50 affordable homes completed at Malthouse View in Wakefield

Pictured left to right: Steve Ford – Regional Managing Director, Caddick Construction, David Bagnall – Development Manager, VICO Homes and Marina Inkles, Commercial & Contracts Support Manager, EN:Procure.

The Malthouse View development procured through EN:Procure has reached practical completion, transforming the former Chantry House site in the heart of Wakefield into 50 new homes, illustrating the value of partnership working between housing providers, local government, contractors, consultants and procurement specialists.

Procurement supporting delivery

Caddick Construction was appointed as main contractor through the Efficiency North’s New Build Framework, with Caddick Civil Engineering appointed to undertake remediation and groundworks. 

Caddick Construction worked proactively with Vico Homes and the design team to de-risk the scheme and address viability pressures in a challenging market.

The scheme also included a commitment to provide five full-time training opportunities for local people, embedding social value alongside the delivery of the new homes.

The completion marks an important milestone for a site that has undergone a significant transformation. Wakefield Council purchased the site in 2020, before the former Chantry House office building and Snooty Fox pub were demolished and temporary green space created.

The scheme forms part of the wider regeneration of the Kirkgate area, creating new homes on previously unused city-centre land and bringing more residents within easy reach of Wakefield’s amenities, leisure facilities, green spaces and transport links.

The completed homes, which include 26 townhouses and 24 apartments, are a positive example of sustainable living;  incorporating Solar PV, ASHP (air source heat pumps) and MHVR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery), helping to create energy-efficient, lower-carbon homes for residents.

Alongside this, VICO Homes are making a positive impact on the cost of living for local residents; with 12 of the houses allocated for shared ownership and the rest of the homes a combination of social housing and affordable rents.

Marina Inkles, Commercial & Contracts Support Manager, said:

“What a fantastic use of space in the heart of Wakefield city centre, it’s a great location for anyone living and working in the area. Now seeing the transformation of a derelict site into 50 much-needed affordable homes demonstrates exactly what effective procurement and good collaboration can achieve.”

Vico Homes has set out plans to deliver 10,000 homes over the next decade, with its development programme focused on increasing access to warm, safe and affordable homes.