Merchant City Regeneration Site Continues to Take Shape with Second Major Completion The £300 million transformation of Candleriggs Square in Glasgow’s Merchant City is continuing apace following the completion of the second major building on the site – a 346-homes build-to-rent scheme, forward funded by Legal & General (L&G). Main
Peel Waters has unveiled the new brand identity for Miller’s Quay, a transformational residential development at Wirral Waters, featuring 500 highly sustainable one- and two-bedroom waterfront apartments. When designing Miller’s Quay, in collaboration with award-winning architects Howells, Peel set out to create a new iconic landmark for Wirral, seamlessly integrating
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver Rivington Chase, working on behalf of development partners, Bolton at Home and Irwell Valley Homes, to build 116 new homes in Horwich. Work at the former Loco Works will see Caddick resume work to regenerate the former railway works, where construction was previously
The new Commercial Director at an ambitious homebuilder is aiming to use his expertise within the industry to develop the skill sets of the company’s commercial team. Brett Lilley will oversee all commercial operations at Genesis Homes in the newly created Director role, using more than 20 years of knowledge
Lovell Homes proudly announces the commencement of construction at their highly anticipated Garrett Grove, Skelmanthorpe development, with the local cabinet member for housing, Cllr Moses Crook, gracing the groundbreaking ceremony. The new development, which sits on the outskirts of Huddersfield, will comprise 46 three and four-bedroom new homes, with the first
Rockwell has submitted proposals, designed by architects Farrells, to redevelop an underused brownfield site in Battersea, Wandsworth, aiming to deliver 142 much-needed new homes. As one of the oldest buildings in the Ransomes Dock area, the Glassmill (1 Battersea Bridge Road) is no longer fit for purpose in modern London.
Amro Partners has announced the acquisition of Lewisham Retail Park in Southeast London, marking the start of their largest and most ambitious project to date. The company plans to transform the site into a landmark residential-led development with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of £400 million. The new development
Pennyfarthing Homes has created a partnership with VIVID to construct 106 affordable homes within its development in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. Covering nearly seven acres of land, this deal signifies a step towards addressing housing needs in the local community, allowing VIVID to make an impact on affordable housing provision. This deal
A long-established housing developer has launched a new range of house types at one of its most popular developments. Russell Armer Homes has introduced 11 new house types to the market for the first time as it announces the release of the second phase of homes for sale at its
289 Homes, Commercial Space and ‘Sizeable’ Green Space to be Created Next to Famous Salt Mills World Heritage Site in Shipley. Construction of ‘Saltaire Riverside’ – a vibrant new residential neighbourhood composed of 289 sustainable homes, commercial space and a large riverside park on the edge of the Salts Mills
Merchant City Regeneration Site Continues to Take Shape with Second Major Completion The £300 million transformation of Candleriggs Square in Glasgow’s Merchant City is continuing apace following the completion of the second major building on the site – a 346-homes build-to-rent scheme, forward funded by Legal & General (L&G). Main contractor Graham Construction has delivered the practical completion of the £81.5 million scheme, allowing L&G to progress with the internal fit-out of the building before the first residents move in later this summer. Developed by a joint venture between Drum Property Group and Stamford Investments, the 3.6-acre Candleriggs Square site is regarded by many as the last and most important piece of Glasgow’s Merchant City regeneration jigsaw. The square welcomed the opening of Scotland’s largest hotel by room numbers, the 494-room Social Hub Glasgow, in April this year. Designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality city centre rental accommodation in Scotland, the 325,000 sq. ft L&G scheme provides 346 apartments together with a range of retail and commercial units at ground floor level creating an attractive and accessible public realm. An entrance lobby opens onto Glasgow’s Trongate, providing direct access to a communal landscaped courtyard at the first-floor level, while a range of roof terraces provide spectacular views across the city. The building’s completion was marked by the release of drone footage showing how the finished homes form a spectacular cornerstone of the Candleriggs Square regeneration. Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum Property Group, said: “Candleriggs Square is now starting to come alive, fulfilling the the development vision we outlined when we first took ownership of the site in 2019. With the completion of the L&G apartments and the opening of The Social Hub Glasgow, we are seeing this vital part of the city centre, which had lain dormant for more than 20 years, take shape in spectacular fashion. “Candleriggs Square has always been at the centre of Glasgow’s commercial and social development, and this completion will be a huge boost to the area and to local businesses. We can now positively look forward to bringing back to life a very special area which has always been at the centre of Glasgow’s commercial and social development.” Dan Batterton, Head of Residential at Legal & General Investment, added: “We are delighted to reach completion of at Candleriggs Square, bringing a new community to the heart of the Merchant City. Helping to meet Glasgow’s increasing demand for high-quality rental housing, the site offers a well-designed, flexible living space integrated within the broader regeneration of the city centre. We look forward to welcoming our first residents in the coming months. Having launched our Build to Rent strategy in 2016, we have since deployed over £3 billion of institutional capital into the sector and expanded our portfolio to 24 schemes across 13 cities – we’ve been on a rapid trajectory of growth and look forward to continuing with this as precedent.” The 3.6-acre Candleriggs Square site – bound by Wilson Street, Hutcheson Street, Candleriggs and Trongate – was originally home to Glasgow’s flourishing fruit and vegetable market. For most of the 20th century, the square played host to a department store before remaining unoccupied and derelict for more than two decades, following the closure of the last operator there in 1999. Drum and Stamford’s joint venture launched the ambitious £300m plan to transform Candleriggs Square when they first bought the site in March 2019. Plans include a high-quality mixed-use scheme combining homes, offices, hotels, restaurants and local amenities, together with landscaped open spaces and accessible walkways, with a new public square at its heart. For more information on Candleriggs Square, visit: www.candleriggs-square.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel Waters has unveiled the new brand identity for Miller’s Quay, a transformational residential development at Wirral Waters, featuring 500 highly sustainable one- and two-bedroom waterfront apartments. When designing Miller’s Quay, in collaboration with award-winning architects Howells, Peel set out to create a new iconic landmark for Wirral, seamlessly integrating urban living with natural surroundings. The result is a contemporary interpretation of the historic Birkenhead Docks, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours, metalwork, and warehouses that define the area’s industrial past. These waterfront apartments offer not only striking architecture and expansive views but also south-facing shared spaces, dockside walkways, and access to new green spaces and micro parks, inviting residents to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying urban comforts. The ew homes now have a distinctive new brand that pays homage to the area’s rich 19th Century industrial heritage. The name “Millers” harks back to its historical use as a Flour Mill and a Copper-Rolling Mill, while “Quay” symbolises a positive transformation, reclaiming the waterfront for community use. Each of the six residential blocks within Miller’s Quay is named after elements of the site’s industrial past – Salt House, Copper Mill, Steam Yard, Lime Studio, Glaze Works, and Soda Factory. These names reflect the materials and processes used in the manufacture of cobalt and copper that, alongside pottery, took place on this site, serving as another subtle reminder of the area’s proud heritage. The ‘chemical reaction’ visuals of the new Miller’s Quay brand also reflect some of these industrial processes, further enriching the narrative of this historically significant site. The brand identity for Miller’s Quay features a bold word-mark inspired by the docks’ industrial legacy, complemented by a distinctive marque that aims to leave a lasting impression. Alan McCartney, Partner at Howells, said: “We’re hugely excited to see Miller’s Quay develop and continue to progress on-site, even more so with this striking new brand. The development harnesses a picture postcard aesthetic for Wirral Waters, along with creating a thriving, residential project with a real sense of place and waterside living at its heart.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver Rivington Chase, working on behalf of development partners, Bolton at Home and Irwell Valley Homes, to build 116 new homes in Horwich. Work at the former Loco Works will see Caddick resume work to regenerate the former railway works, where construction was previously being delivered by Lane End Developments, which went into administration in April 2023. Construction work will see Caddick build 38 family homes across eight terraces of four and five-bedroom homes, and two four-storey developments totalling 78 apartments. All homes will be available for affordable rent and shared ownership. Rivington Chase forms part of a £262m regeneration scheme for which outline planning permission was granted in 2015 for 1,700 homes and additional heritage, educational, retail, leisure, health and well-being services. This includes the expansion of Chorley New Road School to serve the new homes. Caddick’s presence in Horwich also includes the construction of a new health and wellbeing hub on behalf of United Healthcare Developments, which will provide a range of medical services for the local community. Caddick’s appointment to Rivington Chase marks the second project to be delivered on behalf of Bolton at Home following the completion of a new extra care development in Little Lever, including 62 one and two-bedroom apartments and six bungalows for those aged over 55 years. Dave Saville, Regional Director at Caddick Construction North West, commented: “All projects, particularly those for new residential developments, require positive momentum for the benefit of all involved, from the community to the supply chain. We are honoured to have been appointed to take forward the development of Rivington Chase following the unfortunate setbacks to-date. Our focus is now on getting work on site underway so that our clients’ ambitions of delivering quality homes for Bolton are back on course as soon as possible.” Dominic Conway, Group Director of Development & Growth, Bolton at Home, added: “It is really good to get this development progressing back on site after a disappointing set back. The new affordable homes will be a real boost to the area as there is significant demand for affordable homes in Horwich and few become available for customers to express interest in. The development also forms part of the wider regeneration of the area and complements the new facilities, which have and are being delivered in Horwich.” Andrea Swanwick, Development Director at Irwell Valley Homes, said: “It is fantastic to be moving forward with this development again and working in partnership with Bolton at Home and Caddick Construction to deliver much-needed affordable homes in this part of Bolton. “The mix of tenures offers choice for local people, while the wider regeneration of the neighbourhood is already bringing benefits to the broader area. We’re excited to begin on site and looking forward to seeing its transformation into a vibrant and sustainable community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new Commercial Director at an ambitious homebuilder is aiming to use his expertise within the industry to develop the skill sets of the company’s commercial team. Brett Lilley will oversee all commercial operations at Genesis Homes in the newly created Director role, using more than 20 years of knowledge of the industry gained while working at some large housing developers across the North West. Joining from Story Homes where he was Associate Commercial Director for the North West, Brett is looking forward to using his expertise within the construction industry to develop the skills of people learning their trade in Cumbria. Brett said: “I’m very excited to be joining Genesis Homes, which is a homebuilder really going places and making its mark in construction across the North West. “There are certain geographical challenges that working in rural Cumbria brings but Genesis has already proved that there is a great amount of talent on the doorstep, which the company has developed through a programme of support and investment. “Through my role as Commercial Director, I want to build on the great work already ongoing at Genesis Homes to make sure our staff are the best they can be, and putting into place more specialist coaching and mentoring programmes will help us achieve this and bring on the next generation of commercial staff. “I am joining Genesis Homes at a really exciting period of its ambitious growth journey, and by appointing myself and Construction Director David Graziano, the business is investing in experience and expertise to reach these targets.” Brett’s career started as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Fairclough Homes, with spells following at Chelford Homes, Countryside Properties and Rowland Homes. It was while working as a Surveyor at Rowland when an opportunity to move into a more senior role presented itself, following a company restructure during the recession of 2008. After working with the company for 12 years, Brett moved to Russell Homes as Head of Commercial before heading on to Story Homes. While looking for a new opportunity, Brett was blown away by the ambitions and proactivity of Genesis Homes. He said: “I had a few interviews with other developers but when I met with Genesis’ Managing Director Nicky Gordon I could immediately see his passion, and it struck me how modern his approach to housebuilding was. “Nicky has a clear mindset of what he wants the business to achieve and how he wants to achieve it, and it was his refreshing honesty and openness to try new procedures which aligned to my values. “The first task is to review the commercial department from top to bottom and identify areas for improvement, but we’re really excited to be working together and pulling in the same direction to keep developing Genesis Homes’ excellent brand and reputation.” Genesis Homes was founded in the Cumbrian town of Penrith in 2017 and builds high specification new homes across Cumbria and Lancashire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lovell Homes proudly announces the commencement of construction at their highly anticipated Garrett Grove, Skelmanthorpe development, with the local cabinet member for housing, Cllr Moses Crook, gracing the groundbreaking ceremony. The new development, which sits on the outskirts of Huddersfield, will comprise 46 three and four-bedroom new homes, with the first new homeowners set to move in later this year. Drawing inspiration from Skelmanthorpe’s rich textile heritage, the Garrett Grove development pays homage to the iconic Garrett buildings that once stood majestically at the historic junction of Cumberworth Road and Huddersfield Road, affectionately known as The Triangle. This locale served as the birthplace of the village’s pioneering textile mill, a testament to the industrious spirit of its community. Robert Adams, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said: “Skelmanthorpe is a lovely area with a rich history, thanks to the town’s long-standing links to the textile industry. The iconic Garrett buildings have become an important symbol of Skelmanthorpe’s heritage, and in naming the new development after them, we wanted to celebrate that. Garrett Grove is set to be a fantastic location, and we look forward to welcoming our first homeowners in due course.” Works on the new site will bring significant investment and jobs to the local community across various roles. Robert added: “Garrett Grove will be a wonderful new community, offering property seekers a wide choice of house types and purchasing options. We’re passionate about delivering quality homes that meet buyers’ growing and diverse housing needs in all the areas we build in, and Garrett Grove is no exception. In the heart of West Yorkshire, it offers buyers great countryside views and links into Huddersfield and Wakefield.” Skelmanthorpe’s local cabinet member for housing, Cllr Moses Crook, echoed Robert’s sentiment, explaining: “We are always keen to see developments that provide much-needed housing solutions for the people of Kirklees. As Skelmanthorpe continues to flourish, the introduction of Garrett Grove marks further progress in the community’s growth.” The launch of Garrett Grove marks the continued expansion across Lovell within the eastern region, with several other new developments currently in the pipeline. To learn more about the homes at Garrett Grove set to launch this Summer, visit here or call 01484 817 530. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rockwell has submitted proposals, designed by architects Farrells, to redevelop an underused brownfield site in Battersea, Wandsworth, aiming to deliver 142 much-needed new homes. As one of the oldest buildings in the Ransomes Dock area, the Glassmill (1 Battersea Bridge Road) is no longer fit for purpose in modern London. It is highly energy inefficient and struggling for commercial viability, with the building either vacant or occupied on short term licenses below market rates. Wandsworth faces an urgent need for new, high-quality homes, with over 3,600 households classified as ‘homeless’ in the borough. Rockwell’s proposals address this issue by committing to a significant portion of affordable homes within their scheme. Of the 142 new homes planned, 35 per cent will be affordable housing, with 70 per cent of these designated for social rent. The development will include a mix of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom residences, providing up to 20 large family homes to help alleviate the local housing pressures. This regeneration will provide over 5,700 sq. ft of modern, flexible affordable office floorspace, alongside a new community hub and public realm improvements, including a new ‘Waterfront Plaza’. Designed in consultation with local residents and stakeholders, these spaces are shaped to meet the needs of local businesses and charities – including SMEs and start-ups – and bring new jobs to the area. With a new riverside restaurant at the base of the building, these plans will unlock the Battersea Bridge south side, rendering it a destination in its own right, with new visitors boosting the local economy. Nicholas Mee, Managing Director of Rockwell, said: “London – and especially Wandsworth – is in desperate need of more homes, so we are very excited to bring forward these proposals at One Battersea Bridge to regenerate an underutilised site and enable the creation of new housing for the borough. However, our vision is to deliver a multi-use area which delivers more than just homes. “A long-overdue revitalisation of the public realm along this section of the Thames, and brand-new community space will benefit existing and future generations of local people. We hope to secure permission for these proposals to futureproof this area for generations to come.” Peter Barbalov, Partner at Farells, stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with Rockwell on the development of One Battersea Bridge Road, an important site situated on the south bank of the Thames, serving as the gateway from Wandsworth to Battersea Bridge. “Our proposal provides substantial public benefits, including the provision of safe, accessible public realm along the River Thames and Battersea Bridge Road, activation of the ground floor with diverse uses, and provision of much-needed housing for the Wandsworth community. “To achieve these goals on this brownfield site, we have designed a high-quality building, with high quality homes, that contributes to the surrounding townscape along the River Thames while also addressing the climate emergency by achieving Net Zero in both operation and construction phases.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Amro Partners has announced the acquisition of Lewisham Retail Park in Southeast London, marking the start of their largest and most ambitious project to date. The company plans to transform the site into a landmark residential-led development with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of £400 million. The new development will deliver approximately 1,000 residential homes, becoming one of the final major pieces of the 20-year Lewisham regeneration plan. Over the past 18 months, Amro has acquired various adjoining land holdings from private landowners, culminating in the acquisition of the retail park site and remaining land from Legal & General. This comprehensive redevelopment aims to significantly contribute to the regeneration of Lewisham by providing high-quality housing and improving connectivity with the train station, town centre, and central London. The project will also enhance the public realm with new green spaces, cycle paths, and permanent community spaces. The ground floor will feature flexible commercial space to support local SMEs and independent businesses. Amro is committed to working closely with the London Borough of Lewisham to secure permission for an ESG-leading development with the highest possible sustainability ratings, including BREEAM Outstanding, Fitwel 3*, WiredScore Platinum, and ActiveScore Platinum. Located adjacent to Lewisham Train Station, with a connectivity rating of PTAL 6b, the development offers excellent transport links: 9 minutes to London Bridge, 20 minutes to Bond Street, and 31 minutes to London Liverpool Street. The project is scheduled to launch with phased openings during 2028/29, meeting strong local demand for a variety of residential uses. Raj Kotecha, Chairman and CEO of Amro Partners, commented: “This acquisition is the culmination of two years’ hard work piecing together this incredibly complex site. It’s an honour to play a part in the regeneration of this bright and thriving neighbourhood, with a site that has such vast potential. We look forward to working with the council and the people of Lewisham to bring forward a landmark development that sets a new bar for placemaking, sustainability, and brings long-term value to the local community.” Adam Cradick, Head of London Residential Land at CBRE, who advised Legal & General on the sale, added: “Amro has the ability to deliver an exceptional development with outstanding placemaking and much-needed housing. This transaction is another example of the current positive sentiment within the London residential land market and the demand we are seeing for best-in-class sites.” Amro currently has over 2,500 residential homes under development across Greater London, including projects in Ealing, Kingston, Sutton, and Croydon. Guided by its NZC2025 pledge, it aims to create the most sustainable living portfolio in Europe, with every new project targeting a full suite of sector-leading ESG credentials. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pennyfarthing Homes has created a partnership with VIVID to construct 106 affordable homes within its development in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. Covering nearly seven acres of land, this deal signifies a step towards addressing housing needs in the local community, allowing VIVID to make an impact on affordable housing provision. This deal strengthens an ongoing relationship between Pennyfarthing Homes and VIVID, following the sale of 14 affordable homes in its Whitsbury Green development. Matt Dukes, Managing Director of Pennyfarthing Homes, comments: “This housing transaction is poised to start a new chapter of affordable, high-quality homes for Fordingbridge, promising lasting benefits for the town and its neighbouring areas. Working in collaboration with VIVID, we are committed to building residences that epitomise the high standards of any Pennyfarthing home, ensuring that the VIVID customers enjoy quality and comfort. We look forward to working with VIVID on this development and hope we can continue to work closely with this leading housing provider in Hampshire.” Construction of the affordable homes will commence in November this year preceded by groundworks starting in June. VIVID will take delivery of a mixed-tenure development which will include market housing, shared ownership and affordable rent options. The scheme will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and two- and three-bedroom bungalows, appealing to a wide customer profile. Surrounded by open space, including an area of play and a natural recreational green space, residents will enjoy easy access to walking and cycling paths across the community connecting to the town centre and schools safely. Each property will come with allocated parking, with larger homes boasting a garage or carport, while every house or bungalow will include a private rear garden. Tristan Samuels, Group Development and New Business Director of VIVID, comments: “We are really pleased to be working in partnership with Pennyfarthing Homes on this project. We firmly believe that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home and this investment is a step towards addressing the shortage of affordable homes in the south. We are committed to making a positive impact on communities by providing accessible housing solutions that enhance lives and creating communities to thrive in”. This phase of new homes in Fordingbridge will also include six First Homes which will be available directly from Pennyfarthing Homes. The Government’s initiative supports home ownership for local first-time buyers and key workers living and working in the New Forest area. Completions are expected from Autumn 2025. This development sits alongside Pennyfarthing’s current scheme at Whitsbury Green. These interlinking phases in Fordingbridge ensure there is something for the whole community to enjoy, with expansive outside space on the doorstep, including a trail play area, comprising an obstacle course to promote fitness and outdoor activity for young people. This is combined with extensive accessible countryside alongside footpaths with beautiful vistas and attractive walkways for strolling to the village. With 140 miles of cycle tracks and footpaths close by residents will have no shortage of options for enjoying all the New Forest has to offer. For more details on the homes available from Pennyfarthing please visit https://www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk/developments/ or call 01425 541818. For more details on VIVID visit VIVID | Leading providers of affordable housing (vividhomes.co.uk) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A long-established housing developer has launched a new range of house types at one of its most popular developments. Russell Armer Homes has introduced 11 new house types to the market for the first time as it announces the release of the second phase of homes for sale at its Bowland Fold development in the Lancashire village of Halton. With just a handful of properties left in the initial phase, the new home builder is releasing a total of 22 three to four bedroom homes. The new phase of properties will be created at an elevated position on the site to give stunning views out towards Morecambe Bay, the city of Lancaster and the Forest of Bowland. The first of the new properties available for sale include the four-bedroom detached Howgill and Sanderling houses, and the three-bedroom detached Middleton home. Nicky Gordon, the Managing Director of Russell Armer Homes, said: “Launching brand new house types which have never been on the market before is a significant milestone for the company, and the team is really excited to see the reaction to the new homes. “Our houses at Bowland Fold have been an instant hit because of the high quality of build and energy efficiency levels, coupled with its location in the desirable village of Halton and its close proximity to the city of Lancaster. “The new homes we are rolling out guarantee the same excellent level of workmanship and will provide customers with modern features and extra comfort throughout the property. This is an extremely exciting development in Russell Armer’s long history.” In addition to its development at Halton, Russell Armer Homes has homes available at its Meadow Rigg development in the Lake District town of Kendal and is soon to launch new homes as part of the second phase of sales at Lunesdale Rise, in Kirkby Lonsdale. The company was founded in 1961 and is now owned by Penrith-based Genesis Homes following an acquisition deal in 2021. Find out more about the new developments at Bowland Fold in Halton by visiting www.russell-armer.co.uk/developments/bowland-fold. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
289 Homes, Commercial Space and ‘Sizeable’ Green Space to be Created Next to Famous Salt Mills World Heritage Site in Shipley. Construction of ‘Saltaire Riverside’ – a vibrant new residential neighbourhood composed of 289 sustainable homes, commercial space and a large riverside park on the edge of the Salts Mills World Heritage Site in Saltaire, Shipley – is on track to start in early summer. Urban regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate is currently progressing the homes-led transformation of the 11-acre site sandwiched between the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which was formerly home to an HMRC office complex that closed in October 2021. Demolition of the existing buildings on site – which mainly consist of two large five-storey hexagonal office blocks – is expected to be completed in the coming six weeks, followed by ground preparation works in advance of construction. Material from the demolition will be recycled and used to raise the levels of the site as part of major flood defence works, which will immediately follow the demolition programme. Welcoming the progress on site, James Bulmer, Managing Director for Leeds-based Artisan Real Estate England, said: “Our local contractor, Metropolitan, has been doing excellent work of taking down the existing buildings, and we will soon be moving to processing materials which will be crushed and recycled for re-use on site as part of the forthcoming construction project. We are now hosting regular design team meetings, working on the detailed technical drawing requirements needed to turn our ambitious vision into a reality. Our commercial teams will shortly be going out to tender to find suitable trade sub-contractors to partner with for the project.” Michael Hirst, Managing Director at Metropolitan added: “This has been a great project for Metropolitan. The former HMRC building was a substantial reinforced concrete structure, but our highly skilled teams have been effective, diligent and professional throughout. Artisan is an important client to us and we are working with them on multiple developments across England and Scotland. We look forward to a long lasting relationship.” Artisan’s plans for the new Saltaire Riverside development include the provision of 289 new homes, more than 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial office space designed for flexible working and a café facing on to a new ‘pocket’ park and piazza. A sizeable riverside park will seamlessly link the development to the River Aire, providing woodland, grasslands and lawns to act as a natural flood water storage area whilst pedestrian links will provide direct access to Saltaire Rail Station and the canal towpath. Looking forward to the forthcoming launch of the first new homes phase at Saltaire Riverside, Mr Bulmer confirmed that a new Saltaire Riverside home-sales website will be launched shortly, allowing potential purchasers of to register their interest. He added: “We are excited about starting our initial homes phase, which will deliver a mix of apartments and townhouses to create a much needed sustainable and low carbon residential community. “Our completed development will become a modern interpretation of the adjacent Saltaire Village, bringing much needed sustainable family housing in an accessible, well connected and environmentally responsible setting. It will spectacularly open up a large riverside area, bringing interest and investment to the area and providing a natural, contemporary extension to the existing Saltaire footprint. This is a genuinely groundbreaking homes-led project in an area that is regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the UK.” The neighbouring Saltaire Village is named after Sir Titus Salt who built a textile mill known as Salts Mill and the supporting village overlooking the River Aire in the second half of the 19th century. Designed by architects, Lockwood and Mawson, Saltaire has beautiful Italianate architecture and a rich history and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. The village was recently named as one of the 72 best places to live in the UK by the annual Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live Guide’ for 2024. The Sunday Times’ expert judges visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street. Describing Saltaire Village, the judges said: “It was a model village when it was built and two centuries later, Saltaire is a model address for 21st-century living. Now it’s all about artisan coffee hang-outs, cool cafés and restaurants in atmospheric surroundings, along with a snappy commute to the centres of Leeds and Bradford.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
