Galliford Try picked for £28m Chester resi

Clarion Housing Group has appointed the firm’s building division to construct 126 homes for social rent within the City Place masterplan area.

The contract represents the first standalone scheme to be delivered by Galliford Try since its return to the affordable homes sector.

The scheme, situated next to the Shropshire Union Canal and grade two-listed Chester Shot Tower, will provide 23 one-bed and 103 two-bed apartments.

Clarion’s scheme sits within Muse’s wider City Place masterplan, and will be fully fossil-fuel-free, with all homes achieving a minimum EPC B rating and 100% EV charging provision.

Angela Brockbank, affordable homes sector director for Galliford Try, said: “This fantastic new development marks the first scheme underway since our return to the affordable homes sector, as outlined in our Sustainable Growth Strategy.

“We look forward to adding to our extensive portfolio of high-quality residential projects from the private and build to rent sectors, and demonstrating our capability to grow our business within this growing market.”

The scheme, which then comprised 133 flats, was approved in February 2023.

Richard Cook, chief development officer at Clarion Housing Group, said: “This appointment is an important step forward in delivering 126 much-needed social rent homes for Chester.

“We are committed to working with Cheshire West & Chester Council to address local housing need, and this scheme will provide high-quality, sustainable homes for residents for generations to come.

“This all-social rent development demonstrates the value of long-term partnerships and our determination to invest in communities where affordable housing is urgently needed.”

CWAC’s need for social housing does indeed remain acute. The local authority has this month approved a proposal from Keepmoat subsidiary MCI for 115 affordable homes in Moulton, deferred a month previously in the face of vociferous local opposition.