Daily News: 09/03/2026
Nottingham City Council is reviewing housing allocation and repairs to improve use of its social housing stock, including expanding the Right-Size scheme and speeding up re-letting of empty homes. As of January 2026, 595 council properties were vacant while many tenants sought transfers due to overcrowding or under-occupation. West Bridgford Wire
Wrexham Council is seeking contractors for solar panel installations across three town centre buildings and for the replacement of three passenger lifts at Guildhall. The move follows solar income from the council’s housing stock running more than £500,000 ahead of budget. Wrexham.com
Sero has secured investment from Innovation Investment Capital Limited Partnership, a £50m fund backed by Cardiff Capital Region, to expand retrofit and energy services across 2,500 social homes with a pipeline of up to 10,000. Separately, the Gloucestershire Homes and Communities Partnership is investing over £22m in energy-efficient home upgrades including solar panels and insulation. LABM, Housing Digital
Graham + Sibbald has acquired JMP Construction and Property Consultants and SID Asset Management, expanding to 26 UK offices with revenues above £35m. Meanwhile, construction consultancy Thomas & Adamson has rebranded as Egis following its 2024 acquisition. Scottish Housing News, Project Scotland
PHD Modular Access Services doubled its pre-tax profit to £1.8m for the year ending 31 August 2025 despite modest turnover growth from £23.6m to £24.3m, with profit margins rising to 7.4% driven by in-house cost savings amid challenging economic conditions. Construction News (register)
Preston City Council has approved its 2026/27 budget with £2.3m additional funding, including £5.6m for council-owned social housing, acquisition of 19 new-build homes in North Preston, and £1.4m for the Making Homes from Houses renovation scheme, alongside investment in homelessness support and regeneration. Preston City Council
Kirklees Council plans to demolish the outdated Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court high-rise blocks in Huddersfield between May and August, paving the way for new homes. Preparatory works will include asbestos surveys and partial stripping, with safety hoardings installed to minimise disruption. BBC
Plans for 1,450 homes at the Upper Callerton masterplan in Newcastle by Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey have been approved, with 382 homes in the first phase. A 300-home estate by Gladman Developments in a Kent village also won approval, while 209 homes in Leicestershire were backed in principle. Proposals for 760 homes by Redrow Homes in High Halstow were recommended for approval. Elsewhere, Habiko submitted a 240-home affordable scheme in Warrington, Bloor Homes signalled up to 240 homes in Derby, and Manchester City Council is planning a JV to deliver 1,600 homes on brownfield land. Insider Media, Kent Online, Leicestershire Live, BBC, Construction Enquirer, BBC, and Construction Enquirer