Building work is officially underway on the second phase of Aspire Housing’s £20 million regeneration project in Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Silkworks at Cross Street will provide a collection of 43 new homes, including one-bed apartments and two-bed and three-bed affordable homes to rent. Dan Gray, Executive Director of Place at Aspire
VIVID has appointed Andrew Binnie, Caroline Stockmann and Abi Kee to its Board as it continues its transformation of customer services, and investment in existing and new homes. Andrew, Caroline and Abi will join the Board at an exciting time, continuing the mission to remain as one of the largest
Pennyfarthing Homes has unveiled an exceptional collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments at Oakwood Grove, a modern development offering affordable homes through the Government-backed First Homes scheme, now available via Dorset Council. Located in the scenic rural village of Alderholt, Oakwood Grove provides the perfect blend of countryside charm and
Bromford has entered a new partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Citizen Housing, Green Square Accord, Midland Heart, and whg, to address the growing need for affordable homes in the West Midlands. The Homes for the West Midlands LLP partnership represent a dedicated effort to accelerate housing delivery,
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
Building work is officially underway on the second phase of Aspire Housing’s £20 million regeneration project in Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Silkworks at Cross Street will provide a collection of 43 new homes, including one-bed apartments and two-bed and three-bed affordable homes to rent. Dan Gray, Executive Director of Place at Aspire Housing, said: “It’s fantastic to see work starting on the aspirational new Silkworks development at Cross Street. “This second phase of the Chesterton and Crackley regeneration programme builds upon the exciting journey we started in 2018, when we first met with residents and put forward plans to transform the housing offer in the area. “We were delighted to introduce 9 new homes in 2022 upon completion of the first phase, and now we’re looking forward to seeing the Chesterton community continue to grow and thrive as we prepare to build 43 new affordable homes to benefit local residents for generations to come.” Keon Homes has been appointed to construct the Silkworks scheme, with work already taking place to clear the site and prepare for the new homes. Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, commented: “It’s great news to get underway on phase two of Cross Street in Chesterton, building on the successful delivery of a previous nine bungalow scheme we completed for Aspire Housing. “The latest development will involve the construction of 43 homes, consisting of a mix of high quality one-bed apartments, along with two and three-bed properties. Importantly, it also continues momentum on a larger scale regeneration project in an area that badly needs affordable housing.” This project has been part-funded by Homes England and Newcastle Town Deal as part of a joint partnership journey to transform the area. The development is due to be completed in early 2026, creating sustainable homes for local people. The third phase of this project is currently in development, with planning applications approved. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVID has appointed Andrew Binnie, Caroline Stockmann and Abi Kee to its Board as it continues its transformation of customer services, and investment in existing and new homes. Andrew, Caroline and Abi will join the Board at an exciting time, continuing the mission to remain as one of the largest providers of new affordable housing in the sector. Their appointments reflect VIVID’s commitment to strengthening its governance and enhancing its strategic capabilities. “We are pleased to welcome Andrew, Caroline and Abi to our Board,” said Mark Perry, Chief Executive, VIVID. “Their extensive experience and unique perspectives will be instrumental as we navigate the evolving landscape of housing and strive to deliver new homes and create communities for our customers.” To learn more about these new members backgrounds and expertise, discover more about them here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pennyfarthing Homes has unveiled an exceptional collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments at Oakwood Grove, a modern development offering affordable homes through the Government-backed First Homes scheme, now available via Dorset Council. Located in the scenic rural village of Alderholt, Oakwood Grove provides the perfect blend of countryside charm and contemporary living. These apartments are available at a 30% discount off market value for essential workers, making homeownership significantly more accessible. Designed to foster a vibrant new community, the homes aim to offer an aspirational lifestyle at an affordable price. Set for completion in early summer 2025, the First Homes scheme presents a unique opportunity for first-time buyers to secure a foothold on the property ladder. Pennyfarthing Homes will support buyers through the application process, with dedicated sales advisors available to guide them through the final steps. The apartments at Oakwood Grove feature flexible layouts ideal for contemporary lifestyles. Each home boasts an open-plan kitchen and living area, perfect for hosting gatherings or spending quality time with family. Available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, some ground-floor apartments include their own front doors, enhancing privacy and convenience. The exterior design combines traditional red brickwork with modern grey weatherboarding, creating a sophisticated terraced aesthetic. Sustainability is central to the development, with air-source heat pump cylinders providing efficient heating and EV charging points installed in parking areas. These features meet the latest environmental standards, paving the way for greener living. Nestled in a prime East Dorset location, Oakwood Grove is surrounded by picturesque countryside and offers easy access to the renowned New Forest National Park, just a short drive away. The bustling city of Salisbury is 30 minutes away, while Bournemouth’s stunning coastline can be reached in 25 minutes, providing residents with a perfect balance of rural tranquility and urban convenience. The development includes a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with woodland trails connecting to existing paths in Alderholt, encouraging outdoor exploration. A landscaped play area is also being created, fostering a sense of community for families with young children. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bromford has entered a new partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Citizen Housing, Green Square Accord, Midland Heart, and whg, to address the growing need for affordable homes in the West Midlands. The Homes for the West Midlands LLP partnership represent a dedicated effort to accelerate housing delivery, increase affordability, and support sustainable community growth across the region. Bromford and its partners will work closely with WMCA to identify strategic sites and opportunities to develop genuinely affordable homes that meet the needs of local people. For Bromford, this partnership aligns with its mission to build strong communities and provide safe, affordable housing. On 18 October, Chief Executive Robert Nettleton joined fellow CEOs and the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, to celebrate the launch of the new partnership. The event took place at LoCal Homes, an award-winning offsite housing manufacturing facility in Walsall. Robert Nettleton, CEO of Bromford, said “ This marks a significant step forward in tackling the housing challenges our region faces. By collaborating with WMCA and fellow housing associations, we’re able to take a more unified approach to identifying sites, accelerating the development of affordable homes, and addressing specific local needs with greater impact. This partnership offers a unique platform to pool our knowledge, resources, and strategic insights to deliver affordable homes that truly meet the needs of our communities.” Highlighted in Bromford’s recent mid-year trading update1, with turnover rising to £167 million and significant investments in both new developments and existing homes, Bromford is well-positioned to support the affordable housing vision of this collaboration. Managed by consultancy firm Integer Advisory Ltd, the partnership is structured to focus on effective, results-driven development, including adopting innovative building techniques like modern methods of construction (MMC) and modular housing. These homes are constructed in factory-controlled environments and then assembled on-site, enabling the delivery of energy-efficient, low-carbon housing more quickly and at lower costs. The first project for the partnership will be a 100% affordable housing development on a former industrial site in the Black Country, reflecting the groups dedication to repurposing land in a way that supports community needs and sustainable growth. The partnership also provides a solid framework for developing and implementing the region’s Affordable Homes Programme, which will be devolved from Homes England to the WMCA in 2026. This transition will give Bromford and its partners greater influence in shaping housing priorities, ensuring that affordable housing projects are well-suited to meet the demand across the West Midlands. At present, 64,000 people are on the region’s housing waiting list, with over 6,500 households, including 13,000 children, residing in temporary accommodation. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has made housing one of his top priorities, setting a goal of 2,000 social rent homes per year until 2028 to reach a total of 20,000 new affordable homes by the end of the decade. Bromford is ready to support this vision, bringing both its expertise and commitment to sustainable construction practices to the forefront of regional development efforts. As the country’s biggest builder of social rent homes2, Bromford is already committed to expanding affordable housing options. This new partnership strengthens Bromford’s ability to deliver affordable homes at scale across the West Midlands, supporting community needs and sustainable growth. Bromford believes this collaborative approach will provide a robust response to the housing crisis, allowing resources and expertise to be pooled for maximum impact. This united effort will accelerate the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes across the West Midlands and enable Bromford to continue building homes and communities where people can thrive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
