A Northern housing association’s plans to deliver much-needed affordable, highly energy efficient homes in North Yorkshire are well underway as two new housing developments in Hambleton District take shape. Karbon Homes is working with contractor T.Manners & Sons to bring 111 new homes to completion on two sites in Sowerby.
April marks the beginning of the launch of the new repairs and maintenance contract for North West housing group, Torus, which will see trusted contractors Sovini Property Services help to manage and maintain its 40,000 homes. Following the successful completion of a robust and transparent procurement exercise, Sovini Property Services
A Topping Out ceremony has been held to mark a significant milestone at an exciting development that will bring more than 350 new homes to the London Borough of Ealing. On Friday 17 February, representatives from local housing association A2Dominion and contractor and developer Higgins Group oversaw the structural frame completion
Phase One of Guinness Homes’ shared ownership development, Points Cross, is nearing completion ahead of its projected Autumn 2023 target. The development brings 193 properties to the Leeds South Bank area and is comprised of one, two, three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplexes, which are now available for reservation. Shared ownership
Leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has broken ground at its new £35m neighbourhood in Bolton town centre. Central Street will deliver 167 new high quality, sustainable homes for long-term private rent; a mixture of apartments and townhouses located opposite the former Beales department store and extending to the River
Planning permission has been granted for a former Arnold Clark branch in Glasgow Southside to be transformed into 50 modern flats for social rent. Developer, AS Homes (Scotland), will deliver the homes on behalf of Southside Housing Association. Located within the hustle and bustle of Glasgow’s popular Strathbungo location, the
Platform Housing Group (PHG) has partnered with social housing data and insights company Switchee to rollout Switchee devices in their residents’ homes. Implementation of IoT (internet of things) technology is part of the group’s digital transformation programme to help improve its offer and service to residents. Specifically, Platform Housing Group
A social housing provider has granted funding to help a local Parish Council purchase and install two new local, life-saving defibrillators. Platform Housing Group’s – one of the largest housing associations in the UK – awarded Community Chest Funding to Broughton Astley Parish Council in Leicester, to help ensure that
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m
Later living provider Anchor is seeking development consultant partners to help realise ambitious plans to deliver 5700 new homes over the next ten years. Anchor, England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, will deliver the schemes across England, developing retirement communities that comprise 60
A Northern housing association’s plans to deliver much-needed affordable, highly energy efficient homes in North Yorkshire are well underway as two new housing developments in Hambleton District take shape. Karbon Homes is working with contractor T.Manners & Sons to bring 111 new homes to completion on two sites in Sowerby. The plan is part of Karbon’s wider new homes programme in the region, which outlines ambitions to develop over 700 new affordable homes across Yorkshire before March 2028. Zoey Hawthorne, Assistant Director of Development Delivery at Karbon Homes, said: “It’s great to see these two developments progressing at Sowerby, providing much-needed affordable homes for local residents in a district where demand is high. “With a mix of property types and sizes, available for both affordable rent and affordable home ownership tenures, the new homes provide options for a range of households and allow families who would otherwise be priced out to remain in the area.” On a site off Saxty Way in the village, Karbon is building 47 affordable homes consisting of a mix of one-bed flats, two-bed bungalows and two and three-bed family homes. Available for affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership, the modern, energy efficient homes will boast a range of enhanced energy efficiency measures, including air source heat pumps and solar PV panels, to cut emissions and help lower residents’ heating bills. Work is expected to complete in early 2024. Just a mile away, a second scheme off Back Lane will bring a further 64 new two, three and four-bed homes. T.Manners & Sons is restarting work on the site after taking over from original contractor Tolent, which went into administration in February. The site will provide new homes available for a mix of affordable rent and affordable home ownership tenures, Rent to Buy and Shared Ownership. Wayne Harris, Construction Director at T Manners & Sons, said: “It’s great to be working with Karbon Homes to bring these two developments to fruition, delivering new affordable homes that will be of great benefit to local people. “Work is well underway at Saxty Way and the reception we’ve received from the community has been really positive. Now we’re taking over at Back Lane, it’s great to be delivering both sites just a mile apart and we look forward to getting work started again.” Both developments are being supported with grant funding from Homes England through Karbon’s Strategic Partnership with the government’s housing delivery agency. The strategic partnership has provided the housing association with £131.5m in funding to deliver 2,200 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years. All 111 new homes will be managed by 54North Homes, a subsidiary of the Karbon Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
April marks the beginning of the launch of the new repairs and maintenance contract for North West housing group, Torus, which will see trusted contractors Sovini Property Services help to manage and maintain its 40,000 homes. Following the successful completion of a robust and transparent procurement exercise, Sovini Property Services were appointed as a key contractor. This latest milestone marks the beginning of a three-year partnership. The framework, worth £1.2 billion, will see the award-winning specialist maintenance provider use their wealth of expertise on several workstreams, including responsive and void repairs, cyclical maintenance, estate services and facilities management. The contract will enable Sovini Property Services to support Torus on their agile approach, responding quickly and appropriately to the needs of tenants and providing reassurance that all services delivered are of a high standard. Sovini Property Services has experienced exceptional growth since its establishment in 2010, and now has a workforce of over 300 specialists. In the last financial year alone, the North West maintenance provider have proved their commitment to their customers, with successful completion of over 44,000 repair works and over 13,000 emergency repairs. Sovini Property Services are equipped for this momentous contract with Torus, with both company’s sharing an equal view on commitment to their customers, communities, and ensuring works are completed to the highest standard. Mike Dale, Head of Property Services and Growth at Sovini Property Services, commented: “Like ourselves, Torus is a customer orientated organisation, committed to investing in the communities they work in. We’re committed to delivering an outstanding service to Torus’ 40,000 homes, bringing a wealth of experience in repairs and maintenance service delivery.” He added: “We recognise the importance our collaborative partnership is set achieve in supporting our shared vision of enabling the development of economically vibrant communities”. Discussing the launch, Margaret Goddard, Torus Group Assets Director, commented: “We are thrilled to begin works with the added support of Sovini Property Services to enable us to provide a long-term, sustained service to our customers.” “The three-year repairs and maintenance framework has been developed to fulfil the current and future expectations of the Group, its tenants, and the Regulator of Social Housing. As a framework it sets the principles for engagement and will be supported by an action plan to ensure delivery and continued progress.” For more information about Sovini Property Services, visit www.sovinipropertyservices.co.uk For more information about Torus, visit www.torus.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Topping Out ceremony has been held to mark a significant milestone at an exciting development that will bring more than 350 new homes to the London Borough of Ealing. On Friday 17 February, representatives from local housing association A2Dominion and contractor and developer Higgins Group oversaw the structural frame completion of Phase 2 at Hanwell Square located on Boston Road. Phase 2 comprises 169 modern apartments, of which, 110 will be available for Private Sale via A2Dominion’s FABRICA brand, 20 for Shared Ownership and 39 for Affordable Rent. Completion is expected in Summer 2024. Danny Lynch, Director of Special Projects at A2Dominion, said: “We’re delighted to reach this exciting stage of the build and once again demonstrate our commitment to bringing high-quality new homes to the area. Phase two will help with the demand for housing in the London Borough of Ealing and provide an opportunity for first-time buyers to get onto property ladder.” Declan Higgins, Partnerships Director for Higgins comments, “The topping out of phase two marks a significant milestone in our joint venture with A2Dominion, which is delivering much needed new homes as well as high quality public realm for the whole community to enjoy. It’s also wonderful to see residents moving into the first phase of the development which has proved extremely popular.” The Hanwell Square development in West London is centered around a stunning village square and landscaped courtyards, allowing apartments, shops and businesses to come together. The development will provide 360 high-quality homes to the leafy London borough, with a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, to accommodate a range of lifestyles. Phase 1 of the development completed in January 2023 , with the first residents moving in this month. The first phase comprises of 191 modern homes, with 124 for Private Sale, 34 Shared Ownership and 33 Affordable Rent. The three-block site designed by Assael Architects and delivered by Fourpoint Architects, features contemporary soft brickwork, which contrasts against the dark frames of the windows, balconies and shop frontages. The picturesque village square and landscaped courtyards is complemented by flexible space, ground floor retail shops, garden terraces, staffed concierge, a gym, roof tops gardens and play areas for children. Hanwell Square is ideally located just a few minutes away from Hanwell train station which is now served by the new Elizabeth Line. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Phase One of Guinness Homes’ shared ownership development, Points Cross, is nearing completion ahead of its projected Autumn 2023 target. The development brings 193 properties to the Leeds South Bank area and is comprised of one, two, three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplexes, which are now available for reservation. Shared ownership offers an alternative route to homeownership, particularly for first time buyers, as it allows prospective homeowners to purchase a percentage of a property from the housing developer, with a monthly rental payment to be made on the unpurchased shares. With prices starting from £89,500 for a 50 per cent share in the property, shared ownership is often more affordable due to the lower deposit that is required upfront. Over time, owners have the opportunity to purchase more shares in their property, building up the percentage that they own in a process known as ‘staircasing’, which in turn reduces the monthly rental cost to the developer. Points Cross is strategically located at the edge of Leeds city centre and is only a 10-minute walk from Leeds Train Station. Local to Leeds City College campus and within walking distance of Crown Point shopping centre, the development is ideally situated in the heart of a vibrant community. Amy Gooder, North Regional Sales Manager at Guinness Homes said: “We’re very excited to open the first phase of the development to the public and have started to invite the community to view the show home and marketing suite. The completion of Phase One marks a major milestone in the development’s progress, and we’re well on track for our projected completion in Autumn 2023 “Shared ownership can make home ownership more affordable, especially for first time buyers. At Guinness, we’re passionate about being able to help so many people achieve their goal of getting on the property ladder with our properties and we can’t wait to welcome prospective buyers into our latest development at Points Cross.” The marketing suite and show apartment are now open at Points Cross for viewings between Thursday to Monday 9am-5pm. For more information about the apartments at Points Cross Phase One, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider Placefirst has broken ground at its new £35m neighbourhood in Bolton town centre. Central Street will deliver 167 new high quality, sustainable homes for long-term private rent; a mixture of apartments and townhouses located opposite the former Beales department store and extending to the River Croal. To mark the milestone, key members of the Placefirst project team were joined by the Leader of Bolton Council at the site. Placefirst has worked alongside award winning architects Levitt Bernstein and landscape architects CW Studio to design a scheme which will transform the 1.1 hectare brownfield site previously occupied by vacant buildings and a car park, into a vibrant new neighbourhood with communal green areas and pedestrian-led spaces. The design process has been supported by engineers Alan Johnston Partnership, quantity surveyors Walker Sime, project managers Mackie Project Consultants, and monitoring and evaluation consultants Hoare Lea. The legal team for the scheme consists of Gunnercooke and Hill Dickinson. Caddick Construction have been appointed as Placefirst’s construction partner for the first phase of works. The neighbourhood has been designed around a network of pedestrian priority streets, a spacious square and courtyards. The scheme will also deliver a range of ground floor units to expand the amount of commercial space available to local businesses. Placefirst’s commitment to placemaking and social value is showcased through repurposing the brownfield site into much needed high-quality rental homes with good public realm and features including rooftop terraces and resident gardens. The site is well connected, being in the heart of the town centre and within walking distance of the River Croal and Queen’s Park, and suburbs across Bolton. The surrounding areas are easily accessible from the nearby bus interchange and train station. The development is part of Bolton Council’s £1bn masterplan to transform the town centre by complementing the historic fabric of central Bolton through a mix of interesting, high quality buildings and well thought-out public spaces. Placefirst’s work at Central Street builds on its strong track record of creating thriving communities in the north west of England which includes the iconic Welsh Streets in Liverpool and the Elevate apartment scheme in Manchester. Once complete, Placefirst will remain on site and be responsible for every aspect of the neighbourhood. Each Placefirst development has a dedicated resident services manager and residents are guaranteed a fully maintained, high-quality home for as long as they like. Darran Lawless, development director at Placefirst commented: “We are delighted to commence work on this key regeneration project in the heart of Bolton town centre. This will be a significant development delivering 167 high quality, energy-efficient homes, built specifically for the private rental market. “Addressing the shortage of high quality available rental housing is a key part of Bolton Council’s masterplan and we are proud to be part of this, creating a new community that will have a positive impact on the local area and local economy. We look forward to bringing this new neighbourhood to life.” Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “Central Street is a perfect example of what we are delivering through our town centre masterplan. “Without the intervention of the council, this area would have remained an underused brownfield site. “But by working with our partners at Placefirst it will become a new neighbourhood of high-quality homes that will attract people into the centre and make it a more vibrant and attractive place. “This is an exciting time for Bolton town centre as work is now underway at a number of key sites with more projects to come later in the year.” Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction in the North West commented: “There is huge demand for high quality new homes and Placefirst is leading the region by bringing to market this exciting new development, transforming brownfield land into a vibrant hub for Bolton. We are very proud to have been selected as Placefirst’s construction partner for the first phase of works and we look forward to helping to deliver these exceptional new homes for local families and the wider community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning permission has been granted for a former Arnold Clark branch in Glasgow Southside to be transformed into 50 modern flats for social rent. Developer, AS Homes (Scotland), will deliver the homes on behalf of Southside Housing Association. Located within the hustle and bustle of Glasgow’s popular Strathbungo location, the site will be re-developed to create affordable flats and associated outdoor amenity spaces. The new development has been deemed to play an important role in providing much needed housing in such a sustainable location. Furthering its commitment to building energy-efficient homes and to provide lower energy costs for residents, AS Homes (Scotland) will be delivering the homes to Gold Hybrid sustainability status by installing air source heat pumps and PV panels. Lower energy lighting will also be incorporated into each home. Designed by architect Keppie Design, the development will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats, including wheelchair accessible homes, set across four, five and six storey blocks. A selection of flats will also offer additional outdoor balcony space. The development will boast engaging community spaces paved with attractive graphite footpaths and natural greenery such as planters, shrubs and trees. Residents will also be able to enjoy an interactive children’s play area, open seating areas and communal green space. Work is due to start in April 2023 with an expected completion date of April 2025. Andy Geddes, Technical Director at A S Homes (Scotland) Ltd, said: “Receiving the green light for our new development on Pollokshaws Road marks a major milestone in AS Homes’ ongoing dedication to helping bridge the gap for affordable housing within our communities. This site shows great potential and its transformation will add a whole new lease of life to the surrounding area in Glasgow Southside. We look forward to bringing new, energy-efficient homes with high-quality communal facilities to our local residents.” Donna Reilly, Director of Property Services at Southside Housing Association, said: “Southside Housing Association are delighted to be working in Partnership with AS Homes on this exciting project which will deliver a range of one, two and three bedroom homes for those in housing need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Platform Housing Group (PHG) has partnered with social housing data and insights company Switchee to rollout Switchee devices in their residents’ homes. Implementation of IoT (internet of things) technology is part of the group’s digital transformation programme to help improve its offer and service to residents. Specifically, Platform Housing Group is looking to use Switchee smart thermostat devices to provide real-time data and analytics about the performance of its housing stock. The use of Switchee data and its use in PHG systems (via API) will help to inform decision making and resource deployment around maintenance and flag issues such as damp and condensation mould. It will also identify where residents may need support. The project forms part of the group’s programme to achieve a minimum EPC C rating (Energy Performance Certificate) in targeted properties by 2028. Installations are being carried out through Switchee’s Trusted Installer Network, which supports Switchee’s housing partners with swift and efficient device rollouts. The devices will be installed across different types of properties; supported accommodation, properties at risk of condensation, damp and mould and into properties as part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. All Switchee smart thermostats will be fitted by the end of March, with Platform Housing Group and Switchee providing full data analysis on an ongoing basis throughout the project and beyond the initial term. Jonathan Cocker, Chief Information Officer for Platform Housing Group said: “We’re delighted to be working with Switchee to improve the way we help customers in their homes. These devices are just one of the ways we’re investing in technology to achieve energy efficiency in all that we do and benefit the wider UK housing sector.” Tom Robins, Switchee CEO added: “Utilising technology like Switchee is a game changing for landlords. By enabling them to understand what’s going on in their properties, they can change their operations from reactive to proactive. They can see where their biggest issues are and can deploy resources more efficiently and lower their operating costs.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A social housing provider has granted funding to help a local Parish Council purchase and install two new local, life-saving defibrillators. Platform Housing Group’s – one of the largest housing associations in the UK – awarded Community Chest Funding to Broughton Astley Parish Council in Leicester, to help ensure that people in their parish have access to this vital, potentially life-saving equipment. Marion Duffy, Platform Housing Group’s Chief Operations Officer said “Our Community Chest Fund was set up to directly support customers in our local communities, so it’s great to have been able to help Broughton Astley Parish Council provide these defibrillators, particularly as research shows that accessing these devices within 3-5 minutes of a cardiac arrest increases the chance of survival by over 40%. “It’s also lovely to hear that an old telephone box has been repurposed to provide a home for one of the defibrillators, which is a really innovative way to recycle something no longer used.” Platform customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for Community Chest Funding if their work or project directly benefits local Platform customers. All applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on their Customer Experience Panel. “We are delighted that the two new defibrillators have now been installed in a decommissioned telephone kiosk on Coventry Road and at Frolesworth Road Recreation Ground. Both are now working fully and registered with the ambulance service, said Anita Percy, Grants Administrator from Broughton Astley Parish Council. “The funding provided by Platform Housing Group, along with the other kind donations, has made the provision and installation of these vitally important defibrillators, for the local people of Broughton Astley, possible.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m plan to deliver 1,100 affordable, modern homes in Oldham and surrounding areas between 2020 and 2026 – will transform the site where tower blocks, Crossbank House and Summervale House once stood at the top of Manchester Rd, Coldhurst. Following demolition of the ageing blocks last year, Caddick Construction is now readied to build FCHO’s £21m contemporary development of twenty-six houses – a mix of two, three and four-bedroom family houses – and 62 one and two-bedroom apartments to meet local housing need. All homes will be off gas, with a high energy performance rating, and use latest sustainable technologies including air source heat pumps and additional insulation to help residents save energy and money. The mixed tenure project will see 26 homes for shared ownership under FCHO’s Fabric Living brand, helping local people to get a foot on the housing ladder at an affordable price. Sixty two properties will be available for affordable rent – set at no more than 80% of the average local market rent. Properties for rent will be allocated in line with Oldham Council’s Allocations Policy. Plans for the West Vale site also include landscaped green spaces and a recreational zone with dedicated play area, providing a much-needed facility for younger children in the neighbourhood. Enabling works on site began in January this year and all new homes at the development are due for completion in winter 2024. Generating social value benefits throughout the new-build phase is a priority for the housing provider. FCHO and the contractor will be working with Oldham College to create training opportunities such as apprenticeships, work placements and T-level placements for local people over the life of the contract and adding further value by maximising local supply chain partners and carrying out wider community engagement. Joel Owen, FCHO’s Director of Development said: “We are very excited to be working with Caddick Construction to bring forward this exemplar scheme in such an important location in Oldham. “We’ve been on a journey with local people, businesses and organisations to get to this point and have worked hard to design a development that meets local need – providing a mix of affordable housing options, making home ownership possible for more people and leaving a positive legacy in the local community. “The build will set the benchmark for how we deliver great, high quality, sustainable homes that meet housing need today and are fit for the future and I look forward to works progressing.” Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction in the North West, added: “I take great pride in the news that Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver on the new build phase of this fantastic development. We look forward to building these much-needed new homes in Greater Manchester on behalf of First Choice Homes Oldham.” Councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Low Carbon and Coldhurst Ward councillor, said: “It is fantastic to reach another key milestone in bringing 88 new affordable and green homes to the West Vale site as First Choice Homes Oldham appoints Caddick Construction to deliver the project. “These new houses will provide much-needed homes for many families who are on the Council waiting list. “This will transform the site where the tower blocks once stood at the top of Manchester Road – and does so in a way that is considerate to the environment around us and leaves a positive legacy for future generations. “This is another development that will contribute to the Council’s, and borough’s, targets for carbon neutrality that we have in the Oldham Green New Deal Strategy and look forward to seeing the homes completed over the next 18 months to two years.” PRP Architect has designed the West Vale scheme and the professional team also includes Markhams as employer’s agent, Alan Johnston Partnership as structural engineering consultants, LeClardo as mechanical and electrical engineering consultants and Jensen Hughes as fire protection engineering consultants. As the West Vale development moves forward, FCHO is also investing in the region of £780k in investment works to its existing properties in the neighbourhood between now and 2025. A range of environmental improvements are underway, too. In the last 12 months the housing association has invested £9.5k on tree inspections, maintenance and planting, and a further £63.5k on clearing alleyways of rubbish and removing fly tipping, repairing and repainting fencing, and overhauling a disused communal garden behind Vale Drive. Read more about the West Vale development at www.fcho.co.uk/westvale Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Later living provider Anchor is seeking development consultant partners to help realise ambitious plans to deliver 5700 new homes over the next ten years. Anchor, England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, will deliver the schemes across England, developing retirement communities that comprise 60 or more homes for sale, shared ownership and rent. The not-for-profit provider, through its new developments consultancy framework, is tendering for four-year partnerships with architects, employers’ agents and cost consultants, structural and civil engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, planning consultants and principal designers. The total estimated value for delivering projects over the life of the framework is £800m. Steve Hogben, head of technical and commercial services for Anchor, said: “We have ambitious plans to further our provision for older people across the country. As a result, we are looking to secure long term partnerships with various practices from architects and designers to engineers and we have invited tenders from selected providers, with the view to award these tenders in June 2023.” Oliver Boundy, Executive Director of Development at Anchor, said: “Helping people enjoy later life is our passion. With an ageing population and a lack of supply, our housing, care and support is needed more than ever. “Anchor is proudly not-for-profit, which means every penny we make is reinvested into our properties and services, building more and innovating for the future so that people can have a home where they love living in later life. Our mission is to create communities that bring people together, encourage neighbourliness and reduce isolation while providing support services that give residents peace of mind. “Anchor manages 54,000 homes for both rent and sale to those aged 55 and over, operating across almost 1,700 sites and serving more than 65,000 residents. Our 10-year plan is to build on that success and help address the gap in service provision for older people in England.” Companies wishing to be considered can access the submission information here. The initial SQ stage will close on the 12 February 2023. Submissions must be received by this date to be considered. To find out more about the company’s growth strategy and vision for the future, or if you are a landowner, developer or site agent with suitable land then visit: www.anchorhanover.org.uk/professionals/land-acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
