Maidstone-based Golding Homes (Golding) has finalised the transfer of 180 affordable homes to NewArch Homes, a registered provider of social housing owned by a fund managed by Octopus Real Estate, a leading UK specialist real estate investor and lender. Located in Bexley, Dartford, Sevenoaks, and Wealden, the mix of 111
Building Better, the National Housing Federation-supported group of housing associations and councils working to increase the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), has added a new manufacturer to its MMC Category 1 framework. Building Better and Procurement for Housing (PfH) have signed up ZED PODS to their volumetric framework,
The UK’s leading social enterprise, Places for People has appointed Darren Dancey as the Development Managing Director for the South West. With over 30 years of experience within the property sector, Darren will prove instrumental in strengthening the region and delivering on key strategic business objectives. With extensive experience and
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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,
Maidstone-based Golding Homes (Golding) has finalised the transfer of 180 affordable homes to NewArch Homes, a registered provider of social housing owned by a fund managed by Octopus Real Estate, a leading UK specialist real estate investor and lender. Located in Bexley, Dartford, Sevenoaks, and Wealden, the mix of 111 affordable rent, 68 shared ownership and 1 leasehold houses and flats are all between 2 and 6 years old. Housing management services will now be delivered by Southern Housing. Today’s news is the first major deployment by the Octopus Affordable Housing Strategy, which aims to accelerate the much-needed delivery of quality, affordable homes in the UK. By both funding the construction of new housing and making strategic acquisitions of high-quality existing stock, the strategy works to increase the total capital available for the supply of affordable housing. With the capital raised through its first close in December now committed and a significant element now fully invested, the strategy has demonstrated its ability to deploy funds efficiently and quickly, into high-quality homes with reputable partners, to help address a key societal challenge. Peter Merchant, Investment Director at Octopus Real Estate, said: “We’re delighted to have acquired these modern, high-quality affordable homes. At Octopus Real Estate our aim is to work with housing providers and local authorities to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes, and we’re pleased this transfer will allow Golding Homes to reinvest funds to further increase the supply of affordable housing in the local community.” Tom Casey, Director of Development and Strategic Asset Management at Golding Homes said: “The sale and transfer of these homes located outside of our core operational area, has been a strategic objective. This transfer enables us to strengthen our commitment to customers in and around the Borough of Maidstone where we’re based and deliver on our ambition to be visible, local and listening.” A key example of this strong local commitment can be seen in recent weeks, with Golding starting work on a major investment project in Shepway, Maidstone. This will see the development of 236 new, energy-efficient, affordable homes and a modern shopping area with improved landscaping and community facilities. Golding has also launched a £60million investment programme for improvements to existing homes, to be delivered over the next three years.Tom Casey continued: “As a local landlord, it’s important customers remain at the heart of all we do. We’re pleased to have worked collaboratively with NewArch Homes and their managing partner Southern Housing, to ensure this transition is smooth, and customers continue to receive a high-quality service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building Better, the National Housing Federation-supported group of housing associations and councils working to increase the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), has added a new manufacturer to its MMC Category 1 framework. Building Better and Procurement for Housing (PfH) have signed up ZED PODS to their volumetric framework, which is worth up to £400m over four years. Social housing organisations can procure pre-manufactured 3D construction systems for both houses and apartments from ZED PODS through the deal. ZEDPODS have been appointed to the framework on a direct award basis so housing associations and local authorities won’t need to go through any additional tender process to procure from them. Streamlining MMC contracting in this way saves around £15,000 in procurement costs for each housing organisation. The framework also enables very early engagement with ZED PODS, in a compliant way. When social housing organisations meet with manufacturers right at the start of a project and tap into their design experience to create plans that are right for all parties, this commonly leads to more successful schemes. Founded in 2016, ZED PODS design and build zero-operational-carbon social housing and specialise in delivering turnkey housing solutions using volumetric MMC. ZED PODS’ build system can be used on traditional sites and also constrained brownfield locations such as derelict garage sites, carparks, and flood zones. ZED PODS have delivered award-winning housing schemes for both local authorities and housing associations. They are presently working with 28 public sector organisations to plan and design MMC schemes, and they are currently onsite building zero-operational-carbon social homes in Sheffield, Ashford, Bristol, and across Wales and Devon. All MMC homes procured under the Building Better framework take a fabric-first approach (prioritising insulation ahead of add-ons like solar panels), they meet nationally described space standards (NDSS) and have the option to be wheelchair accessible. They are certified by the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) and assessed and accepted by building warranty provider ICW Insurance Services. Tony Woods, Technical Manager for Construction & Sustainability at Procurement for Housing (PfH) said: “The quality of ZED PODS’ homes really set them apart in the tender process, as well as their management team and financial position. They manufacture high performance, low carbon houses and flats that exceed the proposed Future Home Standards and the Welsh Development Quality Requirements 2021. But it was also the way they involve residents that impressed us. ZED PODS take a proactive approach to engaging early with local communities ahead of construction on site. Tom Northway, Chairman of ZED PODS, said: “We are delighted to have been selected for the Building Better framework and look forward to working with the team and its members to deliver our net zero carbon housing solutions.” In addition to the MMC Category 1 framework, Building Better and PfH also run a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for MMC Category 2 construction systems. Through this DPS, social housing organisations can procure 2D panelised systems, assembled on-site, from over 20 pre-approved manufacturers. For further information about Building Better’s MMC Category 1 framework visit: https://buildingbetter.org.uk/procurement-route/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s leading social enterprise, Places for People has appointed Darren Dancey as the Development Managing Director for the South West. With over 30 years of experience within the property sector, Darren will prove instrumental in strengthening the region and delivering on key strategic business objectives. With extensive experience and excellent knowledge of the South West, Darren started his career at Crest Nicholson in an entry level position and progressed up the career ladder to Managing Director of the South West and Midlands regions, with six years working with the Exec Team and on the main board. He then joined Countryside for three years as Managing Director of the South West, where he successfully started and developed a new region. As one of the UK’s leading placemakers, Places for People is committed to investing in places, creating opportunities, and building thriving communities. In order to ensure that the Social Enterprise can continue to deliver new sustainable communities that address the needs of current and future customers, Places for People is committed to increasing the percentage of projects that it self-builds. In the South West, where only 20% of Places for People homes are currently built by the developer, an ambitious five-year plan is underway to transition to a point where around 70% of new homes will be self-built. In order to achieve this new strategic vision, Darren will be instrumental in growing the region. This expansion will see Places for People generate new jobs for local people across the South West, covering both office-based and on-site roles, including technical, commercial, build, sales, and marketing. Jon Cook, CEO Developments for Places for People comments:“As we seek to strengthen our offering for the communities we serve, our regions will be essential in ensuring we can achieve our target of delivering up to 5,000 homes per year within the next five years. Darren’s expertise operating at the highest level in this region will transform the operating of the region. Darren will prove to be a great asset and we are excited to see how the region continues to develop under his leadership.” Throughout 2024, Darren and his team will see work start on site at five new developments in Gillingham, Swindon, Exeter, Poundbury and Havant, providing a combined total of over 900 new homes for the region. The region is also continuing with its ongoing delivery of schemes in Bordon, Hampshire and at Poundbury in Dorset. Darren Dancey comments: “Having seen some of Places for People’s latest work through my network on LinkedIn, I was interested to discover more about the social enterprise. The group’s ethos and value is particularly inspiring and I am excited to help shape the next chapter of the South West region as we look to deliver more high-quality, affordable homes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
