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November 25, 2020

Mount Anvil becomes first residential developer to achieve The Planet Mark New Development certification

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

London-based property developer Mount Anvil is the first residential developer to achieve The Planet Mark New Development certification, reflecting its commitment to go beyond compliance to invest in a sustainable future for the built environment throughout the entire development process. With its focus on design excellence and creating the highest

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Savills IM and Panattoni commence London net zero carbon logistics development

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), the international real estate investment manager, working with Panattoni – the UK’s largest speculative developer – as development manager, has commissioned a new net zero carbon logistics/warehouse development at its Belvedere Wharf site in Bexley, southeast London. Belvedere is one of London’s premiere logistics locations.

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Stoford completes phase one of Spa Park

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Stoford Developments has achieved practical completion of two speculative units in a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, heralding the completion of the first phase. Units 3 and 4 at Spa Park comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable

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Overbury chosen to deliver 12,000 sq ft Chamberlain Square fit out

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Overbury has been appointed by international tax, audit and advisory firm Mazars to deliver its new state-of-the-art space at Two Chamberlain Square in Birmingham city centre. The national fit out and refurbishment specialist will deliver a bright, spacious and flexible workplace across 12,000 sq. ft. of office space at the

Read More »

‘Transformative’ Swansea energy retrofit scheme kicks off for POBL

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Work is set to get underway on the UK’s largest ever energy retrofit project of its kind, that will see almost 650 homes in a Swansea community benefiting from the installation of state-of-the art renewable energy generation, energy storage and smart energy management technology. The homes, in the Penderry Ward of the

Read More »
Maple Mill Transformation Plans Submitted

Maple Mill Transformation Plans Submitted

Cristina Diaconu November 25, 2020

MCI Developments, part of national homebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has submitted plans to Oldham Borough Council as they look to convert the site where the old spinning mill in Hathershaw was once situated into a new housing development, comprising of 99 homes. Maple Mill was demolished following a fire and the

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Issue 322 : Nov 2024

November 25, 2020

Mount Anvil becomes first residential developer to achieve The Planet Mark New Development certification

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

London-based property developer Mount Anvil is the first residential developer to achieve The Planet Mark New Development certification, reflecting its commitment to go beyond compliance to invest in a sustainable future for the built environment throughout the entire development process. With its focus on design excellence and creating the highest quality end product, sustainability has been at the heart of Mount Anvil’s business strategy for many years.  Its inhouse design and planning teams ensure the company is driving the sustainability agenda so that it designs and delivers built environments that leave a positive legacy for future homeowners as well as existing local communities, businesses and other stakeholders. As part of The Planet Mark’s partnership with educational charity the Eden Project, Mount Anvil has commissioned a sustainability outreach programme which will engage with a local primary schools through the New Development programme. This involves working with both pupils and staff to help children connect with and understand the importance of nature. Mike Valmas, head of Pre-Construction, Energy and Sustainability at Mount Anvil, says “Our commitment to The Planet Mark New Development certification aligns with our investment into measuring the ways we can maximise space and biodiversity while also reducing the environmental impact of a building. It’s a great partnership and one that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to deliver environmentally and economically sustainable places.                                                                                                                                      “As well as the positive benefits to climate change, our residents are at the heart of our work with The Planet Mark. We know that fuel poverty is a huge issue in London and so this focus leads to well insulated homes with a highly efficient energy provision, keeping energy affordable and in the process tackling fuel poverty and underpining positive health and wellbeing. “We’re also really proud of our commitment to working with the local community. I’m excited to see us giving back to local schools as part of our sustainability outreach programme together with the Eden Project – whilst also being able to introduce further sustainability themes to our existing community engagement platform Makers & Mentors.”                                                                                                                               Steve Malkin, CEO and founder of The Planet Mark, adds, “We’re delighted Mount Anvil is joining The Planet Mark as the first residential developer to achieve our New Development certification. Its heritage and longstanding commitment to deliver sustainability throughout its build process and usage means that carbon savings, energy performance as well as maintenance, running and end user costs are constantly being considered throughout the lifetime of the building.  Its culture and stakeholder engagement resonates perfectly with The Planet Mark’s three-step process to certification, and the genuine passion for sustainability, demonstrated from the board right through to all of its employees, will ensure the company continues to deliver a legacy of positive change for the better.”   About The Planet Mark The Planet Mark is an internationally recognised sustainability certification which recognises continuous progress, encourages action, and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals. It is awarded to businesses, properties, new developments and projects that are committed to reducing their carbon emissions.                                                                                                                            Together, building and construction is responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions. With operational emissions alone (from energy used to heat, cool and light buildings) accounting for up to 28%. Any New Development can have a significant impact on the environment, communities, and the people that it serves. At The Planet Mark we think that those impacts should always be positive. The Planet Mark for New Development’s requires the measurement and reduction of whole-life carbon emissions, engagement of the supply chain and the inclusion of the local community. In this way every building from its design through to its operation can combat climate change, support biodiversity and contribute to the society that it serves. The Planet Mark partners with the Eden Project, the educational charity and visitor destination in Cornwall that houses the largest rainforest in captivity, to deliver a schools programme that engages with local primary schools to work with both pupils and staff to help the children connect with and understand the importance of nature. The Planet Mark is partnered with Cool Earth, the award-winning charity that works alongside indigenous villages to halt rainforest destruction, to protect an acre of rainforest for every new business certificate it delivers.  Deforestation contributes up to 20 per cent global CO2 emissions.  The only way to halt destruction is to align the future of the rainforest with the people best placed to protect it.  This means placing forest in the hands of the people who rely on its survival for their survival.                                                                                              As part of the New Development programme, companies will have the opportunity to work with the Eden Project to engage with a local primary school; working with pupils and staff to connect and understand nature. For more information please visit www.theplanetmark.com

