Barnet Council has announced the appointment of Russell Curtis as chair of the borough’s first-ever Quality Review Panel. The Quality Review Panel will test the fundamental design principles of planning proposals, playing a major role in the council’s commitment to exemplary, high-quality developments. Comprising 28 experts drawn from across the
NEWLY re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has made tackling the housing crisis a top priority for his third term. Today he unveils measures to increase the amount of social housing in the city-region, improve the standard of rented accommodation and end the housing crisis in Greater Manchester by
London Councils has welcomed a new report from a cross-party parliamentary committee pointing to serious financial pressures on the social housing sector. A London Councils spokesperson said: “Without more government investment it is hard to see anything but a bleak future for social housing. “Our analysis shows London boroughs face
In a move aimed at progressing the development of a new £65 million university campus, a council has initiated a compulsory purchase order to acquire necessary land, paving the way for ambitious construction plans. Blackpool Council has previously granted approval for the demolition of 59 residential properties within the designated
An £80 million scheme to revitalize the heart of Telford is set to take the spotlight at a significant national development and investment event. Telford & Wrekin Council’s ambitious plan to rejuvenate the core of Telford – by establishing a dynamic new residential, educational, and business community, complete with an
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is proud to announce a landmark agreement that will see some £100m invested in the Borough over the next 10 years. With anticipated Growth Deal funding of £36m from UK Government and the same from the NI Executive, alongside other partner contributions, this deal
Visitors to the event can discover investment options in Greater Lincolnshire including Low Carbon Energy and Agri-food Councils from Greater Lincolnshire will be represented at the annual real estate investor forum UKREiiF next month, alongside representatives from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and Team Lincolnshire – a public
Momentum is building behind the regeneration of Bolton town centre, as the council partners with leading real estate advisors CBRE to deliver two transformative development projects. Work on both the redevelopment of Crompton Place, and the regeneration of Church Wharf, could start as early as this year thanks to key
Thanet District Council’s plans to buy or build at least 400 new affordable rented homes by 2027 are on track. Less than 12 months into the programme, over 200 properties have now been secured. When completed, these homes will be rented to local residents through the council’s housing register. Under
Yesterday, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and the Leader of Stockport Council, Mark Hunter, launched the £140 million state-of-the-art transport interchange in Stockport, the latest milestone in Stockport’s £1billion regeneration programme. The state-of-the-art transport hub is a major moment in transforming Stockport. A key pillar within the Stockport
Barnet Council has announced the appointment of Russell Curtis as chair of the borough’s first-ever Quality Review Panel. The Quality Review Panel will test the fundamental design principles of planning proposals, playing a major role in the council’s commitment to exemplary, high-quality developments. Comprising 28 experts drawn from across the planning and design sectors, the independent panel will ensure design issues can be discussed at the early stages of the planning process. Its formation fulfils a key commitment of the council’s corporate plan. Russell Curtis is a well-known local architect and founding director of London-based firm RCKa, which specialises in innovative residential, community and commercial projects. Vice-chair Selina Mason, another local resident, is director of masterplanning and strategic design at Lendlease, focusing on urban regeneration masterplans. The chair and vice-chair will work with a talented team of independent experts tasked with ensuring new developments in the borough are built to high standards, with sustainable credentials. Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that Barnet’s first-ever Quality Review Panel has now been formed, fulfilling a key pledge of the council’s plan for Barnet. The team of experts will help to deliver our commitment to high-quality development that complements the existing townscapes of our borough. “At the same time, we’re strengthening our planning policies to focus on building communities, not just homes, to ensure that developments integrate well with surrounding areas, and to align with our ambitious environmental goals.” Barnet Council aims to concentrate development in the borough’s town centres and around transport links, to consolidate growth and help build sustainable communities. It is committed to high-quality design that responds to its context and improves the lives of residents. With these aims in mind, the council’s Cabinet has approved a series of changes to its Local Plan – the fundamental planning framework that shapes development in the borough. These modifications include strengthening policies to encourage high-quality design, improve street safety and amenity, and promote active travel. The updated policies aim to ensure that the public realm forms an integral part of the design process, and to enhance the connection between publicly accessible space and the built environment. They also encourage developers to address crime prevention and fire safety in pre-application discussions. Revisions have been also made to environmental policies, in line with the council’s commitments on combating climate change and enhancing green and open spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NEWLY re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has made tackling the housing crisis a top priority for his third term. Today he unveils measures to increase the amount of social housing in the city-region, improve the standard of rented accommodation and end the housing crisis in Greater Manchester by 2038. The Mayor’s announcements include: The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Greater Manchester can’t achieve its full potential as long as it remains in the grip of a housing crisis. That is why I am setting a new ambition for the city-region to end it within a decade. “Ten thousand new council homes will help to do that as long as stock can be retained. That’s why we’re calling for the suspension of Right to Buy. “Everyone deserves to live in a good, safe home and by building new council homes, and suspending the Right to Buy on them, we can give our councils the breathing space they desperately need to replenish their stock, so that all of those waiting in temporary accommodation or on the housing registers have the chance to access good homes.” Access to social housing is essential to many residents in Greater Manchester, as capped rent increases provide some protection to tenants against the soaring rents seen in the private rented sector. The average rental price of a two-bed property in Manchester increased by 12.5% between February 2023-24, against an England average of 8.9%. Limiting access to affordable social housing can therefore help fuel a rise in housing insecurity, homelessness, and families in temporary accommodation. The new ‘Housing First’ approach aims to address the main challenges for housing in Greater Manchester – poor living standards, especially in the private rented sector and low availability of truly-affordable housing – by implementing a collaborative, multi-agency approach that can address issues by developing tailored, whole-system solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Councils has welcomed a new report from a cross-party parliamentary committee pointing to serious financial pressures on the social housing sector. A London Councils spokesperson said: “Without more government investment it is hard to see anything but a bleak future for social housing. “Our analysis shows London boroughs face a black hole of £700m in their social housing budgets over the next four years, despite the desperate need to improve housing conditions and build new homes in the capital. With resources massively squeezed, it feels like we’ve been left with mission impossible. “Social housing is crucial to tackling London’s homelessness crisis. It’s a vital component of the capital’s social and economic success, and we should all want the sector to thrive. Boroughs are as keen as ever to work with ministers in ensuring more resources are secured for boosting social housing in London and across the country.” London is grappling with the most severe homelessness crisis in the country and over 320,000 London households are on social housing waiting lists. London Councils estimates that one in 50 Londoners are homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local borough. Boroughs are determined to keep increasing delivery of new affordable homes in the capital, including social housing, but high construction costs and interest rates have led to many projects becoming unviable without additional funding. In March, London Councils revealed a £700m pressure on boroughs’ housing revenue accounts (their budgets for managing social housing stock). This is due to costs significantly outpacing the income boroughs can expect from social rent levels, which are set nationally by the government and have led to a substantial real-terms reduction in funding available for social housing. The decision in the last Budget to remove councils’ ability to retain 100% of receipts from Right to Buy has further squeezed funding at a time when both need and costs are growing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a move aimed at progressing the development of a new £65 million university campus, a council has initiated a compulsory purchase order to acquire necessary land, paving the way for ambitious construction plans. Blackpool Council has previously granted approval for the demolition of 59 residential properties within the designated area, endorsing an outline proposal for the erection of three substantial buildings on the site. The envisioned campus, dubbed University Centre Blackpool, is poised to play a transformative role in the locality’s educational landscape. Residents impacted by the compulsory purchase order have until 24th May to lodge any objections, as the council proceeds with its ambitious £350 million Talbot Gateway rejuvenation initiative. This collaborative effort between Blackpool and the Fylde College, alongside Lancaster University, signifies a significant leap forward in educational infrastructure. Acknowledging the upheaval caused by the project, Alan Cavill, the council’s director of regeneration, affirmed their commitment to supporting affected residents. He stated, “We continue to support any residents who have to move as a result, and nobody will be asked to move out without reasonable warning and support to find somewhere else suitable to live.” In a bid to ensure transparency and accessibility, the council has established an independent advice service for affected residents, offering assistance and guidance throughout the transition period. Emphasizing the site’s strategic significance, authorities underscored the area’s suitability for the campus due to its robust transport links. Interested parties can review the details of the order at the Bickerstaffe House council offices in Talbot Road or at the Town Hall, as the council remains steadfast in its commitment to community engagement and consultation. A previous public consultation in 2021 revealed overwhelming support for the project, with 86% of respondents expressing positivity towards the proposed scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An £80 million scheme to revitalize the heart of Telford is set to take the spotlight at a significant national development and investment event. Telford & Wrekin Council’s ambitious plan to rejuvenate the core of Telford – by establishing a dynamic new residential, educational, and business community, complete with an academic campus focused on digital skills and enterprise – will be featured at UKREiiF next month. This three-day event, held in Leeds, brings together key figures from the public sector alongside government officials, developers, housebuilders, international investors, and funders. The investment and potential of the borough’s flagship Station Quarter development will be explored by a panel of decision-makers and industry leaders on May 22 as part of the Midlands Engine pavilion, showcasing a £42 billion investment portfolio. Panel members will include Telford & Wrekin Council leader and LGA Chair Cllr Shaun Davies, Harper Adams University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Simone Clarke, Stuart Penn, regional managing director for leading housebuilder Lovells, and Anette Simpson, director of development and partnerships from Legal and General. During the session, attention will be given to how Telford has embraced the opportunities of the technological revolution to establish a cutting-edge education hub, fostering new partnerships between the public sector, further and higher education, and the business community. Councillor Davies stated: “Our transformation of Station Quarter will pioneer a new model of inter-generational town centre living alongside an innovative, easily accessible academic campus anchored by The Quad, offering learning pathways to individuals of all ages, from school to higher education, with a focus on digital skills. “This ambitious and dynamic transformation will establish a truly integrated residential, educational, and business community, providing a vibrant and connected lifestyle that will serve as the foundation of the town’s future.” The panel, chaired by Amy Bould, managing director of Newport-based strategic communications consultancy Be Bold Media, will also delve into the opportunities presented by The Quad – a unique collaboration between the council, Harper Adams University, Telford College, and others, aimed at creating a state-of-the-art digital skills and enterprise hub. Councillor Davies added: “The Quad will redefine education, business innovation, and digital skills provision in this region. It will equip individuals with the skills necessary for the digital era, offering start-up and incubation space to nurture great ideas into successful businesses. “Modern, sustainable housing, high-quality commercial premises, and green spaces will all contribute to building a thriving community that embodies the future of our youthful town. “We believe this development model could benefit many other towns and cities across the country and also presents a significant opportunity to attract further investment into the borough. “By showcasing the scheme at UKREiiF, we aim to highlight both the opportunities offered by our plans and the broader approach to regeneration, education, training, and business partnerships we are adopting to create an innovative and dynamic borough.” The Quad is scheduled to open in September 2024 and is expected to accommodate over 300 students annually. Further phases of the Station Quarter have already received planning approval, and de-risked by phase 1 infrastructure investment, they offer immediate opportunities for residential, leisure, and commercial development. UKREiiF will take place from May 21-23 and is anticipated to draw over 10,000 attendees, including 1,500 investors, 250 local authorities, and 1,500 developers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is proud to announce a landmark agreement that will see some £100m invested in the Borough over the next 10 years. With anticipated Growth Deal funding of £36m from UK Government and the same from the NI Executive, alongside other partner contributions, this deal is set to shape the future trajectory of the region. The formal signing of the Growth Deal, Heads of Terms agreement, represents a significant milestone in advancing the economy of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough. The official launch took place at Ulster University’s Coleraine Campus this morning and brought together influential leaders, dignitaries, and stakeholders to celebrate collaborative efforts towards sustainable growth and development. Notable attendees included the First Minister, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Finance Minister underscoring the importance of this moment for our community. The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Steven Callaghan noted the importance of the investment for the future prosperity of the Borough and its citizens. He stated: “Today’s event is the culmination of an enormous collective effort which began all the way back in 2019. Many institutions and individuals have contributed towards the development of a package of projects which represents the single largest Government investment in the Causeway Coast and Glens region. “This Growth Deal also demonstrates Council’s commitment to collaborative working. Through a programme of regeneration, we aim to transform our tourism offering and address some of our infrastructural challenges. Our Deal’s innovative projects will bring new industry to our Borough, providing high-skilled, high-paid employment opportunities for our young people. “This is just the beginning of our journey, and I would like to personally thank all of our delivery and funding partners for helping us get to this stage.” First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA said it was a great opportunity to showcase the City and Growth Deals initiative. She added: “This is one of four deals covering the whole of the north with £1.3 billion capital investment over the next 10-20 years. Our four City and Growth Deals have the potential to increase the number of good jobs, promote regional balance and raise productivity which is the driver of improving living standards. “The deals are helping to create a more dynamic and competitive economy here. Importantly, the deals will have a positive impact on the quality of life for so many including our young people, our businesses, and the many visitors who flock to the Causeway Coast and Glens.” Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA reaffirmed the Executive’s support for the City and Growth Deals initiative. She said: “The projects that will be delivered through this deal will help improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities and upskill the local labour force. “The increase in key transport links will also attract more visitors to this beautiful area, creating even more opportunities for economic activity and further positioning Causeway Coast and Glens as a ‘go to’ area for business and tourism. “This multi-million pound investment is a great example of government, business and academia working together to tackle issues and make a real difference.” Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said he was honoured to sign the Heads of Terms document, adding: “This Deal has the potential to provide further economic benefit, innovation and more employment for this fantastic region. I hope it can take us one step further to Northern Ireland being the best place in the world to invest. “The UK Government is committed to ensuring this area thrives, which is why we are investing £36 million to support projects which build on the region’s digital and innovation capabilities. “This will see projects such as the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery at Ulster University in Coleraine, the Business Innovation and Incubation Hub at Atlantic Link and the Innovation Hub at North West Regional College all benefit from this investment and bring exciting economic opportunities to the region and Northern Ireland as a whole.” Minister of Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA described the signing of the Heads of Terms document as “a significant milestone”, adding: “Growing up in Coleraine, and now calling the area home, I know the positive impact this funding will have. The substantial injection of £100million into the Causeway Coast and Glens region is a game-changer for the area. “The exciting and transformative projects that make up the Growth Deal will shape infrastructure, create job opportunities and further increase the skills base. The Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal will produce a legacy for generations to come from Cushendall in the east right across the Borough to Dungiven in the west, the benefits will be felt right across the region.” Today’s momentous gathering at Ulster University’s Coleraine Campus provided a platform for those attending to hear how our region will be transformed by this investment and highlighted the collective vision for a vibrant and prosperous Causeway Coast and Glens Borough. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, contribute to discussions shaping the region’s future, and witness firsthand the signing of this historic agreement. Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University said: “The Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal represents an opportunity for transformation for the Coleraine and North Coast area. It is a tremendous opportunity for us all to take the next step, driving forward the innovative ideas that will deliver economic growth for this incredible region. As a strategic partner, we are delighted to host this important event at Ulster University Coleraine, marking this important milestone in the Growth Deal process. “Ulster University will work collaboratively with the Council and other stakeholders to deliver innovation projects and continue to develop a pipeline of talented and innovative graduates, both of which will play a significant role in the development of this region.” If you would like to read Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Heads of Terms document and find out which projects are being developed for your area, you
