Accent Housing has secured £33.8 million in new government funding through its Strategic Partnership with Homes England. The funding, part of a £2 billion top-up announced in Spring 2025, will enable Accent and its partners to deliver 301 additional affordable homes, most of which will be for Social and affordable rent.  Accent is already a Strategic Partner with Homes England under the Affordable Homes Programme 2021–2026. The new package will enable Thrive Homes, one of Accent’s partner housing associations, to deliver a further twenty-two social and affordable rented homes in Borehamwood, while Accent will deliver the remaining 279 across its development programme.  Nick Apetroaie, Chief Executive of Accent, said: “This latest funding is a great vote of confidence in our place-based development programme and our people. It means we can go further and faster in delivering the affordable homes that communities across the country desperately need. With demand higher than ever, we are determined to play our part in tackling the housing crisis and providing secure, quality homes for those who need them most.”  Steve Morris, Interim Executive Director for Development and Sales at Accent, commented ‘Our Development programme has gone from strength to strength since becoming a Strategic Partner for Homes England. We currently have over 700 homes under construction on 18 sites from Surrey to Yorkshire, including the regeneration of a large estate in Bradford due to complete in Spring 2026. This additional support gives us confidence to keep building, while we await announcements around the Government’s longer-term funding plans.”   Chantelle Barker, Director of Development at Thrive Homes, said: “This is fantastic timing. We have just gone into contract on our 186-home development with Hill Investment Partnerships (The Hill Group) at Lyndhurst Farm, Borehamwood. This funding confirmation gives us security to deliver the last phase of 22 homes on that site, which will include homes for social rent.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Rupali Court in Lozells Birmingham officially reached the topping out stage, marking the highest point in the construction of Housing 21’s flagship cohousing scheme. Stakeholders who have worked with the future residents to shape the scheme, gathered to celebrate the construction milestone and the opening of the Rupali Court show home. Unlike other housing developments, Rupali Court is a unique cohousing initiative where the future residents are involved before construction to provide their feedback and input, helping to shape the design of the scheme. Future resident Marie Francis, who has lived in Lozells for over 30 years, said she was excited about Rupali Court reaching the milestone in construction. “I am happy to see the scheme is almost complete; we are all excited to see the final design,” she said. “I was involved in making decisions about the colour scheme of my apartment and the layout- I opted for an open plan layout.  I’m now looking forward to moving in next year.” Rupali Court will offer 25 apartments, including a residents’ lounge, a multi-faith room and landscaped community garden. Residents including Marie are at the centre of all decisions made regarding the scheme. The Rupali Court Cohousing Core Group is a growing collective of engaged residents who are working together using consensus decision-making. The group consists of 25 committed individuals who are actively involved in ongoing decisions about the design, management, and culture of their future home. Steph Ramsden, Director of Sales, Acquisitions and Partnerships at Housing 21 said: “We are pleased to celebrate the significant milestone in the construction of our cohousing scheme. “Rupali Court and Housing 21’s Cohousing initiative has given the residents an opportunity to create and shape their own community where they have played a vital role in making decisions regarding their future home. “We are looking forward to welcoming the residents into their new home in 2026.” To celebrate the construction milestone, representatives from Housing 21, Deeley Construction, Osbornes Quantity Surveyors, Triangle Architects and Legacy West Midlands attended a topping-out ceremony at the site on Birchfield Road. Local community support group Aspire and Succeed and Councillor Waseem Zaffar from Birmingham City Council also attended the event. Martin Gallagher, Managing Director at Deeley Construction, said: “It has been fantastic to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Housing 21 to bring forward its flagship cohousing scheme. “This marks a major milestone for the innovative residential scheme, which will see the creation of a new inclusive and supportive housing community in Birmingham. “The input from residents into the design has made this a truly unique project and we have worked with our design partners to bring their vision to life.” Rupali Court is scheduled for completion in 2026 with the residents expected to move in shortly after. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A leading housing association has submitted plans for its biggest ever development in Gloucestershire. Bromford is seeking permission to build 217 new homes on a 19.5 acre site in Matson, close to the M5 motorway. The site had previously been granted outline planning permission by Gloucester City Council in 2022 but Bromford has now submitted the final details of how it will build the new homes to the council. The Tewkesbury-based housing association is proposing a mixed tenure development of rented, shared ownership and market sale homes on the land to the south of Corncroft Lane. The development will feature a blend of one- and two-bedroom flats and terraced, semi-detached and detached two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. The finished development will include areas of open green space as well as allotments and play areas. Bromford’s Project Manager Corrina Johnson said: “This is our biggest ever development in Gloucestershire and we’re proud that it will provide a wide range of homes for hundreds of local families. From affordable rent to shared ownership and homes for sale, this scheme has been designed to meet the needs of the whole community. “We know that the need for high quality, affordable housing in Gloucestershire has never been greater, which is why developments like this are so important. We’ve worked hard to draw up plans that will create a vibrant community of modern, energy efficient homes, with plenty of green space, where people will be able to live and thrive. “We’re excited to see this project take shape and believe it will bring real, long-term benefits to Matson, from supporting local families to helping the city grow sustainably.” Subject to getting approval from the city council Bromford’s in-house construction team aims to start work in 2026. Homes would be completed in phases between 2027 and 2030. The Matson site is Bromford’s latest large scale development in Gloucestershire. The housing association is currently building 100 homes in Winchcombe and is preparing to start work on two other sites in Gloucester that will deliver nearly 300 additional homes, including one just to the south of the Matson site. Bromford is part of Bromford Flagship, one of the biggest housing associations in the country with 82,000 homes across the West of England, West Midlands and East Anglia. With its headquarters in Tewkesbury, it is the largest housing association in Gloucestershire with more than 12,000 homes across the county. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Places for People is to extend its affordable living portfolio into Hunstanton, Norfolk, with the development of 61 brand-new independent living apartments for people aged 55 and over at Lavender View. The leading social enterprise, which owns or manages more than 245,000 homes across the UK, celebrated the development alongside its partners on Tuesday 2 September with a traditional ‘topping-out’ ceremony – held to mark the construction reaching its highest point. Attendees included Cllr Thomas and Cllr Jamieson from Norfolk County Council, Cllr Rust from King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council, Teresa Snaith, Business Development Director of Lovell Later Living, Deepesh Patel, Executive Director of Radis Community Care and Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director of Lovell Partnerships. The event was facilitated by Ben Ruston, Director of Developments – South East Region at Places for People. Places for People is collaborating with partners including Norfolk County Council – which has provided £2.9m capital funding to support the scheme as part of its Independent Living programme, Homes England – which has provided £5.7m in grant funding for the scheme, alongside developer Lovell Later Living, building contractor Lovell Partnerships and care provider Radis Community Care. The development of this new community designed by Langtry Langton Architects will deliver 61 one and two bedroom affordable-rent apartments by the end of summer 2026. The Radis Community Care team will provide on-site care and support 24/7 at Lavender View, enabling individuals to remain independent in a home of their choice. It has aptly been named Lavender View after the rich and vibrant lavender fields established since 1932 and located three miles south of Hunstanton.  The new community is being developed in the Hunstanton area of Norfolk and will bring much-needed independent living accommodation to people over 55 living here. Neil McKay, Head of Commercial. Quality and Growth at Places for People, said: “Tackling the housing crisis means providing homes that meet everyone’s needs. Lavender View is a vital development, offering people the right environment to live happy, independent lives. We are delighted to see progress on site and look forward to welcoming the first residents next year.” Lavender View will also offer residents an onsite café, an activity room for healthy and positive living, impressive communal areas including a main lounge and landscaped gardens, on-site hairdressing, a spa room, mobility scooter storage and on-site parking for residents and their visitors. Lavender View is due for completion in late summer 2026. Cllr Alison Thomas, cabinet member for Adult’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “This topping out ceremony marks an exciting moment for Hunstanton as we move another step closer to providing residents with an accessible, safe new home in a vibrant community as they age. “Norfolk County Council remain committed to investing in schemes just like Lavender View that prioritise independence, but with the added peace of mind of on-site care and support when they need it.” Kate Collins, Senior Manager for Provider Management at Homes England, said: “Increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions. “Lavender View is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners like Places for People to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

England’s largest not-for-profit later-living provider, Anchor, celebrated the topping out of Mulberry House located near Gresley Way in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The development will provide 64 one and two-bedroom later living apartments with affordable ways to buy and rent. Once open, the brand-new development will also provide future residents with various modern communal spaces including an on-site café, residents lounge, a hair and beauty salon and landscaped gardens. Residents will have full access to Anchor’s Be Well 360 service, ensuring support for health, well-being and social connection. Anchor’s Delivery Officer, George Weeden said: “The topping out at Mulberry House is an important milestone for both Anchor and the development.  Mulberry House will deliver much needed, high-quality accommodation to support older people and their changing needs as well as contributing to our vision of creating 5,700 new homes over the next 10 years. I would like to thank HG Construction and our consultants for their skill and collaboration in helping us reach this stage, on time and on budget.” Juliette Bartlett, Head of Development Delivery said: “Anchor has worked closely with the local community throughout the building of this development, which is testament to its commitment to providing homes for later living that suit the demand and changing needs of the older population in our area. I look forward to seeing the developing relationship between Anchor and its residents and witnessing the growth of a thriving older community.” For more information about the development please visit www.lifeinplace.org.uk or call 01695 318195. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Housebuilder Avant Homes South Wales and housing association Valleys to Coast have announced the exchange of contracts on a £42m deal to deliver 194 affordable homes in Maesteg. The new housing development will be built on the former Ewenny Road Industrial Estate which comprises 16-acres and is one of the largest redevelopment and regeneration projects in the region. This marks Pontypridd-based Avant Homes South Wales’s inaugural deal with Valleys to Coast, and also the first since the housebuilder established a presence in Wales last year. Using Cardiff Capital Region funding, Bridgend County Borough Council worked to remediate the brownfield site to allow the new homes development to take place. Avant Homes will deliver a mix of energy efficient, practically designed house types. Of the homes, at least 108 will be built to Welsh Design Quality Requirements with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A and be carbon free, with the remainder achieving an EPC ‘B’ rating. The mix of homes available will include one-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached properties. The site has outline planning permission and Avant Homes South Wales will submit a reserved matters application in August. Subject to planning, work is expected to start next March, with the first residents scheduled to move in to their new homes next December. Avant Homes South Wales managing director, Martin Smith, commented: “This deal is an excellent example of effective collaborative working between Bridgend County Borough Council, Cardiff Capital Region, Valleys to Coast and ourselves. “It’s successful conclusion enables the provision of more quality new homes for the South Wales Valleys in a development that will create a thriving new community within Maesteg. “This is a landmark deal for Avant Homes South Wales with it being our first one with Valleys to Coast, and our first in Wales. “We have a highly capable and ambitious local team in our business who are proud to be playing their part in delivering this exciting and essential regeneration project. “We will continue to build upon this momentum and we are in advanced discussions regarding a number of other deals to provide quality affordable new homes throughout South Wales.” Avant Homes Group is headquartered in Barlborough, near Chesterfield, and operates across South Wales, the north of England, the Midlands and Scotland. The housebuilder has a multi-tenure growth strategy which sees it deliver homes for private sale, the private rented sector (PRS) and additional affordable housing. For the year ended 30 June 2025, the Avant Homes Group delivered 1,659 completions with net debt of less than £90m. For further information on Avant Homes visit www.avanthomes.co.uk and for Valleys to Coast go to www.valleystocoast.wales Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

VIVID, a leading housing association in the south of England, has published its 2024–25 Annual Review – showcasing how customer insight, partnership and bold investment are transforming lives and neighbourhoods at scale. During the year, VIVID prioritised the areas that customers said mattered most to them – faster repairs, keeping customers informed, and enhanced complaint handling. Improvements were driven by customers and its teams working closely together. Key results which brought a positive impact direct to customers include: Customers also helped shape this Annual Review. It contains stories and insights that bring to life the real impact of housing in transforming lives and strengthening communities. One standout story comes from Fielder Court, a housing complex for people over 55, where a customer, supported by VIVID’s customer influence team, helped launch and lead a new residents’ group. It’s a great example of how people are coming together to make their community feel more like home. Customer contributor Kevin Grantham said: “It’s not just about sharing what we’ve achieved at Fielder Court—it’s about showing how residents can shape the places they live and feel genuinely heard. Being involved in this annual review has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that when we work together, we can build communities we’re truly proud of.” The review also tracks VIVID’s performance against the Tenant Satisfaction Measures set by the Regulator of Social Housing. Mark Perry, Chief Executive of VIVID said: “We’re dedicated to providing high quality homes and consistent, reliable services that deliver outcomes that truly matter to customers. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made. Our customers’ voices help shape everything we do – from the services we deliver to the way we invest in communities. This review of the year reflects that partnership.” Visit the Annual Review 2024–25 here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bromford Flagship is delighted to announce that it has undertaken two new financing transactions this month to fund its strategic ambitions over the years ahead. These comprise the completion of a 25-year, £300m sustainable bond and an extended term loan from NatWest. The bond, which has a 25-year maturity, was met with strong investor demand in the current market conditions and was four times oversubscribed. It was priced at government gilts plus 0.82% producing a coupon and yield of 6.072%, marking the housing association sector’s tightest spread in four years. It’s the first issuance under Bromford Flagship’s recently established Euro Medium Term Note programme and was issued under the group’s Sustainable Finance Framework. Both frameworks were established in June 2025 to create an enhanced route to access the sustainable capital markets to enable the organisation to deliver 2,000 new homes a year over the next 30 years. At the same time Bromford Flagship has finalised a term loan from NatWest which extends the life of facilities previously available to the group. This bilateral loan, along with the £300m bond, has sustainability features and these will allow the group to continue its investment in high-quality, affordable homes in places that enable people to thrive, delivering sustainable outcomes for customers and communities. Bromford Flagship’s Chief Finance Officer Paul Walsh said: “These deals optimise our ongoing debt facilities whilst raising some new funds that support our liquidity. They increase the average life of our outstanding debt and demonstrate our confidence to fund the business for the long term to support our ambition to be one of the largest builders of much needed social and affordable homes in the UK. “This is an important milestone which will allow us to move forward with our future financing and development plans and enables us to access the additional £1.9 billion capacity following the creation of Bromford Flagship earlier this year.” Dominic Brindley, Director Financing and Risk Solutions at NatWest, said: “NatWest is delighted to support Bromford Flagship as both arranger of their £1.5bn EMTN programme and an active bookrunner on this £300m debut drawdown. NatWest is committed to playing its part in helping people into safe stable homes and this is reflected in our ambition to lend £7.5bn to the social housing sector.” Bromford Flagship ratings of A2 Stable with Moody’s and A+ Stable with S&P will apply to the bond. The managers on the bond transaction were Barclays Bank PLC, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc, NatWest Markets Plc and ABN AMRO Bank N.V.. Bromford Flagship’s legal advisers were Devonshires Solicitors LLP and its treasury advisers were Newbridge Advisors LLP. These transactions follow a £75 million private placement that the housing group issued in April. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals