Waterhouse Gardens sits on historic site of the former Boddington Brewery ICG Real Estate, the real estate division of ICG, has provided a £100 million loan to Salboy Limited to fund the development of a major 556 build-to-sell residential scheme in Manchester’s ‘Green Quarter’ district. Sitting on the site of
Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade. The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses
City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for 256 New Homes at Mixed-use Ferry Road Site. Section 75 Education Contribution Reverts to Planning Officers’ Recommendation Artisan Real Estate is set to progress with the spectacular homes-led redevelopment of one of Edinburgh city centre’s largest potential development sites following planning approval
Bellway invites the public to explore Fallow Wood View, a cutting-edge low-carbon housing development in Burgess Hill. Nestled within the larger Brookleigh scheme, this eco-friendly venture features 247 homes built using advanced Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), presenting a blend of efficiency and sustainability. Departing from conventional blockwork, Fallow Wood
New homes under construction across Birmingham and the West Midlands will benefit from cheaper energy bills (see notes to editors) thanks to a partnership between housing developer Fitzpatrick Group and renewable energy experts Geo Green Power. Housing developments in Dudley, Minworth, Rowley Regis, Tipton and Oldbury are being built with
To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), Poole-based Wyatt Homes proudly shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of one of its employees, Victoria Grinnall. Victoria, 29, from Salisbury, and Assistant Site Manager at Wyatt Homes’ Mountbatten Park development in North Baddesley, is challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers in the traditionally
Plans to transform a derelict hospital in Birmingham into a 42-storey skyscraper with 300 apartments have been submitted by planning, design and development consultancy Marrons on behalf of HJB Investments. Dating back to the early 19th century, the Grade II-listed former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, in 80 Broad Street, was last
Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched two new phases at their Brooklands Park development in Stoke Gifford, Bristol. The stylish collection of three and four bedroom homes is ideal for homebuyers looking for a semi-rural property with easy walking distance of Bristol Parkway train station with great links to London
Barratt David Wilson North Thames contributed £34.6 million to benefit communities across the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex last year, according to its Socio-Economic Footprint report. This includes £28.4m expenditure on physical works included highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities in the region. The housebuilder made a further
Work will begin this year on ‘Union Gardens’, a sustainable residential development in the town centre following planning approval in February 2024. In a collaborative venture with Worthing Borough Council, local developers Roffey Homes will deliver 216 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across four buildings at the ‘Union Place’ site,
Waterhouse Gardens sits on historic site of the former Boddington Brewery ICG Real Estate, the real estate division of ICG, has provided a £100 million loan to Salboy Limited to fund the development of a major 556 build-to-sell residential scheme in Manchester’s ‘Green Quarter’ district. Sitting on the site of the former Boddington Brewery directly opposite Manchester Arena and Manchester Victoria station, Waterhouse Gardens is well located to easily access the City’s core retail, leisure and employment districts by foot, including the vibrant Northern Quarter and Manchester College’s new city centre campus. The completed scheme will provide a community of high spec apartments, duplex and penthouses. Residents will have access to a private clubhouse offering high end amenities and services including a swimming pool, squash and basketball courts and a private cinema. The asset will be complemented by 30,000 sq ft of commercial space which will be home to boutique traders, independent restaurants and bars together with some office space. Construction of the scheme has commenced with cores for each block now complete and completion still on track for 2026. Salboy is an award winning developer with a strong track record of delivering high quality residential schemes. To date it has delivered over 3,500 homes in densely populated areas nationwide where demand for new, quality housing is high. While active across the UK, many of Salboy’s schemes are delivered in Manchester and neighbouring city Salford, where the company was launched and has built strong local market knowledge. The transaction supports ICG Real Estate’s strategy to fund the development of assets in sectors which are supported by compelling long term structural drivers such as the demand for new homes. Jai Patel, Managing Director of ICG Real Estate, said: “This transaction offered us the opportunity to back a proven residential developer in a local market that they know incredibly well, in a sector where we have a long held conviction. Manchester’s local economy continues to offer great opportunities to its residents in terms of jobs, leisure and education and is a city we favour, with this being the second development deal we have agreed in the city in the past 18 months. We remain keen to focus our attention on significant transactions in the living space which align with our deep conviction calls and continue to be supported by strong underlying fundamentals.” Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, added: “We are delighted to partner with ICG Real Estate as work gets underway at Waterhouse Gardens, one of the largest and last-remaining regeneration sites in the UK’s fastest-growing city[1]. By 2026 this scheme will deliver sought-after city-centre living for many of the thousands of students and young professionals that choose to stay in, relocate or return to Manchester every year to launch and progress their careers.”
Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade. The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses from nearly 50,000 new build homebuyers. It awards housebuilders with a ‘Star Rating’ based on responses to the questions, including how satisfied buyers are with their new properties, the service received during the sales process and if they would recommend the builder to a friend. For Dandara to have been awarded the maximum 5 stars means that over 90% of its customers would recommend their homes to a friend. Dandara, established in 1988, is committed to creating homes which combine innovative design with the highest standards of quality, whilst also putting customers first. With its customer and quality focus, this is what delivers consistently high recommendation scores. Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home of Federation commented: “To have 90% of consumers recommending you is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the industry’s overwhelming commitment to delivering high levels of customer service. “Despite hundreds of thousands of homes being built each year, this year’s survey shows the vast majority of customers are happy with their purchase and the service provided by their builder. “Homebuilders remain focused on driving improvements in this area and the creation of an independent New Homes Ombudsman and a more robust Consumer Code will support this drive and should lead to even higher levels of customer satisfaction moving forward.” The 5-star rating comes on top of Dandara being awarded several Quality Recognition Awards for its regions, demonstrating the companies persistent aim to build quality homes for its customers. Trevor Dempsey, CEO of Dandara, said: “To achieve five stars again this year is a fantastic success for Dandara, and testament to our customer experience, build product and quality of homes across the country. After our continued growth as a company, it is great to see that our customers are recognising our hard work and love for creating new homes, and there’s nothing better than hearing so many of our customers would recommend their home to a friend. We have big plans for the year ahead and we look forward to building and selling five-star quality homes across the UK.” Dandara is continuing to grow throughout the UK, with regional offices in Isle of Man, East Scotland, Aberdeen, Tunbridge Wells, Milton Keynes, Braintree, Southampton and Wales, which are focused on delivering good quality family housing in desirable locations. To find out more about Dandara, please visit https://www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for 256 New Homes at Mixed-use Ferry Road Site. Section 75 Education Contribution Reverts to Planning Officers’ Recommendation Artisan Real Estate is set to progress with the spectacular homes-led redevelopment of one of Edinburgh city centre’s largest potential development sites following planning approval by The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). Councillors at CEC’s Development Sub Committee on Wednesday (13 March) were ‘minded to grant’ consent for 256 low-carbon homes and commercial space at 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh. Artisan’s Section 75 Education contribution was voted through in line with the planning officers’ recommendation. Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate, together with fund manager REInvest Asset Management S.A., will now take forward their ambitious plans to redevelop the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, near the Crewe Toll roundabout. The developers are set to transform the vacant site, to be known as ‘525 Park View’, into a new residential neighbourhood providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing. Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces. Designed by Edinburgh-based 7N Architects, the proposals will dramatically raise the bar for sustainable city-centre living. More than two thirds of the development area will be made up of high-quality green spaces – including a large central communal garden as well as biodiverse green roofs and a ‘wetland’ area which enhances local ecology whilst contributing to the wider sustainable urban drainage system. Smart technology such as individual air source heat pumps for each home also means no fossil fuels will be used, underlining the Artisan’s commitment to sustainable low carbon development and delivering low energy costs for occupiers. The planning approval follows a comprehensive 14-month consultation programme, with the developers working closely with local community and wider city interests to ensure maximum benefit for both the local area and Edinburgh as a whole. Welcoming the 525 Park View planning approval, Artisan Real Estate’s ’s Regional Director for Scotland, David Westwater, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to breathe new life into an underused site, whilst ensuring its long-term future by bringing a new sustainable community to an accessible city centre location. “Following the consultation feedback, we have worked hard to make this development not just the right fit for the site but also an integral part of the wider city centre area. We have reduced the heights of the building from nine to seven storeys and ensured the overall architectural design and materials respect local and historical contexts.” He added: “We are also fully aware that we have the responsibility to ensure that our developments exceed all current environmental standards, setting new benchmarks for smart, sustainable living whilst providing a high quality of internal and external space. Our proposals have been guided by low-carbon design and encompass a mix of apartment sizes and layouts, led mainly by residential as well as much-needed affordable housing and other complementary commercial uses.” Artisan Real Estate has a strong track record in delivering complex residential and mixed-use regeneration projects in sensitive city centre environments across the UK, and in 2023 won the inaugural ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ award at the 2023 Scottish Homes Awards. Development partner REInvest Asset Management S.A. was founded in Luxembourg as a specialist for future-facing investment ideas and currently manages and develops properties across Europe with a value in excess of EUR 2.3 billion. 