Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has committed to regenerating nearly seven acres of unused land in Milton Keynes to build 115 new homes – 50 of which will be built to the anticipated Future Homes Standard.  With a planned total build budget of £21.5million, the project is due to be completed in March 2026, and will provide a range of high-quality, multi-tenure homes to add to the thriving community already in the area.  The housebuilder will also create multiple types of housing for residents at the site to be named Haworth Place, including much-needed affordable housing stock through a local housing association. The development is located on the edge of Milton Keynes and is close to a variety of amenities such as shops, parks and transport links.  The Future Homes Standard legislation update, which is due in 2025, requires all new homes to reduce 75 percent of the carbon emissions and is set out to replace traditional Building Regulations for new dwellings.  Keepmoat has invested in new research and development to create an advanced delivery programme of new builds called ‘Echo’ homes, equipped with air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, increased levels of insulation and EV charging points to reduce carbon emissions from the homes. These new technologies will be rolled out across key selected developments in the house builders’ portfolio to begin the advanced delivery project, including within 50 homes at the development in Milton Keynes.  Ian McFaul, Interim Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, South Midlands, said: “We’re thrilled to be regenerating this underdeveloped piece of land in Milton Keynes to deliver 115 high-quality, multi-tenure homes for the local area, including much-needed affordable housing options. The project is also creating a raft of new local jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities, further boosting the local economy and the industry’s future workforce. “As the project continues into the next phase, it’s extremely rewarding to see the excitement about the plans to deliver these homes in this fantastic new town. We’re also proud to be delivering homes featuring anticipated Future Homes Standard technology ahead of the Government-enforced delivery model set to come in next year – a further step in our mission to create sustainable communities for the future.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford.  To find out more about Keepmoat, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work in now underway on a development in Spennymoor, County Durham, which will see 187 mixed tenure homes created. Vistry North East – part of the Vistry Group – is delivering the project, comprising two, three and four bedroomed properties on an 18-acre site, just off Whitworth Road. And a deal has now been agreed, which will see one of the region’s largest not-for-profit housing associations – believe housing – acquire 111 of the homes, to be made available for affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership. This will include 20 new bungalows built for older members of the community – which can be adapted as people’s needs change – and a selection of two, three and four bedroomed houses Other three and four bedroomed homes on the scheme will be sold via the Linden Homes brand, with some plots available via the government’s First Homes scheme, aimed at helping first time buyers on to the property ladder. Properties at the development will all have air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, electric vehicle charging provision and an improved building fabric – to ensure they are energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions and future costs for residents. The first homes on the circa £50million project are expected to be complete by early 2027. It is envisaged the works will create seven apprenticeships and a deliver a total of 1,148 training weeks on site, supporting those looking to enhance their skills and establish a career in construction. In addition, Vistry North East will invest around £550,000 – which is to be allocated towards improving surrounding open spaces and play infrastructure, to provide educational opportunities for local people and to support local healthcare initiatives. Andrew Rennie, development director, Vistry North East, said: “We are delighted to be underway on our first development in Spennymoor. “It is great to again be working with believe housing – following successful projects in Bishop Auckland and Peterlee – on an excellent project, which will improve the choice and quality of housing in the area. “We feel that this mixed tenure model – including a selection of affordable homes, bungalows, properties perfect for first-time buyers and larger, family houses – will enhance an already vibrant community, whilst creating valuable job and training opportunities.” Tom Winter, assistant director of development, believe housing, said: “To help meet the high demand for affordable housing in this area, we have committed to delivering up to 111 new homes on this site – in partnership with Vistry North East. It will be our largest project to date. “We will offer a diverse range of homes for affordable rent, Rent to Buy and shared ownership, helping us to meet the differing needs of future customers. All properties will adhere to the standards outlined in our Future Homes roadmap, which sets clear ambitions to deliver homes around the core principles of energy efficiency, low carbon heating and renewable energy technologies. “And importantly for believe housing, they will be the high quality, spacious, accessible, and energy efficient homes we know that people want to live in.” Vistry Group is the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed tenure homes. A young and dynamic business with a Partnerships-led approach – delivered through the Countryside Partnerships brand – the Group is delivering thousands of homes every year for the affordable and private marketplaces. The Group also encompasses a portfolio of retail brands, including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Countryside Homes. Vistry North East is currently active on 15 construction sites around the region and is working with six housing associations and seven local authorities. Believe housing is one of the largest not-for-profit housing associations in the North East of England, with more than 18,000 homes and 600-plus employees. It improves customers’ lives by providing healthy, affordable homes and enhancing communities. A new-build programme is delivering high quality, energy efficient homes where they are needed. Existing homes are being upgraded in a huge project to improve their energy efficiency and adapt them to future needs. Believe’s community grants are supporting projects that make a real difference to people’s wellbeing and a range of support for customers is helping deliver its vision of life without barriers.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Moda, Holland Park, a new rental neighbourhood with community and wellbeing at its heart, has reached practical completion and opened its doors to residents in the centre of Glasgow. Proving strong demand for high quality rental homes in the city, Moda, Holland Park opened its doors with all available apartments fully let. With state-of-the-art facilities across its 433 homes and amenities, the neighbourhood cements Moda Living’s reputation for building the happiest and healthiest communities in the UK. With design and materials inspired by Glasgow’s heritage in arts, culture and industry as well as the city’s botanical gardens, Moda, Holland Park, has delivered 433 interior-designed studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent on Pitt Street, available furnished or unfurnished. The homes are complemented by 11,000 sq ft of amenities including a 24/7 gym and fitness centre, private dining rooms, cinema and gaming rooms, sky lounges with panoramic views over Glasgow, and landscaped spaces and roof terraces. Rent includes access to these spaces, high-speed wifi, and a 24/7 concierge service. The neighbourhood also offers 15,000 sq ft of commercial space. Health and wellbeing are built into the core of the neighbourhood, with a three-star Fitwel rating, Moda ensures wellness is embedded in every aspect of its buildings and public spaces from initial design to long-term operation. Working closely with team and residents, Moda will continually work to manage the carbon output of the rental neighbourhood. Utopi sensors in each apartment will allow residents to monitor their carbon output through the MyModa app, and ongoing communications with residents will encourage sustainable living within the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood significantly boosted employment and skills in the city centre, with 1,226 local people employed on the project. Training was provided to 24 apprentices and another 120 people under the age of 24. Moda’s construction partner Roberston also diverted 100% of site waste away from landfill. During construction of Moda, Holland Park, £38m was injected directly into the local economy, £11m of which was spent with SMEs. Moda, Holland Park was funded by a JV between Harrison Street, NFU Mutual and Apache Capital. Haus Collective and Ryder Architects were the architects on the project. As the long-term operator of the neighbourhood, Moda will continue to drive social value and contribute positively to its wider community. Earlier this year, Moda announced a three-year partnership with Glasgow School of Art.  Moda, Holland Park is Moda’s second build-to-rent neighbourhood in Scotland, following Moda, The McEwan in Edinburgh – also funded by the Harrison Street, NFU Mutual and Apache Capital JV. Andrew Parker, Managing Director of Development at Moda Group, said: “Moda, Holland Park has delivered a new way of living to Glasgow, adding much needed, high-quality housing for its communities to enjoy for generations to come. We’re proud to have completed the build on the neighbourhood and of the jobs and wider economic value the project has delivered to date. We thank Robertson for its hard work on the project to realise the fantastic ambition of the project. “Our first residents are now living in the neighbourhood and we are looking forward to growing our Glasgow community in the coming weeks and months.” Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive, Robertson Group, said: “Seeing Holland Park come to life, as the first residents move in, is immensely satisfying for everyone on the team. The project is an exceptional example of repurposing a city centre site and how buy-to-rent can push boundaries, centred on integrated technology, health and wellbeing. “The site itself presented a challenging city centre interface but through close collaboration with our site neighbours, and a shared ethos with Moda to create positive change in what we do.  We continue to champion high quality construction which enhances local communities. Over the course of the project, £38m has been spent with our local supply chain, and the site has provided training experience for over 100 young people.” John Dunkerley, CEO, Apache Capital: “With a conducive policy framework, institutional capital can play a critical role in Scotland’s rental housing market, not only in respect of boosting supply, but also in terms of stock diversification and improvement of the resident experience. Holland Park and The McEwan are exemplary in their approach towards amenity provision, operational management, and local community building, and set the standard of what renters can come to expect through build-to-rent development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hampshire-headquartered Bargate Homes has submitted an Outline Planning application for a 19-hectare site in Overton, Hampshire, which could deliver 130 new homes, as well as a Country Park. The vast Country Park would take up more than half of this expansive site, delivering widespread social and environmental benefits.  