• Stratford-on-Avon comes in first place with 283.9 new builds completed per 10,000 population.
• South Derbyshire takes second place with 277.6 new builds.
• Mid Suffolk is third.

A new study by 24housing.co.uk reveals that Stratford-on-Avon had the most completed new builds in the UK from 2020 to 2023.

The study examined building completion rates in various local authorities across the UK between 2020 and 2023 and compared them to the population of each local authority to determine the number of builds completed per 10,000 people.

Stratford-on-Avon takes first place with 283.9 new buildings completed per 10,000 population, reflecting a concerted effort to meet the growing demands of its populace. The total number is 3,860 houses compared to its population of 135,964. This picturesque locale, renowned for its historic charm and cultural significance, comprises the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, globally famous for its association with William Shakespeare, which makes it a popular location for tourists and, given the surge in builds, also among people who want to relocate and buy a house in the area.

Second is South Derbyshire, which follows closely behind, with 3,000 builds completed, translating to 277.6 new houses per 10,000 population. The region’s strategic location and robust economic infrastructure contribute to its attractiveness for developers and residents.

Mid Suffolk has demonstrated a commendable commitment to urban development, ranking third on the list, with 2,670 builds completed between 2020 and 2023. This accomplishment translates to 258.2 builds per 10,000 population, showcasing the region’s proactive approach to addressing housing demands while maintaining its distinct rural character.

Further down on the list, Harborough is fourth, with 2,530 completed builds over the same period. With a rate of 257.4 builds per 10,000 population, the region exemplifies a balance between urban expansion and environmental stewardship.

The top five closes with Midlothian with 251.4 new builds completed per 10,000 population, which reflects its strategic positioning within the Greater Edinburgh area and its role as an economic hub in Scotland.

Gill Broad, Senior Editor at 24housing.co.uk, commented on the findings: “The data underscores the importance of proactive urban planning and collaboration between public and private sectors in addressing housing shortages and fostering inclusive growth. Local authorities play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

“While the reasons behind the disparities in building completion rates among local authorities are multifaceted, factors such as land availability, infrastructure investment, and demographic trends contribute to the patterns.”

Property & Construction sector Spring Budget predictions from Menzies LLP,
one of UK’s leading accountancy and strategic advisory firms

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will set out the Government budget to Parliament on Wednesday, 6 March. With the General Elections drawing close, it’s expected that the upcoming changes will focus more on individuals, rather than to businesses and corporates, to sway voters in the Conservative party’s favour.

Given the pressing needs of businesses, prioritising tax cuts should be crucial. But it’s also important that the Government take a balanced approach, given the limited scope for further cuts particularly in light of mounting government debt.

Rebecca Wilkinson, Tax Director and Property & Construction sector Specialist at Menzies LLP, has outlined her top wishlist items and predictions for the announcement next month.

Menzies’ predictions and wishlist for the Property & Construction sector

As we have seen in the news recently, the number of insolvencies in the construction sector is increasing significantly and the housebuilding sub-sector is the worst hit. This is due to the weak demand for new homes, which is caused by higher interest rates and the general cost of living crisis. The Help to Buy scheme ended in 2023 and I would like to see the scheme either extended or re-imagined with a view to providing stimulus in the housing market.

Home improvement projects are also stalling. A possible way of increasing demand could be to offer incentives to home-owners and landlords who spend money on improving the energy efficiency of residential properties, or offering enhanced cap al allowances to businesses that spend money on green technologies.

In the residential rental sector, there is an increase in the number of private landlords suffering rent arrears as lower income tenants struggle to pay rents. Many landlords are also paying higher interest charges and the combined result is an increasing number of landlords in arrears on their mortgages, forcing many to sell up. A decreasing stock of private rental housing could be disastrous for low-income families as there is also a lack of available social housing. I would like to see the Government reconsider the punitive tax rules which restrict the amount of tax relief that individual landlords can claim on their interest costs.

Overall, it will be helpful to see if there is a strategy in place to stimulate the property market.  We would also like to see another Stamp Duty holiday, or the stamp duty surcharge scrapped. We also know the Capital Gain Tax (CGT) allowance is due to be reduced from £6,000 to £3,000 in April 2024 so this could be delayed or scrapped.

For more information about Menzies LLP, visit www.menzies.co.uk.

A North East regeneration specialist, which is delivering homes for people with specific housing needs, is also boosting local wildlife and biodiversity.

As part of an ongoing drive to make ecological considerations in the design of its projects, Vistry North East is implementing various habitat enhancements at a development of apartments for people over 55, in Penshaw, near Sunderland and at an Extra Care project, in Guisborough, North Yorkshire.

Part of the Vistry Group, Vistry North East enlisted ecological consultants, Ecosurv, to offer pre-construction advice, expertise and ongoing guidance throughout the builds. Operating under its ‘Habibat’ brand, Ecoserv has developed a range of habitat features tailored for bats, birds and bees, which can be seamlessly built into brickwork. Each product has been developed in conjunction with relevant advisory organisations, such as The Bat Conservation Trust and RSPB.

Impressed by this habitat feature range, Wienerberger bricks, a key partner in Vistry’s supply chain, has allocated dedicated factory space in their UK facility to manufacture these units for use on new developments.

Across the two developments, Vistry North East is installing eight bat boxes – including three specifically designed for bats during the breeding season; six swift nesting boxes, five sparrow nesting boxes; five bumble bee boxes and ten bee bricks – which provide a host of varying sized nesting spaces for solitary bees. In addition, six open fronted nest boxes – to be installed in retaining walls at the development in Guisborough – will provide additional spaces for insects to live and thrive, boosting biodiversity.

Andrew Mayfield, Senior Design Manager, Vistry North East said: “The loss of habitat for our native wildlife has been a huge driver in the continued decline of many species across the UK. Swifts were added to conservation experts’ red list of the UK’s most endangered birds in 2021 and eight species of bee – a third of the remaining species we have – are currently listed on conservation priority lists, due to their large-scale declines in distribution. These are just two worrying examples.

“However, by thinking imaginatively, working with experienced and knowledgeable partners and implementing design features that create habitat and promote biodiversity, new development can make a positive impact – providing new spaces for animals to live and thrive.

“Our planning and site teams have gone the extra mile on both developments to maximise the opportunities presented and we will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the natural environment in the communities in which we build.”

Graham Jeffery, Managing Director, Ecosurv said: “Wildlife is in a state of decline across the UK with 41% of species reducing in number since 1970. The modernisation of building materials with new designs in recent years has meant that species which previously adapted alongside the built environment, have quite often become excluded from newer buildings. Operating nationally, we have partnered with Wienerberger to combat this problem by producing a range of eco-habitat solutions for a wide range of species including birds (swifts, starlings, sparrows, robins, wrens and redstarts) bats and bees.

“We are delighted to be working with Vistry North East on a number of projects across the region and have been impressed by its progressive approach to the issue of habitat creation on its developments.”

Paul Hodgkinson, Director of Business Development, Wienerberger, Said: “The collaboration between Wienerberger and EcoSurv is testament to the connection between sustainable development and the preservation of biodiversity. By creating spaces that provide opportunities for wildlife we can help reduce species decline across the UK.

“In July last year, MPs debated a call for swift bricks to be made mandatory for new housing development due to declining numbers – following an e-petition which gained more than 100,000 signatures. Eco-habitats allow developers to integrate features such as swift bricks aligning not only with future legislative changes but setting precedents for ecologically responsible development.”

At Penshaw Gardens, just off Station Road in the village, Vistry North East is delivering a complex of 72 apartments for people over 55, in collaboration with Sunderland-based housing association Gentoo Group.

At Guisborough, just off Spring Wood Road, a 83 unit extra care facility, for people with specific housing needs, is currently being constructed for Housing 21, a national provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living for older people of modest means.

Vistry North East is part of Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed tenure homes. A young and dynamic business with a Partnerships-led approach – delivered through the Countryside Partnerships brand – the Group is delivering thousands of homes every year for the affordable and private marketplaces. The Group also encompasses a portfolio of retail brands, including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Countryside Homes.

Vistry North East is currently active on 15 construction sites around the North East region with a gross development value of just over £630 million and is working with six housing associations and seven local authorities.  

By Sarah Thompson, Managing Director, Mortgage Scout

Compared with a decade ago, today’s first-time buyers are older, more likely to buy with a partner and more likely to have dependent children. This highlights how getting on the property ladder is becoming increasingly hard for younger borrowers. However, lenders are always introducing new propositions to ensure solutions are in place to help prospective homeowners buy their first property. It could be you who helps them!

The 1980s, perhaps best known for its music and the invention of Super Mario, was a time when the average house price was £22,676 and the average deposit was £3,000. Fast forward to 2018, and we see a completely different picture: the average house price is £224,353, and the average deposit costs you £34,000. This shows a whopping growth of around 890% in house prices! However, wage growth hasn’t seen the same hike, so it is no surprise that borrowers are continuously finding it harder.

For many, the Bank of Mum and Dad seems like the only option. According to the Social Mobility Commission, over 30% of UK households with dependent children hold assets that could be used towards a deposit to purchase a home. This could lead to an increase in the number of first-time buyers turning to help from their family. The Social Mobility Commission’s research suggests this could rise to nearly 40% by 2039/40. Do you hold assets that could give your loved ones the gift of a lifetime?

Joint borrower, sole proprietor mortgages (JBSP)

JBSP mortgages are one solution that may help. They’re aimed at bridging the gap between salaries and house prices and are geared towards helping close family members get onto the property ladder or move home. Lend a helping hand to your children’s plans of purchasing their first home!

Joint borrower, sole proprietor mortgages allow you to support your family by adding your name to the mortgage, increasing income and increasing the maximum loan available. A JBSP mortgage is a financial arrangement where up to four individuals can jointly secure a mortgage, but only one person legally owns the property.

This type of mortgage is commonly chosen by parents who wish to help their children step onto the property ladder, but it’s also used by siblings or friends combining their incomes to buy a house with only one residing in it.

A key aspect of JBSP mortgages is that while all borrowers are jointly responsible for the mortgage repayments, reducing the risk for the lender, there’s also a collective liability. If one borrower fails to pay, the others must compensate for the shortfall. It’s, therefore, essential to enter into a JBSP mortgage with trusted individuals and clearly understand each other’s financial situations.

Only the sole owner of the property, the proprietor, is listed on the title deeds. This means other borrowers have no legal rights to the property or any increase in its value. Lenders usually stipulate that this individual must reside in the property. This arrangement is ideal for those who want to assist with a property purchase without retaining a long-term interest in it, allowing for an easy exit when the proprietor can take on the mortgage independently.

In terms of operation, JBSP mortgages are similar to standard mortgages. To evaluate affordability, lenders assess all borrowers’ financial circumstances, including income and outgoings. Borrowers must also meet the lender’s specific criteria, such as age limits and creditworthiness. The age limit for a JBSP mortgage typically caps at 70 or 80 years at the end of the mortgage term. When the initial fixed-rate or discount period ends, the sole owner has the option to remortgage solely in their name.

One of the advantages of a JBSP mortgage is its potential impact on Stamp Duty. Generally, purchasing a property with someone who already owns a home attracts a higher Stamp Duty rate. However, under a JBSP mortgage, the non-owning parties don’t trigger this additional charge.

Planning for unexpected scenarios, such as illness or unemployment, is prudent, like any mortgage. Income protection insurance can effectively ensure mortgage repayments and other bills are covered during such times.

Raising a deposit

Affordability is not the only challenge to first-time buyers and joint borrowers; sole proprietor mortgages may not be the best solution for everyone, so there are other options you may want to consider. If your loved ones cannot raise a deposit, you can still help. You can use your property or savings as security for their mortgage instead of gifting them a deposit. Many lenders are offering these types of products, too.

• 17% of all insolvencies were construction companies last year
• Construction insolvencies have outpaced all other UK sectors for the last three years
• Cancellation of Northern leg of HS2 hits confidence

The construction sector is experiencing the highest number of insolvencies of any industry in the UK, with 4,370 companies going bust in the year to the end of November 2023, representing 17% of all insolvencies*, says Mazars, the international audit, tax and advisory firm.

In 2022, the UK’s construction sector contributed 6% to the country’s GDP**. Construction insolvencies have consistently outnumbered any other sector for the past three years, with 2022/23’s figure showing a 7% increase from the 4,086 companies that went insolvent in 2021/22 and a 76% rise from 2,481 2020/21.

