Tritax Big Box REIT plc (Tritax Big Box or the Company) announces that it has received planning consent* and exchanged contracts with a world leading on-line retailer (the Customer) to pre-let a new Mega Box logistics building. The pre-let and planning consent (the Project) covers the Phase 2 and part
As the next step in the integration of Vodafone Hungary and UPC, in the autumn of 2022, colleagues working in the company’s Budapest offices will move to the Budapest ONE office park. The complex, developed by Futureal, will house Vodafone’s new headquarters, which will offer innovative technological solutions with the
England | Higher and Degree Apprenticeships now available: Construction Design and Build Technician (Level 4) and Design and Construction Management (Level 6) The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is pleased to announce that the Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Design and Build Technician (Level 4) and the Degree Apprenticeship in Design and
New GS18 I GNSS RTK rover with Visual Positioning can measure what you see. Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, unveils the Leica GS18 I a versatile, GNSS RTK rover with Visual Positioning. The GS18 I allows users to capture points of interest from a distance and measure points from the
Contractor, GRAHAM, is targeting late January 2021 for the completion of the Congleton Link Road A536 scheme. Described as a “crucial piece of infrastructure”, the 5.7km bypass will join the A534 Sandbach Road (to the west of Congleton) with the A536 Macclesfield Road (to the north of the town). In
One of London’s largest co-living operators has revealed data that shows a marked increase in renters ditching single-lets in favour of co-living; a 312% increase recorded in the months of July and August, when compared to January and February of this year (pre-lockdown). The data, released by Built Asset Management (BAM), relates
Keeping the construction industry safe during the pandemic has highlighted the increasing benefits of offsite construction, where modular systems from bathroom pods to drainage inspection chambers can be safely manufactured away from a construction site and delivered as complete units. Driving the recovery of the construction and built environment sectors
Tritax Big Box REIT plc (Tritax Big Box or the Company) announces that it has received planning consent* and exchanged contracts with a world leading on-line retailer (the Customer) to pre-let a new Mega Box logistics building. The pre-let and planning consent (the Project) covers the Phase 2 and part of Phase 3 plots of the Company’s Littlebrook, Dartford development, comprising a c.2.3 million sq ft logistics building on 35.5 acres within London’s orbital M25 motorway and next to critical transport infrastructure. Leveraging existing customer relationships to maximise development potential In line with its strategy, Tritax Big Box worked closely with the Customer, an existing tenant of other Big Box assets of the Company, to understand their current and future requirements and develop an optimal logistics solution from Littlebrook’s c.97 net acres of development land, acquired in July 2017. The site will play a key role in the Customer’s local and national distribution and fulfilment network in addition to delivering economic and employment benefits to the area. Following completion, the Customer will occupy over 7 million sq ft of high-quality Big Box logistics space within the Company’s portfolio representing c.19% of total contracted rent roll. The Littlebrook development project, formerly the site of a decommissioned power station, is adjacent to the QE2 Bridge, Dartford Tunnel and on the south bank of the River Thames and has the potential to become one of London’s largest Big Box logistics parks in a critical “last journey” location inside the M25. This is a rare asset so close to the heart of London, benefiting from exceptional transport connectivity via motorway, rail and water, excellent infrastructure, significant power provision and a robust labour market. State of the art sustainable logistics building, meeting the needs of the market The Company, together with its development partner, Bericote Properties (the Developer), has successfully secured detailed planning permission* from Dartford Borough Council for this pre-let development. With practical completion expected in Summer 2021, this highly sustainable building will target an Excellent BREEAM and EPC A ratings, with key features including: Gross internal floor area of c.2.3 million sq ft, including three structural mezzanine floors Clear internal height of 20 metres High levels of automation through capital investment by the Customer Substantial 3.5 MW solar PV scheme Delivering attractive returns to investors The Project development will deliver attractive returns to investors based upon: A new 20-year lease, subject to annual upward only rent reviews indexed to the Consumer Prices Index (collared at 1% pa and capped at 3% pa) with the first review in Summer 2022. The Company will benefit from a licence fee from the Developer during the construction period equivalent to the annual rent payable by the Customer following completion of the building. The total development cost for the delivery of this project, including land and demolition, is expected to be £205 million. This development has been committed to using existing credit facilities, with a further £164 million costs to completion. In total, this Project delivers a yield on cost which is in-line with the stated development target for the site and enhances the Company’s income. The completion of this Project is expected to achieve the Company’s original expectations for the overall development profit on the Littlebrook site. Colin Godfrey, CEO, Fund Management, commented: “The signing of this pre-let for a 2.3 million sq ft prime logistics facility is a great achievement and demonstrates our strategy is working. By combining our deep understanding of the market and long-standing customer relationships forged across existing high-quality assets with an attractive development portfolio, we are creating significant value for our customers and investors. Furthermore, recent macro events are accelerating substantial tailwinds for our business through the ongoing adoption of e-commerce platforms as consumers increasingly shop online. “This enhances our existing portfolio with a substantial, prime and sustainable logistics investment at an attractive yield on cost as we advance our plans to transform this disused brownfield site into a new premium logistics park. Working with our partner Bericote, the development of the site will not only deliver much sought-after high specification logistics space for London, but will also bring enhanced local infrastructure and significant employment opportunities to the local area, strengthening its economic growth.”
As the next step in the integration of Vodafone Hungary and UPC, in the autumn of 2022, colleagues working in the company’s Budapest offices will move to the Budapest ONE office park. The complex, developed by Futureal, will house Vodafone’s new headquarters, which will offer innovative technological solutions with the highest standards, focusing not only on sustainability but also on the health and well-being of employees. Vodafone announced the acquisition of UPC Hungary last August, followed by the legal merger of the two companies on April 1, 2020. The next stop of the merger will directly affect the company’s employees, as, from October 2022, colleagues working in the Budapest headquarters will move to a common building in the Budapest ONE office park. “Vodafone Hungary has always stood for flexible working, however, with our recent experience in mind, we are trying to redefine and further advance this flexibility in terms of both office work and remote working. Of course, we will continue to provide our colleagues the possibility to work from home, as this is justified not only by the needs of our employees but also by considerations of environmental awareness. At the same time, we consider it important to create a green, digital office environment for our employees that inspires them and also supports their mental and physical well-being. In addition to the innovation aspects, we were looking for a modern building where we will be able to showcase our latest, most innovative technologies. In the coming months, we will be working with our colleagues and partners to create an office space that’s most suited to the needs of future employment.” – said Amanda Nelson, CEO of Vodafone Hungary. Vodafone aims to use technology to build a better, more sustainable future and protect the planet through environmentally conscious operation. Accordingly, the company considers it important to be able to showcase to visitors the various technological innovations offered by Vodafone and the tools used for implementing green guidelines, in a showroom to be set up in the new building. The Budapest ONE office park, designed in compliance with the standards of the environmentally conscious WELL Building and BREEAM building certification systems, is fully in line with Vodafone’s efforts to this end. The office building will be equipped with an energy-saving, intelligent central building management system, and electric car chargers will also be available in the parking garage. In the building, the mental and physical wellbeing of employees will be supported, among others, by a multifunctional community room, a bicycle storage area with a shower, a panoramic running track at the top of the building and a half-hectare open space inside the office park, which will be a popular meeting place with its uniquely designed green areas. “Vodafone’s choice is further proof that there is still strong market demand for a modern, healthy and innovative office environment. The design of Budapest ONE and its forward-looking solutions allow employees to work flexibly in creatively designed spaces, in line with the expectations of a new era in the wake of the pandemic. The success of the first phase of development and the increased interest in the next two buildings show that well-located office buildings with people-centered solutions and services will continue to be sought after.” – emphasised Tibor Tatár, CEO of Futureal. In the selection of the new headquarters, location was also a key consideration, as Budapest ONE is located in Hungary’s largest multimodal transportation hub, connecting multiple modes of transport. The large-scale development, which will take place in Őrmező, one of the dynamically developing areas of Budapest, located at the junction of Kelenföld railway station, metro line 4, tram line 1 and several bus routes, as well as the Budapest stretch of the M1 – M7 motorways, can be reached on direct transport services from Budapest’s downtown in up to 10 minutes.
England | Higher and Degree Apprenticeships now available: Construction Design and Build Technician (Level 4) and Design and Construction Management (Level 6) The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is pleased to announce that the Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Design and Build Technician (Level 4) and the Degree Apprenticeship in Design and Construction Management (Level 6) standards in England are now eligible for public funding through the apprenticeship levy. Qualifications for Industry (QFI) is listed as the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for both apprenticeships and more EPAOs may become available later on. Apprentices will be eligible for student membership of CIAT for the duration of their apprenticeship, and encouraged to progress their membership with the Institute further to successful qualification of the apprenticeship. Dr Matthew Brooke-Peat MCIAT, Vice-President Education says: “The availability of levy funding to support the training of future Architectural Technology professionals is welcome news. The profession will greatly benefit from an alternative pathway and we expect that this will enable different perspectives to shape Architectural Technology.” Employers and training providers are now able to make the necessary preparations and begin the recruitment process. For further advice on employing an apprentice, please refer to the Government’s website on ‘How to take on an apprentice’ prior to advertising a vacancy. Commenting on this announcement, Francesca Berriman, Chief Executive, said: “This is an important development of Architectural Technology and for CIAT. It is also important to remember that your practice does not have to be a levy paying business to take advantage of apprenticeships for you or your employee.” Educational establishments are encouraged to validate their existing Architectural Technology programmes or devise new provisions with curricula based on the relevant apprenticeship standards and seek CIAT Accreditation for these programmes. To do so, please contact Noora Kokkarinen, Assistant Education Director on education@ciat.org.uk. Further information on apprenticeships can be found on our website at ciat.org.uk/education/apprenticeships.html ends The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is the lead qualifying body for Architectural Technology and represents those practising and studying within the discipline. CIAT qualifies Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT.
New GS18 I GNSS RTK rover with Visual Positioning can measure what you see. Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, unveils the Leica GS18 I a versatile, GNSS RTK rover with Visual Positioning. The GS18 I allows users to capture points of interest from a distance and measure points from the images in the field or the office. Visual Positioning technology (sensor fusion combining GNSS, IMU and a camera), allows users to reach previously inaccessible or obstructed points safely and efficiently. Visual Positioning is based on photogrammetric technology with near real-time data processing, allowing surveyors to check the quality of their data while on site. “The GS18 I and the workflow in Infinity opens even more new possibilities for us to capture and measure everything we need. GS18 I can help fill the data gaps common with traditional GNSS systems that often require supplemental field locations with a total station to complete an area being surveyed. Now you can have one piece of equipment to carry out several jobs onsite with fewer equipment setups,” said Donald Smith, P.L.S., senior project manager and principal at BL Companies. “The survey is performed more efficiently as the GNSS crew can capture all detail, even areas with limited access. No data is missed because points can be extracted through Infinity later in the office.” World’s fastest GNSS RTK rover now also with Visual Positioning The GS18 I continues the success from the tilt-compensated Leica GS18 T rover. In addition to visual point positioning, the GS18 I inherits all the functionalities of a GS18 T, including the ability to map and stake out points with either tilted or levelled pole. “We designed the GS18 I for surveying professionals who need to measure points that previously could not be measured easily and accurately with GNSS and for those who want to capture the environment quickly and decide later which points shall be measured,” said Bernhard Richter, Vice President of Geomatics at Leica Geosystems. “With this world’s first GNSS RTK rover with integrated Visual Positioning Technology, Hexagon brings GNSS technology also to new user segments while increasing safety, speed and productivity.” GS18 users can use less time on site and continue measuring points with Leica Infinity software in the office, saving expensive on-site time. If new measurement needs arise, surveyors can measure additional points from the captured images. The GS18 I works with Leica Captivate field software for image capturing, on-site point measurement and quality assurance in the field. Users can go beyond measuring points and create an automatically registered and referenced 3D point cloud from the same images and continue working in other 3D software. Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right With more than 200 years of history, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, is the trusted supplier of premium sensors, software and services. Delivering value every day to professionals in surveying, construction, infrastructure, mining, mapping and other geospatial content-dependent industries, Leica Geosystems leads the industry with innovative solutions to empower our autonomous future. Hexagon is a global leader in sensors, software and autonomous solutions. Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 20,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.9bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.
Contractor, GRAHAM, is targeting late January 2021 for the completion of the Congleton Link Road A536 scheme. Described as a “crucial piece of infrastructure”, the 5.7km bypass will join the A534 Sandbach Road (to the west of Congleton) with the A536 Macclesfield Road (to the north of the town). In the opening year, during rush hour, traffic journeys across Congleton are expected to take circa six minutes less than the current rate. Air quality assessments also indicate that there will be substantial improvements throughout the town centre. GRAHAM has implemented a five-phase, sequenced programme of works, split into five mainline zones in order to meet the agreed sectional completion dates. Despite recent challenges associated with COVID-19, and inclement weather conditions, “great progress” has been made in recent months as GRAHAM Contracts Manager, Alastair Lewis, explains. “We are delighted with the great progress of the Congleton Link Road A536 project so far despite a number of challenges, in particular those presented by COVID-19,” “I hope the aerial photographs give the local community a real sense of the scale and complexity of the project. Once complete, it will help deliver economic and social regeneration to the town. At this stage, I would like to thank the people of Congleton for their time and patience throughout the scheme.” Key milestones Among the recent milestones is the completion of the waterproofing works to the river Dane structure, which is the final phase of works before surfacing the bridge deck. When the surfacing has been completed, material earmarked for other areas of the scheme will be transported over the bridge, rather than vehicles travelling through the town. The riverbank erosion protection works are now complete Significantly, the Giantswood Lane Bridge is complete following the completion in August of the bridge joints, final surfacing and white lining of the realigned carriageway. The Giantswood Lane structure offers a great viewing point of the new mainline currently under construction. The Chelford road overbridge has been opened to traffic and the realignment of the Chelford Road carriageway will be undertaken before the final surfacing works are carried out. Permanent sheet piles are currently being installed as part of the works to construct the underground attenuation tank, which will collect excess surface water before been pumped away. Progress continues on the Loach Brook Bridge with the bridge deck recently been finished. The final concrete pours to the south side of the structure will be carried out during September. Further key achievements and updates include: The final surfacing and white lining to the new roundabout junction on Sandbach Road have been completed and the temporary traffic lights have been removed. The largest section of mainline has had subbase laid with further road foundation works to be undertaken ahead of the surfacing works in October. Road foundation and kerb installation works continue across the entire scheme. The planting of vegetation including trees, shrubs and seeding of grass has commenced across the scheme. Two new underpasses have successfully been installed on Manchester Road and works to back fill material over the structures are to take place during September. For more information on the Congleton Link Road project, or GRAHAM please visit: www.graham.co.uk/congleton-link-road If you would like to receive project updates, please register via: https://group.graham.co.uk/l/1F8/CongletonLinkRoad Alternatively, you can email the GRAHAM Project Team directly at congletonlink@graham.co.uk
One of London’s largest co-living operators has revealed data that shows a marked increase in renters ditching single-lets in favour of co-living; a 312% increase recorded in the months of July and August, when compared to January and February of this year (pre-lockdown). The data, released by Built Asset Management (BAM), relates to new rental contracts taken out within co-living properties across the capital between 1st July – 31st August 2020. According to the data, there has been a 312% increase in renters coming from single-let properties, ie. those inhabited independently, signing rental contracts for a room within a co-living property operated by BAM, when compared to the months of January and February. These months were given as a comparative as they were pre-lockdown measures imposed on the rental market, therefore giving an accurate snapshot of the pre-Covid 19 co-living market. BAM asks all prospective tenants seeking co-living accommodation anecdotally for their reasons for leaving their current housing situation. According to those leaving single-let accommodation between July-August, the top three reasons given were as follows: Seeking more financially viable accommodation option – 32% Seeking co-living property to avoid feeling of isolation – 25% Seeking flexibility with a view to potentially purchasing afterwards – 20% Furthermore, the data revealed the average age of tenants ditching single-let accommodation in favour of co-living to be 36.1 years old; 8 years older than BAM’s average age of tenant of 28.2 years old. Alex Gibbs, Co-Founder and Director of BAM, explained the data: “Typically, the bulk of our incoming occupants are young professionals either moving from existing houseshare accommodation in the city or entering London’s rental market for the first time. Post-lockdown, however, we have seen a real “Covid-effect” coming into play with a huge increase in renters vacating single-let accommodation in favour of co-living, a trend which shows no signs of slowing down throughout September. Undoubtedly, changes in personal and work circumstance as a direct result of Covid-19 have led to many renters seeking a more financially-viable route in the form of shared accommodation; ultimately a more affordable option than single-lets. What’s perhaps more interesting, though, is that a relatively high proportion of our new tenants have directly cited trepidation about the feeling of isolation as their main reason for exiting the single-let market. The negative impact of lockdown on mental health appears to have had a direct effect on rental behaviour. It is also interesting to note that one in five new tenants have cited increased flexibility as a key reason for selecting this type of accommodation, with a medium-term plan to purchase a property rather than to continue renting. We will want more data in order to make stronger inferences here, however, initial signs suggest that the lockdown and the wider pandemic have caused Londoners to re-evaluate their priorities and potentially their attitudes towards renting in the long term.”
Keeping the construction industry safe during the pandemic has highlighted the increasing benefits of offsite construction, where modular systems from bathroom pods to drainage inspection chambers can be safely manufactured away from a construction site and delivered as complete units. Driving the recovery of the construction and built environment sectors is a key priority of the recently released Construction Recovery Plan from the Construction Leadership Council. While it wants the recovery to be agile and fast-moving, it also advocates building safety and professionalism, and focuses on transformation, value and partnership to sustain the economic recovery. Adopting new technologies and techniques is part of this transformation and offsite manufacturing is therefore growing in popularity as its benefits begin to be really appreciated. Plastic pipes are extensively used in housing and commercial construction. As part of an innovation drive to create further value in the supply chain, manufacturers of these products are developing ‘offsite’ bespoke fabricated systems which reduce the need for often complex on-site assembly. Not only does this reduce site time, it also reduces the resources required to assemble on site, and makes the site environment safer for operatives with fewer people involved in assembly and installation. As Richard Hill of the BPF Pipes Group comments, “Traditional construction methods involve more people and are more labour-intensive on site, whether in housing or commercial developments. Using offsite construction significantly reduces both the number of people who have to be in close proximity – a key consideration at present – and saves time on site.” Examples of this growing innovative approach include the modular construction of items like bathrooms for student accommodation, or flats which are being delivered direct to site in complete pods, drainage and sewerage inspection chambers and manholes which can be constructed offsite and transported to the point of installation, and other items like water supply kits, drainage stacks for water risers and soil stacks which can be pre-assembled and supplied to site. Underfloor heating manifolds – pre-assembled for direct installation into utility cupboards – are also available, again saving labour and time on site. Benefits of this modular offsite approach include well-constructed modules developed and assembled in ideal factory conditions, whilst controlling social distancing protocols. Manufacturers of plastic pipes and fittings talk to and work with designers and contractors to configure pre-assembled units for ease of final installation. Offsite construction can deliver huge cost benefits around on-site productivity with a reduction in resources required through fewer people involved, less time to install, less equipment required on site, and fewer boxes of components to carry around the site. A flexible approach to assembly applies to sites too; an example includes work benches being set up on the ground floor of developments so as to keep the fabricating processes well away from the area being worked on, with benefits including improved productivity, social distancing and the ability to work with more complex designs. Richard Hill thinks that with the future construction industry landscape likely to be different, new ways of working including offsite fabrication will be here to stay. “The enforced changes have seen offsite benefits leapfrogging forward and huge progress has been made. This approach goes hand in hand with the digital world – it all benefits the integrity of build and investment in the right infrastructure.” The current challenges facing the construction industry – including safe access, safe ways of working, the social distancing space required on site and planning work schedules to allow for this – means benefits brought by techniques like offsite manufacturing are bound to grow in importance and popularity.
