Cala Homes, a prominent homebuilder, has recently announced the launch of a new division, Cala Southern, as part of its strategic endeavor to expand in the South of England. This initiative is particularly significant given the strong demand for high-quality housing in the region, and it is expected to enhance Cala’s presence in Dorset, Hampshire, and Southern Wiltshire. By focusing on these areas, Cala Southern will actively cater to the increasing appetite for premium residential properties, promising to deliver 400 homes this year alone. The division’s efforts will ramp up to provide over 500 homes annually by the year 2028. This ambitious project not only showcases Cala’s commitment to growth but also signifies a wide-reaching impact on the housing landscape in the South of England.
Expansion Through Cala Southern
Rod Martin, who boasts nearly 25 years of experience in the industry with previous tenures at renowned companies like Taylor Wimpey and Redrow, will helm the new division. The headquarters for Cala Southern are slated to open in Winchester this March, setting the stage for enhanced market presence and strategic operations. In alignment with Cala Group’s larger vision, their CEO, Kevin Whitaker, emphasized that this step underpins the company’s roadmap to extend its footprint in the Southwest of England. Moreover, Cala’s target to build over 4,000 homes by 2029 further solidifies their long-term commitment to addressing housing needs.
The strategic move to inaugurate Cala Southern is significantly informed by the strong performance of Cala’s Thames division. The Thames division successfully delivered over 560 homes and generated a remarkable turnover exceeding £225 million in 2024. Such an encouraging performance has catalyzed the creation of Cala Southern, which aims to tap into similar successes through leveraging growth opportunities within the region. By managing existing sites in Winchester, Wimborne, and Fordingbridge that were previously overseen by Cala Thames, Cala Southern is positioned to efficiently streamline operations and maximize its output in high-demand areas.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The establishment of Cala Southern is set to usher in economic benefits beyond just housing developments. The division will create approximately 90 direct roles, fostering employment opportunities within the local communities. Furthermore, hundreds more jobs will be generated through subcontractors and the supply chain, ensuring a widespread economic uplift. This strategic employment drive not only aligns with Cala’s growth objectives but also presents a valuable contribution to the overall economic fabric of Southern England.
Kevin Whitaker, Cala’s CEO, highlighted that teams within the company are proactively exploring investment opportunities in sites with and without planning permission. This dual approach caters to both short-term and future developmental needs, allowing Cala to maintain a robust pipeline of projects. The dedication to long-term investment and strategic land acquisitions reinforces Cala’s vision to sustainably enhance its housing portfolio while meeting market demands. By prioritizing both immediate and long-term projects, Cala Southern aims to solidify its standing as a prominent contributor to the region’s housing market vitality.
Long-Term Vision and Market Position
The narrative of Cala Southern is heavily influenced by the underlying success of Cala Thames, which has set an ambitious benchmark for the new division. With an overarching goal to deliver more than 1,800 homes in prime locations across Surrey, Berkshire, and central Wiltshire by 2028, the precedent established by Cala Thames provides a roadmap for achieving similar feats in the southern region. Rod Martin expressed his enthusiasm for joining Cala at this pivotal juncture, underscoring the company’s resilient market position with a pipeline of 1,800 homes in the works for the near future.
The new head office in Winchester will serve as a crucial hub for strengthening Cala’s market presence in the region, fostering relationships, and facilitating further business expansion. The increased demand for high-quality housing highlights the timeliness of Cala Southern’s launch. It catalyzes a synergy between immediate housing provisions and strategic long-term growth initiatives, propelling Cala Homes towards its broader vision.
Future Considerations
The creation of Cala Southern promises to bring significant economic benefits beyond just building homes. This new division is expected to generate around 90 direct job roles, boosting employment within local communities. Additionally, the wider economy will see a considerable lift as hundreds more jobs are anticipated to emerge through subcontractors and the supply chain. This strategic initiative not only aligns with Cala’s growth ambitions but also aims to substantially enhance the economic landscape of Southern England.
Cala’s CEO, Kevin Whitaker, emphasized that the company’s teams are actively seeking investment opportunities in both permitted and non-permitted sites. This dual strategy addresses both immediate and future developmental needs, allowing Cala to maintain an extensive pipeline of projects. Committing to long-term investments and strategic land acquisitions underlines Cala’s vision to sustainably grow its housing portfolio while meeting the market’s demands. By focusing on both short-term and long-term projects, Cala Southern aims to cement its role as a key player in the region’s vibrant housing market.
