Wates expands Midlands footprint with land promoter deal

Wates Land & Development has acquired land promoter Manor Oak Homes in a deal that adds 52 sites to its portfolio and creates a dedicated regional operation in the Midlands.

The acquisition brings Northampton-based Manor Oak Homes and its team, led by Will Main, into the Wates business, significantly increasing the scale of its land promotion activities across the region.

The move gives Wates control of a portfolio of 52 maturing sites, further cementing its position among the UK’s largest land promoters and underlining its ambitions for growth in the Midlands development market.

David Brocklebank, executive managing director for Wates Land & Development division, said the move marked a significant step forward for Wates Land & Development.

“Bringing its portfolio of high-quality Midlands-based sites and its well-regarded and experienced team into our business adds critical breadth and depth and gives us immediate and credible delivery capability in a region of huge opportunity,” he said.

“This growth is not just about scale but is reflective of our long-term commitment to delivering sustainable development that creates lasting value. Guided by our purpose of reimagining places where people can thrive, we are focused on shaping high-quality, inclusive communities that support people, places and planet, now and for generations to come.”

Wates Land & Development division is part of Wates Group, one of the UK’s largest construction, development and property services companies.

As part of the deal, the new business will operate as Wates Manor Oak, with the existing leadership team remaining in place to maintain established relationships with landowners, local authorities and development partners.

Will Main, founder and managing director of Manor Oak Homes, added:“This is a natural fit for both businesses, bringing together two family-owned organisations that share a long-term outlook and a genuine passion for land and development.

“There is a strong cultural alignment, making this an excellent opportunity for the Manor Oak team as well as for our landowners and partners, who will benefit from the strength and expertise that comes from being part of a larger organisation.

“We’re excited about the growth potential this creates for us to combine our knowledge and relationships to unlock new opportunities and deliver high-quality, sustainable developments for the future.”