Doncaster-based house builder Keepmoat has won the ‘Project of the Year’ title for developments over £25m for its development at Soothill in Batley.
The Orchards development won the award at he National Building and Construction Awards for its commitment to regeneration, sustainability through the use of modern methods of construction and a multi-tenure approach.
The £52m housing project will see Keepmoat transform 30 acres of disused land into a development of 319 mixed tenure homes. Phase one of the site has seen 85 homes delivered using modern methods of construction, with the entirety of the site planned to be built using timber frame.
MMC is a process that focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as volume production through efficient factory prefabrication, as an alternative to traditional labour-intensive on-site construction.
Apprentice bricklayer Callum McNaughton, 19, who is employed by the Yorkshire West division of the housebuilder, was also shortlisted for the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award.
Callum, 19, from Batley, began his bricklaying apprenticeship in September 2023 at the National House Building Council’s Training Hub in Hull. While he trains at the Hub, Callum also gains valuable, hands-on bricklaying experience at Keepmoat’s The Orchards development also in Batley – a position that was coordinated for him as part of his apprenticeship.
Chris Clingo, Regional MD at Keepmoat Yorkshire West, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the Yorkshire West team and our fantastic award win last night.
“It’s inspiring to see our efforts in regeneration, placemaking and building homes of the future at The Orchards development in Batley recognised by such a prestigious awards programme.
“Our commitment to continuing to deliver future-proof homes at the site, in collaboration with our partners, is ongoing with work on phase two of the development already well underway, as we look to further improve the local area and develop thriving communities. We’re thrilled to be continuing delivery under our strategic partnership model to build quality, sustainable homes for the latest phase in this regeneration project.”