Visitors to the event can discover investment options in Greater Lincolnshire including Low Carbon Energy and Agri-food Councils from Greater Lincolnshire will be represented at the annual real estate investor forum UKREiiF next month, alongside representatives from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and Team Lincolnshire – a public and private sector group of Lincolnshire ambassadors. The Greater Lincolnshire contingent will also be providing two speaker sessions at the event within the Midlands Engine Partnership Pavilion, led by nationally recognised sector specialists; Lincolnshire: Feeding the UK and Energy in the UK: How Lincolnshire is at the Forefront of the Low Carbon Energy Sector. With over £1bn of investment opportunities in the region, Greater Lincolnshire will be showcased by the collaborative inward investment team, who will be promoting the county’s strengths as the place to live, learn and work, with an emphasis on the quality of life. Investment opportunities across the region include the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, Humber Freeport, offshore renewables hub, hotel sites ready for development, land earmarked for housing, multiple business centres and commercial space and more. UKREiiF runs from 21 to 23 May, and now in its third year, it’s set to attract more than 10,000 delegates from the property industry, with more than 250 UK local authorities in attendance and 70 guest speakers over the three-day event. Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment and Economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We have ambitious plans for Greater Lincolnshire and using the national platform UKREiiF provides, will be targeting investors, developers and organisations that can help drive forward our five core sector propositions. These are low carbon energy, agri-food, advanced engineering and manufacturing, defence & security and our visitor economy. “As we have 25% of England’s grade 1 arable land and 11% of its food production, with leading industry clusters across the food value chain, from agriculture to food manufacturing, this will of course continue to be a focus for a lot of our conversations.” Lincolnshire excels in food processing and agri-tech and was chosen as one of the Government’s manufacturing zones. This followed growth deal grants of £18 million, including £5.1 million for South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and £2.4 million for University of Lincoln’s Centre of Excellence in Agri-food and Technology at Holbeach. Andy Gutherson, Executive Director of Place at Lincolnshire County Council adds: “We’re well- positioned in Greater Lincolnshire because as well as having established industries, we are also at the forefront of emerging opportunities for investment in the UK. In low carbon energy, we are already creating profitable opportunities and industrial businesses aligned with national sustainability goals. “We are also home to the UK’s most ambitious industrial decarbonisation project, a dynamic circular economy cluster, and the country’s leading offshore renewables hub.” Ruth Carver, Chief Executive at Greater Lincolnshire LEP said: “By attending UKREiiF as a collective, we are showcasing what Greater Lincolnshire can offer to an audience of key players, developers and decision makers within the property and investment industry. “Our team will be more than happy to talk about the devolution opportunities and recent developments in Greater Lincolnshire either now or in the future.” In addition, Team Lincolnshire, professional services firm Knights and contractor Lindum will be co-hosting a fringe event for Team Lincolnshire ambassadors and guests on 22 May, with over 100 attendees expected. Those interested in attending can email teamlincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Greater Lincolnshire Pavilion is within the Pavilion Zone at the event with refreshments from Lincoln-based operator Stokes Tea & Coffee. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Momentum is building behind the regeneration of Bolton town centre, as the council partners with leading real estate advisors CBRE to deliver two transformative development projects. Work on both the redevelopment of Crompton Place, and the regeneration of Church Wharf, could start as early as this year thanks to key council decisions taken this month. On Monday, the cabinet agreed to the provisional sale of land at Church Wharf to local developers Watson Homes to build 417 residential units and a 120-bed hotel. This came just two weeks after a lease surrender agreement on the former M&S building, paving the way for the flagship Crompton Place redevelopment scheme. Progress on both sites had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but strategic advice and support from CBRE has been pivotal in driving the projects forward. Previously an underused brownfield site, direct intervention from the council has turned Church Wharf into a site with real potential as a desirable riverside location at one of the centre’s main gateways. The provisional agreement reached this week will now see CBRE assess the viability and suitability of future plans before the final sale goes through. Nearby, the Crompton Place Shopping Centre is set to be demolished and replaced by what will be the central development project in Bolton’s wider regeneration masterplan. Promoting the opportunity at MIPIM 2024, Bolton set out its vision for a mixture of leisure, commercial and residential units on the site, with new public spaces and enhanced links between Victoria Square and the main thoroughfare of Bradshawgate. In addition to providing advice on demolition, placemaking and asset management at Crompton Place, CBRE is also taking the lead on identifying a developer to take on the site. Adam White, Senior Director, CBRE’s Development Advisory team said; “We are delighted to lead on identifying a development partner with the relevant experience, skills and resources to deliver Bolton Council’s vision for Crompton Place via a public-private partnership. “This is a significant mixed-use, multi-phase regeneration scheme on an important gateway site for the town to transform the area into a distinctive, vibrant place for people to work, visit and live. “We have been instructed to provide multi-discipline advice to the Council to consider the scheme’s optimal route to market, review and manage the demolition scope of works, as well as develop a placemaking strategy for the development. “The Council will undertake a pre-marketing engagement process to elicit initial feedback from potential developers, investors and funders on the appeal of the opportunity, initial thoughts on use mix, massing and programme and views on the delivery structure.” Both Church Wharf and Crompton Place are part of a wider regeneration masterplan developed by Bolton Council which is already delivering a number of schemes in the town centre and beyond. The renovation of Bolton Central Library, the upcoming Bolton Market Food Hall, Elizabeth Park, and the Wellsprings Innovation Centre have been backed by the government’s Towns Fund. Residential developments at Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens will contribute to a growing town centre population which Deloitte projects will reach 5,000 over the next 15 years. Success stories elsewhere in the borough include the Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences and CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s Farnworth Green urban neighbourhood development. Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “As consumer habits change, we have developed a masterplan which consolidates Bolton’s retail offer and creates space for residential, leisure, hospitality, and commercial space. “Several projects are already underway, and the next phase will see the delivery of two major developments that will act as a catalyst for even more private sector investment. “These are large and highly complex projects and the support of CBRE has been invaluable to our work to make Bolton an even better place to live, work and visit.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thanet District Council’s plans to buy or build at least 400 new affordable rented homes by 2027 are on track. Less than 12 months into the programme, over 200 properties have now been secured. When completed, these homes will be rented to local residents through the council’s housing register. Under the ambitious plans first unveiled in July 2023, two new projects were identified that would provide the first 51 properties. This includes 41 homes at the Spitfire Green development at New Haine Road in Ramsgate. This week the council reached a new milestone when it took ownership of 23 new homes for affordable rent at the Spitfire Green site. The new properties are a mix of houses and flats and have been built by Barratt David Wilson Kent. The council is buying a further 18 homes at Spitfire Green, and expects the purchase to be completed within the next eighteen months. Cllr Helen Whitehead, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This handover, and this milestone, marks an important step forward in our programme to deliver the new council homes desperately needed for our residents. “We are tracking far ahead of our projected timeline for this programme and I’m delighted that we’re delivering faster than our initial plans indicated we would. Every home we bring onto the council’s books means that another family moves into secure and well-maintained housing. “Housing is the very foundation of our community; when we provide the genuinely affordable housing residents need we know that we are providing far more than a roof and shelter; we are providing certain safety, security, and a solid base for residents and families to grow from in an often uncertain world. Our continual commitment to increasing the number of council homes available will relieve many of the pressures that residents currently face. “To fully address our environmental commitments and the cost of living pressures on residents, only are these homes affordable, but they have also been built to stringent environmental standards. They all have energy performance certificates rated B, which minimises the ongoing cost to households of heating them, and very importantly, reduces their environmental impact. We have worked in close partnership with Barratt David Wilson Kent to both design and produce these homes, and I am extremely proud of everyone who has worked on our new housing strategy to deliver what our residents need.” William Walsh, Managing Director for Barratt David Wilson Kent, comments: “We are committed to building high quality housing for a mix of tenures in Kent, and are particularly proud to expand our partnership with Thanet District Council. The agreement will deliver much needed housing for affordable rent in Ramsgate, meeting key local targets, and crucially providing much needed affordable housing to the community. “Spitfire Green is our flagship scheme in Ramsgate, and we are continuing to invest in the local community through our ongoing commitments, including through our Section 106 commitment to