Telford Homes reaches milestone in BTR and affordable housing scheme in east London
Telford Homes and Notting Hill Genesis have reached the latest milestone in the development of 267 new homes, more than half of which will be affordable housing, at the joint venture’s site in Royal Albert Wharf, east London. Phase 2b of the Gallions Quarter scheme, located on Atlantis Avenue in Beckton, part of the Royal Docks regeneration area, has now reached its full structural height. Telford Homes and Notting Hill Genesis celebrated the topping out of the two new buildings, which reach 11 storeys at their highest point. 132 of the homes will be for market rent, with a further 135 affordable rent and shared ownership homes. 40% of the total are 3 bedroom family homes. With completion expected in early 2024, residents will have access to communal landscaped podium gardens, secure parking, new public amenities provided across Royal Albert Wharf and benefit from a concierge for their security and convenience. The ‘topping out’ was marked by a ceremony attended by Telford Homes, Notting Hill Genesis, the Greater London Authority (GLA), Hunters, and the sub-contracting team. It closely follows a visit by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in an endorsement of the scheme’s role in the multi-billion pound regeneration of the Royal Docks, which will transform the area into a new creative hub with thousands of new homes. With more than half of homes on the joint venture’s site classed as affordable, the scheme is also ahead of the Greater London Authority’s and London Borough of Newham’s 50% target. Gallions 2b is the penultimate phase of the wider Royal Albert Wharf masterplan. The regeneration is the first to be delivered under the New London Plan, addressing London’s need for new homes. Community and placemaking are at the heart of Gallions 2b, with buildings that respond to and reinforce the character of the public space and green infrastructure. 81% of the homes are dual or triple aspect, designed to improve wellbeing. 614m2 of separate play space has been designed for under five years olds, youth and neighbours. Over the lifecycle of the development 450 construction jobs have been supported. Greg Scott, Construction Director at Telford Homes, said: “This latest milestone as we work towards completion early next year, including recognition from the Mayor of London, is a very proud moment for the whole team as we develop new, much-needed homes for the capital’s communities. Working alongside our partners at Notting Hill Genesis, these homes have been designed to be high-quality places residents can live in, stay in and enjoy for years to come.” Jake Brodetsky, Joint Ventures Director at Notting Hill Genesis, said: “Once complete, this latest phase of the Gallions Quarter scheme will deliver 267 new homes across two blocks, of which 51% will be affordable and 40% will be family homes. Developed to the highest standards, including in their environmental sustainability credentials, these new homes will be an example of how we can meet London’s housing needs, now and in the future. We remain immensely pleased to be a part of the Royal Docks regeneration and, in particular, to be working alongside Telford Homes on this exciting scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists
The Housing Finance Institute (HFI) and Localis published a 30-page blueprint designed to stimulate a new generation of council homes. ‘Public Rental Homes – fresh perspectives’ provides a solution to the challenge that just 6,000 of the 52,000 new homes listed as ‘affordable’ in 2020/21 by local councils were truly affordable by 1.2 million households on waiting lists. Local authorities would have the opportunity to develop plans to slash council waiting lists and galvanise local housebuilding by partnering with private developers to build homes by adopting this new-generation PRH model, that flips the traditional approach to negotiations on ‘affordable’ provision. Currently councils negotiate with developers to determine the percentage of affordable homes a scheme can provide, based on the total private unit sales. ‘Affordable’ rents can vary from 50% of local market rents up to 90%. Subsidised sales are included in the percentages. The PRH model flips the question to ‘what percentage of private homes are needed to produce sufficient PRH homes? Under the PRH model – which deals in ‘bottom up’ plans, not top-down targets – local authorities would be responsible for identifying sites that might meet PRH criteria and initiate discussion with developers. For their part, developers would assume 100% of the risk and a 20% margin on both the PRH homes as well as their own private units. Report author, Peter Bill, said: “Families on council waiting lists are squeezed to the bottom of pile by financial pressures on councils and developers trying to agree the percentage of affordable homes. A new perspective is needed to ensure the needs of these families become the top priority on sites where PRH is viable. “The PRH approach addresses that need and provides fresh impetus to councils looking to house those on their waiting list and to developers looking for better, simpler, ways to build. Site by site viability is the key. Developers take 100% of the risk and therefore deserve a 20% profit margin.” Co-author, Jackie Sadek, said: “We need to get on and deliver. Stop arguing about the whys and the wherefores. Delivery only happens on the ground, not from Whitehall. Let’s try to crack this massive crisis, not top down, but bottom up. Every council should be supported in drawing up a 10 year Plan to deliver Public Rental Homes.” Chair of The Housing and Finance Institute Board, Sir Steve Bullock, said: “Thousands of families and individuals, both young and old, are caught in the trap of being unable to afford to buy or rent privately but finding no alternative that they can possibly afford either. More people are falling into this trap each month yet the supply of new affordable homes is actually diminishing. “The impact of the cost-of-living crisis makes finding a response ever more urgent and the HFI has commissioned this research to offer a way forward that can attract support on a cross party basis. “Putting the emphasis on building new social homes has the potential to be a win–win with homeless people having a better chance of moving to decent properties that they can afford and make into homes while the economic impact of the construction will have wider benefits. “Doing this at pace will need a different mindset at all levels of government and the HFI will press for that and work with councils, government and developers in the coming weeks to make this happen.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green light for new homes in Crowborough
Final planning permission has been given to Dandara to build 103 new homes at its new Braeburn Fields development located in Crowborough, East Sussex, just seven miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells. The independent housebuilder will start work later this year on the properties in the hamlet of Steel Cross, in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Of the total number of homes being built on the 7.87-hectare site, 36 will be affordable and 67 private. Located in a secluded countryside setting just over a mile from the centre of Crowborough, the first phase of Braeburn Fields will feature a selection of three, four and five bedroom homes, along with a children’s play park. David Garrett, Managing Director of Dandara South East, commented: “We have a long association with Crowborough and are looking forward to starting construction work on Braeburn Fields, which will be a sister development to Pearmain Place where we are currently building 100 homes. “This development will provide much needed new homes for local people, from those taking their first step on the property ladder to downsizers looking for low maintenance, energy efficient, easy to heat homes. “We also expect that they will appeal to buyers from North Kent, Tunbridge Wells, London and the Homes Counties, attracted by the location and high standard of living in this beautiful part of the world. Crowborough also seems to have a strong pull for people who have moved away from the area for work and want to come back when they are retiring or looking for a change of pace.” Dandara will be making a significant contribution to Wealden Council’s Community Infrastructure levy to help deliver improvements to local infrastructure and services including traffic regulation, travel plan auditing and community bus services. Rebecca Taylor, Head of Land at Dandara South East, added: “Braeburn Fields is a very special place surrounded by trees and hedgerows and we have worked closely with Wealden District Council to ensure the unique character of the area is preserved. “We are introducing carefully considered landscaping to the site including woodland and tree planting to provide nesting opportunities for birds and an enhancement to wildlife habitats. We will also be making improvements to the pavement along Green Lane and working hard to ensure this development enhances the natural beauty of the area.” Construction of the new Dandara development will start later this year with a sales launch scheduled for early 2024. Each of the homes will feature energy efficient heating, hot water and lighting designs. Ideally located for commuters, Braeburn Fields is close to the A26, 7 miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells and 33 miles south of London. It’s just a mile and a half from Crowborough train station with regular services to Uckfield and London Bridge. Crowborough has a wide range of local independent shops, restaurants, supermarkets and schools. Ashdown Forest is close to the development, with more than 6,500 acres of ancient heathland to explore. Home to rare species of wildlife and plants, it inspired A.A. Milne’s classic adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh. Walshes Park is also close-by. For more information on the homes being built at Braeburn Fields visit www.dandara.com or call 01892 346 518. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction appointed to deliver West Value housing development
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m plan to deliver 1,100 affordable, modern homes in Oldham and surrounding areas between 2020 and 2026 – will transform the site where tower blocks, Crossbank House and Summervale House once stood at the top of Manchester Rd, Coldhurst. Following demolition of the ageing blocks last year, Caddick Construction is now readied to build FCHO’s £21m contemporary development of twenty-six houses – a mix of two, three and four-bedroom family houses – and 62 one and two-bedroom apartments to meet local housing need. All homes will be off gas, with a high energy performance rating, and use latest sustainable technologies including air source heat pumps and additional insulation to help residents save energy and money. The mixed tenure project will see 26 homes for shared ownership under FCHO’s Fabric Living brand, helping local people to get a foot on the housing ladder at an affordable price. Sixty two properties will be available for affordable rent – set at no more than 80% of the average local market rent. Properties for rent will be allocated in line with Oldham Council’s Allocations Policy. Plans for the West Vale site also include landscaped green spaces and a recreational zone with dedicated play area, providing a much-needed facility for younger children in the neighbourhood. Enabling works on site began in January this year and all new homes at the development are due for completion in winter 2024. Generating social value benefits throughout the new-build phase is a priority for the housing provider. FCHO and the contractor will be working with Oldham College to create training opportunities such as apprenticeships, work placements and T-level placements for local people over the life of the contract and adding further value by maximising local supply chain partners and carrying out wider community engagement. Joel Owen, FCHO’s Director of Development said: “We are very excited to be working with Caddick Construction to bring forward this exemplar scheme in such an important location in Oldham. “We’ve been on a journey with local people, businesses and organisations to get to this point and have worked hard to design a development that meets local need – providing a mix of affordable housing options, making home ownership possible for more people and leaving a positive legacy in the local community. “The build will set the benchmark for how we deliver great, high quality, sustainable homes that meet housing need today and are fit for the future and I look forward to works progressing.” Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction in the North West, added: “I take great pride in the news that Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver on the new build phase of this fantastic development. We look forward to building these much-needed new homes in Greater Manchester on behalf of First Choice Homes Oldham.” Councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Low Carbon and Coldhurst Ward councillor, said: “It is fantastic to reach another key milestone in bringing 88 new affordable and green homes to the West Vale site as First Choice Homes Oldham appoints Caddick Construction to deliver the project. “These new houses will provide much-needed homes for many families who are on the Council waiting list. “This will transform the site where the tower blocks once stood at the top of Manchester Road – and does so in a way that is considerate to the environment around us and leaves a positive legacy for future generations. “This is another development that will contribute to the Council’s, and borough’s, targets for carbon neutrality that we have in the Oldham Green New Deal Strategy and look forward to seeing the homes completed over the next 18 months to two years.” PRP Architect has designed the West Vale scheme and the professional team also includes Markhams as employer’s agent, Alan Johnston Partnership as structural engineering consultants, LeClardo as mechanical and electrical engineering consultants and Jensen Hughes as fire protection engineering consultants. As the West Vale development moves forward, FCHO is also investing in the region of £780k in investment works to its existing properties in the neighbourhood between now and 2025. A range of environmental improvements are underway, too. In the last 12 months the housing association has invested £9.5k on tree inspections, maintenance and planting, and a further £63.5k on clearing alleyways of rubbish and removing fly tipping, repairing and repainting fencing, and overhauling a disused communal garden behind Vale Drive. Read more about the West Vale development at www.fcho.co.uk/westvale Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mayor of the West Midlands visits Cookley Works
ANDY Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, has been welcomed on site to view the progress of the highly anticipated Cookley Works scheme, which we are developing alongside Lovell Partnerships in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). It’s one of many projects in the region helping to regenerate acres of derelict industrial land for affordable new homes, supporting the region to meet its housing needs. When complete, Cookley Works will become a thriving community offering a mix of affordable rent and low-cost home ownership. Platform will look after 71 of the homes, providing affordable rent and shared ownership opportunities. Marion Duffy, chief operations officer at Platform Housing Group, said: “We are really pleased to deliver much needed affordable housing for the community. It’s especially pleasing that this site uses remediated land as a solution, protecting vital green space in the area. I’d like to thank our partners, notably Lovell and the WMCA for their work towards bringing this project to fruition.” The Mayor said: “Cookley Works is another great example of the commitment of the WMCA, alongside partners Dudley Council, Lovell and Platform Housing Group to continue delivering good quality, affordable homes for our communities. “Despite the challenges of the last couple of years, we’ve continued to make significant investments into the regeneration of brownfield land, unlocking previously difficult to develop sites for new homes, helping to protect our precious green belt in the process. “This is also helping to drive our economic recovery by creating vital new jobs and apprenticeships and I look forward to seeing local people move into these new homes and create a thriving, attractive new community.” Stuart Penn, regional managing director for Lovell Partnerships, said: “Having begun work to prepare the site for building, it was a great opportunity to welcome Andy Street and show him around this area where this fantastic project will come to fruition. Partnerships such as the one between Lovell and WMCA are vital to help meeting the housing demand for communities and aligns with our mission to create a lasting legacy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Anchor announces consultancy framework to deliver 5700 new homes over the next ten years
Later living provider Anchor is seeking development consultant partners to help realise ambitious plans to deliver 5700 new homes over the next ten years. Anchor, England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, will deliver the schemes across England, developing retirement communities that comprise 60 or more homes for sale, shared ownership and rent. The not-for-profit provider, through its new developments consultancy framework, is tendering for four-year partnerships with architects, employers’ agents and cost consultants, structural and civil engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, planning consultants and principal designers. The total estimated value for delivering projects over the life of the framework is £800m. Steve Hogben, head of technical and commercial services for Anchor, said: “We have ambitious plans to further our provision for older people across the country. As a result, we are looking to secure long term partnerships with various practices from architects and designers to engineers and we have invited tenders from selected providers, with the view to award these tenders in June 2023.” Oliver Boundy, Executive Director of Development at Anchor, said: “Helping people enjoy later life is our passion. With an ageing population and a lack of supply, our housing, care and support is needed more than ever. “Anchor is proudly not-for-profit, which means every penny we make is reinvested into our properties and services, building more and innovating for the future so that people can have a home where they love living in later life. Our mission is to create communities that bring people together, encourage neighbourliness and reduce isolation while providing support services that give residents peace of mind. “Anchor manages 54,000 homes for both rent and sale to those aged 55 and over, operating across almost 1,700 sites and serving more than 65,000 residents. Our 10-year plan is to build on that success and help address the gap in service provision for older people in England.” Companies wishing to be considered can access the submission information here. The initial SQ stage will close on the 12 February 2023. Submissions must be received by this date to be considered. To find out more about the company’s growth strategy and vision for the future, or if you are a landowner, developer or site agent with suitable land then visit: www.anchorhanover.org.uk/professionals/land-acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals