 |
|
JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
26 July 2010
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
26 July 2010
|
Title: Repair and Maintenance Services of Building Installations
Client: Jephson Housing Association Group
Value: £3m
Duration: N/A
Description:
Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants, Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park, Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants
Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley
B32 3BZ Birmingham
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1214234000
Further information can be obtained from Mr Steve Mellor on 01270 686 439 or email: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk .
Closing Date: N/A
To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now! |
|
| |
|
GOVERNMENT COUNTRYSIDE HOUSING PLANS WELCOMED BY MIDLANDS RURAL HOUSING
26 July 2010
|
|
Government plans announced to enable villages in England to build homes without seeking council planning permission have been generally welcomed by Coalville-based Midlands Rural Housing (MRH).
Housing minister Grant Shapps has set out a plan for villages to be able to form local housing trusts and hold a referendum to decide if house building should go ahead, if a large majority support it.
The aim of the Right to Build scheme is to provide small numbers of affordable homes in rural areas where prohibitive home prices are driving people away.
MRH Managing Director Craig Felts welcomed the recognition of the issue that more affordable housing is required, saying he supported any measures to increase the supply of affordable homes in rural villages to help local sustainability.
However, he would wait to see the detail of the proposal and whether they are workable in practice.
Craig said: “Although we have gone through a period when house prices have essentially fallen, they are still significantly more expensive in rural areas than they are in urban areas.
“Coupled with that is the fact that general salary levels are lower in rural areas, so local people are being effectively being priced out of the market and having to secure accommodation elsewhere, impacting on the sustainability of local services.”
Craig pointed out that there are already mechanisms for the delivery of affordable rural housing, which also invoke high levels of community consultation and have proved successful so far, but this issue with these has been the speed and volume of their delivery. Addressing the current planning process and funding issues would assist significantly in bringing forward more affordable rural homes, he said.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
SEVERNSIDE RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATES FIRST PHASE OF SUNDORNE REDEVELOPMENT
26 July 2010
|
Severnside Housing, partners and residents have gathered together to celebrate the completion of the first phase of a redevelopment project that is making a real difference to the local community.
|
(l-r) Cllr. Malcolm Price, Portfolio Holder for Housing, cutting the ribbon with Mrs Joan Hatton, resident of one of the new bungalows, and Sarah Boden, Chief Exec at Severnside.
The overall project is a £2.7 million, three-phase scheme to redevelop the Moston Road and Moston Green area of Sundorne which had become a hotspot for crime, drink and drug abuse and antisocial behaviour.
This was particularly centred around the garages and shops in Moston Road, which had become a gathering place for young people.
Phase 1A of the Moston Road Redevelopment project began with the demolition of the former garages, shops and flats above them in March last year, following close consultation with the local community.
These have now been replaced with a new shop with flat above, seven new two-bedroom homes and two new two-bedroom bungalows. All of these homes are of modern timber framed construction and incorporate a number of energy efficient measures including full gas central heating with condensing boilers and supplemental solar panels for hot water, which aim to save around £535 per household per year on energy bills.
The homes have received a number of accreditations, including Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, Lifetime Homes, and are designed to be wheelchair accessible.
As a result of a close working partnership with the police, the homes have also received Secured By Design accreditation, recognising that crime was ‘designed out’ during the design, layout and construction stages, and that the homes feature windows, doors, locks and other features with meet specific British Standards.
Since work began in March last year, reported crime and antisocial behaviour in the area has fallen by 34%.
Work on the £2.7 million project was funded by Severnside Housing, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the former Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council and through Growth Point Funding from central government.
It has been carried out by local contractors S.J. Roberts Construction, who have received excellent Considerate Constructor accreditation for the work they have done to minimise disruption for local residents, and keep them informed of progress. This includes arranging site visits for children from the local infants’ school.
Sarah Boden, Chief Executive at Severnside Housing, said: “The work we are doing at Moston Road follows extensive consultation with the local community, and is making real improvements to the area; not only physically, but also in relation to reducing crime and antisocial behaviour. This is the first of three phases to deliver modern, energy-efficient new homes, along with a new shop, at the heart of the local community.”
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
FHM PILOTS NEW GENERATION OF ECO BOILERS
26 July 2010
|
|
Community regeneration specialist Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) West Midlands is piloting one of the UK’s first domestic gas boilers that reduces carbon emissions by generating electricity and heat at the same time.
The micro-combined heat and power boiler, which looks like an ordinary gas boiler, provides a low carbon option to powering homes by generating heating and hot water, whilst also generating electricity as a by-product which can be used within the home, or fed back to the national grid.
FHM installed the turbine-generated boiler to a void property in Maxwell Street in Wolverhampton in June this year, and will be assessing how well the eco technology performs over the coming months.
The home is owned by Wolverhampton Homes and is one of four houses to be transformed by FHM on the All Saints estate in Wolverhampton.
All of the homes demonstrate different types of renewable and low carbon technologies that can be fitted in residential dwellings.
FHM is currently working with both the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Sustainable Housing Action Partnership (SHAP) to guide best practice and innovation in retrofit.
This property may form part of a “Beyond Decent Homes Standard” report currently being compiled by the HCA to be submitted to the Coalition Government later this year.
It is hoped the new standard may help shape future legislation and standards introduced throughout the UK.
Dave Cartwright, FHM’s Sustainability Champion, said: “We’re one of the first companies in the UK to fit a Miniature Combined Heat and Power unit and we’re very excited to see how well it will perform. The boiler has huge potential to reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions as well as ensuring less energy is lost in transmission across the national grid.
“This system could be the next generation of gas boilers to be fitted in the UK. With increasing demands and peak energy prices, the need to introduce small scale micro-generation is apparent. We hope this helps to forge a path that others may follow in the future.”
The gas boiler operates like a normal combination boiler, firing on demand for heating or hot water. When the boiler fires the exhaust emissions, which are usually dispelled through the flue, they are instead channelled to drive a small turbine. This turbine creates electricity which can be used in the home or fed back into the national grid.
Every unit of electrical energy produced by the unit is metered and will be eligible for the “Feed in Tariff’s” (FIT’s) introduced earlier this year - the amount you can be paid for exporting renewable electricity to the national grid. The FIT’s will be paid back to Wolverhampton Homes as an additional revenue stream.
