Galliford Try appointed by Clarion to deliver affordable homes scheme in Chester

Topic Affordable Homes, Contracts

Date 10 Mar 2026

Galliford Try’s Building business has been appointed by Clarion Housing Group to construct 126 new homes for social rent at the City Place site in Chester. 

The £28m contract represents the first standalone scheme to be delivered by Galliford Try since its return to the affordable homes sector. 

The scheme, situated next to the Shropshire Union Canal and Grade-II-listed Chester Shot Tower, will provide 23 one-bed and 103 two-bed high-quality apartments, helping to address acute local housing need.
 
The project forms part of a wider City Place masterplan, and will be fully fossil-fuel-free, with all homes achieving a minimum EPC B rating and 100% EV charging provision. 

Darren Parker, Managing Director of Galliford Try Building North West, commented: “We are delighted to be underway with the City Place project on behalf of Clarion. This innovative new development will be an exemplar for sustainable living and we look forward to working with Clarion to deliver the high-quality homes their customers deserve.”  

Angela Brockbank, Affordable Homes Sector Director for Galliford Try, added: “This fantastic new development marks the first scheme underway since our return to the affordable homes sector, as outlined in our Sustainable Growth Strategy.

“We look forward to adding to our extensive portfolio of high-quality residential projects from the private and build to rent sectors, and demonstrating our capability to grow our business within this growing market.”

Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said: “This appointment is an important step forward in delivering 126 much-needed social rent homes for Chester.  

“We are committed to working with Cheshire West & Chester Council to address local housing need, and this scheme will provide high-quality, sustainable homes for residents for generations to come. This all-social rent development demonstrates the value of long-term partnerships and our determination to invest in communities where affordable housing is urgently needed.”