Broadnook Garden Village, Leicestershire’s newest and most exciting community building project, has marked the start of construction with the erection of a landmark sign that’s guaranteed to put Leicestershire’s first Garden Village on the map! Broadnook developers have proudly announced the launch of construction, unveiling a new roadside billboard as well as the installation of Hollywood-style 9ft lettering made from corten steel. The lettering will turn a beautiful burnt orange with age and is a symbol of a grand beginning for this new village location at the heart of Charnwood. In recognition of Broadnook Garden Village’s commitment to the local community and businesses, bottles of locally grown Rothley sparkling wine were uncorked in celebration of construction launching in earnest. Raising a glass from the neighbouring Rothley Vineyard was the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, alongside James Wilson, Managing Director of Davidsons Homes, and Steve Keenan, Construction Director at Cora Homes. The creation of this new Garden Village represents a fresh era in community building, with plans that include car-free zones, cycle paths, village square, community nursery and primary school, enterprise zones, allotments and open green spaces that will connect residents to the local landscape. The project is backed by an investment of £32.6 million – of which over £17 million is being invested into local schools – creating more than 1900 homes. The village will offer beautiful homes ranging from one to five bedrooms, all part of the developers’ vision for a bespoke modern community that encapsulates the best of town and countryside. Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz said: “The launch of Broadnook Garden Village is a defining moment for the Borough of Charnwood as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. This thoughtful, innovative design offers a sense of ‘place’, encapsulating the heritage of the surrounding area but considers the long-term future for the new community as it develops. “I recall the many consultation meetings and I am genuinely delighted and privileged to be part of this special occasion, which will prove to be an investment that provides more than simply houses.” James Wilson, Managing Director of Davidsons Homes said: “It is a privilege to be here, today, to officially launch the construction of Broadnook Garden Village – Leicestershire’s first Garden Village. Broadnook aims to bring the very best elements from all your favourite Charnwood villages into one purpose-built community.”  Luke Simmons, Managing Director of Cora Homes added: “We’re proud to be co-creating Broadnook Garden Village and in doing so establishing a modern, connected community that will offer residents exceptional homes set among landscaped green areas with open walkways to exercise and immerse in nature. Broadnook will create local infrastructure, enterprise zones, community hubs and flexible working spaces – designed to meet the long-term needs of homeowners from today into the future. At Cora, we call it Creating Amazing Places.” Broadnook’s chief architects have carefully designed the Garden Village to enhance this beautiful and highly desirable part of Charnwood. Residents will be able to enjoy being part of a modern community that subscribes to the ethos of connecting neighbourhoods with their natural surroundings. Taking its name from a local ancient spinney that runs through the site, Broadnook promises leafy tree lined walks – akin to Leicester’s New Walk – parks, allotments, wildflower meadows, play areas, beautiful, landscaped garden spaces and sports pitches. More than 50 per cent of Broadnook Garden Village will be devoted to green spaces, with future residents also able to enjoy car-free zones to allow them to move freely and safely – another nod to the Garden Village ethos.  Iain Pickering, Design Director at Davidsons Homes – and mastermind behind the reinvention of the Broadnook Garden Village concept – said: “We are creating Broadnook Garden Village without losing sight of how we all want to live: as part of a thriving community that feels modern and connected, yet firmly rooted in the beautiful nature that we are lucky enough to enjoy in Charnwood.  As a local  resident myself, it was important that we not only took inspiration from the history of Charnwood’s villages, but also looked to the future.” He adds: “We have taken many of our design cues from the local Leicestershire landscape: our street signs take inspiration from our neighbours at Great Central Railway; our architecture takes careful reference from the beautiful, period house styles seen in Rothley, Quorn and Barrow upon Soar.  Our tree lined walk, which is an integral element of our design, passes a nod to Leicester’s historic New Walk. Broadnook is firmly – and proudly – Leicestershire born and bred.”    The Broadnook lettering is made of corten steel that will rust to a beautiful burnt orange with time and exposure to the elements Broadnook Garden Village will be far from being style over substance; it will offer outstanding modern amenities that any thriving village community needs, including plans for a community primary school, retail shops, care facilities and a new GP surgery making every day living at Broadnook easy and enjoyable.  The village centre and amenities will, it is hoped, minimise the need for unnecessary use of a car within the Broadnook village.   For longer journeys, Broadnook Garden Village is exceptionally situated for transport links, with fast, easy access to nearby towns and cities. Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham are reached swiftly by road and bus, and excellent train links bring London to your doorstep in around 70 minutes. East Midlands Airport is also just a short ride away by car, or the speedy 24-hour, skylink shuttle bus service.  Broadnook is, of course, on the cusp of the historic National Forest of Charnwood offering gorgeous woodland and breathtaking landscapes that can be enjoyed on foot or bicycle.  While landscaping has been in process for a while, today is a celebration of the new homes and sales office now underway at Broadnook. It is expected that the Garden Village’s first residents will be welcomed in autumn 2024. For more information, visit Broadnook.co.uk and follow @BroadnookGardenVillage on socials for more information, updates and

Church Street Place, a joint venture between Arlesco Ventures Ltd, and Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd along with their principal contractor BCEGI, project monitors Naismiths, with funding by lending specialist Zorin Finance, proudly celebrated the Topping Out ceremony, marking a significant advancement in the Build to Rent (BTR) development. The project, at its midway point, is poised to redefine a substantial section of Eccles’ town centre and elevate the community’s residential presence.  Church Street Place is a transformative development involving the demolition of existing properties to make way for a multi-story structure accommodating 272 one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental apartments. Additionally, the development includes 685 square metres of ground floor commercial space, contributing to the enhancement of Eccles’ retail and F&B offerings.  The development consists of ground plus 3 & 5-story buildings, complemented by a tower rising to an impressive 22 stories. The ground floor, strategically positioned to address Church Street, Vicarage Grove, and Birkdale Grove, seamlessly integrates into the existing urban fabric. In addition, the Local Authority now controls the redevelopment of the town’s shopping centre which is integral to the wider area as a whole.   The multifunctional ground floor encompasses commercial spaces, apartment entrances, plant, and service areas. Notably, it provides 19 car parking spaces and 168 bicycle spaces, emphasising a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly living. A meticulously designed planted courtyard, situated behind the podium, adds a touch of greenery and offers residents private, accessible amenity space.  Reflecting on this milestone, Steve Carnes, Managing Director of Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd, expressed, “Today’s Topping Out ceremony signifies a crucial moment in the project’s timeline, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the development team, as we witness the structure reach its highest point, we anticipate the positive impact Church Street Place will have on Eccles and its community.”  BCEGI’s Lead Director, Mr Yu commented, “Topping Out is a significant milestone for any construction project; however, this event holds particular importance for the wider regeneration of Eccles town centre. The achievement is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the entire project team and has been a fantastic project for BCEGI to be a part of.”  John Crompton, associate director of project monitoring at Naismiths, said: “Having been involved since the pre-construction phase when the funding facility was being agreed, it’s fantastic to see the plans brought to fruition. Working alongside both the developers and BCEGI for the first time, and furthering our existing relationship with Zorin Finance, has been a seamless experience. It’s fantastic to have supported all involved in reaching this phase of such an important project for the area. “ Andrew Scotting, Partner at Zorin Finance said: “‘We are delighted with the progress of the development to date which is down to the capability and professionalism of the contractor BCEGI and the development management team at Silver Lane.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, and DOMIS, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, have launched their tenth central Manchester development in seven years, to deliver more urgently-needed homes to Manchester’s fast-growing population.  The scheme named Obsidian will be located in the Greengate area towards the north of Manchester city centre. It will comprise a 26-storey tower of 250 units: 30 studios, 93 one-bed, 110 two-bed and 15 three-bed apartments. The scheme, which will have a GDV of £84.5 million, will be delivered by DOMIS, and marketed and sold by Salboy. Works have already commenced on site and are expected to complete by Q4 2026. Rising up from a narrow and complex slice of brownfield land (at the intersection of Trinity Way and William Street), Obsidian puts efficient living and space-saving at its heart. The scheme’s studio apartments will maximise floor space for occupants. Features including hideaway beds, collapsible tables, built in office cabinetry and slide-away kitchen panels prevent any wasted space in residents’ living areas. All residents will enjoy access to high-quality communal amenities including a private dining room, gym, cinema room, coworking spaces and package storage. At the base of the building there will be 1,000 sq ft of commercial space. The architecturally ambitious development, designed by Studio Power, is crafted to attract younger residents – both students and young professionals who have chosen Manchester to pursue their studies and careers. ONS data shows that Greater Manchester has more young people aged 20 to 29 years old living in the region than any other region in the UK.  Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “The schemes we develop with younger professional people in mind are often some of the most complex and creative – bringing together modern designs, compact inner-city locations and our future residents’ discerning tastes. Obsidian will deliver beautifully and thoughtfully designed homes for people who want to live a stone’s throw from everything that Manchester and Salford have to offer without compromising on quality and comfort.” Obsidian is Salboy’s fourth development in seven years in the Greengate area – a well-established and well-connected part of Salford that is only a few minutes’ walk from central Manchester’s offices, restaurants and national transport links. The launch of Obsidian follows Salboy’s completion of Fifty5ive (a 18-storey tower with 220 one to three-bed apartments), Local Blackfriars (a gated community of 380 apartments, townhouses and penthouses) and the Black Friar pub (a 140-year old historic landmark that Salboy restored to its former glory).  Ismail continues: “We are delighted to return to Greengate – an area that connects the twin cities of Salford and Manchester and whose overdue regeneration we have been involved with for more than seven years.”   The 221,000 sq ft site on which Obsidian will be constructed sits within Salford City Council’s Chapel Wharf Framework and has been identified as a development opportunity site. Development on the site can be traced back to 1791 and the Salford Iron Works, one of the largest manufacturers of cast-iron products and stationary steam engines which powered mills around Manchester. The ironworks closed in the 1930s and were replaced by low-level housing in the 1970s and 1980s. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Local housebuilder Barratt David Wilson North Thames has received the maximum 5 star rating in the new Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. Barratt has now received the top 5 star rating from its customers for 15 years in a row, far longer than any other major housebuilder has held the top 5 star rating. The number of stars awarded is based on customer responses to the question: “Would you recommend your builder to a friend?” Over 90% of Barratt customers said they would recommend the housebuilder to a friend. Barratt is committed to building high quality, energy efficient homes and making its customers happy when buying their new home. It is this focus on customer satisfaction and high build quality that people love, which delivers such consistently high recommendation scores. The HBF Customer Satisfaction Survey is one of the biggest surveys of its kind in the country being completed by 60,000+ new home owners. The star rating system was developed to show customers which housebuilders have the most satisfied customers. Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: “Over recent years there has been a huge industry focus on service and quality and this is the fourth year in a row where over 90% of new home buyers would recommend their builder to a friend. For a company to achieve 5 star levels of satisfaction is a significant achievement and shows the commitment from everyone within Barratt to the customer.” The new 5 star rating comes on top of Barratt having success at the NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Awards. The competition, known as the ‘Oscars’ of the housebuilding industry, has entries from over 11,000 site managers. Last year Barratt site managers won 96 Pride in the Job Quality Awards, more than any other housebuilder for nineteen years in a row. Marc Woolfe, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames said: “To be rated as a 5 star builder by our customers for 15 years in a row is something we are really proud of. It takes a real dedication to customer satisfaction and going above and beyond, for over 90% of our customers to say they would recommend us a to a friend.” 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

The world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building is now just months away from claiming its place in Birmingham’s history books. With the core reaching level 40 and floorplates reaching level 35, Octagon has already begun offering unparalleled views of the city below. On completion, the Octagon will stand proudly at 155 meters (410 feet) tall, as a testament to Birmingham’s burgeoning skyline. The pair of tower cranes have now reached their final height, allowing main contractor Midgard to construct the remaining 10 floors of the building core ahead of its practical completion, scheduled for summer 2025. The Octagon isn’t just a feat of engineering; designed by Howells Architects, it’s a testament to innovation in architectural design. As the world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building, it stands as an example of progress and possibility in Birmingham. This milestone marks a significant leap forward in Paradise’s commitment to deliver a world-class estate and with a true mixed-use proposition by providing 370 spacious new Build to Rent (BtR) homes. Birmingham is the second fastest-growing city centre population in the UK, ahead of cities like Manchester and Leeds, with 7,000 new residential units either being built or planned across the city centre. Backed by global real estate investor City Developments Limited (CDL) of Singapore, the £110m project pays homage to the nearby Jewellery Quarter with its metal-influenced workshops and products. “As a high-profile tall building with a world-first and highly sustainable design ethos, Octagon will become an important part of the city’s skyline for years to come,” Ross Fittall, Paradise’s Commercial Development Director said. “We are creating a highly recognisable landmark for our city that will build on Birmingham’s growing reputation both at home and abroad, and the latest milestone in Octagon’s progress is something to celebrate.” The architecture of Octagon, a pure octagon with eight equal sides, is an exciting world-first for the city, making the building instantly recognisable on the skyline. The shape of the building responds to the plot of land upon which it sits, maximising light in every home and creating unique appeal thanks to the utilisation of both views and space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Mitsui Fudosan UK and Stanhope, as the development manager, have announced the start of construction on two new residential buildings at Television Centre which forms part of the second phase of the Television Centre masterplan in White City, London. Multiplex has been appointed as the construction manager and completion is scheduled for mid-2027. The two buildings – the nine-storey ‘Scenery House’ designed by architects dRMM, and the 25-storey ‘The Ariel’ by AHMM – comprise a total of 347 apartments and townhouses. The accommodation will range from studios to four-bed townhouses with a complementary range of amenities designed by both MSMR and Sella Concepts including residents’ lounges, a screening room, co-working spaces and meeting rooms, as well as a private dining room and roof terrace. Particular attention has been paid to greening the areas in and around the buildings. Landscape architect, Gillespies, has designed a courtyard garden, rooftop terrace and pocket park between the two built elements of the scheme. The announcement comes as Macfarlane Place, the first building in this development phase, nears completion. The scheme will provide 142 affordable homes for Peabody across two predominantly brick buildings designed by Maccreanor Lavington. This brings the number of Stirling Prize winning architects working on the iconic development to three (including AHMM and dRMM) – reflecting Mitsui Fudosan’s commitment to the very best in British architectural design. Tatsu Imamura, Executive Director, Mitsui Fudosan UK said: “We are delighted that construction works for the penultimate residential plots are now underway and we will continue to build upon our existing work on the Television Centre site, which already includes over half a million square feet of office space and 574 private and affordable homes. We are committed, along with our partners Stanhope, to delivering much-needed high-quality new housing on the site, while continuing to explore wider investment opportunities in London and other parts of the UK.” David Camp, CEO at Stanhope added: “It’s great to see Multiplex get underway with work on site and continue to develop this phase of the Television Centre masterplan. Our partnership with Mitsui Fudosan has grown from strength to strength over the years and today marks another important milestone for the project.” Callum Tuckett, MD of Multiplex UK commented: “Commencement of construction on the latest residential blocks at Television Centre signifies a pivotal moment in the project’s progression. Multiplex is extremely proud to be delivering our second project for Stanhope, and we are honoured to play a central role in delivering this crucial component of Stanhope and Mitsui Fudosan’s overarching vision, which will provide 347 new homes on the site.” The cluster of buildings comprising phase 2 of the Television Centre masterplan, are designed to have a distinctive character of their own, complementing each other as well as those buildings already established across the wider estate. The development of phase 2 will complete the masterplan and further open up the site to local residents by the creation of a second entrance on Wood Lane and a pedestrian connection through to Hammersmith Park via interlinking streets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals