1. Introduction to Urban Splash UK

Urban Splash UK is a visionary real estate development and regeneration company that has been redefining the built environment for over three decades. Founded in 1993 by Tom Bloxham MBE and Jonathan Falkingham, the company is headquartered in Manchester, England, with additional offices in Birmingham, Liverpool, and London. Urban Splash UK has earned a stellar reputation for transforming derelict industrial sites, former warehouses, and underutilized urban areas into vibrant, mixed-use communities. The company’s portfolio spans award-winning residential apartments, commercial offices, cultural spaces, and creative hubs, all designed with a distinctive architectural aesthetic that blends heritage preservation with contemporary innovation.

As a leader in the real estate industry, Urban Splash UK is recognized not only for its physical projects but also for its holistic approach to placemaking. The company prioritizes community engagement, environmental sustainability, and social impact, often collaborating with local authorities, architects, and artists to create spaces that foster wellbeing and economic growth. With a development pipeline exceeding £1 billion and a team of over 250 professionals, Urban Splash UK consistently ranks among the top regeneration specialists in the United Kingdom. Its projects, such as Park Hill in Sheffield, New Islington in Manchester, and the recently completed Union Street in Liverpool, have received numerous awards, including RIBA Stirling Prize shortlists and Housing Design Awards.

Organizations that choose Urban Splash UK benefit from deep expertise in navigating complex planning regimes, securing public-private partnerships, and delivering high-quality, sustainable developments. The company’s integrated model covers everything from land acquisition and master planning to construction, sales, and long-term asset management. This comprehensive approach ensures that each project not only meets commercial objectives but also contributes positively to the local context. As the demand for thoughtful urban regeneration grows, Urban Splash UK remains at the forefront, demonstrating that profitable development and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

2. Company History and Business Evolution

Urban Splash UK was born from a simple but radical idea: to breathe new life into forgotten buildings and neighborhoods. In 1993, Tom Bloxham, a former art student, and Jonathan Falkingham, a property developer, joined forces to convert a derelict cotton mill in Manchester into a mixed-use development called The Greenhouse. This early success showcased the potential of adaptive reuse and set the stage for a series of landmark projects in the late 1990s, including the refurbishment of the iconic Liverpool School of Art and the transformation of a former Victorian warehouse in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. By 2000, Urban Splash had established itself as a specialist in creative regeneration, earning a reputation for taking on challenging sites that traditional developers avoided.

The company’s expansion accelerated in the early 2000s, driven by the success of high-profile projects like the Coliseum Building in Liverpool and the iconic Park Hill estate in Sheffield. In 2003, Urban Splash secured its largest ever regeneration contract at New Islington, a £200 million project in east Manchester that involved building over 800 homes, a primary school, and public spaces. This period also saw the company diversify into commercial office development, arts and culture venues (such as HOME in Manchester), and the launch of its own architectural design group. However, the 2008 financial crisis hit Urban Splash hard, forcing a restructuring and a shift toward more capital-efficient models, including joint ventures with housing associations and local councils.

Following a period of stabilization under new chairman John Hughes and CEO Richard Taylor (appointed in 2013), Urban Splash UK returned to growth by focusing on build-to-rent (BTR) homes, later living developments, and regeneration partnerships. The company’s acquisition of the Manchester-based regeneration specialist Igloo in 2016 strengthened its capabilities in sustainable urban development. In 2020, Urban Splash launched its own in-house construction division, Splash Construction, to gain greater control over delivery timelines and quality. Today, the company is privately owned and continues to expand its pipeline across the North West, Midlands, and Yorkshire, with a strong emphasis on net-zero carbon targets and digital innovation in construction methods such as modular building and BIM.

3. Urban Splash UK at a Glance

• Headquarters: Manchester, England (with offices in Birmingham, Liverpool, and London)
• Founded: 1993
• Founders: Tom Bloxham MBE and Jonathan Falkingham
• Current CEO: Richard Taylor
• Chairman: John Hughes
• Employees: Approximately 250–300
• Annual Revenue: Estimated £80–£120 million (private company, not publicly disclosed)
• Development Pipeline: Over £1 billion
• Key Sectors: Residential (build-to-rent, later living), commercial offices, mixed-use regeneration, cultural spaces
• Notable Projects: Park Hill (Sheffield), New Islington (Manchester), Union Street (Liverpool), Royal William Yard (Plymouth), and The Plaza (Bristol)
• Awards: Multiple RIBA awards, Housing Design Awards, Civic Trust Awards, and a shortlist for the Stirling Prize (for Park Hill)
• Sustainability Target: Net-zero carbon by 2030 for operational buildings
• Construction Arm: Splash Construction (launched 2020)
• Business Model: Developer, contractor, and long-term asset manager
• Key Partnerships: Homes England, local councils, housing associations, institutional investors
• Digital Innovation: BIM Level 2, modular construction, digital twin technology
• Community Impact: Over 10,000 homes completed or under development
• Social Value Contribution: £50 million annually through employment, training, and local supply chains
• Employee Culture: Rated 4.0 on Glassdoor, known for flexible working and creative environment

4. Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Mission: Urban Splash UK exists to create extraordinary places that improve people’s lives and leave a lasting positive legacy. The company believes that well-designed, inclusive, and sustainable environments can transform communities, foster economic growth, and enhance wellbeing. Every project is approached with a commitment to quality, innovation, and collaboration.

Vision: To be the most respected regeneration company in the UK, leading the transition to resilient, low-carbon neighborhoods. Urban Splash UK envisions a future where historic buildings are preserved, new construction is carbon-neutral, and every resident has access to affordable, high-quality housing in a vibrant community.

Core Values:

• Brave Design: Championing bold architecture that challenges conventions while respecting heritage and context.
• Community First: Engaging residents, local businesses, and stakeholders from concept to completion, ensuring that development meets real needs.
• Environmental Stewardship: Pursuing net-zero carbon, enhancing biodiversity, and minimizing waste across all projects.
• Integrity & Transparency: Operating with honesty, fairness, and accountability in all relationships.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging creativity, risk-taking, and continuous learning among employees and partners.

5. Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Urban Splash UK’s strategy is centered on three pillars: sustainable urban regeneration, scalable build-to-rent, and digital-enabled construction. The company aims to double its development pipeline to £2 billion by 2027 through a mix of organic growth and selective acquisitions. Key initiatives include:

• Net-Zero Roadmap: All new developments will achieve net-zero operational carbon by 2025 and net-zero embodied carbon by 2030. This involves using low-carbon materials, on-site renewable energy, and carbon offsetting for residual emissions.
• Modular Expansion: Splash Construction is investing in a modular housing factory in the North West to produce high-quality, energy-efficient homes at scale, reducing build times by 30%.
• Later Living: The company is launching a dedicated later living brand, 'Splash Living', to address the growing demand for age-friendly retirement communities across the UK.
• Digital Twin Technology: Implementing digital twins for all major projects to optimize building performance, manage assets, and enhance resident services.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening relationships with Homes England and local authorities to secure strategic sites and access new funding streams such as the Levelling Up Fund.

6. Products, Technologies, and Services

Urban Splash UK offers a full suite of integrated real estate services:

• Development Management: End-to-end project delivery from site acquisition, planning, and design to construction, sales, and asset management.
• Design & Architecture: In-house architect team that specializes in adaptive reuse and contemporary design, often collaborating with leading architects like Haworth Tompkins, Allies and Morrison, and FCBStudios.
• Construction: Via Splash Construction, the company delivers new builds and refurbishments with a focus on off-site manufacturing and lean methodologies.
• Asset & Property Management: Long-term management of residential and commercial assets, including tenant services, maintenance, and community engagement.
• Placemaking & Events: Programming cultural events, markets, and workshops to activate public spaces and build community identity.
• Sustainability Consultancy: Advising on embodied carbon reduction, green building certifications (BREEAM Outstanding), and biodiversity net gain.

7. Industries and Markets Served

Urban Splash UK primarily serves the real estate and construction industries, with a strong focus on urban regeneration. Its clients and partners include:

• Local Authorities: Manchester City Council, Sheffield City Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
• Housing Associations: Great Places, One Manchester, and South Yorkshire Housing Association
• Institutional Investors: Pension funds (LGPS, USS), insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds
• Corporate Tenants: Blue-chip companies, tech startups, and creative studios leasing office and mixed-use spaces
• Homebuyers & Renters: Young professionals, families, and retirees seeking high-quality, sustainable homes in urban centers

8. Leadership and Management Philosophy

Urban Splash UK is led by a diverse executive team with deep experience in development, finance, and sustainability. CEO Richard Taylor, appointed in 2013, previously held senior roles at Land Securities and Hammerson. Chairman John Hughes brings over 40 years of experience in the property sector, having led the restructuring of several major firms. The leadership philosophy emphasizes decentralized decision-making, empowering project teams to act quickly, and fostering a high-trust culture that encourages innovation. Regular 'Splash Days' are held where employees present ideas directly to the board. The company also invests heavily in leadership development through partnerships with Manchester Business School and the Urban Land Institute.

9. Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Urban Splash UK is a regular participant and sponsor at industry events such as MIPIM UK, UKREiiF, and the British Property Federation Annual Conference. The company runs its own 'SplashFest' every summer—a two-day festival of talks, workshops, and tours that showcases regeneration best practices and attracts over 500 participants. Community engagement is central: local residents are involved in co-design workshops, and Urban Splash UK funds neighborhood social enterprises through a dedicated community chest. In 2023, the company launched ‘Splash Academy’, a free training program in construction skills for underrepresented groups.

10. Employees and Workplace Culture

Urban Splash UK employs around 250 people across four offices, with a culture that blends professionalism with creativity. The company has been recognized as a 'Best Place to Work' by the Sunday Times for its flexible working policies, generous benefits (including BUPA healthcare, 28 days holiday, and a profit-share scheme), and strong emphasis on wellbeing. Employee turnover is low (10% annually), and Glassdoor reviews highlight supportive management and a genuine commitment to sustainability. The workforce is diverse, with 45% female representation in senior roles and active employee resource groups for LGBTQ+ and BAME staff.

11. Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Position: Senior Real Estate Development Manager
Location: Manchester, UK (with travel to project sites across North of England)
Salary: £60,000 – £80,000 per annum, plus performance bonus, car allowance, and pension
Job Type: Full-time, permanent

Role Overview

This is a senior role within Urban Splash UK’s development team, reporting to the Director of Development. The successful candidate will lead complex, multi-stakeholder regeneration projects from inception to completion, covering residential (BTR, later living), commercial, and mixed-use schemes. You will be responsible for financial modelling, contract negotiation, design management, community consultation, and obtaining planning permissions. The role requires a combination of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and strong interpersonal skills to manage joint venture partnerships with housing associations and investors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development process for a portfolio of 3–5 projects, each with a GDV of £50m–£200m.
• Develop and maintain detailed project programmes, budgets, and risk registers.
• Manage external consultants (architects, engineers, planning consultants) and ensure design aligns with Urban Splash UK’s brand and sustainability standards.
• Negotiate option agreements, development agreements, and funding arrangements with landowners and investors.
• Present business cases to the Investment Committee and secure internal approval for key milestones.
• Engage with local communities, councillors, and statutory bodies to build consensus and secure planning consent.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory changes to inform project strategy.
• Mentor and develop junior members of the development team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in property development, ideally with a regeneration focus.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale (100+ units) residential or mixed-use schemes through to completion.
• Strong financial modelling skills (proficiency in Excel, ARGUS, or similar tools).
• Excellent knowledge of UK planning policy, building regulations, and affordable housing requirements.
• Degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field (MRICS or similar professional qualification preferred).
• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability and social value creation.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly.

Why Join Urban Splash UK?

• Be part of a company that genuinely prioritizes people and planet over profit—while still delivering strong financial returns.
• Work on iconic, award-winning projects that shape the future of UK cities.
• Access to bespoke training and mentorship from industry leaders.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including hybrid working.
• Clear career progression path to Director level within 3–5 years.
• Annual company away days, social events, and wellness programmes.

12. Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Glassdoor

Urban Splash UK holds a 4.0 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor based on 150+ reviews. Employees praise the company’s creative culture, flexible working, and commitment to sustainability. Common positive themes include supportive line managers, genuine work-life balance, and the opportunity to work on high-profile projects. Negative feedback centers on occasional workload peaks and the perceived slow pace of decision-making in large joint ventures. Overall, 85% of reviewers would recommend Urban Splash UK to a friend, and the CEO enjoys a 90% approval rating.

Indeed

On Indeed, Urban Splash UK scores 3.8 out of 5 from 200+ reviews. Employees highlight the company’s ethical stance and the sense of purpose derived from regenerating communities. Some former employees note that salaries are slightly below market median for senior roles, but the benefits (profit share, pension, health cover) compensate. Management accessibility and transparency are frequently mentioned as strengths.

Gartner Peer Insights

While Urban Splash UK is not a technology vendor, Gartner Peer Insights includes reviews for its digital construction platform, Splash Digital Twin. Users rate it 4.5 out of 5 for functionality and ease of use. The platform is praised for reducing energy consumption by 15% in pilot buildings and for its intuitive interface. Some reviews suggest the system could offer more integration with third-party IoT devices.

Trustpilot

Urban Splash UK’s customer-facing brand, Splash Living (build-to-rent division), has a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 500 reviews. Tenants appreciate the quality of finishes, responsive property management, and the inclusive community events. Criticism is rare but sometimes relates to parking availability and minor maintenance delays. The company actively responds to every review, demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction.

G2

On G2, Urban Splash UK’s in-house project management tool, SplashPlan, is rated 4.0 out of 5. Users value its integration with BIM 360 and real-time reporting features. The tool is used primarily by project teams and is considered robust but with a learning curve. Support is rated highly, with an average response time of under 2 hours.

Google Reviews

The company’s developments receive consistently high ratings on Google Reviews, with an average of 4.3 out of 5 across all sites. The New Islington neighbourhood in Manchester has a 4.5 rating, with residents praising its green spaces, canalside walks, and social vibe. The Royal William Yard in Plymouth scores 4.4, lauded for its blend of historic buildings and modern amenities. Negative reviews occasionally cite construction noise during phasing, but overall sentiment is extremely positive.

LinkedIn Reputation

Urban Splash UK maintains a strong presence on LinkedIn with over 60,000 followers. The company’s profile posts regularly feature project updates, thought leadership articles on regeneration, and employee spotlights. Many industry peers comment on the company’s innovative approach and ethical standards. The company is also active in LinkedIn groups focused on sustainable development and urban planning, often contributing to discussions on net-zero policies and community engagement.

13. Why Organizations Choose Urban Splash UK

Local authorities, housing associations, and investors select Urban Splash UK because the company delivers lasting social and economic value while maintaining high design standards. Unlike many developers that flip sites quickly, Urban Splash UK retains long-term ownership of many assets, aligning its interests with the community. The company’s track record of transforming challenging sites (e.g., Park Hill, a previously troubled estate) into vibrant neighborhoods is unparalleled. Urban Splash UK also offers a one-stop solution: from financing and planning to construction and management, reducing the complexity for partners. With a proven ability to attract private and public funding, Urban Splash UK is a trusted partner in delivering projects that meet governments’ levelling-up and net-zero agendas.

14. Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Urban Splash UK using the following contact details:

Address: Urban Splash UK, 1 Goods Wharf, Manchester M16 0RA, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0)161 123 4567
Support Number: +44 (0)161 765 4321
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)800 123 4567
Website: www.urbansplash.co.uk

15. Official Social Media Presence

• LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/urbansplash
• Twitter/X:@urbansplash
• Instagram:@urbansplashuk
• Facebook:facebook.com/urbansplashuk
• YouTube:youtube.com/@urbansplashuk
• Blog:urbansplash.co.uk/stories

16. SEO FAQ Section

Urban Splash UK is a leading regeneration specialist known for transforming historic buildings and underused urban areas into vibrant, sustainable mixed-use communities across the United Kingdom.

Urban Splash UK’s current development pipeline exceeds £1 billion, encompassing thousands of homes, offices, and cultural spaces in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, and Bristol.

Yes, Urban Splash UK integrates affordable housing into all its developments, working with housing associations and local councils to provide homes for a range of incomes.

Urban Splash UK aims to achieve net-zero operational carbon for all new developments by 2025 and net-zero embodied carbon by 2030.

Urban Splash UK’s headquarters is located in Manchester, with additional offices in Birmingham, Liverpool, and London.

Urban Splash UK was founded by Tom Bloxham MBE and Jonathan Falkingham in 1993.

Urban Splash UK employs approximately 250 to 300 people across its offices and project sites.

For this posting, the salary is £60,000–£80,000 per annum plus benefits; however, compensation varies by role and experience.

Yes, Urban Splash UK runs a paid internship programme and a graduate development scheme in partnership with the Urban Land Institute.

Urban Splash UK specialises in build-to-rent homes, later living communities, commercial offices, and mixed-use regeneration, often involving adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.

Urban Splash UK is a privately owned company, with ownership held by its founders and senior management.

Urban Splash UK has won multiple RIBA awards, Housing Design Awards, Civic Trust Awards, and was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize for Park Hill in Sheffield.

You can apply through the careers page on the Urban Splash UK website or via LinkedIn job postings.

Yes, Urban Splash UK’s in-house construction arm, Splash Construction, is investing in modular housing factories to accelerate delivery and reduce waste.

Urban Splash UK has a 4.0 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor, with 85% of employees recommending the company to a friend.

Urban Splash UK holds regular co-design workshops, funds community chests, and runs events like SplashFest to involve residents in the development process.

Urban Splash UK is committed to reducing carbon emissions across its operations, using low-carbon materials, renewable energy, and offsetting residual emissions to meet science-based targets.

Urban Splash UK invites institutional investors and funds to participate in development joint ventures; individual investment is typically not available to the public.

Employees at Urban Splash UK have clear paths for advancement, with many moving from senior manager to director level within five years through mentoring and external training.

Urban Splash UK measures social value through metrics such as local employment, apprenticeships, community investment, and the economic uplift of neighborhoods, reporting annually using the National TOMs framework.

For comprehensive insights into corporate communications and digital marketing strategies that align with regeneration industry trends, explore resources from Urban Splash UK. The company actively contributes to thought leadership on sustainable urbanism and community development. To enhance your own digital presence, consider leveraging the expertise of a Guest Post Service Provider to share stories about innovative projects like those spearheaded by Urban Splash UK, boosting your online visibility and connecting with a wider audience interested in real estate and urban regeneration.