ECE Westworks’ Post

Our modular redevelopment of a historic building in the centre of Southampton has moved a step closer to completion. This regeneration project to restore and revive a prominent site has reached a major construction milestone with the cranage of the final studio apartment modules. 31 High Street is a landmark scheme which is bringing a fire damaged building back to life after it remained derelict for more than a decade. It represents a £12m investment by Stelling Properties and will help to meet the critical undersupply of student accommodation in the city. The five-storey scheme will provide 121 high specification, self-contained studio apartments which will be operated by Unilife Student Living and are due for completion later this year. Read our latest announcement here: https://lnkd.in/e6q9xXTd #studentliving #regeneration #modularconstruction #mmc #pbsa #studentaccommodation #modularconstruction #modularmanufacture #offsite #offsiteconstruction #offsitemanufacturing #landaquisition #landsourcing #designandbuild #propertymanagement #ukconstructionindustry

Cole Waterhouse Unveils Trafford Wharf Scheme: A New Chapter for Stretford Cole Waterhouse has submitted a transformative planning application for Trafford Wharf, a landmark mixed-use project on the site of the former Hilti headquarters in Stretford. Following extensive public consultation, the proposal outlines plans to revitalise the 2.2-acre brownfield site off Trafford Wharf Road with a dynamic blend of residential, educational, and commercial spaces designed to inject new life into the Wharfside regeneration zone. The ambitious scheme will deliver 438 build-to-rent apartments, with 20% earmarked as affordable homes for Trafford residents, and 419 purpose-built student beds, addressing the region's growing demand for student housing. Complementing these are a new 24,057-square-foot higher education facility that includes teaching spaces, student amenities, and a welcoming café for residents, students, and the community alike. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Chapman Taylor, the development features two residential towers with modern amenities and landscaped public spaces, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Positioned within Trafford Council’s Wharfside regeneration area—envisioned to support up to 5,000 new homes and a new stadium for Manchester United—the development will also support flexible commercial spaces at ground level, making it a cornerstone in the area's revitalisation. https://lnkd.in/e77p5yhi

Get Living is bringing forward improved proposals for the West site of the Elephant and Castle Town Centre redevelopment.   The business is deep in consultation with the community on revised plans which respond to changes in policy environment since the original consent in 2019.   The exciting changes to the proposals include:   🔷 The new plans will add 450 purpose-built student accommodation beds to Phase 3 of the masterplan while including the same number of previously consented homes.   🔷 The proposals also include improvements to the architecture of the proposed scheme in line with the changing landscape of Elephant and Castle, as well as improved public realm with a new public square.   🔷 There has also been a reduction in carbon with a move to all-electric.   Elsewhere, Phase 2 on the East site is well underway and set to complete in 2026. This phase will provide 135,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, 55,000 sq ft of workspace, 485 homes, and a state-of-the-art building for UAL’s London College of Communication.     Read more in Estates Gazette in the comments. 👇 Delancey #DelanceyRealEstate #ElephantandCastleTownCentre #Regeneration #Development #Partnership

Discover how the trend of converting underperforming hotels into student housing is reshaping major cities. As urban student housing demand surges, developers are finding innovative solutions to transform outdated hotels into vibrant dormitories and apartments. The latest issue of retrofit magazine highlights a remarkable project: a Doubletree Hotel in Midtown Manhattan has been converted into 307 student apartments with kitchenettes, thanks to a rapid, integrated project delivery (IPD) approach by developer FOUND Study and general contractor BDB Construction Enterprise. This conversion not only revitalized the building but also met the demand for on-campus-like living experiences in a prime location. To explore how adaptive reuse and cutting-edge construction methods are turning challenges into opportunities, read the full article here: https://ow.ly/3UZs50ToKY2 #UrbanDevelopment #AdaptiveReuse #StudentHousing #ConstructionInnovation #RetrofitMagazine PHOTOS: Erik Rank, courtesy BDB Construction Enterprise, unless otherwise noted

Paul Smith, managing director at Strategic Land Group, sheds light on the Duchy of Cornwall's ambitious proposal for a new 2,500-home Poundbury-style scheme in Faversham, Kent. In light of the government's emphasis on creating beautiful and enduring places, Smith argues that greater competition, rather than regulation, holds the key to improving housing design. With beauty featuring prominently in the National Planning Policy Framework and the establishment of an Office for Place dedicated to crafting aesthetically pleasing environments, the government aims to garner support for new developments by emphasising quality design. Drawing parallels with Poundbury's success as a model community developed under a comprehensive design code, the South East Faversham project seeks to replicate this approach. Extensive consultations and meticulous planning, including a detailed Housing Manual and masterplan by Ben Pentreath, underscore the commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being. Despite these efforts, local opposition persists, reflecting broader scepticism towards new developments even when designed with care. Smith highlights research showing that only a small fraction of the population is swayed by improved design in housing projects. While regulation plays a role in setting quality standards, Smith contends that increasing land availability is the real catalyst for fostering competition among developers. By offering consumers a choice among various developments, market dynamics will incentivise higher design standards, akin to the competitive drive behind innovative consumer products like the iPhone. In Smith's view, prioritising increased housing supply over stringent design regulations will ultimately lead to more aesthetically pleasing developments. Competition, he argues, is the true engine of progress in the housing sector. #housing #architecture #designguides #buildingbeautiful THE STRATEGIC LAND GROUP LIMITED https://lnkd.in/e-6Bw_6T

