Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart has announced a £300 million investment to upgrade and modernise its housing stock over the next five years, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and improve living conditions for tenants. The initiative, named the ‘Homes Fit for Modern Living’ programme, will focus on upgrading around 6,000 homes. A significant 75% of these—approximately 4,500 properties—were built before the Second World War and are considered the least energy-efficient within Midland Heart’s portfolio. The project aims to make these homes more affordable to maintain, enhance thermal comfort, and help combat fuel poverty. The association is targeting an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C for all upgraded properties. This investment is a key part of Midland Heart’s corporate plan to 2030, which has been shaped in collaboration with tenants. The plan also includes delivering 2,250 new affordable homes by the end of the decade, which would bring the total number of properties under its management to around 6,000. In addition to modernisation, Midland Heart is set to halve the time required to complete repairs, reducing it from 28 days to just 14. This will be achieved through a strengthened in-house maintenance team, a reliable supply chain, and strong partnerships with top-tier contractors. Chief executive Glenn Harris commented:“After spending the past few years simplifying our organisation and refocusing on our core social purpose as a landlord, I am confident that we now fully understand the priorities of our tenants and have the financial resilience to address them. “Tenants at Heart is our promise to put residents at the centre of everything we do over the next five years. We will empower our colleagues to make decisions on behalf of tenants, invest in their homes like never before, and build new homes to ensure more people in our region have access to quality, affordable housing.” As part of its long-term strategy, Midland Heart also plans to streamline its property portfolio through strategic disposals, ensuring all homes remain fit for purpose and deliver value for money. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hundreds more much-needed homes, including more than 200 for social rent, will be built as part of the regeneration of Wornington Green, after Peabody’s plans for the third and final phase of the project were green-lit by the council.   At a meeting last week (Tuesday 4 March), the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s planning committee gave permission for up to 370 more homes. Up to 208 will be for social rent, helping those on the council’s housing waiting list as well as providing new homes for existing residents.  The council also granted permission for the much-anticipated new community centre, adventure playground and the final phase of Athlone Gardens.   Peabody has been speaking to those who use the existing community centre as well as the council and wider community to ensure the design meets the requirements of the local neighbourhood and residents of all ages. The centre will be bigger than existing centre and accessible from Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove, helping to bring these communities together.   The final phase of the project will also see further enhancements to green spaces, including the completion of Athlone Gardens, and better connectivity for pedestrians. There will also be improvements to roads, a new neighbourhood square and courtyard, an outdoor area for markets and other community events, and more commercial spaces.  James McMylor, Regional Managing Director for Development for Peabody, said: “This project will ultimately provide around 1,000 much-needed new homes for people of the Royal Borough, more than half of which are affordable, as well as a new space for community events and activities. So, we’re pleased to have the council’s backing for this final phase and we hope to make quick progress on delivering this final phase.   We’re grateful to everyone who shared their views on our plans and helped to shape the future of the neighbourhood.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hundreds of much-needed new homes for London have moved a step closer to completion, with the “topping out” of 240 homes on the former St Ann’s Hospital site in South Tottenham. Not-for-profit housing association Peabody and development partner The Hill Group marked the milestone on Friday 28 February, joined by Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, and representatives from the London Borough of Haringey including its leader Councillor Peray Ahmet. The first homes are expected to be completed this summer, with the final development finished in 2031.  The project is set to deliver up to 995 homes overall, with 60 percent affordable. The first phase, currently under construction, will provide 240 homes, including 94 affordable, along with new green spaces and commercial premises. The homes will be built around a larger Peace Garden, which is being restored and tripled in size to increase biodiversity. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew is helping with the transformation. The new neighbourhood, which will be known as North Gate Park, will also feature a children’s play area, electric vehicle charging points, and cycle routes to Harringay Green Lanes station. Seven historic hospital buildings, including the iconic water tower, will be preserved and converted into workspaces and commercial spaces. The project won a Housing Design Award in 2024 for its masterplan. Peabody was appointed by the Mayor of London in 2023 to redevelop the site. In addition to more homes, future phases are set to include a convenience store. James McMylor, Regional Managing Director for Development in London North for Peabody, said: “North Gate Park is a fantastic example of how regeneration can deliver much-needed homes while creating lasting benefits for the whole community. This development not only provides affordable and high-quality homes but also revitalises a historic site, with new amenities and green spaces that will serve local people for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming new residents from later in the year.”  Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, said: “North Gate Park is a fantastic example of how we can create much-needed new homes while celebrating and preserving the rich history of London’s neighbourhoods. This impressive development will deliver nearly 1,000 new, high-quality homes – 60 per cent of which are genuinely affordable – and a range of amenities, making it a truly inclusive place to live. I look forward to seeing North Gate Park come to life as a thriving new neighbourhood in north London, helping to build a better, fairer London for all.” Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, commented: “Sustainability, heritage and community are at the heart of North Gate Park, blending contemporary homes with beautifully restored historic architecture, green spaces, and outstanding community amenities. Celebrating this topping out ceremony alongside our partner Peabody provides a moment to reflect on how proud we are to be delivering not only much-needed housing but an outstanding new neighbourhood.” Cllr Sarah Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said: “We are very happy to celebrate this milestone, which marks significant progress in the delivery of this important redevelopment project. “This thriving new neighbourhood will deliver hundreds of genuinely affordable homes, 154 of which will be owned by the council, alongside facilities that provide lasting benefits for the whole community.  “These high quality, energy efficient homes for local people are set in a landscape-led masterplan with hundreds of new trees and enhanced spaces, and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to see the transformation of the site first hand.    “We are on track to deliver 3,000 new council homes by 2031, built to the very best environmental and design standards, with work already completed or started on more than 2,000.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading housing association Bromford has made a strong start to the year, securing land for 179 new homes across three sites so far, as part of its commitment to delivering much-needed affordable housing. These new developments will be built in Brierley Hill, Dudley (50 homes), Highnam, Tewkesbury (95 homes), and Hopwood, near Bromsgrove (34 homes). These homes will be a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership, ensuring a mix of tenure options to support a range of housing needs. Beyond these secured sites, Bromford is also progressing contracts to acquire land for over 1,000 additional homes across multiple locations, aiming to complete agreements by the end of March 2025.These future developments will support the housing association’s long-term strategy to increase the scale of its housebuilding programme and deliver more affordable homes to meet growing demand. A significant proportion of these homes will be for social rent, reinforcing Bromford’s position as England’s largest builder of social rent homes. These land purchases form part of Bromford’s ambitious goal to build 11,000 homes across the West Midlands and West of England over the next seven years, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality homes at scale. Lyndon Parkes, Head of Land at Bromford, said: “This year has started strongly, with a number of land deals completed and even more in the pipeline. With more than 1.2 million households currently waiting for a social home in England1, the need for high-quality, affordable housing has never been greater. “Our latest acquisitions mark another step forward in our efforts to deliver much-needed homes, and with demand continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever that we build at scale. Securing land is a vital part of this strategy, allowing us to play a leading role in tackling the housing crisis. As we look ahead, our focus remains on identifying and securing land opportunities that align with our mission to support and uplift the communities we serve, helping them to thrive.” As part of Bromford’s ongoing efforts to deliver homes more efficiently and sustainably, Bromford is also set to build some of its future developments using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). This approach will see key structural elements manufactured offsite before being assembled on location, reducing onsite waste and improving overall efficiency. Bromford continues to explore ways to lessen environmental impact while accelerating the delivery of new homes. Bromford is actively seeking new land opportunities to further its development ambitions. To learn more about how the housing association acquires land or to discuss potential opportunities, visit Bromford’s land acquisition page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The London Borough of Redbridge has received a much-needed boost in social housing with the completion of the first 23 of 98 new affordable homes at Barkingside Yard. The remaining homes are set to be delivered by summer, helping to address the capital’s housing crisis. Developed by Peabody in partnership with Vistry Group and Places for London (Transport for London’s commercial property company), this regeneration project has transformed a former builder’s yard into high-quality, 100% social rent housing. These homes will provide secure, affordable accommodation for those on the council’s waiting list. High-Quality Homes in a Prime Location The development offers a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, including: Designed by architects Sheppard Robson and ECE Architecture, Barkingside Yard is more than just a housing development—it also improves local infrastructure. Enhancements include new pedestrian crossings, solar lighting, upgraded cycle parking, and reconfigured station car parking to improve accessibility and safety. Sustainability at the Core Barkingside Yard prioritises sustainability with: As part of the planning agreement with Redbridge Council, the development will also contribute to improvements at Fairlop Waters Country Park. Key Stakeholders Celebrate Progress To mark the completion of the first phase, representatives from Peabody, Vistry Group, Places for London, the Greater London Authority (GLA), Redbridge Council, and Turner & Townsend Project Management gathered at Barkingside Yard on 30 January. James McMylor, Regional Managing Director of Development at Peabody, said:“These new homes provide essential affordable housing while also enhancing the local community with sustainable and green spaces. We look forward to welcoming residents later this year and seeing the positive impact of this development.” Rachel Wood, Senior Development Manager at Places for London, added:“We’re proud to bring much-needed affordable homes to Barkingside while prioritising accessibility and sustainability. This project is a step forward in creating well-connected, thriving city communities.” Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing & Residential Development, commented:“This development, supported by the Mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme, delivers vital social housing alongside improved public spaces, solar lighting, and enhanced cycle parking—building a fairer, greener London for all.” With all 98 homes set for completion by summer, Barkingside Yard is a shining example of collaborative urban regeneration, providing quality housing while enriching the local community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Places for People, the UK’s leading social enterprise, has acquired a 110-acre site on the outskirts of Edinburgh to deliver more than 1,300 much-needed homes. This significant development will help address the growing demand for housing in the Scottish capital, as the organisation continues its mission to create thriving, sustainable communities. Located west of the city centre, the site boasts excellent transport links and close proximity to education, leisure, and employment opportunities. The acquisition from Murray Estates marks a major step in delivering high-quality housing in line with the Edinburgh City Plan 2030. Colin Jack, Regional Managing Director – Scotland of Places for People Developments, said:“The City of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government have declared a housing emergency, highlighting the urgent need for new homes. Scotland has long faced a chronic housing shortage, and we are committed to helping address this. We’re excited to play a key role in shaping the west of Edinburgh with a mixed-tenure development that will create a lasting, vibrant community.” A Vision for Modern, Connected Living The masterplan for the development will take inspiration from new town principles, creating a well-balanced, sustainable neighbourhood. Key elements of the plan include: David Murray, Managing Director of Murray Estates’ owner Murray Capital, added:“As a family business that has owned this site for 40 years, we are delighted to see our vision for Redheughs being brought to life by an organisation dedicated to building high-quality, sustainable communities. This development is a key milestone in the expansion of west Edinburgh, delivering thousands of homes the capital urgently needs.” Beyond Housing: A Commitment to Social Impact As a social enterprise, Places for People is committed to enhancing the wider community beyond just building homes. The organisation will promote apprenticeships, local employment, and training schemes while supporting initiatives such as the Hays Community Pantry and the Tools for Equity project. Through its subsidiary, Places Leisure, it also plans to expand physical activity programmes and extend the Relational Mentoring Project in partnership with Wise Group. Colin Jack concluded:“Our goal is not just to build homes but to create places where people can truly thrive. We believe in fostering strong, connected communities by working closely with local charities and businesses to provide essential services and opportunities. We look forward to collaborating with Edinburgh City Council to bring this vision to life.” Construction is set to begin in summer 2026, marking a major milestone in addressing Edinburgh’s housing needs and shaping the city’s future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals