Sustainable property company CITU has delivered its first affordable homes within the Aire Lofts apartment scheme, at the heart of the pioneering, multi award-winning Climate Innovation District in Leeds.

Working in partnership with social housing provider Leeds Community Homes (LCH), eight one and two-bedroom apartments are now available with the first residents set to move in imminently. This tranche is part of Aire Lofts and is the first of three phases of affordable homes being developed at the Climate Innovation District which will ultimately offer a total of 16 homes within the community. Three homes in this phase are being marketed as shared ownership* opportunities with the remainder available through social rent agreements.

CITU has been working with LCH since 2016 to incorporate social housing as an integral part of the Climate Innovation District which is being delivered on the banks of the River Aire, just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. The LCH-managed homes of course enjoy the same industry-leading specification and sustainable credentials as their neighbours, with high performing energy efficiency in all the homes which are designed and manufactured on site.

The homes offer city centre living combined seamlessly with zero carbon sustainability credentials. All the apartments’ interiors feature a high-quality finish with concrete floors, exposed pipework and maximum natural light. It’s a ‘less but better’, stripped back aesthetic and bold design that has attracted industry accolades and the thriving, growing community already resident at the District.

Once complete, Aire Lofts will consist of 108 one and two-bedroom apartments, with a handful of bespoke penthouses. These have been designed around open, shared outdoor spaces, including a large central green, purposefully bringing residents together to create a social and inclusive community. Every apartment also benefits from south-facing windows to maximise natural light and fresh air, and abundant green space with plants, many of them edible, surrounding the building. A new green space is also set to open imminently with a football pitch, outdoor cooking facilities and a tennis wall for residents to enjoy.

CITU’s in-house design team maximised the internal space of the apartments by eliminating corridors to create spacious, airy and bright rooms with apartments enjoying dual aspect views of Leeds cityscape.

CITU Managing Director Jonathan Wilson said: “CITU is a zero-carbon, place-maker and developer with creativity and design at its core. Often developments treat affordable housing as an inconvenient add-on to be accommodated, rather than an opportunity to build a truly inclusive and diverse community where every person has something of value to contribute.

“We focus on making sustainable living, and inclusive design completely accessible we will of course do the right thing for the right reasons this approach has been rooted in the Climate Innovation District from when the very first home was built. Ultimately, it is about creating a beautiful and sustainable future for all of our residents, irrespective of the journey that brought them here.”

Jimm Reed, LCH Development Director added: “Since the very beginning we have enjoyed a close relationship with CITU and have been really encouraged by their vision of a truly inclusive community where everyone is welcome. You can see that already even with the District only part-occupied, it really is an incredible place.

“As well as the properties available via social rent, we also have three apartments allocated for shared ownership. These are an excellent opportunity for people in Leeds who can’t otherwise afford it to get a foot on the first rung of the property ladder, in an award-winning development, which is such a rarity in a prime city centre location.”

*Shared ownership allows a first-time buyer to purchase up to 75% of the property and pay rent on the remaining part. Anyone interested in shared ownership at Aire Lofts, can find out more at https://leedscommunityhomes.org.uk/climate-innovation-district/

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group is set to launch Hartley Acres, a new development located within the undulating landscapes of the High Weald in Cranbrook, Kent. Comprising a stunning collection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, Hartley Acres is set within an abundance of green space and blends modern living in a commutable location with all the benefits of a rural, community-focused village lifestyle.

Prospective buyers are invited to an exclusive launch event on Saturday 10th February 2024. Please register your interest by emailing enquiries@hartleyacres.co.uk or calling 01580 231556 to book your space and find out more information on the event.

New residents at Hartley Acres will move into a home with an enduring appeal in an idyllic and highly desired location. Designed with sustainability and the future in mind, all homes are energy-efficient and have been thoughtfully considered in terms of layout and specification. The homes have also been designed to be reflective of Kent’s historic architecture with a modern touch to blend in effortlessly with the beautiful surroundings. The colour palette used is inspired by the authentic architectural style of the county; for example, The Crane House is crafted in the style of Kent’s oast houses, which were once used for kiln-drying hops. These buildings are a key part of the region’s historical identity and brewing and agricultural past.

All properties include sleek and stylish integrated appliances as standard and range from two- to five-bedrooms. There is something to suit everyone at Hartley Acres, whether downsizers, second-steppers, families or young professionals.

The impressive development is positioned within open, green spaces and is in an ideal location to enjoy the quintessential Kentish countryside. Precious woodland spaces have been protected for residents to enjoy, with new wildflower meadows, ponds, an orchard and reconnected hedgerow corridors to enrich habitats and biodiversity. At the heart of Hartley Acres, there will be a village green where neighbours can come to meet and socialise.

Reflecting Kent’s status as the ‘Garden of England’, young families will love the extensive open space and rural surroundings at Hartley Acres.  Offering an idyllic and family-friendly lifestyle, Cranbrook is ideally situated within the catchment for several exemplary schools. Most schools are rated ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and range from pre-school and nursery to primary schools and secondary schools. There are also highly regarded sixth form colleges that help young students progress into successful careers.

In addition, Hartley Acres stands out as it will enable residents to discover a true work-life balance. The nearest train station, Staplehurst, is a short drive from the development and is convenient for direct connections to the city, as trains run to London Bridge in 50 minutes and Charing Cross in one hour. Living in this perfect position will allow prospective buyers to embrace the best of being both connected and set apart from the hustle and bustle. While access to the city during the week is simple, residents can relax in the tranquil countryside on the weekends.

Often referred to as the ‘capital of The Weald,’ Cranbrook is a highly sought-after village location that offers many amenities. A post office, bakery and farm shop are just a few of the conveniences only a short walk away, and an array of eateries where first-class food and drink can be enjoyed, complete the enviable lifestyle available here. There is also the Weald Sports Centre nearby, which has a range of exceptional sports and fitness facilities.

Cranbrook is a town that prioritises tradition and culture, which is evident from their recurrent events such as the Apple Fayre, which takes place each autumn, and the bi-annual Cranbrook Literature Festival, which celebrates the area’s literary history, complete with events and competitions for all booklovers involved.

Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “It is a privilege to be able to enhance this already thriving community while reflecting Kent’s incredible history and architecture within our new collection of homes. This is a highly sought-after location where residents will enjoy quick connections to the city and the coast, as well as relaxing in the open green spaces of the countryside, and I look forward to seeing many others appreciate the benefits of living in this area.”

She continues: “These outstanding, energy-efficient homes are built to the highest specification and are ideal for those looking for a long-term place to settle themselves and establish their roots.”

Prices at Hartley Acres start from £429,950 for a two-bedroom, detached home. For more information, please visit www.hill.co.uk/hartley-acres, or please call 020 3906 1952 or email enquiries@hartleyacres.co.uk.

The importance of kerb appeal and smart public areas amongst new build homebuyers has never been more apparent, with many purchasers being attracted by an impressive street view and attractive green spaces, as well as the property itself. For homebuyers keen to find a new home that impresses on the outside as well as the inside, Capstone Fields by The Hill Group, in partnership with Latimer by Clarion Group, provides a stunning collection of houses surrounded by tranquil countryside. Situated within the picturesque Cambridge village of Hardwick, where two beautiful new show homes have been unveiled.

First time buyers of selected properties at Capstone Fields can benefit from the Help to Buy: Equity Loan, which provides an opportunity to purchase with a 5% deposit, as well as paying no Stamp Duty. What’s more, Hill is also offering to pay up to £1,000 in legal fees*.

Capstone Fields has been thoughtfully designed to create a desirable and inviting new community where laid back countryside living resides only seven miles away from Cambridge’s cultural city centre. Comprising a premium collection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, Capstone Fields effortlessly caters for a range of lifestyles. Prospective purchasers will have an exclusive opportunity to see what this exceptional development has to offer and enjoy a tour of the stunning new two and three bedroom show homes, as well as the existing four bedroom show home.

Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “We are passionate about providing beautiful homes that are matchless, in both location and specification, and Capstone Fields is no exception. In partnership with Latimer by Clarion Group, we are thrilled to have two stunning new show homes available for prospective purchasers to view. For first time buyers, the availability of the Help to Buy scheme presents a great opportunity to purchase a beautiful new two bedroom home with a 5% deposit before the scheme draws to a close later this year. We urge interested buyers to book their viewing as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

Every home at Capstone Fields has been crafted with meticulous attention to detail and built to the highest of standards. The architecture is charming and contemporary, yet timeless with red or buff brick exteriors, traditional style windows and pitched roofs, giving a welcoming feel and seamlessly blending with the local setting.

The surrounding landscape has been given just as much consideration as the homes, allowing nature to take precedence. Existing mature hedgerows have been conserved to encourage wildlife, and there is communal green open space that will include a wildflower meadow and community woodland, as well as a children’s play area, creating outdoor spaces where neighbours can come together. Trees are being planted along the streets while existing public footpaths have been improved to link this stunning new development to Hardwick Village, the surrounding countryside and beyond.

Bright, light-filled layouts are complemented by a calming and luxurious internal specification. Spacious kitchen/dining areas feature matt-finish shaker style units in a choice of colours with sleek Caesarstone worktops and a full range of integrated premium brand appliances. Contemporary bathrooms and en-suites include heated towel radiators, built-in cabinets, and Amtico underfloor heating on the ground floor. Each home has its own private enclosed rear garden – providing the perfect place to relax outdoors and double doors open out from the kitchen/dining area onto the garden, ideal for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Every property has been built to a high standard of energy efficiency, helping to keep utility bills lower.

Ideal for growing families, Capstone Fields is well located for access to a good choice of schools. A short walk away, Hardwick Pre-School has an Outstanding Ofsted rating and Hardwick Community Primary School is rated Good, while for secondary education, Comberton Village College is the catchment school and is also rated Outstanding. For those choosing to go down the independent school route, the Perse School in Cambridge is well renowned in a city that is globally famous for academic excellence.

Residents of Capstone Fields will naturally become part of the Hardwick community, where the sports and social club plays host to regular village events. Sports pitches, play park and the popular Blue Lion pub make Hardwick somewhere that welcomes all the family. From here, central Cambridge is seven miles east, most easily reached via the Madingley Road Park & Ride which can also be reached by bicycle in just 17-minutes. For travel further afield, London is just a 49-minute train ride from Cambridge station.

Prices at Capstone Fields start from £379,950 for a two-bedroom house. For further please call 01223 734205 or email: hello@capstonefields.co.uk

Property & Development Magazine

Construction work is progressing well at a new Bellway development in Wingate, where more than 30 homes have been built.

Wellfield Rise will eventually extend to 250 homes, on land off Wellfield Road in the village.

Bellway will create a 20-acre public open space and contribute £1.3 million towards infrastructure to support the growing community in Wingate.

The initial focus is on the first phase of 90 homes, of which 33 are now complete and occupied.

Hayley Teasdale, Sales Manager for Bellway Durham, said: “There’s a lovely new community forming now that people have moved into their homes at Wellfield Rise.

“Some of the residents have moved from Wingate or other local villages. Others have moved from further afield, attracted in part by the convenient access to the A19.

“The combination of high-quality, energy-efficient new homes, the wide range facilities in the village, great road links and the prospect of a huge open green space on the doorstep have proven a winning combination for homebuyers in the area.”

Wellfield Rise has two, three and four-bedroom homes available. Some can be purchased with Help to Buy, a government-backed scheme which offers an equity loan of up to 20 per cent for first-time buyers who have a five per cent deposit.

Hayley said: “There are nine different styles of three-bedroom houses that are particularly well suited to young families, and to people who are downsizing after their children have moved out.

“Open-plan living and dining spaces feature in each of the house types, meaning buyers can be flexible in the way they lay out their homes.

“Each of the homes at Wellfield Rise is from Bellway’s Artisan Collection, a range of house types developed from decades of customer feedback, and from architectural innovation and best practice. This means light and space are amplified, even in the smaller homes.”

As part of its planning agreement, Bellway is contributing £716,000 towards local education services; £369,000 for sport and leisure facilities; £160,000 towards improving public rights of way; and £84,000 to enhance cycle paths. The education contribution will fund three new classrooms for Wingate Primary School, which is rated as Outstanding by Ofsted.

Bellway development in Wingate, Wellfield Rise, has three and four bedroom properties available with prices starting from £162,995.

For more information about the new homes at Wellfield Rise call the sales team on 01429  411737 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/durham/wellfield-rise.

Property & Development Magazine