Category: News

Award-winning local developer Quinn Homes will be holding a public exhibition with details of a proposed residential scheme on land to be known as Great Cauldham Park, Capel-le-Ferne.

The scheme provides an opportunity to create a carefully-conceived extension to the existing community with new housing of exceptional design and energy performance.  Features of the proposal include:

• Up to 90 new homes of exemplar build quality; including 27 Affordable Homes to meet local need

• A range of new houses from spacious family units to smaller starter homes

• High quality public realm and thoughtfully landscaped green spaces

• Effective use of a site allocated in Dover District Council’s draft local plan

Quinn Estates wins housebuilder award for supporting local skills growth at the ‘Oscars of Housebuilding’

Last night (Thursday 2 November), Quinn Estates was recognised with another industry win at the Housebuilder Awards 2023. The Kent-based mixed-use developer was presented with Best Community Initiative for addressing the local skills need with the first of its kind college building at the EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre (East Kent Colleges Group) in Hersden, one of the most deprived wards in Kent.

The winners were announced by host comedian Joel Dommett at a prestigious black-tie event at the InterContinental London – The O2, which also included a drinks reception and dinner. The awards recognise the best in the housebuilding industry from design and sustainability to community impact and regeneration. Considered to be the Oscars of housebuilding, the Housebuilder Awards is voted on by industry leaders.

Located on the southern side of the A28 off Island Road in Hersden, Kent, The EKC Group Civil Engineering Training Centre is focused on construction and civil engineering. It was built in response to the national skills gap to ensure the development of the right skills locally to deliver economic growth.

A report by the Construction Skills Network in June 2022 found that more than a quarter of a million extra construction workers will be needed by 2026 to meet projected demands in the UK civil engineering sector, so this centre, a first of its kind, is a hugely positive and innovative step in addressing this.

The ground-breaking centre has been funded in its entirety by Quinn Estates and gifted to East Kent Colleges Group. Known as the EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre, it will cater for around 300 students at any time, studying courses ranging from construction certifications to full civil engineering apprenticeships. The 3,000 sq. ft facility includes a series of outdoor ‘stations’ where students can develop skills, including drainage and bricklaying. Inside is a training centre, office and other facilities.

This award win recognises the impact the facility will have on local people, with judges praising the development.

Huw Evans, Managing Director of Quinn Estates, commented: “We are incredibly proud to win such an important award for something that means so much to our organisation. To deliver this project, we had to overcome numerous obstacles including judicial reviews and nutrient neutrality issues between gaining consent and being able to commence the build. In that four-year period, costs doubled.

“Whilst the Section 106 compelled us to spend £600,000 but with costs increasing, we funded the entirety of the project totaling £1.5 million. Whilst we had no obligation to do this, for us it was about doing the right thing to deliver a community project we’re incredibly proud of, in an area we live and work in as a team.”

“This centre will enable the builders of the future to learn how to deliver what we strive for in every project – a home to be proud of – and a home in which our customers feel safe and happy.”

Graham Razey, Chief Executive Officer of EKC Group, added: “As a Group, we are committed to addressing skills gaps and ensuring businesses have the talented employees they need to thrive, so we’re incredibly proud of the training centre at Hersden. The centre will support employers in the civil engineering sector, enabling them to access the skilled staff they need to continue to flourish and grow.

“The project marks the culmination of a lot of hard work over several years, and we are very appreciative of everything that Quinn Estates has done in delivering our new centre despite the escalating costs. It is important to recognise the massive social impact that this will have, giving young people the opportunity to build great careers in a growing sector.”

Leading Kent property developer Quinn Estates will be the sponsor of the community stage at Pride Canterbury, marking its 3rd year of support for the event.

Taking place on 10 and 11 June, Pride Canterbury is a spectacular celebration of LGBTQ+ identity for the whole family in the heart of the city centre. The weekend will feature a parade through Canterbury High Street, followed by live entertainment, food and drink in the Dane John Gardens.

The event has a packed line up including Liberty X, Danny Beard, Caity Baser, Baga Chipz, Leyton Williams and Miriam-Teak Lee.

Mark Quinn, CEO and Chairman of Quinn Estates, said: “We are proud to be able to support Pride Canterbury for another year. It’s a fantastic local event that brings together the whole Canterbury community to celebrate equality and diversity. It aligns with us as a business – Pride is for everyone and homes are for everyone. The Pride Weekend 2023 looks set to be another huge success and we look forward to continuing our support in the years to come.”

Jon Fitter-Harding, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship at Pride Canterbury, said: “Pride Canterbury wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for corporate sponsorship, and we certainly wouldn’t be able to keep it free. What is lovely about the event is that all our sponsors come along and are genuinely invested in showcasing Canterbury as the inclusive city that it is. We’re really pleased to have Quinn Estates involved again this year.”

Alongside the significant support provided to local groups and events, a legacy of community improvement is evident in the sports facilities, play parks and the open spaces created by Quinn Estates.

Quinn Estates, as long-term sponsors of GB skiing, are proud to see our supported athletes competing in the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel Meribel.

Dave Ryding, Billy Major and Laurie Taylor are competing in the Men’s Slalom with Charlie Raposo in the Grand Slalom whilst Alex Tilley and Charlie Guest go in the Women’s Slalom. All is live on BBC Sport.

~ New state-of-the-art education facility to address national skills gap and support economic growth ~

The EKC Group Civil Engineering Training Centre was officially opened today at an event attended by local councillors and stakeholders. Located on the southern side of the A28 off Island Road in Hersden, EKC Group’s new facility is focused on construction and civil engineering. It was built in response to the national skills gap to ensure there are the right skills locally to deliver economic growth.

A report by the Construction Skills Network in June 2022 found that more than a quarter of a million extra construction workers will be needed by 2026 to meet projected demands in the UK civil engineering sector, so this centre, a first of its kind, is a hugely positive and innovative step in addressing this.

It will cater for around 300 students at any one time, studying courses ranging from construction certifications to full civil engineering apprenticeships. The 3,000 sq. ft facility includes a series of outdoor ‘stations’ where students can develop skills including drainage and bricklaying. Inside is a training centre, office and other facilities.

The ground-breaking centre has been funded in its entirety by leading South East mixed-use developer, Quinn Estates and gifted to EKC Group. With a S.106 obligation to spend £400,000, the final build costs ultimately reached £1.2 million with Quinn Estates covering the excess costs highlighting their commitment to delivering what is set to be a considerable asset in supporting the next generation into employment.

The new centre is testament to this approach and is part of the Hoplands Park development, an ambitious village extension developed across 70 acres which includes a new 35-acre park. The new community includes 250 homes and community facilities in a village centre including a new children’s nursery.

Mark Quinn, CEO and Chairman, Quinn Estates, said: “We are delighted to be able to launch this fantastic new facility for East Kent, providing hundreds of students each year with the transferable skills they will need to thrive in the construction and engineering industries.

“With all the developments we create, leaving a positive community legacy is at the heart of what we do and our development in Hersden is no exception.”

Graham Razey, Chief Executive Officer of EKC Group, said: “As a Group we are committed to addressing skills gaps and ensuring businesses have the talented employees they need to thrive, so we’re proud to launch this fantastic new training centre today. The centre will support employers in the civil engineering sector, enabling them to access the skilled staff they need to continue to flourish and grow.

“Today marks the culmination of a lot of hard work over a number of years, and we are very appreciative of what Quinn Estates has done in delivering our new centre. It is important to recognise the massive social impact that this will have, giving young people the opportunity to build great careers in a growing sector.”

Quinn Estates and education organisation EKC Group welcomed the Lord Mayor and Cllr Glover, representing the Sturry ward, to a build update on the new engineering and civil engineering training centre in Hersden on Friday 13th May 2022.

Forming part of the Hoplands Park development that was consented a few years ago, the centre is being built by Quinn Estates and gifted to the EKC Group to support its work in training the next generation of construction professionals. Hoplands Park also includes 250 new two, three & four bed homes that are being built by national housebuilder Redrow Homes.

Mark Quinn, Chairman of Quinn Estates ‘We are passionate about contributing positively to the communities in which we build. The planning committee voted unanimously in favour of this scheme a few years ago and we are delighted to now be on site and delivering on a project that will train young people for careers in the exciting construction sector.’

Kurt Salter, Managing Director of EKC WorkHigher which is part of the Group, said: “It’s amazing to see this centre coming to fruition. There’s a clear skills gap in the civil engineering sector in this area, and our vision is for the centre to fully fill that, ensuring that employers have the right skills to grow and flourish in the future. We’re aiming to be the training centre of choice for local employers who need their staff to get formal qualifications, such as our Apprenticeships, as well as for the smaller certificates they need. We’re really excited by the progress, and can’t wait to get in here to start training the next generation of talented construction professionals.”

The centre includes a building containing an office, training centre and other facilities whilst the external yard is set out as a series of stations where students can work on key skills such as drainage and brick laying.

The centre is due to be completed in September 2022 with the first students to start using the facility that month. It is anticipated that the centre will have over 300 learners, studying a variety of courses ranging from CSCS cards through to full Civil Engineering Apprenticeships.

Cllr Glover, representing the Sturry Ward said ‘Pre-planning, Quinn Estates were very active in talking to the local community and understanding the issues in the area. To now be in a position where a hugely significant and beneficial training facility is being built is really exciting and provides the young people in the district with such a great opportunity.’

Together with a new children’s nursery, this represents a £1.5m investment in the local community from Quinn Estates.

Cllr Glover is a governor of several schools including Simon Langton Girls Grammar School and the four local primary schools She worked at KCC Education as an Accountant for 20 years and is a dedicated educationalist.

For more information please call Alastair Cracknell on 075780881814 or email: alastair@quinn-estates.com

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Four Quinn Estates Sponsored Skiers Selected for the GB Winter Olympic Squad

Dave Ryding has won Britain’s first alpine skiing World Cup gold medal with victory in the Kitzbuhel Slalom.

His two runs clocked in at one minute and 41.26 seconds, 0.38 seconds ahead of Lucas Braathen, with fellow Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen third.

Ryding sat sixth after his first run of 51.40 seconds but claimed gold with a brilliant second effort of 49.86.

“You know, I’m 35 now, but I never stopped believing, I never stopped trying, and to bring the first victory for Great Britain in a World Cup, in Kitzbuhel… I mean, I don’t know if dreams are made better,” he said.

Dave Ryding wins Britain’s first gold in alpine skiing World Cup – BBC Sport

Leading property developer and one of the biggest champions of supporting emerging sporting talent, Quinn Estates has agreed a new sponsorship deal with Alpine Skier and GB Olympian, Charlie Guest.

This much-needed funding will give Charlie the opportunity to invest more in her training, allowing her to compete against some of the biggest names in the sport. The sponsorship will also support Charlie in achieving her Olympic aspirations at the Winter Games this year.

This latest agreement means that Quinn Estates now sponsor the entire World Cup Slalom team alongside being a major sponsor of the GB ski team.

CEO and Chairman of Quinn Estates, Mark Quinn knows first-hand the pressure of the sport having had a successful career on the professional ski circuit before turning his attention to the property industry. The ethos of the sporting world, and skiing in particular, aligns with the same values of Quinn Estates – commitment, drive and determination.

Mark Quinn commented: “Quinn Estates are delighted to have signed a sponsorship deal with Charlie Guest. Not only is she an exceptional skiing talent, she is also hard working and disciplined, and is a great role model for young people. We look forward to cheering Charlie on in the season ahead, and especially at the Winter Olympics.”

Charlie Guest said: “A huge thank you to the entire Quinn Estates team for their support. The sponsorship is vital in ensuring I’m where I need to be in training and able to push myself to be the very best I can be. I have high hopes for the season ahead and the upcoming Winter Games in Beijing!”

Charlie is in great company alongside Quinn Estates’ wider sponsorship roster which includes Dave Ryding, Alex Tilley, Billy Major and Luca Carrick-Smith. This latest investment also follows Quinn Estates signing a sponsorship deal with Redrow and GB Snowsport, the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding in the UK, in October 2021. The partnership aims to help facilitate success at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

Last night (Wednesday, 24 November), Quinn Homes was recognised with three more industry wins at the Housebuilder Awards 2021. It was presented with Best Refurbishment Project for The Engine Sheds at Hammill Park and Best Community Initiative for Eddington Park & Herne Bay Sports Hub, as well as joint Small Housebuilder of the Year.

The winners were announced at a prestigious black tie evening event at the InterContinental London – The O2, with comedian Tom Allen taking to the stage as host to keep the audience entertained. The awards recognise the best in the housebuilding industry from design and sustainability to community impact and regeneration.

Having been spun out of one of Kent’s most proactive and innovative mixed-use developers, Quinn Homes is getting significant industry recognition for its work, particularly in regard to its commitment to supporting local communities and breathing new life into heritage buildings.

This win follows recent success at the WhatHouse? Awards where Quinn Homes was awarded Gold for Best Small Housebuilder and Bronze for Best Apartment Scheme.

Mark Quinn, CEO and Chairman of Quinn Homes, commented: “We are thrilled to be recognised across three categories at this year’s Housebuilder Awards. To win Best Refurbishment Project, Best Community Initiative and Best Small Housebuilder of the Year against giants in our industry is a fantastic achievement. It drives our team to be the very best we can be and continue to deliver projects to be proud of. A huge thank you to the judging panel and the Housebuilder Awards for this recognition!”