INDUSTRY UPDATES

IN BRIEF: NEW GUIDELINES PUT ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BUILDING DESIGN

The RIBA has published the first consolidated guidance for the design, construction and management of equitable and inclusive built environments. It has been created to address the fact that there has not been a single source of reference to embed inclusive design into programme delivery and that can be used by all built environment professionals across the RIBA Plan of Work. The guidance was developed with specialist inclusive design consultancy Motionspot and the support of Heathrow and Jane Simpson Access. It is specifically tailored to clients, project management, design, construction and asset management teams.

RICS ANNOUNCES NEWLY-RECRUITED BOARD

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has reformatted its European World Regional Board (EWRB) to best represent its professionals in Europe as it seeks to positively impact the built environment. The new board members will continue to work with RICS in Europe to develop its presence and influence, providing expert market insight and intelligence and also working with local members to ensure positive engagement. Many challenges face the built environment sector across Europe and the world, such as climate change and the need to establish greater diversity and inclusion within the profession, and RICS professionals are key in tackling these important issues.

John Lewis Partnership Pushes Ahead With Rental Homes

John Lewis Partnership is pushing ahead with its commitment to build and operate much-needed rental homes for communities and help address the UK’s housing crisis.

June marked a significant milestone when John Lewis Partnership submitted its first planning applications for build-to-rent sites at West Ealing and Bromley. Initial plans for a vacant warehouse site in Reading will be brought forward later this year.

It follows the partnership’s announcement in December last year of a £500m multi-decade joint venture with a global investment company, abrdn, to deliver around 1000 new homes across the three locations.

B uild to rent is a growing sector in the UK where homes are built with the sole purpose of renting to local communities, not to build and sell for a quick profit. It’s much needed to address the growing housing crisis, and rising demand for rental homes as private landlords leave the market.

Its proposed developments show a longterm commitment to raising standards in rental homes in these communities, where it has a local presence through Waitrose shops.

T he plans would see 428 new homes in West Ealing and 353 in Bromley, many of which

JOHN LEWIS PARTNERSHIP

would be affordable and targeted at key public sector workers, such as nurses or teachers. Its ambition is that 35% of the properties are affordable housing with a focus on provision for keyworkers. The average proportion of affordable housing in new homes developed in England in 2022 was 11.4%.

Through the partnership's public consultations, it has worked with local communities, councillors and other groups to understand what they need from housing in their areas. Its approach to rental property aligns with the company's values of providing quality, service and sustainability while bringing something valuable to local communities.

A public piazza is located at the heart of the developments, with the surrounding high-quality homes and public spaces attractively landscaped. A new flagship Waitrose shop and cafe are also included at each location, along with improved access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Other features include a resident lounge and dining areas with a fully-equipped kitchen to encourage residents to socialise, as well as roof gardens, flexible workspaces and a gym.

The homes would be built for different-sized households and designed to high standards. Residents would have options for short- and longterm tenure, and the homes would be furnished by John Lewis.

Later this year, John Lewis Partnership plans to take over management services on three existing build-to-rent sites across the UK. While these are not John Lewis owned, the move will help the firm understand the needs of residents to help inform its own rental proposition.

Personnel

Nina Bhatia, Executive Director for Strategy and Commercial Development, said: “We’ve worked closely with local communities to understand their needs, and we’re now ready to submit planning applications. Working with our partner, abrdn, we want to bring much-needed new homes with a community feel to Bromley and West Ealing, which will include the full commitment to affordable housing.” www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk

The latest appointments from the construction and architectural industries.

Rachel Addison Joins Wates Group Board

Wates Group, the familyowned development, building and property services company, has appointed Rachel Addison as a Non-Executive Director.

A Chartered Accountant with nearly 30 years’ experience in finance and operations, Rachel will join the group board and chair the audit committee, overseeing financial reporting, processes and regulatory compliance. A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Rachel has held senior financial, operational and board-level roles. She was Chief Financial Officer at both Future and TI Media; Managing Director for Reach Regionals; was both CFO and Chief Operating Officer for Local World and Northcliffe Media and Head of Risk Management at Boots the Chemist.