10 properties at Kedward Avenue in Middlesbrough will be energy efficient and future-proofed for residents. Esh Construction is helping raise the bar for sustainable living in Teesside as it develops 10 net-zero carbon homes for Thirteen Group. Part of an £18 million development known as Kedward Avenue – one of
Leading housing association Bromford has today announced a strong set of financial results for the six months to September 2024 with the publication of its mid-year trading update. The results show another period of robust financial performance for the Tewkesbury-based housing association which continues to invest in its existing homes
The North East region of Lovell has been appointed to Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework. The arrangement means that the developer, which has its headquarters in Houghton le Spring, is in a prime position to bid for construction contracts worth more than £3 million with the affordable housing provider. Beyond
Affordable and social housing developer EDAROTH (a wholly owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has begun work on a multiple-site scheme in Surrey to deliver sustainable affordable homes in partnership with a housing association. Social housing provider Raven Housing Trust is now working with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head)
Vistry Group has acquired a site in Tewkesbury to deliver up to 150 affordable homes in partnership with Platform Housing Group as part of a £38 million project. Outline planning consent is already in place for the homes in Fiddington Lane, near Ashchurch, and a reserved matters application will now
Housing association believe housing has appointed a new chair of its board. The not-for-profit landlord, which manages more than 18,000 homes across County Durham and beyond, has appointed John Marshall as its new chair. A board member since 2019, he takes over the post from Hazel Dale, who came to
Vistry, Britain’s biggest housebuilder, has joined forces with Bromford to build up to 695 sustainable homes in Longbridge, south-west Birmingham, formerly home to the MG works. Vistry has joined forces with Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, which will own and manage the affordable homes. Bromford is acquiring
Housbuilder Vistry has teamed up with Bromford to build up to 695 sustainable homes in Longbridge, south-west Birmingham, formerly home to the MG works. Vistry has joined forces with Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, which will own and manage the affordable homes. Bromford is acquiring 250 of
Forty-four families are settling into their new homes following the completion of a new housing development in greater Bristol Housing association Bromford has completed its project to regenerate Hampton Close in Cadbury Heath, by building 44 modern, energy efficient homes. The affordable homes, built by Bromford’s development partners EG Carter,
Henry Boot Construction and Latimer buried a time capsule at The Cocoa Works site in York on Friday, honouring the iconic former Rowntree Factory ahead of the new residential scheme’s completion in winter 2024. Representatives from contractor Henry Boot Construction, developer Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, Haxby Primary Academy, St
10 properties at Kedward Avenue in Middlesbrough will be energy efficient and future-proofed for residents. Esh Construction is helping raise the bar for sustainable living in Teesside as it develops 10 net-zero carbon homes for Thirteen Group. Part of an £18 million development known as Kedward Avenue – one of three sites Esh is delivering for Thirteen in Middlesbrough – the new timber-framed homes will feature a raft of state-of-the-art technologies as the housing provider explores net-zero carbon opportunities in the region. Four bungalows and six semi-detached two storey homes will benefit from enhanced insulation, triple-glazed windows, air source heat pumps and a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system. Photovoltaic solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points will also be installed externally. To proclaim a property as net-zero carbon, homes must undergo rigorous energy performance standards testing, to meet a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score of two or lower – a much higher requirement than the standard home requirement of 5 or under. Mark Binns, Operations Director for Esh’s affordable housing division, said: “It is a landmark moment for Esh Construction and Thirteen Group to be providing the net zero offer. The project marks a significant step forward in sustainable construction and underlines a shared commitment to delivering future-proofed and energy efficient homes. “These 10 properties won’t use gas, instead the MVHR system, and an air source hot water cylinder will be used to suck air into the properties, while photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicle charging units will support the energy efficient home management plans.” To prepare the properties for net-zero carbon status, challenges around architectural and design aspects had to be navigated, as well as educating the project team on key protocols. While the remaining properties in the 105-home development will include standard 140mm insulation, the net zero properties include an additional 25mm of insulation bonded to the plasterboard to prevent cold bridging, while insulation depths beneath the concrete are enhanced from 100mm to 150mm. Door frame sizes had to be adapted to allow the MVHR units to be installed and wider pipework had to be catered for. Joy Whinnerah, Thirteen’s Executive Director of Development and Partnerships, said: “We’ve made a firm commitment to becoming a net zero organisation by 2050 and we know we need to innovate and invest to achieve that. “Use of this kind of technology in our homes can be