Residential : Housing Associations News
Orbit launches 2030 Strategy with plans to significantly invest in its customer journey, build 5,700 homes and achieve Net Zero Carbon

Orbit launches 2030 Strategy with plans to significantly invest in its customer journey, build 5,700 homes and achieve Net Zero Carbon

Orbit, one of the UK’s foremost not-for-profit housing groups, has published its 2030 Corporate Strategy, outlining its ambitions for the next six years, including investing a significant amount in its customer journey, building and regenerating over 5,700 homes, and becoming Net Zero Carbon in its own operations. The Strategy sets

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Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry visit affordable homes site

Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry visit affordable homes site

The Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry have been to visit a site where nearly 200 affordable homes are being built. The development at Sphinx Drive by the Sphinx Sports and Social club is managed by Platform Housing Group who are the largest social landlord in the Midlands. Constructors Countryside Partnerships,

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Golding Homes signs with Skillcrown for Shepway regeneration

Golding Homes signs with Skillcrown for Shepway regeneration

Maidstone housing association Golding Homes has entered into contract with Skillcrown as the development partner for phase one of its regeneration of Cambridge Crescent in Shepway. Skillcrown has over 30 years’ experience and will deliver 119 new homes, made up of 91 one- and two-bedroom flats and 28 two- and

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1,100-Home Regeneration Project in Norfolk

1,100-Home Regeneration Project in Norfolk

Flagship Group has submitted an outline planning application to regenerate a 1,100-home development in Norfolk. The project, centered around the Abbey in Thetford, aims to address housing needs while enhancing energy efficiency and community well-being. The plan involves constructing between 320 and 500 additional homes, retrofitting existing ones, and replacing

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Sovereign Network Group completes 100 affordable homes in Edgware

Sovereign Network Group completes 100 affordable homes in Edgware

Customers are set to move into brand new apartments in Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware as Sovereign Network Group (SNG) complete the construction of 100 affordable homes. The spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments boast several green credentials. All properties will use air-source heat pumps instead of gas boilers for heating,

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Storm Housing Group, CarbonWise, and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions Forge Groundbreaking Collaboration in Sustainable Construction

Storm Housing Group, CarbonWise, and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions Forge Groundbreaking Collaboration in Sustainable Construction

Storm Housing Group, a Registered Provider of Social Housing, unveils a pioneering collaboration with CarbonWise and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable construction. CarbonWise Construction has brokered a supply agreement with Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions to revolutionise housing with low carbon, energy-efficient designs. Leveraging insights from the

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Platform Housing Group issues £250m sustainability bond

Platform Housing Group issues £250m sustainability bond

Platform Housing Group, the largest housing association in the Midlands, has issued a second sustainability  bond from its £1bn EMTN programme.  The £250m bond has a 26 year maturity and was priced at Government gilts plus 0.83 per cent, producing a coupon and yield of 5.342 per cent.  There was

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Residential : Housing Associations News

Orbit launches 2030 Strategy with plans to significantly invest in its customer journey, build 5,700 homes and achieve Net Zero Carbon

Orbit launches 2030 Strategy with plans to significantly invest in its customer journey, build 5,700 homes and achieve Net Zero Carbon

Orbit, one of the UK’s foremost not-for-profit housing groups, has published its 2030 Corporate Strategy, outlining its ambitions for the next six years, including investing a significant amount in its customer journey, building and regenerating over 5,700 homes, and becoming Net Zero Carbon in its own operations. The Strategy sets out how Orbit plans to continue to provide safe, sustainable, and affordable homes that its customers are proud to live in, by delivering and regenerating 5,700 new homes sustainably, investing in the safety, quality, and energy efficiency of its homes, and ensuring a laser-sharp focus on its customers’ priorities. Developed in collaboration with customers and colleagues, Orbit’s 2030 Strategy will also see a significant amount invested in its customer journey, to further improve its customer experience and ensure it delivers the services its customers value the most. Orbit will also focus on building on its commitment set out in its Sustainability Strategy to deliver £100million worth of Social Value by 2025, by optimising efficiencies and value for money, to enable it to do more for its customers and society, as well as deliver more new affordable homes. Phil Andrew, Chief Executive of Orbit Group, commented: “We are at an exciting and pivotal point in Orbit’s journey. Our 2030 Strategy is a valuable opportunity to renew our strategic approach and realise our ambition of striving to provide amongst the best customer experience of any housing association in the country. We’ll look to achieve this by building and maintaining safe, quality homes that our customers love, both sustainably and at scale, all supported by excellent customer service. “We have a lot to do within a complex and ever-changing external environment. However, as a socially-driven, not-for-profit organisation, with a growing reputation as a quality developer, we are confident that we will be able to sharpen our operational focus through the lens of our customers, as well as play our part in tackling the UK’s housing crisis through the delivery of 5,700 new homes.” Orbit’s 2030 Strategy focuses delivery in two phases with a stage gate in 2026 to check progress and adapt if necessary: “Our 2030 Strategy reshapes our approach to create a more sustainable and resilient business model in the long-term.” Phil continues. “By implementing a stage gate to both review progress and take stock of the external environment in which we are operating, it will allow us to further increase the positive impact we can make now and in the future.” Orbit’s 2030 Corporate Strategy is also supported by its Sustainability Strategy which sets out how it will ensure everything it does maximises its positive social and environmental impacts from becoming Net Zero Carbon and delivering on its 30×30 biodiversity target, to improving energy affordability for customers today, whilst also providing energy efficient homes that meet the needs of the future. To read Orbit’s 2030 Strategy visit: https://orbitgroup.org.uk/about-us/our-2030-strategy/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry visit affordable homes site

Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry visit affordable homes site

The Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry have been to visit a site where nearly 200 affordable homes are being built. The development at Sphinx Drive by the Sphinx Sports and Social club is managed by Platform Housing Group who are the largest social landlord in the Midlands. Constructors Countryside Partnerships, part of Vistry group, have begun work to deliver 196 affordable homes over the next few years which will be available for both social rent and through shared ownership. Councillor Jaswant Singh Birdi and Krishna Birdi joined members of Platform’s development team alongside people from Countryside to look at plans for the land and see how building work was progressing. Platform’s Executive Director of Growth and Development Gerraint Oakley said, “This site is a great testament to our commitment to keep building homes and comes off the back of a successful period for our development team, achieving starts on over 1500 homes last year. Working closely with our partners remains crucial in accelerating the delivery of affordable housing and this site is a great example of how it can work to deliver homes for people who need them most.” Adam Sharpe, Managing Director for Countryside Partnerships said, “I am delighted to celebrate the start of work on these much-needed family homes that we are building on behalf of Platform Housing Group. Both organisations are committed to providing high-quality, affordable homes at Sphinx Drive. Together we will transform this site into a fantastic place to live and provide real opportunities for people living in the area to own a new, affordable home and become part of a vibrant new community.” The homes are set to be delivered over the next two years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New partnership will help home improvements contract ‘achieve more’ for tenants, businesses and north east region

A multi-million-pound contract to improve social homes across the north east of England will be delivered by a new strategic partnership that has been created to maximise its impact on the region.   believe housing will make significant internal and external improvements to around 5,600 of its homes over the next four years, in a contract worth up to £62.4m (gross).  To deliver the works, from April 2024, five North East organisations have established the be:ONE strategic partnership.   Led by believe housing, the partnership includes Buston & Maughan Group, RE:GEN Group, Sendrig Construction Limited and Sunter Limited.  Thanks to the long-term contract and this new collaborative approach, instead of competing the businesses will work together to improve customer experience, achieve significant savings, and maximise the impact of social value in communities. There is a strong focus on supporting the local economy and employment, with a commitment to create new jobs and apprenticeships and allowing business growth. And they aim to cut carbon emissions, reduce waste, and increase recycling.  Ruth Dent, Director of Assets and Compliance at believe housing, said: “We’re passionate about providing healthy homes that are fit for the future and, while this investment will improve the homes of thousands of our customers, we want its impact to go much further.  “All too often in the sector, contractors are not given the visibility they need to be able to upskill and invest. We want to change this, and by doing so we can all achieve more.   “At believe housing we are proud to have had real successes by taking a more collaborative approach and by being open and transparent with our partners.  “This new be:ONE partnership will continue this by bringing contractors together with a common goal. Working as one team we can exchange best practices, streamline operations, drive performance and innovation, and amplify our social value offer. “It will improve outcomes for customers, and help the businesses to support one another’s growth and, ultimately, support the north east housing and construction sector.    “We’re desperately keen to make sure the pounds we spend stay local, so the people who live and work in our homes and communities feel the full benefit of believe housing’s investment.”  Procurement consultancy Prosper, which specialises in the delivery of bespoke end-to-end procurement solutions, facilitated the unique partnership.  Rod Brasington, CEO of Prosper, said: “Our team of procurement experts worked with believe housing to understand their desired objectives and outcomes and then facilitated the formation of the new partnership through our contractor framework – providing them with a compliant, cost-efficient and effective procurement solution.  “We were able to bring all three delivery partners to the partnership who, despite offering similar services, have come together to share a common goal and purpose of helping our client to achieve their goals and desired outcomes for their residents.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Torus and Castle Green Homes £59 million Congleton deal gets green light

Torus and Castle Green Homes £59 million Congleton deal gets green light

Further growing its new build investment in Cheshire East, housing Group, Torus, is celebrating planning permission being awarded to build 236 new affordable homes at Viking Way in Congleton. Once again partnering with award-winning developer, Castle Green Homes, Torus will invest £59 million into the scheme.    As part of a larger development project for the site at Viking Way, which will see a total of 396 new homes built, Torus will deliver 215 homes for Shared Ownership and 21 for Affordable Rent. Castle Green Homes will deliver 160 private homes, to create a modern, multi-tenure community.  The latest step in its ever-growing partnership with Castle Green Homes, which has already seen the two companies engage on over 360 homes across three other sites – Flowers Lane, Crewe, Bridgewater View, Daresbury and Orchard Place, Thornton – Viking Way will provide even more affordable homes to communities across Cheshire.  A key growth area for Torus in the past few years, Cheshire East has already seen Torus invest over £76 million into building over 450 affordable homes, to date, and Viking Way is the latest scheme to reiterate Torus’ commitment to bolstering access to more affordable housing.   Discussing Torus’ latest Cheshire-based scheme, Torus Developments’ Managing Director, Chris Bowen, said: “I’m proud of everything we have accomplished as a developer to not only expand our geographic footprint, but to work with an excellent partner in Castle Green Homes to facilitate our ambitions of building even more new, affordable homes across the North West.  “Viking Way is another fantastic step in our journey to being able to create modern communities and to help regions redress the balance when it comes to the availability of good quality homes that actively help people onto the property ladder and I am excited to see how these additional 236 homes will go onto benefit Congleton.”  Partnerships director for Castle Green Eoin O’Donnell explained: “We are delighted to finally achieve a planning consent on the Viking Way development. This will be another major step forward in our developing relationship with Torus, with whom this will now be our fourth project. We aim to deliver homes to Torus at a record pace to assist them in placing local families in well-designed, fuel-efficient homes as soon as possible. We believe that together Torus and Castle Green can be a driving force for the provision of much needed affordable homes over the coming years.”  Kate Collins, Senior Manager – Provider Manager, from Homes England, continued: As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious housebuilders of all sizes to build those homes and communities.   “As a Homes England Strategic Partner, Torus has committed to delivering new affordable homes via the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26. Investment at Vikings Way, Congleton will transform the site and provide much needed, good quality, affordable new homes in Cheshire. At Homes England we are committed to supporting our partners to increase the supply of good quality affordable housing in the communities where they’re needed most.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Golding Homes signs with Skillcrown for Shepway regeneration

Golding Homes signs with Skillcrown for Shepway regeneration

Maidstone housing association Golding Homes has entered into contract with Skillcrown as the development partner for phase one of its regeneration of Cambridge Crescent in Shepway. Skillcrown has over 30 years’ experience and will deliver 119 new homes, made up of 91 one- and two-bedroom flats and 28 two- and three-bedroom houses, and four commercial units in the first phase of the regeneration.   Homes England, the government’s housing agency, is providing grant funding for the first phase of the project, which is expected to be completed by early 2026. Over three phases, the regeneration will see 114 existing homes and shops replaced with 236 new, energy-efficient affordable homes and a modern shopping area, improved landscaping and community facilities. Tom Casey, Executive Director of Development and Strategic Asset Management at Golding Homes, said: “We’re very happy to have Skillcrown on board to deliver the first phase of 119 affordable new homes and commercial units. “Over recent years we’ve worked closely with the local community and stakeholders in Shepway and are now looking forward to getting started on site and delivering our shared vision for the area. “This significant investment project, supported by Homes England funding, will provide a range of new affordable homes, shops and facilities for the local community.” Salik Osman, Skillcrown’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Golding Homes to deliver these much-needed affordable homes to help kick start the regeneration of the area. “We look forward to working with the local community to bring forward a development that everyone can be proud of.” Work to prepare the site is now underway, with the demolition phase due to commence in the next two weeks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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1,100-Home Regeneration Project in Norfolk

1,100-Home Regeneration Project in Norfolk

Flagship Group has submitted an outline planning application to regenerate a 1,100-home development in Norfolk. The project, centered around the Abbey in Thetford, aims to address housing needs while enhancing energy efficiency and community well-being. The plan involves constructing between 320 and 500 additional homes, retrofitting existing ones, and replacing others. These new homes will be built to higher energy-efficient standards, reflecting Flagship’s commitment to sustainable development. According to Peter Hawes, Chair of Flagship, the project marks an important milestone for the Abbey and the Thetford community. Hawes emphasized the extensive consultation process with local residents over the past five years, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the project. While the plans are in the early stages, Hawes emphasized the importance of phased delivery and continued community engagement. Each phase will undergo detailed design informed by further consultation with residents. To support the community throughout the project, Flagship plans to fund an independent advisor for tenants and leaseholders. This advisor will act as a resource, ensuring the interests of all residents are represented. In addition to the housing regeneration, Flagship has launched a biodiversity plan aimed at transforming outdoor spaces by 2030. This initiative includes measures to encourage wildlife, reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and enhance green spaces for community enjoyment. David McQuade, Chief Executive of Flagship, stressed the association’s responsibility for tenant well-being and environmental stewardship. He highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, reaffirming Flagship’s commitment to sustainable land management and community welfare. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sovereign Network Group completes 100 affordable homes in Edgware

Sovereign Network Group completes 100 affordable homes in Edgware

Customers are set to move into brand new apartments in Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware as Sovereign Network Group (SNG) complete the construction of 100 affordable homes. The spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments boast several green credentials. All properties will use air-source heat pumps instead of gas boilers for heating, the first in SNG’s London and East region, and there will be solar panels on the development’s roof. The scheme also features rooftop gardens and a play area for new residents to enjoy. The scheme is 100% affordable with funding partly secured from the Greater London Authority’s (GLA’s) Affordable Homes Programme. There are 75 homes for Shared Ownership, 19 for London Affordable Rent, and six for London Living Rent, a GLA scheme that supports customers in saving for a deposit to buy their own home. A new supermarket and a gym are due to take up the commercial units on the ground floor. David Gooch, SNG Executive Director of Development (London and Herts), commented: “It’s great to see this affordable scheme at Burnt Oak Broadway reach completion providing fantastic and sustainable homes for our customers. These apartments are one of over 700 homes handed over across our London and East region in 2023/24, 3.5 times as many homes as in the previous financial year. Over the next 10 years we plan to develop 25,000 new homes in the South of England, more than half which will be for affordable or social rent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Storm Housing Group, CarbonWise, and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions Forge Groundbreaking Collaboration in Sustainable Construction

Storm Housing Group, CarbonWise, and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions Forge Groundbreaking Collaboration in Sustainable Construction

Storm Housing Group, a Registered Provider of Social Housing, unveils a pioneering collaboration with CarbonWise and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable construction. CarbonWise Construction has brokered a supply agreement with Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions to revolutionise housing with low carbon, energy-efficient designs. Leveraging insights from the acclaimed Energy House 2.0 project at Salford University, Storm Housing Group and CarbonWise are set to construct their flagship home at Tyseley Energy Park, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and the National Centre for the Decarbonisation of Heat (NCDH). This groundbreaking project is endorsed by a £20 million funding grant secured by the University. Aiming to deliver 5,000 homes over the next five years, Storm Housing Group stands as one of the few For-Profit RPs with in-house delivery capabilities, empowered by CarbonWise Construction. CarbonWise’s innovative construction methodology and home specifications strike an optimal balance between cost efficiency and carbon reduction, underpinned by Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions’ extensive product range and wealth of experience. The NCDH project will feature open houses, allowing for continuous testing of a number of sustainable products and systems – allowing Storm and CarbonWise to continuously adapt and improve their specification. The campus will also include training and demonstration areas (including virtual reality tours) for comprehensive understanding. An on-site training centre will facilitate education for staff, students, and apprentices in various construction disciplines. Storm and CarbonWise plan to relocate to the NCDH campus, demonstrating their commitment to collaboration with academia and industry partners, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable construction practices. Storm Housing Group and CarbonWise are poised to redefine sustainable construction, using Saint-Gobain’s innovative products to deliver cost-effective, sustainable solutions.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Building contractor secures contracts worth £17.6m with leading housing association

Building contractor secures contracts worth £17.6m with leading housing association

SJ Roberts Construction has secured three new contracts worth £17.6m with Barcud, one of the leading housing associations in Wales.  The news further strengthens the relationship between the two organisations which have previously collaborated on developments in Newtown and Presteigne in Powys.   These most recent contracts form part of Barcud’s ongoing commitment to deliver new homes in the communities where they’re most needed and will see affordable housing constructed in Knighton on the Shropshire/Wales border, in Builth Wells, Powys and Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. Work has started in Knighton where a mix of eighteen 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes are being built to A-rated energy standards thanks to the inclusion of air source heat pumps and solar PV panels.  The homes, located on West Street in the town, will all be available on an affordable rent basis, with work anticipated to complete in Spring 2025. A further 31 homes will be built on Hospital Road in Builth Wells, and 34 on Piercefield Lane in Aberystwyth.  Work on those sites will start later this year. Commenting on the investment and decision to again partner with SJ Roberts Construction, Alex Dawson, Head of Development at Barcud, said: “Investing in the communities where affordable housing is most needed is a priority for Barcud, and ensuring those homes meet the very highest standards of quality and energy efficiency is a value we’re all very proud of. “It is, therefore, vital that we partner with a main contractor that shares these values and which can demonstrate an unrivalled commitment to quality and excellent construction management.  Having worked with SJ Roberts on previous projects, we are confident in the team’s ability to successfully deliver these new homes and look forward to seeing the positive impact that they have in the communities of Knighton, Builth Wells and Aberystwyth.” Concluding for SJ Roberts Construction, Mike Sambrook, MD, said: “Our track record delivering quality homes across a range of tenures for social landlords is something we’re incredibly proud of.“Having successfully partnered with Barcud previously on a 36-home project in Presteigne, Powys and the Maes Dulais development in Newtown, it is testament to our experience in this sector that we’ve been appointed to build 80 further homes for the team.  To us, this isn’t simply an agreement to build houses, but instead to create vibrant communities that the residents feel proud to call home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Platform Housing Group issues £250m sustainability bond

Platform Housing Group issues £250m sustainability bond

Platform Housing Group, the largest housing association in the Midlands, has issued a second sustainability  bond from its £1bn EMTN programme.  The £250m bond has a 26 year maturity and was priced at Government gilts plus 0.83 per cent, producing a coupon and yield of 5.342 per cent.  There was significant demand for the transaction, with initial order books just under four times over subscribed and more than 50 investors participating.  Jessica Friend, Group Corporate Finance Director at Platform Housing Group said : “The strong performance of this issue is supported by our on going engagement with the debt investor community and reflects Platform’s focus on balancing investment with maintaining financial strength.  The proceeds will be used to help fund the provision of more much needed quality, affordable and sustainable housing as we continue to alleviate the housing shortage across the region.”  Proceeds will be used in accordance with Platform’s Sustainable Finance Framework to fund the development of new housing that qualifies as ‘Green Buildings’, having an EPC of A and B and ‘Affordable Housing’, homes developed for those who are unable to access the private housing markets.  Ben Colyer, Corporate Treasury Director at Platform Housing Group said : “The transaction will complement the £275m sustainability linked revolving credit facilities arranged earlier in the year and means that just under half of Platform’s £2.2bn debt portfolio is now explicitly supporting our sustainability objectives.”  Rosemary Farrar, Chief Finance Officer at Platform Housing Group said : “We are incredibly pleased that our debt investors recognise the huge attractiveness of the social housing sector and continue to support funding the excellent projects we invest in.  These investments help to make significant social and environmental improvements to the communities in which we operate, as we push ahead with our ambitious development and decarbonisation strategies.”  Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets, Barclays Bank and National Australia Bank acted as active bookrunners on the transaction.  Bevan Brittan and Addleshaw Goddard provided legal counsel and Jones Lang Lasalle and Avison Young undertook security valuations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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