Lovell Renew and Amplius kickstart year two of their partnership REFURBISHMENT and retrofit specialist Lovell Renew has officially commenced the second year of its three-year retrofit partnership programme with social housing provider Amplius. As part of the £58m Wave 3 Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund programme, the contract will deliver extensive energy-efficiency improvements to homes across Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Peterborough. Following a successful first year that saw 713 homes upgraded in 2025/2026, the partnership is now scaling up operations, to complete 750 in year two, 750 in year three and a further award of additionality to complete circa 1,500 additional properties within the same period. In total, the Wave 3 programme aims to improve more than 3,700 properties across Amplius’ portfolio by March 2028. Working with Amplius – a Strategic Partner with DESNZ, Lovell will also be improving approximately 250 more homes with Solar PV and battery installations taking us to almost 4000 upgraded properties.  Matt Hickman, refurbishment partnerships director at Lovell Renew said: “Reaching the start of year two in our Wave 3 programme is a fantastic milestone for our team and our longstanding partners at Amplius Living. The application for funding to complete a further 1,800 homes also showcases the confidence in the partnership and our ability to deliver people-focused retrofit at scale and pace.   “Having set high standards during Wave 2, we’re proud to build on that foundation and continue delivering high-quality, resident-focused decarbonisation across Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Peterborough. We also understand that retrofit is about far more than lowering carbon emissions, focusing on how we can improve people’s lives, tackle fuel poverty and make homes warmer and healthier. “ The Wave 3 programme builds on the successful completion of the earlier £15m Wave 2 contract, where Lovell Renew upgraded 260 properties in 2024/2025 installing more than 3,000 energy measures. That initial phase achieved a 98% resident satisfaction score (against a 95% target), 99.6% waste diversion from landfill and a 100% success rate in raising energy performance ratings from D-G up to EPC C or higher.   Through a full PAS 2035 turnkey approach, homes are benefiting from a comprehensive suite of measures– including external and internal wall insulation, loft insulation, high-efficiency windows and doors, solar PV, air source heat pumps and AICO environmental monitoring sensors.   Fallon Warren, head of asset optimisation, sustainability and commercial facilities at Amplius said: “Building on the success of our first year, we’re delighted to continue our partnership with Lovell Renew as we enter the next phase of our Warm Homes programme. What makes this partnership so successful is our shared vision and passion for delivering retrofit the right way – not simply installing energy efficiency measures, but creating safer, healthier and more affordable homes while putting our customers at the heart of every decision we make. “Together, we’ve developed a collaborative approach that focuses on quality, resident engagement and long-term outcomes, ensuring customers are supported throughout their retrofit journey. As we significantly increase delivery over the coming two years, we’re confident that by continuing to work together we can improve thousands more homes, reduce fuel poverty, lower carbon emissions and leave a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.” Lovell Renew has also consistently prioritised social value within its programmes by employing a local supply chain and promoting material reuse and recycling. Outside of physical works, the team heavily invested in the community, completing initiatives such as coffee mornings and drop-in days for residents to give feedback, school engagement sessions focused on sustainable construction careers and environmental responsibility and making Christmas donations of selection boxes across the delivery areas.   In addition, Lovell Renew has been working with ‘Stop Social Housing Stigma’ – a tenant led campaign that celebrates the value of social housing, acting to breakdown the stereotypes and stigma associated with being a social housing tenant. For more information, visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/lovell-renew Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major affordable housing development in Greenwich has taken a significant step forward after Wembley-based Formation Design and Build secured Gateway 2 approval for Hyde’s 182-home scheme at Charlton Riverside. The Eastmoor Street project marks Hyde’s first development to successfully navigate the Building Safety Regulator’s enhanced Gateway 2 process, clearing the way for construction to begin on one of the first phases within the wider Charlton Riverside Opportunity Area. The scheme will deliver 182 affordable homes, with around two-thirds allocated for social rent and the remaining properties made available through affordable home ownership, helping to address the growing demand for high-quality, affordable housing in southeast London. The development represents the first Hyde-led project within Charlton Riverside, where the housing association has planning consent to deliver around 1,200 new homes alongside commercial space, public realm improvements and enhanced connections to the Thames Path. Formation Design and Build worked closely with Hyde throughout the Gateway 2 approval process, coordinating the architectural, structural, fire safety and construction information required to satisfy the Building Safety Regulator’s more rigorous design and compliance requirements. For the construction sector, the successful approval highlights the growing importance of early contractor involvement and integrated project teams in navigating the post-Building Safety Act regulatory environment. Gateway 2 has become a critical milestone for higher-risk residential developments, requiring significantly greater levels of design coordination and technical information before construction can commence. Sean O’Brien, Chief Executive of Formation Design and Build, said: “This approval demonstrates the value of early and close collaboration between Hyde, Formation Design and Build, and the wider project team. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hyde, as we move into the construction phase and deliver much-needed affordable homes in Greenwich.” The Eastmoor Street development also forms part of the long-term regeneration of Charlton Riverside, one of London’s largest Opportunity Areas. Future phases are expected to deliver up to 8,000 new homes, thousands of new jobs and a mix of commercial, community and public spaces, creating a vibrant new riverside neighbourhood while supporting the capital’s housing and economic growth ambitions. As more higher-risk residential projects progress through the Building Safety Regulator’s approval process, schemes such as Eastmoor Street are helping to establish new benchmarks for design quality, regulatory compliance and collaborative delivery across the UK’s residential construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group and leading housing association L&Q have completed Kew Bridge Rise, a landmark regeneration project that has transformed a former brownfield site in Brentford into an exciting new neighbourhood for residents, businesses and the wider community. Representatives from the project team, including Mark Greenwood, Deputy Regional Director at The Hill Group and Neil Davis, Delivery Director at L&Q, were joined by delivery partners and local stakeholders to mark the successful completion and celebrate the transformation of the former Citroën dealership and workshop site into a thriving new community for Brentford. Delivered through a joint venture partnership between Hill and L&Q, Kew Bridge Rise has created 441 high-quality studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and townhouses across three phases, with 50% of homes available as affordable housing through Shared Ownership and Affordable Rent. The tenure-blind development has been designed for an inclusive and diverse community, meeting local housing needs while providing a range of opportunities for people at different stages of life. The £90 million project represents a major investment into Brentford, unlocking previously under-utilised land and creating a new destination where people can live, work and connect. Designed by Hawkins Brown, the development comprises five distinctive buildings set within a landscape-led masterplan that responds to the area’s industrial and riverside heritage while creating a contemporary new identity for the local area. Kew Bridge Rise provides a wide range of new amenities to support community living, including independent cafés and shops, a residents’ gym, a co-working space, a concierge service, a residents’ lounge, landscaped communal areas and play spaces, and a nursery set to open in the future. The development’s public realm has been carefully designed to strengthen connections between the riverside and Brentford town centre, with the unique ‘W’ gateway structure at Starling House creating a welcoming public plaza and a strong sense of arrival. Sustainability and wellbeing are built into the fabric of the development. Air-source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging points sit alongside biodiversity measures, including insect hotels. Pedestrian-friendly routes, cycle facilities and considered outdoor spaces also encourage a more active, connected way of life. As part of Hill and L&Q’s commitment to creating long-term social value, Kew Bridge Rise has delivered more than £64.6 million of measurable impact through employment and skills opportunities, work experience placements and community initiatives. This has included supporting 22 local apprentices, delivering community projects such as improvements to The Rise School’s playground and the donation of a sensory pod to Green Dragon Primary School, as well as supporting local charities and older residents through fundraising, digital skills workshops, wellbeing activities, fitness sessions and creative classes that strengthen community building. Cain Peters, Regional Managing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “Completing Kew Bridge Rise is a significant milestone for Hill and our partnership with L&Q. This project showcases our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable developments that create vibrant places to live. From transforming a challenging brownfield site into a vibrant new neighbourhood to creating employment opportunities and community benefits, Kew Bridge Rise demonstrates the positive impact of collaborative regeneration.” David Lewis, Executive Group Director of Property and Investment at L&Q, comments: “Kew Bridge Rise represents our shared ambition with Hill to deliver homes that support people’s aspirations. The development provides a diverse mix of high-quality, affordable, and private homes, alongside spaces and facilities that encourage connection, wellbeing and a strong sense of community. Kew Bridge Rise demonstrates just how essential strong partnerships are to addressing the housing shortage, and we’re delighted to welcome residents into a place that has been designed for people to enjoy for years to come.” Kew Bridge Rise forms part of the ongoing regeneration of Brentford, reconnecting this important location with its surroundings and creating a new neighbourhood close to Kew Bridge Station. The development builds on Hill and L&Q’s shared commitment to delivering high-quality, mixed-tenure communities across London and the South East. For more information please visit the website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

When Geoff and Christine Stephenson decided to downsize to a new build bungalow, they knew it would be a positive move for their health and independence. What they didn’t expect was to find themselves reconnecting with old friends – and becoming part of a close‑knit community almost as soon as they moved in. The couple, both 74, moved into a believe housing home at Bishops Park in Bishop Auckland in 2024, drawn by the comfort and convenience of a bungalow. Although sad to leave their previous home and neighbours, Geoff and Christine quickly began uncovering connections with new neighbours, including Allyson and John Gibson and Trudie and Melvin Thompson, who had also moved into believe housing bungalows. Some of those connections stretch back decades. Allison and Trudy were firm friends at school, attending St Helen’s Primary and King James, where they remember sitting together in class and occasionally playing truant. Years later, they worked together at the nearby Claremont clothing factory, along with Christine, who spent more than 35 years of her working life there during its time as Steinberg’s and Sara Lee Courtaulds. Together, these shared histories, alongside new friendships, have helped create a supportive, caring community, giving neighbours a real sense of safety, belonging and connection. Geoff said: “We had a good relationship from about day five, and it’s stayed strong. It makes a real difference to how you feel about where you live. We’re alright here, we’ve certainly got good neighbours and it’s a lovely place.” Trudie added: “It’s just nice to know you can call on each other, rely on each other and watch out for one another.” Bishops Park is being developed by Vistry (Linden Homes) and will eventually provide around 500 new homes. Of these, 200 are being delivered by not-for-profit housing association believe housing, offering a mix of homes for social and affordable rent as well as others through affordable routes to home ownership. Kate Abson, Director of Assets and Development at believe housing, said: “We’re seeing firsthand how the right home, in the right place, can support people’s health, independence and quality of life. “From first homes to family houses and accessible bungalows, this development is already making a positive difference to the people who live here, and it’s fantastic to see how well residents are now settling into their new homes and their new community. “We work closely with our partners to deliver high‑quality, energy‑efficient new homes for customers, but it’s also just as important to us to see such a strong sense of community forming so quickly, where people feel safe, settled and proud of where they live.” For more information about believe housing’s new build homes, including at Bishops Park, visit developments | believe housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Flint Housing strengthens its London presence with 260 additional new Social Homes in Barking and Enfield. Registered provider of social housing, Flint Housing, has secured the delivery of 260 homes for social rent across two sites in London. These deals demonstrate Flint’s commitment to delivering high-quality social housing in London, bringing innovation and additionality to local authorities in real need of support for growing waiting lists. In January, Flint Housing welcomed residents to 85 new social-rented apartments in the North Kensington Gate, part of a wider development of 208 homes from City & Docklands Limited and delivered by North Kensington Gate Limited and O’Shea. Flint Housing aims to deliver more than 3,000 homes in London over the next five years with a pipeline of more than 1,000 homes. Eugene Schreider, Chief Executive Officer at Flint Housing, said: “Flint Housing is actively working with the Greater London Authority and a range of developers across London to further scale our delivery. We see how important it is to invest in homes for social rent, particularly at a time of such acute need and a challenging economic environment.” “By forward funding developers, we have already secured the delivery of more than 450 homes, with a pipeline of more than 1,000. We plan to deliver more than 3,000 homes over the next five years. By helping to bring together developers, institutional funders, local authorities and the public sector, we can unlock greater affordable housing delivery.” Scheduled for practical completion in February 2027, Flint Housing has secured delivery of 88 social rented units at Horizons, part of Bellway’s Fielders Quarter development in Barking. The homes will be spread across two blocks providing a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom homes. Flint Housing is also forward-funding the delivery of 172 single and family-sized social rented homes at Fairview’s Chase Farm development in Enfield. The scheme includes 66 three-bedroom homes which will make a significant contribution to family housing. With a phased handover expected across 2028 and 2029, the 172 homes in Enfield will be spread across seven blocks, as part of a broader mixed-tenure development of 369 homes. Flint Housing partnered with Fairview in 2025 on a “subject to planning” basis