Hockley Croft, Harron Homes’ development of stunning four and five-bedroom houses in Boroughbridge, has proven popular with buyers, with less than a quarter of the homes left to buy. Among the home styles remaining is the Lumsdale, a stylish and spacious four-bedroom property which offers versatile living over three floors.
In an industry that has traditionally been predominantly dominated by men, Cannock-based housebuilder Jessup Partnerships is looking to encourage talented women into the workforce and has produced a video to mark International Women’s Day to help inspire other women to consider a career in construction. Site Manager, Kirsty Lynch, originally
Renewable developers Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables have unveiled the first completed kittiwake nesting structures to support consented offshore wind farms. Global kittiwake population has been estimated to have fallen by around 40% since the 1970s, so the kittiwake hotels are vital to protect the species. The nests will be able
Plans have been submitted for the second phase to restore Oldham’s Old Library. Digital modelling from the architect shows a modern interior that opens the building back up to the public, makes use of the space and preserves many of its original features. “This building has been special to many
Wates has secured planning for a second phase of land in Windsor to deliver an additional 320 new homes. Its Developments business has secured local planning approval for the new homes and a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school on a second phase of land west of Windsor. The sustainable development,
Local housebuilder Harron Homes North Midlands has recently announced that Julia Portington, who has 38 years of experience in the housebuilder industry, has been promoted from Sales Executive to Senior Sales Executive at Brierley Heath, Stanton Hill, Sutton in Ashfield. Prior to joining Harron Homes in July of 2022, Julia
The Hill Group has been chosen as delivery partner by Buckinghamshire Council to build two key housing developments, at Bellfield Road, High Wycombe and Ashwells Field, Tylers Green in an agreement which will deliver over 177 high-quality sustainable new homes for the area. Hill will redevelop land on Bellfield Road
Kadans Science Partner has submitted plans for a new, purpose-built laboratory and office building at Merlin Place, Cambridge. Investment of this scale and Kadans’ dedication to design demonstrates the significance of new laboratory space in the Science and Technology industries and addresses the lack of space that is felt countrywide
Construction firm Kier has been selected by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to develop a new £25 million net zero carbon teaching block in south Wales. The Hawthorn All-Through School project will deliver new and exciting facilities for staff and pupils from Heol y Celyn English Medium Primary, Hawthorn
Work is to commence on the Kingsgate development in Huddersfield. Supported by Kirklees Council, developer WD Kingsgate will make major changes to the centre bringing cinema and engaging leisure activities to the offering, alongside the existing shops. Work to redevelop the 90,000 square foot, former House of Fraser store will
Hockley Croft, Harron Homes’ development of stunning four and five-bedroom houses in Boroughbridge, has proven popular with buyers, with less than a quarter of the homes left to buy. Among the home styles remaining is the Lumsdale, a stylish and spacious four-bedroom property which offers versatile living over three floors. The Lumsdale offers plenty of family space with bedrooms spread across two floors. Three of the bedrooms are found on the first floor, along with the family bathroom which benefits from both a bath and shower, as well as one of the bedrooms being equipped with a private en-suite ideal for guests. The main bedroom, with the luxury of its own private en-suite, spans the entire second floor and comes with Hammonds wardrobes, its own dressing area, and has room for seating, a real luxury retreat away from busy life. The arrangement of bedrooms on the first floor provides families with plenty of options of how to use the rooms whether to be used as guest rooms or to fit individual needs. The added living space could be transformed into an office for comfortable home working or a space to use as a crafts room for creativity to flourish. Another function for more social gatherings could be using the space as a games room or extra living room. On the ground floor at the front of the house is the spacious living room, ideal for entertaining. The modern fitted kitchen and dining area makes the most of its position at the rear, with French doors that open out onto the garden ideal for those family gatherings. There is also a downstairs cloakroom accessed from the hallway, and a detached single garage on a block paved driveway which can be used for extra storage. Hockley Croft is set in a friendly, historic market town, home to independent shops and Georgian buildings. The river Ure is nearby for tranquil morning walks along its banks. Alternatively, there are hiking trails in the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors, both less than 30 miles away. With the A1 on Boroughbridge’s doorstep the town is ideal for commuters. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In an industry that has traditionally been predominantly dominated by men, Cannock-based housebuilder Jessup Partnerships is looking to encourage talented women into the workforce and has produced a video to mark International Women’s Day to help inspire other women to consider a career in construction. Site Manager, Kirsty Lynch, originally from Edinburgh was one of those featured in the video alongside her colleague Michelle Howe, a Health and Safety Advisor. Kirsty, 50, worked at Jessup five years ago and recently returned as Site Manager at the housebuilder’s Lower Valley Road development in Dudley. Kirsty previously worked in Health and Social Care for over 20 years, however, decided to take the plunge into the construction industry in her 40s. “After a long and successful career in Health and Social Care, I decided I needed a new challenge so, I retrained, and gained the necessary qualifications for site management. I applied for around 500 jobs to get myself onto site- having no trade background and being female, I did not feel like I was taken seriously. After a while, I eventually obtained a role, but I had to travel around 600 miles a week for work. This position was for a Trainee Assistant Site Manager which led to me being promoted to Assistant Site Manager within two years,” said Kirsty. “I’ve had to work incredibly hard to prove myself. Being a woman brings a different dynamic to a construction site. For the most part, all the sub-contractors, the supply chain and the community, embrace and support my role, however a minority have to be challenged with education and training. Equality and diversity are the starting points ensuring we have equal rights such as pay, career progression and a voice. “This journey has not always been easy, near impossible at times, with archaic and outdated attitudes. Like all good career paths if you want something you have to work at it. Having a supportive employer makes a massive difference, one who supports and embraces the diversity we bring to the role. Changing the rhetoric, change the perspective.” The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in Q4 of 2022, 2,171,000 people in the UK worked in construction1. Out of those people, just 321,000, 14.7 per cent, were women2. With a number of female employees already in a range of roles across the company, the developer is keen to break the stereotype around women working in construction. Michelle Howe, who joined Jessup Partnerships in 2022 as Health and Safety Advisor, previously worked for a large precast concrete manufacturer as a Health and Safety Co-ordinator. Michelle, who works on sites across the West Midlands said: “Since joining Jessup, I have felt well-supported in my career progression and have received the relevant training to enable my transition from manufacturing to construction. “I feel well supported by my manager and the site teams that I work with on a daily basis, and my opinions are listened to and valued. I have never felt anything other than welcomed and accepted by the site personnel. If I could give any advice to women thinking about starting a career in construction, I would tell them that they absolutely should pursue it. I think that working in construction is far more inclusive than it was five years ago, and there are now a lot more women actually working on site.” International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the achievements of women, promoting equality and raising awareness about discrimination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renewable developers Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables have unveiled the first completed kittiwake nesting structures to support consented offshore wind farms. Global kittiwake population has been estimated to have fallen by around 40% since the 1970s, so the kittiwake hotels are vital to protect the species. The nests will be able to accommodate around 430 pairs of kittiwakes and will help preserve the species for years to come. A research programme was undertaken and an advisory group – which included representatives from Natural England, RSPB, East Suffolk Council and the Marine Management Organisation – was convened to improve success. Based on the expert advice, the nesting structure has been designed in a way that replicates the best conditions for nesting and factors in conditions such as aspect, the amount of sunshine and shelter, and the size of the nesting shelves within. Measures have also been taken to protect the nesting kittiwakes from predators – such as predator-proof fencing at the bottom to protect against mammals like foxes and an overhanging roof to protect against aerial predators. While kittiwakes are known to be tolerant of human activity, the artificial nests are sited well away from the town and active port at the outer harbour to minimise interaction with human activity and property. The construction of the nesting structure would not have been possible without invaluable support from Associated British Ports, Port of Lowestoft, on whose land the ‘hotel’ is built and J.Murphy & Sons who carried out the construction. The environment is important to both Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables and this development will help to compensate for the potential impacts on breeding black-legged kittiwakes in North Yorkshire by ensuring they have a safe nesting area. Separate to the nesting requirement, Vattenfall is also looking to support and work closely with the Lowestoft Kittiwake Partnership and has made a £50,000 a year funding commitment for five years. This will help the Partnership to engage with and provide advice and support for local business and residents living alongside nesting kittiwakes, as well as money for cleaning up after kittiwakes, installing safe preventative measures to protect buildings, and creating alternative nesting sites where kittiwakes won’t come into conflict with people in Lowestoft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted for the second phase to restore Oldham’s Old Library. Digital modelling from the architect shows a modern interior that opens the building back up to the public, makes use of the space and preserves many of its original features. “This building has been special to many hundreds and possibly thousands of Oldhamers and it is yet another exciting milestone in its restoration to see the architects’ drawings as part of the planning submission. The visuals show a building that retains features of a hugely important part of our history along with providing a modern, useful and sustainable place for everyone in the town to make good use of,” said Council Leader Cllr Amanda Chadderton. “This restoration goes way beyond the fondness many of us have for the Old Library and it’s a vital part of our Oldham Town Centre regeneration – we’re creating a town centre for the future where people will want to live, work, visit and socialise. The way in which the project has been done is key too – local young people have increased access to training and employment, around 80 per cent of the spend on the project has been with local businesses, and volunteering and other initiatives have been a feature.” The grade II listed building will be home to meetings rooms, a gallery, and a theatre, as well the Council chamber – all while sensitively incorporating many of the building’s historic features and being equipped with state-of-the-art technology and energy efficient systems. “We are delighted to be working on this fabulous restoration project for Oldham Council. We recognise the importance of the Old Library building to the local community and understand that it has a special place in the hearts of many local residents,” commented Dominic Williams, Director at Ellis Williams Architects. “With that in mind, the newly refurbished building will celebrate Oldham’s cultural heritage whilst providing a range of exciting new community facilities including theatre workshops, meeting rooms, gallery and democratic function spaces arranged around the original Victorian atrium space with historic displays. “As well as celebrating the building’s Victorian past, the scheme also looks positively to the future with new digital infrastructure and low energy systems providing long-term sustainability for this important community asset.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates has secured planning for a second phase of land in Windsor to deliver an additional 320 new homes. Its Developments business has secured local planning approval for the new homes and a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school on a second phase of land west of Windsor. The sustainable development, which was previously green belt land, will provide a much-needed boost to family housing availability in the area. Our team received an approved Stakeholder Masterplan from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) in 2021 as part of the adopted Borough Local Plan, following a lengthy process of detailed site assessments and public engagement. In combination with phase one, the whole allocation will include the SEN school and 455 homes, including 180 (40%) affordable homes, as well as a community centre, public open space, allotments, orchards, play spaces and an outdoor gym. It will also deliver significant highway improvements for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, boosting existing services and facilities in the local area. “It is great news for Windsor that the RBWM have locally approved the Southern portion of the site AL21, unlocking a total of 455 much-needed new family homes. We are grateful for the positive engagement from so many key stakeholders during the development of plans for the site, including from members of the local community and officers at the council. It’s meant we’ve been able to bring forward a fantastic scheme that will provide many wider community benefits and help contribute towards the Borough’s local housing need. This planning decision will give even more people the opportunity to live in their own home and will be a really great place to live,” commented Jordan Van Laun, Associate Land and Planning Director, Wates Developments. Sustainability has been at the core of our proposals, and all new homes will be equipped with electric vehicle charging points and rain gardens to harvest rainwater. We have focused on delivering housing solutions that benefit both homeowners and the environment, aiming to achieve significant biodiversity net gain by enhancing the existing habitats and veteran trees along with extensive habitat creation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Harron Homes North Midlands has recently announced that Julia Portington, who has 38 years of experience in the housebuilder industry, has been promoted from Sales Executive to Senior Sales Executive at Brierley Heath, Stanton Hill, Sutton in Ashfield. Prior to joining Harron Homes in July of 2022, Julia had racked up 16 years of experience as a sales executive for another house builder, which meant that she joined Harron Homes with a ready set of skills and a wealth of experience. She also gained 22 years of experience as a sales manager in previous roles, which has complemented her skillset in her new role. “At Harron, I spend a lot of time liaising with our Sales Managers. I find that my own experience as a Sales Manager has enabled me to view things from both perspectives, which really makes our communication that much more effective. “I’m definitely a people person, and I think it’s this that encouraged me to apply as a Sales Executive. Being able to interact with both customers and fellow employees every day is definitely the most rewarding aspect of the job for me.” Originally starting her career with Harron Homes at The Grange, Harron’s Shireoaks development, Julia’s new role has her overseeing Brierly Heath, Stanton Hill, Sutton in Ashfield. “At Brierley Heath, I’m involved in coaching other Sales Executives, and feeding back marketing ideas to the company. We’re the troops on the ground really – we have first-hand experience of what the customers are looking for. It really helps us tailor our marketing ideas and approaches to what is most convenient and satisfying for the customer. “Brierley Heath is a lovely development,” adds Julia, “I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the houses I’m selling and am always keen to have my customers feel excited and satisfied with their purchase. “There’s a great variety in the customers you meet each day – some are old-hands in the housing business, purchasing their second or third home, while others are first time buyers. It’s wonderful to be instrumental in helping people get their first foot on the property ladder. “Our Part Exchange Scheme has made purchasing a home all the more convenient for new customers, and offers them easy moves. Schemes like this are one of the many ways I can ensure we leave the customer delighted with their purchase. “What’s really stood out about Harron Homes for me is how we all work together. There’s a real sense of collaboration in everything we do, and I’ve always felt I can turn to people for support or advice. I want this company to be the best, and am very excited to be playing my part in that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Hill Group has been chosen as delivery partner by Buckinghamshire Council to build two key housing developments, at Bellfield Road, High Wycombe and Ashwells Field, Tylers Green in an agreement which will deliver over 177 high-quality sustainable new homes for the area. Hill will redevelop land on Bellfield Road which will transform the site of a disused storage facility into a collection of 68 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. All available through affordable rent, Hill will be finalising a reserved matters planning application for the scheme in the spring. “As a leading housebuilder, we are honoured to have been entrusted by Buckinghamshire Council to play a pivotal role in the transformation of two prominent land sites in the High Wycombe area. This is a testament to our commitment to delivering sustainable and thriving communities that align with the needs and aspirations of residents,” said Andy Hill, Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group. “We wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to shape the future of these sites and create enduring value for the people of High Wycombe. Our teams will collaborate closely with local stakeholders to bring our shared vision for these communities to fruition, and we are confident that together we can make a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come,” Andy continued. Plans for Ashwells Field feature a range of over 100 two, three, four, and five-bedroom houses set around landscaped gardens and open communal space, including a children’s play area. The homes at Ashwells Field will include private sale, and a mix of affordable tenures. Working closely with the local community and the planning authority, detailed designs will go to planning in the summer. “As a council we are committed to supporting our communities and ensuring that there is enough affordable housing across Buckinghamshire that is accessible for our residents. Using land we own at Bellfield as one of the sites, we are committed to building a range of affordable options for renters and buyers across the two developments in High Wycombe. Not only will we work to deliver high quality designs, we are also ensuring that the new homes will be sustainable to run with an enhanced energy performance. We are pleased to work with The Hill Group and are hoping to produce high quality homes that create thriving communities at these two High Wycombe sites,” concluded John Chilver, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing and Resources. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kadans Science Partner has submitted plans for a new, purpose-built laboratory and office building at Merlin Place, Cambridge. Investment of this scale and Kadans’ dedication to design demonstrates the significance of new laboratory space in the Science and Technology industries and addresses the lack of space that is felt countrywide across the UK, but most acutely in the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’. The new build development has been designed by Kadans’ in-house team alongside specialist professionals. To respond quickly and innovatively to the ever-changing landscape of scientific requirements, flexibility was a core driver in the design inception for Merlin Place. Considering structural grids, floor loadings, servicing, and operations, Kadans provides long-lasting and highly adaptable spaces. Matching these principles with informed space planning, the design of this building enhances space and light, fundamental to modern working environments and talent retention. “After extensive design work over 18 months and collaboration with the Cambridge City Council Planners, it is exciting to reach this important milestone in the programme and take a step closer in delivering our best-in-class science focused buildings,” said Edward Joslin, Development Director, Kadans Science Partner. The scheme delivers robust lab infrastructure and empowers an ecosystem for further innovation. It offers a communal space and much-needed additional café to the Cambridge North Cluster. Providing this will encourage tenants from across the cluster to come together and collaborate, while bringing Kadans’ world class knowledge in the design, development, delivery and operations of R&D buildings to the cluster. This development furthers the implementation of Kadans’ long-term model to bolster their presence and facilities within the world leading Cambridge cluster, one of the largest research & development clusters in Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Kier has been selected by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to develop a new £25 million net zero carbon teaching block in south Wales. The Hawthorn All-Through School project will deliver new and exciting facilities for staff and pupils from Heol y Celyn English Medium Primary, Hawthorn Primary and Hawthorn High. It has been designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation though the installation of on site renewable energy sources such as air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels alongside purchase of renewable electricity from an energy supplier. Three of the school’s existing buildings will be demolished to make way for a new teaching block. One of these buildings is the old caretaker’s house, with the stone from the Victorian building used in the building of the new structure. “This project presents a unique opportunity to provide not one but three schools with state-of-the-art facilities which will be a significant asset to the community of Pontypridd for generations to come. With the recently completed Ffynnon Taf Primary School just 10 minutes down the road using a nearby hot spring to heat its classrooms, this project further demonstrates our commitment to providing sustainable buildings in south Wales,” said Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier. The new school will include 27 classrooms, a staff room, offices, reception area, therapy room, library, ICT suite, meeting rooms, DT and music areas and two new multi-use games areas, which are in addition to the existing one and current all-weather pitch. A new car park and pick up-drop off spaces will also be built as part of the project, as well as a designated bus drop off zone. Procured through the SEWSCAP framework, work is expected to be completed in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is to commence on the Kingsgate development in Huddersfield. Supported by Kirklees Council, developer WD Kingsgate will make major changes to the centre bringing cinema and engaging leisure activities to the offering, alongside the existing shops. Work to redevelop the 90,000 square foot, former House of Fraser store will begin in early March, with a target opening date for the complex of September 2024. “We are committed to helping businesses thrive in Kirklees and I am delighted that the council has worked very closely with WD Kingsgate to help them to deliver this scheme. Kingsgate is a key destination within the town centre, and the redevelopment will complement the existing shops and become an important family-friendly leisure destination. The developer’s vision for the project is in line with our own Blueprint ambitions for the town centre and will help create the perfect mix of retail, culture and leisure,” said Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration. The Kingsgate Centre is a key focus of Huddersfield’s town centre offer and is in a prime location next to the council’s planned Cultural Heart project. These complementary projects will transform the leisure offering in the town centre and improve the experience for residents and visitors alike. The cinema and leisure proposition will be operated by The Light, who already operate 12 other venues across the country with another opening in Surrey this year. The Light will offer six state of the art cinema screens, ten bowling lanes, alongside a variety of other leisure activities and food offerings which will be revealed in the lead up to the opening. “I am grateful for the council’s support in delivering this scheme. We are excited about bringing a high-quality cinema in to Huddersfield town centre alongside a variety of other food and leisure outlets. Our redeveloped centre will create a new destination within the town centre that gives the opportunity to shop, eat and see the latest films all within a stone’s throw of the other planned town centre developments,” added Peter Everest of WD Kingsgate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
