Wildlife is returning to a former industrial site in Cheadle which is being transformed into an environmentally-friendly new residential neighbourhood. Ducks and trout are already visiting the new nature corridor at Bellway’s Cecilly Mills development, off Oakamoor Road, which was for many years home to the JCB factory. The Cecilly
Keepmoat Homes, one of the UK’s leading home builders, has announced plans for its first site in Wales, following the successful acquisition in Deeside. Situated along the River Dee, the land has been purchased from private landowners for an undisclosed sum and will be transformed into a new housing development.
Plans have been submitted for phase two of Queensgate Square, which will see the transformation of the block on Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham. The block will be turned into prestigious residences, set around a communal garden and square, which will be shared with residents of Queensgate House, representing phase one
Addison Hunt, chartered quantity surveyor and project management experts, has officially commenced work on a new homes and office development in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. The mixed-use site will bring nine properties and two commercial offices to the area, which will be marketed by Newtown Living. Working alongside property development and construction
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched the next phase of apartments at its Brooklands Park development in Stoke Gifford, Bristol. The collection of 23 one and two bedroom homes is ideal for first time buyers and young professionals looking for a semi-rural, well-designed home within commuting distance of Bristol and London.
Consulting civil and structural engineering company Will Rudd has completed the latest project from a series of long-term collaboration with PureMalt Haddington. The project involved the complete refurbishment of the Maltings Building, which laid in a state of near ruin for over 25 years. Will Rudd provided scope of work
Equans has announced its partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver important decarbonisation measures across the housing market in Maltby. For this project, the council has secured £1.5 million from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), which will serve as a pilot to retrofit other homes in the
Expert housebuilder Barwood Homes has announced its new name and brand – Cora. The company, based in Northamptonshire, has been delivering homes across the Midlands since it formed in 2010. However, as the company looks to the future, it wanted a new name and brand that better reflects its values.
A new development located in Newhaven, East Sussex, on the former Parker Pen factory site, has marked leading social housing provider, Stonewater’s 5000th new home completed since the association’s formation in 2015. Representatives from Stonewater, including Chairman Sheila Collins, CEO Nicholas Harris, as well as members of the development team
The first people have moved into their homes at Brighton and Hove’s newest neighbourhood, Edward Street Quarter (ESQ), located on the former AMEX House site in the city’s Kemptown district. The development, located just a stone’s throw from the seafront and the famous Palace Pier, comprises 168 homes and promises
Wildlife is returning to a former industrial site in Cheadle which is being transformed into an environmentally-friendly new residential neighbourhood. Ducks and trout are already visiting the new nature corridor at Bellway’s Cecilly Mills development, off Oakamoor Road, which was for many years home to the JCB factory. The Cecilly Brook formerly flowed through a closed culvert under a series of concrete bridges on the brownfield site – but has been restored to its natural glory as part of Bellway’s green vision for the development. Bellway is building 120 new homes on the nine-and-a-half-acre site, with work on the first homes beginning in December 2020. The scheme to restore the brook has created an eight-metre ecological buffer zone with new planting and wildlife habitats, as well as bee banks to encourage biodiversity in the area. Lee Aston, Site Manager at Cecilly Mills, said: “We pay due care and attention at all sites that we build on to ensure that we can help to encourage biodiversity wherever we can. In this instance, we’ve incorporated an existing natural feature into a new wildlife corridor. “This site has undergone a significant transformation from an industrial brownfield site into a natural green space that actively promotes biodiversity, providing a pleasant and open backdrop for our residents as well as habitats for wildlife. “The brook has already proven to be very popular with residents and local people alike, who have been seen taking pictures from Oakamoor Road, which provides a perfect vantage point for the brook and the development. “Despite only having started the works in December 2020, we have already seen wildlife returning to the site, including several flocks of ducks and a sizeable number of trout in the stream, which makes the work all that more rewarding. In time, we also hope to see the return of water voles to this area, connecting the two populations found at the Palm Brook and Cecilly Brook Local Nature Reserves to the north and south of the site respectively. “While we have made great strides on the site until now, there is still plenty of work to be done to finish building the final homes on site. The remaining building work will be completed while ensuring that the brook, our staff, and the natural environment are all protected. “We look forward to completing the work here and finishing the transformation of this site into a desirable and environmentally friendly development, helping to meet the demand for high-quality housing in Staffordshire.” Bellway is delivering a mix of two to four-bedroom properties at Cecilly Mills, with prices starting from £199,500. For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/cecilly-mills, or call the sales team on 01538 331565.
Keepmoat Homes, one of the UK’s leading home builders, has announced plans for its first site in Wales, following the successful acquisition in Deeside. Situated along the River Dee, the land has been purchased from private landowners for an undisclosed sum and will be transformed into a new housing development. Part of a wider re-development programme in the area, planning approval has already been granted by the Flintshire County Council’s planning committee back in March 2020. The 129-home scheme will comprise of a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes available for private sale. In addition to housing, the site will also feature a children’s play area for residents to enjoy. “We are really excited to transform the site, which is in a prominent location by the River Dee, into a new neighbourhood,” said Gareth Roberts, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat. “Securing our first ever site in Wales marks a milestone for the business and furthers our goal to expand into new areas and deliver real value to the people who live there.” “Our vision is to create a place where people want to live and enjoy, and we’re driven to ensure the development is a major benefit to the local community. We’re looking forward to providing high quality housing that integrates well with the local community and are excited about turning our plans into reality,” added Gareth. The Keepmoat development in Wales will generate opportunities in training and employment through the use of sub-contractors, work placements and educational visits to the site, as part of its commitment to create a sustainable community, which will be delivered throughout the lifetime of the project. Beth Harrop, who lives in the area, has recently joined Keepmoat as a Construction Trainee and will be assisting the team to deliver the brand-new homes at Deeside. She spoke of her recent appointment: “I joined Keepmoat straight out of my studies, and I couldn’t feel prouder to have landed such a fulfilling role. Having grown up local to the site, it’s incredibly exciting to be working on such a landmark development which is helping to bring great opportunities to my local community. Whilst every day in my role is different to the last, our passion for building quality homes remains the same.” Work at the development is expected to commence this month and will take three years to complete. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted for phase two of Queensgate Square, which will see the transformation of the block on Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham. The block will be turned into prestigious residences, set around a communal garden and square, which will be shared with residents of Queensgate House, representing phase one of Queensgate Square. These new builds – two blocks, one of 15 storeys and another of 12 – will add 159 new luxury apartments to the Birmingham market. Over a third of the accommodation – 55 in number – will be affordable. Both luxury and affordable apartments will blend seamlessly with the only difference being the level of specification when you walk through the door. Construction on phase one is already underway and it will see an eight-storey 1950s office block transformed into 68 boutique apartments – studio, one, two and three-bedroom – apartments. The accommodation will be available for rent (PRS) by mid-2024. Designed by D5 Architects, the London-based developer behind the Queensgate Square scheme – The Riverlow Group – specialises in upmarket transformations. They recently acquired this, their first site in the Midlands, and submitted planning in early October. “Despite all the recent economic turbulence, the investors we speak with regularly, wherever they are in the world, all know that Birmingham remains rich with investment opportunities. Aspirational apartments are always in high demand, especially for rent. We know we get it right because we know we’d love to live in our developments. That level of comfort is important when your neighbour is the Bond Street of Birmingham,” commented Max Reisner, Spokesman for The Riverlow Group. The super-luxe apartments in the Queensgate development will feature high-spec, designer kitchens and bathrooms, all finessed with a natural pallet of mixed timbers, earthy tones and soft whites. The penthouses will have specifically-designed, live-work spaces. “Queensgate’s situation is particularly special. You’re right in the heart of the city centre, only a few minutes’ walk away from the high street, New Street and the under-construction HS2 rail station. The development will be car-free with ample secure bike storage. Why use a car when you have Michelin-starred restaurants on your doorstep and you can reach most places quicker by train?,” said Max Reisner. “At the forefront of our design thinking has been how we’re all going to live more sustainably in the future. So we will have thick walls with high levels of insulation, which will minimise running costs, as will the large windows which will flood living spaces with all the wellbeing and environmental benefits of natural light. All in all, Queensgate Square will be a place where residents will build many happy memories,” Max concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Addison Hunt, chartered quantity surveyor and project management experts, has officially commenced work on a new homes and office development in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. The mixed-use site will bring nine properties and two commercial offices to the area, which will be marketed by Newtown Living. Working alongside property development and construction company GS Developments, and architects rg+p, Addison Hunt will be providing project management and quantity surveying services for the project. The development, located in Granite Way, will comprise two and 2.5-storey homes with traditional Georgian-style features, such as warm red multi-brick with a detailed light stone appearance and sash windows. “We’re delighted to have been appointed to work on this project. The development of the site will provide a much more positive outlook and sense of arrival as passers-by travel through Mountsorrel. We look forward to work progressing and bringing a new mixed-use development to the area, which has been designed to fit in with the current surroundings,” said Simon Collin, Director of Addison Hunt. The commercial unit has been designed to form a bridge between existing commercial use and residential development nearby. Similar materials to the properties will be used, but with a contemporary look and feel in order to be recognised as an office building. “It’s great to be working alongside Addison Hunt to deliver another fantastic project in the Leicestershire area,” added Mandeep Singh, director of GS Developments. “After a number of years of planning and design work we’re delighted to finally see the build get underway, which will enhance and bring more people to the site to live and work.” Granite Way continues the relationship between the firms, with recent Leicestershire project completions on warehouse development at Parker Drive and affordable housing scheme at Abbey Meadows which won ‘Residential Regeneration Project of the Year’ award at the Insider Media East Midlands Property Awards. “We’re looking forward to the homes being complete and providing residents with new rental properties, given the current demand for high-quality homes in Leicestershire,” concluded Neeley Turrell, Estates Manager at Newtown Living. Since its inception in 2016 Addison Hunt, which is led by company directors Chris Hunt and Simon Collin, has grown to a team of nine professionals delivering multi-million-pound projects across the Midlands. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched the next phase of apartments at its Brooklands Park development in Stoke Gifford, Bristol. The collection of 23 one and two bedroom homes is ideal for first time buyers and young professionals looking for a semi-rural, well-designed home within commuting distance of Bristol and London. The latest range of apartments at Brooklands Park offer flexible living with open plan kitchen-living-dining areas, providing ample space to for homeowners to work, relax, and entertain in. The homes offer plenty of storage, with the apartments featuring built-in wardrobes to the main bedrooms and additional closet or airing cupboard space. In the two-bedroom properties, the main double bedroom benefits from its own en-suite bathroom, alongside a sizeable guest bathroom. In the face of the cost-of-living crisis, with demand for rental properties outstripping supply and rental prices reaching all-new highs in Bristol, new build properties are an ideal option for those looking to make the most of their money. Not only are new build properties cheaper to run thanks to their energy efficient and low maintenance features but movers can take advantage of the schemes available such as Deposit Unlock. In fact, mortgage repayments in the area are cheaper than rents on similar properties, meaning now is the ideal time to secure your dream new build property at Brooklands Park. “Following the popularity of the apartments during Brooklands Park’s first phase, we’re delighted to be launching the next phase at the development, offering prospective buyers the chance to join this established, thriving community on site. The latest apartments at Brooklands Park will deliver a new offering for those searching for an apartment, with spacious, multifunctional, open-plan layouts designed for those with busy modern lives,” said Clare Brimble, Sales and Marketing Director for Crest Nicholson South West. “With plenty of transport options, the development is also an excellent choice for young professionals who need to commute. Brooklands Park has already proven popular with a range of buyers, from first time buyers and young professionals to those looking to downsize, so I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch with our sales team soon to avoid disappointment.” Spread out across a 65-acre site yet just six miles from the centre of Bristol, the development offers a restful, semi-rural environment with plenty of open green space, including a wildlife corridor to encourage and care for local wildlife. There are plenty of local amenities nearby including retail parks, restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, as well the Cabot Circus shopping centre and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway for all retail needs. For those looking to enjoy indoor leisure activities, Nuffield Health and DW Fitness gyms and Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre are all close by, whilst local golf, bowling and cricket clubs are available to join for those keen on getting involved in outdoor sports. For residents with children, Bradley Stoke Secondary School and Abbeywood Community School, Baileys Court, Little Stoke and St Michaels primary schools, plus St Michael’s nursery are all also a short drive away. For commuters, the development is just a 12 minute walk to Bristol Parkway railway station, which provides regular services to London Paddington in just over an hour. For those with a car, the M32, M4 and M5 can all be found nearby, linking residents to the wider South West region, while Bristol Airport is just a 40 minute drive away. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Consulting civil and structural engineering company Will Rudd has completed the latest project from a series of long-term collaboration with PureMalt Haddington. The project involved the complete refurbishment of the Maltings Building, which laid in a state of near ruin for over 25 years. Will Rudd provided scope of work for much-needed essential repairs and to provide temporary stability, including removing and replacing original concrete flooring, installing new steelwork and a new roof. The project was delivered in partnership with design team Unum Architecture, PMC Commercial Ltd Contractors, M&E consultant Hawthorne Boyle Ltd and surveyors Neilson Partnership. Following years of housing germinating malt, the atmosphere slowly eroded the original building’s floors and structure. This required careful, complex and systematic thinking and action to ensure a robust structural solution which maintained the integrity of the building. Contractor PMCC began refurbishment work on the Maltings Building in December 2019. Phase one, comprising essential repairs, structural work and new flooring, was completed in the summer of 2021. Phase two, internal fit outs, installing the new staircase, lift and finishing touches, concluded in July 2022. “We have enjoyed a fantastic working relationship with Pure Malt Haddington for eight years and delivered over 30 projects, from the installation of elements to aid the company’s business such as new tanks with associated structural supports to highly complex projects like the Maltings Building,” said Stephen Rudd, Technical Director at Will Rudd Glasgow. “This particular project presented some highly complex challenges which required us to work closely with the wider design team to solve. The building itself was not in good condition, having been in a severe state of disrepair for a number of years. This presented an immediate need to ensure we could make the building safe and start a programme of essential repairs. With much of the original walls and flooring unsalvageable due to deterioration over time, we had to work very strategically to ‘design out’ any risk of collapse and maintain temporary stability holistically with the contractor,” he added. The project was also reviewed continuously from a Conservation Engineering perspective and whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the building, the designs were able to include retaining of the existing cast iron internal columns and external walls as well as the majority of the steel support beams above the first-floor level. These elements were able to be treated in-situ with new paintwork to the steel, extensive stonework repairs and repointing to the building’s façade to extend their lifespan in line with the project’s requirements and restore the building to its former glory. It was announced in September that the Maltings Building is shortlisted in the ‘Refurbishment of an Historic Building’ category of the inaugural Institution of Structural Engineers Scottish Structural Awards. Winners will be announced on 27 October. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Equans has announced its partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver important decarbonisation measures across the housing market in Maltby. For this project, the council has secured £1.5 million from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), which will serve as a pilot to retrofit other homes in the region. Known as a former mining town with some of the UK’s highest levels of fuel poverty, Maltby would benefit immensely from this project. Unfortunately, the town is currently in top 10% most fuel-poor areas in the UK, and current EPC ratings on the selected properties range from C to G. “We’re delighted to be working with Rotherham Council on this vital energy efficiency and decarbonisation project in Maltby. With energy bills set to continue rising for the foreseeable future, pushing more and more people into fuel poverty, it’s more important than ever that the private and public sectors work together on projects like this,” commented Steve Batty, Head of Sustainability at Equans UK & Ireland. The 141 homes due to benefit from the Equans measures are traditional cavity brick-built, which is typical of the housing stock in Rotherham and can therefore help to shape the future borough-wide net zero carbon specification. As well as fabric improvements, including external wall and loft insulation, triple-glazed windows and energy efficient doors, the scope of work also be combined with a previously-planned re-roofing programme, in order to minimise disruption for residents. “Initiatives like this are a crucial part of the Council’s housing strategy. The efficiencies that will be saved through schemes like this one will make a huge difference to people’s lives. We are now looking at how we can extend this good practice in other parts of the borough,” added Paul Walsh, Assistant Director for Housing at Rotherham Council. Rotherham Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has pledged to cut carbon emissions in the borough to net zero by 2040. This scheme in Maltby is expected to save more than 96,000kg of CO2 per year, while also helping residents reduce their energy bills. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Expert housebuilder Barwood Homes has announced its new name and brand – Cora. The company, based in Northamptonshire, has been delivering homes across the Midlands since it formed in 2010. However, as the company looks to the future, it wanted a new name and brand that better reflects its values. Luke Simmons, Managing Director at Cora, said: “We are thrilled to announce our new name and branding and are looking forward to a successful future as Cora. “Our new name comes from the word Chorus, echoing who we are as a company – a group of people working in harmony. “We feel our new brand better reflects our values, a people-centric company focused on delivering high-quality homes while providing great customer service.” Among Cora’s current live sites are Eagles Edge, Redhill, in Nottinghamshire, Romney Meadows, in Quainton, Buckinghamshire and the Old Sawmill in Great Bowden in Leicestershire. Cora is launching a new website to coincide with the rebranding, giving its customers access to an easy-to-use platform packed with information and updates on Cora’s projects. As Cora, the team and management remains the same while the company also looks to extend its strategy on sustainability and the environment. Luke said “Although the company’s name has changed, its dedication to delivering excellent homes and customer service has not. Although we have been building excellent homes since we were formed, the company has grown and evolved since we were first established.” “As Cora, our work will be complimented by our new Sustainable Building Framework, and our focus will also be on protecting the environment and working within our communities. “We will continue to deliver on our promises of excellent quality of product and service, but will build upon these values as the company moves forward.” For more information on Cora and its projects visit Cora.uk
A new development located in Newhaven, East Sussex, on the former Parker Pen factory site, has marked leading social housing provider, Stonewater’s 5000th new home completed since the association’s formation in 2015. Representatives from Stonewater, including Chairman Sheila Collins, CEO Nicholas Harris, as well as members of the development team that have been involved in the project, welcomed the Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Paul Boswell to the site opening, which took place recently. The scheme, called Safford Park, incorporates 145 new homes being built on the former Parker Pen factory site and close to the River Ouse, which will provide a range of affordable housing options for residents. Developed by Hill Partnerships, an award-winning house builder that operates across London and the Southeast, the Safford Park scheme is the first collaboration between Stonewater and the construction firm. Each of the homes have been built to EPC B energy rating standards and offer electric vehicle charging points. The development will also incorporate a community garden and allotment space to encourage environmentally friendly living. Stonewater, which is renowned for its inclusion of public art at its developments has paid homage to the history of the site with the artistic display for Safford Park. The entranceway to the development will be home to two oversized fountain pen nibs, while further nods to the Parker Pen history will be seen in pen lid shaped bollards and nib shaped railings that will be installed across the site. Nicholas Harris, CEO at Stonewater said: “We’re hugely proud to have reached our 5000th home achievement and at such a fantastic development at Safford Park, which really showcases the quality of sustainable homes we have built over the last seven years. Achieving this significant milestone is a testament to the team and our partners that have worked with us across every project that Stonewater has delivered to get us to this point.” Jonathan Layzell, Executive Director – Development at Stonewater “The site in Newhaven is incredibly important, not only to the local area where affordable housing is needed, but also to our overall mission to delivering good quality homes to people who need them most. “While we take a moment to celebrate the work that has got us to this point, we also look forward, as a team, to the next milestone, and beyond.” Paul Boswell, Mayor of Newhaven said: “I was delighted to be asked to attend the ceremony to mark the construction of the Stonewater’s 5000th home. The development in Newhaven is an attractive mix of houses and apartments of various sizes. New homes in our town are in high demand and I’m sure it won’t be long before all these quality properties are fully occupied. Harvey Dhami, Deputy Regional Director at The Hill Group comments: “We would like to congratulate Stonewater for achieving this impressive milestone and are delighted that homes at our Safford Park development have contributed to the 5,000 new homes provided. These energy efficient homes will deliver much needed affordable housing for the local community at Newhaven and ensure current and future generations can enjoy living in a high-quality sustainable home.” The development also provided opportunities for engagement with the local community. Strong links were established with students studying construction at Sussex College, who were invited to attend regular site visits and meet staff working on site, while children at the local primary school were involved in a poster competition showcasing what they like about their local area, with the winning posters displayed on site. The Hill Group also employed a number of local students at the site and plumbing apprentice, Kai Sol was presented with a new tool bag as a sign of appreciation for his involvement in the project at the opening event.
The first people have moved into their homes at Brighton and Hove’s newest neighbourhood, Edward Street Quarter (ESQ), located on the former AMEX House site in the city’s Kemptown district. The development, located just a stone’s throw from the seafront and the famous Palace Pier, comprises 168 homes and promises to be a vibrant, eclectic and inclusive part of the local community. As soon as people move in, they’re invited to join the Edward Street app to meet co-residents, find out what’s going on in the building and wider neighbourhood, and access all the latest news, events and exclusive offers. There’s also an opportunity to offer feedback so their experience can be tweaked and improved on an ongoing basis. Steve Eccles, Director at developer Socius, said: “ESQ has been built with community in mind. The residents are welcome to connect digitally, and there are lots of places where they can meet in real life, too, such as the stylish residents’ rooftop terrace, which has stunning views of the sea, as well as the green community spaces.” There are a handful of one, two and three-bedroom apartments available, many with private balcony space. Tom Bryant, Director of Savills, one of the lead real estate agencies working on ESQ, said: “These apartments have so much to offer in this flourishing new neighbourhood, which is minutes from the beach and the Lanes, and within walking distance of the station. With very limited new build stock in Brighton, we anticipate continued high levels of interest in the remaining apartments at this flagship residential development.” James Epps, Director of Oakley Property, Sussex-based land and new homes specialists, jointly marketing ESQ, said: “The development has everything you need for modern work-leisure living. Gyms, retail spaces, restaurants, co-workspaces and public art installations. Plus, you have easy access to Brighton and Hove itself, and all the city’s amazing facilities.” The development also features 125,000 sq ft of flexible office space, making it the largest provision of workspace to be delivered in the city since 1993. It includes 20,000 sq ft designated for food, beverage, retail and leisure. Edward Street Quarter is the £140 million redevelopment of the former AMEX House in Brighton, owned by mixed-use developer Socius, First Base, and Patron Capital. For more information about Edward Street Quarter, please visit edwardstreetquarter.com.