Tag: Barratt Developments

Life’s a beach: Make the move to Edinburgh and the Lothians this summer with Barratt Developments

Homebuyers who’ve always dreamt of living by the sea can reserve now and move in in time for summer, with a range of new properties available near the coast in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – is encouraging first time buyers and downsizers to take advantage of the homebuilder’s cost-saving initiatives and find their new ideal home, located a stone’s throw away from a number of coastal walks and beaches.

An array of two and three-bed properties at Cammo Meadows in Edinburgh, The Strand in Portobello and St Clements Brae in Wallyford, East Lothian are now ready to be moved into ahead of the warm weather, with each development less than a ten-minute drive from golden sands.

Ideally located close to the City Bypass, the properties are perfect for first time buyers looking for work-life balance or those downsizing to quieter surroundings. According to Moneybox, the Edinburgh area is also the fifth most popular hotspot for first-time buyers.

Interior showhome photography of The Ashworth at David Wilson Homes Cammo Meadows development in Edinburgh

To make the move seamless, Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, is currently offering buyers £1,000 for every £20,000 spent, plus flooring included. This cash from the initiative can be used towards a deposit, mortgage repayments or moving costs. A number of selected homes also include upgraded options.

In addition to a high-quality finish, buyers can expect their home to be energy efficient. According to Barratt Developments’ Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis – 2023 Report, more than 55% of Scots are considering buying a new build home to save on energy bills.

The recent ‘Watt a Save’ report from the Home Buyers’ Federation (HBF) showed that around 84% of new builds have an energy efficiency rating of A or B, compared to just 4% of existing housing in the UK. Thanks to advanced systems and technologies, all Barratt homes are now up to 63% more energy efficient, which could save homeowners up to £3,100 per year on bills.

Anne Ross, sales director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Location is key when we build our homes, so we’re proud to be able to offer a selection of ‘ready-to-move-into’ properties in some of the most popular areas in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“These homes are perfect for first time buyers or downsizers looking to mix the hubbub of the capital with suburban living.

“If people reserve now, they can be moved in in time for summer and the process is made even easier with our current incentives – which include mortgage repayments and flooring, in addition to improved energy efficiency. Homebuyers are urged to move quickly, as we expect these homes to be snapped up fast.”

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in the North and West of Scotland also have limited availability on homes ready to move into before summer.

For more information on available homes or on Barratt Developments in Scotland, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Local charities benefit from share of £189,000 Barratt Developments boost

— The housebuilder donated more than £80,000 in 2022 to good causes in the east of Scotland, from children’s recreation and sports groups to foodbanks and conservation trusts —

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Oregon Timber Frame Ltd – is celebrating a year of giving after its charitable efforts topped more than £189,000 in donations across Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder supports a wide range of organisations promoting health, employability and care among many other causes. This is done through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,500 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month.

Over the last 12 months, Barratt Developments has provided financial support to a diverse mix of charities in the east of Scotland. Totalling a whopping £80,000, donations came at a vital time for many families, individuals and organisations affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

In light of this, the housebuilder made significant donations to a range of organisations which support families in need. St Columba’s Hospice Care, which provides world-leading hospice care to those based in Edinburgh and the Lothians, was Barratt’s main charity in the east for 2022 – securing a £60,000 donation.

Other Lothian donation included a £10,000 donation to Social Bite, a £1,500 donation to Empty Kitchen, Full Hearts in Edinburgh, which rescues surplus food to make meals for those in need, and Edinburgh Food Project which received a £1,000 funding boost. East Lothian Roots and Fruits, which aims to make fruit and vegetables more affordable and therefore more accessible, also received a donation of £1,500.

Other organisations which received donations in the east of Scotland included Dnipro; which supports orphans in Ukraine, disability-focused Capability Scotland, The Water of Leith Conservation Trust and Sporting Start – a group that encourages young people to get active and enjoy sport.

Alison Condie, Barratt Developments’ Managing Director for East Scotland, said: “At Barratt, we’re committed to using our scale for good whenever and wherever we can. As Scotland’s leading housebuilder, it’s important that we give back to the areas in which we build and lead by example.

“There is so much vital work being undertaken by organisations up and down the country, and we’re extremely proud to have been able to support these activities and help them continue during what has been a very challenging year.

