A retirement development on Cooke Street in Bentley, Doncaster that is using a modern method of construction, where the homes are produced off-site, has marked a major milestone. The development of 20 affordable retirement bungalows and apartments is being constructed on the site of former council offices and a depot. Designed by
Twenty large family homes would be built for the Gateshead Jewish community if a public / private partnership that is driving up the quality and choice of homes in the borough is given the go-ahead for its innovative proposal. The scheme is part of a wider initiative to build 58
Councillor Jane Meagher has officially broken ground at Scotland’s largest net zero housing development in Granton. The start of construction works at the £72m ‘Western Villages’ project represents a significant milestone for the City of Edinburgh Council in the delivery of the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront regeneration project. Over the next ten years,
Leading flexible workspace prepares to launch its 4th Manchester flex space Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has completed a 10-year Management Agreement to create a high spec flexible workspace at 1 Balloon Street, Manchester. The new space will open in August 2022. The 26,000 sq. ft. flexible workspace has been
Work already underway for first major residential scheme of affordable homes in central Bletchley UK property developer Godwin Developments has agreed a forward funding deal with CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) – a fund managed by CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) to deliver 184 affordable homes in central Bletchley,
The new Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest, Ahsan Khan, lay the ceremonial brick at affordable housing developer Pocket Living’s Osier Way scheme in Leyton. Joined by Leyton Ward Councillor Rhiannon Elgin and Pocket’s Chief Commercial Officer Nick Cuff, the ceremony marked an important milestone for the area and prospective first-time
Construction at Millwrights Place and Coopers Court, Finzels Reach, Bristol, has reached a major milestone with ‘topping out’ being achieved. The projects form the second Cubex/Grainger Build to Rent scheme in the city, providing high-quality rental homes and much needed affordable new homes for Abri. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member
The latest phase of the Council-led regeneration of Greendykes is set to move ahead following a funding boost of just over £620,000. Secured from this year’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme, the funding will enable the Council to clean a site in the area of contamination and improve ground
Two and a half times more households are renting private accommodation in England than they were 20 years ago, say new figures about the rental market. Experts at storage and removals specialists LOVESPACE believe the trend is only likely to increase amid the cost of living crisis currently gripping the
As we embrace post-pandemic life, social landlords as well as focussing on building new homes are also putting repairs and maintenance of existing stock at the top of their priority list. This drive to make significant improvements to tenants’ homes relies on key partnerships with contractors.We had to postpone some
A retirement development on Cooke Street in Bentley, Doncaster that is using a modern method of construction, where the homes are produced off-site, has marked a major milestone. The development of 20 affordable retirement bungalows and apartments is being constructed on the site of former council offices and a depot. Designed by Brewster Bye Architects for Housing 21, all the modular units, which were built in Hull by specialist contractor, M-AR, have now been delivered and installed. The brickwork is already up to damp proof course level and the external cladding and landscaping work on the development is due to complete soon. Mark Henderson, from Brewster Bye, said: “This modern method of construction is proving very popular because the units are constructed off-site and delivered completely finished, including electrics, plumbing and interior paintwork, so it’s fast and efficient. “The three-storey apartment building will offer 12, one and two bedroom, apartments, and there will be eight, two bedroom bungalows, which will all be finished with traditional materials including a palette of red brick with light render features, stone effect head and cills, slate effect roof tiles and anthracite grey windows and doors. “The high-quality houses all enjoy spacious plots, generous gardens and parking spaces. The layout of the properties has been carefully designed to create a characterful development with its own attractive identity.” The development sits next to an existing, popular retirement living development also owned and managed by Housing 21 – Minden Court. A spokesperson for Housing 21, said: “There is plenty of demand for quality retirement accommodation in the area, so this was an ideal site for these much-needed homes, and it will appeal to the over 55s market throughout Doncaster. Close to a variety of local shops and an attractive park, where residents can enjoy pleasant walks – it’s a great place to live.” Housing 21 is a leading provider of retirement and extra care living for older people. It is a not-for-profit organisation that operates in over 240 local authority areas. Brewster Bye is one of the UK’s leading architecture practices in the retirement housing sector. Visit: www.housing21.org.uk for more details.