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Savills IM and Panattoni commence London net zero carbon logistics development

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), the international real estate investment manager, working with Panattoni – the UK’s largest speculative developer – as development manager, has commissioned a new net zero carbon logistics/warehouse development at its Belvedere Wharf site in Bexley, southeast London. Belvedere is one of London’s premiere logistics locations. It will be the final phase of speculative development at the site following the successful disposal of the previous two phases. The new project involves the redevelopment of a six-acre site providing up to 112,842 sq ft of industrial/distribution space. The brand new development can be taken as a combined 112,842 sq ft unit or as two separate units of 51,446 and 61,376 sq ft each, and will be ready for occupation Q4 2021. Lucy Winterburn, Director, Investment, Savills IM, commented: “Belvedere Wharf is in an area with great potential for regeneration and growth. There is a growing shortage of land suitable for redevelopment within the M25, and this final phase of speculative investment in this asset demonstrates the confidence that we have in the resilience of London despite Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. To deliver a net zero carbon product is a first for our client, but a commitment that we are embracing across the portfolio in both standing investment stock and new development. It is an exciting milestone for the fund.” James Watson, Director, Panattoni, commented: “The UK’s industrial market remains robust despite current economic challenges. Supply of high quality logistics/warehouse accommodation is very low in the southeast, and as the economy normalises, Belvedere Wharf will offer a unique opportunity for us to capitalise on the current supply dynamics. We are delighted to be working once again with Savills IM, this time showcasing a net carbon zero development.” The agents on the scheme are Savills, Glenny and DTRE.

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Stoford completes phase one of Spa Park

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Stoford Developments has achieved practical completion of two speculative units in a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, heralding the completion of the first phase. Units 3 and 4 at Spa Park comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable for advanced manufacturing, e-fulfilment and distribution uses (B1, B2 and B8 classes). The units, which are now available to let, sit alongside a 50,000 sq ft unit, which is occupied by Liberty 920E, part of the prestigious Liberty Vehicle Technologies; and US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear, which occupies unit 5, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford Developments, which is developing the site jointly with leading asset management company BlackRock, said: “We’re pleased to have completed this critical first phase of the development and are confident that our investment in these two high-quality speculative units will attract ambitious businesses to Spa Park. “Despite the challenges of 2020, we are still seeing a strong demand for units of this size at the park, thanks to its strategic location and excellent road network. We are talking to a number of interested businesses and hope to be able to welcome new occupiers soon.” Spa Park comprises four units and is located on Tachbrook Road. It is close to the A46 and junctions 14 and 15 of the M40. Leamington Spa train station is less than one mile away. Spa Park is already home to lingerie and swimwear brand Bravissimo, Detroit Electric and global medical company Smith + Nephew. Stoford and BlackRock are also to construct a second phase, with units of 30,000 sq ft to 290,000  sq ft, available on a build-to-suit basis, which will provide occupiers with the opportunity to tailor the specification and design to their specific requirements. For all enquiries, contact the scheme’s retained agents: CBRE, Bromwich Hardy or M1. Details can be found at www.spapark.co.uk

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Landmark first civils contract opportunity on second phase of HS2 to Crewe

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

HS2 invites contractors to bid for first major civils work north of the West Midlands £50m early works package signals new progress on delivering the benefits of high speed rail further north Separate ground investigation contract awarded to Balfour Beatty Today HS2 invited companies to tender for the first major works contracts to be awarded on Phase 2a of the project and confirmed the latest ground investigation work package award. Linking Birmingham to Crewe, Phase 2a will carry trains bound for destinations such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the north west, speeding up overall journey times and freeing up space on the existing network. Known as ‘Early Civils Work – Package 2’ (ECW2), the new £50m programme includes a range of enabling works designed to reduce disruption during the main build stage of the project. This includes major highways works and associated utility diversions as well as a range of environmental and other surveys along the 58km route. The works will be the first major preparatory activity to be carried out for Britain’s new high speed rail line beyond its first phase, which is now being built between the West Midlands and London. HS2 has already begun a detailed programme of ground investigation along the 2a route and today also confirmed that the latest package – worth £25-30m – has been awarded to Balfour Beatty. Data from this, and previous geological investigations, will inform ongoing design development. Once complete, HS2’s Phase One and 2a will significantly reduce journey times between the capital, north west England and Scotland with services joining the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. This will allow shortened high speed train journeys, including: Glasgow – Euston will be 3hr 45min, saving 44mins Liverpool – Euston will be 1hr 34min, saving 39mins Manchester – Euston will be 1hr 29min, saving 36mins Crewe – Euston will be 53min, saving 34mins Alongside speeding up journey times, the new infrastructure will also free up capacity on the existing network for more local trains and freight by rail. This could see services rise from hourly to half-hourly or better between Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent to Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield and Rugeley, as well as more services from Crewe and Runcorn into Liverpool, as well as via Crewe between North Wales, Chester and London. The ECW2 package will awarded via the government’s existing Construction Works and Associated Services framework, streamlining the procurement process, benefitting HS2 and potential bidders with contracts expected to be awarded in early 2021. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole said: “The winner of this contract will play a vital role in delivering the next stage of Britain’s new high speed railway, taking the route north from Birmingham to Crewe and by using the government’s existing framework we hope to streamline the procurement process.” “HS2’s Phase 2a represents a massive opportunity for businesses in the north of England and across the UK in the short term, and in the longer term it will speed up journeys for trains bound for places like Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the North West, and release much-needed extra capacity on the existing mainline.” Draft legislation to seeking powers to build operate and maintain HS2 phase 2a are currently proceeding through Parliament. Royal Assent is anticipated during the winter.

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Overbury chosen to deliver 12,000 sq ft Chamberlain Square fit out

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Overbury has been appointed by international tax, audit and advisory firm Mazars to deliver its new state-of-the-art space at Two Chamberlain Square in Birmingham city centre. The national fit out and refurbishment specialist will deliver a bright, spacious and flexible workplace across 12,000 sq. ft. of office space at the landmark Paradise Birmingham development. Overbury will configure the space specifically for Mazars’ team and clients, reflecting progressive ways of working and the needs of a modern firm in a post-covid working environment. The cutting-edge design comprises several multi-task, flexible and connected spaces and is tailored to suit the needs of five different generations of employees, all working side-by-side. Mazars employees will be able to choose to work from classic, campus and hotelier-style desk space and a combination of more than 30 agile working spaces, including meeting rooms, booths, breakout spaces and other collaborative working areas. Staff will benefit from a wellbeing lounge, coffee bar and cafe/restaurant, as well as lockable storage. A fully glazed boardroom and meeting suites will make best use of natural daylight and provide striking views of Chamberlain Square throughout the workspace. The installation of folding glass partitions will allow the office to be reconfigured into one large innovation hub with various flexible room arrangements for training, client meetings, conferences and town hall events. A sense of place is reflected in the choice of materials, with stone, limestone, heritage brick and clockwork craftsman detailing, balancing the use of integrated technology. Feature lighting, exposed ceilings and biophilia will create an inviting and contemporary finish. The new space is expected to be completed in Q1 2021 when Mazars will relocate its 200-strong Birmingham team from existing offices in nearby Church Street. Michele Clifton, Office Design Account Manager at Overbury’s Birmingham-based team, said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering such a dynamic and collaborative working environment on behalf of Mazars. The design is based on creating the very best workplace for now and the future and has been shaped by input from Mazars’ diverse local team and our learning as an office fit out and refurbishment specialist in developing post-covid spaces. We want to create a truly exceptional experience through a workplace that will be an academy for learning, somewhere that allows for choice and autonomy, encouraging social interaction and striking a balance between work and wellbeing. We’re looking forward to delivering a fully inclusive fit out that places the user at its very heart, giving people a choice of where and how they want to work.” Mazars Birmingham Office Managing Partner, Ian Holder, said: “Our new office in the city centre reinforces our commitment to remaining part of the fabric of the vibrant Birmingham business community, and underscores our confidence in the continued growth of the team for years to come. “Our new office space reflects the firm’s newly launched global brand identity: it is designed for modern ways of working, reflecting the needs of a dynamic and diverse team and client base. It will offer dedicated spaces for sharing ideas, collaborating, and deep focus. Both our team and our clients will find that the office reflects their needs exceptionally well, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming them through the doors.”

