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

GRAHAM has been appointed by global investment, development, and real estate management company, Greystar, as the construction partner for its Stratford Mill scheme. Backed by a £68.5 million debt facility arranged by Societe Generale, the project will regenerate a brownfield site in Stratford, East London, delivering high-quality housing and community amenities to the area. GRAHAM will lead the construction of 247 apartments, including 42 affordable homes funded by Sovereign Network Group (SNG), with completion expected in autumn 2026. The development will feature buildings ranging from two to twelve storeys, offering a balanced mix of residential and commercial spaces to serve the community. With a focus on quality and accessibility, the project will deliver both market-rate and affordable housing, commercial spaces, landscaped green areas, and modern amenities designed to enhance residents’ wellbeing and foster community connections. The Stratford Mill scheme reflects Greystar’s commitment to improving the provision of housing through sustainable, resident-focused development. Located near Stratford and Stratford International stations, the area provides excellent transport connections, with City Mill Lock and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park within easy reach for residents. The project will feature a mix of amenities designed to promote wellness and a sense of community among tenants, underscoring Greystar’s focus on elevating the living experience. Dan Thompson, UK Managing Director, Development, Greystar, said: “We’re very excited to see our development at Stratford Mill progress, thanks to the debt facility secured from Societe Generale, our contractor GRAHAM and SNG who will forward fund 42 affordable homes. Greystar is dedicated to delivering high-quality housing across multiple communities.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, commented: “Stratford Mill will deliver much-needed homes with a strong emphasis on quality, and we’re thrilled to partner with Greystar on a development that combines smart design with a real focus on community. Our focus will be on delivering a high-quality, sustainable build that meets the demands of modern living while supporting the broader community objectives through affordable housing and green spaces.” For more information on GRAHAM, please visit: www.graham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group, a leading UK provider of mixed-tenure housing, has acquired a major site in Hinckley, Leicestershire, with plans to develop 475 new homes. The £140 million project will be located east of Stoke Road and north of Normandy Way, providing a mix of affordable, private rental, and open market homes across the Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and Countryside Homes brands. Of the new homes, 30% will be affordable, 25% allocated for the private rental sector, and the remaining 45% available for purchase. All homes will be built using sustainable timber frame panels from the Vistry Works factory in nearby Bardon, Leicestershire, helping to speed up construction while lowering environmental impact. Each home constructed with this method will emit 14,460kg less CO₂ compared to traditional builds, significantly reducing the site’s carbon footprint. Vistry will also showcase their project at the upcoming UKREiiF (UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum) with a dedicated pavilion, where discussions on affordable housing, sustainability, and innovation will be held, further solidifying Vistry’s leadership in community-focused, eco-friendly housing development. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “This acquisition marks a major step in addressing the housing shortage in Leicestershire. The new site will bring high-quality, well-connected homes suited to a range of residents and life stages.” Richborough, a premier UK land promoter, facilitated the deal after securing planning permission in early 2024. Jordan Gresham, Group Disposals Director at Richborough, commended Vistry’s vision for the project: “We’re thrilled to see this development move forward. Special thanks go to our team and consultants, as well as to our late honorary director, Steve Louth, whose vision was key to this project.” This development promises to enhance housing availability in the region while advancing sustainable building practices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sempra Homes has celebrated a significant milestone at its Broadmayne development in Basildon, reaching the topping-out stage for the first two affordable homes on the development. Helping to address the critical need for affordable homes in the area, this project will deliver 35 new family homes, including 17 social rent council homes that will be allocated to families on Basildon Council’s housing waiting list. In a ceremony to mark the occasion, Owen Sparks, Basildon Council’s Strategic Director of Resources and Governance, placed the final roof top ridge tile,   underscoring the significance of this achievement. The Broadmayne development is part of a larger initiative by Sempra Homes, in partnership with award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, that spans three prime sites in Basildon and Pitsea town centres. Together, these three developments will bring a combined total of 166 social rented and private sale homes, aiming to support the housing need of the borough.   Melanie Keys, Services Manager at Sempra Homes, said: “These new homes will provide good quality, secure living spaces for local families and are a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration and partnership working. Together, we are not only providing new homes but fostering community development and supporting local employment through these developments, with a key focus on delivering much-needed homes for Basildon residents.” The development will also enhance local infrastructure and public spaces, with Sempra Homes and Hill providing opportunities for local trades and apprentices to be actively involved in the construction of these homes. Robert Jack, Regional Director at Hill, comments: “The Broadmayne development goes beyond delivering 35 much-needed new homes; it plays a vital role in strengthening Basildon’s community infrastructure. Together with Sempra Homes, we’re committed to creating employment opportunities and skills initiatives that will ensure this development leaves a lasting, positive legacy for the wider community.” The completion of these homes is anticipated in 2025. For further information please visit www.semprahomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has issued new imagery for its 375-home Castle Irwell scheme in Salford as keys to the final phase of new homes are handed over to their new owners.  