Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s foremost housebuilders, has announced a bold expansion in the West Midlands, with plans to deliver 1,200 new homes across the region. This move is a substantial boost to local housing supply and forms a key part of the company’s strategy for long-term growth and
The Range is poised to acquire up to 75 Homebase stores as part of a pre-packaged administration deal, potentially saving around 1,500 jobs. Reports from Sky News indicate that administrators are being appointed to facilitate the sale, with The Range set to take over not only the stores but also
Work to build HS2’s 700-metre-long Burton Green Tunnel in Warwickshire has reached the halfway mark, with new images and video footage showcasing the latest progress. Once built, the tunnel will carry HS2 trains through the village of Burton Green, near Kenilworth, and will feature a green space above for use
The property management landscape is rapidly transforming, with increasing regulatory requirements and heightened expectations from clients, freeholders, developers, and residential management companies (RMCs). To stay ahead, FirstPort Group is committed to not just meeting these changes but to becoming a proactive partner that brings valuable insights and tailored solutions to
Renewable energy experts, Green Building Renewables, has announced a merger with sister company 21 Degrees, and will bring all its 14 subsidiaries together under the 21 Degrees umbrella. With this update, the group streamlines its comprehensive offering for architects and specifiers, enabling them to benefit from a unified approach to
THE recent Autumn Budget made a firm statement for growth and improvement in public services, with a focus on regionality with six authorities with ‘track records of managing major programmes’ announced as eligible for integrated funding settlements to invest in their areas, including the West Midlands Combined Authority. With this
ENHANCING science education, work on the UK’s newest planetarium for more than a decade is progressing rapidly at its Nottinghamshire site, with the £6.8 million project set to complete by the end of November. Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation,
Two units of 87,000 and 116,500 sq. ft were completed for long standing customer Wilson Bowden Developments in partnership with Cabot Properties. This marks the first collaboration between the two companies, responding to meet the growing demand for space in Rochdale, Greater Manchester and the broader Northwest region. Glencar, a
DEVELOPER Cassidy Group Ltd has announced it has successfully achieved an industry –first safety standard under the Building Safety Act (BSA) for its latest new-build student PBSA project. In October 2024, the company gained the vital Gateway 2 approval for its development The Square, a 419-studio building in Beeston, Nottinghamshire.
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has completed the first homes at Alvaredus, its development of 333 new homes in Fairham, on the southern edge of Nottingham. Lee Parry, Vistry’s Managing Director for the North East Midlands, welcomed James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe and Cllr. Neil
Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s foremost housebuilders, has announced a bold expansion in the West Midlands, with plans to deliver 1,200 new homes across the region. This move is a substantial boost to local housing supply and forms a key part of the company’s strategy for long-term growth and investment in the area. In the past six months, Persimmon has secured planning approvals for a series of developments in sought-after locations, including Lichfield, Kenilworth, Redditch, Sandwell, and Burton on Trent. Additional land acquisitions have been finalised in Dunchurch and Bedworth, with another in Wednesbury anticipated by month’s end. Stephen Cleveley, Regional Chairman of Persimmon Homes, commented: “The West Midlands is crucial to our future. We see enormous potential to deliver quality homes in the region, supporting the government’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. Our partnerships with Local Authorities and Registered Housing Providers have been central to our success, and we greatly value their collaboration.” The development of these new homes is projected to drive significant economic benefits, bolstering job creation and helping meet the increasing demand for housing in the West Midlands. Persimmon has highlighted the importance of strong partnerships with local authorities and housing associations, which have facilitated planning approvals and enabled the smooth progress of these projects. Supporting this growth is Persimmon’s national timber frame facility in Castle Bromwich, which plays a vital role in producing sustainable building materials. The facility manufactures timber frames, insulated wall panels, and roof components for up to 9,500 homes annually, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly, high-quality construction. With this extensive West Midlands project, Persimmon Homes is not only contributing to regional housing supply but also stimulating local economies and supporting job creation. The initiative reinforces the company’s national goals and its long-term commitment to addressing housing needs across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Range is poised to acquire up to 75 Homebase stores as part of a pre-packaged administration deal, potentially saving around 1,500 jobs. Reports from Sky News indicate that administrators are being appointed to facilitate the sale, with The Range set to take over not only the stores but also the Homebase brand and its e-commerce operations. Approximately 1,600 Homebase employees would join The Range under this agreement. This latest move comes after The Range’s acquisition of Wilko last year, following Wilko’s entry into administration. Once appointed, Teneo, the advisory firm managing the sale, is expected to secure buyers for an additional 50 Homebase locations. Interest has reportedly been shown by discount food retailers, DIY competitors, and other high street brands. The deal would mark the end of Homebase’s six-year ownership by Hilco, a retail investor with a history of rescuing troubled brands such as HMV. Prior to Hilco, Homebase was owned by Australia’s Wesfarmers, which implemented a company voluntary arrangement in 2018, leading to store closures and revised lease terms to improve financial stability. Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s reached a £130 million agreement to purchase 10 Homebase stores, converting them into supermarkets. The potential acquisition by The Range could be a lifeline for the embattled homeware retailer, preserving jobs and providing new direction for the Homebase brand under The Range’s management. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work to build HS2’s 700-metre-long Burton Green Tunnel in Warwickshire has reached the halfway mark, with new images and video footage showcasing the latest progress. Once built, the tunnel will carry HS2 trains through the village of Burton Green, near Kenilworth, and will feature a green space above for use by the local community. It is one of five ‘green tunnels’ being built on the project – shallower tunnels which will be finished with trees, plants and shrubs on top, helping them blend into the natural landscape. As well as Burton Green, green tunnels will be constructed at Copthall in Hillingdon, Wendover in Buckinghamshire and Chipping Warden and Greatworth, both in Northamptonshire. Delivered by HS2’s main works civils contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), and designed by Mott MacDonald engineers from the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture (DJV), the Burton Green structure is being constructed using a ‘top down’ construction method which involves building the structure from existing ground level. This includes initially building the side walls and roof of the tunnel, with large openings to ease excavation. The tunnel is then excavated and the tunnel base is constructed. In the last year, work on the tunnel has ramped up and has seen the completion of the 200-metre-long southern portal entrance and a series of underground structural elements, including retaining walls and over 1,300 piles – concrete pillars built underground – using 33,000 cubic metres of concrete in total. An onsite team of 150 people will now focus on the next phase of the build ahead of full completion in Autumn 2026. This includes further tunnel excavation work – with excavated soil being reused as part of wider landscaping plans – and the installation of roof slabs, base slabs and internal structures. Doug Barnett, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved the 50% completion mark here at Burton Green Tunnel and to be celebrating this milestone moment. Delivering a complex structure of this scale requires a huge amount of expertise and energy, which is thanks to everyone involved – from onsite engineers and machine operators, to design and support colleagues working behind the scenes.” A key feature of the Burton Green Tunnel for people in the local area is the realignment of the Kenilworth Greenway, which provides a link from Balsall Common to Kenilworth via Burton Green for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. Once construction and landscape work is complete, the Greenway will be restored close to its original alignment, running across the top of the new tunnel. While the railway is being built, HS2 has created a temporary route for the Kenilworth Greenway which starts at the site of the Burton Green Village Hall and then follows the existing field boundaries linking with Berkswell Station in the northwest. Rupert Blake, Project Manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “As an engineer, it’s hugely rewarding to lead the delivery of the 700-metre-long Burton Green Tunnel in Warwickshire. This is a fascinating structure both in terms of scale and complexity, but its green characteristics are what really sets this tunnel apart. When it’s complete, the roof will be finished with trees, plants and shrubs, so it blends in seamlessly with the existing landscape.” Tim Akers, Engineering Manager for Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture, said: “We’re extremely proud of the Burton Green Tunnel design, which we’ve been working on and evolving over the past five years, in close collaboration with the local community and other stakeholders. The result is a ‘railway within a landscape’ where the original character of the Kenilworth Greenway and ecological connectivity to the wider landscape are restored.” As construction continues at pace between the West Midlands and London, HS2 now supports more than 31,000 jobs. When complete, Britain’s new high-speed railway will create quicker and more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while crucially freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. In recent weeks, HS2 construction progress in the West Midlands has seen work start on the 2,000 underground columns that will support the flagship Birmingham Curzon Street Station, as well as the beginning of foundation work for a new bridge designed to carry HS2 trains under a section of the A38 near Lichfield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The property management landscape is rapidly transforming, with increasing regulatory requirements and heightened expectations from clients, freeholders, developers, and residential management companies (RMCs). To stay ahead, FirstPort Group is committed to not just meeting these changes but to becoming a proactive partner that brings valuable insights and tailored solutions to the table. Navigating a Changing Industry New standards, such as the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) consumer code introduced in 2022, reflect the sector’s shift towards greater transparency and higher standards. The code establishes new guidelines for how developers work with property managers and communicate with buyers, demanding more clarity and a commitment to quality service. FirstPort views these regulatory changes as opportunities to better serve both clients and future residents. By understanding the challenges faced by developers, whether related to building safety, leasehold reform, or the NHQB code, FirstPort is able to support clients in navigating complex issues