Plans have been submitted for the regeneration of Baltic Wharf in Totnes. The application for a new vision is to create a bespoke, high quality and sustainable mixed-use development, including improving the existing boatyard facilities, has been submitted by Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd – a joint venture between Acorn Property
Construction work has started on the Livv Homes first affordable housing scheme in Warrington, Cheshire. The £5.2 million Parkside Place development on Wilderspool Causeway is set to support local people onto the property ladder with 29 apartments for Rent to Buy. Located within a predominately residential area along Wilderspool Causeway,
A new public consultation has been launched on the development of the UK’s first purpose-built and co-produced majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range, south Manchester. Proposed by Great Places, the development is planned for the site of the former Spire Hospital in Russell Road, Whalley Range, which
Following the delivery of sanitation facilities earlier this year for Arena Church in Nottingham, Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson has transformed another disused space to help vulnerable city residents who need it most. As part of the company’s commitment to delivering social value in the region and building on its
Plans for 280 apartments to be built in the centre of Preston have been formally submitted to the City Council. The new building, consisting of 67 two-bedroom and 213 one-bedroom apartments, will replace some of the existing buildings within the development site at 127-131 Church Street. It will rise from
Relocating to the idyllic Devonshire countryside, to a small rural village surrounded by spectacular views is a dream for many. For John Greatwood and his family, it’s now reality. John and his wife Phillipa lived and worked in Carshalton in South London with their four-year-old twins, Finley and Imogen. When
Construction work is continuing on hundreds of new homes and community facilities at Holloway Park, on the site of the former Holloway Prison in Islington. Peabody and its partners, including the Greater London Authority, the London Borough of Islington and London Square, gathered at the historic site on to see
Rotherham Council recently celebrated an important milestone towards achieving its aim to provide more affordable housing to the area. The completion of 12 homes at Harron Homes’ The Paddocks development in Wickersley marked the 500th home built and was celebrated by an event hosted at the development. Harron successfully put forward
Known for their durability, versatility and timeless beauty, quartz worktops offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for any residential development. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternative materials, the long-term benefits and the value added to any property make quartz worktops a
Thomas Sinden has been awarded an £18 million contract for the delivery of an ‘all-affordable-home project’ on behalf of not-for-profit housing association, Peabody. Thomas Sinden will transform the site of a former workhouse, infirmary and hospital dating back to 1746 into 62 sustainable and affordable new homes. Peabody generated more
Plans have been submitted for the regeneration of Baltic Wharf in Totnes. The application for a new vision is to create a bespoke, high quality and sustainable mixed-use development, including improving the existing boatyard facilities, has been submitted by Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd – a joint venture between Acorn Property Group and TQ9 Partnership LLP. Across a nine-hectare site at the southern end of the town of Totnes, the scheme – coined ‘Riverside at Baltic Wharf’ – will secure the future and ongoing viability of the boatyard, offer the potential for a major employment boost to the town and deliver much needed homes and care home. The scheme updates an extant planning permission from 2012 and builds on the first phase of development of 95 homes delivered by Bloor Homes in 2013. The updating from the original permission was required to replace the Retirement Village, which has proved impossible to deliver for over ten years, with a Care Home and respond to increased flood risk requirements with a raised walkway through the site. The delivery of the residential units will help to future-proof the boatyard by funding the new boatyard facilities and marine business space. In addition, Acorn will also provide a 25-year lease for the boatyard to ensure a sustainable and viable long-term future. The application has potential for significant uplift in employment and economic benefits from the site. It is estimated that the scheme will create around 350 full-time jobs with purpose-built employment areas in the boatyard, the care home, and office and café/restaurant facilities. In addition to providing 194 new homes, 31 of which are anticipated to be classed as affordable in the first phase, a 55-bed care home is included in the application, in line with the previous consented scheme and allocation. The number of dwellings is similar to the numbers in outline application with residential dwellings replacing the retirement village dwellings. This is in line with the Local Plan which was wholly based on the approved outline scheme. Sustainability sits at the heart of the application for the redevelopment of this underutilised brownfield site. This is due to the proximity to the town as well as measures including a ‘fabric first’ policy, electricity replacing gas and a transport policy promoting alternative transport measures and limiting the number of cars and also including solar panels and EV charging points. Ed Lewis, regional director at Acorn Property Group and on behalf of Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd, commented: “Since we began preparing the proposals for this application in 2020, we have undertaken a significant consultation programme with the District and Local Council, other stakeholder organisations and with the public. “We have listened to the thoughts and views of local people and considered the future needs of the town. As a result, we believe this application sets out a scheme which meets these needs, delivers a viable regeneration project compatible with the Local Plan. “We believe that this scheme sets out a positive vision for the future, for the local people and local businesses. Crucially, it will help to secure a sustainable future for the boatyard, an important local employment site in need of modernisation and regeneration.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work has started on the Livv Homes first affordable housing scheme in Warrington, Cheshire. The £5.2 million Parkside Place development on Wilderspool Causeway is set to support local people onto the property ladder with 29 apartments for Rent to Buy. Located within a predominately residential area along Wilderspool Causeway, the five-storey contemporary apartment block will comprise 21 one-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedroom apartments. There will also be 32 parking spaces, associated landscaping, cycle and refuse storage. Livv has secured grant funding from Homes England to support the delivery of the scheme in Warrington. Northwest construction company, PGS Projects, has been appointed principal contractor. Yvonne Westhead-Fyles, Director of Development, Growth and Sales at Livv Housing Group, said: “We’re excited to be bringing Parkside Place to Warrington – our first development in the area. With house prices in Warrington averaging over £250,000 and the town experiencing significant population growth, many first-time buyers are finding it difficult to get onto the property ladder. “Parkside Place will bring high quality and affordable new homes to meet local housing need, enhancing the sustainability of the neighbourhood and community, whilst providing a pathway to home ownership through Rent to Buy. “We’re aiming to provide 1,000 new homes over the next three years across the Liverpool City Region, Warrington and West Lancashire. We’re building in places where we can make the greatest impact and Parkside Place will contribute to creating a thriving community, whilst establishing our presence in Warrington. We’re delighted to be here.” The scheme is utilising Modern Methods of Construction, such as structural insulated panels (SIPS). Graeme Spencer, Managing Director at PGS, commented: “Building new homes is essential to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in the UK and we are thrilled to be working with Livv on Parkside Place. “At the heart of our new construction project is a commitment to sustainability. We are using the latest technology and materials to ensure that our homes are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. “We are proud to be part of this exciting project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the community. Working in partnership with Livv, together we are creating a better future for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new public consultation has been launched on the development of the UK’s first purpose-built and co-produced majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range, south Manchester. Proposed by Great Places, the development is planned for the site of the former Spire Hospital in Russell Road, Whalley Range, which was demolished in 2019 and the brownfield site has since remained vacant. The proposals for the majority Extra Care housing scheme have been developed with the input of the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation. The planned scheme will deliver 80 one- and two-bedroom social rented apartments for older people in a brick building of four to five storeys. The low-carbon scheme will include shared facilities, lounges and treatment rooms and landscaped gardens which will look to ensure an overall net gain of trees on the site. Extra Care housing developments look to increase the affordable housing opportunities for older people to move into high quality accommodation, with flexible care and support services available to meet changing needs encouraging independent living. The residents will be required to be aged 55 years or over, with the majority of residents being members of the LGBTQ+ community from Manchester. Living alongside allies and other members of the local community, the aim is to provide an open and inclusive, physical and psychological place of safety for the older LGBTQ+ community and a welcome addition to the Whalley Range area. The site will also include a neighbouring separate shared ownership block consisting of around 40 apartments, a mix of 1 and 2 bed apartments, delivering affordable homes to first time buyers and eligible customers, helping to address emerging affordability issues in places such as Whalley Range. Residents will be able to see the plans and give their views at public consultation meetings at the site on Russell Road on Friday 12 January 2-8pm and Saturday 13 January from 12-2pm. Members of the local community will also be able to provide their views online by visiting https://ourvoice.greatplaces.org.uk/russell-road-your-views or by contacting Chris.Baldwin@greatplaces.org.uk by 8 March. Commenting on the launch of the consultation Helen Spencer, our Executive Director of Growth, said: “We are delighted to launch our public consultation for this exciting and innovative project, which aims to create the UK’s first purpose-built and co-produced LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range. “Russell Road will provide high-quality, affordable, and inclusive homes for older people who identify as LGBT+ or allies, as well as shared ownership opportunities for local residents. We believe this scheme will not only meet the specific needs and aspirations of the LGBT+ community, but also enhance the diversity and vibrancy of Whalley Range as a neighbourhood. “We look forward to hearing the views of the local community and working with our partners, Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation, to make this vision a reality.” Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “This is landmark development for Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community and there has been a lot of interest in this development already. We know there is a gap in the market for affordable housing for older people where care needs are met onsite – and where they can feel accepted and live with dignity. “Critical to this project has been the co-production process with our community steering group that have helped guide the design principles for these homes to ensure they meet the needs of future residents. “Now it’s the time to present the proposals to the wider community – and I’d urge as many people as possible to take a look and give us their thoughts. This feedback really does help ensure developments like this complement and enhance our neighbourhoods.” Paul Martin, CEO at LGBT Foundation, said: “LGBT Foundation is proud to have been involved in the development of the LGBT+ majority Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range since it was proposed some years ago. “The views of the local community are key to making this development a success and we encourage people to use their voice to help shape the future of this landmark project, to ensure it offers a safe and welcoming home for older LGBT+ people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the delivery of sanitation facilities earlier this year for Arena Church in Nottingham, Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson has transformed another disused space to help vulnerable city residents who need it most. As part of the company’s commitment to delivering social value in the region and building on its long-standing relationship with the church, the contractor has provided ventilation upgrades and enhancement works for the basement area of the central city shelter in Western Street, Hockley. The contractor partnered with Amptron Electrical Services to provide upgraded ventilation systems which allow mechanical air change movements, to help with the lack of natural air flow, due to the location within the building. The G F Tomlinson Client Care team also carried out redecoration works to the space. These enhancements have enabled the basement area to become a more comfortable space within the church, providing vulnerable Nottingham residents with shelter, sanitation facilities and hot refreshments. New bollards were also installed to car parking bays, enabling the church to rent out the spaces to local businesses in the city centre, providing much needed revenue for the shelter. A drone survey was also completed of the building’s roof, to assist Arena Church with assessing repair and maintenance needs. In February, G F Tomlinson worked with local sub-contractors alongside Pastor, Jono Kirk, from Arena Community, to convert previously unused space into a shower and washer / dryer facility for vulnerable Nottingham residents to use who lack access to basic sanitation facilities. This year, the contractor has provided a total of £67,782 worth of social value-added opportunities for Arena Church, and the vital additions will act as an extension of the church’s mission to ‘Go, Grow, Love and Serve’ in Nottingham City, with facilities and spaces on hand ready for the church’s ‘Care for a Coffee’ initiative, which launches early next year. ‘Care for a Coffee’ will provide warm, safe spaces for vulnerable people to get a weekly hot meal, with an option to clean and dry clothes and make the most of a ‘shower hour.’ Stephen Green, project manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to return to the Arena Church and to build on the great work we did previously, providing further necessary renovations to this community asset and provide help and facilities where most needed, especially in the wintertime. “As a company, we are strong advocates of the incredible work that Arena Church does for the local area, and it’s a privilege that the team have again been involved in further enhancing spaces to provide refuge for vulnerable people in Nottingham.” Jono Kirk, Pastor at Arena Church, said: “We’re very grateful for our relationship with G F Tomlinson and other subcontractors who have helped us on our journey to improve support services for city residents who need our help. Our community can now access vital facilities and safe, comfortable spaces which they wouldn’t have been had without the help of this partnership. Thank you to everyone involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for 280 apartments to be built in the centre of Preston have been formally submitted to the City Council. The new building, consisting of 67 two-bedroom and 213 one-bedroom apartments, will replace some of the existing buildings within the development site at 127-131 Church Street. It will rise from four storeys to a part-19 storey building with 337 sq.m of ground floor commercial accommodation provided in addition to residential amenity areas, landscaped courtyard and cycle storage. The historic 131 Church Street will be retained and refurbished and the scheme will boast an outdoor seating area in the new central public realm core. If approved the 19,257 sq.m apartments scheme in Preston is expected to start on site during Autumn 2024. Luke Averill, Managing Director of developer TAG, said: “Preston City Centre continues to look forward and we are delighted to have submitted this planning application. “We believe our project will contribute significantly to the long-term success of Preston, which is outlined in the transformational 15-year vision ‘Preston’s City Investment Plan (2020 – 2035)’. I would like to thank the professional team that have got us to this stage and also say that we are actively seeking joint venture partners for this exciting scheme.” Consultants on the scheme include DAY Architectural Ltd, Zerum PDM, Scalia Planning, Futureserve, TPM Landscape Ltd, MB Heritage, ERAP, Adept Consulting Engineers (Manchester) Ltd, SK Transport Planning Ltd, Arcaero, GIA Surveyors, Noise Air, Jensen Hughes, TC Property and RAD. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Relocating to the idyllic Devonshire countryside, to a small rural village surrounded by spectacular views is a dream for many. For John Greatwood and his family, it’s now reality. John and his wife Phillipa lived and worked in Carshalton in South London with their four-year-old twins, Finley and Imogen. When it came to deciding where they wanted their children to go to school, the couple decided to pack up and move to the mid-Devon village of Hemyock. With a clear vision for the home and location they wanted to live in, as well as a firm deadline for when they needed to be moved by in the country, John and Phillipa searched Rightmove and found the Cavanna Homes Oak Mount development in Hemyock. “The area and its amenities were the biggest selling point for us, particularly as the local primary school is within walking distance of Oak Mount,” explained John. We also wanted to be within a 15-minute drive of Honiton as we have close friends who live there,” he added. Oak Mount is within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape with some of the homes benefiting from views over uninterrupted countryside. The three and four-bedroom family homes are within walking distance to Hemyock village with local amenities on the doorstep, including a shop, pub, post office, a doctors’ surgery and pharmacy. “We wanted a house with four bedrooms, a garage, space for a home office, and an open plan kitchen with dining space for family mealtimes”, said John. “We looked through the different house types on the Cavanna Homes website and found one that ticked all our boxes – the ‘Hockinston’!”. The couple then booked to visit the Oak Mount Marketing Suite to find out more about buying with Cavanna Homes and to explore the area. John said: “As the development was still in its early stages, not all the homes had been built yet, so the Sales Advisor arranged for us to see the same house type at one of their developments in Exeter whilst we were down visiting. “We fell in love with the Hockinston and set the wheels in motion to reserve our brand-new family home at Oak Mount.” As a Carpenter, John was able to easily visualise how their finished home would look, but to put Phillipa’s mind at ease, the couple booked a second visit to Oak Mount to look around the newly opened ‘Hockinston’ show home. “We’d never reserved a home off plan before, so I was keen to visit the show home to see the build quality and layout of the house, and we weren’t disappointed”, said Phillipa. She was also able to envisage where she could create an office to enable her to comfortably work from home as a Travel Consultant. The idea of a new-build property enticed John and Phillipa because there would be no need for renovations or costly improvement works. New-build homes also have excellent energy performance ratings, making them cheaper to run than older properties. Every home at Oak Mount is built with greener living in mind and is installed with high-quality wall and loft insulation, double glazing and an air source heat pump, which provides a low carbon heating alternative to gas. “The Sales and Site team were great at introducing us to our air source heat pump, showing and advising us how to use it most efficiently,” said John. The family collected the keys to their new home on 26th July and moved in two days later. Finley and Imogen started at the local primary school in September; “We can do the school run in under 5 minutes with no need for a car, which is fantastic. It’s been a big change for the twins, but they’ve really embraced it and are settling in well”, said Phillipa. “We love our new home and we’re living out our countryside dream”, added John. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work is continuing on hundreds of new homes and community facilities at Holloway Park, on the site of the former Holloway Prison in Islington. Peabody and its partners, including the Greater London Authority, the London Borough of Islington and London Square, gathered at the historic site on to see how the redevelopment has progressed since work first started in October last year. Holloway Park, which is set to welcome new residents from 2027, is being built in three phases and will deliver 985 homes in total. Of those, 415 will be for social rent and 178 for shared ownership – making 60 percent of the homes affordable. Most of the social homes will have two or three bedrooms, making them suitable for families, and there will also be 60 extra care one-bedroom homes and a sensory garden. The development will use air source heat pumps to heat the homes, and photovoltaic solar panels will provide some of the electricity. The ten-acre scheme will be home to a new 1.4-acre park, which will see the site and its mature greenery accessible to the public for the first time. Connected by a network of pedestrian paths, the development will also have parking facilities for up to 2,000 bicycles, commercial spaces, and a Women’s Building that will house support services tailored to the needs of women from the local community. Peabody has been working closely with Islington Council, former residents of the prison, and a range of groups to discuss the scope for the Women’s Building. A joint steering group, made up of Peabody, Islington Council and independent experts, has been set up to secure its long-term success. Work to select an operator will begin early next year. Not-for-profit housing association Peabody, which has 107,000 homes across London and the home counties, bought the Holloway Prison site in 2019 and was given planning permission for the homes and facilities by Islington Council last year. Except for the former visitor centre, which is currently being used as a site office, all the former prison buildings have been taken down and foundations have been laid for the first homes. To honour the rich legacy of the site, Peabody has commissioned a heritage plan that will seek to respectfully incorporate some of the old prison materials, including banisters and mirrors, in new artworks. 429 homes are being built in the first phase, including 215 social rent homes, as well as the Women’s Building and three-quarters of the new park. The construction of Holloway Park will provide 51 apprenticeships for local people, with aspirations for at least 30 percent to be women. An on-site ‘green skills’ hub will also deliver construction training programmes. Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development for Peabody, said: “We have a long history of providing affordable homes and community services in Islington, working alongside Islington Council and other partners. “Our plans for Holloway Park will provide nearly 1,000 much-needed homes, a significant percentage affordable, in a prime location with a range of new facilities. “While our plans are undoubtedly different to what’s been on the site before, we’re committed to honouring its history – not least in our preservation of the wonderful green spaces and trees that were such a striking feature of prison’s design. And we will continue to work with the community to ensure the Women’s Building delivers a fitting legacy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rotherham Council recently celebrated an important milestone towards achieving its aim to provide more affordable housing to the area. The completion of 12 homes at Harron Homes’ The Paddocks development in Wickersley marked the 500th home built and was celebrated by an event hosted at the development. Harron successfully put forward a bid to provide all 12 of the affordable homes to Rotherham Council. The 12 homes are made up of six rented units and six shared ownership homes which were purchased at a discount rate in line with Rotherham Council planning policy. Harron Homes’ Sales Manager Paul Walters welcomed Rotherham Council’s Deputy Leader Councillor Sarah Allen, and Assistant Director of Housing, James Clark to The Paddocks for the official handover of keys. The Council serves the residents of the city and surrounding areas. The affordable housing scheme is the latest in a series of measures to help families in the area find and maintain a home, with a target of acquiring hundreds of more homes by the end of March 2026. Councillor Sarah Allen said, “We are grateful to Harron homes for participating in the scheme and helping us reach this all-important milestone. Rotherham Council works to provide support for all those in our community and we are glad we can offer affordable housing to those who need it most. As a Council we have an important part to play in addressing the challenges faced and achieving better outcomes for the people of Rotherham.” Paul Walters added, “It was an honour to celebrate this important milestone with Councillor Allen and Mr Clark. Our teams dedicate themselves to delivering the highest quality in all areas and we are proud our homes can assist Rotherham Council in its goal of providing families with affordable housing. We look forward to continuing this relationship to support our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Known for their durability, versatility and timeless beauty, quartz worktops offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for any residential development. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternative materials, the long-term benefits and the value added to any property make quartz worktops a rewarding choice for house building professionals. Roann Limited, based in Wakefield, is a trusted supplier to some of the UK’s leading house builders and developers, including Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes. The company collaborates with various worktop providers across Europe to offer a range of products and finishes. As specialists in high-volume projects, Roann Limited has transformed the way house builders acquire worktops, by partnering with them to achieve substantial cost reductions on their development and project expenses. Scott Wharton, Operations Director, tells us more about the benefits of using quartz worktops in residential developments. Durability For house building professionals, durability is non-negotiable when selecting materials for new developments. Quartz worktops, which are engineered using a combination of natural quartz crystal and resin, exhibit remarkable resilience. This quality ensures that they can withstand the rigours of daily use, resisting stains, scratches and chips. Over the years, Caesarstone has grown to become a worldwide leader in kitchen worktops with an impressive range of products. Its quartz surfaces are made with up to 90% quartz minerals to give advantages that surpass those in marble, granite and other natural stones. Caesarstone is one of our most popular brands for good reason. It’s available in virtually any colour or pattern, and is incredibly easy to cut, so it can be customised to fit any shape or size – no matter how complicated! We recently completed a new development project in West London, where we installed 202 units of Caesarstone worktop. The end result is a modern, sleek aesthetic, tailored for contemporary living. Easy maintenance Unlike natural stones, quartz worktops are non-porous. This means that they do not absorb liquid or stains, and are resistant to bacteria or other microorganisms from spills. This makes quartz the obvious choice for busy and active households. Generally speaking, soap and water or a mild detergent are all that’s necessary to keep a quartz worktop sparkling clean. Another bonus of installing a quartz worktop is that there is no need for time-consuming and often expensive sealing that some natural stone worktops require. This allows house builders to complete projects efficiently and within budget, which is always a bonus! Aesthetically pleasing Quartz worktops are available in an extensive range of designs, colours and finishes. As the material is manmade, the design can be tailored to suit any interior. The consistency in colour and pattern across the entire surface will ensure a uniform and cohesive look. With the appearance and feel of natural quartz, Compac is a technological quartz that has high heat resistance and remarkable quality. It’s available in an extensive range of colours, designs, sizes, thickness and ornamentations. It’s ideal for kitchen worktops that are subject to extensive use. Sustainability House builders committed to sustainability may choose to install a quartz worktop as many of these surfaces are produced using recycled materials. This aligns with corporate social responsibility practices and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. Manufactured with exclusive and innovative HybriQ technology, Silestone is a more sustainable approach to architectural surfaces. The products contain a minimum of 20% recycled materials, such as glass, along with premium natural materials that provide depth of colour and high performance. Since its creation, Silestone has set major trends in the market, transforming the world of kitchen worktops. Silestone is one of our bestsellers, and was selected as the worktop of choice for our biggest project to date earlier this year, a residential development in Finsbury Park, London. Worth over £676,000, the Woodberry Down project is a sustainable development which features over 5,500 new homes. “We’re extremely happy with Roann Limited’s performance. I’m getting good feedback from the site team and have had a look at some of the worktops myself, and they look great,” said James Riley, Senior Site Manager, Berkeley Group PLC. It’s a project dedicated to the natural environment and is focused on creating a sustainable community, an initiative we are keen to support through our own endeavours. We recently replaced all of our kitchen worktop packaging from single use plastic, to fully recyclable packaging, preventing 140kg of single use plastic going to landfill in 2023, through just one average project, and are committed to reducing our carbon footprint even further in the coming years. Silestone was also chosen as the upgraded worktop option by David Wilson Homes, part of the renowned brand Barratt Homes, on its Penning Ridge development based in Sheffield. “We are excited to be working with Roann Limited for our beautiful development, across our division at Barratt DWH Sheffield. The quality of the workmanship and service levels so far have been incredible,” added Simone Roberts, Sales Manager at David Wilson Homes Adding value The long-term benefits of quartz worktops include adding value to a home, as they are designed to stand the test of time. Using this superior material can enhance the marketability and resale value of homes, a crucial selling point for potential house buyers or investors. If budget is an issue, house builders may consider Fugen, which offers a more cost-effective surface than some of the premium brands – without compromising on quality or style. While there is only a limited range of colours and designs available, Fugen worktops boast all the benefits of other quartz worktops, including durability and easy maintenance. Warranty Many producers also provide warranty with their worktops, including Silestone which provides a 25 year warranty. This assurance of quality and longevity can provide peace of mind to house builders and potential house buyers. Whether house builders are renovating an existing property or developing a new one, quartz should be considered as the surface material of choice due to its attractive and superior qualities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The
Thomas Sinden has been awarded an £18 million contract for the delivery of an ‘all-affordable-home project’ on behalf of not-for-profit housing association, Peabody. Thomas Sinden will transform the site of a former workhouse, infirmary and hospital dating back to 1746 into 62 sustainable and affordable new homes. Peabody generated more than £8m for the NHS by purchasing the former St Olave’s Hospital in Rotherhithe in 2018. A traditional groundbreaking event to mark the start of construction saw Southwark Councillor Kath Whittam and the community join with Peabody and Thomas Sinden to celebrate this historic area being brought back to life. The development will bring 14 homes for social rent and 48 for shared ownership, with one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for families close to the greenery of Southwark Park. All the flats will have either a balcony or terrace, and the duplexes will have their own gardens. One of the blocks will have a communal roof terrace, and there will be new outdoor areas and play spaces for residents to enjoy. The project will generate additional social value and community benefits, with Thomas Sinden offering job, training, and apprenticeship opportunities for local people. It will include eleven construction jobs for residents who are currently unemployed. Local charity Bermondsey Community Kitchen (BCK) joined the event, providing refreshments and accepting a £1,000 donation from Thomas Sinden’s Managing Director to support volunteers’ work locally. BCK is a non-profit training facility, run by volunteers, that provides Level 1 and 2 City and Guilds Professional Cookery qualifications for long-term unemployed 16 to 24-year-olds. Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development at Peabody, said: “The positive impact of new affordable homes cannot be underestimated. Peabody already works closely with many communities in Southwark, and we’re pleased to have started delivering more new homes for people locally. “St Olave’s will give those on Southwark’s housing waiting list the opportunity of living in a new affordable rented home, while providing budding homeowners the chance to get on the property ladder in Zone 2 through shared ownership. Building an entirely affordable scheme is challenging in the current climate and it was fantastic to mark this major milestone with our partners and the council. We look forward to welcoming residents in 2025.” Councillor Kath Whittam at Southwark Council said: “As a ward councillor I am very glad to see the site go ahead, and it is particularly nice when the scheme is 100 percent affordable. I’d like to thank Peabody and Thomas Sinden for putting such a strong scheme together, which will give our residents the chance of a fabulous new home.” Matt Ayers, Head of Construction at Thomas Sinden, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Peabody on this historic site to create a clean, safe and sustainable development that will make a difference in the community for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
