Acorn onsite at landmark Peterborough scheme 

Acorn Aluminium has started on site at the high profile Northminster development in Peterborough.

Delivered by main contractors Cross Key Homes and Willmott Dixon, the landmark £65 million scheme is set out over between three and 11-storeys. 

Part funded by a £14mllion development grant from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the scheme includes 315 units of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and 37 townhouses, plus ground floor, leisure, hospitality and commercial spaces.  

A flagship affordable housing scheme, homes will be let at discounted rents set below 80% of the normal market rate. 

Acorn Aluminium has been appointed to the project by Willmott Dixon to deliver the 4450m2 glazing elements of the main project.

This includes 1255mof curtain walling in Senior Architectural Systems SF52 system and 3195mof windows and doors, which are being manufactured by Acorn Aluminium in Senior Architectural Systems ultra-energy-efficient, SPW600e window and door system.  

“We’re delighted to be working with Willmott Dixon, on another exceptionally high profile and large scale scheme”, Paul Stevens, Managing Director, Acorn Aluminium, said.

He continued: “It’s another landmark city centre location and evidences the growing expertise Acorn Aluminium has in major projects as well as the growing strength of the partnerships that we have developed with the UK’s leading commercial contractors.”

The Senior SPW600 is a highly versatile 75mm window system, while its also available in the SPW600e enhanced thermal option, which uses additional thermal inserts on top of the latest polyamide thermal breaking technologies used across the range. 

The SF52 curtain walling system from Senior Architectural Systems, is defined by a consistent slim 52mm sightline. It also offers an exceptional level of flexibility and is suitable for both ground floor and high-rise applications, with full weather testing to CWCT and EN13830. 

Accommodating glass units of up to 56mm, this combines to create a highly cost-effective commercial window capable of achieving a BFRC A Rating. 

Acorn’s appointment follows a successful project partnership with Willmott Dixon, on its high-profile Perry Barr regeneration scheme. 

At a combined value of £78m, the two plots included the construction of 430 one and two-bedroom apartments in four and six storey blocks designed by architect Corstorphine & Wright for Birmingham City Council.

“We’ve evolved significantly over the last two or three years, to put in place the infrastructure and expertise to give ourselves the right skills set and enough capacity, to comfortably take of larger projects of up to around the £4million mark”, Paul said.

“Projects including Perry Barr, helped us to flush out a much better understanding of our capabilities, the things that we need to do to make sure that we deliver the right service and right product to main contractors.

“Reappointment to ambitious and landmark projects, including the one here at Northminster, is a recognition of that.” 

The project is scheduled for completion in August 2024, with a value to Acorn Aluminium of £3.4million.


For more about Acorn Aluminium please call 0115 928 2166, email [email protected] or visit www.acornalumnium.com

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