Last week Hillingdon Council showcased its plans to work alongside partners and businesses to build a thriving economy at its first investment conference. The ‘Hillingdon Takes Off’ event, supported by SEGRO and held at the Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre, Uxbridge, celebrated the borough’s burgeoning reputation as a
International property management group Odevo has launched SRVO Property, an independent surveying and advisory business set to serve the UK’s residential and commercial real estate market. Formed from Odevo’s existing surveying expertise, SRVO brings together top talent, skills, and experience under a dedicated brand. With a clear vision to become
MILWAUKEE® continues to expand the circular saw range with the latest edition of the M18 FUEL™* Guide Rail Compatible Circular Saw. Designed for professional carpenters, remodelers and general contractors who rely on high-performing and durable tools. Leveraging the latest in cordless technology, this saw offers outstanding performance, providing the power
A four-week planning inquiry has commenced over a controversial proposal to transform Green Belt land south of Marlow—part of the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park—into a £750 million film studio complex. The ambitious development includes 18 sound stages, workshops, office spaces, and a vast backlot. Buckinghamshire Council previously refused planning
LAST WEEK, Gedling Borough Council unanimously approved Delamere’s planning application for a new residential addiction treatment clinic in Bestwood, Nottingham, at the former Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service site. Totalling around £20 million, this development will represent the biggest investment in an addiction treatment clinic in the UK. The planning application includes
A major step forward has been made in the multi-million-pound regeneration of Etruscan Square, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council announces Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) as the preferred development partner. GKRL plans to work with partners, including PfP Igloo, to deliver a mix of high-quality, affordable housing alongside leisure and commercial
Deepki, the most trusted ESG solution for real estate, has marked its tenth year since inception with another year of impact, innovation and growth. Strong commercial and financial performance and rapid internationalization Since raising €150 million in Series C funding in 2022, Deepki maintained its strong performance despite a difficult
Hochiki, a global leader in life safety solutions, is celebrating the first anniversary of its Training Academy. This milestone marks a significant achievement in Hochiki’s commitment to education and advancement within the fire safety industry. With over a century of experience, Hochiki has earned a reputation for manufacturing reliable and
BOOSTING inner city connectivity, work has begun on a new 85-metre-long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent in Nottingham. Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6m delivery agreement with Balfour Beatty for the network arch bridge, which will be 20 metres high from its deck to its peak,
Following the success of its award-winning St Osyth Priory development, now completely sold, award-winning housebuilder City & Country is starting work on 190 high-quality new homes at Priory Fields, also set adjacent to the grounds of the ancient St Osyth Priory near Colchester in Essex. The first homes will be
Last week Hillingdon Council showcased its plans to work alongside partners and businesses to build a thriving economy at its first investment conference. The ‘Hillingdon Takes Off’ event, supported by SEGRO and held at the Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre, Uxbridge, celebrated the borough’s burgeoning reputation as a key hub for London business and invited more organisations to engage with the council and invest in Hillingdon as part of its efforts to further drive economic growth. More than 100 representatives from 70 different business sectors came together to find out what the borough has to offer and its ambitious plans for future prosperity. Following an introduction from the Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, three panel discussions took place chaired by Majeed Neky from the West London Alliance, Matthew Battle from UK Property Forums and Andy Sharma from Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce and featuring representatives from the council, Greater London Authority, Transport for London, Heathrow Airport, Brunel University London, SEGRO, Colt Data Centre Services, Altair, MACE and Higgins Group. The seminars covered a range of topics, including the challenges presented by housing, transport and investment; success stories from established investors about their experience and why they chose Hillingdon; and how the council is shaping a new Local Plan and its key investment areas. Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many attendees to this special event to herald that Hillingdon is very much open to new investment opportunities and looking to capitalise on its position as west London’s gateway for business. “Our priority is fostering economic growth and creating an environment where businesses can thrive. “We want to work with our business community, new and existing investors and partners to drive innovation and development in the right places, ensuring the local economy continues to flourish which will improve the lives of our residents and make Hillingdon an even better place to live, work, study and do business. “There are plenty of exciting opportunities for growth, so I encourage anyone wanting to invest in Hillingdon to get in touch.” To find out more, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/Invest-in-Hillingdon Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International property management group Odevo has launched SRVO Property, an independent surveying and advisory business set to serve the UK’s residential and commercial real estate market. Formed from Odevo’s existing surveying expertise, SRVO brings together top talent, skills, and experience under a dedicated brand. With a clear vision to become a market leader, it aims to provide comprehensive surveying services and exceptional client support, both within the Odevo Group and across the wider property sector. David Lloyd, CEO of SRVO, said: “We’ve combined the best capabilities, resources, and experience to create a compelling proposition. SRVO will deliver significant value to our clients, setting a new standard for excellence in surveying. By leveraging innovation, technology, and insights, we’re committed to providing forward-thinking solutions and trusted advice to commercial and residential clients across the UK. “We are hugely ambitious and, by investing in our people, expanding our services, and increasing nationwide coverage, we’re targeting 100% growth within the next 12 to 18 months.” Claire Shepherd, CEO for Odevo UK, added: “We’re investing in technology, people, and services that offer exceptional value. The launch of SRVO is the next step in evolving our surveying capabilities—bringing together the best talent, skills, and regional reach under one brand. “This allows us to scale up our services and offer even greater support to clients. As an independent provider backed by Odevo’s collective resources, SRVO is in a strong position to deliver outstanding service, improved resilience, and exceptional value across the sector.” Operating nationwide, SRVO offers a wide range of property advisory services, including building surveys, risk assessments, and lease advisory. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® continues to expand the circular saw range with the latest edition of the M18 FUEL™* Guide Rail Compatible Circular Saw. Designed for professional carpenters, remodelers and general contractors who rely on high-performing and durable tools. Leveraging the latest in cordless technology, this saw offers outstanding performance, providing the power to complete more demanding applications and the cut speed to achieve greater productivity. The M18 FUEL™ Guide Rail Compatible Circular Saw delivers the power to rip cut and maintain the 6,000 rpm’s throughout the cut for a faster cutting experience due to the FORGE™ technology built into this saw. This circular saw has the ability to cut up to 700 pieces of 90 mm x 45 mm pine stud or 64 linear metres in 42 mm thick pine panel on one M18 FORGE™ 12.0 Ah battery charge. Using a 190 mm blade, users can achieve 68 mm depth of cut, enabling the saw to cut through a stack of 3 x 22 mm OSB boards. The saw comes kitted with a MILWAUKEE® DEK26 vacuum adaptor which will fit directly to all MILWAUKEE® dust extractors. There is also an integrated dust blower to keep cut lines clear. The ergonomic, compact, and lightweight design makes the saw a perfect solution for all-day cutting. Positive bevel detents offer added productivity and reduce downtime. Additionally, the saw has an electric blade brake, LED work light, rafter hook, and all magnesium guards and shoes, keeping the user productive and providing the durability to handle the toughest job site conditions. This circular saw is optimised for FORGE™ and comes with MILWAUKEE®’s new segmented motor, for better performance. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18 FUEL™ Guide Rail Compatible Circular Saw is fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 315 solutions. *M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivalled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time, and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class. Specifications M18 FUEL™ Guide Rail Compatible Circular Saw M18 FCS66GR3-121C Kit Includes: (1) M18 FUEL™ Guide Rail Compatible Circular Saw, (1) M18 FB12 Battery Pack, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (1) Kitbox Perfect Match: Circular Saw Blade – Wood – CSB P W 190 x 30 x 1.8 x 24ATB – 1 pc (4932498976)To find out more about M18 FUEL™ Guide Rail Compatible Circular Saw, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A four-week planning inquiry has commenced over a controversial proposal to transform Green Belt land south of Marlow—part of the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park—into a £750 million film studio complex. The ambitious development includes 18 sound stages, workshops, office spaces, and a vast backlot. Buckinghamshire Council previously refused planning permission, citing several key concerns. The rejection was based on the project’s failure to prove the “very special circumstances” required to justify development on protected Green Belt land. Additional objections included the loss of part of the Country Park, potential harm to the Thames Valley landscape and the adjoining Chilterns National Landscape, as well as negative impacts on local residents’ amenities. Furthermore, the Council raised concerns over the project’s impact on the local road network and its failure to promote sustainable transport solutions effectively. The case has now been taken up by the Secretary of State for a final decision. Representing Buckinghamshire Council, the local planning authority, are Simon Bird KC and Esther Drabkin-Reiter, instructed by Laura Lee Briggs of the Council’s Legal Services. Meanwhile, Claire Nevin, instructed by Sophie Rae of PMV Planning, is acting on behalf of two key opposition groups—Little Marlow Parish Council and Save Marlow’s Green Belt. The inquiry’s outcome will be pivotal, shaping the future of both Marlow’s natural landscape and the UK’s expanding film industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LAST WEEK, Gedling Borough Council unanimously approved Delamere’s planning application for a new residential addiction treatment clinic in Bestwood, Nottingham, at the former Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service site. Totalling around £20 million, this development will represent the biggest investment in an addiction treatment clinic in the UK. The planning application includes the demolition of the existing site, significant landscaping, and the creation of more than 50 jobs for the local community. Delamere’s team will be made up of psychotherapists, recovery mentors, a 24/7 nursing team, and a hospitality team. Once operational, Delamere will provide premier clinical and therapeutic care for up to 32 guests struggling with alcohol dependency and substance misuse or behaviour addictions at one time as part of its 28-day treatment programme. The site will include a premium wellness suite, which will include ice baths, a fully equipped gymnasium, a steam room, a sauna and a meditation area, in addition to individual and group therapy rooms. Delamere is working with Architects Anderson Orr, Landscape Designer Tom Stuart-Smith, and Project Managers Edge P, on the development of the rehab clinic, which will draw on the similar trauma informed design principles utilised in Delamere’s Cheshire site. Bestwood St Albans ward councillor, Rachael Ellis, was the only member of the council to comment on the application during the planning committee meeting, stating that she was happy that the site is being redeveloped and will create local jobs. Delamere plans to officially open its doors in Nottingham in Q1 2027. Martin Preston, Founder and Chief Executive at Delamere, said: “We are thrilled by the committee’s decision to unanimously approve our plans for Delamere’s second site. Our development represents a huge investment and opportunity for the borough, and our ambitions for the Bestwood clinic to be a flagship in Europe. “At Delamere, we have a very clear purpose – anyone can recover from addiction with the right help – and in five years we feel that we have proven our proposition. Identifying the right location for our second site has been something we have worked hard at for several years, and so we are excited to be given the opportunity to create something the local community can be proud of.” Delamere’s site in Cheshire has treated more than 1,000 people since opening in 2020. For more information about Delamere, visit delamere.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major step forward has been made in the multi-million-pound regeneration of Etruscan Square, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council announces Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) as the preferred development partner. GKRL plans to work with partners, including PfP Igloo, to deliver a mix of high-quality, affordable housing alongside leisure and commercial opportunities to attract new businesses and residents to the city centre. Following the formal selection process, site surveys and investigations are expected to begin later this year. The site will be prepared for development in 2026, with construction of new homes targeted for 2027. The project is a key part of the wider city centre masterplan, designed to transform Hanley into a vibrant place to live, work, shop, and visit. Etruscan Square is one of the Midlands’ largest cleared regeneration sites, spanning around seven acres. Backed by £20 million in Government funding, it sits on the former bus station and East-West Precinct site, adjacent to Hanley Bus Station and close to Smithfield and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. GKRL, a joint venture between Genr8 Developments LLP and Kajima Partnerships LLP, has a strong track record in delivering major regeneration projects, including the Rochdale Riverside mixed-use development. The partnership also has existing ties to Stoke-on-Trent, with Genr8 leading the Smithfield development and Kajima delivering the £60 million Stoke Extra Care scheme. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Regeneration, emphasised the importance of progress, stating: “For too long, people have been promised action but have seen little progress. That is going to change. This partnership is a vote of confidence in Stoke-on-Trent’s future. We are working with a developer that has a strong track record, and together, we will deliver high-quality homes and new opportunities for businesses and residents.” Richard Ingham, Director at GKRL, added: “Etruscan Square is a unique opportunity to revitalise the city centre. Our passion is creating sustainable environments where communities can thrive. We look forward to working closely with the Council to deliver long-term economic and social value.” With a clear plan and an experienced development partner in place, the long-awaited transformation of Etruscan Square is set to take shape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Deepki, the most trusted ESG solution for real estate, has marked its tenth year since inception with another year of impact, innovation and growth. Strong commercial and financial performance and rapid internationalization Since raising €150 million in Series C funding in 2022, Deepki maintained its strong performance despite a difficult economic environment for the real estate sector. After doubling its revenues in 2022, Deepki doubled again over the period 2023-24, reflecting steady growth despite a difficult economic context for the real estate sector. Deepki’s performance in 2024 was driven by new client wins and strong organic growth through existing clients and expanded partnerships. This strong performance consolidates Deepki’s position as the leading and most reliable ESG solution in the real estate sector. Through its single platform, Deepki currently supports over 500 customers and more than 50,000 users, monitoring ESG performance for over €4 trillion in assets under management (AUM) in over 80 countries. To date, Deepki has partnered with 53 of the world’s 150 biggest real estate investment managers, reinforcing its strong international presence and will shortly be opening additional offices globally. Employing over 400 people, Deepki empowers its clients to manage decarbonization and climate adaptation across more than 60 asset types, including residential, industrial, logistics, healthcare, offices, hotels, and retail. Its groundbreaking, AI-based, ISAE-certified platform integrates energy efficiency and climate resilience with operational and embodied carbon strategies for existing and new buildings. By using this innovative and complete solution, clients save time, navigate regulatory requirements pragmatically, and identify, implement and monitor carbon-profitable, revenue-generating investments. The exemplary ESG strategies led by Deepki’s clients such as Heppner are no longer exceptions but are setting new industry standards that can be followed by others. Cutting-edge technological breakthroughs and audit-ready data Deepki has strengthened its market leadership through continuous AI-driven innovation, leveraging the world’s largest and most reliable ESG Real Estate database. Its Virtual Retrofit technology enables Asset Managers and building users to remotely identify and assess Energy and Carbon Conservation Measures, facilitating the development of large-scale retrofit investment plans. By using an advanced AI engine to model the thermodynamic behaviour of buildings, clients can prioritize capital expenditures and make informed investment decisions based on transparent and trusted merit orders. These cutting-edge innovations deliver accurate, actionable insights, empowering clients to drive sustainable transformation while enhancing asset value. Additionally, Deepki has strengthened its platform with audit-ready data, AI-powered Gap-Filling to address missing ESG data, and has published its third ESG Index – a comprehensive benchmarking tool for assessing the environmental performance of real estate assets. Deepki is also the world’s first and only ESG data intelligence platform to achieve ISAE 3000 certification, guaranteeing the credibility, accuracy, and full auditability of its data collection and quality assurance processes. This certification upholds the same rigorous standards of financial reporting, offering unparalleled unmatched trust and reliability to clients and partners. Vincent Bryant, CEO and Co-founder of Deepki, comments: “The real estate sector faces the dual challenge of a difficult economic climate and the increasing pressure from investors who seek for long-standing risk-free high returns. The recent backlash on often-too-intricate regulations provides more instability than ever. However, reasons to decarbonize and adapt buildings remain innumerable. This involves complex analysis and pragmatism in decision-making, creating a market need for a comprehensive solution. Commercial real estate players require a single platform to manage all aspects of ESG, from decarbonization and climate adaptation to social impact and compliance, along with seamless integration with adjacent technologies. Deepki’s strong performance in 2024 is a direct result of its positioning as a trusted ESG one-stop shop, empowering businesses to achieve their sustainability targets while enhancing asset value.” Atream / Clémentine Arlin – Head of CSR “For Atream, Deepki has become an essential tool for the extra-financial monitoring of our assets. It is now an everyday tool, not only for monitoring our consumption, which remains at the heart of our business, but also for all our reporting.” Catella Investment Management / Volker Stix – Managing Director of Catella Investment Management “As a sustainable partner for real estate investments, ESG criteria are also a crucial point for us in every investment decision. Probably the biggest challenge in this regard is initially data management and data quality assurance. In Deepki, we have found a partner that enables us to collect this data, close the gaps in data collection and then evaluate it in a quality-assured manner. When selecting our investments, we use Deepki’s investment plan tool to see even before the investment is made: Where does an asset stand today and where could it stand in the future? At first glance, Deepki’s solution appears to be a data collection and management tool, but it offers much more. Deepki is a partner at eye level, providing a high level of consulting expertise in the area of ESG, and thus helping us to make better investment management decisions.” Heppner / Noémie FELDBAUER, Directrice de la Transition Énergétique “Since 2021, Deepki has been helping us to assess the energy efficiency of our building stock. Thanks to their tools and analyses, we have been able to design personalised action plans, including audits, equipment improvements and renovation work. These actions enable us to aim for a 40% reduction in our energy consumption by 2030. We have already achieved a 32% reduction in surface consumption, largely thanks to the optimisation of our lighting with intelligent LEDs.“ Minor Hotels Europe & Americas Pilar Rodríguez Esteban – Senior Vice President Projects, Construction, Engineering & Maintenance“The deployment of Deepki’s platform across our portfolio has brought a new level of transparency and facilitated reporting, which supports our ESG leadership in the sector.” Sagitta SGR Claudio Nardone, CEO of Sagitta SGR “Thanks to the Deepki platform, we have begun a process of digitising our real estate and infrastructure portfolio to understand its environmental performance, compare it with market benchmarks and identify the opportunities and risks, both climatic and transitional, to which the assets are exposed. Supported by Deepki’s team of professionals and consultants, we are now aware
Hochiki, a global leader in life safety solutions, is celebrating the first anniversary of its Training Academy. This milestone marks a significant achievement in Hochiki’s commitment to education and advancement within the fire safety industry. With over a century of experience, Hochiki has earned a reputation for manufacturing reliable and innovative life safety products. The Training Academy builds upon this legacy, providing fire safety professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively design, install, commission, and maintain Hochiki systems. The past year has seen remarkable growth and engagement, with over 789 registered users and more than 514 courses completed, both online and in person. The academy offers a diverse range of courses catering to all levels of experience, from engineers new to fire safety to seasoned experts. “From first contacting Hochiki support to completing their online course, and then face-to-face training, the communication has been fantastic,” said one Training Academy graduate. “I wish more companies had the same attitude and skill as Hochiki and their training academy.” The academy’s blended learning approach combines online modules, including webinars, how-to videos, and interactive courses, with hands-on, in-person sessions at Hochiki’s state-of-the-art facilities in Kent. This allows participants to learn at their own pace while also benefiting from direct interaction with experienced professionals. Practical exercises and simulations enhance the learning experience. “The first anniversary of the Hochiki Training Academy marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to supporting the fire safety industry,” said Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director at Hochiki Europe. “By providing high-quality training and education, we want to empower engineers to deliver safer and more effective fire protection solutions. The academy’s success is a testament to the value of continuous professional development and the importance of collaboration between us, as a leading manufacturer, and fire industry professionals, in the pursuit of enhanced life safety.” The Hochiki Training Academy plays a crucial role in ensuring the correct specification, installation, and maintenance of Hochiki products, contributing to enhanced fire safety in buildings worldwide. Looking ahead, the academy plans to expand its course offerings, introduce new modules covering the latest advancements in fire safety technology, and further enhance its online platform. Learn more by visiting the Hochiki Training Academy website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BOOSTING inner city connectivity, work has begun on a new 85-metre-long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent in Nottingham. Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6m delivery agreement with Balfour Beatty for the network arch bridge, which will be 20 metres high from its deck to its peak, weighing in at 160 tonnes, or roughly equivalent to the weight of a blue whale. It is expected that more than 100 people will be employed during the project, including four apprentices. The new foot and cycle bridge will link the north side of the river, where the new Trent Basin community of 350 homes continues to take shape, and the south side of the river, where sports facilities, riverside walks and green spaces are close by. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is also part of the scheme, delivering project and cost management, and health and safety services. The firm is operating under Perfect Circle’s unique collaboration and was appointed via the SCAPE Consultancy Framework. Ricky Lee, associate director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “This is a landmark scheme for Nottingham City Council and the wider community, delivering improved cycle and pedestrian connections and wider social benefits across the city. “The bridge itself will be one of longest single-spanning network arch bridges for cyclists and pedestrians in the UK, and naturally a project of this scale requires extensive collaboration across various stakeholders to ensure it is a successful and rewarding scheme for residents and those visiting the city. “We’re looking forward to work commencing on site, which complements wider regeneration efforts across the city and recognises Nottingham as a sustainable place to work and live.” Construction timeline: Errol Wisby, portfolio director at Balfour Beatty, said: “We’re pleased to have partnered with Nottingham City Council and SCAPE to deliver this landmark project, which will enhance connectivity and promote sustainable travel in Nottingham city centre. “We now look forward to works commencing in earnest and seeing the positive impact this project will have on Nottingham and its residents both now and in the future.” The new bridge will be the first built in the city since the 1950s – a key new route between the north side of the river, encompassing popular Colwick Park along with the regenerating Trent Basin area, and the south side