Residential : House Builders & Developers News
Spitfire Homes opens new Customer Suite at Malabar

Spitfire Homes opens new Customer Suite at Malabar

Spitfire Homes has officially opened a new Customer Suite at Malabar, a new neighbourhood in Daventry, Northamptonshire, against a backdrop of rising buyer demand across the UK. The collection comprises a variety of aspirational new two- to five-bedroom homes tailored to suit a range of lifestyles, showcasing Spitfire’s signature design-led

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Capturing Home: Local Housebuilder Tasks Students With The Winning Shot

Capturing Home: Local Housebuilder Tasks Students With The Winning Shot

Amelie and Holly, Year 11 students from Vandyke Upper School have been selected as the winners of David Wilson Homes’ photography competition, to mark the launch of its new show homes at Clipstone Park. Partnering with Vandyke Upper School, David Wilson North Thames challenged Year 11 photography pupils with capturing

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UTB supports £23m luxury apartment development by Stephens + Stephens

UTB supports £23m luxury apartment development by Stephens + Stephens

United Trust Bank (UTB) is supporting award winning developers Stephens + Stephens’ development of 32 luxury apartments in the sought after coastal town of Newquay in Cornwall. Stephens + Stephens was founded by Paul and Helen Stephens in 2008 and combines Paul’s 30 years of experience in construction with Helen’s

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Network Rail and Citra Living to build 2,000 new homes

Network Rail and Citra Living to build 2,000 new homes

A collaboration has been established between blocwork, a joint venture between Network Rail and bloc group, and Citra Living, aiming to construct over 2,000 new homes throughout Great Britain. In the partnership, Network Rail Property (NRP) will draw potential sites from its extensive rail side property portfolio with bloc acting

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Apprentices tackling national skills gap and housing shortage recognised by Britain’s fastest bricklayer at NHBC apprenticeship graduation in Milton Keynes

Apprentices tackling national skills gap and housing shortage recognised by Britain’s fastest bricklayer at NHBC apprenticeship graduation in Milton Keynes

The UK’s fastest bricklayer has praised the talents of more than one hundred apprentices at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) latest graduation ceremony in Milton Keynes. Held at the UK’s leading warranty and insurance providers NHBC Headquarters in Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, on Friday 16 February 2024, YouTube sensation and

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Major milestone for Jewellery Quarter Gateway scheme as building tops out

Major milestone for Jewellery Quarter Gateway scheme as building tops out

JQ Rise, a striking new 226-home development at the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, has marked the major milestone of reaching its highest point during construction – known as ‘topping out’. The scheme has been delivered by Birmingham-based residential developer and investor Prosperity Group. JQ Rise is located on Summer

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Esh Construction brings housing development to Durham

Esh Construction brings housing development to Durham

Esh Construction has been selected to develop over 100 new homes in Pelton, Co Durham. The £25 million project will be delivered on the site of the former Roseberry Sports Community College and has been hailed as a welcome boost for local housing stock. The development will include 52 rent-to-buy

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Building opportunities to tackle skills shortage

Building opportunities to tackle skills shortage

A partnership responsible for transforming Newcastle’s West End, is providing the opportunity for local developers and contractors to support an initiative, which is tackling the construction skills shortage. New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC) – a partnership between Keepmoat, and Newcastle City Council – is hosting open days with The

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Residential : House Builders & Developers News

