McLaren Construction Midlands and North has delivered phase one of Konect 62 – a speculative industrial and logistics development located in Knottingley, West Yorkshire.

Comprising three sustainable units across the 60-acre first phase which are now available to let, the contractor worked together with C4 architects to complete the first phase for joint venture partners, Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse.

With a capability of providing over 1,500 jobs, phase one units include 161,000, 151,000 and 61,000 sq. ft options alongside a 30-acre service plot, which was delivered with utilities and access to accommodate several Build-to-Suit options.

The entire Konect 62 development, which will include multiple phases, will be adopting low carbon building design and technology to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

McLaren Construction Midlands and North inducted 1,350 people during the delivery of the first phase, and a combined total of 138,200 work hours were required for the build.

The Konect 62 site is located on the previous site of Kellingley Colliery, the last deep mine in the UK which opened in 1959 and closed in 2015.

Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re pleased to have delivered phase one of this landmark industrial and logistics hub, for joint venture partners Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse, of which we’ve received excellent feedback.

“Our dedicated team and subcontractors worked exceptionally hard to ensure the quality, sustainability and timeliness of the phase, which was completed in 12 months, using predominantly local labour from the surrounding community. The scheme will provide essential jobs and opportunities for the sector in a prime location.”

David Nuttall, Managing Director of Industrial & Logistics at Cole Waterhouse, said: “McLaren has delivered an excellent first phase at Konect 62, exactly 12 months from signing the build contract. The three units and 30-acre plot set the tone for the remainder of the site and firmly establish Konect 62 as a genuine business location. A year ago, the site was featureless, and all traces of the former mine had been cleared. The change today is dramatic, and it is now a first-rate logistics park offering a variety of existing units and Build-to-Suit opportunities.”

Wain Homes’ Severn Valley region has welcomed West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to officially launch a brownfield site where Solihull agent DM & Co Homes has been retained to sell a range of 109 new residential properties.

The Mayor paid tribute to Wain Homes for choosing to develop The Green in Shirley on the location of what was the ex-Lucas Industries building, known latterly as the TRW Technical Centre, which is a brownfield site.

Work has already started on the six acre site at The Green which is situated on the main A34 Stratford Road commuter route into Birmingham from the M42, with the show homes and sales office now open.

Andy Street said: “I have been constantly campaigning to ensure that derelict and disused brownfield sites are targeted for development before cherished Green Belt.

“That’s why I am particularly pleased to be able to see for myself what Wain Homes have set out to achieve on a redundant former office site that has been unused for years. I cannot think of a better use for this site in such a good location.

“The Green will provide much needed new homes from apartments for first time buyers to families looking to grow into three and four bedroom homes. There really is something for everybody at The Green.”

Sophie Gwynne, New Homes sales manager at DM & Co. Homes, said they were already taking off-plan reservations on the first tranche of homes that have been released, with lots of excitement surrounding the new development.

“We are proud to have been appointed by Wain Homes to act as their sole selling agents in what is an ever popular area of the Birmingham and Solihull conurbation. The Green is a creative and innovative project to regenerate a brownfield site and create new, energy efficient and sustainable community for the future.”

Carl Haley, managing director of Wain Homes’ Severn Valley region, said: “Through our fantastic houses, Wain Homes will add value to local communities by regenerating historic older areas, such as here in Solihull.

“We are providing a wide range of homes, from those seeking their first time home, to downsize, or looking to move up to one of our three or four bedroom family homes.”

Dominic Murphy, managing director of DM & Co. Homes, said: “Wain Group is one of the UK’s largest private residential developers, aiming to enrich areas to make them better spaces for everyone to live.

“We are proud to have been appointed by Wain Homes to act as their sole selling agents in what is an ever popular area of the Birmingham and Solihull conurbation.

Prices will range from £330,000 for the two bedroom home, £390,000-£465,000 for the 3 bedroom properties and £490,000-£530,000 for the four bedroom executive properties. Prices for the apartments are yet to be confirmed.

