Public Sector : Local Authority News
Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority to begin work

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority to begin work

The long-awaited Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority can now officially begin its work after the final steps were taken by the Government to create the new body. The signing of the relevant order by the minister moves the area closer to unlocking a £400 million investment fund, alongside powers

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New chief executive Stannard "ambitious" for Manchester

New chief executive Stannard “ambitious” for Manchester

Manchester City Council’s new Chief Executive Tom Stannard starts in the role today, Monday 3 February 2025.  Tom becomes only the third Chief Executive in more than 25 years in a city which prides itself on stability and long-term strategic planning.  He brings with him considerable experience, having served as

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Plans submitted for £70m Greater Manchester Passivhaus Low Energy scheme

Plans submitted for £70m Greater Manchester Passivhaus Low Energy scheme

A two-tower residential development, designed by London and Manchester-based AEW Architects, has been submitted to Stockport Council as part of the town’s ongoing regeneration plans. The £70m project features two connected blocks of eight and 20 stories, designed to meet The Passivhaus Institute Low Energy Building Standard. The focus is

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Have your say on vision for new Queensferry community hub

Have your say on vision for new Queensferry community hub

A consultation has opened on proposals to deliver new, fit for purpose services and more school places that support Queensferry’s growing population Residents are being asked to share their feedback on new ideas to create a community campus on Burgess Road, bringing together more modern services in a central location

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GMI Construction Group returns to CESAM for £4.9m JATCO upgrade

GMI Construction Group returns to CESAM for £4.9m JATCO upgrade

GMI Construction Group has been appointed by Sunderland City Council to deliver a £4.9m extension and upgrade to the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (CESAM), enabling JATCO to commence production of innovative 3-in-1 electric vehicle powertrains for Nissan’s nearby Sunderland plant. This marks a return to the International

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Major regeneration set for Ravenscraig as planning application submitted

Major regeneration set for Ravenscraig as planning application submitted

Following extensive community engagement, a major planning application has been submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for the extraction and remediation works of 200 acres of land at Ravenscraig, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the former steelworks.  Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest regeneration and community creation initiatives,

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Public Sector : Local Authority News

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority to begin work

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority to begin work

The long-awaited Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority can now officially begin its work after the final steps were taken by the Government to create the new body. The signing of the relevant order by the minister moves the area closer to unlocking a £400 million investment fund, alongside powers that will move from Westminster to local decision-makers. The Combined Authority will be led by an elected Mayor, with voters going to the polls on Thursday 1 May 2025. Elections will then take place every four years. The Combined Authority has been created after Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council agreed a devolution deal with the Government. The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “I’m delighted that we have got to this stage in the process after years of hard work by many people. “For too long our area has been left behind, but it’s now time for us to reach our full potential. “The creation of the Combined Authority unlocks vital empowerment and investment, and I believe we have the talent and drive to make the most of what devolution brings.” The Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Anne Handley, said: “This is fantastic news and serves as a significant landmark in the devolution process. “It’s great to receive official confirmation that devolved powers will be coming to our area, with an elected mayor, and the ability to unlock investment and opportunities for our region.” Representatives from both councils will now put in place the necessary arrangements to operate the Combined Authority, including the delivery of May’s Mayoral election. The new Combined Authority does not replace either Hull City Council or East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Both local authorities will retain their independence and continue their work as normal. Residents will, for instance, still see council-branded bin wagons collect their household waste. The new Combined Authority will take on powers relating to transport, where it will become the Local Transport Authority for the area, allowing it to develop a single strategic transport plan for the North Bank of the Humber. For more information on the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, visit Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority – Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New chief executive Stannard "ambitious" for Manchester

New chief executive Stannard “ambitious” for Manchester

Manchester City Council’s new Chief Executive Tom Stannard starts in the role today, Monday 3 February 2025.  Tom becomes only the third Chief Executive in more than 25 years in a city which prides itself on stability and long-term strategic planning.  He brings with him considerable experience, having served as Chief Executive in neighbouring Salford City Council for the past four years – overseeing achievements including the transformative regeneration of Salford, an ambitious council housebuilding programme and high-performing children’s services – and held a number of senior posts in a long local government career.   Tom is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, public service reform and delivering inclusive growth and currently holds the lead chef executive brief for Greater Manchester in the economy, business and international portfolio.    He joins the Council at a pivotal moment as it gears up to bring forward the 2025-2030 Our Manchester Strategy which will guide the city in the decade ahead. The new vision will aim to build on the achievements of the 2015-2025 plan, delivering economic growth that benefits everyone – including by addressing inequalities through the Making Manchester Fairer action plan and pursuing ambitious housebuilding and zero carbon programmes.   As well as driving forward this long-term strategy, Tom will ensure the Council stays focused on providing high quality day-to-day services and supporting clean, green and vibrant neighbourhoods across the city.   Tom will also be the place-based lead for Manchester and its locality health arrangements within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care system.   Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Tom brings experience, energy and ideas to this important role for the city and will oversee the delivery of our vision for Manchester’s next decade.   “The city is on a positive trajectory, making an impact on the world stage while continuing to improve its neighbourhoods and create opportunities for its residents, and I’m looking forward to working with Tom in the years ahead to take these achievements to the next level.”   Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: “I’m highly ambitious for Manchester and the people who call it home.   “I’ve lived and worked in Greater Manchester for much of my career so I know the area well and have a deep personal commitment to it. But at the same time, there’s always more insight to gain and I’m looking forward to getting to know more of those who make up Team Manchester – from the elected members and council staff to partner organisations, businesses and residents who all have a part to play in the city’s success.   “This is an incredible job in a remarkable city and I’m delighted to be here to get working on behalf of Manchester and its people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans submitted for £70m Greater Manchester Passivhaus Low Energy scheme

Plans submitted for £70m Greater Manchester Passivhaus Low Energy scheme

A two-tower residential development, designed by London and Manchester-based AEW Architects, has been submitted to Stockport Council as part of the town’s ongoing regeneration plans. The £70m project features two connected blocks of eight and 20 stories, designed to meet The Passivhaus Institute Low Energy Building Standard. The focus is on creating sustainable homes that enhance the local neighbourhood and create a vibrant new community for the people of Stockport. Located in a busy area in Stockport town centre, the development will transform a derelict office building and car park into much-needed new homes in one of the North West’s most up-and-coming areas. The design puts people first, with features that make everyday living better. These include clever positioning to make the most of natural sunlight, bright and airy staircases, shared laundry areas, and a rooftop garden with community allotments and solar panels. At the heart of the development sits a 100m² flexible space which can be used for various events and workshops for residents and non-residents. The project will create 245 new homes, including 12 townhouses and 233 apartments, offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom properties—a great mix of options for the area which has grown substantially in popularity of late.  Phil Hepworth, director at AEW Architects, said: “This is a prominent site surrounded by major infrastructure, so we’ve created a simple, elegant building that rises confidently into the sky. “The curved brick façade offers a timeless aesthetic that fits with the local area and we’ve adapted the distinctive oval shape to work with the challenging ground levels, which change by up to six metres in places.” The scheme recently secured Brownfield funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), highlighting its importance to the region’s housing plans. “We wanted to create a development that’s a good neighbour and sets high standards for future projects,” Phil added. “The building changes as you walk around it, creating interesting views from different angles. “We’re focused on creating homes that work for people of all ages and fit naturally into the area. We’ve followed guidance from both the ‘Stockport Town Centre Residential Design Guide’ and ‘Creating Age-Friendly Developments’ by the Greater Manchester Housing, Planning, and Ageing Group to achieve this.” As well as the project’s striking visual look, the homes and apartments will meet National Subscribed Space Standards (NDSS) and approximately 10% of the apartments are designed to meet M4(3) standards for wheel chair users and the positioning of these apartments has been carefully considered to make them attractive to potential residents. On behalf of developer, Progressive Living, the building will be professionally managed by Picture This. The project is supported by a highly experienced delivery team, including Euan Kellie Property Solutions, Re-Form, renaissance, Zerum, OFR, GIA, Novo, Our Studio, Jameson Acoustics, SK Transport, Turley and Oxford Archaeology.   Subject to approval, work should start in Summer 2025, with completion expected by June 2027. David Fairclough, director at Progressive Living, commented: “We committed to Stockport six years ago, purchasing Victoria House with a clear vision of the town’s potential as a vibrant place to live and invest. After collaborating with the Council to integrate the two sites, we are excited to play a key role in Stockport’s growth story and its continued economic success.” Shannon Conway, co-founder of Picture This, added: “We gave AEW a difficult brief in that we wanted a green building that was designed to be practical and appeal to all ages, with a choice of homes for wheelchair users. We also wanted to ensure non-residents could access the roof gardens without compromising the safety and security of the residents. At various points, design was put on hold as we tested AEW’s design with user groups. The final design is a testament to true collaboration between designer and user.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Next phase of Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart development approved