effectively. Strengthening Client Connections with Dedicated Support A core part of FirstPort’s approach is through its Client Services team, which acts as the link between clients and the operational aspects of property management. The team’s role is to identify challenges and create solutions that address both immediate concerns and the long-term needs of developments. In a sector where digital transformation is key, FirstPort is also exploring new digital tools to improve client engagement and streamline service delivery. Fostering Collaboration with Developer Clients One of FirstPort’s recent initiatives has been training programmes for developer sales teams working on new-build projects. Often, buyers are not fully aware of the role of a property manager and the associated costs, which can lead to misunderstandings. By directly training sales teams, FirstPort helps them communicate the benefits of property management to prospective buyers. This approach has been well-received, with clients noting the value of having well-informed teams. Increasingly, developers are recognising the benefits of collaborating with property managers early in the planning stages. Involving FirstPort early allows for forward-thinking solutions around the long-term management and sustainability of a development. From establishing appropriate budgets to considering biodiversity goals, this proactive collaboration ensures that FirstPort’s services are seamlessly integrated into the vision for the development from the outset. Enhancing the Service Model As client expectations evolve, FirstPort is adapting its service model to provide more localised and accessible support. By regionalising client services and establishing dedicated account managers, FirstPort is able to offer clients a closer and more personalised level of support. This structure not only enhances relationship-building but also enables faster, more responsive service tailored to local needs. Looking Ahead FirstPort’s focus as the industry evolves is on building deeper relationships with clients through exceptional service, collaborative planning, and insightful guidance. By remaining flexible and proactive, FirstPort is ready to meet the industry’s challenges head-on and continue delivering a valuable and supportive service for its clients. Jess Farrell, Director of Client Services, The FirstPort Group Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renewable energy experts, Green Building Renewables, has announced a merger with sister company 21 Degrees, and will bring all its 14 subsidiaries together under the 21 Degrees umbrella. With this update, the group streamlines its comprehensive offering for architects and specifiers, enabling them to benefit from a unified approach to building performance. The restructure and rebrand of the group to 21 Degrees arose after a significant period of growth, including 115% increase in turnover year-on-year, thanks to both organic growth and through the recent acquisitions of JEM Energy, Doré Woodman, H2-ecO, Solar Voltaics, and J L Phillips, alongside seven others. Green Building Renewables has been a trusted partner in the low-energy building market for decades, providing high-performance products and expert guidance on projects that require careful specification. Now, with the restructure and rebrand of the group to 21 Degrees, the firm looks to bring its people, knowledge, and expertise together to enhance its offering to architects and specifiers – encompassing thermal performance solutions alongside renewable energy technologies to address the growing demand for sustainable housing solutions. “We understand that effective design is a partnership, and our role is to simplify the process for architects and specifiers,” said Andy Mitchell, managing director. “Through the merger and rebrand, our consolidated specification services take the guesswork out of choosing the right products, offering a full suite of options that deliver optimal building performance from the outset. And our teams’ expertise can help to meet efficiency goals and targets through our design support services.” Alex Payne, CEO, emphasised the company’s long history in this sector: “Our legacy speaks for itself. We were pioneers in bringing Passivhaus standards to the UK, and today, we’re leveraging our experience to offer whole-house solutions that de-risk the design and specification process for our partners. We, as a nation, have the power to realise a future where every building requires far less energy for heating and cooling, and where the energy it does need is harnessed from renewable sources.” While the newly restructured 21 Degrees extends its service offering to architects and suppliers, the company’s core products – including high-performance windows, doors, ventilation, and insulation systems – remain unchanged, ensuring continuity in quality, while integrating sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and solar energy systems to create low-energy-demand homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE recent Autumn Budget made a firm statement for growth and improvement in public services, with a focus on regionality with six authorities with ‘track records of managing major programmes’ announced as eligible for integrated funding settlements to invest in their areas, including the West Midlands Combined Authority. With this continued focus on regeneration opportunities and maximising public sector investments, leading procurement specialist Pagabo is launching a series of regional events aimed at driving further success and growth. The events will be further backed by the organisers of the largest built environment conference of the year, UKREiiF, for which Pagabo Group is returning as platinum partner for 2025. The events intend to connect those in local government responsible for regeneration with innovative funders and developers, with the first event focusing on the West Midlands being hosted at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. The ‘Regional Investment Collabs’ will provide a centralised forum that serves as a platform of development success and springboards opportunities across the board. With space to not only explore options for upcoming developments, the events will also bring forward public sector procurement success stories – making sure that local government, developers and funders are all able to take learnings into their future projects and see a greater level of success as a result. At Symphony Hall in Birmingham, a programme of panel discussions and talks will be accompanied by targeted networking to connect local and combined authorities directly with the developers who can turn their visions into reality. The programme will place focus on regeneration success in the West Midlands, the scale of opportunities and potential challenges, and how procurement and social value fits into the bigger picture. Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “There’s a palpable feeling across the country of the opportunity that lies ahead, especially when looking at plans to unblock the planning process and push development and housing forwards. The greatest success comes, however, from that bigger picture regeneration – going beyond the development of just one project or small site. “No one party can create large-scale development by themselves, and that’s where relationships become central to success. Our Regional Investment Collabs are there to build and nurture relationships that drive that town and city-wide regeneration that brings about transformation not just from a built environment perspective, but from the social, economic and environmental side too. “The West Midlands has already seen great success in many areas, such as the City West and St George’s developments in Wolverhampton which have been procured through the developer-led framework Pagabo manages. This being said, there’s a palpable feeling of the opportunity in front of us, and there is so much potential still to be unlocked in the West Midlands – from remediating disused brownfield sites to town or city-wide redevelopment.” Attendees have already been confirmed from West Midlands Combined Authority, Birmingham City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Coventry City Council, Lichfield District Council, West Midlands Growth, Staffordshire County Council, and Newcastle-upon-Lyme Borough Council. During the day, a panel of leading UK funders will also share what they look for when deciding how to allocate investment in the West Midlands, seeking to help those local government officials in the room improve their bidding processes. Matt Christie, director of external relations and content at UKREiiF, said: “We are delighted that Pagabo Group has returned as UKREiiF’s headline partner in 2025. By organising this event, it’s clear the team wants to take our shared principles – of facilitating the unlocking of regeneration across the country – beyond the three-day UKREiiF programme, which is something we fully support. “The buzz around this inaugural gathering – particularly from local authority participants – is building. I hope many of the conversations that are set to take place feed into Pagabo Group’s programme at UKREiiF in May 2025 – we may even see some early success stories emerge.” A regional report will be released after the West Midlands Investment Collab, which takes place on 27 November. Similar events will be hosted in other regions around the UK in the run up to UKREiiF itself, taking place in Leeds in May 2025. For more information, please get in touch with the Pagabo team via info@pagabo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ENHANCING science education, work on the UK’s newest planetarium for more than a decade is progressing rapidly at its Nottinghamshire site, with the £6.8 million project set to complete by the end of November. Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, the Foyle Foundation and numerous other donors, the new planetarium forms part of the Sherwood Observatory, which is being transformed into a leading regional education and exhibition space off Coxmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield. The internal fit-out is now well underway, with equipment including a ten-metre diameter hemispherical screen and projectors being installed that will show tours of the solar system and beyond. The planetarium will feature 59 seats and will be disability accessible. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the scheme, delivering project and cost management services. Nick Hanson, associate cost manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is an exciting project that is contributing positively to the local area with a world leading science and education facility. “The Sherwood Observatory is of huge historical significance and draws on our expertise of delivering high quality visitor attractions, with protected elements sensitively treated and managed through robust stakeholder management plans. “Our team is fully invested in helping deliver this unique undertaking, which will have a transformative impact on regional tourism and economy drives.” Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the construction works for the multi-million pound planetarium – completing pre-construction design and planning through SCAPE’s Beyond the Public Sector Framework. Jason Ainsworth, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to be part of such an exciting and unique project in the region, and once finished, the state-of-the-art centre promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational hub. “Alongside attracting thousands of visitors to the region and raising awareness of the local area and history of the site, it also provides opportunities for STEM careers for future generations to come. This was made possible due to our early involvement and collaborative working with the client team and consultants, facilitated through the SCAPE Beyond the Public sector Framework”. The new planetarium design incorporates the existing Victorian subterranean reservoir, which will see its original features, such as the intricate brick arches, kept to preserve the history of the building. The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration, growth and local planning at Ashfield District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see construction of the new planetarium and science centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved. “It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups as well as individuals and families to come and see shows about space and science. We know this will light the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area. “It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of seeing this move from an initial pitched idea while walking around the dark Victoria water tank, to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility. I could not be more excited to see my first show in the finished planetarium. “This really will be an incredible asset for the district and broader region and will inspire so many people with the wonders of space and inspire many onto new and exciting careers.” Steve Wallace, planetarium project manager and chairman at Sherwood Observatory, said: “This is going to be a cutting-edge facility and it has been fascinating to work on. We are now moving to the next stage where a specialist planetarium creator is on site transforming the dome. “It is a very unique bit of software that offers theatrical shows and give visitors an immersive tour of the solar system where they can go from planet to planet and then out into the wider Milky Way and Universe.” The planetarium at Sherwood Observatory is the latest development Pick Everard has worked on in the region, following the recent opening of a new ‘Green Heart’ space as part of the £2 billion Broad Marsh regeneration project in Nottingham city centre. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two units of 87,000 and 116,500 sq. ft were completed for long standing customer Wilson Bowden Developments in partnership with Cabot Properties. This marks the first collaboration between the two companies, responding to meet the growing demand for space in Rochdale, Greater Manchester and the broader Northwest region. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences, Data Centres, Commercial Studios and Civils has today announced it has completed two units of 87,000 and 116,500 sq. ft for long standing customer Wilson Bowden Developments in partnership with Cabot Properties, a prominent investor, developer, and operator of logistics properties throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Developed speculatively and constructed in just 47 weeks, the units are situated at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale, Greater Manchester in a prime North West location. The Grade A specified assets will bring much needed supply to the market meeting the growing occupier demand in the region. The development served as the first collaboration between Wilson Bowden Developments and Cabot Properties. The units are fitted to a high specification with generous clear heights, yard depths up to 63m and a power availability up to 1.1MVA. The units have strong sustainability credentials achieving a BREEAM Very Good certification, EPC A and benefit from a host of sustainability features including electric vehicle charging spaces, LED lighting and PV panels. Speaking about the development Glencar Managing Director Midlands and North, Pete Goodman said: “Kingsway Business Park is a premier destination for logistics in the Northwest and we are pleased to once again be delivering for long standing customer Wilson Bowden Developments and to be working for Cabot Properties. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the full project and professional team assembled on this project who have done an excellent job and delivered an outstanding outcome. It has been a pleasure to work on this development and we are looking forward to working on further developments in due course” “We’re very proud to add the Kingsway Business Park logistics units to our expanding U.K. portfolio,” said Mike Williams, Director of Investments at Cabot Properties. “This delivery on an accelerated timeline reflects our teams’ collaborative partnership and a shared commitment to quality. With highly functional, highly sustainable building features, the Kingsway properties offer an exceptional end-user experience in a critical industrial market.” Henry Henson, Commercial Development Manager at Wilson Bowden, shared, “We are thrilled to partner with Cabot Properties in delivering further high-quality, Grade A speculative units at our flagship Kingsway Business Park development. The ongoing development rollout emphasizes the site’s unmatched location on the M62 and the robust occupier market. Glencar have done an exceptional job and delivered two new units of outstanding quality. We look forward to working with them again in the near future” The Kingsway Partnership, is a joint venture involving Wilson Bowden Developments, Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale Borough Council, and Homes England, reflecting Rochdale’s commitment to providing cutting-edge facilities, fostering sustainable growth, and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The park is already home to big names including Asda, JD Sports, Amazon, Danish Crown, E-on UK and Dachser. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DEVELOPER Cassidy Group Ltd has announced it has successfully achieved an industry –first safety standard under the Building Safety Act (BSA) for its latest new-build student PBSA project. In October 2024, the company gained the vital Gateway 2 approval for its development The Square, a 419-studio building in Beeston, Nottinghamshire. It will be delivered for the 2026/27 academic year, serving University of Nottingham students, after planning permission was granted in May 2023. Gateway 2 is part of a series of critical gateways introduced under the 2022 Building Safety Act to enhance safety standards for higher-risk buildings, introduced in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. It involves rigorous inspections during construction to verify the work adheres to approved plans. Peter Cavendish at Cassidy Group Ltd, said: “This achievement is a unique milestone for Cassidy and reaffirms our commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and high-quality developments. As we move forward, we remain focused on setting the highest industry standards. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure we meet every requirement, and this approval from the Building Safety Regulator is a testament to their dedication and expertise.” The Beeston development adds to Cassidy’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio in Arkwright Street and London Road in Nottingham, creating a total of 1,084 student beds and 319 private rented sector (PRS) apartments. With a gross development value of circa £200 million, the projects are to be delivered over the next two years. Peter Cavendish added: “The Square, along with our other PBSA schemes, provides a welcome relief to some of the 19,000-student bed shortage in Nottingham, and the 2,000-student bed shortage in the micro-location of Beeston, according to StuRents data.” Cassidy Group Ltd is actively looking for investment partners for current and future developments, including 3,000 student beds and 1,000 PRS apartments across England over the next two to three years. With nearly four decades of experience, Cassidy Group Ltd specialises in the UK student accommodation and multi-family build to rent (BTR) and PRS sectors, delivering thousands of beds for clients such as Edmond de Rothschild, Franklin Templeton, and Student Roost/Brookfield, providing secure income-generating investments. Those interested in working with the team can get in touch by calling +44 (0)1926 431313, emailing info@cassidygroupltd.com or visiting www.cassidygroupltd.com to find out more. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has completed the first homes at Alvaredus, its development of 333 new homes in Fairham, on the southern edge of Nottingham. Lee Parry, Vistry’s Managing Director for the North East Midlands, welcomed James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe and Cllr. Neil Clarke, Rushcliffe Borough Council Leader, and representative from Homes England, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Clowes, Gatehouse Investment Management and emh to celebrate the completion of the first batch of the new homes. Alvaredus is a new development of 333 two, three and four-bedroom homes. 68 of the properties will be being sold on the open market under the Countryside Homes brand, 165 are destined for the affordable market with 100 homes owned and managed by emh group and a further 65 properties will be available through MTVH. The final 100 will become private rental homes through Start Living, the single-family build-to-rent joint venture between Gatehouse Investment Management and TPG Real Estate Partners. Alvaredus is part of Fairham, the 606-acre mixed use neighbourhood scheme championed by Homes England and Clowes Development, helping to deliver new employment opportunities and assisting Rushcliffe Borough Council in meeting its aim to create 13,500 new homes by 2030. Fairham’s first 500 residents will be given two free adult annual tram passes worth £675 each per household, as part of a partnership between Homes England, Clowes Development and Nottingham Express Transit (NET). Lee Parry, Managing Director of Vistry North East Midlands, which is developing Alvaredus under the Countryside Homes brand, said: “After years of planning and construction work, it’s always great to see houses built and people moving in, turning this site from a development into a real community. We’re hugely proud to be contributing to the wider Fairham scheme, creating an exciting new place to live that combines a green setting with exceptional transport links and all the vibrancy that the nearby city of Nottingham has to offer.” James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe said: “It is great to see this site coming to life with a genuine mix of high-quality private sale, affordable and private rental homes being built here in Rushcliffe, with excellent housing options for people from all walks of life. Both major parties at the general election committed to building at least 1.5 million homes over five years, and I’m pleased to see how quickly this site is now progressing after years of planning. I’ve no doubt that developments like Fairham will help to tackle the UK’s housing crisis.” Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning & Housing Cllr Roger Upton said: “This is a milestone for the Fairham development, and we’re pleased to see the completion of over 300 new homes at Alvaredus by Vistry Group. “These homes are part of the 606-acre site, which will welcome a thriving new neighbourhood, bringing new homes, employment opportunities, and a new sense of community here in the Borough. “The development forms a key part of our Local Plan and will help meet the Borough’s housing need and central government’s aim for 13,500 new homes by 2030.” Kate Henderson, representing Clowes Developments and Homes England, the Partnership responsible for bringing forward Fairham commented, “Residents moving into their brand-new homes at Alvaredus, Fairham is a very exciting occasion for the Partnership. Fairham is going to continue to evolve over the next few years as we deliver 3,000 new homes, one million square feet of employment, green open spaces and so much more. We have worked hard to deliver the essential infrastructure. Elements of the 606-acre brand new neighbourhood are starting to come to life but there’s more to do. We are delighted to welcome the first residents, and we hope they enjoy being part of the Fairham story for years to come. Chris Jones, Executive Director of Development at emh said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this development, not only to deliver high-quality, mixed tenure affordable homes that respond to the needs within the local area but also ensuring that we create places where people are proud to live. We look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes and seeing this fantastic community grow.” Paul Stockwell, Group Managing Director at Gatehouse Investment Management added:“It is hugely exciting to see the first homes completed at Alvaredus, and we look forward to families moving into the Start Living homes in the coming weeks. Our focus is on providing residents high-quality homes with excellent local amenities and strong transport links, and as such we are pleased to see Start Living as part of the offer at this landmark scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals