The Next Generation of New Towns

Government unveils plans for next generation of new towns

Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards new towns across Britain, as the Prime Minister paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

  • Over 100 sites across England have come forward to be considered for next generation of new towns
  • Government on track to create beautiful communities, provide affordable homes, and deliver much needed infrastructure, including schools and nurseries, GP surgeries, and bus routes
  • By taking on the blockers, 20,000 homes, along with new schools and health facilities, will move forward following government action, and we will now turn to unblock the remaining 700,000 homes across 350 sites
  • Comes as government rolls out major planning reforms to sweep away the blockers and push through its housebuilding agenda as part of the Plan for Change

Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards new towns across Britain, as the Prime Minister paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

Visiting a housing development today, the Prime Minister will unveil the government’s plans for the next generation of new towns – well-designed, beautiful communities with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools and public transport where people will want to live.

Over 100 proposals from across every region in England were submitted, showing local areas and housebuilders’ ambition to get on board to build the next generation of new towns – playing their part in getting Britain building and tackling the worst housing crisis in living memory. Every new town will have the potential to deliver 10,000 homes or more.

Delivering security is central to this government’s Plan for Change, because the least working people deserve when they graft hard is a secure home. That’s why the government is providing much-needed housing in the right places with the right infrastructure, and the New Towns Taskforce has today set clear principles on what the next generation of new towns will deliver: affordable housing, vital infrastructure and access to open green spaces and nature, to transform the lives of working people.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

For so many families, homeownership is a distant dream. After a decade of decline in housebuilding, the impact is a disconnect between working hard and getting on.

This is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about the security and stability that owning your own home brings. I know what this means for working people – the roof above our head was everything for our family growing up.

We’ve already made progress in just seven months, unblocking 20,000 stuck homes. But there’s more to do.

We’re urgently using all levers available to build the homes we need so more families can get on the housing ladder. We’re sweeping aside the blockers to get houses built, no longer accepting no as the default answer, and paving the way for the next generation of new towns.

As part of the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era, our ambitious Plan for Change will transform the lives of working people, once again connecting the basic principle that if you work hard, you should get on.

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said:

Time and again we are seeing too many new homes stuck or stalled that not only act as a barrier to growth but also has real-world consequences for working people and families who see homeownership as nothing more than a distant dream.

I will not run away from the tough choices to fix the housing crisis we inherited that has left thousands of families on housing waiting lists, allowed homelessness to spiral out of control, and stopped an entire generation from picking up the keys to their first home.

While our vision for the next generation of new towns is setting the stage for a housebuilding revolution in the years to come, urgent action is needed now to build the homes and infrastructure that our local communities are crying out for. That’s why our New Homes Accelerator is working at pace to find solutions and remove blockages in the system, executing long-lasting solutions to get spades in the ground.

Today we are embarking on the next chapter in our Plan for Change to build 1.5 million new homes, deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation, and raise living standards for working people and families across the country.

For far too long, working people have been let down by a decline in housebuilding. That’s why the government is rolling up its sleeves and is taking on the blockers with major reforms to planning regulation to get Britain building.

That work is already underway, with a staggering 20,000 new homes now successfully unblocked by the government’s novel ‘New Homes Accelerator’ programme, which deploys planning expertise to speed up the delivery of housing sites held by unnecessary delays.

Areas that have already benefitted from direct government action include:

  • Over 1,000 homes unlocked at Cowley Hill in Liverpool, where an agreement has been reached with the Environment Agency who withdrew its previous objections on both flood risk and biodiversity grounds, subject to planning.
  • And at Wolborough in Devon, the Accelerator has worked with Natural England to help accelerate this development, whilst ensuring environmental improvements are secured. On top of the 1,100 homes the site is injecting £1.75 million towards off-site pedestrian and cycle improvements, playing pitches, bus services and a local travel plan.

Housebuilders and local councils have put forward over 350 housing development sites stuck in the system under the previous government – that together could unlock around 700,000 new homes.

Around a quarter of sites submitted are already receiving government attention since the call for evidence closed in October – demonstrating success of the programme, and local ambition to support the government’s 1.5 million homes target.

This goes hand-in-hand with government action to overhaul the planning system, supporting the builders and not the blockers, taking the brakes off economic growth, raising living standards, and making the tough decisions to deliver for working people and families.

This includes:

  • Publishing a new growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework, which introduced new mandatory for councils to deliver the right homes in the right places, with a combined total of 370,000 homes a year.
  • Introducing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill next month. The Bill will overhaul environmental regulations to no longer accept the failed status quo where bats are more important than trains or newts more important than homes, and remove blockers to fast-track delivery of the homes and infrastructure that local communities need.

To get Britain building now – the government today announces plans to fast stream planning through brokering disagreements between the agencies and expert bodies, which by law must be consulted within the planning process. Bodies including National Highways, Natural England and the Environment Agency will need to bring planners and housebuilders to the table and iron out concerns that have been holding back development.

Responding to sector concerns on pinch points, work stepping up with the Building Safety Regulator to ensure greater timeliness and efficiency when new tall buildings are signed off – to provide more homes for more people.

This work will be bolstered by extra government funding announced today, including:

  • £1 million for government agencies, including National Highways, Natural England and the Environment Agency, to speed up the planning approval of new homes and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where required.
  • £2 million to support the Building Safety Regulator to continue improving the processing for new-build applications.
  • Over £3 million of grants for local councils to bolster planning capacity, alongside direct advice and navigate through some of the more complex issues holding up new development.

Alongside the Accelerator, the government is also supporting local partners through a clearing service to help accelerate the sale of uncontracted and unsold affordable homes, with nearly 300 housebuilders, local councils and registered providers signing up in the first 50 days of its launch.

In December, the government set a clear hierarchy of brownfield first, grey belt second and green belt third. Today, further funding is being injected to drive regeneration and brownfield deliver in the following areas:

  • £20 million to help transform neglected small-scale council-owned sites into new homes, for areas most in need.
  • Nearly £30 million from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund in Bradford to transform derelict brownfield sites into a vibrant residential area with 1,000 new homes, three community parks, shops, cafés, restaurants, and offices.
  • £1.5 million to support a regeneration programme at Manchester Victoria North, delivering a new district of 15,000 homes with transport links and green spaces.

Getting homes built for working people is a priority and is backed by investment in housing which is increasing to £5 billion for this year, including a top-up of £800 million being injected into the existing Affordable Homes Programme to help deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country.

This is in addition to an extra £100 million of cash to bolster local resources with increased planning fees to cover costs and funding to recruit 300 planning officers, making sure councils have the capacity they need to rubberstamp new homes and infrastructure.

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Transforming the UK Steel Industry

Since coming into power, the UK government has committed £2.5 billion to growing UK steel, begun work on a Steel Strategy for expanding the sector, and formed a council of experts to guide decision-making. These changes will shape the industry for decades to come. 

But what’s on the table, and has the government offered a sense of direction? 

 

The current state of UK steelmaking

Currently, the steel sector appears to be in a familiar state of decline: Tata and British Steel are cutting thousands of jobs, Liberty Steel faces winding-up orders, and Celsa Steel has been sold to an investment fund. Even the government’s financial commitment now comes with uncertainty, offering only “up to £2.5 billion”.

If UK steel is not exempted from Trump’s 25% tariff – it would be in the US’ interest to do so as the UK is a leading supplier of specialist steels for their defence and aerospace sectors – things could get much worse.

However, at the same time, £1 billion of public money is supporting new electric arc furnaces (EAFs) in Port Talbot and Scunthorpe, Marcegaglia are investing £50 million in a new EAF, and Sheffield Forgemasters have received the go-ahead for a state of the ‘machining hall’. Good news for the industry and emissions.

What could £2.5 billion achieve if spent effectively?

Options include expanding EAFs, investing in hydrogen-based steelmaking, or prioritising processing rather than production, such as rolling steel for wind turbines and cars. Each is different but requires significant investment that could quickly exhaust £2.5 billion.

The industry’s competitiveness also needs attention. High electricity prices and borrowing costs, sluggish planning systems, and slow grid connections make the UK a tough environment for steelmaking. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for the industry’s competitiveness and growth.

However, existing steelmakers already face these challenges, creating a political dilemma: spend £2.5 billion to maintain the status quo or pivot to new ventures, potentially upsetting established players, unions, and the public?

Paving the way for growth

A balance that works for everyone is possible, but it requires shifting from reactive rescue deals when things go wrong, to creating a forward-looking, coordinated plan that leverages the UK’s strengths.

Five overarching actions can offer this brighter future:

  1. Accelerate electrification
    The UK’s progress on clean power is undoubtedly a strength: the ability to produce cleaner steel for a world that increasingly wants it. However, uncompetitive electricity prices, high capital costs, and slow grid upgrades deter investment.

    The Treasury should intervene to lower industrial electricity bills by expanding exemptions to charges like network costs, which could be paid for via general taxation.

    Additionally, the government should outline plans for its steel fund beyond Port Talbot and Scunthorpe. This funding will need to balance capex support for new assets with measures to reduce wholesale electricity prices for all electro-intensive industries, which could act as a stronger draw for businesses of all sizes to invest in electrification in the UK.

  2. Support demand for UK steel
    The UK government should also better utilise complementary policy initiatives. For example, the government’s plan to triple offshore wind will create enormous demand for steel. The Steel Strategy should ensure UK steelmakers are well-positioned to meet growing demand.

    Similarly, the UK should be capitalising on its strong R&D capabilities, with more support for innovative production methods. Helping businesses to pull these technologies through to a commercial scale can also create export opportunities into high-value markets where quality and sustainability are paramount.

  3. Prioritise clean UK steel
    The UK government spends hundreds of millions on steel for public projects. Introducing procurement guidelines that require this steel to come from low-emission, domestic sources would create a direct incentive to invest in clean steel operations in the UK, benefiting the economy and local communities, and reducing emissions.
  4. Close the loopholes on steel imports
    The UK’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), set to apply to imported steel in 2027, will levy a carbon price equal to what UK producers pay – a crucial policy to establish international competitiveness. However, the current plan has significant loopholes: imports worth less than £50,000 are exempt, and those without verifiable emissions data are assigned a ‘global average emissions intensity’. The government must close these loopholes or the CBAM will fail to capture a significant quantity of imports and allow the worst polluters to pay less.
  5. Secure green iron through trade, not domestic production
    The lack of cheap hydrogen and iron ore deposits means that domestic ironmaking is unlikely to be competitive in the near future. Instead of putting billions into white elephant investments, the UK should form strategic trade partnerships to secure green iron from countries with abundant iron ore and cheap hydrogen, such as Brazil, the US, and Canada.

    This would secure primary steel production capabilities, to the benefit of wider domestic manufacturing, while also reducing the cost of abatement and enhancing global steel supply chains.

A bold vision for UK steel

The UK government has a unique opportunity to transform the steel industry, but it requires bold decisions and a coordinated strategy. By prioritising electrification, aligning policies to boost demand, and fostering strategic trade partnerships, the UK can lead in green steel production and create opportunities across the country.

Source: E3G

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Launching the Space Industrial Revolution

A space tech company is seeking to open a first-of-its-kind Microgravity Research Centre in South Wales.
The centre will assist Cardiff-based Space Forge to expand and provide a national capability not found anywhere else in the world – combining access to space with expertise in advanced materials.The firm is putting the finishing touches to its second satellite ahead of its launch later this year. The ForgeStar®-1 will demonstrate in-orbit Space Forge’s unique technology to produce complex materials for the semiconductor industry that are difficult or impossible to manufacture on Earth.

Space Forge believes its technology can deliver significant savings in energy and CO2 by reducing emissions in high value manufacturing from critical national infrastructure by up to 75%.

The company previously secured £7.7 million in Europe’s largest ever seed funding round for a space tech company.

The Welsh Government, which has helped Space Forge to grow into the company it is today through research and development funding and other support, is now assisting the company to find a bigger base in South Wales.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, visited Space Forge to see ForgeStar®-1.

She said:

“Delivering high-value manufacturing and innovation is part of the fabric of the Welsh industry and semiconductor technology is driving the economy of the 21st century.

“The Welsh Government is determined to foster the industries of the future, including the rapidly growing space sector.

“Space Forge is a real space success story, providing more than 60 highly skilled technical roles and supporting another 1,000 in the immediate supply chain, and we are delighted to be supporting them to realise their huge ambitions.

“It was fascinating to see the work ongoing at Space Forge and I wish them the best of luck for the launch of ForgeStar-1.”

Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge, said:

“The support from the Welsh Government has been instrumental in our journey, from R&D funding to helping us scale our ambitions. The first phase of the National Microgravity Research Centre completing and our upcoming missions is making 2025 the year of proving in-space manufacturing as a new economy. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have Wales at the heart of it.”

 

Source: Business News Wales

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Tackling the Construction Skills Shortage Head-on

New multi-skill apprenticeship training hub approved in Lichfield following £100M investment

Planning has been approved for the first in a national network of multi-skill apprenticeship training hubs in Lichfield, which will shake up house-building training and tackle the construction skills shortage head-on.

CITB is investing £40 million alongside NHBC’s investment to establish up to 32 hubs by 2027 to support the Government’s homebuilding target of 1.5 million new homes.

The NHBC Multi-Skill Training Hub, which is set to open later this year, is the size of two-thirds of a football pitch and costs £1 million. It will provide skilled, site-ready tradespeople faster, giving housebuilding a significant boost locally.Initially, the NHBC Multi-Skill Training Hub will focus on essential trades like bricklaying, groundwork and site carpentry. The facility is designed to stay flexible, ready to adapt to local housing needs and regulatory requirements, ensuring a flow of qualified tradespeople able to build high quality homes.

As a registered training provider, NHBC’s unique approach means 200 apprentices each year from diverse backgrounds will undergo a programme of immersive training in real site conditions from day one.

Results from NHBC’s smaller training hubs show apprentices are completing this tailored and industry-leading training in as little as 14 months, with many achieving distinctions. That’s nearly twice as fast as traditional education routes, which can take up to 30 months.

Commenting on the approval of the first NHBC Multi-Skill Hub, Roger Morton, Director of Business Change at NHBC, said:

“We’re not just training apprentices, we’re shaping the future of UK house building. With 25 years as an officer in the Royal Engineers, I’m driven by navigating challenges and improving quality. The new NHBC Multi-Skill Training Hubs will revolutionise house-building training, tackle the skills shortage head-on and make a real difference to the future of the industry. Our mission is to make sure every apprentice meets NHBC’s industry-leading standards, driving quality and delivering the homes the UK urgently needs, when and where they’re needed.

“With competitive salaries for qualified tradespeople, NHBC’s Multi-Skill Training Hubs offer a faster, more diverse and rewarding pathway into the house-building industry. Thanks to funding support through the Apprenticeship Levy and generous grants, there’s never been a better time for builders and contractors to invest in taking on apprentices and for people to start a rewarding career in this essential industry.”

Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), added:

“The Multi-Skill Training Hubs are a fantastic initiative for people that want to pursue a career in homebuilding. We have worked closely with NHBC, government, and the homebuilding industry to develop a programme that is focussed on equipping individuals with the skills they need to be productive on site, in the most efficient way. This is truly a collaborative approach and one we are very excited about.

“People should be proud to pursue a career in construction and homebuilding. There is an array of valuable skills to be learnt, the sense of accomplishment seeing a project completed never fades, and it’s a lucrative career too. The average UK construction worker’s salary is over £44,000, nearly £9,000 higher than the average UK salary. We’re excited to see the continued rollout of these hubs following our joint investment with NHBC.”

Marc Cattell, Learning and Development Manager at Redrow Midlands commented:

“Here at Redrow, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals in the construction and housing industry with our apprenticeship scheme. Redrow is delighted to be able to offer the land for the development of the new NHBC Multi-Skill Training Hub, reflecting our dedication to investing in people, creating opportunities and equipping them with the resources they need to achieve a career in our industry.”

NHBC is currently evaluating other prospective locations for its new Multi-Skills Training Hubs across the UK.

 

Source: Express & Star

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Anyone for Cricket?

Edgbaston Stadium has been granted planning permission by Birmingham City Council for a major ground redevelopment project that will include a new on-site hotel.

Members of the Planning Committee unanimously approved the £42-million pound scheme today (Thursday 13 Feb) and work is expected to start in September and be complete in time for the men’s Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston in 2027.

The proposed 146-bed Radisson Red hotel will include a rooftop terrace, pitch-view rooms with balconies, and other rooms that can be converted into hospitality boxes with external terraces to watch the match action.

It is estimated that around 60,000 people will stay at the site each year.

And the redeveloped stand – which will have a slightly bigger capacity than the existing Raglan and Priory stands – will include a new concourse with enhanced food and drink options, plus improved facilities for disabled spectators.

Craig Flindall, Edgbaston Strategy Director, said:

“We’re grateful to Birmingham City Council for approving the plans and for sharing our vision to bring increased economic and social benefits to the region through international sport.

“Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking. But it’s important we develop a stadium that operates all year round, supporting new jobs in this part of the city and creates wider community opportunities.

“We are creating a mixed-use destination that will combine elite sport, conferencing and events and residential and hotel accommodation with community facilities that will improve education, employment and social cohesion in the area.”

Edgbaston Stadium currently contributes approximately £35 million to the local economy every year and projections from the new hotel development increase that to over £40 million.

It’s expected the project will create more than 376 jobs during the construction period and another 100 post completion, adding to the 1,000 jobs the stadium already supports locally.

The decision follows detailed consultation with stakeholders, including residents and Warwickshire Members. No formal objections were received by Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee.

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has supported the project with a loan of up to £18-million.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Edgbaston is a world-class venue and this redevelopment, backed by our investment, will ensure it continues to attract top-tier international cricket, thousands of visitors every year, and even more jobs for local people.

“Our region is home to a number of globally celebrated sports teams and venues. By supporting them to grow, we shore up our place on the international stage, bringing visitors, investment and jobs now and into the future.

“It’s what I want to see for the West Midlands – growth that ensures everyone can benefit.”

Adela Cristea, Vice President, Business Development UK, Ireland & Nordics at Radisson Hotel Group, added:

“Radisson RED is the perfect fit for this world-renowned stadium and we’re so excited to bring this project to life.

“We look forward to working closely with the Edgbaston team on the design and details of the hotel to showcase the bold and vibrant Radisson RED brand, and we are extremely proud to be playing a part in supporting the wider community.”

The project is the latest development in the Edgbaston Masterplan to transform the stadium into a multi-use sports, residential, commercial, and community complex.

Edgbaston’s Masterplan has seen the opening of Corkfield’s apartment complex opposite the stadium and the launch of a hospitality centre of excellence that promises exciting career opportunities at the stadium.

Xcelerate with Edgbaston – operated by stadium catering partner Levy UK + Ireland – is situated behind the Wyatt Stand and offers apprenticeships, career development, and skills training for people wanting to work in the sector.

The Club’s works as part of the Masterplan also includes a new entrance piazza and car parking zones, totaling over 15,000 square metres.

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LSFA Share Insights to Help Meet Challenging Housing Targets

 

As we enter a new era of building safety, the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) share insights to help developers gain a better understanding of the speed and safety benefits light steel frame construction can bring to affordable and social housing providers.

Following the reset of housebuilding goals, Councils and Local Authorities in England have new mandatory targets to pave the way to deliver 1.5 million more homes over the next five years. Under the previous administration, targets were relegated to ambitions in the final years of government. Now they are being reinstated as mandatory and to make up the shortfall in the first year, the objective is to build 370,000 homes year on year over the lifetime of the parliament.

Behind bold ambitions, robust plans are required – from planning and finance reforms to grants and a commitment to improve living standards. But critically to ‘get Britain building again’ Councils and Local Authorities must ensure they have a complete and compliant supply chain in place to deliver sustainable homes at scale that will stand the test of time.

Cost-Effective Option

Rapid and robust, light steel framing technology is a cost-effective option for residential construction projects. As a material it is safe and sustainable, as it is lightweight, airtight and durable. Low carbon – and in future NO carbon steel – will make steel the lowest carbon structural building product available.

Delivering the requirements of the Building Safety Act and the Future Homes Standard, light steel has a massive part to play in delivering the challenging new housing targets. Achieving greater economic benefits than timber or concrete, the frame assembles quickly and easily onsite which reduces labour costs significantly.

Building A Safer Future

An economic and versatile form of construction for residential buildings, robust steel frames are especially well-suited for meeting the rigorous requirements of the Buildings Safety Act. Fire safety during construction and when the building is in use is a significant issue with some forms of construction. According to our technical partner, the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) – the key benefits of light steel construction in relation to fire safety are:

• Steel is non-combustible and does not add to the fire load of the building

• The fire risk is much lower for light steel framing than timber construction

• No welding is required vastly reducing the risk of fire during construction

• With suitable board protection, fire resistance periods of up to 120 minutes are achievable

• Steel connections are robust in fire scenarios

Stay Safe – Specify Light Steel

Trusted and widely specified by the UK construction industry – as an advanced industrialised construction method, the digitally savvy light steel sector is highly mechanised – increasing quality, accuracy and production output. Manufacturing LSFA members have developed infill, panelised and modular solutions that deliver high quality buildings on fast-track construction programmes. Meeting the most stringent of Building Regulations and Building Safety Standards, there is a well-established design, engineering, manufacturing and installation infrastructure.

Currently, it is estimated that only a third of all construction products in manufacture are covered by the Building Safety Regulator, leaving around 20,000 to 30,000 unregulated products.

Fire performance must be up there at the top of the list of priorities when specifying materials.

The LSFA’s technical partner, the Steel Construction Institute and industry collaborators from the Light Steel Forum have carried out fire tests on loadbearing light steel framed walls. A stringent series of two-sided fire tests were conducted, SCI analysed the results which are detailed in the new SCI publication P442.

Many Light Steel Frame Association members are BOPAS Accredited which certifies a design life of 60 years. But according to SCI, design life predictions for light steel in a ‘warm frame’ environment is in excess of 250 years, vastly reducing remedial and maintenance work for the lifetime of the homes.

Light Steel Frame Association

 The LSFA works to drive engagement, champion change, and spread the word about the cost, productivity, performance and sustainability benefits of contemporary light steel systems. Bringing together a wealth of experience and technical know-how, the LSFA membership represents manufacturers, installers, industry supply chains, architects, engineers, consultants and clients operating in the light steel sector.

CLICK HERE For more information
and to download LIGHT STEEL FRAME MEETING YOUR HOUSING TARGETS

 

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New Area Sales Managers with an Excellent Portfolio

Chris Sherwood,  Area Sales Manager for the Central Region (left)

and George Barber as Area Sales Manager for the South West (right)

The Kinedo team is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Sherwood as Area Sales Manager for the Central Region and George Barber as Area Sales Manager for the South West. The pair joined the company at the end of 2024 and have undergone a comprehensive training programme. Both have now settled into their respective areas.

Chris previously worked for Robert Lee Distribution and Q4 Bathrooms and has also run kitchen and bathroom showrooms for various merchants, whilst Chris was previously at Porcelanosa working on specification projects with new build developments.

Both managers are tasked with building brand awareness in showrooms, merchants and installers, along with winning specification deals to accelerate growth in each area.

With the launch of new products during 2024 and more to come in 2025 the new Area Sales Managers have an exceptional portfolio of products to work with.

 

WEBSITE

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Unblocking Barriers and Driving Investment

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds held a virtual roundtable with more than 50 CEOs from across the construction and planning industries, focused on unblocking barriers to growth and driving investment.

 

Joined by Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, the Business Secretary set out the importance of planning and construction to the Government’s plan for growth and heard from a range of CEOs on how planning reform could boost the industry.

 

He also invited views from industry leaders at leading UK companies across real estate, planning, construction and infrastructure on reforms to the planning system which have already been made, any barriers to growth or investment that exist and how the Government can help unlock them and drive new investment.

 

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

 

“Our construction sector is vital to the economy, supporting thousands of jobs across the UK, and will play a key role in delivering our Plan for Change as we race to get Britain building.

“Backed by the certainty of our upcoming Industrial Strategy, we’re committed to working in partnership with industry to make sure our reforms deliver for communities in every part of the country. That’s why discussions like these are so important, as we work to unblock planning barriers to drive growth and investment.”

 

The Government has already acted swiftly to help unblock the planning system and boost growth, publishing an updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December and receiving more than 3,000 responses from across industry to its Industrial Strategy green paper consultation, driving forward the Plan for Change.

 

This year government will also publish its 10-year Infrastructure Strategy and 2025 Spending Review, giving certainty and stability to both investors and the supply chain for the long term.

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Construction resumes at affordable homes scheme

Construction works have recommenced at an affordable housing scheme, which will deliver 51 homes in Willenhall, following a change of contractor.

In Spring 2023, shovels were in the ground at housing association GreenSquareAccord’s (GSA) Eagle Works development located on Somerford Place. The housing scheme is set to transform a disused factory into a thriving living space.

However, works were paused as the contractor initially appointed to build the homes entered liquidation last August.

GSA’s inhouse construction team have now taken over the contract and will complete the Eagle Works development.

David Norris, Head of Construction Services at GSA said:

“After an unforeseen delay, we are back on site at Somerford Place and working hard to deliver new affordable homes for Willenhall.

“Following a procurement process, trades professionals are back at the scheme completing both external and internal works.”

“We are helping to address a variety of local housing need by providing single bed and two bed apartments in addition to houses with two, three and four bedrooms at Eagle Works.”

Incoming residents to GSA’s Eagle Works development will be within easy walking distance of local amenities and shops, have access to cycle storage, be connected to other areas by bus routes that run close by and have plenty of space to park their vehicles.

Ryan Oldnall, Development Manager at GSA said:

“We are delighted to be back on site at Eagle Works.

“The houses on this development will have gardens at the rear, with spacing between dwellings in line with Walsall Council’s standards. Apartment block residents will have access to a shared open courtyard, which will be screened by landscaped areas.

“The finished product will be 51 high quality and energy-efficient affordable homes.”

All the new homes at Eagle Works will be built using low carbon Eco-200 off-site closed timber panel system provided by LoCaL Homes and the external wall panels will have a brick slip system applied at their Walsall-based factory.

Mike Doolan, Sales and Partnership Manager at LoCaL Homes said:

“It is great to see shovels back in the ground at the Eagle Works scheme. We look forward to supporting GSA’s in house construction team with progressing this development.

“Not only do our offsite timber panel solutions help speed up construction times they also provide high performing, low carbon homes which help to reduce overall household bills.”

The Eagle Works site was previously home to the premises of Middleton Paper Company for more than half a century before the firm moved to a new location.

The first handovers will take place later this year.

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ACAN! SHOWCASING IMPACT AT FUTUREBUILD 2025

 

The Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN!) is once again coming to Futurebuild 2025, bringing an engaging and action-driven programme that highlights the diverse possibilities of climate action in the built environment. With an emphasis on community power, natural materials, circular economy solutions, retrofit strategies, and regenerative design, ACAN! is set to inspire, educate, and provoke meaningful change.

At the heart of the ACAN! stand, visitors will experience an interactive space filled with innovative and traditional low carbon natural materials and systems, and networking opportunities. This is a place to connect with individuals and communities making a tangible difference, demonstrating that together, we can take action and create an impact.

A Packed Three-Day Programme of Inspiration and Action

Throughout the event, ACAN! will present an exciting schedule of talks, workshops, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities designed to inspire action at every level of the built environment. Attendees will explore pressing issues such as reuse practices, the importance of materials in environmental and societal contexts, and emerging solutions in biogenic materials and modern construction methods.

Key programme highlights include:

  • Thought-provoking talks on the significance of materials, embodied carbon, lifecycle and BNG analysis, and how to approach regenerative design at small and large scales. Speakers include Duncan Baker-Brown, Nick White from Natural England, U-build founder Nick Newman, representatives from Material Index, specialists in plant-based Passivhaus and natural insulation and many more.
  • Live natural material demonstrations, showcasing earth flooring with Jeffrey Hart, cob building, brick moulding, chestnut shake making, and seaweed crafting—illustrating the need for integrating  traditional techniques and contemporary regenerative approaches.
  • Engaging hands-on experiences, where attendees can experiment with mud alongside Global Generation, contribute to a collaborative mural, and participate in workshops covering cultural transformation, circular economy mapping, and biodiversity net gain (BNG) with inspiring facilitators such as Dian Small, Jenny Ford and ACAN Ecology.
  • Community-led sessions, exploring grassroots initiatives such as launching community energy companies, retrofitting social housing, and co-designing circular economies for community-owned spaces.
  • Networking and social events, including panel discussions and a lively bar takeover on Tuesday evening, offering opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and changemakers.

Talk about BIG IMPACT on the Materials Stage

On Tuesday 4th March at 4:30 pm, ACAN! will take the stage for a pivotal panel discussion on ethical and environmental decision-making in architecture. This conversation will address the frameworks guiding responsible design choices, the role of unions and industry bodies, and how individuals can leverage their influence to push for systemic change in an industry increasingly accountable to environmental and ethical standards.

The ACAN! stand is more than a showcase—it’s a call to action. It’s an open invitation for built environment professionals, designers, and engaged communities to embrace proactive climate action, make positive impacts and help shape a more sustainable future.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FUTURE BUILD 2025

 

 

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