On 19th July we invited the public for a first peek at our proposals for the Hendy Ford site at an exhibition at the garage showroom.

Our Proposed scheme comprises of 85 one, two and three bedroom apartments and 19 three and four bedroom houses. The bulk of the apartments face Shirley Road and are intended to be four storeys in height, comparable in scale to neighbouring buildings. The houses are to be provided at the rear of the site facing Randolph Street, Edward Road and Henry where they step down to two storey – again reflecting the character of the area.

We at Orchard Homes believe these proposals are for a “high quality and attractive residential scheme featuring a sensitive mix of apartments and houses” we will also introduce “much improved landscaping and new green space to enhance the appearance of the site”.

Mark Sennitt Planning Director, said he hoped “to be able to incorporate public feedback into the final plans, which will be submitted to the council over the summer”. Work could start on site next year and construction is estimated to take approximately 18 months.

Dealership staff are moving to other Hendy Ford operations in the area. The company has nearby sites in Eastleigh and Romsey and is the largest dealer in the south.

Orchard Homes Sales Director, Spencer Drake, said: “This contemporary building has proved the perfect backdrop to create light and airy apartments. Built to the highest standards and specifications, each property has been individually designed for that unique quality, which is always a popular selling point.

“Over the past few months we had tremendous levels of interest, so it wouldn’t surprise us at all if all of these apartments sold quickly. The location, which is close to rail and motorway links, is second to none, appealing to young couples and professionals alike.”

This contemporary development faces onto City Road, offering residents the ultimate in modern living in the heart of the city. All properties have video entry system, fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances and featuring stone worktops, electric heating, smoke detectors and recessed spot lights throughout.
City Road is launching on Friday 16th July between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at Goadsby at 45 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8RY. Telephone 01962 620444.

To register your interest on the City Road development or for details of other Orchard Homes and developments call 023 8038 6006 or log onto www.orchard-homes.co.uk

Andrew Jameson takes over from Peter Starling, who will be retiring from his full time role but remains with the company as a non executive director.
 
37 year old Andrew boasts an impressive track record. He joins Orchard from accountants BDO in the region, where he was a director in the corporate finance team. Previously he enjoyed a long spell at Ernst and Young, working in Southampton, Reading, London and South Africa. A graduate in accounting and law at Southampton University, he qualified as an accountant at Grant Thornton.
 
Of his new appointment, he said: “Orchard have an enviable reputation and I am relishing the challenge especially in the next few crucial years for the housing sector.”
 
Andrew lives with his wife and three children in Hayling Island and lists has his hobbies as being pretty much all sports, sailing and real tennis.
 
A banker by profession, Peter Starling leaves the post after 10 years at Orchard. “Naturally it will be a wrench as Orchard have been a huge part of my life but I’m delighted to be continuing my association with the company as a non-exec. It’s been quite a journey.“
 
Ken  Lake  Orchard’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Andrew to this pivotal role as we look to prepare the company for a period of sustainable and measured growth. Andrew's experience speaks for itself. I’d also like to pay  great tribute to Peter who has guided us through some exciting periods of growth and latterly the turbulent times of the global financial crisis. We’re indebted to Peter for his knowledge, wisdom – and often a great sense of humour. Andrew is a worthy successor.”

Sandell Place, on Porton Road is Raglans first scheme to be completed in Wiltshire and was opened by Mrs Pamela Sandell, and provides a mix of 32 one and two bedroom apartments, all boasting solar water heating and heat recovery systems, along with a high level of insulation, all of which can drastically reduce running costs of the new apartments.

In congratulating Orchard Homes and Raglan for producing a well designed and finished scheme, Councillor John Brady from Wiltshire Council said “with over 11,000 people on the housing list, we welcome every bit of help to meet the massive demand, the Sandell Place development in Amesbury provides desirable economic living for the residents in very pleasant surroundings”

This development is the latest from the strong partnership built between Raglan and Orchard Homes and Developments- which has already delivered over 100 affordable homes in Hampshire and Wiltshire with further units to be handed over by the end of 2010.

Picture: Jim West (Baqus Denley King), Spencer Drake (Orchard), Nathan Cronk (Raglan), Richard Stevenson (Raglan), Helen Sheath (Raglan), Helen Taylor (Wiltshire Council), Nick Eagle (Orchard), Claire Hennessey (HCA), Steve Birch (Orchard).

Sam Baker works for Orchard as a Purchase Ledger Clerk. Her role involves processing the numerous invoices Orchard receive each day and helping the team with various different accounts duties.
 
Michael Hings is the Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor. He worked as an electrician for 10 years and then attended university studying sustainability. Upon leaving university he worked for a chartered surveyors, helping Orchard and other developers achieve sustainability in housebuilding. He became a full member of the Orchard team this year assisting them with environmental compliance work such as Part L compliance, site waste management plans and the Code for Sustainable Homes.
 
John Black is a Site Manager and has worked in the industry for over 30 years. He is a time served carpenter and previously had his own construction business for 7 years. He has worked as a Site Manager for the last 8 years. A memorable recent project was a £2.5million Grade II listed refurbishment of a former workhouse.

Plot 10 is a three bedroom mews house with courtyard garden and single garage. The property also features a 17ft luxury fitted kitchen/dining room and 18ft living room leading to a courtyard facing balcony. The master bedroom has an en suite shower room. Plot 10 is £449,950.

Plot 17 is a four bedroom mews house fronting the tranquil Mill Stream and also benefits from a balcony, secure allocated parking and a courtyard garden. The luxury open plan kitchen/dining/living room is 32ft long and there are 2 bathrooms. Plot 17 is £454,950.

The Show Home is open 7 Days a Week, 10am to 5pm - to book a viewing please call Stella Catton on 01202 485567.

The 22 units comprise 4 one bedroom apartments, 12 two bedroom apartments, 1 two bedroom house and 5 three bedroom houses. Construction is due to start Autumn 2010.

“We were looking for a complete change of lifestyle, both in terms of style of property and location,” said Kevin and Linda as they told of their move from their five bedroom detached house in Verwood.

“We wanted to be closer to amenities like restaurants, shops and places to walk and a new build property really appealed to us - something a little bit different from a ‘standard’ style house. Christchurch fitted the bill perfectly – we love the history of the place – and we have friends nearby.”

Their new home has delivered on all fronts. “We love everything about our new home, the style, location and high quality finish. The layout was particularly appealing with its spacious open plan living accommodation. We went from a five bedroom house to a three bedroom
one but it does not really feel any smaller. The secure gated courtyard parking also suits our requirements perfectly. Our friends and family who have visited us at our new address love our new home and the location too.”

As we all know moving home is often stressful but here Orchard Homes came up trumps as Kevin explained: “They made the buying process very smooth for us by offering an “Early Bird” reservation scheme. Once we were in a position to proceed with our purchase, sales negotiator Stella Catton, pulled out all the stops to ensure the property was ready to meet our tight deadlines. We had several non-standard requirements for the property that were handled by Orchard on our behalf in a very professional manner thus relieving us of the stress of having to arrange things ourselves.”

So all in all a great move for the Farrells, and they love Christchurch. Linda has never been happier: “We feel much more part of the community than we did in Verwood. Everything is within walking distance, and we now even do our weekly grocery shopping in Waitrose on foot - so long as it is not raining!”

Orchard have sponsored Robin in various championships over the years including the Seat Cupra Challenge, the European Renault Clio Cup and The Mini Challenge in which Robin finished runner-up.

This year Robin is competing in the Elise Trophy which is a highly popular championship - competitors include ex Grand Prix driver Martin Donelly. On average there are 50-60 competitors at each meeting and in the first race at Brands Hatch, Robin finished fifth. His progress can be followed on www.elisetrophy.tv.

Robin said 'I am extremely grateful to Orchard Homes for their continued support and am confident of further success in 2010'.

The Orchard Homes development in the heart of the town is now completed with just 4 Mews Houses remaining and the boardwalk opening is a key milestone in work at Priory Mews which provides a range of homes around a central courtyard setting.

The boardwalk links Castle Street with the historic Ducking Stool Lane which provides an attractive walk alongside the Mill Stream, part of the River Avon.

“Construction work has now finished at Priory Mews with the final homes now complete and ready for occupation, we are delighted to officially open this boardwalk,’’ said Orchard Homes sales director Spencer Drake.

Heather is a big fan of her new home and says the development is wonderfully situated along side the Mill Stream which fronts onto the new boardwalk.

“I’m a real perfectionist and wanted a pristine new home and this really fits the bill,’’ said Heather “I love living here and am delighted to have found something in the heart of Christchurch which meets all my requirements”.

The gated development comprises just 17 new homes, all traditionally built and finished to the highest standards and with only 4 remaining an early viewing is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment

The show home is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm with prices starting from just £449,950, for further details call Stella Catton at Priory Mews on 01202 485567.

Pictured – Priory Mews first resident Heather Jewitt cuts the ribbon at the boardwalk with Orchard Homes sales director Spencer Drake and Charlotte Lock from Savills.

It’s not often you get the opportunity to live in the heart of a bustling historical market town yet at the same time enjoy the seclusion and tranquility of a gated community.

But that’s precisely what’s on offer at Priory Mews, a stunning development of bespoke three and four bedroom homes situated alongside the picturesque Mill Stream and just a short walk from the 11th century Priory Church, the busy High Street offers a wide variety of first class restaurants, bars and boutique style shops.

Along with the Mayor's visit, there is also an exciting offer available - if you reserve a home at Priory Mews on 13th or 14th March, you will receive a £10,000 discount!*

Perfect for those who value and appreciate the finer things in life, Priory Mews has been built to the highest specification. The traditional external styling of these homes is influenced by the Mews dwellings of London and electronic gates only serve to heighten the feeling of security and exclusivity.

Make sure you visit Priory Mews this weekend... all 4 remaining homes are now ready for occupation. Prices are from £449,950. Contact the Marketing Suite on 01202 485567 for further details, don't miss out!

*subject to terms and conditions

Externally, the roofs to North and South blocks are complete and the solar panels are installed. The brickwork is half way up both blocks to all apartments.

Internally, the plumbing, electrical and insulation is complete to the first floor of South block and the electrical work to the ground floor is on course to be completed next week. Progress is also good at North block.

The houses (plots 1 to 5) will have kitchens installed by the end of next week.

The site office has been moved so that the groundworks of plot 1 could be completed.

Long may the improved weather continue!

Both are employed as Site Managers - Alan works on the Wessex Lane site and brings with him over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He has worked for several national house builders and has over 25 years experience as a Site Manager.

Ian is Site Manager at Winchester Road and has over 20 years experience as a Site Manager. He has worked for many national house builders, winning several NHBC Pride in the Job Awards.

The site on Portswood Road, Southampton will receive some £5.567m in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration agency, as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme to unlock stalled sites throughout the country.

Communities Secretary John Denham said: "The Government is determined to play its part in supporting the housing industry through these difficult times by making sure that we provide the homes this country needs." "That's why since June we've invested £1.5bn to reinvigorate housebuilding, while at the same time supporting this generation of workers and giving the next generation the chance to gain new skills through apprenticeships." "Today I've seen for myself how the power of Government investment can make a real difference, getting work started at Portswood Road just weeks after news of extra cash."

The scheme, which is located at the former 1.5 acre Wickes site, in Portswood Road, Southampton, will comprise a mixed development of flats and houses of 2, 3 and 4 storeys. The scheme has already received a very high rating from CABE for quality of design and on receipt of the original planning consent, councillors commented positively on the level of sustainability measures proposed voluntarily by the developers.  Construction is due to be completed in March 2011.

The Southampton City Council-supported development is a joint venture between London developer Generator Group, Orchard Homes and Radian, a major housing and care provider in the South East. Of the 270 schemes shortlisted to receive Kickstart funding, Portswood Road is one of the first in the country and the first in the South East to complete the formalities associated with the funding.

David Edwards, Regional Director for the Homes and Communities Agency in the South East said: "Kickstart has been important in helping maintain housing delivery during the downturn. The Kickstart programme will provide new housing, employment and apprenticeship opportunities in the construction sector."

Ken Lake, Managing Director of Orchard Homes commented: "The Kickstart funding has enabled us to provide high quality affordable homes which will help to address housing need in Southampton. We are pleased to have had the support of the local community". Paul Isaacs, Managing Partner of the Generator Group added: "We are delighted to be part of this landmark scheme. High quality sustainable regeneration schemes such as this are at the forefront of urban design."

Lindsay Todd, chief executive of Radian, said: "Radian is delighted to participate in the first scheme to be launched in the South East under the HCA Kickstart programme. Radian is aware of the need to provide many more homes for larger families and is keen to help Southampton City Council achieve its targets in this area."

The benefits that the scheme provides – specifically much needed housing, employment and apprenticeship schemes – have also been strongly welcomed by Southampton City Council. 

The five-storey block will rise up on Canal Walk, opposite the Eastgate multi-storey car park, and will include one studio, 27 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments.

Mark Sennitt, of developer Orchard Homes, said the firm was working with Southampton City Council to ensure its Centrino development was 100 per cent social housing.Work will begin in autumn 2010 and it is expected to be completed by March 2011 to capitalise on funding from the Homes and Community Agency.

Mr Sennitt said there were indications that Hampshire’s housing was starting to improve.

“With regard to the private build programme we are finding that the market has improved over the last few months with particular reference to certain sites, typically containing reasonably sized houses. However location and quality are vital,” he said.

“We are also undertaking a significant build programme for social housing. In Southampton we are currently constructing three sites, providing a total of 91 dwellings. In addition, we hope to add another 150 dwellings to this list over the next few months.

“This has been facilitated by Southampton City Council’s housing department who have provided every assistance to us building upon our excellent relationship with the city.”