Daily News: 24/03/2026
The Crown Estate has launched the search for a contractor to deliver its £24.7m Westwick Row housing scheme in Hemel Hempstead, which will act as a testbed for a wider 4,000-home expansion in the area. Construction Enquirer
Swindon Borough Council is delivering major energy-efficiency upgrades to hundreds of council homes as part of a £48m investment programme, aimed at improving property performance and helping tenants reduce energy bills.Swindon Advertiser
Homes England has acquired the Carrow Works site in Norwich, a key part of the East Norwich Strategic Regeneration Area, which is planned to deliver up to 3,500 homes alongside employment space and new public areas. GOV.UK
Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing have confirmed plans to merge from 1 June 2026, creating a new Community Gateway housing association aimed at strengthening services and placing residents at the heart of decision-making. Watford Community Housing Trust
Evolution Construction has secured a contract with Blackpool Coastal Housing to deliver electrical works across 4,800 homes from April 2026, creating seven jobs, while Woking Borough Council has appointed Amber Construction Services and Mulalley to carry out cladding replacement on 170 homes following fire safety concerns. Blackpool Gazette, BBC
Manchester City Council has brought 500 empty homes back into use in under two years through a targeted programme, while Bristol City Council is overhauling tenancy processes following an Ombudsman finding. Redditch Borough Council reported improved tenant satisfaction after a strong survey response; Herefordshire Council launched a five-year homelessness prevention strategy; and Stoke-on-Trent City Council is exploring affordable repair loans to help tackle empty homes and support essential works. Manchester City Council, Housing Ombudsman Service, Redditch Standard, BBC, and BBC
Vistry Group has agreed a deal with CBRE Investment Management to forward sell 60 affordable homes at its Willow Park scheme in Buckingham, while Avant Homes has started construction on a £45m residential development in Yaddlethorpe, North Lincolnshire, boosting local housing supply. Vistry Group Plc, TheBusinessDesk.com
Bellway expects to deliver more homes than previously forecast this year but has warned that market conditions remain uncertain, with geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict driving volatility in interest rates, costs, and buyer confidence. Housing Today (register)
The UK government has delayed new low-carbon housing rules in England, with updated standards now expected in 2028, requiring new homes to produce 75% fewer emissions than 2013 levels. The Guardian
Outline approval has been granted for Ebbsfleet Central, a mixed-use scheme delivering around 2,100 homes with at least 35% affordable housing, while Clarion Housing Group has secured approval for 202 affordable homes near Crystal Palace Park. Miller Homes will deliver a further 68 homes at Omega Warrington to complete the scheme, and Somerset Council has approved a 100% affordable 100-home development, highlighting a shift towards lower-risk, affordable-led projects. The Construction Index, Show House, Place North West, and BBC