Building Homes people want to live in but perhaps not buy? We do a lot of work with SME developers and housebuilders at the initial stages to de-risk schemes. And two factors we always consider is ‘rate of sale’ and the ‘profile of the buyer(s)’. And in some respects, these two elements dictate the saleability of the site. But after hearing the woes of the RP’s at the recent CIH conference it does raise the question of whether RP’s and local authorities have been building homes that people want to live in but perhaps not buy? Which might explain why the world of speculative development has not all been plane sailing. With the CIH conference in Brighton it seems only right to use the City as an example. Brighton is a wonderful place to visit, experience the thriving City and live within the confines of the throbbing café culture and social scene. But with such a transient population and high property prices (exacerbated by the Highrise developments reserved for these central areas), physically owning a property is simply not on most people’s radar. Renting, sharing or short-term lets are perfectly acceptable. But putting down roots enough to justify purchasing a property in a central location, even on a shared-ownership basis, is perhaps ill-considered. Would we endorse a central Brighton development, in what is one of the poorest demographic areas of the city in the hope that buyers will flock to buy an apartment there – probably not. Will people want to live there – certainly – but on short-term or flexible tenures where they can exercise their transient urges. But these schemes have been built and sales are slow. And I can only assume that the same vulnerable urban and city-center developments have been built elsewhere. Perhaps RP’s should not be speculative developers – Perhaps a BTR or investor model, in these central locations, is the only solution. #newhomes #landandnewhomes #developers #developments #sussex #estateagents #commercialagents #planning #planners #architects #architecture #showhomes #land #landandnewhomesorganisation

Good to see the Sydney Morning Herald reporting on the proposal for the historic Parcels Post Building at Central Station. There is a case for adaptive re-use (it’s already a hotel), but it is difficult to justify a proposal that demolishes an entire historic elevation of a building which was always designed to be seen in the round (like Sydney’s Lands Department and Education Department buildings - both also on long term leases from the NSW Government and both also being converted into hotels). It is also worth remembering this building is apparently protected by the State Heritage Register. A far less damaging solution should be possible for one of our more important public buildings. https://lnkd.in/gU5ezbJq

The so-called experts in Sydney have very few references for quality residential grade mid-rise apartment projects to set a benchmark against projects; very few Sydney Placemakers genuinely can produce a track record of inclusiveness in major urban projects over the decades. The "Pattern book" doesn't demonstrate well enough that quality residential-grade midrise apartments "New can blend with Historical overlays"; this is site-specific, particularly with adjoining or nearby historical buildings. The example shown in the SMH picture is a real shocker for its lack of respect for historical overlays; this approach will bring Premier Minns's more excellent density plan unstuck, especially where the higher density redevelopment is most required, with the most substantial demand around inner and inner circle metropolitan Sydney's so far nominated 31 railway stations. Paying close attention to the historical overlays can bring in many community supporters and even turn opponents into buyers. As I have proven over the last 50 years in blending New with Historical overlays in historically sensitive precincts like North Adelaide and East Adelaide, respect for historical overlays over the longer term generated strong capital growth as proven "Placemaker" in major urban projects; these projects have achieved way above average capital growth and very tightly held. Below are a few of my previous significant urban developments that have demonstrated social responsibility by blending "New with Historical overlays". In all my previous major urban projects, I have set aside between 30% and 50% for affordable housing, even in Adelaide's most exclusive residential address, Brougham Place, North Adelaide, which recently recorded the highest Residential price in the state's history. I set aside 30% of this "Brougham" project for affordable housing without mandatory requirements. #Sydney #patternbook #housingcrisis #residentualgrade #historicaloverlays

In Response to Housing Crisis, Mult-Family Building Permits Issued In 10 Days In response to a regional housing shortage and growing affordability crisis, The City of Kelowna in eastern British Columbia rezoned most of it's land to allow 4-6 unit infill housing by-right, on all lots. Over 1,300 lots in the core of the City are eligible for the first round of the City's new "fast track" program which allows a property owner to apply for a building permit utilizing any one of a number of pre-approved multi-family designs, receiving approval within 10-days. The "fast track" program offers property owners the chance to select from 4 pre-approved designs by local architects. Each design has multiple variations to choose from and range from 2-unit up to 6-unit buildings. Property owners who choose one of these plans will be given a building permit within 10 days of filing their initial application. re:MAIN https://lnkd.in/eWEvviTa

Could Melbourne's skyline see Australia's biggest Build to Rent yet....gain Approval? Exciting news for Melbourne's Build-to-Rent scene as AsheMorgan's monumental build-to-rent project gathers momentum! The City of Melbourne's planning committee has thrown its support behind what promises to be Australia's largest BtR endeavor yet. Planned for Docklands, this double-tower development is slated to house a whopping 925 apartments, marking a significant addition to Melbourne's skyline. Designed by architects WARREN AND MAHONEY, the project boasts innovative plans, including over 2000sq m of public open space. The proposed towers, standing at 23 and 18 storeys respectively, will not only reshape the city skyline but also offer a blend of retail tenancies, a spacious plaza, and ample bicycle storage. Moreover, AsheMorgan's commitment to community welfare shines through with a generous $8 million contribution to affordable housing initiatives. While the project's scale is undeniably impressive, the City of Melbourne's leadership has ensured a balanced approach to development. Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece and Cr Rohan Leppert emphasize the importance of upholding height limits and preserving sunlight access for local amenities, such as the nearby Docklands Primary School, and with both towers currently over the height limits laid out in the development plan, a compromise may yet have to be reached for the project to get full approval. As discussions progress, the potential for this landmark project to set new standards in urban living remains high. Stay tuned for updates on this transformative addition to Melbourne's skyline! 🌆 #BuildingTalks #MelbourneDevelopment #MelbourneProperty