Cobalt Housing has become the latest organisation to join JV North as it builds 1,000 homes by 2029.
The Liverpool-based housing association, which already manages in the region of 6,000 homes, will design properties to be energy efficient, including features such as solar voltaic panels and air and ground source heat pumps so they produce 75 – 80 per cent less carbon.
This will complement the decarbonisation work already underway with existing Cobalt Housing properties.
As a full JV North member, Cobalt Housing will have a seat on the consortium’s decision-making Board and access to its £580m framework and Dynamic Purchasing System where it can appoint contractors and consultants.
Cobalt Housing’s Director of Development and Neighbourhoods, Louise Davies, said: “JV North has an excellent reputation and a proven track record with Homes England and social housebuilding organisations.
“With our development programme underway to build 1,000 properties, the timing is perfect for us to join as we embark on providing vital new homes for people in our communities.
“Not only will we be able to bid for Homes England grant funding via JV North but we’ll be able to access the consortium’s framework to simplify and speed-up our construction work as well as boost our social value offering by choosing local suppliers and sub-contractors wherever possible.
“We will also benefit strategically by being part of a wider group that shares really important intelligence, data and knowledge.”
Chair of JV North, John Bowker, who is also Executive Director of Operations at Stockport Homes Group, said: “It is fantastic Cobalt Housing has joined as the consortium continues to grow and flourish.
“The construction environment is very challenging at the moment and we expect that to be the case for the next few years due to financial pressures and supply chain demands so the more we can work together with likeminded organisations the better outcomes we can return.
“This means not only for us as registered providers being able to operate more efficiently and with better risk management but most importantly of all, better outcomes for people in our communities who desperately need good, affordable housing.”
Other JV North members include Bury Council, Johnnie Johnson Housing, One Manchester, Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, Muir Group, Plus Dane Housing, Sovini, Stockport Homes, South Liverpool Homes, Torus, Weaver Vale Housing Trust and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.