John Lewis Partnership has scrapped its in-house housing venture and abandoned plans to deliver around 1,000 build-to-rent homes across three sites, citing a major change in economic conditions behind the decision. The employee-owned retailer confirmed it is withdrawing from the build-to-rent market after concluding that the financial case no longer
More than 4,000 believe housing homes have now received energy efficiency improvements, helping customers stay warm while reducing energy use. Each home has received a range of measures to reduce heat loss, lower energy consumption, cut carbon emissions, and help customers manage their heating bills more easily. The not-for-profit housing
A consultation is now open to gather views and feedback about the next ambitious phase of regeneration in the north Manchester neighbourhood. A consultation is now open to gather views and feedback about the next ambitious phase of regeneration in the north Manchester neighbourhood. Collyhurst was chosen as one of the
PUBLIC SERVANTS on the front line of housing delivery have spoken out on the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2029, with less than 1% thinking that the goal is achievable with current policy measures. This is according to the latest nationwide survey report and analysis from public
NatWest has today announced a new package of £10 billion of funding to the UK social housing sector before the end of 2028, which when deployed will bring the total funding to social housing in the UK to over £35 billion* since 2018. Through this new ambition, the bank is
Construction has started on the large-scale redevelopment of The Oval in Stevenage, marking a major step forward in revitalising one of the town’s established neighbourhood centres and advancing the council’s wider housing development programme. Ground was broken on Friday 30 January 2026, with attendees including representatives from Bugler Developments; Baroness
The latest Barclays Business Prosperity Index report1 reveals that despite affordability pressures, regulatory challenges and financial caution, four in five businesses (83 per cent) operating in housebuilding and its supply chains remain confident about their outlook for the year ahead. Barclays’ anonymised client data from around 70,000 UK businesses, combined
Birmingham City Council is overhauling the way its council housing is maintained, appointing a new group of contractors to take responsibility for long-term repairs and investment across the city. From July 2026, Equans, Wates and Mears will deliver day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance and improvement works across around 60,000 council homes.
Plans to regenerate Gateshead’s Baltic Quarter have taken a significant step forward after the council agreed a pre-development deal with Muse and ECF to progress a major mixed-use scheme of around 1,600 new homes. Under the agreement, ECF will work alongside Gateshead Council to develop the long-term vision for the
Planning approvals for housing fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 to their lowest level since 2019, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The figures sharpen the challenge for housing secretary Steve Reed, whose ‘Build, Baby, Build’ drive and the Government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes is being
John Lewis Partnership has scrapped its in-house housing venture and abandoned plans to deliver around 1,000 build-to-rent homes across three sites, citing a major change in economic conditions behind the decision. The employee-owned retailer confirmed it is withdrawing from the build-to-rent market after concluding that the financial case no longer stacks up in today’s higher interest rate environment. The move ends a diversification strategy first set out in 2020, aimed at generating long-term income by developing surplus land and airspace above existing stores. John Lewis had secured planning permission for residential schemes above Waitrose supermarkets in Bromley and West Ealing, as well as a separate development on a former industrial site in Reading. In West Ealing, the proposals comprised 428 flats across four high-rise blocks above the Waitrose store. Bromley would have delivered 353 rental homes in a 24-storey building above the supermarket, while the Reading plan involved 170 flats as part of a £70m scheme. The partnership said it will now enter final discussions with local authorities before deciding the future of the sites, with options expected to include selling them on to property developers. John Lewis pointed to a combination of rising borrowing costs, higher build costs and weaker investor appetite as key factors in its decision, noting that the venture was designed for a market environment that no longer exists. Investment manager abrdn had been working with the retailer on the programme. A spokesperson said the rental ambition was based on more stable investment returns, lower borrowing costs and more affordable construction costs, but that inflationary pressures and a more cautious property market have meant the model no longer meets the partnership’s investment criteria. Alongside the shift away from build-to-rent, the retailer also confirmed it is exiting property management. That business will be wound down once existing contracts covering four residential buildings come to an end. The move represents a clear reset of John Lewis Partnership’s property strategy, with the business choosing to refocus on its core retail operations and strengthen its balance sheet amid ongoing uncertainty in the housing development and investment market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than 4,000 believe housing homes have now received energy efficiency improvements, helping customers stay warm while reducing energy use. Each home has received a range of measures to reduce heat loss, lower energy consumption, cut carbon emissions, and help customers manage their heating bills more easily. The not-for-profit housing association’s work is part-funded by the government through successive rounds of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund. Together, these funds are supporting more than £34.4 million of energy efficiency works, with believe housing securing over £18 million across the rounds to make these improvements possible. The ongoing programme focuses on homes with an EPC rating of D or below. Each property receives a full survey and those requiring work get a tailored package of measures, to reach at least EPC C. Because every home is different, the exact work varies to meet each property’s needs. Upgrades currently being installed include: David Taylor, Assistant Director of Major Works at believe housing, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have reached this milestone. Government funding and strong partnerships have enabled thousands of our customers to benefit from meaningful improvements. “The feedback we get from customers is showing us the lasting impact of the programme. More energy efficient homes feel warmer and more comfortable and help tackle fuel poverty and improve overall health and wellbeing.” The work has been delivered by social housing regeneration specialists RE:GEN Group, who have supported believe housing to deliver upgrades at scale. Jonathan Horner, Director at RE:GEN Group, said: “Reaching this milestone is a real achievement and reflects the scale, care and coordination behind the programme. It shows what can be achieved when partners come together with a common purpose and we’re already looking ahead to supporting the next 4,000 homes.” Retired manufacturing worker Peter Tickle’s bungalow, in Bowburn, County Durham, is one of the most recently upgraded homes. Solar panels, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation were installed, alongside a new roof and brickwork repointing. He said: “I have a smart meter and when the sun is shining you can clearly see the panels working, generating power I don’t have to pay for, which is great. And the improved insulation and roof are obviously going to be a benefit. “I absolutely welcomed the work and am pleased with the results. “It has definitely improved my home, and with the roof and brickwork done throughout the street, it’s made a real difference to how the area looks too.” The programme is ongoing, with thousands more customers set to benefit as believe housing continues working towards ensuring all its homes reach EPC C or above by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A consultation is now open to gather views and feedback about the next ambitious phase of regeneration in the north Manchester neighbourhood. A consultation is now open to gather views and feedback about the next ambitious phase of regeneration in the north Manchester neighbourhood. Collyhurst was chosen as one of the first focus areas for investment as part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme – a partnership between Manchester City Council and FEC – that will see more than 15,000 new homes across seven distinct neighbourhoods in the coming years. Initial consultation for future regeneration in Collyhurst completed in November 2025, which provided local people detail about the high level principles of future investment in their neighbourhood – including a mix of different types of homes, a focus on affordable homes within a mix of different tenures – including significant social rent homes – alongside green areas and spaces for the community. Since then, households within the boundary of the proposed phase two area have been directly contacted to discuss their housing requirements to ensure that they are at the centre of developing proposals. Now, the whole community will have an opportunity to find out more about the emerging proposals before detailed design and planning takes place, taking the local people along on the regeneration journey – from concept to design. Based on the development being delivered in phase one, current estimates suggest, subject to consultation and detailed design work, that around 550 homes could be built in the phase two area helping to meet the growing demand for quality, affordable housing in the area, alongside a new community park. Similar to the first phase of development, the ambition – subject to consultation and planning – would be to make sure a significant number of the new homes will be for social rent to meet demand for quality, genuinely affordable homes in Collyhurst. In phase one, 130 of 274 homes were capped at the social rent level. The consultation will also gather feedback about the mix of housing types required in the community, new walking and cycling routes through the neighbourhood, and features that could be included in an extended area of the new Collyhurst Park space. Phase One – the story so far 274 homes are currently under construction across two sites in South Collyhurst and Collyhurst Village, where the first 35 homes have now been completed – including the first 10 of 130 new Council homes for social rent. Completions are now being phased throughout 2026, and some of the new Council homes will also support residents that moved outside of Collyhurst from the now demolished maisonettes to move back to the community, into new homes in South Collyhurst – fulfilling the Council’s commitment to those residents who were promised they could return should they want to. Future Investment in Collyhurst Detailed proposals for future phases of development will be worked through and developed through public consultation on a phased basis. The focus in the coming years will be to develop proposals for Collyhurst Village, while detailed plans for South Collyhurst will then be developed in six to 10 years. Victoria North has also been shortlisted as a part of the Government’s New Towns Taskforce, which pledges support to deliver major regeneration programmes. This will support the ambition for a new Metrolink stop at Sandhills, which will help unlock future investment in the wider Collyhurst area, alongside new homes, shops, medical facilities and a new school. Public in-person consultation events Local people can attend two events in the area to find out more and ask questions. Tuesday 3 March – Church of the Saviour, Eggington Street, M40 7RN 1.30pm and 6.30pm Members of the regeneration team will also be available to chat at a pop-in session at Kylie’s Kitchen from 9am to 11am on Wednesday 4 March 2026. To note: Residents that are currently living within the proposed red line boundary for phase 2 have also been invited to a further session with the regeneration team to answer any specific questions they might have. The consultation can also be accessed online: www.collyhurst-regeneration.co.uk/home/get-involved Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We chose Collyhurst as one of the first areas to invest in as part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme because we could see the massive potential in this neighbourhood – and we wanted to deliver for this community that has waited for so long for investment in their area. “It’s great to see that the first Council social rent homes are welcoming residents and we’ll see ongoing completions through the rest of the year, which will also mean residents who moved out of the area will be supported back to Collyhurst and into a new home. “We can now return our attention to the next phase of delivery, which could see another 550 homes built – with a key focus on social rent, Council and genuinely affordable housing – alongside the new and extended Collyhurst park. Longer-term we are working towards the new tram stop at Sandhills, alongside more new housing, shops and local services. “There’s a huge amount to be excited about in Collyhurst and we would urge local people to take part in the consultation and come down to the drop in events and give us your thoughts about the future of your community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PUBLIC SERVANTS on the front line of housing delivery have spoken out on the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2029, with less than 1% thinking that the goal is achievable with current policy measures. This is according to the latest nationwide survey report and analysis from public sector procurement specialist Pagabo, which reveals insights from respondents representing a broad cross-section of job functions across local government and housing associations. Building 1.5 Million Homes – Is It Achievable? reveals a deep-seated pessimism across the housing sector and a sobering reality for government. Even with significant policy reform, less than one-third believe the target is achievable. When asked if they are satisfied with their organisation’s progress in relation to the delivery of affordable homes compared with the local target since the Labour party entered government last year, only a fraction over one-third of respondents said yes. The report reveals that the most critical factor holding back housing delivery is the lack of sufficient, flexible, and long-term funding. Meanwhile a trio of interconnected issues surrounding land cost, site availability and developer profit expectations present widespread barriers to delivering more homes – with planning restrictions, community opposition and infrastructure constraints also cited as obstacles to overcome. Jonathan Parker, development director at public sector procurement specialist Pagabo, said: “Our new report includes findings that suggest the government’s housebuilding target is more optimistic than realistic, but this is tinged with a clear appetite to be able to deliver more homes. Without a greater understanding of the views and challenges being faced around the country by those tasked with delivery, no changes can be made. Having these insights means that the government and wider delivery collaborators can now come together to find the solutions that breed confidence and progress against local targets – not see them dwindle further. “The structure of traditional contracts involving land sales followed by developer delivery is widely seen as misaligned with public objectives – which is likely feeding that barrier cited around community opposition. This reinforces the need for a more collaborative delivery model in which the public sector and developers share responsibility from the outset to accelerate delivery and maximise public value – but also ensuring that communities are taken on that journey as well in order to truly be involved in shaping their own futures.” Digging deeper into the issue of site availability, the survey revealed a pragmatic stance adopted by housing professionals despite an ideological preference for building on brownfield sites. Faced with the high costs of remediation, the main constraint in bringing forward brownfield land cited by respondents, 54% of those surveyed prioritise a balanced mix of both brownfield and greenbelt sites, while only 3% leant towards prioritising green belt land. The new report also draws attention to the nation’s existing housing stock, identifying a critical and growing tension beyond the headlines dominated by new homes. Results show that for housing associations, which often manage the quality, safety and sustainability of vast property portfolios, refurbishment is a core strategic priority – particularly with the introduction of new legislation like Awaab’s Law in 2025. By contrast, local government bodies viewed refurbishment as secondary to the primary goal of planning and enabling new development. Despite this strategic difference, across the sector there is a strong view that new housing must be supported by corresponding investment in social infrastructure. Respondents see collaboration not as a ‘nice-to-have’, but as a critical component of placemaking. An overwhelming 79% of all respondents view collaboration with other public sector bodies as either essential or important – especially for ensuring new homes are supported by the right physical and social infrastructure. Jonathan continued: “Our report highlights that new housing delivery and existing housing refurbishment cannot be considered in isolation. Success is defined not by numbers alone, but by the creation of thriving places, underpinned by access to healthcare, education, transport and social infrastructure. We’re especially interested in all that the report reveals because we believe that procurement offers a powerful opportunity to make a difference, from the outset of development planning and placemaking through to the legacy that is created. “Since conducting our latest survey, the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill has become law and further changes to the National Planning Policy Framework are under consultation – seeking to move the dial as housing sector professionals desperately seek solutions. Despite what’s been said and done already, an open-minded attitude and collaboration driven approach can make 2026 a year that will be remembered for the right reasons.” Produced by Surveys in Public Sector in partnership with Pagabo, Building 1.5 Million Homes – Is It Achievable? is informed by a survey involving a total of 84 individuals from 69 unique local authorities and housing associations. To read the full report, visit www.pagabo.co.uk/white-paper-research-building-1-5-million-homes-is-it-achievable. The Developer-Led Framework – managed by Pagabo on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust – promotes early engagement between developers and public sector clients to improve viability, placemaking and delivery. It is the first framework of its kind to provide private sector funding to public sector schemes, for more information visit www.pagabo.co.uk/frameworks/developer-led-framework Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NatWest has today announced a new package of £10 billion of funding to the UK social housing sector before the end of 2028, which when deployed will bring the total funding to social housing in the UK to over £35 billion* since 2018. Through this new ambition, the bank is aiming to support the delivery and maintenance of social housing in the UK, which is vital to the people and families who rely on affordable housing, as well as the wider economy. NatWest has worked with not-for-profit housing associations across the UK to support their growth and development plans building homes and communities for many years. Recent government commitments will help unlock development and speed up delivery. In response, NatWest is committing billions in funding to housing associations, to help enable the development of high quality homes across the UK and support economic growth. The bank also confirmed it has now provided more than £25 billion of funding into the social housing sector since 2018, helping to create and sustain affordable homes nationwide. NatWest aims to support the delivery and upkeep of social housing across the UK, helping housing associations build new homes, upgrade existing properties, and improve living conditions. Some of this lending can help fund energy efficiency and environmental improvements, including retrofit projects. Other funding can help the housing associations sector to deliver a pipeline of new homes and improve living conditions in existing properties. Paul Thwaite, CEO NatWest Group comments: “We are incredibly proud to announce the early achievement of our £7.5 billion UK social housing lending ambition. Delivering this milestone a full year ahead of schedule demonstrates our commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives by investing in the homes and communities that need it most, and shows the demand in the market. “Reaching this lending ambition early has enabled us to set a new target of £10 billion to year-end 2028, so we can continue to provide social housing lending and play our part in supporting the development and availability of affordable and social rent homes across the UK.” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “This government is backing a step change in affordable housing to end the housing crisis, with £39 billion for a new social and affordable homes programme and 10 year rent certainty for the sector. “NatWest’s investment will be vital in helping housing associations deliver thousands of affordable homes for families priced out of home ownership, building an economy that works for and rewards working people.” The announcement forms part of the bank’s new five point Growing Together plan, setting out how the bank will help build the conditions for UK wide growth: backing powerful regions, championing mid-market companies, strengthening the country’s infrastructure and housing foundations, boosting financial confidence amongst families and young people, and supporting the innovators shaping the future economy. Drawing on its regional footprint, expertise and convening power, the bank aims to bring businesses, communities, and policymakers together to tackle structural barriers, unlock productivity and spread opportunity across the UK. Recent research from Shelter revealed that 382,618 people are homeless in England – including 175,025 children. And the number of people officially recorded as homeless has risen by 8% in one year. According to Shelter, the shortage of social homes, unaffordable private rents and the freeze on housing benefit are pushing more people into homelessness and trapping them there. With limited pathways into secure, affordable homes, many people risk becoming stuck in temporary accommodation intended for short-term use, for months or even years. Over 90% of the people recorded as homeless – including 84,240 families – are in temporary accommodation. In addition to these commitments, last year NatWest announced several other initiatives and partnerships that have complemented and contributed to our social housing lending ambition being achieved. These include a financial guarantee of up to £400 million from the National Wealth Fund to cover a series of new loans from NatWest to registered providers of social housing stock in the UK. The bank also launched a new social rent loan product to support housing associations, which are already NatWest customers, to support the construction of social rent houses across the UK. In December 2025, this fund was doubled to £1 billion in response to strong demand and to help continue the delivery of homes for social rent across the country. These initiatives complement NatWest’s ongoing dedication to supporting communities and helping to address the housing crisis. VIVID secures £100m from NatWest as part of landmark £500m social loan fund In November 2025, UK housing association VIVID, secured £100 million in funding from NatWest as part of the bank’s social loan fund, designed to support the delivery of homes for social rent across the country. VIVID was the first to draw down funds from this. The facility offers discounted interest margins and no arrangement fees, meaning housing associations could save significant sums in finance costs and reinvest those savings into building and improving homes for those who need them most. These homes for social rent are expected to help ease the shortage of social homes, support vibrant local communities, and the funding should give VIVID the flexibility to keep building where it matters most. It will go towards building an additional 450 new social rent homes for more customers and comes with a 10-year loan term, providing stability for long-term investment. David Ball, Chief Financial Officer at VIVID, said: “NatWest’s new social rent loan product gives housing associations the financial flexibility to build more homes at social rent levels. The overall rate discount being offered is an innovative step change that shows NatWest’s commitment to supporting the Government’s Social Rent led agenda.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has started on the large-scale redevelopment of The Oval in Stevenage, marking a major step forward in revitalising one of the town’s established neighbourhood centres and advancing the council’s wider housing development programme. Ground was broken on Friday 30 January 2026, with attendees including representatives from Bugler Developments; Baroness Taylor of Stevenage OBE; Richard Henry, Leader of the Council; Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing; SBC councillors, ward councillors and officers; Lloyd Briscoe, Deputy Mayor of Stevenage; Sian Carter of Homes England; and Toby Fox, founder of 1.5M New Homes. A fixture of Stevenage since the 1960s, The Oval will be reshaped into a contemporary neighbourhood featuring new homes, shops, a church, community facilities and an inviting market square designed for residents and families. The first phase, delivered with Bugler Developments, includes Brent Court—an independent living scheme led by the council, providing 91 modern, affordable homes. Phase One will also create a new church, a community building and additional play spaces, forming a vibrant and inclusive hub. Backed by £20.5 million from Homes England, the project forms a central part of Stevenage Borough Council’s long-term, council-led housing development programme, which has been delivering high-quality, affordable homes across the town since 2015. The Oval scheme sits within a strong pipeline of housing projects in Stevenage, including the forthcoming handover of Dunn Close and Brodie Court, the council’s independent living scheme completed at the end of summer 2025 and now fully occupied. These developments offer modern, supported accommodation for older residents, supporting downsizing and releasing larger council homes for families and vulnerable residents. Councillor Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The Oval has been an important part of Stevenage for decades and today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. This redevelopment will deliver high-quality, affordable homes alongside welcoming community spaces that bring people together. “Importantly, it supports our wider housing development programme – helping us meet local housing need, make better use of our housing stock, and deliver homes that work for residents at every stage of life.” Andy Bugler, CEO, Bugler Developments said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council on the regeneration of The Oval. This is a landmark project that will deliver high-quality homes and meaningful community spaces, while respecting the area’s heritage and creating a place people can be proud to call home. We’re delighted to see work getting underway on this first phase.” Image: Rock Townsend Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest Barclays Business Prosperity Index report1 reveals that despite affordability pressures, regulatory challenges and financial caution, four in five businesses (83 per cent) operating in housebuilding and its supply chains remain confident about their outlook for the year ahead. Barclays’ anonymised client data from around 70,000 UK businesses, combined with research from 500 industry leaders1 and 2000 consumers2, also shows strengthening activity at the start of the development pipeline, sustained buyer demand for new-build homes and a major uplift in planned investment. Key findings from the Barclays Business Prosperity Index include: Sector investment and innovation gathers pace Talent, skills and AI are all becoming major investment focus areas. Four in 10 (40 per cent) businesses with skills shortages are investing in new construction methods to reduce manual labour, alongside developing early career schemes (39 per cent), and focusing on training and upskilling (36 per cent). Meanwhile the average intended AI investment of £441,281 reflects growing demand for AI assisted design and planning (37 per cent), renewable and energy efficient materials (36 per cent), business management automation software (35 per cent) and building information modelling (29 per cent). Momentum is particularly strong in Electronics, where intended AI spend exceeds £500,000, while trades such as Plumbing (£380,000), Carpentry (£347,320) and Painting & Decorating (£328,371) signal smaller, though material allocations. Future Homes Standard: A top priority but confidence in readiness lags Nearly all firms (98 per cent) say aligning with the Government’s Future Homes Standard is a priority for the next 12 months, yet 82 per cent express concern about their readiness. Key areas where support is most needed include installing low carbon heating systems (21 per cent), applying the new Home Energy Model (20 per cent) and meeting updated ventilation standards (18 per cent). Despite this, businesses are taking proactive steps, with 30 per cent investing in specialist equipment, training and technology to boost compliance. Strong Gen Z new-build appetite despite affordability pressures A quarter of homeowners (25 per cent) report they live in a new-build property. This rises amongst first-time buyers, with nearly half (47 per cent) of those who bought their first home in the past year opting for a new‑build property. New properties are most popular amongst Gen Z (61 per cent of homeowners) with desirable location named as the top driver of purchases (28 per cent). A fifth (20 per cent) cited favourable mortgage terms, such as higher loan-to-value ratio, and 17 per cent also reported energy efficiency as a major reason for buying new. This comes as young people report improving, but significant affordability challenges, as 61 per cent of Gen Z hoping to buy a home in the next 12 months said that mortgage rates have a bigger impact on affordability than house prices themselves. Despite strong buyer demand, there are still barriers to building. A quarter (25 per cent) of housebuilders report high construction costs as a major barrier, followed by rising inflation, cost of raw materials and meeting the requirements of the Future Homes Standard (all 19 per cent). Location, location, location Over the next 12 months, new-build property developers expect that consumers’ desire for customisation options, such as layout and finishes, to have the greatest impact on their approach (31 per cent), followed by expectations for upgraded digital infrastructure including high speed broadband (27 per cent). However, consumers report slightly different priorities. When surveyed about which features most influence their choice of property, the top factor was access to gardens or communal green spaces (42 per cent), followed by proximity to transport hubs (31 per cent) and proximity to parks or countryside (30 per cent). Just 17 per cent named digital infrastructure as a key influence, and just 11 per cent cited customisation. Jason Constable, Head of Real Estate, Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “The level of innovation we’re seeing across the industry from larger developers to specialist trades is encouraging, with businesses investing in technology, skills and modern construction methods to boost productivity. “These innovations, combined with stronger consumer demand for new-builds, present a significant opportunity for housebuilders. While affordability and planning delays still pose challenges, the underlying strength of demand points to clear potential for growth as market conditions stabilise.” John Ainsworth, Head of Real Estate, Barclays Business Banking, added: “Activity is generally subdued among SME housebuilders, with nearly three in 10 expecting no increase in output in the year ahead. Yet SMEs are working hard to overcome skills shortages and regulatory alignment, with their resilience coming through strongly as they show confidence in their future success. “If the industry is to hit the Government’s target and build the much-needed homes of the future, it’s vital we continue to support the scaleup of smaller regional players. At Barclays we are committed to providing the external finance needed to scale via our Business Prosperity Fund.” The Barclays Business Prosperity Fund is available to new and existing Business Banking and Corporate Banking clients across the UK to apply for lending and refinancing on existing projects. Terms and conditions apply. Businesses can read the full Barclays Business Prosperity Index Housebuilding report and find out more about the Business Prosperity Fund at home.barclays/businessprosperity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Council is overhauling the way its council housing is maintained, appointing a new group of contractors to take responsibility for long-term repairs and investment across the city. From July 2026, Equans, Wates and Mears will deliver day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance and improvement works across around 60,000 council homes. The appointments form part of a new 10-year framework arrangement, split across four city regions and potentially worth up to £3bn, with an option to extend for a further five years. Under the new framework, Equans will retain one of the three lots it previously held, while Wates has emerged as the largest winner, securing two lots with a combined value of up to £1.75bn over the life of the contracts. Mears completes the new trio of delivery partners. 10-year Birmingham housing maintenance lots City region New partner Previous holder Value East Equans Equans £619m North Wates Equans £451m South Wates Fortem £1.3bn West Central Mears Equans £607m Willmott Dixon-owned Fortem, which has provided housing maintenance services in south Birmingham for 18 years, will exit the programme when its current contract ends this summer. The contracts cover a broad range of services, including responsive repairs, kitchen and bathroom replacements, wider planned maintenance programmes and the preparation of empty homes ready for new tenants. Birmingham City Council said the new delivery model has been shaped by extensive tenant feedback and is intended to provide a more flexible, responsive and modern service. A key feature will be the introduction of a fully digitised repairs journey, giving tenants clearer communication around planned works, timeframes and any changes to appointments, as well as greater ability to rearrange visits. New digital systems will also be used to monitor the condition of homes more effectively and support programmes to improve energy efficiency, helping to make properties warmer and cheaper to heat. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the new contracts represent a reset in how repairs and maintenance are delivered and monitored. She added that tenants should see improved communication, more responsive services and continued investment in kitchens, bathrooms and energy efficiency measures across the council’s housing stock.
