RESEARCH by the British Property Federation and Savills, predicting a huge expected growth of build-to-rent (BTR) homes in the UK over the course of the next decade – from 76,800 to more than 380,000 – is a product of a changing Britain says Paul Staley, director at Wise Living. Paul
Homebuilder Keepmoat Homes is supporting its employee Kelly Clark, 57, from Rotherham, who will be representing England in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in New Zealand in November, just eight years after she started powerlifting to improve her arthritis. Kelly was selected for the British team to compete in the World
RED Construction London, a regional arm to the main contractor RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment to deliver five high-quality residential units within ITC Properties’ £17m redevelopment of Townsend House in the heart of London’s Victoria district. Located at 5 Greycoat Place in a prominent junction of the City
PLATFORM_ Glasgow will deliver much-needed homes for the city The project team behind the flagship PLATFORM_ Glasgow build-to-rent (BTR) development celebrated a significant project milestone at this week’s topping out ceremony. Contractor, GRAHAM, is delivering the impressive scheme on behalf of PLATFORM_, an investor, developer, and operator of build-to-rent communities
A public consultation has been launched on plans for a new housing scheme at Peel L&P’s Trafford Waters development. Trafford Housing Trust, part of L&Q, is bringing forward proposals for 83 apartments on the Trafford side of the Manchester Ship Canal within Trafford City, next to The Trafford and Trafford
Wildlife is returning to a former industrial site in Cheadle which is being transformed into an environmentally-friendly new residential neighbourhood. Ducks and trout are already visiting the new nature corridor at Bellway’s Cecilly Mills development, off Oakamoor Road, which was for many years home to the JCB factory. The Cecilly
Keepmoat Homes, one of the UK’s leading home builders, has announced plans for its first site in Wales, following the successful acquisition in Deeside. Situated along the River Dee, the land has been purchased from private landowners for an undisclosed sum and will be transformed into a new housing development.
Plans have been submitted for phase two of Queensgate Square, which will see the transformation of the block on Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham. The block will be turned into prestigious residences, set around a communal garden and square, which will be shared with residents of Queensgate House, representing phase one
Addison Hunt, chartered quantity surveyor and project management experts, has officially commenced work on a new homes and office development in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. The mixed-use site will bring nine properties and two commercial offices to the area, which will be marketed by Newtown Living. Working alongside property development and construction
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched the next phase of apartments at its Brooklands Park development in Stoke Gifford, Bristol. The collection of 23 one and two bedroom homes is ideal for first time buyers and young professionals looking for a semi-rural, well-designed home within commuting distance of Bristol and London.
RESEARCH by the British Property Federation and Savills, predicting a huge expected growth of build-to-rent (BTR) homes in the UK over the course of the next decade – from 76,800 to more than 380,000 – is a product of a changing Britain says Paul Staley, director at Wise Living. Paul said: “With the ongoing housing crisis, interest rate hikes on mortgages and an increased pressure on raising housing standards that are squeezing private landlords, professionally managed BTR homes are becoming more essential in the UK as the buy-to-let industry struggles to keep up with demand as home ownership becomes more unattainable. “People need a place to call home and it looks increasingly like BTR homes are poised to fill the gap within the housing market and will take a leading role. So, while the origins of BTR were student accommodation and city centre apartment schemes, this will expand into the rise of BTR single family homes (SFH). “Therefore, the predictions that SFH are expected to grow to 18% of all BTR stock from its 12% today is not a surprise. More people, right across the UK – not just in cities – want to rent a family home.” This change in the UK housing landscape is also influencing the behaviours of property stakeholders who are responding to these trends, according to Paul. Paul said: “For investors and housing developers, this has meant a shift in the types of portfolios they are creating. It makes sense to diversify and spread both the risk and opportunity. They are doing this by looking outside of the more established BTR markets and into SFH in suburban towns. “In fact, as the UK follows European trends and continues to change from a buying generation into a renting culture, it is highly likely that SFH will outpace other types of BTR housing eventually. At Wise Living we have seen this demand in-action, with over 15 schemes delivered in the past few years and a healthy pipeline of single family BTR developments.” As the industry grows this will inevitably increase the number of BTR specialists who will enter the market too, however this needs to be approached with caution, explained Paul. Paul said: “The industry has grown considerably over the last decade, but its success is dependent on the knowledge of the BTR specialists who need to guide investors, developers and local authorities in making the best decisions. Everything from location, housing layouts and types must be looked at and specifications developed to maximise return on investment, while also providing housing that is both high quality and value for money. “The earlier the conversation when it comes to coordinating value for BTR opportunities makes the process more efficient, less risky and speeds up return on investment.” To find out more about Wise Living, visit www.wiselivinghomes.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homebuilder Keepmoat Homes is supporting its employee Kelly Clark, 57, from Rotherham, who will be representing England in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in New Zealand in November, just eight years after she started powerlifting to improve her arthritis. Kelly was selected for the British team to compete in the World Powerlifting Championships in 2019, where she came 4th, and earned both bronze and silver medals with Team GB at the World Bench Press Championships in 2021. She has also won the title of British Equipped Bench Press Champion in 2020 and All England Equipped Bench Press Champion in 2022. These extraordinary qualifications have earned Kelly the chance to represent England in December at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships, run by the International Powerlifting Federation in Auckland, New Zealand. “Lifting weights has done wonders for both my mental and physical health, and what started out as some fun and seeing what I could achieve has enabled me to really believe in myself and be placed amongst some of the best in the country. To now have the same opportunity at the Commonwealth Championships in New Zealand is amazing. If someone had told me I would be this mobile, let alone competing in international competitions ten years ago I would never have believed them, and meeting and competing with incredible people along the way has been a dream come true,” said Kelly. Kelly works as People Development and Engagement Manager for Keepmoat in Doncaster, supporting people through leadership and soft skills training. The business will be supporting Kelly with costs such as flights and accommodation, as well as added paid annual leave to enable her to take part in the competition. “Without the support from Keepmoat I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this dream. The sponsorship in itself is incredible, but the amazing backing from my team and the agile working has allowed me to train for this opportunity. The business is really focused on developing people and communities, with values that align with my own, and this support has proved that,” she added. Keepmoat is a leading UK home builder that provides high quality, affordable homes across the country, developing areas of brownfield land and regenerating local spaces to build communities and transform lives. Kelly Clark will be jetting off to New Zealand on the 24th November, to compete on the 29th November. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction London, a regional arm to the main contractor RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment to deliver five high-quality residential units within ITC Properties’ £17m redevelopment of Townsend House in the heart of London’s Victoria district. Located at 5 Greycoat Place in a prominent junction of the City of Westminster, the detailed fit-out project sits within the wider 35,500 sq ft Townsend House development which serves a mix of commercial and residential purposes. Spanning 6,077 sq ft of high-spec residential space, RED Construction London is working with architects Frederick Gibberd and interior design studio, Studio Ashby, to deliver five new apartments, including three multiple bedroom duplexes. All apartments are being fitted out with high-quality features, including bespoke kitchens, coffered timber detailing and natural oak timber herringbone flooring, alongside feature staircases and tailored joinery. Benefitting from the building’s projecting bay windows, the apartments offer breathtaking views across London and are set to be completed in spring 2023. Complementing the surrounding Art Deco-inspired architecture, Townsend House has been fitted with a contemporary sandstone fascia to the façade with dark bronze spandrels, intricate metal work and scalloped details across the exterior. RED Construction London has worked with a close team of industry professionals to develop the mixed-use six-storey building, including basement space and the creation of retail units along the ground floor, and four floors of high-spec workspace, alongside the premium apartments on the top floor. David Owen, Operations Director at RED Construction London, commented: “The capital’s heritage and scale present unique construction challenges for projects nestled in its heart; but our RED Construction London team have extensive experience in delivering a broad range of projects, from considered restoration work to new builds and fit-outs. It has been a great pleasure to deliver not only the grand development of Townsend House, but now the residential units as an additional project too, testament to our team’s professionalism and quality of work.” Peter Walder, an advisor for ITC Properties, also commented: “ITC Properties’ vision for Townsend House has been successfully realised through the work of RED Construction London. The team had facilitated such strong work throughout the build process that there was no question as to who the main contractor would be to deliver the additional residential units. This, and their understanding of our needs, made RED Construction London the perfect partner for this development.” Ben Hills, Partner, Frederick Gibberd, added: “With its beautiful and bespoke finishings, the Townsend House residential project has been a great opportunity to work with an outstanding group of professionals and we are very proud of the work we have achieved within the team.” The news follows RED Construction London’s recent appointment on CIFI and Arbrook Land’s £9m commercial and retail scheme, 19 Dacre Street, situated close to St James’s Park. Specialising in development and refurbishment opportunities in the prime Central London area, Arbrook Land has instructed RED Construction London to restore and extend an existing office building comprehensively. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PLATFORM_ Glasgow will deliver much-needed homes for the city The project team behind the flagship PLATFORM_ Glasgow build-to-rent (BTR) development celebrated a significant project milestone at this week’s topping out ceremony. Contractor, GRAHAM, is delivering the impressive scheme on behalf of PLATFORM_, an investor, developer, and operator of build-to-rent communities across the UK. The development will be one of the city’s tallest buildings at 20 storeys high (circa 60m). With a stellar project team including firms Thomas & Adamson, Axiom Project Services Limited and Keppie Design, the topping out ceremony involved guests climbing to the 20th floor of the building to enjoy unrivalled views across the city and signing the core of the structure. A welcome addition to the city centre skyline, PLATFORM_ Glasgow will create 498 much-needed homes for the Glasgow community, strategically located between the International Financial Services District and Finnieston. The development will help to revitalise the iconic waterfront, creating a vibrant new neighbourhood set across four blocks, ranging from six to 20 storeys in height with a mix of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments available. As the housing crisis and demand for homes continues to creatBTRe a perfect storm for renters across the city, PLATFORM_’s development will deliver a significant boost to availability of high quality housing stock. Creating a destination for people to live and socialise alike, PLATFORM_ Glasgow will feature a range of amenities including a state-of-the-art gym, landscaped courtyard, two roof terraces, cinema room and remote working facilities, all considered in monthly rental rates. Residents will also enjoy a private games room, bar area, guest lounges and group dining rooms, all exclusive to PLATFORM_ Glasgow, which is set to be one of the most desirable BTR options in the city as the new rental model increases in popularity with young professionals, families and downsizers. The scheme will achieve the Silver Active Energy standard with plans submitted for sustainable energy generation by rooftop photovoltaics and the use of air source heat pumps in place of traditional heating systems. These initiatives will enable 100% of apartments to achieve an EPC B rating. GRAHAM and PLATFORM_ are targeting completion of the development in October 2023 with apartments available for new residents to view from Q3 next ydevelopmentear. Matt Willcock, Development Director at PLATFORM_, said: “We’re really proud to see PLATFORM_ Glasgow achieve another milestone and it was great to get everyone involved together to mark it. “The Clyde Waterfront has been earmarked as an area for urban regeneration by Glasgow City Council and we are helping to accelerate this by delivering a ready-made neighbourhood that will deliver much-needed homes and have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of residents.” Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director for GRAHAM Building North, said: “As demand continues to outstrip the supply of new homes available for rent across the city, it is fantastic to see PLATFORM_ Glasgow quickly taking shape. “GRAHAM is proud to be collaborating with PLATFORM_ and their team to deliver this iconic development. The unique offering will not only boost housing supply, but also create a thriving community along the River Clyde.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A public consultation has been launched on plans for a new housing scheme at Peel L&P’s Trafford Waters development. Trafford Housing Trust, part of L&Q, is bringing forward proposals for 83 apartments on the Trafford side of the Manchester Ship Canal within Trafford City, next to The Trafford and Trafford Leisure Village. “This is a great opportunity for people to see and comment on our plans prior to a planning application later this year,” said Ben Townsend, new business director (NW) at Trafford Housing Trust. The scheme, in Redclyffe Road, intends to bring forward one and two-bedroom homes for shared ownership, subject to approval from Homes England for grant funding. The proposals are part of the wider Trafford Waters development, a scheme that will create 3,000 homes, more than 100,000 sq ft of amenity space and 850,000 sq ft of offices in the area. Moreover, the development is estimated to create more than 5,000 jobs and will include a primary school plus 20 acres of open spaces. Work has started on phase one infrastructure at Trafford Waters to make way for the first 350 new homes which includes THT’s affordable housing development. “Part of our vision to create a new sustainable community at Trafford Waters is to provide homes that suit a range of needs and we are pleased to be working with THT to help deliver much-needed affordable housing at this site,” said James Whittaker, Peel L&P’s Executive Director for Development. “We have started infrastructure works with new roads, pedestrian and cycle routes together with large areas of public realm assisted via a match-funded grant from Homes England to enable the delivery of over 350 homes from the first few phases of housing to be developed.” The public consultation will take place virtually online, and residents are being encouraged to email any questions they have to THT before the plans are finalised and submitted for planning permission later this year. The consultation will run until 6th November. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wildlife is returning to a former industrial site in Cheadle which is being transformed into an environmentally-friendly new residential neighbourhood. Ducks and trout are already visiting the new nature corridor at Bellway’s Cecilly Mills development, off Oakamoor Road, which was for many years home to the JCB factory. The Cecilly Brook formerly flowed through a closed culvert under a series of concrete bridges on the brownfield site – but has been restored to its natural glory as part of Bellway’s green vision for the development. Bellway is building 120 new homes on the nine-and-a-half-acre site, with work on the first homes beginning in December 2020. The scheme to restore the brook has created an eight-metre ecological buffer zone with new planting and wildlife habitats, as well as bee banks to encourage biodiversity in the area. Lee Aston, Site Manager at Cecilly Mills, said: “We pay due care and attention at all sites that we build on to ensure that we can help to encourage biodiversity wherever we can. In this instance, we’ve incorporated an existing natural feature into a new wildlife corridor. “This site has undergone a significant transformation from an industrial brownfield site into a natural green space that actively promotes biodiversity, providing a pleasant and open backdrop for our residents as well as habitats for wildlife. “The brook has already proven to be very popular with residents and local people alike, who have been seen taking pictures from Oakamoor Road, which provides a perfect vantage point for the brook and the development. “Despite only having started the works in December 2020, we have already seen wildlife returning to the site, including several flocks of ducks and a sizeable number of trout in the stream, which makes the work all that more rewarding. In time, we also hope to see the return of water voles to this area, connecting the two populations found at the Palm Brook and Cecilly Brook Local Nature Reserves to the north and south of the site respectively. “While we have made great strides on the site until now, there is still plenty of work to be done to finish building the final homes on site. The remaining building work will be completed while ensuring that the brook, our staff, and the natural environment are all protected. “We look forward to completing the work here and finishing the transformation of this site into a desirable and environmentally friendly development, helping to meet the demand for high-quality housing in Staffordshire.” Bellway is delivering a mix of two to four-bedroom properties at Cecilly Mills, with prices starting from £199,500. For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/cecilly-mills, or call the sales team on 01538 331565.
Keepmoat Homes, one of the UK’s leading home builders, has announced plans for its first site in Wales, following the successful acquisition in Deeside. Situated along the River Dee, the land has been purchased from private landowners for an undisclosed sum and will be transformed into a new housing development. Part of a wider re-development programme in the area, planning approval has already been granted by the Flintshire County Council’s planning committee back in March 2020. The 129-home scheme will comprise of a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes available for private sale. In addition to housing, the site will also feature a children’s play area for residents to enjoy. “We are really excited to transform the site, which is in a prominent location by the River Dee, into a new neighbourhood,” said Gareth Roberts, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat. “Securing our first ever site in Wales marks a milestone for the business and furthers our goal to expand into new areas and deliver real value to the people who live there.” “Our vision is to create a place where people want to live and enjoy, and we’re driven to ensure the development is a major benefit to the local community. We’re looking forward to providing high quality housing that integrates well with the local community and are excited about turning our plans into reality,” added Gareth. The Keepmoat development in Wales will generate opportunities in training and employment through the use of sub-contractors, work placements and educational visits to the site, as part of its commitment to create a sustainable community, which will be delivered throughout the lifetime of the project. Beth Harrop, who lives in the area, has recently joined Keepmoat as a Construction Trainee and will be assisting the team to deliver the brand-new homes at Deeside. She spoke of her recent appointment: “I joined Keepmoat straight out of my studies, and I couldn’t feel prouder to have landed such a fulfilling role. Having grown up local to the site, it’s incredibly exciting to be working on such a landmark development which is helping to bring great opportunities to my local community. Whilst every day in my role is different to the last, our passion for building quality homes remains the same.” Work at the development is expected to commence this month and will take three years to complete. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted for phase two of Queensgate Square, which will see the transformation of the block on Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham. The block will be turned into prestigious residences, set around a communal garden and square, which will be shared with residents of Queensgate House, representing phase one of Queensgate Square. These new builds – two blocks, one of 15 storeys and another of 12 – will add 159 new luxury apartments to the Birmingham market. Over a third of the accommodation – 55 in number – will be affordable. Both luxury and affordable apartments will blend seamlessly with the only difference being the level of specification when you walk through the door. Construction on phase one is already underway and it will see an eight-storey 1950s office block transformed into 68 boutique apartments – studio, one, two and three-bedroom – apartments. The accommodation will be available for rent (PRS) by mid-2024. Designed by D5 Architects, the London-based developer behind the Queensgate Square scheme – The Riverlow Group – specialises in upmarket transformations. They recently acquired this, their first site in the Midlands, and submitted planning in early October. “Despite all the recent economic turbulence, the investors we speak with regularly, wherever they are in the world, all know that Birmingham remains rich with investment opportunities. Aspirational apartments are always in high demand, especially for rent. We know we get it right because we know we’d love to live in our developments. That level of comfort is important when your neighbour is the Bond Street of Birmingham,” commented Max Reisner, Spokesman for The Riverlow Group. The super-luxe apartments in the Queensgate development will feature high-spec, designer kitchens and bathrooms, all finessed with a natural pallet of mixed timbers, earthy tones and soft whites. The penthouses will have specifically-designed, live-work spaces. “Queensgate’s situation is particularly special. You’re right in the heart of the city centre, only a few minutes’ walk away from the high street, New Street and the under-construction HS2 rail station. The development will be car-free with ample secure bike storage. Why use a car when you have Michelin-starred restaurants on your doorstep and you can reach most places quicker by train?,” said Max Reisner. “At the forefront of our design thinking has been how we’re all going to live more sustainably in the future. So we will have thick walls with high levels of insulation, which will minimise running costs, as will the large windows which will flood living spaces with all the wellbeing and environmental benefits of natural light. All in all, Queensgate Square will be a place where residents will build many happy memories,” Max concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Addison Hunt, chartered quantity surveyor and project management experts, has officially commenced work on a new homes and office development in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. The mixed-use site will bring nine properties and two commercial offices to the area, which will be marketed by Newtown Living. Working alongside property development and construction company GS Developments, and architects rg+p, Addison Hunt will be providing project management and quantity surveying services for the project. The development, located in Granite Way, will comprise two and 2.5-storey homes with traditional Georgian-style features, such as warm red multi-brick with a detailed light stone appearance and sash windows. “We’re delighted to have been appointed to work on this project. The development of the site will provide a much more positive outlook and sense of arrival as passers-by travel through Mountsorrel. We look forward to work progressing and bringing a new mixed-use development to the area, which has been designed to fit in with the current surroundings,” said Simon Collin, Director of Addison Hunt. The commercial unit has been designed to form a bridge between existing commercial use and residential development nearby. Similar materials to the properties will be used, but with a contemporary look and feel in order to be recognised as an office building. “It’s great to be working alongside Addison Hunt to deliver another fantastic project in the Leicestershire area,” added Mandeep Singh, director of GS Developments. “After a number of years of planning and design work we’re delighted to finally see the build get underway, which will enhance and bring more people to the site to live and work.” Granite Way continues the relationship between the firms, with recent Leicestershire project completions on warehouse development at Parker Drive and affordable housing scheme at Abbey Meadows which won ‘Residential Regeneration Project of the Year’ award at the Insider Media East Midlands Property Awards. “We’re looking forward to the homes being complete and providing residents with new rental properties, given the current demand for high-quality homes in Leicestershire,” concluded Neeley Turrell, Estates Manager at Newtown Living. Since its inception in 2016 Addison Hunt, which is led by company directors Chris Hunt and Simon Collin, has grown to a team of nine professionals delivering multi-million-pound projects across the Midlands. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched the next phase of apartments at its Brooklands Park development in Stoke Gifford, Bristol. The collection of 23 one and two bedroom homes is ideal for first time buyers and young professionals looking for a semi-rural, well-designed home within commuting distance of Bristol and London. The latest range of apartments at Brooklands Park offer flexible living with open plan kitchen-living-dining areas, providing ample space to for homeowners to work, relax, and entertain in. The homes offer plenty of storage, with the apartments featuring built-in wardrobes to the main bedrooms and additional closet or airing cupboard space. In the two-bedroom properties, the main double bedroom benefits from its own en-suite bathroom, alongside a sizeable guest bathroom. In the face of the cost-of-living crisis, with demand for rental properties outstripping supply and rental prices reaching all-new highs in Bristol, new build properties are an ideal option for those looking to make the most of their money. Not only are new build properties cheaper to run thanks to their energy efficient and low maintenance features but movers can take advantage of the schemes available such as Deposit Unlock. In fact, mortgage repayments in the area are cheaper than rents on similar properties, meaning now is the ideal time to secure your dream new build property at Brooklands Park. “Following the popularity of the apartments during Brooklands Park’s first phase, we’re delighted to be launching the next phase at the development, offering prospective buyers the chance to join this established, thriving community on site. The latest apartments at Brooklands Park will deliver a new offering for those searching for an apartment, with spacious, multifunctional, open-plan layouts designed for those with busy modern lives,” said Clare Brimble, Sales and Marketing Director for Crest Nicholson South West. “With plenty of transport options, the development is also an excellent choice for young professionals who need to commute. Brooklands Park has already proven popular with a range of buyers, from first time buyers and young professionals to those looking to downsize, so I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch with our sales team soon to avoid disappointment.” Spread out across a 65-acre site yet just six miles from the centre of Bristol, the development 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 plenty 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 and 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 just 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. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
