A Northumberland-based housing developer has announced plans to double its turnover to £80m and further increase its workforce. Having recently grown from 40 to now 70 employees it now has ambitions to take this to over 100 employees within the next year. To hit its targets, Ascent Homes will add
Hines has secured plans from Southwark Council to build a new, landmark office and residential development at 18 Blackfriars Road. The approval secured working with architects Foster + Partners, and Lipton Rogers, allows Hines to breathe new life into a two-acre brownfield site that has remained undeveloped for 20 years.
Construction work is underway at HarperCrewe’s new development of two, three and four-bedroom homes coming soon to Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. The collection of new homes, which is being developed in partnership with the Duchy of Lancaster, is being built off Spire Road and is set to be launched later this
Crest Nicholson has acquired land at Branston Locks in East Staffordshire. The housebuilder received reserved matters planning approval for the greenfield parcel, where it plans to build 284 new homes, in April of last year. The purchase marks the next step in the latest phase of a Sustainable Urban Extension
Mitre Yard is a landmark residential development helping to redefine the regeneration zone of West London. Developers O’Shea, one of the largest privately-owned construction and property development companies in London and the Southeast, approached SANIPEX GROUP for help in creating interiors that are as palatial as the building’s surroundings. Situated
Outline plans have been submitted by the Flagship Group for the regeneration of the Abbey in Thetford. The project is designed to bring meaningful, long-term change and improvements to the Abbey and increase the supply of much-needed affordable homes. It would take place in phases over 20 years. Peter Hawes,
Broadnook Garden Village, Leicestershire’s newest and most exciting community building project, has marked the start of construction with the erection of a landmark sign that’s guaranteed to put Leicestershire’s first Garden Village on the map! Broadnook developers have proudly announced the launch of construction, unveiling a new roadside billboard as
Church Street Place, a joint venture between Arlesco Ventures Ltd, and Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd along with their principal contractor BCEGI, project monitors Naismiths, with funding by lending specialist Zorin Finance, proudly celebrated the Topping Out ceremony, marking a significant advancement in the Build to Rent (BTR) development. The project,
Peabody has appointed Higgins Partnerships to build 189 homes at Deptford Landings, southeast London. The project will not only tackle the urgent demand for affordable homes in London but will also be Peabody’s first venture into providing homes that achieve Passive House certification. The Passive House concept is widely accepted
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, and DOMIS, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, have launched their tenth central Manchester development in seven years, to deliver more urgently-needed homes to Manchester’s fast-growing population. The scheme named Obsidian will be located in the Greengate area towards the north of Manchester
A Northumberland-based housing developer has announced plans to double its turnover to £80m and further increase its workforce. Having recently grown from 40 to now 70 employees it now has ambitions to take this to over 100 employees within the next year. To hit its targets, Ascent Homes will add four new sites across the North East. This expansion will bring the developer’s portfolio of sites to 14 by 2027, equalling approx. 1,300 homes – a significant milestone in the organisation’s growth journey. Paul Errington, Director at Ascent Homes, said: “With our homes being in the stunning county of Northumberland, we have seen people across the UK showing an increased interest in our beautifully located developments, especially since the pandemic. “This has fuelled our ambitions for sustainable expansion, not just in Northumberland but across the wider region. Our growth is supported by newly secured land opportunities, which will enable us to introduce new and affordable housing solutions to more communities across the region.” “Our turnover was circa £30m last year, and we are confident that we can double that in the next few years.” Ascent Homes is the housebuilding arm of Advance Northumberland. It is an agile Northumberland-based housing developer dedicated to delivering developments that have a genuinely positive impact on those who live in and around them. Ascent Homes has built 600 properties in the North East, including over 100 affordable homes, making it a significant contributor to the regional economy, creating jobs and strengthening local supply chains. Current developments are located in Alnwick, Blyth, Choppington, Ellington and Wooler, with plans to develop more in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Bellingham and Hadston this year. Paul continued: “A key part of our growth plan is focused on the expansion of our skilled team. By the end of the year, we’re aiming to increase our headcount to over 100 employees. “It’s a very exciting time for Ascent Homes. Our next chapter presents lots of opportunities for locals, buyers, suppliers, and landowners. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to providing the right housing, in the right areas, at the right price for the people of the North East.” To find out more about Ascent Homes, visit: www.ascent-homes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hines has secured plans from Southwark Council to build a new, landmark office and residential development at 18 Blackfriars Road. The approval secured working with architects Foster + Partners, and Lipton Rogers, allows Hines to breathe new life into a two-acre brownfield site that has remained undeveloped for 20 years. 18 Blackfriars Road is designed to be fossil fuel free, 100% electric and Net Zero Carbon in operation, with 95% of the site heat demand served by ground source heat pumps that share, store and offset energy. Beyond decarbonisation, it is set to deliver affordable homes, free workspace for local businesses and entrepreneurs and a cultural hub for locals as it aims be the first high-rise scheme in the UK to achieve the WELL Community Gold Standard, which certifies developments that support health and wellbeing. Ross Blair, Senior Managing Director and Country Head of Hines UK, said: “Our plans will transform an undeveloped piece of land, most of which has lain empty for over 20 years, into much needed new homes and first class, sustainable and tech-enabled offices, built around a central hub which we hope will become a brand new convening space for the local community.” The location benefits from fantastic transport connectivity and proximity to numerous cultural landmarks as well as being a stone’s throw from the River Thames. The new scheme will consist of three buildings, two delivering over 400 new homes, with 40% being affordable. The third will create 800,000 square feet of office space featuring a series of bustles that provide space with exceptional quality natural light inside and outdoor terraces on every third floor. Plans also include 20,000 square feet of new affordable workspace for local and socially minded enterprises, assembly rooms for use by the local community, modern educational space with links to local institutions, children’s play areas and a new, central public space with retail and food outlets situated at the heart of the development. A 150% increase in biodiversity is also planned for the site, including the planting of around 100 new trees. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work is underway at HarperCrewe’s new development of two, three and four-bedroom homes coming soon to Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. The collection of new homes, which is being developed in partnership with the Duchy of Lancaster, is being built off Spire Road and is set to be launched later this year. Built with energy efficiency in mind, HarperCrewe’s latest site is designed to appeal to buyers on all rungs of the housing ladder – from first-time buyers, through to downsizers and growing families looking for their dream home. Sarah Boyce, Sales and Marketing Director for HarperCrewe, said: “Higham Ferrers is an idyllic location for many homebuyers, and with good reason. With a selection of charming local pubs, boutique and independent shops, quaint coffee shops and many historic buildings around the Market Square and College Street, it’s a wonderful place to live. “Not only that but it has great access to the A6, taking people to Wellingborough, Northampton and beyond. In fact, the train line from Wellingborough can take people into London in only 45 minutes – making the development ideal for commuters. “Buying a new home, rather than choosing an older property, means you can view, reserve and cherry-pick your preferred interior finishes straight from your smartphone or tablet, ensuring that your new home is tailor-made for your own tastes and needs. “Not only that but new homes are generally much more energy efficient than older homes. In fact, buying new can mean saving thousands on energy and household bills each year, which can mean the financial difference to many families between being able to decorate and furnish their new home, go on a fantastic holiday or just put some money aside for a rainy day. “We’re very much looking forward to releasing more details about the new homes coming soon to Higham Ferrers, so urge people to register their interest now to find out more information as soon as it’s available.” To find out more and to register interest to be the first to find out more about HarperCrewe’s new development in Higham Ferrers as soon as it’s released, visit harpercrewe.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Crest Nicholson has acquired land at Branston Locks in East Staffordshire. The housebuilder received reserved matters planning approval for the greenfield parcel, where it plans to build 284 new homes, in April of last year. The purchase marks the next step in the latest phase of a Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) at Branston Locks, Burton-on-Trent. Sitting within a larger development site being delivered by multiple developers, Crest Nicholson will provide a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes which will contribute towards the 2,500 homes being delivered by the wider scheme. The homes will include several of Crest Nicholson’s house types such as the three-bedroom Hadleigh and four-bedroom Yorkley, with 22 homes available as affordable Shared Ownership properties. Proposals for the site also include public open spaces including a play area and walking and cycling routes. In addition, residents will benefit from a range of commercial, educational and leisure facilities on the wider development, including a primary school, pub, care home and hotel of up to 80 rooms. Tim Brickley, Managing Director at Crest Nicholson Midlands, said: “We’re excited to have completed the purchase of land at Branston Locks and look forward to delivering high-quality homes. The Branston Locks development will create a vibrant, sustainable community in a great location while providing much-needed homes within the area and we’re thrilled to be part of this wonderful development.” The SUE will also include vehicular access connections from Branston Road and Shobnall Road, green infrastructure comprising public open space, structural landscaping, sustainable urban drainage basins and associated drainage, as well as sports and recreation facilities. Staffordshire offers residents access to a range of fun activities with the likes of Alton Towers and Peak District in close proximity. The town is centrally located, with great commuter links to major cities such as Manchester and Birmingham. The M6 runs through the centre of the county and connects it to the rest of the UK by road, while there are several train stations in Stoke, Stafford, Lichfield Trent Valley and Rugeley Trent Valley running high-speed, nationwide services. For those looking to travel internationally, Birmingham, East Midlands and Manchester airports are within easy reach. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mitre Yard is a landmark residential development helping to redefine the regeneration zone of West London. Developers O’Shea, one of the largest privately-owned construction and property development companies in London and the Southeast, approached SANIPEX GROUP for help in creating interiors that are as palatial as the building’s surroundings. Situated on the Grand Union Canal, the development is set to play an important role in one of the city’s most affluent and culturally energetic districts. This small pocket of London is home to huge globally recognised brands, from Harrods and Harvey Nichols to Victoria & Albert Museum and Kensington Palace. Mitre Yard offers innovation at every level – with 21 floors offering a choice of spaciously designed apartment types all with perfectly proportioned living spaces. The interior decor is specified to include a stylish palette of warm tone hues, rich vertical grain timber and complementary ceramic marbled style floor and wall tiling. Each space is sleek, functional and inviting for high-end London living. Meeting the brief, brassware solutions from the luxury BAGNODESIGN brand create an affluent atmosphere in the bathrooms, in line with the development’s underlying theme of ‘Where Architecture Meets Art’. Basin mixers and wastes, thermostatic shower mixers and shower heads from BAGNODESIGN all feature, creating the desired atmosphere of sophisticated urban elegance. Specification includes beautiful Zephyr brassware and spa-inspired Cube showerheads, along with quality AQUAECO plumbing solutions. For more details, call 01924 233977 or visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Outline plans have been submitted by the Flagship Group for the regeneration of the Abbey in Thetford. The project is designed to bring meaningful, long-term change and improvements to the Abbey and increase the supply of much-needed affordable homes. It would take place in phases over 20 years. Peter Hawes, Flagship Group’s Chairman, said: “This is an exciting day for the Abbey, which has been at the heart of the Thetford community since it was built more than 50 years ago. “The outline planning application follows five years of talking to the people who have a home on the Abbey. Local people have told us that they do want to see improvements for the Abbey and they’ve let us know what things could be better.” The Abbey has around 1,100 homes and Flagship hopes to improve and retrofit some existing homes while replacing others with new homes, built to a high standard. The new homes will also be far more energy-efficient. The plan also seeks permission for an additional 320 to 500 homes – although this figure is yet to be confirmed and will be based on further consultation. Flagship’s vision includes improved parking, lighting, pavements, play areas and green spaces. The Abbey will get a new neighbourhood ‘heart’ with a neighbourhood park and community centre. There will be better and safer walking and cycling routes to the town centre, Little Ouse riverside and Thetford Forest. Mr Hawes added: “We are still at an early stage. The application is just for the principle of change for the Abbey and doesn’t set out the details of what would happen. A regeneration project of this size must be delivered in multiple phases. “Each phase of the detailed design will be informed by local people, through further consultation, with separate reserved matters applications submitted at each stage. Flagship has never undertaken a project with more engagement and consultation than this – but this is still the beginning. We’re going to keep listening and speaking to residents in the weeks, months, and years to come.” The Group plans to fund an independent tenants and leaseholders advisor to act as a “resource for the community” as the plans progress. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Broadnook Garden Village, Leicestershire’s newest and most exciting community building project, has marked the start of construction with the erection of a landmark sign that’s guaranteed to put Leicestershire’s first Garden Village on the map! Broadnook developers have proudly announced the launch of construction, unveiling a new roadside billboard as well as the installation of Hollywood-style 9ft lettering made from corten steel. The lettering will turn a beautiful burnt orange with age and is a symbol of a grand beginning for this new village location at the heart of Charnwood. In recognition of Broadnook Garden Village’s commitment to the local community and businesses, bottles of locally grown Rothley sparkling wine were uncorked in celebration of construction launching in earnest. Raising a glass from the neighbouring Rothley Vineyard was the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, alongside James Wilson, Managing Director of Davidsons Homes, and Steve Keenan, Construction Director at Cora Homes. The creation of this new Garden Village represents a fresh era in community building, with plans that include car-free zones, cycle paths, village square, community nursery and primary school, enterprise zones, allotments and open green spaces that will connect residents to the local landscape. The project is backed by an investment of £32.6 million – of which over £17 million is being invested into local schools – creating more than 1900 homes. The village will offer beautiful homes ranging from one to five bedrooms, all part of the developers’ vision for a bespoke modern community that encapsulates the best of town and countryside. Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz said: “The launch of Broadnook Garden Village is a defining moment for the Borough of Charnwood as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. This thoughtful, innovative design offers a sense of ‘place’, encapsulating the heritage of the surrounding area but considers the long-term future for the new community as it develops. “I recall the many consultation meetings and I am genuinely delighted and privileged to be part of this special occasion, which will prove to be an investment that provides more than simply houses.” James Wilson, Managing Director of Davidsons Homes said: “It is a privilege to be here, today, to officially launch the construction of Broadnook Garden Village – Leicestershire’s first Garden Village. Broadnook aims to bring the very best elements from all your favourite Charnwood villages into one purpose-built community.” Luke Simmons, Managing Director of Cora Homes added: “We’re proud to be co-creating Broadnook Garden Village and in doing so establishing a modern, connected community that will offer residents exceptional homes set among landscaped green areas with open walkways to exercise and immerse in nature. Broadnook will create local infrastructure, enterprise zones, community hubs and flexible working spaces – designed to meet the long-term needs of homeowners from today into the future. At Cora, we call it Creating Amazing Places.” Broadnook’s chief architects have carefully designed the Garden Village to enhance this beautiful and highly desirable part of Charnwood. Residents will be able to enjoy being part of a modern community that subscribes to the ethos of connecting neighbourhoods with their natural surroundings. Taking its name from a local ancient spinney that runs through the site, Broadnook promises leafy tree lined walks – akin to Leicester’s New Walk – parks, allotments, wildflower meadows, play areas, beautiful, landscaped garden spaces and sports pitches. More than 50 per cent of Broadnook Garden Village will be devoted to green spaces, with future residents also able to enjoy car-free zones to allow them to move freely and safely – another nod to the Garden Village ethos. Iain Pickering, Design Director at Davidsons Homes – and mastermind behind the reinvention of the Broadnook Garden Village concept – said: “We are creating Broadnook Garden Village without losing sight of how we all want to live: as part of a thriving community that feels modern and connected, yet firmly rooted in the beautiful nature that we are lucky enough to enjoy in Charnwood. As a local resident myself, it was important that we not only took inspiration from the history of Charnwood’s villages, but also looked to the future.” He adds: “We have taken many of our design cues from the local Leicestershire landscape: our street signs take inspiration from our neighbours at Great Central Railway; our architecture takes careful reference from the beautiful, period house styles seen in Rothley, Quorn and Barrow upon Soar. Our tree lined walk, which is an integral element of our design, passes a nod to Leicester’s historic New Walk. Broadnook is firmly – and proudly – Leicestershire born and bred.” The Broadnook lettering is made of corten steel that will rust to a beautiful burnt orange with time and exposure to the elements Broadnook Garden Village will be far from being style over substance; it will offer outstanding modern amenities that any thriving village community needs, including plans for a community primary school, retail shops, care facilities and a new GP surgery making every day living at Broadnook easy and enjoyable. The village centre and amenities will, it is hoped, minimise the need for unnecessary use of a car within the Broadnook village. For longer journeys, Broadnook Garden Village is exceptionally situated for transport links, with fast, easy access to nearby towns and cities. Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham are reached swiftly by road and bus, and excellent train links bring London to your doorstep in around 70 minutes. East Midlands Airport is also just a short ride away by car, or the speedy 24-hour, skylink shuttle bus service. Broadnook is, of course, on the cusp of the historic National Forest of Charnwood offering gorgeous woodland and breathtaking landscapes that can be enjoyed on foot or bicycle. While landscaping has been in process for a while, today is a celebration of the new homes and sales office now underway at Broadnook. It is expected that the Garden Village’s first residents will be welcomed in autumn 2024. For more information, visit Broadnook.co.uk and follow @BroadnookGardenVillage on socials for more information, updates and
Church Street Place, a joint venture between Arlesco Ventures Ltd, and Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd along with their principal contractor BCEGI, project monitors Naismiths, with funding by lending specialist Zorin Finance, proudly celebrated the Topping Out ceremony, marking a significant advancement in the Build to Rent (BTR) development. The project, at its midway point, is poised to redefine a substantial section of Eccles’ town centre and elevate the community’s residential presence. Church Street Place is a transformative development involving the demolition of existing properties to make way for a multi-story structure accommodating 272 one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental apartments. Additionally, the development includes 685 square metres of ground floor commercial space, contributing to the enhancement of Eccles’ retail and F&B offerings. The development consists of ground plus 3 & 5-story buildings, complemented by a tower rising to an impressive 22 stories. The ground floor, strategically positioned to address Church Street, Vicarage Grove, and Birkdale Grove, seamlessly integrates into the existing urban fabric. In addition, the Local Authority now controls the redevelopment of the town’s shopping centre which is integral to the wider area as a whole. The multifunctional ground floor encompasses commercial spaces, apartment entrances, plant, and service areas. Notably, it provides 19 car parking spaces and 168 bicycle spaces, emphasising a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly living. A meticulously designed planted courtyard, situated behind the podium, adds a touch of greenery and offers residents private, accessible amenity space. Reflecting on this milestone, Steve Carnes, Managing Director of Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd, expressed, “Today’s Topping Out ceremony signifies a crucial moment in the project’s timeline, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the development team, as we witness the structure reach its highest point, we anticipate the positive impact Church Street Place will have on Eccles and its community.” BCEGI’s Lead Director, Mr Yu commented, “Topping Out is a significant milestone for any construction project; however, this event holds particular importance for the wider regeneration of Eccles town centre. The achievement is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the entire project team and has been a fantastic project for BCEGI to be a part of.” John Crompton, associate director of project monitoring at Naismiths, said: “Having been involved since the pre-construction phase when the funding facility was being agreed, it’s fantastic to see the plans brought to fruition. Working alongside both the developers and BCEGI for the first time, and furthering our existing relationship with Zorin Finance, has been a seamless experience. It’s fantastic to have supported all involved in reaching this phase of such an important project for the area. “ Andrew Scotting, Partner at Zorin Finance said: “‘We are delighted with the progress of the development to date which is down to the capability and professionalism of the contractor BCEGI and the development management team at Silver Lane.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peabody has appointed Higgins Partnerships to build 189 homes at Deptford Landings, southeast London. The project will not only tackle the urgent demand for affordable homes in London but will also be Peabody’s first venture into providing homes that achieve Passive House certification. The Passive House concept is widely accepted by the construction industry as the standard to aim for when reducing a building’s running costs and the amount of energy it uses. The energy needed to heat and cool Passive House buildings can be 90 percent lower than that of regular buildings, and more than 75 percent lower than typical new ones. Peabody’s homes at Deptford Landings will be one of the largest single-phase Passive House projects in the UK to date and will see residents benefitting from reduced energy costs and a significant improvement in comfort and air quality. The fully affordable scheme from Higgins, managed by Peabody, will include social rent and shared ownership homes – helping local people from the council’s housing waiting list in London. It will be made up of three eight-storey buildings, two of which will have large roof terraces, and a central landscaped courtyard. Designed by architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), with Max Fordham engineers and a high calibre design team, each home will benefit from a private balcony. Block 6A will provide 69 one- and two-bedroom homes, while Block 6B will comprise 61 homes ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. The final residential block, C, will have 59 one- and two-bedroom homes. The homes will be part of a masterplan being delivered by Lendlease. The global company is developing a community with new homes, shops, a renovated pub, and green spaces connected to The Waterline Way walking and cycling route. The project is unfolding in stages, offering residents a vibrant place to live, work, and socialise. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, and DOMIS, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, have launched their tenth central Manchester development in seven years, to deliver more urgently-needed homes to Manchester’s fast-growing population. The scheme named Obsidian will be located in the Greengate area towards the north of Manchester city centre. It will comprise a 26-storey tower of 250 units: 30 studios, 93 one-bed, 110 two-bed and 15 three-bed apartments. The scheme, which will have a GDV of £84.5 million, will be delivered by DOMIS, and marketed and sold by Salboy. Works have already commenced on site and are expected to complete by Q4 2026. Rising up from a narrow and complex slice of brownfield land (at the intersection of Trinity Way and William Street), Obsidian puts efficient living and space-saving at its heart. The scheme’s studio apartments will maximise floor space for occupants. Features including hideaway beds, collapsible tables, built in office cabinetry and slide-away kitchen panels prevent any wasted space in residents’ living areas. All residents will enjoy access to high-quality communal amenities including a private dining room, gym, cinema room, coworking spaces and package storage. At the base of the building there will be 1,000 sq ft of commercial space. The architecturally ambitious development, designed by Studio Power, is crafted to attract younger residents – both students and young professionals who have chosen Manchester to pursue their studies and careers. ONS data shows that Greater Manchester has more young people aged 20 to 29 years old living in the region than any other region in the UK. Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “The schemes we develop with younger professional people in mind are often some of the most complex and creative – bringing together modern designs, compact inner-city locations and our future residents’ discerning tastes. Obsidian will deliver beautifully and thoughtfully designed homes for people who want to live a stone’s throw from everything that Manchester and Salford have to offer without compromising on quality and comfort.” Obsidian is Salboy’s fourth development in seven years in the Greengate area – a well-established and well-connected part of Salford that is only a few minutes’ walk from central Manchester’s offices, restaurants and national transport links. The launch of Obsidian follows Salboy’s completion of Fifty5ive (a 18-storey tower with 220 one to three-bed apartments), Local Blackfriars (a gated community of 380 apartments, townhouses and penthouses) and the Black Friar pub (a 140-year old historic landmark that Salboy restored to its former glory). Ismail continues: “We are delighted to return to Greengate – an area that connects the twin cities of Salford and Manchester and whose overdue regeneration we have been involved with for more than seven years.” The 221,000 sq ft site on which Obsidian will be constructed sits within Salford City Council’s Chapel Wharf Framework and has been identified as a development opportunity site. Development on the site can be traced back to 1791 and the Salford Iron Works, one of the largest manufacturers of cast-iron products and stationary steam engines which powered mills around Manchester. The ironworks closed in the 1930s and were replaced by low-level housing in the 1970s and 1980s. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
