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TOP JOB: MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR
12 March 2007
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Maintenance Surveyor, salary: £20 - £21 ph, North London. Ref: 297074.
Daily duties will include assisting with planned maintenance, asset management, responsive repairs and service contracts; carrying out building maintenance and day-to-day repairs of residential properties; carrying out pre and post inspections, diagnosing defects and writing specifications and reports; carrying out stock condition surveys and preparing and analysing reports on outstanding works, contractor performance and cost.
In order to be successful you must be an experienced maintenance surveyor/technical officer having previously worked for housing associations or local authorities.
You must have excellent communication skills, be able to work well in a team and be enthusiastic for the role.
For more information on this, please contact Katie Hardy on 0207 367 1810 or send in your CV to katie.hardy@badenochandclark.com.
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When applying for this position, make sure to mention that you saw it advertised in London Housing News!
For more housing jobs from across the UK, visit the Housing News national jobs page at: www.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
For focused, cost effective advertising, use London Housing News.
Your advert will appear online until its closing date, and Top Job of the Week appears at the top of the newsletter every day!
To get your message across to over 38,000 daily readers, email Hucksters or call 01892 784804, for more details on our competitive advertising rates.
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LONDON HOUSING JOBS
12 March 2007
Badenoch & Clark Jobs
Maintenance Surveyor, salary: £20 - £21 ph, North London. Ref: 297074. Daily duties will include assisting with planned maintenance, asset management, responsive repairs and service contracts; carrying out building maintenance and day-to-day repairs of residential properties; carrying out pre and post inspections, diagnosing defects and writing specifications and reports; carrying out stock condition surveys and preparing and analysing reports on outstanding works, contractor performance and cost. In order to be successful you must be an experienced maintenance surveyor/technical officer having previously worked for housing associations or local authorities. You must have excellent communication skills, be able to work well in a team and be enthusiastic for the role. For more information on this, please contact Katie Hardy on 0207 367 1810 or send in your CV to katie.hardy@badenochandclark.com.
Building Control Officer, salary: £26 - £28 per hour, South London. Ref: 296453. The successful applicant will be working on major projects for the 2012 Olympics, along with being involved in massive residential developments and assignments involving famous, historic landmarks and properties. In order to be successful you must either have experience of building control or be an experienced clerk of works/project manager having worked for a local authority or housing association. You must have a good working knowledge of the co-ordination planning and plan checking involved for major developments. This is an exciting and varied role based both on site and in the office. Applicants must be enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals with a background in construction and housing associations/local authorities. For more information on this, please contact Katie Hardy on 0207 367 1810 or send in your CV to katie.hardy@badenochandclark.com.
Leasehold Projects Manager, salary: £22-£30ph, London. Ref: 293045. Your responsibilities will be diverse and will include developing new policies and procedures for the collection of service charges, providing training courses to staff and working with the director in pursuing new commercial opportunities. You will need to be a first class communicator and have to demonstrate considerable experience in the field of leasehold services, as well as the ability to manage simultaneous projects effectively. This is the ideal role for an experienced leasehold manager who is looking for a less operational role. For more information please contact James Shepherd on 0207 429 5337 or james.shepherd@badenochandclark.com.
London Housing Jobs
Notting Hill Housing is seeking a Support Officers, salary £23,000. To apply, go to www.nottinghillhousing.org.uk. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please call 020 8357 5168 or email jobs@nhhg.org.uk Closing date: March 19.
Hackney Homes is seeking an Administrative Officer, salary £23,994 - £25,395. All successful applicants, dependent on the position applied for, will be subject to a CRB check. For an application pack, please contact our Response Handling Consultants, TMP Worldwide, Chancery House, 53-64 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS or telephone 020 7649 6044. Alternatively, e-mail: Hackney@TMP.com. Closing date: March 16.
Hyde Group is seeking a Head of Roundshaw Homes. To apply, or for a job description and application pack email recruitment@hyde-housing.co.uk quoting reference HORH451. Closing date: March 16.
Circle Anglia is seeking a Managing Director, salary £80k. For an informal discussion please call Robert Black on 07977 283644 or for further information or an application pack (quoting ref no. CS133) visit www.circleanglia.org. Closing date: March 20.
Erinacous Group Plc is seeking a Partnering Contract Manager. Interested candidates should send a current CV and covering letter to Victoria Henley: Victoria.henley@erincaeous.com .
sph Housing (Origin Group) is seeking a Project Surveyor Salary: £29,474 - £30,870. To find out more, and to download an application pack, please visit www.sph.org.uk. Alternatively, please call 0845 055 0261 or email sph@peoplemedia.co.uk
ASRA is seeking Sheltered Housing Team Leaders (2 posts). Salary: £29,436 - £32,860. For an application pack and Job Description please call our recruitment line (24 hour answerphone) on (0116) 257 6733 and quote the relevant reference number. Closing date: March 23.
Lacors is seeking a Policy Officer, Salary: £30,594 " £34,755. For an application pack, please contact LGConnect on 020 7072 7444 (24 hour answering service) email: lacors.jobs@local.gov.uk. Closing date: March 26. |
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EAST THAMES APPOINTS HIGGINS FOR £3.4M DEVELOPMENT
12 March 2007
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Plans for the new homes
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East Thames Housing Group has appointed Higgins Construction PLC as main contractor for a £3.4 million development.
The contract is for 19 shared-ownership apartments to be built above a new adult learning centre in partnership with the London Borough of Newham.
Marlows Timber Engineering, of Bury St Edmunds, supply for the two-storeys of timber-frame apartment block above the reinforced-concrete structure for the ground-floor education centre, all designed by Sprunt Architects.
The site in Kennard Street has a one-year construction programme to complete in March 2008.
The QS and employers agent is HBW Partnership. Structural/civil engineers are Gary Gabriel Associates of Sevenoaks. The M&E consultants are Robinson Associates.
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THAMES VALLEY AND RHP CALL OFF MERGER TALKS
12 March 2007
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Thames Valley Housing (TVH) and Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) have agreed not to proceed with their merger discussions.
Although the business ‘fit’ between the two organisations is good, there are a number of key differences which led to the decision to close discussions before embarking on costly due diligence work.
Both organisations now plan to pursue other options, though discussions will continue between TVH and RHP on areas where collaborative activity might enhance service delivery.
Commenting on the decision in a joint statement, Peter Williams and Richard Petty the Chairs of TVH and RHP respectively, said: “Naturally there is some disappointment that we are unable to agree on a way forward. Both organisations are successful, financially strong and ambitious.
“But there are, of course, differences between us in terms of history and business focus. We both now plan to pursue other options while working to ensure the good business relations between the two organisations remain strong.”
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HOMELESS CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
12 March 2007
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St Mungo’s, a leading London homeless charity, is celebrating International Women’s Day with events for homeless women across London.
St Mungo’s is celebrating the importance of the day by discussing and encouraging equality, empowerment and participation for homeless women, most of whom have led extremely isolated and vulnerable lives.
St Mungo’s residents will have the opportunity to experience acupuncture, world cuisine and take part in a number of talks and discussions on women’s issues.
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WANDSWORTH CRACKS DOWN ON ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
12 March 2007
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Wandsworth Council's efforts to crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the borough has been hailed a success after new figures showed that a record number of measures to tackle the problem have been recently implemented.
The council's anti-social behaviour unit, which is responsible for co-ordinating the response of the town hall and the local police to the problems associated with anti-social behaviour, issued a record number of ASBOs over the last quarter of 2006.
A total of 13 ASBOs were issued against individuals whose behaviour sparked legal action against them. ASBO's normally contain a list of prohibitions that remain in place for at least two years. Anyone convicted of breaching any of the prohibitions faces immediate imprisonment and/or a fine. Adults can be jailed for up to five years, while juveniles can be placed in custody for as long as two years.
As well as obtaining 13 ASBOs over the three month period, the council secured 26 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC), which lay out in writing a list of do’s and don’ts and are a step below an ASBO. Anyone who breaches an ABC is likely to receive an ASBO. In addition, 42 council tenants were taken to court by the housing department and threatened with eviction from their homes as a result of their anti-social behaviour.
Executive member for regeneration and community safety, Cllr James Cousins, said: "People who plague their neighbourhoods with persistent unruly and disorderly behaviour should be under no illusions as to what will happen to them. If they are a council tenant, they face losing their homes and under these circumstances will be deemed to have made themselves intentionally homeless, and will not be rehoused by another local authority or H.A. in England or Wales.
"If they end up getting an ASBO for causing problems in the community, then one breach of any of the prohibitions could get them locked up for a lengthy period of time. The local community can rest assured that the council is working closely with our colleagues in the police to deliver a safer borough."
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SAVE MONEY ON TENDER ADVERTISING
12 March 2007
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If you have a tender to advertise, why not try London Housing News' sister publication, London Construction Now.
London Construction Now features daily leads and tenders, along with a featured Tenders of the Week, similar to London Housing News' Top Job of the Week.
It means you can target your tender adverts to London's construction industry.
With over 19,000 daily readers, including architects, surveyors, contractors, electricians and many more, it is a fast, effective and affordable way to let the industry know what you want.
To find out more about advertising on London Construction Now, please email:
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TOP JOB: MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR
13 March 2007
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Maintenance Surveyor, salary: £20 - £21 ph, North London. Ref: 297074.
Daily duties will include assisting with planned maintenance, asset management, responsive repairs and service contracts; carrying out building maintenance and day-to-day repairs of residential properties; carrying out pre and post inspections, diagnosing defects and writing specifications and reports; carrying out stock condition surveys and preparing and analysing reports on outstanding works, contractor performance and cost.
In order to be successful you must be an experienced maintenance surveyor/technical officer having previously worked for housing associations or local authorities.
You must have excellent communication skills, be able to work well in a team and be enthusiastic for the role.
For more information on this, please contact Katie Hardy on 0207 367 1810 or send in your CV to katie.hardy@badenochandclark.com.
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When applying for this position, make sure to mention that you saw it advertised in London Housing News!
For more housing jobs from across the UK, visit the Housing News national jobs page at: www.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
For focused, cost effective advertising, use London Housing News.
Your advert will appear online until its closing date, and Top Job of the Week appears at the top of the newsletter every day!
