Bargate has once again partnered with Saints Foundation to support its annual Senior Saints festive lunch, marking the third consecutive year we have sponsored the much-loved event for older residents across Southampton.

Held at St Mary’s Stadium, the celebration welcomed around 300 people aged 60 and over for an afternoon of food, entertainment and good company. As well as funding the event, members of our Bargate team attended on the day, donning their Christmas jumpers to serve lunch, chat with guests and help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

This year’s lunch featured an open buffet, live music, a raffle and festive activities throughout the afternoon. As part of the Saints Foundation and P&O Cruises Share the Joy Gift Giving campaign, some guests also received surprise presents, adding an extra moment of joy. Participants who had attended the most Senior Saints sessions during the year were also recognised, celebrating their commitment to staying active and connected.

Guests also had the chance to speak with local organisations offering advice, services and support for older people, reflecting the wider role Senior Saints plays in supporting wellbeing beyond physical activity

Mark White, Managing Director at Bargate, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be supporting the Senior Saints festive lunch for the third year running. This event is about much more than a meal. It’s about bringing people together and making sure older residents feel welcome and valued, especially at this time of year. Our team love getting involved, and it’s always a pleasure to spend time with the participants and be part of something that means so much to the community.”

The afternoon was made even more special by a visit from Francis Benali, legendary former Southampton FC player and Saints Foundation Ambassador.

Francis Benali MBE, Saints Foundation Ambassador, commented: “All year round, Senior Saints support older adults in the city to increase their physical activity and give them opportunities to socialise. This is particularly important at this time of year, and the continued support from Bargate has allowed Senior Saints’ annual Christmas Party to get better each year. It has been a wonderful day with the atmosphere, energy, and festive joy in the room.”

Senior Saints is a free project run by Saints Foundation for people aged 60 and over. Based in different parts of the city throughout the week, the Senior Saints Hubs give participants access to weekly activities alongside local partners offering information and support that can make a real difference to everyday life.

Supporting Senior Saints forms part of Bargate’s wider commitment to investing in the communities where we build. Alongside this partnership, we are proud to sponsor a wide range of community projects, events and local grassroots football and sports teams for young people, support Southampton FC and the Saints Foundation, fund free places for children through the Saints Soccer Schools Pupil Premium Programme, and back cultural organisations, including the Mayflower Theatre and its annual Christmas pantomime.

We are once again bringing festive cheer to Southampton as the proud local sponsor of this year’s highly anticipated Christmas pantomime at Mayflower Theatre, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

We have committed to being local sponsors for the second consecutive year, having proudly supported last year’s pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk. Some of our team and Mayflower’s Events and Sponsorship Manager, met the cast earlier this month at Mayflower Theatre’s official pantomime launch day.

Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate, said: “Pantomime is all about magic, laughter and the joy of never quite growing up, and that’s why it means so much to us to support Mayflower Theatre’s Christmas tradition. Our focus at Bargate is on creating homes and communities where memories can be made, just as this year’s The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan brings families together for an unforgettable adventure. We’re thrilled to continue our sponsorship and play our part in keeping this festive spirit alive for Southampton.”

Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower said “We are delighted that Bargate have once again invested in our magical pantomime spectacular which is produced by the world’s biggest producer Crossroads Pantomimes. Bargate’s generous sponsorship of this year’s production helps us to provide inspiring experiences to Southampton audiences and the next generation of theatregoers.”

The Mayflower’s pantomime sponsorship is just one of the many causes we proudly support across Hampshire. Bargate is equally committed to backing local community initiatives, grassroots clubs, and professional sports teams together with their affiliated charities. Through this ongoing support, we aim to strengthen the communities where we build, operate, and where we ourselves call home.

We’re proud to share that we’ve donated £5,000 to Victory Hall in Warsash to support essential facility upgrades. Our funding will specifically contribute to the provision of a new accessible toilet within the foyer, ensuring all hall users can benefit from improved facilities.

Located in the heart of the scenic village of Warsash, Victory Hall has been a vital hub for local events, social gatherings, and recreational activities for 50 years. However, recent assessments highlighted the need for improvements, particularly the addition of an accessible toilet that is easily reached by all users. Our contribution will help fund these vital enhancements, ensuring the hall continues to serve as an inclusive space for the community.

Mark White, our Managing Director, said: “We are committed to supporting the communities where we build, and we’re pleased to contribute towards these facility upgrades at Victory Hall. With our nearby Rivercross development in Warsash, it’s important to us that we play a role in strengthening local amenities for both new and long-standing residents.”

Mike Ford, Trustee of Victory Hall, said: “The donation from Bargate Homes is a fantastic boost to our improvement efforts. The addition of a fully accessible toilet and the upgrade of existing facilities will make a real difference for our users. We’re incredibly grateful to Bargate Homes for their support in maintaining and enhancing this valued community space.”

Victory Hall is undergoing a phased programme of improvements. The work includes a new accessible toilet in the foyer, upgrades to the existing toilet facilities, and additional general storage. Construction is set to begin at the end of March, with completion expected in the summer.

The hall is located less than a mile from our flagship and award-winning Rivercross development. Located off Brook Lane, this idyllic community features a range of two- to four-bedroom energy-efficient new homes, all in a sought-after coastal location.

At Bargate Homes, we are proud to champion sustainable living – not only through the homes we build, but also by supporting community initiatives that make a positive impact. As part of our ongoing partnership with Mayflower Theatre, we are delighted to have sponsored the theatre’s new reusable cup scheme, helping to eradicate over 120,000 single-use plastic cups every year.

The introduction of STACK-CUP™ reusable cups at Mayflower Theatre marks a significant step forward in reducing environmental impact at one of Southampton’s most beloved venues. Disposable plastic cups can take up to 450 years to degrade, creating harmful microplastics that threaten wildlife and our ecosystems. By switching to reusable cups, which can be washed, reused and eventually fully recycled, Mayflower Theatre is leading the way in sustainable change.

Mark White, our Managing Director, said: “Supporting sustainable initiatives in the local community where we build is incredibly important to us. By sponsoring Mayflower Theatre’s new reusable cup scheme, we’re proud to help reduce single-use plastic and back a venue that brings so much to our community. Having supported last year’s panto, this partnership builds on our continued support for the theatre and our commitment to Southampton’s cultural and environmental future.”

Ben Miles, Head of Sales and Marketing of STACK-CUP™ said, “We are delighted to be joining forces with Mayflower Theatre in their efforts to be more sustainable, offering a practical and environmentally friendly solution to audiences who wish to take their drinks into the auditorium. Mayflower Theatre marks the first theatre on the South Coast that we have our cups in, and we hope many other local theatres and venues follow suit. We already work with many venues around the country and have recently become the provider for all Belfast venues, which will save the city an estimated 2.5 million single-use cups going into landfill every year. We look forward to seeing Mayflower Theatre’s patrons embrace this initiative and enjoy their drinks with sustainability in mind.”

Tasha Finch, Head of Customer Operations at Mayflower said, “We continue to take positive steps towards greater sustainability, and we are excited to be working towards removing single-use plastic

from Mayflower Theatre. Our customers expect us to play a positive role in the communities we serve and to take the lead in environmental initiatives. Our thanks also go to Bargate for their continued support.”

Mayflower Theatre’s broader carbon reduction programme has seen recycling rates rise from 10.4% in 2020 to 60% in 2024/25, alongside an investment of over £500,000 in energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the auditorium and stage areas. Planning permission has also been granted for a new solar array installation in the coming months.

The reusable cups will be available at all Mayflower Theatre bars starting 30 April 2025 and will form part of the venue’s work under the Theatre Green Book guidelines to further reduce its carbon footprint.

We are proud to be part of this important initiative and to continue our support of projects that protect and enhance the communities where we live and work.

We have received the green light from Arun District Council to develop 95 new homes on a 4.91-Ha (12.13-acre) site in the coastal village of Pagham, West Sussex. It is the sixth scheme we have received planning permission for since the start of 2025, totalling over 400 new family homes.

Located on Pagham Road, the new development will feature a variety of mixed tenure detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, alongside maisonettes. Designed by Thrive Architects, the scheme layout comprises one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, as well as new Public Open Space and pedestrian access to serve the wider existing community, together with children’s play areas. 30% of the 95 homes will be delivered to VIVID, Bargate’s parent company, for affordable housing.

The delegated approval of the Reserved Matters application will enable us to make preparations to commence construction later this year. The scheme will be constructed to a high EPC rating, including green technologies, with PV Solar Panels, air source heat pumps, and each home having an EV charger.

Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate, said: “Having handed over 250 beautiful homes to customers in our 2024/5 financial year, we are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of trading by cementing our growth trajectory. Since the start of 2025, we have received the green light for over 400 family homes, with a number of additional planning applications currently being processed.

“This exemplary housing development in Pagham will create much-needed opportunities to live in an eco-focused home in a sought-after West Sussex spot. Located close to the coast and just two miles from the popular holiday destination of Bognor Regis, this prized site also benefits from being only six miles from the cathedral city of Chichester.

“We will continue to work with Arun District Council to make preparations to commence work on site, with the first home handovers anticipated for 2026.”

The residential development will be constructed using traditional materials inspired by the architectural styles found across the locality, including brick facades, flint and weatherboarding. The majority of the plots will be set out over two storeys, with some having one and a half floors.

The site benefits from a good level of accessibility for pedestrians. Pagham village – a 35-minute walk or five-minute drive – has a variety of amenities, including local schools, pubs, shops, village hall, church and leisure facilities, while a new local centre and primary school are due to be constructed to the south of Summer Lane.

This new scheme will deliver biodiversity net gains across the site. All existing trees suitable for retention will be retained and supplemented with new planting. A range of wildlife boxes including bat boxes, bird boxes, bee bricks and insect hotels will be distributed throughout the development, as well as a sensitive lighting strategy to maintain dark corridors for bats.

Pagham, located on the West Sussex coast, is two miles west of Bognor Regis, and six miles south of Chichester. It is home to the Nature Conservation Site of Pagham Harbour, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Chichester has a large centre with many popular bars and restaurants and larger high street stores. It is a 15-minute drive from the development site or a 25-minute bus ride.

Bognor Regis train station has frequent services running to London Victoria in 1hr30, as well as services to Gatwick Airport in just over an hour. The wider motorway network can be reached via the B1266, followed by the A27 and A3, leading onto the M25.

We have unveiled a refreshed brand and launched a bespoke website to acknowledge our rapid growth and status as a 5* HBF housebuilder.

bargatehomes.co.uk is the first asset to be unveiled in the comprehensive suite of marketing materials that is currently undergoing a rebrand. In the coming months, new look brochures, signage, digital displays, adverts, marketing suites and show homes will be launched to fully showcase the refined new look.

Bargate’s refreshed brand focuses on modern heritage and timeless elegance. A capital B has become our new logo emblem, with crisp imagery emphasising the importance placed on design, craftsmanship, and the commitment to enhancing the local landscape.

Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate said: “We concluded the 2024/5 financial year by delivering the highest number of homes and turnover in our history. 250 energy-efficient houses and apartments were handed over to customers, while our growth trajectory is supported by live planning applications equating to a total gross development value in the region of £460m. I am immensely proud that we have also achieved a five-star rating in the Home Builders Federation (HBF) Customer Satisfaction Survey.

“Entering our 20th year was the trigger that prompted us to embark on a strategic marketing review and really consider everything our brand needed to reflect. With Bargate having grown and evolved over recent years, we set out to elevate our brand style and our 24/7 shop window – which is essentially what a website is – to meet the heightened aspirations of this brilliant business and our customers.

“Since 2006, we’ve been committed to building exceptional homes that put people and quality first. As we embrace the future, we do so with a renewed identity that reflects our continued dedication to craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and community-focused development.”

The new logo embraces Bargate’s heritage, featuring a bespoke font inspired by the architectural elements of our distinctive porches. The identity extends into flexible design elements that reflect the individuality of every Bargate home.

Andrew French, Sales and Marketing Director for Bargate, added: “Central to our brief for this brand refresh was for our website and marketing assets to illustrate the hand-picked exclusivity of owning a Bargate home. We’re known for our prime developments in aspirational locations, designing beautiful spacious family homes that blend into their scenic surroundings, and the huge emphasis on personalised care that we put into every customer journey.

“While Bargate’s brand has evolved, our mission remains the same – to create homes that stand the test of time, enriching the landscapes and communities we are privileged to be part of. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without our valued customers and partners.

“Through everything we do and communicate, we want to make it clear that a reservation signals the point at which we take a new customer under our wing and look after their greatest asset.”

The brand refresh and website design were undertaken by Basingstoke-based design studio The Escape. The bespoke website has been designed to be customer-focused and intuitive to navigate and explore across smart phones, tablets and computer screens.

Earlier this year, we received the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award for Customer Satisfaction from In-House Research, together with an overall Gold Award. In-House Research’s newly released Annual Benchmark indicates where by all housebuilders who participate in the comprehensive customer survey stand, compared against an average benchmark score. Bargate consistently scored above the benchmark in every category. In the ‘would you recommend to a friend’ category, Bargate scored 98.8%.

We recently started onsite enabling works for our 100th development. Major developments where homes are currently available to purchase include Heritage Place at North Stoneham Park in Eastleigh, our flagship site Rivercross located in Warsash, and Norton Chase in Lovedean. New developments will be launched later this year.

Bargate was one of the first SME housebuilders to join the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) Register of Developers, which offers our customers increased peace of mind and enhanced protection.

We are thrilled to announce that Bargate Homes has achieved a five-star rating in the annual Home Builders Federation (HBF) Customer Satisfaction Survey in the first full year we have participated in this esteemed scheme.

The HBF allocates stars for customer satisfaction based on homeowner feedback in an independent survey. These surveys are sent to our purchasers once they have taken occupation of their new home and are designed to establish satisfaction levels with the quality of the property and the buying experience. Star ratings are calculated based on the number of customers who would recommend us as their housebuilder to friends, with a five-star rating requiring 90% or above.

Mark White, our Managing Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received the highest rating for customer satisfaction in the first full year of participating in the HBF Survey. This accolade is the ultimate seal of approval from our customers. It reflects what they think of Bargate across the whole experience – before, during, and after their purchase.

“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who are committed to delivering quality and a positive experience every step of the way. Customer satisfaction has always been at the heart of everything we do, and we are incredibly proud to have earned this recognition.”

Before the end of the 2024/5 financial year, we will hand over more than 250 energy-efficient, hand-crafted houses and apartments to our customers. Our growth trajectory is supported by live planning applications equating to a total gross development value in the region of £460m.

We are also proud to have received the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award for Customer Satisfaction from In-House Research, along with an overall Gold Award. This marks the seventh consecutive year we have triumphed in this prestigious national award programme. This achievement further reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality homes and providing an exceptional customer journey.

In-House Research’s newly released Annual Benchmark indicates where all housebuilders who participate in the comprehensive customer survey stand, compared against an average benchmark score. We consistently scored above the benchmark in every category. In the ‘would you recommend to a friend’ category, we achieved an outstanding 98.8%.

As part of the industry’s ongoing effort to improve quality and customer experience, the results of the survey are published on In-House Research’s website. These findings help support consumers in making informed choices when purchasing a new home.

As we celebrate our 20th year, we have recently started onsite enabling works for our 100th development. Established in 2006, our multi-award-winning regional housebuilding company has successfully navigated complex industry challenges, achieving consistent growth over the past four years. We were also one of the first SME housebuilders to join the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) Register of Developers, offering our customers increased peace of mind and enhanced protection.