New joint venture launches £55m HMR scheme

A unique joint venture between one of the UK’s leading social housing and regeneration organisations and a major residential builder has launched its first urban renewal project.

The Compendium Group - a joint venture between Lovell and the Riverside Group – has started construction on an exciting regeneration scheme on a former mining estate in Stoke-on-Trent. Compendium adopts a unique approach in that it offers a holistic service which delivers all aspects of major regeneration projects from start to finish under a single roof.

The five-year regeneration programme - which will see nearly 300 new homes built for rent, shared ownership and outright sale, both for existing and new residents - is also the first to be commissioned by Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, Renew North Staffordshire.

Renew is investing £11 million to fund clearance and relocation while Compendium is investing £44 million in development and infrastructure.

The redevelopment of the Coalville estate, in Weston Coyney, will be called Weston Heights. Around 250 homes will be demolished to make way for 278 new properties and a further 28 will be refurbished. The development will also include a new public open space with recreational facilities. Alongside the physical work, Compendium is also investing in community projects and supporting various other local community regeneration initiatives.

Dave Bullock, Director of the Compendium Group, explains the joint venture’s role in the project: “The unique thing about Compendium is that we have the skills and experience to take a project such as Weston Heights from beginning to end – and beyond. It’s not uncommon for a consortium to undertake a project of this kind but it is unusual for a single body to offer a holistic development service.

“We are experts in every aspect of design, consultation, implementation and management. We manage everything from resident relocation, clearance and land assembly to training and employment schemes and youth projects to tackle unemployment and anti-social behaviour.

“We have vast experience of working with public authorities, housing associations, architects, designers and residents. We are able to take on even the largest and most complex jobs, knowing that we have the skills, determination and knowledge to tackle them.

“Weston Heights is a wonderful first project for Compendium to demonstrate the breadth of its expertise.”

Hardial Bhogal, director of Renew North Staffordshire, said: “The redevelopment of Coalville is the first scheme to be commissioned through our developer panel and it shows how we can work effectively with private sector partners and the community to transform blighted neighbourhoods.

”This scheme will provide replacement homes for people whose houses are cleared and attract new residents who will revitalise the existing community."