Collaboration aims to boost supply of quality rental homes

Placefirst and Sky-House Co have launched a partnership for the delivery of new housing schemes across the Yorkshire region. 

They have struck an initial deal to deliver 34 one and two-bedroom apartments and 14 two and three-bedroom houses at Sky-House’s Copper Street development, close to Kelham Island, following the granting of planning approval in October. 

With completion expected in 2026, the development will also offer communal space for residents in addition to landscaped gardens in the neighbourhood’s centre. 

Placefirst’s explains this expansion of its Sheffield portfolio will offer a much-needed increase in high-quality rental options for Sheffield’s growing non-student population.

Located within the area historically dubbed “Little Chicago”, the project will build on developments in nearby Kelham Island over the past two decades.  

David Cross, co-founder and director of Sky-House, said: “This is a superb deal for Sky-House and the City of Sheffield, providing us with the finance to move onto other sites in the region whilst also introducing a quality national private rented sector operator to Sheffield.

“Our immediate focus is to complete site preparation works ahead of starting the build of the first home this side of Christmas. 

“We’ll complete the build of all homes by the end of 2026, ready to handover to Placefirst for people to rent.  

“Placefirst has been an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the transaction and we look forward to this being the first of many between the two companies as we expand across the North of England.”

Henry Marshall, investment director at Placefirst, added: “Our ambition to expand our portfolio is directly rooted in our commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality rental options, which is why partnering with SME housebuilders who prioritise quality without compromising sustainability is key to our growth strategy.

“Sky-House’s approach to design and creating homes that offer long-term value to residents complements our people-first approach to renting.

“We believe that city centre living should deliver on both quality and affordability.

“As we work together on this development with Sky-House, we look forward to building on the success of our Skye Edge and Gell Street neighbourhoods and continuing to improve the rental experience in Sheffield.”