Higgins wins £44m contract to build residential project in UK

UK-based construction company Higgins has secured a £44m contract from Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing to design and build 208 new mixed-tenure homes on the former Shredded Wheat Factory site in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

The scheme will include 52 shared ownership properties, 106 under affordable rent and 50 homes exclusively for over 55 years of age. At the former Shredded Wheat Factory south site, new high-quality homes to fulfil the housing needs of the local community.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council had given its approval for the plan last December after consulting with the local community. Higgins managing director Steve Leakey said: “We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious contract at The Shredded Wheat Factory south site which will deliver much needed affordable housing for the local community as well as a number of important local amenities.

“We have a proven track record of working with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing on a number of successful schemes including Clapham Park and Ealing Road, Alperton and look forward to working in partnership with them to deliver another milestone project for the local community.”

Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing senior development manager Steve Lawson said: “The former Shredded Wheat Factory is an iconic site at the heart of Welwyn Garden City history.

“Following seven decades as a bustling workspace, this former factory space will soon be serving the needs of the local community in a fresh new way as we prepare to regenerate the south site to reflect the unique needs of the diverse community. We’re excited to partner with Higgins once again as we continue to build on the legacy of this iconic space.”

Earlier this month, Higgins was appointed by Islington Council on two lots of its New Build Construction Framework. Lot 2 includes projects with a value between £5m and £20m and Lot 3 for projects over £20m.