Further details are available from https://www.wainhomes.co.uk/developments/the-green/ or by contacting Sophie Gwynne on sophie.gwynne@dmandcohomes.co.uk or call the Solihull office on 0121 775 0101.

The interest from potential buyers in a large Midlands canal marina was so strong that Bond Wolfe property agency sold it for £1.1 million a day before its planned auction.

Fenny Marina is on the southern arm of the Oxford Canal at Station Fields in Fenny Compton, near Southam in Warwickshire, with 85 boat berths, a three-bedroomed bungalow and extensive outbuildings.

Bond Wolfe listed the property with a guide price* of £950,000+ in its livestreamed auction on Thursday 8 February, but after multiple enquiries and competitive offers it was sold 24 hours before the auction took place.

The new owners are Crafted Boats Ltd, a family-owned firm of specialist boat builders and repairers based in Bromsgrove, founded in 1953.

James Mattin, managing director and auctioneer at Bond Wolfe, said: “It was a pleasure acting for our client for whom we have successfully sold the marina.

“He can look forward to a well-earned rest after many years ownership and we are very pleased for the purchasers Crafted Boats Ltd, the ideal party to take the marina on to the next level.

“This is a perfect example of our unique hybrid open market and auction offering working in tandem.

“Our comprehensive marketing campaign coupled with the target of a specific auction date focused the minds of seriously interested parties, resulting in a pre-auction sale for well over the guide price.”

Fenny Marina is an established inland waterway marina originally developed in the 1970s with various income streams and the prospect of more if the business is developed.

The dry dock is a separate business that pays £1,250 in rent per month to the marina, with additional income from diesel, LPG, pump-out, waste disposal and chandlery sales.

Aaron Pinder, a director of Crafted Boats Ltd, said: “We want to thank James for all his help and time, as we don’t think this would have happened without him.

“Our plan for the marina is to continue to operate the mooring and services but to look at improving the facility.

“We will also be offering, as we do at our other sites, repaint jobs, hull and top side work, grit blasting and epoxy coating, pressure wash and blacking, plus engine repairs, to name just a few of our services.”

The marina is approached via a recently resurfaced private driveway with electric security gates leading to a car park, with the marina basin beyond.

The office, chandlery and stores face the canal towpath with the dry dock and bungalow at the southern end of the basin.

The entire property extends to around 6.12 acres, while the marina basin itself taking up approximately 4.46 acres with direct access to the canal and a fixed, serviced pontoon mooring with capacity for 85 berths.

The detached and extended three-bedroomed bungalow that comes with the sale has a rear garden and spacious area at the front, with a hallway, kitchen, reception room, utility area, bathroom and bedrooms inside.

MFG Solicitors provided legal advice on the deal for Crafted Boats Ltd, while Freeths Solicitors advised the vendor, whose identity has not been disclosed.

Home-buyers looking for village life within a commutable distance of Nottingham, Mansfield, Hucknall and the M1 motorway should make tracks to Taggart Homes‘ Forest Park and explore the exciting new show homes now open at the latest development from the award-winning Midlands-based developer.

With a total of 45 detached and semi-detached three and four-bedroomed spacious homes, Forest Park sits proudly in a prominent location in the welcoming village of Annesley.

Taggart Homes’ Forest Park is now on sale in phase two, with phase one selling out within two months of launch in June 2021 after a flurry of interest – prices begin at £250,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached home, falling within the East Midlands Help to Buy threshold of £261,900.

Dale Brewster, branch manager at exclusive selling agents Pygott & Crone in Nottingham, said: “These outstanding new homes are perfectly-designed for modern family living, each with their own private garden and off-road parking. Close to commutable locations, including Nottingham city centre, Mansfield and Hucknall, these homes are surrounded by rolling Nottinghamshire countryside, close to Newstead Abbey, woodland walks and every amenity for family living.”