The Castle Irwell scheme launched in November 2020 after Salboy took ownership of the site of the infamous Manchester Racecourse. Located in a part of Salford that needed significant regeneration, the emergence of Castle Irwell is helping to transform the fortunes of the local area – a stone’s throw from central Manchester.  At the point of completion, Castle Irwell was fully sold out and 98% of homes were already occupied. The remaining new residents are expected to move in over Christmas. Made up of 375 new homes, Castle Irwell is targeted at Manchester and Salford’s young professionals, students and young families. Buyers have a choice of 2, 3 and 4-bed houses, with nine types of houses to choose from, ensuring diversity and a visually interesting site in every direction.  Partnering with Domis Construction and Wright Landscapes, Salboy has demonstrated its commitment to place making and making use of the natural or manmade landmarks surrounding its schemes. Castle Irwell is constructed around three-acres of appealing public realm areas. The river that runs through the site has been adapted with walking trails and organic play areas to provide the sort of peaceful and tranquil setting residents might look for.  Developed over four years and with a £110m GDV, Castle Irwell meets all high and continuously evolving sustainability requirements and expectations. Solar panels on the roofs of all houses enable residents to make sustainable energy choices that suit their individual family needs.  Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Manchester Racecourse holds deep significance for the Salboy team. Many of us grew up nearby and love the history and stories that surround it. Charged with transforming the site into a place where people want to live and build families was a huge honour and responsibility. I am, once again, delighted to turn over the keys to our scheme’s new residents on time and on budget. We look forward to seeing how this pocket of Salford develops and adds value to the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A former cotton mill in Huddersfield is undergoing work to transform into luxury residential apartments, as part of a £5.4 million development project. Bespoke housebuilder Virtu Homes has been given the go-ahead to refurbish the Grade II listed 24,000sqft facility based on Stoney Lane into a highly desirable collection of 34 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments. In a nod to its heritage, the original name of Valley Mill will be retained for the new development. Externally the building will remain much the same, however, internally each apartment will benefit from individual styling, high ceilings and large picture windows that reflect the historic character of the building and provide a comfortable place to live. Managing director at Virtu Homes, Adam Harrison, said: “We are delighted to get started on work at Valley Mill. Initial remediation on the building has commenced, with site clearance, groundworks and repairs to the roof and internal joists already underway. “Located in the historic market town of Huddersfield, we are confident that Valley Mill will appeal to both investors and owner occupiers looking to make the most of urban life close to an exciting and emerging town centre.” It is estimated that the Huddersfield cotton mill development will take approximately two years to complete with a show apartment within the mill expected in autumn 2025 and first occupancies by the end of that year. The first properties are available for sale now with a starting price of £125,000. Virtu Homes purchased the site from PJ Livesey, while the architect for the scheme was ADS Structural and Aticus Law advised on legals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading house builder Crest Nicholson has secured planning permission for 109 new homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, marking the next phase of the wider Meon Vale development site. As part of the wider scheme, Crest Nicholson will bring a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, each featuring PV solar panels and Electric Vehicle Charge Points. The homes will include several of Crest Nicholson’s house types such as the Filey and the Windsor. Of the 109 homes being built, 40% will be designated as affordable, with 29 plots allocated for affordable rent, and nine available through shared ownership. Tim Brickley, Managing Director for Crest Nicholson Midlands commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission to deliver much needed, energy efficient homes within the village. Being able to offer 40% of the development as affordable housing is an important step in making home ownership more accessible and we look forward to providing high quality new homes that will contribute to the vibrant, sustainable community of Meon Vale” The Marston Leys development will introduce a new phase to the rural, self-sufficient village of Meon Vale. Once a Ministry of Defence site, Meon Vale has transformed into a thriving community complete with a school, sports fields, playgrounds, a skate park, and leisure and community centres. Work is anticipated to start in early 2025 with the first homes due for completion towards the end of the year. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Meon Vale also benefits from being joined to Stratford-upon-Avon’s flagship cycle and footpath, which sweeps through the heart of the village and continues to Stratford-upon-Avon town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals