UK local authorities are preparing to meet housing delivery targets for 2026 with models that deliver long-lasting, high-quality, and affordable homes, as this is now more important than ever before.
At Spirit Homes, we are proud to showcase just how private developers can partner with councils and housing associations to deliver real social value.
Our councils are now under increasing pressure to bump up affordable housing pipelines, with December being a crucial time to assess which partnership approaches work best.
One of our latest affordable housing projects shares just how aligning house building with public sector goals to help deliver homes and meet local needs can create quality and quantity within an area.
Over the past couple of years, we have worked on two flagship projects which embody the potential of public-private collaboration.
The first of which is Townley Gardens, Middleton.
Townley Gardens, Middleton
Townley Gardens is a 43-home development which was delivered by us at Spirit Homes for MSV Housing, in collaboration with Rochdale Borough Council. Thirty-eight of these are three-bedroom houses, and all are offered for affordable rent, set at least 20% below local market rates, making them accessible to families who might otherwise struggle to find quality homes.
Situated less than a mile from Middleton town centre, the site offers strong connections to schools, shops, employment, and transport links into Rochdale and Manchester.
Beyond homes, the development delivered meaningful social value: one new resident (Aaron) was employed by us on-site while living in a property at the development, and he has since been offered a permanent job. This shows how housing developments can create local opportunity and jobs, not just new stocks of houses.
Quality & Design as part of the plans
At Spirit Homes, we emphasise modern, energy-efficient design. The feedback from MSV was that the quality of the homes was “fantastic … the team were very professional … our new residents are more than happy with their new homes.” For us at Spirit Homes, the project underscores our commitment to building 5-star homes for future generations.
Holywell Manor, North Wales
Our second proof point is our Heritage-Sensitive Regeneration of Holywell Manor in Holywell.
Not developed for affordable housing, this development showcases our ability to deliver complex, legacy-sensitive housing. This development transformed a former Victorian workhouse (Lluesty General Hospital) into a modern, mixed-tenure development. The scheme comprises a mix of one, two and three-bed apartments, plus three and four-bedroom mews and semi-detached homes.
The project was awarded Development of the Year 2024 by The Developers Club, praised for blending historic character with modern living and setting a “new benchmark of performance.” Our work on this site demonstrates that affordable or mixed-tenure housing does not have to compromise on architectural ambition, sensitivity or finish.
This heritage-led regeneration contributes to long-term sustainability: repurposing existing structures reduces resource use, and refurbishing historic buildings supports community identity and placemaking.
Key Lessons that we’ve learnt
These two developments point to replicable lessons for councils and developers alike as 2026 targets draw near.
- Partnerships Built on Shared Mission
Townley Gardens shows how a builder like us, a housing association (such as MSV), and a local council (such as Rochdale) can align around social housing needs. The result is not just an affordable supply, but a genuinely collaborative project with social and economic outcomes (employment on site, community building).
- Quality Over Cheapness
Rather than cutting corners, we invest in design, finishes, and energy-efficient homes, something we put into both Townley Gardens and Holywell Manor. This approach ensures that homes stand the test of time, reduce running costs, and contribute positively to neighbourhoods.
- Using Land Smartly
In Middleton, together with MSV, we addressed a council waitlist by delivering homes on a compact yet well-connected site. In Holywell, we repurposed a historic building rather than building entirely from scratch, a resource-efficient and sustainable strategy.
- Embedding Social Value
Our engagement in the local community (job creation, resident employment) shows how developments CAN be about more than housing supply. This strengthens the case for councils to think of developers as partners in regeneration, not just in construction.
- Long-Term Vision, Not Just Short-Term Gains
Projects like Holywell Manor and Townley Gardens show that we’re not chasing volume, we’re building for longevity. This mindset aligns with what many councils now want: homes that remain affordable and high quality decades later.
Scaling What Works in 2026
As local authorities plan their strategies for 2026 and beyond, we think that:
- More robust partnerships should be formed with experienced developers who have a track record on mixed-tenure and affordable housing, not just market sales
- Long-term outcomes should be prioritised in procurement: incentivise design, energy efficiency, and social value, not just lowest cost.
- Existing stock and brownfield sites should be reused and repurposed, especially heritage or underused buildings, to deliver affordable homes in sustainable, community-centred ways.
- Building should be measured in social value metrics, such as local employment and training on site, as part of the project brief, as well as the development and construction side of things
- Success should be monitored and celebrated. E.g. handover events, resident engagement, and public recognition (such as awards) help to demonstrate impact and reinforce public trust
Overall, our work at Townley Gardens and Holywell Manor illustrates how public–private partnerships can deliver housing that lasts, without cutting corners. As councils grapple with 2026 targets, these projects offer a real-world blueprint: align vision, invest in quality, build community, and partner with developers who share your mission. If scaled, this is exactly the kind of approach that could help local authorities meet ambitious housing goals while building neighbourhoods people are proud to call home.