A successful four-week Chatbot and Live Chat pilot has led housing association, Platform Housing to sign a new one-year contract with technology partners Futr AI Ltd. This new partnership will enable Platform to offer Chatbot and Live Chat services on their website so that customers can access services 24/7, at
With roots firmly in St Helens, housing Group Torus has decades of experience building, repairing and maintaining over 13,500 homes across the borough and now is celebrating commencing works on its biggest Shared Ownership scheme in the area – Elephant Lane – with Countryside Partnerships. Committing to delivering 83 brand new homes –
One of the Midlands largest housing associations is a finalist in a top awards scheme. Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted in the inaugural Unlock Net Zero Awards under the Green Homes Upgrade of the Year category for landlords. The awards aim to recognise and champion progress on the journey to decarbonisation for the UK housing
Housing provider, Orbit, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and VINCI Facilities Building Solutions have begun work on upgrading the Energy Performance of 70 properties across the West Midlands, after securing funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 1. The project is one of two successful bids for
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
A successful four-week Chatbot and Live Chat pilot has led housing association, Platform Housing to sign a new one-year contract with technology partners Futr AI Ltd. This new partnership will enable Platform to offer Chatbot and Live Chat services on their website so that customers can access services 24/7, at a time that suits them. “Platform’s new Chatbot and Live Chat technology, along with further proposed innovations, will fit in seamlessly alongside our traditional contact methods, helping us to deliver against our promise to make it simpler for customers to use our services and offer them more choice.” explains Michael Bruce, Director of Platform Hub and Income Management. “We have chosen to partner with AI Ltd as they provided excellent support during the trial period to integrate the technology into our systems and ultimately, we share the same mission – to simplify access to services.” In the successful trial, Platform used Chatbot technology, alongside new Live Chat software, to enable them to explore and gather data on both their customers’ preferences and their customer advisors’ user experiences. During the four-week trial period, the automated Chatbot answered 5,028 customer interactions, with only 338 of these customers requesting to speak to an advisor, via Live Chat. This meant that 4,690 potential calls to Platform’s busy customer services centre were averted, enabling their advisors to deal with customers who choose to call us and deal with more urgent enquiries. Andy Wilkins, CEO from Futr AI Ltd said, “I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Platform Housing. At Futr AI, we’re committed to powering transformative customer experiences through advanced AI, and this collaboration marks an exciting continuation of our long track record in the social housing sector. “Platform Housing’s commitment to digital innovation and customer service aligns perfectly with our mission and we’re excited to be working to set new standards for personalised, accessible service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With roots firmly in St Helens, housing Group Torus has decades of experience building, repairing and maintaining over 13,500 homes across the borough and now is celebrating commencing works on its biggest Shared Ownership scheme in the area – Elephant Lane – with Countryside Partnerships. Committing to delivering 83 brand new homes – all of which will be available via Shared Ownership – Torus will work with Countryside Partnerships to bring forward the 164-unit scheme and completely transform the disused land in Thatto Heath and create a modern housing development which will give future residents access to numerous local amenities and public transport networks. Investing over £18 million into the scheme, Elephant Lane is the first New Build scheme Torus has undertaken in Thatto Heath and highlights its ongoing commitment to build high quality, modern homes that actively support people onto the housing ladder. Discussing Elephant Lane, Director of Development & Sales at Torus Developments, Steve Alcock, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Countryside Partnerships on this project to galvanise long-term investment in the site and surrounding area. For Torus, it’s critical to enter into partnerships that help us actively invest in a community and that is what we feel we have at Elephant Lane – a relationship that will help us create sustainable, deep-rooted change through building great homes. “Elephant Lane itself signifies a monumental moment for Torus as a Group and represents years of ongoing investment in St Helens. It is the single largest Shared Ownership scheme we have developed in St Helens – and the first in Thatto Heath – so we are excited to be able to bring forward 83 homes that will help regenerate a piece of land and encourage the growth of a new community.” Delivering the other 81 homes at Elephant Lane through its Linden Homes arm, Countryside Partnerships will provide these properties via Outright Sale and offer another route to homeownership to local people. Ian Hilliker, Managing Director of Countryside Partnerships Merseyside & Cheshire West, said: “As the UK’s leading mixed tenure developer, we’re always looking to work with quality partners like Torus to deliver more affordable homes in the areas they’re needed most. By working in partnership, we’ve been able to unlock the potential of this site, which had remained undeveloped for many years. We’re now looking forward to seeing the homes progress and welcoming new residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the Midlands largest housing associations is a finalist in a top awards scheme. Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted in the inaugural Unlock Net Zero Awards under the Green Homes Upgrade of the Year category for landlords. The awards aim to recognise and champion progress on the journey to decarbonisation for the UK housing sector and the supply chain that supports it. The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony on Tuesday 27 June at Manchester Central, alongside Europe’s largest housing festival, the 8500 colleague strong Housing 2023. Kunle Barker, property expert, broadcaster and founder of Barker Walsh, will host this year’s awards; he is also this year’s Unlock Net Zero ambassador. Stephen Edwards, Head of Sustainability at Platform Housing Group said : “It is an honour to be recognised in this category among some ground breaking initiatives that are working hard to overcome many challenges. It’s an enormous privilege to work in housing and to play a small part in driving the agenda for sustainable and energy efficient homes that our communities and planet so desperately need. I’m really looking forward to hearing about the amazing accomplishments of the nominees at the event in June and meeting with fellow colleagues pushing for change.” Platform Housing Group’s award entry focussed on the 341 homes retrofitted under the Green Home Grant – or GHG – Local Authority Scheme, which ran between April 2021 and September 2022, and the ongoing development of its retrofit programme through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Platform also reduced the carbon emissions of these homes by 60 per cent, saving almost 3 tonnes CO2 per home per year. Measures installed include loft insulation, air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels. The UK housing sector continues to build new low carbon homes whilst ensuring existing homes are retrofitted to reach the UK government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050. Under the government funded GHG scheme, Platform was able to achieve an average increase of 2 EPC points ratings – measure of energy performance – taking the average property from an Energy Performance Certificate – or EPC – rating of E to a rating of C; this represents an estimated energy bill saving for each customer of £500 per year. Stephen concluded: “These awards are an important opportunity to take a step back and review how far we’ve come and share inspiration for where we go next in this transition. This shortlisting acknowledges Platform’s strong commitment to sustainability and delivering on our energy and decarbonisation targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housing provider, Orbit, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and VINCI Facilities Building Solutions have begun work on upgrading the Energy Performance of 70 properties across the West Midlands, after securing funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 1. The project is one of two successful bids for funding that Orbit submitted as part of the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 1 scheme. The programme will benefit from a total of £1.4m of SHDF funding, along with an additional £4.6m investment from Orbit, to provide more customers across the region with a more energy efficient home using the latest technology and innovation. The scheme will take a deep, fabric first, retrofit approach using energy efficient doors and windows, along with loft and wall insulation and some low carbon heating, to increase the energy performance of the homes located throughout the West Midlands. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2023. The programme follows the success of the Demonstrator project, which saw Orbit and its partners successfully upgrade 69 poor energy performing social homes (EPC rating D or below) in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. Ted Pearce, Director of Strategic Asset Management at Orbit, commented: “We are delighted to be starting work on upgrading our next portfolio of homes in partnership with WMCA and VINCI Facilities. “As the cost of living continues to bite, it’s now more important than ever that we reaffirm our commitment to taking the steps required to provide our customers in the region with more energy efficient homes and sustainable communities in the long term.” Jeanette Hodges, Head of Carbon and Operations added “This in-depth programme of works also plays a key role in delivering on net zero carbon targets and reducing carbon emissions, even within harder to treat homes. Committing to a deep retrofit while customers remain living in their home is a complex undertaking, but we have learnt invaluable lessons from the Demonstrator project which will steer our approach and ensure our customers can soon begin enjoying the benefits of a more energy efficient home.” George Simms, who leads the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) SMART Hub (Sustainable Market for Affordable Retrofit Technologies), said: “The WMCA is working closely with our partner local authorities and their registered housing providers to use our expertise to help them tap into Government funding to ramp up retrofit activity. So far we’ve supported successful applications for almost £50million, including this £1.4 million that will benefit Orbit residents. “We’re also helping to grow local supply chains and train up the retrofit workforce. Alongside more sustained, longer-term retrofit funding that will come to the region through the Deeper Devolution Deal, this will mean we can help make even more homes warmer and more energy efficient, reducing residents’ energy bills and supporting the West Midlands #WM2041 drive towards net zero.” Barry Boxall, Divisional Director VINCI Facilities Building Solutions said “Working in partnership with Orbit and WMCA we will deliver excellent quality, safe and warm, energy efficient homes for residents. As a trusted main contractor, we ensure that the customer’s experience is at the forefront of all that we do. The partnership encourages innovative solutions that are delivered with discipline and in strict accordance with PAS 2035. The measures installed will future proof people’s homes in line with Orbit’s net zero ambition. Residents will benefit from a better quality of life and reduced energy consumption.” Wave 1 will upgrade more than 20,000 social housing properties that are currently below an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
