Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has issued new imagery for its 375-home Castle Irwell scheme in Salford as keys to the final phase of new homes are handed over to their new owners. The Castle Irwell scheme launched in November 2020 after Salboy took ownership of
A former cotton mill in Huddersfield is undergoing work to transform into luxury residential apartments, as part of a £5.4 million development project. Bespoke housebuilder Virtu Homes has been given the go-ahead to refurbish the Grade II listed 24,000sqft facility based on Stoney Lane into a highly desirable collection of
Persimmon Homes are preparing to deliver 68 new houses on their recently secured land in Wiltshire, as part of Highfield Gardens. The housebuilder’s Wessex region will transform the Hilperton-based site, on the north-eastern edge of Trowbridge, into ‘Highfield Gardens’. It will include a mix of homes, which will all feature
Leading house builder Crest Nicholson has secured planning permission for 109 new homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, marking the next phase of the wider Meon Vale development site. As part of the wider scheme, Crest Nicholson will bring a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, each featuring PV
Crest Nicholson has received planning approval for 109 new homes as part of the latest expansion phase in the Meon Vale development, a large-scale residential project on the outskirts of the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The new homes will feature a variety of Crest Nicholson’s designs, including the ‘Filey’ and
Cole Waterhouse has submitted a transformative planning application for Trafford Wharf, a landmark mixed-use project on the site of the former Hilti headquarters in Stretford. Following extensive public consultation, the proposal outlines plans to revitalise the 2.2-acre brownfield site off Trafford Wharf Road with a dynamic blend of residential, educational,
Premcor Estates, a prominent northeast property developer known for large-scale industrial projects across Nottingham and Rossington, has submitted ambitious plans for a transformative mixed-use development at Woburn and Bedford Court in Croydon. This project aims to revitalise a crucial entry point into the town with 445 new homes, 156 of
Housing developer Story Homes is delighted to announce that it has been recognised by the prestigious UK Property Awards, beating strong competition from national companies to win the five-star award for the ‘Best Developer Website in the UK’ for the third year running. The builder also collected the national award
BIRMINGHAM. The skyline of Birmingham’s Central Business District welcomed a new landmark today as developers celebrated the topping out ceremony of The Townsend, a highly anticipated luxury residential development on Church Street. This event marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress, bringing the city one step closer to a
Solihull Council has struck a development deal with leading homebuilder Vistry Group PLC to build up to 177 affordable new homes for its residents. The sustainable new development will be built on the site of the former Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood. This well connected spot, located between the
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has issued new imagery for its 375-home Castle Irwell scheme in Salford as keys to the final phase of new homes are handed over to their new owners. The Castle Irwell scheme launched in November 2020 after Salboy took ownership of the site of the infamous Manchester Racecourse. Located in a part of Salford that needed significant regeneration, the emergence of Castle Irwell is helping to transform the fortunes of the local area – a stone’s throw from central Manchester. At the point of completion, Castle Irwell was fully sold out and 98% of homes were already occupied. The remaining new residents are expected to move in over Christmas. Made up of 375 new homes, Castle Irwell is targeted at Manchester and Salford’s young professionals, students and young families. Buyers have a choice of 2, 3 and 4-bed houses, with nine types of houses to choose from, ensuring diversity and a visually interesting site in every direction. Partnering with Domis Construction and Wright Landscapes, Salboy has demonstrated its commitment to place making and making use of the natural or manmade landmarks surrounding its schemes. Castle Irwell is constructed around three-acres of appealing public realm areas. The river that runs through the site has been adapted with walking trails and organic play areas to provide the sort of peaceful and tranquil setting residents might look for. Developed over four years and with a £110m GDV, Castle Irwell meets all high and continuously evolving sustainability requirements and expectations. Solar panels on the roofs of all houses enable residents to make sustainable energy choices that suit their individual family needs. Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Manchester Racecourse holds deep significance for the Salboy team. Many of us grew up nearby and love the history and stories that surround it. Charged with transforming the site into a place where people want to live and build families was a huge honour and responsibility. I am, once again, delighted to turn over the keys to our scheme’s new residents on time and on budget. We look forward to seeing how this pocket of Salford develops and adds value to the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A former cotton mill in Huddersfield is undergoing work to transform into luxury residential apartments, as part of a £5.4 million development project. Bespoke housebuilder Virtu Homes has been given the go-ahead to refurbish the Grade II listed 24,000sqft facility based on Stoney Lane into a highly desirable collection of 34 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments. In a nod to its heritage, the original name of Valley Mill will be retained for the new development. Externally the building will remain much the same, however, internally each apartment will benefit from individual styling, high ceilings and large picture windows that reflect the historic character of the building and provide a comfortable place to live. Managing director at Virtu Homes, Adam Harrison, said: “We are delighted to get started on work at Valley Mill. Initial remediation on the building has commenced, with site clearance, groundworks and repairs to the roof and internal joists already underway. “Located in the historic market town of Huddersfield, we are confident that Valley Mill will appeal to both investors and owner occupiers looking to make the most of urban life close to an exciting and emerging town centre.” It is estimated that the Huddersfield cotton mill development will take approximately two years to complete with a show apartment within the mill expected in autumn 2025 and first occupancies by the end of that year. The first properties are available for sale now with a starting price of £125,000. Virtu Homes purchased the site from PJ Livesey, while the architect for the scheme was ADS Structural and Aticus Law advised on legals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon Homes are preparing to deliver 68 new houses on their recently secured land in Wiltshire, as part of Highfield Gardens. The housebuilder’s Wessex region will transform the Hilperton-based site, on the north-eastern edge of Trowbridge, into ‘Highfield Gardens’. It will include a mix of homes, which will all feature sustainable infrastructure such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, and 20 affordable units, responding to the varied needs of local first-time buyers and families. The land, which was allocated for housing in the Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan, was carefully designed in collaboration with the Local Planning Authority and other key stakeholders to reflect and enhance the local character of the area. Persimmon Wessex Deputy Managing Director, Seb Spiller, said: “We’re delighted to have acquired this prime site in Hilperton, which will allow us to deliver much-needed, high-quality homes for local people in the area. “Working closely with Wiltshire Council, we’ve created a vision that preserves local character, supports biodiversity and enhances connectivity, all while providing a mix of housing options for a diverse range of buyers. “We look forward to commencing on site early in 2025 as we continue our positive track-record across Wiltshire delivering sustainable communities and quality homes for local people.” The scheme will preserve existing habitats for bats, retain trees and hedgerows, and introduce new planting to support local wildlife. Over 100 new trees, wildflower grasslands, and dedicated biodiversity features such as bird and bat boxes will be added to the site. Highfield Gardens will also provide areas of green public open space, including a new children’s play area, ensuring recreational spaces for families and the wider community. The project will, via a Section 106 agreement and the Community Infrastructure Levy, also see Persimmon provide significant financial contributions totalling over £1.4 million towards local infrastructure improvements including schools, highway works and improvements to Hilperton Village Hall. Construction is set to begin in February, with Highfield Gardens poised to deliver new, high-quality homes and a lasting positive impact for the Hilperton and Trowbridge communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading house builder Crest Nicholson has secured planning permission for 109 new homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, marking the next phase of the wider Meon Vale development site. As part of the wider scheme, Crest Nicholson will bring a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, each featuring PV solar panels and Electric Vehicle Charge Points. The homes will include several of Crest Nicholson’s house types such as the Filey and the Windsor. Of the 109 homes being built, 40% will be designated as affordable, with 29 plots allocated for affordable rent, and nine available through shared ownership. Tim Brickley, Managing Director for Crest Nicholson Midlands commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission to deliver much needed, energy efficient homes within the village. Being able to offer 40% of the development as affordable housing is an important step in making home ownership more accessible and we look forward to providing high quality new homes that will contribute to the vibrant, sustainable community of Meon Vale” The Marston Leys development will introduce a new phase to the rural, self-sufficient village of Meon Vale. Once a Ministry of Defence site, Meon Vale has transformed into a thriving community complete with a school, sports fields, playgrounds, a skate park, and leisure and community centres. Work is anticipated to start in early 2025 with the first homes due for completion towards the end of the year. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Meon Vale also benefits from being joined to Stratford-upon-Avon’s flagship cycle and footpath, which sweeps through the heart of the village and continues to Stratford-upon-Avon town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Crest Nicholson has received planning approval for 109 new homes as part of the latest expansion phase in the Meon Vale development, a large-scale residential project on the outskirts of the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The new homes will feature a variety of Crest Nicholson’s designs, including the ‘Filey’ and the ‘Windsor’ house types, providing a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. Each unit will come equipped with sustainable technology, including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points, underscoring Crest Nicholson’s commitment to energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Significantly, 40% of the homes in the phase have been allocated for affordable housing. The breakdown includes 29 units set aside for affordable rent, along with nine homes available through shared ownership, offering more accessible homeownership opportunities to local residents and contributing to the area’s affordable housing stock. Tim Brickley, Managing Director for Crest Nicholson Midlands commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission to deliver much needed, energy efficient homes within the village. Being able to offer 40% of the development as affordable housing is an important step in making home ownership more accessible and we look forward to providing high quality new homes that will contribute to the vibrant, sustainable community of Meon Vale.” The Marston Leys development will introduce a new phase to the rural, self-sufficient village of Meon Vale. Once a Ministry of Defence site, Meon Vale has transformed into a thriving community complete with a school, sports fields, playgrounds, a skate park, and leisure and community centres. Work is anticipated to start in early 2025 with the first homes due for completion towards the end of the year. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Meon Vale also benefits from being joined to Stratford’s flagship cycle and footpath, which sweeps through the village and continues to Stratford town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cole Waterhouse has submitted a transformative planning application for Trafford Wharf, a landmark mixed-use project on the site of the former Hilti headquarters in Stretford. Following extensive public consultation, the proposal outlines plans to revitalise the 2.2-acre brownfield site off Trafford Wharf Road with a dynamic blend of residential, educational, and commercial spaces designed to inject new life into the Wharfside regeneration zone. The ambitious scheme will deliver 438 build-to-rent apartments, with 20% earmarked as affordable homes for Trafford residents, and 419 purpose-built student beds, addressing the region’s growing demand for student housing. Complementing these are a new 24,057-square-foot higher education facility that includes teaching spaces, student amenities, and a welcoming café for residents, students, and the community alike. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Chapman Taylor, the development features two residential towers with modern amenities and landscaped public spaces, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Positioned within Trafford Council’s Wharfside regeneration area—envisioned to support up to 5,000 new homes and a new stadium for Manchester United—the development will also support flexible commercial spaces at ground level, making it a cornerstone in the area’s revitalisation. Simon Gallanders, Managing Director of Residential at Cole Waterhouse, noted the project’s potential impact: “This game-changing development could transform a well-known site into a flourishing community, providing hundreds of new homes to meet Trafford’s pressing need for affordable housing. Trafford Wharf’s proximity to Salford and Manchester campuses also makes it ideal for premium student housing, a need that’s becoming critical in Greater Manchester, where student numbers are soaring.” The project promises extensive economic benefits, with over 1,300 jobs expected during the construction phase and nearly 300 in ongoing operational roles. With a Gross Development Value (GDV) of around £200 million, the scheme also pledges over £1.6 million in s106 contributions to enhance local infrastructure. Cole Waterhouse acquired the site from Hilti in April and is jointly submitting the planning application with Hilti. If approved, the development would mark Hilti’s exit from the project. Key project partners include Paul Butler Associates as planning consultant, TSA Riley as project manager, Russell Bolton Consulting for cost management, XO Square for structural engineering, and Watt WECE for M&E engineering. As the Trafford Wharf project moves forward, it stands to become a significant milestone in Stretford’s urban renewal, offering a blend of housing, education, and commercial opportunities that set a new standard for sustainable, community-focused development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Premcor Estates, a prominent northeast property developer known for large-scale industrial projects across Nottingham and Rossington, has submitted ambitious plans for a transformative mixed-use development at Woburn and Bedford Court in Croydon. This project aims to revitalise a crucial entry point into the town with 445 new homes, 156 of which will be affordable, alongside flexible commercial and community spaces covering 1,772 sqm on the ground floor. The development has been designed to breathe new life into the Croydon Opportunity Area, with its masterplan laying the groundwork for residential, commercial, and public space growth. It will serve as a key link between Tavistock and Wellesley Road, featuring new pedestrian pathways, enhanced public spaces, and bolstered infrastructure. Premcor’s project is anticipated to become a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Wellesley Road, contributing significantly to the area’s urban landscape and community facilities. The proposed buildings include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in four structures ranging from four to 29 storeys, with the tallest block positioned above the commercial spaces, creating a vibrant, vertical neighbourhood. Rob Lane, Director at Premcor, expressed optimism, stating, “We’ve invested immense thought and care over the past four years to develop a masterplan that will bring the best possible residential, commercial, and community benefits to Croydon.” In line with sustainability goals, Premcor aims to create an inclusive, community-focused space that promotes local employment, supports small businesses, and enhances community life, addressing a longstanding need for a central community hub in the area. Planning consultant Rapleys, represented by James Owens, notes the current 1960s buildings on the site are outdated, with limited amenities and an unfavourable layout. The current site’s outdated infrastructure has resulted in poorly maintained communal spaces, contributing to antisocial behaviour. “Placemaking lies at the heart of this proposal,” Owens said, adding that the project would modernise the area and address these longstanding issues. Pending approval, Premcor’s vision for Woburn and Bedford Court represents a major step toward creating a safe, sustainable, and thriving urban neighbourhood in the heart of Croydon. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housing developer Story Homes is delighted to announce that it has been recognised by the prestigious UK Property Awards, beating strong competition from national companies to win the five-star award for the ‘Best Developer Website in the UK’ for the third year running. The builder also collected the national award for ‘Best Residential Interior for a Show Home’ for its Fulshaw Manor development in Wilmslow, triumphing over show homes from other housebuilders across the country. The Carlisle-headquartered business also collected a further two regional 5-star accolades for its Fulshaw Manor development, with the scheme receiving the awards for the ‘Best Residential Interior for a Show Home’ in Cheshire, as well as the accolade for ‘Best Residential Development’ in Cheshire. Story Homes was presented with the four awards at a ceremony on 25 October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. As winners of four 5-star awards, the builder will be entered into the European Property Awards, which determine Europe’s finest property companies. Now in its 31st year, the UK Property Awards are the most demanding and rigorous in the property sector. The awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts, focussing on design, quality, service, innovation, originality and commitment to sustainability. Colin Wood, CEO at Story Homes, said: “We are so proud to be recognised once again at the UK Property Awards, which is a very prestigious accolade within the housebuilding industry. To walk away with three 5-star awards for our Fulshaw Manor development, plus a further 5-star award for our website for the third year running, was a fantastic achievement and demonstrates our commitment to quality and design. “We are passionate about investing in our website to showcase our unique product offering and provide the most seamless and user-friendly experience for our customers, and we are therefore delighted to be acknowledged by the industry for leading the way in digital innovation.” Fulshaw Manor is a beautiful development of high quality homes located in the aspirational area of Wilmslow in Cheshire. This exclusive development offers Story Homes’ ‘Signature Collection’ of one to five-bedroom homes, carefully designed throughout, with a high specification included. Since its official launch in February this year, the development has been extremely popular with customers and Story Homes continues to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers who are delighted with the quality of their home and level of service received. For more information, please visit www.storyhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BIRMINGHAM. The skyline of Birmingham’s Central Business District welcomed a new landmark today as developers celebrated the topping out ceremony of The Townsend, a highly anticipated luxury residential development on Church Street. This event marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress, bringing the city one step closer to a new standard in urban living. The Townsend, developed by the visionary Midleton team, offers an exclusive collection of exquisite one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in one of Birmingham’s most sought-after locations. Situated just off Colmore Row, residents will find themselves at the heart of the city’s vibrant business and cultural scene. The development’s prime location on Church Street places future residents in esteemed company, with neighbouring occupiers including The Grand Hotel, Hotel Du Vin, Gaucho, Fazenda, and Isaac’s. This enviable address promises to deliver an unparalleled city centre living experience. In anticipation of the project’s completion, Midleton is pleased to announce the appointment of Knight Frank as the exclusive selling agent for The Townsend. Sales are expected to launch in the coming weeks, offering buyers a chance to secure their place in this exceptional development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Solihull Council has struck a development deal with leading homebuilder Vistry Group PLC to build up to 177 affordable new homes for its residents. The sustainable new development will be built on the site of the former Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood. This well connected spot, located between the Chester Road (A452) and the M6, was originally earmarked for housing development in the adopted 2013 Solihull Local Plan. Following a thorough tender process Vistry has been chosen to deliver the scheme, which will be up to 100% affordable and includes two-, three-, and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes, reflecting local housing need. The high-quality new homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) reducing the carbon footprint of every property. The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire. Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house and provides maximum energy efficiency helping future residents to cut their fuel bills. Each property will also utilise air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers and will be fitted with integrated solar PV panels to provide additional power. Central to the proposed development will be a focus on creating a distinct sense of place, with exciting plans for a new play area, nature trail and attractive new public spaces. The final scheme will benefit from significant infrastructure investment from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and enjoy cycle lane provision and footpaths connecting residents to local centres and the surrounding Cole Valley landscape. Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “Appointing Vistry as our development partner for this crucial project is a huge step towards utilising the full potential of the former Simon Digby School site. We’ve undertaken a lot of work to set the stage for this and now we can finally crack on with delivering affordable and sustainable homes critical to meeting the borough’s housing needs. “These 177 homes won’t just be a collection of new houses but a thriving, well integrated new community at the heart of Chelmsley Wood, perfectly positioned to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with the arrival of the HS2 interchange and the rest of the UK Central Hub.” Councillor Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Here in Solihull, we’re serious about stepping up to the challenge of building the new homes our residents need while also setting the highest quality threshold for energy efficiency and sustainability. “Mirroring the fantastic work already underway just up the road in Kingshurst, this scheme will help deliver on both our housing targets and climate change commitments.” “Once built, the scheme will deliver a biodiversity net gain through key design features such as green landscaping and a dedicated new nature trail.” James Warrington, Divisional Chair for South Midlands and the North at Vistry said: “We are thrilled to be working with Solihull Council on this development which will help meet the housing shortage in the area with family homes built using environmentally responsible methods. “We’re excited to be a part of Solihull’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.” Delivery of the scheme is being supported by a £2.97m contribution from WMCA, via its devolved housing and land funds. Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor, said:“We have to start building more homes that local people can genuinely afford. “Working together, including a £3 million contribution from the WMCA, all 177 houses on this site are planned to be affordable meaning more homes for all communities across the region. “Schemes like this one that use low carbon, factory-built homes are revolutionising the housing landscape. They are quicker to build and easier and cheaper to heat, which means they can make a big difference in addressing the housing crisis.” Initial feasibility work, concept masterplan development and acquisition of land interests has been managed as part of the council’s UK Central Infrastructure Programme and funded by WMCA. It is one of over twenty projects building upon the investment and regeneration planned for the borough, supporting further sustainable and inclusive growth. Vistry will now take the designs to the next stage and carry out a series of consultation activity before submitting their planning application for the scheme later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
