April 25, 2018

Leicester Square snaps Lego into place

16 April 2016 – by Amber Rolt & Louisa Clarence-Smith Danish toymaker Lego is opening its first standalone shop in central London. It is opening in the redevelopment of 48 Leicester Square, WC2, the landmark island block that occupies the west side of the square. Linseed Assets, a vehicle

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Moda Living JV plans £145m Birmingham tower block

Plans have been unveiled for a 37-storey apartment block in the centre of Birmingham for the private rented sector. Moda Living and Apache Capital Partners today announce that, through their private rented sector (PRS) joint venture, they intend to develop a will transform 3,000 m2 site on Birmingham’s Broad Street

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Millboard launches first RIBA Assessed CPD seminar

Millboard® announces that it has launched their first RIBA Assessed Continual Professional Development (CPD) seminar for architects and specifiers. Millboard has launched its first RIBA-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar, on the subject of Resin Mineral Board Outdoor Flooring, Design and Installation  23rd August 2016 – Millboard®, the leading manufacturer

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Imtech secures contract with top law firm

16 August 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Imtech Inviron has been awarded a major three-year deal with London law firm Mishcon de Reya.   As part of the deal, Imtech Inviron will undertake planned and reactive maintenance services at Mishcon de Reya’s head office in Central London.    The company, which

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NALS and the PRS

The Property Redress Scheme (PRS) has today announced it is working with The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), to offer discounted membership to NALS firms. After Ombudsman Services: Property announced its decision to pull out of providing redress to the property industry, the PRS stepped in to help NALS firms

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First Phase of Findrassie Development Gets Green Light

Moray Council has approved the first phase of a development that aims to bring 1,500 new homes to Elgin. The first phase includes the building of 500 homes, cycle paths and a new primary school at Findrassie on the northern edge of the town. Findrassie development is expected to feature

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Rushbond Brings a Garden Village to Leeds

Plans have been submitted by Rushbond, the property development company, for a new ‘garden village’ scheme, comprising 126 new and converted homes. The plans will see the transformation of a historic mill complex in West Leeds. Stonebridge Mills is one of a few mill complexes in Leeds that are considered

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BTR Homes More Popular in England Than Scotland

The Scottish Property Federation (SPF) released a report at the end of Q1 2018 that shows that for every build-to-rent (BTR) home in Scotland, North West England has almost 10. Scotland currently has 3,365 BTR homes completed, under construction or in planning, while the North West has 29,600, the South

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

April 25, 2018

Leicester Square snaps Lego into place

16 April 2016 – by Amber Rolt & Louisa Clarence-Smith Danish toymaker Lego is opening its first standalone shop in central London. It is opening in the redevelopment of 48 Leicester Square, WC2, the landmark island block that occupies the west side of the square. Linseed Assets, a vehicle managed by Old Park Lane Management, is the long-standing owner of the 90,000 sq ft asset, formerly known as Communications House. Lego is taking an 8,000 sq ft shop that will be its largest in London. It also has concessions in Westfield London, W12, and Westfield Stratford, E20. Average prime retail rents in Leicester Square are around £250 per sq ft, according to Savills. The 48 Leicester Square scheme will provide 30,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, of which 17,000 sq ft is already under offer, including to existing tenants All Bar One and McDonald’s. Lego is on a retail expansion trail worldwide and already has a portfolio of more than 100 shops. Twelve of these are in the UK, including at Bluewater, Kent; Brighton; Cardiff; Liverpool; and Milton Keynes. Cushman & Wakefield is letting agent at 48 Leicester Square. All the content from this weekís magazine, including this article, is available in the new app. Source link

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Moda Living JV plans £145m Birmingham tower block

Plans have been unveiled for a 37-storey apartment block in the centre of Birmingham for the private rented sector. Moda Living and Apache Capital Partners today announce that, through their private rented sector (PRS) joint venture, they intend to develop a will transform 3,000 m2 site on Birmingham’s Broad Street into a £145m purpose-built rental development. The site has been purchased from Bloomcrest, a joint venture between Richardson Capital LLP and Cordwell Property Group. On initial designs by Glenn Howells Architects, the tower will have 450 apartments and approximately 3,250 m2 of additional retail, office and leisure space. The scheme is to be delivered by Moda Living, a developer and operator of private rented housing, and fully funded by Apache Capital, the London and Gulf based private real estate investment management firm. Moda Living and Apache Capital intend to retain ownership of the property and operate it themselves. Moda Living and Apache Capital, through their JV partnership, have a PRS development pipeline of more than 5,000 apartments with an end gross development value of £1bn. The JV recently secured planning permission for the £128m 466-apartment Angel Gardens development in Manchester that Apache Capital has funded. Richard Jackson, co-founder and managing director of Apache Capital Partners, said: “This prime site is perfectly placed in the heart of central Birmingham and will deliver a completely new standard of residence and lifestyle for the city centre rental market whilst also becoming part of the local community and supporting the city’s continued strong growth. Funding support from our institutional investors remains strong for our secured premium PRS development pipeline that we will own and operate for the long term.”     This article was published on 16 Sep 2016 (last updated on 16 Sep 2016). Source link

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Millboard launches first RIBA Assessed CPD seminar

Millboard® announces that it has launched their first RIBA Assessed Continual Professional Development (CPD) seminar for architects and specifiers. Millboard has launched its first RIBA-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar, on the subject of Resin Mineral Board Outdoor Flooring, Design and Installation  23rd August 2016 – Millboard®, the leading manufacturer of premium wood-free, resin mineral board outdoor flooring announces that it has launched their first RIBA Assessed Continual Professional Development (CPD) seminar for architects and specifiers. The varied RIBA CPD programme keeps architects and other construction professionals up-to-date with the right skills, product knowledge and core competencies. The Institute recommends that chartered members are obliged to undertake at least 35 hours of CPD. Paul Boylin, Marketing Manager, Millboard comments: “Our seminar, sits within the RIBA Core Curriculum Designing and building it: design, construction, technology and engineering and provides a general overview of the design and installation of resin mineral board for outdoor flooring. Because Millboard combines the natural beauty of real timber with the high performance of our unique wood-free material, it is perfect for any architectural design project.Where even the highest quality hardwood can warp, fade and lose its original appeal over time, Millboard is crafted using sustainable composite designed for outdoor conditions.” The Millboard seminar, entitled Live Life Outside: Resin Mineral Board Outdoor Flooring, Design and Installation will help RIBA architects to: Understand the requirements Understand the regulations, technical and structural requirements for outside flooring areas Understand the differences between wood, wood plastic composites and resin mineral board Understand the properties of resin mineral boards, identify potential applications, design considerations for specific areas and best practice  This CPD seminar has been designed to educate architects about resin mineral board for outdoor flooring, the options available and the ways in which they can be customised to the specific design needs of the client and blend in with building design. All CPD courses are designed to offer impartial advice to the specifiers and as such, course content is carefully assessed by RIBA. This ensures its impartiality; maintaining, enhancing and increasing the knowledge and skills of the professional. Millboard technical consultants are available for CPD bookings at their head office in Coventry. Please either contact Millboard or your technical consultant for more information or to arrange a CPD for your practice. ENDS. Notes to Editors: About Millboard The Millboard Company Ltd is the leading manufacturer of premium wood-free outdoor flooring. The company employs over 100 people based in Warwickshire and proudly designs and manufactures in Great Britain. Recognised as the leading brand for wood-free alternatives in the UK, Millboard is a unique, wood-free alternative to composite and timber decking manufactured from a unique polyurethane resin blend.  The product range consists of handcrafted Enhanced Grain collection moulded from smooth timber for a textured appearance and a Weathered Oak collection moulded from 100 year-old reclaimed timber. Anti-slip, maintenance-free and UV stable, moulded from carefully selected timbers and hand-coloured, Millboard is as beautiful as hardwood yet designed to outsmart it. Therefore, Millboard is able to recreate a product that combines the beauty of real timber with the high performance of a unique wood-free material. In 2015 The Millboard Company Ltd was awarded the accolade of one of the best 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain by the London Stock Exchange. www.millboard.co.uk  Press enquiries to:SMPR – The Wolston Priory, Priory Road, Wolston (nr. Rugby), Warwickshire, CV8 3FXTel: 02476 546150Mob: 07715 174 911Email: nicky@simplymarcomms.co.ukHi-resolution imagery is available on request. Interviews can be arranged by prior appointment.   Source link

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Imtech secures contract with top law firm

16 August 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Imtech Inviron has been awarded a major three-year deal with London law firm Mishcon de Reya.   As part of the deal, Imtech Inviron will undertake planned and reactive maintenance services at Mishcon de Reya’s head office in Central London.    The company, which also has offices in New York, provides legal services to high-profile people and companies.     Responsible for two properties, the on-site team will carry out mechanical and electrical services across Africa House, a 120,000 square feet grade II listed building, and three floors at Mishcon de Reya’s second building in London with a combined floor space of 37,313 square feet.    Imtech Inviron is part of Imtech, a technical service provider in the UK and Ireland.    Source link

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NALS and the PRS

The Property Redress Scheme (PRS) has today announced it is working with The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), to offer discounted membership to NALS firms. After Ombudsman Services: Property announced its decision to pull out of providing redress to the property industry, the PRS stepped in to help NALS firms continue to meet their legal requirements by belonging to a government-approved consumer redress scheme. Effective from today, NALS agents will be able to take advantage of the simplicity offered by the Property Redress Scheme, giving both tenants and landlords the right to impartial, independent redress in a straightforward way. Isobel Thomson, Chief Executive of NALS stated, “PRS offers NALS firms a way to comply with their legal requirement of being a member of consumer redress scheme, and to continue to provide the high standard of customer service we expect. We were particularly pleased that the PRS are able to offer two membership models which gives our agents choice in how they join.” Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the PRS also stated, “NALS are an organisation that takes great pride in the quality of service its members’ offer and we at the PRS look forward to working closely with NALS to continue improving standards in the industry.” The main purpose of the PRS is to settle or resolve complaints made by consumers where the Members’ internal complaints procedure has been exhausted – and with change aplenty in the industry, the PRS offers the stability desired by many within the sector. It also offers an easy-to-use, easy-to-access online Members’ area to help agents manage complaints, as the Scheme prides itself on being there for consumer and complainants as we seek to continue to raise professionalism and standards within the industry. The PRS offers two membership options – an Enhanced Model which includes complaints and an Entry Model where the agent pays to deal with complaints. NALS agents can benefit from a discounted membership on either model and can join the PRS online, here. Members can benefit from the PRS’ enhanced membership for £120, and the entry option for £60. To receive the discount, NALS members simply have to contact the PRS and confirm their NALS membership.

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First Phase of Findrassie Development Gets Green Light

Moray Council has approved the first phase of a development that aims to bring 1,500 new homes to Elgin. The first phase includes the building of 500 homes, cycle paths and a new primary school at Findrassie on the northern edge of the town. Findrassie development is expected to feature 1,500 houses, community facilities, a primary school and a twelve hectare business park within several distinct phases, which will take around 25 years to be completed. Space has also been provided on the site for a farm shop, café and other retail space for firm looking to expand their services in the area. Landowner Pitgaveny Estate revealed a public consultation would begin shortly as developer Barratt draws up final plans. “The approval importantly provides a landmark opportunity for us all to see the wider vision for Findrassie, which has been carefully shaped and informed to respect the landscape and community, come one step closer,” said Co-owner Crinan Dunbar. The council’s planning committee unanimously approved the application during its meeting. Head of development services, Jim Grant, explained that some alterations may be necessary if the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness dualling route passes to the north of the town. “This is just the first step for what should be a big boost for Elgin and Moray,” said John Cowe, chairman of the council’s economic development committee. “Another primary school is important and it ties in with a lot of our aspirations with the growth deal.” The integration of Findrassie into the new neighbourhood of Elgin will create a sense of place and identity from the outset. The masterplan establishes connection into the existing surrounding residential areas to ensure the development is integrated and can become part of the local community. The design also respects the existing tree planting and historical field pattern.

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Rushbond Brings a Garden Village to Leeds

Plans have been submitted by Rushbond, the property development company, for a new ‘garden village’ scheme, comprising 126 new and converted homes. The plans will see the transformation of a historic mill complex in West Leeds. Stonebridge Mills is one of a few mill complexes in Leeds that are considered to be ‘at risk’ because dome of its parts date as far as 1805. The buildings have been empty for more than 20 years and the new plan will transform the historic buildings into 28 character homes, alongside 98 new contemporary designed homes. They will provide a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses for sale. “Stonebridge Mills is steeped in history and once played an active and vibrant role in the local community,” said Richard Baker from Rushbond. “It is sad that the site has been unused for so many years, but many of the key features of the original Mills remain and it has huge potential to be given that vibrancy again, this time as a place to live.” Moreover, the plan also includes public spaces such as a new public park running along the Wortley Beck, a heritage garden zone alongside the Mills and gardens for the proposed new build properties. “Our experience in developing new homes in Wortley demonstrates that there is a huge pent up demand for high quality realistically priced design-led homes on characterful sites,” Richard added. “By bringing that experience to bear at Stonebridge Mills we hope to be able to deliver, subject to the satisfactory outcome of our recently submitted planning application, a great selection of family homes, including starter homes, surrounded by new greenspace, breathing new life into a local landmark.”

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BTR Homes More Popular in England Than Scotland

The Scottish Property Federation (SPF) released a report at the end of Q1 2018 that shows that for every build-to-rent (BTR) home in Scotland, North West England has almost 10. Scotland currently has 3,365 BTR homes completed, under construction or in planning, while the North West has 29,600, the South East (excluding London) has 7,701, the West Midlands has 6,378 and Yorkshire and The Humber has 5,131. The data also shows that this sector of the housing market has grown by 30% in the past year across all areas of the UK, Scotland included. In the UK there are now 117,893 BTR homes across all stages of the development lifecycle, compared to the total of 90,761 homes at the end of Q1 2017. Even though Scotland currently accounts for just under 3% of the total number of BTR homes, there are signs that this number is set to increase. “In Scotland, there has been a promising boost in the number of BTR homes, with 3,365 homes now at varying stages of the development process. The numbers are still not high in comparison to the rest of the UK, but there are now multiple sites in Glasgow which should act as a spur to other BTR projects across the country,” said David Melhuish, SPF Director. “BTR is an opportunity and Scotland has some important advantages for attracting the investment necessary – the Rental Income Guarantee Scheme being one and an exemption from the 3 per cent second homes tax for large-scale PRS investments is another. With planning policy guidance now amended to support BTR developments, particularly around the treatment of development viability, there is no reason why we cannot see the BTR sector provide a new catalyst of economic growth in our cities,” he added. The build-to-rent sector has grown significantly and it can now cater for a wide range of people, including families. Due to their high-quality construction work, they are becoming more and more popular around the UK.

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