Living Space Housing presents its inaugural Contractor Award to Tonbrie Construction

Solihull-based Living Space Housing has launched a Contractor Awards scheme to recognise and celebrate companies within its supply chain who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver an exceptional standard of work.

The inaugural award in the quarterly scheme has been presented to Stourbridge-based Tonbrie Construction for its work on the redevelopment of the 5.4-acre former Victoria Carpets sports ground in Kidderminster. The £8million scheme is delivering 48 homes for affordable housing provider Stonewater.

Steve Davies, Managing Director of Living Space said: “Due to difficult ground conditions and site access issues, our Kidderminster scheme has required a technical and hands-on approach to keep the build programme on track. Tonbrie has found impressive solutions to the site’s high ground water table, which was made all the more challenging due to the very wet winter we experienced. The team has also competently managed difficulties with the sequencing of works and material distribution. 

“With a number of the 48 homes now at the topping out stage, we wanted to celebrate Tonbrie’s professionalism, team work ethic and partnership approach to dealing with problems by presenting them with the first Living Space Contractor Award.”

To ensure staff, contractors and visitors can work safely, all Living Space sites are adhering to its Covid-19 Safe Operating Procedure, which was compiled with Government and Construction Leadership Council guidance.

The previously derelict former sports ground is located off Spennells Valley Road and neighbours Kidderminster Golf Course. Once completed, 60 per cent of the homes will be available for affordable rent, with the remainder available to buy through Stonewater’s shared ownership scheme. The developable area is enclosed by mature trees and the new homes are being constructed using two complementary types of red brick, as well as render. The properties will be surrounded by public open space and a newly created ecological area.

Brian Hill, Managing Director of Tonbrie Construction said: “We are thrilled to have won this award from Living Space, which reflects their appreciation of how our team has embraced the challenges on site. The former Victoria Carpets Sports Ground had lain derelict for some time and it is very rewarding to play a key part in redeveloping it into much-needed affordable new homes.”

Living Space is a development-led residential planning, design and construction services solution for Registered Providers, PRS Funds, the NHS, Universities and Defence Estates, which provides an end-to-end service, enabling more homes to be delivered with greater efficiency. Having launched to the market last year, the company already has a total of 406 residential plots under control, representing a combined construction value in excess of £61million. Living Space’s other live developments comprise 51 homes at its flagship Malvern Oaks scheme in the village of Cradley, on the outskirts of Malvern, Herefordshire, which is also being developed in conjunction with Stonewater. 26 homes located off Britannia Way in central Telford, Shropshire are currently being delivered for Accord Housing Association and construction will commence at another two Living Space schemes in Telford over the next few months.