Heimstaden Bostad, the owner of Soho Wharf, has announced the completion of a landmark project, in partnership with development partners, The Galliard Apsley Partnership. Soho Wharf, a leading-edge development in Birmingham, consists of 752 exceptional build-to-rent homes. This includes 650 designed apartments and 102 charming townhouses, all offered at affordable
Housebuilder The Hill Group has submitted plans for the Amerind Grove site on Raleigh Road in Bristol, which was once the site of the Wills Tobacco Factory, to develop over 100 high-quality, sustainable new homes. Hill will deliver three, four, and five-bedroom family houses, as well as one and two-bedroom
Local housebuilder Harron Homes has donated 30 pairs of high-quality wellies to the children of Staveley Primary Junior School in Staveley, Chesterfield, close to Harron Homes’ Thorpe Meadows development. Staveley Junior School is part of the Outdoor Play And Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, which aims to encourage creative outdoor play
Dorset Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee members have voted strongly to support plans by Dorset-based Wyatt Homes on land northeast of Blandford Forum. This comes after extensive consultation and engagement with the community. The new plans sought full planning consent for 150 new family homes and outline planning permission for
GMI Construction has scooped contract with Olympian Homes to build a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York. Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq foot site will feature a four
If you’re one of the many people who dream of owning a house in London one day, but don’t think you can afford it, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality. Here are eight tips to improve your house in London and get the most
Charles Church – the sister brand of Persimmon Homes – has secured planning permission for the development of 70 new high quality homes in Lydney. The developer should begin construction on the Bishops Mead site in the new year, investing over £2.1m in local infrastructure, economic development, and public services
Keepmoat is set to develop more than 600 new homes in Nottingham following the successful acquisition of a parcel of land on Thane Road. The land sits within the brownfield land within the 286-acre Boots site, which is part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone. The large-scale regeneration project will see
Plans have been approved for Countryside Partnerships to develop an additional 204 mixed tenure homes in Teesside. Countryside Partnerships North East, was chosen by Homes England to complete the third phase of the £119 million Kirkleatham Green project, near Redcar, in April this year and submitted a planning application in
Southwark Council and housebuilder, The Hill Group, has welcomed residents to their new council homes at Aylesbury Estate. Hill recently completed 229 high-quality homes, exclusively designated for affordable rent, on behalf of the council. Providing 187 apartments, 27 houses, and 15 maisonettes, these new properties include 54 extra-care homes and
Heimstaden Bostad, the owner of Soho Wharf, has announced the completion of a landmark project, in partnership with development partners, The Galliard Apsley Partnership. Soho Wharf, a leading-edge development in Birmingham, consists of 752 exceptional build-to-rent homes. This includes 650 designed apartments and 102 charming townhouses, all offered at affordable rental rates including 64 homes, offered at a 20% discount to market rent, emphasising affordability alongside quality. The project encompasses 10,000 sq ft of prime commercial space and provides ample parking with 300 parking spaces. The architectural ingenuity extends to the ample green spaces, constituting nearly 40% of the site area. These green areas include vibrant public realms, private communal spaces for residents, and exclusive gardens for townhouse residents. This achievement is marked by an outstanding milestone, with close to 90% of the available units leased within a six-month span, from March to September 2023. The swift uptake stands as a testament to the project’s undeniable appeal, showcasing Soho Wharf as a pioneering residential development that is redefining both the architectural and community landscape of Birmingham. Amit Kumar, Head of Operations – UK at Heimstaden, expressed: “We are tremendously proud to mark the completion of Soho Wharf, a true testament to thoughtful design and community integration. In just six months, seeing 90% of the units become homes for residents speaks volumes about its allure. Our ambition was always to create a lively, cohesive neighbourhood in Birmingham where sustainability meets convenience. The rapid uptake reaffirms our commitment to offering Friendly Homes that not only fit seamlessly into the city’s fabric but also address the modern resident’s desire for connectedness, comfort, and a sustainable way of living.” Gerard Nock, Chairman at The Galliard Apsley Partnership said: “The completion of Soho Wharf stands as proof of our unwavering commitment to reimagining urban spaces. Through innovative design and collaborative partnerships, we have created not just homes but thriving communities, and we’re excited to see Soho Wharf transform Birmingham’s urban landscape for the better.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder The Hill Group has submitted plans for the Amerind Grove site on Raleigh Road in Bristol, which was once the site of the Wills Tobacco Factory, to develop over 100 high-quality, sustainable new homes. Hill will deliver three, four, and five-bedroom family houses, as well as one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom maisonettes, building on its reputation for developing sustainable community-focused residential projects. Approximately one-third (30%) of the homes will be affordable. Hill’s plans will revitalise the 3.5-acre site previously occupied by a care home, significantly increasing housing availability in the popular Southville neighbourhood. Hill has selected a Bristol-based architect to partner with on the design of the homes, drawing on the area’s classic terraced vernacular to create well-appointed, high-quality modern homes. The development will link to the surrounding area by two new tree-lined access roads. Hill has appointed a professional guardian service to provide short-term, affordable accommodation for local people during the planning process. All applicants seeking to be a short-term guardian living at the property will be independently assessed and required to sign a code of conduct. Andy Hill OBE, Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, commented: “There is an acute housing shortage in Bristol, particularly for family homes. We have worked with the local Southville community to ensure our planning application for the Amerind Grove site will help address local housing needs. It will provide a sustainable development of over 100 high-quality, energy-efficient family homes, including over 30 much-needed affordable homes for local people, and we look forward to working with Bristol City Council to successfully progress this application.” Built with sustainability in mind, the homes at Raleigh Road will feature high levels of insulation and airtightness. The properties will exceed energy regulations through the use of low-carbon technology and energy-efficient design, including air-source heat pumps to provide gas-free heating and hot water. Permeable paving, green roofs, rain gardens, and underground water tanks will also be included within the development to minimise surface water run-off; Hill is committed to environmental conservation and aims to achieve over 20% biodiversity net gain on this development. To encourage sustainable transport and reduce the total number of cars, approximately 185 cycle parking spaces will be provided. The construction phase will also provide local residents with employment and training opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Harron Homes has donated 30 pairs of high-quality wellies to the children of Staveley Primary Junior School in Staveley, Chesterfield, close to Harron Homes’ Thorpe Meadows development. Staveley Junior School is part of the Outdoor Play And Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, which aims to encourage creative outdoor play in schools, leading to increased focus in the classroom and the ability for children to regulate their behaviours. In fact, schools applying OPAL’s play-focused approach have seen a reduction of recorded behavioural incidents by around 80%. Staveley Junior School is a school of 146 children serving the community of Staveley, which aims to provide an excellent education while providing pupils with life experiences they might not be able to access at home, including opportunities to play, be creative, and learn outdoors. In light of this, Staveley Primary School is on a mission to develop its outdoor space while implementing the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) scheme over the next 18 months. A core part of this project is ensuring the pupils have suitable outdoor attire for rainy days and during the colder seasons. Harron Homes’ generous donation of wellies constitutes a significant contribution toward this need, equipping the children with comfortable, durable wellies for fun and educational outdoor activities. Sue Parkes, Headteacher at Staveley Junior School, said, “The children are delighted with the wellies. They’ve already started learning outdoors, but this will allow them to continue to do so through-out the upcoming winter months so that they can get the benefits of outdoor learning throughout the year. “Many of our families would not be able to equip their children with outdoor attire of their own – particularly at this time of rising costs across the board. Harron Homes’ donation of these high-quality wellies is therefore a huge help, and we would like to extend our gratitude towards everyone at the company.” Natalie Griffiths, Sales and Marketing Director for Harron Homes North Midlands, said: “Harron Homes is a housebuilder with community at its heart. We are dedicated to the communities where we build and make it a priority to support schools local to our developments. Last year we donated hi-vis jackets to the pupils of Inkersall Primary Academy in Chesterfield to help them during Walk to School Month, and it’s great to be able to help out another school this year. “All children deserve the opportunity to learn in a creative and dynamic way, and we’re excited to see how Staveley Primary School develops its outdoor play offering for these bright young minds.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dorset Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee members have voted strongly to support plans by Dorset-based Wyatt Homes on land northeast of Blandford Forum. This comes after extensive consultation and engagement with the community. The new plans sought full planning consent for 150 new family homes and outline planning permission for a further 340 on a site adjoining the A354 and A350. The project will also provide new pedestrian and cycle connections and 30% of the homes will be affordable. The housebuilder also plans to plant over 2,000 new trees throughout the site and more than 40 acres of public open space will make up nearly 50% of the development. The new homes will prioritise energy efficiency and use advanced technologies to minimise CO2 emissions. This includes high levels of insulation, top-tier glazing, solar PV panels, wastewater heat recovery and heat pumps. Furthermore, this development will set aside land for a potential future school, allotments, a community hall, shops, and play facilities. It will also establish new cycling and pedestrian pathways and improve bus infrastructure, with upgraded stops and the possibility of extending existing routes. Speaking at the Dorset Council’s Northern Planning Committee, David Wyatt, CEO of Wyatt Homes said, “We are proud of the places we create and committed to building well-designed, high-quality homes using local materials and locally based contractors. “We will do our utmost to make this an exceptional development that not only Wyatt Homes is proud of, but the local community is proud of too.” Tim Hoskinson, Planning Director for Wyatt Homes said, “We are delighted with this strong positive endorsement by the planning committee, these plans are the largest zero carbon ready application that has come before the planning committee, will deliver much needed new homes including vital affordable homes in Dorset. “We would like to thank those who commented on the plans during the extensive public consultation over several years, as well as Dorset councillors, those on the Planning Committee and Council Officers. This is a complex application and the comprehensive level of scrutiny by officers and detailed consideration by members shows the planning system working at its best.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction has scooped contract with Olympian Homes to build a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York. Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq foot site will feature a four storey building comprising of 275 beds and facilities including a gym yoga studio, games room, co-working and group dining areas. In recognition of the location’s history the scheme will feature a cinema. Other facilities will include integrated cycle parking and landscaped courtyards. This is the latest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development to be delivered by Olympian Homes, which is also active in hotel, Build to Rent, co-living and affordable housing sectors. This project is being delivered in partnership with funder Cain International. GMI has worked closely with Olympian Homes and its professional team throughout the Pre-Construction Services Agreement period to develop a buildable, cost-effective and sustainable design. Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, following the completion of archaeological works. The site is located within an area of archaeological importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area. An open day displaying any finds will be held at the site once the archaeological works are complete. Olympian Homes’ scheme will be named Rialto House, recognising the famous cinema that once stood on the site. Opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, the cinema played host to many famous performances, including The Beatles who performed there four times in 1963. GMI, which will utilise a predominantly local supply chain on the project, is highly active in the PBSA market, with this new development brining the number of student beds it is building in York to almost 600. This includes 303-beds at a scheme in James Street on behalf of York-based S Harrison Developments, which is currently under construction. Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction’s Regional Director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Olympian Homes, which is allowing us to continue to contribute to the creation of much needed purpose-built student accommodation in York. Rialto House is a great location, close to the city centre and the university campuses and will support the city in attracting students who want to study in this beautiful and historic city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
If you’re one of the many people who dream of owning a house in London one day, but don’t think you can afford it, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality. Here are eight tips to improve your house in London and get the most out of your investment. House Refurbishment If you are looking to give your house a fresh new look, consider undertaking a house refurbishment project. This can range from small updates such as painting the walls or replacing old fixtures, to larger renovations like remodeling the kitchen or adding on an extra room. In particular, also consider adding a Shaftless Stair Lift to enhance accessibility for family members or visitors with limited mobility. Before starting any major changes, it is important to create a plan and budget for the project. It may also be necessary to hire contractors or architect London to assist with the renovations. A house refurbishment can greatly increase the value and enjoyment of your home. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your space into your dream house. Don’t hesitate to start making improvements and giving your house a well-deserved upgrade. 2.House Renovation Are you ready to take on a bigger challenge and completely renovate your house? This extensive project involves tearing down walls, reconstructing rooms, and possibly even adding on new sections of the house. Like with a refurbishment, it is important to plan out the renovations and budget for any necessary materials and hiring contractors. However, a renovation may also require building permits and adhere to certain regulations. A successful house renovation can completely modernize your living space and potentially increase the value of your home. It can be a daunting undertaking, but the end result will surely be worth it. Start planning now and bring your dream house to life. 3.House Extension If your family is growing or you simply want more space, consider building an extension to your house. This can involve constructing a new room or even an entire floor. Before starting the project, consult with architects and contractors to ensure that the extension will match the existing structure of your house and adhere to any regulations. It is also important to budget for materials and hiring workers. With a successful house extension, you can have extra space for all your needs without having to move to a new home. Start making plans and expand your living space today. 4.Loft Conversion Are you looking for a way to add more room to your house without undertaking major renovations? Consider converting your attic or loft into another living space. This project may involve adding stairs and improving insulation, as well as decorating the new room to your taste. It is important to consult with professionals and ensure that the conversion will not impact the structural integrity of your home. A loft conversion can be a cost-effective solution for gaining extra space in your house. Start planning now and make use of all the potential in your attic. Invest in a Key Lockbox One way to ensure that your property remains secure while allowing for easy access for tenants or repair people is to invest in a key lockbox. This small device attaches to your door and allows you to store a spare key inside, granting access to anyone with the designated combination or unique code. Not only does this eliminate the need for making copies of keys or meeting someone at the property, it also reduces the risk of lost or stolen keys. Choose a high-quality lockbox from a reputable brand for added security and peace of mind. Spend Time in the Space Before starting any renovation or refurbishment project, take the time to spend some time in the space and determine what updates are truly necessary. Are there certain areas that feel outdated or worn down? Are there functional issues that need to be addressed, such as a leaking roof or faulty appliances? Making a list of priorities can help you focus your efforts and budget on the most important updates first. And don’t forget about aesthetics – adding a fresh coat of paint or new furniture can make all the difference in improving the look and feel of your property. Keep these factors in mind as you plan for renovations. Be Realistic About Your Timeline It can be tempting to rush into a renovation project and try to complete it as quickly as possible. However, it is important to be realistic about the time and resources needed for a successful renovation. Factor in potential delays, such as ordering materials or scheduling contractors. Take the necessary steps to ensure all necessary permits are obtained. And don’t underestimate the amount of cleaning and organizing that may need to be done after the renovations are completed. By approaching your timeline realistically and planning accordingly, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a successful renovation project. Expect the Unexpected No matter how much planning and preparation goes into a renovation project, it is important to expect the unexpected. Unexpected issues may arise, such as structural damage or faulty appliances. It is wise to budget for these potential setbacks and have a contingency plan in place in case they occur. Keeping a positive attitude and remaining flexible can also help you navigate any roadblocks that come your way during the renovation process. Renovations can be challenging, but by expecting the unexpected and being prepared for bumps in the road, you can ensure a successful outcome. Interview Multiple Contractors Before hiring a contractor for your renovation project, it is important to interview multiple options. Get quotes and ask for references from past clients. Be sure to clarify all the details of the job, including the timeline, budget, and expected materials and techniques. It can also be helpful to have a clear contract in place before work begins. Taking the time to carefully choose a reliable and experienced contractor can save you headaches and potential issues
Charles Church – the sister brand of Persimmon Homes – has secured planning permission for the development of 70 new high quality homes in Lydney. The developer should begin construction on the Bishops Mead site in the new year, investing over £2.1m in local infrastructure, economic development, and public services in the process. This is the third phase of Persimmon’s wider development in Lydney, and will see 28 properties transferred to a local housing association partner, representing a significant 40 per cent of all dwellings – ranging from one-bed apartments to four-bed homes – helping to dent the Forest of Dean’s 2,130-strong housing waiting list. Environmental and placemaking features for the site include a parkland setting, public green open spaces, mature planting, bird nesting and bat roosting sites, and prospective wildlife buffer zones. All homes granted permission will be around 30 per cent more energy efficient than existing housing stock. Further community benefits at Bishops Mead include £100,000 for the District Council to spend on the Severn Estuary and new health centre in Lydney and around £500,000 for Gloucestershire County Council to fund primary education, libraries, and the local travel plan. A future pedestrian link is to be delivered across Naas Lane while highways, verges, and footpaths will be offered for adoption to the County Council as the Local Highways Authority when completed. The land was allocated for housing in the District Council’s local plan. Commenting, East Wales Land Director Adam Ryan said: “We’re delighted to have secured a resolution to grant full planning permission for our new phase at Bishops Mead in Lydney, as we continue to provide much needed, high quality homes for local people. “Alongside the delivery of housing at Bishops Mead, we are proud to be investing over £2.1m in the area – including funding for a health centre, primary education, and transport provision – leaving a positive and lasting legacy for the community. “The benefits of the scheme are also present in the employment opportunities created in construction, the council tax bills that will generate revenue for local services, and the environmental enhancements we have ensured across the site. “We look forward to getting on site to start work on our exciting plans for this Charles Church phase which will deliver significant investment in the area and quality new homes for local people. We’d like to thank Forest of Dean Council and key stakeholders for their positive engagement and cooperation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Keepmoat is set to develop more than 600 new homes in Nottingham following the successful acquisition of a parcel of land on Thane Road. The land sits within the brownfield land within the 286-acre Boots site, which is part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone. The large-scale regeneration project will see Keepmoat deliver over 600 high-quality, multi-tenure new homes over a period of six years, with construction due to complete in 2029. Of the 604 new homes, more than half will be delivered on behalf of Platform Housing, one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands, for affordable rent, and shared ownership. Commenting on the acquisition of the land, Tim Beale, CEO at Keepmoat, said: “I am incredibly proud that Keepmoat, in particular our East Midlands region led by Tristin Willis, has successfully completed one of the most significant land deals of the last decade, for the delivery of new homes, in Nottingham. It is a fantastic achievement. “For me personally, having been brought up in Nottingham and lived here for most of my life, I am delighted that we will be delivering this landmark development on this special site, which will bring much needed, high-quality new homes and significant investment to the city. “This development will put our East Midlands region, which was established in Nottingham eight years ago, firmly on the map. It sits alongside nine other new sites that we are currently developing in and around Nottingham which will collectively deliver around 2,700 new homes.” Tristin Willis, Regional Managing Director of Keepmoat, East Midlands said: “I am very much looking forward to working with our partners to bring this fantastic development to life, delivering new homes for the people of Nottingham and the surrounding areas and transforming this area of the city into a vibrant new community.” Stephen Boyce, Director of Estates, Boots UK, added: “This is an exciting development for the Nottingham Enterprise Zone. We look forward to seeing Keepmoat’s vision come to life, developing new high-quality and affordable housing for people in the local area.” The Nottingham office of National law firm Freeths LLP represented Keepmoat on both the acquisition from Boots and the forward sale to Platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been approved for Countryside Partnerships to develop an additional 204 mixed tenure homes in Teesside. Countryside Partnerships North East, was chosen by Homes England to complete the third phase of the £119 million Kirkleatham Green project, near Redcar, in April this year and submitted a planning application in May. Now approved, the popular development can continue to offer homes that meet the various housing needs of the area, improving both choice and quality for local people. Work on the third phase of the Teesside homes development is expected to begin in November this year and will include the creation of affordable homes, homes for private rent and homes for open market sale via the Linden Homes brand. The designs for the homes on this third phase have been created following feedback from phase one customers. Countryside Partnerships is already working on phase one and two of the project – constructing 375 homes for sale, shared ownership and private and affordable rent – and a specialist residential village of 75 homes, for people with a specific housing need. Key to securing this latest contract, Countryside Partnerships has risen to Homes England’s challenge to build homes at pace, enabling residents to move in quickly – without compromising on quality. Adopting the same mixed tenure approach to this £44 million third phase will allow this successful model to continue. Development partners to manage the affordable and private sector rental properties will be announced in due course and it is expected the first residents will be able to move into these new third phase homes by Autumn next year. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) also awarded a five-star builder status for the work already completed on the development, following liaison with open market sale and affordable rented customers who have moved into properties completed during phase one of the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southwark Council and housebuilder, The Hill Group, has welcomed residents to their new council homes at Aylesbury Estate. Hill recently completed 229 high-quality homes, exclusively designated for affordable rent, on behalf of the council. Providing 187 apartments, 27 houses, and 15 maisonettes, these new properties include 54 extra-care homes and seven homes designed to enable people with learning difficulties to enjoy independent living. A combined heat and power energy centre will help improve energy efficiency, and new community facilities include a landscaped central park, play areas, and a community centre. These homes are just one phase of the wider regeneration of the Aylesbury Estate which is being managed by Southwark Council. The total redevelopment will see 3,575 new homes and 7,800 sqm of employment, retail, healthcare and community spaces built over the coming years. The overall masterplan aims to create new neighbourhoods which are integrated into the wider network of streets and spaces in Walworth. The Una Marson library on the estate was recently finished and will be opening to residents before Christmas. The library is named after Una Marson, who was the first Black female presenter on the BBC during World War II. Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “It’s really exciting to see residents moved into these wonderful new council homes and celebrate the start of a new chapter in the story of the Aylesbury Estate. I can see the difference these new homes are making to the lives of our residents and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate that here in the brand new community centre at the heart of this latest development.” Oluwakemi Odutayo, a resident who moved into her new home on Aylesbury Estate in March, said: “I’m really pleased with my new home. It’s spacious, it has a garden, my kids are enjoying it, and our lives have much improved since moving out of temporary accommodation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