“From foodbanks through to environmental projects, we’ve donated to a variety of causes this year and look to continue supporting such a diverse mix in 2023. We would like to thank everyone who suggested charities and supported our fundraising activity, and wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year.”

The full list of 2022’s beneficiaries includes:

•                  Highland Homeless, Inverness

•                  Aberdeen Cyrenians, Aberdeen

•                  Social Bite, Edinburgh

•                  The Coming Home Centre, Glasgow

•                  CATH, Perth

•                  St Columba’s Hospice Care

•                  Link Living

•                  Capability Scotland

•                  Cross Reach

•                  The Water of Leith Conservation Trust

•                  Sporting Start

•                  Edinburgh Food Project

•                  Four Square

•                  Dnipro

•                  Tenovus Scotland

•                  East Lothian Roots and Fruits

•                  Empty Kitchen Full Hearts

•                  Pink Saltire

•                  Edinburgh Cat & Dog Home

•                  Cash for Kids

•                  Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA)

•                  Perth & Kinross Foodbank

•                  Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation

•                  Trees for Life

•                  Hamish Dear Warm Hugs

•                  Ellon Castle Gardens – Bill Bruce Memorial Garden Project

•                  Elgin Sports Community Trust

•                  Cove Woodland Community Trust

•                  Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Scotland

•                  Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust – Seal Beach Project

•                  Dream, Believe, Achieve Highland

•                  The Leanne Fund

•                  Cash for Kids Coat Appeal 2022

•                  The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow

•                  The Lily Foundation

•                  Parklea Branching Out

•                  St Andrew’s Hospice – Thanksgiving Thistle Appeal                   

•                  The Simba Charity                                               

•                  Trust Jack Foundation                                        

•                  Kindness Homeless Street Team Glasgow

•                  Nil by Mouth                                       

•                  CHAP                                                                        

•                  CHAS

•                  Children 1st – Bairns’ Hoose Project                                                         

•                  The Prince’s Trust

•                  Glasgow Spirit of Christmas

•                  Canine Partners

•                  Selkirk Food Bank

•                  Stable Life

•                  Brake Road Safety

•                  The Wave Project

•                  Artbeat Scotland

•                  Earlston Scouts Group

•                  Rowlands, Selkirk

•                  The Difference, Special Baby Care Unit

Children learn how to stay safe near Edinburgh construction site

A five-star housebuilder hosted an interactive site safety discussion at Frogston Primary School recently to remind children of the dangers of its nearby building sites at Heritage Grange in Edinburgh.

Barratt Developments PLC, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, hosted a site safety session during a school assembly on Monday 30th May. The session took the pupils through the dangers of construction sites, how to stay safe near them, the developments themselves and site worker safety.

Lorraine Lawrie, Head Teacher at Frogston Primary School said: “Pupils at Frogston Primary School had a great time during their visit from Stewart at Barratt Developments.

“They enjoyed the site safety presentation, which was both fun and interactive but also emphasised the importance of being safe near building sites. A highlight for the children was dressing up in Barratt’s PPE equipment.

“This was a great educational experience to have ahead of the summer holidays.”

Stewart Ponton, Safety, Health and Environment Operations Manager for Barratt Developments PLC said: “Our site managers are very aware of the attractiveness of construction sites to children. While they might look like fun obstacle courses or play parks, the fact of the matter is that they are extremely dangerous.

“It is our duty of care to the people of Edinburgh, among the many other communities in which we operate, to provide local schools like Frogston Primary School with the proper information on how the pupils can stay safe.”

Barratt Developments have a range of three bed homes at DWH @ Heritage Grange. Situated next to the Pentland Hills in the south of Edinburgh and surrounded by beautiful countryside views and lots of open space, this development makes the perfect location to enjoy a combination of country and city living.

For more information on current availability at DWH @ Heritage Grange, visit https://www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/dev000330-dwh-@-heritage-grange/

Edinburgh charities benefit from £204,000 national boost from Barratt Developments

The housebuilder donated to good causes which help children, people with life-limiting health conditions, and the elderly, as well as charities which offer mental health and employment support 

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Oregon Timber Frame Ltd – is celebrating a year of giving after its charitable efforts topped more than £204,000 in donations across Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder supports a wide range of organisations promoting equality, employability and care among many other causes, through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,000 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month.

Since January, Barratt Developments has handed out funding to organisations which provide care, support, and respite for those battling serious illness, disease, or lifelong health conditions, such as Maggie’s Edinburgh, Fight Against Cancer Edinburgh, The British Lung Foundation and Marie Curie.

Barratt’s donations have gone towards the provision of palliative care, providing support for people with health conditions and disabilities, and caring for those battling cancer. 

Additionally, Barratt donated to children’s charities, such as CHAS and LGBT Youth Scotland, helping to fund vital services for vulnerable kids and families in need of assistance.

Organisations which support people into employment, such as WorkingRite in Edinburgh, benefitted from a funding boost from Barratt Developments this year, helping to transform the lives of people by giving them the tools they need to find and secure work.

Further donations went to hospices caring for the elderly, including St. Columba’s and St. Andrew’s Hospice, and Barratt also donated to mental health charities such as SAMH, whose lifeline services are of vital importance, particularly during the pandemic.

Douglas McLeod, Barratt Developments’ Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “As the country’s leading housebuilder, we are committed to creating a positive legacy and making a genuine contribution towards the communities in which we build our homes.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s achievement, as it’s become even more apparent how incredibly important it is to support those around us during these difficult times. Each of the charities we have supported carry out fantastic work and are a lifeline service for many people, and we are delighted to have been able to support organisations which are close to our hearts.

“We are looking forward to working with many more charities and raising even more funds as we go into 2022 and beyond. We would like to thank everyone who suggested the charities and supported our fundraising activity and wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and prosperous New Year.”

The full list of 2021’s beneficiaries is:

includes:

•                  FACE

•                  Goodtrees

•                  Empty Kitchens

•                  St Fillan’s Playgroup

•                  Support in Mind Scotland

•                  Fife Women’s Aid

•                  British Lung Foundation

•                  With Kids

•                  Marie Curie

•                  Maggies Edinburgh

•                  Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

•                  Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity

•                  The Prince’s Trust

•                  LifeCare Edinburgh

•                  St Columba’s Hospice Care

•                  WorkingRite

•                  Kindred

•                  VSA “Changing Lives Campaign”

•                  Bucksburn Community Council

•                  Street Sport (Denis Law Trust)

•                  Bettridge Centre (Newtonhill Community centre)

•                  Befriend a Child

•                  SurfAble

•                  Huntingtons Association

•                  Archie Foundation

•                  SCAA

•                  Aberdeen Foyer

•                  Beannachar

•                  New Start Highland

•                  The Haven Appeal

•                  Mental Health Aberdeen

•                  Lifesavers Scotland

•                  St Andrews Hospice

•                  Kilbryde Hospice

•                  The Scottish Centre for Children with Motor Impairments

•                  Move on with Fareshare

•                  CHAS

•                  Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity

•                  East Park School

•                  The Beatson Cancer Centre

•                  LGBT Youth Scotland

•                  The Dual Fitness Foundation

•                  Action for Children

•                  SAMH

•                  SCFC with Motor Impairment

•                  Move on Scotland

•                  Craig Halbert Centre

•                  SiMBA

The housebuilding industry can lead the way on biodiversity

A new guide highlights that biodiversity should be considered at the earliest stages of planning new home developments to encourage wildlife and help reverse habitat decline.

Climate change and the decline of wildlife are the great challenges of our time which, combined with Government demands for greatly increased housing supply, are creating a balancing act which housebuilders and developers must consider in all its aspects. Sustainability must be a key consideration in housing developments ensuring a positive impact on wildlife and the adoption of nature-based solutions.

Much of the focus on sustainable housing in recent years has been in reducing carbon emissions, but the coronavirus pandemic has placed emphasis on caring for local wildlife.

·       The majority of house-buyers say the pandemic has highlighted the need for more nature-rich green space.

·       The UK Prime Minister recently said he will make “tackling climate change and biodiversity loss” the government’s “number one international priority”.

58% of UK species have declined over the last 50 years, and urbanisation is considered one of the key reasons why. 

The National House Building Council (NHBC) Foundation has partnered with the RSPB and Barratt Developments to produce guidance on how the housebuilding industry can incorporate green infrastructure into new build homes and enhance and protect biodiversity within developments to help deliver wider public health benefits.

The new report Biodiversity in new housing developments: creating wildlife-friendly communities has just been launchedproviding guidance on planning for beautiful places, key topics include:

·       Implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) which mimic natural processes in managing rainfall through the use of landscape form and vegetation

·       Installing roost bricks for bats and designing lighting plans in a bat-friendly way

·       Putting in bird nest bricks that provide permanent nest features for declining species such as swifts

·       Ensuring boundaries enable hedgehogs to move freely through a housing development.

Beccy Speight, CEO, RSPB said: “The housebuilding industry is uniquely placed in having an opportunity to create not just sustainable houses, but new, sustainable communities, where people thrive alongside wildlife.

“This guide is a great introduction to the principles and practicalities of creating wildlife-friendly communities and a great addition to the sustainable housing toolkit.

“I hope that the industry will embrace it and help to drive positive change. We all have our part to play as we seek to revive our world.”

Richard Smith, NHBC’s Head of Standards, Innovation and Research said: “In a year so focused on health, this report is a timely reminder of the many benefits nature can provide when successfully integrated into new homes and developments.

“As we head towards COP26, we want to support those in the housing and construction sector to think more about how they can better integrate biodiversity and climate resilience into new home developments to help to achieve the country’s climate change goals and improve health and wellbeing in local communities.

“Biodiversity Net Gain will soon become mandatory in England so there’s no excuse not to start looking at these issues now.”

Barratt Developments helps Edinburgh communities with charity donations

FACE (Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh) and Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre have each received a £1,000 donation inaugurating Barratt Developments East Scotland’s Community Fund giveaway for 2021.

Barratt Developments, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, celebrated a record-breaking 2020 after its charitable efforts topped more than £46,000 in donations across Scotland, including £14,000 in the east of Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder works with a wide range of local causes and has continued to step up its efforts through the Barratt and David Wilson Community Fund, which donates £1,000 to a deserving local cause in each of its three Scottish divisions every month.

FACE is a charity based at Western General Hospital that supports patients and families who have been affected by cancer.

The housebuilder’s donation will go towards making hospital stays more comfortable and welcoming, such as camp beds for a relative to stay close to a loved one, refurbishment of wards and complementary therapies to promote wellbeing for those who are unwell.

Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, based in Moredun, has worked throughout the pandemic to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for food and other essentials for local people in need.

To date the youth volunteers have delivered over 50,000 packed lunches, tens of thousands of hot meals and food parcels to families affected by poverty and the elderly and shielding across Liberton and Gilmerton.

Alison Condie, managing director at Barratt East Scotland, said: “FACE and Goodtrees carry out incredible work supporting those affected by cancer and those in need.

“We’re pleased to be able to help them and hope that our donation will allow them to continue to provide these crucial and important services through what continues to be difficult times for us all.”

Welcoming the donation John Macaulay, Convener at FACE added: “Through our fund raising we aim to provide ‘the little things’ that make a difference for patients and families affected by cancer.

“The donation from Barratt has gone towards a special shower reclining chair at the Western General Hospital, enabling us to shower patients with multiple care needs who otherwise may only be able to be washed in bed.

“The staff are delighted, and it is already making a difference for the ward and patients they care for, including those receiving treatment for cancer.”

John Beatson, Project Manager at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre said: “Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre were delighted to be chosen for Barratt Homes’ £1,000 donation. It came as a surprise and is particularly special to us, as being put forward for the fund by a Barratt employee shows that the work that our young people and staff carry out is valued within the wider community. 

“We plan to use part of the donation to fund a treat to the elderly community we support with the rest of the donation giving us the opportunity to give back to our incredible youth volunteers, the key driving force behind our service, when guidance allows.”

As part of the housebuilder’s ongoing charitable activities, Barratt East Scotland also took part in a virtual 500k challenge, raising over £16,000 for The Prince’s Trust, and walking a total combined distance of 1,721km over the three-week competition period.

The division’s Land team is also providing in-kind support to Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, a foodbank based in Leith which turns surplus food into free meals for those in need.

Now in its third year, the Barratt Homes Community Fund pledges to donate £1,000 each month to a charity or organisation in the east of Scotland. Charities are nominated by and voted for by employees of Barratt Homes and the focus for the fund continues to be on organisations that improve the quality of life for those living in the area.

Interested charities can enquire about donation opportunities at 

charity.eastscotland@barratthomes.co.uk

Visit the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes websites for more information.

Over £97m contributed to the economy by Barratt East Scotland

– Housebuilder supports 1,530 jobs, creates 18 new careers and 10.1ha of green space across the region –

Despite the challenges of the past year, Barratt Developments Scotland has made a substantial contribution of £245m to the UK economy, with the housebuilder’s East Scotland division supplying £97m in GVA itself.

In the year ending 30 June 2020, Barratt East Scotland has also completed 551 new homes and supported 1,530 direct, indirect and induced jobs across the region.

As the largest UK housebuilder, and one of the most sustainable, Barratt continues to safeguard the Scottish environment by creating nearly 23ha of green space. Barratt East Scotland has created 10.1ha of public green spaces and private gardens.

Barratt is working towards reducing its direct carbon emissions by 29% by 2025 and indirect emissions by 24% per square metre by 2030. In the past year, CO2e emissions per 100m.sq. of completed build area fell to 2.29t. across the East Scotland business. 99% of construction waste was also saved from landfill and 12% of new homes were built on previously developed land.

Interior architectural show home photography of David Wilson Homes Mallets Rise development in Newton Mearns

Alison Condie, managing director for Barratt Homes East Scotland, said: “We’re committed to creating strong communities, prosperous job opportunities and meaningful economic impact across the region.

“To have contributed over £97m to the economy and supported over 1,500 jobs is a fantastic achievement – especially given the challenges of the last year – and we’re determined to do even better this year.”

As part of its housebuilding activity, Barratt East Scotland has made £3m in local contributions to help build new facilities and community infrastructure. This contribution includes the provision of 202 new school places. More than £14m has also been spent on physical works within communities, such as highways, environmental improvements and community facilities.

Other key findings from the Barratt East Scotland 2020 socio-economic report include:

·       Increased support for public services with £36m in generated tax revenues

·       Over £105,000 donated to local charitable and community causes

·       300 supplier and 310 sub-contractor companies supported

·       Increased support for the UK supply chain with 90% of all components centrally procured, assembled or manufactured in-country

·       More than £9.5m in retail spending by new residents, helping support 100 retail and service-related jobs

The development of new and future talent remains a key priority for Barratt Developments Scotland and 56 graduates, apprentices and trainees launched their careers with the company in 2020, an increase from 50 in the previous year.

The assessment of Barratt Developments’ performance was carried out by independent consultants Lichfields, who analysed socio-economic impacts through the delivery chain for new housing based on Barratt datasets, published research and national statistics.

David Wilson Homes expand luxury homes offering in Edinburgh

Helping to meet the increasing demand for luxurious, five-star quality homes, David Wilson Homes is expanding its offering in the capital with two new developments.

The housebuilder – part of Barratt Developments – is set to launch an entirely new development at Cammo Meadows this winter and it has just unveiled its final phase of development at the popular DWH @ Heritage Grange site.

Cammo Meadows is an attractive suburb to the north-west of Edinburgh and David Wilson Homes will be building a range of award-winning one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom terraced and detached homes.

Located close to the Cammo Estate and Cramond Beach, the development offers an abundance of outdoor space, a network of cycle paths and walkways and consciously designed roads to ensure it’s the perfect location for families.

Each David Wilson property is being designed with modern life in mind and features flexible features, open-plan rooms and bright, airy and luxurious spaces.

Anne Ross, sales director at Barratt East Scotland, said: “Cammo Meadows is a beautiful location and the perfect place for us to expand into and over even more buyers the opportunity to invest in a David Wilson home. We already received lots of positive interest from prospective buyers and when we launch this winter, we look forward to seeing them on site.”

Located on the south side of the capital, Heritage Grange is a growing community just 15-minutes from the city centre. The final phase of homes has just launched at DWH @ Heritage Grange and included the four-bedroom ‘Dalmally’.

From £421,995, this property has all the space and features a growing family could need. With a generously-sized open-plan kitchen with dining and living area, to a large separate lounge and four double bedrooms upstairs, it’s perfect for buyers looking to invest in a home which will last a lifetime.

Selected properties at DWH @ Heritage Grange are eligible for the housebuilder’s ‘Movemaker’ scheme. Taking the hassle out of buying and selling, Movemaker means that David Wilson Homes can help arrange the sale of an existing property and even pay the estate agent fees.

For more details on the range of homes available at Cammo Meadows or DWH @ Heritage Grange, visit the David Wilson Homes website.