a key part of our net zero roadmap. We’ll be monitoring the performance of these homes very closely so we can learn as much as possible about the effectiveness of the various net zero features and then apply that learning to future development. “Alongside that, we will of course be working closely with our customers to help them get the most from those features.” Mark added: “At Esh, we are on our own journey to become a more sustainable contractor and reduce our carbon emissions with a view to achieving net zero, therefore we are pleased to be supporting our clients with their own ambitions and targets on live schemes.” To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading housing association Bromford has today announced a strong set of financial results for the six months to September 2024 with the publication of its mid-year trading update. The results show another period of robust financial performance for the Tewkesbury-based housing association which continues to invest in its existing homes and provide new affordable, energy efficient homes. Key highlights: Chief Finance Officer Paul Walsh added: “We are pleased to report another strong set of financial results for the six months ending 30 September 2024. “Like the rest of the sector, we have faced persistent cost pressures and increased demand for our repairs and maintenance services. In the first six months of the year we have invested £34m in our existing homes to respond to this demand and significantly reduce our repairs backlog. We are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for our customers whilst also maintaining financial discipline and have maintained our social housing operating margin at the leading edge of the sector at 34%.” After being named the country’s biggest builder of social rent homes1, Bromford has continued to invest in its development programme and has completed 457 new homes during the past six months, of which 220 were for social rent. Bromford’s in-house construction team built 53 of the completed homes and is forecast to finish another 170 in the second half of the year. The housing association also completed 108 shared ownership homes and four for outright sale. During the six months to September 2024 Bromford published its first results against the regulator’s Tenant Satisfaction Measures. Bromford collected data from customers during their annual conversation with their neighbourhood coach, with more than 10,000 customers taking part. Chief Customer Officer Paul Coates said: “Our coaching model is unique; it seeks to build a strengths-based relationship rather than a one size fits all and encourages connections between customers, neighbours and communities. “Ninety-three percent of customers not only know their neighbourhood coach but over 88% of customers would recommend them. This investment provides us with a great platform to deliver from and we know it delivers results – including sector leading figures on customer advocacy, 90%, and against the regulator’s Tenant Satisfaction Measures we score 83% on customer satisfaction, marking us out as a top 20% performer.” During the six months to the end of September 2024 Bromford raised an additional £200 million through a new sustainable finance deal with NatWest, with targets linked to reducing the intensity of its Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions and building new homes for social rent. It also retained its sector-leading credit ratings of A+ and A2 from S&P and Moody’s respectively. Matthew Rose, Director of Treasury, said: “We expect to return to the market for new funding over the coming year and have significant capacity for additional borrowing. We will aim to strengthen and develop relationships with existing investors and continue to explore opportunities to diversify funding streams, especially as the merger with Flagship creates one of the strongest UK housing associations.” In June 2024 Bromford announced its intention to merge with Norwich-based Flagship Group in 2025, to create an 80,000-home housing association and to enable additional development capacity to deliver new homes on a larger scale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The North East region of Lovell has been appointed to Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework. The arrangement means that the developer, which has its headquarters in Houghton le Spring, is in a prime position to bid for construction contracts worth more than £3 million with the affordable housing provider. Beyond Housing is one of the largest registered housing providers in the North East and North Yorkshire, which currently provides 15,000 homes to 30,000 customers. The organisation has a development strategy to develop or acquire 2,750 homes by 2030. Contracts awarded under the four-year framework will predominantly be for affordable new-build houses, flats and bungalows but may also include conversion/remodelling contracts, associated public realm works, buildings associated with sustainable neighbourhoods and commercial small-scale enterprise and regeneration projects. Phil Jones, Head of Land and Partnerships at the North East region of Lovell, said: “Our selection for Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework is testament to our understanding of the construction market, housing for sale, intermediate and social housing and ability to assist in the delivery of projects on time and to budget. In addition, we have the expertise, the demonstrable skills and experience of delivering large, often phased, projects of this nature. “As one of the most experienced new-build contractors in the UK, we have been building for the affordable housing sector for more than 50 years. Whether for housing associations or local authorities, we are the partner of choice for many clients and are very pleased to have been selected as a preferred supplier to bid for construction contracts by Beyond Housing. “This exciting new relationship clearly demonstrates the potential that we have here within the team at the North East region of Lovell to grow and to expand our level of operations across the region.” Karen Howard, Development Manager at Beyond Housing, said: “The framework is a strategic partnership between Beyond Housing, Broadacres Housing Association, and North Star Housing Group. “The organisations will manage the framework together, sharing their expertise to deliver high-quality housing and development projects. Each association will tender their contract opportunities through its own procurement portal, making the process clear and open to all, while encouraging new ideas from development partners. “Beyond Housing is excited to collaborate with Lovell as we work to deliver our ambitious development programme of affordable rent and low cost home ownership options, together with our outright sales programme through our sales subsidiary Viola Homes. We look forward to utilising Lovell’s extensive experience to help us create thriving communities that meet the diverse needs of our customers.” To find out more about Lovell, visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Affordable and social housing developer EDAROTH (a wholly owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has begun work on a multiple-site scheme in Surrey to deliver sustainable affordable homes in partnership with a housing association. Social housing provider Raven Housing Trust is now working with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head) to develop the new houses, using offsite manufacturing methods to create low energy-use, net zero homes while providing additive capacity for the housing market. The homes will be the first to be delivered by EDAROTH for a housing association and will be built across four development sites in Epsom and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council areas, repurposing disused garage sites belonging to Raven. The initial development will provide 12 much-needed homes in well-located areas of the town, with the majority of building parts being manufactured at a UK factory, transported and assembled onsite, reducing the carbon impact of the process. By using this approach the homes will be delivered more quickly compared to traditional methods of construction, with reduced disruption to residents living near the development sites. The homes will also be built to EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) A+, the highest efficiency rating possible to keep energy usage and carbon emissions low. Mark Powell, Managing Director of EDAROTH, said: “This is a progressive development to build much-needed affordable housing for residents within communities, delivering high quality, net zero housing stock in the most efficient way. “EDAROTH was established with the guiding principle to create sustainable, low carbon and affordable housing, and we’re pleased that work is underway in what we hope will be a programme of development working with Raven Housing Trust, a truly collaborative partner which shares our vision for developing communities.” Stephen Clements, Assistant Development Director for Raven Housing Trust, said: “Our priority is to provide high quality, sustainable, affordable homes for our residents, and so it’s a great moment to see work beginning on these sites. “This scheme will transform these sites and provide much greater value to communities as new homes which are in such high demand both here and across the county.” The scheme in Surrey is the first in a number of new contracts due to go live for EDAROTH, which is bringing a fresh approach to the housing market by utilising brownfield and former industrial land to release genuine social and economic value back into communities. This in turn supports housing associations in their goals to provide affordable, energy-efficient homes in areas of acute shortage, as well as meeting net zero targets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group has acquired a site in Tewkesbury to deliver up to 150 affordable homes in partnership with Platform Housing Group as part of a £38 million project. Outline planning consent is already in place for the homes in Fiddington Lane, near Ashchurch, and a reserved matters application will now be submitted. Vistry is the UK’s largest housebuilder and leading provider of affordable homes. House types from its specialists Partnerships range will be plotted for the Tewkesbury development. The properties will be constructed with timber frames made by Vistry Works, the manufacturing arm of Vistry Group. Supriya Ray, managing director for Vistry Cotswolds, said: “Tewkesbury is a growing town which requires new affordable homes to help accommodate its expanding population. Our partnership with Platform Housing Group will make a significant and positive contribution towards addressing local housing need. “This is the first 100 per cent affordable homes project to be delivered in this area under the partnerships model and we are in discussions to bring forward many more. This reflects Vistry Group’s commitment to sustained growth in housing output, while driving social value and delivering strong returns for our investors.” Michael Baggett, director of land and partnerships at Platform Housing Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of land at Fiddington, Tewkesbury, working in partnership with Vistry Group. The purchase of this site makes a significant step forward in our commitment to tackling the housing crisis. “The development of 150 affordable homes is a testament to partnership working. Together Platform and Vistry are working to create sustainable communities, ensuring that people and families have access to a safe, affordable place to call home.” Vistry is working to secure full planning consent before the end of the year, with a view to starting build early in 2025 and completing on the first of the homes by the end of 2025. The homes will form an extension to a new neighbourhood which is taking shape to the south-east of Tewkesbury and is planned to bring new community facilities to the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housing association believe housing has appointed a new chair of its board. The not-for-profit landlord, which manages more than 18,000 homes across County Durham and beyond, has appointed John Marshall as its new chair. A board member since 2019, he takes over the post from Hazel Dale, who came to the end of her term in September after serving nine years as a board member and one as chair. John’s background is as a solicitor, and he holds a broad range of high-profile roles across the northeast of England. They include chairing the North East Chamber of Commerce, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI), Newcastle United Foundation, as well as being Vice Chair of the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and incoming Chair of Governors at St Chad’s College, Durham. “I first joined believe housing’s board because the importance of housing was very obvious to me, from the other roles I hold and some of the work I’ve done in the charity and health sectors. It is at the root of so much. “If somebody is able to have the right home for them, it gives them the opportunity to start a better life,” he said. “I feel honoured to be the chair of believe housing. “While there are many challenges that face the sector, I’m really encouraged by what I think believe housing can achieve with the people it has, the culture is has developed, and its real customer focus. “The future will include finding new ways to deliver our services to customers, continuing to develop a really high standard of new homes, and continuing to invest in existing homes particularly making them more energy efficient for our customers. “believe housing is a really important business in County Durham’s economy. “And I want customers to know that when we make decisions, we always have the impact on them and how they will feel in our minds.” Chief Executive of believe housing, Alan Smith, said: “John brings a wealth of experience from various sectors and is very knowledgeable about our business, with a clear understanding of the housing crisis regionally and nationally. “The role of chair is vital, helping to drive the direction of believe housing and the role we play in the business community and housing sector. “John is incredibly well-connected, he cares about customers and colleagues, and above all else he is a passionate and caring individual who makes a meaningful difference.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry, Britain’s biggest housebuilder, has joined forces with Bromford to build up to 695 sustainable homes in Longbridge, south-west Birmingham, formerly home to the MG works. Vistry has joined forces with Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, which will own and manage the affordable homes. Bromford is acquiring 250 of the proposed homes, ensuring that more than 35% of the homes on this development will be affordable, against a 20% requirement. The housing association will make 132 homes, 19% of the total number being proposed, available for social rent, against a 4% requirement as part of the planning consent. An additional 118 homes will be available to part-buy, part-rent through Bromford’s shared ownership scheme. A further 209 units will be destined for the private rental sector and the remaining 236 properties will be available on the open market for private ownership, ensuring the development will offer something for everyone. The scheme will also stimulate economic growth through on-site employment, as well as providing further benefits for the local community with designated spaces for community uses and public open space. The new homes will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and larger two-, three- and four-bedroom family houses. With a focus on sustainability, they will include air source heat pumps rather than gas boilers; PV panels will provide renewable electricity; and wastewater recovery will minimise water usage. The houses 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. Phil McHugh, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to have acquired this site and to be working with Bromford on this exciting project that will contribute to Birmingham’s economic growth by providing new jobs and high-quality places to live. “Like many major cities, Birmingham has a severe shortage of affordable homes; that’s something we’re aiming to address by going the extra mile to deliver affordable and social rent homes over and above what is required of us, and delivering them at pace. We’re also hugely proud of the sustainability of the homes we’ll be providing, with features and construction methods that reduce their impact on the environment and will lower energy bills for future residents. “We’re excited to be a part of Birmingham’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.” Alice Phillips, Regional Development Manager at Bromford, said: “Working with Vistry to bring new affordable homes to Birmingham as part of the Longbridge redevelopment is a perfect opportunity for us. With the work that’s already taken place at Longbridge and everything that’s planned over the years ahead, our future customers will have great prospects to live, work and thrive in these new homes and community. “Providing 132 homes for social rent as part of this partnership will make a real difference to the lives of families who are currently waiting for affordable housing in Birmingham. And they’ll be living in some of the most energy efficient homes we’ve ever built in the West Midlands thanks to all of the sustainability