Housing

South Seaham Garden Village to start Construction this summer

South Seaham Garden Village has taken a huge step forward with landowner Tolent completing the land sale to a trio of developers including Karbon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes. The completion of the deal means construction of the project, which was awarded garden village status back in 2019, can

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Regenerated site ready for two new communities

As part of two major regeneration projects, leading housebuilder Harron Homes has commenced construction of nearly 300 new homes on recently acquired land in Doncaster and Harworth. Both sites are the product of extensive investment schemes led by Harworth Group PLC, one of the UK’s leading land and property regeneration

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INDUSTRY SURVEY SPARKS NET ZERO CALL TO ACTION AT FUTUREBUILD LAUNCH

An industrywide survey has revealed low carbon composition and greater sustainability were the key factors for customers when specifying building products.   The poll, which garnered responses from nearly 400 representatives from across the construction sector, was created to coincide with the launch of Futurebuild 2023.   The responses were

Read More »

Jargon busting the new-build homebuying process

Warwick Estates has created a jargon-busting guide to the complex and often confusing vocabulary and language used when marketing and selling new-build homes in the hope of giving buyers more confidence and knowledge while navigating their purchase.  While there are some pieces of new-build jargon that most people will be

Read More »

GREEN LIGHT FOR 2000 NEW LEEDS HOMES

Planning Consent For Leeds Urban Extension White Laithe Developments Ltd, as part of a consortium of landowners, has secured planning consent from Leeds City Council to transform land at Whinmoor into a residential-led sustainable urban extension with 2000 homes, which could facilitate significant job creation. Approval has been granted for

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Higgins renews place on Notting Hill Genesis framework

With a successful partnership of delivering high quality estate regeneration projects, Higgins has renewed its place as one of the preferred developers on Notting Hill Genesis’ Development Contractors Framework.  The framework, which will run for the next four years, will support the delivery of a variety of vibrant mixed-tenure and

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Housing

South Seaham Garden Village to start Construction this summer

South Seaham Garden Village has taken a huge step forward with landowner Tolent completing the land sale to a trio of developers including Karbon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes. The completion of the deal means construction of the project, which was awarded garden village status back in 2019, can now progress. Infrastructure works linking the development to the nearby A182 are due to start this summer with the first phases of housing commencing early in 2023. The development will bring 1,500 new homes to the area. 750 homes will be developed for private market sale by Miller Homes and Taylor Wimpey, with the remaining 750 homes to be of mixed tenure including rent to buy, shared ownership and affordable rent options. It is hoped that a proportion of the affordable homes will be designed to meet the emerging net-zero standards providing lower operational costs for residents as well as minimising the environmental impact of the development. Paul Webster, CEO at Tolent said: “South Seaham Garden Village will provide a diverse mix of homes providing a vibrant community on the outskirts of Seaham. The site has been owned by Tolent for a number of years and we have been working in partnership with Durham County Council to create an ambitious garden village that will provide innovation in the local housing market. “Approximately half of the development will be managed green space including play areas and a grassed playing pitch lined by a network of over three miles of landscaped paths and cycleways which coupled with its coastal setting make it an idyllic location.” Tolent will remain engaged in the project following the sale of the land and has entered into a construction partnership with Karbon Homes to deliver their share of the properties supporting local housing delivery over the next decade. Sarah Robson, Director of Development and Regeneration at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have bought our share of the land at South Seaham Garden Village and are looking forward to bringing 750 much-needed, affordable homes to the area. This is the largest development we have embarked on to date and we’re excited to be playing a part in bringing this vibrant new community to County Durham.” In addition to the planned housing, the project includes a new village centre, which will include the delivery of a two-form entry primary school and a range of community facilities. Russ Hall, Managing Director of Taylor Wimpey North East, said “We are pleased to continue our investment in the North East and the South Seaham Garden Village project is a result of considerable hard work to date that will be evident on the ground soon. We are excited to be part of the delivery of another major development in the North East and the delivery of a new garden village community” Patrick Arkle, Managing Director, North East at Miller Homes said: “This is a key location for us in the region, Seaham has transformed over the years into a popular beachfront destination and an up-and-coming place to live. As a team we’re excited about South Seaham Garden Village, the scale of the site presents lots of opportunities and we believe it will become a flagship development offering an excellent range of much-needed three, four and five-bed homes.” The site is set to be a testbed for future technologies with a range of modern methods of construction planned for use with the potential for off-site panellised solutions and a range of alternative building methodologies currently being considered.

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Godwin signs forward funding deal with CBRE Investment Management for Milton Keynes development

Work already underway for first major residential scheme of affordable homes in central Bletchley UK property developer Godwin Developments has agreed a forward funding deal with CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) – a fund managed by CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) to deliver 184 affordable homes in central Bletchley, Milton Keynes. The four-acre scheme, named Bletchley View, will provide a mix of affordable and shared ownership properties, a combination of one and two bed flats as well as 12 three-bedroom houses. CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) invests in affordable housing with the aim to have a significant social impact across the United Kingdom. Bletchley View will cater to the growing demand for affordable homes in the area, especially from young people and families, seeking quality housing within commuting distance to employment opportunities. It will consist of two six and five-storey buildings, a row of townhouses as well as commercial spaces for the benefit of residents and the neighboring communities. Aligning with the sustainability ambitions of AHF and Godwin, air source heat pumps for hot water and a mechanical ventilated heat recovery system will be installed. The scheme is also located close to a train and bus station to help promote the use of public transport. Stuart Pratt, Founder and Director at Godwin Developments said: “With its proximity to Milton Keynes, the UK’s newest and fastest growing city, Bletchley has significant potential to become a modern thriving urban destination as outlined in the plans for its regeneration. “We are therefore thrilled to have partnered with CBRE IM in delivering the first major new residential scheme in the area which will ensure local and new residents have access to a range of quality affordable homes. This scheme aligns perfectly with our strategy for developing a range of residential opportunities across key growth locations nationwide.” Andrew Davey, Head of Liability Aware Strategies at CBRE Investment Management commented: “We are particularly proud of our partnership with Godwin as it demonstrates the commitment we have to providing affordable homes where they are needed most. Our business plan proactively manages the scheme by setting rent levels and shared ownership prices to meet the specific affordability requirements of the local population. “We look forward to working with all our partners on this development and are excited to be delivering affordable, sustainable homes to the community of Bletchley.” Part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment plans for the Buckinghamshire town, famous for its role in World War II code breaking, Bletchley View will also support ambitious local plans for delivering more homes, wider infrastructure upgrades and amenities to the area. Located adjacent to Bletchley station, with connections to London and across Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire as a part of East West Rail, the scheme will be close to a range of existing amenities, with more to be delivered soon as a part of the metropolitan hub. When completed and fully occupied, it will sustain a diverse range of local shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, niche retail and SMEs which are expected to make Central Bletchley a destination in its own right. National business Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on the scheme with work on site already underway and expected to complete in Q2 2024. Godwin was advised by agents CBRE and lawyers Hamlins. Simply Planning were the planning consultant. Advisors to CBRE Investment Management were Penningtons and CS2. Godwin Developments has a fast-growing nationwide portfolio, including nearly 3,000 residential units nationwide some of which are set to begin construction in the second half of 2022. The business operates across the BTR sector covering both multifamily and single-family housing as well as affordable homes with a number of residential developments covering Nottingham, Doncaster, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes and Derby, and many more in the pipeline. The company’s commercial and industrial divisions work includes recent developments in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline.

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Regenerated site ready for two new communities

As part of two major regeneration projects, leading housebuilder Harron Homes has commenced construction of nearly 300 new homes on recently acquired land in Doncaster and Harworth. Both sites are the product of extensive investment schemes led by Harworth Group PLC, one of the UK’s leading land and property regeneration companies. Simpson Park Street Scene Plots 54-57-min… Harron Homes previously worked with Harworth Group at its Thoresby Vale site in Edwinstowe, where Harron has built 143 homes surrounded by beautiful views of Sherwood Forest. As two of the largest sites in Harworth Group’s portfolio, both Simpson Park and Riverdale Park look set to provide valuable opportunities for retail, residential, commercial, employment, leisure and green infrastructure developments. Simpson Park is located on the former Harworth Colliery site in Harworth, Nottinghamshire, where the coal mine operated for over 80 years, before being decommissioned in 2002 and demolished in 2016. The name of the site was chosen to respectfully commemorate the world-famous cyclist, Tom Simpson. Local to the area, Tom Simpson was a champion cyclist who sadly died ascending Mont Ventouz during the 1967 Tour de France. Harron Homes’ area of the development constitutes 13 acres, where they have commenced building 132 of their high-specification properties. There are plans for a nearby primary school to be extended to serve the development, and other amenities will be available on site, such as a family public-house and restaurant and extensive green public open spaces. Within 30 minutes driving distance of Worksop and Doncaster, the area is approximately a mile north of Junction 34 of the A1(M), providing access to the larger motorway network. Riverdale Park, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has been regenerated from the old McCormick tractor factory site. Harron Homes has acquired the plot adjacent to the riverside, where 139 new homes are being positioned along river frontage ideal for delightful waterside living. The area has great commuter access to the M1, A1 and M18 and is under an hour away from Leeds and Rotherham. The development will also benefit from the proposed commercial infrastructure, several amenities of which have already been built. Nick Hague, Land Director of Harron Homes, says: “On these two new sites we are creating a host of new homes in really idyllic locations rich with cultural history. We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with Harworth Group in the past and are excited to be working with them again. The regeneration schemes they’re known for really boost these areas and pave the way for new, vibrant communities to be established. We’re very satisfied with the work we’ve done so far and look forward to developing these two popular housing locations.” Ed Catchpole, Regional Director for Yorkshire & Central at Harworth, says: “Harron Homes is a valued and trusted partner of Harworth, with a track record of high-quality housebuilding. We are delighted to be working with them again at Simpson Park and Riverdale Park, where they will help us to create vibrant and sustainable communities where people want to live and work.” For more information on Harron Homes please visit www.harronhomes.com.

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Brownfield land development alone will not solve national housing emergency – LPDF report

Building new homes on brownfield land is not the solution to the national housing emergency even if significant government support is forthcoming, claims a report published today by the Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF). According to the Banking on Brownfield report even if every site on council brownfield registers was to be built out in full, brownfield land capacity only equates to just under a third (31%) of the 4.5 million new homes needed over the next 15 years. Undertaken on behalf of the LPDF by planning and development consultancy Lichfields, Banking on Brownfield asks if previously developed land can supply enough homes, of the right type, where they are needed. The answer is a resounding no. The analysis comes in response to the Levelling Up White Paper, 2021 Conservative Party Conference speeches and the £1.5 billion Brownfield housing fund which have all suggested brownfield land as the solution to meeting the country’s housing needs. The report shows: 1.4 million estimated net housing capacity on listed sites in Brownfield Registers (after 58,000 are deducted due to double counting). 23,500 individual site entries on Brownfield Registers (after 1,000 are deducted due to double counting). 31% net brownfield capacity as a proportion of the amount of housing needed over the next 15 years. 48% of potential homes on Brownfield Registers are estimated to be flats, compared with 17% of households likely to live in flats. 1 to 27 – the ratio of one new brownfield house (as opposed to flats) to every 27 households likely to live in houses. 57% of brownfield capacity outside the Greater South-East (GSE) is within the two least viable quintiles (20%) of LPA areas (compared with less than 3% of those in GSE). 68% of the Housing Market Areas (HMAs) with more brownfield capacity (relative to their housing need) are already more affordable than average. There were 132,000 net housing additions built in England in 2001 when ‘brownfield first’ was the dominant national housing supply policy objective (compared with 234,000 p.a. on average over the last three years). According to thereport, brownfield registers suggest that 81% of new homes that could be delivered in 19 urban authorities with uplifted housing requirements will be at apartment densities, rather than family houses. The research also highlights the viability challenges in these areas, assigning 15 out of 19 uplifted authorities to higher viability risk profiles which will also undoubtedly contribute towards their limited delivery of affordable homes. LPDF chairman Paul Brocklehurst said: “If the Government wants to meet its target of building 300,000 homes each year, no source of land can be ‘off the table’. Our analysis in this report shows that there is simply not enough brownfield land in any part of the country to meet housing needs alone. “The re-orientation of housing policy, and Homes England efforts towards brownfield regeneration, may help support the conditions where viable and developable land can come forward, but many of these sites will also require grants to unlock them, at greater expense to the taxpayer. Even with this policy support, greenfield land development will still be needed in every region, to meet current housing need.” He added: “The competition for urban land is ever present, markedly between economic and residential uses. Our research finds the opportunity cost of prioritising brownfield land for housing rather than employment is significant in pricing out industrial and office development to potentially sub-optimal locations.” Matthew Spry, senior director and head of Lichfield’s London office said: “Lichfields is delighted to partner again with the LPDF on this topical research. Our analysis shows that even if all identified brownfield land could be viably developed, we are a long way from being able to rely on it as the supply-side solution to the housing crisis. “And in reality, this theoretical capacity cannot all be delivered: much capacity is tied up in complex estate regeneration projects, or is best suited for continued industrial use, or includes contaminated land, or is in areas where development won’t be viable. Many brownfield sites are also earmarked for apartments, when the overwhelming demand is for houses with gardens. “While brownfield land will form an important part of the mix, the experience of the late 1990s tells us that banking on brownfield will lead to a sharp fall in new house building and undersupply in every region. Local planning authorities should plan positively for brownfield development but accompany this with a realistic supply of land of all types, capable of delivering the right type of homes, and where and when they are most needed.” The report says the current Brownfield Registers have significant shortcomings when evaluating the quantum of developable land overall. This makes them an unreliable basis for policy makers to decide on the number of homes that can be built in different areas. It states: “Significant work is needed on improving data quality if it is to withstand the evidential burden that will be placed upon it if the Government chooses to make brownfield land availability a key part of its new planning reform agenda. A modest assessment of the Brownfield Register finds significant numbers of duplicate records. Our simple test for duplicates removed around 1,000 sites accounting for 58,000 homes.” The research complements another recently published report by the LPDF – An affordable housing emergency: the national failure to provide the homes we need (read full report here). It found that the Government must urgently introduce new policies to end the scandalous shortage of new affordable homes being developed if it wants to tackle the national housing emergency. Both the Affordable Housing Emergency and the Banking on Brownfield Land reports by the LPDF highlight the serious lack of supply of new social homes and how focusing development on brownfield sites in less viable locations across the country is likely to lead to reduced levels of affordable housing provision, further exacerbating the affordable housing emergency. Paul Brocklehurst added: “The Government’s proposals to widen Right to Buy to housing association properties will make

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INDUSTRY SURVEY SPARKS NET ZERO CALL TO ACTION AT FUTUREBUILD LAUNCH

An industrywide survey has revealed low carbon composition and greater sustainability were the key factors for customers when specifying building products.   The poll, which garnered responses from nearly 400 representatives from across the construction sector, was created to coincide with the launch of Futurebuild 2023.   The responses were among discussion points at an exclusive industry event, ‘Role of Specification in Meeting Net Zero’, which was held at the EDGE Showroom in London to promote next year’s Futurebuild – the premier showcase for product innovation in the construction industry. Designed to gain insights into people’s appetite for innovation in the building sector, the survey showed most respondents (61.5%) believed ‘resistance to switch from traditional technologies,’ was the main barrier to developing smarter, cleaner working practices. Martin Hurn, Futurebuild’s Event Director and host of the launch event that included presentations from a panel of building industry experts, said: “From my point of view, the take away from this fantastic event was the need for the building supply chain to come together and take a stand for a better built environment. The time for road maps is over. We need to take action now to really drive the built environment towards the government’s net zero goal.” Speakers at the Futurebuild launch event included Dr Gavin Dunn, CABE CEO and chair for Future Homes Standards; Dr Oliver Jones, Research Director, Ryder Architecture; Chaline Church, Founding Partner for 540 World; and Duncan Baker-Brown, Director at Baker-Brown Studio. The expert panel fielded questions from a host of specially-invited attendees from across the building sector. The findings from Futurebuild’s innovation survey proved a key discussion point, along with issues such as the Future Homes Standard, building material reuse and the circular economy.Poll respondents included input from senior architects, local government employees, housebuilders, manufacturers and contractors. Other results revealed most respondents (60%) were actively sourcing new innovations in renewables such as solar PV panels, heat pumps and biomass heating systems, as a way of achieving greater sustainability. In terms of developing clean technologies, 67% of respondents felt that government support was necessary to the process. By way of a conclusion to the panel’s discussion, it was agreed that better engagement between manufacturers, architects and specifiers was key to innovating products that led to a more sustainable built environment. “We’re all on a journey to achieving the government’s net zero goal by 2050,” Martin Hurn continued. “I believe forums, such as the one we provided for industry delegates are a vital part of that journey. The solutions exist within the supply chain to create a better built environment. It’s now about giving those innovative brands the platform to really showcase their products, solutions and innovations. Futurebuild 2023 will be that platform.”   To download Futurebuild’s ‘Barriers of Specifying Innovation’ survey and view the full results, click here

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Jargon busting the new-build homebuying process

Warwick Estates has created a jargon-busting guide to the complex and often confusing vocabulary and language used when marketing and selling new-build homes in the hope of giving buyers more confidence and knowledge while navigating their purchase.  While there are some pieces of new-build jargon that most people will be aware of and understand, such as Showhouse and Freehold/Leasehold, there are others that are less familiar albeit no less important. Understanding their meaning will make the process of buying a new-build home much easier and less stressful. Off-plan If you’re buying off-plan, it means you’re buying a new-build home that has not yet been built, so you’re literally buying it based on the plans and blueprints alone. You will usually be shown a show house so you have a good idea of what your property will eventually look like.  Reservation fee To secure a new-build home, even off-plan, you have to pay a reservation fee so that nobody else can buy it while you get your finances in order to pay the deposit. This fee will be paid back to you when you pay your deposit.  Deposit Just like with any house purchase, the deposit is how much money you have to pay at the point of exchanging contracts. The rest of the money is then paid through a mortgage.  Schedule of works Before the building process even starts, you might be able to request a schedule of works from the developer. It will tell you all of the details about the building process, including timelines and who is responsible for each stage. Anticipate legal completion date (ALCD) This is the date that the developer anticipates the building will be completely finished. First fix Refers to the first stage of construction, usually the structural element of the build before plastering and decoration takes place.  Second fix Second fix is when all plastering or plaster boarding is complete, appliances have been installed and connected, plumbing is complete, and things like skirting boards, doors, baths, and sinks have been installed.  Shortstop / Longstop date Two important dates along the new-build timeline. The shortstop date is an estimate of when the developer hopes to finish the build. The longstop date is when the developer must finish the build.  Completion on notice As a buyer, completion on notice means the building is fully completed and you have ten days to complete your purchase, pay the money you owe (including legal fees), get your keys, and move in.  Defect liability period When you move in, the developer is liable for any defects or problems with the building for a set period of time. This is called the defect liability period and will be detailed in the smallprint of your contract.  Ground rent (England and Wales only) If you’re buying the property on a leasehold contract, you will likely have to pay annual ground rent to the freeholder. Snagging This is the process of identifying and fixing minor issues with the new-build property, such as poor door hanging, shoddy painting or plastering, and poorly fitted windows. The developer will be liable to fix these issues for a set period of time after purchase. Aftercare Some new-build developers offer aftercare which means you can call them for help with any problems you have with the property. Alternatively, the developer will put you in contact with an external aftercare provider. Some developers offer no aftercare at all. 

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Council lays first brick in England’s largest first time buyer-only housing scheme

The new Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest, Ahsan Khan, lay the ceremonial brick at affordable housing developer Pocket Living’s Osier Way scheme in Leyton. Joined by Leyton Ward Councillor Rhiannon Elgin and Pocket’s Chief Commercial Officer Nick Cuff, the ceremony marked an important milestone for the area and prospective first-time buyers residing and working in the borough. Once Osier Way completes, the London Borough of Waltham Forest will have delivered the highest number of Pocket homes, compared to any other borough across London. Totalling 331 homes, this reiterates the council’s ambitions and commitment to delivering housing for the next generation of homeowners. With the median age of residents within the borough standing at 35 years, (compared to 401 across England), the need for entry level homes has never been greater. Osier Way represents one of Pocket’s most ambitious projects in its 17-year history, as well as being England’s largest scheme dedicated only to first-time buyers. Scheduled for completion in summer 2023, the development will provide 196 new homes, including 148 one-bedroom, 41 two-bedroom and 7 three-bedroom Pocket homes; all of which will be exclusively available at a 20% discount to market value for first-time buyers who live or work within Waltham Forest. Located just a short walk from Leyton station, the car-free scheme, consisting of five blocks ranging from six to 13 storeys, will also include 900 square metres of light industrial space and a further 50 square metres of café space. To date, Pocket has delivered one scheme in Waltham Forest and has over 2,000 eligible first-time buyers who live or work in Waltham Forest interested in buying a Pocket home at Osier Way. Shortlisted for three design awards, Pocket’s Gainsford Road development highlighted the success of the Pocket model in Waltham Forest. Another 90-home scheme is also in construction at Forest Road in Walthamstow, which forms part of Pocket’s ambitious targets to deliver 550 homes across London in the next 18 months. Cllr Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, comments: “The Council is committed to doing whatever it can to help people in Waltham Forest onto the property ladder. The scale of Pocket Living’s ambition for the Osier Way scheme speaks to both to their ingenuity and the need for well designed, affordable homes for first-time buyers in the borough.”   Nick Cuff, Chief Commercial Officer at Pocket Living, adds: “As the cost of living continues to rise it has never been more difficult to own a home in London and so it is vital that we continue to deliver innovative housing solutions to unlock homeownership for the next generation of Londoners. As such, we are proud to be continuing our partnership with the London Borough of Waltham Forest to bring forward highly sought-after homes that will truly help local people onto the housing ladder.”

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GREEN LIGHT FOR 2000 NEW LEEDS HOMES

Planning Consent For Leeds Urban Extension White Laithe Developments Ltd, as part of a consortium of landowners, has secured planning consent from Leeds City Council to transform land at Whinmoor into a residential-led sustainable urban extension with 2000 homes, which could facilitate significant job creation. Approval has been granted for the creation of a new community including 2000 homes, a local centre, a primary school, public open space and part of the East Leeds Orbital Road. The circa 250 acre site comprises three adjacent parcels of land, off Coal Road and Skelton Lane, between the A58 Wetherby Road and the A64 York Road. The residential development, which will be the primary land use within the site, will incorporate a mix of market and affordable homes from two bedroom apartments to five bedroom townhouses. Leeds City Council is required to deliver 51,952 new dwellings between 2017 and 2033, with a target that 3,247 dwellings per year should be delivered. The land at Whinmoor will significantly assist in contributing to housing delivery as it will accommodate 2,000 units of the wider East Leeds Extension site, which has an allocated capacity of 3,771 homes. The new primary school will be a two-form entry school and the mixed-use local centre will provide a variety of retail, community and health uses as a focal point for the new community. The development will also provide the first phase of the East Leeds Orbital Road between the A58 Wetherby Road and the A64 York Road, connecting surrounding communities. Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments – one of the JV partners, said; “The planning consent has facilitated an entirely new extension of Leeds to bring about much-needed housing and associated community facilities as well as a vital new road connection. The development has the potential to deliver a multitude of economic and social benefits, including significant job creation, and we are pleased to have played a role in unlocking its potential.” John Carter, Director at Evans Property Group – a JV partner, commented; “Developments of this scale have the ability to ensure the long-term success of cities and we are delighted that this strategic site at Whinmoor will be brought to life as a vibrant mixed-use development with a community at its heart. Development of sites like this is crucial and we are looking forward to seeing the scheme progress.”

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Spectus Casement Windows and Doors Were Specified for a Flagship New Build Social House Development

Over 500 Spectus casement windows and 100 French doors were specified in a new £10m development of 75 new residential properties, providing a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes in Blackpool. Troutbeck Crescent on Mereside, sits in a prominent position which is visible from the main motorway connection when entering Blackpool. Formerly the site of 81 run down flats built in the 1960’s, the demolished site was secured for the development of the new social housing properties. The development of: • 19 one-bedroom apartments• 18 three-bedroom houses• 27 two-bedroom houses• 2 three-bedroom accessible properties• 9 two-bedroom accessible properties Had required over 500 windows to complete. The contract for the work was awarded to Spectus Approved Window Contractor Jade Windows, thanks to their exceptional track record of working on several prestigious commercial projects. Spectus Windows and Doors Meet the Commercial Requirements Spectus casement windows and French doors were specified for the project. All products were manufactured in Spectus’ Elite 70 bevelled system. The Elite 70 bevelled system has all the technical credentials for high-quality commercial applications. It can achieve a Window Energy Rating of Band A++ and U values as low as 0.8W/(m2K). In this project, the windows and doors were manufactured in anthracite grey to the external face with white internally to create the modern appearance of an aluminium window but at a more sympathetic price point. All products were manufactured to PAS24:2016 standard. The high-quality development also included the installation of several externally glazed ceramic glass panels by Jade Windows to provide a point of interest at an attractive pricing point. With over 500 windows and 100 French doors needing to be installed on a busy construction site, effective project management was essential. Jade Windows liaised with the project contractors and all trades on site to ensure fabrication and installation ran smoothly and on schedule. Initial site clearance began in September 2019 in preparation of construction on the 2.3-hectare site. The installation by Jade Windows took a total of twelve months with exacting standards and precision project management evidence at every level. Now the project is complete, Blackpool has a new flagship development of 75 high-quality, affordable homes. Ryan Fozard, Sales Manager at Jade Windows commented: “The new site has been completely transformed. The modern houses and flats boasting gardens, balconies, and car ports now provide a high standard of accommodation for residents and sits within an attractive environment that integrates with the surrounding area. We are delighted to have worked on this project and once again, the quality and reliability of the Spectus product range has delivered at every level. This is a flagship development for Blackpool and we are proud of the finished results.”

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Higgins renews place on Notting Hill Genesis framework

With a successful partnership of delivering high quality estate regeneration projects, Higgins has renewed its place as one of the preferred developers on Notting Hill Genesis’ Development Contractors Framework.  The framework, which will run for the next four years, will support the delivery of a variety of vibrant mixed-tenure and mixed-use schemes across its large development pipeline, which is made up of affordable and private homes for rent or sale, as well as commercial properties and a focus on creating thriving communities. Notting Hill Genesis plans to deliver 7000 new homes over the next five years, in the Greater London area.  Steve Leakey, Managing Director of Higgins Partnerships comments, “We already have a well-established partnership working with Notting Hill Genesis on projects including Peckham Place in Peckham, the recently completed Woolwich Reach in Newham and City Park West in Chelmsford. We are pleased to have secured our position on their development framework and look forward to working together to deliver more homes within sustainable communities. “This framework also gives us the opportunity to work with other registered housing providers operating within the Greater London area who already registered and have access to the framework.”  The developments will range from 50-unit urban infill sites to estate regeneration projects creating thousands of new homes. These will be delivered through various development models, including purchasing sites to develop themselves, working with the public sector and other developers in partnership or joint ventures and acquiring section 106 units from private developers.  For further information about Higgins Partnerships please visit www.higginspartnerships.co.uk

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