THE government’s long-awaited levelling up whitepaper has been unveiled in full at long last. The document outlines the government’s commitments to rebalancing the UK’s services and economies, which is segmented into 12 key mission statements. Gerard Toplass, executive chairman of The 55 Group, which heads a collective of businesses operating
United Living Group has announced that Ole Pugholm has been appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer. He joins the leadership team following the recent acquisition of Great British Telecoms, which boosted the United Living Group’s turnover to in excess of GBP 0.5 billion annually. The business has also won some
A disused site on Weymouth’s coast could be transformed into a picturesque housing and industrial development in multi-million regeneration plans. The land at Newton’s Road off Newton’s Cove was formerly the base of defence research company QinetiQ Bincleaves up until its closure. The disused site has been subject to regeneration
New ‘SETL’ contemporary living canal side development situated in Birmingham’s iconic jewellery quarter will feature 101 apartments together with 2,350 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial space. GMI Construction Group PLC an established and successful UK contractor and construction services company providing specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors
The Connecting Leeds £25million transformational Corn Exchange project is due to complete following resurfacing works which are happening later this month. Once fully complete, the area around the Corn Exchange will see restrictions to general traffic, allowing for bus priority measures, enhanced bus stop signage and facilities, safer cycle tracks
A multi-million-pound housing development and regeneration scheme that has transformed an historic part of Salford is now complete. The £22million Poets redevelopment project in Swinton is now finished and fully occupied – bringing 160 brand-new homes and breathing new life into the area, which is also known as Beechfarm. Poets
Development Will Deliver First New Homes at 170 Acre Site Templegate Developments Limited, the joint venture partnership of Evans Property Group and Keyland Developments, has agreed terms of sale with Avant Homes and Evans Homes for the acquisition of strategic housing land at the 170 acre Skelton Gate site in
Partner Housing, in association with Flagship Homes, celebrated the start of works on a new housing development in Necton, Norfolk; The £9.7 million development will see 73 new homes built, with a mix of Shared Ownership and Social Rent properties; Work is expected to finish on the site, called Tower
Vonder, the global living and lifestyle brand, has opened its first UK location outside London, with the launch of Vonder Riverside in Leeds. The new site increases Vonder’s total number of operational and contracted units in the UK to over 2,500, with several thousands more globally. The brand’s regional debut
Joseph Mews Property Group announces appointment by Consortia Developments Birmingham property investment group Joseph Mews has been appointed by London-based property development company Consortia Developments. The newly formed group, which is based within the Jewellery Quarter, is to work with Consortia Developments to bring the new Lockside Wharf apartments in
THE government’s long-awaited levelling up whitepaper has been unveiled in full at long last. The document outlines the government’s commitments to rebalancing the UK’s services and economies, which is segmented into 12 key mission statements. Gerard Toplass, executive chairman of The 55 Group, which heads a collective of businesses operating within the construction sector – including national framework provider Pagabo, along with risk, compliance and contract management software company Sypro, social value specialists Loop, and digital-first training platform Tequ – has a positive outlook on the whitepaper. He said: “The levelling up whitepaper has been long-awaited by us all, and it’s great to see it has finally been published in full. While generally speaking, the 12 missions outlined by the government cover pretty much every aspect of daily life, we’re especially pleased to see a number of aims that align with our values. “Our businesses operate nationally but are headquartered in central Hull, which is a city that understands the value that comes from investment – something that we have supported by investing in the transformation of 55 Whitefriargate to bring it back into use. “We are really encouraged by the approach to devolved administrations, decentralising the power from Whitehall and putting it in the hands of people in the areas it is needed. It’s really pleasing that our region is one of the first areas to be able to open negotiations on this topic and we look forward to seeing how this develops in time.” A number of mission statements within the whitepaper focus on improving infrastructure and huge regeneration projects, which will need to be led by local authorities and public sector bodies. Jason Stapley, managing director of national framework provider Pagabo, believes that construction professionals and their expertise will be the key in taking these schemes beyond promises and into reality. He said: “The whitepaper puts great emphasis on restoring local pride, detailing how the government will support 20 towns and city centres with the undertaking of ambitious regeneration projects. It’s a proven fact that positive environments and delivering the infrastructure communities need will elevate an area or region in terms of jobs, productivity and economic boost. “Such large-scale ambition for regeneration is met with the detail of dozens of local authorities set to be supported by the High Streets Task Force to transform town centres. For built environment specialists, our support of public sector bodies for the delivery of such schemes will be key – and ensuring the gold standard of procurement will make sure that true value can be delivered to communities in a way that creates maximum positive impact, while streamlining processes and budgets. “Equally, there is a focus on levelling up infrastructure and transport connections. With net zero carbon targets also set in place by government, it is these large-scale projects that provide huge opportunity for decarbonisation, along with an approach to refurbishment and retrofit to make sure existing building stock also minimises impact on our environment. “Our frameworks are placed to support with all of these aims, with the ability to track all-important KPIs around a scheme as required, such as social return on investment, carbon reduction and local impact. We are set to go live with our civils and infrastructure framework in the coming weeks, which has been designed with these kinds of schemes in mind – so we look forward to working with clients on their projects that will work towards the levelling up agenda.” Social value is a hot topic within the industry, and one that will extend into every reach of life. One of The 55 Group’s businesses is social value calculation specialist, Loop. With several of the mission statements outlined by the government focussing on social-led topics, making sure that organisations are able to identify the actual positive impact of their work on communities will become a big operation. Angus Townsend, group social value lead, said: “Some of the missions outlined within the whitepaper may appear to some as ‘softer elements’, such as improving life expectancy. However, these elements are all interlinked and very much tied to social value and the types of outcomes we help our clients demonstrate from their operations. “It’s likely that generating social value and delivering the levelling up agenda will become synonymous with each other – but the responsibility on doing both will be on all of us. It will be important to make sure we can examine the impact of everything we do and how that plays into the core mission statements from the whitepaper. As ‘the social value people’, we are primed and ready to work with our clients to help demonstrate both quantitative and qualitative evidence to show how they are helping to work towards these outcomes.” Gerard concluded: “There has been a mixed reaction to the whitepaper so far, but we are hopeful that it will mark a moment where direction changes towards making actionable change to rebalance the country. The key will be ensuring it delivers what it promises – and it will be up to us all to keep momentum and hold leadership accountable to making process. “Of course, a lot of our operations are within the construction industry so there are ample ways our work will be able to support the aims around regeneration and infrastructure. However, our work stretches far beyond this, working on key areas including social return on investment and seeking to modernise skills and training to make it fit for the modern world. “Seeing a focus on research and development and improving education standards is hopeful – but will largely rely on adequate funding. Part of levelling up is putting the power into the hands that need it, so making sure that we are working towards practises fit for the future will be a huge part of the journey. For example, in the construction sector there is an ongoing shortage of skills that training courses are simply not fit for purpose in tackling due to relevance, complexity or overall length.
United Living Group has announced that Ole Pugholm has been appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer. He joins the leadership team following the recent acquisition of Great British Telecoms, which boosted the United Living Group’s turnover to in excess of GBP 0.5 billion annually. The business has also won some major contracts over the last few months including a 10-year £160 million partnership with Lewisham Homes, delivering major refurbishment works to its existing housing stock, a 432 new home development in Cardiff, worth £55 million and a £1.6 million deal on a district heating project at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) – which has a total project value of £150 million. In addition, it has secured places on the £750 million Fusion 21 Decarbonisation framework and the £5 billion SCF Residential framework. Ole’s extensive experience, spanning more than 15 years in CFO level roles, includes working with private equity and Global Fortune 500 multinationals, most recently working as CFO for the Marine Division of Survitec Group Limited, a global organisation with a presence in 96 countries. He has a significant background in turnaround management, acquisition and growth – supporting both the commercial and operational aspects of business – and an impressive track record of building strong performing finance teams, whilst creating business value through both buy and build, and organic growth. Neil Armstrong, Chair and CEO, United Living Group commented: “I am delighted to welcome Ole to the team. His exceptional track record and experiences will bring significant value to the business and support our further development plans, helping to set us up for future success.” Ole Pugholm added: “I am pleased to be joining United Living Group at an exciting point in the company’s development. I very much look forward to working with Neil and the wider Executive Team on developing its growth potential and building on the considerable success the group has achieved so far.”
A disused site on Weymouth’s coast could be transformed into a picturesque housing and industrial development in multi-million regeneration plans. The land at Newton’s Road off Newton’s Cove was formerly the base of defence research company QinetiQ Bincleaves up until its closure. The disused site has been subject to regeneration developments after being earmarked for redevelopment in April 2008 to build a new hotel, takeaway restaurant and 110-residential apartment block but development never started. Read more: Inflatable park including 50ft obstacle course and huge slides is coming to Weymouth A separate application to build a care village of 195 supported living units, a 60-bed care home, 34 respite hotel suites, cafe and restaurant was approved in August 2016. Despite the existing premises being demolished, the new development was never built. Since then, the 12-acre site was sold to Juno Developments UK Ltd in 2021 as they unveiled their ambition to regenerate the disused site in a £70milllion project. The Pegasus Group, on behalf of Poole-based Juno Developments UK Ltd, has submitted outline planning permission to Dorset Council to construct a mixed-use development comprising up to 189 dwellings and 65-bed care home, with space for a gym, swimming pool and spa. The application also includes office/light industrial floorspace and a waterside restaurant with associated car parking, with vehicular and pedestrian access from Newton’s Road. The developers add they would carry out cliff stabilisation and sea defence works as well as create pedestrian paths and cycle lanes. The plans show the coastal Weymouth site will have five ‘character areas’, which comprise of a 119-flat residential block, 62-flat residential block, 65-bed care home, home zone comprising of eight townhouses and an employment block of six units. The residential flats will have 58 one-bedroom units, 108 two-bedroom units and 15 three-bedroom units. Developers feel the development would allow Dorset Council to “meet its housing needs and contribute to the vitality and viability of the economy and the social well being of the local residents.” Its design and access statement reads: “Overall, this statement has demonstrated that the siting, alignment, design, scale, mass, and materials used would complement and respect the character of the surrounding area and would actively reinforce the sense of place by ensuring that general design of the proposed buildings would be in harmony with each other whilst also making reference to the former industrial buildings which used to occupy the site. “In conclusion, this application represents an opportunity to contribute to the regeneration of Weymouth town centre with a comprehensive high-quality redevelopment proposal that will provide a sustainable mix of residential accommodation and employment-generating uses.” The application, which is in its public consultation stage, has already attracted one positive comment from a resident has he welcomed the plans for a new restaurant. Luke Brain wrote to Dorset Council: “(I) Love the plans for Newtons Cove. An area which has always looked a little bit drab can, at last, be appreciated. “It would be good to see a tourism aspect as part of the plans. I like the fact it will offer somewhere to grab food or a drink while walking around the Newtons Cove/ Nothe Area.”
New ‘SETL’ contemporary living canal side development situated in Birmingham’s iconic jewellery quarter will feature 101 apartments together with 2,350 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial space. GMI Construction Group PLC an established and successful UK contractor and construction services company providing specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors has today announced that it has been appointed by leading property developer HBD to construct a new residential-led scheme in Birmingham’s iconic Jewellery Quarter. The development, titled ‘Setl’ is HBD’s first city centre development in Birmingham and has been designed by leading architects BPN, based in the jewellery quarter. 101 apartments will be accompanied by an array of residential amenities and 2,350 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial space. The scheme will feature a courtyard, workspace, a lounge and a gym, along with a rooftop garden on the upper floors of the six-storey building. Speaking about the announcement Andy Bruce, Divisional Marketing Director GMI Construction Group said: “We are very much looking forward to seeing this contemporary new development coming out of the ground, which will transform a redundant site into a modern, attractive development right at the heart of Birmingham’s iconic jewellery quarter. “GMI is proud to be have been trusted by leading developer HBD to deliver its first city centre development in Birmingham in an area with such a strong commercial history.” GMI continues to make good strides in Birmingham and the Midlands with over £100M of projects secured in our order book with new and established customers including HBD, St Modwen, Graftongate and St James Securities and across multiple sectors including residential, industrial/logistics, commercial, hotel and student. Simon Raiye, Director at HBD, said: “Setl is one of the city’s most exciting new developments, creating high-end, design-led apartments in one of Birmingham’s most sought after areas. We look forward to working with GMI to bring our vision to life.”
