GE Renewable Energy to supply 190 Haliade-X turbines for Dogger Bank A and B The project will be first in the world to feature the 13MW variant of GE Renewable Energy’s Haliade-X platform GE confirms marshaling harbor activities at Able Seaton in Hartlepool will create around 120 jobs and service
This September & October, a new collection of town centre apartments will come to the market at waterfront neighbourhood, The Brentford Project. Following its successful launch in September 2019, developer Ballymore has brought forward the latest opportunity to live in this exciting new quarter, in a new green phase for
Fund seeded with 1.9 million sqm of prime European logistics real estate assets GLP’s second pan-European income logistics fund closed within 30 days of GLP JIF, Japan’s largest private open-ended logistics real estate income fund GLP announced today the first close of its newly established pan-European logistics fund, GLP Europe
Sales activity in the £1m+ property market is storming ahead according to the latest Rightmove data, as wealthier buyers race for more space and leafier locations in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and changing lifestyle preferences. This, according to Hilltop Credit Partners, makes it a perfect time to support
The Huddersfield Blueprint regeneration vision has been given a major funding boost, with a £2 million grant secured to help deliver the George Hotel’s transformation into the new National Rugby League Museum. Kirklees Council has been successful in its bid to Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone funding. The
There are a few businesses that are pretty much recession proof. Though the construction business can slow down considerably during a financial downturn, the paving business is usually still going strong even in the worst situations. Roads need to be paved to keep traffic moving. Not only that, but generally
GE Renewable Energy to supply 190 Haliade-X turbines for Dogger Bank A and B The project will be first in the world to feature the 13MW variant of GE Renewable Energy’s Haliade-X platform GE confirms marshaling harbor activities at Able Seaton in Hartlepool will create around 120 jobs and service activities from the Port of Tyne will create around 120 jobs GE Renewable Energy announced today that it has finalized supply contracts (subject to final notification to proceed) with Dogger Bank Wind Farm (a 50:50 joint venture between SSERenewables and Equinor) for the first two phases of what will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm.These first two phases (Dogger Bank A & B) will each feature 95 Haliade-X 13MW wind turbines. The agreements will include a total of 190 units of the 13MW Haliade-X wind turbine, and a five-year Service & Warranty agreement to provide operational support for the wind turbines. GE’s Service team will be co-located with the Dogger Bank Operational and Maintenance team, based out of the Port of Tyne. The Haliade-X 13MW is an enhanced version of the successful 12MW unit which has been operating in Rotterdam since November 2019 and which recently secured its provisional type certificate§ from DNV-GL. The uprated13MW Haliade-X will also feature 107-meter long blades and 220-meter rotor. One spin of the Haliade-X 13MWcan generate enough electricity to power a UK household for more than two days. John Lavelle, President & CEO, Offshore Wind at GE Renewable Energy, said, “We are delighted to take the next step in developing the most advanced proven technology in the market. At GE, innovation is in our DNA, and that is why we continue to innovate, enhance and develop the Haliade-X platform to meet market demands to deliver offshore wind as a competitive and affordable source of renewable energy. In signing these agreements with Dogger Bank, our Haliade-X technology will now have an important role to play in the UK’s offshore wind ambitions (40GW by 2030) and greenhouse emission reduction to “net-zero” by 2050.” Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: “I am thrilled to see so many green jobs on the way to the North East of England thanks to our world-leading offshore wind industry. Projects like Dogger Bank are absolutely crucial to building back greener from the coronavirus pandemic – creating jobs, growing the economy and tackling climate change. I look forward to watching its progress in the months and years ahead.” Peter Stephenson, ABLE UK’s Executive Chairman, commented: “We have enjoyed a long and constructive relationship with GE Renewable Energy culminating in today’s announcement – it’s a massive vote of confidence for the company and the UK. Our sustained investment at Able Seaton Port means we can provide a bespoke and tailor-made solution for Dogger Bank. “We are delighted that 120 skilled jobs will be based here at the Port, in this exciting and growing industry. The offshore wind sector will increase four-fold by 2030 through the Sector Deal, and with the increasingly demanding targets for low carbon power generation, there is an unparalleled level of market visibility. Combine this with the sectors’ extraordinary efforts in terms of developing new products and significantly reducing costs, this industry is set to become a dominant factor in a post Covid 19 UK economy.” Steve Wilson, Dogger Bank’s Project Director at SSE Renewables said: “Signing the contract with GE Renewable Energy is not just great news for Dogger Bank and GE, but for the wider offshore wind industry, marking the first time a 13MW turbine will be installed in the world. “In addition to this, today’s announcement will bring huge economic benefits to the North East of England, where120 skilled jobs will be created during construction of the wind farm, along with 120 skilled jobs during the maintenance phase. “These turbines are a true testament of how hard the offshore wind industry is working to continually innovate and drive down costs and we look forward to working with GE Renewable Energy to help us deliver the largest offshore wind farm in the world.” Halfdan Brustad, vice president for Dogger Bank at Equinor, said: “We want Dogger Bank to be a flagship project that leads the way in both digitalisation and innovative technology, so it is a great honor to confirm that this project will be the first in the world to use these powerful turbines. “The sheer scale of Dogger Bank brings huge opportunities to the UK. As well as being home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the North East will benefit from hundreds of jobs and local supply chain opportunities. We look forward to working with our partners and suppliers to build up a skilled team in the area, to operate and maintain these turbines for the lifetime of the wind farm from our new base, which will be constructed at the Port of Tyne.” The Service & Warranty agreements for the first two phases of Dogger Bank Wind Farm will account for around 120of the Operational and Maintenance jobs that will be based from the Port of Tyne. In addition, GE RenewableEnergy has also confirmed that it will establish its marshalling construction team activities at Able Seaton Port in Hartlepool. This port will serve as the hub for all equipment marshalling, installation and commissioning activities, resulting in the creation of an estimated 120 jobs during the construction period. Recruitment activities are likely to begin early next year. The contracts with Dogger Bank Wind Farm are subject to a Notice to Proceed from project joint venture partners SSE Renewables and Equinor. Financial close on Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B is expected in late 2020. The Dogger Bank Wind Farm is located over 130 km off the north-east coast of England and will be capable of powering up to 4.5 million homes each year when complete in 2026. Due to its size and scale, the site is being built in three consecutive phases; Dogger Bank A, Dogger Bank B and Dogger Bank C.
This September & October, a new collection of town centre apartments will come to the market at waterfront neighbourhood, The Brentford Project. Following its successful launch in September 2019, developer Ballymore has brought forward the latest opportunity to live in this exciting new quarter, in a new green phase for the development. Perfectly positioned on the doorstep of west London’s famed parks and green spaces, this new collection of two-bedroom apartments at The Brentford Project benefit from river views across to Syon Park and beyond. A focal point for the development, the newly-released apartments will also overlook the beautiful gardens of the deconsecrated Grade II* Listed St Lawrence’s Church on site, which is set to be reimagined with tranquil landscaping for residents and locals. Uniquely located at the meeting point of the River Thames and River Brent, The Brentford Project will see the transformation of 11.8 acres in the very heart of the town. Alongside delivering 876 new homes, the major regeneration scheme will revitalise the southern half of the town’s high street and reconnect it with the waterfront, establishing a thriving mix of dining, entertainment and shopping amenities and public spaces. Homes surrounded by greenery The first apartments to come