of the river with its many sports facilities, including the City Ground, Trent Bridge, Holme Pierrepont and Nottingham Rugby Club. By creating new connections between communities, green spaces, riverside paths and amenities, the bridge will make it easier for people living and working in the local area to travel in a more sustainable way. The bridge is entirely funded by the Transforming Cities Fund, provided by Central Government. The bridge will be the flagship, and final, project to come out of the City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme. In addition to the construction of the bridge, work is underway to ensure that it will be well connected to a high-quality cycle route on Daleside Road and wider sustainable transport connections through to the city centre, as well as to along the banks of the river to Colwick Park. Councillor Neghat Khan, Nottingham City Council leader and executive member for strategic regeneration, transport and communications, said: “I’m delighted to share that Nottingham City Council has officially partnered with Balfour Beatty, our trusted lead delivery partner, to bring our exciting new walking and cycling bridge to life. This ambitious project, fully funded by Central Government through the Transforming Cities Fund, marks a significant step toward a greener, more connected future. “I’m eager to see construction progress and watch this landmark take shape on our city’s skyline. Once completed, the bridge will enhance Nottingham’s cycling and pedestrian network, providing a safe, traffic-free route over the river and empowering more people to travel sustainably and healthily.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the success of its award-winning St Osyth Priory development, now completely sold, award-winning housebuilder City & Country is starting work on 190 high-quality new homes at Priory Fields, also set adjacent to the grounds of the ancient St Osyth Priory near Colchester in Essex. The first homes will be available to buy off-plan from Spring 2025. The new development will include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses, all carefully designed to offer luxurious modern living while blending with the character of the historic Priory, parts of which are Grade I and II* Listed. With access to a private circular walk around the grounds of the historic Estate, extensive landscaping and green open spaces, residents here will be surrounded by nature as well as centuries of history. Now an established events venue, St Osyth Priory dates back to the 12th century, when it was founded as a monastery, dedicated to Saint Osyth – a local noblewoman after whom the nearby village is named, who founded a convent in the seventh century. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the priory passed first to Thomas Cromwell, then to Princess Mary, remaining a private home until the First World War when it was requisitioned by the Army, later being used as a convalescent home. The priory was acquired and repurposed in 1999 and has since undertaken a complete refurbishment of the estate, with new homes, holiday accommodation, a working rare breeds farm, a luxury wedding and events venue and a country pub, as well as the restoration of the 16 separate listed buildings on the site. After the success of City & Country’s first development of 73 private homes on the site, which won a Silver award for its public realm in the Whathouse? Awards 2023 and Housebuilder of the Year in 2024, the new build and historic renovations specialist was the obvious choice to develop a further 30 acres of land adjacent to St Osyth Priory, which is within walking distance of the quaint village of St Osyth. Priory Fields is located just five miles from the bright lights and sandy beaches of Clacton-on-Sea and 12 miles from the historic town of Colchester with its castle and Roman walls – the longest and best preserved in the country. Colchester is known for its independent shops and high street names, including a Fenwick department store, the thriving Mercury Theatre, grammar schools and University of Essex campus. Trains from Colchester, Clacton and Great Bentley offer convenient direct services to London Liverpool Street. Meanwhile, the village of St Osyth has a range of local, independently run pubs, bistros and restaurants, convenience stores, a busy seasonal street market and amenities including a primary school and GP surgery. The homes at Priory Fields will be varied in design to create an environment that is enhanced by the grandeur of the nearby listed buildings, while the off-the-beaten track nature of the development will guarantee peace and privacy. Rare breed animals, including white deer, roam the grounds, while the natural wetlands and ponds close to the river provide a habitat for marshland and coastal birds. At various points around the estate residents can enjoy beautiful views towards Brightlingsea and Mersea Island and sunsets over the estuary. With public nature reserve, Martin’s Farm Country Park opposite Priory Fields is only a short five-minute walk away. Shelley West, Group Sales and Marketing Director at City & Country, comments: “Our first development in this fabulous location sold out exceptionally quickly, so we are delighted to be starting work on Priory Fields, which will launch a wide variety of homes offering the perfect mix of modern living in a historic, country setting. Surrounded by peace and nature, with beautiful walks, quiet beaches and the quaint village of St Osyth just a stroll away, Priory Fields on the Essex coastline offers life at a slower pace – in a setting enjoyed by monks, saints and royalty for over a thousand years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
