Project Introduction
A housing scheme part of a longstanding partnership between Robert Woodhead Ltd and NCH delivering over 150 new council homes and counting. The new homes were built on former derelict land across all three sites, transforming the areas. On Knights Close, the demolition of a parsonage and retail unit was included in the scheme, Aldgate Close was built on a derelict former care home and The Meadows was built on former Clifton Miners Welfare.
Challenging Installation
The sites contained several ecological challenges with high numbers of residents and business in close proximity. The site at Knights Close was in a basin with complex topography, which made it a challenging job. As there was a steep hill into and out of site, retaining structures were installed and we used split level houses to make the most of the land. A public road and footpath which ran through the site had also been re-surfaced. The Aldgate Close site backed onto a school and church which were involved extensively through community liaison and many activities were developed in partnership with the school.
Sustainability Element
We install PV panels across all NCH sites to future proof and create more energy efficient developments. This provides clean energy, helps residents to manage utility bills more effectively whilst having a home cheaper to run. Instead of buying new trees to place on the development, we re-sited 18 trees from Eastglade, another development for NCH.
Social Value
One of the standout achievements of this project is the Pilot event: The Future is Her. This enabled 12 women to learn more about the industry from professionals who shared their experience in construction. Tolumor, an NCH tenant, who attended the event said “The talks woke up the sleeping giant in me. Yesterday, I saw them as speakers. Now, it is a different ball game. Whilst I talked with them individually, they became mentors. They were very helpful and willing to give me the extra boost I needed in pursuing a career in Construction.”
Quantity surveyor on the project, Shanice Wallace, also attended an NCH Women in Construction event 3 years ago, which kick started her career in the construction industry, leading to her current role.
Community First
From time capsules to community volunteering we have engaged at a local level on this site as we supported good causes and invested in the community. This included building a great relationship with the Community Church next door to the site and donating food and supporting the Bullwell Foodbank. A neighbour, Wayne O’Donnell, also became a regular visitor, which led to him using his Woodwork skills to produce planters for us to display on site. We also took on, Aaron Sobers, who lives locally, for a one week work experience placement.
Glenn, Chari at Harewoods Area Residents & Tenants Association said:
“We are really pleased to see this new development completed and very happy with how it all looks. We have found you very easy to deal with, you welcomed us early on which was good. Your site manager has been very approachable and was able to give residents easy feedback based on our discussions.”