Daily News: 13/03/2025
The 2023/2024 Value for Money Metrics & Reporting highlight rising housing costs due to safety, energy efficiency, and stock decency. Reinvestment in existing stock and new homes has hit 7.7%, the highest since VFM metrics began. GOV.UK
Midland Heart has unveiled a £300m plan to upgrade 6,000 homes, improving energy efficiency and safety, while also delivering 2,250 new homes over five years. Orwell Housing Association has secured £32.5m to build 100 new homes annually, boosting affordable housing. Meanwhile, Swindon Borough Council is investing £30m over five years to enhance energy efficiency in council homes with UPVC windows, roof replacements, and better heating systems. Housing Today (register), Property Week (register), Swindon Borough Council
Enfield Council in north London plans to buy properties in the Liverpool City Region to provide housing for homeless people. The council cites challenges in finding affordable accommodation in the capital as a key reason for the move. BBC
A national planning consultancy is calling for funding and policy reform to make historic social housing retrofits financially viable for social landlords. Housing Digital
Sheffield has received a £12m boost to fund 112 new affordable council homes and flats for rent across two housebuilding schemes. Clanmil Housing Association has been appointed to develop a mixed-use, residential-led scheme in Belfast’s inner north-west, supporting efforts to increase city centre living. At the same time, North Lanarkshire Council is seeking a contractor for extensive refurbishments at a retirement housing complex in Wishaw. The Star, Insider Media, and Daily Record
Morris & Spottiswood is set to achieve a £265m turnover, boosted by its acquisition of ISG, as the company marks its 100th anniversary. Van Elle has warned of lower-than-expected profits due to ongoing delays in fire safety project approvals, impacting construction start dates. Bailey, a building envelope specialist, has acquired The Parkside Group, including Comar architectural aluminium systems and Axim architectural hardware. Essex-based M&E firm Sana Mechanical and Electrical has entered administration, appointing Quantuma as administrators. Construction Wave, Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, and Construction News (register)
Berkeley’s modular building assets have been put up for auction with a £30m valuation, marking a shift away from its modular construction approach. Housing Today (register)
Construction has been named in teenagers’ top 10 career choices, ranking ahead of piloting, according to a BBC Bitesize survey of over 4,000 young people aged 13-16. Construction News (register)
Halifax’s 400-home and care village plan has been approved under the Calderdale Local Plan. Despite opposition from 200+ residents, a 178-home scheme with a school and country park got the green light. In Sutton, a £250m project will replace a 19-storey office tower with 500+ homes, while developers propose 228 homes on farmland in a Leicestershire village, drawing local interest. Halifax Courier, BBC, Construction Enquirer, and BBC