October 26, 2021

£1.7 billion Blue Eden project announced for Swansea

A £1.7 billion project creating thousands of well-paid jobs and placing Wales at the forefront of renewable energy innovation has been announced by an international consortium. The ground-breaking project proposed for Swansea’s waterfront will include a newly-designed tidal lagoon, featuring state-of-the-art underwater turbines generating 320 megawatts of renewable energy from

Read More »

Johnson Controls Develops Industry-first AI Driven Digital Solution to Manage Clean Air, Energy, Sustainability, Comfort and Cost in Buildings

OpenBlue Enterprise Manager’s new Performance Advisor application is an all-in-one AI powered solution for optimising both sustainability and health metrics in buildings Industry’s first indoor air quality control system that also monitors energy impact, occupant comfort and space utilisation, breaking down data silos and creating reporting outputs in a single

Read More »

Delta-Simons wins Client Advisor of the Year at industry awards

Environmental consultancy Delta-Simons has been named Client Advisor of the Year at the East Midlands Property Dinner 2021. The annual black-tie event, which took place on 29 September at The Nottingham Belfry Hotel, celebrated the best of the region’s real estate successes. Headquartered in Lincoln, Delta-Simons specialises in environment, health

Read More »

Sherwin-Williams chosen for fire protection at iconic Milan landmark

The award-winning FIRETEX® FX6002 intumescent coating system from Sherwin-Williams has been selected to deliver fire protection of a new landmark in Milan’s financial district. UnipolSai Tower, currently under construction in the Porta Nuova district of the Italian city, will become the new local headquarters for leading Italian insurance and banking

Read More »
Whiteville Ceramics Launch ONDA Collection

Whiteville Ceramics Launch ONDA Collection

Whiteville Ceramics, innovative Italian-designed sanitary ware brand specialising in contemporary design led bathroom interiors launch ONDA: a new and modern sanitary ware collection with accentuating curved lines, ultra-luxe glaze and systematic design and function. “Luca has a unique design perspective that derives from his strong architectural background and this, coupled

Read More »
Chichester Development Welcomes Its First Residents

Chichester Development Welcomes Its First Residents

The first residents at a new housing development taking shape in Chichester have now moved into their homes. Cathedral Park is a collection of homes being built by Bellway Wessex to regenerate the former Bartholomews site, off Bognor Road. A total of 51 homes will be built within the first

Read More »
Enfield Apartments Are a Dream for Downsizers

Enfield Apartments Are a Dream for Downsizers

To help take the stress out of moving for those living in the capital, Shanly Homes is pleased to offer assistance with the sale of a resale home at Enfield Apartments when buyers select one of its brand-new spacious apartments at Uplands Park Place. Situated in Enfield, North London, buyers

Read More »
Staffordshire Healthcare Facility Is Completed

Staffordshire Healthcare Facility Is Completed

Works at a new healthcare facility, Greenwood Health Centre in Burntwood, Staffordshire, have now been completed. The £3.4 million medical facility, which is located on Lichfield Road, has been constructed by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson to bring first class healthcare facilities to the community and opened earlier this month.

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

October 26, 2021

£1.7 billion Blue Eden project announced for Swansea

A £1.7 billion project creating thousands of well-paid jobs and placing Wales at the forefront of renewable energy innovation has been announced by an international consortium. The ground-breaking project proposed for Swansea’s waterfront will include a newly-designed tidal lagoon, featuring state-of-the-art underwater turbines generating 320 megawatts of renewable energy from the 9.5km structure.  The lagoon is part of the larger proposed Blue Eden project that’s being led by Bridgend-based DST Innovations and a number of business partners, with support from Swansea Council and Associated British Ports. Made possible by funding from the private sector, the innovative and economy-boosting Blue Eden will be delivered in three phases over 12 years. The project also includes: A 60,000 square metre manufacturing plant to make high-tech batteries for renewable energy storage A battery facility that will store the renewable energy produced at Blue Eden and power the site. If constructed now, it would be the world’s largest facility of its kind A 72,000 square metre floating solar array anchored in the Queen’s dock area, helping offset CO2 emissions by an estimated two million kilogrammes a year. This would be the UK’s largest facility of its kind, with potential for expansion A 94,000 square metre data centre storing, processing and providing network capabilities for the critical services needed in modern day operations. Entirely powered by an uninterruptable renewable energy power supply, this would be the UK’s first centre of its kind  An oceanic and climate change research centre that will become a hub for global excellence and innovation Floating dome structures that will become cultural and scientific centres to be enjoyed by all Residential waterfront homes for 5,000 people  Approximately 150 floating, highly energy-efficient eco-homes anchored in the water Blue Eden will be sited along an extensive area of land and water, to the south of the Prince of Wales Dock in the SA1 area of Swansea. All the project’s buildings and facilities, including the eco-homes, will be situated alongside the lagoon and will utilise and enhance the existing land in the area. Blue Eden will create over 2,500 permanent jobs and support a further 16,000 jobs across Wales and the UK, while creating additional jobs during its construction. Renewable energy produced on site will power the entire Blue Eden development, including businesses and a mixed development of affordable housing, assisted living areas and luxury apartments. Due to the innovation on-site, each home will have up to 20 years’ renewable energy and heat provision included with the sale of the properties. The announcement comes as world leaders prepare to gather in Glasgow later this week for the COP26 summit to tackle climate change. Tony Miles, Co-founder and Chief Executive of DST Innovations, said: “Blue Eden is an opportunity to create a template for the world to follow – utilising renewable energy and maximising new technologies and thinking to develop not only a place to live and work, but also to thrive.” The project has been developed following discussions based on a vision put forward by a regional task force led by Swansea Council. Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We are aware now more than ever of the need to develop renewable energy supplies to provide sustainable and affordable electricity to families and businesses. “Blue Eden will put Swansea and Wales at the cutting-edge of global renewable energy innovation, helping create thousands of well-paid jobs, significantly cut our carbon footprint and further raise Swansea’s profile across the world as a place to invest.  “I’m delighted that an international consortium led by a Welsh company has developed our Dragon Energy Island vision into a ground-breaking project that delivers so many benefits and builds on the council’s ambition to become a net zero city by 2050. “This project truly is a game-changer for Swansea, its economy and renewable energy in the UK, and crucially it can be delivered without the need for government subsidies.”  Julie James, Member of the Senedd for Swansea West, said: “It’s so exciting to see this Swansea-based project moving forward at such an important time for Wales and the world. It will bring cutting-edge innovation and research, thousands of high-quality green jobs, excellent low carbon homes and abundant renewable energy. I am delighted to see both Swansea and Wales right up at the top of global innovation and decarbonisation, as it should be. “The project will include a tidal lagoon, featuring state-of-the-art underwater turbines generating 320 megawatts of renewable energy. Swansea has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, and this scheme will allow us to utilise the energy it provides to support our planet for future generations in a world-leading project we can all be proud of. “Renewable energy produced on site will power the entire development, including businesses and a mixed development of affordable housing, assisted living areas and luxury apartments.” Andrew Harston, Director of Wales and Short Sea Ports for ABP, said: “We are engaged in discussions around the Blue Eden project which could deliver renewable energy, new homes and skilled jobs. This innovative prototype has the potential to be a first for the UK and bring Britain closer to our net zero target. “This is an exciting project. If delivered alongside ABP’s own vision for South Wales, the Blue Eden Project could put the region at the very forefront of decarbonisation and digitalisation in Wales and at the vanguard of the energy transition journey and zero carbon living in the developed world.” Senator Joe Manchin, Senator for West Virginia and Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said: “The pioneering work being carried out by DST and Batri in both Wales and West Virginia, USA, is a shining example of global collaboration working at its best, delivering innovative solutions that provide substantial contributions to both our war on climate change, and sustaining jobs in our communities.” In a joint statement, Henry Dixon, Chair of the Tidal Range Alliance, and Simon Hamlyn, Chief Executive of the British Hydropower Association, said: “The innovative and exciting

Read More »

Johnson Controls Develops Industry-first AI Driven Digital Solution to Manage Clean Air, Energy, Sustainability, Comfort and Cost in Buildings

OpenBlue Enterprise Manager’s new Performance Advisor application is an all-in-one AI powered solution for optimising both sustainability and health metrics in buildings Industry’s first indoor air quality control system that also monitors energy impact, occupant comfort and space utilisation, breaking down data silos and creating reporting outputs in a single view to improve building operations Live data ingestion and output supports continuous monitoring, simplifying reporting for environmental certifications and preventing the need for mass data compilations every few years Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today introduced an all-in-one solution that empowers building operators to track sustainability, health and wellness metrics while also reducing energy use, water use, waste, and carbon footprint. The new OpenBlue Performance Advisor application expands on the rich capabilities of Johnson Controls OpenBlue Enterprise Manager solution, supporting organisations seeking to achieve clean air and sustainability targets through data tracking software, artificial intelligence and intuitive dashboards that follow indoor air quality and energy consumption and deliver clean air and decarbonisation recommendations in one clear, comprehensive view. The intelligent software also supports the management of employee health, productivity and tenant experiences while helping to improve indoor air quality and comfort. Johnson Controls OpenBlue Enterprise Manager solution helps facilities managers optimise building portfolio performance through advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence. The solution is a comprehensive suite of applications from Johnson Controls used to monitor and improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency, tenant satisfaction, asset performance, maintenance operations, space performance and the comfort of all occupants. OpenBlue Enterprise Manager supports smart building capabilities for property portfolios ranging across commercial offices, healthcare, mixed use high-end, transportation, retail and K-12 school systems. The new OpenBlue Enterprise Manager Performance Advisor application follows Johnson Controls single pane of glass approach, bringing together various sources of data into a single view that makes it simple to monitor and act on a variety of factors at the same time. Analytics and AI solutions have historically focused on solving for one goal at a time – clean air, energy/carbon, wellness, asset health, comfort, experience, space utilisation, etc. However, the OpenBlue Enterprise Manager Performance Advisor application gives users control over making integrated choices traversing data silos, rather than following static standard operating procedures. Johnson Controls proprietary algorithm measures a variety of parameters such as zone size, occupancy, mask usage and weather forecasts and predicts chances of infection spread. It provides recommendations to facilities managers that improve the building performance, ranging from maximum disinfection to energy minimisation, depending on the given needs of a space at a specific moment in time. A key element of this solution is the OpenBlue Infection Risk Score, providing additional information to enable best decision making. “Supporting healthy and sustainable buildings is at the core of Johnson Controls priorities and the solutions and services we bring to market. Helping our planet heal and reducing the impact of climate change is part of being a good global citizen and a key moral imperative that drives our business,” said Mike Ellis, executive vice president and chief customer & digital officer at Johnson Controls. “Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors continue to grow in importance for building owners and facilities managers in attracting additional investment and tenants. An all-in-one solution that supports elevation of ESG goals while also ensuring occupant safety and comfort addresses the priority needs of our customers in a single, elegant solution.” One example of customer value is in right-sizing automated energy efficiency. The solution’s algorithms use historical operating data and space characteristics to build a dynamic model of each room in a structure, to predict future temperature, air quality and airflow. Models are then used to optimise the desired performance criteria such as energy cost or infection risk. The Performance Advisor application also optimises space utilisation. The application leverages occupancy tracking data and recommends movement of people to alternate spaces. This approach supports the movement of people and resources from over-utilised spaces to under-utilised spaces while also suggesting adjustments to HVAC and lighting systems. To validate the effectiveness of the Performance Advisor application, Johnson Controls collaborated with Martin Z. Bazant, professor of Chemical Engineering and Mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, on the accuracy of infection transmission and air flow models, which are core underlying mathematical models for the Performance Advisor solution. “These models are the first to predict the risk of airborne disease transmission in realistic building simulations, thus allowing HVAC systems to be optimised for public health, as well as comfort and energy efficiency,” said Bazant. To learn more about OpenBlue Enterprise Manager, visit: To download supporting technical papers published in journals related to this product, visit: Energy and Buildings. “Modelling and Multiobjective Optimisation of Indoor Airborne Disease Transmission Risk and Associated Energy Consumption for Building HVAC Systems”: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.111497.111497 Science and Technology for the Built Environment “Quantifying the Tradeoff Between Energy Consumption and the Risk of Airborne Disease: https://doi.org/10.1080/23744731.2021.1984171.1984171 To read more about Johnson Controls POV on why companies benefit from a single strategy for sustainability and digitalization, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/insights/2021/white-paper/the- case-for-unifying-sustainability-and-digitalization-strategies 

Read More »

New affordable Clapham Park homes named after Windrush housing pioneer and local regeneration champion

New housing block to be named after Keith Shaw, an early arrival from the Caribbean who helped establish Metropolitan housing and was a long-standing local resident KeithShaw House will include 50 affordable homes, part of the massive Clapham Park regeneration scheme, which MTVH has been delivering since 2008 Local dignitaries participated in a ceremony marking completion of the building’s structure At a ceremony earlier today, it was announced that a newly completed housing block at the heart of the Clapham Park regeneration scheme will be named after Keith Shaw, who arrived in South London from the Caribbean in the 1950s and spearheaded quality, affordable housing for the community. He helped establish the housing association which would become MTVH (Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing) and was one of its longest-standing residents. At today’s ‘topping out’ ceremony, which marked the completion of the building’s external structure, Shaw’s daughter Sharon Shaw was on hand to help Cllr Ed Davie of Lambeth Council (Thornton Ward), Guy Palmer (Director of Regeneration, MTVH) and Bill Bassenger (Joint Managing Director, Kind & Company) lay the final section of the main structure of what will eventually become KeithShaw House (See “Notes to Editors” on spelling). MTVH is one of the UK’s largest housing associations, providing affordable homes, and care and support services. MTVH is responsible for the overall Clapham Park regeneration scheme. Kind & Company is delivering the construction of KeithShaw House and also built one of the scheme’s earlier blocks at Forster Road. It was decided to name the building after Keith Shaw following a call for local people to submit names of residents with local significance. Keith arrived in the UK in the 1950s to join his mother who had settled in Brixton. He helped Molly Huggins, wife of the Governor of Jamaica, who was troubled by the poor state of housing for the country’s new arrivals, to establish the Metropolitan Coloured People’s Housing Association – later to become Metropolitan (a forerunner of MTVH) – to provide quality, affordable accommodation for London’s Caribbean community. Keith was a resident of the housing association for more than 50 years until his death in 2018. Similarly, KeithShaw House will stand on Donna Mews, named after Donna C Henry MBE. Donna headed a group of residents who drew the attention of Lambeth Council to the social, economic and housing problems of the Clapham Park estate in the late 1990s. She campaigned for the neighbourhood to receive New Deal for Communities status, setting in motion change that developed into the regeneration work that is ongoing today. She diligently chaired the Clapham Park Project for fifteen years until her death in 2020. Sharon Shaw, daughter of Keith Shaw said: “It is wonderful to know that my dad’s name will live on in this way and that the housing association he was so influential in establishing is continuing to make such a positive impact on the local community. This new block will be a great tribute to his work and his commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to quality and comfortable housing. He would have been so thrilled to know that the people in the community which he was so proud to be a part of, will have a wonderful new home bearing his name.”    Geeta Nanda OBE, Chief Executive of MTVH said: “This is another important milestone as we continue to regenerate Clapham Park, by building new homes, improving the local environment and providing new opportunities for everyone in the area. As such, we are delighted to honour the memory of Keith Shaw, by naming this building after him.  Keith was a real pillar of the local community and an important figure in the history of MTVH. As we mark Black History Month, today’s ceremony is a timely reminder of the huge contribution that pioneers such as Keith and the entire Windrush generation have made to our society.”      Bill Bassenger, Joint Managing Director of Kind & Company said: “We are delighted to welcome everyone to this ‘topping out ceremony’, as we move into the next phase of delivery for this scheme.  It is lovely to hear the story behind the naming of this block, I am sure Keith would have been delighted and his family must be very proud of the legacy this building will bring – as a former long-term resident, and someone who clearly played an important role in the formation of this housing association, it is a great tribute.  “This is the second scheme we will be delivering within Clapham Park for our client, with our last project completing in 2017.  We were delighted to have been selected to return to the estate to contribute towards MTVH’s 15-year programme to provide quality new homes for its residents’’.   Cllr Ed Davie of Lambeth Council (Thornton Ward) said: “Lambeth Council is very pleased to be supporting this development and we are delighted that local social housing tenants currently living in older, poorer quality housing will soon be able to move into KeithShaw House and other high-quality accommodation. We are also working hard to ensure that local residents benefit from the jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities that this development brings. Clapham Park regeneration is renewing and creating community facilities including a nursery, a children’s centre, schools, parks, shops and the Cube community centre.” Scheduled for completion by October 2023, KeithShaw House will include 50 homes, comprising 41 apartments and nine houses for affordable rent. Residents of Keith Shaw House will be existing Clapham Park tenants, providing a significant upgrade in accommodation and quality of life. On completion, Clapham Park, which spans 36 hectares and is nestled between three local centres, Clapham, Brixton and Streatham Hill, will have a total of over 4,000 homes, plus new community spaces and green areas for the benefit of the entire community.

Read More »

Delta-Simons wins Client Advisor of the Year at industry awards

Environmental consultancy Delta-Simons has been named Client Advisor of the Year at the East Midlands Property Dinner 2021. The annual black-tie event, which took place on 29 September at The Nottingham Belfry Hotel, celebrated the best of the region’s real estate successes. Headquartered in Lincoln, Delta-Simons specialises in environment, health & safety and sustainability, providing support and advice within the property development, asset management, corporate and industrial markets. At the awards, Delta-Simons were up against eight other shortlisted finalists for the Client Advisor of the Year accolade, which celebrates companies that provide leading support, advice and professional services within the property industry in the East Midlands. The judging panel was made up of senior professionals from the sector in the region and judges’ comments for selecting Delta-Simons as the winner of the category included: ‘The judges were impressed by how this firm brought new solutions to problems, and really added value, through creative and innovative thinking.’ Delta-Simons currently operates from ten locations across the UK and employs more than 150 environmental professionals. Paul Bennett, unit director for the Midlands region at Delta-Simons, said: “Delta-Simons is delighted to receive this award which is recognition for the fantastic efforts of our midlands based geo-environmental team.  The projects we put forward for this award are an indication of the fantastic clients that we are working with on some of the most technically complex sites in the East Midlands, all of which are key to bringing inward investment and employment to the region.” Delta-Simons’ notable, active projects in the East Midlands include Fairham; a major 606-acre greenfield urban extension in Nottingham, which will bring thousands of new homes, jobs and opportunities to the city, G-Park in Ashby-de-la-Zouch; a 48-acre historic coal processing and disposal point, derelict since 2004, and SmartParc in Derby; a 55-hectare former chemical works. The latter is the largest brownfield site of its kind in the East Midlands and has a number of complex technical challenges. The development is strategically important for the region and aims to put Derby and the UK at the heart of sustainable food manufacturing globally, creating up to 5,000 jobs.

Read More »

Up to £2bn for homes on brownfield land receives mixed reception

Nearly £2bn of public money to remediate 1070 hectares of derelict or unused land will help the nation build more new homes but it is not a complete solution warns the construction industry. The National Federation of Builders, NFB, said more land would be needed to create employment space and amenities for the 160,000 homes the government hopes would be created. Although the government has pledged to invest £9m towards 100 urban ‘pocket parks’ across the UK. NFB head of housing and planning policy Rico Wojtulewicz described it as a “sticking plaster solution”. “Embodied carbon is just one element to understand, for example, there is a need to consider whether we can retrofit cheaper energy solutions, such as district heating, as well as retain a building; sometimes it is not possible to do both.” The proposed funding which is expected to be announced in chancellor Rishi Sunak’s spending review on Wednesday is part of the government’s efforts to reach net-zero by 2050. The Federation of Master Builders, FMB, said nearly two-thirds of smaller developers quoted lack of available and viable land as a major constraint for building new homes. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “It’s important that more small sites are unlocked in all communities as local builders often deliver fewer than 10 homes at a time, but to the highest quality and to local need.” QR codes to open up planning Rishi Sunak is expected to confirm £65m towards the digitisation of 175 local council’s planning systems. On Friday the government announced the names of 13 planning authorities who had won funding for piloting digitisation. The government hopes this will make the planning process more accessible to a wider cross-section of people who can scan QR codes to see 3-D interactive maps. Cambridge has won £100,000 to use technology to capture views on a scheme appearing in news articles, social media feeds and blog posts. Mr Wojtulewicz said: “Digital planning will illuminate the vast numbers of development opportunities within communities, such as on infill and small sites. A coherent land allocation strategy is the only way we can start solving the housing crisis.” The FMB said it was pleased its calls for more investment in the planning system had been answered. “Digitisation must make the system simpler and faster, and free up planners’ time to support the smallest firms navigate the often-complicated planning process,” said Mr Berry. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said a quicker planning system was something both development finance lenders and SME builders were keen to see.

Read More »

Sherwin-Williams chosen for fire protection at iconic Milan landmark

The award-winning FIRETEX® FX6002 intumescent coating system from Sherwin-Williams has been selected to deliver fire protection of a new landmark in Milan’s financial district. UnipolSai Tower, currently under construction in the Porta Nuova district of the Italian city, will become the new local headquarters for leading Italian insurance and banking group Unipol, when it opens later in 2021. The 31,000m2 building offers a modern elliptical design over 26 stories, and is LEED Platinum certified to meet the highest environmental standards.  Having examined the priorities to protect the steel structure in the event of a fire with up to 2,000 people working there at any one time, Sherwin-Williams experts selected FIRETEX® C69 Epoxy blast primer, followed by FIRETEX FX6002 methacrylate intumescent coating and a topcoat of Acrolon™ 7300 polyurethane for the project. Winner of a 2021 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation, FIRETEX FX6002 can be applied off-site, enabling paint applicators to transport steelwork in a matter of hours rather than days – which means less downtime, fewer bottlenecks and faster project completion, as specified by the steel fabricator for the construction, MAEG Costruzioni Metalliche. The super-fast drying times and off-site application also allow for greater expression of architectural design. FIRETEX FX6002 can be applied direct to metal without the need for a primer or topcoat in some environments whilst retaining the highest levels of durability. With up to 120 minutes fire protection and long-term corrosion protection to the steelwork, the application of FIRETEX FX6002 makes it possible for steel sections to be coated and shipped in one day as opposed to one week in the same circumstances.  Alessio Ortolan, General Manager of Maeg Costruzioni said: “This high-rise office block demands the highest level of fire protection in order to safeguard the structure and the thousands of employees inside. “Sherwin-Williams offered the solution we needed to coat the necessary 5,000 tonnes of steel including H profiles and rectangular beams which connect the external diagrid to the reinforced concrete core. Using FX6002 allowed us to apply off-site, leading to a quick throughput and less damage to the coated beams when lifted into place.” FIRETEX FX6002 can be used on a diverse range of steel section types and for different fire protection scenarios.  Valter Volta, Sherwin-Williams Regional Sales Manager for South East Europe, said: “Where the lives of people and safety of property are at stake, only the highest level of fire protection measures can ensure the building’s long-term viability.”  “FIRETEX FX6002 offers fabricators across Europe high-quality passive fire protection coatings, which also help in reducing bottlenecks and project costs.” Projects using fire protection coatings delivered by Sherwin-Williams in EMEAI include London’s The Shard and the Leadenhall Building (known as The Cheesegrater), as well as Azerbaijan’s Flame Towers.  For more information, visit the FX6002 website.

Read More »
Whiteville Ceramics Launch ONDA Collection

Whiteville Ceramics Launch ONDA Collection

Whiteville Ceramics, innovative Italian-designed sanitary ware brand specialising in contemporary design led bathroom interiors launch ONDA: a new and modern sanitary ware collection with accentuating curved lines, ultra-luxe glaze and systematic design and function. “Luca has a unique design perspective that derives from his strong architectural background and this, coupled with his ability to balance artistry with product innovation has led to ONDA becoming one of our most ergonomic sanitaryware collections. Inspired by the beauty of natural movement, this series of designer basins and WCs are suitable in both residential and commercial environments making ONDA a luxe turnkey design solution for the modern bathroom,” explained Graham Bucktrout, Managing Director at IBC Group. Exclusively available in the UK, the new ONDA Collection by Whiteville Ceramics, combines innovative design and functionality alongside a rich, ultra-smooth glaze for a high sheen and well-defined shape and style. A modern sanitary ware collection where impeccable quality meets thin profiled basins, comfort seats and ultra-stylish WC’s, the new ONDA collection is available now and offers basins and WCs. Intrinsic to the ONDA Washbasin Collection, end users alike can enjoy a deep oval-shaped bowl with optimised proportions and rear countertop for added surface area. Each washbasin can be styled over-counter or wall-mounted, with the choice of a semi or full pedestal to accommodate a variety of applications. For added continuity, each basin in the collection is available with ONDA brassware in two contemporary designs: 1) ONDA Basin Mixer with Spring Waste and 2) ONDA Tall Basin Mixer, both finished in Chrome. The ONDA close-coupled WC is designed with an understated P-Trap and features the exclusive SAVER® water saving technology by Whiteville Ceramics, which reduces water usage by up to 50% on tank models: from 3 to 4.5 litres in full flush and 2.5 to 3 litres in small flush. Both ONDA models of WC, feature the company’s patented rimless design for optimum performance. By removing the rim, Whiteville Ceramics ensure better hygiene standards as every part of the WC can be easily cleaned as it prevents mould growth in hidden areas so users benefit from a rimless system that is functional and water saving.

Read More »
Chichester Development Welcomes Its First Residents

Chichester Development Welcomes Its First Residents

The first residents at a new housing development taking shape in Chichester have now moved into their homes. Cathedral Park is a collection of homes being built by Bellway Wessex to regenerate the former Bartholomews site, off Bognor Road. A total of 51 homes will be built within the first phase of construction, which will be followed by an additional 57 homes within the final phase. The overall Chichester development will comprise 37 affordable homes available for local people through rent or shared ownership, as well as 71 homes for private sale, with a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments available. A total of 27 homes have now been sold at the development. “Welcoming the first buyers to the development marks the starting point of a new community forming on the south-eastern edge of Chichester. The development has been proving popular with house-hunters who want to move into a vibrant cathedral city, as well as local people looking to stay in the area,” said Kim Caldwell, Sales Director at Bellway Wessex. “Cathedral Park has good access to a range of local amenities and also retains really good transport links, as it’s just a mile to the south-east of the city centre and just two miles away from Chichester railway station. It’s also near the A27 for direct access into Portsmouth and Worthing. By offering a good mix of homes, we are able to cater for buyers at various stages of the property ladder. We have also taken great care to offer high-quality homes that fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood.” A range of one to four-bedroom homes are currently available at Cathedral Park, with prices starting from £212,995 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Read More »
Enfield Apartments Are a Dream for Downsizers

Enfield Apartments Are a Dream for Downsizers

To help take the stress out of moving for those living in the capital, Shanly Homes is pleased to offer assistance with the sale of a resale home at Enfield Apartments when buyers select one of its brand-new spacious apartments at Uplands Park Place. Situated in Enfield, North London, buyers will benefit from great connectivity options being in Zone 5, as well as the opportunity to enjoy all that the capital has to offer. Offering an exclusive variety of nine luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments, each property is uniquely shaped, and individually named. The desirable design of the spacious three-bedroom Enfield apartments takes nothing away from functionality, with the spacious open-plan layouts offering flexible living. With Enfield town centre just a short walk away, residents can make the most of the variety of local shops and restaurants on offer, and a seven-minute drive will take you to the beautiful green inner-city sanctuary of Enfield Town Park. “These apartments at Uplands Park Place are idyllic for downsizers, the homes have been beautifully designed and residents will enjoy the peaceful and attractive setting. Buyers have been very interested in our assisted move scheme which takes out all the usual stress of buying and selling a home. These beautiful new apartments offer a wonderful lifestyle, with easy connections to the capital, spacious interiors and private outdoor spaces to enjoy,” comments Martin Brown, Sales Manager at Shanly Homes. Each luxury apartment at Uplands Park Place is unique in its layout. The Chase is a large three-bedroom home that boasts a generous living/dining area that will be the beating heart of this aesthetically stunning home. The kitchen is fully equipped with an impressive collection of branded appliances including a fridge/freezer, a dishwasher and a Siemens fan assisted oven and, with an expansive open-plan setting. A beautiful garden is maintained by the management company, where residents can enjoy the benefits of a spectacular green space. Many Enfield apartments also enjoy the added benefit of a large private balcony, providing another tranquil place to unwind and watch the world go by. Private parking is available, with select apartments including electric car charging points. The primary bedroom is complete with a fitted wardrobe and its own luxurious en suite. The remaining two bedrooms are ideal for visiting guests, family or grandchildren, with the smaller of the two rooms making for an ideal space to work from home if needed. The stylish contemporary bathroom comes complete with Minoli tiling to the walls and floor. The well-equipped High Street includes a Waitrose and a Marks and Spencer and is just a four-minute drive away. The Palace Gardens Shopping Centre, which hosts dozens of Britain’s favourite high street brands such as H&M, Monsoon and River Island is a short seven-minute drive, and with a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a Champneys Spa in the middle of town – necessary quality time is achievable in an area that caters for all. Heralded as London’s greenest borough, Enfield has an abundance of green space, and with so many opportunities to explore the outdoors, residents can enjoy the balance of being outside with the convenience of city living. Hilly Fields Park is a short five-minute drive away, with live music playing throughout the summer, whilst Grovelands Park is also only a nine-minute drive.

Read More »
Staffordshire Healthcare Facility Is Completed

Staffordshire Healthcare Facility Is Completed

Works at a new healthcare facility, Greenwood Health Centre in Burntwood, Staffordshire, have now been completed. The £3.4 million medical facility, which is located on Lichfield Road, has been constructed by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson to bring first class healthcare facilities to the community and opened earlier this month. The healthcare facility has been built on a Staffordshire County Council site that had been vacant since 2008, having previously been occupied by a residential care home. The single-storey health centre replaces the current provision on Hudson Drive approximately 300 metres away, with medical services still being provided by the area’s local GP practice, Darwin Medical Practice, from within the new facility. “Greenwood House Health Centre is going to be a high-quality healthcare centre for the people of Burntwood: providing a modern, spacious and comfortable facility, which still includes their local GP practice, as well as new accessible treatment rooms, equipment and facilities,” said Chris Flint, managing director of G F Tomlinson. “We’re very pleased to have completed this project working with the NHS and our local authority partners – our fifth project on the Staffordshire County Council Framework – delivering another important public service building in the area which will provide upgraded healthcare facilities to the local community.” Consisting of 12 consulting rooms, five treatment rooms, a healthcare and phlebotomy room, and a health education space with an adjoining pharmacy unit, the Greenwood Medical Centre will provide much-needed upgraded and accessible healthcare facilities for the area. Landscaping has also been carried out to the facility’s surroundings, with 61 onsite parking spaces created. G F Tomlinson was selected from the Staffordshire County Council Framework to provide the construction works for the site which began in November last year, this being the contractor’s fifth project secured through the framework. “For many years the County Council has held on to this site so it can be used to improve health provision in Burntwood and I am delighted to see the medical centre open. Part of the authority’s approach to improving the community’s health and wellbeing, particularly among older residents, is to have more people treated closer to home wherever possible and this first-class building allows us to do that,” added Julia Jessel, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for Health and Care. The scheme has been funded by NHS England’s Estates and Technology Transformation Fund, which aims to improve healthcare services for patients across the country with modernised facilities and technology. “I am delighted that years of collaborative working and planning between skilled and dedicated professionals from local health authorities, the county council and The Darwin Medical Practice are now coming to fruition,” commented Dr Gerbo Huisman, GP partner at Darwin Medical Practice. “Our patients, as well as the wider community, are now getting what they have asked for so long; a modern, spacious and comfortable health centre from which we, their GP practice, will be delivering high quality, responsive and patient centred primary care services.” Staffordshire County Council led this project, with project management from ENTRUST and G F Tomlinson acting as main contractor.

Read More »