Great News for UK Construction Professionals in Housing Sector

Despite Brexit fears, we’ve good news for those seeking positions in construction in the housingsector. So, if you are looking for professional roles as Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers or Site Planners …you’re in luck.

Reaping the Rewards

While Rio struggled to fulfil its commitments to hosting the Olympic Games this year, London is still reaping the benefits of the legacy lauded in the aftermath of the 2012 Games. The local communities surrounding the Olympic Park have been or will be developed.

The only hiccup we can see to date is that since the new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, declared that half of all new builds should include 50% affordable housing, the total number of properties has decreased. The numbers are down from 10,000 new homes (2009) to just under 7,000. The 50% affordable target won't be met in several of the planned developments either, although there are plans to attempt to achieve the 50% of cheaper properties in these areas.

Where Will the New Builds Be?

The Olympic Park developments at Chobham Manorplus East Wick and Sweetwater won't be affected by this new directive as they are already in development. But the planned developments at Pudding Hill and Marshgate will have to stick to the 50% ruling.

Other Influences

Crossrail, due to open in 2018, is offering a double whammy in terms of construction position opportunities.

Every station on what will be named the Elizabeth Line, will have cultural and living communities surrounding them. So as well as public spaces and places, this will include more housing wherever possible.The areas destined to include more housing are Woolwich - where luxury apartments have already been built along with the other amenities,Tottenham Court Road, Fisher Street and Abbey Wood.

Abbey Wood beyond Woolwich will see the biggest changes as Crossrail will mean halving the commuter time to the City on trains running every five minutes. Abbey Wood will become very desirable.

Sadiq Khan has named this area a 'housing zone' and as such developments will be fast-tracked. The plan, to be implemented by housing charity Peabody, will mean 'clusters of brick blocks - grouped around raised shared courtyards'.

It Doesn't Stop There

Building also starts in Tower Hamlets this autumn. The demolition of an old council estate will be the site of the new builds at Robin Hood Gardens. Over the next 10 years, 1,600 homes are planned for this 20 acre site. Four mid-rise blocks of flats will kick-start the development.

Occupants can expect to take up residence in 2019 in the affordable housing being developed here. Local residents will get the first pick, followed three months later by residents from other London boroughs. It will be a further three months before offers for properties will be accepted by residents from other parts of the UK, investors or overseas buyers.

• Mill Hill will also see 188 new homes in development
• In Haringey 1,400 new homes are about to be developed
• 600 homes including 175 affordable ones are planned for the regeneration scheme at Old Oak in West London
• A redesign of the plans for the Bishopgate Goodsyard regeneration which includes 1,356 homes will take place over the next year
• 3,000 new homes are planned for Elephant and Castle regeneration already underway

Make the Most of the Opportunities

So, housing development in the capital is far from dead. This means there are plenty of on-going opportunities in the industry for Quantity Surveyors at all levels, Build Planners, Cost Managers and Claims Professionals. If you haven't already, please send us your CV to make sure you don't miss out on any of the vacancies.

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Steve Thomas
Director - Hong Kong & UK Construction Recruitment Specialist