Deals round-up: May 2024

Flagship Group 

Flagship Group has submitted an outline planning application for the regeneration of the Abbey in Thetford, Norfolk, a housing estate with around 1,100 homes, in which the housing association expects to add up to 500 new homes.

The Abbey was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Homes on the scheme were originally all social housing, but now around half are privately owned due to the Right to Buy and Flagship owns the other half. The properties Flagship owns are managed by Samphire Homes, which is one of Flagship’s three housing associations. 

Flagship will improve and retrofit some existing homes and replace others with new homes. In addition to these properties that will be demolished and replaced, the landlord will also build up to 500 new homes. The project will take place in phases over 20 years.

Clarion 

Clarion has been granted approval to build 481 new homes in Digbeth, of which 55 per cent will be affordable housing through shared ownership and social rent.

The housing association said the development of the Clyde Street site will be the largest mixed-tenure community to be delivered in Birmingham.

One Housing and Bouygues UK

One Housing, a subsidiary of Riverside, has delivered 342 homes in Canning Town, east London, as part of its £240m Hallsville Quarter scheme.

Bouygues UK, the main contractor and developer for the Hallsville Quarter phase three development, working in collaboration with Newham Council, has handed over two affordable residential blocks to One Housing. The homes include 235 for shared ownership, 10 for shared equity, 10 for affordable rent, 50 extra-care properties and 37 social rent tenures.

Phase three is the largest phase at Hallsville Quarter, with 488 new homes handed over to date, out of the 620 in total. 

Torus and Castle Green

Torus has been granted planning permission to build 236 new affordable homes at Viking Way in Congleton, Cheshire.

The scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with developer Castle Green, is part of a larger development project for the site at Viking Way. 

Torus will deliver 215 homes for shared ownership and 21 for affordable rent, while Castle Green Homes will deliver 160 private homes.

Goram Homes and Hill Group

Bristol City Council’s housing company Goram Homes has received planning permission for its Baltic Wharf project which, along with partner Hill Group, will develop 166 homes on Bristol’s Harbourside.

Out of the new homes, 66 (40 per cent) will be affordable housing, 50 for social rent and 16 for shared ownership.

Abri and Ridgepoint Homes

Large South of England-based landlord Abri is working with house builder Ridgepoint Homes to build 117 affordable homes at the Lakeside development in Theale, West Berkshire.

The site is a wider development of 281 homes being built by Ridgepoint. Abri is taking ownership of the 117 homes.

These 117 homes are expected to be completed by 2027 and comprise 34 for social rent, 35 for affordable rent and 48 homes for shared ownership.

Hightown and Notting Hill Genesis

Housing association Hightown has acquired 51 supported housing properties in Hertfordshire from Notting Hill Genesis for an undisclosed sum. 

The homes are for residents with a range of learning disabilities located in Bushey, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin and Letchworth Garden City. Hightown staff already provide support for residents at 23 of the properties.  

Kingdom Housing Association 

Scottish social landlord Kingdom Housing Association has started work on 45 affordable new homes for social rent in Kinglassie, Fife.

The homes will include bungalows and cottage flats, larger family homes and homes suitable for older people or those with particular housing needs.

The project, which is scheduled to be completed in November 2025, will cost a total of £9m, including £4.9m provided by the Scottish government.