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

Investment in Shrewsbury : Bellway has launched a search for more land in Shrewsbury to add to the 379 homes the developer is already delivering in the town.

Since 2018, Bellway has completed 125 private and affordable homes at The Spinney in Oteley Road and at Copthorne Keep, the regeneration project at the former Copthorne Barracks. A further 254 homes will be built across the two sites.

The developments have proven to be the most popular across Bellway’s West Midlands patch. They have also generated significant investment in the community, with more than £2 million spent on infrastructure. This is in addition to Bellway’s support for charities including Shrewsbury Foodbank, Shrewsbury in Bloom and Shropshire School Sports and Athletics Association.

Ben Wright, Managing Director of Bellway West Midlands, said: “Demand for new homes in Shrewsbury has remained high over the past three years and there is every indication this will continue.

“Across Copthorne Keep and The Spinney we have been able to provide a broad range of homes which have been well received by buyers.

“Both are important sites for the town. The Spinney is the first phase of a new neighbourhood, while Copthorne Keep is creating a new purpose for the historic barracks and we have committed to preserving the 19^th Century Keep, converting it to an apartment building.

“We feel confident we have a solid understanding of the local market and are well placed to continue bringing new homes to Shrewsbury, providing land is available in the right locations.”

Bellway’s contributions to local services and infrastructure include more than £1 million for education, £115,000 to improve cricket facilities at Frankwell County Ground, and £100,000 for a pedestrian crossing, all linked to Copthorne Keep.

Bellway will pay £769,000 as a Community Infrastructure Levy under its planning agreement for The Spinney. This enables the local authority to spend the money where it is most needed.

Ben said: “Planning agreements ensure that growing communities have the infrastructure they need to accommodate more homes, yet the benefits of new homes extend far wider. The build process supports jobs in the local area and the economy is further boosted by the arrival of new residents.”

Bellway is encouraging landowners in and around Shrewsbury who feel their land may be suitable for housing to make contact. Bellway’s land team can work with them to establish the viability of developing the land. For more information email Aaron.Gibbins@bellway.co.uk.

Property & Development Magazine

RAPIDLY expanding property developer Strawberry Star Group has today announced a long-term partnership with Irish construction giants JJ Rhatigan (JJR). This exclusive alliance is the first of its kind for both firms on this scale, enabling JJR to expand their reach in the UK residential sector, whilst strengthening Strawberry Star’s ambitious housing commitment to deliver 2,000 new homes by 2025.

JJR are currently Strawberry Star’s construction partner for its flagship project LU2ON, delivering phase one of the £280m residential-led mixed-use scheme by Spring this year. The construction firm now bring their expertise in the sector to Strawberry Star’s remaining portfolio of projects, which include LU2ON phase two, as well as schemes in Harlow, Wembley and Kenton. The gross development value (GDV) across all four schemes is expected to exceed half a billion pounds.

Chairman of Strawberry Star, Santhosh Gowda, said: “It was a natural fit for us to partner with a construction firm with a track record of delivering excellent quality housing whilst using some of the best sustainability practices in the sector. The trust established between our two businesses based on LU2ON’s initial success has led us to take this relationship to the next level. By forging this long-term alliance, we can leverage each other’s strengths wherever necessary and significantly enhance our delivery capabilities. The partnership will shape our business for the future.”

With 1,000 units already planned or under construction, Strawberry Star is concentrating on the needs of home buyers, home movers, buy-to-let landlords, first-time buyers, as well as providing investors with a fully managed buy-to-let experience. All four of the mixed-use schemes that are underway are set to bring significant regeneration to each area, contributing to the local economy to boost house price growth and entrepreneurial investment.

Santhosh adds: “JJR will play a vital role in realising our volume housing vision; to create 2,000 new homes by 2025 whilst setting new standards in high-quality housing in Greater London.”

Ger Ronayne, C.E.O. of J.J. Rhatigan & Co. stated: “We have a reputation for construction excellence and we share Strawberry Star’s vision to deliver much needed mixed-use schemes that everyone can be proud of. This partnership has evolved from the excellent working relationship and mutual trust we have established with Strawberry Star over the past two years, particularly on the Lu2on project and will provide a strong pipeline of work for J.J. Rhatigan & Co. in the Greater London area over the next few years.  This will provide a springboard for us to grow our business even further in the UK and particularly in the Greater London area.”

“This is the type of collaboration we strive for at J.J. Rhatigan & Co. with all our clients and ultimately it will be mutually beneficial to both our clients and ourselves.” For more information visit www.strawberrystar.com and www.jjrhatigan.com