SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has submitted a detailed planning application to build 147 new homes on surplus land at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Nuneaton, alongside an application for the college to build a new 3G Sports Pitch. The housing proposed within the application will be
Risby Homes, the East Yorkshire family-owned housing developer, is this week proud to mark its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of building award-winning homes in the region. This significant milestone commemorates the journey that began when Mark Barrett, Founder of Risby Homes, first broke ground on his inaugural development on
Award winning housebuilder Cruden Homes is bringing 56 high quality homes to North Toryglen after receiving planning approval from Glasgow City Council. Supporting Glasgow’s large-scale regeneration initiative – Clyde Gateway – the growing development is situated next to one of the city’s eight Transformational Regeneration Areas and champions wider plans
Dandara has donated £4,050 to Breast Cancer Now to help in the fight against the disease which claims more than 11,500 lives in the UK every year. The independent housebuilder took part in ‘wear it pink’ day on 20 October, organising a host of activities and donating £50 from the
Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson has announced it has acquired new land in the market town of Faversham. The 13-acre site will deliver 88 much needed, high quality new homes to the area, 35% of which will be affordable. The development, which will be called Crown Meadows, follows the sell out
Harron Homes has recently appointed Lee Kirkland as Construction Director for its Yorkshire region. With over 20 years in the construction industry, Lee brings a wealth of experience to his new role overseeing the development and delivery of luxury homes across Yorkshire. Starting out as an apprentice bricklayer at age
Bellway has submitted detailed plans to build 153 homes as part of the first phase of the regeneration of a former unlicensed tip site in Redbridge. The development, to be known as Kingsgate Park, would deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom houses, including
Ashley Ridgway from Dandara Northern Home Counties has scooped the title of National Site Manager of the Year from independent housebuilder Dandara. Ashley won top honours in the annual award scheme in recognition of his work at Saxon Park in Biddenham, Beds. He was picked from over 30 site managers across
Construction work is continuing on hundreds of new homes and community facilities at Holloway Park, on the site of the former Holloway Prison in Islington. Peabody and its partners, including the Greater London Authority, the London Borough of Islington and London Square, gathered at the historic site on to see
Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties is helping to tackle the construction industry skills shortage, having recently recruited its latest graduate trainee. Chloe Lopez (age 22), a Business Management graduate from the University of Surrey, was accepted onto Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties’ ASPIRE Programme this Autumn, based at
SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has submitted a detailed planning application to build 147 new homes on surplus land at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Nuneaton, alongside an application for the college to build a new 3G Sports Pitch. The housing proposed within the application will be well designed, in fitting with the existing college buildings and local surroundings, to be delivered in two phases. The homes will be a mix of tenure, including one-bedroom apartments and maisonettes, two- and three-bedroom houses through to 2.5-storey four-bedroom houses, to appeal to all family sizes and budgets. Of the 147 homes, 38 (over 25%) will also be affordable housing. The submission follows outline planning permission which was granted in 2020 and, alongside introducing new homes to help meet local need, it proposes to bring significant and direct benefits to the college. The proceeds of the land sale will enable the introduction of the new state-of-the art pitch, and crucially will allow the college to invest in new and improved facilities for students. Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “This marks an important milestone in our plans to invest in improving our college, ensuring that students at our Nuneaton Campus have access to the contemporary learning environments that they deserve and benefit from the same high standard facilities already available at our other campus locations. “The funds raised from the sale of this surplus land on campus will create exciting modern facilities that will help to unlock the full potential of technical skills, across all industries, based on an enhanced digital capability. Our aim is to ensure that all students, now and in the future, as well as the local community, and local and regional businesses, benefit from our vision.” Richard Hodson, Head of planning at SevenHomes said: “We’re really pleased to be able to bring forward this detailed application for a development that will be of huge, direct benefit to both the college and surrounding communities through enhanced amenity provision, as well as the introduction of sensitively planned and much needed new homes for the area.” Subject to full planning approval, work on site is expected to commence in early 2025. For more information on SevenHomes, please visit: www.sevenhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Risby Homes, the East Yorkshire family-owned housing developer, is this week proud to mark its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of building award-winning homes in the region. This significant milestone commemorates the journey that began when Mark Barrett, Founder of Risby Homes, first broke ground on his inaugural development on Old Beck Court in Beverley. Over the years, the company has thrived in the fiercely competitive housing industry, creating 20 vibrant communities across Beverley and East Yorkshire. Their latest development takes them back to the market town where it all began, as the firm announces it’s extending its Figham Gate development to the south-east of Beverley. Reflecting on their journey over the past three decades, Mark Barrett, Managing Director explained: “Our first development, Old Beck Court, a development of eight, 2-bedroom homes in Beverley was a huge step and a massive learning curve for us as we transformed an old car park and storage area into our first community of high quality contemporary homes.” As demand for homes in Beverley grew, Risby Homes embarked on the development of five consecutive projects in the area including Waterside Court, a development of 15 two storey townhouses which kick started the regeneration of the Beverley Beck area. “A dis-used, ex-industrial brownfield site in a state of disrepair, this development required extensive archaeology investigations, complex groundwork and piling – we had to adapt swiftly, learning quickly how to solve unforeseen challenges,” continued Mark. Since 1993, Risby Homes has built communities in Hessle, Cherry Burton, South Cave, Cottingham, Welton, Walkington and Little Weighton, swiftly garnering a reputation for crafting homes of exceptional quality, from large family homes on the site of a former railway goods yard in Cherry Burton to custom-designed residences in Welton and Hessle. Reflecting on the changing landscape of the homebuying industry over the past three decades, Mark explained: “Adapting to the changing needs of modern families is vital, it’s important to listen to buyers and adapt and respond to how they live. “At the time we were building our Hessle and Welton communities, Hull City were in the Premier League. This massively impacted the market and led to a focus on more spacious, customised homes with additional design features and bespoke options including built in TVs at the end of the baths, which was a novelty in 2012.” Risby Homes’ latest venture, The Vines in Cottingham, a community of 57 homes, gives buyers the opportunity to transform the space above their garage into an additional room. A new feature which has been introduced following the pandemic. Remaining true to its roots as a family firm, Risby Homes has always been guided by family values. The next generation of family members, Mark’s children Olly and Amy, are now actively involved in the family business. Mark Barrett said: “Looking back, if I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to always factor in a contingency because everything takes longer than expected. Even after thirty years, unforeseen challenges continue to crop up.” He added, “I’m incredibly proud of every one of our developments, but the one that stands out is our Keldgate Bar development in Beverley which has received multiple awards. Maintaining good relationships with employees and suppliers has been key to our success, and we look forward to celebrating this occasion with them.” In an industry as competitive as housing development, thriving three decades later is a remarkable achievement. Happy 30th Birthday, Risby Homes. For more information about Risby’s latest developments in Cottingham and Beverley visit www.risbyhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award winning housebuilder Cruden Homes is bringing 56 high quality homes to North Toryglen after receiving planning approval from Glasgow City Council. Supporting Glasgow’s large-scale regeneration initiative – Clyde Gateway – the growing development is situated next to one of the city’s eight Transformational Regeneration Areas and champions wider plans to enhance local communities. The new homes at Prospecthill Road follow several highly successful phases of Cruden’s award-winning King’s View development in the area, and will feature a range of high quality two- and three-bed terraced houses and three-bed semi detached properties, all with private gardens. The sustainable homes will be built to Glasgow Gold Standard, with solar PV panels and air source heat pumps to improve energy efficiency levels and reduce day-to-day running costs for homeowners. The latest phase of development encourages biodiversity and pays tribute to the natural surroundings in close proximity to the site, which feature extensive greenery and landscaping with attractive woodland, footpaths and cycle paths. Bird and bat boxes and bug hotels are also being incorporated into the new homes for local wildlife. As part of Clyde Gateway’s major urban regeneration plans, the wider area offers outstanding green spaces and high quality facilities to enhance lives for local residents. This includes the stunning nature reserve at Malls Mire Community Woodland, which enjoys direct links from the development. Homeowners will also benefit from an array of local amenities, including a public park and play areas, shops, a supermarket, schools and nurseries, a health centre and fantastic transport links to the city centre. Cruden has already built 273 private and affordable homes at King’s View, creating a vibrant community for families, downsizers and people of all age groups. This next phase of 56 new homes strengthens Cruden’s commitment to bring more quality, sustainable homes to the area. Work is due to begin on the new homes next year. Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “Toryglen is a dynamic location with a wealth of amenities on the doorstep for new homeowners. Our next phase of homes will present the perfect option for those who are looking to join a growing and inclusive community with plenty of surrounding amenities and abundance of green space. “This area has been a key focus for Clyde Gateway’s urban regeneration in recent years, bringing major social and economic benefits to local people. Cruden has a strong track record of delivering multi-tenure new homes here and we’re thrilled to be once again contributing to this transformation by bringing even more sustainable properties to the locale.” Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said: “One of the biggest and most noticeable changes across Clyde Gateway over the past few years has been in housing. So, we are delighted that Cruden is delivering a further 56 new, energy efficient homes in this very popular area, situated in a thriving local community. “This development has a strong focus on biodiversity and sustainability, which is in keeping with our neighbouring nature reserve, Malls Mire Community Woodland. This all contributes to Clyde Gateway’s wider aim to continually improve the lives of residents and to be an attractive area for people to live, work and play.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dandara has donated £4,050 to Breast Cancer Now to help in the fight against the disease which claims more than 11,500 lives in the UK every year. The independent housebuilder took part in ‘wear it pink’ day on 20 October, organising a host of activities and donating £50 from the sale of each home reserved in October to the charity. The annual fundraising event is organised by Breast Cancer Now, whose mission is to make sure that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives and is supported to live well. The event has raised over £39m since it began in 2001 and helps fund Breast Cancer Now’s world-class research and life-changing support. Kinie Kaur, wear it pink manager from Breast Cancer Now, commented: “We want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to Dandara and their customers for supporting wear it pink and raising such an incredible amount. Every 10 minutes someone in the UK hears the words ‘you have breast cancer.’ Breast Cancer Now’s world-class research and life-changing support simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of fundraisers like Dandara.” Trevor Dempsey, Dandara CEO, said: “I would like to thank everyone who supported wear it pink, whether by hosting a coffee morning, donating some home baking or just going along and putting their hands in their pockets to help support the charity. We are also very grateful to our amazing buyers who reserved new Dandara homes in October and helped us to make this donation possible.” Dandara is currently building new homes in Scotland, England, Wales and the Channel Islands. Dandara is one of the UK’s largest independent property development companies, with over 10,000 happy customers and more than 100 industry awards for design and quality. Breast Cancer Now’s wear it pink day is one of the biggest and brightest fundraising events in the UK. To find out more go to: www.wearitpink.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson has announced it has acquired new land in the market town of Faversham. The 13-acre site will deliver 88 much needed, high quality new homes to the area, 35% of which will be affordable. The development, which will be called Crown Meadows, follows the sell out success of Crest Nicholson’s nearby Kingsmead development. The new community will offer a range of two to five bedroom new homes to suit a range of purchasers, as well as plenty of open space and recreational areas. More than £1m has been committed to fund vital local infrastructure and services, such as an NHS Healthcare centre and youth services. Work is anticipated to start in December, with first residents expected in summer 2024. Karen Coulson, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson Eastern, comments: “We’re pleased to announce this acquisition in Kent, enabling us to respond to local demand for high quality new homes in the area. Crown Meadows joins an already thriving community and popular area thanks to the range of amenities that are easily accessible within the wider Kingsmead development, including a number of Ofsted-rated “outstanding” schools nearby.” “There are a range of schemes available to support prospective buyers to secure their dream home. Interest at Crown Meadows has been high from both locals and those from further afield. We’d therefore recommend anyone interested to get in touch with our friendly sales team as soon as possible, to be the first to secure your dream home.” Faversham, the oldest market town in the country, is also home to regular markets, selling local produce and artisan products, as well as a variety of pubs, restaurants and cafes. For those who travel by rail, Faversham train station is reachable in just 10 minutes by car or by bus from Crown Meadows, where there are at least three trains an hour to London with journey times of just over one hour. To find out more about Crest Nicholson and homes available at Crown Meadows, please visit https://www.crestnicholson.com/crown-meadows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harron Homes has recently appointed Lee Kirkland as Construction Director for its Yorkshire region. With over 20 years in the construction industry, Lee brings a wealth of experience to his new role overseeing the development and delivery of luxury homes across Yorkshire. Starting out as an apprentice bricklayer at age 17, Mexborough-born Lee quickly rose through the ranks at his first job, becoming a site manager by the age of 23. “I had worked for Harron Homes earlier on in my career as a site manager, for a period of about two and a half years, and I really enjoyed my time there,” says Lee. Lee’s vast experience working for several different housebuilders across Yorkshire has seen him work in many different environments, but what stands out about Harron Homes is the family feel. An all-round people person, Lee approaches his role with a team-based mindset: “It’s important to lead, but it’s equally important to empower others to lead as well. “I’ve been in this role for only a few months, yet I’ve already seen tremendous success stories of employees delivering spectacular results.” Having been in the industry for over 20 years, Lee is the first to acknowledge that the support of colleagues and family is vital to success. Lee met his wife, Jemma, when he was 17, and the two married 6 years later. Lee says, “Jemma has been beside me through thick and thin, and we’ve supported one another for over two decades. She’s an advanced nurse practitioner, so between us we work very hard. When we do get time off, we tend to our farm, rearing the animals and racing around on quadbikes with our two children, Lincoln and Bodhi.” When asked about his aims for the future, Lee said, “I want to keep building the team up and improving its confidence. This goes hand in hand with ensuring we continue to hit our KPIs on a consistent basis. “Ultimately, it’s important that when we say we do something, we do it – I want to cement that reputation so that all our employees can continue to have the utmost pride in Harron Homes.” Tony Lee, Managing Director for Harron Homes Yorkshire, said: “Harron Homes is a place where anyone with the ambition and compassion to deliver the best homes around can make an excellent career for themselves. Lee’s trajectory is testament to his dedication to the industry and to housebuilding. That he has shown himself to be invested in the evolution of each employee under his wing, as well as in the evolution of the business as a whole, is proof of his unflagging commitment to his career. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.” Harron Homes is a housebuilder with developments located across Yorkshire and the North Midlands. With a range of two, three, four and five bedroom homes suitable for couples, professionals and families alike, there truly is something for everyone. For more information on Harron’s Yorkshire properties please visit: https://www.harronhomes.com/find-a-home/. For more information on Harron Homes careers, please visit https://www.harronhomes.com/careers/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway has submitted detailed plans to build 153 homes as part of the first phase of the regeneration of a former unlicensed tip site in Redbridge. The development, to be known as Kingsgate Park, would deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom houses, including affordable homes, on Site A of the former Hainault House site off Billet Road in Chadwell Heath. The submission of the detailed planning application follows extensive consultation with the London Borough of Redbridge, with the masterplan for the wider site – which anticipates delivering approximately 1,300 much-needed new homes – endorsed by Redbridge council earlier this year. Tom Sherriff, Managing Director of Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “Our plans for this site will have a hugely positive impact on the local environment by transforming a former unlicensed tip site into a vibrant new neighbourhood. “We have liaised very closely with the local authority on our masterplan for the new community to ensure that it complies with the council’s vision for the site, delivering more than 1,000 new homes designed to meet the requirements of the local area. “Our plans for Site A provide a variety of homes which would create a strong mixed community, including London Affordable Rented and London Shared Ownership homes, and with a good proportion of family-sized homes to respond to local housing needs.” The proposed development includes eight four and five-storey apartment buildings and 20 cottage-style houses, alongside landscaped public open space. Tom said: “All homes will have their own outdoor space, either balconies, terraces or gardens, while there will be a linear park providing communal play space, open lawns and planting. “The remediation of the site will improve the water quality of the local watercourse, and there will be a net gain in biodiversity, with new trees and shrubs, bat and bird boxes and wildlife habitats. “There will also be economic benefits, with the development creating new jobs in the local area during the construction of the new homes.” Bellway Thames Gateway is building new homes across London, Essex, Kent and Surrey. For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ashley Ridgway from Dandara Northern Home Counties has scooped the title of National Site Manager of the Year from independent housebuilder Dandara. Ashley won top honours in the annual award scheme in recognition of his work at Saxon Park in Biddenham, Beds. He was picked from over 30 site managers across the business, which has new build developments across the UK and Channel Islands and builds around 2000 homes annually. Dandara CEO Trevor Dempsey said: “Ashley is an exceptionally hard worker and is setting the benchmark for quality housebuilding and customer service not just within Dandara but in the industry at large. Ashley has maintained a 100% customer satisfaction score at Saxon Park and leads by example every day. Ashley, who joined Dandara from Bloor Homes in 2021 said: “It is wonderful to be given an award for a job that I love doing. I know I am biased, but I genuinely do think I work with the best team in the country. Everyone in the Northern Home Counties division gives 100% every day and I am very proud to accept the award not just for myself, but on their behalf.” The awards recognise Dandara Site Managers who are customer focused, demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and go above and beyond to deliver high quality homes safely. Trevor added: “I would also like to say a massive congratulations to our regional winners who are all incredible site managers. It was a very difficult decision to make as every single one of them is a great ambassador for the business and does a tremendous job.” The regional winners were Jim Nicol from the Eastern division; Ashley Ridgway from Northern Home Counties; Steven Shiells from Scotland; Robert Reardon from South East and Alessandro Annunziata from Southern. To find out more about Dandara, please visit www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work is continuing on hundreds of new homes and community facilities at Holloway Park, on the site of the former Holloway Prison in Islington. Peabody and its partners, including the Greater London Authority, the London Borough of Islington and London Square, gathered at the historic site on to see how the redevelopment has progressed since work first started in October last year. Holloway Park, which is set to welcome new residents from 2027, is being built in three phases and will deliver 985 homes in total. Of those, 415 will be for social rent and 178 for shared ownership – making 60 percent of the homes affordable. Most of the social homes will have two or three bedrooms, making them suitable for families, and there will also be 60 extra care one-bedroom homes and a sensory garden. The development will use air source heat pumps to heat the homes, and photovoltaic solar panels will provide some of the electricity. The ten-acre scheme will be home to a new 1.4-acre park, which will see the site and its mature greenery accessible to the public for the first time. Connected by a network of pedestrian paths, the development will also have parking facilities for up to 2,000 bicycles, commercial spaces, and a Women’s Building that will house support services tailored to the needs of women from the local community. Peabody has been working closely with Islington Council, former residents of the prison, and a range of groups to discuss the scope for the Women’s Building. A joint steering group, made up of Peabody, Islington Council and independent experts, has been set up to secure its long-term success. Work to select an operator will begin early next year. Not-for-profit housing association Peabody, which has 107,000 homes across London and the home counties, bought the Holloway Prison site in 2019 and was given planning permission for the homes and facilities by Islington Council last year. Except for the former visitor centre, which is currently being used as a site office, all the former prison buildings have been taken down and foundations have been laid for the first homes. To honour the rich legacy of the site, Peabody has commissioned a heritage plan that will seek to respectfully incorporate some of the old prison materials, including banisters and mirrors, in new artworks. 429 homes are being built in the first phase, including 215 social rent homes, as well as the Women’s Building and three-quarters of the new park. The construction of Holloway Park will provide 51 apprenticeships for local people, with aspirations for at least 30 percent to be women. An on-site ‘green skills’ hub will also deliver construction training programmes. Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development for Peabody, said: “We have a long history of providing affordable homes and community services in Islington, working alongside Islington Council and other partners. “Our plans for Holloway Park will provide nearly 1,000 much-needed homes, a significant percentage affordable, in a prime location with a range of new facilities. “While our plans are undoubtedly different to what’s been on the site before, we’re committed to honouring its history – not least in our preservation of the wonderful green spaces and trees that were such a striking feature of prison’s design. And we will continue to work with the community to ensure the Women’s Building delivers a fitting legacy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties is helping to tackle the construction industry skills shortage, having recently recruited its latest graduate trainee. Chloe Lopez (age 22), a Business Management graduate from the University of Surrey, was accepted onto Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties’ ASPIRE Programme this Autumn, based at its head office on Old Portsmouth Road. The two-year scheme provides hands-on career education and training, and will see Chloe deployed within each department of the business to learn first-hand about Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties’ operations. Chloe will then undertake a final placement within the Commercial department, where she will train to become an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. During the programme, Chloe will meet regularly with other graduates from across the business and undertake entrepreneurial fundraising with the Princes Trust’s Million Makers challenge. Chloe comments: “It’s an exciting time to be entering the construction industry – the market is changing at a rapid pace and Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties offers an incredibly dynamic working environment. The ASPIRE Programme was the very first scheme that I applied to after my degree, and after a few short weeks I have already gained so much knowledge and experience. Alongside my placements, I am also being mentored by the Managing Director, which has given me valuable insight and training to take forward in the role.” Chloe’s time is split between the office and working onsite at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties’ developments in Berkshire and Sussex, where she is currently shadowing the surveying team. “You have the opportunity to get stuck in from day one!” Chloe adds. “It’s hard work but when you’re on the job you can see the real-life impact of the work that we’re doing. Each day brings a new challenge, and I’m learning everything from procurement to budget valuations to overseeing the contractors. Each day is different and varied and there’s no better way to learn.” Chloe recently supported with the launch of David Wilson Homes’ newest development in Finchampstead, Finchwood Park, and worked closely on the creation of the customer sales arena. “Seeing the final product brought to life demonstrates how each person plays a vital role in constructing new homes and ensuring its success,” Chloe adds. Julian Hodder, Managing Director at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties, adds: “What is fundamentally clear is the fact that the construction skills shortage reaches far beyond traditional trade careers such as carpentry and bricklaying. There is an impetus now for us to invest and train across all roles, and the ASPIRE graduate programme is just one way that we are attracting some of the best talent from the next generation. Chloe’s drive, dedication and work ethic has impressed her colleagues, and she has a very bright future ahead in construction.” Chloe is hoping to continue her career with Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties after completing the Aspire Programme, with ambitions to progress to a manager within the next five years. Chloe and the team at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties are helping to create new homes across the South East, including at The Poppies in Aylesford, Brookwood Meadows in Westham and Finchwood Park in Finchampstead. For further details about Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties or the ASPIRE Programme, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk / www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8498. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