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Why the Chancellor’s Spending Review Should Not Miss Out Business Rates

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Colliers Says the Chancellor has a Golden opportunity to re-assure businesses Although the Covid-19 pandemic has forced Rishi Sunak to postpone both his planned autumn budget and the announcement of plans for public spending until the middle of the decade, today he will be outlining what the government intends to spend for the next financial year 2021-22. According to John Webber, Heads of Business Rates at Colliers International, it is essential the Chancellor does not ignore business rates, which contribute £26 billion net to the economy. The business rates team at Colliers suggests the Chancellor: Announces an extension of the current 2020/2021 100%  business rates holiday for the retail and hospitality sectors  which is due to end next March- for another six or even twelve months from April 2021; giving the sector time to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is indeed inconceivable that retailers would be able to take back their business rates commitments in April, particularly as they have missed their normal lucrative November trading period. Provides business rates relief for other sectors who have not had the advantages of the business rates holiday. This includes the office sector where many businesses were prohibited from using their offices during Lockdown and workers were told to work from home. Since then many offices have remained empty or only became partly occupied, particularly as the Government insisted on social distancing rules, limiting numbers, discouraging workers from using public transport and now are resorting to lockdown measures again. The financial implications have been dramatic. Colliers appealed to the Government to introduce a business rates holiday for the period of Lockdown and to introduce some reliefs for the disruption to businesses seen since. As we get through a second period of lockdown, this is more important than ever. The Government must extend the deadline dates for applications for the lockdown grants– so that businesses can take advantage of the forthcoming relaxation of current State Aid limits. The European Commission’s “Temporary Framework” states that limits on State Aid will increase to euro 3 million per business for those facing a declining turnover (at least 30% compared to the same period of 2019) due to the coronavirus outbreak. The UK Government has applied to introduce the revised limits but is still waiting for clearance to put this into practice. Meanwhile grant application deadlines are looming; so, without an extension it may be too late for many businesses to benefit. At current limitation levels, only the smaller businesses can benefit from grants. Yet these larger employers are the ones responsible for the majority of jobs. Makes good on the promise to bring in proper business rates reform. The current system is outdated and puts bricks and mortar retailers at a disadvantage to purely on-line rivals or to other sectors.  The Government had said it would report back on the first tranche of its consultation on reform this Autumn. As we move into December, we are still waiting… In particular, Colliers urges the Government to bring about an immediate reduction in the multiplier to £0.30, from current levels of £0.51 – making business rates a more affordable tax across the board- so all rate payers can benefit. There should also be an immediate reform of the reliefs system also. Brings in a business rates arrears moratorium for those businesses, who because of the pandemic have been unable to pay their business rates bills. Colliers suggest this should be until April 2021, allowing businesses a chance to sort out their finances. According to latest appeal figures, in the period April 1st to September 30th 2020, an average of 1000 businesses began the appeal process against their businesses rates assessments, on the grounds of an MCC (Material Change of Circumstance) to their business operations as a result of Covid-19 and Lockdown. This shows the scale of the disruption to businesses from the pandemic. Many hard-pressed businesses are now receiving enforcement orders from their billing authorities for failure to pay their rates bills. Colliers urges the Government to instruct Local Billing Authorities to show flexibility and support to business rather than stepping up the heavy-handed court summons. John Webber, Head of Business Rates at Colliers concluded, “The Chancellor has a golden opportunity today to bring some relief to businesses across the country who are struggling as a result of the unprecedented circumstances we have seen in 2020. We urge that he does not ignore business rates and that he reassures businesses that they will not be faced with either untenable bills next Spring or court action now. Failure to do anything may mean the bloodbath we are currently seeing in the retail sector could well spill across other sectors, leading to more closures and job losses across the board.”

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‘Transformative’ Swansea energy retrofit scheme kicks off for POBL

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

Work is set to get underway on the UK’s largest ever energy retrofit project of its kind, that will see almost 650 homes in a Swansea community benefiting from the installation of state-of-the art renewable energy generation, energy storage and smart energy management technology. The homes, in the Penderry Ward of the city, are owned and managed by Pobl, Wales’ largest provider of affordable housing, who have partnered with renewable energy tech and service supplier, Sero.  It is anticipated that the innovative scheme, supported by £3.5m EU funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Welsh Government, will see the community generate as much as 60 per cent of their total electricity requirements, reducing bills as well as carbon emissions by as much 350 tonnes per year.    Pobl has been engaging with local residents in Penderry about the future of their community over the last few years, including running a smart energy pilot scheme with a small number of residents.   The energy retrofit, which will kick off in the New Year, is seen as a stepping-stone to a wider investment into the Penderry area that will have a positive impact across the entire community.  According to Sero MD, James Williams, the project will make a compelling case for turning existing housing stock into low carbon, generative homes, creating “properly sustainable, connected communities”, and cutting energy bills for residents in the process.    “Given its scale, Pobl’s  investment in Penderry will be very significant in demonstrating the positive environmental impact that low carbon technologies can have within existing housing stock” he said. The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said:  “The transformational nature of this project on social housing in Wales is significant and this has been recognised by the ERDF funding at a time when we need to address the Climate Emergency and create new jobs, training and innovation opportunities in our communities in response to Covid 19.   “As one of the UKs largest energy retrofit projects, it shows a clear demonstration of the commitment from Pobl, local authorities and Wales’ social housing sector to reduce carbon emissions.  “This innovative project in Penderry will not only make a difference to its residents but is another step to having more low carbon homes in Wales.”  Sero will install individual or communal batteries for all homes that will harness power generated via linked solar panels fitted to most, so that renewable energy is generated and can be stored for subsequent use by the community.   Every home will also have new smart thermostats and intelligent heating controls, managed through Sero’s digital app, to deliver energy bill savings for residents while also balancing demand from the grid so that stored energy is used at the most expensive times.    The project will address new forms of inequality related to solar orientation by ensuring that all residents benefit from the energy generated by the community.  The Penderry community will also benefit from large scale infrastructure upgrades, due to Western Power Distribution using this project as its national pilot to trial the positive effects on local grid infrastructure of renewable energy supplies and storage that are intelligently managed through trusted systems installed in people’s homes.  Local resident Brian Mcallen participated in the pilot scheme and he welcomed news of the roll-out to the wider community, saying:  “This scheme will have enormous benefits for the entire community, it allows people to really see how green energy works and how much money they can save to use elsewhere. It can be a real eye opener.  “I’ve always been interested in it and thought about how we can use solar power to make a difference in this community, but there has to be an incentive for people. “ The scheme is the largest retrofit project of its kind – relating to the number of homes within one local area being retrofitted to deliver joined renewable energy benefits across the entire community.  SWANSEA BAY CITY DEAL – HOMES AS POWER STATIONS PROJECT  Lessons learned from the Penderry scheme will inform the wider roll-out of renewable energy technology in thousands of homes throughout the Swansea Bay City Region as part of a City Deal Homes as Power Stations project, subject to its approval by the UK Government and Welsh Government.  Energy efficiency technology will be retrofitted to 7,000 homes with a further 3,300 new build homes also set to benefit as part of this regional project, which is led by Neath Port Talbot Council.  Swansea Council has also already begun the revolution of creating new energy efficient homes in the city. A pilot scheme has been completed, retrofitting six bungalows with innovative energy saving equipment which has helped the properties generate their own power as well as save on energy bills.   “Fuel prices and climate change are two sides of the same crisis, with people in Wales still among the most fuel-poor in the UK. We are committed to identifying new ways of making homes more environmentally and financially sustainable – and that includes our existing homes as well as our new developments.  This means we need to be innovative in our approach to finding a transformative solution and we are delighted to partner with Sero. The scheme will introduce technology into our homes that will change lives and sustain communities while also looking after the planet for future generations.” Solitaire Pritchard, Head of Regeneration, Pobl Homes & Communities  “This is great news for Swansea and for residents who want to live in homes which are sustainable and result in lower energy bills.      Some of our own tenants are already benefitting from this type of development and it’s fantastic to know that Pobl are also ensuring those living in social housing in the city will benefit in the future. Jointly we can help reduce the risks of issues such as fuel and energy poverty.”  Cllr Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Homes, Energy and Service Transformation, C&C of Swansea A pathfinder scheme of this kind has already been completed in Neath, which will also inform the Homes as Power Stations regional project being led by Neath Port Talbot Council, subject to its approval.   Technology like this is important because it’ll help tackle fuel poverty and improve residents’ health and well-being, while benefitting regional supply chain businesses and further decarbonising the local and regional economies.” Cllr Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council “There is, quite rightly, a growing requirement for new homes to be created carbon neutral, and that can’t come

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ABLE MARINE ENERGY PARK ‘UNIQUELY PLACED’ TO DELIVER PRIME MINISTER’S AMBITIONS

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

The head of Able UK has said today that its marine energy park development on the River Humber is ‘uniquely placed’ to deliver the ambition for the UK to become a world leader in wind energy set out by the Prime Minister today. Speaking to the Conservative Party conference Boris Johnson announced £160m to upgrade ports and factories for building turbines to help the country ‘build back greener’, create 2,000 jobs in construction and support 60,000 more. Said Able UK Executive Chairman Pater Stephenson “That the Prime Minister, even in these difficult times, chooses to focus on the burgeoning offshore wind sector is proof positive that the Government is seeing the bigger picture and wishes to grasp this singular but time limited opportunity.  “Of course, the reality is that before we can talk about manufacturing and maximising UK content, we need to put the building blocks in place and the fully consented Able Marine Energy Park (AMEP) is uniquely placed to deliver the ideal UK solution. Working closely with a number if Government departments we are committed to bringing this development to fruition. “We are at varying stages of negotiation with a number of manufacturers who clearly recognise the strength of the UK’s offshore wind sector and who, just as significantly, are fully embracing the need to establish a new ‘world-scale’ industrial cluster on the Humber.” “Only last month the Korean manufacturer SeAH confirmed that it had signed an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding with AMEP to establish what would be the UK’s first large-scale monopile production facility.”

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IM Properties win double at the 2020 Industrial Agents Society Awards

Kenneth Booth November 25, 2020

The 33rd Industrial Agents Society Awards celebrated the achievements of the property sector on Thursday 24th September 2020. The annual luncheon and ceremony may have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a virtual awards ceremony taking its place, but that did not have any impact on IM Properties celebrating being recognised with two nominations and subsequent awards. IM Properties picked up two awards, one for Deal of the Year – over 250,000 sq ft for the JLR global logistics parts centre at Mercia Park which is the largest ever UK pre-let; and they were also awarded the prestigious award of Developer of the Year which was voted for by IAS members – recognising the continued successes of the business over the last 12 months and its contribution to the industry. Amongst an incredibly difficult backdrop over the last 12 months, we are thrilled to have been recognised and awarded for our continued work to bring forward key new developments that invest in the local community, deliver key infrastructure and assist with local economic recovery. Kevin Ashfield, UK Development Director for IM Properties said: “It is fantastic to not only be recognised for the hard work and perseverance and the huge team effort that went into the Mercia Park deal which will result in something hugely significant for the region, but to be declared the Developer of the Year makes me extremely proud of the team. We always push to achieve what we set out to and deliver schemes we can be proud of. A massive thank you to the Judges and the members that voted for us.” For more information on the awards please see: awards.industrialagentssociety.com.

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Maple Mill Transformation Plans Submitted

Maple Mill Transformation Plans Submitted

Cristina Diaconu November 25, 2020

MCI Developments, part of national homebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has submitted plans to Oldham Borough Council as they look to convert the site where the old spinning mill in Hathershaw was once situated into a new housing development, comprising of 99 homes. Maple Mill was demolished following a fire and the site has been dormant since 2016. If approved, MCI Developments look to regenerate the area into a new sustainable residential community and deliver two-, three- and four- bedroom homes as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments. The properties will be available for shared ownership and affordable rent. Alex Wood, Regional Managing Director at MCI Developments said: “Our aim for the development at Maple Mill is to transform the site into a desirable place to live and deliver much needed new homes to the residents in Hathershaw. “The site is well positioned in terms of amenities and access to public transport to Oldham city centre along with areas further afield. If our plans are approved, all the homes will be affordable, ensuring the development is a major social benefit to the community on a site that’s been left vacant and a blight on the locality for many years.”  MCI Developments is working alongside Lichfields who are acting as planning consultants on the site along with E3P, Trevor Bridge Associates, Ironside Farrar and IGE Consulting.

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