Housing starts plunge to lowest level since 1945

Housing starts for 2008 are forecast to be the lowest since 1945, according to the latest forecasts for construction output from the Construction Products Association. Little more than 147 000 new housing starts are expected in Great Britain this year, 27% down on 2007 and the smallest number since 1992. In addition, the social-housing programme is failing to grow in line with the Government’s plans for 45 000 new homes a year by 2011. Projects remain good for construction work on infrastructure projects, contracts are now being let for the major Building Schools for the Future programme, and work has started on building the Olympics projects. Growth in these sectors is, however, more than outweighed by the decline in the housing market, a sharp fall in investment in new industrial buildings and reduction in the repair and improvement to existing social housing.



modbs tv logo

Built environment professionals remain positive on future of Net Zero

A recent survey by global climate tech firm IES has revealed that nearly three-quarters of UK built environment professionals believe achieving a Net Zero built environment by 2050 is within reach.

BESA research suggests clients are yet to engage with new building safety regime

Construction clients are failing to engage with the new building safety regime, according to research carried out by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).