hurdle, but another significant barrier is the cost of finance when the planning and discharge process can be so lengthy and uncertain. For SMEs, the risk we take on can mean we can on otherwise viable schemes, struggle to break even on a building project company whereas with more speed and certainty of timing, more schemes could be viably delivered. The Government should look at offering zero or low-cost finance through Homes England to reduce the inherent risk to development from these causes coupled with their plans for the panning system to make more schemes viable. This would increase the speed at which development is unlocked across the country and result in more variety of the types of housing schemes which are delivered.” Paul Rickard, Managing Director at Pocket Living, adds: “Small and medium-sized housebuilders have a wealth of skill and talent that needs to be supported. In London alone, the number of SMEs has plummeted by 66% since Pocket was founded two decades ago, making it harder and harder to get new homes built on smaller sites – especially since delays in planning consent are more damaging to smaller businesses. We are delighted that City & Country has joined our campaign, and we look forward to discussing these proposals in detail with the Government. All of the steps included in Get SMEs Building Again are designed to be cost-neutral for the Treasury and should be low-hanging fruit for the Chancellor.” City & Country specialises in both high-quality new build developments and the restoration and conversion of historic and listed buildings, with sites across Essex, West Sussex, Wiltshire, London, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Dorset. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
