Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, was joined Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and Cllr John Clarke, Leader of Gedling Borough Council and leading figures from both councils to celebrate the start of work on 763 much-needed new homes at Top Wighay, Nottinghamshire, triggering the start of a £6 million investment to bolster local services. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry Group’s partnerships division in the South East Midlands, said: “We were delighted to welcome key figures to celebrate the start of work on these much-needed new family homes at Top Wighay. Over the past year, we have consulted with the community to finalise the details of the scheme and ensure it meets local people’s needs and now we are on site, ready to create a new community of high-quality properties for people in the area to call home.” Situated approximately 2km north of Hucknall town centre and to the east of Annesley Road (A611), the £191m development forms part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s (NCC) flagship mixed-use scheme. The 86-acre site, contracted in 2023 with NCC and earmarked for development for more than a decade, will also include 21 acres of employment land, a local centre with retail offering and a new primary school. Now the ceremonial spade has been placed in the ground, work will start imminently on the 763 one-, two-, three, four-, and five-bedroom homes, maisonettes and apartments. Of the new homes, 269 will be affordable properties, 97 will be available for private rental and 397 will be on sale on the open market through Vistry’s Linden, Bovis and Countryside brands.   In addition to new housing, the development will also offer benefits to the wider community, with almost £6million designated to bolstering local services. This includes £4,750,000 for education, £800,000 for highways and bus improvements, and £436,000 towards healthcare. The scheme also includes new parks, sports facilities, wildlife corridors, pedestrian and cycle routes, a new primary school, and an on-site Skills Academy in partnership with Chameleon School of Construction. This innovative training initiative will aim to encourage local people not in employment or training back into work. Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This milestone marks a significant step forward in a project that will bring lasting benefits to Nottinghamshire. From a brand-new primary school to improved transport links and employment opportunities, this investment will enhance local services and create a vibrant, sustainable community for generations to come.” Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth,  Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy at Gedling Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that work is beginning to provide 763 much needed homes, together with improved infrastructure, including highways, education, health, and a local centre.  “The plan for on-site skills and training is particularly welcomed and will provide great opportunities for local people and the local economy. “The site has been allocated for development for some time so it’s particularly good to see that this significant investment has allowed this project to get underway. I very much look forward to following its progress over the next few years ”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has announced its transformative plans to create 313 new homes and a 68-unit extra care facility in Driffield. The development, which recently received planning approval, is part of Keepmoat’s wider commitment to delivering high-quality, multi-tenure housing across the UK. The housebuilder is working in partnership with Homes England, East Riding Council and Beyond Housing to provide much-needed housing stock across Yorkshire. Of the 313 homes to be built, 30 percent will be designated as affordable housing with 26 being sold as affordable housing for delivery through East Riding Council. The scheme will be 100 percent gas-free, aligning with modern energy-efficient housing standards. Located on the northeastern fringe of Driffield, the development is within close proximity to a range of local amenities including supermarkets, pubs and schools. The site also provides direct transport links to Scarborough and Hull.  A new four-arm roundabout will be constructed to connect the development to the A614 and provide an access route to the east of Driffield, ensuring access for all residents. Daniel Crew, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “We are delighted to secure planning approval for this exciting development in Driffield. This project represents a significant investment in the area, and we look forward to working alongside our partners to bring high-quality, energy-efficient homes to the community. A key sustainability feature of the project is that the scheme will be 100 percent gas-free, aligning with our goal to create both sustainable homes and communities. “Driffield is a fantastic location, offering a range of amenities and strong transport links, making it an attractive option for families, first-time buyers, and those in need of extra care accommodation. ” Julie Robinson, Head of Disposals (North) at Homes England, added: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality homes is one of our key objectives.  “The completion of the building lease marks a significant milestone for the project. The construction of a roundabout to connect the development to the A614 is a key piece of early infrastructure in advance of housing completions. Continuous, proactive collaboration with all stakeholders has played a huge part in getting this project over the line. “We look forward to seeing Keepmoat’s progress as they develop this new community in Driffield.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities.  For more information, please visit www.keepmoat.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group has exchanged contracts with Milton Keynes City Council to create a new 930-home village to the east of Newport Pagnell. The £270m Tickford Fields development is 45 hectares in size with 31% of the properties available on the affordable market. The deal marks a milestone in the creation of a new residential community of exceptional quality for Newport Pagnell and the broader Milton Keynes area. With outline planning consent in place, the site will accommodate up to 930 new homes, along with community, education, and recreation facilities. The development will provide play areas, sports pitches (with pavilions and parking), and new pedestrian and cycle links. From one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom homes, the housing mix will cater to a diverse set of needs, with over 30% of the homes classed as affordable and therefore accessible to those on lower incomes. Incorporating principles of sustainability, such as air source heat pumps and using open-panel timber frame construction, the development is set to become a model for environmentally conscious living. The development will also aim to retain all established trees, tree groups, hedgerows, and water features, with conscientious mitigation strategies for any displaced features. The green and blue corridors woven throughout the site will not only enhance the living experience for residents but will also create a nurturing habitat for local wildlife. As part of this holistic vision, Vistry Group will introduce an on-site Skills Academy. This dedicated facility will provide valuable educational and vocational opportunities for college students and unemployed people in the local area, further building on the opportunities the scheme will provide for the community. Vistry Group and Milton Keynes City Council will pool their expertise together to deliver the Tickford Fields development in a cost-efficient and timely manner. With a proven track record in partnering and delivery within the housing sector, the collaboration is set to reshape the residential landscape of Newport Pagnell. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry Group’s partnerships division in the South East Midlands, said: “It’s exciting to be working together with Milton Keynes City Council on this major new development that aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and community-centric places to live. We are determined to create a scheme that not only blends seamlessly with its surroundings but sets new benchmarks in modern living and offers benefits to the local community.” Councillor Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking at Milton Keynes City Council, said: “Improving access to affordable housing is at the heart of our Council Plan and I’m pleased that this development will not only deliver much-needed affordable homes for local families, but also energy-efficient and more sustainable properties that will ensure a greener future for our city. I look forward to seeing the development progress into a new thriving community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hopkins Homes, part of the untypical housebuilding group, has completed a land deal that will bring new homes to a village north of Colchester. The 23-acre site in Great Horkesley benefits from outline planning permission for 100 homes and a reserved matters application is due to be submitted in April.  Subject to planning approval, work is expected to begin on site in January 2026, with the first legal completions in December 2026. Duncan Jackson, Managing Director of Hopkins Homes, part of the untypical group said: “Our track record of creating distinctive new homes, reinforced by our five-star customer satisfaction rating, has established Hopkins Homes as a trusted choice for landowners throughout East Anglia.” Duncan added: “With sustainability at the core of our developments, we’re committed to building communities that thrive for generations.   Our most recent acquisition in Great Horkesley will be no exception, with placemaking at its heart and a range of distinctive new homes that give a nod to our heritage whilst providing energy efficient modern living.” Great Horkesley has been identified for housing development within the adopted Local Plan and the proposed scheme will include 30 affordable homes, contributing to the local community’s housing diversity and accessibility. Furthermore, the development will incorporate a generous 5.1 hectares of public open space, including a new community allotment and a Scouts and Girl Guide hut. Hopkins Homes has considerable experience in developing homes in Essex, with properties currently for sale at River Reach, Mistley and Beaulieu, Chelmsford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

London Square has purchased the Leegate Shopping Centre in South East London from Galliard Homes, paving the way for a major residential-led regeneration scheme. The vacant 1967-built shopping centre, acquired for an undisclosed sum, has planning consent for 562 homes, including 173 affordable units, alongside nearly 50,000 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space. The site will be redeveloped into a 15-storey residential tower, as approved by Lewisham Council in July 2023. Construction is set to commence later this year. “This acquisition marks a new era for Lee town centre, delivering much-needed homes and a vibrant retail and leisure hub for both the existing community and new residents,” said London Square chief executive Adam Lawrence. The deal is London Square’s 14th acquisition since being taken over by Aldar at the end of 2023. It follows the company’s recent purchase of Ransome’s Wharf in Battersea earlier this year. Other notable acquisitions include a former convent site in Chelsea, the Grade II-listed Surrey County Hall in Kingston, and Westminster Tower. London Square currently holds 14 sites across 10 London boroughs, with a development pipeline exceeding 2 million sq ft. Work is already in progress on 10 of these sites, supporting the developer’s ambition to build more than 7,000 homes in the capital over the next five years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, and UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People have formed a joint venture to deliver 800 high-quality mixed-tenure homes in Lower Herne, Kent. Work on the first phase of Lower Herne Village – Greenwood Gardens, commenced in May 2024 and will provide 128mixed-tenure homes, comprising 65 private homes and 63 shared ownership properties. The first phase will include a mix of one, two, three- and four-bedroom homes, designed to accommodate a range of buyers, including first-time purchasers and families. The first tranche of private and affordable homes will be complete by the end of this month.  The recently opened four-bedroom showhome now provides prospective buyers with an opportunity to view the quality and design of the homes available for sale on the open market, and a separate shared ownership show home by Places for People is also available to view The first phase of development also includes significant Section 106 contributions to support this evolving new community. A key highlight of the development is the Herne Relief Road, which will help reduce traffic congestion in Herne Village, improve local connectivity and support the expansion of the area. The joint venture between Vistry and Places for People aims to create a well-connected, sustainable community in Lower Herne Village and as the neighbourhood expands, future phases will bring even more homes, offering a mix of private, shared ownership, and rental properties. The development benefits from being within close proximity to Herne Bay’s amenities, transport links, and green spaces, reinforcing the strategic partnership’s commitment to delivering sustainable housing solutions. Future phases of the development include Phases C & D, comprising 296 homes – 146 private, 108 shared ownership, and 42 PRS units – which are scheduled for planning approval in March 2025, and the entire development is expected to be completed over the next ten years, with an anticipated completion date of 2035. Brendan Evans, Managing Director at Vistry Group Kent said: “We are making great progress at Greenwood Gardens through our partnership with Places for People, and are delivering at pace the mix of high-quality homes and the infrastructure required to support long-term sustainable communities.” Sammie Steele, Regional Managing Director for Greater London at Places for People said: “We’re dedicated to building homes that work for local people, and are really excited to have reached this key milestone at Greenwood Gardens.. In partnership with Vistry, we are building on this already bustling local community bringing forward more stylish and contemporary new homes, across multiple tenures.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landsec has submitted a planning application for the first phase of its £1.4 billion Mayfield Park masterplan in Manchester, proposing 879 new homes as part of a major regeneration project. Designed in collaboration with architects Studio Egret West and shedkm, the new homes will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The development will also feature shops, restaurants, cafés, a health and wellbeing club, and community spaces, creating a vibrant urban hub. If approved, the first phase will also deliver 325,000 sq ft of office space across two buildings, alongside a multi-modal transport hub, which will include Manchester’s largest cycle park with hundreds of spaces. The office and transport hub received initial consent in 2020, with revisions made in 2023 to align with current market conditions. The residential buildings will be arranged across four blocks, each containing both low-rise and taller tower elements. Streets will connect the development from the Mancunian Way in the south to Mayfield Park in the north, integrating the new homes into the wider cityscape. Landsec has committed to providing 20% affordable housing across the district, with an independent viability appraisal set to determine the final levels for the site. The company, in partnership with the Mayfield Partnership, is also looking to expand and enhance the existing public green space in the area. Mike Hood, chief executive at LandsecU+I, commented:“Our ambition for Mayfield is to create a diverse, green, world-class place where everyone feels welcome, whether to live, work, or visit. Since opening the park in 2022, we’ve been on a mission to grow it across the 24-acre masterplan. Expanding the green space and introducing the first homes alongside workplaces at Mayfield is an exciting milestone. It’s incredible to think that just a few years ago, much of this area was disused and derelict land. “We look forward to continuing to shape Mayfield’s future alongside our partners and local residents.” Construction timelines for the project have yet to be announced. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Building work on new community facilities including an exclusive coffee shop, a handy supermarket and boutique local shops is continuing at a great pace at Wellington Place. Visitors to the development off Leicester Road will notice the vision for the community hub near Davidsons Homes’ parcel of the site starting to become a reality. The buildings will form the heart of Wellington Place, offering an attractive destination for visitors and local people to stroll around and enjoy. Ethical coffee chain Esquires has been confirmed as one proprietor, following its initial successful venture into the centre of Market Harborough. A local Sainsbury’s will also open at Wellington Place, giving buyers and local people a handy new place to shop. Iain Pickering, Design Director for Davidsons Homes, said: “The community facilities at Wellington Place have been designed not just as a convenient pitstop for locals, but a hub that people will be able to stroll around and enjoy. “Visitors to our development at Wellington Place, or even those using the new road connecting it to our Lubenham View development, may have noticed the buildings appearing at a great rate. It’s wonderful to see our vision begin to be realised and to see just how this section of the development will act as the focal point of the site. “From Wellington Place, there’s a lovely walk along the canal to The Waterfront, a restaurant where you can enjoy a summer’s evening sat sipping a cool drink and watching the canal boats moored up nearby. Or those that want to venture a little further afield could even cycle to Foxton Locks, a historic site with the longest flight of locks in Britain. Buyers could also walk along the main road to the centre of Market Harborough, where independent shops, well-regarded restaurants and vibrant coffee shops await. “Our Wellington Place local centre means though, that you won’t have to leave the development if you don’t want to. All facilities that could be needed are right here, giving our buyers the best of both worlds.” The facilities at Wellington Place are set to open later this year. For more information and to see the latest homes available to buy at Wellington Place, visit davidsonshomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Residential developer McLaren Living has received planning permission for a 314-home build-to-rent (BTR) mixed-use scheme in Watford, Hertfordshire. The development will transform the former Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court on Clarendon Road, incorporating co-living units alongside the residential offering. The 1.75-acre brownfield site will also feature a new public green square, 31,441 sq ft of workspace, 4,485 sq ft of retail space, including a café, and approximately 6,000 sq ft of children’s play areas. The plans include enhanced public spaces, landscaping, parking, and 400 cycle spaces. McLaren has committed to reducing the project’s embodied carbon by repurposing some existing structures, targeting an overall carbon reduction of 72.5%. Patrick Joyce, development director at McLaren Living, said: “We very much look forward to delivering on our plans for Clarendon Road and bringing forward a new mixed-use urban quarter for Watford. It is an exciting opportunity to revitalise this part of Clarendon Road and to deliver much-needed homes, workspace, a new garden square, and public realm on an underutilised town centre site. We will continue to work with Watford Borough Council, the local community, and stakeholders as we bring our proposals forward.” As part of the development, McLaren will contribute £3.5 million through Section 106 agreements. Hertfordshire Police Constabulary vacated the site in February 2024. Details regarding construction timelines and costs have yet to be disclosed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals