Northern developers Placefirst and Strata launch housebuilding joint venture

Two Northern developers have come together to launch a joint venture that aims to create hundreds of family homes using modern construction methods.

Build to rent developer-operator Placefirst, which is based in Salford, has partnered with Doncaster housebuilder Strata to form a 50:50 joint venture with plans to deliver more than 500 single-family homes by 2028. The new company will start with a development to create 128 homes at Strata’s ‘Desire’ development near Thorpe Park, Leeds.

The homes will be built using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), enabling them to be delivered significantly faster and more sustainably than traditional building approaches. That approach will include the use of timber to improve insulation and reduce energy costs for residents.

The companies’ framework agreement has already identified a further 221 homes for delivery across the UK.

Anna Hwang, chief investment officer of Placefirst, said: “Our ambition to deliver more quality homes across the UK come