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
Silva Homes, Hart District Council and St Edward celebrated the handover of 36 brand new affordable homes in Hartland Village, Hampshire, at an official event held on Thursday 12 May. Delivered by St Edward in partnership with Hart District Council, the affordable homes will be managed by Silva Homes and made
New homes are starting to take shape at the ambitious Neighbourhood development being built on brownfield land in Salford that has stood empty for more than a decade. Housing association Salix Homes and partner developer Step Places are building 157 new homes on two parcels of vacant land off Kara
United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, housing and property services, is pleased to announce that work is underway on an £8.4 million housing project to create 53 new affordable homes in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. Named Wheater’s Meadow, the 100% affordable development is being delivered by United Living New Homes’
First UK building to achieve three stars under this scorecard 106,000 sq. ft workspace in Hammersmith Capacity for 1500 occupants The Metro Building, in London’s Hammersmith, is the first UK building to be awarded a three-star Fitwel certification, under the Built Certified Multi-Tenant Base Building (v2.1) scorecard. Managed by Workman
Ahead of a full tender process, expected to take place this summer, MKDP has appointed Activate – Workman Placemaking to lead the search for a development partner to help transform this centrally-located commercial space, into a vibrant, future-proof destination. Currently covering 3,446m2 of Grade A retail space, the scheme contains
Homes Plus, a leading provider of affordable homes has completed a landmark £3.2 million project in a Staffordshire village that aims to provide high quality, retirement living for older people. The purpose-built complex in Kinver offers 20 modern, spacious, self-contained apartments with extensive communal facilities, including an attractive rooftop terrace,
As a leading provider of affordable homes across the North West, Torus Developments is about to start its latest scheme in Standish, Wigan, which will see 155 new homes built at Hallbrook Gardens – Torus’ biggest investment in Wigan to date. With works starting on site with Seddon in the Spring,
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
Silva Homes, Hart District Council and St Edward celebrated the handover of 36 brand new affordable homes in Hartland Village, Hampshire, at an official event held on Thursday 12 May. Delivered by St Edward in partnership with Hart District Council, the affordable homes will be managed by Silva Homes and made available to people in and around the local area. The affordable homes are one, two and three bedrooms apartments and houses, with bespoke architecture that reflects the local vernacular. The homes are split between affordable rent and shared ownership. The shared ownership scheme allows first time and low-income buyers a chance to get onto the property ladder with a lower deposit. Cllr Stuart Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “We are delighted with the development of these new homes which will allow local residents of Hart to live in the new vibrant community of Hartland Village. The development provides much needed affordable homes for local people who have been waiting on our housing register for some significant time. We have been working closely with Silva Homes to let these homes to those who need them most.” Paul Vallone, Chairman of St Edward said: “Quality, affordable homes are at the heart of our vision for creating a mixed community at Hartland Village. We are pleased that we can help more people access affordable rent and shared ownership, assisting more local people onto the property ladder.” Alan Ward, Chief Executive of Silva Homes said: “Silva Homes is delighted to have worked with in partnership with St Edward and Hart District Council to deliver new affordable homes at Hartland Village. Providing high quality, safe and secure homes is at the core of what we do, and it is vital that we keep working together to help tackle the housing crisis.” Residents at Hartland Village will be able to benefit from a 100 acre network of nature-rich open spaces, including a 70 acre Country Park and 6 miles of trails. Once the development is complete there will be a bustling village centre with a traditional green, community hall, shops and places to eat, drink and enjoy local life. There will also be a new primary school and nursery within the village and St Edward has appointed a dedicated Community Advisor to help new arrivals get to know each other and settle in. Affordable homes at Hartland Village start from £100,000 for a 40% share of a property with a full market value of £250,000. For further information, please visit www.silvahomes.co.uk.
New homes are starting to take shape at the ambitious Neighbourhood development being built on brownfield land in Salford that has stood empty for more than a decade. Housing association Salix Homes and partner developer Step Places are building 157 new homes on two parcels of vacant land off Kara Street and Liverpool Street in Seedley South. The eco-friendly development, comprising social housing, homes for affordable rent and properties for shared ownership and outright sale, is on track for completion in summer 2023. Terry McBride, development manager at Salix Homes, said: “Neighbourhood will bring a new era of housing to Salford and complement the wider regeneration taking place in the area, so it’s great to see these new homes starting to take shape. “This brownfield land has stood empty for over a decade and we’re very proud to see our long-awaited vision to breathe new life into the area and deliver much needed housing, start to become reality. “With housing in such short supply, we’re confident that Neighbourhood will deliver more of the right types of homes that people need in Salford, including social and affordable housing, creating a vibrant, sustainable and aspirational community of modern, high-quality and energy efficient homes.” The community-focussed development is a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes and one and two-bedroom apartments, and Salix Homes is working with Salford-based contractor Watson Homes to deliver its part of the scheme. The housing association has secured funding from Homes England to help finance the multi-million-pound project. Manchester poet Tony Walsh marked the start of work at Neighbourhood last year, when he penned a new poem – Salford Keys – to honour the spirit of Salford and commemorate a new era of housing and regeneration in the city. The honorary Salfordian, also known as Longfella, has a close affinity to the area, having previously worked in the Seedley and Langworthy communities as a regeneration manager. Speaking at the development launch last year, he said: “I have an association with Salford going back 40-years and know every back alley of this area in particular. Having worked on the regeneration project 15 years ago, it’s great to see what was planned back then finally come to fruition and the new Neighbourhood development will be central to the regeneration of the area.” The innovative design of Neighbourhood is a modern take on the traditional terrace house, complete with raised terrace gardens for some of the properties. There will be a public green space at the heart of the development, 86 trees planted, and all houses will have cycle storage and electric car charging points. Harinder Dhaliwal, managing director of Step Places, added: “It’s a great scheme of mixed tenures and innovative house types with sustainability high on the agenda. In the current climate of rising energy prices, the air source heat pumps and highly insulated homes will be a real benefit for occupiers” In total, 91 of the properties at Neighbourhood will be shared ownership, affordable rent or social housing, while 66 will be available for market sale, with Help to Buy support available. Salford Council is purchasing 25 of the homes for social rent, while a further five properties will go to Inspiring Housing Community Land Trust for a community-led housing model, which aims to support affordable homes for local people. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is fantastic to see this vacant site being brought back to life and it is very positive news this new development is eco-friendly. I look forward to joining the celebrations when the site is finished next year and people can move in. “These homes are provided against a backdrop of a national housing crisis with people on our housing lists that are desperate for affordable homes. We need to continue to work together to provide many more affordable homes in the city that local people can live in.” The 32 affordable rent homes will be allocated via Salford Home Search, while the remaining properties will be available via Salix Homes’ affordable home ownership brand – Willo Homes. The first phase of 47 homes at Neighbourhood, have already been reserved, with a further 20 homes released this month. Properties available as part of the Shared Ownership scheme are due to be released this summer, and people are urged to register their interest with Willo Homes now. For more information about homes available, email neighbourhood@salixhomes.co.uk or visit Neighbourhood Salford. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, housing and property services, is pleased to announce that work is underway on an £8.4 million housing project to create 53 new affordable homes in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. Named Wheater’s Meadow, the 100% affordable development is being delivered by United Living New Homes’ subsidiary, Partner Construction, on behalf of leading housing developer, Flagship Homes. It will see a mix of 46 social rent and seven shared ownership homes constructed on the site, on Kirby Road in Walton-on-the-Naze. Built on part of a former caravan park and supported by Homes England funding, all the properties will be available for shared ownership or social rent, ensuring genuine affordability for residents and widening the range of housing options for the local community. The first delivery of new homes is expected in August 2022, and the site is due to be completed in early 2024. At a ground-breaking ceremony to get work underway, Frank Lincoln, Regional Managing Director of Partner Construction, United Living New Homes, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have started building at Wheater’s Meadow, working closely with Flagship Homes to create much-needed new homes that residents will be proud to call home”. Tony Tann, Managing Director with Flagship Homes, added: “We are delighted to have commenced construction on this site in Walton-on-the-Naze with United Living and Partner Construction. It is a beautiful area and these rented and shared ownership homes will be tremendous for the local community. We are thrilled to see this development get underway and couldn’t be happier to work alongside Partner Construction on the development. It will provide a huge housing boost to the area and really shows our shared vision with everyone involved.” Wheater’s Meadow is one of two projects being delivered in close partnership between Partner Construction, United Living New Homes and Flagship Homes. The other, is a £9.7 million scheme that will see the creation of 73 new homes, again, all for shared ownership and affordable rent, in Necton, Norfolk. Partner Construction and United Living New Homes is part of United Living Group. It is currently active on 13 live sites across the country and has plans to deliver circa 500 new homes in the current financial year.
First UK building to achieve three stars under this scorecard 106,000 sq. ft workspace in Hammersmith Capacity for 1500 occupants The Metro Building, in London’s Hammersmith, is the first UK building to be awarded a three-star Fitwel certification, under the Built Certified Multi-Tenant Base Building (v2.1) scorecard. Managed by Workman on behalf of global real assets investor PATRIZIA, Metro now joins properties from around the world accredited by Fitwel, a certification system embraced by developers and workplace strategists as part of the growing trend towards healthier workplaces. As the UK’s leading implementer of Fitwel, Workman has achieved certification for almost 2 million sq. ft of retail, office, and business assets – the most completed Fitwel certifications in the UK and Europe. Metro’s 3-star Fitwel Certification demonstrates the collaboration of a proactive Workman onsite team, led by building manager Nicola Price and property manager Suky Atwal, along with PATRIZIA and sustainability consultancy Evora. This achievement showcases the Workman commitment to optimising buildings for health, using evidence-based strategies. The Fitwel standard provides a blueprint for making positive changes that are scientifically proven to enhance wellbeing and occupier health. Using an evidence-based scorecard system, Fitwel certifies the wellness credentials of buildings and their surroundings. Through the six-month Fitwel process, Metro benchmarked its health and wellbeing performance before developing strategies to improve it. The Metro Building scored particularly highly in areas including: The implementation of an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) policy. Provision of lactation room, a facility for nursing mothers. Access to a fruit or vegetable garden. Policies encouraging the use of stairwells over lifts. Amenities such as fitness and gym rooms. Nicola Price, Workman’s Building Manager at Metro, said: “Occupiers at the Metro building are engaged in the concept of healthy buildings, and we care about their wellbeing. Our landscaping project includes seasonal planting for occupiers to get involved with growing and harvesting. The introduction of initiatives such as IAQ testing has made a real difference to how our occupiers feel, and in turn this has motivated the onsite team, who have seen the benefits of Fitwel accreditation.” Charlotte Ross, ESG Manager and Fitwel Ambassador at Workman, said: “Across our managed properties and the wider industry, there is an increased focus on occupier health and wellbeing. For us, it was not only important to gain the Fitwel certification for Metro, but also to use the strategies to make sure we are managing the building with health and wellbeing in mind.” Jennie Brown, Associate, Asset Management at PATRIZIA, said: “Fitwel’s world-leading certification is testament to our strategy of improving occupier wellbeing by using best-in-class design to create healthy buildings for a strong community. Our focus on both mental and physical health, for example creating a new outdoor landscaped area, as well as a lactation room, were positively welcomed by our occupiers.”
Ahead of a full tender process, expected to take place this summer, MKDP has appointed Activate – Workman Placemaking to lead the search for a development partner to help transform this centrally-located commercial space, into a vibrant, future-proof destination. Currently covering 3,446m2 of Grade A retail space, the scheme contains a strong core of 100 existing outdoor commercial units. Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has announced its intention to seek an investment, development, and operational partner to facilitate the development of Milton Keynes Open Market, a centrally located, prime commercial space. MKDP has appointed Activate, Workman’s in-house placemaking team, to assess initial interest in this scheme. As the landowner, MKDP is seeking a partner to help transform Milton Keynes Open Market into a destination retail, leisure, and food and beverage scheme which will be future-proofed against market changes by providing a dynamic, modern, customer experience to local residents, and visitors, whilst retaining the market’s core values and appeal. MKDP is keen to work with partners with broad experience in the retail destination sector, and remain open to new ideas, and innovative concepts for the space. Tracey Aldworth, MKDP’s Managing Director said: “MKDP is seeking comments, and enquiries, from partners keen to enter into a long-term agreement and is open to partnering with a singular institution, or a consortium. We are also seeking the views of potential partners to determine the best-suited contractual vehicle for the development of this site.” Esther Worboys, Placemaking Manager for Activate, said: “Milton Keynes Market is an essential element of Milton Keynes’ civic fabric, and retail offer. The market is centrally located on Midsummer Boulevard and immediately adjacent to the centre:mk shopping centre which attracts 23.4mn visitors per year. We are keen to find a partner who will work with MKDP on both operating the market as it is in the short-term, but also developing it in the medium to long-term into a destination for local residents and visitors.” For more information, visit www.mkdp.org.uk or email activate@workman.co.uk Responses must be received by May 6th, 2022.
