Bellway Thames Gateway has acquired a parcel of land on the former site of Harold Wood Hospital in Romford, where it hopes to build 96 new homes. The housebuilder has bought the 2.83-acre site off Copse Avenue – formerly home to the hospital’s Long Term Condition Centre and now vacant
O’Keefe is carrying out the second phase of groundworks and infrastructure works for a new residential development by modular off-site specialist TopHat. Although located on the site of the historic Kitchener Barracks in Kent, the apartments themselves are precision-engineered at TopHat’ s factory in Derbyshire and delivered to site ready
Bespoke homes developer Artisan Real Estate is joining forces with Casa by Moda, the single-family housing division of Yorkshire-based Moda Living to market its flagship new homes development in Kirkstall, Leeds. Artisan is currently delivering 263 low carbon and low energy homes at the six-acre Headingley site, providing a
Salboy, the nationwide property development and funding company, has formally completed development of its flagship London scheme, One Cluny Mews. With a £40 million GDV, One Cluny Mews is Salboy’s first residential development in London. The development is located in the popular and affluent area of Earl’s Court, a part
A ground-breaking ceremony has been held at a new housing development which will deliver up to 800 homes and a new country park to Stevenage. Bellway North London and Miller Homes will build up to 800 homes at the development, which will also feature a local centre, a primary school,
Alternative asset manager, Cheyne Capital, and contractor GMI Construction Group announce the practical completion and launch of its 144 home Impact Build-to-Rent (BTR) scheme, in the emerging New Cross neighbourhood of Manchester. Poplin, named in honour of the fabric used to manufacture coats on the same site in the Second
Construction firm Wates has been appointed by This City, a housing development company owned by the Manchester City Council, to develop 128 new low carbon homes in the heart of Ancoats. Building work has started on site and the project aims to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing
This weekend, award-winning estate agency and property group, Beresfords, is launching Hanningfield Park in Chelmsford, one of the UK’s most innovative sustainable new housing developments, comprising ninety two 2 3,4, 5 and 6-bedroom homes – with prices starting from £435,000. Nestled among the mature landscape surrounding Hanningfield nature reserve, Hanningfield
Top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat has announced it has become the latest strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands. Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites
Top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat has today announced it has become the latest strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands. Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield
Bellway Thames Gateway has acquired a parcel of land on the former site of Harold Wood Hospital in Romford, where it hopes to build 96 new homes. The housebuilder has bought the 2.83-acre site off Copse Avenue – formerly home to the hospital’s Long Term Condition Centre and now vacant – from NHS Property Services, . Bellway Thames Gateway aims to deliver a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom houses for private sale, alongside affordable apartments available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership. The apartments would be delivered in two five-storey blocks, while there would be a total of 98 car parking spaces at the site. As part of the purchase, Bellway has agreed to provide 23 car parking spaces for the neighbouring NHS Harold Wood Polyclinic. Matt Waterworth is Senior Transaction Manager for NHS Property Services, which enables excellent patient care by acting as a trusted advisor to the NHS and by providing the best estate solutions. He said: “We are pleased to be completing on the sale of this site, which will enable us to reinvest funds back into the NHS helping to tackle the biggest estates challenges, unlocking greater value and ensuring patients can get the care they need in the right place and space for them.” The former hospital in Gubbins Lane began life as a convalescent home for children when it was opened by West Ham County Borough Council in 1909. It became an emergency hospital during the Second World War and was retained as a hospital thereafter. The hospital closed in 2006 after services were relocated to Queen’s Hospital in Romford and the King George Hospital in Ilford. The former hospital site is now home to the Kings Park residential neighbourhood, where plans for 810 homes were given outline planning permission in 2010. The land acquired by Bellway will be one of the final parcels of the hospital land to be redeveloped. Will Weston-Smith, Head of Land for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “The acquisition of this parcel of land will enable us to deliver a collection of high-quality new homes in a highly sustainable location just half a mile from local amenities including shops, restaurants and convenience stores. “Our proposals will deliver much-needed new homes for the private market as well as a significant proportion of affordable housing, which will be available to local people who cannot afford to buy their own home. “The site is incredibly well located for commuters needing to get into central London. Harold Wood train station is just a 10-minute walk away and has regular services into Liverpool Street and Stratford via the new Elizabeth line. It’s also close to the A12, A127 and the M25, providing easy access to the wider road network. “We are now finalising our detailed plans for this project and are working with the local authority prior to submitting an application for the new homes later this year.” Bellway Thames Gateway is currently building new homes across London, Essex, Kent, and Surrey. For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
O’Keefe is carrying out the second phase of groundworks and infrastructure works for a new residential development by modular off-site specialist TopHat. Although located on the site of the historic Kitchener Barracks in Kent, the apartments themselves are precision-engineered at TopHat’ s factory in Derbyshire and delivered to site ready for installation. The project is part of a larger scheme that will see TopHat deliver almost 300 new homes over three phases on the 4.8-acre Kitchener Barracks site. O’Keefe is the groundworks contractor on the current second phase, which started with enabling works in January 2022 followed by the main works package in March 2022. The company was principal contractor on the first phase of the scheme, completed in early 2021. The site knowledge gained by the team on that phase has assisted greatly when dealing with the construction element of the phase two works. “We have worked with TopHat previously on other schemes so there is a positive relationship between TopHat and O’Keefe,” says O’Keefe project manager Daniel Gough. The Kitchener Barracks project involves the construction of three four-storey blocks of modular apartments which will comprise 96 one- and two-bedroom homes. On this phase, some 240 modular sections were assembled on site and cassette corridor sections were then installed at the upper levels between the rows of apartments. O’Keefe’s role includes part-construction of foundations, drainage and services for the modular apartments, plus access roads and external finishings. Although the apartment modules are manufactured off-site, they still require foundations and services to be built in-situ. The foundations are mass concrete strip footings bedded a minimum 200mm into the underlying chalk strata. One of the biggest challenges for O’Keefe has been to ensure the on-site works perfectly align with the factory-built modules. Working to exacting tolerances, O’Keefe has formed upstands to receive the prefabricated modular units. “Co-ordination is vital when off site manufacturing and site build foundations are carried out,” says Daniel Gough. “It is essential that precise as-built surveys are carried out to ensure that the position and levels are within the specified tolerance and any drainage pipes are located correctly.” O’Keefe formed the drainage connections prior to the modular sections being installed. Service entries were taken into the plantrooms situated in the two stair cores and then distributed to the modular units. Reinforced concrete upstands and slabs were constructed within the two cores and the end escape stairs and a reinforced concrete in-situ lift core constructed to each of the cores, with a steel framework installed prior to installation of the modules. O’Keefe’s contract has also involved construction of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame extension off the back of the existing Khartoum Building, dating from the 1930s. The RC frame comprises a lower ground floor/basement level for parking, including electrical vehicle charging bays, with a ground level transfer slab above. This forms part extension for housing apartments and part outdoor terrace. A particular challenge here was the interface between the existing Khartoum Building and the new RC frame. “The existing building was originally cut to demolish the western side some years ago – this was carried out and surveyed in a method to assist with best coordinating the design of the new RC frame with the remaining building elements,” explains Daniel. “The complex design has been a continuous, coordinated process assisted by O’Keefe, the consultant engineers, architects and TopHat, to ensure that further survey work was carried out to slabs, roofs, cavities and foundations for the structural frame to have its final design. “Underpinning was carried out on the building in the early stages of the project and then the installation and cutting back completed after the concrete had cured. “TopHat and O’Keefe have worked together throughout the RC frame element of the works to monitor progress and provide live survey data to the consultant engineers and architects to assist with overcoming any issues encountered during the RC frame build,” says Daniel. Andrew Shepherd, managing director of TopHat Solutions said: “TopHat have worked closely with O’Keefe on this complex and ground breaking project. It was essential that we had a partner that was able to address a number of different challenges from foundations for an innovative modular project through to a concrete frame that would tie into an existing heritage building. This ongoing relationship has been formed on a process of innovation and continuous improvement, which underpins our joint approach to future projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bespoke homes developer Artisan Real Estate is joining forces with Casa by Moda, the single-family housing division of Yorkshire-based Moda Living to market its flagship new homes development in Kirkstall, Leeds. Artisan is currently delivering 263 low carbon and low energy homes at the six-acre Headingley site, providing a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments and town houses, with the first completions expected in 2024. Casa by Moda will now take ownership and market all 223 homes which were available for sale, with the remaining 40 providing affordable housing, to be managed by 54North Homes. The new neighbourhood, now called Casa, Abbey Court, will offer residents deposit-free, pet friendly living as part of an industry-leading inclusive offer which places service, technology, wellbeing and sustainability at the forefront of the rental community. Situated just a two-minute walk from Headingley Station, Casa, Abbey Court offers the ideal location for high quality rental accommodation, combing the latest state-of-the art technology promoting sustainable living and low energy costs with easy and accessible transport links to the city centre. Welcoming the partnership, James Bulmer, Regional Director for Leeds-based Artisan North said: “The collaboration with Casa provides a significant opportunity to deliver much needed new homes for rent in one of Leeds’ most desirable suburb. There is a growing demand for high-quality family rental properties with easy access to city centres providing the perfect blend of town and country living. Casa is a proven operational model designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s rental market.” He added: “From our head-office in Leeds, Artisan North is developing an exciting pipeline of future homes-led regeneration projects across the region. Collaborative schemes with successful rental platforms such as Casa will form the perfect development model to provide the mix of tenure that is required by today’s housing market.” Casa by Moda will continue to work with Artisan to complete the delivery of the new homes to the high standard expected by the brand and its residents. This includes embedding Moda’s technology partner Utopi’s smart environmental sensors into the homes, which enable residents to monitor everything from room temperature to air quality and light pollution. And, consistent with Artisan’s award-winning sustainability credentials, the development features electric Air Source Heat Pumps as part of its specification which also assists Casa by Moda’s commitment to sustainable development and its journey to net zero. Matt Townson, Director of Development and Projects at Casa by Moda added: “We’re entering an exciting phase with the delivery of our first neighbourhoods, and as a business headquartered in Yorkshire, Casa, Abbey Court is special for us, as it marks our first neighbourhood that will open in our home region. With demand for rental accommodation remaining high, our approach as a long-term owner and operator is to create not only high quality, sustainable homes, but new communities that go beyond bricks and mortar and actively support the wellbeing of our residents. “Casa, Abbey Court marks a step change in single family rental in Leeds, not only in quality but also being able to offer residents leases of up to three years – something unheard of in the traditional rental market. During the current periods of economic uncertainty, we believe it’s important to be able to provide our residents a security of tenancy that can only come from our long-term approach.Looking ahead we have ambitious plans for the future and are looking forward to collaborating with sustainable housebuilders like Artisan, as well as local authorities and landowners to deliver more new homes across the UK, as we progress towards our target of securing 5,000 new homes by 2025.” Ahead of welcoming its first residents next year, Casa by Moda is accepting pre-registrations of interest for homes at Casa, Abbey Court via its website. To find out more visit: www.casa.moda Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salboy, the nationwide property development and funding company, has formally completed development of its flagship London scheme, One Cluny Mews. With a £40 million GDV, One Cluny Mews is Salboy’s first residential development in London. The development is located in the popular and affluent area of Earl’s Court, a part of Kensington in west London that has experienced significant investment and regeneration in recent years, yet offers limited new build opportunities. The development comprises 35 high quality 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments, including 8 duplex penthouses. After receiving high demand from buyers for pre-sales reservations, Salboy has celebrated the completion of the development with the majority of the individual properties sold and reserved and only a limited number of resident and commercial units remaining. By July 2022 with still 12 months’ development time to go, 50% of units had been reserved by individual buyers, demonstrating the persistent high demand for quality, prime homes in central London. Consequently, One Cluny Mews becomes the first of several London schemes Salboy has in development with a combined GDV of over £85 million. Residents at One Cluny Mews will enjoy spacious, bright living with a private garden that provides sanctuary from the surrounding city. Along with the latest security systems and concierge services, the property has a private courtyard offering residents homes they can truly relax in. Residents may also choose to buy a small number of home offices that open out onto the courtyard. Simon Ismail, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Completing our scheme at One Cluny Mews puts Salboy firmly on the London map as a developer and funder of high quality housing in sought-after places. We’re delighted to deliver such a high quality scheme that’s attracted such a high level of buyer commitment, and look forward to welcoming the first residents as they begin to move in.” One Cluny Mews was designed in collaboration with architects, Studio Power, and built by Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, DOMIS Construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A ground-breaking ceremony has been held at a new housing development which will deliver up to 800 homes and a new country park to Stevenage. Bellway North London and Miller Homes will build up to 800 homes at the development, which will also feature a local centre, a primary school, country park and public open space. Work has now started on the first phase of new homes, for which detailed planning consent was granted by Stevenage Borough Council earlier this year. Bellway is to build 400 homes overall – with 105 homes on the first phase, featuring 75 two, three and four-bedroom properties for private sale and 30 affordable homes available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership. Miller Homes is delivering 396 new homes at Forster Park, including 43 for private sale and 41 affordable homes on the first phase. The North Road development will feature a range of energy efficient two to five-bedroom homes and is anticipated to launch later this year. Ali Maruf, Managing Director of Bellway North London, said: “A significant milestone for Bellway, the ground-breaking at Forster Park celebrates our joint project with Miller Homes which has local community, heritage and sustainability at its core. “To mark the start of construction, we gathered together on the land near Rooks Nest House, where the renowned English writer EM Forster grew up, and which inspired his novel Howard’s End. This is truly a beautiful part of the world, and we have named our development Forster Park in his honour. “We are committed to an overarching focus on sustainability, which complements the site’s natural surroundings, as well as Bellway’s ethos. Existing trees and shrubs will be retained wherever possible, alongside the addition of generous new planting. Green open spaces and ponds will be thoughtfully designed and implemented to help support local wildlife, as well as bird and bat boxes being installed.“This first phase will see us not only deliver new homes – which will all have electric vehicle charging points – but also a new local centre with commercial space which could be used to house a convenience store.” Detailed applications for a further 115 homes within phase one and the 93-acre country park are to be considered by the council at a later date. Ali added: “With regard to the wider scheme, we are proud to be teaming up with Miller Homes to create a brand-new neighbourhood that will bring huge investment to improve local infrastructure and services.”Gavin Jones, regional operations director at Miller Homes South Midlands, commented: “We are excited to announce that our work has now begun on Miller Homes’ new Stevenage development, Forster Park.“Energy efficiency and environmental considerations are at the forefront of these designs; EV charging points will ensure homes are futureproofed for the new community we are creating at Forster Park, while boxes for birds and bats will encourage wildlife to thrive in green open spaces. “Together, we will also be making contributions of over £1.1 million to the local community, including support for healthcare, schools, transport and infrastructure, and sports facilities. “The development is conveniently situated in an excellent location for commuters, with easy access to the A1M and Stevenage town centre for the train station for easy connections to London.” Both Bellway and Miller Homes expect to officially launch later on this year, with show homes to follow in spring 2024. For more information about the Bellway Forster Park development, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-london/forster-park. For more information on Miller Homes’ Forster Park development visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/new-homes/south-east/forster-park-stevenage.aspx. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Alternative asset manager, Cheyne Capital, and contractor GMI Construction Group announce the practical completion and launch of its 144 home Impact Build-to-Rent (BTR) scheme, in the emerging New Cross neighbourhood of Manchester. Poplin, named in honour of the fabric used to manufacture coats on the same site in the Second World War, will open its doors to residents later this month. The brick-clad scheme includes a mix of design-led one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. 35 per cent. of the homes are reserved for local key workers at meaningfully discounted rents, over and above local authority planning requirements, and all homes have capped rental increases to offer longer-term certainty for residents. Marc Banks, Divisional Managing Director North West at GMI Construction Group, said: “We’re pleased to hand over this striking building in New Cross. This scheme is a jewel in the crown of one of the most exciting new areas of Manchester. We’re delighted with what has been achieved, working in partnership with Cheyne and the whole project team. The quality of the product is impressive and epitomises what GMI is all about.” Designed by award winning practices Tim Groom Architects and YOUTH Studios, Poplin contains 3,500 sq ft of contemporary amenities including a residents’ lounge, co-working spaces, private dining room, 10-storey atrium space and a communal roof terrace with a stunning view of Manchester. Tim Groom, of Tim Groom Architects, added: “It has been a pleasure to work on this project and the whole team have worked incredibly hard to get all the details right and deliver a building of the highest quality. The façade draws on the familiar warehouse typologies that are so well associated with Manchester and the round headed archways are reminiscent of the nearby market hall. We are committed to creating designs which appreciate context and add value to places and communities and we are proud of the positive contribution this development makes to an increasingly vibrant area of the city.” Poplin will be operated by Native Residential who already operate the award-winning Kampus scheme in Manchester. Through Native’s pioneering Neighbourhood Hero programme, Poplin will collaborate with local, independent businesses and charities in Manchester. Jack Greenhalf, Development Manager at Cheyne Capital, concluded: “Poplin is in a fantastic location within the thriving city of Manchester. New residents will benefit from the existing offering of neighbouring Ancoats along with additional new developments to the New Cross area. With a unique brick façade, quality of design has clearly been at the forefront throughout this development. Residents will benefit from high quality, fully furnished apartments and a wealth of amenities with their well-being in mind. In the current cost of living climate, Poplin will provide renters with longer term security and cost certainty, offering capped annual rental increases for all residents, as well discounted rents for key workers. Set against the current inflationary rental market, these provisions are particularly impactful and have received the full support of local stakeholders. We look forward to delivering a continued pipeline of Impact BTR schemes across the UK.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Wates has been appointed by This City, a housing development company owned by the Manchester City Council, to develop 128 new low carbon homes in the heart of Ancoats. Building work has started on site and the project aims to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing in the area. This City is bringing long-term brownfield land at Rodney Street back into use, allowing residents to walk, cycle and use nearby public transport to access local services and employment. The 128 new homes will be built with a low carbon footprint, incorporating eco-friendly design elements and energy-efficient technologies. Each of the town houses will include off-street parking with electric vehicle (EV) parking and private gardens to the rear. Seven disabled parking spaces within the development site will also each have an EV charging point. The Mobility Hub is a new concept in urban design, which centralises car parking for multiple new developments, minimising on-site parking (other than disabled parking) and reduces traffic across the local area. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director for Construction North at Wates, said: “Rodney Street represents a pioneering shift in development approach for Manchester City Council and we’re proud to support them in their ambitions. We’ve worked closely with our project partners and the Council since the scheme’s inception to carefully plan out how we can ensure Rodney Street delivers its sustainability goals, as well as provides lasting benefit to the wider Ancoats community through Social Value initiatives. “We have a long history working with councils across the North and beyond on similar residential schemes and the positive impact that considered, sustainable provision of new affordable homes has on an area cannot be underplayed. I applaud Manchester City Council and This City for bringing this development to life and now we’re underway with construction, I and all our teams, look forward to delivering the next milestone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This weekend, award-winning estate agency and property group, Beresfords, is launching Hanningfield Park in Chelmsford, one of the UK’s most innovative sustainable new housing developments, comprising ninety two 2 3,4, 5 and 6-bedroom homes – with prices starting from £435,000. Nestled among the mature landscape surrounding Hanningfield nature reserve, Hanningfield Park boasts an all-electric set-up eliminating carbon emissions and creating long term sustainability solutions giving homeowners the ability to spend as little as *£296 a year on energy bills, a saving of 88% compared to conventional gas households. The all-electric technological advancements include rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps, EV charging and battery storage, provided by leading brands including Trina Solar, JA Solar and Samsung. To further maximise cost savings, homeowners will also have the option to use the GivEnergy app, which will allow them to easily manage their energy usage from the moment they move in. While sustainability is at the forefront of the development, quality design and luxury living remain high on the agenda. Internally, all of the homes feature bespoke contemporary kitchen and bathroom design with underfloor heating installed across all floors. Externally, plot size at Hanningfield Park is exceptionally apportioned, garden space is bountiful and an additional four acres of green space will soon offer homeowners a place for recreation, mindfulness and community living. Aaron Breakwell, Director of New Homes at Beresfords, said: “Hanningfield Park is one of the most innovative developments in the country right now and we’re delighted to be involved, working with Randall Watts Construction, to attract like-minded people who care about their impact on the planet and want to immerse themselves in natural surroundings. “The site strikes the perfect balance between city and rural life. While London is only a 35-minute train journey away, forest walks and the nature reserve sit right on your doorstep.” Dan Jones of Randall Watts Construction, said: “This development began life as a beautiful offering of new homes in an enviable location, but we quickly saw an opportunity to create even more than that with a collection of technologically advanced sustainable homes that will positively change the way people live. “Interest from the community has been incredibly positive and we’ve had tremendous support from both the local council and our installation providers, including The Green Shield Group, who have expertly guided us every step of the way in our sustainability endeavours for Hanningfield Park.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat has announced it has become the latest strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands. Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites and to increase their housebuilding by 50% across the West Midlands. As a strategic partner, Keepmoat will build a range of homes across different tenure types in the West Midlands, creating hundreds of new jobs for local people and generating at least 250 new apprenticeships. At least 70% of the workforce needed to deliver the homes will be employed from within a 30-mile radius, while building supplies and materials will be purchased from West Midlands-based businesses wherever possible. The memorandum of understanding between Keepmoat and WMCA also supports the Combined Authority’s wider aim of creating a fairer, greener and more prosperous West Midlands. In March, a ground-breaking Deeper Devolution Deal was secured between WMCA and Central Government, giving WMCA wide-ranging new powers and additional funding in excess of £1.5bn to level up the West Midlands. Charlotte Goode, Divisional Chair for Keepmoat West Midlands & East Midlands, commented: “We are delighted that we have been named as a strategic partner of the WMCA and that our work in the region continues to go from strength to strength. As part of our development work with WMCA, we’re already building a minimum of 1,000 new homes at price points that are accessible to people including first-time buyers. “Building sustainable communities is also a core value at Keepmoat. Working as a strategic partner of WMCA, we are actively pursuing net zero carbon developments, with schemes incorporating climate adaptation measures that respond to the short and long-term impact of climate change. These zero carbon standards go above and beyond the 2025 Future Homes Standards and help contribute to WM2041.” Keepmoat’s £360m Spirit Quarters development has so far delivered 979 new homes, with 275 of these allocated for first-time buyers. Supported by WMCA’s £1 million investment of devolved funding, this scheme continues to transform the former Wood End estate in Coventry, putting regeneration and place-making at the heart of a local community. The homebuilder’s investment into the West Midlands will support the West Midlands target of delivering 215,000 new homes by 2031. In December last year, WMCA announced that the number of new homes being built in the region had surpassed pre-Covid levels, with 16,730 new additional homes delivered in the 12 months to March 2022 – 203 more than in the year up to March 2020. The latest Strategic Partner MoU also bolsters the West Midlands’ Plan for Growth – a roadmap to develop eight specific industrial clusters where the region already has a competitive advantage. Manufacturing of future housing is one of the West Midlands clusters, reflecting the expertise arising from millions of pounds of public investment in brownfield regeneration across the region, which is also home to the National Brownfield Institute in Wolverhampton. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “The West Midlands has been incredibly successful in recent years at regenerating old brownfield sites to build new, affordable homes – so much so that we are currently on track to meet our ambitious 2031 housing target. “However now is the time to double down on our success – not ease off – and so I am delighted we have been able to sign this deal with Keepmoat that will see even more homes, jobs, and investment come to the region. “Working together with Keepmoat we will breathe life into derelict brownfield sites, helping to protect our precious greenbelt while providing affordable, energy efficient, good quality homes and jobs for local people.” Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for housing and land and leader of Solihull Council, added: “Keepmoat is the latest Strategic Partner who we have signed an MoU with – progressive developers and investors who share our vision of a more sustainable West Midlands where people have the opportunity of a decent job and a good quality, affordable home. “The commitment to use derelict industrial sites for eco-friendly, energy efficient housing is exactly the sort of future-looking approach our region needs. Not only does this help protect our precious greenbelt while creating high quality and sustainable communities, it also boosts the local economy and supports the wellbeing of residents.” WMCA was founded in 2016 and is made up of 17 local councils to deliver an ambitious plan to drive inclusive economic growth across the West Midlands. Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70% of its current developments are on brownfield sites and over 70% of its customers are first-time buyers. In the last survey year, Keepmoat achieved HBF five star builder status, receiving a rating of at least 90% in the National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat has today announced it has become the latest strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands. Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites and to increase their housebuilding by 50% across the West Midlands. As a strategic partner, Keepmoat will build a range of homes across different tenure types in the West Midlands, creating hundreds of new jobs for local people and generating at least 250 new apprenticeships. At least 70% of the workforce needed to deliver the homes will be employed from within a 30-mile radius, while building supplies and materials will be purchased from West Midlands-based businesses wherever possible. The memorandum of understanding between Keepmoat and WMCA also supports the Combined Authority’s wider aim of creating a fairer, greener and more prosperous West Midlands. In March, a ground-breaking Deeper Devolution Deal was secured between WMCA and Central Government, giving WMCA wide-ranging new powers and additional funding in excess of £1.5bn to level up the West Midlands. Charlotte Goode, Divisional Chair for Keepmoat West Midlands & East Midlands, commented: “We are delighted that we have been named as a strategic partner of the WMCA and that our work in the region continues to go from strength to strength. As part of our development work with WMCA, we’re already building a minimum of 1,000 new homes at price points that are accessible to people including first-time buyers. “Building sustainable communities is also a core value at Keepmoat. Working as a strategic partner of WMCA, we are actively pursuing net zero carbon developments, with schemes incorporating climate adaptation measures that respond to the short and long-term impact of climate change. These zero carbon standards go above and beyond the 2025 Future Homes Standards and help contribute to WM2041.” Keepmoat’s £360m Spirit Quarters development has so far delivered 979 new homes, with 275 of these allocated for first-time buyers. Supported by WMCA’s £1 million investment of devolved funding, this scheme continues to transform the former Wood End estate in Coventry, putting regeneration and place-making at the heart of a local community. The homebuilder’s investment into the West Midlands will support the West Midlands target of delivering 215,000 new homes by 2031. In December last year, WMCA announced that the number of new homes being built in the region had surpassed pre-Covid levels, with 16,730 new additional homes delivered in the 12 months to March 2022 – 203 more than in the year up to March 2020. The latest Strategic Partner MoU also bolsters the West Midlands’ Plan for Growth – a roadmap to develop eight specific industrial clusters where the region already has a competitive advantage. Manufacturing of future housing is one of the West Midlands clusters, reflecting the expertise arising from millions of pounds of public investment in brownfield regeneration across the region, which is also home to the National Brownfield Institute in Wolverhampton. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “The West Midlands has been incredibly successful in recent years at regenerating old brownfield sites to build new, affordable homes – so much so that we are currently on track to meet our ambitious 2031 housing target. “However now is the time to double down on our success – not ease off – and so I am delighted we have been able to sign this deal with Keepmoat that will see even more homes, jobs, and investment come to the region. “Working together with Keepmoat we will breathe life into derelict brownfield sites, helping to protect our precious greenbelt while providing affordable, energy efficient, good quality homes and jobs for local people.” Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for housing and land and leader of Solihull Council, added: “Keepmoat is the latest Strategic Partner who we have signed an MoU with – progressive developers and investors who share our vision of a more sustainable West Midlands where people have the opportunity of a decent job and a good quality, affordable home. “The commitment to use derelict industrial sites for eco-friendly, energy efficient housing is exactly the sort of future-looking approach our region needs. Not only does this help protect our precious greenbelt while creating high quality and sustainable communities, it also boosts the local economy and supports the wellbeing of residents.” WMCA was founded in 2016 and is made up of 17 local councils to deliver an ambitious plan to drive inclusive economic growth across the West Midlands. Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70% of its current developments are on brownfield sites and over 70% of its customers are first-time buyers. In the last survey year, Keepmoat achieved HBF five star builder status, receiving a rating of at least 90% in the National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. For more information, please visit www.keepmoat.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