Located west of Sapley Lane, the proposed housing development would create 130 mixed-tenure new homes, providing opportunities for those looking to downsize, get onto the housing ladder, relocate, or live closer to friends and relatives. 40% will be allocated for affordable housing to be delivered by VIVID – the parent company of Bargate Homes.  The 15-hectare Country Park is set to be a multifunctional public green space, which would support a range of activities, including natural play areas for young children, and seating areas for relaxing and enjoying views of Overton. New planting of native trees and shrubs is proposed, as well as the rewilding of areas to promote and enhance local biodiversity. The site will deliver a biodiversity net gain of over 109.74%.  The homes are designed to be zero carbon ready, in line with the Building Regulation requirements from 2025, featuring air source heat pumps, Solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points for each dwelling.  Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate Homes, said: “We are pleased to have submitted an Outline Planning application for this site in Overton, which could become a very special new development. Located close to our now completed Seven Acres development, our proposals are designed to create a new neighbourhood and green space for the community of Overton. It will provide local residents with the opportunity to stay in the area and maintain all important friend and family networks.  “The new Country Park would be a fantastic asset for the community of Overton, as it will offer ample space for physical outdoor activities, connections to nature, an uplifting meeting place for residents, as well as educational opportunities for school children.”  The development site is sustainably located and has been designed in accordance with the ‘20 Minute Neighbourhood’ concept, with essential amenities all within a 20-minute walk, cycle or public transport ride.  A local shop, allotments, doctor’s surgery, playing fields and primary school are all within a 20-minute walk of the site. Overton train station is a 10-minute cycle, and has frequent services running to Basingstoke, Salisbury, Exeter, and to London Waterloo in 55 minutes.  The nearest bus stop is a mere four-minute walk providing services to nearby towns and villages. The site sits just south of Overton, and is equidistant between the larger towns of Basingstoke to the east, and Andover to the west. Easy access to the A303 and A34 leads to the wider motorway network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Housebuilder Homes by Esh, has brought forward a development of 41 energy-efficient homes in Trimdon Village. The Bluebell Gardens development features a mix of three- and four-bedroom detached homes and two-bedroom terraced bungalows, with nine house types providing a range of choices for potential buyers. The development, which is adjacent to Salters Lane in Trimdon Village, has good connections to the A1 and A19. Homes by Esh has opened the market for the site’s first properties, providing buyers the opportunity to reserve off-plan. Buyers can also benefit from Homes by Esh’s Mortgage Subsidy Scheme, which makes the first two years of mortgage repayments easier with a £250 contribution towards your payments. Stamp duty on all four-bedroom homes will also be paid for. Part exchange options are available while flooring and integrated kitchen appliances can be factored into bespoke purchase packages. Homes by Esh’s Deputy Managing Director, Colin Willetts, said: “As mortgage lenders put forward more favourable mortgage rates and the Bank of England cut inflation back to 5%, now is a good time to act for those who are looking to buy their first home, upsize or even downsize. “By merging our expertise with technological upgrades, the homes have been constructed with the latest features to reduce energy consumption.” Each home has been designed with expert technology and energy efficient features, including electric vehicle charging points, solar photovoltaic panels, smart technology and secure bike storage. The homes will be compliant to the 2022 Building Regulations Uplift – bringing increased insulation, improved ventilation and enhanced energy efficiencies – as well as the Nationally Described Space Standards and M42 building regulations. Every property that Homes by Esh builds undergoes thorough quality control checks before it is handed over to buyers and comes with a 10-year NHBC warranty. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

honey will build 54 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes in Waverley, Rotherham, after being granted planning permission for a £15.5m development.   Called Homes by honey at Waverley, the development is located on the former Orgreave Colliery & Coking site off Rivelin Way. Homes by honey at Waverley will comprise a mix of semi-detached and detached properties. It will form part of the local council’s larger redevelopment plans to transform the 740-acre Orgreave Colliery & Coking site into a new, sustainable community. Work at the development is due to commence in August with the first residents expected to move into their new homes in spring next year. Of the 54 homes, 17 have been designated to affordable housing.  Mark Mitchell, honey chief executive officer, commented: “Our Homes by honey at Waverley development has created a great deal of interest from prospective buyers since we announced plans had been submitted. “Our development will provide high quality, high specification new homes to meet the significant demand that exists in the area from first-time buyers, second steppers, families and downsizers.  “Waverley is an excellent regeneration project, so we are very pleased that our development will become part of it. “Now planning has been granted, we look forward to works starting to deliver homes that combine style, substance and sustainability for the benefit of our buyers and the communities in which we build.” For further information on Homes by honey at Waverley, click here.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals