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Ebury Bridge regeneration scheme reaches milestone as Westminster City Council delivers on social housing pledge

Ebury Bridge regeneration scheme reaches milestone as Westminster City Council delivers on social housing pledge

BDC News Team September 27, 2023

One of Westminster City Council’s flagship regeneration projects, which delivers on the authority’s commitment to increasing the availability of social housing, has reached a major milestone. Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of the Council, this week performed the ‘topping out’ of Phase 1 of the Ebury Bridge regeneration in Knightsbridge and

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Sunderland car park scoops coveted national award

Sunderland car park scoops coveted national award

Kenneth Booth September 20, 2023

SUNDERLAND’S distinctive new car park has won a national award in recognition of its excellence. Sunderland City Council’s new Riverside Sunderland Multi Storey Car Park, which provides 657 new spaces at Farringdon Row, was named Best New Car Park Award at the British Parking Awards, an independent competition created and

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Topping out for Sheffield’s historic Leah’s Yard

Topping out for Sheffield’s historic Leah’s Yard

Kenneth Booth September 14, 2023

The ongoing revival of Sheffield’s historic Leah’s Yard on Cambridge Street celebrated an important construction milestone this week, with the building’s new extension reaching its highest point. Leah’s Yard is seen as the jewel in the crown of Heart of the City – the transformative city centre development programme led

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WATES GROWS BRENT PORTFOLIO WITH £35M MAJOR WORKS

Wates grows Brent portfolio with £35m major works

BDC News Team September 6, 2023

The Wates Group is set to expand its presence in London with the appointment of its Living Space business to deliver Brent Council’s Major Works programme across its social housing portfolio. The £35m Major Works contract will commence in July this year and will run for 80 weeks with works

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Higgins Partnerships awarded Ledbury Estate Redevelopment

Higgins Partnerships awarded Ledbury Estate Redevelopment

BDC News Team August 30, 2023

Southwark Council has selected Higgins Partnerships as its development partner for the two phase, £176 million estate regeneration of Ledbury Estate in Peckham. Four existing blocks, which were identified as ‘having serious structural and fire safety issues’ by the council, will be replaced with a new development of 340 mixed

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Have your say in Mansfield Local Plan review

Have your say in Mansfield Local Plan review

BDC News Team August 29, 2023

Work has begun to review Mansfield’s Local Plan, the key strategy document that acts as a blueprint for development in the future. The current Local Plan, which was adopted by Mansfield District Council in 2020, sets out guidelines for how the district will grow and change until 2033. Now, people

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Latest Issue
Issue 330 : Jul 2025

Public Sector : Local Authority News

Ebury Bridge regeneration scheme reaches milestone as Westminster City Council delivers on social housing pledge

Ebury Bridge regeneration scheme reaches milestone as Westminster City Council delivers on social housing pledge

BDC News Team September 27, 2023

One of Westminster City Council’s flagship regeneration projects, which delivers on the authority’s commitment to increasing the availability of social housing, has reached a major milestone. Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of the Council, this week performed the ‘topping out’ of Phase 1 of the Ebury Bridge regeneration in Knightsbridge and Belgravia – the symbolic stage when construction reaches its highest point of the building – by laying the final piece of the construction frame alongside lead contractor Bouygues UK.  Once complete, the Ebury Bridge scheme will deliver the highest number of new socially rented properties in the borough for 50 years, fulfilling a pledge of the current administration and at a time of acute need for affordable housing in central London. Westminster has increased the number of new socially rented properties at the scheme from 41 to 171, bringing the number of new or replacement council homes for social rent to 370. Following a resident ballot earlier this year, where 91% of residents voted in favour of the scheme, the council has been able to gain £41m in funding support from the Mayor of London. Cllr Hug said: “This is an exciting moment in the delivery of the Ebury Bridge regeneration scheme. Residents who have had to move away, to enable the new homes to be built, will know their moves back are not far away. “Since introducing our ‘truly affordable’ housing strategy at the end of last year, we’ve increased the number of council homes for social rent across our pipeline. Ebury is one of the largest schemes that will see this increase come to fruition. “The building we are stood on today gives all existing Ebury families the chance to come back to a new home. This is part of our commitment to keeping the community together for generations to come.” The first residents will start moving in next autumn as the 226-home phase one, across a range of tenures, completes. Some 781 homes are being delivered across all three phases at Ebury, which will also deliver important facilities and spaces to support the health and wellbeing of residents including a new community hub, nursery, play facilities, fitness centre and four high-quality public squares and pocket parks. As housing demand rises, maximising the number and quality of affordable homes is a key pledge in the Fair Westminster strategy and includes new social housing, new intermediate rent homes and homes for sale and rent with plans for more than 2,000 new homes by 2027. As well as the Ebury scheme, Westminster’s other key regeneration project is at Church Street in the north of the borough, with plans to build 1,120 high quality new homes, with over 50 per cent affordable housing. The Ebury scheme is being built by Bouygues UK, which has donated £74,000 to community projects and given 35 hours a week to volunteering at projects including the Abbey Centre, Construction Youth Trust, Women into Construction, and Social Bite. Bouygues UK has supported career sessions, work experience placements and educational support for residents and schools, and has taken on five apprentices from surrounding London boroughs.

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Construction scheduled for second phase of £23m Connecting West Leeds transport improvements

Construction scheduled for second phase of £23m Connecting West Leeds transport improvements

BDC News Team September 26, 2023

The first phase of highways improvements along the A6120 Outer Ring Road are already underway, with the second phase of work programmed following a positive response to the consultation. The overall completion of both phases is scheduled for winter 2024. £20m of the work is funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with the remaining £3.257m being provided by West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Phase 1 Phase 1 of the work was consulted on in November and December 2021 and is made up of improvements to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway, Horsforth roundabout and the creation of a segregated off-highway cycle path. Improvements to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway and Horsforth roundabout are already underway and due to complete at the end of this year. Construction of the segregated cycle path, from Horsforth roundabout to Rodley roundabout, will begin early next year and is scheduled to complete autumn 2024. Phase 2 Phase 2 was consulted on between July to September 2022, and is made up of an accessible bridge, connecting the communities Calverley and Farsley; an off-highway mixed-use path for walking, wheeling and cycling between Rodley roundabout and Dawsons Corner; traffic light improvements to Rodley roundabout; no right turn safety measures out of the junctions of Calverley Bridge and Calverley Lane; planting and landscaping; and the reduction of speed to 50mph from Horsforth roundabout to Stanningley Bypass at Henconner Lane Bridge, including enforcement through average speed cameras. The second phase of works are currently in detailed design. Construction of the mixed-use path is scheduled for winter 2023 and the accessible footbridge spring 2024. The accessible ramp to Leeds-Liverpool canal is not possible to deliver due to land ownership constraints. Alternative options for the ramp also cannot be progressed due to impact on existing utilities, and extensive tree removal including the loss of at least two mature oak trees. Instead, alternative upgrades to the existing cycle network link to the canal are being planned to improve access.  The speed reduction to 50mph on the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A647 Stanningley Bypass, from Horsforth roundabout to Stanningley Bypass at Henconner Lane Bridge will be enforced by average speed cameras, a first for West Yorkshire, and is currently being delivered. Additionally, the existing 40mph speed limit on A647 Bradford Road from Dawsons Corner to Thornbury roundabout shall be enforced by average speed cameras. Road signage to support the new lower speed limit and the calibration of the average speed cameras has commenced  and is due to complete next month. Once completed, the cameras will become operational. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said:  ‘It’s encouraging to see a major scheme developing in the north-west and west areas of Leeds. Phase two proposals were met with a 74% positive public response at consultation and I’m pleased the momentum of delivering this work is being swiftly progressed. Both phases aim to better link local communities, improve active travel options for residents, and make progress towards our carbon-neutral targets. The new speed limit, and enforcement through average speed cameras, will aim to reduce the number of speed-related collisions on these routes, creating a safer road environment for all users whilst aiming to meet our Vision Zero target of zero deaths on Leeds roads by 2040. Together with our construction partners, we will update local residents and businesses affected by any construction work throughout.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Network Space appointed in development management role for prime St Helens site

Network Space appointed in development management role for prime St Helens site

BDC News Team September 21, 2023

Network Space Developments (NSD) has been appointed as Development Manager by St Helens Borough Council for a prime edge of town centre, five-acre site. Located adjacent to the recently completed £54m Glass Futures initiative, the site was recently purchased by the Council with assistance from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Strategic Investment Fund, for an undisclosed sum. Forming part of Glass Futures’ 15-month construction programme, the land is now serviced and development-ready with access roads constructed and remediation works completed. The appointment marks the second development management role that NSD has secured from a North West local authority this year, following its appointment by Stockport Council to lead the design and delivery of Cheadle Eco Business Park at Bird Hall Lane. The proposed environmentally exemplar, industrial employment scheme is central to the Cheadle Town Investment Plan, which will unlock the town’s economic potential and drive clean growth and secured £4.4million of Towns Fund support. Councillor Richard McCauley, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: “Based locally in Newton-le-Willows, Network Space has an excellent track record on overseeing successful developments in our borough – from the top-class, award-winning Mere Grange to Glass Futures, a state-of-the-art, globally significant project which will once again put St Helens at the forefront of glass innovation. “I’m delighted that we will be working with them once again on this exciting new project on our journey to drive forward inclusive growth – providing contracts for local suppliers as part of our commitment to social value, as well as creating job and training opportunities for local residents, all while ensuring our borough maintains its position as a global centre of excellence.” Catherine Chilvers, Development Director at Network Space Developments, said: “We are delighted to once again be working alongside St Helens Borough Council to support their ambition to advance a new phase of development at this strategically important site for the Borough and build upon the success and momentum of the recently completed Glass Futures facility.’’ “Two development management appointments by ambitious local authorities this year demonstrates our long-standing expertise in delivering property led regeneration projects on behalf of a public private partnership. NSD has shown itself to be a trusted partner, with the commercial expertise to guide and accelerate delivery to facilitate new jobs and investment opportunities, and this latest role gives us a further opportunity to do just that.” NSD has already created and modernised almost 10 million sq. ft of multi-unit industrial workspace across the north of England, attracting a variety of global and UK-based businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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First residents receive keys to council homes at Meridian Water

First residents receive keys to council homes at £6 Billion regeneration project Meridian Water

BDC News Team September 20, 2023

The first residents have received their keys for new council homes at the transformational Meridian Water project in Edmonton, delivered by Enfield Council and developers Countryside Partnerships. Enfield Council tenants in Edmonton were the first people to be offered housing in the high-quality homes at the development. Enfield Council and Countryside Partnerships have delivered a range of family-sized homes, including accessible homes for disabled tenants as well as some one-bedroom residences. The homes, Brambling House and Greatcrest House are named after native birds that can be found in the area. The 20 completed homes are part of the 50 per cent affordable housing offer being built in the first phase of Meridian One. Three hundred homes will be delivered in this phase by the end of 2024. Residents met with The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley and Countryside London Divisional Chair, Mike Woolliscroft.The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, who met the first Council tenants at Meridian Water on 4 September, said: “This is a momentous occasion for the Meridian Water project and our plan to build decent, affordable homes in Enfield. Alongside new homes, Meridian Water will invest in Edmonton residents with new leisure facilities, training and job opportunities. “Seeing the first residents receive their keys for their new homes is a testament to the ambitions and hard work of the people of Edmonton, and this is only the start.” The Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the first tenants to these new, high-quality council homes at Meridian Water. This impressive development, which is set to deliver three hundred homes by the end of next year, will ensure that more Londoners can benefit from the record-levels of council homes we’re building in the capital. There is also enormous potential for regeneration and community development in Enfield through the new facilities, jobs and training on offer – helping to build a better, fairer, more prosperous London for all.” Mike Woolliscroft, London Divisional Chair, Countryside Partnerships, commented: “As one of London’s most significant regeneration projects, we are proud to have delivered the first council homes for local residents at Meridian Water, in partnership with Enfield Council. “Our ambition has been to transform a challenging brownfield site into a vibrant and sustainable new community where the design encourages residents to have healthy, active lifestyles, and where we can deliver socio-economic value for Enfield residents. Meridian One is setting the benchmark for future phases of the £6bn Meridian Water project, and we’re looking forward to welcoming many more residents over the coming years as the community grows.” This year, Meridian Water has already completed a Community Garden, Enfield Construction Skills Academy, and has been successful in securing £195 million in infrastructure costs for the next phase of the £6 billion regeneration project. Visit the Meridian Water website to find out more. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Sunderland car park scoops coveted national award

Sunderland car park scoops coveted national award

Kenneth Booth September 20, 2023

SUNDERLAND’S distinctive new car park has won a national award in recognition of its excellence. Sunderland City Council’s new Riverside Sunderland Multi Storey Car Park, which provides 657 new spaces at Farringdon Row, was named Best New Car Park Award at the British Parking Awards, an independent competition created and presented by Parking Review magazine to recognise the leading examples of car park management, enforcement, design and teamwork. The MSCP – which was designed by the architectural firms Ryder Architecture and Tonkin Liu, and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine – beat off strong bids from provision across the country and was recognised alongside facilities in Chester and Stevenage to scoop the urban car park title, the latest in a string of awards for Riverside Sunderland developments. Councillor Kevin Johnston, dynamic city cabinet member, said: “This is yet another award for Riverside Sunderland, which we know is world-class development that is transforming the cityscape with developments that will create jobs and opportunities for our residents. “We are proud to be leading on developments that are of a standard and quality that leads to national recognition.  It is what the city and our communities demand of us and deserve.” The new facility opened earlier this summer and is split over 11 levels.  It features a striking design that is illuminated on an evening, with two living walls constructed with over 50,000 plants some of which are native to Britain and were carefully selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate.  The walls are located on the north and south sides of the car park, the impressive structure spans a staggering 200,000 sq ft and will provide a stunning new gateway to Riverside Sunderland. The quality of the design fits with the ambition of Sunderland City Council to deliver exceptional buildings that raise the bar of the built environment. The car park is one of a number of new buildings emerging at Riverside Sunderland and is part of a plan to boost the number of people living and working in the heart of the city.  The ambition is to double the resident population of the city centre from 2,500 to 5,000 and increase employment by 50% to 18,000.  For the latest developments from Riverside Sunderland, visit www.riversidesunderland.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Topping out for Sheffield’s historic Leah’s Yard

Topping out for Sheffield’s historic Leah’s Yard

Kenneth Booth September 14, 2023

The ongoing revival of Sheffield’s historic Leah’s Yard on Cambridge Street celebrated an important construction milestone this week, with the building’s new extension reaching its highest point. Leah’s Yard is seen as the jewel in the crown of Heart of the City – the transformative city centre development programme led by Sheffield City Council and their Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry. The former collection of small industrial workshops is currently being transformed into a new social hub for creative independent businesses. This Grade II* listed building was recently removed from Historic England’s ‘Building at Risk’ register following preliminary structural and roof work, which has brought the building back into usable condition. Work on adding a complementary and sympathetic extension to the building, designed to vastly improve public accessibility and create extra commercial space, began earlier this year and the steel structure has now hit its peak. To celebrate this latest milestone for Leah’s Yard, Sheffield City Council welcomed key representatives from Queensberry, RF Joinery, Turner & Townsend and Lathams, alongside Tom Wolfenden and James O’Hara – the future venue operators – for a tour of the site, along with an official topping-out ceremony. Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are delighted to see Leah’s Yard reach this milestone. The redevelopment of this cherished heritage ensures that the building will remain a key focal point in our city centre for decades to come. This new hub for independent retailers and creative workshops will deliver a modern, fresh and vibrant destination – one that really reflects what Sheffield is all about.” Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, added: “Leah’s Yard is progressing well and on track to open early next year. The plans for this space are completely unique and, alongside the neighbouring Cambridge Street Collective food hall and live entertainment venue in Bethel Chapel, we expect it to become the social and cultural heartbeat of the city centre.” Once completed in Spring 2024, the venue will be run by Tom Wolfenden, who manages the Cooper Buildings on Arundel Street, and James O’Hara, who runs acclaimed bars such as Public and Picture House Social. The duo plan to breathe new life into the site by transforming it into an experience-led destination for local independent retailers and businesses, creative workshops and social events. A bustling central public courtyard will be surrounded by small boutique shops, while the first and second floors will host around 20 independent working studios. Tom Wolfenden said: “It’s been a long journey to get to this point, but we’re delighted to finally see the end in sight and can’t wait to open next summer. On the upper floors we’re already starting tours of the offices and studios to build our tenant community.” James O’Hara continued: “We’re also speaking to independent retailers and starting to map out the exciting tenant mix within the courtyard. We can’t say much at the moment but get ready for some big news over the coming months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Liverpool looking to define next chapter for its world-famous waterfront

Liverpool looking to define next chapter for its world-famous waterfront

BDC News Team September 12, 2023

Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront is to be the subject of an ambitious new masterplan to ensure its continued growth as a global destination and major economic engine. A report to Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet next Tuesday (September 19th) is seeking approval to launch the search for a team of planning and placemaking specialists, to prepare a strategy and masterplan that will guide the waterfront’s development for the next 10-15 years. Liverpool’s waterfront has undergone huge changes in recent decades with the multi-billion pound development of Liverpool ONE as well as major upgrades to the Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head and Kings Dock, including the creation of an award-winning arena and conference centre, cruise liner terminal and the new Museum of Liverpool. The city’s attractions now draw in millions of new visitors to the city every year and has enabled it to host major international events from European Capital of Culture in 2008 to Eurovision in May this year. More major regeneration projects are to come to fruition along the Mersey shoreline in the coming years, most notably a potential significant housing scheme at Festival Gardens to the south of the city and Everton FC’s new football stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, to the north. Liverpool City Council is also close to finalising the design and delivery strategy for Kings Dock’s further development and National Museums Liverpool and Tate Liverpool are currently leading on regeneration projects at their Royal Albert Dock buildings, including the historic Canning Dock. If approved the Council will issue a tender for the appointment of “an exceptional team with outstanding expertise at an international level” later this year. A key task will be the strategy and masterplan be informed by significant and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders such as Liverpool BID Company and the Canal and River Trust and major land owners such as Grosvenor and Peel Land and Property. Whilst Liverpool’s waterfront is a thriving destination in the city there are challenges around inequality and deprivation in adjoining neighbourhoods, and there are disparities between the demographics of the wards along and adjoining the waterfront. In addition, there are key challenges and opportunities around maximising investment opportunities, connectivity and linkages – north/ south and west/east, public realm and quality of place, conservation and enhancement of the natural and historic environment, as well as climate change and the city’s ambition to deliver net zero by 2030. The waterfront strategy and masterplan will have seven defining aims, that: In respect of public art, a ‘City Centre and Waterfront Public Art Strategy’ will be scoped out and will be closely aligned with the preparation of the waterfront strategy. Major family-friendly events such as the upcoming River of Light arts festival are seen as a key element in providing an all-year round cultural offer. It is intended that the final waterfront masterplan will be taken forward for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This SPD would be informed by Liverpool’s Local Plan, which was adopted in 2022, and will complement surrounding masterplans that are being used to guide the development of neighbouring areas such as the city’s Commercial District and Baltic Quarter. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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WATES GROWS BRENT PORTFOLIO WITH £35M MAJOR WORKS

Wates grows Brent portfolio with £35m major works

BDC News Team September 6, 2023

The Wates Group is set to expand its presence in London with the appointment of its Living Space business to deliver Brent Council’s Major Works programme across its social housing portfolio. The £35m Major Works contract will commence in July this year and will run for 80 weeks with works including new windows, lift refurbishments, and the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms. Wates will also undertake work to support Brent Council’s fire safety and compliance, including the installation of new sprinkler systems alongside full mechanical and electrical upgrades. External wall insulation will also be installed, forming part of Brent Council’s investment to increase the energy efficiency of its homes as part of its wider social housing retrofit strategy. The new Major Works contract builds on Wates’ existing work on behalf of the council, which includes the refurbishment of four high rise blocks to install external wall insulation, heating and lift refurbishments. Work for Brent Council also includes a range of retrofit installations to increase home efficiency following Wates’ successful retrofit pilot, which reached completion at the end of 2021. The project saw the Wates Retrofit team install energy efficiency measures in void properties, taking them from an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E to B, exceeding the Government’s 2030 target for social housing. James Gregg, Managing Director of the Wates’ southern planned maintenance division, commented: “Having worked with Brent Council over the past eight years, we understand their needs and what they want to achieve for their residents. This places us as an ideal repairs and maintenance partner and will enable a smooth and efficient mobilisation in the coming weeks and months. “There are many strands to social housing repairs and maintenance, all of which are important, not least fire safety compliance and energy efficiency retrofit. Delivering these aspects concurrently, as we will be for Brent Council, is a very effective way of ensuring that all repairs and maintenance needs are prioritised and delivered with real value for money.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Higgins Partnerships awarded Ledbury Estate Redevelopment

Higgins Partnerships awarded Ledbury Estate Redevelopment

BDC News Team August 30, 2023

Southwark Council has selected Higgins Partnerships as its development partner for the two phase, £176 million estate regeneration of Ledbury Estate in Peckham. Four existing blocks, which were identified as ‘having serious structural and fire safety issues’ by the council, will be replaced with a new development of 340 mixed tenure homes set within six blocks ranging from five to 22 storeys in height. There will also be the reprovision of a community centre and a multi-use games area along with wider estate improvement works. Extensive consultation has taken place with Ledbury Estate residents who voted in favour of demolishing the four blocks and providing modern high quality new homes designed by Karausevic Carson Architects. 224 of these homes will replace the existing homes which will comprise 206 socially rented homes and 18 leaseholds properties. Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said, “We’re very pleased to welcome Higgins to the Ledbury Estate project. Their appointment marks the next milestone in our journey to providing high-quality new homes on the estate in line with our residents’ wishes. We look forward to seeing these new homes and amenities become reality as the transformation of the Ledbury Estate gets underway.” Located on the site of the former Bromyard House, Phase one will feature 80 new homes within two blocks. All the affordable rent properties will be completed prior to the occupation of the market sale homes to allow for the decant of residents from the second phase and to give those currently living ‘off site’ a right to return. Phase two will see the demolition of Peterchurch, Sarnsfield and Skenfrith Houses and associated underground garages to create 260 new homes, two commercial units and the new community centre and MUGA. Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer for Higgins Group comments, “On the back of our successful partnership with Southwark Council at our Ecole development we are delighted to be appointed as development partner to redevelop Ledbury Estate. “This scheme has undergone extensive consultation with the community who have been at the forefront of the design process; we now look forward to starting work to deliver these much needed new homes for the area. “Throughout the development we will also provide training and employment opportunities and support the up skilling of local people with at least 25% of our labour resources coming from the Southwark area. We will also work with community groups and social enterprises to allow us to design targeted community led social value initiatives which create impact and leave a lasting legacy.” The new homes will be built in accordance with the council’s New Homes Design Standards providing high quality, energy efficient and sustainable homes. The wider neighbourhood will also benefit from landscaping and new public realm with a large, multi-purpose garden courtyard featuring community growing and play area along with a series of tree-lined paths that extend out to create new pedestrian and cycle friendly connections between the Old Kent Road, Pencraig Way and Bird in Bush Park to the south-west. For further information about Higgins Partnerships please visit www.higginspartnerships.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Have your say in Mansfield Local Plan review

Have your say in Mansfield Local Plan review

BDC News Team August 29, 2023

Work has begun to review Mansfield’s Local Plan, the key strategy document that acts as a blueprint for development in the future. The current Local Plan, which was adopted by Mansfield District Council in 2020, sets out guidelines for how the district will grow and change until 2033. Now, people have a chance to identify issues that the council should consider in evolving the Local Plan to cover the next 15 years and beyond. It is running an eight-week public consultation from 25 August to 20 October as a first stage in its review of the Local Plan during which it will consider “Issues and Opportunities”. Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, said: “The council is committed to making sure that it has an up to date and relevant Local Plan that sets out a robust framework for how the district will grow and change, and remains consistent with the latest national guidelines and local circumstances. “The passage of time brings new priorities so, for instance, since the last Local Plan was adopted, we now have the implications of the COVID pandemic to consider and how that has impacted on shopping habits. “There have also been changes to the population and housing requirements along with new legislation and guidance introduced by the government. “This consultation gives the community and other interested stakeholders a chance to shape what issues the Local Plan should consider. I would encourage anyone with an interest in Mansfield’s future to get involved.” The Local Plan sets out a range of policies on matters including housing and employment needs, climate change, flooding, the historic environment and design quality, and town centres and shopping. It also deals with considerations such as the amount of new development there should be and where it should go. Future stages of the Local Plan will identify which sites should be allocated for different types of development.   Responses from this new consultation will be used to inform the next stage of the Local Plan which will contain options for which sites could be earmarked for new development. The draft document can be viewed and downloaded online at the council’s planning consultation portal at https://mansfield-consult.objective.co.uk/kse/. People can take part in the consultation by answering questions at the end of each section using the online or paper questionnaires. Printed copies of the Local Plan Issues and Opportunities paper can be viewed at Mansfield Civic Centre or at libraries within the district. A printed copy can also be provided, in exceptional circumstances, where someone is unable to access the document online. These should be returned in person or by mail. To find out more about council planning policy, visit the council website at www.mansfield.gov.uk/planning-policy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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