Lloyds Living has finalised the purchase of Start Living, a 610-home portfolio created through a joint venture between Gatehouse Living Group and TPG Real Estate. The deal increases Lloyds Living’s total holdings to more than 7,300 properties across the UK.

The portfolio comprises 578 single-family houses and 32 low-rise apartments developed by Countryside and Vistry. Properties are located in key regional markets including West Bromwich, Nottingham, Liverpool, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, and Coseley. The Nottingham apartments are situated in Fairham.

Over 550 of the homes are already completed and operational, while the remaining units at Fairham and Padstow are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Each property has an EPC rating of B or higher, reflecting a focus on energy efficiency and modern construction standards.

Matthew Burgess, Chief Investment Officer at Lloyds Living commented: “This new deal is another significant step in our growth journey. The secondary market for PRS portfolios is still in its infancy but is vital to the wider success of the sector by allowing a freer flow of capital and continued investment in new developments.”

The new acquisition supports Lloyds Living’s continued growth in the private rental sector and marks another significant investment in purpose-built housing for long-term renters. Property management will remain under Ascend, one of the UK’s largest operators in the sector.

Gatehouse Living Group has now delivered or is developing around 5,000 homes nationwide, representing over £1 billion in deployed capital across the single-family rental market.

Construction is now underway on a development of 17 bungalows in Wingerworth. Designed for people aged 55 and over, the homes are being delivered by Chesterfield-based housebuilder Stancliffe Homes. The development, named Kingswood Park, will feature five styles of two- and three-bedroom bungalows, with each home built to high energy-efficiency standards. Lynne Siddons, sales manager at Kingswood Park, said: “We’ve already had so many enquiries about when these new homes will be available to the market. Given the strong demand for our high-quality new build homes in the locality, we’re expecting these further homes to be hugely popular.” The homes at Kingswood Park are designed to support independent living while reducing environmental impact. Each bungalow will include air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, solar panels, EV charging points and other energy-efficient features.

Property and planning law firm and strategic planning advisors Devello Group has expanded to larger premises, taking space at Wellington House in Nottingham. The practice has also recruited Charlotte Denny as a paralegal and Michelle Christian as real estate executive, taking the team to seven. Set up by friends and former colleagues Shruti Trivedi and Iain Hibbert 18 months ago, Devello has experienced high demand for its unique approach to property and planning law since its inception, and having now built a team, the company had outgrown its previous location. Wellington House, on Wellington Circus, is in the professional quarter of Nottingham and is owned and managed by work space provider Charterspace. The move marks a new chapter for Devello as Wellington House provides a more contemporary and flexible work environment with room for the future growth of the practice. CEO of Devello, Iain, said: “I’d firstly like to welcome Charlotte and Michelle to the team – they join at a great time as we move office. Wellington House is a beautiful period property that offers the facilities we now require as our business moves forward. With a sleek internal fit out, flexible work spaces and prominent location in the heart of the business community, it’s the ideal location for us. “From our new address we want to continue to build on our reputation and to deliver great results for our clients, which Charlotte and Michelle will be part of. We set out to create measured, organic growth that is built from the results we strive for. Thanks to Jas at Charterspace for his assistance on this move.” Managing director of Devello, Shruti, said: “This is a fantastic step for our team as we continue on our journey, with our ethos remaining to put the client first through accessibility, responsiveness and diligence. As part of our growth strategy, we’re building our practice to provide our clients the best possible service and our new location is part of that strategy. “I’d like to thank our team for their commitment and energy, and our supportive clients and wider industry contacts, and of course welcome Charlotte and Michelle who are already real assets to our team.” Devello offers high-level strategic advisory to developers, landowners, promoters, investors and others in the planning and development sectors. Jas Landa, director of Charterspace, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Devello to Wellington House, our latest office space. This beautifully renovated period property blends historic charm with modern functionality. Situated in the heart of Nottingham’s prestigious professional quarter, it offers an ideal setting for ambitious businesses like Devello to thrive. “Shruti and Iain have built something truly special. Their reputation for delivering sharp, strategic advice with a refreshingly client-focused approach is clear to see. We’re proud to support their next chapter and excited to have such a dynamic and forward-thinking team as part of our growing community.” As well as growing their team and portfolio, the co-founders are committed to supporting good causes in the communities it operates in. Since the company began, Shruti has become a Trustee of Nottingham young people’s charity Base 51 and been appointed as Governor at Boston College. The team also mentor women through the Women in Planning Network. Devello is actively recruiting property legal professional of all levels to the team.

A charity is launching a fundraising appeal on World Homeless Day (10 October) to complete the transformation of a former Nottingham lace factory into high quality homes for some of the city’s most vulnerable rough sleepers. Since April 2021, Framework has raised nearly £3 million through its Building Better Futures campaign to build 200 homes in the East Midlands. It has seen hundreds of lives transformed over the last four years, with people given their own front door and a safe place to call home. 197 new homes have been opened by Framework to date with the help of Building Better Futures providing safe, stable accommodation for people experiencing homelessness with the most complex needs. Now the charity is launching its Homeless to Home campaign to raise more than £180,000 this winter to complete the development of 20 high-quality, self-contained homes in Basford. Construction is about to begin on the new Lee House supported housing accommodation. It will become home to some of the most vulnerable men in Nottingham along with round the clock support to help them move towards a better future. Framework’s brand-new supported housing developments give people in urgent need of safety and consistency a place to rebuild their lives, and a home of their own with their own front door. Unlike the challenges of a traditional hostel, these are self-contained homes with bespoke support for each person to help them address complex challenges. Claire Eden, Framework head of fundraising and communications, said: “We have been developing modern, purpose-built homes for people experiencing homelessness locally for a number of years now and we have evidence that proves this approach is highly effective. “That’s why we have an urgent need to raise over £180,000 this winter, to fill the gap in funding for our latest development in Nottingham – Lee House – which will provide secure, self-contained homes for 20 men facing homelessness right now. “Supporting men in this way is hugely important. Shame and stigma often contribute to men suffering in silence. Many struggle alone. By the time they access our services, most men have been rough sleeping for months, sometimes years. They are entrenched in the lifestyle and carry an enormous backlog of trauma. “With the proper housing and support, men can and do recover from homelessness. We want to provide a home where they can find stability, receive wrap-around support for their mental health needs and substance use issues, and find their confidence again.” Jack, a Framework resident, said: “This is the way to end homelessness – it’s extremely important to have your own front door. Beyond that, I’ve mostly got to thank my Support Worker for where I am now.” Sarah, a Framework resident, said: “Now I’ve got my own flat, my favourite thing is to put music on. It’s given me my identity back and reminded me who I am.” The Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), a funding programme from central government, is the principal funder for the Lee House development.

Galliford Try Investments has secured planning permission for a major regeneration project at the historic Corah Works site in Leicester. The development, submitted in partnership with Cityregen Leicester, will transform the former factory complex into a mixed-use urban community featuring around 1,000 homes.

The project will retain and restore key heritage elements, including the 1865 Old Textile Building façade and two landmark chimneys, which will be integrated into the new design. Plans also include new public spaces designed to improve connections between Leicester city centre and Abbey Park.

Beyond housing, the approved scheme may incorporate commercial units and a hotel, broadening its role as a catalyst for economic activity in the area. The project marks a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Leicester’s urban core, bringing a long-vacant industrial site back into productive use while preserving its historic character.

Phil Harris, Managing Director for Galliford Try Investments, said: “We are delighted with this decision, which comes after extensive work with the community and council over a number of years. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a landmark site, create much-needed new homes and public spaces, and support Leicester’s future growth. By respecting Corah’s heritage while delivering modern, sustainable development, the scheme will bring pride back to this historic part of the city.”

Work has begun on the next stage of Corby’s Priors Hall Park, as Francis Jackson Homes returns to the 907-acre site with a new 52-home project. The scheme forms part of Urban&Civic’s long-term masterplan to create more than 5,300 properties supported by education, retail, and community infrastructure.

The latest build continues the developer’s partnership with Urban&Civic after strong sales in previous phases. Construction is now underway, with completion of the first homes expected in mid-2026. The mix of two- to five-bedroom houses will feature energy-saving technologies such as air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and EV charging points — features increasingly standard in modern residential builds as energy regulations tighten.

Priors Hall Park has been positioned as one of the Midlands’ most ambitious mixed-use communities, already home to schools, shops, play areas, and an outdoor amphitheatre. The ongoing expansion signals continued confidence in the Corby housing market and reinforces the site’s role as a regional growth hub attracting both private buyers and investment interest.

Logistics network Pall-Ex and commercial property developer and investor Barberry have been given the go-ahead for the construction of a state-of-the-art freight distribution hub in Leicestershire. Pall-Ex’s new Centre of Excellence – the largest build-to-suit pre-let deal in the UK this year – will cover 408,000 sq ft, with an additional 100,000 sq ft of canopy space, on a 14.2-hectare site. The £80 million facility will serve as the flagship logistics hub for the network and will house Pall-Ex’s UK and European headquarters. The Centre of Excellence has been designed with sustainability at its core, aiming for EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent accreditation. The new hub incorporates a variety of energy-efficient and eco-friendly features, including electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels and designated green spaces. Jonathan Robinson, Barberry Development director, said: “We are thrilled to announce that, having earlier this year secured a pre-let agreement with Pall-Ex to deliver the company’s new national Centre of Excellence in Leicestershire, we have now achieved planning consent. “Our development is key to the region and will create around 500 construction jobs and an estimated 534 permanent jobs, business rates for the local authority and economic growth for local businesses and the community. “Working closely with Pall-Ex, we will create a new national palletised freight distribution centre that will deliver new ESG credentials, carbon net zero in occupation, staff welfare recreation zone incorporating football pitch, basketball court, club house, helping attract and retain staff while providing Pall-Ex with the operational excellence that will make the business stand out amongst its UK competitors. “I would like to thank Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for their key engagement with this process and indeed their exemplary service and support for our scheme.” Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex Group chief executive officer, said: “Our new, multi-million-pound, cutting-edge Centre of Excellence isn’t just about expansion and growth – it’s about redefining the industry through technology, quality, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. As a market leader, we are immensely proud to unveil plans for premises that will be A+ rated, carbon-neutral, and built for the future. “This investment signals a massive opportunity for our stakeholders, reinforcing Pall-Ex’s position at the forefront of operational excellence. We are once again leading the way and shaping the future of palletised freight distribution through innovation, people, technology and sustainability.” Harris Lamb undertook the land search on behalf of Pall-Ex, identifying the subject site and undertaking the planning negotiations. Sam Silcocks, of Harris Lamb’s Planning Consultancy, secured permission for the scheme, and Paul Wells, of Harris Lamb’s Building Consultancy team, oversaw the development of the site design concept through to the preapp planning stage, and has been instructed to oversee the project and ensure it meets all operational requirements. Andy Lamb, director, Harris Lamb, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see so many years effort pay off in bringing forward a project of this scale, and we are thrilled to have reached the point where work can commence. We are looking forward to watching the progress of the development as it unfolds.”

IMA Architects has been appointed to Fusion21’s Construction Consultancy Services Framework, a national framework with a projected value of £175 million over four years. The framework will provide specialist construction-related consultancy services to public sector organisations across the UK and will support projects of any scale, including those of complexity and high value. Fusion21 is a social enterprise and national procurement organisation that supports more than 1,100 members including housing associations, local authorities, schools, NHS Trusts, and emergency services. Its frameworks are designed to help members procure services efficiently while ensuring quality, compliance, and social value are built into every project. The Construction Consultancy Services Framework brings together leading consultancies across a wide range of disciplines including architecture, surveying, project management, and engineering. IMA Architects has been selected for its specialist expertise in Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is increasingly recognised as a vital part of modern construction, allowing the design and construction team to create a shared digital model of a building. This enables better collaboration, reduces clashes during construction, improves cost certainty, and supports long-term facilities management. IMA has invested heavily in BIM capability and now embeds it across the design and delivery of projects to improve outcomes for clients. Through its appointment to Fusion21, IMA will have the opportunity to deliver its expertise to a wide range of public sector organisations nationwide. Joe Travers, director and BIM manager at IMA Architects, said: “Being appointed to Fusion21’s Construction Consultancy Services Framework is an important milestone for our team. It highlights the strength of our BIM capability and the value it brings to clients. Digital design is transforming the way projects are delivered and we are excited to work with Fusion 21 members to help them deliver construction projects across the UK.” Tania Silva, framework manager at Fusion21, said: “We are delighted to welcome all the new suppliers onto Fusion21’s Construction Consultancy Services Framework, including IMA Architects. The tender process was highly competitive and has identified the best suppliers for our members to source construction-related consultancy services for the built environment. “Members accessing this framework will work with a team of technical procurement experts whilst benefiting from procurement efficiencies, value for money, and a fast route to market.”