Next phase of Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart development approved

Plans for the second phase of Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart development received a green light today, paving the way for a flagship new museum and art gallery in Huddersfield town centre. Construction on Phase One of Our Cultural Heart, led by contractor BAM, is now well underway, with the former Queensgate Market building being transformed into a vibrant food hall and adjoining new community library. The approved ‘Section 73’ planning application focusses on Phase Two of the masterplan, which includes the major refurbishment of the Grade II Listed building on Princess Alexandra Walk that, until recently, housed the town’s library. Plans for the second phase of Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart development received a green light today, paving the way for a flagship new museum and art gallery in Huddersfield town centre. Construction on Phase One of Our Cultural Heart, led by contractor BAM, is now well underway, with the former Queensgate Market building being transformed into a vibrant food hall and adjoining new community library. The approved ‘Section 73’ planning application focusses on Phase Two of the masterplan, which includes the major refurbishment of the Grade II Listed building on Princess Alexandra Walk that, until recently, housed the town’s library. The designs by architect FCBStudios will see the historic four-storey building become a flagship museum and art gallery, helping to attract more visitors to the town and creating exciting opportunities for local businesses and the region’s culture sector. A sympathetically designed extension to the north will enhance accessibility and create uninterrupted connections to the surrounding spaces. Public access will be via a new ramp unlocking universal access to the historic entrance to the south and level access to the new extension. Cabinet have also just approved the release of around £5.4m from the overall Our Cultural Heart project budget, which will be used to progress the procurement of a construction contractor and final design work for Phase Two, with a view to starting on site in early 2026. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This is another important milestone for Our Cultural Heart. The new museum and art gallery will become a key cultural destination for Yorkshire and showcase the huge mix of talent we have across the region. Not only will this project attract more visitors to our town centre and boost Kirklees’ economy, it will also ensure the long-term preservation and vitality of one of our most cherished buildings. “Regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar. Our ambition is to give local people and visitors more reasons to spend time in the town centre. By increasing footfall, and in turn commercial opportunities, our plans will also benefit existing and future businesses from all sectors. Thriving businesses in turn provide employment opportunities for our communities. “Huddersfield has a bright future, and I am proud to be part of it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Have your say on vision for new Queensferry community hub

Have your say on vision for new Queensferry community hub

A consultation has opened on proposals to deliver new, fit for purpose services and more school places that support Queensferry’s growing population Residents are being asked to share their feedback on new ideas to create a community campus on Burgess Road, bringing together more modern services in a central location for the whole of Queensferry. Plans for the new project, which have been designed using the findings of past consultations and reports, focus on: The proposals for the hub are part of the Queensferry Living Well Locally project to help make Queensferry greener, healthier and safer for everyone. The project aligns with the 20-minute neighbourhood strategy to help local people meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home. Information on further plans to improve walking, wheeling and cycling connections to shops, services, and facilities in the local area will follow as related projects are developed. Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: With Queensferry’s population continuing to grow, we need more school places to meet demand, while some of our existing community buildings are reaching the end of their usable life and are no longer fit for purpose. We firmly believe that doing nothing is not an option, and we need to invest in local community facilities for today and tomorrow. We are looking to deliver this through a place-based approach that reflects what people in the area want and need. We are keen to hear from as many people as possible who use services in the area. The proposals have been designed partly using the feedback from previous engagement, but we need to make sure they work for everyone. This consultation is a fantastic opportunity to make sure people’s views are heard and considered when plans are developed in more detail. Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: We know from previous engagement that people would like modern community services and facilities in a central location that is easy for people from all over the local area to access. Our ideas for a new community hub on Burgess Road address these issues. The proposals for the new early years centre and expanded primary school have the potential to create a modern learning and development environment for children in Queensferry, while allowing us to provide vital new classroom spaces. The survey is now live on the Consultation Hub and will run until Monday 21st April. A number of in-person events will be held in venues across Queensferry, where officers will be available to discuss plans and listen to people’s views. The first of these will take place on Thursday 6th February at Queensferry Library (12pm – 2pm) and Scotmid Co-Op (4pm – 6pm). Details of further dates and times will be published on the Council’s website and Consultation Hub. Beyond this, the project team is also meeting with local community groups and organisations as part of the consultation process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GMI Construction Group returns to CESAM for £4.9m JATCO upgrade

GMI Construction Group returns to CESAM for £4.9m JATCO upgrade

GMI Construction Group has been appointed by Sunderland City Council to deliver a £4.9m extension and upgrade to the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (CESAM), enabling JATCO to commence production of innovative 3-in-1 electric vehicle powertrains for Nissan’s nearby Sunderland plant. This marks a return to the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) for GMI, which originally completed the CESAM manufacturing and research hub in 2019. During the pandemic, CESAM played a vital role as an NHS Nightingale Hospital and later as a mass vaccination centre. This upgrade represents a pivotal step in restoring CESAM to its original purpose – establishing the North East as a leader in advanced manufacturing technology and innovation. The project includes the construction of additional external buildings and modifications to the existing 138,840 sq. ft facility to meet the specific needs of JATCO, a leading Japanese automotive transmission manufacturer. JATCO’s £48.7m investment in the facility will create up to 183 highly skilled jobs, bolstering the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. The site will produce 3-in-1 electric powertrains for Nissan’s Sunderland plant, a cornerstone of Nissan’s EV36Zero initiative, a transformative project integrating EV production, renewable energy, and battery manufacturing to establish a global blueprint for the automotive industry’s future. Gary Oates, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director, North East, said: “We’re proud to return to CESAM to deliver this important extension and upgrade on behalf of Sunderland City Council for JATCO. This project is a testament to the quality of our work and highlights our commitment to supporting innovative companies. It also reinforces the North East’s role as a key hub for electric vehicle production and advanced manufacturing.” Michael Mordey, the leader of Sunderland City Council adding:  “JATCO’s decision to locate in our city is a testament to Sunderland’s strength as a world-renowned hub for automotive and advanced manufacturing. This investment will benefit our communities and reinforce our reputation as a destination for innovation and growth.” Alan Johnson, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Purchasing for Nissan AMIEO, commented: “This is a fantastic step forward for our world-first EV36Zero plan. Welcoming a key supplier to the North East of England provides a big boost to the efficiency of our supply chain.” Tomoyoshi Sato, JATCO’s CEO, said: “We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Nissan and are delighted to bring the manufacture of our 3-in-1 powertrain to the UK. I am grateful for the support of the UK Government, Sunderland City Council, and all others involved in the establishment of JATCO UK.” JATCO joins a cluster of automotive and advanced manufacturing businesses located at IAMP, a joint venture between Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Delivering our housing strategy: boosting the supply of new affordable housing using Council owned land

Delivering our housing strategy: boosting the supply of new affordable housing using Council owned land

The Council’s executive will be asked to consider a report at next week’s committee meeting (Weds 22 January) outlining a range of land disposals across Manchester that will help deliver more than 700 new affordable homes.  In 2023/24 the highest level of affordable housing was delivered for a decade, contributing to the Council’s ambitious housing strategy to deliver at least 10,000 genuinely affordable, Council and Social Rent new homes up to 2032.  To further meet this target Manchester City Council will continue to collaborate within the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership – coordinating support and delivering sustainable affordable housing to meet the city’s needs. New housing will help reduce demand on Manchester’s housing register and will be part of the Council’s approach to help reduce homelessness.  Legal & General Affordable Homes and L&Q have recently joined the Housing Partnership, broadening capacity and complementing the specialty of existing partners, but also expanding delivery resources over the housing strategy period to 2032.  The report outlines the Housing Partnerships plans for ten brownfield sites and how they have been designed to directly address acute local affordable housing demand, providing a broad range of different house types  and tenures ranging from specialist supported accommodation, apartments for key workers and right-sizers, along with larger family houses.  Following Executive approval, all proposals are expected to conclude pre-application engagement with the Local Planning Authority and for public consultation on the design proposals to commence before construction works begin on site as soon as possible.   Various 100% affordable housing land disposals include:  Read the exec paper in full to find out more   Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “Building more affordable homes for Manchester residents is one of Manchester City Council’s biggest priorities and we have a massive housebuilding programme under way to build at least 10,000 genuinely affordable, council, social homes.   “We know that building these much-needed homes isn’t easy, so we have looked at how we can get the best use from land that the council owns to help us reach ambitious housing strategy. I’m pleased to bring forward the latest examples of where we our building on our land.   “We are on track to meet our target, and we have seen more genuinely affordable homes built in the last year than at any other time in more than a decade. This is being done through programmes like this, our own building company This City, Project 500, large regeneration schemes and working to influence the market. We are committed to building the new homes Manchester residents need to thrive.”  Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “We are constantly reviewing what land opportunities are at our disposal to build much-need housing across a range of tenures and types to meet demand in a local area. These parcels of land will all deliver the homes we know these communities need, including significant affordable and social housing, but also specialist housing too. We really welcome the accelerated delivery of new social and affordable housing that these sites will enable.  “This is in no small part thanks to our strong partnership approach, working closely with Manchester’s housing providers using Council-owned brownfield land, public and government funding, and the expertise of the city’s affordable housing developers to build high quality, low carbon homes for Manchester people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Major Holt Town regeneration programme proceeds following public consultation

Major Holt Town regeneration programme proceeds following public consultation

Manchester City Council’s executive will be asked to approve the ambitious plans to transform Holt Town into a new woodland town in the city of Manchester at a committee meeting next week (Weds 22 January 2025), following positive feedback from comprehensive public consultation last year.   Holt Town is a major regeneration opportunity to develop a new mixed use neighbourhood, highly sustainable with thousands of new homes of different types and tenures – from family housing through to age friendly and key worker apartments – incorporating high quality green spaces surrounding a 1km play street spine, provision of new local services, cultural opportunities, and significant affordable workspace.   Situated along the Medlock Valley between the bustling areas of Ancoats and New Islington and the dynamic zones of Sportcity and the Etihad Campus, investment in Holt Town will unlock a missing link.    The principles of development will take a carbon neutral approach and a people-first ideology that will prioritise active travel options and public transport over car use.   Consultation with local people and businesses was undertaken between August and September 2024, including online options and in-person events – as well as workshops with local school pupils from St Anne’s RC primary to develop play space ideas for the community.   The engagement opportunities attracted 10,000 website visits and 411 formal responses showing strong support for the vision of a mixed-used residential led neighbourhood outlined in the draft Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF).   Responses to the consultation process include:  Following adoption of the draft NDF the Council will now move to the delivery phase to create a green new town within the city of Manchester – representing one of the most exciting and ambitious programmes of investment in the region.  Work is already underway on a phasing plan for investment with a view to levering both public sector funding and private investment. A future paper to the Council’s executive will be submitted outlining the delivery approach.  The Holt Town opportunity:  The Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF) has been produced by a multi-disciplinary team led by Studio Egret West that will help guide investment in the Holt Town area over the next decade.    Read more in the Council’s executive report  Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:  “Holt Town has huge potential and this is feeding our ambition to create a brand new woodland town – the first of its kind in Manchester.   “We have an opportunity to deliver a transformative programme of investment and we expect this area to be Manchester’s next urban regeneration exemplar, creating a neighbourhood that meets the needs of our city and our people – with at least 4,500 new homes, including significant affordable housing options.   “This neigbourhood will represent a people first focus around active travel, green spaces, new play spaces for young people – and a digital first approach that will better connect the community with local services.  “Following consultation, we are beginning to move to the early delivery phase for Holt Town – a new town within the city of Manchester – that will finally bridge the gap between the city centre, Sportcity and the Etihad Campus in east Manchester.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lambeth Council Seeks Partner to Deliver 450 New Homes in Affordable Housing Drive

Lambeth Council Seeks Partner to Deliver 450 New Homes in Affordable Housing Drive

Lambeth Council is taking a decisive step towards addressing the borough’s pressing housing needs, launching a search for a Development Partner to deliver 450 new homes across six sites. This ambitious initiative, part of the New Homes 6 (NH6) project, aims to create at least 150 affordable homes to tackle the acute shortage of social housing in the area. A Strategic Housing Initiative The NH6 project is a cornerstone of Lambeth Council’s broader New Homes Programme, which is dedicated to increasing affordable housing options for local residents. This effort comes as the borough grapples with a housing crisis, with 5,000 households in temporary accommodation and over 40,000 people on the waiting list for social housing. Cllr Danny Adilypour, Lambeth Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment, and New Homes, emphasised the urgency of the initiative:“Since launching our New Homes Programme last year, we’ve made significant progress in unlocking housing projects. However, the scale of the temporary accommodation crisis demands swift and effective solutions. Partnering with an industry expert is the next step in accelerating the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes.” Collaborative Approach to Development The council is looking to form a long-term partnership with a single developer who can bring expertise, efficiency, and vision to the project. The portfolio approach ensures that the selected partner can maximise resources and deliver homes across the six sites in a coordinated manner. Adilypour added:“This is not just about building homes—it’s about transforming neighbourhoods and creating opportunities for our residents. By collaborating with the right partner and engaging with our communities, we can ensure this project meets the highest standards in design, sustainability, and social impact.” Community Engagement and Sustainable Development Community involvement is central to the NH6 project. The council plans to engage residents throughout the development process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs met. Sustainability is also a key focus, with the council committed to balancing housing delivery with environmental responsibility. The initiative builds on Lambeth’s track record of working collaboratively with the government and private sector to address housing challenges. By leveraging public-private partnerships, the council aims to deliver homes that are not only affordable but also energy-efficient and aligned with the borough’s long-term sustainability goals. Improving Lives Through Housing Adilypour underscored the broader impact of the project:“This is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about improving lives, reducing inequality, and fostering a sense of community. I look forward to working with our residents and the chosen partner to bring this transformative project to life.” The search for a Development Partner begins this January, marking a critical milestone in Lambeth Council’s mission to create a more equitable housing landscape. With NH6 poised to deliver much-needed homes and revitalise neighbourhoods, the future looks brighter for Lambeth’s residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Major regeneration set for Ravenscraig as planning application submitted

Major regeneration set for Ravenscraig as planning application submitted

Following extensive community engagement, a major planning application has been submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for the extraction and remediation works of 200 acres of land at Ravenscraig, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the former steelworks.  Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest regeneration and community creation initiatives, with a masterplan focused on sustainable and inclusive growth for a mixed-use site.  Located on a former industrial steelworks facility, certain parts of land at Ravenscraig require extensive remediation before any new building can take place. This includes the removal of remnants from steel production and deep reinforced concrete foundations, preparing the land for future redevelopment. The remediation works represent a substantial investment into the community of Ravenscraig which will see the extraction, recycling and backfilling of over 2,000,000 cubic metres of material.  This major planning application covers the remediation of 200 acres of land in the centre of Ravenscraig which equates to approximately 20% of the site. This includes an area known as Meadowhead, which is adjacent to the new urban park, The Craig, and Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, plus a section of land North of New College Lanarkshire Motherwell Campus (Plots TC1-TC3).   Following public consultation in August and September of this year including extensive engagement with local stakeholders, further landscape and ecology studies were undertaken to enable the planning application to be submitted. Russell Wilkie, Director at Ravenscraig Limited, said, “To realise our masterplan for a self-sufficient community with high quality housing, transport links, education and employment opportunities, these remediation works are essential.  “We’re making great progress with SevenFourEight, our employment land which will soon become Scotland’s best connected industrial space and the Meadowhead remediation is another piece of the puzzle for residential development. The remediated land will hold huge potential for the people of North Lanarkshire, with scope to provide over 2,000 homes.  “We are confident in our proposals and its ability to unlock further opportunities for Ravenscraig and the wider Scottish economy.”  A spokesperson from Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG), said: “We have welcomed the open dialogue with Ravenscraig Ltd and the opportunity given, in recent months, to discuss the regeneration of the Ravenscraig community in partnership with those who live here. We recognise the importance of the proposed remediation works to enable further regeneration of a housing-led, sustainable community and look forward to continuing our engagement with them as they look to future residential, education and leisure development.” A final planning decision of this major planning application is expected in 2025. For more information on the vision for Ravenscraig and latest news visit ravenscraig.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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