525 Park View is held in a progressive property fund within a pan-European portfolio managed on behalf of a German insurance group. Thomas Merkes, Head of Asset Management at REInvest Asset Management S.A. added: “Our joint venture partnership with Artisan represents a major step forward in providing an innovative and collaborative mixed-use development solution to unlock the potential for this significant city centre site, which is set to create a genuinely transformational development in an accessible city centre location. The planning approval for this complex site demonstrates how we can make a positive contribution to the local area, bringing investment, life and excitement back to this important part of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway invites the public to explore Fallow Wood View, a cutting-edge low-carbon housing development in Burgess Hill. Nestled within the larger Brookleigh scheme, this eco-friendly venture features 247 homes built using advanced Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), presenting a blend of efficiency and sustainability. Departing from conventional blockwork, Fallow Wood View employs timber frames and panels, a progressive approach to construction that aligns with Bellway’s commitment to environmentally conscious building practices. Positioned on the eastern stretch of the Brookleigh site, the initial phase of Fallow Wood View spans 13 acres adjacent to Isaacs Lane, encompassing 222 homes along with public spaces like a pocket park and village green, fostering a sense of community. Bellway’s dedication to swift, eco-friendly construction methods is evident in this phase. Daniel Williamson, Sales Director for Bellway South London, highlighted the development’s sustainability, stating, “Fallow Wood View is a sustainable development where we are constructing all the homes employing quicker modern methods of construction (MMC). This forward-thinking process not only cuts down the build time and improves energy efficiency but also makes use of a more sustainable material in the form of timber.” The timber used in construction adheres to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards, ensuring responsible sourcing practices that preserve biodiversity and support local communities. Research indicates a 31% reduction in carbon emissions against current building regulations, with all properties meeting the Future Homes Standard. Each home incorporates renewable technologies such as electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, or air source heat pumps. Sales of properties at Fallow Wood View have commenced, with the first homes in the Brookleigh neighbourhood available for open-market purchase. The development has garnered significant interest due to its innovative construction methods and sustainability features. Brookleigh, also known as the Northern Arc, spearheaded by Homes England, envisions a comprehensive community with up to 3,500 new homes, educational facilities, healthcare amenities, business spaces, and recreational areas. A new link road will connect Fallow Wood View’s phases, facilitating access to a 40-acre site on Freeks Lane, where further developments and extensions to Bedelands Nature Reserve are planned. Fallow Wood View’s 247 homes include 172 properties for private sale and 75 affordable homes for local residents through low-cost rent and shared ownership. With construction well underway, the first residents are anticipated to move into their completed homes in June 2024, marking a significant milestone in Burgess Hill’s sustainable urban development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New homes under construction across Birmingham and the West Midlands will benefit from cheaper energy bills (see notes to editors) thanks to a partnership between housing developer Fitzpatrick Group and renewable energy experts Geo Green Power. Housing developments in Dudley, Minworth, Rowley Regis, Tipton and Oldbury are being built with a combination of solar photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations already installed. As well as reducing their climate impact, each new home is expected to save more than £1,000 per year compared to the average home using conventional gas or electric systems. The partnership will see an initial 115 new homes built by Fitzpatrick, each with 2-4 bedrooms, ready for sale this year. The combination of renewable energy systems installed is determined by the size and specification of each individual property. Design and installation of the new energy systems is undertaken by Geo Green’s in-house team. As each plot progresses through its build, Geo Green engineers are installing the solar panels, heat pumps or other technology at the most appropriate time, keeping projects on track. As services are connected to the new homes, the engineers return to complete and commission the electrical side of installations. Calam Oakley, Senior Project Manager, Fitzpatrick Group: “We have