NHBC and ARL collaborate to deliver successful brownfield webinar examining challenging sites

NHBC was pleased to support the Association for Rental Living (ARL) in the delivery of a recent webinar, which examined the processes and challenges associated with brownfield site development. Unlocking brownfield sites for mixed tenure development attracted a broad mix of industry stakeholders including BTR developers, investors, consultants and operators.

Those attending joined experts from NHBC and the wider rental living sector to explore how complex sites are being transformed into viable, successful Build to Rent (BTR) developments. Hosted by Niki Kyriacou, Sector Lead for BTR at NHBC, the event’s contributors included Phil Jones, Development Director at Placefirst, Scott Edwards, Commercial Manager at Urban&Civic PLC and Karen Thorton, Land Quality Service Manager at NHBC. 

A varied agenda covered the political landscape, sector collaboration and the hurdles the industry faces. Real life case studies were used to illustrate the ways land can be unlocked and attendees were given the chance to pitch questions to the webinar’s presenters. Advice was given on navigating constrained sites, repurposing opportunities and practical guidance on land viability and delivery. It also showcased NHBC’s role in the sector beyond warranty, demonstrating its expertise in technical services, site viability and risk mitigation.

Takeaways included:

• well-designed and thoughtfully executed BTR developments can be the catalyst for wider area change and regeneration
• change should be anticipated - incorporate climate resilience in designs, considering extreme weather, flood risks, and emerging contaminants is good practice
• take the time to understand all stakeholders and engaging the right companies and individuals at the earliest opportunity is crucial for the successful delivery of complex brownfield sites
• investors should take advantage of increasingly supportive planning policies regarding brownfield and greybelt development

Brendan Geraghty, CEO at the Association for Rental Living commented, “We are delighted to have collaborated with ARL members, and NHBC, to facilitate this topical and insightful webinar. BTR can be a powerful catalyst for redevelopment, acting as an anchor tenant for brownfield regeneration as part of a mixed-tenure approach. This well-attended ARL webinar brought together experts from every stage of the redevelopment process, offering insights into the challenges faced as well as the collaborative solutions available. This webinar will help to equip us to develop all appropriate brownfield land into the homes of all tenures, including BTR, in our national efforts to solve the housing crisis.”

Niki Kyriacou, Sector Lead for BTR at NHBC commented, “I must thank everyone at ARL for organising the recent brownfield webinar and our expert contributors for sharing their knowledge and insight. It’s clear brownfield development is only going to increase, as the industry accelerates residential construction across all tenures. Complex sites present unique opportunities as well as challenges and it was great to explore this topic with some of the best-known in the sector.”

NHBC works in partnership with developers and investors to bring forward challenging or complex sites that otherwise might have been considered unviable. Working hard to provide a pathway to warranty, saving time and money, NHBC provides confidence throughout the build journey.

For those who missed the webinar, Unlocking brownfield sites for mixed tenure development, it can be viewed online here