Spitfire Homes opens new Customer Suite at Malabar

Spitfire Homes opens new Customer Suite at Malabar

Spitfire Homes has officially opened a new Customer Suite at Malabar, a new neighbourhood in Daventry, Northamptonshire, against a backdrop of rising buyer demand across the UK. The collection comprises a variety of aspirational new two- to five-bedroom homes tailored to suit a range of lifestyles, showcasing Spitfire’s signature design-led approach. All homes at Malabar include future-proof features and technologies to promote energy-efficient living. With sustainability a key focus for Spitfire, properties come complete with photovoltaic (PV) panels, underfloor heating, heating and hot water provided by air source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points. Spitfire’s opening coincides with a national fall in interest rates, with data from Zoopla showing mortgage providers offering rates at under 5% in recent months. As a result, national sales are 13% higher than February 2023, and 17% higher in areas across the Midlands. Malabar already has outline planning permission for up to 1,100 new homes, with the prime location providing access to local amenities including supermarkets, pharmacies and GP practices, as well as pubs, restaurants, and cafes. For families with children, Daventry is home to several well-established primary and secondary schools. The wider collection at Malabar will also incorporate over 50 acres of public open space along with plans to deliver a new primary school, nursery and community centre, alongside food and retail units. It is projected that the construction of the development will support the employment of more than 3,400 people. Ben Leather, Managing Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Malabar demonstrates Spitfire’s goal of creating thriving, sustainable communities that deliver high-quality, future-proofed properties. Our range of two to five-bedroom homes suit a wide range of buyers and budgets, from first-time buyers to established families looking for more space. Now that our Customer Suite is open to the public, we’d encourage prospective buyers to book an appointment to come and see all that Malabar has to offer.” Knight Frank is the selling agent at Malabar and has worked with Spitfire Homes for over ten years. Its latest data published at the end of January 2024 shows that since interest rates have dropped, levels of sale interest across the market have increased. There is pent-up demand from buyers who have been waiting for more economic stability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Capturing Home: Local Housebuilder Tasks Students With The Winning Shot

Capturing Home: Local Housebuilder Tasks Students With The Winning Shot

Amelie and Holly, Year 11 students from Vandyke Upper School have been selected as the winners of David Wilson Homes’ photography competition, to mark the launch of its new show homes at Clipstone Park. Partnering with Vandyke Upper School, David Wilson North Thames challenged Year 11 photography pupils with capturing photos that demonstrate what Leighton Buzzard means to them. The winning photographs, featuring a sunset along Stanbridge Road and a heron on the Grand Union Canal, are set to take pride of place in the new Earlswood and Bradgate show homes at Clipstone Park. Marc Woolfe, Sales and Marketing Director at David Wilson Homes North Thames, commented: “This competition was a fantastic opportunity to work with local students and to highlight the remarkable talent within Leighton Buzzard. The winning photographs has added a wonderful personal touch to our latest show homes and helps to demonstrate the strong connection we have with Vandyke Upper School and the wider community. Well done to both Amelie and Holly!” Jacqueline Lewis, Teacher at Vandyke Upper School added: “It’s wonderful to see our students engage with their surroundings through this creative initiative proposed by David Wilson North Thames. As we gear up for their last few terms ahead of their GCSE’s, this challenge helped our students to explore their talent beyond the classroom and to celebrate our community. We are so proud of Amelia and Holly and all of our Year 11 pupils who took part in this challenge.”   Amelie, student at Vandyke Upper School added: “I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my design come to life. When we first received the brief in our photography lesson, I didn’t think that it would turn into something for hundreds of people to see in a show home! We often get amazing sunsets here in Leighton Buzzard so my photo encompassed just that.”  Holly, student at Vandyke Upper School concludes: “It makes me really happy to know that my design was chosen and that I was given a fantastic opportunity by David Wilson North Thames. My photography showcases the Grand Union Canal which flows through Leighton Buzzard and is a place I love!” The show homes, which launched in January, include: ‘The Bradgate’, a four-bedroom detached house, with a single attached garage, utility, ensuite, study, family dining room, and cloakroom. The Earlswood, is a five-bedroom detached house, with a double detached garage, utility, two ensuites, family breakfast room and cloakroom. Clipstone Park homes are built with both sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront of the design. They achieve an EPC A or B rating, saving homeowners an average of £3,100 per year on bills1. The homes incorporate a range of the highest efficiency technology, such as: A-rated condensing boilers with low heat-loss hot water cylinders (ensuring that water stays hotter for longer) and water savings features and fittings (helping to save up to 25 litres of water a day per person). For more information about David Wilson North Thames call 0333 355 8500 or visit https://www.dwh.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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UTB supports £23m luxury apartment development by Stephens + Stephens

UTB supports £23m luxury apartment development by Stephens + Stephens

United Trust Bank (UTB) is supporting award winning developers Stephens + Stephens’ development of 32 luxury apartments in the sought after coastal town of Newquay in Cornwall. Stephens + Stephens was founded by Paul and Helen Stephens in 2008 and combines Paul’s 30 years of experience in construction with Helen’s flair for design. Helen is the Founder and Creative Director of award-winning agency Absolute. Stephens + Stephens create desirable design-led properties in stunning locations within the Cornish landscape and describe themselves as offering a ‘perfect combination of skills, vision and experience for a whole new-wave style way of designing Cornwall-located buildings, interiors and surrounding spaces with architectural and style-driven longevity’. The scheme, known as Cliff Edge, is the second phase of the redevelopment of a former hotel site and comprises a new apartment building set over basement, ground and four upper floors. The first phase was completed last year and achieved a strong level of sales from purchasers looking to capitalise on the demand for high quality holiday accommodation in the area and those wishing to live there and enjoy the spectacular Cornish coastline all year round. UTB is providing £15m of funding towards the completion of Phase 2 of Cliff Edge, which offers 32 apartments ranging in price from £250,000 to well over £1m with the majority enjoying spectacular sea views. Buyers can also choose to have the interior of their home designed and furnished by Absolute which offers a turnkey designer interiors service. Paul Stephens of Stephens + Stephens commented: “We are delighted to be working with United Trust Bank on this prestigious development in Cornwall. This is our first project with the Bank, and we have found the whole team approachable, engaged and committed to working in collaboration with us to deliver this project. We are looking forward to the months ahead and working together on future schemes”. Orla Costello, Senior Director – Property Development – United Trust Bank said: “We love working with people who are passionate about property and Paul and Helen are exactly that. They have completed many fabulous developments across Cornwall and picked up several awards for exceptional design along the way. This is the first time UTB has supported a Stephens + Stephens development and I am confident that it will be another success to add to their outstanding track record.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Network Rail and Citra Living to build 2,000 new homes

Network Rail and Citra Living to build 2,000 new homes

A collaboration has been established between blocwork, a joint venture between Network Rail and bloc group, and Citra Living, aiming to construct over 2,000 new homes throughout Great Britain. In the partnership, Network Rail Property (NRP) will draw potential sites from its extensive rail side property portfolio with bloc acting as developer, and Citra Living managing and operating these high-quality built-to-rent homes, with an option to acquire some of the sites. Citra Living is part of Lloyds Banking Group, which owns and operates a growing portfolio of more than 2,000 professionally managed homes for rent, improving access to good value, quality, and sustainable housing across the UK. Citra Living help to support investment into local communities by building and renting homes that people want, in the places they are needed. The brownfield regeneration of under-utilised railway land will further help the UK to meet its ambitious housing targets. Partnering with Citra Living will accelerate the provision of high-quality rental homes with excellent transport links in towns and cities, meeting local housing demand and creating sustainable communities. Schemes recently delivered across the Citra Living portfolio include Bristol, Chesterfield, Peterborough and Ashford. Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, said: “This partnership, aimed at family living, is another key collaboration for NRP that will help us tangibly address the current housing crisis with thousands of new homes for families. These developments will also serve to breathe new life into towns and cities directly next to vital transport links.” Nick Legget, development director at blocwork, said: “The partnership between Citra Living and blocwork will see some 2,000 much-needed high-quality rental homes delivered to city centre brownfield areas. Having launched our first build-to-rent in the latter half of 2023, we’re now extending our offering further, this time providing high-quality homes for families. I’m excited to see how far the partnership between our organisations takes us in the years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Hill Group Boosts Future Development Pipeline Activities by £4.3 Billion During 2023

The Hill Group Boosts Future Development Pipeline Activities by £4.3 Billion During 2023

The Hill Group, a leading privately-owned housebuilder, recorded £150 million of land investments during 2023, significantly boosting the company’s pipeline by over three thousand new homes. The investments, which span the breadth of the South of England, represent Hill’s commitment to delivering much-needed, sustainable new homes, either as part of its development activity or as a partner of choice. Hill’s investments encompass 11 developments with a gross development value (GDV) of £1.3 billion delivering 3,000 new homes, of which over 44% (+1,300) will be designated as affordable. Nine of the developments are expected to start on site by the end of 2024, with the remaining pair anticipated to begin in 2025. All of the developments have planning. Hill made its series of 2023 investments during a period of increased economic uncertainty, demonstrating a proactive and long-term approach, positioning the housebuilder for strong growth in 2025. The developments include two joint ventures with Peabody and two sites delivered in partnership with Cambridge City Council, highlighting Hill’s collaborative approach to delivering high-quality housing and regeneration projects. In the same year, Hill also invested heavily in its future pipeline with several acquisitions in strategic land sites, including Warwickshire and Essex. A total of four strategic land options were procured for the company, with the potential for over 9,500 new homes with a GDV of over £3 billion. Andy Hill OBE, Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group comments, “The recent economic downturn presents both challenges and opportunities. By strategically securing these developments at a time when market conditions are advantageous, we are ensuring a robust pipeline of projects ready to commence construction as and when planning approvals are secured. This approach will ensure The Hill Group remains well positioned in preparation for an expected recovery in market conditions. “Our robust financial position and agile decision-making capabilities have also allowed us to capitalise on strategic land acquisitions, setting ourselves up for growth over the next decade and beyond.” Hill’s 2023 investment strategy includes numerous significant developments, including the delivery of St Ann’s in Haringey in joint venture partnership with Peabody. The landmark project on the site of a former hospital will eventually deliver up to 1000 homes, of which 600 will be affordable. The company’s recent land acquisition of Little Chalfont Park in Buckinghamshire represents an exciting opportunity to develop 380 homes in a prime commuter belt location, providing homes for people at all stages of life; from first-time buyers through to families, retirees, and those needing later-life care. Furthermore, Raleigh Road in Bristol will deliver in excess of 100 homes on the site of the former Wills Tobacco factory, transforming a historic landmark into a vibrant new community hub. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Local housebuilder raises £16,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer, as part of ongoing partnership

