Residential : Housing Associations News
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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Cleaner, greener and more affordable homes delivered in Salford

Cleaner, greener and more affordable homes delivered in Salford

Largest Passivhaus affordable housing scheme in the North West completes Greenhaus – the largest Passivhaus Classic Certified development in the North West – has completed, bringing 96 highly-sustainable, affordable homes to Chapel Street in Salford. The monthly cost of heating and hot water at Greenhaus is expected to be less

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London Sanctuary housing pay strikes intensify as repairs grind to halt

London Sanctuary housing pay strikes intensify as repairs grind to halt

Cancellation of over 200 repair jobs from initial industrial action set to worsen as more strikes set Pay strikes by London Sanctuary Housing repair workers are to intensify, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said yesterday. Three days of strike action in late February and early March led to more than 200 repair jobs on Sanctuary Housing’s

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Residential : Housing Associations News

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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Cleaner, greener and more affordable homes delivered in Salford

Cleaner, greener and more affordable homes delivered in Salford

Largest Passivhaus affordable housing scheme in the North West completes Greenhaus – the largest Passivhaus Classic Certified development in the North West – has completed, bringing 96 highly-sustainable, affordable homes to Chapel Street in Salford. The monthly cost of heating and hot water at Greenhaus is expected to be less than half that of a similar sized new-build home with a gas boiler. Built to Passivhaus Classic certified standard, the leading low-energy design standard, the nine-storey development provides homes which offer high thermal comfort and improved air quality, enabling a healthier living environment as well as lower bills. Bridging a gap in the housing sector for affordable, high specification living, Greenhaus has been delivered by ECF – a joint venture between three of the UK’s leading regeneration and investment organisations, Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – alongside Salford housing association, Salix Homes, and supported by Salford City Council. Greenhaus is part of ECF’s £1bn, 50-acre Salford Central transformation being delivered in partnership with Salford City Council and takes the overall percentage of affordable homes delivered by ECF to 25% across the Chapel Street area of the masterplan. Following Greenhaus’ success, work is soon to start on a second Passivhaus development on nearby Peru Street, which will deliver a further 100 affordable and highly sustainable apartments. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett was at the official launch of Greenhaus (on Monday 18 March) where he hailed the development as “the benchmark” for new-build, affordable, and sustainable homes and commented: “We continue to be immensely proud of the innovation and drive to deliver forward thinking, sustainable developments in Salford – testament to the culture our city fosters and shares with our broader region. The regeneration of Salford is burgeoning and our future looking brighter and greener with each and every milestone we reach. We also work to ensure that local people can benefit for the growth and development that is taking place here – creating new jobs and opportunities for all.” The first residents have begun moving into Greenhaus this week, including mature student Harriette Matthews. The 29-year-old, who is studying to be a counsellor, has been staying on her dad’s sofa in his one-bedroom flat for the past seven months, following a relationship breakdown. Harriette has autism and is a sufferer of scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine, and her difficult living conditions have been affecting both her physical and mental health. Allocated one of the 13 apartments available for affordable rent[1] at Greenhaus, Harriette says moving into Greenhaus will transform her life: “I just can’t put into words how much of a difference having my own home will make to my life. When I got the call from my housing officer at Salix Homes to say I had a place at Greenhaus, I just couldn’t believe it – I feel so lucky.” And the building’s eco-credentials are the icing on the cake for Harriette: “I know all about Passivhaus as I’d seen it on Grand Designs, and I always said to myself that when I get my own place, I want it to be Passivhaus, and now I’m living in one – it couldn’t be more perfect. I grew up around Manchester, but my dad is a born and bred Salfordian, so Salford has a special place in my heart.” Salix Homes secured funding from NatWest, along with grants from Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help fund the multi-million-pound scheme, which supports the GMCA’s ambitions for more truly affordable net zero homes. Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome the first residents to Greenhaus, and see our vision for high quality, affordable and sustainable housing brought to life. “With the rising cost of living, a shortage in the supply of affordable and social housing, and a need to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis, Greenhaus demonstrates what can be achieved through effective partnership working, and a shared desire to create cleaner, greener, and healthier homes that are fit for the future and won’t need retrofitting. “To help use the development’s green credentials effectively, Salix Homes will also be embarking on a careful education and monitoring process, supporting residents to get the most of out of their new homes. We’ll be monitoring the air quality and energy usage, so we can track the long-term benefits and identify lessons learned for future developments.” Commenting on the completion of this ground-breaking development, Simon Hourihan, Project Director at Muse, said: “It is a wonderful moment to see residents moving into Greenhaus; a development that shows what can be achieved through collaboration on a shared vision and a real desire to deliver something pioneering rather than simply maintaining the status quo. “Our learnings from Greenhaus can also be shared for future developments which will help to shape other sustainable schemes for the benefit of people and the environment. We’ve loved the challenge of delivering the largest Passivhaus scheme of its kind in the North West and can’t wait to see the positive impact this scheme has on its residents.” Danielle Gillespie, Director of Regeneration, Partnerships and Major Projects, Homes England, commented: “The completion of Greenhaus in Salford, delivered by the English Cities Fund, is a significant achievement. The creation of new affordable, sustainable, and high specification homes contributes to a wider ambition to create healthy living environments which serve the needs and desires of local communities.” Wes Erlam, Managing Director of Urban Regeneration, Legal & General Capital, added: “Social and environmental benefits don’t have to be add-ons to investments: it is possible to pursue and create opportunities that generate long-term, secure income streams whilst also tackling some of the major social, environmental and economic issues facing society. Both the Greenhaus development and ECF’s wider partnership with Salford City Council underscore the many benefits that come from collaboration between investors, developers, and the public sector, and we’re proud to be delivering positive place-based impacts for Salford now and for the long-term.”

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Remade in Dagenham: new homes and green spaces on the way for historic factory site

Remade in Dagenham: new homes and green spaces on the way for historic factory site

Ford’s iconic stamping plant factory in Dagenham, East London, which gained fame through the historic equal pay strikes depicted in the film “Made in Dagenham,” is undergoing a remarkable transformation.   The 45-acre site, once a key part of the powerhouse of East End industry where nearly 11 million Ford cars were manufactured, will soon be home to a dynamic new neighbourhood with thousands of much-needed homes and amenities, including a new urban park.  Ford’s stamping plant, which closed in 2013, was the site of the pivotal 1968 strike led by female sewing machinists, who were advocating for equal pay for comparable work. Their courageous stand ultimately paved the way for the Equal Pay Act in 1970.  Dagenham, with a heritage dating back 4,000 years, has witnessed a remarkable transformation from a historic barrier along the Thames to the site of Europe’s largest car plant. Notable for its history as a hub of industry and commerce, it once hosted a timber dock and shipping company.   In 2021, the Mayor of London provided a £80m grant from the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Programme to enable Peabody to acquire the site. The Hill Group then entered a joint venture with Peabody to deliver the development of the first phase, with construction getting underway in March 2023. The shared vision is to redefine the landscape of East London once again and bring new life to the area over the next decade.   Spanning multiple phases, the ambitious project aims to deliver more than 3,500 homes, with 1,640 set to be affordable for local residents. Once complete, Dagenham Green will also boast 10 acres of expansive parks and play spaces.  Phase one, which constitutes just over a quarter of the total homes, will see the construction of 935 homes, 35 percent of which will be affordable. Situated in the south-west corner of the site, adjacent to Dagenham Dock railway station, it will serve as the gateway to the broader masterplan area, which received outline planning approval in March 2022 following extensive consultation with the community.   Drawing inspiration from the marshland, a key feature of phase one will be the first section of a new five-acre urban park complete with a large pond, children’s play areas, and a heritage trail commemorating the legacy of the Dagenham women who championed equal pay rights in the 1960s.   There will also be a market square linking Dagenham Green to the nearby railway station, fostering connectivity and a strong sense of community.  Phase one will also incorporate more than 1,600 square metres of non-residential space, for commercial, social, and leisure activities. The first residents are expected to move in from the summer of 2025.  The project also prioritises sustainability, with plans for biodiverse green spaces and an air-source heat pump energy centre for the production of low-carbon energy.  During construction, the partners are committed to providing 48 apprenticeship opportunities and employing 25 percent of the workforce from the local area, with extensive training programmes offered to participants.  Peabody and its partners, including Hill, the Greater London Authority (GLA), Barking and Dagenham Council, and Be First Regeneration Ltd came together on Thursday 22 February to see how the redevelopment is progressing.    Philip Jenkins, Executive Director of Development at Peabody, said: “At a time when all development is challenging, it’s always exciting to see tower cranes at work and construction progressing so rapidly. With thousands of much-needed new homes and facilities on their way for Dagenham, the development promises to be a landmark project, blending modern amenities with features that celebrate the area’s rich heritage. From its industrial heyday to becoming a symbol of progress in the fight for equal pay, Dagenham Green will create a vibrant new neighbourhood, and we look forward to welcoming new residents from 2025.”   Andy Fancy, Managing Director at The Hill Group, said: “It is truly inspiring to gather here alongside Peabody, esteemed council members, and representatives from the GLA, to celebrate the remarkable strides achieved here in Dagenham. The realisation of a project of this magnitude takes years of meticulous planning and collaboration with partners and stakeholders. This collective effort is instrumental in the continual growth and success of this exciting new community.”    Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of the Council, said: “We’re proud of our history in Barking and Dagenham and I’m pleased that this nationally important site, where women fought for equal rights in 1968 and 1984, will once again play a key part in our community – providing new, safe homes for residents.  “I’m glad to be working with Peabody on this project and I think it’s fantastic that they’re not just focusing on homes but also on creating green spaces and a market for the community to come together and enjoy.   “And not only that, with a large proportion of the workforce coming from B&D and dozens of apprenticeships being created for local people this project will be a huge boost to the borough as a whole.”  The Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, said: “I’m delighted that Dagenham’s famous Ford factory is being revamped to deliver over 3,500 high-quality new homes, with nearly half of these set to be genuinely affordable for local residents. “This promises to be a truly impressive development utilising the very best in modern architecture and design, whilst maintaining the unique heritage and character of the local area. The green spaces and parks, fantastic new amenities and community spaces, job and apprenticeship opportunities, and excellent transport links on offer will have huge benefits for the local community – helping to build a fairer, greener, more prosperous London for all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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London Sanctuary housing pay strikes intensify as repairs grind to halt

London Sanctuary housing pay strikes intensify as repairs grind to halt

Cancellation of over 200 repair jobs from initial industrial action set to worsen as more strikes set Pay strikes by London Sanctuary Housing repair workers are to intensify, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said yesterday. Three days of strike action in late February and early March led to more than 200 repair jobs on Sanctuary Housing’s stock in London being cancelled, Unite understands. A further five days of strike action in March will cause increased delays to Sanctuary’s repair schedule.    Around 50 repair workers, who are based in Hackney but carry out repairs across London, are striking over a four per cent pay rise imposed in 2023. This was a significant pay cut, as the real rate of inflation, RPI, at the time was 11.4 per cent. Meanwhile, Sanctuary Housing revenues for last year stood at £943 million, with its surplus increasing by 73 per cent to £101.3 million. Sanctuary Housing’s CEO, Craig Moule, is paid £380,000 a year. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Sanctuary effectively slashed the wages of its workers in one of the most expensive cities on earth during the worst cost of living crisis in living memory. Making matters worse, Sanctuary is refusing to even speak to the workers’ union, Unite. “It is disgusting that an organisation with such a massive surplus and that pays its chief executive such a huge salary treats its workers in this way. Our members are absolutely right to strike and they have Unite’s complete backing for as long as it takes.” Adding to tensions, is the fact that Sanctuary Housing has completely ignored the workers’ requests for their union, Unite, to be recognised and has locked them out of collective pay negotiations. Currently, Sanctuary Housing does not engage in pay negotiations with any union.   The workers will strike again on 20, 21, 22, 25 and 26 March. Industrial action will further escalate if the dispute is not resolved. The strikes will impact scheduled and emergency repairs to Sanctuary Housing’s stock in London. Unite regional officer Matt Freeman said: “Sanctuary has needlessly escalated this dispute and caused disruption to its tenants by its appalling behaviour towards these workers. Our members’ resolve is rock solid – Sanctuary cannot keep burying its head in the sand. It needs to enter negotiations with Unite and put forward an acceptable offer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Conway Point development highly commended at property and business awards

Conway Point development highly commended at property and business awards

One Vision Housing celebrates success as Conway Point development in Birkenhead receives high commendation at the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards. Located just a two-minute walk from Birkenhead town centre, the development is home to 46 Rent to Buy apartments that have created opportunities for local people to get onto the property ladder. The YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards’ judging panel said: “We are pleased to recognise Conway Point as highly commended in the Best Affordable Housing Scheme category.” “One Vision Housing’s commitment to a fabric-first approach with this development displays a progressive strategy which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency. The scheme also helps to address a very pressing need for affordable housing solutions in the local area, offering residents an opportunity to secure a place in the community they call home.” they added. One Vision Housing provides over 13.6k homes across the North West and as part of The Sovini Group, is delivering over 1,000 high quality affordable homes across the next five years through its integrated supply chain. Built on brownfield land by Sovini Construction, Conway Point was designed with modern living in mind by Condy Lofthouse Architects and was constructed using a ‘fabric first’ approach that focuses on the reduction of energy consumption, through thermal efficiency and running costs. Apartments all feature environmentally efficient specifications, supplied by local independent building merchant, Sovini Trade Supplies, including toilets, taps, showers, and light fittings, contributing towards the Group’s net-zero carbon commitment. Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of Housing at The Sovini Group said: “Our Conway Point development has delivered our [The Sovini] Group’s vision of a better future, as we created opportunities and changed lives by helping local people take their first step into home ownership. We are grateful to the judges for recognising this impact and look forward to seeing our customers thrive in their homes for years to come.” In addition to delivering 46 new affordable homes, The Conway Point development generated £2.3m in social value, £1.2m in economic value and £70k in environmental value. James Flannery, Director of Construction and Land said: “We are thrilled that our Conway Point development has been highly commended at the YM Liverpool Property and Business Awards for its energy efficient design, as we continue to embrace renewable technologies with an environmentally friendly approach to construction.” “Building a better future for One Vision Housing’s customers by creating sustainable social impact and transforming local communities has and will continue to be central to all our operations.” he added. To learn more about The Sovini Group’s integrated supply chain, please visit sovini.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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