to financially underpin delivery of 50% affordable housing on the site. Angelique Noble, Director of Customer Experience at Flint Housing, stated: “We look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes in 2027 and beyond. We are working closely with local authorities and housing management partners to enable strong sustainable communities at both schemes and ensure that our services align with the needs of future residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Housing association L&Q has strengthened its long-term housing improvement strategy with the appointment of Cardo as a new delivery partner on its major works investment programme. The move forms part of L&Q’s ambitious 15-year, £3bn programme aimed at upgrading homes across its portfolio and ensuring properties continue to meet the Decent Homes Standard, while also improving safety, sustainability and resident wellbeing. Cardo, which operates across the UK and Ireland, specialises in repairs, planned maintenance, compliance, fire remediation and energy efficiency works within the social housing sector. Under the partnership, the company will support a range of planned improvement projects across L&Q’s homes over the next 12 years, beginning with fire remediation works during 2026 and 2027. L&Q’s investment programme is one of the largest of its kind in the housing sector and covers all rented homes, alongside communal areas within mixed-tenure developments that include shared ownership and leasehold properties. The programme includes upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, roofs and windows, alongside wider estate improvements, redecorations, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and major fire safety works. A significant focus is also being placed on energy efficiency improvements, including insulation and retrofit measures designed to help all homes achieve a minimum EPC C rating. More than 21,000 homes have already been improved through the programme, with further large-scale investment planned across London and the South East over the coming years. The appointment comes as L&Q continues to progress a number of major housing and regeneration developments during 2026, including new affordable housing delivery, estate renewal projects and mixed-use neighbourhood schemes designed to support long-term housing supply across key urban areas. Cardo joins nine existing programme partners, including Kier Places, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Wates Property Services and Equans UK & Ireland. The latest appointment reflects the increasing scale of investment being channelled into housing safety, retrofit and long-term asset management as housing providers continue to modernise ageing stock and respond to evolving regulatory standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Chartway Partnerships Group has completed the handover of 400 new homes at Whitstable Heights to the Hyde Group, creating a new community for Whitstable. Located off the Thanet Way, the scheme has been delivered through the long-standing partnership between Chartway and Hyde. It provides a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes for outright sale, shared ownership, affordable rent and social rent. The development also delivers affordable and social rented homes beyond Section 106 requirements, made possible through Hyde’s strategic relationship with Homes England and Canterbury City Council. Alongside the new homes, the development includes around 20 hectares of public open space, featuring meadow planting, walking routes, play areas, a multi-use games area, a miniature football pitch and community allotments. Environmental improvements have been a key part of the project, with more than 5,800 trees planted across the site, alongside an extension to Duncan Down. This has created a lasting village green, which has been handed over to Canterbury City Council for long-term stewardship as community open space, in partnership with the Friends of Duncan Down. Social value has been embedded throughout the construction of Whitstable Heights. Chartway supported improvements to Whitstable’s Umbrella Centre community facility, carrying out electrical upgrades and internal refurbishment works. By prioritising local supply chains for goods, trades and services, as well as providing training opportunities for subcontractors on site and employing five apprentices, the project has generated more than £2.3 million in value for the local economy. Construction began in 2021 and the development has gradually taken shape over the past five years as residents have moved in and the neighbourhood has grown. Hannah, a new resident who moved to Whitstable Heights through the shared ownership programme, said: “Moving here was a big decision, especially with three children, but it’s honestly the best thing we’ve ever done. Shared ownership has given us real security and a proper foundation as a family. The children have so much more freedom, and we’re just happier, we love it here and can really see this as our forever home.” She added: “There’s such a strong sense of community here, everyone is so friendly and looks out for each other. The children have made friends so quickly and are always out playing together, and things like the allotments have really brought people together. It doesn’t feel like a big development at all, it feels like a proper neighbourhood, and that’s really special.” Graham Chivers, Group Chief Executive Officer at Chartway Partnerships Group, said: “Whitstable Heights has grown into a fantastic new neighbourhood and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the development now complete with residents settled into their homes.” As well as providing a wide range of homes, the scheme has created generous green spaces and facilities that will support the community for years to come. I’m hugely proud of the team who have worked so hard to bring this project to life.” Jaime Buckley, Group Development Director at Hyde, said: “Whitstable Heights has delivered much-needed homes for local people in an area where housing demand continues to grow. Developments like this play an important role in helping more people access high-quality, well-designed homes. Working alongside Chartway, we’ve been able to bring forward a scheme that provides a range of housing opportunities while contributing to the long-term growth of the local area.” With the final homes now complete, Whitstable Heights stands as an outstanding example of how partnership working can deliver well-designed homes alongside green space and community infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, welcomed Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East, Stephen Peacock, CEO of West England Combined Authority and Bristol City Council Leader Cllr Tony Dyer, for a tour of an important new development on Trinity Road, that will provide more than 100 much needed affordable homes for Bristol. The visit also included senior colleagues from the Guinness development team, other attendees from the West of England Combined Authority, and Bristol City Council as well as Allan O’Brien, Regional Director from award winning housebuilder, The Hill Group.  Hill is constructing the 104 high-quality one, two and three-bedroom social rent apartments for Guinness on the old Trinity Road Police Station site. These social rent homes will help meet the strong need for affordable housing within Bristol.  Trinity Road is being delivered with financial help and partnership working from both Bristol City Council and Homes England. Bristol City Council awarded £1.5m of capital funding from its Strategic Community Infrastructure budget, towards the cost of redelivering a police station on the site. A further £1.6m was granted through the council’s Affordable Housing Funding policy, to support the delivery of the scheme as social rent.  Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “It was a pleasure to welcome our guests to Trinity Road, which is an important affordable housing development for Bristol. We are grateful for the significant investment by Bristol City Council and Homes England and would also like to thank all our partners, who have worked with us on the project.”   Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East said: “It was very good to join The Guinness Partnership and local representatives to tour the Trinity Road development. The housing crisis is one of the biggest challenges we face as a city, and adding 104 new, high quality, socially rented homes to our housing stock is a major step forward. Thank you to Guinness and everyone else involved in making this development possible – I look forward to seeing my new constituents move in shortly!” Stephen Peacock, CEO of West England Combined Authority Said: “Our regional Growth Strategy recognises the importance of housing to our continued economic growth, particularly those developments that help people get onto the housing ladder or benefit from the security of stable tenancies. The site at Trinity Road is a great step forward in ensuring people in Bristol have access to long-term affordable housing.” Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “Delivering genuinely affordable homes in Bristol depends on strong, long‑term partnership working, and the Trinity Road project is an important example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose. “Bristol is a challenging city to bring forward new homes and we welcome the tenacity and commitment of The Guinness Partnership and Hill Group. This 100% social rent development shows how imaginative funding solutions and close joint working can unlock complex brownfield sites and bring forward new homes for the people who need them most. “By providing enabling support to committed housing delivery partners, we can ensure developments like this don’t just provide high‑quality homes but also strengthen neighbourhoods and help meet the city’s wider ambitions for inclusive, sustainable growth. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this development in a few months’ time and seeing the life changing opportunities these homes offer to our residents.” Allan O’Brien, Regional Director at The Hill Group, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with The Guinness Partnership to deliver Trinity Road and help provide much-needed affordable homes for the Bristol community. Developments like this demonstrate what can be achieved through strong collaboration, and we’re pleased to play our part in creating high-quality homes that will make a real difference to people’s lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals Bristol City Council: The Homes for Bristol: Interim Affordable Housing Delivery Plan 2025–27 sets out Bristol City Council’s plans to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes across the city. Developed in collaboration with registered providers, specialist housing partners and internal teams, the plan responds to significant national and local policy changes and aims to meet a wide range of housing needs, with a strong emphasis on delivering more social rent homes. It highlights the importance of partnership working, effective use of council resources—including land, staff time and funding—and a focus on homes that support health, wellbeing, community resilience and climate goals.