Places for People response to Government’s announcement on new towns

Responding to Government’s announcement on new towns, Places for People’s Group CEO Greg Reed said:

“Today’s announcement on new towns is incredibly welcome. Building sustainable new housing projects at this scale across the country – just as we are doing with the Gilston Area project in East Herts for 10,000 vital new homes, infrastructure and services – will create jobs, boost the economy and most importantly deliver intergenerational Communities where everyone can thrive. 

“Labour’s ambition and strategic approach to tackling the housing crisis continues to impress, but none of this can happen without a sharpened national focus on green construction skills. Our dedicated training academy, PFP Thrive, is driving this agenda forward for our sector but there must be sustained investment from Government to futureproof the workforce and get these homes built at scale and pace. We’ve recently made this recommendation and more to Government and now eagerly await its Comprehensive Spending Review later this year. 
 
“We especially welcome Government’s commitment today to ensuring the right infrastructure is rubberstamped into plans for new towns before spades hit the ground. These projects should put people first and Community engagement, provision of GPs, transport links, shops, schools and green space must be at the heart of any new such project.
 
“Today is just one piece of the puzzle and the housing crisis remains deep-rooted and multi-faceted. Plans unveiled here must be followed up with a bold, long-term and integrated approach to tackling the housing, health and social care challenges that continue to plague the UK.
 
“Delivering new towns is no mean feat. There will be bumps in the road and Government needs trusted and experienced partners to realise its vision.
 
"We are a leading developer with a rich history of planning and building new towns including at Brooklands in Milton Keynes, Tornagrain in Inverness, and now in Gilston. We stand ready to help Labour deliver quality homes, sensible infrastructure, and diverse Communities that can stand as a legacy of a successful approach to partnership and placemaking.”