Twenty large family homes would be built for the Gateshead Jewish community if a public / private partnership that is driving up the quality and choice of homes in the borough is given the go-ahead for its innovative proposal. The scheme is part of a wider initiative to build 58 affordable properties on a piece of land which has stood empty for almost a decade because redevelopment costs were prohibitive. The Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP) wants to use profits from the construction and private sale of around 50 houses elsewhere in the borough to part fund the project in Hyde Park Street. This would allow the development of the affordable homes on a 2.88 acre site which was, until 2013, occupied by back to back terraced housing. And 20 of these new homes would be specially designed to meet the needs of the town’s Orthodox Jewish Community. GRP comprises Gateshead Council, construction and regeneration specialist Vistry Partnerships North East and affordable housing provider Home Group. The proposal has been developed in conjunction with Homes England, Adler Housing – a registered provider of social housing under the Jewish Community Council of Gateshead – and Agudas Israel Housing Association. A planning application is being prepared for submission which, if approved, would allow the development of two to five bedroomed homes on the site of the former Hookergate School in High Spen, the profits from which would subsidise the Hyde Park Street project. Home Group would offer 38 of these for affordable rent, whilst Adler and Agudas Israel would take the 20 specially designed homes for Jewish residents. In addition to being large enough to accommodate extended families, features in these homes include a room with a sukkah – a retractable roof, and kitchens compatible with observance of Kosher dietary practices including two sinks and sufficient counter space. Chaya Spitz, CEO with Agudas Israel Housing Association, said: “This carefully planned scheme comes after many years of joint working by our colleagues from Gateshead Regeneration Partnership and the local Jewish community. We are delighted to be joining and hopefully enabling it to come to fruition.” Eli Halberstadt, chair of Adler Housing, commented: “We are delighted that the Gateshead Jewish community has the opportunity to provide high quality, bespoke housing which would provide ample living space for families. We are especially pleased to partner with Agudas Israel on this project.” Cllr. Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, added: “I would welcome the development of much needed high quality housing in the area and I’m delighted that Gateshead Council is playing a positive role, working with the community on this initiative.” Andrew Rennie Development Director with Vistry Partnerships North East, commented: “It has been a long and complex process to align all the partners involved in the initiative, but it is pleasing to have been able to create an opportunity to meet the diverse housing needs of local people and unlock the potential of this piece of unused land.” Kitson Keen, Director of Development at Home Group, said: “The Gateshead Regeneration Partnership is a great example of collaborative working. And this latest initiative is another example of this. The progress we have made to date gives us absolute confidence that we’ll reach the targets we’ve set to deliver much needed affordable homes in the Gateshead borough.” GRP’s vision is to create around 2,500 new homes on 16 sites across the borough in a £350 million initiative. To date around 450 have been built on eight sites. As well as improving housing quality and choice, the initiative is providing job and training opportunities – a minimum of 25% of which go to local people – and an economic uplift – a quarter of the supply budget is committed to businesses within the borough.
Councillor Jane Meagher has officially broken ground at Scotland’s largest net zero housing development in Granton. The start of construction works at the £72m ‘Western Villages’ project represents a significant milestone for the City of Edinburgh Council in the delivery of the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront regeneration project. Over the next ten years, 3,500 mixed-tenure homes and associated infrastructure will create a new, sustainable coastal community. Cllr Meagher was joined by representatives for the project – including the Council’s own development and regeneration team, contractor CCG (Scotland) and architect Cooper Cromar – at the site located on West Shore Road adjacent to Forthquarter Park. The 444-home masterplan will consist of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including wheelchair-accessible ground-floor dwellings, available in a mix of social rent (195) mid-market rent (193) and private sale tenures (56) that will each benefit from stunning parkland and sea views. To achieve net zero carbon, all homes will be constructed using advanced construction methods to improve thermal performance (and reduce heat loss). Delivered by an on-site energy centre containing air-source heat pumps and renewable technologies such as solar PV panels, this low carbon heat system and zero emissions strategy is being supported by £4.1m of funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme. Complemented by carbon offsetting measures, this pioneering approach to reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions has been developed by CCG in partnership with energy and sustainability consultancy, Carbon Futures. Sustainability credentials will be further enhanced by a reduction in car usage, provision of Electric Vehicle charging, and increased emphasis on active travel to lower the development’s carbon footprint over the longer term. Set for completion in 2024, the homes for rent will be managed by the Council whilst the private homes will be led by CCG Homes, the private housing arm of the CCG Group. Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “We are so proud to lead the country’s biggest net zero housing development and to break ground today. “With an ambitious target to become a net zero city by 2030, this first phase of Granton Waterfront will act as a blueprint for future sustainable development and help Scotland transition towards a greener economy. This housing is going to provide hundreds of affordable homes, right at the centre of what will be Edinburgh’s newest neighbourhood – offering a fantastically lively, active, and sustainable waterfront lifestyle for everyone who moves in. “People moving in will benefit from a real 20-minute neighbourhood, with great progress being made in our £1.3 billon wider regeneration project including a growing cultural and arts cluster in the area, after we announced works to refurbish the former Granton Station building into a creative workspace, as well as a new creative and community hub at 20 West Shore Road by Edinburgh Palette. It’s also great to see the iconic Granton Gasholder is being brought back to life – now illuminated in solidarity with Ukraine it is set to be fully restored and opened as a public amenity space. “The operators of the Pitt Street market have also announced their plans to take up a new residence here, with more than half of all stalls to be led by start-ups and entrepreneurs, and we’re only going to see more and more new services, businesses and creative endeavours choose Granton. This is the start of an exciting new chapter for the city and for how we build new homes and new neighbourhoods and I look forward to seeing it all take shape.” CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “CCG’s contribution to the regeneration of Granton is significant with over 500 homes set to be under construction by the middle of this year. Western Villages, alongside a further 75 homes with the Council at Waterfront Avenue (known as Granton D1, the first pilot project of the Edinburgh Homes Demonstrator initiative), will play a major role in the creation of this new coastal community and also help shape our understanding and capabilities of net zero housing delivery in Edinburgh and across Scotland. “We are very proud to be pioneering applied research and development into net zero housebuilding to support our economy’s green ambitions whilst also ensuring that high-quality, highly energy efficient homes remain accessible to our communities.”
Leading flexible workspace prepares to launch its 4th Manchester flex space Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has completed a 10-year Management Agreement to create a high spec flexible workspace at 1 Balloon Street, Manchester. The new space will open in August 2022. The 26,000 sq. ft. flexible workspace has been newly refurbished and will provide over 450 workstations. The workspaces are designed to appeal to teams of all sizes – from 5 people to 100 plus – and are over three floors of the building, (ground, first and second). In addition, there will be substantial collaboration, meeting and event spaces. 1 Balloon Street is in the centre of Manchester, just minutes from Manchester Victoria station and the Arndale centre, the biggest shopping centre in the city. The workspace is designed to be a modern, flexible base for Manchester’s booming tech, finance and creative businesses, offering brand new: Design-led space that focuses on hospitality A wide choice of different working zones Outdoor space Large meeting room suite More space person than the industry norm On-site shower and changing facilities Unlimited barista-quality coffee Secure bike storage facilities It is the fourth flexible workspace that Orega has launched in Manchester. The company offers flex space from 18 locations across the UK and is the UK’s leading provider of flexible workspace under Management Agreements (as opposed to leases). Ben Hutchen, Real Estate Director at Orega, commented: “We have enhanced our exceptionally strong Manchester portfolio with Balloon Street, where our landlord partner has intelligently invested to provide a first-class example of how the future of work will look. At Orega, we offer our landlord partners and occupiers a solution that monetizes their space with a high-end office product and building amenity- whilst allowing them to retain control of their asset and brand. This is what our truly bespoke ground-breaking new partnership model is all about.” Jonathan Cook, Director at CBRE, who advised the landlord, said: “We are delighted to secure Orega at One Balloon Street. They will make a fantastic addition to the building, satisfying the continuing demand from corporates seeking high quality flex space.”
Work already underway for first major residential scheme of affordable homes in central Bletchley UK property developer Godwin Developments has agreed a forward funding deal with CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) – a fund managed by CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) to deliver 184 affordable homes in central Bletchley, Milton Keynes. The four-acre scheme, named Bletchley View, will provide a mix of affordable and shared ownership properties, a combination of one and two bed flats as well as 12 three-bedroom houses. CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) invests in affordable housing with the aim to have a significant social impact across the United Kingdom. Bletchley View will cater to the growing demand for affordable homes in the area, especially from young people and families, seeking quality housing within commuting distance to employment opportunities. It will consist of two six and five-storey buildings, a row of townhouses as well as commercial spaces for the benefit of residents and the neighboring communities. Aligning with the sustainability ambitions of AHF and Godwin, air source heat pumps for hot water and a mechanical ventilated heat recovery system will be installed. The scheme is also located close to a train and bus station to help promote the use of public transport. Stuart Pratt, Founder and Director at Godwin Developments said: “With its proximity to Milton Keynes, the UK’s newest and fastest growing city, Bletchley has significant potential to become a modern thriving urban destination as outlined in the plans for its regeneration. “We are therefore thrilled to have partnered with CBRE IM in delivering the first major new residential scheme in the area which will ensure local and new residents have access to a range of quality affordable homes. This scheme aligns perfectly with our strategy for developing a range of residential opportunities across key growth locations nationwide.” Andrew Davey, Head of Liability Aware Strategies at CBRE Investment Management commented: “We are particularly proud of our partnership with Godwin as it demonstrates the commitment we have to providing affordable homes where they are needed most. Our business plan proactively manages the scheme by setting rent levels and shared ownership prices to meet the specific affordability requirements of the local population. “We look forward to working with all our partners on this development and are excited to be delivering affordable, sustainable homes to the community of Bletchley.” Part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment plans for the Buckinghamshire town, famous for its role in World War II code breaking, Bletchley View will also support ambitious local plans for delivering more homes, wider infrastructure upgrades and amenities to the area. Located adjacent to Bletchley station, with connections to London and across Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire as a part of East West Rail, the scheme will be close to a range of existing amenities, with more to be delivered soon as a part of the metropolitan hub. When completed and fully occupied, it will sustain a diverse range of local shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, niche retail and SMEs which are expected to make Central Bletchley a destination in its own right. National business Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on the scheme with work on site already underway and expected to complete in Q2 2024. Godwin was advised by agents CBRE and lawyers Hamlins. Simply Planning were the planning consultant. Advisors to CBRE Investment Management were Penningtons and CS2. Godwin Developments has a fast-growing nationwide portfolio, including nearly 3,000 residential units nationwide some of which are set to begin construction in the second half of 2022. The business operates across the BTR sector covering both multifamily and single-family housing as well as affordable homes with a number of residential developments covering Nottingham, Doncaster, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes and Derby, and many more in the pipeline. The company’s commercial and industrial divisions work includes recent developments in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline.
The new Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest, Ahsan Khan, lay the ceremonial brick at affordable housing developer Pocket Living’s Osier Way scheme in Leyton. Joined by Leyton Ward Councillor Rhiannon Elgin and Pocket’s Chief Commercial Officer Nick Cuff, the ceremony marked an important milestone for the area and prospective first-time buyers residing and working in the borough. Once Osier Way completes, the London Borough of Waltham Forest will have delivered the highest number of Pocket homes, compared to any other borough across London. Totalling 331 homes, this reiterates the council’s ambitions and commitment to delivering housing for the next generation of homeowners. With the median age of residents within the borough standing at 35 years, (compared to 401 across England), the need for entry level homes has never been greater. Osier Way represents one of Pocket’s most ambitious projects in its 17-year history, as well as being England’s largest scheme dedicated only to first-time buyers. Scheduled for completion in summer 2023, the development will provide 196 new homes, including 148 one-bedroom, 41 two-bedroom and 7 three-bedroom Pocket homes; all of which will be exclusively available at a 20% discount to market value for first-time buyers who live or work within Waltham Forest. Located just a short walk from Leyton station, the car-free scheme, consisting of five blocks ranging from six to 13 storeys, will also include 900 square metres of light industrial space and a further 50 square metres of café space. To date, Pocket has delivered one scheme in Waltham Forest and has over 2,000 eligible first-time buyers who live or work in Waltham Forest interested in buying a Pocket home at Osier Way. Shortlisted for three design awards, Pocket’s Gainsford Road development highlighted the success of the Pocket model in Waltham Forest. Another 90-home scheme is also in construction at Forest Road in Walthamstow, which forms part of Pocket’s ambitious targets to deliver 550 homes across London in the next 18 months. Cllr Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, comments: “The Council is committed to doing whatever it can to help people in Waltham Forest onto the property ladder. The scale of Pocket Living’s ambition for the Osier Way scheme speaks to both to their ingenuity and the need for well designed, affordable homes for first-time buyers in the borough.” Nick Cuff, Chief Commercial Officer at Pocket Living, adds: “As the cost of living continues to rise it has never been more difficult to own a home in London and so it is vital that we continue to deliver innovative housing solutions to unlock homeownership for the next generation of Londoners. As such, we are proud to be continuing our partnership with the London Borough of Waltham Forest to bring forward highly sought-after homes that will truly help local people onto the housing ladder.”
Construction at Millwrights Place and Coopers Court, Finzels Reach, Bristol, has reached a major milestone with ‘topping out’ being achieved. The projects form the second Cubex/Grainger Build to Rent scheme in the city, providing high-quality rental homes and much needed affordable new homes for Abri. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing, Delivery and Homes at Bristol City Council, laid the final piece of concrete at Millwrights Place alongside representatives from the respective owners of the two schemes, namely housing provider Abri and Build to Rent Landlord Grainger plc. Millwrights Place, developed by Cubex for Grainger plc, who will own and operate the scheme when complete, will provide 231 ‘Build to Rent’ homes created specifically for renters. All new homes will be professionally managed by Grainger’s dedicated onsite Resident Services team and in addition to offering high quality homes there will be a strong emphasis on shared resident amenity spaces, including roof top terraces, residents’ lounge, gym, co-working space and shared entertainment spaces. At ground level there will be co-working spaces custom-made for those working independently or running their own business. Grainger, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord and a FTSE-250 listed business has over 100 years’ experience as a residential landlord and is a leader in the UK private rental market, leading the way in the emerging Build to Rent sector and raising the bar in the rental market by providing high quality, mid-market rental homes for young professionals, key workers and families on regular incomes. Coopers Court, developed by Cubex for the social housing provider Abri, will deliver 66 affordable homes consisting of 48 homes for the social rented market and 18 for shared ownership. The energy-efficient building includes a bio-diversity roof amenity space, 94 cycling spaces and only four car parking spaces in line with the city’s drive to help tackle the environmental crisis. Together, Coopers Court and Millwrights Place will help to address the housing crisis in Bristol by providing social housing, an opportunity for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder and high-quality rental accommodation all of which is much needed in the city. Both buildings have been designed to have strong identities and a sense of place, whilst ensuring they integrate well with the surrounding area. Significant investment in improvements to the area around the buildings, including new landscaping, traffic management, pedestrian and cycle routes, will help create a more attractive area and foster a sense of community. As part of a £2.4m investment in improvements around the site, there will be new ‘pocket parks’ with seating and soft landscaping to create relaxing spaces the whole community can enjoy. As well as Coopers Court and Millwrights Place, the second phase of Cubex’s mixed-use Finzels Reach development on the former fire station site, incorporates a landmark, sustainable 116,000 sq. ft office building named Halo, with notable tenants confirmed including international legal firm Osborne Clarke and accountancy firm Deloitte. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “Demand for housing in Bristol far outstrips the number of homes available and it’s vitally important that we deliver a mixture of different types of housing to meet our city’s need. These new developments at Finzels Reach, offering affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership, and managed homes for rent, demonstrate that by working together we can deliver good quality homes for all. “We’ve got Bristol building since 2016, with over 9,000 new homes delivered for Bristolians. These new homes in central Bristol will add another 297 to that total – including 66 new affordable homes.” Peter Walford, managing director at Cubex, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this important milestone on Coopers Court and Millwrights Place, an integral part of Finzels Reach phase two. Thanks to a successful partnership approach with both housing provider Abri and professional landlords Grainger, plus our construction partner Wilmott Dixon, this once-derelict city centre site is fast being transformed into much-needed, high quality affordable accommodation to add to the 440 homes we have already delivered at Finzels Reach. Neal Stephens, managing director from Wilmott Dixon Wales and West, said: “Together, Millwrights Place and Coopers Court are the fourth project that we have worked on alongside Cubex and as part of this long standing and collaborative partnership we are delighted to have the opportunity to deliver this regenerative development. Millwrights Place and Coopers Court will provide much needed high-quality housing in Bristol, and we at Wilmott Dixon are proud to be part of the team that has delivered this landmark scheme.” Helen Gordon, Chief Executive at Grainger plc, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone for our Millwrights Place development – a great addition to our Bristol portfolio and delivering much needed new homes in one of our key target cities. We look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming months in the lead up to our launch – providing high quality homes, a commitment to excellent customer service and establishing a thriving new community for renters in Bristol.” Michelle Hyde, head of land and planning at Abri, commented: “It’s great to be a step closer to providing affordable homes in such a central location in Bristol and to be helping to transform a former derelict site into a place of real value for the community. “On our part, Abri is committed to delivering 12,500 new homes by 2030 and Coopers Court is a great example of how working with our partners we’re collectively helping to tackle the unmet housing need.” Cubex bought the former fire station site in summer 2018 on behalf of Fiera Real Estate Opportunity Fund IV (UK), a programmatic joint venture by FRE UK that is exclusive to clients of CBRE Global Investment Partners (CBRE GIP). Award-winning Finzels Reach is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the South West. The first phase, which is complete, includes 440 new apartments, 240,000 sq.ft of office space including two Grade A office buildings, a 168-bedroom Premier Inn, plus a host of
The latest phase of the Council-led regeneration of Greendykes is set to move ahead following a funding boost of just over £620,000. Secured from this year’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme, the funding will enable the Council to clean a site in the area of contamination and improve ground conditions, while work begins to design new, affordable, net zero carbon homes. The Council expects to fund the build of around 130 homes on the site. Regeneration expert Urban Union has been appointed to deliver the properties and will progress plans via the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme – an innovative new business model for delivering affordable homes based around greater use of offsite construction. Through collaboration with local and national government, academia and the construction industry, the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme will establish improvements in new affordable housing with a focus on time, cost, quality and carbon reduction. The programme was set up to develop and test a new business model for the construction of affordable homes using offsite construction methods. It has the potential to transform the productivity and performance of affordable housing and enable a move towards homes build to net zero standards. Planning permission in principle has already been granted as part of an existing masterplan. In the coming months, the Council and Urban Union will engage with local people on home designs and, subject to ground works, it is anticipated that the first properties will be delivered in phases from early-2024 to mid-2025. Councillor Jane Meagher, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Never has our need for better housing been greater as we face a cost-of-living crisis and a climate emergency, so we need to be really ambitious and use the small amount of space we have in our city creatively. “For years, developers have overlooked this empty piece of land because of how complex it is to unlock. Yet, it’s situated minutes away from the Innocent Railway cycle path and is close to the Royal Infirmary and local employment. The area benefits from countless bus links into the city centre and it is a fantastic place to live. “I’m thrilled that we’re going to be able to put the green back into Greendykes and we’ll work with local residents as we create these new net zero carbon homes. The funding will help us to transform the land and the local environment, while also providing new affordable and efficient places for people to live in line with our major housebuilding strategy.” Neil McKay, Managing Director, Urban Union said: “As a delivery partner for the regeneration of Greendykes, it is our responsibility to ensure that we provide homes that not only create a community but that bring benefits to the occupiers and the wider environment. “By utilising the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme, the Council is showing its commitment not only to its tenants through the selection of quality homes but to innovation and the city’s pledge to be net zero by 2030. “We are looking forward to meeting with the local residents to discuss the plans for the new homes and to obtaining their valuable input which will make sure that Greendykes becomes a blueprint for city centre regeneration.”
Two and a half times more households are renting private accommodation in England than they were 20 years ago, say new figures about the rental market. Experts at storage and removals specialists LOVESPACE believe the trend is only likely to increase amid the cost of living crisis currently gripping the UK. In 2000, Statista.com shows there were two million households in private rented accommodation in England and by last year this figure had reached 4.43m – in statistics published just weeks ago. The number of social renter households is just under four million. Marriage and relationship breakdown, the appeal of maintenance-free rental contracts and the need for flexible accommodation continue to fuel the demand for private rented flats and homes, alongside an increasing population. A spokesperson for LOVESPACE said: “Although we are seen as a nation of people striving to own their own home, the number of people opting to rent privately is rising, and has been doing so for the last two decades. There is nothing to say this upward trend is going to do anything other than increase further over the next five years. “Factors to account for include the continued rise in housing costs amid the cost of living crisis, plus a trend to more remote working which accelerated during the pandemic. Many employers are looking to move North from the South or expand and the quality of rental homes and available amenities mean renting holds increasingly huge appeal.” LOVESPACE says the costs of stamp duty and raising funds for a deposit also deter people from buying a house, along with rising house prices making it harder for people to get onto the property ladder. But it also says many people just enjoy the flexibility of renting through a landlord too – being able to move between or across cities and towns with ease, without being anchored to a specific postcode, and not having to pay if the boiler breaks down suddenly. LOVESPACE has been operating for ten years and has seen demand increase across a full range of age, genders and ethnicity, reflecting the buoyant rental marketplace in all sectors. It recently launched new drive-up secure self storage units at a number of car parks in London, alongside a new UK-wide removals service. This is alongside its storage with collection and delivery service which can help renters move or make the most of their space at home. Did the pandemic have a marked impact on the private rental market? LOVESPACE says yes – people now place more importance on having quality living space, including outdoor and green space, which is fuelling extra demand for a storage service, to free up more space at home. LOVESPACE predicts privately rented properties that continue to offer compelling ‘baked in’ amenities such as a gym, concierge and appliances will remain hugely sought after, although it recognises many people still strive for the long term investment and security of owning their own home. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
As we embrace post-pandemic life, social landlords as well as focussing on building new homes are also putting repairs and maintenance of existing stock at the top of their priority list. This drive to make significant improvements to tenants’ homes relies on key partnerships with contractors.We had to postpone some investment during the pandemic and are now playing catch-up by investing more than ever before in the maintenance and improvement of our housing stock. The Caledonia Group this year alone will be investing over £8m improving more than 30% of our existing 5,500 homes, however this will be challenging as we deal with a perfect storm of supply chain issues, including availability of materials and resources, leading to spiralling costs.Whilst we are weathering the storm, as a landlord and client, we recognise that in order to deliver this investment we need to have robust long-term contracts in place with trusted contractors and suppliers to partner with us to improve tenants’ homes. This process of good relations starts with clear client requirements, a fair procurement process and negotiated contract terms. With this in mind, quality as well as cost are key factors in our procurement process. Our network of contractors plays an integral role in our asset management, and we have a policy of introducing quality as a prerequisite when selecting contractors, looking in detail at the expertise, approach, and contractors’ ways of working, as well as the price. We also want to make sure any contractors who have responded to a tender have done so in a way that is sustainable for them. We have already seen a price rise of over 10% for kitchens, bathrooms and windows, and other raw material costs are also still on that upward trajectory. Experience tells us that prices seldom come back down, therefore it is important for us that we choose contractors who are building sufficient resource into their initial responses to the tendering process. There is also an imperative on us to be a good business partner. Last year, 175,000 people left the UK construction industry. We can see there is a shortage of contractors and the current boom in the construction industry means that the clamour to respond to tenders is no longer a reality. Furthermore, tenders may only have a short shelf life due to cost volatility. We therefore need to be responsive and agile as social housing partners to get the best deal and service for our tenants. Our Asset Management team and network of Neighbourhood Officers are the main contact points for tenants with regard to the work in their homes. However, once appointed, the contractor is also providing a service in Caledonia’s name. We therefore have to trust our contractors crossing the threshold into our tenants’ homes to uphold Caledonia’s values and play a significant role in the successful delivery. We want our tenants to feel comfortable about contractors being in their home and, whether they are replacing their kitchen, bathroom or heating system, our reputation is in their hands. Our aim is therefore to create long-term partnerships. Ideally, we want our contractors to understand how we do business and be sensitive to the needs of our tenants and their families. At the same time, we need to understand the pressures contractors are under themselves, and the difficulties that they encounter in managing our expectations in an incredibly challenging environment. This requires us to work closely together as we constantly manage all projects – from small refurbishments to larger capital improvement programmes. On the ever-increasing number of priorities on our asset management teams’ to-do lists, fostering partnership and building positive relationships with our contractors is crucial to delivering our ambitious investment plans. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
