Manchester City Council is set to welcome around major investment into key growth areas for the city – part of the £1bn Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund announced by the GMCA this week. The funding package is set to be approved by Cllr Bev Craig, the portfolio Leader for Good Growth, and the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy
Network Rail has launched a new property development company, with ambitions to deliver 40,000 new homes and 10 million sq ft of commercial space over the next decade. The new business, named Platform4, will focus on regenerating brownfield land within the rail estate. Four initial sites have already been identified
One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site, at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward. The business case for phase 1 of this ambitious new development sets out how attractive
Habiko, the new affordable housing partnership between Muse, Homes England and Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), has unveiled its first development sites – marking the start of a £1bn programme to deliver 3,000 high-quality, low-carbon rental homes across the UK. The first two projects, located in Chester and Warrington, will together
Watkin Jones has secured planning permission for a major mixed-use development in Chesser, to the west of Edinburgh city centre, following approval from Scottish ministers. The project will deliver 779 new homes in total, comprising 100 affordable apartments, 293 build-to-rent (BTR) homes, and 406 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedrooms. Initially
A report going to the Council’s executive next week (Weds 15 October) details the next phase in an ongoing collaboration with the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership (MHPP) to deliver genuinely affordable housing across the city. More than 700 new homes will be built using Council-owned land in the coming years,
Hundreds of new homes are set to be delivered at one of North East England’s biggest new residential developments after three housebuilders signed up to take the project forward. North East development firm Banks Property, supported by independent North East property consultants and land agent youngsRPS, secured outline planning permission
Former ice rink site has been cleared and will become a major residential led scheme of nearly 1000 homes, complete with associated amenities. Strettons and Vandermolen Real Estate are pleased to announce the sale of Rom Valley Gardens, a significant seven-acre site in Romford, Essex, for an undisclosed price. Previously
Birmingham City Council has named Lovell as preferred developer for the £1bn transformation of Druids Heath, paving the way for around 3,500 new homes alongside upgraded infrastructure, transport links and revitalised commercial and community spaces. Six miles south of the city centre, Druids Heath’s 1960s council housing is set to
Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, said: “The inclusion of Heyford Park in the Government’s new towns programme shows a growing commitment to building not just more homes but better places – places with identity, infrastructure and long-term purpose. That’s exactly what we’ve been working towards at Heyford Park. “Our
Manchester City Council is set to welcome around major investment into key growth areas for the city – part of the £1bn Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund announced by the GMCA this week. The funding package is set to be approved by Cllr Bev Craig, the portfolio Leader for Good Growth, and the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at a meeting of the Combined Authority next week. The first tranche of the pioneering funding model will deliver £400m investment for 30 projects across the city region making sure that the whole of Greater Manchester will benefit. For Manchester, the investment will focus on delivering major residential projects – with a keen focus on social housing and genuinely affordable tenures – along with transformative investment in key projects that will unlock major commercial and office space, and significant employment and skills opportunities for local people. New Housing and Affordable Homes Victoria North This City Wythenshawe Town Centre Commercial Space Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “Manchester is leading the way in trying to both supercharge our economy to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, while also creating new opportunities for our residents and building homes everyone can afford. Our mission is clear, good growth that creates a world class city, a thriving economy and a place where everyone benefits. “This groundbreaking GM Good Growth Fund will supercharge our ambitions, backing schemes that create jobs and the homes we need for everyone’s benefit. It will unlock and deliver major new sustainable housing investment that meets the needs of our residents, building excellent communities and town centres that our residents are proud to call their own – and, crucially, unlock projects that can deliver genuinely affordable and Council homes that make sure these developments are open and available to as many Mancunians as possible. “We also know that the whole of the Northwest, and the rest of Greater Manchester, needs Manchester City Centre to do well – attract growth, investment and opportunity for the whole region. That’s why the Greater Manchester investment in commercial office development is so important. And despite the commercial challenges elsewhere in the country, Manchester can forge ahead with making sure our commercial pipeline meets the huge demand we see for new space in the city. It will also help a range of globally significant projects to move forward, while creating the conditions for our key growth sectors to thrive in digital, life sciences, research and innovation. “The Good Growth Fund represents an unprecedented level of investment in key sectors and homes across our city region. We have thought carefully about how we can best inject money into the right locations and this fund is a major shot in the arm for economic growth, job creation, skills and infrastructure – translating directly into new jobs and opportunities for our residents to play their part in the city’s success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has launched a new property development company, with ambitions to deliver 40,000 new homes and 10 million sq ft of commercial space over the next decade. The new business, named Platform4, will focus on regenerating brownfield land within the rail estate. Four initial sites have already been identified in Newcastle, Manchester, Cambridge and Nottingham. Platform4 has been formed through the merger of London & Continental Railways Ltd with Network Rail’s existing Property Development operations. Together, the combined team has a strong track record in housing, commercial and infrastructure-led projects, having delivered more than 7,000 homes in the past year. Robin Dobson, Chief Executive Officer of Platform4, said that the UK’s railways, which once helped drive the first industrial revolution, now had a vital role to play in the next wave of regeneration. He said that by unlocking and transforming brownfield sites, Platform4 would attract further investment, support job creation and help deliver new homes, commercial space and communities in line with the government’s housing ambitions. Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive of Network Rail, described the launch as a significant milestone, combining the strength of the rail network with a substantial property portfolio. He said Platform4 would help ensure the railway estate continues to create value for both the wider economy and local communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site, at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward. The business case for phase 1 of this ambitious new development sets out how attractive local living for residents and people in the surrounding communities will be achieved. The delivery plans include new housing which will be enhanced with a new primary school (the school to be delivered through a separate contract), retail units, public and open green space. This would be achieved through entering into a development agreement with Cruden Homes to deliver site wide enabling, infrastructure and new homes. Each of the 847 new homes will be fitted with an air source heat pump providing residents who move in with new, warm, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes, with fairly priced energy bills. At least 45% of the homes will be affordable – 214 will be for social rent with the rest a mixture of mid-market rent and homes for sale. Some will also be suitable for families who require wheelchair accessibility. The revitalisation of Granton Waterfront’s historic buildings and industrial built heritage, coupled with the delivery of new leisure and recreation opportunities, will significantly increase visitors to the area, creating new local employment opportunities. The overall development will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city, through a mix of energy efficient buildings, gas free heat solutions, cycling and walking paths and a nature-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation. This exciting regeneration in the north of Edinburgh, set to start early next year and due for completion in 2033 will build on early action projects already underway in Granton Waterfront. If approved by the Finance and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, the business case will then be considered by Council on Thursday, 18 December. Some of these projects are already complete with others taking shape. Tenants are already living in 75 new ‘net zero ready homes’ for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View. A short distance away Western Villages has 444 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social, mid-market rent and some for sale, which are nearly all occupied. A further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea are also due for completion in Summer 2026. At the heart of this nationally significant development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gasholder 1 Park’. The iconic gasholder frame has been restored and can be seen for miles around as it is lit up after dark. It has a new public park created within the frame making it a spectacular focal point in the area. The historic former Granton Station has been refurbished as a creative hub and has a new civic square in its grounds. The Pitt has opened in a repurposed industrial building at 20 West Shore Road and the core path through the development has been upgraded and named Speirs Bruce Way. Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline is hugely significant for our Capital city. It is the largest public sector led project of its kind in Scotland. Over the next 10 to 15 years, it will continue to set the standard for sustainable economic growth in Edinburgh. “We’re using the largest brownfield site we own to deliver the first phase of this project, with our development partner Cruden Homes. We will be delivering new and affordable, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes which will provide our residents with fairly priced energy bills. The retail and leisure units we will deliver will provide an opportunity for local people to enjoy recreation and access employment. We’ll also be improving public transport and cycling and walking paths as well as education services. Our aim is to help to reduce child poverty as well as address the nature and climate emergencies we face locally and globally. “Our investment in this major project for the Capital further reinforces our approach across the city to achieve low carbon affordable living for as many of our residents as possible. Our aim is to make Edinburgh more inclusive and well connected to support prosperity and wellbeing for those in the Granton Waterfront area and across the city region.” Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “We’re proud to be playing a leading role in delivering this landmark regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline. Granton Waterfront is a bold and innovative project that will create a distinctive new coastal neighbourhood with a real sense of place, centred around much-needed, high-quality, energy-efficient homes and sustainable infrastructure. Working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, we’re not only building net zero ready homes but also creating valuable community benefits, from local employment and apprenticeships to investment in skills and supply chains. This next phase marks an exciting milestone in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and connected future for the Capital.” Phase 1 of the project has been made possible through the Council securing funding from the Scottish Government – capital grant funding from its Housing Infrastructure Fund as part of its commitment through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, along with revenue funding through an innovative Place Based Accelerator grant. This was formulated with the support of Scottish Futures Trust. The Place Based Accelerator grant is an innovative funding model that will allow the Council to take forward the development in return for achieving outcomes for the people in the north of Edinburgh including achieving targets related to improvements to health and wellbeing, educational attainment and local employment opportunities. Granton Waterfront regeneration supports the delivery of the City of Edinburgh Council Business Plan, the Edinburgh City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Plan 2030, Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024 – 2030 and the Edinburgh 2030 Climate Strategy. It also supports the delivery of key national policy objectives as set out in NPF 4, Housing to 2040
Habiko, the new affordable housing partnership between Muse, Homes England and Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), has unveiled its first development sites – marking the start of a £1bn programme to deliver 3,000 high-quality, low-carbon rental homes across the UK. The first two projects, located in Chester and Warrington, will together provide 590 homes designed to set new standards for affordable, energy-efficient living. In Chester, plans are being drawn up for around 350 homes on land at Charterhall Drive, adjacent to the city’s railway station. The scheme, designed by architects shedkm, will be submitted for planning later this year. It forms a key part of Chester’s 15-year regeneration strategy, supporting the city’s economic revival while enhancing connectivity and community life around its historic core. In Warrington, Habiko is partnering with AHR Architects to deliver approximately 240 apartments on a site between Academy Street and Mersey Street, close to the Times Square district. The project aims to create a vibrant, sustainable community in the heart of the town centre, contributing to ongoing regeneration in the area. Both developments will prioritise affordability and sustainability. A minimum of 75 per cent of the homes across the two sites will be offered at affordable rent, with the potential for some schemes to reach 100 per cent. Discounted Market Rents will be set at least 20 per cent below local market levels, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of residents. All homes will be forward funded by PIC, reflecting the partnership’s commitment to long-term investment in socially responsible housing. Lisa Gledhill, managing director of national partnerships at Muse, said: “Chester and Warrington are great places to kickstart Habiko’s build programme. These locations reflect our ambition to deliver high-quality, low-carbon homes that meet local needs and create lasting community value.” Hayley Rees, managing director of PIC Capital, added: “Following a successful launch of Habiko, announcing these first two projects emphasises our focus on purpose – delivering low carbon, low energy affordable homes for rent at pace.” With work now underway on the initial sites, Habiko’s launch signals a major step forward in tackling the UK’s affordable housing shortage while setting a benchmark for sustainable development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watkin Jones has secured planning permission for a major mixed-use development in Chesser, to the west of Edinburgh city centre, following approval from Scottish ministers. The project will deliver 779 new homes in total, comprising 100 affordable apartments, 293 build-to-rent (BTR) homes, and 406 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedrooms. Initially approved by the City of Edinburgh Council’s development management sub-committee in December 2022, the application was called in by the Scottish Government in February 2023 for further consideration of noise-related issues. After a detailed review, ministers have now granted consent subject to several planning conditions. The Chesser site includes a series of listed buildings that once formed part of an agricultural market established in the early twentieth century. Many of these structures have fallen into disrepair and now require substantial investment. Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Environment Scotland, Watkin Jones has developed plans that retain and restore key heritage features, creating a publicly accessible ‘Heritage Square’ at the heart of the scheme. Sustainability has been placed at the centre of the project, which is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The development will incorporate air source heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels to reduce carbon emissions. Discussions are also under way with a local registered provider to manage the affordable housing once the project is complete. Watkin Jones planning director Iain Smith said the approval marks an important milestone for the city. “Securing approval from Scottish ministers for this landmark regeneration project in Chesser is another step in addressing the city’s housing shortage,” he said. “Following the Scottish Government’s declaration of a national housing emergency in 2024, our new development helps to meet Edinburgh’s housing needs across multiple tenures by delivering high-quality homes in a highly accessible location. “We are not only relieving pressure on the city’s housing market but also contributing to a more sustainable city. Importantly, the development will also protect the most important elements of historic buildings for future generations and ensure the public has access to Heritage Square for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A report going to the Council’s executive next week (Weds 15 October) details the next phase in an ongoing collaboration with the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership (MHPP) to deliver genuinely affordable housing across the city. More than 700 new homes will be built using Council-owned land in the coming years, continuing a proven approach to deliver new affordable housing to meet demand – helping to meet and surpass the 10year Housing Strategy target to build at least 10,000 social, council and genuinely affordable homes across the city up to 2032, including 3,000 in the city centre. Working with the MHPP, the Council is able to invest unused, surplus parcels of land to make sure the right mix of homes are being built to meet demand in a particular area. In the last three years, Registered Providers and Housing Associations that are part of the MHPP delivered around 90% of the affordable homes completed across the city with a remit to deliver homes as affordable as possible to Manchester people – with the majority capped at social rent or the Manchester Living Rent. More than 1,750 affordable homes have been completed in Manchester since the housing strategy was adopted in 2022 – alongside a strong pipeline with 1,500 affordable homes under construction, and a further 2,250 affordable homes with planning approval. Key sites as part of this phase of the MHPP partnership includes: The executive committee will also hear a report around future investment in Gorton Town Centre where a further 400 homes will be built by Clarion. Read the full land disposals Executive Committee report Leader of the Council Bev Craig, said: “We are delivering on our commitment made through our housing strategy to vastly increase the number of affordable homes – including significant numbers of social housing – being built in Manchester. “We are seeing more affordable homes being built on Council land than at any point since 2015 and this has been made possible through the strong partnership we have with the city housing providers, who are helping us not only deliver affordable homes Manchester needs at pace – but we are exceeding our targets. “Providing council-owned land to create opportunities for new home building is a proven approach and this next phase is a continuation of a strong track record of delivering homes for our residents. “Through this latest programme of developments, including an ambitious pipeline of social rent homes in Gorton, we have unlocked more than 1,000 affordable homes this month alone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hundreds of new homes are set to be delivered at one of North East England’s biggest new residential developments after three housebuilders signed up to take the project forward. North East development firm Banks Property, supported by independent North East property consultants and land agent youngsRPS, secured outline planning permission for the Kingston Village site last year, which will see over 800 new family homes being built on a 49-hectare site to the north west of Newcastle, including around 120 affordable homes. Since then, Banks Property and youngsRPS have been working to identify the housebuilders that will deliver Kingston Village – and now, Miller Homes, Stonebridge Homes and Banks Homes have all signed up to the project. The three housebuilders will also build the affordable homes element of the project before a registered social housing provider takes them on. The Kingston Village development, which was allocated for housing in the 2015 Newcastle & Gateshead Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan, will also feature a range of important community assets, including a new primary school, a local shop and cafe, allotments, a village green and substantial amounts of public open space. It will see a £178m investment being made in the North East economy, with hundreds of people being employed both in building the new homes and in the development’s supply chain. A wide range of contract tenders will be made available to regional suppliers through the project’s construction period. A network of public footpaths and cycle ways, including links to the Newcastle Great Park and other nearby communities, will also be put in place, while a ten per cent Biodiversity Net Gain will be delivered through the project and significant improvements will be made to the local road network, public transport links and wildlife habitats. Full details of all aspects of the scheme are now being finalised, with infrastructure work scheduled to start on site early next year. The first new homes are then expected to be available for sale in 2027. Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Property and Banks Homes, says: “Our vision is for Kingston Village to be an outstanding, vibrant community which will integrate successfully into the west of Newcastle. “Confirming the housebuilders who will help to create Kingston Village is a major milestone in its development, with the new assets that will be delivered alongside their homes being central to the creation of this inclusive, sustainable new community. “The importance of increasing the UK’s supply of high-quality homes, both to ensure people have the housing options they need in the places they want to live and to support the wider UK economy’s future growth, has never been clearer, and we’re proud to be part of a project that will have a significant impact on Newcastle and the wider North East in this respect. “When Graeme Bruce at youngsRPS first identified the site’s potential and introduced it to us, it sparked a collaboration which has since secured planning permission, attracted leading housebuilders and paved the way for one of the region’s most important housing schemes.” Graeme Bruce, managing director at youngsRPS, adds: “This is arguably the biggest single residential land sale in the North East in recent times. The sheer scale of the site, coupled with the intense interest it generated from both local and national developers, underlines its significance. “Bringing this project to completion has been the largest development sale I’ve handled in my career and one of the most professionally rewarding.” Ryan Lincoln, regional managing director at Miller Homes, said: “This represents one of the most significant and sought-after development opportunities in the North East and we’re proud to be part of the select group of developers to deliver it. “Set in a fantastic location, it will offer an exceptional place to call home – combining high-quality housing alongside well designed local facilities, supporting the creation of a vibrant and sustainable new community.” Steve Errington, managing director at Stonebridge Homes, adds: “Kingston Village is the largest project in Stonebridge Homes’ history, and we are proud to be delivering 354 of its new homes. Like in all our work, our focus will be on building premium, sustainable communities that will stand the test of time. “By combining good design and energy-efficient infrastructure, we’re creating homes that are environmentally responsible and part of a place where families can truly belong. We’re excited to bring this landmark development to life for Newcastle and the wider region.” For further information on the Kingston Village development, please visit https://www.banksgroup.co.uk/projects/kingston-village/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Former ice rink site has been cleared and will become a major residential led scheme of nearly 1000 homes, complete with associated amenities. Strettons and Vandermolen Real Estate are pleased to announce the sale of Rom Valley Gardens, a significant seven-acre site in Romford, Essex, for an undisclosed price. Previously the home of the Romford Ice Arena, planning permission has been granted for the site to become a new mixed-use residential led scheme, bringing much needed new homes and associated amenities to Romford. Acting jointly with Vandermolen RE, Strettons’ Agency team advised Strettons Receivers on the sale of the site to an undisclosed buyer. Rom Valley Gardens has a hybrid planning consent for a phased scheme of up to 972 dwellings, alongside a new medical centre, retail, café and resident amenities. The masterplan envisages seven blocks ranging from 2 to 12 storeys, providing flexibility across tenures and the scale to create a new community in central Romford. Aasia Pathan, Agency & Development Land Director at Strettons, said:“Rom Valley Gardens is a strategically significant site for Romford, with the capacity to deliver hundreds of much-needed homes as well as vital community facilities. With the Elizabeth Line just minutes away and planning consent already secured, it is well placed to transform this part of the town. We saw strong interest in the site and secured an unconditional exchange quickly, which reflects both the strength of the opportunity and the capability of the purchaser to move the project forward at pace.” Chris Rook, Land Director at Vandermolen RE said: “It’s fantastic to have secured another successful sale on behalf of Strettons Receivers. Rom Valley Gardens represents an exceptional opportunity to unlock over 970 much-needed homes in the heart of Romford. We’re proud to have been involved in re-energising this important strategic site.” Located on Rom Valley Way in the London Borough of Havering, the site is just 0.6 miles from Romford Station, offering fast Elizabeth Line services into central London. It also benefits from close proximity to Romford town centre’s retail and leisure offer, as well as excellent road and bus connections via the A12 and M25. Strettons’ Development Land Agency team acted jointly with Vandermolen RE. The transaction was completed on behalf of the Fixed Charge Receivers, Charles Kornbluth and Benjamin Tobin of Strettons. Charles Kornbluth said: “Well done to Strettons and Vandermolen RE agency teams, and thanks to Simmons & Simmons for their expert legal advice. I look forward to seeing the completed scheme which will greatly enhance the area.” Strettons are regeneration specialists, working on behalf of landowners and developers to realise the value of their assets. Their multidisciplinary in-house teams advise across all stages of development, from site sale and planning through to disposal of completed schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Council has named Lovell as preferred developer for the £1bn transformation of Druids Heath, paving the way for around 3,500 new homes alongside upgraded infrastructure, transport links and revitalised commercial and community spaces. Six miles south of the city centre, Druids Heath’s 1960s council housing is set to be replaced in phases, addressing what the council describes as the only large municipal estate in Birmingham to have missed major investment since it was built. The programme places affordability at its core: approximately 1,800 homes — 51% of the total — are earmarked as affordable. Of these, 400 are identified for delivery as affordable homes the council aims to let at social rent, with the remainder to come forward through partnerships with a developer and registered providers. An outline planning application submitted in March 2025 sets out a mixed community with homes for sale, accommodation designed for later living, new community and sports facilities, and a re-energised high street intended to serve as the area’s central hub. Work has begun on a partnership agreement between the council and Lovell, expected to be signed in spring 2026. This will define roles and obligations for delivering the long-term regeneration. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the appointment marked a landmark moment for residents: “This brings us another step closer to delivering the plan we have spent two years developing with the community. The regeneration will deliver thousands of high-quality, energy-efficient homes, with more than half affordable — helping to meet urgent housing needs.” Stuart Penn, regional managing director at Lovell, added: “Druids Heath represents the next chapter in our long relationship with Birmingham. This is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about creating opportunity, improving lives, and working in genuine partnership with the council and the community to leave a lasting legacy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, said: “The inclusion of Heyford Park in the Government’s new towns programme shows a growing commitment to building not just more homes but better places – places with identity, infrastructure and long-term purpose. That’s exactly what we’ve been working towards at Heyford Park. “Our development is one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the UK, and it’s shaped by a clear masterplan and a strong sense of place. From new homes and schools to community spaces, green infrastructure, local employment and plans to become the UK’s first energy-surplus town, Heyford Park is designed to grow in a sustainable and balanced way. We’ve already come a long way in transforming a former RAF base into a thriving, modern community, and the next chapter is about delivering on that original vision with ambition and care. “As momentum builds behind the new towns programme and strategic growth across the region, Heyford Park stands as a clear example of what’s possible when development is led by placemaking. This recognition gives us the platform to build on everything achieved so far and deliver create a long-lasting legacy for Oxfordshire.” For more details and to view the masterplan in full, visit: www.heyfordpark.com/heyford-park-masterplan Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals