Low Carbon Construction Plc, a UK-based house manufacturer, has set out plans to deliver large-scale affordable housing across the UK, alongside proposals to pursue a London Stock Exchange listing to support delivery. The combined strategy positions the UK-based house manufacturer at the centre of efforts to address the UK’s housing
TALO, the specialist in ultra-low energy offsite timber housing, has been awarded a £1.1m contract by Lucy Developments for a nine-home residential scheme in the canalside village of Wilstone near Tring in Hertfordshire. Moorings is the first project in a new long-term collaboration between the two companies, with further, larger
Proposals for a major riverside scheme in a key regeneration area within Salford have been submitted to Salford City Council by Euan Kellie Property Solutions. Designed by DLA Architecture for Crescent Investments LLC Limited and developers Forshaw Group, the proposed scheme is centred on three brick-fronted residential towers comprising 814
Last Mile will help bring 6,500 new homes, five schools, and a range of commercial premises to the Waterbeach redevelopment in Cambridgeshire. UKPS, now Last Mile, was appointed by Urban & Civic Plc to design, build, and manage utility services at Waterbeach. This includes one of the UK’s single largest
A major new phase of the regeneration of Park Hill in Sheffield will see 24% of homes delivered as affordable housing, following a new agreement between joint venture (JV) partners Urban Splash and Places for People and leading housing association Great Places Housing Group. The deal means that 30 of
Council extends use of Field First Platform to support frontline operations South Tyneside Council has expanded its partnership with Totalmobile to strengthen digital support across its housing services, extending its use of Totalmobile’s award-winning Field First Platform across services. The expansion reflects tighter regulatory requirements and increasing expectations around service
A revised version of the Canada Water masterplan in London has been approved by the Deputy Mayor, paving the way for the next stage of development. The updated plans, brought forward by British Land and AustralianSuper, include taller and larger residential buildings. The changes reflect wider regulatory shifts as well
Miller Homes, the UK’s 6th largest housebuilder and largest private housebuilder, has published full-year results for the year ended 31 December 2025, delivering a record year for the business. Performance was driven by the successful integration of St. Modwen Homes, continued investment in land and the expansion of the Group’s multi‑tenure
Clarion Housing Group and The Hill Group have agreed a deal to deliver 188 new social rent homes in Woolwich as part of the wider redevelopment of Woolwich Leisure Centre in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The homes will be delivered through a Section 106 agreement within a mixed-tenure scheme
A developer has been chosen to deliver a new 100% affordable neighbourhood at Birley Fields in Hulme following early engagement with local residents and stakeholders to understand their priorities for the site. Green community space also is at the heart of the development of the new neighbourhood, ensuring improved biodiversity across the site – including a new garden space, while existing trees will be retained and celebrated.
Low Carbon Construction Plc, a UK-based house manufacturer, has set out plans to deliver large-scale affordable housing across the UK, alongside proposals to pursue a London Stock Exchange listing to support delivery. The combined strategy positions the UK-based house manufacturer at the centre of efforts to address the UK’s housing shortage, at a time when delivery rates continue to fall short of national targets. Data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government indicates that approximately 196,500 homes were added to England’s housing stock between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, well below the 300,000 homes to meet the Government’s ambition of 1.5 million homes. Forecasts show that the UK could miss this target by nearly half if current trends continue. The company argues that traditional construction methods alone cannot meet demand due to labour shortages, material constraints and planning delays. Bridgette Farrow, Main Board Director of Low Carbon Construction Plc, said the initiative aims to shift the national conversation from ambition to delivery. “The ambition to build 1.5 million homes reflects the scale of the housing crisis, but the reality is that delivery is already falling behind. Without structural change in how homes are financed, approved and built, the gap will continue to widen. Our model is designed to address that challenge head-on.” The company’s Offsite/Onsite construction system combines factory-manufactured components with coordinated onsite assembly, enabling high-volume housing delivery while maintaining compliance with national technical and environmental standards. Under the proposal, Low Carbon Construction Plc aims to deliver one million affordable homes. The plan proposes between 75 and 100 new large-scale communities nationwide, alongside 100 to 200 smaller urban extensions, supported by up to 1,000 ‘flying assembly factories’ operating concurrently. These developments would integrate housing with schools, transport infrastructure, employment hubs, renewable energy systems and public open space. The company also proposes that major housing developments be designated as nationally significant projects, enabling faster decision-making through central planning processes to support large-scale delivery. To deliver at this scale, Low Carbon Construction Plc has confirmed plans to pursue a full listing on the London Stock Exchange, unlocking access to private capital and ensuring the delivery of its national housing strategy. The company said that recent reforms to UK listing rules, introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority, have created a more accessible environment for growth companies seeking to raise long-term investment. “The UK needs homes at scale, and that requires capital at scale,” added Bridgette. “Listing on the London Stock Exchange allows us to bring in long-term investors to support the infrastructure, manufacturing and delivery systems needed to make this plan a reality.” The company is currently engaging with IPO sponsors, institutional investors, banks and equity partners to support the next phase of its growth. Low Carbon Construction Plc shared that its housing model meets Technical Housing Standards, Nationally Described Space Standards and Part M of the Building Regulations, while aligning with Future Homes Standard principles and the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard. The scale of the challenge is reinforced by wider economic and social data. A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, commissioned by Shelter and the National Housing Federation, highlights the broader economic case for large-scale housing delivery, estimating that building and managing 90,000 social homes in a single year could generate £51.2 billion in net economic benefit over 30 years. Meanwhile, more than 1.3 million households remain on council waiting lists, with approximately 350,000 living in temporary accommodation in England alone. Against this backdrop, Low Carbon Construction Plc says its manufacturing-led approach offers a route to bridge the gap between ambition and delivery. The company reports that approximately 180 organisations have expressed support for the initiative, with further engagement underway across the construction, finance and infrastructure sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TALO, the specialist in ultra-low energy offsite timber housing, has been awarded a £1.1m contract by Lucy Developments for a nine-home residential scheme in the canalside village of Wilstone near Tring in Hertfordshire. Moorings is the first project in a new long-term collaboration between the two companies, with further, larger residential sites already in the planning pipeline. TALO has been selected by Lucy Developments to facilitate the construction of ultra-low energy homes at scale, achieving shorter programmes, outstanding quality and greater cost certainty than traditional construction can offer for the same cost. The Moorings development will deliver nine two-storey homes – a mix of three and four-bed terraced properties and two four-bed detached homes. Greg Hilton, Head of Lucy Developments:“Moorings at Wilstone is an important project for us. The ability to deliver homes of this quality with much lower energy consumption in less time, is a significant advantage, both commercially and to achieve more sustainable development and construction. This is the first step in a wider partnership with TALO and we are now progressing plans for larger sites using their housebuilding solutions.” To accelerate delivery, the advanced timber superstructure from TALO will be manufactured offsite using high quality, slow-grown Nordic timber protected through a fully dry fabrication and installation process. This will further enhance thermal performance and avoid the common issue of wet timber needing to dry out. The structures will arrive on site in four phases by early this summer, pre-installed with a high level of insulation, plasterboard, timber cladding and triple glazing, ready for rapid assembly. This means all nine homes will be watertight in just one week per phase, allowing the contractor to start internal fitout at an earlier stage and with greater cost and programme certainty. TALO’s low carbon energy strategy has been specified in parallel with the highly insulated timber superstructure to minimise energy bills – a solar battery package to power hot water and electric underfloor heating and MVHR for enhanced air quality and a healthier internal environment. Dr Anthony Greer, Executive Director for Corporate Strategy at TALO: “This new partnership has been created to scale ultra-low energy housebuilding. Lucy Developments has a strong ethos around sustainability, quality and the long-term performance of the homes they build. This alignment makes our collaboration a fantastic fit. Our offsite superstructure solution and energy strategy will enable their development team to deliver ultra-low energy homes with far greater certainty, reduced build programmes, and enhanced air tightness and energy efficiency than is typically achievable with traditional construction for the same cost. By using TALO’s integrated solutions, Lucy can scale delivery, reduce risk and accelerate the provision of high-quality family homes to help meet the serious shortfall in new housing.” Lucy Developments is a long-established and sustainability-focused housebuilder and developer, delivering a wide range of homes for market sale and affordable housing. The Moorings project is the first of multiple planned sites and is part of Lucy’s vision to make TALO its preferred construction solution for ultra-low energy family homes. The homes were designed by architects Lewis and Hickey and the technical rationalisation was carried out by Trower Davies. The design reflects local architecture in the village and maximises views of the canal, with features including metal roofing, dark-stained timber cladding, red and buff-coloured brickwork, large triple-glazed windows, projecting bays, and first-floor balconies overlooking the water. TALO combines proven offsite technology from Finland with advanced design and manufacturing processes to build ultra-low energy homes. It partners with housing providers, architects, housebuilders and residential developers across the UK with the aim of increasing the productivity, cost efficiency, quality and sustainability of ultra-low energy, low-rise homes – whether for market sale, private rent, shared ownership, or affordable housing. For more information, see www.talo.co.uk or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proposals for a major riverside scheme in a key regeneration area within Salford have been submitted to Salford City Council by Euan Kellie Property Solutions. Designed by DLA Architecture for Crescent Investments LLC Limited and developers Forshaw Group, the proposed scheme is centred on three brick-fronted residential towers comprising 814 homes. Proposals also include a two-storey community pavilion, designed to be used flexibly with the potential for commercial, retail, hospitality and community use to meet requirements of the growing neighbourhood. Significant areas of public space will be delivered within the site too, alongside improved access to the Irwell Riverside Path, enhancing connections to Salford Quays and Manchester City Centre. Following public consultation last year, the scheme has been updated to provide an increased amount of public realm along the front of Regent Road, totalling 6,000 sqm, providing a high-quality arrival space for residents and visitors. The reimagining of the site delivers enhanced accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists to the Irwell Riverside Path, with a well-designed landscaped ramp and area of tiered seating to the waterfront area. The significant investment in the public realm, which frames the three residential towers and the new community pavilion, supports the vision for the site and the wider regeneration of the Ordsall Waterfront Area. James Ketley, associate director at Euan Kellie Property Solutions, said: “This is not only a major milestone in the evolution of Riverside Place, but a landmark moment for the Ordsall Waterfront Area. “The proposed development is situated in a fantastic waterfront location that capitalises on direct pedestrian routes to nearby Salford Quays and Manchester City Centre and will deliver new homes and community infrastructure that are two elements central to the success of a place.” Lyndon Forshaw CEO, Forshaw Group, added: “We have worked to improve our plans following consultation with the local community last year. The final plans submitted are focussed on community integration with the existing Ordsall neighbourhood, providing a community pavilion at the heart of the scheme. We have also been able to increase the area of public realm on the Regent Road frontage for all to enjoy and improve the shared amenity space for the new residents within the new residential buildings”. Jonathan Knowles, Director at DLA Architecture, concluded: “Riverside Place brings to life the vision for the reimagining of the Ordsall Waterfront Area, seamlessly integrating the new development into the existing community, opening access to the Irwell Riverside Path and creating a new neighbourhood that everyone can enjoy. The architecture and public realm are designed to re-establish a strong physical and visual connection to the Irwell, as well as providing 814 much-needed homes. In total, the scheme introduces over 1.5 acres of new public realm. The Pavilion is conceived as a civic marker within the masterplan, with retail, hospitality and community uses, ensuring this stretch of waterfront becomes a destination. “Riverside Place is about establishing a new piece of Salford that feels open and genuinely connected to the community both socially, physically and environmentally.” The proposals meet Salford Council’s ambitions for high-density, residential-led growth in this location, with the current retail units occupied by McDonald’s and Grosvenor Casino, having been approved for demolition in 2023, to make way for new development. The scheme is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs during construction and £67m in economic value over the three-year build. On completion the plans will bring a £24m boost to local shops and services, enough to support 86 jobs locally and generating £1.7 million extra council tax revenue each year for Salford Council. Subject to planning approval, the new development will contribute directly to the city’s goal of building 9,000 new homes across Ordsall, Quays, Pendleton, and Charlestown by 2042. Consultants advising on the scheme alongside Euan Kellie Property Solutions include DLA Architecture, TPM Landscape and Font Comms. More information is available at www.riversideplacesalford.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last Mile will help bring 6,500 new homes, five schools, and a range of commercial premises to the Waterbeach redevelopment in Cambridgeshire. UKPS, now Last Mile, was appointed by Urban & Civic Plc to design, build, and manage utility services at Waterbeach. This includes one of the UK’s single largest water network adoptions under the New Appointment and Variations (NAV) programme. The company will replace the incumbent, Staffordshire Water, taking ownership and responsibility for the clean water infrastructure at the development. In total, the contract encompasses the delivery of: Paul Betts, Senior Project Manager for Urban & Civic said, “Working with flexible, forward‑thinking partners is key to bringing large-scale strategic sites like Waterbeach to life. Last Mile’s joined‑up approach will help us keep things moving, making sure the essential services and infrastructure are ready to support our growing community from day one.” The new community is an ambitious redevelopment of the former Waterbeach Barracks, a WW2 RAF Bomber Command airfield. It is partially funded by a £61 million investment from Homes England, the government’s housing accelerator and regeneration agency. The transformative site aligns with national sustainability goals, aimed at supporting biodiversity and tackling climate change. It will feature low-energy homes equipped with EV chargers and air-source heat pumps, incorporate recycled materials during construction, deliver significant biodiversity net-gain, and reduce car dependency through over 20km of active travel infrastructure. “We’re delighted to support this visionary development which will create a sustainable, well-connected community for thousands of families,” said Craig Boath, managing director at Last Mile, Design and Build. “It’s a prime example of how electricity, water and fibre services from a single provider bring significant efficiency and cost benefits to developers. And how independent providers, such as NAVs and independent distribution network operators (IDNOs), can speed up house building to meet our important national and regional targets.” Following the government’s reform to planning permissions and Plan for Change target of building 1.5 million new homes over five years, the joint housing target for South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City was increased by one-third to 2,309 homes annually. Last Mile’s project comprises the western portion of the total Waterbeach site, which was identified in the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan as a new town capable of bringing 11,000 homes to the area. Planning permission for the further 4,500 homes was granted in December 2024. Last Mile Asset Management will manage the infrastructure adoption process for the multi-utility network as it progresses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new phase of the regeneration of Park Hill in Sheffield will see 24% of homes delivered as affordable housing, following a new agreement between joint venture (JV) partners Urban Splash and Places for People and leading housing association Great Places Housing Group. The deal means that 30 of the 125 homes planned for Phase 4 at the iconic Grade II*-listed estate will be affordable. It builds on a longstanding partnership, with Great Places having previously delivered 96 homes in the first phase and working alongside Urban Splash for more than 20 years. Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places, said: “This is a significant step forward for Park Hill and for Sheffield. We’re proud to be strengthening our long-standing partnership to deliver more high-quality, affordable homes in one of the UK’s most important regeneration projects. This investment will ensure more people can be part of Park Hill’s next chapter, in a community that continues to grow in strength and diversity.” The agreement is supported by funding from Homes England, which has backed Great Places’ acquisition of the homes, alongside its wider £6.4m investment into the development’s fourth phase that was announced by the JV in January. Work is set to begin this month, with the new phase also delivering enhanced public realm, EV charging points, car club facilities, and secure cycle storage. The new homes build on more than a decade of progress at Park Hill, where Urban Splash and Places for People have already delivered 455 homes, accommodation for 356 students, over 50,000 sq ft of commercial space, and extensive public realm improvements. Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North Developments at Places for People, added: “Park Hill is one of the UK’s most exciting regeneration stories, and throughout its redevelopment we have prioritised creating homes of mixed tenure – and are proud to bring in more affordable homes here. By working in partnership, we’re delivering a mix of homes and spaces that support a genuinely inclusive and sustainable community – one that reflects the character of Sheffield while looking firmly to the future.” Guy Ackernley is Managing Director of Development and Residential at Urban Splash and added: “Bringing forward more affordable homes at Park Hill is hugely important to us. This partnership ensures that the next phase continues to open up this iconic building to a wider range of residents, while maintaining the quality, design and sense of place that defines Park Hill today.” Urban Splash and Places for People will also deliver a fifth phase. Already consented, it will bring a further 105 homes, including apartments, duplexes, and townhouses, alongside new commercial space for independent businesses, adding to a growing community that includes South Street Kitchen, The Pearl, and Grace Owen Nursery. For further information and to register for details of the new homes visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/park-hill Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Council extends use of Field First Platform to support frontline operations South Tyneside Council has expanded its partnership with Totalmobile to strengthen digital support across its housing services, extending its use of Totalmobile’s award-winning Field First Platform across services. The expansion reflects tighter regulatory requirements and increasing expectations around service performance and transparency. The expanded deployment will support frontline operatives and is planned to go live in September 2026. The council will use the platform’s job management capability to improve visibility across day-to-day activity, strengthen compliance reporting, and support a wider range of frontline and specialist housing teams. As part of the latest expansion, enhanced reporting and operational dashboards will give managers clearer oversight of performance, workload, and emerging risks across housing operations. Real-time field access to tasks and records will also be extended to operatives covering Healthy Homes, compliance, and specialist services, supporting activity across gas servicing, electrical testing, repairs, and voids, while removing the Council’s reliance on manual processes and improving coordination between teams. “Housing teams across the UK are being asked to evidence more, respond faster and still deliver consistent frontline services,” said David Webb, Managing Director of Housing at Totalmobile. “This expansion centres on the practical realities many councils face, giving managers clearer visibility, supporting compliance, and helping teams stay on top of work as it changes day to day.” For Totalmobile, the expansion of this partnership with South Tyneside reflects a growing trend across housing for unified workforce platforms that support complex, frontline operations. The Field First Platform is used across housing, health, social care, infrastructure, utilities, and facilities management globally to help organisations manage all aspects of workforce operations in environments where services must adapt quickly without losing control. For more information about Totalmobile and the Field First Platform, visit totalmobile.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A revised version of the Canada Water masterplan in London has been approved by the Deputy Mayor, paving the way for the next stage of development. The updated plans, brought forward by British Land and AustralianSuper, include taller and larger residential buildings. The changes reflect wider regulatory shifts as well as ongoing cost and viability pressures across the sector. Affordable housing provision has also been adjusted, with 20 per cent planned for the next phase and a minimum of 9 per cent across the overall development. The approval means construction on the next phase could begin from 2027. Delivered in partnership with Southwark Council, the 53-acre scheme will deliver up to 4,184 homes, alongside 2.5 million sq ft of workspace and 1 million sq ft dedicated to retail, leisure and cultural uses. The plans also include a 3.5-acre public park, a new town square and 16 streets. The first phase of the development has already delivered a range of new spaces, including workspace at Paper Yard, Dock Shed and Three Deal Porters, 186 homes at The Founding and 79 affordable homes at 7 Roberts Close. It has also introduced new restaurants and a leisure centre for the local community. Gareth Roberts, Head of Canada Water at British Land, said the approval is key to maintaining momentum and creating a distinctive new neighbourhood. He noted that while viability challenges are being felt across London, the decision will support the delivery of new homes, jobs and infrastructure. Stéphane Jalbert, Head of Real Assets, Europe at AustralianSuper, welcomed the decision, adding that it provides clarity for the next phase and unlocks further development opportunities across the site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Miller Homes, the UK’s 6th largest housebuilder and largest private housebuilder, has published full-year results for the year ended 31 December 2025, delivering a record year for the business. Performance was driven by the successful integration of St. Modwen Homes, continued investment in land and the expansion of the Group’s multi‑tenure model. The business achieved significant growth across all key metrics, demonstrating the effectiveness of its long‑term strategy and strengthening its platform for future expansion. Highlights Commenting on the results, Chief Executive, Stewart Lynes, said: “2025 was a milestone year for Miller Homes, and I am delighted to report strong results that reflect the effectiveness of our growth strategy and disciplined operational execution. “We achieved significant, profitable volume growth despite the macro‑economic backdrop, driven by the successful acquisition of St. Modwen Homes in January and the benefit of sustained organic land investment. “The St. Modwen Homes acquisition introduced a second private brand to our portfolio, providing us with four routes to market, and expanded both our consented and strategic landbanks. Achieving a five-star rating from HBF for the 14th time in 15 years further demonstrates our strong and consistent focus on delivering for our customers. “Looking ahead, following this transformative year, we are well‑positioned to deliver further profitable growth as we progress towards our 7,000 homes target supported by our enlarged landbank and multi‑tenure approach. Externally, we are monitoring the economic effects of the Middle East conflict. Our digital sales and marketing system provides granular lead indicators, which to date show no adverse impact, and we stand ready to respond swiftly should conditions change.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clarion Housing Group and The Hill Group have agreed a deal to deliver 188 new social rent homes in Woolwich as part of the wider redevelopment of Woolwich Leisure Centre in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The homes will be delivered through a Section 106 agreement within a mixed-tenure scheme led by Hill in partnership with the local authority. The wider development will include 557 homes alongside a new leisure centre for the community. Clarion has acquired the social rent units, located in Blocks D and E, ensuring they remain affordable for local residents. The homes will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments aimed at people on the local housing waiting list. Situated in Woolwich town centre, the scheme benefits from strong transport links, with Woolwich Arsenal DLR and the Elizabeth line station both within walking distance, offering direct access to central London. Residents will also have access to new leisure facilities, as well as nearby shops and amenities. The agreement marks Clarion’s first development in Greenwich, expanding its presence in southeast London. Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said: “This partnership with The Hill Group will deliver 188 high-quality social rent homes in the heart of Woolwich, helping more people access genuinely affordable housing in a well-connected and vibrant part of London. “We have a strong track record of working with Hill across a number of developments and this agreement reflects the value of long-term partnerships in accelerating the delivery of much-needed affordable homes. “Working alongside Hill and the Royal Borough of Greenwich, we’re pleased to be supporting the wider regeneration of Woolwich town centre while providing homes that will remain affordable for local residents for generations to come.” Cain Peters, Managing Director for Special Projects at The Hill Group, added: “We are delighted to welcome Clarion as our affordable housing partner on this landmark development in Woolwich. Delivering 557 homes in total alongside a brand-new leisure centre is a testament to what can be achieved when housebuilders, housing associations and local authorities work together with a shared purpose. “Clarion is a trusted partner and its commitment to keeping these social rent homes genuinely affordable for local residents for generations to come aligns closely with Hill’s own values. We look forward to starting on site later this year and delivering a development that the whole community can be proud of.” The homes will be built to high sustainability standards and connected to a district heat network powered by air source heat pumps, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve long-term energy efficiency. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the first homes scheduled for completion in 2029. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A developer has been chosen to deliver a new 100% affordable neighbourhood at Birley Fields in Hulme following early engagement with local residents and stakeholders to understand their priorities for the site. Green community space also is at the heart of the development of the new neighbourhood, ensuring improved biodiversity across the site – including a new garden space, while existing trees will be retained and celebrated. Following a two-stage bidding process, Glenbrook has been named as the preferred developer to take forward an ambitious programme of investment to deliver a new residential-led development of genuinely affordable housing. The final tenure mix is expected to include options such as social rent, affordable/discounted rent and affordable home ownership, with details to be confirmed as proposals are refined. Engagement in early 2025 with local residents and stakeholders looked to create meaningful and long-term community involvement to help guide future investment at the site. The process highlighted a number of shared priorities, including: Current proposals set out an ambition to deliver 293 affordable homes, across a range of housing types to meet local need, alongside new high quality public spaces. These are emerging proposals and may evolve as designs are refined through engagement and the planning process. The development will take advantage of modern methods of construction and a fabric-first, low-energy design approach – supported by technologies such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, each contributing to a low‑carbon build. A green heart to the scheme is proposed through the Birley Community Garden – a generous shared space shaped around growing food, informal play spaces, community activity and improved biodiversity. A clear strategy has been set out for achieving a biodiversity net gain, including a combination of on-site enhancements and underpinned by an ecological assessment. Extensive planting will create ‘ecological corridors’ through the site that will create a welcoming green environment, enhancing the biodiversity of the site, where existing mature trees will be retained and celebrated. A largely car-free layout, supported by improved walking and cycling routes, reflects the community priorities around safety and clean air. While shared streets will bring about a day-to-day neighbourliness, supporting a sustainable long-term community of residents – including a new community corner that will provide space for a future creative hub and neighbourhood workspace. The specific uses for this space will be shaped further through ongoing engagement. The development will also have strong social value credentials, linking in with organisations already active in Hulme to support local groups and community-led initiatives – including Sow the City that will help design green spaces through the site, and Venture Arts that will contribute a mural within the scheme celebrating local creativity. The scheme is also expected to create 71 new full-time jobs, support 90 additional roles, and provide a Hulme bursary through Regeneration Brainery to provide an employment pathway into the construction industry for local young people. Glenbrook will now begin to refine emerging designs ahead of further public engagement, which will include the formation of a Community Engagement Collective that will help provide local insight and guide proposals ahead of a formal planning application. Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Birley Fields site has been an underused site for many years, so it’s great to see proposals emerging with the level of ambition and vision that is being developed, as well as a clear commitment to improving biodiversity across the site. “Importantly, genuinely affordable homes – including social rent homes – are at the heart of this scheme, including quality green spaces and opportunities for the local community to come together. This approach has been guided by local people and it’s important that we continue to engage in the neighbourhood as the plans develop further. “This is a great scheme for Hulme, one that we know will meet local need and be a real credit to the community.” Jamie Sutton at Glenbrook, said: “We’re excited by the opportunity at Birley Fields and delighted to continue our partnership with Manchester City Council as their selected development partner. “The essence of Hulme is one of resilience and community spirit – a part of our city that has helped shape modern British music, design, and identity. As a developer, we are acutely aware of the responsibility we hold in delivering such an important scheme, one that provides considered architecture and public realm whilst responding to the needs of the wider community.” “ Over the coming months we will be reaching out and consulting with key stakeholders across the ward as we develop our initial concept in preparation of a planning application later this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals