23 September 2020

Pucklechurch development crowned winner of LABC Awards

Our commitment to developing good quality, affordable homes across the region has been recognised
Pucklechurch

We are thrilled to have achieved more success at the LABC Building Excellence Awards after winning the Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development category in the West of England for one of our new developments in Pucklechurch, South Gloucestershire.

The 20-home development at Oaktree Avenue/Cable Close in the tranquil village was completed in spring 2019 and provides eight flats and 12 homes for affordable rent.

The achievement follows recent success in the South West section of the LABC Awards which saw our affordable development in Goldsithney, Cornwall, win the same award category.

The success of our rural development in Pucklechurch is testament to our stakeholder partnership with South Gloucester District Council and local engagement with Pucklechurch Parish Council, who have been key supporters of the development.

Our Head of Construction and Delivery, Parry Morgan, said: “It’s great news to hear that we have won this award for our development in Pucklechurch.

“This was a 100% affordable scheme and I feel really proud that we have been able to make a difference to people’s lives by enabling them to live in the village at a price they can afford.

“So often we hear stories of people being forced out of rural areas due to spiralling prices. But at LiveWest we are able to reverse that trend by building affordable homes like these.

“It means more local people can remain in the village they love living in instead of having to look for cheaper accommodation elsewhere.

“The development was a real collaborative effort. Speller Metcalfe was fantastic to work with and our thanks go out to South Gloucester District Council and Pucklechurch Parish Council for their backing and support throughout the whole process.

“Achieving such a high-quality development was not without its challenges and it’s great that the whole project team’s dedication and hard work has been recognised with this award.”

Manager for Speller Metcalfe’s Living Division, Mark Eaton, said: “Our specialist Living team is committed to the delivery of the highest quality in affordable housing and is delighted to have worked with LiveWest as part of this fantastic, award-winning scheme at Pucklechurch. 

“The recognition for these homes is well-deserved and testament to the true collaborative effort of the whole project team.”

South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, Cllr Ben Stokes, said: “We are delighted to hear that Oaktree Avenue has won the LABC award for Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development. 

“Congratulations to everyone who was involved in the design and delivery of this impressive rural affordable housing development in Pucklechurch.

“Oaktree Avenue was delivered in partnership between the council and one of our housing association partners, LiveWest, and has made excellent use of former council land.”

John Kidner, Associate at BM3 Architecture Ltd, said: “Delivery of this project was a real team effort, extensive detailing was undertaken by the design team and these were then implemented to a high standard by Speller Metcalfe on site. 

“Effective communication, along with a desire from all members of the team to produce a high-quality product, has resulted in delivery of a finished project that all involved can be proud of.”