Local housebuilder raises £16,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer, as part of ongoing partnership

Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson’s Chiltern division recently hosted a charity ball in aid of Young Lives vs Cancer, raising an amazing £16,000 over the evening to help those fighting cancer, and their families. Hundreds of people from across the housebuilding industry gathered at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow on the 26th January for a gorgeous black tie event in aid of Young Lives vs Cancer. The event was hosted by comedian Paul Sinha. Throughout the night, money was donated through raffles and a guest speaker, Patience, took to the stage to share her story about her son Jeremy, his cancer journey, and how Young Lives vs Cancer supported them throughout his treatment, so he could battle through. As a business, Crest Nicholson has now raised over £100,000 for its charity partner, in addition to volunteering its time and expertise to support with hands-on projects, such as repair work to Young Lives’ Homes away from Home. Charlie Joseph, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson Chiltern, comments: “Thank you to everyone who attended our charity ball and who contributed to the money raised via purchasing entry tickets, raffle tickets or making additional donations. The event was a huge success not only in the money raised but was a great way to raise awareness and for everyone to find out more about the impact the charity has on young people and their families. “Looking ahead, we hope to build on our partnership with Young Lives through more sponsorships, events, challenges, and hands-on projects, in the hope that the charity can support even more young people and their families at what is an incredibly difficult time in their lives.” Young Lives Vs Cancer helps children and young people, and their families, find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. The charity has Homes from Home, located close to hospitals and principal treatment centres where children have treatment, so at a time when families should only have to focus on their child or young person’s treatment, they can stay close to them, keeping families together at a difficult time. The charity has 11 Homes across the UK including Paul’s House and Ciaran’s house, helping families to avoid the extra financial burden of travel, accommodation, and food whilst their child is completing their treatment. The Homes, and the charity more broadly, works to ensure families are as comfortable as possible and can experience at least a bit of normalcy whilst they are away for cancer treatment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Apprentices tackling national skills gap and housing shortage recognised by Britain’s fastest bricklayer at NHBC apprenticeship graduation in Milton Keynes

Apprentices tackling national skills gap and housing shortage recognised by Britain’s fastest bricklayer at NHBC apprenticeship graduation in Milton Keynes

The UK’s fastest bricklayer has praised the talents of more than one hundred apprentices at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) latest graduation ceremony in Milton Keynes. Held at the UK’s leading warranty and insurance providers NHBC Headquarters in Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, on Friday 16 February 2024, YouTube sensation and Super Trowels Bricklaying Competition winner, Charlie Collison, said apprentices are key to the housing industry’s future and urged more people to consider a career in the sector. “What NHBC and its national network of bricklaying hubs is achieving is vital if we’re going to close the skills gap and housing shortage we are facing,” Charlie said. “Each NHBC Training Hub across the country is enabling 100 apprentices to be trained by experienced tutors each year, enabling house builders to create a flow of new talent onto sites. It’s a great start to begin to address the skills gap in house building, the impact of which cannot be underestimated. The research is showing the need for an additional 225,000 construction workers in the UK by 2027 – that’s a staggering 45,000 per year. “When this is considered alongside recent reports that builders are struggling to recruit bricklayers, it becomes clear just how important it is for the house-building industry to attract more people from all backgrounds to bricklaying. It also highlights how significant it is to have so many accomplished bricklayers here with us today,” Charlie said. Amongst those recognised was Jack Hart, 17, Leicestershire, bricklaying apprentice who trained at NHBC’s Training Hub in Tamworth. Jack, who passed with a distinction was today awarded NHBC Apprentice Bricklayer of the Year. Jack said a career in the housing industry offers so many opportunities. “Training at the NHBC Training Hub, meant I had leading experts teaching me real on-site experience from just five weeks in and my apprenticeship was completed in just 18 months. That’s a standout difference compared to 30 months which it can take through more traditional routes,” said Jack. “I would recommend an apprenticeship at one of NHBC’s Training Hubs as it’s a great way to learn. I’ve not only gained bricklaying skills, but I’ve expanded my people skills and learnt a lot about communication. I knew I wanted to learn about bricklaying so the opportunity to do this while also still earning money was really attractive to me. People are often surprised to learn the average bricklayer earns 50 thousand pounds a year. An apprenticeship in bricklaying is a pathway to a really well-paid and greatly varied career in the housebuilding industry. I’d encourage everyone to consider it. Since becoming a registered apprenticeship provider in 2020, around 450 people have progressed through NHBC’s Bricklaying Training Hubs. Also recognised at the ceremony were students studying with NHBC for apprenticeships in Construction Site Supervision and various other housebuilding roles. Stephanie Black, 23, Northampton, was awarded NHBC’s Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice of the Year. Stephanie said: “An apprenticeship in house building is for everyone!” We must attract the widest pool of talent and people from all backgrounds to take up an apprenticeship in the house-building industry to help address the nationwide skills gap and housing shortage. I took on such a varied, interesting and demanding apprenticeship, and have gained such extensive knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of topics. I’m looking forward to what I hope to be a great career ahead which offers many opportunities and makes a real difference.” Darryl Stewart, responsible for NHBC’s apprentice training programme and training hubs, said, it’s encouraging to see people entering a career in housebuilding but there’s still more to do. “In recent years, house builders have found it more challenging to recruit people for a range of reasons. It’s an industry which is facing an ageing workforce and has been seen as a career path mainly for men.  This means we must continue to find ways to encourage people from all walks of life to join the sector as it offers a fantastic range of careers and an apprenticeship in the house-building industry is a pathway into a rewarding and well-paid career that can make a real difference. “At NHBC, our apprenticeships and training programmes and our growing network of national NHBC Training Hubs, are getting more people started in the industry and helping to close the skills gap by training the next generation of house builders. Our house-building apprenticeships are an excellent alternative to the more traditional educational routes with our courses designed with input from across the industry and leading experts. It’s fantastic to see this latest cohort today of over 100 apprentices being equipped with skills for life which they can take forward and use to build high-quality new homes. NHBC’s apprenticeships are for everyone and we’re delighted to see people from all backgrounds coming through, including women, career changers, diverse cultures and school leavers wanting to work in house building. It’s never too late to learn a new skill!” Darryl said. For more information about NHBC’s apprenticeships, visit Apprenticeships | NHBC Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Major milestone for Jewellery Quarter Gateway scheme as building tops out

Major milestone for Jewellery Quarter Gateway scheme as building tops out

JQ Rise, a striking new 226-home development at the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, has marked the major milestone of reaching its highest point during construction – known as ‘topping out’. The scheme has been delivered by Birmingham-based residential developer and investor Prosperity Group. JQ Rise is located on Summer Hill Road & Goodman Street. The new homes are spread across three blocks ranging from four, eight and a 25-storey tower and includes external communal gardens for residents. The milestone was celebrated by members of the Prosperity Group team, as well as some of the scheme’s major contributors, including FPMcCann, CBP Architects, and Thornley & Lumb Partnership. The building has topped out two years after groundworks were laid. The internal fit out of the building is also being completed at pace, with the development set to welcome its first residents in Summer 2024. All 226 new homes have already been sold ahead of completion of the new milestone residential scheme. JQ Rise is among several Prosperity Group-led projects being developed across Birmingham in 2024, with works set to begin on 146 new homes on Kent Street in Southside and 687 new homes in Digbeth later this year. Joe Billingham, Chief Executive at Prosperity Group, said: “I am delighted that we have now reached this milestone as we draw closer to completing the entire development of JQ Rise. It is a fantastic project for Birmingham and one that we are extremely proud of. It has seen us transform of a brownfield site to deliver new homes as well as local growth and prosperity. “JQ Rise is a key part of our exciting development pipeline for 2024, as we continue to deliver high-quality places for people to live. This moment is a clear sign that we are delivering for the city.” Mark McCann, Director at FPMcCann, said: “We’ve been delighted to partner with Prosperity Group on this excellent project. It is a great showpiece scheme right in the centre of Birmingham and one with great unique features that helps elevate the value JQ Rise creates for the city and local area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Esh Construction brings housing development to Durham

Esh Construction brings housing development to Durham

Esh Construction has been selected to develop over 100 new homes in Pelton, Co Durham. The £25 million project will be delivered on the site of the former Roseberry Sports Community College and has been hailed as a welcome boost for local housing stock. The development will include 52 rent-to-buy properties, a mix of two and three bedroom family homes aimed at people looking to take the first steps on the property ladder, alongside 31 apartments and eight bungalows for over 50s. Chris Hale, Esh’s Pre-Construction Director, said: “This is a significant contract award for our affordable housing division, and we’re delighted to build on our successful working relationship by securing another scheme with Karbon Homes. “More than 70 properties will be built utilising timber frame, providing additional environmental efficiencies throughout the build process. We look forward to getting work underway and delivering more environmentally friendly new build affordable homes across the North East.” The development will be part-funded through Karbon’s £165 million strategic partnership with Homes England, to develop 2,200 much-needed affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire by 2028. The new homes in Durham have been designed to meet the highest energy efficiency standards by Esh Construction. The houses and bungalows will all achieve an energy performance certificate rating of A, will be fitted with solar photovoltaic panels and electric charging points, and will be powered by air source heat pumps. The apartments will also benefit from a communal green heating system, with heating and hot water provided by an exhaust air source heat pump. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Building opportunities to tackle skills shortage

Building opportunities to tackle skills shortage

A partnership responsible for transforming Newcastle’s West End, is providing the opportunity for local developers and contractors to support an initiative, which is tackling the construction skills shortage. New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC) – a partnership between Keepmoat, and Newcastle City Council – is hosting open days with The National Housebuilding Council (NHBC), at the NHBC Training Hub, at The Rise development in Scotswood – addressing the national shortage of bricklayers. The state of the art NHBC Training Hub is a partnership between NHBC and Keepmoat. It can support up to 100 apprentices annually to gain a Level Two Apprenticeship Qualification in bricklaying which is taught at the hub and applied onsite in collaboration with housebuilders. Held over two mornings – 22nd and 23rd February between 9am to 12 midday – attendees will be given the opportunity to tour the NHBC Training Hub, speak to apprentices, the expert trainers  and find out more about the programme and how it can help upskill and increase their workforce. Within the last year, NTWDC’s build partner, Keepmoat, has supported over 30 apprentices, completing their apprenticeship at the NHBC Training Hub, with two enjoying work placements on The Rise.  The partnership it is committed to employing 75 apprentices over the lifetime of the development. Geoff Scott, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat North East, said: “At Keepmoat we prioritise our responsibility to train, educate and support our staff. We encourage all developers and contractors to play their part in building the next generation of construction workers. “It has been a privilege to welcome the NHBC Training Hub to NTWDC’s The Rise – the first facility of its kind in the region. Keepmoat’s commitment and passion in providing local jobs for local people has already seen the programme support over 30 bricklaying apprentices. We are confident that if other developers and contractors make use of this initiative, we could see a significant increase in qualified bricklayers in the North East.” Jake McDougal, 17, from Kenton is an apprentice at the NHBC Training Hub and working on The Rise, he added: “I am really enjoying my training as it is a good mix of theory and practical hands-on experience as well as being able to work as part of an experienced site team.” Darryl Stewart, responsible for NHBC’s apprentice training programme and hubs, commented: “This is an excellent opportunity to find out more about what the NHBC Training Hub offers. Bricklaying is at the heart of house building and is a hugely important skill. Our apprenticeships are for everyone, and the training hub is a key component of NHBC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of house builders and equipping them with the skills to build high-quality new homes. “The NHBC Training Hub offers a realistic work environment and we’re seeing apprentices completing their training in just 14 months – many with distinctions. It’s a standout difference from the 30-month timescale more traditional learning routes take. An apprenticeship in the house-building industry is a pathway into a range of rewarding and well-paid careers that can make a real difference to the available future workforce. I’d encourage everyone to come along.” Established in 2013 to breathe new life into the west of the city through a £265 million, housing led regeneration programme, since building began more than 550 homes have been completed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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