Weston Group has announced the launch of a new partnerships division that will aim to forge joint ventures in the BTR and local authority housing sectors.
Weston Partnerships will also look to foster development partnerships involving Ministry of Defence site disposals as well as businesses that are looking to incorporate MMC building components into their housing delivery.
These businesses include later-living housebuilders, student accommodation providers, local builders and contractors.
In addition to its existing affordable housing programme and market sale activities via Weston Homes, the expansion will leverage Weston Group’s subsidiary British Offsite’s MMC construction factory facilities and products to deliver sustainable housing solutions at scale.
Weston Partnerships is led by development director, Steve Hatton, working closely alongside the CEO of Weston Group, Peter Gore, and chairman, Bob Weston, overseeing the new division’s business growth and operations. As part of its initial pipeline, Weston Partnerships has already established partnerships in the various sectors that are being focused on for business expansion.
In the BTR sector, Weston Partnerships has recently entered into an agreement with Royal London Asset Management, part of Royal London, to provide BTR homes across two developments, Bracknell Beeches and Town Quay, Barking. These will deliver 411 BTR properties with Weston Homes overseeing the construction.
In the local authority housing sector, Weston Partnerships has entered into an agreement with Barking and Dagenham Council (via Be First, the council’s regeneration arm), enabling the delivery of local authority affordable housing at Town Quay in Barking. This project will provide affordable homes on a ‘turn-key’ basis, with Weston Homes constructing and delivering the completed homes.
Weston Partnerships is also working with retirement housebuilders, local developers and contractors needing MMC building components, provided by British Offsite. The deals include a collaboration with Elkins Construction across three developments using British Offsite’s UniSystemLB product, which comes pre-installed with head shutters, windows and doors tailored to Weston Homes’ specifications.
British Offsite will also play a significant role in Weston Partnership’s delivery of a student accommodation project in Orchard Park, Cambridge, in partnership with Vertex Living.
Steve Hatton, development director of Weston Partnerships, said: “I am delighted to lead Weston Partnerships which is part of the group’s expansion into the BTR, local authority housing, retirement and student accommodation sectors, amongst other parts of the housing industry. Our priority is to work closely with our partners to help accelerate housing delivery, improve affordability, drive MMC innovation and uphold the highest construction standards. Through this expansion, we are well positioned to make a meaningful impact on the future delivery of housing.”
Peter Gore, CEO of Weston Group, said: “Whilst the group will continue to operate within the Build-to-Sell sector via our core Weston Homes division, the housebuilding industry has changed dramatically over the last few years and it is important for us to expand and create new income streams for the business. The Build-to-Rent, local authority and some of the other deals we have already secured have the advantage of being forward funded providing an upfront income stream which is highly advantageous for our cash flow and financial strength.”
Bob Weston, chairman of Weston Group, added: “By harnessing our industry experience and British Offsite’s advanced construction technology, we can build more efficiently and at greater scale. This initiative reinforces our dedication to delivering sustainable communities while strengthening our partnerships across the housing sector.”