Homes Plus, a leading provider of affordable homes has completed a landmark £3.2 million project in a Staffordshire village that aims to provide high quality, retirement living for older people. The purpose-built complex in Kinver offers 20 modern, spacious, self-contained apartments with extensive communal facilities, including an attractive rooftop terrace, secure parking and electric vehicle charging points. The property also has photovoltaic panels which will improve the building’s overall energy efficiency. Homes Plus has developed the site of several bungalows that no longer met the organisation’s high standards. The Burgesses development has been designed for people over 55 who want to live independently, with the reassurance of access to care and support provided by Housing Plus Group’s care company, Care Plus. During the construction process, residents of the bungalows were temporarily rehoused at a neighbouring Care Plus retirement living scheme, and a number of them will soon be moving into the new apartments.Kerry Bolister, director of development at Housing Plus Group, explained: “We are delighted to see the completion of this landmark project that has received strong support from residents who previously lived in The Burgesses and from people living in Kinver who may need to move into more suitable accommodation as they get older. “As well as providing much-needed affordable housing for older people, the development is also a great example of working in partnership to replace outdated housing stock with high-quality homes, much better suited to current and future housing need.” The ambitious project went ahead following a £1.1 million Social Housing Grant from Homes England and additional funding of £145,000 from South Staffordshire District Council. Darren Adnett, provider manager of Homes England, commented: “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, accelerating housebuilding remains our number one priority. We are committed to supporting Housing Plus Group that has ambitions to build new homes and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that. “We’re delighted that this funding will enable Housing Plus Group to deliver much needed new homes for older people in Kinver, Staffordshire.” Work on site has been carried out on behalf of Housing Plus Group by S J Roberts Construction Ltd, who formally handed over the development in December 2021. Michael Sambrook, S J Roberts managing director, said: “It’s been fantastic to see this vital community facility progress and now handed over to Housing Plus Group. This building will provide older people with beautifully designed independent living with the knowledge that any help they require is close to hand. “S J Roberts is proud of its relationship with the Housing Plus Group, and we look forward to this continuing well into the future.” The new homes form part of Housing Plus Group’s ambitious pledge to start building 2,000 much-needed new homes by 2023, helping to tackle the national housing crisis. “The Burgesses scheme offers yet another example of how we are investing in the future by building high-quality, energy-efficient homes to meet the needs of our customers and to help tackle a national shortage of affordable housing,” Kerry added. Councillor Terry Mason, cabinet member for planning and business enterprise at South Staffordshire District Council, commented: “Delivering much needed affordable housing across South Staffordshire remains a priority for this Council and we’re pleased to have been able to support another quality development in partnership with Housing Plus for older people in Kinver.”
As a leading provider of affordable homes across the North West, Torus Developments is about to start its latest scheme in Standish, Wigan, which will see 155 new homes built at Hallbrook Gardens – Torus’ biggest investment in Wigan to date. With works starting on site with Seddon in the Spring, Hallbrook Gardens signifies a £30 million commitment from the Torus Group to keep building genuinely affordable, modern homes outside of its traditional heartlands of Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington. With 100% of homes at Hallbrook Gardens being available by affordable means, including Affordable Rent, Rent to Buy and Shared Ownership, Torus are committed to ensuring people across the region can access high quality, modern homes that they can afford for years to come. Discussing the scheme, Managing Director of Torus Developments, Chris Bowen said: “With the cost of living increasing and this disproportionately affecting those who earn less, we want to ensure our homes are accessible to anyone and support more people onto the housing ladder. “Through building more affordable homes and increasing the mix of tenure across all our new development schemes, we are continuing to offer multiple ways people can get on the property ladder and Hallbrook Gardens is the latest scheme that evidences how we are opening the door for more people to have their own property. We are delighted to be working with Seddon on this scheme and to further increase access to genuinely affordable housing in Wigan.” Divisional director at Seddon, Duncan Williams added: “Affordable homes are vital for people to feel a part of their community and with the demand for new houses in Wigan, Hallbrook Gardens will create 155 new homes. “We are delighted to be working with Torus Developments under the new development framework providing new affordable homes and being able to make a difference in the community.” Hallbrook Gardens is the latest new build development Torus Developments is on site with in Wigan and follows closely behind its Frog Lane development and Plank Lane development in nearby Leigh, which is due for completion this December. Also complementing Torus Developments increasing footprint across the North West, Hallbrook Gardens joins over 20 schemes currently onsite outside of the Liverpool City Region and St Helens, accounting for over 1,500 homes being built in communities across the North West.