A funding partnership has been established to support the acquisition and development of a landmark scheme of 347 homes in Ilfracombe, North Devon. Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has joined forces with social impact investor, Housing Growth Partnership (HGP) to bring forward the 50-acre site, as part of
Bellway has broken ground on a new housing development which forms part of a major residential and commercial scheme in Bowburn. The housebuilder has started construction work at Clarence Gate, where it is to deliver 91 homes on an eight-acre parcel of land off Rosalind Franklin Way. Planning permission for
Placefirst, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent providers, has submitted plans to develop over 120 apartments in Halifax town centre. The plans for the £16 million development at Cow Green will see the former multi-storey car park site transformed into high-quality homes for rent and, if approved, it will deliver
Jessup Partnerships, one of the region’s leading partnerships developers, has announced the opening of its Beech show home at a new development in Lightmoor Village, Telford. A great choice for families, the Beech style home is designed with an open plan kitchen/dining area taking the best of modern living and
Developer Glenbrook has submitted plans for the residential and public realm elements of Lumina Village, a £250 million mixed-use scheme in Trafford, Greater Manchester. Working in partnership with Bruntwood and Trafford Council, the proposals, designed by Sheppard Robson and landscape architect Re-form, include the development of six blocks of apartments,
LEADING housebuilder, Lovell Homes, has launched the second phase of its development in the market town of Louth. When complete, phase two of Tennyson Fields will offer 141 two-, three- and four-bedroom high-specification homes. Prices for a two-bedroom house start at £188,500 and are suitable for a wide variety of
Higgins, an award winning partner and developer, has announced the development of over 90 new homes on York Way Estate in the London Borough of Islington. While residents will benefit from a combination of studio, and one, two, three and four bedroom homes across four buildings, half of the homes
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
A funding partnership has been established to support the acquisition and development of a landmark scheme of 347 homes in Ilfracombe, North Devon. Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has joined forces with social impact investor, Housing Growth Partnership (HGP) to bring forward the 50-acre site, as part of Devonshire Homes’ ambitious growth strategy. Located off Old Barnstaple Road, the land with spectacular views across the Bristol Channel sea and stunning open countryside, has a Reserved Matters Planning Consent for 309 open market homes and 38 affordable homes. The homes comprise a full range of properties, from one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses. The new Ilfracombe scheme is the fourth site acquired under the joint venture arrangements between the Tiverton-headquartered house builder and HGP in the last six years. It is also an important strategic milestone for Devonshire Homes as the 30-year old residential home developer drives its ambitious five-year growth plan forward. Angus Cook, Managing Director at Devonshire Homes, commented: “The purchase of this sought-after Ilfracombe site cements further our exciting partnership with HGP and long-term relationship with our funders, Lloyds Bank. It demonstrates the success of our partnership model and the confidence in our robust growth plans to build more high quality, sustainable communities across the region.” Construction at Ilfracombe is due to start in early 2023. Devonshire Homes will be responsible for all aspects of the development process. Working with Thrive Architects, the award-winning housebuilder intends to deliver homes with an exciting and aspirational coastal aesthetic design that sits well within the topography of the elevated site, maximising the stunning outlook and coastal views. Angus continued: “Lying close to the amenities of Ilfracombe and offering easy access to the A39 and A361, the site has the exciting potential to offer customers all of the convenience of this desirable location with the high-quality homes that Devonshire Homes is recognised for. “This fantastic site represents a significant step change in Devonshire Home’s expansion. The acquisition is consistent with our active growth strategy and underpins our ability to identify and secure opportunities in the best locations to deliver high-quality homes that people want to live in.” HGP, established by Lloyds Banking Group and Homes England to provide assistance to the most ambitious regional housebuilders in the UK, invests alongside housebuilders to support the delivery of new homes. Arnaud de Blay, Investment Director at HGP, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with Devonshire Homes to bring forward this locally significant scheme at Ilfracombe. We recognise that this scheme plays a large part in the ambitious growth plans for Devonshire Homes “HGP’s investment in the Ilfracombe development represents a deepening of an already hugely successful partnership and the next step in our respective growth journey. This deal reflects HGP’s ability and willingness to invest significant money into large and complex sites along with the right partners.” Paul Collings, Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank, commented: “Securing our future affordable housing supply and ensuring stock can stand the test of time is vital in the current cost of living crisis. “It’s fantastic to continue our support for Devonshire Homes as it looks to tackle the shortage of quality housing in the South West and deliver its ambitious growth strategy. We will continue to be by the side of local businesses to help them take advantage of growth opportunities in these challenging economic times.” A range of community benefits are planned under the Section 106 agreement which will see Devonshire Homes contributing to the local community in the following ways: providing sports pitches, a MUGA (multi-use games area), LEAP (local equipment area for play), LAPS (local area for play) and open space. Land will also be provided for a school and community facility to be built. The overall Section 106 financial contributions to be made for the scheme will total over £2,000,000 after indexation and are to be used for the following The Devonshire Homes team has decades of experience in building new communities across the West Country with current developments including: The Grange, Bideford; Tarka View, Crediton; Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey; Applegate Park, Kingsbridge; Gwallon Keas, St. Austell; Five Lanes Close, Altarnun and The Sun Houses, Yelland. To find out more about Devonshire Homes, visit www.devonshirehomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway has broken ground on a new housing development which forms part of a major residential and commercial scheme in Bowburn. The housebuilder has started construction work at Clarence Gate, where it is to deliver 91 homes on an eight-acre parcel of land off Rosalind Franklin Way. Planning permission for the homes was granted by Durham County Council earlier this year. Clarence Gate will feature a mix of three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses, totalling 91 homes for private sale. Located just off Junction 61 of the A1 (M), the development is part of the wider Integra 61 project, a mixed-used scheme which is set to create 270 new homes, 4,000 jobs and a £2 billion boost to the regional economy over the next decade. Oliver Wray, Sales Manager from Bellway Durham, said: “The ground-breaking at Clarence Gate paves the way for us to deliver 91 new homes at this strategically important site just off the A1(M). Our development represents one third of the residential element of the Integra 61 scheme and will therefore make a significant contribution to meeting the housing needs of the area. “The mix of three and four-bedroom properties that we are building are intended to suit growing families looking for extra space. The location is well-suited to buyers with children as it is close to local schools such as Bowburn Primary School which is only a mile from Clarence Gate. “The easy access to the A1(M) and A177 also makes this a convenient location for people commuting to Newcastle, Darlington and Durham. “We are planning to release the first homes at Clarence Gate onto the market early next year and anticipate handing over the keys to the first completed properties in Spring 2023.” For more information about the development, call 0191 313 0557 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/durham/clarence-gate.
Placefirst, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent providers, has submitted plans to develop over 120 apartments in Halifax town centre. The plans for the £16 million development at Cow Green will see the former multi-storey car park site transformed into high-quality homes for rent and, if approved, it will deliver a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments with bike storage and electric car charging points. Designed as a nine-storey building by JM Architects, the development takes inspiration from the town’s rich heritage and will integrate with the Council’s wider Cow Green highway improvements through attractive landscape features and public realm. Placefirst is working collaboratively with West Yorkshire Combined Authority on the delivery of the scheme, while pre-application advice has been sought from Calderdale Council and a public consultation. “We are excited to submit our plans to regenerate this area in the centre of Halifax with our most sustainable scheme to date. We have worked closely with the Combined Authority and Calderdale Council to ensure the scheme delivers the shared objectives of all partners and sets the standard for high quality build-to-rent in Halifax. We hope that the proposals are well received and look forward to starting work next summer to create new homes for residents,” said James Litherland, planning and development manager at Placefirst. Plans for Cow Green represent Placefirst’s most sustainable project to date as it transitions towards ‘net zero’. A fabric first approach has been taken to maximise the thermal performance of the building in addition to renewable and efficient technologies including photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and wastewater heat recovery. This will deliver a superior EPC rating which will limit energy consumption and allow for lower bills for residents. The proposal links closely to Calderdale’s vision for Halifax as a vibrant place to live, work and visit, and plans dovetail with current and future ‘Calderdale The Next Chapter’ proposals for the town centre such as the refurbishment of the bus station and the train station gateway. Placefirst is well known for creating quality, well-maintained rental neighbourhoods in multiple regions across the UK, and this scheme in Halifax would follow in the footsteps of its other successful developments including ‘Elevate’, 53 high-spec apartments near Manchester city centre, and ‘Skye Edge’, a thriving family community of 113 new build homes with incredible hilltop views across Sheffield. Once each neighbourhood is complete, Placefirst also maintain a presence on site and manage their neighbourhoods with skilled, friendly in-house teams, and dedicated resident services managers. If approved, work is expected to start in mid-2023 and would be completed by 2025. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jessup Partnerships, one of the region’s leading partnerships developers, has announced the opening of its Beech show home at a new development in Lightmoor Village, Telford. A great choice for families, the Beech style home is designed with an open plan kitchen/dining area taking the best of modern living and pairing it with a traditional exterior. Downstairs, the three-bedroom home offers a large living area with French doors opening to the rear fenced and turfed garden, as well as a handy downstairs cloakroom. Meanwhile, off the landing on the first floor are three bedrooms and a family bathroom, with an ensuite to the main bedroom. The development, located on Wellington Road, features a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes which are perfect for families and young professionals. Each is built with ecological and environmental living in mind and to a generous specification. “The Beech is the perfect home for first-time buyers looking to set up a home as well as families which are expanding and looking for more space. All our homes within The Woodlands development are designed to be as sustainable as possible resulting in low running costs for all of our buyers. We encourage anyone looking to purchase a home to come along to the show home to avoid disappointment,” said Chris Timmins, Managing Director at Jessup. Located in the friendly village of Lightmoor, The Woodlands is a short drive away from the village centre which has a number of shops, a community hub, a flourishing school, and three popular parks which are perfect for any canine companions. The Woodlands is also close to open countryside and has great transport links on its doorstep. Nearby is 20 hectares of Lightmoor Nature Reserve, plus Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton are easily accessible via junction five of the M54. Lightmoor Village is a joint venture between Bournville Village Trust and Homes England, modelled on the principles of a Garden Village. Established for 34 years, Jessup is already a trusted partner to local authorities and registered providers of social housing. Its 92-strong team provides a full development management service from land acquisition and planning consent, through to the construction of high-quality homes across the wider Midlands. Jessup also benefits from preferred partner status with Homes England. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Glenbrook has submitted plans for the residential and public realm elements of Lumina Village, a £250 million mixed-use scheme in Trafford, Greater Manchester. Working in partnership with Bruntwood and Trafford Council, the proposals, designed by Sheppard Robson and landscape architect Re-form, include the development of six blocks of apartments, ranging from six to 20 storeys and 53 three-storey townhouses at the Talbot Road site. The plans offer a total of 639 new homes, a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom houses. A mixed offer of private rent, private sale, shared ownership and affordable rent will be available, with at least 15% Affordable Housing. “This planning application marks the first stage in the delivery of Trafford’s wider Civic Quarter masterplan. We have worked closely with Bruntwood, Trafford Council and our design team to ensure that the type of homes we are creating will meet the market need now and in the future, as well as delivering a new public realm based on age 8-80 principles that will benefit both the new and existing community. Subject to a positive outcome at committee, we aim to start on site in Q2 2023,” commented Shannon Conway, Residential Director at Glenbrook. As part of the planning application the scheme will include 5.4-acres of public realm, 5,300 sq ft of retail space on the ground floor and 200 parking spaces. Avison Young is the planning consultant. After securing outline planning consent to redevelop the former 12-acre Kellogg’s site in 2020, Bruntwood and Trafford Council appointed Glenbrook in December 2021 to deliver both the residential offer and the public realm at Lumina Village. “Together with Trafford council and Glenbrook, we’re committed to creating high-quality, people-focussed spaces where communities can come together and thrive. The community has been at the heart of the plans to create a vibrant new neighbourhood at Lumina Village, which forms an important part of our wider transformation in Trafford. It’s fantastic to see the project take another step forwards with this latest milestone,” concluded Andrea George, Town Centre and Consumer Brands Director at Bruntwood. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING housebuilder, Lovell Homes, has launched the second phase of its development in the market town of Louth. When complete, phase two of Tennyson Fields will offer 141 two-, three- and four-bedroom high-specification homes. Prices for a two-bedroom house start at £188,500 and are suitable for a wide variety of prospective homeowners. Phase one of Tennyson Fields consisted of 100 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes – all plots are sold and completed since 2021. Robert Adams, regional managing director at Lovell, said: “The first phase of Tennyson Fields proved to be incredibly popular, with houses selling at record speed, which is why we’re delighted be expanding the development. We’re committed to creating exciting new communities as we continue to grow in the region and it’s great to see so many prospective new homeowners coming to look around.” The show homes for phase two of the development have just officially opened their doors, with tours available. Alexandrea Brown, sales executive at Lovell, said: “Tennyson Fields is a development that has something for everyone. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Lincolnshire Wolds, Louth is a market town with a modern outlook that boasts good schools, amenities and is a foodie’s idea of heaven thanks to its weekly markets. It’s a jewel in the county’s crown. “I worked on the first phase of Tennyson Fields and, when I knew a second phase was coming, I had no hesitation in coming back. There’s something about this area that really gets under your skin, and I can’t wait for our customers to experience that and welcome new potential homeowners onto the development.” The marketing suite and show homes are open Thursday to Monday 10am till 5pm, for more information on Tennyson Fields Phase 2, visit: https://www.lovell.co.uk/developments/tennyson-fields-2-louth/ or call 01507 623 541. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Higgins, an award winning partner and developer, has announced the development of over 90 new homes on York Way Estate in the London Borough of Islington. While residents will benefit from a combination of studio, and one, two, three and four bedroom homes across four buildings, half of the homes will be given to tenants of Islington Council. “High housing costs are a threat to the capital’s competitiveness and the ability of London’s businesses to attract and retain the workforce it needs. London’s housing shortage is one of the most pressing social issues that we face. We have ambitious plans to develop many new homes on sites across the capital. The housing project at York Way Estate is an exciting one and will benefit residents for years to come,” said Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed. The City of London Corporation, a social landlord that manages 12 housing estates across the City of London and six London boroughs, will also build a new community centre, estate office, two playgrounds, a games area, and resident gardens. “Everyone deserves a safe, decent, and genuinely affordable place to call home – this is a vital part of our work to create a more equal Islington. I am delighted that this development will provide 45 much-needed new homes for social rent for Islington Council tenants on the York Way Estate. Council homes change lives – we need them more than ever in the midst of a housing crisis and a cost of living emergency,” commented Cllr Diarmaid Ward, Islington Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Planning and Performance. “With the ongoing demand for new social housing in London we are pleased to be working with the City Corporation to deliver these additional low carbon affordable homes on the York Way Estate,” added Steve Leakey, Managing Director of Higgins Partnerships. “As well as delivering the new homes we will also work closely with the local community to create employment and training opportunities for those living in the local area, through apprenticeship and work placements and also support those who are looking to retrain and build a career in the construction industry.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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