How New Build Developments Benefit Local Communities
Introduction
Following our recent participation in New Homes Week, held by the Home Builders Federation, POD is taking a retrospective look for our property management blog this week. We’ll explore the new build developments we manage and how they have expanded and integrated with the local community.
Sustainability, More than a Buzzword
This is an important and trending topic among residents, developers and the property management industry as a whole. As the general public becomes more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for effective energy savings through sustainable, eco-friendly appliances and better insulation – everything new build developments excel at. However, the new biodiversity net gain applies to more than new builds, it applies to developers, land managers and local planning authorities (LPA). Each have legal obligations to deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain to their developments. Specifically, the government guidance states the biodiversity net gain rules must be acknowledged and undertook by:
developers of major developments
developers of small sites from 2 April 2024
developers of nationally significant infrastructure projects from late November 2025
land managers wanting to sell in the BNG market
local planning authorities (LPA)
The legislation means that developments being built will have to enhance the natural environment, allowing residents to enjoy green spaces and attractive communal areas while knowing their homes contribute positively to the environment.
The Green Quarter is one such regeneration project, being a new build development that POD manages and one that aligns with our principles of sustainability. By taking advantage of local commodities and reducing energy consumption through sustainable practices, we cut costs for our clients – tackling two goals in one!
The Green Quarter, a new build development and one of London’s biggest regeneration projects.
Diverse Communities Flourish
It’s no secret – the more people you appeal to, the more expansive the community becomes. People from all walks of life can interact and share differing thoughts and opinions, and new build developments tend to attract a large crowd; therefore catering to their individual needs can be challenging. Let’s explore South Quay Plaza (SQP), a new build development managed by POD to see how this works in a real-world example.
Resident engagement events have proven to be highly successful, and ensuring residents are well-informed about the timing of these events is essential. At South Quay Plaza, residents can sign up to get informed via a convenient app, which staff can send broadcasts through. In addition, they can receive emails and push notifications for ease of use. These all allow residents to stay informed with their choice of notification, keeping information readily accessible to all.
Another effective way to enable a diverse community is by hosting culturally significant events; these events strengthen community bonds and make groups feel valued. South Quay Plaza actively embraces cultural diversity by organising events such as having tealights for Diwali at the concierge. Some others include International Women’s/Men’s Day and Chinese New Year. This isn’t the only new build development we manage that holds events like this; it’s just one example of many.
Local Talent is Convenient
At several of our new build developments, we’ve appointed local talent to join our POD team. Why is this beneficial? Having team members in close proximity to the sites means they can respond quickly in the unlikely event of emergencies.
Another aspect is that having knowledge of the surrounding area can provide additional benefits, such as passing travel information, giving guidance on tourist hot spots, and the employee valuing a short commute.
One of our team members at our Great West Quarter mentioned these very points. He stated:
“Having a good understanding of the area around my workplace has been a significant advantage in building connections with GWQ residents. My familiarity with the site and its surroundings enables me to share helpful tips and advice, whether it's about local bus and tube routes, nearby cafes, restaurants, gyms, or sports centres. “
Local Suppliers Supports Local Businesses
Convenience also extends to local suppliers, as having them nearby to our new build developments means faster and more reliable deliveries. Some of our examples include:
Rose Buds Sweet Treats: an independent supplier of sweet treats
Graft Wine: A wine wholesaler
Pact Coffee: Supplies of coffee and hot chocolate
Supporting independent and smaller businesses ensures great quality and freshness. It also promotes economic growth, allowing small businesses to excel and providing them with valuable opportunities. These aspects can be important requirements by our clients, and we wholeheartedly endorse this approach. This commitment to local businesses helps build strong relationships and trust within the community, benefitting everyone involved.
Key Takeaways from New Homes Week 2025
It’s clear that genuine care and connection plays an important role in the satisfaction of both residents and the wider community. And with biodiversity legislation mandating that new developments enrich the natural environment, coupled with the growing sustainability consciousness among the public, new build developments have become an ideal choice for new homeowners.
Property management companies must recognise the opportunities presented by new build developments and how communities are intertwined with their success. At POD, we are dedicated to helping developers achieve their sustainability goals and requirements, ultimately contributing to the success and the satisfaction of our clients.
Get in Touch
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● Fill out our business enquiry form
● Email us at relationships@podmanagement.co.uk
● Call us on 0333 577 6656
We look forward to hearing from you!