measures that will be installed.” Simon Vick, Head of Development at Bromford, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership again with Vistry to deliver this project. It’s one of our largest ever partnerships in the West Midlands and will help meet the acute shortage of high quality, affordable homes in Birmingham.” Professional services group Gateley supported on the purchase from St. Modwen, as well as the development agreement and sale to Bromford. Lauren Jeffrey, Residential Development Senior Associate at Gateley Legal, added: “The Longbridge site was previously brownfield land and holds significant historical importance as the former home to the MG Rover factory, as well as links to war activity. So, it’s brilliant to see the iconic location being given a new lease of life and developed into a community with much-needed housing, shops and offices. “The success of this scheme is the result of the great working partnership between all parties, as well as the collaborative effort from Gateley’s residential development, planning, tax, litigation and built environment consultancy teams, and I look forward to seeing the development continue to take shape.” A reserved matters planning application has been submitted with a decision notice due shortly. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housbuilder Vistry has teamed up with Bromford to build up to 695 sustainable homes in Longbridge, south-west Birmingham, formerly home to the MG works. Vistry has joined forces with Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, which will own and manage the affordable homes. Bromford is acquiring 250 of the proposed homes, ensuring that more than 35% of the homes on this development will be affordable, against a 20% requirement. The housing association will make 132 homes, 19% of the total number being proposed, available for social rent, against a 4% requirement as part of the planning consent. An additional 118 homes will be available to part-buy, part-rent through Bromford’s shared ownership scheme. A further 209 units will be destined for the private rental sector and the remaining 236 properties will be available on the open market for private ownership, ensuring the development will offer something for everyone. The scheme will also stimulate economic growth through on-site employment, as well as providing further benefits for the local community with designated spaces for community uses and public open space. The new homes will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and larger two-, three- and four-bedroom family houses. With a focus on sustainability, they will include air source heat pumps rather than gas boilers; PV panels will provide renewable electricity; and wastewater recovery will minimise water usage. The houses 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. Phil McHugh, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to have acquired this site and to be working with Bromford on this exciting project that will contribute to Birmingham’s economic growth by providing new jobs and high-quality places to live. “Like many major cities, Birmingham has a severe shortage of affordable homes; that’s something we’re aiming to address by going the extra mile to deliver affordable and social rent homes over and above what is required of us, and delivering them at pace. We’re also hugely proud of the sustainability of the homes we’ll be providing, with features and construction methods that reduce their impact on the environment and will lower energy bills for future residents. “We’re excited to be a part of Birmingham’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.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Forty-four families are settling into their new homes following the completion of a new housing development in greater Bristol Housing association Bromford has completed its project to regenerate Hampton Close in Cadbury Heath, by building 44 modern, energy efficient homes. The affordable homes, built by Bromford’s development partners EG Carter, have replaced 10 garages and 24 1950’s properties that were demolished at the end of 2022. The new homes are a mix of one-bedroom flats and two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, all of which have been made available for social rent. The first customers received the keys to their new homes in December 2023 while the final customers moved in last week. Before the final customers moved in, Bromford invited customers, local stakeholders and project partners to have a look around the finished homes. Among them was Bromford customer Gerald Woodman, who lived in the street for more than 45 years. “I am so impressed with these homes,” he said. “They are very smart and well-designed. The gardens are spacious with lots of room, and the addition of off-road parking adds convenience. The solar panels are fantastic; they don’t just benefit the environment but also help residents cut down on energy bills.” Bromford has fitted energy efficient gas boilers, solar panels, waste water heat recovery systems in all 44 homes. As a result 70% of the new homes have energy efficiency ratings of A, with the rest achieving B ratings. All the homes have also had electric vehicle charging ports installed. Project manager Noreen Twomey said: “It’s wonderful to see these homes completed and families living happily here. These are some of the most energy efficient homes we’ve built in South Gloucestershire and it should mean that customers are not paying as much to keep their homes warm “We’ve received huge demand for these homes, with some properties attracting more than 280 enquiries from prospective customers. It shows the very real need for more affordable housing in South Gloucestershire and we look forward to working with the council and other stakeholders to build more homes over the months and years ahead.” Councillor John O’Neill, cabinet member responsible for housing at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I’m delighted to see this regeneration project which has delivered high quality and accessible homes completed and the first families moving in. “This scheme offers a range of housetypes that will meet the needs of families, single people, and couples, and supports the objectives of the council’s HomesWest Partnership and the council’s Housing Strategy and commitment to delivering new affordable homes. “Importantly, these homes will meet the needs of those on the council’s Housing register and in need of rented affordable housing in South Gloucestershire.” Bromford is the largest housing association in South Gloucestershire, providing homes to more than 20,000 people. It is one of the country’s largest developers of affordable housing and is currently working with partners to build new homes in the greater Bristol area in Whitchurch, Bedminster and Cribbs Causeway. Earlier in the year Bromford completed a deal to acquire land in Yate for more than 100 homes and is aiming to start work on site before the end of the year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot Construction and Latimer buried a time capsule at The Cocoa Works site in York on Friday, honouring the iconic former Rowntree Factory ahead of the new residential scheme’s completion in winter 2024. Representatives from contractor Henry Boot Construction, developer Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, Haxby Primary Academy, St George’s Primary, and York College gathered at the celebratory event on Friday 4 October, to bury the time capsule. The time capsule has been buried with a book depicting the entire history of The Cocoa Works, alongside heritage items found by the site team during the redevelopment process at the former chocolate factory. This includes a newspaper dating back to 1980, an original Aero chocolate bar, confectionary packaging (After Eight and Black Magic from 1933), book records from the on-site Library (1973), scratch cards from 1970, and payslips from previous workers dating back to 1980. Sam Thompson, whose mother worked at the factory for 32 years and her grandfather for 48 years, also donated a photo from her mother’s induction day back in 1973. Objects from local schools and colleges also featured in the capsule. Haxby Primary Academy added a school jumper and all classes wrote a letter explaining what life is like at the academy in 2024, St George’s Primary included a school jumper and information about the history of the school and chocolate in York, and York College contributed a memory stick with photos and information about the college. York’s community-run riverside walk, The Foss Fairy Trail, provided a fairy keyring, and letters from Latimer’s 2020 ‘Sweet Memories’ campaign were added, too. This memories campaign saw former Rowntree Factory workers, along with their families and friends, share their accounts of what life was like during that time, and how the Rowntree family is remembered. Community engagement has been key throughout the project. Jack Kidder, Responsible Business Manager at Henry Boot, said: “It’s a real privilege to be part of this project, sensitively reforming this iconic York landmark in a way that will help to recapture the pride, character, and social aspect that once thrived in the days when it was an operational chocolate factory. “And this time capsule burial is a crucial milestone in the project. It marks our collaboration with Latimer and local schools to leave a lasting, positive legacy on this historical site. “It forms a vital part of our social value plan for The Cocoa Works, demonstrating both our collaboration with the local community and our commitment to maximising the social benefits for people who live in the area.” The time capsule is the final component of Henry Boot Construction’s social value delivery on the scheme. Other social value outputs on the project have included: hosting site visits for schools, providing work experience placements for York College students, and raising over £10,000 for Place2Be and Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, to name a few. Volunteers from Henry Boot Construction, together with key partners, also helped significantly smarten up the much-loved Foss Fairy Trail on the banks of York’s River Foss last year. Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said: “We are delighted to be part of this moment in York’s history. The burial of the time capsule reflects our continued commitment to preserving the rich heritage of The Cocoa Works, while creating homes that will shape the future of this vibrant community. It’s a privilege to join Henry Boot Construction, local schools, and the community in ensuring that this project leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.” The Cocoa Works is a major £52m residential development in York – once known as ‘The Chocolate City’ – seeing the iconic Rowntree Factory transformed into 279 high-quality apartments. The project includes a sensitive restoration of the iconic Rowntree Factory, alongside the construction of a new Pavilion and refurbishment of Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library to the front of the development. The Rowntree Factory was originally built by Joseph Rowntree in the 1890s, and prior to redevelopment, the eight-hectare site of historical significance was derelict for over a decade. The new design ensures the original features of the building are celebrated and incorporated. The project team includes the developer Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, the lead contractor, Henry Boot Construction, and Weedon Architects. Construction began at The Cocoa Works in October 2021 and is scheduled for completion in winter 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