support key local amenities, alongside creating much needed housing available to buy or rent affordably.” Residents who need affordable housing should register on Kent Home Choice, the council’s lettings system. Once registered, they can bid on suitable homes as they become available. Find out more on the council’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yesterday, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and the Leader of Stockport Council, Mark Hunter, launched the £140 million state-of-the-art transport interchange in Stockport, the latest milestone in Stockport’s £1billion regeneration programme. The state-of-the-art transport hub is a major moment in transforming Stockport. A key pillar within the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation’s (MDC) redevelopment of a 130-acre brownfield site, the completion of the Interchange shows plans to transform the fate of Stockport, once voted one of the worst places to live in the UK, continues at pace. Featuring 18 bus stands, with the capacity for 164 departures an hour and new cycling and walking routes to the train station and Stockport town centre, the Interchange sees Stockport becoming more accessible and sustainable than ever before. Designed with future Metrolink integration in mind, Stockport Interchange plays a crucial role in cementing the town as one of the best-connected towns in the North West. The Interchange also delivers a new two-acre park, the first park to have been built on top of a transport hub, as well as 196 new high-quality apartments, developed by CityRise which are due to complete in the summer 2024. The Interchange will play a key role in the Bee Network – Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated, London-style transport system – when Stockport joins in early January 2025. Speaking on the Interchange opening, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, said: “Stockport now has an absolutely world-class transport interchange that will play a key role in bringing prosperity to the town and its people in the future. “Safe, reliable and affordable public transport and active travel facilities are central to improving life for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and I have no doubt this impressive new interchange will do just that. “These new connections will open up more opportunities for people to access jobs, skills and education, while supporting the regeneration of the area by attracting increased footfall and investment. “When we set up the Mayoral Development Corporation it was about delivering an ambitious vision for the town and the interchange is showing this mission in action. “In January 2025, the Bee Network is coming to Stockport and eventually it will be the first area in Greater Manchester serviced by a fully electric bus fleet. By providing people with a modern, attractive and accessible interchange we will get more people on these buses – allowing us to keep prices down and continue to improve the network.” Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, added: “Today is a landmark day in the history of our town. “Stockport has always been pioneering and ambitious, establishing itself as a leading centre for textiles during the Industrial Revolution and setting the standard for urban renewal with the ‘space age’ Merseyway shopping centre – a 1960s feat of engineering across the River Mersey. “And our £1bn town centre regeneration programme – one of the largest nationally – is reinventing and spectacularly transforming the heart of our borough now and for the future. “We are already among the 12 best places to retire in the UK (Which?) and one of the 12 best places to buy your first home (The Times). However, we are committed to making Stockport a place of opportunity for all. A place everyone is proud to call home. “The Interchange and Viaduct Park are the real heartbeat of Stockport’s £1billion transformation and this is only the start for our borough.” Stockport Interchange is a major milestone within the first phase of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation’s (MDC) 130-acre £500m regeneration masterplan, one of the largest town centre regenerations being delivered in the UK. Following the completion of the Interchange, this year Stockport MDC will continue to work with leading developer Capital&Centric to bring forward the restoration of Weir Mill, a Grade II listed mill building being transformed into 253 new apartments and a new cultural and leisure district due to complete in winter 2024. Consultation on the next phase of Stockport Exchange, the new business district for the town and Stockport8 are also currently underway. Eamon Boylan, Interim Chair of Stockport MDC, added: “This year marks five years since Stockport MDC was established as key delivery vehicle for Stockport’s trailblazing regeneration. It is testament to the expertise and collaboration of our board and partners that we have been able to open a landmark scheme for the region in that time frame, despite the substantial socio-economic challenges. “Delivering improved connectivity to employment and leisure experiences in the town and wider region, the Interchange is a key milestone in our mission to transform Stockport into the most liveable town in the UK. “Over the course of 2024 we will see even more major milestones brought forward within the Town Centre West masterplan, which will cement Stockport’s position as one of the most exciting, and, arguably more importantly, the most convenient, towns to live. “ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