The tenant should also see substantial savings on their utility bills as any electricity produced by the boiler is effectively free electric and will be used before power is pulled from the National Grid.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
BROMFORD MANAGER JOINS HIGH-PROFILE GREEN LEADER LIST
26 July 2010
|
|
Bromford Group neighbourhood investment manager Michele Campbell has joined captains of industry, senior city councillors and BBC Gardeners World presenter Alys Fowler by featuring in the region’s first list of Top 50 Green Leaders.
Organised by Sustainability West Midlands, the list celebrates some of what the green advice body describes as the most influential people driving the move to a low-carbon economy and society.
Wolverhampton-based Michele, a member of the affordable housing provider’s Advance team, and the other leaders received certificates from green campaigner Jonathon Porritt at Birmingham’s Millennium Point on Monday (July 19) to mark their new status.
The Top 50 are being encouraged to share and pass on their experiences, skills and knowledge to the next generation of professionals. They will also be invited to help develop new solutions and influence policy by contributing to research and new Government initiatives such as the coalition government’s Big Society concept.
Michele modestly admits surprise that she featured in the list – and cites her work in promoting Bromford’s award-winning Cross Street South development of eco-friendly homes in Wolverhampton as the reason for her inclusion.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised in this way – and it’s important to say that I see this accolade as recognition of the hard work put in by the whole team that has worked on Cross Street South,” says Michele, seen in our picture with Jonathon Porritt.
“I’m just the lucky person who gets to showcase what we have accomplished and show off the scheme on a regular basis. Getting to meet Jonathon Porritt was fantastic. He gave a very interesting and rousing speech.”
Other names in the Top 50 include Cllr Paul Tilsley, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, former Jaguar Land Rover CEO David Smith and Richard Beard, of The Jericho Foundation, one of the country’s leading social enterprises.
Dr Simon Slater, executive director of Sustainability West Midlands, said: “Our Green Leaders list features a diverse group of individuals who have all helped to implement and run activities that have had a positive environmental impact with additional social or economic benefits.
“There have been some excellent examples of low-carbon innovation, communities tackling key green issues successfully and major public services adjusting the way they work to be more eco-friendly.
“It proves the great ingenuity and spirit that was present when the West Midlands kicked off the high carbon revolution is still alive and well today as we invent the low carbon era. We are trying to capture this drive and passion and share it with up and coming leaders, who will be essential in picking up the agenda and running with it.”
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TEENAGE CITIZEN JOURNALIST UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD
26 July 2010
|
|
Citizen Journalist Cally Clark Traversari has been shortlisted for a top national award after her online campaign for more affordable housing attracted hundreds of supporters.
The 18-year-old from Birmingham has been shortlisted for the Sheila McKechnie Campaigner Awards which seek to support emerging and grassroots campaigners.
Cally launched her campaign through the youth engagement website www.socialbreakfast.org after hearing from friends and other young people about the shortage of affordable housing.
Just one month in, more than 600 people had signed up to a support group on Facebook thanks to the work of Cally and five other Citizen Journalists.
Cally has since met David Ireland, the Chief Executive of the Empty Homes Agency, and written to Housing Minister Grant Shapps.
She has proposed that young people be encouraged to renovate empty and derelict homes and then are given reduced rents to live in them.
The winner will be given personal coaching by an experienced campaigner, mentoring sessions with experts and support to develop the campaign.
Cally said “I am very excited at this opportunity because I believe if I win the publicity and help that will surround the campaign will be significant steps to making the solution of affordable housing for young people a reality.
“Currently even those earning more than the minimum wage simply cannot afford to rent or buy their own place and life independently. This is not about moaning but exploring solutions which could work.”
Cally is a Citizen Journalist for socialbreakfast, a website run by Birmingham’s Ashram Housing Association. Ashram employs a team of Citizen Journalists through the Future Jobs Funds for the long-term unemployed.
Jas Bains, Ashram Chief Executive, said: “This campaign was developed by Cally and has inspired a huge response. socialbreakfast is all about giving young people a voice and Cally has done exactly that. We are thrilled for her.”
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
27 July 2010
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
27 July 2010
|
Title: Repair and Maintenance Services of Building Installations
Client: Jephson Housing Association Group
Value: £3m
Duration: N/A
Description:
Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants, Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park, Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants
Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley
B32 3BZ Birmingham
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1214234000
Further information can be obtained from Mr Steve Mellor on 01270 686 439 or email: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk .
Closing Date: N/A
To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now! |
|
| |
|
WALSALL REGENERATION COMPANY TO CLOSE AS RDA FUNDING PULLED
27 July 2010
|
|
Walsall Regeneration Company is to close following the local regional development agency's decision to cut funding for the organisation.
Advantage West Midands has decided it can no longer provide the £200,000 per year it contributes to the urban regeneration company’s running costs.
The company’s board made the decision to close following the cut in AWM funding, despite the fact that the company also received a total of £400,000 per year in funding from Walsall Council and central Government.
WRC confirmed that its four staff would be made redundant as a result of the decision to close.
WRC chair Brian Lowe, said: "Unfortunately the significant cuts in funding by one of our funding partners meant the company was unable to proceed as a going concern."
Councilllor Mike Bird, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council leader and WRC board member, said: "The board recognised that we cannot allow the momentum of regeneration in Walsall, which the WRC played a key role in progressing, to slow and therefore in the interim period, Walsall Council’s executive director of regeneration Tim Johnson will take responsibility for progressing the partners’ shared regeneration plans, whilst future options are considered with partners and key stakeholders."
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
FIRST KICKSTART SCHEME COMPLETES IN REDDITCH
27 July 2010
|
|
A Redditch development in the West Midlands has become the first in the country to be completed under the Kickstart programme, aimed at bringing the housing sector back into action.
Picture: Paul Kavanah and Claire Steel outside their new ‘Kickstart’ home in Redditch.
The Windsor Road site, developed by Westbury Partnerships, received £612m from the national scheme, which was launched by the Homes and Communities Agency two years ago to breathe new life into the stalled market.
50 new homes of which 13 are for rent and 21 for low cost home ownership are now complete and part of a larger 300 home development.
The completed homes have been handed over to Malvern-based Festival Housing Group which is allocating the properties to local people in housing need.
Westbury Partnerships director Ashley Lane, said that the Kickstart programme had been given the site the boost it needed.
“This development had slowed down due the economic climate but we used this government initiative to successfully unlock it. We are delighted that it is the first of its kind in the initial phase of Kickstart across England to be completed,” he commented.
In total Kickstart is providing over 18,000 new homes at 270 sites across the country, of which it is hoped around 9,500 will be affordable. In total the West Midlands benefited from £85 million of funding, which will translate to 2,230 new homes.
Paul Spooner, regional director for the Homes and Communities Agency West Midlands, said: “We are proud to be celebrating the first nationally completed Kickstart scheme here in West Midlands. Our communities benefitted greatly from the cash injection that the Kickstart programme brought to the housing market last year and this scheme is a great example of what has been achieved working closely with Westbury Partnerships and Festival Housing to keep delivering much-needed housing in difficult times.”
Chief executive of the Festival group, Guy Weston, stressed that the new homes met a strong demand for affordable properties in Redditch.
New residents include Claire Steel and Paul Kavanah who were previously living with Paul’s parents in the town. Claire, a trainee quantity surveyor with Network Rail based in Birmingham, said that they were ‘Rent to Buy’ tenants of the two-bedroom terraced home.
“We absolutely love the house - it is beautiful. We could not have afforded to rent anything like this in the private sector,” she commented.
Claire and partner Paul, who is a personal trainer, hope to be able to get a mortgage to buy the house within the next two years.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
NEW TRAINING HUB TO TACKLE GUN AND KNIFE CRIME UNDERWAY IN SMETHWICK
27 July 2010
|
|
A unique training hub created to reduce crime and get ex offenders back into employment is currently being created in Smethwick through a Public Private Partnership.
The HUB which will be based next to the probation centre and will serve the whole of Sandwell, is being funded by Midlands social housing contractor VINCI Facilities, Think Local Construction (part of the Sandwell MBC’s Economic Regeneration and Skills Division) and housing market renewal pathfinder Urban Living.
With gun, knife and gang related crime a key issue in the Midlands the three organisations decided that a new approach was needed.
The HUB will provide a means of effectively targeting hard to reach groups such as those involved in crime and help to break the cycle of re-offending by getting them back into employment.
With opportunities for employment across the large scale construction projects underway in the West Midlands, the HUB - which is set to open in August 2010 - will give people the training and qualifications needed to get them back into employment.
Tony Ford, Operations Manager at VINCI Facilities (Formerly Taylor Woodrow) said: “Last week the justice minister Ken Clark announced that he wanted to introduce a ‘Rehabilitation Revolution’ and specifically target the need to break the cycle of re-offending by getting people back into jobs. The HUB is set up to do exactly this and our aim is for people going through it to be fully prepared to enter a full-time, paid job upon the courses completion. Our key partner Think Local Construction works with over 500 local companies and is ideally placed to help get people into employment when they leave the HUB.”
Paul Smith, Employment Co-ordinator for Think Local Construction said: “According to recent figures nearly half of the people sent to prison recommit crimes within a year of release. We believe that getting people on the first rung of the career ladder is one way to help break this cycle. Sandwell suffers from low levels of qualifications, high levels of unemployment and higher than average crime rates. This training HUB is set to target those people recently released from prison and train them in construction trades. The HUB will offer a selection of courses such as plumbing, bricklaying and kitchen fitting to name but a few.”
Once completed the training HUB will be run by Think Local Construction and Future Skills and funded by Urban Living. In order to get the project off to a start VINCI Facilities invested £35,000 of its own money and man-power into building the HUB in a 600 metre squared commercial unit.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
HOMEZONE LIVING LOOK FOR VOLUNTEERS TO RUN RESIDENT FACILITIES
27 July 2010
|
|
Staffordshire people are being invited to make dozens of new friends by volunteering to help at a retirement village’s cafe, shop and library.
Residents of Lichfield-based housing association HomeZone Living’s Beacon Park Retirement Village are looking forward to welcoming a new team of helpers willing to get involved with running the range of first class facilities.
Sue Atkins, HomeZone services manager at Beacon Park, said: “Anyone who visits our retirement village knows what a fantastic place it is for people to socialise and have fun in a safe and secure environment.
“We are looking for volunteers who may be interested in managing our cafe bar, working on reception, helping in the shop or running our library. It will reward people with enormous job satisfaction, help to keep them active, take up new hobbies and improve their social life.”
Sue added: “Our volunteers need to be of good character and will have to provide a satisfactory CRB check. There is no age limit, and we will provide training up to the level of an NVQ qualification.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the retirement village, in Lower Sandford Street, Lichfield, to meet residents and get an insight into how rewarding it could be. Contact the activities team on 01543 261300 to find out more.
Beacon Park Retirement Village was unveiled to regional and national acclaim in 2005. A partnership between registered social landlord HomeZone Living, Extra Care and Lichfield District Council developed the top quality facility.
The development is a village of superbly designed, comfortable homes in a close-knit community.
The focus is on personal independence and opportunities to enjoy life in a safe, secure community. Inspired by a 'stay active, stay young' philosophy, it is built around a superb range of facilities that encourages people to embrace new challenges and new achievements regardless of age or ability.
HomeZone Living is committed to the provision of affordable housing and support services, serving the communities in and around Lichfield District and surrounding boroughs. Its key role is to develop and manage rented, leasehold and shared ownership homes for customers. It is dedicated to achieving high levels of customer satisfaction through continuous service improvement and by engaging with customers to understand their needs.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
27 July 2010
|
Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters:
|
JOBS
Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association is seeking an Area Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
ACHA is seeking an Investment Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
Tarka Housing is seeking a Housing Services Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for gas servicing and maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for reactive maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for landscape maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Tarka Housing is seeking a Resident Involvement Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
North Devon Homes is seeking a Voluntary Board Member. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: July 31.
The Gateshead Housing Company is looking to appoint Independent Directors to its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: August 20.
West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Finance Manager. For more information, go to: southeast.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Performance Improvement Advisor based in Sunderland. Salary up to £35k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30.
The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Housing Training and Events Manager based in Sunderland. Salary up to £33k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30.
TENDERS
Cairn Housing Association is inviting tenders for its day to day repairs service and void management service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 17.
St Georges Community Housing is inviting tenders for a district heating contract. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: August 19.
Hyde Housing Association is inviting tenders for Construction of New-Build Homes. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 6.
Notting Hill Housing Trust is inviting tenders for construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 19.
To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804. |
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TEENAGE CITIZEN JOURNALIST UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD
27 July 2010
|
|
|
Citizen Journalist Cally Clark Traversari has been shortlisted for a top national award after her online campaign for more affordable housing attracted hundreds of supporters.
The 18-year-old from Birmingham has been shortlisted for the Sheila McKechnie Campaigner Awards which seek to support emerging and grassroots campaigners.
Cally launched her campaign through the youth engagement website www.socialbreakfast.org after hearing from friends and other young people about the shortage of affordable housing.
Just one month in, more than 600 people had signed up to a support group on Facebook thanks to the work of Cally and five other Citizen Journalists.
Cally has since met David Ireland, the Chief Executive of the Empty Homes Agency, and written to Housing Minister Grant Shapps.
She has proposed that young people be encouraged to renovate empty and derelict homes and then are given reduced rents to live in them.
The winner will be given personal coaching by an experienced campaigner, mentoring sessions with experts and support to develop the campaign.
Cally said “I am very excited at this opportunity because I believe if I win the publicity and help that will surround the campaign will be significant steps to making the solution of affordable housing for young people a reality.
“Currently even those earning more than the minimum wage simply cannot afford to rent or buy their own place and life independently. This is not about moaning but exploring solutions which could work.”
Cally is a Citizen Journalist for socialbreakfast, a website run by Birmingham’s Ashram Housing Association. Ashram employs a team of Citizen Journalists through the Future Jobs Funds for the long-term unemployed.
Jas Bains, Ashram Chief Executive, said: “This campaign was developed by Cally and has inspired a huge response. socialbreakfast is all about giving young people a voice and Cally has done exactly that. We are thrilled for her.”
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
28 July 2010
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
28 July 2010
|
Title: Repair and Maintenance Services of Building Installations
Client: Jephson Housing Association Group
Value: £3m
Duration: N/A
Description:
Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants, Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park, Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants
Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley
B32 3BZ Birmingham
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1214234000
Further information can be obtained from Mr Steve Mellor on 01270 686 439 or email: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk .
Closing Date: N/A
To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now! |
|
| |
|
NEW CHAIR FOR LHA-ASRA
28 July 2010
|
Shaukat Moledina
|
A new Group Chairman is to take the helm at the £650m LHA-ASRA Group.
Shaukat Moledina, who will step down on 9 September after two years to devote more time to his business and other charitable activities, will be replaced by long-serving board member and Vice Chair, Sadru Visram OBE.
Sadru said: “The Board and Executive are indebted to Shaukat for his achievements in helping to steer the Group through a period of substantial change.
“Under his stewardship, we have become more customer-focused, better managed, financially stronger, and commercially more astute. I am looking forward to building on his achievements and further enhancing the services which matter most to our customers.”
Sadru has more than 30 years’ experience in the housing sector, is a board member of Notting Hill Housing Trust, and is former Finance Director of London & Quadrant Housing Trust. He runs Sprunt Solutions, which provides training and consultancy to the housing association sector, and is a board member of The Housing Finance Corporation.
The LHA-ASRA Group comprises LHA, ASRA Greater London HA, and Nottingham charity Family First.
With offices in Leicester, Nottingham, and London, it owns and manages more than 11,000 homes across an area extending from Nottinghamshire across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, to London, and employs 547 staff.
It is an approved Investment Partner of the Homes and Communities Agency, and has a capital programme worth over £140 million gross. LHA-ASRA works with 35 local authorities and 27 London boroughs.
Group member Family First provides community services (including recycling), housing services, care services and children/family services.
The Group provides a mixture of general needs accommodation and care and supported housing (managed by Group members ASRA, Family First and LHA Support Services).
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
OPTIMA REGEN PROJECT PICKS UP MOMENTUM WITH OVER 300 NEW HOMES ON THE WAY
28 July 2010
|
|
One of the Midlands most ambitious urban regeneration projects is being revived with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency after building work was put on hold by the global financial crisis.
Attwood Green, the £500 million scheme led by Optima Community Association has already made an impact in transforming 5 former council estates since 1999, making the area a thriving and popular city centre neighbourhood where people once more chose to live and work.
Over 1,600 homes have been built in Attwood Green together with a hotel, shop, parks and community facilities completely transforming the neighbourhood but there were still significant pockets of land waiting to be developed as work ground to a halt with a fall in demand in the commercial and property markets.
Now with £4.8m of funding from the HCA, matched by private finance secured by Optima Community Association and funding from Birmingham City Council, over 300 homes and two parks, will be built by 2012.
Alongside the investment of Optima and its partners, £3.6m of kickstart funding has also gone in through the HCA to deliver 100 homes through developers Crest Nicholson at Park Central and Persimmon Homes in Attwood Green.
Paul Spooner, regional director for the HCA West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the on-going transformation of Attwood Green. Our investment enables the City Council, Optima and our developer partners to continue to deliver much-needed new homes in the area, taking an important step closer to the completion of the overall scheme and providing benefits to residents in the community.”
Simon Kimberley, Chief Executive of Optima Community Association, said: “Our main objective is to see the regeneration of Attwood Green completed. Our excellent working relationships with the HCA and Birmingham City Council have enabled us to support our development partners Crest Nicholson and Persimmon Homes by deferring land payments and purchasing 48 homes for social rent, intermediate market rent and new build HomeBuy. This is providing much needed affordable housing, whilst supporting private developers to kick start stalled housing development sites.”
Optima has also started work with Bullock Construction, developing 30 new affordable homes on the site of the former Firebird public house, located on the Benmore estate, off Bristol Road, Edgbaston.
All of the new homes will achieve a high level of environmental sustainability and the homes on Woodview are Optima’s first homes to be fitted with photovoltaic and solar thermal panels.
Six construction traineeships are being provided in partnership with Persimmon Homes which will be promoted to local people and Optima is currently providing a 6 month placement to a Trainee Surveyor in partnership with Bullock Construction and Baily Garner, funded by Future Jobs Fund and contributions from the three organisations.
Local children and residents were involved by Optima in designing the new parks.
Optima Community Association is a housing association which owns and manages over 2,000 properties in central Birmingham.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
KEVIN WILLETTS JOINS LOVELL AS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
28 July 2010
|
Kevin Willetts
|
Kevin Willetts has been appointed to the Board of Lovell as director of business development.
He joins the company from national building and maintenance specialist Rok and brings extensive experience gained during a 27-year career in social housing.
In his new position, based at Lovell head office in Tamworth, Staffordshire, Kevin will add further focus to all aspects of customer interface including brand, marketing, winning business, maximising the potential of the existing relationships and new markets.
“This is a key appointment for Lovell and we are delighted to have secured someone with Kevin’s wealth of social housing expertise to head up our business development team at a time of major expansion for the company,” says Lovell managing director Stewart Davenport.
Lovell significantly expanded its Lovell Respond housing response maintenance business with the recent acquisition of Powerminster Gleeson Services to create a leading UK-wide maintenance and estates management services business.
“Lovell has an impressive brand and track record of service delivery in social housing new-build, regeneration and maintenance,” says Kevin Willetts. “I’m excited about working with the team to take the business forward and ensuring that we continue to delight our existing customers and win new business by delivering the highest standards of service and quality and becoming the number one provider of housing to the sector in the UK.”
Kevin spent the first 18 years of his career in the public sector working with Coventry Churches Housing Association (now part of the Midland Heart group) and as development director of Mercian Housing Association.
He was then group social housing director for Mansell Construction before joining Rok where he spent seven years as group housing director and more recently as group director of sales and marketing.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
BRUM RESIDENTS URGED TO GET THEIR VOICES HEARD AT GARDEN EVENT
28 July 2010
|
|
Residents in south Birmingham are being urged to speak up and have their say on the standard of services in social housing at a special garden party next week.
Moseley and District Churches Housing Association will host the event on Friday 6th August from 2pm to 7pm in the garden of their head office on Alcester Road.
More than 1,400 tenants will have the chance to give their opinions on M&D’s services as part of the national Tenant Services Authority’s Local Offers project.
As well as giving their thoughts on homes and services, visitors will get to see the fantastic ‘Birmingham is Our Home’ exhibition. The exhibition features inspiring stories from people across the globe, including Pakistan, St Kitts and China, that came to settle in Birmingham.
Residents will also be able to tuck into delicious BBQ food while a clown, face-painter and music entertain the whole family. And there will be stalls offering information on managing money, anti-social behaviour and being eco-friendly.
Representatives from charity The Jericho Foundation – which works with the long-term unemployed - the local police force and the fire service will also be on hand on the day.
Tracey Rowe Operations Director at M&D, said: “We’re really looking forward to the garden party and hope that the weather holds out and the sun shines on us.
“The event is a great chance for our residents to give us their views on our homes and services in an informal and fun setting, helping us to improve our services.
“And of course we’re honoured to be displaying the ‘Birmingham is Our Home Project’ too which features some amazing stories that we’re sure our residents will enjoy.”
John Gorman, Chair of the Residents Committee, added: “The garden party is about getting to know each other and being involved in the community as a whole in a friendly and fun way.”
The garden party is free to attend and will run from 2pm to 7pm in the garden of Moseley and District’s head office, Alcester Road.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
28 July 2010
|
Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters:
|
|
JOBS
Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association is seeking an Area Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
ACHA is seeking an Investment Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
Tarka Housing is seeking a Housing Services Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for gas servicing and maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for reactive maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for landscape maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Tarka Housing is seeking a Resident Involvement Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
North Devon Homes is seeking a Voluntary Board Member. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: July 31.
The Gateshead Housing Company is looking to appoint Independent Directors to its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: August 20.
West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Finance Manager. For more information, go to: southeast.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Performance Improvement Advisor based in Sunderland. Salary up to £35k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30.
The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Housing Training and Events Manager based in Sunderland. Salary up to £33k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30.
TENDERS
Cairn Housing Association is inviting tenders for its day to day repairs service and void management service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 17.
St Georges Community Housing is inviting tenders for a district heating contract. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: August 19.
Hyde Housing Association is inviting tenders for Construction of New-Build Homes. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 6.
Notting Hill Housing Trust is inviting tenders for construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 19.
To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804. |
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
29 July 2010
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
29 July 2010
|
Title: Repair and Maintenance Services of Building Installations
Client: Jephson Housing Association Group
Value: £3m
Duration: N/A
Description:
Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants, Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park, Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants
Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley
B32 3BZ Birmingham
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1214234000
Further information can be obtained from Mr Steve Mellor on 01270 686 439 or email: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk .
Closing Date: N/A
To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now! |
|
| |
|
HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL GETS ‘FAIR’ RATING FOR ITS HOUSING SERVICE
29 July 2010
|
|
The strategic housing service provided by Herefordshire Council is ‘fair’ with ‘promising prospects for improvement’ according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.
On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a ‘fair’ one-star rating.
The Council works well with others to build new homes in the county, including many that are affordable. And its mortgage rescue scheme is helping to prevent people from becoming homeless. But some disabled people are waiting longer than necessary for adaptations to their homes, and the Council has difficulty managing the risks associated with houses in multiple occupation.
Deborah Good, the Audit Commission’s Lead Housing Inspector for the West Midlands, said: “The range of services we inspected showed a mix of strengths and weaknesses, but Herefordshire Council displays self-awareness and a genuine desire to improve. It has a good reputation for delivering improvements in priority areas. As meeting housing need is a priority for the Council, we believe that the future for the housing service looks promising.”
Strengths include:
* Homelessness is being reduced, and fewer people are being placed in unsettled, temporary accommodation
* More affordable homes are being built in rural areas to provide homes for local people
* The Council is working with health and social services to help vulnerable residents reduce fuel bills and keep warm
* A wider range of housing options is being provided for people with support needs, such as older people and people with learning disabilities
Weaknesses include:
* Progress in meeting the housing needs of gypsies and travellers has been slow. The Council cannot show that its strategic housing service meets the needs of all parts of the community
* Risks associated with houses in multiple occupation and poor private sector housing conditions are not being managed effectively
* The Council has only just started to understand and improve the value for money provided by the strategic housing service
Copies of the report are available from Herefordshire Council or on the Audit Commission website at:
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TELFORD & WREKIN COUNCIL PROVIDES A ‘FAIR’ STRATEGIC HOUSING SERVICE
29 July 2010
|
|
The strategic housing service provided by Telford & Wrekin Council is ‘fair’ with ‘promising prospects for improvement’ according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.
On a scale from zero to three stars, the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a 'fair', one-star rating.
The report shows that the Council is showing strong leadership and working well in partnership to achieve its ambitions. This has led to positive results for residents, including help for home owners to improve their homes, putting empty homes back into use and the prevention of homelessness. However, the number of new homes being built is not meeting identified needs. There are gaps in the Council’s plans to address housing needs and it needs to improve its approach to regulating housing conditions in the private rented sector.
Deborah Good, Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector, said: “The Council has made considerable progress in improving service quality and outcomes for service users. In a few important areas, it still has some way to go before it catches up with the best-performing councils. However, the new arrangements and plans that are being put in place suggest that it is on the right track.”
Strengths include:
* The Council has a good understanding of housing needs and market conditions as well as a clear vision for housing services in the future
* It is working hard to prevent and respond to homelessness
* There is a good range of support to help vulnerable people live in decent homes which meet their needs
* House-building has continued during the recession and the new homes are of high quality
* The Council is successfully returning empty homes back into use
Weaknesses include:
* The Council needs to improve its understanding of housing needs and some aspects of private sector housing
* It needs to do more work around equality and diversity
* It needs to provide more new housing if it is to meet the area’s needs
* Its approach to regulating housing conditions in the private rented sector needs to be improved
* Too many people are in temporary accommodation and some households are staying there too long
Recommendations include:
* Improving the range and quality of the Council’s strategic plans
* Analysing customer feedback and monitoring performance
* Improving the use of temporary accommodation, new housing in rural areas and the planning application process
* Making sure that all parts of the service represent value for money
* Improving the approach to equality and diversity.
Copies of the report are available from Telford & Wrekin Council or from the Audit Commission website at:
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TENANTS WELCOME £650,000 JEPHSON BATHROOM IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
29 July 2010
|
|
Hundreds of West Midlands residents have benefited from new bathrooms thanks to a £650,000 improvement scheme by Jephson Homes Housing Association.
Jephson has just completed a three-year programme of work, fitting new bathrooms in 200 homes on the Penfields estate in Stourbridge.
Each of the properties - which were not previously fitted with showers - now have a full modern bathroom suite, including an over-bath shower.
Picture: Amanda Forster in her new bathroom.
James Puchoras, Programme Maintenance Officer at Jephson, said: “These homes were built in the 1980s, so their bathrooms were almost 30-years-old and were in need of upgrading.
“Feedback from residents has been very positive – they are extremely pleased with the upgrades, particularly the new showers.”
Amanda Forster, who moved into Gooch Close seven years ago, is thrilled with her new bathroom suite.
The 40-year-old mother-of-two said: “We are really pleased with the new bathroom – it is good quality and looks great.
“The original bathrooms in these houses didn’t have showers so quite a few people had put in their own - but this scheme has brought them all up to a good, modern standard.”
Contractors Kendrick Construction oversaw the programme of work, while sub-contractors Premier Heating installed the bathrooms.
Jephson has also started working with a new kitchen supplier in an arrangement worth £100,000 a year. Symphony Group plc, based in Leeds, will supply kitchens to be fitted in Jephson homes across the Midlands.
Work will be carried out as part of an ongoing programme of replacing outdated kitchens in Jephson properties in Dudley, Sandwell, Coventry, Warwick and Leamington Spa.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
GROUNDBREAKING SNOW HILL HOMELESS SERVICE MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER
29 July 2010
|
|
The development of a groundbreaking homeless scheme planned for Snow Hill in Birmingham city centre has moved one step closer as a previous customer kick-started work on site.
Andy Hyre, a former customer at Snow Hill, was joined by Nick Byrne, deputy director of new business and development at Midland Heart and Fraser Mercer, managing director of contractors, Frank Haslam Milan (FHM), to start the transformation process, delivering the first blow of the sledge hammer as work started on the £10.7million development funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Snow Hill offers a pioneering approach to tackling the root cause of homelessness by finding lasting solutions. The scheme will provide 92 apartments along with facilities including training areas, an IT suite and a social enterprise business designed to help individuals develop skills and work experience.
Andy commented: “Staff at the former scheme assisted me to access services which helped to regain my independence giving me the support and confidence I needed to set up my own business.
“I am really excited about the new plans as it will make a great service even better and help more people to beat homelessness for good. I have never looked back and am really pleased to be part of the Snow Hill story.”
Nick Byrne said: “We are currently working with contractors FHM and our partners to move the development on, and today is another step forward to delivering exciting accommodation that will benefit the local area.
“Not only will Snow Hill provide support and accommodation for people who were previously homeless and are now getting back into work or education, but it will also be a great resource for the community, offering affordable homes in the heart of the city.”
Councillor John Lines from Birmingham City Council, added: “It has taken two years to get the idea to this stage and it is incredibly exciting to know that work is now underway. It means we are a step closer to our goal of giving anyone who finds themselves homeless in the city the best possible support to get back on their feet.”
Paul Spooner, regional director for the HCA West Midlands, said: “We are very pleased to be involved in the Snow Hill story. We are investing £8.6million of HCA funding into this scheme, creating much needed accommodation for vulnerable people in the city, as well as offering the chance for individuals to improve their overall quality of life through wider opportunities which will be available at Snow Hill.”
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
29 July 2010
|
Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters:
|
|
JOBS
Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association is seeking an Area Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
ACHA is seeking an Investment Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
Tarka Housing is seeking a Housing Services Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for gas servicing and maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for reactive maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for landscape maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Tarka Housing is seeking a Resident Involvement Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
North Devon Homes is seeking a Voluntary Board Member. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: July 31.
The Gateshead Housing Company is looking to appoint Independent Directors to its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: August 20.
West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Finance Manager. For more information, go to: southeast.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Performance Improvement Advisor based in Sunderland. Salary up to £35k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30.
The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Housing Training and Events Manager based in Sunderland. Salary up to £33k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30.
TENDERS
Cairn Housing Association is inviting tenders for its day to day repairs service and void management service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 17.
St Georges Community Housing is inviting tenders for a district heating contract. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: August 19.
Hyde Housing Association is inviting tenders for Construction of New-Build Homes. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 6.
Notting Hill Housing Trust is inviting tenders for construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 19.
To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804. |
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
BRUM PUPILS SHOW ‘RESPECT’ IS NOT AN ACT
29 July 2010
|
Pupils across Birmingham are being given lessons in how to be good citizens in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Young people at Smiths Wood School at Solihull, Timberley Primary School at Shard End and Albert Bradbeer Junior School at Longbridge, have been studying a six month project in ‘Respect’ and good citizenship.
|
From left, Clair Caswell, assistant director at Harden Housing Association, with pupils from Timberley Primary School at Shard End studying the Will Power project, and Harden Housing’s housing services manager Ruth Bhullar.
Following the success of the project, delivered by the Children’s Safety Education Foundation (CSEF), Birmingham housing provider Harden Housing Association, which is part of West Mercia Housing Group, is continuing to sponsor the programme for another year to help keep communities safe.
Secondary school pupils at Smiths Wood School took part in the 'Respect' educational programme, which informs young people to help them make the right choices and promote greater independence and wellbeing in life.
As part of the ‘Respect’ programme, the young people studied the affects that hate crime, anti-social behaviour, gang culture and gun and knife crime have on society.
Youngsters at Timberley Primary School and Albert Bradbeer Junior School took part in CSEF‘s ‘Will Power’ project as part of their citizenship classes.
The ‘Will Power’ project helps to give children the confidence to make their own decisions in life when faced with difficult choices related to peer pressure and risks such as smoking, drinking and taking drugs.
Assistant director of Harden Housing Clair Caswell said: “We want our communities to be safe places for everyone to live and work. We hope that the projects we have done with these three schools have given the young people lots of positive advice and guidance about how they can make the right choices and decisions that help keep us all safe.
“Through the engagement work we carry out with local schools we also hope to find out about other ways we can provide support and facilities for the community, so that young people can be safe and have somewhere suitable to spend their spare time.”
Michael Fitzgerald, schools liaison officer for CSEF, added: “We were extremely impressed with the work that the three schools did. The primary and junior schools both produced excellent plays which really tackled the points we had studied with them as part of the project.
“The project has gone so well that Harden Housing has committed to sponsoring the project for the next academic year with the same three schools. We are looking forward to building on the work we have done with the schools so far.”
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
JOB OF THE WEEK: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
30 July 2010
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
30 July 2010
|
Title: Repair and Maintenance Services of Building Installations
Client: Jephson Housing Association Group
Value: £3m
Duration: N/A
Description:
Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants, Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park, Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants
Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley
B32 3BZ Birmingham
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel. +44 1214234000
Further information can be obtained from Mr Steve Mellor on 01270 686 439 or email: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk .
Closing Date: N/A
To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now! |
|
| |
|
£8M FLAGSHIP DECENT HOMES PROJECT CELEBRATED IN OLDBURY
30 July 2010
|
|
An £8m Decent Homes refurbishment project in Oldbury has been formally recognised with a celebratory completion event attended by council leaders, contractors and residents.
Lancaster House, in Oldbury, which received extensive refurbishment work including the development of eight new flats on the roof of the building, was completed in June.
The completion event gave contractors Thomas Vale and Sandwell Council’s Urban Design team, which drew up the improvement plans for the building, the chance to celebrate the building’s transformation together with residents, project managers, contractors, the Mayor of Sandwell, council leaders and Sandwell Homes board members.
It follows an 18 month project to improve the building’s external appearance, balconies, communal lifts and reception areas as well as the surrounding landscape.
The Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Pauline Hinton, was asked to unveil a plaque in recognition of the Decent Homes work. She said: “I am happy to be here today on this special occasion, marking the end of a real journey of transformation to what was previously a tired and run-down old block of flats.
“Lancaster House is now a landmark for the whole of Sandwell with employees and customers even referring to it as ‘Lancaster Palace’, and I can see why. Having visited whilst work was being undertaken I have witnessed first-hand the before and after and commend everyone who has been involved for their hard work, particularly the tenants living in the block whilst the work was being undertaken. I know that they are delighted with end result and hope that they are able to enjoy the benefits of this work for many years to come.”
The Leader of Sandwell Council, Cllr Darren Cooper, added: “A lot has changed at Lancaster House over the last 18 months, and what we are seeing here today is testament to Sandwell continuing to invest in much needed improvements to council housing.
“£65 million has already been invested in the borough’s high rise blocks, making living conditions better for all who live in them as well as radically improving the Sandwell skyline. I am proud to be here today at this unveiling because it identifies that we are making real progress and delivering real improvements to the people of Sandwell.”
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
PUPILS HELP LAUNCH FLAGSHIP EXTRA CARE SCHEME WITH TIME CAPSULE
30 July 2010
|
|
Pupils captured the moment a older people’s development was officially launched in Staffordshire by burying their favourite treasures in a time capsule in the grounds.
The capsule was buried to mark the completion of a £3.25 million flagship older people’s development Alhambra Court at Upper Belgrave Road in Normacot, Staffordshire, which will provide state-of-the art accommodation for the over 55’s.
Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) West Midlands, which forms part of the Keepmoat group of companies, has delivered the scheme on the site of a former vicarage on behalf of Staffordshire Housing Association.
The older people’s scheme consists of 30 two-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom bungalows on a brownfield site in a residential area and residents are expected to start moving in this September.
Children aged seven at Alexandra Infants School in Melville Road in Normacot, Stoke on Trent, were given a tour of the site and were given the opportunity to learn more about health and safety and the construction industry.
Pupils buried items of choice ranging from money to a personalised mug, football tickets and a Stoke City Football Club programme. The capsule was organised by FHM and their supply chain to recognise their links with the school since the project began in April last year.
The new development has been designed with gothic arched windows and stonework to make it compatible with the local community, medieval church and nearby cottage hospital.
Designers have also incorporated a communal kitchen into the scheme which includes two separate areas for the preparation of food, prayer rooms, wash areas and secure parking for residents.
A number of eco measures are also integral to the scheme such as solar panels and thermal building technology to make heating the development more efficient. The bungalows have been built to level 3 under the Code for Sustainable Homes and the eco elements of the scheme could help FHM secure a BREEAM rating; which is the standard environmental assessment method for buildings around the world.
FHM’s Site Manager Paul Goodmanb said: “It is wonderful to be in a position to launch the scheme this summer which is highly technical and has used some highly challenging construction methods.
“One of the most interesting aspects of the scheme has been the use of thermal and eco technologies and it very satisfying to see the end result now the development is complete. FHM and Staffordshire Housing were keen to involve local schoolchildren in the project as much as possible from the start of the contract.
“We also set out to ensure that the community is kept fully informed every step of the way and to do this a representative from FHM attends the Normacot Residents Association monthly meetings to keep residents up to date with the progression of the development.”
Sheryl Hare, Deputy Head at Alexandra Infants School, said: “This has contributed to the school being awarded the International Eco Award last month. Who knows in fifty years time some of these children may be living in one of the apartments with their time capsule right out side. The children thoroughly enjoyed the time capsule project and as we’re based just a few yards from the scheme it made them feel part of the construction process."
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
WOLVERHAMPTON HOMES URGE TENANTS TO SAY NO TO LOAN SHARKS
30 July 2010
|
|
Tenants of Wolverhampton Homes are being urged to avoid rip-off loan sharks and brush up on their financial skills.
Wolverhampton Homes has joined forces with the Central England Trading Standards illegal money lending team to highlight an issue faced by many Wolverhampton residents.
More than 165,000 households in the UK are affected by loan sharks, with many victims frightened to speak out. They prey on some of the most vulnerable members of society using tactics such as violence and intimidation to reclaim their illegal loans, which can carry extortionate interest rates.
The Money Smart Team from Wolverhampton Homes will be out and about warning customers of the dangers of using loan sharks and advising on prudent ways to borrow money, such as credit unions. They will be joined by Sid the Shark, the Money Smart Team mascot.
They will be available at the One Stop Shops on: Mondays at Bilston, Tuesdays at Heath Town, Wednesdays at Merry Hill, Thursdays at Wednesfield and Fridays at Low Hill until the end of the year.
Mark Henderson, Director of Housing at Wolverhampton Homes, said: “Loan sharks and their rip-off interest rates are a menace and prey on some of the most vulnerable people in society. We urge our customers to say no to loan sharks and if they do need to borrow money, use official and affordable sources such as Wolf Credit Union Savings and Loans.
“Debt can cause enormous anxiety but it is important to understand the different types of lending and the inherent risks and benefits.”
Nationally, the Stop Loan Sharks project has so far helped more than 11,500 victims, written off more than £25million of illegal debt, seized and confiscated more than £2.5million and secured more than 60 years in prison sentences for illegal lending and related criminal offences.
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
LET'S GET TOGETHER FOR WINDMILL EYE, SMETHWICK
30 July 2010
|
|
Hundreds of Sandwell residents gathered at Smethwick's Victoria Park to celebrate their local area and hear more about plans for its transformation.
'Summer Celebration' highlighted the diversity and future development of the Windmill Eye estate, and was supported and funded by regeneration agency Urban Living and organised by Sandwell Council's Windmill Lane and Cape Hill Neighbourhood Management Team.
It also gave people a chance to hear about what is currently going on in the area from local agencies, service providers and community groups.
The celebration was the latest in a programme of community involvement initiatives by the council in partnership with Urban Living.
Over the last 12 months a residents' steering group has been formed and a team of residents have gathered local opinion to help shape the neighbourhood plan.
Residents have also taken part in a special DVD funded by Urban Living which sets out local views on the future of the area, and a residents' charter is being developed by local people.
As part of the process, major consultation events will be held in the autumn when the draft Neighbourhood Plan for the Windmill Eye area will be unveiled.
This will determine how the area will be transformed over the coming years with the potential for 750 new homes on cleared sites.
Adam Carey, Urban Living director of strategy and community engagement, said residents are at the heart of the masterplanning process for the area.
He added: "These types of events are a great way to get local people on board and excited about future plans for the area."
Cllr Simon Hackett, chair of Sandwell Council's Strategic Housing Forum, said: "The Summer Celebration was a great event and it's good to see so many people taking an interest in the future of the Windmill Eye.
"The neighbourhood plan is a huge opportunity to ensure a great future for the people who live in the area."
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
ORBIT HOMEBUY AGENTS ATTRACT A CROWD DURING WORCESTER FIRE SAFETY EVENT
30 July 2010
|
|
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service held a Community Safety Day at Worcester Racecourse, and attended by Orbit HomeBuy Agents.
The aim of the event was to educate the community about the services the Hereford and Worcester emergency services provide and to bring home some vital safety messages, to give the community chance to hear about other organisations working in their area, and to have some fun.
As well as the Fire and Rescue service, the Police Air Support Unit, Trading Standards, NHS Blood and Neighbourhood Watch Association were among the organisations that attended.
April Tatlow, Stakeholder Relations Officer, and Samantha Lewis, HomeBuy Officer, went along to the event to meet the local community and tell them about how HomeBuy products could help them afford a home of their own.
Most people came along to the event with their families, and the children were very happy with the Orbit windmills that the team were handing out. While they were busy trying them out, their parents had chance to talk to April and Samantha about HomeBuy and the options open to them. With a steady stream of interested people, the team handed out over 60 application packs.
“The day was a real success, we were constantly busy and even had people queuing up to speak to us.” said April. “We were able to go through with people exactly which products are on offer, what we do and how they can get started on the path to home ownership.
“We didn’t just stop there though – we handed out lots of our HomeBuy leaflets to the emergency services staff to take back to work and display in their canteens and staff rooms to let even more people know about HomeBuy."
|
Relevant Links:
|
| |
|
HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
30 July 2010
|
Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters:
|
|
JOBS
Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association is seeking an Area Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
ACHA is seeking an Investment Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
Tarka Housing is seeking a Housing Services Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for gas servicing and maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for reactive maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for landscape maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11.
Tarka Housing is seeking a Resident Involvement Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6.
North Devon Homes is seeking a Voluntary Board Member. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: July 31.
The Gateshead Housing Company is looking to appoint Independent Directors to its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: August 20.
West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Finance Manager. For more information, go to: southeast.housingnews.co.uk/jobs.
The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Performance Improvement Advisor based in Sunderland. Salary up to £35k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30.
The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Housing Training and Events Manager based in Sunderland. Salary up to £33k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30.
TENDERS
Cairn Housing Association is inviting tenders for its day to day repairs service and void management service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 17.
St Georges Community Housing is inviting tenders for a district heating contract. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: August 19.
Hyde Housing Association is inviting tenders for Construction of New-Build Homes. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 6.
Notting Hill Housing Trust is inviting tenders for construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 19.
To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804. |
Relevant Links:
|
| |
| |
|
|
NEWS 