Mazars says that the construction sector has been hit hardest with a perfect storm of high material and labour costs. The impact of rising borrowing costs has further impacted profit margins on both live and pipeline development projects. 2023 saw mortgage rates reach a 15-year high, putting a dent in consumer confidence and taking the heat out of the dramatic price rises in residential housing over recent years.

Mark Boughey, Partner in the Restructuring Services team at Mazars, says: “There are now on average a dozen building companies going under every single day in the UK. This is an immensely difficult period for the construction sector.”

“One problem is that the commercial viability of a lot of today’s projects were assessed three or four years ago, with fixed price contracts often being negotiated – since then, costs have spiralled, while buyers’ appetite has taken a dive. Construction contractors operate on very tight margins at the best of times – the sector is really being squeezed at both ends right now.”

Insolvencies in the sector have been highest in specialised construction activities, such as demolition, electrical and plumbing, representing 58% of all insolvencies in the sector over the last twelve months.

“We saw a number of bigger contractors filing for insolvency 12 to 18 months ago and now those failures are being felt downstream in the supply chain,” says Mark. “Sub-contractors aren’t getting paid on time or to the agreed levels and, as a result, are now starting to experience their own financial problems. The impact of failures in the sector cuts both ways though – when smaller companies fold, it can cause major delays for the main developers in completing projects.”

“Whilst some of the headwinds around increasing borrowing costs and material prices have eased, we’re unfortunately likely to see these difficulties persist through 2024 and into 2025.”

* Source: Insolvency Service

** Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Share of construction in GDP, 2022   

Embracing science, data and ecological expertise will help developers rise to the challenge of new biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements, say environmental specialists at Fera Science. 

Under the Town & Country Planning Act (TCPA), from 12 February 2024, most developers in England must evidence how they will deliver at least 10% BNG, for 30 years minimum, for each new site.  

This involves assessing and calculating initial biodiversity levels, using the mitigation hierarchy to build an effective biodiversity gain strategy, and creating a bespoke habitat management and monitoring plan for the long term. 

Harnessing environmental science within every step will be key to developers’ success, says Paul Brown, senior remote sensing scientist and geomatics surveyor at Fera. 

“Developers are being confronted with the urgent need to capture highly accurate, biodiversity data which they can translate into effective net gain strategies. 

“A scientific approach is vital – so, it is essential for developers to invest in ecological expertise to help them put effective nature protection measures in place, and meet incoming BNG targets as smoothly as possible,” he says. 

With over 100 years of scientific learning, research and development, Fera is collaborating with housebuilders to understand and navigate BNG policy changes with a tailored support service. 

“Our LAND360 land assessment service connects developers with Fera’s team of ecologists, economists, GIS and remote sensing experts, to help them create and deliver a fully-informed 30-year biodiversity gain plan,” explains Mr Brown. 

“We use remote sensing technology, mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) to carry out a thorough desk-based habitat assessment, without the need for initial on-site investigation. 

“These detailed insights help us build a science-based biodiversity baseline, from which we can forecast the impact of on-site and off-site BNG strategies, to help developers put the right plans in place that continue delivering at least 10% gain,” he says. 

According to legislation, developers who fail to account for BNG in their plans will face delays or even rejection of their applications, so getting credible advice is vital for developers and planners. 

“Investing in scientific support with BNG planning will not only help developers meet industry-wide regulations smoothly, but also help demonstrate a true ‘nature first’ approach to sustainable development, backed up with genuine expertise.” 

To find out more about how Fera and the LAND360 service is helping housing developers, visit https://www.fera.co.uk/land360-housing-developers  

Doncaster-based house builder, Swan Homes, has joined forces with Lincolnshire Housing Association Ongo to create 18 new homes for social rent in Armthorpe.

The Mill Court development on Mill Street consists of 14 contemporary three-bed houses and four two-bed apartments across two sites, and is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

Work began on the development in late 2022, redeveloping a disused site and former car wash in the area.

Nathan Brough, managing director of Swan Homes, said: “We’re proud to be working with Ongo to create this development of new, high quality housing stock for the Armthorpe area.

“Having affordable properties available for social rent, that don’t compromise on design and contemporary finish, is crucial in ensuring residents’ quality of life.

“The Mill Court development properties are of a very high standard. They’ve been thoughtfully designed to create bright, open spaces, with clean lines and contrasting façade finishes, for a really modern finish that’s also sustainable and efficient for the future.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming in the first tenants in Spring 2024.”

The development sits in the heart of Armthorpe, within easy reach of Armthorpe District Shopping Centre and major supermarkets.

Each property has been fitted with modern kitchens and bathrooms, and comes with its own parking space.

Amy Schoenmaker, development project manager at Ongo, said: “Our mission at Ongo is to create communities where tenants and local people feel safe, secure and happy in their homes and neighbourhoods.

“This latest development at Armthorpe, delivered by Swan Homes, fulfils that mission perfectly, creating homes for social rent that tenants will feel secure and happy in – not just now, but for years to come.”

Swan Homes is part of Vigo Group – a third-generation family business based in Doncaster, which masterplans large developments and builds houses, offices and commercial units within a 50-mile radius of its offices in Doncaster, as well as constructing high end residential and commercial properties in London.

Properties at the Mill Court development in Armthorpe will be available for bidding via the HomeChoice website at www.stlegerhomes.co.uk/find-a-home/homechoice

For further information about Swan Homes, visit www.swanhomes.co.uk

For further information about Ongo, visit www.ongo.co.uk

Work is progressing well at a new Bovis Homes location in West Malling, with show homes due to open this spring.

Construction work at Pippins Place on the eastern edge of the Kent village started last year and the first homes were released for sale in the summer.

Two show homes are to open in the housebuilder’s four-bedroom Aspen and five-bedroom Birch house styles in February while the first new residents are expected to move into their completed homes in early Spring.

Candice McCabe, marketing manager for Bovis Homes, said: “The first homes are beginning to take shape at Pippins Place, and we are looking forward to opening a permanent sales office and show homes on site very soon.

“West Malling is highly sought-after among home-hunters because it is a charming village with a range of great restaurants, gastro pubs and boutique shops, and it is within easy reach of London.

“Pippins Place itself is just a 10-minute walk from the train station which has regular services into London taking less than an hour, so it’s the perfect location for commuters who work in the city but want to live away from the hustle and bustle.

“And there will be plenty to enjoy for those who come to live here as the development will include a country park, a children’s play area and an orchard. It will be a pleasure to come home to a property at Pippins Place.”

The development will be made up of 250 homes, which will include 150 three, four and five-bedroom properties for private sale and 100 affordable homes for rent or shared ownership. The affordable homes will range from one to four-bedroom properties.

The properties are being built on 44 acres of land to the south of the A20 London Road, with more than half the site providing green space, including a new country park.

A range of sustainability measures are planned for the scheme including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points at every house. There will also be measures to protect biodiversity including bird boxes and badger and hedgehog highways across the site.

Bovis Homes is part of Vistry Group, which also includes Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. Pippins Place is a joint venture between Vistry Kent and Wates Developments.

Natalie Flint, residential investment director at Wates Developments, said: “We have worked with many Vistry regions over the years, with Pippins Place being the first joint venture with Vistry Kent.

“The development has been carefully designed to minimise its impact on the environment and deliver sustainable new homes which will become an integral part of the local community in West Malling.

“We are pleased to see that construction at Pippins Place is now well underway and look forward to seeing the first new homes taking shape.”

There’s currently a choice of three, four and five-bedroom Bovis Homes houses available to reserve at Pippins Place, with prices starting from £459,995. To find out more, visit bovishomes.co.uk.

Blackfinch Property, the Gloucester-based, rapidly growing agile lender to the UK property market, has announced the official completion and opening of Moorland Garden Nursing Home, formerly Moorland Garden Hotel, Devon, financed by a Blackfinch Property £5.3 million development loan.

The new Moorland Garden Nursing Home features 55 ensuite rooms, many with stunning views overlooking the Moor. The nursing home will significantly boost local healthcare provision for dementia and nursing care in the region while providing a broader social impact for Dartmoor with the creation of 60 jobs in the local area. Blackfinch Property’s investment enabled the company to extend existing buildings, widen corridors and transform rooms and communal areas into high specification and tech-enabled care spaces for residents and staff. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for this investment was 69%, with an exit strategy that refinanced the completed and operational care home onto a long-term debt facility.

Commenting on the development, Ian Ford, Investment Manager at Blackfinch Property, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Moorland Garden Ltd on this development to provide much needed nursing home capacity in this stunning area. It’s a great example of the sustainable and community focus that drives our investments.”

He continued: “The situation in the care sector in the UK is very challenging, and the 2022 figures from CSI Market Intelligence reveal that 247 care homes closed during 2022 and only 123 new ones opened – leaving the sector with a net loss of 124 homes and 230 care beds. Every new care home that opens is significant and a welcome boost to the sector – and we are thrilled we can be part of opening a care home in such a remarkable area, helping boost local healthcare and create local jobs at the same time.”

Yogi Yogendran, Director of Moorland Garden Ltd, said: “We were really attracted to the property since the majority of the rooms have garden views and extended views out to the moor, which is the perfect care environment. We are delighted to complete and officially open, and look forward to welcoming our first residents into our home.”

He continued: “Creating a luxury care home on the site has involved making major internal changes to enable larger residential space, and we have also extended existing buildings. We are really pleased with the skills and commitment of local contractors and are looking forward to hiring a significant number of local professionals to provide care for our residents in a great environment.”

Walton Development & Construction has assumed the pivotal role of the principal contractors in this project. Moorland Garden Ltd has collaborated with various partners, including ADG (Darlington) for architectural services, Bell Cornwell Planning Consultants for Planning services, Inspired Energy for connectivity solutions, Agile Comms for telephone services, Cutec for IT infrastructure, and Fuel for brand development and website creation.

 Telcom, the UK’s leading provider of dedicated business connectivity, has been selected as a strategic partner to deliver its best-in-class connected building solution Preconnect® to the commercial office space at St Michael’s Manchester.

A long-term project by Gary Neville’s development company, Relentless Developments, and its strategic partners, St Michael’s is a £400 million mixed use development in the heart of the city. Combining nine floors of best-in-class office space with a five star hotel, 217 luxury apartments, and a new public square, St Michael’s has been described by Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester Council, as “a defining regeneration project for our city centre.”

No. 1 St Michael’s, the £150 million first phase of the development, will complete in 2024 and is expected to be Manchester’s first fully net-zero carbon commercial development – in operation and delivery. No. 2 St Michael’s – a £250 million, 41-storey tower – will house a 162-bed five-star W Hotel, W Residences and 75,000 sq ft of office space. The second phase is expected to be completed in 2027.

Telcom has been selected as a key strategic partner with property consultants Zerum to supply No. 1 St Michael’s with its connected buildings solution Preconnect®. This will ensure commercial office tenants have access to fast and reliable full fibre dedicated business internet up to 10Gbps that’s up and running within 24 hours.

Installed throughout the office space and up to the roof top restaurant where Japanese-Peruvian restaurant brand, Chotto Matte, will be located, Preconnect® will deliver dedicated full fibre internet connectivity with symmetrical speeds up to 10Gbps. This will be delivered on Telcom’s own fibre and rooftop wireless network across the city, making a 100% uptime guarantee available for businesses with a backup connection in place. St Michael’s will be targeting a Platinum Wiredscore and Preconnect® will be fundamental to this as it guarantees a minimum connectivity rating of Gold.

Steven Calder, Head of Connected Buildings at Telcom, commented:

“We are immensely proud to be a part of the St Michael’s development. As a Mancunian-born company, Telcom couldn’t be more humbled or thrilled to be contributing to the revitalisation and development of our city’s historic centre. Preconnect®, our market-leading commercial property solution, will give tenants an unparalleled connection experience by getting them connected to 10Gbps full fibre internet in as little as 24 hours. What’s more is that there’s absolutely no cost to the building owner or management company for the upfront installation and ongoing management.

We look forward to working with Relentless Development, their partners, and the future tenants of St Michael’s to provide seamless, full fibre internet connectivity in support of their business objectives.”

Anthony Kilbride, Co-Director, Relentless Developments, commented:

“St Michael’s is a highly ambitious development set to transform this critical yet underused area of Manchester into a world-class destination for work, stay and play. We wouldn’t be able to achieve our pioneering vision for the scheme without collaborating with forward-thinking partners like Telcom, who are game changers in their own sector. Delivering hyperfast, reliable, and convenient connectivity for our commercial tenants is going to play a big part in making St Michael’s one of the most sustainable and smart spaces in the UK.”