The Connecting Leeds £25million transformational Corn Exchange project is due to complete following resurfacing works which are happening later this month. Once fully complete, the area around the Corn Exchange will see restrictions to general traffic, allowing for bus priority measures, enhanced bus stop signage and facilities, safer cycle tracks and pedestrian crossings. There will also be a new public realm space created directly outside the Corn Exchange, more greenery and wider pavements, making room for al-fresco dining on Lower Call Lane. Also part of the scheme, New Briggate will now be partly pedestrianised with upgraded cycle tracks. Traffic has been removed from this route onto Vicar Lane which allows the creation of outdoor opportunities for the growing restaurant and bar sector in the area. The resurfacing, which is due to happen later this month, involves removing 50mm of existing road surface, re-setting drainage covers and manhole lids and re-painting white lines and other road markings. Night-time closures will be in place, with roads closing at 8pm to general traffic and re-opening at 5am each morning. The pavements will still be open to pedestrians and businesses in the area will be open as usual. Buses will be temporarily diverted, and signs will be placed at bus stops with information on alternative stops. Work is scheduled in the following locations and dates: Kirkgate, Crown Street and New York Street: Sunday 27 February, 8pm – Thursday 3 March, 5am Call Lane: Monday 7 March, 8pm – Wednesday 9 March, 5am Meadow Lane (near old Asda filling station): Monday 7 March, 8pm – Tuesday 8 March, 5am Meadow Lane and Hunslet Road cycleway: Thursday 10 March, 8pm – Friday 11 March, 5am Call Lane (near Blue Rinse): Wednesday 9 March, 8pm – Thursday 10 March, 5am Lower Briggate cycleway: Wednesday 9 March, 8pm – Thursday 10 March, 5am New Briggate: Sunday 13 March, 8pm – Thursday 17 March, 5am New Briggate cycleway: Monday 21 March, 8pm – Tuesday 22 March, 5am The work is weather dependent and any adverse weather conditions will mean that it will need to be rescheduled. All works on this scheme are due to be complete by the end of spring and form part of the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme which will see £173.5million investment into public transport and road improvements in Leeds. The improvements to the public realm around the Corn Exchange is funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority under the Government’s Getting Building Fund. It involves £8.6million of match funding which is part of Leeds’ £12.2million Grey to Green programme. While resurfacing work is taking place, the council is urging people to plan journeys in advance by visiting the Connecting Leeds website or visiting the WY Metro website for bus diversions. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate said: “It’s exciting to see the final resurfacing works happening on this scheme. It gives these historic streets and buildings the surroundings it deserves whilst increasing opportunities for active travel and providing extra public space in the city centre. “We appreciate this next phase of work will be disruptive, but our contractors will make every effort to keep noise to a minimum and carry out noisy works as early on in the shift as possible. We would like to thank people and businesses for their patience while this project has been ongoing and ask that people continue to plan ahead to experience minimal disruption to their journey.” Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “The Corn Exchange is a real gem and is a beacon of culture and creativity, so it’s fantastic to see these changes, which will make the historic landmark more welcoming to the people of Leeds and visitors from far and wide. “Improving cycling, walking and public transport provisions form a key part of my pledge to tackle the climate emergency, so I’m also delighted that we are part of this scheme that will see more green spaces and provisions for active travel.”
A multi-million-pound housing development and regeneration scheme that has transformed an historic part of Salford is now complete. The £22million Poets redevelopment project in Swinton is now finished and fully occupied – bringing 160 brand-new homes and breathing new life into the area, which is also known as Beechfarm. Poets has been a major redevelopment scheme from housing association Salix Homes and has seen 146 defective properties, that were affected by structural issues, demolished. In their place, Salix Homes has built 120 new social housing properties, plus a further 40 homes for outright sale, available through the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “Construction at the Poets began five years ago, but we’ve been developing proposals with the community for many years before that alongside Salford Council, so to see the development finally complete and those ambitions for Poets brought to life is a monumental moment for the area and the community. “This area has always been known for its real strength of community, and we have endeavoured to preserve that community spirit throughout the development, so it’s fantastic to see residents, both new and old, settled and making memories in their new homes. “At a time when social and affordable housing is in such short supply, we’re incredibly proud that Poets has increased housing choice in the area, bringing new, modern homes to both people on the social housing register and aspiring homeowners.” The mixed tenure development of two, three and four-bedroom homes, marks the first new-build scheme for Salix Homes and its first properties available for sale as part of its affordable home-ownership brand – Willo Homes. New homeowner Robin Capon was one of the last residents to get the keys, moving into his new three-bedroom home on Christmas Eve, and the 30-year-old accountant has finally seen his ambition to get on the property ladder become a reality. He said: “I’d been renting for many years, so it was such a relief to finally get the keys and move in. I’d always wanted a new-build as I like the idea that you don’t need to do anything to the property and can just move straight in. “I didn’t really think it would feel much different to renting, but it does. It’s the first house I’ve lived in that’s actually mine and I’ve become really house proud. I love it here.” Poets derives its names due to the surrounding streets being named after famous wordsmiths, which include Shakespeare Road, Wordsworth Road and Tennyson Road. Existing residents have been involved in the redevelopment process from start to finish, and those affected by the demolition proposals were given priority for moving back into the new-build properties. The wider estate has also benefitted from additional investment to make environmental improvements, including new gates, fencing and landscaping. Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration at Salford City Council, said: “It is fantastic news to hear this impressive housing scheme is now finally complete. “In Salford we are desperate for affordable properties for local people to live in and we are living with a national housing crisis. These 120 new social homes will make such a huge different to the lives of people who move into them. “I’d like to thank all involved with this successful project and I look forward to visiting very soon.” Salix Homes is now working on other new-build, affordable housing developments across Salford, which includes Neighbourhood – a 157-home development in Seedley; and Greenhaus – an eco-friendly apartment block on Chapel Street.
Development Will Deliver First New Homes at 170 Acre Site Templegate Developments Limited, the joint venture partnership of Evans Property Group and Keyland Developments, has agreed terms of sale with Avant Homes and Evans Homes for the acquisition of strategic housing land at the 170 acre Skelton Gate site in the Leeds Aire Valley. Both Avant Homes and Evans Homes are each purchasing half of phase one of the development which incorporates a total 27 acres and will enable the delivery of a combined 400 homes. The development has planning consent in place to build 1,800 new homes on the former open cast colliery site, which sits to the east of Junction 45 of the M1. As well as new homes, the Skelton Gate will also provide a primary and secondary school, public open space, a local centre and a convenience store as well as associated infrastructure. Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments, said; “The sale of phase one of what is one of the most significant regeneration schemes to be seen in the Leeds City Region, is a huge milestone in the transformation of Skelton Gate into a new sustainable community.” Richard Bean, Portfolio Director at Evans Property Group, said; “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction to enable the provision of much needed new homes and assist Leeds City Council in meeting its housing targets.” Subject to planning approval by Leeds City Council, Avant Homes look to launch its first homes for sale by the end of summer 2022. Avant Homes Yorkshire managing director, Chris Coley, said: “We have ambitious growth plans for development across the region so we’re very pleased to be moving forward with this acquisition. “With its fantastic location that will cater to a wide range of buyers, and its proximity to the Aire Valley Enterprise Zone, this will become an exciting flagship development for our growing portfolio.” John Carter, Director at Evans Homes, said: “Evans Homes is delighted to be involved in the Skelton Gate development. Following on from the successful launch of our scheme at Tockwith near York, the development at Skelton Gate presents an exciting opportunity to be involved in the creation of a vibrant new community on the edge of Leeds. “The first phase of over 213 homes will commence in mid 2022 and we look forward to welcoming our first homeowners early in 2023.”
Partner Housing, in association with Flagship Homes, celebrated the start of works on a new housing development in Necton, Norfolk; The £9.7 million development will see 73 new homes built, with a mix of Shared Ownership and Social Rent properties; Work is expected to finish on the site, called Tower Mill, in early 2024 United Living New Homes subsidiary Partner Construction and leading housing provider Flagship Homes held a ground-breaking ceremony this week to celebrate the start of works on the brand new £9.7 million Tower Mill housing development in Necton, Norfolk. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Frank Lincoln, Regional Managing Director of Partner Construction | United Living New Homes, and Tony Tann, Managing Director of Flagship Homes, to celebrate this milestone. On behalf of Flagship Homes, Partner Construction is creating 73 new homes on North Pickenham Road in Necton, delivering much-needed affordable housing for the local community. The residential development will feature a mix of two-bedroom bungalows, one-bedroom walk-up flats, and two, three-, and four-bedroom houses. Supported by Homes England funding, the properties are 100% affordable, with a mix of Shared Ownership and Social Rent ensuring genuine affordability for residents. The development is in a beautiful rural location and includes green open space, with landscaping plans to ensure the scheme looks attractive and in keeping with the surrounding area. This is one of two projects delivered in close partnership between Partner Construction and Flagship Homes, with a second scheme in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. The £8.4 million, 100% affordable development will create 53 new homes to provide much-needed new housing for the local area. Frank Lincoln said: “We are delighted to celebrate the start of construction works at Necton with a turf cutting ceremony. Working collaboratively with Flagship Homes, we look forward to delivering high-quality new homes that will provide a welcome housing boost to the local community. “We pride ourselves on supporting people with our affordable homes and employing a workforce on site that will be made up of local labour and contractors. With our homes, we are determined to ensure that the housing market better serves young first-time buyers and families on low to average incomes.” Tony Tann said: “We are delighted to have commenced construction on this site in Necton with Partner Construction. The development following a competition within our Development Team is named “Tower Mill” to associate it with the local Mill and the Village and we see this as the start of its integration within the community. The development provides essential housing to the area while respecting the beautiful rural landscape. We’re building a mix of 73 Shared Ownership and Social Rent properties to make sure that many local people and families will have access to quality affordable housing. It’s fantastic to see this development underway and are pleased to have Partner Construction working with us to share in that vision and provide a huge housing boost to the area.” The new homes are due to be completed in early 2024. You can find out more by visiting www.flagship-group.co.uk, and @_FlagshipGroup on Twitter and Instagram.
Vonder, the global living and lifestyle brand, has opened its first UK location outside London, with the launch of Vonder Riverside in Leeds. The new site increases Vonder’s total number of operational and contracted units in the UK to over 2,500, with several thousands more globally. The brand’s regional debut also heralds the launch of a new three-tier membership programme designed to give members access to a scaled range of benefits. Vonder Riverside boasts 95 new-build and modern one-to three-bedroom flats, including 14 duplex apartments, each providing the essential furniture needed to feel at home. The complex, which is located in Victoria Riverside, also includes amenities such as car parking and courtyards, with the aim to suit the needs of the large community of young professionals and renters in the city. The announcement follows the news that Leeds was rated the UK’s most vibrant city according to a study by CGA.[1] Vonder Riverside represents the first tier of Vonder’s new membership programme – termed ‘Essentials’. Each apartment in the complex includes high quality furniture such as beds, sofas, dining areas and wardrobes. More features which are offered in the ‘Essentials’ package are digital support via the Vonder App, as well as access to Vonder’s exclusive global community platform and a variety of added-value services and perks. In this tier, bills and utilities are not included in the monthly rental payment. The other two types of memberships available are Vonder Plus and Vonder All-in-One. Vonder Plus locations, such as Vonder’s Dome properties in London, offer all-inclusive bills with utilities and WiFi, alongside beautifully designed fully furnished apartments. Vonder All-in-One, the brand’s signature premium tier which is available in the newly launched Vonder Wembley, is a unique offer coined to cater for the growing demand from renters who want to live, work and socialise in the same location. ‘All-in-one living’ comprises everything from the apartment design and furnishings, on-site amenities, value-added services, inclusive bills and utilities, to a dedicated community team which is available to provide a hassle-free living experience. While each Vonder location sits in a specific tier, Vonder encourages flexibility for its members, with the option to upgrade to different levels and enjoy premium features – no matter your location. Tomer Bercoviz, CEO and Co-Founder of Vonder, commented: “Expanding across the UK is a central part of our UK growth strategy, and Leeds is the city of which we chosen to begin with, due to the significant demand from young renters. As a Vonder Essentials location, Vonder Riverside will provide our target audience with great urban accommodation suited to their needs and budget, enabling them to enjoy life in Leeds whilst managing their costs, without having to compromise on quality. “The launch of Vonder Riverside is also the perfect time to introduce our new membership programme, which is designed to provide renters with the freedom to choose the services and benefits that suit their lifestyles. The flexibility also means members can easily move locations within the Vonder ecosystem, offering them greater choice and ease as their circumstances and needs change. We believe our approach is unique and borne of our fundamental understanding of what renters want in a rapidly evolving market.” The opening of Vonder Riverside in Leeds follows the recent addition of The Dome Apartments to the Vonder portfolio, comprising over 21,000 sq ft of residential space in three locations across London, as well as Vonder Wembley, the all-in-one living concept spread across 160,000 sq ft of space. Vonder has a wide international portfolio of over 30 locations across London, Leeds, Berlin, Munich, Warsaw and Dubai, with plans to expand further in the US, continental Europe and the Middle East.
Joseph Mews Property Group announces appointment by Consortia Developments Birmingham property investment group Joseph Mews has been appointed by London-based property development company Consortia Developments. The newly formed group, which is based within the Jewellery Quarter, is to work with Consortia Developments to bring the new Lockside Wharf apartments in Birmingham City Centre, to market. The canal-side development, based on Scotland Street, was formerly an office building. Work has already begun to convert it into 16, one-bedroom and two bedroom duplex apartments. There will also be roof extensions, which will house four penthouse-style apartments, and a new building on the adjacent car park, creating an additional 45 homes, three of which will be affordable. Olly Clayton, Partner at Consortia, said: “Lockside Wharf is one of the most exciting new developments for Birmingham city-centre. This is why we’ve partnered with Joseph Mews to help bring it to market. “Aside from their extensive past performance in the city’s development sector, they understand what it takes to help deliver a high-end project such as Lockside Wharf in an increasingly competitive central Birmingham market. “With Lockside Wharf covering nearly 45,000 sq.ft of waterfront space minutes from the highly desirable Jewellery Quarter and Brindleyplace, it represents a truly thoughtful restoration – a unique addition to the local market composed of beautiful warehouse-style apartments. We can’t wait to see Lockside Wharf take shape and how Joseph Mews will help bring this stunning new development to an entirely new audience.” The Joseph Mews Property Group, which officially launched at the start of the year, was set up by former SevenCapital sales director Andy Foote Andy said: “We are really proud to be working alongside such a well established company, and on such a great scheme right in the heart of the city we love so much. Consortia Developments are really creating a fantastic addition to the city with Lockside Wharf being redeveloped, and we are looking forward to working with them to bring such incredible homes to market.” Lockside Wharf is expected to complete in the second quarter of next year. For more details about Joseph Mews email Sales@Joseph-Mews.com or visit www.joseph-mews.com.
