Lovell has achieved a prestigious national accolade for its community-focused approach at the Benwell Dene housing development in Newcastle.

The project was declared the 'Most Improved Winner' at the Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Awards for 2026. The title highlights the construction team's dedication to acting as caring neighbours and delivering positive outcomes for the community within Newcastle's West End.

In collaboration with Placefirst, Lovell is currently delivering 146 private rental homes to the Benwell area.

Darren Glennie, Head of Construction for Lovell in the North East, said: "Work began on site at Benwell 18 months ago and earning our place as a true part of the community has been a priority from the outset.

"We have built a positive relationship with Bridgewater School, highlighting the need to stay safe around building sites as part of our work. This gave the children an introduction to the world of work and they designed safety posters for the site.

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"We have also supported Healthworks, a charity working to improve health in people across the North East, including by transforming the garden at The Lemington Centre to make it a more attractive space.

"Our rolling work experience programme is providing placements to people in the area who are interested in pursuing a career in construction. This real-world insight gives them a sense of the opportunities available to them and how these could match their skills, driving aspirations. The placements can open doors to employment opportunities which can have a significant impact on local people's lives.

"We have also welcomed ex-forces personnel to experience life on site as part of our commitment to Building Heroes.

"Communicating with our neighbours has been prioritised. We appreciate that building homes can cause disruption at times, in particular when there are works to be completed off-site. By ensuring everyone is aware of what is happening and when, and keeping the community safe, we can minimise any inconvenience."

At present, 120 properties are under construction at Benwell Dene, with work on the final phase of homes scheduled to commence in the next few weeks.

Don Anderson, Managing Director for Lovell in the North East, said: "The Considerate Constructors Scheme is the industry gold standard. To win a national award requires the most exemplary efforts and commitment from our colleagues from Lovell and Placefirst every day, to make sure they are having a positive impact on the world around them. We are grateful to every one of them, and to the community in Benwell Dene for being welcoming and collaborative since we arrived on site."

Lovell operates its North East regional headquarters from Rainton Bridge Business Park in Houghton-le-Spring. Benwell Dene forms part of a wider portfolio of regional developments managed by the company, providing both private and affordable housing spanning from North Yorkshire up to Morpeth.