Plans to regenerate Gateshead’s Baltic Quarter have taken a significant step forward after the council agreed a pre-development deal with Muse and ECF to progress a major mixed-use scheme of around 1,600 new homes. Under the agreement, ECF will work alongside Gateshead Council to develop the long-term vision for the site, shaping funding, phasing and delivery. The Baltic Quarter plays a central role in the council’s regeneration strategy unveiled last autumn. Initial work will focus on how new homes and workspaces can be introduced alongside improved public spaces, landscaping, routes and infrastructure. The proposals aim to support the area’s existing business community, including Gateshead College and the Northern Design Centre, while creating space for future growth. The council said the regeneration will build on the quarter’s established creative and commercial character, helping current businesses remain and expand, while attracting new companies and talent to Gateshead and neighbouring Newcastle. An early masterplan for the Baltic Quarter has been prepared by architect Brown + Company. Sustainability sits at the heart of the proposals, with the area already benefiting from a district energy network powered by the UK’s largest urban solar farm and mine water heat. A recently completed 1,000-space car park has also been designed to support large-scale electric vehicle charging. Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, said the pre-development agreement allows partners to work closely with the council and local stakeholders to shape proposals that reflect Gateshead’s industrial heritage while delivering lasting economic and social benefits. The agreement was secured through Pagabo’s developer-led framework. Council leader Martin Gannon said the scheme could deliver more than 1,600 homes, new office space and high-quality public realm, creating a visible statement of confidence in Gateshead that could help attract further investment to the borough.
Planning approvals for housing fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 to their lowest level since 2019, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The figures sharpen the challenge for housing secretary Steve Reed, whose ‘Build, Baby, Build’ drive and the Government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes is being tested by a weakening housing pipeline. Residential planning approval value ended 2025 at £35.5bn, down 13% on 2021 and 25% below 2019, even though the wider construction market is up around 20% versus pre-COVID. Fewer approvals today mean fewer sites starting in the months ahead, slowing new supply, keeping upward pressure on prices and rents, and pushing the 1.5 million homes target further out of reach. “Last year, Steve Reed called on the industry to build, baby, build, but we’re yet to see any reaction,” said Ed Griffiths, head of business and client analysis at Barbour ABI. “The approvals pipeline for new homes has shrunk to its weakest since 2019, while money and momentum have shifted to energy infrastructure. “We don’t expect to see new housing spend to return to 2022 levels until 2027 and unless we see planning approvals recovering and contract awards broadening beyond a few large schemes, the 1.5 million homes target is looking increasingly impossible.” Contract awards, a key indicator of market health and future workload that signal the move from planning to delivery, remain broadly flat in housing. The value of residential awards edged up 4% in 2025 but has hovered around £22bn for three years. It’s a similar picture on applications. With no answer to current viability issues, residential remains stagnant increasing only 5% in overall application value with a 13% drop in the number of applications. By contrast, the rest of construction is performing. Overall planning approval value across all sectors rose 22% last year to £112bn, even as the number of approvals fell. Infrastructure is a particular highlight, as planning application value improved 45%, and planning approval value jumped 108% in 2025, powered by government-backed energy investment. Seven of the eight infrastructure projects approved in 2025 above £1bn were in the energy sector. Last year also saw growth across most regions, driven by high value transport and utility orders and urban regeneration in cities like Leeds and Manchester. Despite ongoing challenges like high costs and planning delays there are signs that private investors are committing to signing off on new contracts. But how quickly these can translate to activity on the ground in 2026 remains to be seen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals