More homes are embracing green energy and installing heat pumps and solar panels in the UK than ever before, with a 62% jump compared to last year, new data from the official standards body for renewable technologies, MCS, has revealed. MCS data shows that in the first six months of
Global real estate developer, Hines, has submitted a planning application for a mixed-use project to develop 18 Blackfriars Road, Bankside, London. The site sits in close proximity to the River Thames and is set among some of London’s best loved cultural institutions including the Tate Modern, National Theatre, and the
Southwark Council has granted planning permission for a new student housing and residential development by Sellar Property Group (Sellar). Following a unanimous decision from Southwark Council, Sellar will develop 444 purpose-built student homes, fully direct let, with eight affordable homes for local key workers and flexible office and retail space.
Wyatt Homes, a property developer based in Pool, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Beggs as the new Assistant Site Manager at the prestigious Rivers Edge development in Wimborne. David, 51, from Romsey, boasts over 30 years of experience in the finishing trade, including 25 years as a
Construction firm Wates has been appointed by This City, a housing development company owned by the Manchester City Council, to develop 128 new low carbon homes in the heart of Ancoats. Building work has started on site and the project aims to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing
This weekend, award-winning estate agency and property group, Beresfords, is launching Hanningfield Park in Chelmsford, one of the UK’s most innovative sustainable new housing developments, comprising ninety two 2 3,4, 5 and 6-bedroom homes – with prices starting from £435,000. Nestled among the mature landscape surrounding Hanningfield nature reserve, Hanningfield
Top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat has announced it has become the latest strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands. Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites
Granite and quartz kitchen worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has launched a brand-new consumer brand, Roann at Home, to offer their award-winning kitchen worktops, at the best price, to homes across the UK. Roann Limited has experienced significant growth in recent years and in 2022, reported record-breaking revenue and an annual
Mitsui Fudosan and Stanhope, as development manager, announce that they have confirmed the appointment of Multiplex as the construction manager for two residential blocks of 345 apartments as part of the second phase of the redevelopment of Television Centre. This announcement demonstrates both the success of the first phase of
Later living provider Inspired Villages has acquired a 27-acre site in Edenbridge, Kent. The deal is part of a joint venture with NatWest Pension Group Fund and Legal & General. The site has planning permission for 184,000 square feet of accommodation including a 100-unit Integrated Retirement Community. Inspired will now
More homes are embracing green energy and installing heat pumps and solar panels in the UK than ever before, with a 62% jump compared to last year, new data from the official standards body for renewable technologies, MCS, has revealed. MCS data shows that in the first six months of 2023, more than 120,000 certified solar panels, heat pumps and other renewable technologies were installed in UK homes, the highest number ever by this point in the year. The previous record for renewable installations was more than a decade ago in 2012, when households raced to get solar panels before cuts to the Feed-In Tariff incentive scheme kicked in. June saw 27,791 certified installations recorded on homes and businesses across the UK, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 122,155. 2023 saw more installations in the month of June and in the first half of the year than any previous year. 2023 is the first year to average more than 20,000 solar panel installations per month, and the first to see more than 3,000 heat pumps installed per month. Analysts say that with this sustained growth, nearly a quarter of a million households could install renewable energy by the end of this year. Over 80% of the installations so far in 2023 have been electricity-generating technologies, driven mainly by the continued growth in solar PV installations. By the end of June, there were 102,797 certified installations of solar PV alone as more households turn to home-grown energy during the cost-of-living crisis. The first half of 2023 saw 82% more installations than the first half of 2022. Small-scale renewable energy installations on homes and businesses across the UK now have a total installed capacity of 4GW. The energy demand for the entire country averaged 29.4GW a day in the last year, meaning that the solar panels and wind turbines on peoples’ homes, at peak conditions, could power over 13% of the UK at current. The growth in solar has been mirrored by battery storage installation growth since MCS introduced the battery storage installation standard at the end of 2021. Each month of 2023 has been a record month for battery technologies, with installation figures surpassing the month before, totalling over 1,000 batteries going into homes and businesses across the UK in 2023 so far. There has been similar success in the growth of low-carbon heating, with average heat pump installations being over 3,000 per month for the first time in 2023. There were 17,920 heat pump installations in the first six months of 2023, a figure only rivalled by a rush to install heat pumps before the end of the Renewable Heat Incentive subsidy scheme in March 2022. Heat pump installations in England and Wales have been eligible for £5,000 – £6,000 Government grants since May last year under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. These grants are starting to take effect as heat pump sales are steadily growing. In Scotland, consumers can claim a grant of £7,500-£9,000 towards a heat pump installation plus an additional optional loan of £7,500. The UK Government has set clear targets to reach 70GW of solar capacity by 2035 and to install 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028. The growth in renewable technology across the UK in the last few years is promising, but there is still much further to go. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate developer, Hines, has submitted a planning application for a mixed-use project to develop 18 Blackfriars Road, Bankside, London. The site sits in close proximity to the River Thames and is set among some of London’s best loved cultural institutions including the Tate Modern, National Theatre, and the Southbank Centre. Designed by Foster + Partners, the proposed development will centre on a vibrant, new public space, delivering two residential buildings that provide over 400 new homes on site, including 40% on-site affordable homes. The office building moves away from an all-glass design and has a series of bustles gradually reducing in size to the top. The concept is to provide a new form of architecture, departing from the traditional flat tower office building. The proposed use of colour on the façade, terraces and utilisation of natural light throughout change the concept of office buildings, and tech-enabled offices address the demand for premium quality space that support employee wellbeing in a post-Covid world. In addition, there will be 20,000 sq ft of affordable workspace aimed at supporting local and socially minded enterprises. The proposals advance an existing consent on the site for two towers (the tallest of which was 184.2m) by providing three buildings (45, 40 and 22 storeys above podium), with the new office building being the tallest at 199.28m. The design of the public space – the Rotunda – seeks to enhance the existing Blackfriars streetscape. A podium at the base of the new buildings will include retail and food outlets, office and residential amenities, cultural and performance facilities, educational spaces, as well as other flexible uses. At ground level, three interconnected spaces – the Rotunda, Hatters Yard and the playground – aim to create a thriving new social space for London. The Rotunda will hold publicly accessible events linked to Hatters Yard, a new pedestrian connection to the Mad Hatter public house. Hatters Yard will feature the opportunity to hold food stalls and display public art. The design aims to minimise embodied carbon and is targeting a 20% to 30% improvement against the GLA benchmark. The development is designed to avoid all on-site emissions, using an all-electric strategy with ground and air source heating and cooling, and therefore its operations are targeting net-zero. The project will also target new standards of health and well-being. Ross Blair, senior managing director and country head of Hines UK, said: “We’ve been working hard with our architects, the local community and other key stakeholders to bring this land, which has been undeveloped for 20 years, back to life. “Occupiers are demanding more from their spaces to attract and retain the best people, the lines have blurred between workspace, wellness and leisure, and our design truly responds to these needs, offering an inspirational mix of spaces that foster collaboration. In many places around the world, Hines has successfully delivered environments which connect with the local community through a rich arts and wellbeing programme for the benefit of generations to come. “The significant investment we are planning underlines our firm belief in London, and its enduring appeal as a global centre for business. We believe that our proposals for 18 Blackfriars Road will add significant value to the already established growth story of the Southbank and Bankside neighbourhoods, and as a long-term owner and operator we are deeply invested in the future success of the site and the benefits it will bring to the Southwark community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southwark Council has granted planning permission for a new student housing and residential development by Sellar Property Group (Sellar). Following a unanimous decision from Southwark Council, Sellar will develop 444 purpose-built student homes, fully direct let, with eight affordable homes for local key workers and flexible office and retail space. Named ‘King’s Place’, Sellar has said that the development will be designed to the highest wellbeing standards, in a location with first rate connections to world class universities. King’s Place will offer more than double the average internal and external amenity per room found in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation across London, with a high-quality offering as standard across all rooms, including the wheelchair-accessible studios. King’s Place will also deliver 1,850 sq m of flexible work and retail space, including a corner café on Borough High Street, and a new pocket park that will be created on Harper Road. In line with Sellar’s broader ambition towards sustainable development, King’s Place will be an all-electric building that can be carbon free through green power procurement. Sellar is also aiming for BREEAM Excellent as a minimum target for the development, which is currently on track to be BREEAM Outstanding. The one-acre site occupies a prime location fronting Newington Causeway and Borough High Street. It marks the point of transition between Elephant & Castle, Bankside, Borough and the London Bridge opportunity areas, and therefore has excellent accessibility and transport links, with access to multiple nearby educational institution, including to King’s College London and London South Bank University. James Sellar, chief executive of Sellar, said: “King’s Place is redefining the design of student accommodation in London in a location with unrivalled connections to world class universities. To deliver exemplar student accommodation, the design focusses on health, well-being and comfort for students – rooms are generous and well lit, with abundant internal and external amenity spaces throughout. This combined with its ease of access to central London make the site the optimum location for student living. The project also furthers our long-term track record of working with and making a positive contribution to Southwark through regenerative developments, adding King’s Place to our successful projects at Shard Quarter and Bermondsey Yards.” Morris+Company is the architect for the development, DP9 acted as planning consultant and Savills advised on funding on the scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wyatt Homes, a property developer based in Pool, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Beggs as the new Assistant Site Manager at the prestigious Rivers Edge development in Wimborne. David, 51, from Romsey, boasts over 30 years of experience in the finishing trade, including 25 years as a skilled dry liner and plasterer. David brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, further enhancing Wyatt Homes’ commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship. David’s career in the housebuilding industry has been a natural progression, and his previous experience has prepared him well for his role at Wyatt Homes. When asked about his decision to join Wyatt Homes, David expressed his admiration for the housebuilder’s strong industry reputation and the opportunity to build unique homes. David said “What sets Wyatt Homes apart is their impressive combination of quality and standards exhibited in their homes. He continued, “This drove me to become part of the Wyatt team and contribute to their ongoing success, producing homes that not only our homebuyers are proud of, but we are too.” Richard Coles, Construction Director at Wyatt Homes said, “We are delighted to welcome David to the team at Rivers Edge. We look forward to David’s many accomplishments as we continue to deliver exceptional homes to our esteemed customers.” Wyatt Homes is now selling homes at the prestigious Rivers Edge development in Wimborne from the marketing suite on Julians Road, Wimborne, BH21 1EF, and those interested are encouraged to book an appointment with a Sales Adviser to register their interest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Wates has been appointed by This City, a housing development company owned by the Manchester City Council, to develop 128 new low carbon homes in the heart of Ancoats. Building work has started on site and the project aims to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing in the area. This City is bringing long-term brownfield land at Rodney Street back into use, allowing residents to walk, cycle and use nearby public transport to access local services and employment. The 128 new homes will be built with a low carbon footprint, incorporating eco-friendly design elements and energy-efficient technologies. Each of the town houses will include off-street parking with electric vehicle (EV) parking and private gardens to the rear. Seven disabled parking spaces within the development site will also each have an EV charging point. The Mobility Hub is a new concept in urban design, which centralises car parking for multiple new developments, minimising on-site parking (other than disabled parking) and reduces traffic across the local area. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director for Construction North at Wates, said: “Rodney Street represents a pioneering shift in development approach for Manchester City Council and we’re proud to support them in their ambitions. We’ve worked closely with our project partners and the Council since the scheme’s inception to carefully plan out how we can ensure Rodney Street delivers its sustainability goals, as well as provides lasting benefit to the wider Ancoats community through Social Value initiatives. “We have a long history working with councils across the North and beyond on similar residential schemes and the positive impact that considered, sustainable provision of new affordable homes has on an area cannot be underplayed. I applaud Manchester City Council and This City for bringing this development to life and now we’re underway with construction, I and all our teams, look forward to delivering the next milestone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This weekend, award-winning estate agency and property group, Beresfords, is launching Hanningfield Park in Chelmsford, one of the UK’s most innovative sustainable new housing developments, comprising ninety two 2 3,4, 5 and 6-bedroom homes – with prices starting from £435,000. Nestled among the mature landscape surrounding Hanningfield nature reserve, Hanningfield Park boasts an all-electric set-up eliminating carbon emissions and creating long term sustainability solutions giving homeowners the ability to spend as little as *£296 a year on energy bills, a saving of 88% compared to conventional gas households. The all-electric technological advancements include rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps, EV charging and battery storage, provided by leading brands including Trina Solar, JA Solar and Samsung. To further maximise cost savings, homeowners will also have the option to use the GivEnergy app, which will allow them to easily manage their energy usage from the moment they move in. While sustainability is at the forefront of the development, quality design and luxury living remain high on the agenda. Internally, all of the homes feature bespoke contemporary kitchen and bathroom design with underfloor heating installed across all floors. Externally, plot size at Hanningfield Park is exceptionally apportioned, garden space is bountiful and an additional four acres of green space will soon offer homeowners a place for recreation, mindfulness and community living. Aaron Breakwell, Director of New Homes at Beresfords, said: “Hanningfield Park is one of the most innovative developments in the country right now and we’re delighted to be involved, working with Randall Watts Construction, to attract like-minded people who care about their impact on the planet and want to immerse themselves in natural surroundings. “The site strikes the perfect balance between city and rural life. While London is only a 35-minute train journey away, forest walks and the nature reserve sit right on your doorstep.” Dan Jones of Randall Watts Construction, said: “This development began life as a beautiful offering of new homes in an enviable location, but we quickly saw an opportunity to create even more than that with a collection of technologically advanced sustainable homes that will positively change the way people live. “Interest from the community has been incredibly positive and we’ve had tremendous support from both the local council and our installation providers, including The Green Shield Group, who have expertly guided us every step of the way in our sustainability endeavours for Hanningfield Park.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat has announced it has become the latest strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands. Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites and to increase their housebuilding by 50% across the West Midlands. As a strategic partner, Keepmoat will build a range of homes across different tenure types in the West Midlands, creating hundreds of new jobs for local people and generating at least 250 new apprenticeships. At least 70% of the workforce needed to deliver the homes will be employed from within a 30-mile radius, while building supplies and materials will be purchased from West Midlands-based businesses wherever possible. The memorandum of understanding between Keepmoat and WMCA also supports the Combined Authority’s wider aim of creating a fairer, greener and more prosperous West Midlands. In March, a ground-breaking Deeper Devolution Deal was secured between WMCA and Central Government, giving WMCA wide-ranging new powers and additional funding in excess of £1.5bn to level up the West Midlands. Charlotte Goode, Divisional Chair for Keepmoat West Midlands & East Midlands, commented: “We are delighted that we have been named as a strategic partner of the WMCA and that our work in the region continues to go from strength to strength. As part of our development work with WMCA, we’re already building a minimum of 1,000 new homes at price points that are accessible to people including first-time buyers. “Building sustainable communities is also a core value at Keepmoat. Working as a strategic partner of WMCA, we are actively pursuing net zero carbon developments, with schemes incorporating climate adaptation measures that respond to the short and long-term impact of climate change. These zero carbon standards go above and beyond the 2025 Future Homes Standards and help contribute to WM2041.” Keepmoat’s £360m Spirit Quarters development has so far delivered 979 new homes, with 275 of these allocated for first-time buyers. Supported by WMCA’s £1 million investment of devolved funding, this scheme continues to transform the former Wood End estate in Coventry, putting regeneration and place-making at the heart of a local community. The homebuilder’s investment into the West Midlands will support the West Midlands target of delivering 215,000 new homes by 2031. In December last year, WMCA announced that the number of new homes being built in the region had surpassed pre-Covid levels, with 16,730 new additional homes delivered in the 12 months to March 2022 – 203 more than in the year up to March 2020. The latest Strategic Partner MoU also bolsters the West Midlands’ Plan for Growth – a roadmap to develop eight specific industrial clusters where the region already has a competitive advantage. Manufacturing of future housing is one of the West Midlands clusters, reflecting the expertise arising from millions of pounds of public investment in brownfield regeneration across the region, which is also home to the National Brownfield Institute in Wolverhampton. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “The West Midlands has been incredibly successful in recent years at regenerating old brownfield sites to build new, affordable homes – so much so that we are currently on track to meet our ambitious 2031 housing target. “However now is the time to double down on our success – not ease off – and so I am delighted we have been able to sign this deal with Keepmoat that will see even more homes, jobs, and investment come to the region. “Working together with Keepmoat we will breathe life into derelict brownfield sites, helping to protect our precious greenbelt while providing affordable, energy efficient, good quality homes and jobs for local people.” Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for housing and land and leader of Solihull Council, added: “Keepmoat is the latest Strategic Partner who we have signed an MoU with – progressive developers and investors who share our vision of a more sustainable West Midlands where people have the opportunity of a decent job and a good quality, affordable home. “The commitment to use derelict industrial sites for eco-friendly, energy efficient housing is exactly the sort of future-looking approach our region needs. Not only does this help protect our precious greenbelt while creating high quality and sustainable communities, it also boosts the local economy and supports the wellbeing of residents.” WMCA was founded in 2016 and is made up of 17 local councils to deliver an ambitious plan to drive inclusive economic growth across the West Midlands. Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70% of its current developments are on brownfield sites and over 70% of its customers are first-time buyers. In the last survey year, Keepmoat achieved HBF five star builder status, receiving a rating of at least 90% in the National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Granite and quartz kitchen worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has launched a brand-new consumer brand, Roann at Home, to offer their award-winning kitchen worktops, at the best price, to homes across the UK. Roann Limited has experienced significant growth in recent years and in 2022, reported record-breaking revenue and an annual sales figure totalling over £8.3 million. This business growth, partnered with increased demand and consumer interest, created an opening in the market, thus the launch of Roann at Home. This new brand will allow Roann Limited’s commercial sales team to focus strictly on high volume projects with developers and housebuilders, whilst passing the B2C enquiries over to a dedicated team at Roann at Home. Roann at Home will benefit from Roann Limited’s 30 plus years’ experience in manufacturing, supplying, and installing high-quality granite and quartz worktops. With plans in place to grow the product offering, Roann at Home is starting by offering the Silestone DHX range, which offers a wide range of colours and price points, to suit every budget. The range is categorised into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, to allow options for everyone. For the first six months, Roann at Home is projected to turnover £30k per month in sales and after this initial period, turnover will be revisited and new goals set. Scott Wharton, Operations & Technical Director, comments “This has been a long time coming and we’re thrilled to launch Roann at Home. We have had a lot of consumer interest and enquiries, especially over the past year, as Roann Limited continued to grow – so we’re delighted to finally see the brand come together. We’re excited for the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mitsui Fudosan and Stanhope, as development manager, announce that they have confirmed the appointment of Multiplex as the construction manager for two residential blocks of 345 apartments as part of the second phase of the redevelopment of Television Centre. This announcement demonstrates both the success of the first phase of Television Centre and the developers’ continued confidence in White City and the London market. Enabling works and site preparation will commence in Q3 2023 for 345 luxury apartments in two separate plots designed by Stirling prize-winning architectural practices dRMM and AHMM, following the masterplan established by lead architects AHMM. Main construction is due to commence in 2024. The start of these works anticipates the completion of the masterplan and will further open up the site to local residents, visitors and workers by the creation of a second entrance on Wood Lane and pedestrian connection through to Hammersmith Park via interlinking urban streets. These new buildings are designed to be distinctive and have a character of their own, complementing each other and the buildings established across the wider estate. Jonathan Trout, Property & Commercial Director at Stanhope, said: “We are delighted to be working with Multiplex for the development of 345 new homes on this iconic site which we expect to complete by 2026. The start of phase 2 demonstrates the commitment of Stanhope and Mitsui Fudosan to the delivery of much needed new housing, including affordable, in Hammersmith & Fulham and our long-term commitment to the area.” Tomoo Nakamura, Chief Executive, Mitsui Fudosan, UK said: “We are delighted to announce our appointment of Multiplex and we look forward to working with them to bring forward the procurement of phase 2. As the sole owners of phase 2 we are also delighted to be able to continue to collaborate with Stanhope as development manager for the delivery of 345 new apartments. We have already completed over half a million square feet of office space as well as more than 430 homes on the Television Centre site. We remain focused on ensuring that this development continues to be delivered to the highest standards while we continue to explore other investment opportunities in London.” Topping out has recently been completed on 142 new affordable homes for Peabody in two new buildings called Macfarlane Place at Television Centre, with delivery expected in early 2024. Designed by Maccreanor Lavington Architects, the new buildings will replace the now demolished former BBC multi-storey car park on Wood Lane, W12, opposite Westfield. 1 Wood Crescent has recently completed and is let to PVH with Calvin Klein, Van Heusen and TOMMY HILFIGER undertaking fit out works. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Later living provider Inspired Villages has acquired a 27-acre site in Edenbridge, Kent. The deal is part of a joint venture with NatWest Pension Group Fund and Legal & General. The site has planning permission for 184,000 square feet of accommodation including a 100-unit Integrated Retirement Community. Inspired will now seek to amend current permission to include additional facilities such as a restaurant and wellness suite. The site is a former golf course situated just outside Edenbridge, and is a 15-minute walk from the town centre. Commenting on the acquisition Neal Dale, Chief Development & Property Officer for Inspired Villages said: “We welcome the addition of Edenbridge to our portfolio of sites and are excited by its potential in a popular and thriving location for us. “We are keen to start progressing plans for the village here whilst raising awareness and gaining support from the local community. The provision of this type of age-appropriate accommodation is of wider benefit as it naturally frees up housing stock throughout every element of the property ladder. “The sense of holistic wellbeing and community we seek to create within our villages also proves beneficial to the surrounding areas where we are currently operating. Our Inspired Friendships programme is already well-established in Kent and seeks to reduce loneliness and isolation of those not just living with a village, but the wider community also. “Edenbridge is part of our wider business vision to open 34 sites as we embark on a mission to become the leading retirement community operator in the UK, with communities that are flourishing and residents living the best years of their lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