forward within the new building, which will also act as the home for the residents’ club and concierge service, residents are perfectly placed to take advantage of the impressive lifestyle and wellness facilities on their doorstep. Contemporary open-plan apartment layouts and floor to ceiling glazing – alongside the cantilevered terraces many homes enjoy – are thoughtfully designed to maximise the far-reaching views, which take in the neighbouring St Lawrence’s Gardens, the water and the greenery of west London. Reflecting Brentford’s green, leafy surroundings, residents and visitors will be welcomed into an ‘Arrival Garden’. Inside, a tranquil retreat that has thoughtful landscaping and covered walkways and porticos, alongside a residents’ outdoor pool and woodland play space surrounded by mature trees. This charming pocket of The Brentford Project will also house ‘The Wick’, a unique wellness offering for residents, including a state-of-the-art gym, spa and treatment rooms overlooking the gardens. Meanwhile, St Lawrence’s Church itself – a truly historic piece of Brentford’s past with aspects of the building dating back to the 15th century, designed by architect Thomas Hardwick – will become a culinary and cultural hub for the community, and play host to pop-ups, events and shows. Internationally renowned practice, McCullough Mulvin Architects, has overseen the architectural design of the development’s new residential building and the revitalisation of St Lawrence’s Church – adopting a thoughtful approach to integrating this heritage gem into the wider vision for the new neighbourhood. Revitalising a historic neighbourhood Alongside an invigorated stretch of the high street – which will be home to all the amenities desired for modern life – a series of distinctive pedestrianised lanes and yards will reconnect the high street with the waterfront. Creating a new foodie destination, Workhouse Dock, an existing but neglected mooring on the River Brent, will be rejuvenated with 24 hour moorings, and lined with restaurants, pubs and cafés, with new public realm including tiered seating terraces – a space to relax, spend time and enjoy life on the water. Complementing Workhouse Dock’s romantic connection to the river is the adjacent Waterfront Square, which extends the communal experience of life at The Brentford Project. A dedicated space for outdoor markets, performance and public events, Waterfront Square will add to Brentford’s strong community feel. Providing another unique perspective across the water, a series of raised podium gardens will be interspersed throughout Workhouse Dock. An address with world-class connections Despite its leafy position surrounded by the prized neighbourhoods of Chiswick, Richmond and Kew, Brentford itself is a powerhouse of business and creativity. The development is walking distance from the Great West Road, otherwise known as the ‘Golden Mile’, home to the UK headquarters of global titans including Sega Europe, Dell EMC, Sky Studios, GlaxoSmithKline and JCDecaux Group. To the east, Chiswick Park hosts a suite of global, European and national corporations including Paramount, Sony and Starbucks. Creating a business community of its own, The Brentford Project already hosts classic car entrepreneur, Duke of London, and on-site bakery and restaurant, Rye by the Water with the future retail vision to include over 50 new shops, boutiques, restaurants and entertainment venues in order to create a new riverside destination in west London. An important commuter corridor into central London, trains from Brentford to London Waterloo just taking 24 minutes, while nearby Boston Manor Underground station takes locals to Leicester Square within 32 minutes via the Piccadilly line. Heathrow Airport is also a mere 15-minute drive away by car for unrivalled international connections. Jenny Steen, Sales Director at Ballymore, comments: “One year on from the launch of The Brentford Project, this new release of homes offers a fresh opportunity to become part of the thriving community and exciting destination that is in the making here in west London. “The Brentford Project offers residents a rare lifestyle not often found in London. Not only are there some of the capital’s most beautiful parks nearby, but the extensive landscaping, public spaces and impressive variety of amenities throughout the neighbourhood will create a unique waterside destination. This new chapter of The Brentford Project provides the latest look at what is still to come in a constantly evolving neighbourhood – set amongst some of Brentford’s most historic surroundings.”
Fund seeded with 1.9 million sqm of prime European logistics real estate assets GLP’s second pan-European income logistics fund closed within 30 days of GLP JIF, Japan’s largest private open-ended logistics real estate income fund GLP announced today the first close of its newly established pan-European logistics fund, GLP Europe Income Partners II (“GLP EIP II”), with €1.1 billion of equity commitments. The investors in GLP EIP II comprise both new and existing global institutional investor partners. GLP EIP II is seeded with a prime pan-European logistics real estate portfolio of income-producing assets, largely sourced off-market, and totalling 1.9 million sqm across 25 established logistics locations in nine countries. With an average age of less than five years, the seed assets have superior specifications and benefit from a weighted average unexpired lease term of nearly seven years. The portfolio has performed exceptionally well throughout 2020, with nearly 100,000 sqm of new leasing growing occupancy to over 97 percent. GLP EIP II will continue to acquire logistics assets across Europe’s prime locations while delivering superior risk-adjusted returns for investors. Ralf Wessel, GLP managing director, fund management, said: “Since entering the European market in 2017, GLP has tripled its assets under management and strategically expanded its presence to meet investor demand and support its disciplined growth strategy. In 2020, GLP added close to US$9 billion across our logistics strategies globally, signifying strong investor confidence in our investment and operating expertise.” Nick Cook, president of GLP Europe, said: “GLP Europe Income Partners II demonstrates the continuing strength of the European logistics market driven by consumption, e-commerce and supply chain modernization. Over the past two years, our experienced on-the-ground team has executed more than 20 off-market transactions to create a truly pan-European logistics platform and support our disciplined growth strategy.” In Europe, GLP is one of the longest-standing fully-integrated logistics investors, developers and operators and manages €9 billion (US$10 billion) of AUM across Europe’s strongest logistics markets. GLP EIP II is the company’s fourth Europe-focused investment vehicle and follows US$2.6 billion GLP Japan Income Fund (“GLP JIF”), Japan’s largest private open-ended logistics real estate income fund, which was launched in August 2020. About GLP GLP is a leading global investment manager and business builder in logistics, real estate, infrastructure, finance and related technologies. Our combined investing and operating expertise allows us to create value for our customers and investors. We operate across Brazil, China, Europe, India, Japan, and the U.S. and have US$89 billion in assets under management in real estate and private equity funds. Learn more at glprop.com.
Sales activity in the £1m+ property market is storming ahead according to the latest Rightmove data, as wealthier buyers race for more space and leafier locations in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and changing lifestyle preferences. This, according to Hilltop Credit Partners, makes it a perfect time to support developers and provide investors opportunities to invest in a market that has never looked more bouyant. Paul Oberschneider, CEO at Hilltop Credit Partners, said: “A common conception is that houses in the £1m+ market take longer to find buyers than the overall market because of their higher price points. But the latest data from Rightmove shows that UK’s million-pound homes are actually outperforming the rest of the property market in terms of the number of sales being agreed. The hottest millionaire markets right now are Norfolk, Wiltshire, Cornwall, Henley, Hackney, Tooting, Stoke Newington, Balham with affluent buyers willing to part with huge sums of money to buy larger homes. “A big reason for this market sentiment is the ongoing pandemic which is pushing many potential buyers to swap city apartments for bigger homes with more living spaces and gardens. With the government’s big push for work-from-home once again, many employees are also expected to spend fewer days in the office and may look to relocate to a bigger property with more outdoor space. The post-Covid market will have an increased focus on indoor and outdoor space and wealthier buyers will be the first to move to bigger homes. “Since the lockdown this year, UK’s property sector has shown incredible resilience despite the market setbacks. Demand from residential developers continues to be strong, and we are encouraged by the strength we have seen in the UK residential market over the past several months. At Hilltop, we are extremely proud of our one-stop funding solution which continues to be well received by the market, and how we have provided c. £30m in lending commitments (to date in 2020) to SME developers across England. The product offered by Hilltop has a dual pronged approach which includes both debt and equity elements. The equity raise on one side assists the developer, meet much needed final stretch and on the other, opens up these exiting developments to investors who may wish to invest and be part of the growth story. “We continue to have a growing pipeline with great sponsors. Case in point our newly increased £50m loan-on-loan facility from OakNorth Bank which is set play a huge role in supporting our ongoing development finance lending. We also provided funds for an eco-friendly residential development in North Devon as it combines high-quality construction and design, with green space, energy efficiency, and affordability – catering perfectly to today’s home buyers.” Hilltop’s management team includes former developers and finance experts, and together they have successfully originated and managed value-add and opportunistic residential deals through challenging market cycles. The fund is backed by the global real estate investment firm Round Hill Capital.
The Huddersfield Blueprint regeneration vision has been given a major funding boost, with a £2 million grant secured to help deliver the George Hotel’s transformation into the new National Rugby League Museum. Kirklees Council has been successful in its bid to Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone funding. The £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is delivered by Historic England, aims to unlock the potential of high streets, fueling economic, social and cultural recovery. This £2million Kirklees has been granted is the largest of any Yorkshire council. It will help fund the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed George Hotel – which is set to become the new National Rugby League Museum – and the former Estates Buildings which is also Grade II-listed. This is in addition to the £1.4million in funding already secured from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to carry out the first phase of renovation works to the George Hotel. On 22 September 2020, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet approved a £100million investment which will help deliver key town centre regeneration projects as part of the Huddersfield and Dewsbury Blueprint plans. Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “With the decline in the retail offer and the continued drop in footfall through most towns, we have to change the role of the town centre. “In St George’s Square, the National Rugby League Museum will be a real centre-piece for our Huddersfield Blueprint regeneration plans and will draw people into the town from far and wide to celebrate the history of the sport and Huddersfield as a place. “This building is where it all began for rugby league and it’s something we have to celebrate and hold on to. That’s why we decided to buy the building as it’s the only way we could be sure it would be a key part in our future, just as much as it’s a key part of our heritage. “Heritage is something that runs right through our regeneration plans and this funding will help us to bring these vacant historic buildings in St George’s Square back into use. “I’m really pleased we’ve already been able to successfully secure such a significant amount of funding to help us deliver this. It shows that others have confidence in our vision and what it will bring to Huddersfield and Kirklees as a whole.” Councillor Naheed Mather, Cabinet Member for Greener Kirklees, said: “We have bold and ambitious regeneration plans for not just Huddersfield but the whole of Kirklees. “As we look to build thriving modern-day town centres, a common theme throughout our regeneration plans is that they also celebrate our heritage. “We can no longer rely on retail alone to attract people to our town centres. The George Hotel is the very best example of how we can use our history to help build a successful town centre that’s fit for the future. “I’m really happy that Historic England recognises what we’re working to achieve and has contributed such a significant amount of funding to help turn this vision into a reality.” Charles Smith, Acting Regional Director for Historic England in the North East and Yorkshire said: “Our high streets bring people together. They are places to socialise, shop, run businesses and be part of our local community. When high streets suffer, as they have done in particular over the past six months, the special character of our historic places and communities suffers too. With the funding from the Government, combined with the expertise and passion of local people, Kirklees Council and Historic England, the future of St George’s Square is looking brighter.”
There are a few businesses that are pretty much recession proof. Though the construction business can slow down considerably during a financial downturn, the paving business is usually still going strong even in the worst situations. Roads need to be paved to keep traffic moving. Not only that, but generally cities and towns have their paving projects budgeted from the year before so the money is already there even if there is a crisis happening. If you’re trying to decide on a business with lots of upside then read on for the tips on how to start your own paving business. 1 – Have your equipment ready Your biggest expense is going to be your machinery to do the work. From the trucks to bring the machines to the site, to the pavers themselves. It is a huge expense to buy them and also to maintain them. You can buy some of these at auction to get you started if you are on a budget, but make sure that you have a plan to replace them once the jobs are coming in regularly. After all, older equipment will cost you more in the long run through maintenance and also in terms of lost work if they don’t perform well. You’ll need to shop around for the best insurance plans to save money and look for the best red diesel suppliers that will give you the best price on your fuel for the machines. 2 – Create a business plan Whether you plan to open a paving business or a lemonade stand, a business plan is essential. A business plan not only will help you secure loans from a bank but it serves as your roadmap to success. It will provide you with a step by step guide on running your business. Each section is essentially a milestone that lets you know what to do after having surpassed each one. Without a business plan, you are simply flying by the seat of your pants and taking things as they come. 3 – Start small Your ultimate prize should be getting contracts for city and state projects that pay a lot of money and usually last for years. This is the ideal situation, but don’t expect these huge contracts off the bat. First, you’ll need to start out doing smaller jobs like driveways and patios for residential projects. Then, you can gain a reputation and start going for bigger commercial jobs like a restaurant or store parking lot. Then, later on you can start bidding on larger projects. 4 – Be insured Construction is a dangerous job for you, your staff and even the general public. And you need to cover yourself against any injury claims. Have good liability insurance that covers an injury and even damage to property. There is always the possibility that your equipment or workers damage somebody’s lawn or home and you don’t want to pay out of pocket for that.