Annesley has a number of shops, including a Co-op supermarket, a medical centre, an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ primary school and the Sherwood Business Park, home to more than 70 established local companies. Nearby secondary schools include the mixed 11 to 18 National Church of England Academy, also rated ‘Good’.

With easy access to Junction 27 of the M1, Forest Park is situated to the west of Derby Road, which runs north-south through the village, at the junction with Forest Road. It is 11 miles north-west of Nottingham, four miles south-west of Mansfield and four miles from Hucknall.

Michael Taggart, CEO at Taggart Homes said: “We are thrilled to be part of this notable project which is helping to revitalise the former coal-mining community of Annesley. Forest Park has been built on the site of a vacant and derelict working men’s club, bringing much-needed new homes to the village. Our commitment to the community demonstrates our investment in the future of the area as a thriving location popular with families and commuters.”

The new homes at Forest Park are strikingly contemporary, with open-plan living/dining/kitchen areas, en-suite bathrooms and energy-efficiency to the fore. Homebuyers can choose from a range of high-specification fixtures and fittings to customise their new home.

Exclusive selling agent Pygott and Crone welcome prospective buyers to their show home weekend taking place 30^th and 31^st October, with incentives available for purchasers.

Alternatively, interested parties are welcome to visit the show homes which are open to visitors Tuesday – Friday from 9am -5pm and Saturday 9am – 4pm. Guests can also book an appointment with Pygott & Crone directly by contacting the team on 0115 896 5072.

Property & Development Magazine

Taggart Homes Forest Park. Home-buyers looking for village life within a commutable distance of Nottingham, Mansfield, Hucknall and the M1 motorway should make tracks to Forest Park and explore the exciting new show homes now open at the latest development from award-winning Midlands-based developer Taggart Homes.

With a total of 45 detached and semi-detached three and four-bedroomed spacious homes, Forest Park sits proudly in a prominent location in the welcoming village of Annesley.

Properties are now on sale in phase two, with phase one selling out within two months of launch in June 2021 after a flurry of interest – prices begin at £250,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached home, falling within the East Midlands Help to Buy threshold of £261,900.

Dale Brewster, branch manager at exclusive selling agents Pygott & Crone in Nottingham, said: “These outstanding new homes are perfectly-designed for modern family living, each with their own private garden and off-road parking. Close to commutable locations, including Nottingham city centre, Mansfield and Hucknall, these homes are surrounded by rolling Nottinghamshire countryside, close to Newstead Abbey, woodland walks and every amenity for family living.”

Annesley has a number of shops, including a Co-op supermarket, a medical centre, an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ primary school and the Sherwood Business Park, home to more than 70 established local companies. Nearby secondary schools include the mixed 11 to 18 National Church of England Academy, also rated ‘Good’.

With easy access to Junction 27 of the M1, Forest Park is situated to the west of Derby Road, which runs north-south through the village, at the junction with Forest Road. It is 11 miles north-west of Nottingham, four miles south-west of Mansfield and four miles from Hucknall.

Michael Taggart, CEO at Taggart Homes said: “We are thrilled to be part of this notable project which is helping to revitalise the former coal-mining community of Annesley. Forest Park has been built on the site of a vacant and derelict working men’s club, bringing much-needed new homes to the village. Our commitment to the community demonstrates our investment in the future of the area as a thriving location popular with families and commuters.”

The new homes at Forest Park are strikingly contemporary, with open-plan living/dining/kitchen areas, en-suite bathrooms and energy-efficiency to the fore. Homebuyers can choose from a range of high-specification fixtures and fittings to customise their new home.

Exclusive selling agent Pygott and Crone welcome prospective buyers to their show home weekend taking place 30^th and 31^st October, with incentives available for purchasers.

Alternatively, interested parties are welcome to visit the show homes which are open to visitors Tuesday – Friday from 9am -5pm and Saturday 9am – 4pm. Guests can also book an appointment with Pygott & Crone directly by contacting the team on 0115 896 5072.

Property & Development Magazine

Platform new senior appointments- A Midlands-based social landlord has appointed three new heads of service within its asset management function. 

Platform Housing Group – one of the UK’s largest social landlords – has appointed Samantha Evans as Head of Strategic Asset Management; Martin Woods as Head of External Contracts and Stephen Edwards as Head of Sustainability. 

Platform new senior appointments – which are all new within the organisation – are part of an ongoing development of the business area. 

As the new Head of Strategic Asset Management, Samantha Evans’ role is to develop operational plans to future proof Platform homes; she will also be responsible for asset performance evaluation, identifying risks and areas of low performance and developing strategies and standards to address these.  Sam will head up a team that is responsible for monitoring the condition of Platform’s homes and planning for the improvements that are needed to keep them safe, affordable and desirable for our customers.   

Prior to joining Platform, Samantha was Asset Manager at Citizen Housing for 14 years. 

Samantha said : “I am delighted to join Platform at this stage of its journey to deliver an ambitious programme of change. My aim is to implement an integrated active asset management approach which will place Platform as the ‘go to’ organisation for the service.  Having spent my career in social housing, I am passionate about the impact our sector has on improving our customers lives.  I see asset management as much more than just bricks and mortar; it is about providing our customers with desirable, safe and affordable homes, a foundation for life.  Our duty is to manage our assets by being socially motivated and commercially minded in order to re-invest surpluses into delivering our social purpose and improving the life chances of our customers.” 

Martin Woods – who has joined Platform Housing Group as Head of External Contracts – was previously Head of Asset Management at Lincolnshire Housing Partnership where he was responsible for planned maintenance, building safety, asset management as well as development and sales delivery.  In his new role, Martin will head up a team responsible for the delivery of maintenance work that is not delivered by Platform Property Care. 

Martin said : “It is such an exciting time to be joining Platform; the asset team is at the beginning of a journey that looks set to impact significantly on the way we work and deliver services to our customers.  Social housing is more important than ever, as the population continues to grow and people find it increasingly difficult to purchase a home outright.  Our role is to drive up the quality of social housing as much as possible to create communities where people want to live and feel safe.  I am looking forward to playing my part and making a difference.” 

The social landlord has also appointed Stephen Edwards as Head of Sustainability; previously employed at Catalyst Housing Limited as Sustainability Manager, this new role at Platform will see Stephen developing a sustainability strategy for the Group, identifying opportunities for decarbonising its homes and supporting the implementation of green and emerging technologies. 

Stephen said : “It is a privilege to be here at Platform supporting our journey to zero carbon and creating a more sustainable future.  I have always had a passion for the environment and have been embedding sustainable thinking into my work for more than 25 years.  The challenge of achieving net zero carbon is huge and probably the most important challenge of our lifetimes.  I look forward to helping Platform become a leading sustainable organisation.” 

Linda Colburn, Director of Strategic Asset Management at Platform Housing Group said : “We are thrilled to welcome Martin, Stephen and Sam to Platform.  They bring a depth and breadth of expertise in asset management, delivery and sustainability that will allow us to redraw the traditional way the sector sees asset management into a much more integrated approach.  They will be integral in helping set the Platform Standard from development stage onwards as well as co-designing our investment interventions with our customers.  Their expertise will allow us to map out our path to zero carbon and integrate that into our investment programmes and how we manage the estate; understanding how our homes impact our customers to deliver to them increased safety, affordability, utility and pride.” 

Linda concluded : “We have created these roles to provide the additional focus needed to become a truly modern assets function in a truly modern housing association.  The central pillars of building safety, strategic asset management, investment, delivery and sustainability will each be led by a Head of Service, forming an integrated team with a holistic view of how we improve the value of our homes to customers and achieve the highest standards of asset management.” 

Platform Housing Group – which owns 46,000 homes in total – completed 1448 homes in 2019/20 (1,598 in 2018/19) at an investment of £258m (£228m in 2018/19).  The Group also built more social rented homes – at a figure of 981 – during the past 2 years in England than any other provider, 523 in 2019/20, almost 33% of the total homes built. 

Platform Housing Group’s operating area is from Herefordshire in the West to the Lincolnshire coast in the East, and from the Derbyshire Dales in the North to the Cotswolds in the South. 

Property & Development Magazine

A Midlands-based social landlord has appointed four new members to sit on Platform Housing’s first Trainee Board.

Platform Housing Group has welcomed Neelam Heera, Kaeden Bunting, Remi Turton and Edd Hall to a new scheme which has been designed to increase diversity in housing Boards of the future.   

In partnership with The Chartered Institute of Housing, Platform Housing’s first Trainee Board has been launched, with a 2 year development programme earlier this year in order to offer Board experience to those individuals who may find it a challenge to gain such opportunities.  In the long term, it is hoped that the new Trainee Board members will go on to become full Board members either at Platform or elsewhere within the housing sector. 

Clare Durnin, Executive Director (Corporate Resources) at Platform Housing Group said : “We are delighted to welcome Neelam, Kaeden, Remi and Edd to our first ever Trainee Board.  Ensuring our Board better represents the communities that we serve is vital in today’s world and this latest initiative will further strengthen our business as well as complementing the existing Board’s diverse and robust commercial presence.” 

During their 2 years on the Trainee Board, its members will gain valuable experience and insights from attending Board meetings as well as being individually mentored from Board members.  They will also hold their own Trainee Board meetings to discuss important issues as well as studying modules relating to governance, resulting in an accredited CIH qualification at the end of the 2 years. 

More than 100 applications were received for the Trainee Board positions; the criteria included a passion for social housing and an interest in making a difference within the sector.  The successful candidates all come from diverse backgrounds with a real desire to increase their knowledge and improve their skills. 

Neelam is a 32 year old project manager from Huddersfield; Edd, a 35 year old maintenance supervisor from Telford; Remi, a 32 year old project manager from London and Kaeden, an 18 year old project management apprentice from Birmingham. 

Clare concluded : “Continuous development of our business critical areas is crucial to ensure we meet the needs of our customers, partners and stakeholders.  Our aim is that our new Trainee Board will  help us to move successfully into the future.” 

Platform Housing Group – which owns 46,000 homes in total – completed 1448 homes in 2019/20 (1,598 in 2018/19) at an investment of £258m (£228m in 2018/19).  The Group also built more social rented homes – at a figure of 981 – during the past 2 years in England than any other provider, 523 in 2019/20, almost 33% of the total homes built. 

Platform Housing Group’s operating area is from Herefordshire in the West to the Lincolnshire coast in the East, and from the Derbyshire Dales in the North to the Cotswolds in the South. 

Property & Development Magazine

Taggart Homes 11 new sites. Property developer, Taggart Homes, has revealed plans for a number of new schemes across the UK, as well as its intention to acquire a home building company and new land for development to grow the Taggart brand.

Since launching in the UK back in 2018 Taggart Homes has worked on acquiring and developing multiple housing schemes across the Midlands and South of England, and plans for 11 new sites have been announced in these locations, which once complete will bring 400 quality new-build family homes to the two regions.

Taggart Homes is currently working on new developments in Annesley and Retford in Nottinghamshire, and Carterton in Oxfordshire, and its new sites include schemes in Great Dalby and Somerby in Leicestershire, Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, Huntington in Staffordshire, and South Kesteven in Lincolnshire.

The Irish founded company has recently confirmed a number of deals for design and build social housing alongside its current live developments and has also announced its intention to acquire land for sale in the Midlands and South, with scope to deliver new housing schemes in these specific areas.

CEO Michael Taggart says that they are also wanting to acquire existing UK house building companies, to merge into and grow the Taggart Homes brand – which is testament to the developer’s continue long-term investment in establishing itself and building quality housing in the UK.

Michael Taggart, CEO of Taggart Homes, said: “We are delivering a number of high-quality housing developments in these prime locations and quality is our USP.“

“Home to many major employers such as Amazon, Boots, HMRC, Next, Siemens and Samworth Brothers – the Midlands is centrally situated, with excellent travel links up and down the country, and its accessibility will soon be further improved with the introduction of HS2.

“The South of England, with its varied geography, close proximity to the picturesque Cotswolds and the capital offers plenty of opportunity and there is scope to deliver key developments for a range of buyers from families, to first-timers and downsizers.

“Taggart Homes is advancing steadily in the UK and have ambition to continue growing and evolving. We will be looking to link up with landowners and corporate financial advisors with sites for sale, and we wish to talk to business owners who would be open to forging partnerships, with a view to being incorporated into Taggart Homes.

“As with all properties by Taggart Homes, our team of professionals ensure that each detail of each property is designed and built to the highest standards to provide the best possible product on the market – from the layout and design, to the workmanship and materials used for the build, interior fixtures and fittings and surrounding landscaped spaces.

Michael Taggart takes a very active interest personally in ensuring that quality is assured and that the value for money products are installed in each home.

“We build communities where neighbours become friends, where memories are made and we understand what a huge step buying a new home is, so we always strive to provide the finest quality properties, where luxury meets convenience.”

Taggart Homes recently commenced construction of 100 high spec outdoor glamping pods/shepherds huts suitable for home working and a range of small businesses including beauty salons, gyms and accommodation. The pods will come in a variety of sizes and designs and are available to the public in the UK and Ireland, as well as buyers of Taggart Homes properties this week, at a starting price of £10,000 + vat.

Property & Development Magazine

Burrington Estates has appointed David Jervis, the former head of Spitfire Bespoke Homes, to lead its expansion into the Midlands as it embarks on an ambitious growth plan. The Exeter-based residential and commercial developer has grown into a thriving business in the South West with a turnover of £70m in 2020. It is now seeking to replicate the success of its housebuilding business in the Midlands and Central England with David spearheading the new division.

David has a strong track record in initiating homebuilding ventures in the Midlands.  A former chartered surveyor, he set up Spitfire in 2010 as the residential development arm of IM Properties and within seven years, he had built it up into a business with a turnover of £100 million. He also successfully launched another homebuilding business prior to that when he set up Chase Homes in 1995 on behalf of a Midlands entrepreneur.

The growth of Burrington Estates is supported by a new £15.5m investment from BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active investor, through which it aims to treble turnover in the next five years. Of this new funding, £13.5m will support the expansion of the new homes business, with the remaining £2m focusing on commercial property projects. Within the new Midlands and Central region, land has already been secured in locations in Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Berkshire for sites that will generate £100m in turnover.

Burrington Estates was founded in 2013 by Mark Edworthy and Paul Scantlebury. It has completed more than 400 homes in the South West during the past five years and its current portfolio of sites has a GDV of £300m. Its target is to reach 600 homes per annum by 2025.

Mark Edworthy, Co-Founder of Burrington Estates said: “We are proud of what we have achieved over the past eight years in establishing Burrington Estates as a successful brand across Devon and Cornwall, known for delivering excellent homes and high quality places to live. David will be pivotal in our ambition to repeat this success in the Midlands. His experience perfectly aligns with what we aim to achieve and we are pleased to welcome him to the team.”

David Jervis, MD of Burrington Estates Midlands said of his new appointment: “This is an exciting time for Burrington Estates and I am delighted to be part of it – we are in a strong position to drive forward our growth plans thanks to the backing of the BGF investment. This also dovetails with the opportunity in the market to deliver sites that are characterised by good design and attention to specification and detail, as well as excellent standards of customer service.  We are now actively looking for land opportunities across the Midlands and surroundings, down as far as the northern Home Counties, and we are already building up a strong pipeline of sites across the new region.”

Property & Development Magazine