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
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.
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
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
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-,
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
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
While construction often brings to mind images of building sites and hard hats, the industry is powered by a vast network of professionals working behind the scenes to bring developments to life. This International Women’s Day, Harron Homes is celebrating the women who play crucial roles in shaping its success—driving
Investec Bank plc (“Investec”), a leading international financial services provider, announces that its Real Estate team has provided The James, a fast-growing UK rental accommodation provider, with a £17 million loan to fund the development of a 150-unit co-living scheme in Birmingham city centre. It furthers Investec’s exposure to a sector
Vistry Group and Bloor Homes are joining forces to create a new community at Leighton West in Crewe, delivering 791 homes as part of a major development that aligns with Cheshire East’s Local Plan. Vistry will build 408 of the homes on the site. Of these, 208 will be forward-sold
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
While construction often brings to mind images of building sites and hard hats, the industry is powered by a vast network of professionals working behind the scenes to bring developments to life. This International Women’s Day, Harron Homes is celebrating the women who play crucial roles in shaping its success—driving projects forward, supporting customers, and ensuring seamless operations. With 18 years of experience in the industry, Kirsty Wilson plays a vital role in Harron Homes’ design team. She is responsible for creating site layouts that balance viability with compliance, ensuring each development meets the highest standards. Kirsty attributes her success to early mentorship from a female architect and notes the increasing presence of women on construction sites. “Gender equality should be the norm,” says Kirsty. “One of the biggest barriers for women is awareness. Young women may not realise the variety of roles available in construction. “To women who are interested in the construction side, don’t be put off by it being male-dominated. People no longer make a big deal about women being on site, you’ll find the majority are friendly and helpful, regardless of gender.” Stacy Law transitioned into the construction industry two years ago after a diverse career in operations and business development. As a PA to the Managing Directors and Office Manager at Harron’s Yorkshire office, Stacy ensures smooth operations and provides essential support to the leadership team. “I’ve seen a real shift in attitudes towards women in construction,” Stacy shares. “Traditionally, it was seen as a male-dominated field, but there is now a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Implementing clear policies and providing equal growth opportunities will further accelerate progress and inclusion.” Her advice to women considering a career in housebuilding? “Go for it! There are so many departments to start your career in beyond the building site, from finance to design to customer service, and the industry is full of opportunities.” With 18 years in property and seven in construction, Laura Higginbottom ensures that every homebuyer receives top-tier support as an Assistant Customer Service Manager. She values the strong support network within the company and believes social media has played a significant role in highlighting the achievements of women in the industry. “I’ve always felt supported and heard at Harron,” Laura explains. “The company hires the right person for the role, which has naturally led to women stepping into leadership positions. The more we promote women in senior roles, the more we can inspire others to follow.” Like Kirsty, Stacy feels a wider knowledge of the various career paths could encourage girls to join the industry. “Social media is doing a lot to showcase women in the industry, but promoting those available career paths from a much younger age could encourage women to explore construction a lot sooner. Some people are too shy to approach certain roles in life so by offering the information initially it might spark a positive conversation.” While the construction industry has made significant progress in gender equality, Kirsty, Stacy, and Laura agree that increasing representation, fostering an inclusive workplace, and promoting diverse career opportunities are key steps forward. Group Operations Director, Sarah Marsden added, “At Harron Homes, we are committed to supporting women in the workplace and celebrating their contributions. As Harron’s inaugural Group Operations Director, I’ve been given an amazing opportunity to not only leave my own mark on the company, but to encourage other women aspiring to do the same. Success comes from the hard work of people across every part of the business. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women behind the scenes who make it all happen.” For more information on Harron Homes please visit https://www.harronhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Investec Bank plc (“Investec”), a leading international financial services provider, announces that its Real Estate team has provided The James, a fast-growing UK rental accommodation provider, with a £17 million loan to fund the development of a 150-unit co-living scheme in Birmingham city centre. It furthers Investec’s exposure to a sector that is benefitting from a number of compelling tailwinds, including a growing shortage of high-quality rental homes and ongoing homeownership affordability challenges. The development will see the transformation of Richmond House, a 67,000 sq ft former university building, into The James Birmingham, the city’s first co-living scheme, designed to meet the need for high quality rental units from postgraduate students and young professionals working in the area. The development will include a two-storey rooftop extension and the provision of shared facilities including a communal kitchen and dining areas, podcast studio and work lounge, gym, games room, cinema, external terrace and socialising area. Other features include air source heat pumps throughout the building and 166 bike parking spaces. Founded in 2018, The James currently has 302 apartments in operation across three fully occupied assets in Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield. A further 406 are in development, including The James Birmingham as well as a future scheme in Manchester. Knight Frank’s 2024 UK co-living report revealed that since 2020 investors have deployed nearly £1 billion funding or acquiring co-living developments, and further acceleration in the growth of the sector is anticipated[1]. Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham are the most established regional markets as a result of their large and growing populations of young professionals, strong graduate retention rates and expanding employment markets, which make them viable locations for developers and investors[2]. Ian Burdett at Investec, commented: “The appeal of co-living is rapidly expanding across the UK. Having initially gained traction in London, the sector is now increasingly reaching other major regional cities, where housing supply and the ability to get on the housing ladder is a challenge for many. Students and young professionals are also increasingly drawn to the sector’s vibrant amenity and community offering. “The James’ established track record of delivering high quality schemes across several UK cities made them a natural partner as we look to grow our exposure to the sector. We look forward to working with them again as they build out their portfolio further.” Grant Sulkin, Co-Founder at The James, added: “We are thrilled to be bringing our product to Birmingham and to be working with Investec on this exciting development. The city’s strong demand for high-quality rental housing aligns perfectly with our vision to create vibrant, well-connected communities for young professionals and postgraduate students. We look forward to delivering an exceptional living experience at The James Birmingham.” [1] Knight Frank: The Co-Living Report 2024 [2] ibid Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group and Bloor Homes are joining forces to create a new community at Leighton West in Crewe, delivering 791 homes as part of a major development that aligns with Cheshire East’s Local Plan. Vistry will build 408 of the homes on the site. Of these, 208 will be forward-sold to affordable housing provider Plus Dane Housing, while the remaining 200 homes will be marketed for sale under Vistry’s Linden Homes and Bovis Homes brands. Bloor Homes will contribute 383 homes to the development, 39 of which will be affordable housing. The new Leighton West neighbourhood will not only provide much-needed housing but also offer a variety of public amenities, including allotments, community orchards, footpaths, cycleways, formal and informal play areas, outdoor gyms, and green corridors. The development will also contribute £5.6 million to enhance local infrastructure and community services. This will fund a new mixed-use local centre with community and leisure facilities, a pub, a children’s day nursery, and space for a new primary school. Additional contributions will support improved cycle links, highway works, NHS services and Travel Plan monitoring. Joe Turner, Managing Director of Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, commented: “Leighton West will not only address the local demand for high-quality housing, including affordable homes, but will also deliver a host of community benefits – from green spaces to new commercial, retail, and educational facilities – helping to create a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood for Crewe.” James Clark, Managing Director for Bloor Homes’ North West region, added: “We are very much looking forward to delivering high quality homes, significant green spaces and several other key benefits to the local community in this exciting collaboration with Vistry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
