Based in Elgin, the house building division of Springfield specialises in building new family homes at some of the finest locations in Moray and the North of Scotland. http://www.springfield.co.uk/ All content copyright Springfield Springfield's development at Corstophine Mews, Edinburgh is the first time that those living in the city will be able to enjoy the type of technology normally found in multi-million pound smart-homes. This collection of luxury three and four-bedroom townhouses, in the highly sought after Corstorphine area of Edinburgh, start from under £400,000; and it is this excellent value that makes them so unique. The new homes will all feature 'smart-wiring'. It is this piece of technology which will enable homeowners to control heating and lighting in various rooms around their house from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, via the iPad which is provided with each property. Springfield Properties are building the homes for the future using innovative IP (internet protocol) based technology. This integrates with the home's wifi via specific apps. These enable the owner to programme the heating system in certain areas of the house to remember the preferred timings and temperatures for that room. The lighting app features a holiday simulation mode, whereby it 'remembers' which lights were turned on and at which time over a designated period, then mimics this activity when the homeowner is away on holiday. All 11 of the exclusive Corstorphine Mews homes will also be 'smart wired' for other technologies to enable homeowners to personalise their home. This could include a SONAR multi-room audio system to enable music to be played via the iPad wirelessly in every room, or for different music to be played in each room via discreet in ceiling speakers. Alternatively, a homeowner may choose to make use of the pre-wiring for an integrated home theatre system, which features speakers built directly in the ceilings. They might choose to install an integrated waterproof TV into the bathroom for the ultimate in luxury entertainment. Situated on Gylemuir Road, close to Gyle Park, Edinburgh architectural designer Susan Stephen Architects has been responsible for the modern style of the three storey house. Each townhouse offers over 1,500sq ft of floor space and features a private mono-block driveway and French doors that lead onto decking and a private enclosed lawn garden. Each home features a keyless entry system and a state-of-the-art alarm system, which is capable of calling the homeowners mobile phone in the event of an incident, in case it is a false alarm, before notifying the authorities. Tricia Malek, sales director at Springfield added: "Springfield is excited to be opening our Corstorphine Mews development for sale. It is the first of our homes in Edinburgh to have integrated 'smart-wiring'. We felt that the addition of this state-of-the-art technology fitted perfectly with the fresh and modern style of these homes. "As with all Springfield developments, our customers are able to make a huge number of choices to personalise their home to better reflect the way they live their lives. This is a service, that from experience at our previous developments, we know is very popular as homeowners seek to create their own bespoke home." As standard, each home features contemporary oak internal doors with chrome ironmongery, tiles, white ware and kitchen from Porcelanosa, under floor heating and a cherry blossom tree in the front garden. Each homeowner works with a designer from Porcelanosa to select from the full retail range of finishes and appliances at the showroom to fit with their personal kitchen layout. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#102 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#102 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:01:35 +0100 Easter weekend will see the opening of a new, high quality housing development from Springfield at West Linton. Robinsland is the first housing development in the village of West Linton in a decade and interest has already been high. Only a 30 minute drive from Edinburgh, West Linton is a beautiful conservation village and the Springfield development, Robinsland, will be adjacent to the new primary school, currently under construction and due to open in time for the summer term. The mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes is complemented by the transformation of farm outbuildings into four stunning new steadings. The development is reached from Deanfoot Road and at the heart of the development will be The Square and a small village green area, ensuring that the development continues the village feel of the local community. The layout has been developed with award winning local architects, Aitken Turnbull, to meet the Scottish Government's Designing Streets agenda. The development is designed to maximise open views and space around the houses. There will be nine house types available on the development and Springfield has worked closely with the local Council to ensure that the overall feel of the development is in keeping with the area. Starting from 900sq ft and ranging up to 2,500sq ft, the combination of two, three and four-bedroom homes will be attractive to a range of buyers.. All houses come with the high specification as standard and Springfield's unique approach to housebuilding means that each home will be different, built to suit the individual customer. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#101 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#101 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:30:42 +0100 MORAY-BASED Springfield Properties are reporting strong signs of improvement in the housing market. According to Springfield's sales manager Joyce Napier, part of the upsurge in interest in Springfield's homes is the availability of 95% mortgages and the introduction of a new range of homes on Springfield sites. She says: "There is more interest in all our developments and the mortgage situation is getting better especially now that we have MI New Home 95% mortgages available for our customers. "The scheme has opened up the market to customers who wanted to buy but were locked out because they couldn't afford the deposit. We are seeing a lot more demand for homes priced under £150K." In response to this demand Springfield Properties have designed two new homes to make it possible to buy a two-bedroom home for as little as£104,950 at their Letterfourie development in Buckie and a three bedroom home on the same site for £124,950. And this Easter weekend customers can see these homes in the flesh for the first time when Springfield opens a three bedroom view home for customers to walk round. "This is the first time we've offered these homes for sale so we thought it was important to let customers can see for themselves the tremendous value on offer. These are fabulous homes at unbeatable prices.", said Joyce Napier As always Springield's unique approach to housebuilding applies which means that every home is different, built to suit the individual customer. The two new homes form part of a recently launched a new portfolio of homes that are being built for the first time at Letterfourie in Buckie. The homes feature clean contemporary design with smooth white render, grey windows and larch cladding. MI New home is a mortgage indemnity scheme which can deliver 95% mortgages for homes valued up to £250k. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#100 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#100 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:16:28 +0100 ELGIN-BASED Springfield Properties are leading the volume housebuilding industry in Scotland by offering a green alternative to electricity generation as an option in their new-home package. Customers can choose to install high-efficiency photovoltaic panels as part of their home specification and let solar energy help generate both electricity and some income. The slim Solar PV panels are a lightweight, low-profile fit on the roof tiles that blend in with the surrounding colouring to be unobtrusive and neat. Low maintenance technologies ensure reliability as they harness the energy of the sun in all light conditions – even on a dull winter's day. Easy to install and manage it makes access to Solar PV straightforward and delivers a highly energy efficient system designed and manufactured by a Canadian company. Supplied and installed by Inverness-based Cairngorm Solar Panels, the systems can save homeowners substantial amounts of money on their energy running costs and keep them warm and comfortable with outputs ranging from 4kW. With no other Scottish housebuilder offering Solar PV as part of a new home specification, Springfield are able to offer an electricity generation system that attracts the Feed-In tariff that means new homeowners receive 15.5p for every kW generated by the PV panels. They will also earn an additional 4.5p for every kW of surplus power generated and not used by the houseowner. All of the income is tax free and index linked for 20 years and should significantly reduce electricity bills. Installed by professionals during home construction, Springfield's high quality PV Solar Panels can even generate electricity on a cloudy day with no CO2 emissions to threaten the environment. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#99 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#99 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:58:09 +0100 MORAY MSP Mr Richard Lochhead officially opened Springfield Properties' new purpose-built head office in Elgin on Friday, 8 February, 2013. The two-storey building on Elgin's Southfield Drive is known as Alexander Fleming House, a name that was chosen after Springfield chairman Sandy Adam decided he wanted the £2 million structure to reflect a 'great' Scot and asked people for suggestions. In 1928 Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming made a chance discovery and gave the world penicillin after he examined a contaminated experiment and found a powerful antibiotic. He was the most popular choice among those who were asked. Mr Lochhead represents the Moray as an SNP in the Scottish Parliament and is also the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment in the Scottish Government. Mr Lochhead praised the company for the quality of their homes and buildings and wished them well with continuing expansion throughout Scotland. In attendance were Springfield staff members based in the building in addition to tenants of parts of the office structure let out to other businesses. The celebration also welcomed Elgin South members of Moray Council and some of Springfield's customers. Springfield Properties have occupied the building since July 8, 2010, after 14 years based at two other office locations in Elgin. The modern 10-room building is now fully let and operating as the growing Scottish house-builder's main office. In addition the accommodation includes a boardroom and several directors' offices. Alexander Fleming House is home to six different businesses, including Springfield Properties, and provides workspace for 82 people. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#98 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#98 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:33:31 +0100 Derek Mackay MSP, Minister for Local Government and Planning, visited Scotland busiest private sale housing development on 30th January 2013 and confirmed the Government's commitment to reforming the current planning system. The Minister toured Springfield Properties' Riverside Point in Braehead. Springfield currently employs around 60 skilled workers building over 60 homes a year at this development alone and was praised by the Minister for their efforts in regenerating the area, whilst building energy efficient homes and highlighted the Government's commitment to improving planning. Following his visit the Minister said: "It has been great to visit Riverside Point and see for myself how the development is helping regenerate this part of Renfrewshire. I'm encouraged that Springfield Properties have a 'can do' attitude when it comes to building new homes that are energy efficient and will contribute to our climate change agenda. "The Scottish Government is committed to reforming our planning system as part of our efforts to build sustainable economic growth. Everyone involved has a part to play in a quicker, more responsive planning system. Early, meaningful engagement and sound project management are key to efficiency and I am absolutely committed to delivering improved planning performance. "We are working together with local government colleagues and other interested parties to make sure this happens." Sandy Adam, Springfield chairman, believes the planning system will change for the better, he commented: "It was with pleasure that we hosted the Minister's. We believe the Minister's proposals for a more efficient planning system will have a positive impact on economic growth and we are keen to see them take effect. "It currently takes on average 22 months for us to deliver a home, 18 months in planning and four months to build. Springfield currently spend up to three times as much on getting planning consents as we do on buying blocks to build our houses! "Both the public and private sectors have a responsibility to make these changes work so that projects can be undertaken more quickly. In turn creating the investment in jobs and homes which will make Scotland an even more attractive place to live and work." Following the visit Springfield's managing director Innes Smith explained Springfield's approach to bulding energy efficient homes, "We believe we should build the best homes we can for our customers. Modern homes are very energy efficient, much more affordable to run and more comfortable to live in, and better for the environment." "In order to deliver timely outcomes for major planning applications, we already initiate discussions with senior officials, planners and all consultees early in the process. Things are definitely changing, with planners becoming much more open to this kind of communication and we welcome the Government's commitment to developing a streamlined approach." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#97 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#97 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 10:23:53 +0100 MORAY Council has given permission for a Masterplan for one of the most exciting new housing developments in Moray. Springfield Properties propose to build up to 380 new homes on the extensive R3 site to the south of Forres. The attractive development will be known as Ferrylea and incorporate local shops and a new dental surgery as part of the overall development. The Moray builder is keen to see an early start on the £15 million first phase of the development which will see 129 new homes set within a landscape framework of woodland which will be established over time. The first phase will include 67 affordable and 62 private homes including a mix of two, three and four-bed properties. As part of this overall mix a number of these homes will be three and four-bed bungalows alongside provision for private market starter homes. A key element of the first phase at Ferrylea will be a central open recreational space located adjacent to the proposed new neighbourhood shops and dental surgery that will provide a focal point for the development. Access to Ferrylea will be from Grantown Road. The new homes will look out over surrounding farmland and, where the site rises to the east, deliver spectacular views over Forres and to the Moray Firth. Weather permitting an early site start is anticipated with a number of key works programmed for January to allow for the delivery of the Moray Council House Building programme. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#96 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#96 Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:34:40 +0100 Springfield Properties PLC, one of Scotland's largest privately owned housebuilders, recently announced the appointment of Innes Smith to the post of managing director. The appointment comes on the back of the company experiencing a sustained rise in sales following geographic expansion from its Moray base in 2011. The company now operates from twenty live sites across Scotland and expects to build in the region of 400 homes this year. According to the new MD there is a good reason why sales have been rising on their new turf in Central Scotland, "We've seen in real hike in sales since we introduced the Springfield approach to housebuilding on our new developments. It's an approach which asks our customers what they want. Our customers tell us that our unique combination of choice, quality and service all adds up to the best value in the market and that is generating sales." Sales on the company's northern sites are bucking all trends too with a new thirty home site in Elgin selling out in matter of weeks earlier this year. Springfield chairman Sandy Adam welcomes the new appointment, "Innes knows the company inside out and is skilled in communicating our goals within Springfield and to our external partners. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Springfield retains customer focus in all its decision making. This understanding of the need to put the customer first combined with his financial background makes Innes the ideal leader for our organisation during these challenging times. " NOTE Innes Smith joined Springfield in 2005 as Finance Director. A graduate of Heriot Watt University he qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG before moving into industry as financial controller with RK Carbon Fibres, on the sale of the company to SGL Carbon Group and he was appointed Finance Director. He held this post for five years before spending the five years as Finance Director at Gael Force. He was appointed Managing Director at Springfield in October 2012 after eight years with the company. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#95 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#95 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:51:47 +0200 Two Springfield developments being built under contract to Moray Council in Elgin have recently received the highest recognition in the Premier Gurantee Excellence Awards. The developments have been jointly named UK Social Housing Development of the Year The larger, Linkwood East, will deliver 80 highly energy efficient new homes and includes one bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom homes. The project is an extension of a previous development, of 48, homes for Moray Council, their first social housing development for over twenty years. The scheme includes a play area for children and has developed parkland within the development boundaries. The second development, Waulkmill, consisits of forty similar affordable homes. This development was funded by and built for The Scottish Government, Grampian Housing Association, Langstane Housing and Moray Council. Project by project Springfield has built a reputation for taking a flexible and pragmatic approach which focuses on clients' needs to deliver high quality affordable homes. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#94 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#94 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:43:33 +0200 Waulkmill and Linkwood East have been recognised with a Premiere Guarantee Excellence Award. The developments have been jointly named National winner of the Social Housing Development of the Year category. Waulkmill is a development in the city of Elgin and consists of forty affordable homes. This development was funded by and built for: The Scottish Government, Grampian Housing Association, Langstane Housing and Moray Council. Project by project Springfield has built a reputation for delivering quality affordable homes on time and within budget by taking a flexible and pragmatic approach which focuses on what our clients need. Exceeding client expectations was the first goal Springfield set when it began building affordable homes in 2002, as we build our 700th affordable home, that is still our goal today. We have an excellent team working on our affordable housing projects focusing their can-do attitude on delivering value to our customers. MC80, Linkwood is a development located in the city of Elgin, the largest settlement area in Moray and the area of highest housing need. It is a development of eighty affordable homes comprising of one bed flats up to five bed detached villas. MC80 was funded by and built for Moray Council. The project is an extension of a previous development, MC48, which started over two years ago, this development was the first social housing development built by Moray Council for over twenty years. The scheme includes a play area for children and has developed parkland within the development boundaries. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#93 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#93 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:43:02 +0200 The outcome a of a recent judicial review means that a long held ambition of the local community in Aviemore can move forward, bringing to fruition in An Camas Mòr a development recognised as following best planning practice by Scottish Government's Sustainable Communities Initiative. Rothiemurchus Estate and Springfield Properties are working in partnership with the local community and the Cairngorms National Park Authority to deliver balanced expansion which addresses housing need on a 200 acre site on the banks of the Spey opposite Aviemore. The range of new homes proposed will appeal to all incomes, ages and family stages and include homes with associated 'home work' spaces. The wider plan includes community and commercial opportunities with office and leisure buildings in carefully planned and landscaped surroundings. Following the outcome of the review Johnnie Grant from Rothiemurchus said: "We believe we can now realise the community's long held vision of a balanced and sustainable new community sensitive to its setting in this outstandingly beautiful and very precious part of the world. Our aim is to create a wonderful place to live which, through careful planning, will offer the opportunity for healthier, more active and environmental friendly living and will meet the aspirations of the people who choose to live and work in this area. For too long there has been a desperate need for good quality housing, including lower cost housing, and this will help to address that problem." As a local family owned company with family values Springfield Properties have been identified as being able to commit to the challenges and responsibilities of building new homes in a national park. Kenny Shand, land Director at Springfield is pleased with the outcome of the review, "This is good news for us and we will start work as soon as possible to create what will be a balanced expansion of the existing community with a wide range of houses to suit different lifestyles and households. We already have a strong reputation for delivering quality and choice for customers and this will be an opportunity to build on that by creating a world class community in a world class setting. "Planning permission in Principle has already been granted, subject to a Section 75 agreement, which is close to conclusion. We will be submitting further ecology, landscape, and masterplan details to address the terms of this planning consent. "In addition to this work a detailed planning application will be submitted before the yearend for the first 200 houses as well as provision for shops and businesses on the first section of the new High Street." To find out more or to make an enquiry about living at An Camas Mòr please click here. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#92 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#92 Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:27:05 +0200 MI New Home Scheme Launched. New Springfield Homes will now be available to more people than ever before. The launch of the, MI New Home, 95% mortgage indemnity scheme makes a new Springfield home achievable to those with a low deposit but who can sustainably afford a mortgage. Supported by the Scottish Government and with major lenders behind it the scheme will allow more people to benefit from all of the advantages of living in a new build Springfield home. For more information on MI New Home please contact us or visit www.minewhome.co.uk http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#91 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#91 Wed, 12 Sep 2012 09:13:54 +0200 The Scottish Government is supporting one of the country's most dynamic entrepreneurial bodies to leverage the competitive advantage of the country's many industry-leading sustainable housing sector companies. It is to sponsor two Fellowships with the Saltire Foundation, an organisation which seeks out and nurtures Scotland's next generation of business leaders, in a move to bring fresh insights into the global potential for domestically-based eco and energy efficient house builders. As well as helping towards Government targets for eliminating fuel poverty by 2016, it is hoped that the initiative will encourage Scottish companies who have developed innovative green technologies to expand into a wider market in the rest of the UK and internationally. Housing Minister Keith Brown said: "The Saltire Fellowships are a world class initiative combining the best of business teaching with very practical experience. "This is an excellent opportunity to work with them towards the common purpose of helping Scottish companies to create a vibrant, low carbon house-building sector which will create jobs and stimulate wider economic growth." National Records of Scotland forecast that 450,000 new homes will be needed in Scotland by 2033. This is a huge opportunity for innovation and investment and more energy efficient housing that can help reduce energy bills with some savings, against comparable housing, of up to £1000 per year. The two Fellows - who are embarking on an intensive eight month programme, including study at internationally-acclaimed entrepreneurial business school Babson College in Boston and a three month commercial project with a Scottish company - are Mike Brooke and Craig Findlay. Mike, who lives in Glasgow and has held a number of senior design and marketing communications positions and Craig, also from Glasgow, who has a strong accountancy background, will be sponsored to the tune of £70,000. They will work with CCG, the Cambuslang-based construction group which has gained an enviable reputation for its sustainable building principles in both the public and private sector, and Springfield Properties, the Elgin and Larbert-based family building firm. CCG, which has the technical and intellectual capital to deliver innovative solutions through its newly established IQ-Lab, will be looking to the Saltire Fellow to help create a strategy to position and market its products more effectively. Springfield Properties, which has developed a build system to deliver highly energy efficient homes, is asking its Fellow to find new ways to bring these technologies to market profitably and to stimulate consumer enthusiasm. Sandy Kennedy, chief executive of the Saltire Foundation, said: "The involvement of Saltire Fellows in such an important sector is an excellent example of the Scottish Government becoming entrepreneurial in its own right. "It demonstrates that government does not necessarily have to do everything itself, but can be more effective by enabling professionals within different sectors to help achieve mutually desirable aims." The initiative to involve Saltire Fellows grew out of recognition in the Scottish Government of the global potential of Scotland's sustainable housing private sector which has developed technologies designed to not only to meet current specifications but to anticipate future regulation - effectively futureproofing the build. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#90 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#90 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:49:59 +0200 Edinburgh City Council issued planning consent for a Springfield development in the Powderhall are of Edinburgh on July 4. Close to Broughton Road and Powderhall Bowling Club, the new site will be known as Powderhall Gate. The development will see the transformation of a former industrial area in the heart of Edinburgh which has lain derelict for more than 10 years. Springfield has had recent success with city developments in Edinburgh at Edina and Brunstane Apartments. This new development will follow the same formula of offering our customers a high quality home in a great location at a good price. Central area sales manager Laura Mitchell said: "This will be a very sought-after development right in the middle of Edinburgh where demand is high and so we plan to market the apartments as soon as possible, probably by the end of the year." Powderhall Gate will deliver five townhouses along with 75 apartments and a 3 business units in an area where city-dwellers will be close to the heart of Edinburgh. To find out more about Powderhall Gate please visit www.springfield.co.uk call 01324 555536. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#89 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#89 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:03:41 +0200 A beautiful new showhome is wowing visitors with its family oriented living areas and sumptuous bedrooms all giving visitors ideas of what can be achieved with Springfield Choices. According to sales consultant Janice Marchii, "Opening the showhome has boosted interest in this site and we are taking reservations. The Huntly style home is beautifully fitted out and helps people appreciate the level Springfield go to when it comes to the presentation and delivery of a quality product. "Customers are pleasantly surprised by how much Springfield does to build them the home they want; this level of Choice is a unique selling feature that no one else in the industry is offering and customers realise that a new home from Springfield is even better value because it's built just the way they want it." The development has 81 homes in total, including 1 bedroom flats from £73,000 and 3 and 4 bedroom detached and semi detached homes from £156,000. The showhome is open Thursday to Monday 11am to 5pm and can be found off the High Street in Rattray. The post code is PH10 7DG and Janice can be contacted on 01250 710050. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#88 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#88 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:35:07 +0200 SPRINGFIELD Properties have hit the gold standard by winning the first Gold Building Standards Sustainability Certificate for an environmentally friendly new home. The Moray-based company, who have grown to become one of Scotland's largest home builders, were awarded the accolade by the Scottish Government after showcasing one of the first new homes in the country to meet stringent new building regulations that are not due to come into force until 2016. The new home, designed and built in partnership with Kraft Architecture and David Blaikie Architects under the banner of Future Affordable, was on display at the Fife Housing Innovation Showcase staged in Dunfermline from May 16 to 31. The Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Standards is a system of sustainability labelling introduced by Scottish Government and aimed at successfully delivering sustainable buildings. A new home which meets current building regulations would achieve Bronze standard and the closer a structure get to zero carbon the higher the standard. While Gold Standard homes have to meet a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a home built in 2007 the Springfield showcase home achieves a zero carbon standard. Gold Standard homes also have to meet many other sustainability criteria such as: minimising energy required for heating through good insulation; minimising embodied carbon; reducing water use and allowing some water recycling; design for de-construction; and building flexibility and future adaptability into the design. The Fife Showcase gave developers the opportunity to work collaboratively with architects and academics to address the question of bringing down the cost of building zero carbon homes. Homes on display were built for Kingdom Housing Association by a number of developers and had to incorporate standard elements in the exterior design to bring a level of uniformity to the development. As a result the cutting edge structures outwardly resemble a standard 2012 Scottish home. Future Affordable homes are designed to meet the challenge of building a home which complies with the new regulations and which is commercially viable for building on a large scale. According to Tom Leggeat, Partnerships Director at Springfield, "The 2016 regulations are aimed at reducing domestic carbon emissions to zero and minimising the ecological impact of house building. Building a 2016 compliant home is not difficult, there are lots of technologies out there which can be built into a home to achieve the CO2 reductions but they all come at a cost, the real challenge is finding a way to build 2016 homes that is commercially viable. "We looked first at minimising heat loss, and probably the most effective element of this build is the KII timber frame panels which have been specially developed by Kraft Architects to address the problem. Then we looked at retaining heat and reducing embodied carbon, the CO2 emitted just as a result of building the home. "As a result the home is built around an e.Core, developed by David Blaikie, which is manufactured off site, is fitted with the bathrooms and is constructed to act as a thermal mass, storing heat within the home. Environmental impact is further reduced with the use of Scottish grown timber and recycled materials. "Finally we've topped up with micro renewable technology which means the 2016 home generates more energy than it consumes. "Building these homes has helped us to understand the commercial implications of the new 2013 and 2016 regulations. We have seen quite a leap in costs, especially where we had to incorporate micro-renewables such as photo voltaic tiles. However we have proven that these can be kept to a minimum and with the help of Government subsidy aimed at encouraging homes to be built to meet higher standards in areas like energy efficiency we are confident that we can build these efficient homes within affordability benchmarks for housing associations." In addition to the KII panels and the e.Core the Future Affordable 2016 home incorporates 3kW of solar photovoltaic tiles which generate electricity from sunlight with surplus electricity available to be sold back to the National Grid. The electricity generated by the homes photovoltaic tiles is used to power a highly efficient air source heat pump heating system that works like a fridge in reverse, extracting heat from outside air, even at temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. This heat is transferred to water for heating and domestic hot water. On paper the Springfield Properties' Gold Standard winning 2016 compliant home generates more energy than it consumes leaving a £450 annual credit for the owner making the home very affordable to run. The homes will be monitored over time to gather evidence of the real savings that are made. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#87 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#87 Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:25:16 +0200 Springfield Properties has been looking to the future building the first home in Scotland to meet new building regulations due to come into force in 2016. The home, which is has been designed and built in partnership with Kraft Architecture and David Blaikie Architects under the banner of Future Affordable, is on view at the Fife Housing Innovation Showcase. The Showcase has given developers the opportunity to work collaboratively with architects and academics to address the question of bringing down the cost of building zero carbon homes. The homes at the Showcase have been built for Kingdom Housing Association by a number of developers and had to incorporate standard elements in the exterior design to bring a level of uniformity to the development, so outwardly these cutting edge homes look fairly standard. Future Affordable homes are designed to meet the challenge of building a home which complies with the new regulations and which is commercially viable for building on a large scale. According to Tom Leggeat, Partnerships Director at Springfield, "The 2016 regulations are aimed at reducing domestic carbon emissions to zero and minimising the ecological impact of house building. Building a 2016 compliant home is not difficult, there are lots of technologies out there which can be built into a home to achieve the CO2 reductions but they all come at a cost, the real challenge is finding a way to build 2016 homes that is commercially viable. "We looked first at minimising heat loss, and probably the most effective element of this build is the KII timber frame panels which have been specially developed by Kraft Architects to address the problem. Then we looked at retaining heat and reducing embodied carbon, the CO2 emitted just as a result of building the home. As a result the home is built around an e.Core, developed by David Blaikie, which is manufactured off site, is fitted with the bathrooms and is constructed to act as a thermal mass, storing heat within the home. Environmental impact is further reduced with the use of Scottish grown timber and recycled materials. "Finally we've topped up with micro renewable technology which means the 2016 home generates more energy than it consumes." In addition to the KII panels and the e.Core the Future Affordable 2016 home incorporates 3kW of solar photovoltaic tiles which generate electricity from sunlight; surplus electricity is sold back to the grid. This electricity is used to power a highly efficient air source heat pump heating system. The system works like a fridge in reverse, extracting heat from outside air, even at temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, this heat is transferred to water for heating and domestic hot water. On paper the 2016 compliant home generates more energy than it consumes leaving a £450 annual credit for the owner making the home very affordable to run. The homes will be monitored over time to gather evidence of the real savings that are made. Future Affordable also have on show 2010 and 2013 compliant homes. The Fife Housing Innovation Showcase is open to the public daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm from 16th May to 31st May and can be found off Dunlin Drive in Dunfermline. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#86 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#86 Fri, 11 May 2012 12:43:52 +0200 Springfield's recent launch of a new, superbly styled show home at Middleton of Canmore, Braemar has generated tremendous interest in the development. Situated within the beautiful Cairngorms National Park the development is comprised of a selection of just 25 three and four-bedroom homes, Middleton of Canmore is a traditionally styled development that has a real "wow" factor. The show home is an example of Springfield's four-bedroom detached villas. Designed by Laura Strong, the 'Cairnwell' show home features a modern take on traditional Scottish design in shades reflecting the Braemar landscape. Visitors can see bespoke furniture and beautiful textiles from Johnston's of Elgin as part of the overall show home ensemble. The stylish kitchen was designed and built by Riverside Kitchens of Elgin and is an example of what can be achieved with our successful Springfield Choices programme. Available to every customer, the Choices programme enables buyers to tailor their home to suit their individual needs. A wood-burning stove comes as standard in all the Middleton of Canmore properties and all rooms on the ground floor benefit from under floor heating. An air source heat pump, ensures that these homes in the country are as cosy as they are beautiful, and both energy efficient and economical to run. Situated in the heart of Royal Deeside, Middleton of Canmore is nestled in a leafy site on the edge of the village. Each home is thoughtfully designed with sizeable rooms and a consistently high level of specification throughout, with the four bedroom detached properties, like the show home, also featuring an integrated garage. Our sales manager, Joyce Napier, says: "Middleton of Canmore is an exquisite development that is already generating a high level of interest within the local community, with one home already reserved. "Royal Deeside is one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland and to be able to live in the Cairngorm National Park really does afford some wonderful opportunities to the people who choose to buy here. "We have developed the look of the properties to complement the established neighbouring buildings, to give the feeling of community within the development for those who live here." The development is located just off the main Glenshee Road (A93), at Braemar and offers easy access to the park, local adventure pursuits such as mountain biking and skiing and excellent schools are within a short distance. The show home is open Thursday to Monday 11am to 5pm. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#85 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#85 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:54:58 +0200 Springfield Properties has joined forces with one of Scotland's top Property Consultants and Estate Agents and a leading registered social landlord to roll out a funding model that is delivering affordable homes across Scotland, it was revealed today. Rettie and Co's Resonance® funding model, has led to the construction of 35 new homes in Edinburgh's Brunstane Court with hundreds more planned across the country. During the construction, 126 jobs, both direct and indirect, were sustained. The development has been spearheaded by Springfield Properties plc, Dunedin Canmore Housing Association (DCHA) and Rettie & Co, with the support of Scottish Government and Edinburgh City Council. Eighteen of the new homes are earmarked for mid-market rental, managed and maintained by Dunedin Canmore Housing Association (DCHA) for up to 10 years. Three homes will remain permanently in the DCHA portfolio increasing the city's permanent stock of affordable housing. The remainder of the homes have been sold on the private market. Chairman of Springfield Properties, Sandy Adam, said: "We are in the business of housing people and in these economic times that has become a more difficult task. The Resonance® Funding Model has the potential to make a very significant contribution to the delivery of much needed new homes in Scotland. "As well as the affordable homes it is enabling us to build homes for private sale that would not otherwise have come to market." Housing Minister Keith Brown said: "I am pleased that all Rettie and Co and its partners have worked with Dunedin Canmore and Edinburgh City Council so positively to embrace this approach, as one that can help ease housing pressures locally. "I hope that this can act as a catalyst to encourage bolder, innovative approaches that will maximise supply through increased partnership working of this sort." Councillor Paul Edie said "This is a fantastic development. Edinburgh has a desperate shortage of Affordable Housing, and projects like this help people to get onto the housing ladder. Tackling the affordable housing crisis in Edinburgh needs a three way partnership between the Council, Housing Associations and the Private Sector" Director of Rettie & Co, Matthew Benson said: "There are a further 300 plus units currently under negotiation or in full legals on Resonance® projects across Scotland pending Scottish Government or Local Authority approval. Of these, up to 39 units could remain with the RSL partners as affordable housing in perpetuity." Background Resonance® is efficient and cost effective and provides affordable homes without the need for Government grant assistance. This is the second deal to be put together under the model developed by Rettie & Co. Resonance® delivers a permanent stock of affordable housing alongside housing intended for private ownership over the medium term. This is achieved by bringing together private and public sector partners to share the risk and cost enabling them to achieve development that could not be achieved as individual organisations. Resonance® is quick and cost effective to execute, with limited procurement making it an appealing structure for both Private and Public sectors proving its viability and ability to be replicated. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#84 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#84 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:33:52 +0100 Mortgage Help is on the way and Springfield Head Office is 'buzzing' with the news. Hot on the heels of this month's launch of the NewBuy scheme in England, MI New Home – an innovative new scheme developed by Homes for Scotland - is set to launch. It is envisaged that the national mortgage indemnity scheme will assist some 6,000 first time buyers, and others aspiring to purchase a new build house or apartment, secure a mortgage of up to 95% of the purchase price. The Scottish Government will be supporting the scheme by providing a guarantee for lenders, and Homes for Scotland projects that this could create or safeguard 22,800 new construction jobs and over 650 apprenticeships. This is great news for the house building industry and prospective home owners alike. We will update our news page with confirmation of our participation, further details on the scheme, including eligibility, participating lenders and a launch date, following more detailed discussions with Homes for Scotland and the Council of Mortgage Lenders. Please visit www.minewhome.co.uk for more information. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#83 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#83 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:37:48 +0100 Springfield Properties' Elgin developments Duncanshill and Duncansfield have been given the final seal of approval from Moray's planning committee. Springfield began marketing Duncanshill for sale, subject to planning consent, shortly after the planning committee announced it was 'minded to approve' in January. According to sales manager Joyce Napier the response has been phenomenal, "We have more than twenty of the thirty homes reserved in less than four weeks, these bungalows are the right homes in a fantastic golf course location, we thought sales would be brisk and Duncansfield is proving to be a real flyer. Now we're excited about launching nearby Duncansfield which showcases our new portfolio of family homes." Sandy Adam Springfield chairman welcomed the planning news and emphasised the importance of this decision to protecting jobs in Elgin, "This final go ahead contributes to sustaining about 100 Moray jobs including those on site, in our head office and at our subcontractors and suppliers. These homes are a testament to having the right product in the right location and provide a welcome boost at a challenging time." Prices start at £134,950 for a two bedroom detached bungalow. To find out more about this development please call 01343 552550. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#82 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#82 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:57:35 +0100 CHOICE, flexibility, quality, care and commitment are values that personify Springfield Properties' approach to selling new homes. And it is on that front that the unique 'Choices at Springfield' programme is pushing Springfield ahead of the competition by allowing clients freedom to specify significant features in their new homes within the standard price. The Scottish housebuilder currently has 23 sites throughout Scotland from Dalkeith and Kilwinning in the south, through Perthshire and the North East to Moray and the Highlands. Chairman Sandy Adam has studied other industries to see how they market products and respond to customers' individual requirements. And as the model for 'Choices at Springfield' he took a lead from the motor industry. He says: "Car manufacturers give you all manner of choices and options as well as great warranties and after-sales service. "As housebuilders we believe you should expect even more from us, especially when you are paying up to 20 times as much for your home as you would a car." What that means is an unrivalled level of choice that is new to housebuilding. Springfield ask clients exactly what they want adapting floorplans to suits them. Next we find out what interior wall colours our customers prefer and where they want radiators and sockets. Finally we put clients in touch with an independent kitchen showroom to design the kitchen and choose tiles. Sandy Adam adds: "When I started building new homes over twenty years ago, I asked myself what I needed to do to make sure people would choose my homes, over my competitors'. "I decided that looking after my customers was the answer. Building each customer the home they really wanted, just the way they wanted it, guaranteeing a high quality build and providing great customer service before and after the sale. "More than 2000 satisfied customers later the philosophy is the same. Springfield don't charge any more than anyone else, we just work differently. "We start by asking you what you want and drawing a floorplan that suits you. We send you to an independent showrooms to design your kitchen and choose your tiles. We wait until you've told us what colours your walls should be and where you want radiators and sockets – and only then do we begin your new home. "When you buy a new car, you get huge choice of engines, colours, trims and optional extras. I think our clients should expect even more choice when they buy a new house from us. And that is what they get!" And while 'Choices at Springfield' allows house-buyers industry-leading flexibility to tailor a new home to suit their personal taste and style within the standard package, Springfield also offer a wide range of additional features as part of their 'Options' programme which allows buyers to specify additional features from downlighters to sun lounges. Customers are already benefiting from Sandy Adam's vision and giving Springfield Properties positive feedback on our level of attention to service, detail and choice. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#81 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#81 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:24:56 +0100 THE chairman of Elgin-based Springfield Properties, Sandy Adam, has responded positively to the decision today (January 24) by Moray Council's Planning Committee to be minded to approve Springfield's planning application for vital housing developments at their R9 and R10 sites in Elgin. The firm, who have already had to lay-off workers because of earlier uncertainty over Moray Council's position on R9 and R10, say the long-term impact on Springfield Properties' operations and jobs in Moray would have been under serious threat had permission for the housing not been forthcoming. Mr Adam is concerned by the negative role played in the permission delays by Moray Council's road department and says: "This is not the first time a Springfield application has been held up by the spurious actions of Moray Council roads officials. "The last time it happened we ran to appeal and the Reporter described the actions of the roads officials as 'unreasonable', awarding costs against the Council. "In the interests of the Moray taxpayer I hope the Council has taken action which will prevent both Springfield and Moray Council wasting precious resources on roads department red herrings." The chairman is also concerned about the implications of the R9 and R10 permissions and the related knock-on effect on the long-overdue Elgin Bypass line. "This application has highlighted the strategic importance of showing a deliverable bypass line for Elgin as well as the issue of the unsuitability of the current bypass line, which we believe is likely to be removed from the next local plan. "We need to be seeking a solution now which will provide a safe, efficient and quick transport system around Elgin and which will provide new homes as they are needed through the long term strategic growth of Elgin. "We believe the solution is the Southern Alternative Route which would run south from the A96 just before Barmuckity, rejoining the main road to the west of the Oakwood. "The route skirts land which can accommodate the long-term planned expansion of Elgin and ultimately can be achieved with cooperation between public and private sectors. We shall be promoting the route and designations to the Moray Council." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#80 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#80 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:32:38 +0100 Alex Neil MSP - Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment - has presented this year's Saltire Society Housing Design Awards at a high profile ceremony in Edinburgh. Springfield Properties were honoured for their involvement in piloting the Resonance funding scheme along with the originators of the scheme, Rettie & Co and Dunedin and registered social landlord, Dunedin Canmore Group. The three received top honours in the Saltire Society's new Scottish Government backed 'Innovation in Housing' Award for this a new approach to financing social and affordable housing schemes; areas the Saltire Society actively seeks to promote via the awards. The awards panel found the Resonance model to be an 'exceptionally innovative' way of kick starting construction to provide affordable housing without the need for grant assistance. The model was developed by Rettie and Co and commissioned by Springfield Property Fund & Dunedin Canmore. Architects Elder and Cannon were celebrating after scooping two of The Society's prestigious gongs for their 'Botany Phase 1' project in the Glasgow's Maryhill – including only the second-ever 'Saltire Medal', a special accolade chosen by 2011's Guest Chair of Judges, Malcolm Fraser who hosted the event and is one of Scotland's foremost contemporary Architects. The Saltire Society was founded in 1936 to encourage everything that might improve the quality of life in Scotland and restore the country to its proper place as a creative force in Europe. It seeks to preserve all that is best in Scottish tradition and to encourage new developments which can strengthen and enrich the country's cultural life. It has wide ranging interests including architecture, arts & crafts, civil engineering, history, literature, music, and science – and promotes excellence in many fields through a series of national awards. After choosing to inaugurate the new Innovation in Housing award through the Saltire scheme earlier this year, Mr Neil MSP congratulated the successful entrants to the awards: 'Our backing for the Saltire Housing Awards recognises the significant role the Awards play in encouraging debate and raising aspirations for good design and the creation of successful, sustainable places. I am particularly proud to be also presenting the new Innovation in Housing Award this year as it encourages innovative thinking in procurement and construction as well as design'. Springfield chairman Sandy Adam is delighted with this recognition, "At Springfield we believe that everyone in Scotland should have a decent place to live; as a developer we have the opportunity to contribute through the quality of our housing, private, affordable and social; through promoting both private and affordable new homes; and by innovating to introduce schemes such as Resonance which allow more homes to be built. "The Saltire Society have been dedicated to improving the quality of life for Scots for many years and we very much appreciate this prestigious recognition of our work." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#79 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#79 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:03:33 +0100 Springfield properties have continued their commitment to affordable housing by (this month) handing over, to Langstane Housing Association,22 two and three bedroom homes for affordable rental . The properties, which make up the Nelson Brae development in Keith represented a significant challenge to the developer due to the difficult gradient of the site. Building on land which had been overlooked for several years due to the complexities of build required, Springfield Properties employed value engineering techniques to optimise the space available for new homes. The steep sloping nature of the site also influenced the design of some of the properties, with homes sited on the slope accessed from street level by individual steel bridges; the front doors of the properties lead into the first floor living area, with a spacious living room and fully fitted kitchen. On the ground floor the family bathroom and bedrooms look out on to the garden which is accessed via an outdoor staircase descending from the steel bridge. On the opposite side of the street the layout of the properties is more traditional with the living room, (wc) and kitchen which offers access to the rear garden on the ground floor and spacious bedrooms and a family bathroom upstairs. Whilst the site had not been utilised for housing previously, the area was popular amongst dog walkers and joggers, a point which Springfield recognised by installing a series of rustic pathways to maintain the sites original connections. Tom Leggeat, Springfield's Partnership Director said: "Coming to a site which had been overlooked for so long was a challenge, the slope of the development made it difficult to visualise in the beginning, but by using the experience of our in-house engineers we were able to deliver the properties with an excellent level of specification and within the Government benchmarks for affordable housing. "After a considerable effort, we are really proud of the end results and are pleased to be able to hand over 22 completed units to Langstane Housing Association, which we hope will become excellent homes for their future tenants." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#78 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#78 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:16:54 +0100 Springfield are working in partnership with David Blaikie Architects & BSW Homegrown Timber to deliver a sustainable & affordable housing system for the social rented & private market. The development of the system has involved Developers, Manufacturers, Architects, Academia & Material Suppliers working collaboratively to produce a housing system that supports these aims through the use of homegrown C16 timber, thermal mass, recycled materials, high thermal performance, excellent built quality and low to zero carbon emissions using appropriate innovative construction techniques that are readily adoptable by the house building sector. The first demonstration of the house system in the UK will be available to view at the Fife Housing Innovation Showcase 2012. A terrace of three homes designed for tenancy will demonstrate how to achieve 2013 Low Carbon & 2016 Zero Carbon. For more information please visit www.futureaffordable.co.uk http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#77 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#77 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:12:37 +0100 First time buyers are being given the opportunity to own a stylish two bedroom house complete with garden, for under £100,000 at Springfield Properties' Silver Birch Park development in Motherwell. Priced at just £99,000 a selection of two bedroom terraced villas, featuring traditional back and front doors, are available at the popular Lanarkshire development. Perfect for first time buyers, these homes offer new buyers the opportunity to personalise aspects of their new home. From kitchen tiles and units, to paint choices and fitted wardrobe doors, buyers will be able to create their ideal finish. As well as spacious living areas, each house features an open plan kitchen complete with French doors leading out onto a garden area creating the perfect setting for entertaining. Situated in the bustling town of Motherwell, Silver Birch Park is a stunning development which boasts excellent commuter links as well as a number of recreational and leisure pursuits, ideal for young buyers to the area. Tricia Malek, sales and marketing director for Springfield Properties said: "Not everyone who is trying to get their foot on the property ladder is looking for an apartment, so to be able to offer a house for under £100,000 is very attractive for first time buyers. "Many first time buyers are resorting to purchasing their house through shared equity schemes, however, priced under £100,000 these homes will enable many new buyers the opportunity to fully own 100% of their property, an attractive offering in today's market. "Priced so they fall below the stamp duty threshold, these two bedroom villas will also appeal to those looking to move to the area. "I believe that with the high specification on offer, coupled with the location and the price, these homes won't be available for long." Prices at Silver Birch Park start from £99,000. For further information please visit www.springfield.co.uk or call 01698 249 085. The marketing suite and show home at Craigneuk Street, Donnelly Avenue, Motherwell, ML2 7XE, is open from 10am-5.30pm Thursday to Monday. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#75 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#75 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:27:38 +0100 The Resonance® Funding Model developed by Rettie & Co, and implemented in conjunction with Springfield Properties Plc, Dunedin Canmore Housing Association and City of Edinburgh Council beat stiff competition across the UK to win the 'Excellence in Housing Finance and Development' category and the judge-nominated category 'Outstanding Achievement in Housing in Scotland' at the prestigious Chartered Institute of Housing UK Housing Awards 2011. The event was organised by Inside Housing magazine and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), and attracted a phenomenal response with submissions from the length and breadth of the UK. The winners were announced at a ceremony presented by Michael Portillo at the Park Lane Hilton in London on 9th November. The awards, now in their fifteenth year, recognise excellence across 11 categories and present prizes for outstanding achievement in housing in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and for the UK as a whole. Matthew Benson, director of Rettie & Co said, "Winning these two national awards is a great achievement. A huge collaborative effort has been put in by the combined team, working closely with City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government to bring forward this Funding Model. "Its great strength is it replicability, scaleability and its ability to deliver housing across all tenures. Moray Apartments is now built and occupied and there are a further 700+ units that can be delivered in the same way across Edinburgh, not to mention other locations "The model itself and the way it has been brought to fruition, is a great example of the public and private sector co-operating and innovating to maintain supply under very difficult market circumstances. We hope that these awards will give confidence to other local authorities across the U.K. to examine the Resonance® Model in more detail.". Key features of the model as delivered at Moray Apartments are: • 40 units built altoghether sustaining 144 jobs and circulating £3.5million into the local economy • 13 of these units available for affordable rent with an option to buy • 2 units retained in perpetuity by the Housing Association • 2 units freed up from Local Authority social rent stock from tenants moving up to affordable rent at Moray Apartments • Capital released quickly to developers to re-invest Reacting to the win Springfield Properties chairman, Sandy Adam, said: "I am delighted that Springfield was chosen as build contractor on this successful pilot project and that the project has received further recognition. The bottom line is that constraints on Government funding for the foreseeable future mean we need innovative ideas like this to attract private finance into affordable housing. I am confident that the Resonance funding model will deliver thousands of homes to Scottish cities." Further projects are now under review across the Lothians, Fife, Pethshire, The Highlands and London. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#76 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#76 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:16:36 +0100 Springfield Properties Plc, the fast-growing independent Scottish house builder, has announced a significant rise in sales and profits. Unveiling its annual results for the year to end May, Springfield generated sales of £40m, up from £34m the year previously, and boosted profits by over 38% from £1.8m last year to £2.5m. During the year, Springfield handed over 350 completed homes. The Elgin-based company expects to achieve substantial sales growth over the coming year following the £49m acquisition in July of Redrow's Scottish sites as part of its ambitious expansion plans. Springfield also believes its "Springfield Choices" philosophy, which allows customers a wide range of choice and options to customise their home, differentiates its product and will strengthen sales in the central belt. Sandy Adam, chairman of Springfield, said: "We are very pleased to have achieved these results in what continues to be a very challenging market for the house building industry as a whole. "Harmonisation of Springfield with the Redrow business in Scotland is going well and overall the former Redrow sites are performing to expectation. "At the core of our business is the philosophy that you secure sales by giving people the homes that they want and giving them value. The more the market gets to know our name and our emphasis on customer choice and customer service, the more sales we'll achieve." Springfield is continuing to buy land and increase its land bank and also remains in the market for acquisitions. Mr Adam said: "Through prudent land buying, we have been able to put more money into building a better quality home and still price competitively. "The Redrow deal has allowed us to achieve some of our expansion plans but we remain in the market for further acquisitions should these have the right mix of quality sites, design, build and employees." During 2012, Springfield plans to roll out a new portfolio of homes with a strong corporate identity as new sites achieve planning consent. Affordable housing also continues to make a valuable contribution to Springfield, building on contract to local authorities, registered social landlords and private investors. Springfield has built over 700 affordable homes since 2002. Sandy Adam added: "Clearly we still face a very challenging environment with clients experiencing difficulties in securing mortgages - particularly the first time buyers who seed sales up the ladder. The planning process can be cumbersome with great variations between authorities, though we are seeing welcome seeds of change with some councils recognising that a healthy house building industry stimulates the economy and removing unnecessary hurdles which hold up projects. "However, our land bank is rapidly expanding and providing the platform for superb value for future customers and growth. We are working hard to make our homes and our services the most appealing on the market." Originally established in Elgin in 1956, Springfield Properties is a family-led company which began to increasingly focus on property development in the mid 1990s. Under the leadership of Sandy Adam, grandson of the founder of Springfield, the company has built over 2000 homes since 1998, delivering high-quality private and social housing. Last year Springfield secured a loan facility from HSBC to underpin its drive into the central belt. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#73 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#73 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:09:13 +0100 SPRINGFIELD Properties have bucked the current housing trend by selling out a development in Elgin in record time. The Moray builders' 14 up-market two and three-bedroomed IV30 Apartments on Elgin's South Street has sold out and the first owner moved in last Friday. According to sales manager Joyce Napier the success of the apartments was down to their overall appeal in the current market, "They have a great location in the West End of Elgin, just a stone's throw from the High Street with off-street parking - that's a real bonus in town," she said. "The development's appealing architecture and interior layouts were linked to reasonable prices. I'm delighted that all of the apartments have sold out in less than eight months. They have really struck a cord with downsizers and investors." Springfield have a long association with the site on which the apartments are built. The development substantially improved the streetscape and replace a tired office block which, fourteen years ago, housed Springfield's original office when the company employed just two people. Today they employ around 240 people and are one of Scotland's largest private housebuilders developing sites across Scotland. The company will be releasing its next Elgin project, phase two at Dunkinty, in mid November - a mix of two and three-bedroom homes in a courtyard layout will be offered in this popular woodland location which lies within walking distance of town offering the best of country and town life. Two further Elgin developments are currently the subject of a planning application - Duncansfield and Duncanshill. Both lie close to Elgin's golf course and the developments will offer a mix of bungalows, apartments and detached and semi-detached homes. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#72 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#72 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:47:39 +0200 Two of our important sites in Moray are nearing decisions with sizeable planning applications timetabled to go in front of Moray Council planning committee in December. Planning applications were submitted last year for 180 new homes across the two sites – R9 and R10. Our proposals for R9 feature a mixture of 3 and 4 bed semi-detached and detached bungalows and sees the launch of our most stylish and innovative house designs to date. R10s proposal features a mixture of 2, 3 and 4 bed properties incorporating a mixture of our award winning house styles and newer styles such as the'Huntly' which has been recently introduced on our Letterfourie development in Buckie. PROPOSED LAYOUTS AND COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGES COMING SOON! Please call 01343 552550 today for more information of if you would like your details added to our waiting list. *Information is not passed to third parties. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#71 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#71 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:19:34 +0200 Moray Council has granted planning approval for the second phase of our prestigious Dunkinty development in Elgin. Following on from the successful first phase of housing, built on the former ground of Dunkinty House, the secondary phase will consist of a further 14 two and three-bedroom linked detached properties. Set within the existing 12 acres of woodland landscape in a courtyard-style layout, each home will be complete with large garden areas. The site is situated in Elgin's southern boundary, just a few minutes' walk from local amenities and just five minutes' drive from Elgin's thriving town centre. Sandy Anderson, our Managing Director, said recently "We are committed to creating beautiful homes for the people of Moray and it is with pleasure we can formally announce that planning has been granted for our exciting second phase at Dunkinty. At Springfield, we pride ourselves on offering our customers choice as well as exceptional quality. The first release of housing at Dunkinty has proven to be an attractive solution for buyers looking to live within an exclusive woodland environment but who also wish to remain close to local amenities. We anticipate the launch of phase two will create a similar level of interest. For more information, please contact our Sales Manager Joyce Napier on 01343 552 550. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#70 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#70 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:12:11 +0200 THE Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and capital Investment Mr Alex Neil MSP examined some of Moray's largest and most modern affordable housing developments during his visit to Elgin for a Scottish Cabinet meeting on September 6. During his visit Mr Neil was shown round Springfield Properties Waulkmill and Linkwood developments by the chairman of the Elgin-based house-building firm, Mr Sandy Adam. The Minister toured various Springfield Properties homes on both affordable housing developments which have been praised for their quality and innovative design. Later Springfield's chairman said: "I am delighted that Alex Neil was able to take time out of his busy schedule to view our affordable housing developments. "Springfield will build its 700th affordable home in Moray this year, a great achievement which is the result of strong partnerships between Springfield, local housing associations and Moray Council. "Mr Neil was impressed by the work we've been doing and encouraged us to continue to look for new ways to provide all kinds of affordable housing." He viewed a four-bedroom home at Waulkmill which features an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, a large fitted kitchen and a large 'walk in' shower on the ground floor. The generous rear garden makes this a superb family home, one of nearly 700 affordable homes that Springfield have built since 2002. Also in attendance during Mr Neil's visit to the developments were senior Springfield Properties staff, officials from Moray Council and the chief executive of Grampian Housing Association, Mr Neil Clapperton. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#68 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#68 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:57:52 +0200 Award winning homebuilder, Springfield Properties, has released its first homes in Perthshire at its new development in Rattray. 'Kinloch Gardens' is the first development in the area for the developer and will comprise of 81 stunning homes with a range of house types to suits different lifestyles. For those looking to take their first step onto the property ladder there is a selection of two bedroom upper and lower flatted villas, whilst house hunters searching for the ideal family home or a larger property will be spoilt for choice with a range of three and four bedroom homes. As with all new Springfield homes, buyers will have the opportunity to personalise their new property, from choosing the colour of the internal walls to designing and selecting their kitchen at the Riverside Kitchen showrooms in either Glasgow or Elgin. Tricia Malek, Sales Director for Springfield Properties, commented: "This is our first development in Perthshire and we are bringing a new brand of home building to the area. At Springfield, we are passionate about providing quality homes and about giving our customers a degree of choice that is rarely available when buying a new build property. "Whether you are starting out with your first home, growing your family or seeking to downsize, we believe we have something for everyone. Rattray itself is very charming, so we expect there to be a high level of interest from those in the surrounding area looking to make a move into a new property within the town." Rattray has a long history of settlement and this new development will welcome new families to the area and offer spacious homes for those who already know and love the neighbourhood. Based just a few streets from of the main A93 and only minutes walk from the shops of the High Street, Kinloch Gardens, is also perfectly situated for enjoying the delights of rural Perthshire, be it golf at either Landsdown or Rosemont golf courses or skiing at nearby Glen Shee. Kinloch Gardens is ideal for families, with Rattray Primary School within easy reach. The school has both a Silver Eco schools awards and UNICEF's prestigious Rights Respecting School status. Blairgowrie High School in Beeches Road provides secondary education for the area. A 'school of ambition', Fred McAuley is counted as a past pupil. The beautiful city of Perth is just half an hour from Rattray, ideal for commuters and for train links all over Scotland. Rattray itself has excellent bus connections and the main road routes in and out are only a few streets from the development. Prices at Kinloch Gardens start from £163,000. For further information please visit www.springfield.co.uk or call 01343 552550. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#67 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#67 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:52:54 +0200 Springfield Properties are no strangers to honours for their homes and the latest honour has come from a national awards programme. The prestigious Herald Property Awards has given Springfield a Commendation in the Best Family Home category for the popular Moy design at Knockomie Meadows in Forres. According to sales manager Joyce Napier, "This home sells well thanks to its great strength – its flexibility as a family home. This is great recognition for our team; we've put a lot of time and effort into making this home just right for our clients and I'm delighted that the judges agree!" The home has been designed to have living areas that are bright and roomy and a selection of alternative open plan layouts are possible to suit buyers particular desires and needs. The upstairs layout can be three or four bedrooms with some clients choosing to use the fourth bedroom as a study or TV room. The Herald Property Awards judges were impressed with just how much Springfield do for the client to build them a home tailored to fit their lifestyle. Add to that the attractive location in this small friendly town and The Moy at Knockomie Meadows is a winner! http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#69 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#69 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:15:21 +0200 In an important step forward in the development of new funding models, 35 more homes are to be delivered using the Resonance® model. Springfield Properties plc and Dunedin Canmore Housing Association (DCHA) are working together to deliver the homes at phase two of the Brunstane Court residential development in Musselburgh. 18 of these units will be dedicated for mid-market rental, managed and maintained by DCHA for up to 10 years, with three held in perpetuity by DCHA, increasing the city's permanent stock of affordable housing. Site construction is well underway, maintaining nearly 126 jobs. The deal is the second to be put together under the Resonance® model, developed by Rettie & Co. Resonance® delivers a permanent stock of affordable housing alongside housing intended for private ownership over the medium term, by bringing together private and public sector partners and kick-starting construction on mothballed sites. Commenting on the latest deal, Sandy Adam, Chairman of Springfield Properties plc said, "Constraints on Government funding and bank lending mean we need to look elsewhere for the finance to build new homes. Resonance is the only funding model I've seen which drives private investment into affordable housing and supports the delivery of great value homes for the private market. "It's a formula that suits us as both a builder and property investor, and which addresses the growing demand for affordable mid market rentals and from downsizers. "We are delighted that in partnership with DCHA and City of Edinburgh Council we have been able to build 75 homes in Edinburgh which otherwise would not have been built so quickly. With thirty seven private homes and 38 DCHA mid market rental homes, 5 of which are permanently added to the DCHA portfolio, Resonance is certainly doing what it says on the tin!" This is the second signing under Resonance®, with a further 215 units currently under negotiation or in full legals on five additional projects across Scotland. Of these, up to 39 units could remain with the RSL partners as affordable housing in Perpetuity. Ewan Fraser, CEO of Dunedin Canmore HA, said "the model offers an effective way for housing associations and house builders to work together to deliver much needed construction activity and affordable housing provision, both for the medium and long term. We look forward to being able to work with Government to build upon the Resonance® approach." Moray Apartments on Milton Road East is adjacent to Brunstane Court and delivered 15 mid market rental homes for DCHA. As the pilot project for Resonance®, it won the Local Authority & Key Agency Working category at the Homes for Scotland Quality Awards and was a finalist in the Scottish Home Awards Community Partnership of the Year award. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#74 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#74 Sat, 20 Aug 2011 15:32:23 +0200 SCOTTISH builder Springfield Properties, in partnership with Rothiemurchus Estate, has this week announced the masterplan delivery team which will move forward the first phase of An Camas Mòr, the innovative new community planned for the Cairngorms National Park. An Camas Mòr, will be a new community of up to 1,500 homes and community, business and leisure facilities which will generate job opportunities within 200 acres of Rothiemurchus Estate, to the east of the River Spey at Aviemore. The masterplan delivery team has been selected for their experience in delivering exceptional projects of this nature. Each is a leader in their field of expertise and will be instrumental in helping the partnership deliver the initial phase of this proposed new community of 80 affordable homes, 95 homes for private sale, 25 self build plots and community services. Springfield chairman Sandy Adam said: "At Springfield when we appoint someone to a job we get the very best person we can for that job and that is exactly what we have done here. The track record of everyone on this team convinces me that they are the best people to ensure that the environmental and landscape design focus also delivers a great place to live and work The principal designer on the project has been announced as Karen Cadell of urban design architecture firm AREA. The Linlithgow-based firm focuses on the surrounding environment as inspiration in their plans – an asset which helped seal their place on this significant development. Ian White and Nick Bowen of Stirling-based, Ian White Associates have been confirmed as the landscape architects to the project. Their background in sensitive environmental work and experience of residential, park and forestry design will ensure that the plans will minimise the impact of the development on the landscape. Joining the team will be David Sim of GEHL Architects. This hugely respected international group will offer insight into the best use of the space available. They are focused on promoting a holistic lifestyle, which is perfect for this area of the Cairngorms National Park. The final member of the masterplan team is John Darbyshire of JDC Ecology Ltd. The ecological and wildlife consultancy will be responsible for ensuring that the development has minimal impact on the surrounding wildlife and ecology. Johnnie Grant, of Rothiemurchus Estate, said of the team: "The team selected for this project represent some of the leading thinkers in their fields. Their practices are in line with the thinking of the consortium – that An Camas Mòr will be 'a good habitat for people', a place that will be a flourishing and resilient neighbourhood. "We are committed to ensuring that An Camas Mòr reaches the standards befitting Rothiemurchus, the Cairngorms National Park and this special place I call home." Springfield chairman Sandy Adam added: "Springfield is an established and thriving business. We build quality homes that reflect the needs of people and communities. The careful appointment of this masterplan team demonstrates our commitment to working with the community, Rothiemurchus Estate and the Cairngorms National Park Authority to deliver a new village that is fully in harmony with this uniquely beautiful and special landscape. "The landscape will shape this development, not the other way around." An Camas Mòr was originally proposed by the Aviemore and Vicinity Community Council as the solution to a chronic shortage of new housing, business premises and community facilities for local people. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#66 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#66 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:24:52 +0200 Springfield Properties announced today (Monday 18 July 2011) that local residents and workers living within or around the Cairngorms National Park boundary will be given special priority on the release of five of its homes at its new Middleton of Canmore development in Braemar The exclusive development, which features just 25 homes, already has one home reserved and is expected to be a sell out, so builders Springfield have secured five plots for priority sale to those who live or work in the area. The five plots, which are made up of three and four bedroom homes, will go on sale this week, to coincide with the launch of the Middleton of Canmore marketing suite. The sale of the homes will remain restricted to locals for two months, thereafter they will be added to the general release. The development, sited off the main Glenshee Road (A93), at Braemar, in the heart of Royal Deeside, was given approval by Aberdeenshire Council Planners earlier this year and its launch comes hot on the heels of the company's acquisition of the Scottish arm of house builder, Redrow, earlier this month. Joyce Napier, Sales Manager for Springfield Properties, said: "We are committed to creating beautiful homes for the people here in Royal Deeside and are pleased to be bringing our Middleton of Canmore development to the market. "Local people will be given priority to purchase from the five selected plots before they are released to the wider public; a move which we hope will encourage those already living and working in the area to consider choosing a new build property." The five priority plots identified for locals include four stunning three bedroom semi-detached homes, the Clunie, priced at a very reasonable £189,950 and a four bedroom detached home, the Crathie, available at £299,950. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#65 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#65 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:14:41 +0200 Springfield Properties Plc has concluded a deal with Redrow plc regarding its Scottish operations which is expected to generate an additional £200m in turnover for the Scots house builder. The Elgin-based developer will take over the Scottish head office and sites owned by Redrow as part of ambitious plans to expand its operations throughout Scotland. Redrow's Scottish business is being sold for a total consideration of £49m, comprising £5m cash paid on completion and deferred cash consideration of £44m, to be paid as developments are sold over the next three years. The deal will be a key platform of Springfield's strategy to grow from its current position to a company with a £100m per annum turnover within the next five years. The Redrow transaction also establishes Springfield as one of Scotland's largest independent house builders. Springfield will work out Redrow's eight existing sites in Scotland at Anniesland, Braehead, Dalkeith, Dunfermline, Inverkip, Kilwinning, Lenzie, and Motherwell - which have the potential for over 800 new homes. The company had already begun its strategic expansion into the central belt prior to the Redrow move, securing new sites in Fife, West Lothian, Edinburgh, Perthshire and Aberdeenshire and an office base in Stirling. Post the Redrow deal, Springfield will consist of a house-building business with 30 sites across Scotland and a development pipeline of c. 500 new homes per year. It is anticipated that Springfield will establish its Central Scotland operation at Redrow's Larbert office while retaining its Elgin office as the company headquarters. Redrow currently employs around 60 people in Scotland whose positions will be covered by TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations. Sandy Adam, chairman of Springfield Properties, said: "Over the last few years, we have been able to carefully manage our business and steer it through the difficult economic situation with the aim of expanding operations throughout Scotland when market conditions were right. "Last year we began that process by assembling new sites and strengthening our senior management team. Prior to this deal we have added 1500 development sites to our portfolio in 2011 and post the deal we're still in the market for land and sites. "When Redrow announced its intention to sell its Scottish business, we saw a major opportunity to consolidate this growth. This deal is an exciting for Springfield, giving us great new locations and the platform to provide our quality homes for customers throughout Scotland. Redrow's focus on design and craftsmanship sits well with our own emphasis on delivering quality and value." Springfield signalled its intention for growth in March, 2010, by appointing housing industry expert Sandy Anderson OBE as managing director. Sandy was formerly regional chairman of Bett Homes, where he helped grow the business from an annual output of 200 to 1500 homes. He is also a former chairman of the industry body Homes for Scotland. The Redrow deal comes hard on the heels of Springfield being chosen as the development partner for the first phase of An Camas Mòr, the innovative new community planned for the Cairngorms National Park. Springfield will join the An Camas Mòr consortium, led by Rothiemurchus Estate, with responsibility for delivering the initial phase of this proposed new community comprising 80 affordable homes, 95 homes for private sale, 25 self build plots and community services. Originally established in Elgin in 1956, Springfield Properties is a family-led company which began to increasingly focus on property development in the mid 1990s. Under the leadership of Sandy Adam, grandson of the founder of Springfield, the company has built over 2000 homes since 1998, delivering high-quality private and social housing across the north of Scotland. The company recorded turnover of £39m in 2011. Springfield's strategy to deliver sustained growth through geographic expansion has been facilitated through prudent management of resources in the years running up to the recent recession and credit crunch. During 2011, this strategy has seen Springfield add a further 1500 development sites to its portfolio in addition to the 800 Redrow development sites. The company continues to buy land. In 2005, Springfield was recognised by the Virgin Atlantic Sunday Times Fast Track list as Scotland's fastest growing, profitable, private company. Last year Springfield secured a loan facility from HSBC to underpin its drive into the central belt. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#63 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#63 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:39:34 +0200 SCOTTISH builder Springfield Properties has been chosen as the development partner for the first phase of An Camas Mòr, the innovative new community planned for the Cairngorms National Park. The Elgin-based developer will join the An Camas Mòr consortium, led by Rothiemurchus Estate, with responsibility for delivering the initial phase of this proposed new community comprising 80 affordable homes, 95 homes for private sale, 25 self build plots and community services. Springfield's role will be to finalise the masterplan for homes, business, community facilities and associated infrastructure and build the first homes based on the Proposed Masterplan Report and terms of the decision by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) to award planning permission in principle. An Camas Mòr, 200 acres lying within Rothiemurchus Estate to the east of the River Spey at Aviemore, will be a new community of up to 1,500 residential units as well as opportunities for business, jobs and community facilities. The CNPA gave unanimous approval for the plans in principle last June. An Camas Mòr is one of 11 projects included in the Scottish Government's Sustainable Communities initiative which encourages inspirational developments serving as exemplars of the highest quality. The announcement is a major boost for expansion-focused Springfield, which has built over 2,000 homes in the North and North East of Scotland over the last decade. Springfield chairman Sandy Adam said: "We know that An Camas Mòr is a project which is vital for the local community in Aviemore and the Highlands as a whole but one that has international significance for Scotland. "At Springfield we have established a thriving business that not only builds quality homes but considers people and communities first and foremost. We will bring that ethos to An Camas Mòr. "We are committed to working with the community, Rothiemurchus Estate and the Cairngorms National Park Authority to deliver a new village that is fully in harmony with this uniquely beautiful and special landscape. "The landscape will shape this development, not the other way around." Johnnie Grant, of Rothiemurchus Estate, said: "The vision for An Camas Mòr was first expressed by Aviemore & Vicinity Community Council in 1989 and with Aviemore now reaching its natural limits and the CNPA decision in principle, it's time to start. "We will continue to work with the Community Council to ensure An Camas Mòr reaches the standards befitting Rothiemurchus, the Cairngorms National Park and this special place in which I was born, brought up and have worked for most of my life. "It is encouraging that the Estate, Springfield and David Sim of Gehl Architects all have the same aim for An Camas Mòr - the creation of 'a good habitat for people", a place that will be a flourishing and resilient neighbourhood. "We have chosen to work with Springfield because they are committed to sharing responsibility for the challenges of establishing a new community fit for Rothiemurchus and a National Park. They have a track record as an excellent provider of homes and facilities and they are successfully delivering affordable homes in today's economy; we are delighted to welcome their team." An Camas Mòr was originally proposed by the Aviemore and Vicinity Community Council as the solution to a chronic shortage of new housing, business premises and community facilities for local people. It is expected that work can start on site in Spring 2012. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#64 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#64 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200 Moray based property development company, Springfield Properties plc, has secured funding from HSBC's Commercial Banking team in North Scotland, allowing the developer to realise its potential for geographic expansion. HSBC has also been appointed as Springfield's sole banking partner. Family-owned Springfield Properties, which focuses on housebuilding and construction, was established in 1956 and is part of property specialists Springfield Group. Under the leadership of Chairman Sandy Adam, grandson of the company's founder, the company has seen significant growth throughout the past decade and has remained consistently profitable, bucking the recent downward trend in the construction industry. Since 1998, Springfield has built over 2,000 new homes, delivering high-quality private and social housing, and improved infrastructure, to the towns of Moray and North East Scotland. Susan Rowand, HSBC's Area Commercial Director, North of Scotland, said: "HSBC is delighted to be supporting Springfield by providing them with full banking facilities and funding to help the company to continue to implement its ambitious growth plans, including expansion into central Scotland. "Springfield's ability to apply its skills to creating opportunities in the marketplace has secured the company's prominence in the housebuilding sector in the North of Scotland. This evidence of a 'thinking' business is something which HSBC values and we are looking forward to working with Sandy and his team." Springfield's Chairman, Sandy Adam, added: "Springfield has grown consistently through the last decade and this support from HSBC will ensure that we remain on that growth curve. "The funding and services supplied by HSBC will allow us to pursue our long term plan to acquire land at a time when land and property offer a great value, and this is value that we can pass on to our customers." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#62 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#62 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:48:53 +0100 SPRINGFIELD Properties' Edina Apartments in Joppa have received a resounding seal of approval from Edinburgh's new home buyers with 14 of the 23 apartments already reserved. The on-site sales office opened early last month and has attracted many potential buyers to Springfield's first major development in Edinburgh. The Moray-based company has set its sights on impressing new home buyers in Central Scotland with a grade of new-build quality that has been delighting clients in the North of Scotland for more than twenty years. According to Edina sales manager Tricia Malek, Springfield have a refreshing approach with a down-to-earth formula which puts the customer first. She says: "Springfield is focused on selling high quality homes at prices which represent excellent value – a really great product at a really good price that sits in an exceptional city location." Situated on Milton Road East and surrounded by mature trees and grassed communal areas, the twenty-three one, two, and three-bedroom apartments have been designed with natural light in mind. Each features either double aspect windows or a balcony or terrace. The apartments have open plan living with well equipped kitchens, an en-suite shower room, fitted wardrobes and a parking space. Prices for the remaining two bedroom apartments range from £165,000 to £185,000. Springfield's success lies in its high standards for quality, value and choice and a desire to say 'yes' to clients. The standard package is always great value and the company takes a 'can do' approach to clients' requests. Next month Springfield will begin marketing one, two and three-bedroom apartments at nearby Brunstane Apartments in addition to three, four and five-bedroom homes at Broxburn on the established Holmes Park development. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#61 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#61 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:00:09 +0100 Value for money are the watch words of the discerning buyer in today's property market and remarkable value for money is exactly what's on offer at Springfield Properties' Edina Apartments in Joppa. "So much so that buyers have been reserving apartments and we haven't even opened the sales office ", says Tricia Malek Springfield's newly appointed sales manager for central Scotland. "This must be unique in today's market and it's a reflection of uncomplicated pricing that offers great value. "We're opening our View Apartment and Sales Centre at Edina on Saturday December 4th and there'll be a warm welcome to all. Come along and see it all for yourself!". Set among mature trees in a location on Milton Road East just five miles from the city centre, and five minutes from local beaches, the apartments benefit from an abundance of local amenities. Each of the twenty-three apartments offers a great specification for the price and the Springfield name guarantees outstanding workmanship and an excellent after sales service. Contemporary in style, each light-filled apartment benefits from double aspect windows or a balcony or terrace, en-suite master bedrooms, generous built in wardrobes and storage space. A choice of kitchen doors and tiling mean owners can personalise their new home. And well equipped, stylish kitchens are fitted out with high-quality appliances including integral fridge, built-in microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer, oven and a cooker and hob. With private parking, a central lift and attractive grounds topping off this exciting package it's well worth a visit for discerning buyers who have quality, service and value for money at the top of their list. Springfield Properties is a family-owned company which has built more than two thousand homes in North East Scotland. Sandy Adam, Springfield Properties chairman, says Springfield's good reputation is based on family values, "As a family company with family values we want people to say good things about us. We have built a reputation for being reliable and doing what we say we'll do – a reputation that's reinforced every time we hand over a home on time. And we hand over our homes on time every time!". Award winning Springfield is recognised for its quality, value and service – from industry-leading customer service to outstanding design. Springfield prices at Edina start from £130,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £160,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. The new View Apartment and Sales Centre at Edina Apartments is open at 89 Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2NL from Saturday, December 4th. Normal opening times are Thursday to Monday midday to 5:00pm. To find out more call 0131 257 4196 or 01343 552550 or visit www.springfieldbuyitnow.com today. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#60 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#60 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 AN Elgin construction manager has won national acclaim for his professional skills. Springfield Properties' Site Manager Victor Grant (49) has been named as Regional Site Manager of the Year in the annual Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards that recognise outstanding professionalism in the house-building industry. The Regional Site Manager award is one of three titles Springfield Properties won in this year's prestigious competition that looks for the best performances in the construction industry nationwide. The Elgin-based company also won: • Regional Winner in the Large Development of the Year Category for the Glassgreen Gardens development in Elgin • Regional Developer of the Year The news delighted of Springfield chairman Sandy Adam and managing director Sandy Anderson. For the Scottish Regional Site Manager of the year the award is a particular feather in his cap. It's not the first big award for the Glassgreen Gardens Site Manager. Mr Grant is a previous winner of the Springfield in-house Site Manager of the Month title and was on proud last year when the Glassgreen Gardens showhouse was highly-commended in the annual Herald Property Awards. Married and living in Elgin, time-served joiner Mr Grant has been a Springfield Site Manager for more than five years and has worked with the Elgin-based firm since it was established. Victor, who hails from Elgin, says: "I'm very proud to have won this award, but it's really for all of the men who work with me. It's a team effort that delivers the results – both from the staff and our sub-contractors." In recognition of his win Victor will be guest of honour at a Springfield Properties' presentation lunch for site managers in Elgin on October 8 when he will receive a special award from his employers. The Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards recognise the very best of the UK housing market and inspire others to build outstanding developments. The organisation received its highest number of entries this year and described the standard as "nothing short of exceptional". A spokesman for Premier Guarantee said: "Despite the difficult period the construction industry is going through, it is very encouraging to see so many house builders maintaining the high standards needed for the UK market." And he added: "After our judges had visited all of the shortlisted entries, they felt that Springfield Properties displayed excellence in technical competency, coupled with an ability to demonstrate first-rate project management skills and high levels of customer service plus an ability to use new concepts to push the boundaries of conventional construction." Victor will receive his Premier Guarantee award at a presentation scheduled for early November when Springfield will also receive its Regional Large Developer of the Year Award for Glassgreen Gardens and its Regional Developer of the Year Award. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#59 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#59 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:25:27 +0200 MORAY-BASED Springfield Properties has turned in another profit as the firm prepare to expand into Perthshire and the Central Belt. In the same year that well-known Scottish construction industry figure Sandy Anderson OBE joined Springfield as managing director, the company that was launched as a family-owned firm 50 years ago has reported a before-tax profit of £1.8million on a turnover of £35million. The corresponding figures for 2009 were a before-tax profit of £1.4million on a turnover of £29million The financial performance has been hailed by Mr Anderson as an indicator of Springfield's efficiency at a time of difficulty in the UK house building industry. "Springfield have been in profit every year since it was formed," he said. "That's quite an achievement, particularly in today's climate. "I am delighted to be launching Springfield's expansion into the Central Belt at this important point in its growth. The company's continuing profit stream, even in the recent downturn, provides the funding for an aggressive drive for new opportunities in good locations." Mr Anderson added that having already secured sites in Edinburgh, Dunfermline and Blairgowrie, with other prime sites in the pipeline across Central Scotland, the company are planning to establish a new regional office to serve these locations. "I believe our innovative product, linked to our first class reputation will attract many new customers in our new marketplace." The managing director added: "Scotland needs to build many more homes than it currently produces. Its population grew by over 25,000 last year and this, coupled with continuing growth in the number of households, demands that the industry deliver more houses. "I believe Springfield is superbly placed to make a major impact on the housebuilding market across Scotland." Chairman Mr Sandy Adam said the company has experienced "significant growth" over the past 20 years and continues to grow in its traditional market in Moray and the North of Scotland where new projects are in the pipeline. "We sold a significant portion of our land bank at the height of the market in 2006 and concentrated on developing our expertise in affordable homes construction as well as delivering private homes," said Mr Adam. "As a result we are in a strong position at a time when cash is king. "I think funding for affordable homes will diminish in future so the challenge for us is to take a fresh look at how we deliver affordable homes, an area in which we excel, and to find and develop new markets for our private homes. "That is why we are expanding south – any homes we sell in the Perthshire and Central Scotland areas will significantly increase our market share because we are currently not selling in those areas. Yet there is a huge demand for new homes in Scotland and we mean to play a large part in satisfying that demand." In the year to May 2010 Springfield built 167 affordable and 79 private homes. The 2010/11 order book is also healthy. The company employs a staff of around 300 and recently moved into new-build company headquarters at Southfield in Elgin. In the coming year Springfield will extend its business reach south with an apartment development in the Joppa area of Edinburgh, a planned 88-home residential development at Rattray on the outskirts of Blairgowrie and a proposed mixed housing, retail and office development at Chalmers Street in Dunfermline. Sandy Anderson's arrival and the experience he brought has sparked a new perspective for Springfield. His appointment also attracted other highly-experienced senior staff to join the Moray firm from top Scottish building companies including Miller, Scotia, Ogilvie and Robertsons. Springfield Properties take a long term strategic approach to growth and the move south is key to further expansion. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#58 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#58 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:47:10 +0200 A UNIQUE bespoke development by Elgin-based Springfield Properties has won a prestigious national award for outstanding quality. Dunkinty on the south-eastern fringe of Elgin, won the annual British Homes Build Quality Awards' prize for developments of up to 50 units. Nestling in magnificent extended garden grounds of a Victorian mansion, the twelve acres of landscaped woodland form a perfect backdrop for nine detached luxury homes. The high-quality architecture, inspired by grand Scottish country homes, reflects a bygone age in a unique setting using the best materials constructed by tradesmen who have been specially chosen for their skill and attention to detail. The award recognises the excellence of the location, design, craftsmanship, materials and customer service along with a price tag that delivers outstanding value and comes just months after Springfield Properties were named the Premier Guarantee UK Developer of the Year. The development is close to local shops and services and only a five minute drive from Elgin town centre. The nine luxury homes have been planned around a central cherry avenue headed by two giant Sequoia redwoods and the entire site benefits from a deep perimeter of trees. Delighted with the award Springfield sales manager, Joyce Napier, describes Dunkinty as Springfield's flagship luxury development. "This was a fabulous opportunity for us to offer clients unique homes in an unrivalled setting. The four and five bedroom house styles offer four basic layouts ranging in size from 230 square meters to 280 square meters. The homes are sold off plan and built to order, so beyond the basic layouts the homes offer clients a great deal of flexibility in design and as always we aim to exceed clients expectations in terms of choice, quality, specification and service." Wide airy entrance halls, double height ceilings and magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows fill the homes with dappled and filtered light. Generous family kitchens, pretty galleries and fine master bedroom suites, all add to the high end feel. The spectacular specification includes slate roofs, wet dash rendering, sandstone base courses, and magnificent window arrangements. Internally comfort is maximised with exceptional levels of insulation and underfloor heating throughout. Accountants Craig and Lisa Macpherson were the first new residents at Dunkinty. Already living in Elgin they were looking for a new home in the town which would comfortably accommodate their growing family. Lisa is delighted with her new home, She says: "With three growing boys we need space inside and out, this house is perfect for us and we all love it! We were able to choose all the fixtures and fittings to suit the interior style we were trying to achieve. The service we've had from Springfield has been exceptional." Springfield describe Dunkinty as a complete high end package in terms of location, quality, and service, and achieves excellence as a response to its surroundings that make it an exceptional place in which to live. The British Homes Build Quality Awards recognise and endorse build quality in construction and complement the established categories for design, promoting projects that best achieve the creative aspirations of the architect. The winners in six categories from around the UK were selected by an independent panel of judges. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#57 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#57 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200 A WEEK after Moray housebuilder Springfield Properties handed over 45 affordable homes to Grampian Housing Association they were Commended in the annual Homes for Scotland Quality Awards. The Elgin-based developer and housebuilder was recognised at a ceremony in Edinburgh for its high quality delivery of affordable homes. Since 2002 Springfield has delivered 350 affordable homes in Moray and expects to deliver another 202 affordable homes in the local area before the end of this year. Projects for completion during 2010 include nine homes in Elgin, 49 in Buckie and 58 in Forres for Grampian Housing Association, 48 new council homes in Elgin, 36 homes for Langstane Housing Association in Elgin and Keith. Springfield's director of affordable housing, Tom Leggeat, said: "Our affordables are built to exacting standards for all of our clients. "The latest handover to GHA at Waulkmill in Elgin are very energy efficient with air source heat pumps and outstanding insulation to maintain internal temperatures. We construct our affordables using sustainable materials like larch cladding and are very conscious of the environmental impact of our homes." At Waulkmill Springfield delivered the entire package from land search and purchase to final completion. This unique approach has added value for all the stakeholders involved and, more importantly, has had a major positive impact on the choice and availability of affordable housing in Moray. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#56 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#56 Tue, 25 May 2010 09:21:10 +0200 MORAY housebuilder Springfield Properties delivered another 45 affordable homes on Monday, May 17, when Grampian Housing Association accept the first phase of a new development at Waulkmill in Elgin. It's a significant milestone for the developer who has delivered 350 affordable homes in Moray since 2002 and expects to deliver another 202 affordable homes in the local area before the end of this year. Projects for completion during 2010 include 9 homes in Elgin, 49 in Buckie and 58 in Forres for Grampian Housing Association, 48 new council homes in Elgin, 36 homes for Langstane Housing Association in Elgin and Keith. Springfield's director of affordable housing, Tom Leggeat, said: "The homes at Waulkmill have been built to exacting standards for Grampian Housing Association. "All the Waulkmill homes are very energy efficient with air source heat pumps and outstanding insulation to maintain internal temperatures. We construct our affordables using sustainable materials like larch cladding and are very conscious of the environmental impact of our homes." The Phase 1 handover received £4.25m of Scottish Government funding. A strategic approach has seen Springfield Properties develop an expertise in the delivery of affordable homes that has allowed the company to lead the process by being more than simply the building contractor. At Waulkmill Springfield has delivered the entire package from land search and purchase to final completion. This unique approach has added value for all the stakeholders involved and, more importantly, has had a major positive impact on the choice and availability of affordable housing in Moray. Mike Allan, director of development for Grampian Housing Association said: "We are delighted to be continuing our successful partnership with Springfield Properties. "By delivering quality, affordable homes in Moray, Grampian Housing Association is confident that it is contributing to addressing housing needs in an area of where there is high demand whilst also creating sustainable communities where people want to live." Scottish Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "Providing more affordable homes for people in Scotland is a top priority for the Scottish Government. "We've made available over £4 million – more than half of the funding for this development – to help build these 45 new homes in Elgin. "The new development is clearly good news for people who want high quality and energy efficient homes at affordable prices and for those working in the local construction sector. "I am pleased to say that the Scottish Government will also be supporting Springfield affordable home developments to the tune of over £30 million in Elgin, Buckie, Forres and Keith." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#55 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#55 Tue, 18 May 2010 09:19:52 +0200 IT'S taken eight years to come to fruition but at long last an eagerly awaited Hydrotherapy Pool building at Forres is under way thanks to the generosity of Springfield Properties and a hard-working fund-raising committee. Springfield are providing the building as a donation to the charitable Moray Dolphin Hydrotherapy Pool project that the organisation's volunteers are confident will be in use by the end of 2010. And while Springfield Properties' chairman Sandy Adam is pleased to see work under way, their delight is nothing to that of 80-year-old May Taylor who has worked tirelessly as the charity's fund-raising director to generate an amazing £260,000 to meet the cost of the pool's internal fittings and equipment. "We've waited so long for this day," said May, "and we will be eternally grateful to Springfield Properties for their generosity and support right from the start. "They have been absolutely wonderful and we on the pool project committee are so grateful for all the additional work done by Sandy and his wife Anne and the rest of the Springfield organisation in continuing to support us well beyond the provision of the building by adding £40,000 to our fittings and plant fund by running a charity dinner and auction. "We have a lot to thank Springfield for. Once it's in use the pool will bring huge benefits to lots of people with mobility problems – it'll be a great facility for the area." Over the summer and autumn May and her colleagues will be frequent visitors to the site alongside Forres Swimming Pool as our construction squads help the hydrotherapy pool take shape. "We still have a lot of work to do on the fund-raising front," said May. "Our next goal is to track down a sponsor for specialised equipment – but to see a start on the site by Springfield's men is a real red-letter day for us." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#54 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#54 Wed, 12 May 2010 17:11:01 +0200 SPRINGFIELD Properties' expertise in affordable housing has played a vital part in helping Moray Council return to new council house construction. The Elgin-based Premier Guarantee UK Developer of the Year has started work on a £4.5 million project for 48 new council houses at Linkwood in Elgin. The project is an important milestone in council house construction and will deliver the first new council-owned homes built in Moray for 20 years. Springfield's director of affordable housing, Tom Leggeat, says the site will be completed by December and provide Moray Council with a mix of homes for renting that will include one-bedroom flats in addition to semi-detached houses with two and three bedrooms. The Linkwood development will also include eight specially adapted three-bedroomed bungalows for tenants with special requirements including a need for easy wheelchair access. Mr Leggeat explained that the 48 homes will feature energy-efficient air-source heat pumps and underfloor heating that will reduce heating bills. He said: "Energy efficiency is important because it will make the homes cheap to run and even more affordable. This is the first council house development Springfield Properties has undertaken and we are in negotiation with the council to build further phases." The Scottish Government has contributed £1.2 million towards the project to kick-start new council house provision in Moray. The additional homes have still to win funding support. The arrival of new council housing stock is good news for Moray and the 2500 people who are currently on a waiting list in the local authority area for a council home. The chairman of the local authority's Communities Committee, Councillor Eric McGillivray, says the new development is a vital part of Moray's plans for council house provision. He says there has been a "drastic shortage" of council housing in Moray and described Springfield's first 48-home development as "merely a first step" in improving provision. The local authority plan another bid to the Scottish Government to help meet the cost of more affordable housing which, if successful, Councillor McGillivray says could see a start on more council housing in Moray in the spring of next year. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#53 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#53 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:19:27 +0200 Springfield Properties chairman, Sandy Adam, shares his thoughts on the Budget: "THE budget brings some long-awaited good news for the Scottish house building industry. "I was hugely encouraged to see the Government recognising the importance of the first time buyer to the whole market. The abolition of stamp duty for first time buyers on homes costing less than £250,000 is great news. First time buyers are the life blood of our industry; it's estimated that one first time buyer seeds six further transactions up the ladder so without them the property ladder grinds to a halt. "The scarcity of mortgage finance is still a big stumbling block for our clients and I was pleased to hear that the Chancellor is setting higher lending targets for the state owned banks; there is now work to be done to ensure those targets are met and make the most of the stimulus from an increased number of first time buyers. "Every new home built in Scotland creates two permanent full time positions and the construction industry is potentially the largest source of private investment in the Scottish economy - the importance of supporting the sector is paramount. "I would like to see significant lending from the banks to viable Small and Medium Enterprises in the construction industry who are making important investments in infrastructure as well as housing "Mr Darling's package of changes seems to offer reasonable recognition of current trading conditions for Small and Medium Enterprises with promises of more support from the banks and a reduction in business rates. I'm also pleased to see a freeze on Capital Gains Tax. "As always fuel tax increases are unwelcome and we strive to mitigate the increases for our clients with homes that are environmentally efficient and economical to run, and by reducing the need for car travel by improving infrastructure "From Springfield's point of view the Budget maintains the affordability of homes for our clients with little in the way tax increases or other increases in the cost of living so we can be optimistic that with an easing of the mortgage situation and more stability post election we'll see a faster return to normal trading conditions." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#52 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#52 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:01:12 +0100 See more at http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1649079 Springfield Properties has grown from modest beginnings rooted in a family-owned nursery garden business to a Moray construction and development firm expanding into the south. The operation established in 1956 by the Adam family, of Elgin, has seen dramatic growth in recent years. Since 1989, when chairman Sandy Adam, 53, took over the reins of a firm founded by grandfather Wilfred and carried on by his father, Duncan, Springfield has flourished in the property industry. Under his leadership, the company has diversified to create a group of property businesses which have grown rapidly in residential and commercial investment and development and housebuilding. Today from its Elgin headquarters, it has a directly employed staff of more than 200 in addition to about 200 subcontractors working on projects throughout Scotland; a far cry from a workforce of just 14 in 1998, 12 of whom are still with the company with seven in promoted posts. That employment growth has come about as a result of the business switching from employing contractors prior to 1998 to recruiting its own people when it decided it was not getting the quality of product it wanted. Although still firmly rooted in Moray and the north, the firm is expanding its horizons with a large new housing development about to get under way at Blairgowrie and the foundation for longer-term plans for further expansion in central Scotland being laid at Perth. Springfield's turnover has risen sevenfold to £30million since 2002. About £22million of that is from housebuilding and the balance from construction, property development and investment. Its short-term objective is now to expand turnover. Mr Adam said: "I'm confident £50million can be achieved through geographic expansion over the next five years." He said the key to Springfield's success was continuing diversification. This has seen it become involved in a range of activities from building private homes and affordable housing or flats and houses for the rental sector, to industrial, retail and community buildings. The latter includes specialised structures such as the £7million Glassgreen Centre at Elgin: a multi-use community health centre that is the largest of its kind in the north. The Springfield ethos recognises the value of building teams by developing long-term relationships with people and organisations from employees to private customers, and communities to financial institutions. Mr Adam said: "We want people to want to do business with us and to work positively with us in the knowledge that they will gain in the process. The better we do, the more people will want to be part of the Springfield story." Springfield's most rapid growth phase has been in the past 10 years, which have seen the building of commercial and residential property portfolios and the inception and growth of a construction and housebuilding company. Mr Adam said: "From day one our construction arm has set out to deliver quality and value across all our markets. "We believe we were the first in the industry to start offering true customer choice on volume products, meaning that each homeowner has a unique product. At Springfield we are constantly scanning property industry horizons for new opportunities, establishing expertise in an area and using that expertise to grow the company." One of Springfield's boldest steps was taken in 1998 when it began negotiations over the acquisition of land from multiple owners in Elgin South, a prime development location. Eventually planning permission was granted for 1,100 homes and Southfield Community Park, which would be built and owned by the group and includes the Glassgreen Centre, let on a 25-year lease to the NHS, shops, offices, child daycare, a care home and sports facilities. The project will reach completion around late 2011, by which time 500 people will be working at Southfield. Around 2000, and against the conventional wisdom of the industry, Springfield saw an opportunity in developing affordable housing. There is a strong belief in the company that doing the right thing and making profits are not mutually exclusive. Since 2001, it has built more than 250 affordable homes, mainly at Elgin, Forres and Buckie, and has negotiated planning permission for a further 450 to be built over two to four years. With a land bank of 840 units, the group has not been drawn into bidding wars for sites; in fact, in 2006 at the peak of the buying frenzy Springfield divested itself of a large tract of Elgin South. As a result, cash reserves and property investments have been strengthened. Private house sales in 2009 kept pace with the year before and affordable housebuilding is surging ahead with £17million under construction. Last month, Springfield named industry veteran Sandy Anderson, 58, as managing director. He has 40 years' experience in the construction industry, most notably as Scottish chairman of Bett Homes. Mr Adam said: "We are delighted to have Sandy on board. His track record in the industry speaks for itself and his appointment will deliver our ambitions for growth. "His experience in the Scottish construction industry will enable us to hit the ground running as we open sites in the central belt." Previous managing director John Main left to pursue new opportunities. Mr Adam is focused and confident about the future. He said: "Employing the best people we can and giving them responsibility in a good, progressive working environment is our philosophy. It pays dividends. "The value of the group has increased twentyfold over the past 10 years. I'm looking forward to the next decade." Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1649079#ixzz0jIILwKDU http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#51 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#51 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:58:01 +0100 AWARD-WINNING Moray house builder, Springfield Properties, has signalled its intention for growth with the appointment, in February, of industry expert Alexander (Sandy) Anderson, OBE, as managing director. The Elgin-based, family-owned company has performed well during the recession and is poised for expansion into the central belt. Sandy trained as an architect and has forty years experience in the construction industry, most notably as regional chairman of Bett Homes where he successfully delivered profitable growth over ten years, driving annual output from 200 new homes to 1500 new homes. In 2004 the 58-year-old was awarded the OBE for services to the Construction Industry in Scotland. A former chairman of Homes for Scotland, he is well known throughout the industry. During the last two years he has played a vital role as an external director of The Raploch Urban Regeneration Company in Stirling bringing a commercial focus to their management operation and business plan with a restructure to address the current economic situation. Sandy Adam, Springfield Properties chairman, is bullish about the future: "We are delighted to have Sandy on board, his track record in the industry speaks for itself and his appointment will deliver our ambitions for growth. His experience in the Scottish construction industry will enable us to hit the ground running as we open sites in the central belt over the coming year." Sandy Anderson predicts some dynamic years ahead. He says: "I am delighted to join such a long-established and successful company as Springfield. Their recent growth and superb reputation as an award winning builder is a testament to the drive and enthusiasm of their chairman Sandy Adam and his workforce." "I am certain that my wealth of experience in the industry will be invaluable to the company's growth plans across Central Scotland. I look forward to helping Springfield at this important time in their development. As the country moves out of recession I believe Springfield are well placed to benefit from current opportunities and help deliver the homes the country needs now more than ever." Springfield has turned in a successful period with handovers of new homes up 73% over the past 12 months. Springfield has announced record turnover of £30m to May 2009 with pre-tax profits of £1.4m. Some 138 new homes were handed over to clients – 44 affordable and 94 private residential properties. The upward trend looks set to continue with the company's workforce at record numbers and all trading taking place well within banking covenants. In the current year handovers will rise to 242 of which 163 will be affordable and 79 private residential properties. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#50 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#50 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:41:46 +0100 ELGIN-BASED construction company Springfield Properties has won a prestigious national award for excellence. The growing Moray firm has been named 2010 UK Developer of the Year by leading British construction warranties specialist Premier Guarantee in their annual Excellence Awards. And in Elgin on Monday, February 1, the chairman of Springfield Properties, Sandy Adam, was presented with the overall title and a special lunch at the Mansfield Hotel. The Developer of the Year title was awarded by a distinguished panel of industry judges based on the reports that they received from their surveyors who examine every property before issuing a warranty certificate. Springfield were judged against 127 construction companies from across the UK. In addition to the outright UK title, Springfield Properties also won the Premier Guarantee Small Development of the Year category for projects of between two and ten units, for its premium Dunkinty Development at Elgin, and won the category for Conversion Project of the Year for its transformation of the former Rathven Parish Church at Buckie into a private house. Mr Adam said: "I'm really pleased with our success because this award measures the quality of our homes and developments against other companies throughout the UK, and we have been judged to be the best! "This is a great reflection of the high standards set by Springfield and its dedicated workforce and I want to congratulate them on this achievement." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#49 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#49 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:51:43 +0100 AFTER a successful thirteen-year partnership Springfield Properties PLC and its managing director John Main have parted company to allow him to pursue new business interests. Thirty-seven-year-old Mr Main joined the company in 1996 as a graduate architect and spearheaded the growth of the construction arm of the company. Springfield chairman, Sandy Adam, expressed his regret at the departure and paid this tribute: "John has demonstrated outstanding stewardship of the company during his term as managing director. "He has been instrumental in the growth of our construction company from the first fourteen employees he took on in 1998 to the thriving company we have today which employs and sub-contracts more than 350 people, builds up to 300 new homes a year and has developed commercial construction expertise." Springfield's growth under Sandy Adam and John Main mean plans for geographic expansion are gathering momentum with the search for a central belt HQ underway and the public consultation for the company's Blairgowrie development at Rattray expected to take place soon. Sandy Adam will now take on the managing director mantle in addition to continuing as chairman. As John's predecessor he is familiar with the role. He said: "Our expectation is that we'll be appointing a new managing director within about six months, in the meantime I am relishing the opportunity to spend some time at the sharp end of our business. "I believe reprising my old role for a while will mean the impact on the business will be negligible. I'm taking over the reins when the company is in an excellent position to expand, much of the ground work has already been done and we are projecting our current steady growth to continue." John reflected on his time at Springfield. He said: "When I replied to an advert for someone to help with planning applications and met Sandy I soon realised how ambitious he was for the company. "The challenges and responsibility have been tremendous and the success that the company has achieved has been gratifying. I am delighted to have played my part. "The decision to take a different direction has not been an easy one and I am glad to have been able to do it with Sandy's support." During 2009 Springfield received recognition on many fronts for its achievements in the industry. The company won acclaim for its customer service, building designs and build quality, as well as for its approach to providing affordable housing. Sandy Adam emphasises that all these accolades have been achieved through the efforts of the team who all work to deliver Springfield's promise of service, quality and value. Springfield has turned in a successful period with handovers of new homes up 73% over the past 12 months. In the year to May, 2009, some 138 new homes were handed over to clients – 44 affordable and 94 private residential properties. In the year that followed handovers rose to 239 of which 152 were affordable and 87 were private residential properties. Indications are that steady demand for residential properties will continue with 2009 outstripping expectations and recording 116 reservations. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#48 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#48 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:53:13 +0100 SPRINGFIELD Properties are investing heavily in young apprentice skills despite recent industry worries about the economy and recession fears. No one would argue with the idea of starting young and developing skills to build an industrial backbone – a fundamental rule in any business and one that Springfield subscribe to in a big way. They currently have 15 apprentices on their books covering a wide range of disciplines and are continuing to develop core skills training because they are so important to the future of the company. The Springfield philosophy is to promote from within so today's apprentices could be tomorrow's managers. Whether apprentices decide to continue to practice their core skills throughout their career or move up the ladder into managerial positions, Springfield are providing the building blocks to be developed. Eight apprentices have been taken on in the last year bringing the latest count to one quantity surveyor, nine joiners, one painter, three bricklayers and a taper. Springfield plan to grow their apprenticeship schemes as their workload increases – a positive vote for both the future of Springfield and Moray. Construction director Brian Hadden is responsible for appointing apprentices and started his own career as an apprentice bricklayer. He is a perfect example of how important apprentices are to the business and how they can advance. "Apprentices are our future," he says. "They are the core of the business and it's important that we invest in them. We see them as a valuable staff asset and put them through college so they can gain their City & Guilds qualifications." Four apprentices currently work at Springfield's Waulkmill site where the assistant site manager, former apprentice joiner Craig Grigor, says they are an important cog in the machine. "The lads are very reliable and learn a lot from working with our more experienced tradesmen," he says. "Having apprentices is a perfect way of passing down skills." Third year Bishopmill joiner apprentice Andrew Wilson is 18 and loves his job. "I was lucky to get in before the recession and have never looked back," he says. "I enjoy every day, even when it gets tough and you have to work in the rain. I've done two years of college and would like to do my advanced craft qualification. I've always enjoyed working with wood since I was at school and this is my perfect job." Bricklayer apprentice Steven Shewan from Portgordon is 19 and enjoys his training. "You learn a lot from the older guys and my block releases gives me the theory I need to learn the skill. One of our most recent apprentice recruits is 16-year-old Grant Russell from New Elgin. He joined Springfield two months ago to train as a taper. "It wasn't easy to get an apprenticeship," he says. "I was really pleased to get this opportunity so close to home and am enjoying every minute. Working with qualified tapers is what teaches you the skills and the men here are great." These youngsters are just starting out on their careers – but nurturing them through their training is helping ensure Springfield and Moray has a strong trade skills base for the future. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#47 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#47 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:08:22 +0100 Springfield Properties, the Elgin based property and construction company, has continued its award-winning success with a national prize in the annual Herald Property Awards On September 18 the company won a commendation in the Herald Property Awards 2009 Best Show House category for its marketing property at Glassgreen Gardens in Elgin. The win came on the same day as Moray Chamber of Commerce presented Springfield with the 2009 Moray Chamber Business Award in recognition of its investment in the Moray economy. Managing director, Mr John Main, said: "The Herald award reflects on the company's sales team and everyone involved with our construction. We work to the highest standards at every level and I'm delighted with this prestigious award. Its another accolade that reflects on everyone who works at or for Springfield Properties." Springfield Properties has received a string of major awards in recognition of its quality construction and dynamic management. In June it won a hat-trick of accolades in the face of stiff national competition at the annual Scottish Homes Awards with outright wins for Conversion of the Year, House of the Year and Apartment of the Year. Springfield's growth from a small house construction company to today's major construction player that has seen turnover rise seven-fold to around £30 million since 2002. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#46 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#46 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:30:07 +0200 ELGIN-BASED Springfield Properties has been honoured by Moray Chamber of Commerce for its investment in the Moray economy. On Friday at Elgin's Mansefield Hotel Springfield chairman Sandy Adam accepted the 2009 Moray Chamber Business Award at a special dinner of business leaders. The award, an intricately crafted model of a copper pagoda produced by Moray coppersmiths and fabricators Forsyths of Rothes and sponsored by Moray Council, is the sixth Moray Business Award presented by the Chamber. It will be handed over my Moray Council Deputy Convener Councillor Allan Wright. Previous local business winners have included Elgin drinks company Gordon & MacPhail, Baxters of Fochabers, Walkers of Aberlour and Forsyths of Rothes. Accepting the award Sandy Adam said: "We have worked hard to build Springfield Properties from modest beginnings and are proud to be based and work in the heart of the county bringing employment and new construction to the North of Scotland." Mr Adam says Springfield is the product of his vision to develop a locally-based company through dedicated investment that promoted Moray. Since he took over the 52-year-old family business, initially as managing director from his late father, Mr Duncan Adam, in 1991 he has built up a record of successful investments that has led to Springfield's current total of more than 200 directly employed staff in addition to a substantial number of sub-contractors. Springfield Properties has received a string of major awards in recognition of its quality construction and dynamic management. Most recently it won a hat-trick of accolades in the face of national competition at the annual Scottish Homes Awards with outright wins for Conversion of the Year, House of the Year and Apartment of the Year. Springfield's growth from a small house construction company to today's major construction player that has seen turnover rise seven-fold to around £30 million since 2002. Current managing director, Mr John Main, joined the company in 1996 and moved the firm into housebuilding in 1998. Responding to the Moray Chamber Business Award he said: "This reflects the company's core philosophy of a team working to the highest standards at every level," he said. "It is tremendous to have won such a prestigious local business award – an accolade that reflects on everyone who works at or for Springfield Properties." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#45 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#45 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:25:33 +0200 THE North of Scotland's largest Medical Centre and community health facility has been handed over to its owners by Springfield Properties at Southfield in Elgin. The £7 million facility at Thornhill Road, New Elgin, was constructed by Springfield for AW & JG Adam who worked in partnership with NHS Grampian who will lease the property. The building, designed by Mackie Ramsay Taylor of Aberdeen who are recognised experts in this field, is second to none in the area and will be known as the Glassgreen Centre. It will house the Linkwood Medical Practice and other health-related services. The building is part of Springfield's extensive Southfield community development that is providing a wide range of facilities for the large Elgin South area. Managing director of Springfield, Mr John Main, said: "This is the largest commercial project that Springfield has tackled and I am delighted with the design standards and the high quality of work achieved by our teams. "It's an indication of the high standards of construction we aim to provide in all of our properties." In addition to the medical centre that will serve a population of 11,000, the Southfield development has sports, retail, office and associated facilities at the centre of a large area of modern new housing. The medical services building extends to 3000 square metres and will house a staff of 120. NHS Grampian expect up to 500 patients to visit the centre every day. Along with its pivotal community health role facilities it will include GP surgeries, a pharmacy, dental surgeries, a physiotherapy unit, social work offices, a minor surgery unit, podiatry and chiropody facilities, a dietician and accommodation for speech therapy and child development. The dynamic structure delivers outstanding quality, sustainability and high functionality in addition to making a very positive impact on the landscape of New Elgin. Its modern profile features solar controlled glass, cedar cladding and aluminum roofing with an interior full of architect-designed features. Mr Main added: "With this building we have enhanced our reputation by delivering a high quality and complex product on time and to budget. "There have been many challenges along the way and the team has risen to each challenge to achieve this excellent building which makes a lasting contribution to the landscape of New Elgin and to the improvement of health services in Elgin. The end result is a great reflection of Springfield's philosophy of working together to deliver the highest standards at every level." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#44 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#44 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:43:50 +0200 Saturday 18th July is a red letter day for our Letterfourie development in Buckie with the midday opening of a new four bedroom show home. A light buffet lunch is on offer to all visitors to the development between midday and 2:00pm on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July and we'll be serving refreshments all afternoon. The interior style chosen for our 'Brodie' style family home offers a modern twist on a traditional look, all furnishings and décor can be found at local and national retailers so you can easily transfer the ideas to your own home. Sales staff will be on hand all day to answer your questions and to show you just how far we can go to 'make your new home your own'. Sales manager Joyce Napier is excited about the opening, "Letterfourie has a great situation lying between Buckie and the countryside, we are able to offer 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes and prices start at £89,500 so there really is something for everyone." All visitors will have the opportunity to enter our free draw which has a £250 cash prize up for grabs on both days and one lucky client who reserves a home at Letterfourie before the end of August will win back the cost of their deposit and reservation fee. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#43 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#43 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:18:36 +0200 WE racked up a hat-trick of success in June by winning three categories in the prestigious Scottish Homes Awards. At a special lunch in Edinburgh on June 26 Springfield scooped the titles for Conversion of the Year, House of the Year and Apartment of the Year. It was a major coup for the company that saw us triumph against some of the biggest names in Scotland and take a trio of top awards for projects in the North of Scotland at Portessie, Alness and Forres. Our managing director John Main is delighted. "This reflects the company's core philosophy as a team working to the highest standards at every level," he said. "Winning three is an outstanding achievement." The Conversion of the Year title is for a two-home transformation of the former Rathven Village Hall that was built in 1913 and occupies a significant location in Portessie village with magnificent views across the Moray Firth. Our conversion has created two high quality two-storey homes with bespoke features that stand in a quiet residential area. The Home of the Year is our Newton Highland design that forms part of Springfield's Alness development at The Paddock. This 167 square metre detached family home occupies a tree-lined plot close to Alness town centre and just 20 minutes from Inverness. The attractive four-bedroom design is highlighted by extensive use of wood cladding and careful features that capture the character of a traditional Highland home set off by its leafy location. Finally our Apartment of the Year has been admired extensively since it was completed. The Pine Court Apartments on Bogton Road in the Moray floral capital of Forres was a challenge because it was built on a roadside and on the site of a burned out cottage property. The unique design of the building both internally and externally delivers an attractive proposition for buyers and passers-by because of extensive use of timber and traditional Moray stone cladding. All three properties are finished to the highest standards and use construction methods and materials that are environmentally sustainable. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#42 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#42 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:31:28 +0200 Springfield 94 private home boost for Forres SPRINGFIELD Properties have been given the go-ahead for 94 private homes on the south-west fringe of Forres. Although subject to final agreement on road considerations the Elgin-based home-builder expects to be on site by January next year. A spokesman for Springfield said a Scottish Government Reporter issued a statement on Friday of last week stating that he intended to grant planning consent subject to a legal agreement between the developers and Moray Council. This is expected to take no longer than three months. The development site on the west side of the A940 Forres to Grantown road lies immediately south of the existing Knockomie Rise housing development and fields north of the Knockomie Hotel. The site is designated as housing site R2 in the new 2008 Moray Council local plan. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#41 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#41 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:08:36 +0200 A NEW housing development at Lossiemouth will honour a footballing legend from the coastal town. The development attracted funding of £1,993,797 from the Scottish Government as part of its continuing commitment to the provision of affordable housing in Moray When Springfield Properties hand over the new Canalside Imlach Way on June 23 it will perpetuate the memory of the late Stuart Imlach who started his glorious football career with Highland League side Lossiemouth in the 1950s before going on to play with distinction for Nottingham Forest. Imlach was a Lossie loon who rose to the top, played as an international for Scotland in the 1958 World Cup and took part in the 1959 FA Cup Final. The Canalside development that will bear Imlach's name has been built by Springfield Properties for the Moray Housing Partnership and will be unveiled by Stuart Imlach's widow, Joan. The 22-unit project of two-bedroom homes has made extensive use of sustainable materials like larch cladding and a ventilation system that allows the homes to "breathe naturally" and allow air to circulate while cleverly eliminating noise seeping into the homes from outside. Springfield director, Tom Leggeat, is pleased with the Canalside development, particularly the contemporary external appearance of the homes and the internal layouts all designed by Archial of Aberdeen. The homes are a storey and three-quarters high with dormers, skylights and porches. He says: "This exciting project has strengthened the relationship between Springfield Properties and Moray Housing Partnership. A lot of thought, time and effort went in to getting it right and that has paid off. I believe the people who live here will be delighted with their new homes which succeed in terms of architecture, build quality and 'homezone' setting." Director of Moray Housing Association, Clare Bradley, was particularly keen that the architecture should reflect the appearance of the nearby Seatown. "They will not be out of place in Seatown and have been designed and constructed with as much local architectural sympathy as possible." The Moray Housing Partnership, the only locally based Housing Association with its headquarters in Lossiemouth, have taken an innovative step to ensure that all of their 22 new tenants at Imlach Way can move into their new homes with as little fuss and red tape as possible. MHP will hold a meeting for all the new tenants, on June 22 to introduce them to staff and the tenancy agreement that will include an explanation of their rights and responsibilities together with the responsibilities and services which the Partnership offer. All new Tenants of the Moray Housing Partnership receive a starter pack for their new home which includes details of their property, a tenant's handbook, advice and information leaflets and some household items all contained in eco-friendly bags. The development layout's is based on the 'homezone' concept – an approach used successfully in Holland and Denmark. The principle is that pedestrians, cyclists and cars share the same surface with little or no signage and parking arranged to leave the street open and uncluttered with cars. The end result is that drivers take more care and the roads which are not dominated by motor vehicles. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#40 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#40 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:14:51 +0200 THANKS to Springfield Properties of Elgin pupils at a Banffshire Primary school are having their say in the design of a new gateway feature for the eastern approach to their town. The public art feature has been commissioned by Springfield as a planning condition and part of the developer contribution for their Golf View development in Macduff that overlooks Royal Tarlair Golf Course. Keen to involve the community in the development of a design for the gateway art the company were anxious to tap in to local stories and knowledge by working with schools. Acclaimed landscape architect Lisa Mackenzie and Edinburgh-based artist Elise Campbell, who hails from Boddam, took lots of inspiration from a full day workshop with Primary 5 children from Macduff Primary School. Work from a "homecoming" project was used to prepare for the day that allowed the artist and designer to hear the children's perspective on the town, their favourite places and views, and what makes Macduff special. As well as sharing their thoughts the children were asked to find out something about Macduff from a neighbour or relative and share it at the workshop. Gauging reaction to around 40 photographs of sculpture from around the world was "very revealing" according to artist Elise Campbell. She says: "A child's eye view is often surprising, the children rated the sculptures and there was a definite theme to the ones they liked best, they were very discerning" During the afternoon the class went exploring in and around Macduff armed with viewing frames, mirror cards and cameras. The route, which the pupils had planned, took in all their favourite places. The artist and designer are now working on design ideas and plan to return to the school to discuss possible designs. Marketing Manager at Springfield Properties, Jane Innes, added: "We are delighted to be working on this project with Macduff Primary School and such an accomplished landscape architect and artist. "The workshop was very productive and the school and the pupils are to be congratulated for their part in it. We look forward to meeting with the school again and to the unveiling of the feature sometime later this year." CAPTION: Getting a fresh angle on Macduff in the search for a 'Macduff Gateway' is primary school pupil Ross Henderson with a little help from artist Elise Campbell. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#39 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#39 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:37:35 +0200 AN ambitious planning application submitted to the Moray Council by Barmuckity Business Park Limited signals twenty years of economic growth for Elgin and potential relief from A96 through traffic congestion for the city. The joint venture between landowner Ian Robertson and Moray-based developer Springfield Properties proposes a 128-acre state-of-the-art business park on the A96 to the east of Elgin at Barmuckity Farm that will cost more than £100 million to develop and offers the opportunity to establish a line for the Elgin Bypass. A proposed roundabout to the east of Barmuckity Farm will be the first on the new bypass which is anticipated to rejoin the Inverness side of the A96 west of Aldroughty Farm. Commenting on the pre-application discussions with Moray Council and Transport Scotland, Springfield chairman Sandy Adam said: "There was a positive response to our ideas for a bypass running to the south of Elgin and starting at the main entrance to the park." The carbon neutral development will be laid out in zones including hotel and leisure, public and private sector office, commercial, starter business, storage and industrial. At this stage the application deals only with roads, general layout and landscaping including a large loch feature. The company is already in talks with clients and hopes to submit building applications before the end of the year. The scarcity of land for business use in Elgin, which will be compounded by land take for flood alleviation, means there is pent up and growing demand. With Springfield's planned infrastructure in place Elgin will be well positioned to attract businesses from further afield as the economy improves. Awareness of the strategic importance of the park is uppermost at Springfield according to managing director John Main: "The park will form the main gateway to the city from the east and we are keen to ensure that it is developed in a sympathetic and sustainable way. Our aim is to create a worker friendly business campus fit for the needs of the public and private sectors at local and national level." Over the next 20 years the business park could generate more than 4000 jobs. CAPTION for layout plan: The proposed new £100 million-plus Barmuckity Business Park on Elgin's eastern boundary showing the planned position of the A96 roundabout that could access an Elgin Bypass line. Editors' Note: For further information on the new Business Park proposals contact Jane Innes Springfield Properties on 01343 552550. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#38 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#38 Fri, 15 May 2009 11:18:37 +0200 TWO key members of the Springfield Properties management team have been recognised for their outstanding professionalism. The annual Homes for Scotland People Awards singled out Springfield after sales manager Ann Wojcik and managing director John Main as exceptional professionals in the Scottish construction industry. Mrs Wojcik was the winner of the Customer Care Award and was praised for her polished approach and dedication to her task of looking after the interests of Springfield's customers. Joining Springfield in 2006 with a wealth of industry experience behind her Ann began the task of developing an industry leading after sales service. Since taking up the challenge she has achieved high customer satisfaction ratings for the company's homes and strives tirelessly for the best standards of excellence in dealing with clients. Commenting on her award Ann says, "Satisfied clients generate business for us, we know we offer an excellent service because our clients tell us and getting the recognition of the industry with this award is the icing on the cake for me." Mr Main received a Commendation in the Construction Category that reflected his commitment to providing high quality affordable homes in the North of Scotland and overseeing a vibrant business based in Elgin. Over the last ten years John's vision has been the driving force behind Springfield's construction success and helped it become the largest private house builder in Moray and the highest volume builder of affordable housing in the North of Scotland. Mr Main was appointed managing director of Springfield Properties PLC in 2005 and he continues to drive the company's growth forward. The Springfield winners were presented with their awards by MSP Mary Mulligan in front of an audience of around 500 senior industry representatives at the Homes for Scotland Annual Lunch which was staged at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#37 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#37 Mon, 11 May 2009 10:37:59 +0200 A MASSIVE jobs boost for construction workers in Moray is on the cards thanks to new contracts for Elgin-based Springfield Properties that will eventually lead to more than 400 new homes in Elgin, Buckie and Forres. This week contracts were signed by Springfield for the £15.1 million Phase One of the Moray Volume Procurement Initiative, a partnership of social landlords working to deliver affordable housing in Moray. When completed Phase One of MVPI 3 will deliver a mixture of 16 different home types from single bedroom apartments to four bedroom family houses throughout the three Moray sites - 54 at Elgin, 49 in Buckie and potentially 58 at Forres. With the completion of further MVPI 3 phases Moray could gain up to 425 new affordable homes. Springfield Properties managing director, Mr John Main, is delighted with the contracts' launch and says: "At a time when there's a lot of concern about the construction industry Springfield finds itself in a great position. We expect to be on site by the end of this month in Elgin and have already started infrastructure works at the Buckie site on Barhill Road. "These affordable housing contracts mean we will be able to sustain our workforce at nearly double current levels." Phase 1 will be constructed over the next 18 months and require Springfield to employ an additional 150 tradesmen. Vacancies will be across all trades and include opportunities for direct employment and sub-contract work. The home designs incorporate latest technology and sustainable thinking. Construction will feature extensive use of sustainable and durable Siberian Larch cladding while heating and hot water production will be from an air source heat pump installed in every home that will reduce running costs and slash CO2 emissions by around 40% compared to traditional boilers. Editors' Notes: * For further information and interview opportunities with Springfield Properties' managing director John Main and other key staff contact Springfield Properties on 01343 551550 or e-mail marketing manager Jane Innes at jane@springfield.co.uk * The partners in the Moray Volume Procurement Initiative are Grampian and Langstane Housing Associations and the Moray Housing Partnership. For comments from the lead developer, Grampian Housing Association, contact Sandra MacIntyre on 01224 202902 or email sandra.macintyre@grampianhousing.co.uk. photo caption: Springfield MD John Main http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#35 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#35 Wed, 06 May 2009 16:27:25 +0200 Work will start this summer on an important regeneration project that lies at the heart of a historic Moray Firth port. By late summer Springfield squads will be on site at Portsoy where Springfield have been granted planning approval by Aberdeenshire Council to create an attractive scheme of 12 apartment homes on the site of a disused former mill that has become a local eyesore. The old building has blighted the centre of the town for many years and spoiled an otherwise architecturally attractive conservation area, the dozen apartment homes that are planned will transform the local landscape. The one and two storey homes with two and three-bedroom accommodation have been specially designed to reflect the local architecture in this unique Royal Burgh which is a visitor magnet and home to Scotland's most important annual Traditional Boat Festival. Commenting on the development Springfield sales manager Joyce Napier said, "The style of home we will be marketing at The Granary is an exciting addition to our range. Specially designed to mesh with the surrounding architecture the new homes offer light airy and modern open plan living. We are looking forward to bringing them to market in the near future." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#34 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#34 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:22:04 +0200 Suggestions that some areas will be cushioned from the vicious blows of the credit crunch are being borne out at Springfield where new home sales in 2009 are already ahead of this time last year. Selling more than thirty homes in the year to date is a great achievement which should give homeowners in the North East of Scotland and the Highlands a great deal of comfort according to Springfield MD John Main, "Buyers were certainly wary at the end of last year but confidence seems to have returned to the market up here with demand being particularly strong for two and three bedroom homes. National media paint the whole country with the same brush but all our feedback from solicitors, estate agents and surveyors is that they too are seeing significant increases in enquiries and sales." Show home visits were up 300% on January last year with one Saturday in January surpassing all previous records for Saturday visits. Enquiries in January alone are well above enquiries for all of the last quarter of last year. Joyce Napier, sales manager at Springfield, is optimistic, "Sales to date this year have more than made up for a quiet end to last year, my feeling is that property prices in this part of the world have always been a bit more sensible and so the market has settled down again more quickly. Our clients certainly report that they get great value for money and I believe our sensible approach to pricing along with our dedication to customer service is at the root of our current success." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#33 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#33 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:33:23 +0100 Just a couple of months after appearing in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 Springfield have won through to the final of the Scottish Home Awards. Along with four other top Scottish builders Springfield are competing for the Springfords Medium Housebuilder of the Year open to builders of 100-999 units a year. The Scottish home building industry contributes over £5 billion to the Scottish economy and employs more than 110,000 people. The Scottish Home Awards is an independent awards programme established to promote excellence within Scotland's house building industry. The independent panel of judges assessed the entries on aspects of business planning; marketing strategy; financial results; product overview; quality of interior and exterior design; customer service/care, and value for money. John Main, Managing Director, is looking forward to the awards dinner in April when the winners in each category will be announced, "Awards like these raise the profile of the construction industry in a really positive way by recognizing excellence, our success in reaching the final of this competition is a real tribute to everyone at Springfield and to all our sub contractors and suppliers." To find out more visit www.scottishhomeawards.com http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#30 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#30 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:29:21 +0100 Delighted Moray Housing Partnership (MHP)tenants moved into brand new homes built by Springfield at Waukmill, Elgin this week. And in an impressive exercise MHP had every house let by the end of the day. The thirty new homes made up the final phase of a one hundred and one home much needed development of shared equity, rental and special needs homes. Laura Grant, Chairperson of MHP said, "I was on site to hear the lucky tenants express their delight with their new houses and must say how impressed I was with the standard and design of the properties." The 30 new homes at Waulkmill now bring MHP's total housing stock in Moray to 427 affordable homes for rent. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#29 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#29 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:05:37 +0100 Any doubts about the housing market whcih may have been lurking in peoples minds at the end of 2007 seem to have been completely dismissed with Springfield's sales department reporting a brisk start to 2008. Turn of the year sales at The Paddock, Alness mean that phase one has just one remaining plot and the second phase of new homes will be released for sale in the next week or so. According to sales manager, Joyce Napier, word is getting around locally just how much Springfield has to offer, "As a company we were not known in Alness but once we had made the first few sales word of mouth started working for us and things began to snowball. Without a doubt our homes offer people what they want in terms of space, interior choices, and location, and of course, all at a fixed price." Joyce is bullish about the coming year, "Sales in Elgin are still strong and the release of Moravia Apartments in Elgin is eagerly anticipated judging by the strength of the waiting list. Later this year we expect be on site in MacDuff and I'm really looking forward to the response to introducing our product to yet another part of Scotland!" http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#27 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#27 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:23:49 +0100 2008 will see Springfield push ahead with a new Environmental Policy to be launched early in the New Year. The policy has been formulated to minimise waste and avoid pollution. Springfield has been practicing simple recyling on it's site for a number of years but now it's time to up the game says Tom Leggeat who will be implementing the policy, "We have already modified our system for distribution to sites which has cut down wasteage dramatically and we recycle glass. paper, plastic and cans at our offices." Using environmentally sustainable materials has been a must for the last few years, in 2008 the company will promote sustainable sources of energy at a number of developments. Investgation of environmentally friendly fuels for the vehicle fleet and getting the workforce on board are top of Tom's agenda, "So far everyone has been enthusiastic about the changes, and quite a number have commented that this has made them more environmentally aware at home as well." The Springfield workforce has been introduced to the policy through a monthly in house news sheet and through briefings on site, two activities that will be ongoing throughout 2008 along with monitoring of the effectiveness of the new policy. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#26 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#26 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:23:53 +0100 It's official! Springfield Properties PLC is Scotland's fourth-fastest growing company and 54th in Britain – according to the prestigious Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list. Managing director Mr John Main is delighted with the Fast Track ranking that comes three years after Springfield first appeared in the Fast Track 100 list of top unquoted companies in the UK. He says: "We are delighted to receive this recognition of our achievements and look forward to continuing to build on our success." Between 2003 and 2006 annual sales grew by 82.84% from £4.7million to £28.7 million. "Springfield will never be accused of standing still. We are constantly scanning construction industry horizons for new opportunities, establishing expertise in an area or market and using that expertise to grow the company." Headquartered in Elgin, Springfield employ a staff of 200 with a further 250 sub-contractors engaged on major projects throughout the North. Spreading the geographical base of the company is the latest challenge in the pursuit of profitability, assessing and purchasing land throughout Scotland for immediate development or with longer term possibilities is top of the agenda. Springfield has started building in the Highlands and about to develop a site at Macduff in Aberdeenshire with Braemar and Portsoy to follow in 2008. The Fast Track 100 listing is good news for Moray whose economy benefits from a £500,000 boost every week thanks to Springfield's activities. The current financial year will see the company complete 247 new homes and continue construction at the substantial Elgin South housing and commercial property development that will include a care home, medical centre, retail units, office accommodation and sports facilities. Part of this ambitious development is a large new headquarters for Springfield due to be ready for occupation by next summer. Now Moray's largest private house builder, Springfield has earned an enviable reputation for growing the stock of affordable new housing in its main area of operations and is now diversifying into specialist one-off construction and high-end luxury homes. "We have never shied away from affordable provision," says Mr Main. "It is an essential part of every community and brings, not only homes, but revenue to the area. We are currently in the final phases of a project that has brought £9.5 million and 101 new homes to Moray and are well-placed to address the rising demand for affordable housing." Mr Main credits his management team and workforce for the company's success. "Without their focus and dedication none of this would have been possible," he says. "Our workforce is loyal and productive and we have a loyal team of sub-contractors and suppliers who have also been instrumental in our growth." Growth throughout Scotland will be Springfield's biggest challenge in 2008 and see the assessment of new locations for development and the purchase of land beyond Springfield's traditional boundaries. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#25 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#25 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:17:43 +0100 Moray will soon be endowed with a new Hydrotherapy pool thanks to the amazing efforts of a small band of dedicated fundraisers who have raised well over £200,000 to fit out the new pool. The pool will be built by Springfield adjacent to Forres Swimming Pool and will be donated to the Hydrotherapy Pool Charity who will fit out the building, manage the pool and continue to fundraise. The plans for the pool are at the final stage of the planning process with just one more council department to make an assessment, so come the New Year the charity should really have something to celebrate. And what is so special about Hydrotherapy? According to fundraiser May Taylor it's simple, "it improves lives!" Under the supervision of a physiotherapist painful conditions and injuries can be treated. The relaxing warmth and buoyancy allow painful limbs and muscles to move increasing mobility, giving exercise, speeding recovery and generally improving well being. We all know some one who will benefit from the new pool, if you are interested in becoming involved in the charity or making a donation please call May Talor on 01309 675337 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#24 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#24 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:59:28 +0100 Springfiled\'s Alness devlopment is proving popular with buyers with nearly half of the homes in phase one selling in the first week. Sales manager Joyce Napier believes, \"The Paddock is ideally situated for taking advantage of all that The Highlands has to offer with the convenience Alness High Street just a few minute walk away. All the new homes will be finished with clients individual choices and of course they are a fixed price which is always popular\". The Paddock, at Teaninich, is in an unbeatable location, which is undoubtedly adding to its popularity, surrounded with trees and made up of generous plots there is a real feel of country living. To find out more contact Joyce on 01343 552550 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#23 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#23 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:01:20 +0100 In a concerted move to spread it's geographical base Springfield homes will soon be available in Aberdeenshire. The site, off Buchan Street on the eastern outskirts of Macduff overlooks Tarlair Golf Course and the North Sea and will provide eighty five new homes for the town. Work is underway on the planning application which Springfield expects to submit to Aberdeenshire Council by the end of October. John Main, Springfield MD,is delighted with the purchase, "We've been planning a move into Aberdeenshire for some time and the nature of this site will allow us to be up and running with new homes for sale in the first half of next year." In addition to Springfield's range of two, three and four bedroom family homes there will be a number of two bedroom apartments at the Golf View development. To register your interest in the development please contact Springfield on 01343 552550. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#22 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#22 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:13:46 +0200 A fantastic new facility has taken shape in Nairn over the last few months. Nairn's Sandown Allotments now have a tranquil community garden specially for adults with learning difficulties. It's all thanks to the Health and Happiness Leisure Link, an organisation dedicated to promoting integration for adults with learning difficulties and the Beechgorve Garden. With lottery funding and some help from Springfield in preparing the site the garden is complete and being run, enjoyed and gardened by the people it set out to help. This Sunday, 12th August, the garden is being showed off to the public with the official opening and openday. Craft and produce stalls, scarecrow competitions and best dressed Jim McCall look alikes will be the flavour of the day and you're invited to take something along to the barbeque. Deidre Ryan of Health and Happiness who managed the project says the garden is a whole lot of everything with raised beds for wheelchair users, lower beds with veg and cottage garden flowers, a small pond and sheltered alcoves and benches. She explains, "The idea is for this garden to be multidimensional, a place to be productive or to relax or to socialise and even a venue for small events and gatherings. We are really pleased with the outcome, we've had help and co-operation from so many organisations and we'd really like anyone who helped to come along on Sunday and see the results of all the hard work" Springfield was delighted to be involved in this project and we wish the garden and its gardeners every success for the future. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#21 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#21 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:13:32 +0200 The most exciting new-build social and business development in Moray has begun to take shape on Thornhill Road, Elgin. The steel structures rising from the Southfiled site are changing Elgin's Southern horizon, bringing relief to over stretched infrastructure. When complete the £12M park will offer a multitude of local services. The steel frames under construction are seven retail units, Sandy Adam, of the developer Springfield Properties, says that the units are generating interest in the retail and service sectors, "We are really pleased to be providing this facility and aim to ensure that the Southfield offers a range of goods and services on the doorstep of the local community, and for all the users of the park, there will be about 300 people working on the park every day. "We are expecting to complete the retail units by October and by that time we will have begun construction of the office blocks. The care home, child care centre and state of the art medical centre will follow, as will the two football pitches and sports pavilion." All areas, including the landscaped parkland, are joined by paths and cycle tracks which link in to integrated public transport and 16km of cycle track, all part of the proposed Travel Plan for Elgin South. All these amenities make Southfield a great place to work and live according to Springfield's MD, John Main. Springfield's office based staff have been delighted to learn that they will be then first tenants of the new offices. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#1 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#1 Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0200 Next week a development of ten two bedroom apartments in Nairn Road Forres, IV36 Apartments, will come to market. The contemporary style of the apartments will appeal to all ages, and the layouts meet a range of needs. Five of the apartments have en-suites, four have private entrances and the remaining six are served by a central stairway. In each apartment natural light floods into living areas from generous windows which open onto a balcony. Off street parking to the rear is complimented by a landscaped grassy area to the west. As with all Springfield's new homes IV36 will be offered to the 'waiting list' first. Anyone enquiring about a development before it's released for sale is given the opportunity to join the list with no obligation. Joyce Napier, sales manager at Springfield explains that members of waiting lists are first to receive marketing information and are given a 'first come first served' opportunity to reserve a property before developments are released to the general public, "In cases such as IV36 where there is high pent up demand there are real advantages to joining the list, these clients are giving themselves the best chance of reserving their ideal property." The waiting list for IV36 is still open, to join contact sales at Springfield on 01343 552550. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#3 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#3 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0200 Househunters staked out Springfield's head office from 4:00am on Saturday morning to be at the front of the queue for a new home in Forres. By the end of the day ten would be buyers were celebrating their purchases at IV36 Apartments in Forres town centre. The ten two bedroom apartments ranged in price from £120,000 to £135,000, the fixed price system works well for first time buyers according to Joyce Napier, Springfield's Sales Manager, "The sell out is a reflection of first time buyers and buy to let investors wanting to clinch a property in a rising market. These properties have only been advertised on our website and all the buyers were pleased they had used our waiting list system to increase their chance of success." The buyers will take possession of their new homes early next year. Current proposals see Springfield building more apartments in Forres in late 2008. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#2 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#2 Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0200 A primary six team from Hythehill Primary School in Lossiemouth has won the Springfield Kwik Cricket Festival. The festival, which takes in all of West Moray, is the culmination of weeks of coaching by accredited coaches from Kinloss Cricket Club and from the Cricket Scotland organisation. This year fifteen schools took up the offer of coaching, all paid for under a sponsorship deal with Springfield. The exciting final saw 'sixes' flying and Hythehill won out in the end 54 to 46, the jubilant team were awarded the Springfield Trophy. The top four teams won Kwik Cricket sets for their school and will represent their schools again at the All Moray Festival in Fochabers. The top two teams from there go on to a national competition at Trent Bridge. A Springfield representative who was able to take in the closing stages of the competition was impressed with the standards of play and behaviour, "Coaching had obviously paid off, there was some really stylish bowling and batting, but more importantly this gives hundreds of school children an opportunity to play competitive team sport and to represent their schools. We all know the benefits of sport and team sports particularly, there was a great atmosphere of friendly competition at the festival and Springfield is delighted to be involved." http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#4 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#4 Sun, 03 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0200 Riverside apartments at South Kessock is an exciting phase in the regeneration of the harbour area of Inverness. The fourteen contemporary two bedroom apartments will be built right on the banks of the River Ness on Anderson Street. Light and airy in style and designed for modern living the apartments have open plan living areas, en suites and balcony views across the river to the Kessock Bridge and The Black Isle beyond. The local plan for Inverness envisages a riverside walkway or promenade which will eventually link South Kessock to the town centre. In contrast the new homes at The Paddock, Alness are more family oriented with predominantly three and four bedroom homes in a secluded setting just a short walk from the bustling High Street and all the facilities that Alness has to offer. Springfield is proposing to have a showhome up and running by late autumn and all the homes will be sold off plan which allows Springfield's well known, wide range of client choice in the finished product. From kitchens to socket positions and from paint to tiling, the choice is your....and there are loads of optional extras to choose from too! To receive details as they become available and to be first to be notified of the release of the properties for sale please join our waiting list by calling 01343 552550. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#5 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#5 Mon, 28 May 2007 12:00:00 +0200 Moray's first shared equity homes were among forty new affordable properties unveiled in the area this week. The development, at Waulkmill, Elgin is being delivered in partnership with The Moray Council, Grampian Housing Association and Springfield Properties. The forty new homes include bespoke special needs homes, and homes for rental through Langstane Housing Association. In addition, Grampian Housing association is providing the ten three-bedroom homes for Homestake, the Communities Scotland shared equity scheme. Each property will cost £112,000 and the new owners will purchase up to an 80% stake in that. Elgin tenants of The Moray Council, or of a housing association and people on the waiting list to be rehoused in Elgin will be given priority for the Homestake properties. They will also need to be first time buyers, or have experienced a significant change in circumstances or have special housing needs. Tom Leggeat, who heads up Springfield's affordable housing division, said: "Springfield only tabled the idea in Autumn 2005, and in little more than eighteen months we have the first phase completed and 40 families housed. "That is a phenomenal turn round by any measure." A spokesperson from Grampian Housing Association echoed Mr Leggeat's comments, adding: "We are pleased to be working in partnership the three parties to continue to bring more affordable housing to Moray, and our Homestake properties will provide an opportunity for potential purchasers to buy their own home at an affordable price." A further sixty-one homes will be delivered once the second and third phases of the development get underway. Anyone interested in the Homestake scheme should contact Grampian Housing Association on 01224 202900. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#6 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#6 Mon, 21 May 2007 12:00:00 +0200 An application to build sixty new homes at Pinegrove, Elgin has pushed new home plans submitted by Springfield to an all time high. To date this year Springfield has submitted planning applications for 233 new houses and apartments. The proposals for Pinegrove have been submitted in conjunction with Moray Housing Partnership as a response to strong demand in the area by private clients and housing associations for apartments. They will see an existing redundant building demolished and replaced with contemporary three and four storey apartment blocks. Architectural details are picked out in stone, cedar and glass and most apartments have a balcony facing either south or north. The four blocks will house fifty six two bedroom homes and four one bedroom homes, twelve will be for rent by Moray Housing Partnership and thirty two will be sold privately by Springfield. The remaining sixteen will come onto the market as part of a shared equity scheme aimed at enabling first time buyers to climb onto the property ladder. Springfield hope to bring the apartments to market in the autumn of this year, to be notified of release dates please subscribe to our message service. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#7 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#7 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100 It's out with the old and in with the new at 115 South Street, Elgin, the office building opposite the Elgin Sorting Office which nurtured the fledgling Springfield Properties. Springfield has submitted a planning application to Moray Council to replace the existing outdated building with fourteen two bedroom apartments. The proposed new homes are arranged in three blocks, a central four storey block with two adjoining three storey blocks, the central block is served by a lift. The building is contemporary in style, external architectural features are finished in sandstone and cedar, and each apartment benefits from at least one balcony. Each apartment will be individually styled by the purchaser from the usual great range of choices at Springfield. A similar, though smaller building is proposed for a derelict burned out site in Forres. Plans have been submitted for the site of the former Pine Cottage next to the old Post Office. Ten two bed homes will be incorporated in one block on the site offering possibilities for private and investment purchasers. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#8 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#8 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:00:00 +0100 Springfield has secured planning consent from Moray Council to develop Elgin's largest ever residential site. Two hundred and ninety six houses and ninety eight apartments will be built on the site to the south of Thornhill Road. John Main, managing director, explains, "There's a shortage of one and two bedroom apartments in Elgin right now and this phase of Elgin South has given us an opportunity to address that, as well as providing two three and four bedroom family homes. The apartments are all two bedroom and built in attractive blocks of four, we know that they appeal to private buyers and to investors, and so some of these properties will be a welcome addition to Elgin's stretched rental market." The development includes two, three and four bedroom detached and semi detached homes, is punctuated with landscaped 'green areas', and will have a large play park and field. It links directly into 'Southfield' which brings shops, doctors, recreation, offices, a nursery and a care home to Elgin South. Joyce Napier, sales manager anticipates a high level of interest in the new homes, "The homes market is buoyant, we are handing over homes finished to a very high standard which clients really enjoy, in addition they enjoy the luxury of knowing what the cost of their home will be and not having to deal with the 'offers over' system". Springfield expect to be on site by autumn 2007, as yet a date for release of sales details has not been decided, but watch this site or subscribe to our message service to be the first to receive details. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#9 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#9 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:00:00 +0100 Springfield has opened a new showhome and marketing suite at Linkwood, Elgin. The showhome showcases a Springfield family home, the Newton, demonstrating the quality of build and finish, and the range of choice available in a new Springfield home. The spacious home uses a neutral palate with highlights of vibrant colours and creative lighting to create an open and welcoming atmosphere. Joyce Napier, sales manager is delighted with the response to the showhome, \'Without exception visitors and clients are going away with ideas for their own homes. At Springfeild we offer a huge range of options and optional extras to personalise homes and the showhome shows how this can be taken a step further\'. The Marketing suite is housed in a Moy style home specially adapted for the purpose, and brings together information about all Springfield developments. The Linkwood showhome is open Thursday to Sunday 12:00 noon to 4:00pm. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#10 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#10 Mon, 02 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0200 In December last year photographer Leanne Demay snapped up the £5000 prize in the inaugural Make it in Moray Competition for Moray based young entrepreneurs. A £5000 prize is up for grabs again this year to the young person who can convince the judges that their business or business idea is headed for success. Once again we are seeking out enterprising 16 to 30 year olds who have a vision for their Moray based business or business idea. As last year the top three entrants will be offered business support and advice from within Springfield. Closing date for the competition is Friday 17th November 2006 Entries will be judged on criteria including: innovation, research, financial viability, problem solving, planning and adaptability, and commitment. Those who are invited to meet the judges will be asked to relate product, marketing, and finance to the present situation and to future plans and expectations. "We all know that the young are the future of every community and so the really good news for Moray is that all four of last years finalists are making a success of their businesses right here in Moray. The entries in last years competition were a refreshing reminder that Moray has an abundance of opportunity and talent, we want to get that message across to young people and to stimulate and reward the 'have a go', enterprising attitude that was so apparent throughout the entries". (For more information about each finalist please visit www.makeitinmoray.co.uk). Sandy Adam, MD at Springfield was delighted by the enthusiasm and professionalism of last years finalists. He says to prospective entrants, "Don't under estimate your ideas or visions for the future, if you are enterprising and determined 'have a go', you can make a great future for yourself in Moray". http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#11 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#11 Fri, 01 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0200 An exciting new project will see Springfiled build twenty four new homes on the west side of Inverness. The deal to purchase an area of land on Anderson Road has been tied up and work will start later this year. The land, next to Gael Force Chandlery, comes with detailed planning permission for twenty four apartments. The two bedroom apartments will be contained in two blocks of three and four stories and have superb views to the North and East, Kessock Bridge and the Black Isle to the North and the city of Inverness to the East. The apartments are not yet on the market and sales information is not avaiable but by subscribing to our sms messaging service you will be the first to know when the apartments are for sale. To subscribe click the ticker at the bottom of the home page. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#12 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#12 Sun, 06 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0200 Lossiemouth Apartments Craigellachie Family Villas and Bungalows Springfield has recently released twelve two bedroom apartments in the beautiful seaside town of Lossiemouth. Arranged in three blocks of four, and situated in the Shackleton area the apartments are priced at £87,000 and offer an excellent 'buy to let' or first time buyer opportunity. Accommodation consists of lounge , kitchen and bathroom and, unusually for this type of property, two equal sized bedrooms. Reasonably proportioned at 3.3m x 3.00m, one has a built in wardrobe and the other a walk in wardrobe. Our usual range of client choice includes choice of kitchen, bathroom, tiles, paint, and socket and radiator positions making every house truly individual. These choices are all available at Shackleton representing even better value. In Craigellachie the second phase of Coopers Court brings twelve new homes to the market offering stylish family living in a range of two, three and four bedroom bungalows, villas and semis. The development is sure to prove popular with half of the homes being bungalow styles. Sales Manager Joyce Napier knows that demand for bungalows far outstrips supply. She maintains that, "with density issues so much to the fore it is unusual to find a development with so many single storey homes". Once again, our usual range of client options and optional extras is available giving you choice and value. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#13 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#13 Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0200 Springfield Properties PLC welcomed Communities Minister, Malcolm Chisholm MSP to Elgin toady in his capacity as the figure head of the Communities Scotland organisation. Communities Scotland is the funding partner of an initiative undertaken by Springfield, Moray Council, four housing associations and Communities Scotland to provide Moray with high quality affordable housing which reflects the needs of those on waiting lists. The initiative has already delivered 123 homes in Elgin and Forres, the last 59 of which were handed over today by the minister, completing a substantive investment of £13.6M in Moray during phase one. Mr Chishlom handed over three homes to their new tenants at Linkwood, he described the project as a considerable achievement. He went on to say, "I hope it continues in Moray, and it is the type of model I would wish to see adopted across more of Scotland. Everyone involved in these projects is to be commended for their vision and determination in engaging in the way they have, and for having worked collaboratively to find a solution that works for everyone." Springfield MD Sandy Adam told partners and invited guests "We at Springfield made a positive decision a number of years ago to actively promote as much affordable housing as we could." He went on to say that the success of the partnership was improving lives in Moray through both housing and employment. Springfield have built social housing on all of their recent larger developments which in 2005/0226 attracted funding to Moray which would otherwise have been lost to other parts of Grampian. Mr Adam continued, "I can say with confidence that phase 1 of this project has been a successful and positive experience for all the partners. So much so for Springfield that we have come back to the table to suggest extending the project to a second phase. Funding has been secured through Communities Scotland for a further 102 homes for Elgin. "The second phase is being built on land acquired, in the first instance, by Springfield. This is extremely unusual and not sustainable for a developer. Perhaps the next logical step is for local councils to bring publicly held land to these partnerships". To mark the inception of phase 2 Malcolm Chisholm MSP began digging the first foundation of phase two. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#14 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#14 Mon, 10 Apr 2006 12:00:00 +0200 Phase three of our Linkwood development was released for general sale at the end of January to strong demand. The release brings back to the market many of our most popular house styles which had sold out elsewhere. Joyce Napier, sales manager, is delighted with the response and says that the new year and new release have brought a rush of interest and sales. She says "Buyers know exactly what they are going to pay, where-as with a second-hand home, if it goes to a closing date, they could be up against three or four other people who may be able to put in higher bids than them. "That is certainly one of the attractions of new build homes, and perhaps explains why there is so much interest in them. "The particular attraction of our homes is that we work very closely with buyers so that the interior of their home is entirely their own choice. This includes everything from the kitchen and bathroom to the ceramic tiles and the positioning of electrical sockets. "Each home that we hand over is very individual – we rarely hand over two houses that look even remotely the same". http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#15 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#15 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 12:00:00 +0100 A young Moray photographer came up trumps in the inaugural Make it in Moray young entrepreneurs competition winning the £5,000 first prize. Leanne Demay, 26, beat off competition from 19 other high calibre entries and three other finalists. The competition, run by Springfield Properties was open to 16 to 30 year olds and aims to encourage young people to make the most of the opportunities that Moray has to offer. The four finalists gave presentations to a panel of judges yesterday and then had a nervous wait until the winner was announced at a lunch to celebrate the occasion. Sandy Adam, MD at Springfield, said that he and his fellow judges were delighted by the enthusiasm and professionalism of all the finalists. 'We had an interesting and challenging morning. Leanne was the best of four outstanding finalists, all of whom I'm sure will go on to build successful businesses in Moray' Leanne has run her business 'Pure Images' from home since April and hopes to use the prize to set up a studio. Having started with portrait, family and wedding photography she has recently moved into the commercial arena where she has received acclaim for her work on the Community Recycling in Moray Calendar. Visit www.pure-images.co.uk to view Leanne's work. Ewen Menzies of the Bank of Scotland, one of the judges, summed up the day as a refreshing insight into the future of Moray which demonstrated the talent and commitment of young local people. To read more about the competition please visit www.makeitinmoray.co.uk http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#16 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#16 Tue, 06 Dec 2005 12:00:00 +0100 Elgin based property development company Springfield properties has secured a place on the prestigious Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list. Ranking the UK's 100 fastest growing unquoted companies by annual sales growth between 2001 and 2004 the list was revealed on 06/12/05 in The Sunday Times Business Section Supplement. Springfield is placed at number 55 in Britain and top in Scotland, with annual sales growth of 83% from £1.9 in 2001 to £12.1 in 2004. The list, which is now in its ninth year, raises the profile of the country's most entrepreneurial unquoted companies. Springfield is in good company, Carphone Warehouse, DX Communications, Logan Air, JJB Sports, Innocent Smoothies, and Dyson have all featured in the past. Established in 1956 by Wilfred Adam and run now by his grandson Sandy Adam, the company directly employs 200 people with a further 250 working as sub contractors. Springfield now spends £500,000 in the Moray economy every week. Significant growth of the company was precipitated in 1998 by the decision to directly employ a construction workforce. The company is on target to complete 275 homes this financial year and is now the largest builder of private homes in Moray and the largest builder of affordable housing in the North of Scotland. Building private homes only to order allowed the company to develop a disciplined approach to production with tight budgetary controls, good communication between teams and strict build programmes. This disciplined approach facilitated a sales boosting move into building affordable housing on contract to housing associations. MD, Sandy Adam says, 'We do not shy away from affordable provision, it is an essential part of every community, bringing not only homes but revenue to the area. We have included affordable housing in all our recent developments and will complete the current £10M project, providing 123 homes for four housing associations, next March. We are now actively seeking out contracts and recently submitted a planning application for a further 102 much needed affordable homes in Elgin'. In addition to housing the company delivers major infrastructure improvements through both its civil engineering division and building division. Building begins next year on an ambitious landscaped community park providing a medical centre, care home, retail units, offices and sports facilities. Chief executive John Main says, 'This is our most exciting and challenging infrastructure project to date. The park is exceptionally well designed and will be unique in the North of Scotland'. Mr Adam credits his management team and workforce for the success that has led to inclusion in the list, 'without their focus and dedication none of this would have been possible. Our workforce is loyal and productive and we reward ability and hard work both financially and with career growth. In addition we have a loyal team of sub-contractors and suppliers who have also been instrumental in our growth in recent years'. 'We are delighted to receive this recognition of our achievements and look forward to continuing to build on our success'. For more information visit www.fasttrack.co.uk http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#17 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#17 Sun, 04 Dec 2005 12:00:00 +0100 Elgin's affordable housing stock is growing. Elgin property developers Springfield Properties PLC are celebrating the completion of the first in a series of affordable housing developments at their Glassgreen site. Fourteen houses have been handed over to Margaret Blackwood Housing Association as part of the Moray Volume Procurement Initiative (MVPI). Construction began on the £10 million project in September 2004 and by the time work is complete in March 2006 Moray will benefit from 103 new affordable homes. The initiative has involved successful partnership working between Springfield Properties PLC, four housing associations and Communities Scotland. This joint effort has overseen the entire project from securing land and funding, through to design and construction, and letting and maintenance. Managing Director of Springfield, Sandy Adam, said: "This project recognises the serious depletion of local affordable housing stock and is working to ensure that Moray remains ahead of the game as demand for affordable housing increases. "As a company we are as keen as ever to bring social housing to Moray as a very important and necessary part of new or expanding communities. What this example is delivering and the manner in which it is being delivered is a great achievement, and one of which Moray can be extremely proud." Communities Scotland area director, Gordon Smith, said: "The completion of this phase of affordable housing is a significant step forward for the people of Moray. This particular project is the culmination of years of hard work carried out by Communities Scotland, with its key partner organisations and Springfield. "Springfield have proved to be excellent locally based private sector partner and we are delighted with the end result which provides much needed high quality social housing stock for the area. "This handover underlines our commitment and that of our partners to improving the quality of live for those most in need in the north-east." Quantity Surveyor, Tom Leggeat who has overseen the project for Springfield, is pleased with how smoothly the venture has run: "Each member of the partnership has remained focused on the final objective of increasing Moray's affordable housing stock with high quality, easily maintained homes. "Springfield had the skills and workforce in place and we work to the strict build programmes required by this type of project, so the challenge for us has been adapting our working practices to the requirements of the initiative." Gordon Cameron, Business Development director of Margaret Blackwood Housing Association, told us: "The first thing to say is that our tenants are delighted with their new homes. We have another two houses at Glassgreen, designed and adapted to meet the personal needs of tenants who are disabled, being handed over in the next couple of weeks, with a further four adapted houses being built at Linkwood. "Working with Springfield Properties, with its roots in Elgin, underlines our commitment to local businesses and ensures that the houses fit in with local styles. "We have been impressed with the quality of the houses and with the way the partnership has performed. I hope that this can be a springboard for future development in Moray." These initial handovers are just a taste of things to come in Elgin with a further 59 homes due to be handed over in March 2006 at Springfield's Linkwood development. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#18 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#18 Mon, 21 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0100 This week Springfield Properties PLC is launching a competition which will harness the imagination and enthusiasm of talented young people in Moray by encouraging and rewarding entrepreneurial activity among the 16 to 30 age group. Our message is that Moray is a place of opportunity and talent waiting to be tapped. The substantial first prize of £5000 to the person who we think is most likely to make a success of their idea or business, and the straight forward application process are sure to stimulate a 'have a go' attitude. To download an application form go to makeitinmoray.co.uk http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#19 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#19 Mon, 24 Oct 2005 12:00:00 +0200 ONLY FOUR PLOTS LEFT AT GLASSGREEN The hugely popular development at Glassgreen is almost sold out. With just four plots remaining after a busy sales period, buyers will have to act quickly to secure a home here. Architecturally the houses at Glassgreen draw on all the best aspects of traditional local architecture and the layout of the development has proven appealing. Springfield Sales Manager, Joyce Napier says "Glassgreen has proven to be our most popular development to date and with more than three quarters of the homes now occupied prospective clients are getting a real feel for what the development will be like when the build programme is finished---I think this is one of the main factors that has led to a recent run of sales" A ROTHES ROOM WITH A VIEW Springfield Properties have recently released for sale six plots for family homes in Rothes. Offering spacious four bedroom homes in two styles, on good size plots, prices start at £149,000. Of course the homes come with all the Springfield advantages, quality build and service, and loads of choice internally but the really big attraction of these homes is the fantastic open views across pastureland towards the River Spey. Set on the South side of Rothes , in their own cul de sac the homes have all the advantages of a tranquil setting but within the convenience of a thriving village. FORRES LUXURY APARTMENTS Now on the market in Forres is an attractive block of four modern luxury apartments. The Braemoray Apartments are being built to Springfields usual high standard but getting special treatment at the finishing stage with finishes from the high spec range including hard wood doors, facings and skirtings, extra standard fittings and lots of options and optional extras. Each of the two bedroom apartments has a balcony or small patio and makes maximum use of natural light in the living area. There are off street car parking bays. Situated on Balnageith Road the apartments are priced at £85,000 each, looking like extremely good value in the current market. http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#20 http://www.springfield.co.uk/newsite/news.php#20 Tue, 28 Jun 2005 12:00:00 +0200