been working with Geo Green Power on projects of increasing size since 2021. The benefits of being able to access solar PV, heat pump, EV charging and battery storage installation with one supplier are huge and Geo Green have the flexibility and scope to attend site when required at each stage of our build; helping us keep projects on track and our sites operating efficiently. “Building Regulations around the conservation of fuel and power are making the incorporation of renewables and other energy efficient technologies increasingly important for developers such as ourselves. We’re committed to reducing our own climate impact through the sustainable homes we deliver and our partnership with Geo Green is an important part of that.” Fitzpatrick builds more than 500 new homes per year across the Midlands and its partnership with Geo Green Power will help the company deliver an increasing number of new homes with renewable energy installations. The company’s environmental objectives include reducing energy usage and using sustainable building materials and are integrated throughout its business. Fitzpatrick delivers everything from initial site selection and planning, to construction of new homes and handover to customers which include private companies, councils and housing associations. James Cunningham, Managing Director, Geo Green Power: “Housebuilders are becoming much more focussed on delivering sustainable homes due to a combination of legislative changes and increasing consumer awareness of climate change and high energy prices. The occupants of Fitzpatrick Group homes will see the benefits of their renewable installation from the day they move in which include greater control of their energy, cheaper bills and a smaller carbon footprint. “As with all of our housing development customers, our partnership with Fitzpatrick works because of their commitment to reducing climate impact and our ability to design and deliver all the renewable energy systems they need from a single source.” Geo Green Power has completed more than 1,000 renewable energy systems for homes across the country. The company operates nationwide, providing solar PV installations, renewable heating engineering, battery storage systems, electric vehicle charging to housing developers and individual homeowners as well as other commercial customers in the automotive, manufacturing, retail and agricultural sector. At any one time the company is carrying out multiple renewable energy infrastructure projects, giving its customers control of their energy needs and supporting their sustainability goals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), Poole-based Wyatt Homes proudly shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of one of its employees, Victoria Grinnall. Victoria, 29, from Salisbury, and Assistant Site Manager at Wyatt Homes’ Mountbatten Park development in North Baddesley, is challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. Before joining Wyatt Homes, Victoria spent five years in the army as a Royal Engineer, notably becoming the first female Armoured Engineer. Following her military service, she advanced her career by participating in an Ex-Armed Forces Programme in the housebuilding industry. Within just three years, she transitioned from a Trainee Assistant Site Manager to an Assistant Site Manager, demonstrating great skill and dedication in her field. Despite the industry’s historical gender imbalance, recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics reveal a positive trend. While women currently represent just 15.8% of all construction industry employees in the UK, this figure marks the highest proportion of women in the construction workforce since official records began. Victoria has gone from strength to strength in her career, marked by several achievements. In 2022, she was nominated for the ‘Champion of Women’ award at the Ex-forces in Business Awards. Building on this momentum, in May 2023, she was again nominated for the ‘Champion of Women’ award at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards and for ‘Woman of the Year’ at the Women in Housing Awards, ultimately winning the latter. She said, “Having entered the industry with limited knowledge, I now realise the tremendous growth I’ve experienced. I firmly believe that if I can achieve this, anyone can.” Aside from her personal growth, Victoria emphasised the significance of addressing mental health on-site. She said, “I think it’s so important to prioritise openly discussing mental health, making sure to check in on those who might not typically share how they feel. “Coming from a military background, I understand the importance of encouraging a supportive environment and progressing together as a team.” Offering advice to women considering a career in construction, Victoria said, “Go for it! Explore the opportunities available and discover your potential. “While management roles may not be suitable for everyone, there is a niche for every individual. I highly recommend this industry. I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and I adore it!” Tara Kelly, Sales Director at Wyatt Homes said, “Victoria is a shining example of how hard work and ambition can pave the way in any career path. At Wyatt Homes, we champion fostering a culture where every member of our team feels valued and heard, irrespective of their background or role.” Wyatt Homes builds beautiful new homes in sought-after locations across Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire. For more information and for details of job opportunities at Wyatt Homes visit https://www.wyatthomes.co.uk/careers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to transform a derelict hospital in Birmingham into a 42-storey skyscraper with 300 apartments have been submitted by planning, design and development consultancy Marrons on behalf of HJB Investments. Dating back to the early 19th century, the Grade II-listed former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, in 80 Broad Street, was last in use as a bar, restaurant and nightclub, which closed in 2020. The building, known as Islington Villa, has remained vacant ever since and fallen into a state of disrepair. HJB Investments is now looking to restore the historic building and bring the site back into use by constructing a 133.5m tower with 300 build-to-rent homes, 20% of which will be affordable. The plans – designed by architects at Marrons – also include the creation of a: 12,000 sq ft flexible community facility; 6,000 sq ft viewing platform with café and exhibition area; residential rooftop terrace; and cycle hub with 300 parking spaces. Charlotte El Hakiem, planning director at Marrons, who led the application, said: “Broad Street is undergoing a period of intense regeneration, with the overriding vision of creating a vibrant residential neighbourhood, so we are extremely pleased to unveil plans to transform a beautiful Georgian-style building on under-utilised brownfield land. “The proposal takes a distinctive and innovative approach that allows for the retention and careful repurposing of a Grade II-listed building to bring it back into public use, while simultaneously creating a striking 42-storey landmark tower that contains much-needed housing to accommodate the city’s ever-growing population. “Beyond the tangible housing benefits, the proposal promises to significantly enhance the city’s public realm, improve connectivity, and invigorate the local economy through the creation of flexible community spaces and onsite amenities – delivering extensive community and public benefits to the area.” The mixed-use residential-led scheme is set to create 299 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase. Once complete, the neighbourhood is expected to contribute £12.2 million and £8.8 million to the UK and West Midlands economy each year, respectively. By 1815, Islington Villa was owned by Rice Harris who, along with Owen Johnson and John Berry, established the Islington Glassworks in 1816. From 1842, 80 Broad Street became the new premises of the Birmingham Lying-in Hospital and Dispensary for the Diseases of Women and Children for Birmingham and the West Midlands Counties. By 1955, the building had been renamed the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. To supplement the planning application, Marrons also completed a heritage impact assessment and a socio economic affordable housing statement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched two new phases at their Brooklands Park development in Stoke Gifford, Bristol. The stylish collection of three and four bedroom homes is ideal for homebuyers looking for a semi-rural property with easy walking distance of Bristol Parkway train station with great links to London Paddington in just over an hour. Crest Nicholson is welcoming prospective homebuyers to come and have a look at the development and get a feel for the great community. The friendly sales executives and experts are on hand to help provide potential buyers with the best information to help them make an informed decision before embarking on the purchasing journey. Buyers looking to either increase their portfolio or purchase their dream home can reap the benefits of buying off plan, allowing them to secure the plot that fits their preferences and lifestyle as well as being able to personalise their property with top amenities to make the move even more comfortable. Neil Robinson, Head of Sales and Marketing at Crest Nicholson South West, comments: “We are very excited to have launched the next phases at our Brooklands Park development, giving buyers another chance to take advantage of everything the development has to offer. “At Brooklands Park homeowners can enjoy energy efficient homes amid peaceful surroundings and a thriving community while still being able to conveniently commute into Bristol, Gloucester, Swindon Reading, London and the surrounding areas. It really is the best of both worlds! I would encourage anyone interested to visit us or get in touch with our knowledgeable sales team to see what schemes we have on offer to help make the move.” Spread out across a 65-acre site yet just six miles from the centre of Bristol, Brooklands Park offers a restful, semi-rural environment with plenty of open green space, including a wildlife corridor to encourage and care for local wildlife. There are a range of local amenities nearby including retail parks, restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, as well the Cabot Circus shopping centre and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway for all retail needs. For those looking to enjoy indoor leisure activities, Nuffield Health, DW Fitness gyms and Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre are all close by, whilst local golf, bowling and cricket clubs are available to join for those keen on getting involved in outdoor sports. For residents with children, Bradley Stoke Secondary School and Abbeywood Community School, Baileys Court, Little Stoke and St Michaels primary schools, plus St Michael’s nursery are all also a short drive away. For commuters, the development is a 12 minute walk to Bristol Parkway railway station, which provides regular services to London Paddington in just over an hour. For those with a car, the M32, M4 and M5 can all be found nearby, linking residents to the wider South West region, while Bristol Airport is just a 40 minute drive away, flying to a range of countries including Malta, Copenhagen and Vienna. Prices for a three bedroom home at Brooklands Park start at £410,000, whilst a four bedroom starts at £550,000. At Brooklands Park there are a range of schemes available on select properties to help homebuyers secure their dream home including the Deposit Unlock scheme, Family Cashback and Mortgage Contributor. For more information call 01174546897 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/brooklands-park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt David Wilson North Thames contributed £34.6 million to benefit communities across the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex last year, according to its Socio-Economic Footprint report. This includes £28.4m expenditure on physical works included highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities in the region. The housebuilder made a further £6.2m contribution in support of community and social infrastructure through planning and Government schemes, with the launch of new parks, playgrounds and schools. The annual report highlights the social and economic impact of Barratt David Wilson North Thames on people, places and nature in the areas surrounding its housing developments. Some £79,500 was donated directly to local charities, including foodbanks, community groups and hospitals, with employees contributing over 250 hours volunteering throughout the year. With a commitment to enhancing biodiversity across its developments, Barratt David Wilson North Thames also opened 16.2 hectares of public open space and private gardens – equivalent to 23 football pitches of green space. Over 99% of timber used in construction was certified sustainability sourced and construction waste has been reduced by 37% since its 2015 benchmark. The housebuilder unveiled 710 new homes in the region last year, including 149 affordable homes, with a range of new properties set to be launched in 2024. Marc Woolfe, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames said: “We are committed to having a significant positive impact on the communities surrounding our homes. Our contribution to local infrastructure, charitable causes and nature in the area underpins all that we do, and we are proud to announce the scale of that contribution in this report. “We look forward to working closely with local councils and worthy causes this year to build on this fantastic work as well as unveiling our latest developments and homes in the region.” Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are building a range of new homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire, in locations such as Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury, Houghton Regis, Sawbridgeworth and Buckingham. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson North Thames visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0330 057 6000. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work will begin this year on ‘Union Gardens’, a sustainable residential development in the town centre following planning approval in February 2024. In a collaborative venture with Worthing Borough Council, local developers Roffey Homes will deliver 216 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across four buildings at the ‘Union Place’ site, which was once home to Worthing’s police station but has been derelict for years. The guiding principle of the new development is sustainability, with each home featuring superior thermal fabric to boost insulation, eco-friendly heating systems with underfloor heating, efficient water usage and biodiverse roofs. Residents of Union Gardens will therefore benefit from lower bills, a much-needed factor amid the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. Roffey Homes Managing Director Ben Cheal says, “This will be one of the largest and most sustainable residential schemes Worthing has ever seen. And will revitalise an area of the town that has the potential to re-establish Union Place as an important part of the high street.” Standout features of Union Gardens include three secluded, landscaped gardens for residents of this unique community to enjoy, 700 square metres of commercial space, six ‘work/live’ apartments, and access to a new 236-space car park and cycle parking for residents and visitors, supporting the Connaught Theatre and Cinema and other businesses in the town. In an ingenious use of space typical of Roffey Homes’ developments, the new car park will sit underneath the gardens. The gardens (accessed via Union Place and for the use of the residents only) will be at first-floor level – ensuring the development offers both practicality and aesthetic appeal and a place for the community to meet. Ben Cheal continues, “As a company whose roots are firmly embedded in Worthing, ensuring our developments fit the needs of the local community has always been what guides us. Our design beautifully compliments St Paul’s church, reflecting the past buildings of Worthing in a more contemporary way and showing that Worthing recognises its past but also is looking forward with ambition and sense of purpose – hopefully a project the community can be proud of.” Preparations will begin onsite in summer this year working with local contractor Westbrooke Developments. Construction starts in December 2024 and Roffey Homes will be prioritising working with other local companies and labour. The first completions are expected in 2027. For more information, contact Max Harbron via max@roffeyhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