To get your message across to over 38,000 daily readers, email Hucksters or call 01892 784804, for more details on our competitive advertising rates.
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MAYOR CALLS FOR MORE AFFORDABLE AND BETTER QUALITY HOMES
13 March 2007
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Ken Livingstone
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Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone has insisted that boroughs need to do more to help Londoners into housing and that new housing must meet the challenge of climate change.
Speaking at the conference, Towards the Mayor’s Housing Strategy, he confirmed that London’s overall supply of new housing is increasing. However, some boroughs are failing to deliver targets for affordable and social rented housing.
He said: “It is vital that all boroughs step up to meet the 50% target for affordable housing, especially the need for more homes for affordable rent. The good news is that 28,000 new homes were built in London last year, a 65% increase since 1999, and that nearly a third of these were affordable, many for first time buyers. The bad news is that there has been no similar increase in the building of homes for affordable rent.
“Too many boroughs are turning their backs on those in most desperate housing need and I am determined to see that change. It’s unacceptable that boroughs like Wandsworth and Kingston produced just one per cent social rented housing last year, while others, like Haringey, Barking and Bexley delivered more than 40%. The London Plan target is for 35% social rented housing across London. I want to see all boroughs taking their fair share to achieve this.”
Following the launch of his Climate Change Action Plan, the Mayor also reinforced the message that improving the quality of London’s housing is crucial to meeting targets to reduce London’s carbon emissions.
He said: “Housing accounts for around 40% of London’s current CO2 emissions and new house building needs to be far more energy efficient. My new housing strategy will underpin my Climate Change Action Plan by setting stringent building and energy standards for all new affordable housing and by supporting my Green Homes Programme and other initiatives to ensure that existing homes are made more energy efficient.”
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ARMITT CALLS FOR MORE PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN THAMES GATEWAY
13 March 2007
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Judith Armitt
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Thames Gateway Chief Executive, Judith Armitt has set out her case for greater private investment in the Thames Gateway programme at the MIPIM international property summit.
She said that the launch of a major new plan and prospectus in November, and the visible transformation happening on the ground mean that the Gateway offers a better investment opportunity than ever before.
She said: “The Thames Gateway is not only Europe's largest regeneration project; it is also the largest investment opportunity. This is the place to locate and invest if you want to be part of one of the fastest growing international economies. Unlocking the Gateway’s potential could contribute up to £12bn annually to the UK economy. Our new ambition is to attract £40bn of private investment into the Thames Gateway.
“This is an exciting time for the Thames Gateway with 180,000 new jobs and 160,000 new homes being delivered. Former industrial sites that were derelict, contaminated and disused a few years ago are being turned into thriving new businesses, homes and communities as we speak.”
Communities Secretary, Ruth Kelly added: "While we still have hard work ahead, we are seeing real momentum in driving forward the project. We have our Chief Executive in place providing strong and ambitious leadership; a major programme of Government investment for new transport links, university campuses and community infrastructure; and a coherent vision for delivering thriving, vibrant communities with new green spaces, retail, leisure and employment.
“That is why businesses and investors can be confident in the Thames Gateway and the major new opportunities it presents.”
The Government has invested £7bn in the Gateway in the current spending review period to transform of former industrial areas into vibrant, thriving communities and provide infrastructure. In order to provide a modern workforce for the new jobs being created there are also numerous schemes to improve skills, retain young people in education and attract employers to the region.
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SERVITE PROTECTS TENANTS FROM ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
13 March 2007
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Servite Houses is continuing to exercise powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, using court proceedings to protect its tenants.
On March 7, it legal team made an application to Edmonton County Court to prevent a Servite tenant from entering his property after he threatened a family living in one of Servite’s homes.
The association originally sought an injunction against the man, whose anti-social behaviour was causing distress to a family living in Servite accommodation, in November. The injunction was granted requiring the man not to cause harassment, alarm or distress to the family. The court thought the matter so serious the injunction had a power of arrest attached to it.
The tenant, who lives in Edmonton, breached the injunction on March 6 when he threatened the complainant with a screwdriver. He was arrested by police and returned to court the following day, where he agreed to give an undertaking to the court that he would not return to his home, with the exception of a short period on an agreed date when he could return to collect his personal belongings.
The matter came before District Judge Silverman who granted an exclusion order preventing the man from entering his tenancy address in Edmonton and the road it is in. His Honour also gave a suspended 28 day prison sentence for contempt of court. The man is now in alternative accommodation and will no longer be housed by Servite.
Ken Andrew, Servite’s anti-social behaviour Officer for North London, said: “Fear and distress caused to our tenants is not something we will tolerate. We will take swift and rigorous action in any circumstances like to ensure our tenants safety. “
The defendant will face imprisonment if he breaches the terms of the Injunction Order.
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ENFIELD COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW HANDYMAN SERVICE
13 March 2007
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Whether it is hanging a new door, repairing window frames, replacing broken panes of glass, fixing new locks or general make good work on Enfield Council estates, no job is too small for a new handyman repairs service on the Klinger Estate in Edmonton.
Council tenants can now report these small jobs and be sure that they will be attended to within a couple of days.
Cllr Matthew Laban, cabinet member for housing, said, ”This new scheme is designed to maintain our estates and prevent any long term damage by fixing small repairs as soon as they occur.
“We want tenants to make reports so that we can keep repairs under control.”
The two man service operates on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8am – 4.30pm and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8am – 4pm.
In their small van they will also check on more general works on estates to provide a speedy, efficient service. Tenants should report small repairs to the council’s repairs centre on 0800 40 80 160.
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BARKING SEEKS VIEWS ON HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
13 March 2007
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Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking views on planning policy and housing development from residents and other interested parties.
The council is launching an extensive consultation process to find out what people think of its proposed policies and plans.
If these issues interest you, then now is your chance to get involved in helping develop the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham's core strategy and borough wide development policies.
The documents will form a blueprint for the future of planning in the borough and set the council's vision and objectives for the future growth and development of the borough, and it's 'preferred options' for policies to make sure change is well managed and benefits the local community.
The council is also consulting on its revised regeneration strategy, which shows how the council plans to regenerate the borough in the next five years.
The strategy will address key areas for improving quality of life for local residents by raising skill levels, creating more jobs, offering better housing and an attractive, safe environment with excellent community facilities.
Consultation will take place between Monday, March 19 and Monday, April 30. For more details or to take part, call London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Direct on 020 8215 3000 or check the local development framework and regeneration strategy pages on the Council's website.
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TOP JOB: MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR
14 March 2007
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Maintenance Surveyor, salary: £20 - £21 ph, North London. Ref: 297074.
Daily duties will include assisting with planned maintenance, asset management, responsive repairs and service contracts; carrying out building maintenance and day-to-day repairs of residential properties; carrying out pre and post inspections, diagnosing defects and writing specifications and reports; carrying out stock condition surveys and preparing and analysing reports on outstanding works, contractor performance and cost.
In order to be successful you must be an experienced maintenance surveyor/technical officer having previously worked for housing associations or local authorities.
You must have excellent communication skills, be able to work well in a team and be enthusiastic for the role.
For more information on this, please contact Katie Hardy on 0207 367 1810 or send in your CV to katie.hardy@badenochandclark.com.
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When applying for this position, make sure to mention that you saw it advertised in London Housing News!
For more housing jobs from across the UK, visit the Housing News national jobs page at: www.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
For focused, cost effective advertising, use London Housing News.
Your advert will appear online until its closing date, and Top Job of the Week appears at the top of the newsletter every day!
To get your message across to over 38,000 daily readers, email Hucksters or call 01892 784804, for more details on our competitive advertising rates.
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WOODBERRY WORKS PROJECT GETS GO-AHEAD
14 March 2007
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Woodberry Works is the name of the new construction training programme for Woodberry Down and Hackney residents.
Residents of Woodberry Down were keen for the Regeneration Team to develop a strategy to ensure that construction jobs created by the regeneration programme were available for local residents and that training was provided to ensure that people were suitably qualified.
Late last year, a construction training survey was carried out generating residents’ views and ideas for the centre. Residents’ responses to the survey are being incorporated into the course structure.
The project is supported by a partnership of local stakeholders involved in the regeneration programme including Hackney Homes, London Borough of Hackney, Berkeley Homes, Circle Anglia, Manor House Development Trust, SRB6 Programme and Access to Employment.
The partnership aspires to train over 100 people a year and provide complete support throughout and after training. This will include mentoring and guidance to develop a tailored package of support for each individual student this will include options such as future training requirements, support in gaining construction industry jobs or a combination of training and employment.
The training will take place at Parkfield House on Woodberry Down is an old residential block which is currently being transformed into a Satellite Construction Training Facility attached to Hackney Community College.
Robin Smith, Hackney Homes Project Director for Woodberry Down said: “With so much regeneration and building programmes in the borough such as Woodberry Down and part of the Olympics it is important that the next generation of construction workers have the opportunity for quality training. We are pleased that such an initiative is being developed on Woodberry Down to create real opportunities for local people”.
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BANK-STYLE STATEMENTS FOR SOUTHWARK HOUSING RESPONSES
14 March 2007
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People will be given bank-style statements from Southwark Council to show how it has cleaned up under a new scheme.
Streetleaders will get the statements so they can see exactly how the council has responded to their complaints. Members of the voluntary scheme currently ring a dedicated phone line to report rubbish, damage and other environmental issues. Now statements will be logged and sent out under the new 100 Days of Change project.
One resident said: "We've been reporting incidents to the council and it's good to see that there's now a way of seeing what they've done about it."
Councillor Kim Humphreys, executive member for housing, said: "The streetleaders scheme has been very successful. We now want to replicate that on estates.
"We will be able to show what we've done since they have reported it and there will be some accountability and transparency.
"This scheme is not designed to get people to voluntarily do the work of community wardens, but get large parts of the borough sorted out."
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BRENT COUNCIL OPEN DAY PROMOTES HOME OWNERSHIP
14 March 2007
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Brent Council is helping to increase home ownership by holding an open day to showcase a scheme which helps residents to buy new-build properties.
The New Build HomeBuy open day will be held tomorrow at Brent Town Hall and is being organised by the Affordable Housing Development Unit. New Build HomeBuy, which used to be known as shared ownership, is aimed at making buying a home a lot more affordable through equity sharing.
Leading housing associations including Notting Hill Home Ownership, Dominia, Octavia and Metropolitan House Ownership will showcase available homes.
Visitors to the open day can also meet with solicitors, financial advisers, and learn about completing an application form and the scheme’s eligibility criteria. There is also the chance to read sales brochures, make appointments to view properties, and see price lists for all new-build properties in the borough.
Lead Member for Housing and Community Care, Councillor James Allie said: “If you are interested in owning your own home this would be a great event to attend. There will be a lot to see with different housing associations displaying the available new-build properties at the 11 different developments in Brent.
“It is also a great opportunity to find out more about the home buying process and owning your own place through this part-rent, part-buy scheme.”
The New Build HomeBuy scheme will be held at Brent Town Hall from 1-7pm in committee rooms 1,2 & 3 and is open to all those who live and work in the borough.
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LONDON RENTS ARE RISING FAST
14 March 2007
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London rents are on the way up, according to the latest report from chartered surveyor Chesterton.
The report shows an overall increase of 3.6% in the last quarter of 2006, with housing rentals rising 3.8% compared with 3.1% for flats.
Richard Davies, Chesterton’s lettings director, said: “The shortage of good quality family houses in central areas such as Hampstead, Kensington and Chelsea is forcing prices beyond the average increase as demand from corporate tenants for these properties continues to grow.
“Rents of central London houses increased by 4.5%, compared with a lesser increase of 2.2% seen in south-west and west London.”
He added that the firm has seen a 10% increase in applications in quarter one of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 resulting in a 15% rise in agreed tenancies.
Chesterton is predicting that the beginning of 2007 should be buoyant with demand strong in Prime Central London properties. But more properties are coming on to the market and by the end of 2007 annual growth in rental yields could be down to five to eight per cent.
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EVENT: BURA DEBATE ON HOUSING MANAGEMENT
14 March 2007
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A BURA / Berkeley Group debate on whether Housing management is the only thing that saves us from slums will take place on March 28 at One Birdcage Walk, Central London.
Where new private development takes place in existing pockets of deprivation, shared management may be the fastest route to community satisfaction and cohesion.
Meanwhile, private-rented apartments in new urban blocks could become the slums of the future if they are not properly managed.
This debate is the last of a four part series run by BURA and Berkeley Group. Each debate is hosted by a chair alongside a group of panellists selected for their thoughts and interest on that key issue. You can attend just one or the whole series of these thought-provoking events taking place in London throughout January to March.
To book please download booking form Here (PDF). A full programme including all four debates is available Here (PDF).
Contact Email:
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SAVE MONEY ON TENDER ADVERTISING
14 March 2007
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If you have a tender to advertise, why not try London Housing News' sister publication, London Construction Now.
London Construction Now features daily leads and tenders, along with a featured Tenders of the Week, similar to London Housing News' Top Job of the Week.
It means you can target your tender adverts to London's construction industry.
With over 19,000 daily readers, including architects, surveyors, contractors, electricians and many more, it is a fast, effective and affordable way to let the industry know what you want.
To find out more about advertising on London Construction Now, please email:
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Relevant Links:
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TOP JOB: MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR
15 March 2007
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Maintenance Surveyor, salary: £20 - £21 ph, North London. Ref: 297074.
Daily duties will include assisting with planned maintenance, asset management, responsive repairs and service contracts; carrying out building maintenance and day-to-day repairs of residential properties; carrying out pre and post inspections, diagnosing defects and writing specifications and reports; carrying out stock condition surveys and preparing and analysing reports on outstanding works, contractor performance and cost.
In order to be successful you must be an experienced maintenance surveyor/technical officer having previously worked for housing associations or local authorities.
You must have excellent communication skills, be able to work well in a team and be enthusiastic for the role.
For more information on this, please contact Katie Hardy on 0207 367 1810 or send in your CV to katie.hardy@badenochandclark.com.
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When applying for this position, make sure to mention that you saw it advertised in London Housing News!
For more housing jobs from across the UK, visit the Housing News national jobs page at: www.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
For focused, cost effective advertising, use London Housing News.
Your advert will appear online until its closing date, and Top Job of the Week appears at the top of the newsletter every day!
To get your message across to over 38,000 daily readers, email Hucksters or call 01892 784804, for more details on our competitive advertising rates.
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FIRST BASE APPOINTED TO DEVELOP TRENCHARD HOUSE IN SOHO
15 March 2007
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First Base, the residential-led urban regeneration developer, has been appointed by English Partnerships as preferred developer for Trenchard House.
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The scheme is set to regenerate the site of a former hostel off Broadwick Street in Soho. The proposed mixed-use, mixed-tenure development, includes key worker and supported housing, private residential homes, retail and potentially educational space. First Base will be working alongside Peabody Trust to deliver the scheme.
The development will assist the regeneration of the Broadwick Street area by bringing a currently redundant site back into use. The plans for Trenchard House will be designed to ensure the scheme is integrated into its surroundings and will be a sympathetic and sustainable development for this important Soho site.
Elliot Lipton, Managing Director of First Base, said: “We are proud to continue our relationship with English Partnerships. I believe that together with Peabody Trust, we can create one of the best mixed use developments in London, ensuring the long-term success of the scheme.
“We look forward to working closely with the community to ensure that the scheme delivers maximum benefits for local people. This is an important next step in our vision to build better quality, sustainable and mixed-use, mixed-tenure communities.”
Steve Oakes, Director for English Partnerships, said: “English Partnerships’ agreement with First Base will ensure the delivery of affordable homes for key workers in the heart of the West End. We are pleased to be working again with First Base, who will bring to the scheme at Trenchard House, the experience gained delivering the London-Wide Initiative key worker scheme at Adelaide Wharf.”
Daniel Kaye, Assistant Director at Peabody Trust, said: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with First Base, English Partnerships and Westminster City Council to provide much needed key worker and supported homes in London which will be of great benefit to the local community.”
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A2 AND DOMINION IN MERGER TALKS
15 March 2007
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The Boards of A2 Housing Group and Dominion Housing Group have formally agreed to enter into exclusive talks regarding the merger of the two organisations.
This follows an acknowledgement from both organisations that to remain sustainable, longer term players within the housing sector, a larger organisation with a greater regional presence would be required to meet the new demands of the changing housing market.
Collectively, A2 and Dominion have a stock of over 32,000 homes across London and the South East and a combined grant allocation of £150m to fund a development pipeline of 7,000 homes.
Darrell Mercer, Chief Executive at Dominion, said: “The groups have similar aims and values and the spread of properties is complementary allowing the creation of an innovative and efficient new organisation.
“Both A2 and Dominion have already demonstrated considerable successes throughout the last few years, and we are looking forward to exploring the benefits that a merger would bring.”
John Knevett, Chief Executive at A2, added: “Following initial discussions, it is clear that both organisations share a similar vision as to the future.
“In particular, both A2 and Dominion are service driven whilst being commercially minded and see any new organisation moving towards self sustainability through the expansion of its commercial activities.”
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PLANS FOR A HUNDRED GREEN HOUSES IN BROAD GREEN
15 March 2007
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A project that will see 103 homes built on the site of Bedford House in London Road, Broad Green, has been given the go-ahead.
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Croydon Council's planning committee has given permission for Oracle Homes to demolish Bedford House and replace it with flats in a building that ranges from three to eight storeys in height. There will be 44 one-bed-room, 45 two-bedroom, 10 three-bedroom and four four-bedroom flats.
Oracle is claiming extensive green credentials for the development, which includes 77 solar panels to provide on-site renewable recycling facilities, cycle spaces for all the homes and 1,000sq ft of communal gardens. Half of the homes will be affordable, with 36% for social renting and 14% for shared ownership.
As part of the deal with the council, Oracle is contributing almost £500,000 to community improvements in the area to local health, education and library facilities, parks and public transport.
Cllr David Osland, chairman of the planning committee, said the scheme had received almost unanimous approval.
He added: "We don't particularly like this kind of large multiple home development, but it is the kind of thing that will be built if we are to meet the Mayor of London's target for providing new homes.
"What we did like was the amount of consultation the developers had with residents. If we can get other developers to consult with the community in this way it could be a useful way forward."
An Oracle spokesman said: "We are delighted with the decision. We made several changes to our original scheme after consulting with residents, including dropping proposals for a commercial use on the ground floor and providing community facilities instead."
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CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE HOUSING GETS GREEN LIGHT FROM REGULATOR
15 March 2007
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London-based housing association, Christian Alliance Housing has received top marks from the Housing Corporation, following an assessment.
Rona Nicholson, Director of London for the Housing Corporation, said: “We are very pleased to announce that Christian Alliance housing association has gained all four green lights in its latest Housing Corporation assessment.
“This demonstrates that they have successfully met or exceeded the standards set across all four key performance areas needed to ensure the quality of the services they offer to people across London.”
Christian Alliance Chief Executive, Rob Taylor, said: “After a very challenging 18 months we are delighted to have received this excellent assessment. We are particularly grateful for the support from our lead regulators during this period.
“The Association is now moving forward with confidence and looking to expand its high quality housing and support services, meeting the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of society.”
A copy of the full Housing Corporation Assessment is available from:
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KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED FOR FUTURE OF THAMES GATEWAY
15 March 2007
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An independent report launched on the Thames Gateway outlines four key steps that the government must take if it is to realise its commitment to deliver homes, jobs and infrastructure to the area over the next few decades.
Thames Gateway: Running the Blue Line, published by management consultancy Hornagold & Hills, urges the government to produce a clear vision statement; prepare a costed programme; increase co-ordinated planning across all government departments; and ensure there is appropriate funding, particularly for key transport infrastructure, in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR).
The report comes a year after the publication of H&H’s first report, Laying the Blue Line, which was instrumental in persuading the government to appoint a dedicated chief executive to the Gateway and publish its Interim Plan. This latest report captures the views of more than 400 senior professionals in urban regeneration and aims to determine what progress has been made on the Thames Gateway over the past 12 months.
Stan Hornagold welcomed the government’s Interim Plan, but said that it did not go far enough and urged the government to produce a clear vision statement. In addition, the absence of an overarching programme features prominently in the report.
He said: “Four years after the launch of the Gateway, there is no programme. This goes against all perceived wisdom in project management and it means that nobody can say with certainty what would ideally be required in the government’s upcoming CSR.”
The report also recommends that government demonstrates its commitment to the Gateway by allocating appropriate funding provision in the CSR to provide key transport infrastructure. Hornagold also said that more co-ordinated planning across government departments is crucial to the success of the Gateway.
For further details on the Hornagold & Hills Report see:
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SAVE MONEY ON TENDER ADVERTISING
15 March 2007
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If you have a tender to advertise, why not try London Housing News' sister publication, London Construction Now.
London Construction Now features daily leads and tenders, along with a featured Tenders of the Week, similar to London Housing News' Top Job of the Week.
It means you can target your tender adverts to London's construction industry.
With over 19,000 daily readers, including architects, surveyors, contractors, electricians and many more, it is a fast, effective and affordable way to let the industry know what you want.
To find out more about advertising on London Construction Now, please email:
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TOP JOB: MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR
16 March 2007
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Maintenance Surveyor, salary: £20 - £21 ph, North London. Ref: 297074.
Daily duties will include assisting with planned maintenance, asset management, responsive repairs and service contracts; carrying out building maintenance and day-to-day repairs of residential properties; carrying out pre and post inspections, diagnosing defects and writing specifications and reports; carrying out stock condition surveys and preparing and analysing reports on outstanding works, contractor performance and cost.
In order to be successful you must be an experienced maintenance surveyor/technical officer having previously worked for housing associations or local authorities.
You must have excellent communication skills, be able to work well in a team and be enthusiastic for the role.
For more information on this, please contact Katie Hardy on 0207 367 1810 or send in your CV to katie.hardy@badenochandclark.com.
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When applying for this position, make sure to mention that you saw it advertised in London Housing News!
For more housing jobs from across the UK, visit the Housing News national jobs page at: www.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
For focused, cost effective advertising, use London Housing News.
Your advert will appear online until its closing date, and Top Job of the Week appears at the top of the newsletter every day!
To get your message across to over 38,000 daily readers, email Hucksters or call 01892 784804, for more details on our competitive advertising rates.
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GREEN FEATURES FOR NEW £6M LAMBETH HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
16 March 2007
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Plans for the new Lambeth homes
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Bio-diverse green roofing is just one of the sustainability features of a £6m development of 60 new affordable low-energy homes required by Higgins Construction’s clients L&Q Group and subsidiary Tower Homes.
The homes are to be built at a redundant recycling depot in Lambeth. As well as providing affordable housing with low energy costs, the buildings are intended to create a dynamic natural habitat within the green roofing for invertebrate wildlife.
While the living green roof will be constructed with vegetation and other materials to encourage more biodiversity, a 40% target for the renewable specification of all materials used also requires Higgins to work with photovoltaics, high-performance insulation and wood-chip biomass boiler heating technology.
Lambeth Council sold the site on Vale Street, West Norwood for affordable housing, for both rent and shared ownership with low energy requirements, aiming to address climate change as a demonstration project with a sustainability agenda.
The approach is to exceed what BRE’s EcoHomes ‘Excellent’ standard. To achieve this, the solar panels will supplement mains electricity and reduce harmful carbon emissions by 10%. Their orientation will maximise production of electricity in the winter months. The biomass boiler for both space heating and hot water should reduce carbon emissions by 30%. The development is intended to promote sustainability as a lifestyle with storage for 94 bicycles within the design’s brief and provision for a pooled car.
Construction on site begins in April to complete within 70 weeks, the three blocks comprising 12 terraced town houses (all three storeys, two homes with wheelchair access) and 48 apartments (four storeys, one ground-floor flat with wheelchair access).
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AUTHOR VISITS SHG £40M MARKET ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
16 March 2007
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Prof Power on site
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Professor Anne Power of the London School of Economics, who has just launched her new book Jigsaw Cities has visited Southern Housing Group's (SHG) £40m redevelopment of Market Estate being carried out by Higgins Construction.
She has just launched her latest book, co-authored with John Houghton, Jigsaw Cities: Big Places, Small Spaces (CASE Studies on Poverty, Place & Policy): Big Places, Small Spaces (CASE Studies on Poverty, Place & Policy). Prof. Power is a resident of Islington who took part in the BBC Radio 4 two-part programme Knocking Down the Past, broadcast last year that featured the Market Estate.
The estate was described in the radio show's listing as notorious: "Dirty needles and smashed glass litter the corridors and the residents are afraid to go out at night. But an extraordinary change is happening in front of their eyes."
A total of 359 new homes are being developed on the site of the 45-year-old Market Estate for affordable shared-ownership and rent. The housing is designed by HTA Architects to integrate 10 retail units based upon a masterplan by Watkins Gray International, following staged demolitions around a neighbouring park's elaborate 47m-high listed Victorian clock tower.
The conventional construction of the first 140 apartments rising to no more than five-storeys was running so far ahead of programme at the end of 2006 that SHG expected first residents to move into their new homes three months earlier than first programmed. The project team involves Tully De'Ath (structural & civil engineers), ECC as mechanical engineers and Whitelaw Turkington as landscape architects.
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ISLINGTON SEEKS VIEWS ON GROWTH AND HOUSING
16 March 2007
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Islington Council is planning ahead to make sure the borough's character and quality are maintained during a period of rapid population growth.
Over 23,000 more people are expected to be living in the borough by 2012 and the council has developed a planning document, the Core Strategy, to make sure the growth will be sustainable and manageable. The council is seeking residents' views on the plan before April 18.
The strategy will influence all aspects of life in the borough from community safety, housing and construction to waste management, business support and the environment. For example, all major new developments will need to source at least 20% of their energy needs from renewables. Better lit and cared for streets will help 'design out' crime and make people feel safer.
Cllr Terry Stacy, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing and Communities, said: "The strategy will shape the future of the borough for years to come helping the council create a more sustainable Islington. The next five years will see one of the most important periods of population growth in the borough's history. This will directly affect our residents and businesses so it's vital that people have their say.
"We've listened carefully to Islington so we know priorities are clean, safe streets, decent homes and jobs. I am determined that our planning guidelines do as much as possible to improve the quality of life for everyone and make Islington the best place in London to live, work and do business."
The council will also require half of homes built in new developments to be affordable and expects ten per cent of all new housing will be built to Wheelchair Homes Standards for disabled adaption and accessibility. The strategy has been developed following extensive input from the public. The present consultation is seeking any final comments before its submitted to the government for examination - a revised strategy will be adopted by the council later in 2007.
The final consultation on the strategy runs to April 18. To find out more, go to:
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BARKING LAUNCHES NEIGHBOURHOOD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
16 March 2007
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A brand new initiative will see locals teaming up with Barking and Dagenham Council and other local agencies to deliver improvements to their neighbourhood.
This borough-wide initiative will improve the environment, increase community safety, reduce crime, improve healthcare and encourage economic growth in neighbourhoods. The difference about Barking and Dagenham's neighbourhood management approach is that residents will take a lead in shaping and improving services.
Residents will identify what needs to be delivered and will be able to speak and work alongside the council, police and other agencies to make things happen. The neighbourhoods with the highest deprivation and need have been identified based on information on income, employment, health and disability, education, skills and training, housing and access to services. The wards include Gascoigne, Thames, Marks Gate and Heath.
They will each have a dedicated management team based in their area including a neighbourhood manager, community development officer, and neighbourhood support officer from May. The other wards, Village, Abbey and Goresbrook, will see their teams established in January. The teams will be based alongside other service providers like housing or Children's Centre so residents have one point of contact for all services.
An annual action plan will set out the specific projects and actions to address local issues. A local partnership of residents, service managers, voluntary sector and councillors will guide and oversee delivery of the plans. The wards will each receive a budget of £20,000 to deliver activities and projects within the areas.
Cllr Charles Fairbrass, Leader and Executive Member for Community Development, said: "This new approach will be a valuable way to tap into residents' experiences and skills and to use them to influence how we deliver services. By giving residents a greater voice and influence over local decisions we hope it will lead to further improvements and bring communities closer together."
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IMPROVEMENTS TO PEST CONTROL AS PART OF HOUSING CAMPAIGN
16 March 2007
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Major improvements to Southwark Council's pest control services will be brought in as part of the 100 Days of Change housing campaign.
The council’s housing scrutiny sub-committee has completed a report into the service and a number of their recommendations will be implemented to improve efficiency.
The key changes will include a review of current arrangements for service provision to consider all procurement options, including in-house provision and joint work with neighbouring boroughs and extending service hours outside Monday to Friday, nine to five, to make sure tenants unavailable during the working week are able to get help without delay.
It also includes including bedbugs as a pest treated by the service without charge; special consideration given to regeneration and demolition schemes to make sure pests cannot spread and relaxing the regulation that block treatment is only triggered if 25% of properties are affected, allowing for work on a more case-by-case basis.
Cllr Kim Humphreys, executive member for housing management, said: "I am grateful to the scrutiny committee for a strong and thorough report. I know that pest control is a key issue for Southwark's tenant and residents and it is a service we need to improve.
"I shall be asking officers to act as quickly as we can to implement the report's recommendations as part of out 100 days of change for housing improvements. I am pleased that we have had such important input from the committee, which is a good indication that policies developed in this campaign are being scrutinised to make sure they meet residents' needs."
Cllr Tim McNally, chair of the cross party housing scrutiny sub-committee, said: "I would like to thank the administration for the positive response to our scrutiny report on pest control and for accepting all of our recommendations. Pests and vermin affect too many properties and it's great news that Cllr Humphreys is taking this forwards so we can improve the situation for our tenants and leaseholders."
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SAVE MONEY ON TENDER ADVERTISING
16 March 2007
|
If you have a tender to advertise, why not try London Housing News' sister publication, London Construction Now.
London Construction Now features daily leads and tenders, along with a featured Tenders of the Week, similar to London Housing News' Top Job of the Week.
It means you can target your tender adverts to London's construction industry.
With over 19,000 daily readers, including architects, surveyors, contractors, electricians and many more, it is a fast, effective and affordable way to let the industry know what you want.
To find out more about advertising on London Construction Now, please email:
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Relevant Links:
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