Plans for a £70 million sustainable build-to-rent (BTR) development in Manchester city centre have been unanimously approved by Manchester City Council. The 23-storey residential scheme, proposed by property investment and development company Zephyr X, will be located at the corner of Carnarvon Street and Cheetham Hill Road. The project will feature 237 high-quality one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside a ground-floor commercial space, and is expected to break ground next year. Zephyr X Managing Director Graham Haydon-White expressed his gratitude to the council, saying: “Our development represents an exciting opportunity to support the ongoing regeneration of this vibrant corner of Manchester, addressing the strong demand for premium city-centre accommodation. We are eager to appoint contractors and commence work on site next year.” Designed by award-winning Manchester architects Hawkins\Brown, the building aims to add an elegant touch to the city’s skyline. It will complement the growing cluster of developments in the Great Ducie Street, Green Quarter, and Red Bank areas, blending sustainability with modern design. Known for its expertise in BTR and healthcare facilities, Zephyr X continues to deliver innovative, state-of-the-art living spaces that prioritise cutting-edge design and advanced technology. This latest project is set to play a key role in Manchester’s urban regeneration, enhancing the area’s appeal for residents and businesses alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A transformative housing project is set to take shape in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, as developers Persimmon and Barratt Homes Bristol join forces to deliver up to 2,500 new homes. This landmark collaboration marks a significant step forward in meeting housing demand and enhancing local infrastructure. Persimmon has been working closely with Wiltshire Council to secure outline planning permission for the expansive 177-hectare urban extension. Now, with half the site acquired by Barratt Homes Bristol, the ambitious project moves closer to realisation. The scheme will be delivered jointly by Persimmon, Charles Church, Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Redrow Homes, with outline planning permission expected early in the new year. The development promises high-quality, energy-efficient homes alongside a multi-million-pound investment in local services, including education, healthcare, transport, and recycling facilities. Residents will benefit from 68 hectares of public open space, incorporating play areas, green spaces, sports pitches, and allotments. A strong emphasis on biodiversity is central to the plans, with the retention of key habitats, extensive planting, bird and bat boxes, and sustainable drainage systems. The project also includes measures to protect and support bat species near Biss Wood and Green Lane Nature Park, alongside the creation of an ecology visitors’ centre. Additionally, the scheme will feature the Yarnbrook and West Ashton Relief Road, a critical infrastructure project to improve local connectivity. Developers’ Vision for a Thriving CommunitySeb Spiller, Deputy Managing Director for Persimmon Homes and Charles Church Wessex, highlighted the project’s wide-ranging benefits:“Persimmon is thrilled to collaborate with Barratt Redrow on this exciting development. With strategic highway improvements, biodiversity initiatives, environmental features, and significant investment in public services, this project will meet local and national housing needs while creating a vibrant community in Trowbridge. “Large-scale projects like this alleviate the housing crisis, drive economic growth, and provide wider benefits for the local area. We look forward to working with Wiltshire Council and our partners to make this vision a reality.” Rob Hart, Managing Director of Barratt Homes Bristol, echoed these sentiments:“We’re delighted to play a key role in this venture, bringing much-needed homes to Trowbridge. Alongside high-quality housing, our initiatives, such as the key worker deposit scheme and shared ownership options, are helping more people achieve homeownership and strengthen the local community.” With its focus on sustainable development, robust infrastructure, and community well-being, the Trowbridge project represents a major milestone for housing in Wiltshire, setting a new standard for urban living in the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Following last month’s successful appeal decision, Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning consent for up to 215 homes in Carlton, Barnsley. Of the 215 homes approved, 10% will be designated as affordable housing with an agreed contribution of over £1m to improve local education provision. The proposals also include local highways improvements and enhanced protection for local wildlife sites. Footpaths are also being widened and a new pedestrian crossing will be installed at the entrance of the development, giving access to the popular Trans Pennine Trail. It is also hoped the wider development will include new links to existing public rights of way and offer scope for additional pedestrian access to Barnsley Canal. Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager for NSD said: “We are delighted to have secured outline planning permission for the Shaw Lane site which will bring much-needed housing for Barnsley residents. Its location is ideal for commuting to Sheffield, Wakefield and Leeds and enjoys easy access to the rail network via nearby Carlton and Barnsley stations. “The successful appeal comes as a result of great efforts from our whole professional team. The development will ultimately deliver quality homes for the newest Carlton residents who want to live in this thriving village, but also improve local amenities for the wider community to enjoy and benefit from.” With outline planning permission now secured NSD is finalising a sales marketing pack with the intention of marketing the site in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Trafford Gardens, a prime residential development of 149 new homes in Manchester, has celebrated a significant milestone yesterday with its traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony. The event marks the completion of the building’s highest point, bringing the project one step closer to its anticipated completion in autumn 2025. Trafford Gardens is located off Talbot Road and is set to transform the local landscape with its modern, thoughtfully designed apartments. The development features 149 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by rooftop gardens and private courtyards, offering both luxury and green spaces to future residents. Located just two miles southwest of Manchester city centre, the site is only 300m from the nearest tram stop and overlooks both Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Old Trafford football stadium. The project took a pivotal turn in October 2023 when Linear Living assumed ownership of the development following the collapse of the previous developer, Investar. Linear Design and Construct, part of Linear UK Group, is the principal contractor on the scheme. With the support of funding partner Maslow Capital, significant progress has been made over the last year, with today’s ‘topping out’ just the latest milestone.  This successful collaboration between Maslow Capital and Linear Living, with support from Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Land Fund, is transforming this brownfield site into a valuable addition to the community that will help address the demand for new housing in the area. Stephen Holmes, Chief Executive at Linear Group, commented: “The last 12 months have seen great progress made at Trafford Gardens and we are really pleased to have reached this critical milestone. I have to say a big thanks to our Linear Design and Construct team who have worked hard to keep the development on track and get us to this point. And thanks to our funding partners Maslow Capital, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and their Brownfield Land Fund, for making this possible. We are all looking forward to next year when we will see the project completed and people enjoying these fabulous new homes.” Sky Mapson, Director in the Deal Origination Team at Maslow Capital commented: “Trafford Gardens is a fantastic, community-focused development that aligns well with the urban living projects we are proud to support. We are thrilled it has reached this important milestone and look forward to seeing it welcome new residents next year, making a meaningful contribution to local housing demand. “We are also excited to continue developing our relationship with the Linear Group and the Greater Manchester area by offering real estate professionals a comprehensive range of financing solutions from £300k to £300m, supporting our clients across their entire investment lifecycle.” City Mayor Paul Dennett, GMCA’s lead for Housing First, said: “It’s great to see the GMCA’s Brownfield Land Fund being effectively used to support developments in key investment areas like this, and I’m particularly pleased that the site will include 33 affordable homes. The progress Trafford Gardens has made is very positive and a really good example of brownfield land being brought back to life.  I look forward to the completion of this development and the growth of this community.” Ilyas Patel, Commercial Development Director at Russell Bolton Consulting, project managers and advisors on the scheme, added: “Trafford Gardens has utilised the breadth of our expertise and experience, from advising on the takeover from the previous owners, to helping secure funding, and then ensuring the project is delivered on schedule. To reach the point of topping out is great to see and we look forward to delivering the project in full next year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s foremost housebuilders, has announced a bold expansion in the West Midlands, with plans to deliver 1,200 new homes across the region. This move is a substantial boost to local housing supply and forms a key part of the company’s strategy for long-term growth and investment in the area. In the past six months, Persimmon has secured planning approvals for a series of developments in sought-after locations, including Lichfield, Kenilworth, Redditch, Sandwell, and Burton on Trent. Additional land acquisitions have been finalised in Dunchurch and Bedworth, with another in Wednesbury anticipated by month’s end. Stephen Cleveley, Regional Chairman of Persimmon Homes, commented: “The West Midlands is crucial to our future. We see enormous potential to deliver quality homes in the region, supporting the government’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. Our partnerships with Local Authorities and Registered Housing Providers have been central to our success, and we greatly value their collaboration.” The development of these new homes is projected to drive significant economic benefits, bolstering job creation and helping meet the increasing demand for housing in the West Midlands. Persimmon has highlighted the importance of strong partnerships with local authorities and housing associations, which have facilitated planning approvals and enabled the smooth progress of these projects. Supporting this growth is Persimmon’s national timber frame facility in Castle Bromwich, which plays a vital role in producing sustainable building materials. The facility manufactures timber frames, insulated wall panels, and roof components for up to 9,500 homes annually, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly, high-quality construction. With this extensive West Midlands project, Persimmon Homes is not only contributing to regional housing supply but also stimulating local economies and supporting job creation. The initiative reinforces the company’s national goals and its long-term commitment to addressing housing needs across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has completed the first homes at Alvaredus, its development of 333 new homes in Fairham, on the southern edge of Nottingham. Lee Parry, Vistry’s Managing Director for the North East Midlands, welcomed James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe and Cllr. Neil Clarke, Rushcliffe Borough Council Leader, and representative from Homes England, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Clowes, Gatehouse Investment Management and emh to celebrate the completion of the first batch of the new homes. Alvaredus is a new development of 333 two, three and four-bedroom homes. 68 of the properties will be being sold on the open market under the Countryside Homes brand, 165 are destined for the affordable market with 100 homes owned and managed by emh group and a further 65 properties will be available through MTVH. The final 100 will become private rental homes through Start Living, the single-family build-to-rent joint venture between Gatehouse Investment Management and TPG Real Estate Partners. Alvaredus is part of Fairham, the 606-acre mixed use neighbourhood scheme championed by Homes England and Clowes Development, helping to deliver new employment opportunities and assisting Rushcliffe Borough Council in meeting its aim to create 13,500 new homes by 2030. Fairham’s first 500 residents will be given two free adult annual tram passes worth £675 each per household, as part of a partnership between Homes England, Clowes Development and Nottingham Express Transit (NET). Lee Parry, Managing Director of Vistry North East Midlands, which is developing Alvaredus under the Countryside Homes brand, said: “After years of planning and construction work, it’s always great to see houses built and people moving in, turning this site from a development into a real community. We’re hugely proud to be contributing to the wider Fairham scheme, creating an exciting new place to live that combines a green setting with exceptional transport links and all the vibrancy that the nearby city of Nottingham has to offer.” James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe said: “It is great to see this site coming to life with a genuine mix of high-quality private sale, affordable and private rental homes being built here in Rushcliffe, with excellent housing options for people from all walks of life. Both major parties at the general election committed to building at least 1.5 million homes over five years, and I’m pleased to see how quickly this site is now progressing after years of planning. I’ve no doubt that developments like Fairham will help to tackle the UK’s housing crisis.” Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning & Housing Cllr Roger Upton said: “This is a milestone for the Fairham development, and we’re pleased to see the completion of over 300 new homes at Alvaredus by Vistry Group. “These homes are part of the 606-acre site, which will welcome a thriving new neighbourhood, bringing new homes, employment opportunities, and a new sense of community here in the Borough. “The development forms a key part of our Local Plan and will help meet the Borough’s housing need and central government’s aim for 13,500 new homes by 2030.” Kate Henderson, representing Clowes Developments and Homes England, the Partnership responsible for bringing forward Fairham commented, “Residents moving into their brand-new homes at Alvaredus, Fairham is a very exciting occasion for the Partnership. Fairham is going to continue to evolve over the next few years as we deliver 3,000 new homes, one million square feet of employment, green open spaces and so much more. We have worked hard to deliver the essential infrastructure. Elements of the 606-acre brand new neighbourhood are starting to come to life but there’s more to do. We are delighted to welcome the first residents, and we hope they enjoy being part of the Fairham story for years to come. Chris Jones, Executive Director of Development at emh said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this development, not only to deliver high-quality, mixed tenure affordable homes that respond to the needs within the local area but also ensuring that we create places where people are proud to live. We look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes and seeing this fantastic community grow.” Paul Stockwell, Group Managing Director at Gatehouse Investment Management added:“It is hugely exciting to see the first homes completed at Alvaredus, and we look forward to families moving into the Start Living homes in the coming weeks. Our focus is on providing residents high-quality homes with excellent local amenities and strong transport links, and as such we are pleased to see Start Living as part of the offer at this landmark scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major milestone for affordable housing in Dorchester has been achieved with the completion of Eldridge Street, the first phase of The Hops, a £23 million wholly affordable housing development in the heart of Dorchester.  Developed in partnership between AJC Group and Aster Group, this project brings 56 energy-efficient homes to the community, including the first-ever affordable four-bedroom family homes in Brewery Square—a rare offering in the region. Eldridge Street is a collection of 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 31 contemporary three- and four-bedroom terrace houses, exclusively available through Aster Group’s shared ownership scheme. The demand for larger affordable family homes has long been a challenge in Dorchester, and this development is poised to address that need. Formerly a vacant brownfield site, The Hops, is AJC Group’s largest development to date and is due to be completed in December 2024. Part of the broader 20-year regeneration of Dorchester’s town centre, Eldridge Street showcases AJC Group’s high standards of construction and energy efficiency, with all homes achieving a high EPC rating of B. David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “Dorchester has long faced a shortage of affordable housing, and we are immensely proud to deliver the first collection of four-bed family homes in Brewery Square. These spacious homes meet the need for larger families without compromising on quality or energy efficiency.” “At AJC Group, we are committed to setting a new precedent for affordable housing, one that we hope will serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring future developments to prioritise both size and sustainability.” Brewery Square is within short walking distance of The Hops and has a wide range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art cinema, restaurants and bars, and shops. Eldridge Street is just a short walk from Dorchester South train station, with services to London Waterloo in under two hours, and more local journeys to the coast, including Weymouth, only taking 10 minutes.  AJC Group continues to grow its presence across the Wessex region, with five additional projects currently underway. These developments include affordable housing initiatives in Dorchester, The New Forest, and the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole areas. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals