WORK has officially started on a six-storey high-quality student accommodation facility, in the heart of Leicester’s city centre. The Marble Street development, which was granted planning permission in February, will feature 61 rooms – a mix of shared and studio rooms – as well as a new student social hub,
‘Addition’ was established to create and sell high quality, sustainable homes in Lambeth which, in turn, will provide funding for more affordable homes in Lambeth. Beam is launched as the second residential development to be unveiled by Addition. Beam is part of Homes for Lambeth’s small sites programme and is
Virtual 360 degree exhibition launched ahead of COP26 to profile measures HS2 is taking to cut carbon: https://360.hs2.org.uk/interchange Online tour with 30 interactive features, five new videos on HS2’s environmental innovations and 25 images of Interchange Station People can sign up for three HS2 webinars during COP26: https://www.hs2.org.uk/cop26/ In the
Architects are increasingly specifying industrial protection equipment for warehouses and distribution centres. Paul Roehricht of Brandsafe provides guidance on best practice. Distribution and logistics are dynamic sectors that’s forecast to be worth over $325 billion by the end of 2024. In the UK alone, one leading commercial property group* reports
Mobile Mini UK, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers, has continued its innovative approach to safety by implementing a brand-new automatic shut-off feature as standard across its latest fleet of transportation vehicles. The feature relates directly to crane operations and by utilising enhanced
As our buildings become ever more complex, the importance of using only approved products which meets the latest regulations for fire safety cannot be emphasised enough. Here, Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, explains the significance of a new Code of Practice for Category 3 fire performance cables. As
A new technology platform which takes a huge step towards meaningful global climate change accountability has been specially selected for presentation as world leaders gather in Glasgow for the COP26 summit next week. The New Energy Matrix is a global ecosystem software platform developed by Isle of Man-based data management
Homebuyers eager to make one of London’s coolest neighbourhoods their home should head to award-winning housebuilder Hill’s development, Fish Island Village in the vibrant canal-side surroundings of Hackney Wick. A landmark development of stylish new homes in partnership with London housing association Peabody, Fish Island Village forms an integral part
hgh Consulting, the London-based planning and development advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Nick Belsten, former Director of WSP Indigo, to its executive board. Having played a leading role in the growth of the Indigo Planning business from 2014 until its acquisition by WSP in 2019, Nick is a qualified
A showhome is set to be unveiled this month at a new development on a former school site in Forest Hill. Bellway London Partnerships will be opening the doors to a showhome at Dacres Wood Court – a 59-apartment development on the former home of Our Lady and St Philip
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
WORK has officially started on a six-storey high-quality student accommodation facility, in the heart of Leicester’s city centre. The Marble Street development, which was granted planning permission in February, will feature 61 rooms – a mix of shared and studio rooms – as well as a new student social hub, which will create a vibrant front to the city. Designed by architecture firm CPMG Architects, and delivered by property developers Tang Developments and DAKO Construction, the new accommodation will sit next to the existing eight-storey iQ student block and will reflect the character and appearance of its surroundings with a bespoke and contemporary structure. Nick Gregory, director at CPMG Architects, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Tang Developments and DAKO to deliver and bring a much-needed scheme to the city of Leicester. “We’ve created a design that is both unique but also reflects the existing character of the wider environment and the street’s aesthetics. The scheme is located on previously developed land, which will help reduce the pressure of greenfield land for development and encourage residents to walk and cycle.” The building’s new social area will open directly onto Marble Street, with three studio rooms provided behind these – each with a double bed, private bathroom, kitchenette, and seating area, as well as individual gardens with views across the city. Twelve rooms will sit on the first, second, third and fourth floors, with communal kitchens, large social lounge areas – giving students a place to cook, relax and socialise. Kane Tang, managing director at Tang Developments, said: “As an established property developer in the East Midlands, we’re pleased to be part of this project to deliver 61 new student homes. The professional team at CPMG has submitted an outstanding design of the building, which will provide a mixture of rooms to bring a range of students to the area.” The project team also includes project manager Pulse, M+E consultant CPW and structural and civil engineer Dice. For more information about CPMG Architects, please visit: www.cpmg-architects.com/
‘Addition’ was established to create and sell high quality, sustainable homes in Lambeth which, in turn, will provide funding for more affordable homes in Lambeth. Beam is launched as the second residential development to be unveiled by Addition. Beam is part of Homes for Lambeth’s small sites programme and is located on the brownfield former Patmos Lodge site, near Kennington Park and Myatt’s Fields Park. Beam offers one and two bedroom apartments: there are 18 homes available for outright sale, plus a further six apartments available through Shared Ownership. Addition creates homes of high quality design, with materials, architectural styles, features and landscaping chosen to enhance the living experience of the homeowners while improving the surrounding area. Sustainability and future-proofing are at the heart of the scheme design, to meet Lambeth’s high environmental and energy standards and the council’s net-zero carbon targets. Jitinder Takhar, Chief Executive Officer for Homes for Lambeth says: “Our purpose is to provide high quality new homes that are greener and more environmentally sustainable. For every three homes that we sell through Addition, we will be able to provide two homes at affordable levels for families in our local community.” Stockwool, the architecture and urbanism practice with a strong track record in urban regeneration projects, has designed Beam’s four-storey apartment buildings to blend in with the variety of architectural styles and scales that surround them, using a simple palette of materials and buff-coloured brick facades. Beam has been designed as an energy efficient, sustainable scheme including a fabric first approach, air source heat pumps, solar panels, water and waste reduction measures and ecological enhancements, targeting 78.3% reduction in Regulated C02 emissions over Part L 2013. Landscaped communal gardens are the heart of Beam and offer a woodland garden, grass lawn, naturalistic planting and quiet seating areas for residents to enjoy. Cycle storage is also provided in cycle lockers with green planted roofs. The interiors are light-filled and well-proportioned, with floor to ceiling glazing in the living rooms and open-plan living, dining and kitchen spaces. There are high quality fixtures and fittings throughout including underfloor heating and contemporary designer kitchens with stone worktops and Siemens appliances. Many of the apartments offer south-facing or dual aspect views to the outside and each apartment has a private balcony or terrace. Beam will be completed in the Spring of 2023. Beam’s completion will follow on from the first development being built, ‘Chapter by Addition’, which is scheduled to complete in Autumn 2022. Located on Hydethorpe Road, in Balham, Chapter will offer 12 apartments, comprising one and two-bedroom homes and a standout three-bedroom penthouse. Eight of the 12 apartments will be available to buy outright with four available to buy through Shared Ownership.
Virtual 360 degree exhibition launched ahead of COP26 to profile measures HS2 is taking to cut carbon: https://360.hs2.org.uk/interchange Online tour with 30 interactive features, five new videos on HS2’s environmental innovations and 25 images of Interchange Station People can sign up for three HS2 webinars during COP26: https://www.hs2.org.uk/cop26/ In the run-up to COP26, HS2 Ltd has launched a virtual tour of its eco-friendly Interchange Station to profile how the new high speed railway will help the UK tackle climate change. The 360 degree online tour hosts a virtual exhibition pavilion showcasing how HS2 is reducing carbon by using new technology to build one of the most sustainable railways of its kind in the world. People can step through the entrance of the station, walk through the concourse and ticket check-in area and onto the station platform, viewing videos and virtual exhibition areas on the way. Each area of the virtual station focuses on different environmental credentials of the project, including how HS2 will help to decarbonise the transport sector by providing a low carbon alternative for long distance travel, reducing the need for car and domestic plane journeys. It provides insights about how the project is using clean construction techniques, improving air quality, designing sustainable stations and creating a green corridor of connected habitats for wildlife and green spaces for people to enjoy along the route. The exhibits include videos which explain how innovation is playing a major role in the construction of the railway and how HS2 is working with its supply chain, industry and academic partners to reduce emissions through new low carbon technologies. Progress on creating new connected habitats for wildlife is brought to life with footage of new areas of tree planting, with insights from HS2’s environmental experts. Interchange Station in Solihull was chosen to host the exhibition because of its BREEAM Outstanding award, putting it in the top 1% of buildings in the UK for sustainability. The exhibition also features pop-up information and videos about the station’s sustainable design. HS2’s Director of Environment Peter Miller said: “This interactive exhibition provides a fantastic virtual tour through HS2’s many environmental innovations, as a showcase for the project during the UN Climate Change Conference – COP26. It clearly demonstrates how HS2 is playing an important role in delivering the Government’s commitment to bring all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to net zero by 2050.” The exhibition has a custom interface developed by 3 Deep Media. It’s made up of seven panoramic 360-degree renders from a 3D model of the railway produced by HS2’s digital engineering and Building Information Management (BIM) teams, with 30 pop-up interactive features, 25 pictures of the new Interchange Station design and five new videos on how HS2 is tackling climate change. Visitors to the online exhibition can also register for HS2’s COP26 webinar series during the UN summit, covering cleaner construction, sustainable stations and building a railway resilient to climate change. These are open to anyone to attend, and recordings of the webinars featuring HS2 experts and external partners will be also available to view in the virtual exhibition afterwards. The webinars are: 4 Nov – Clean construction webinar: How HS2 is innovating to decarbonise construction and leave a legacy for the future of the industry. 9 Nov – Resilient, reliable railway webinar: How the adaptation and resilience measures on HS2 will minimise delays and make sure the project is ready for a changing climate. 11 Nov – Sustainable stations webinar: Why HS2’s stations are environmentally world class and how they will become hubs for other forms of sustainable travel.
Architects are increasingly specifying industrial protection equipment for warehouses and distribution centres. Paul Roehricht of Brandsafe provides guidance on best practice. Distribution and logistics are dynamic sectors that’s forecast to be worth over $325 billion by the end of 2024. In the UK alone, one leading commercial property group* reports that investment in UK industrial and logistics totalled a record £6bn in H1 2021, more than double the £2.7bn recorded in the same period of 2020 and up 54% on the previous record period in 2018. It also forecasts that the UK will require an extra 92 million sq. ft. of warehousing space over the next three years. The demand for online grocery sales alone will account for 7.1 million sq. ft. of this additional space. So, what does all this demand mean for warehouses now and in the future? One thing for certain is that continuing best practice around health and safety in industrial environments that are becoming ever busier will be crucial. People and property need to be protected and architects and others responsible for these designs, need to understand how they can facilitate better, safer and more effective workplaces for their clients. Under UK law, employers must observe a duty of care to their workforce: they must identify the risks each person faces at work and plan accordingly. Specification A key part of best practice involving specification for new warehouses, or even improving or expanding existing ones, centres around the efficiency and sustainability of the property – clients are ultimately looking for a premises that runs as safely and efficiently as possible. The Health and Safety Executive’s HSG76 advises on a number of areas that need to be taken into account when planning the layout of a site so that ‘…pedestrians and vehicles can circulate safely. Where vehicles and pedestrians use the same traffic route, there should be adequate separation between them’. This involves the installation of clear signage and floor markings, which are crucial to the safe and efficient movement of people, vehicles and machinery around the industrial workspace.HSG76 also recommends combining this clearly discernible signage with guardrails and pedestrian handrails used to create clear segregation and traffic routes. Racking and storage is another area where incremental gains in safety can be achieved in a relatively straightforward and cost-effective manner. The application of clip-on protection to rack ends and any sharp edges of units will for example, protect people, vehicles and the units themselves from impact and collision damage. Careful consideration should also be given to choosing the right products supplier. First and foremost, it is critical that they must offer products appropriate for the project. This might seem somewhat obvious, but it is not uncommon for some safety products to look good on paper only to lack the necessary performance characteristics that make them suitable for the required application. Here, opt for products whose performance has been assessed and verified through independent testing – this will always be a good starting point and a clear indicative of suitability. A good supplier should be able to advise an architect on the performance requirements for each system on a project-by-project basis, which will allow you to tailor your designs to the exact needs of the end user. This is where it benefits to partner with a supplier which has an in-house surveying and design team; they can directly support you and make it easier to create bespoke solutions for each project. Requisite expertise Looking further down the project timeline, it will make life easier for the appointed main contractor if your safety system supplier is able to deploy its own installation teams. They will be best placed to assist on-site, helping to make sure that the project is completed within the desired timescales and budget. They will also have the requisite technical knowledge to deal with any issues on-site during the installation process, adding further to fast turnaround times and efficiencies. It’s important to bear in mind that the end client is duty-bound by Regulation 3 of The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) to ‘…make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work’. An experienced supplier will be well positioned to offer advice and insight when it comes to producing a comprehensive risk assessment for the project site in question. It is also worth considering the strategic partnerships of the supplier when the relevant products are required for your project. Ultimately, architects and specifiers will want to work with fast and responsive suppliers; organisations that can guide and advise based on project requirements through a consultative approach. Health and safety is a critical component of any modern, well-managed warehouse or logistics operation and there is always room for improvement when it comes to safeguarding and protecting people, and mitigating risk. In short, specification of effective safety solutions is simply good business. A RIBA-approved CPD seminar for architects on industrial safety solutions is available from Brandsafe. Details at www.brandsafeprotection.com * https://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/229130/315446-0
Mobile Mini UK, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers, has continued its innovative approach to safety by implementing a brand-new automatic shut-off feature as standard across its latest fleet of transportation vehicles. The feature relates directly to crane operations and by utilising enhanced on-board AI, reduces the chances of human error as well as increases the capability of overall lifting and remote-control operations. Crane safety features consist of slew restrictors, front legs for improved duties and increased stability and auto remote shut down after 30 seconds, whilst features such as ADR kits, cone holders, warning signage, low view windows in passenger doors and no access to climb onto the body ensure the Mobile Mini fleet is amongst the safest on the road. This is compounded by several additional twist locks, providing even more confidence that loading is a safe and secure process. The new fleet has been unveiled in partnership with global vehicle manufacturer Scania and crane and tractor unit specialists Mac’s Trucks. Three new trucks containing the revolutionary shut-off feature have already been delivered with five more on the way this year. It is expected that 30 new trucks will arrive in total, delivered at appropriate intervals over the next 24 months and replacing 60% of the current fleet, which has been in place for the last 7 years. Alex McDade, Sales Executive at Mac’s Trucks said, “As a joint partnership between Scania and Macs Trucks, we are pleased to currently have 15 vehicles in production and further vehicles due for Q2 next year, ranging from 18T to 32T gross vehicle weights all to be fitted with specialist crane vehicles ranging up to 71tm capacity with full 360 degree operation meaning we can deliver anywhere with the vehicle. Scania are continuing their long relationship with Mobile Mini, now with a 7-year repair and maintenance contract across all parts of the UK. At Macs Truck, we are building the bespoke body work and crane fitment, such as the Scania R500 6×2 tractor unit. Fassi cranes have been chosen again due to their reliability and brilliant back up network across the UK. Mac’s new front legs set up has been the latest improvement to Mobile Mini vehicles, offering better performance, especially over the front of the cab.” Mobile Mini is FORS Gold accredited and ensure all advancements are made in compliance with these standards. Mobile Mini has invested £3million on upgrading its fleet over the last 18 months and has injected another £5.5million ahead of next year, ensuring the new fleet is the most modern, reliable and advanced on the market. Additional features found on the new 2021 fleet include bespoke segregation barriers, mirrors on storage walls and cut-away doors for added visibility and safety displays that give fingertip info and guidance to crane operators. This is combined with a recent roll out of SMUK’s Halo system and 360 cameras and lights, providing high-definition views of driver activity and a direct link to telematics configurations. Nick Sesevic, SHEQ Advisor at Mobile Mini UK said, “Mobile Mini is synonymous with safety excellence and has an enviable safety record of no major incidents over the past two years. We anticipate this technology will become the future industry safety standard and look forward to seeing them out on the road and on-site with our customers very soon.” Andy Cowell, Mobile Mini UK Transport Manager said, “Changes to our fleet are not quick fixes, but we are fortunate to be one of few companies in our industry to purchase rather than lease vehicles, giving us added flexibility and control. Coupling this with the best-trained drivers across the largest crane mounted fleet of its kind in the UK, underpins our recent accolades and reputation for world-class customer service. The next 12 months represents the most we have ever invested in our fleet, as we work closely with our preferred suppliers to secure the highest quality crane mounted trucks in the industry. Our thanks to Scania and Mac’s Trucks for their continued efforts and assistance in improving the next generation of vehicles.” Last month, Mobile Mini installed a new digital reporting system, Assure by SHE Software, supported by QR codes on high-visibility jackets and across branded materials such as site posters, key-fobs, coasters and more. This ensures risk assessment, incident and health & safety reporting, asset, maintenance, service tracking and compliance is easier than ever for ground teams facing hazards to flag the issues or obstacles they face. Earlier this year, three branches were awarded Merits from the British Safety Council and the UK SHEQ team were named ‘Safety Team of the Year Highly Commended Winner’ at the International Safety Awards. Mobile Mini has also rolled out life-saving defibrillator equipment to all of its UK branches for the protection of customers, clients and over 370 members of staff.
As our buildings become ever more complex, the importance of using only approved products which meets the latest regulations for fire safety cannot be emphasised enough. Here, Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, explains the significance of a new Code of Practice for Category 3 fire performance cables. As a responsible leader in the cabling industry, we are raising awareness of the dangers of not using approved cabling as specified under the revised version of the new Code of Practice for Category 3 fire performance cables under BS 8519: 2020. The signal and control equipment systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Simply put, some of these systems will not survive in a fire if a sub-standard cable is installed. We point to the detail under the BS 8519:2020 which covers how to select and install fire-resistant power and control cable systems that, in the event of a fire, will maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and fire-fighting. The new Code is intended to inform designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, Health and Safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. The gives guidance and recommendations on the selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems that need to maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and fire-fighting. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire-fighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy. Customers, the wider fire safety industry and professionals have welcomed our message including the professional fire safety membership body the Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO). We feel strongly about this issue as a matter of safety and compliance. Using inferior types of cable for these applications is dangerous and posing a major risk. We are receiving a very positive response from customers who appreciate the information on an issue of such importance. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services to fight a fire and evacuate people in the event of an incident so we shouldn’t underestimate their importance. The standard clearly references and clarifies the products and levels of performance that should be used from specifiers to contractors and installers. We have received wide support for this information and the efforts we are making in the interests of safety for all concerned from the supply chain through to those responsible and the public using buildings in which these systems operate. As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes, AEI Cables is issuing the warning to all concerned, particularly those making decisions about fire safe products and systems. Under the detail of the revised standard, the practical applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables extend to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and stadia. BS 8519:2020 makes reference to the recommendations of BS 9999and BS 9991, with regard to the design and installation of the electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment. It also makes reference to three categories of circuits required to maintain their circuit integrity under defined fire conditions for varying fire survival times of 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes. Appropriate cable tests are identified for each cable category derived from applicable British Standards assessing cable performance under conditions of fire as might be expected in an actual fire incident. BS 8519:2020 also aims to ensure that the level of circuit fire integrity is not compromised by other components of the whole electrical distribution system, including cable glands, terminations, joints and cable support systems. By incorporating this guidance into the selection of cabling for these critical systems, those using these striking new buildings can move about safe in the knowledge that they are safe. For further information tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk See www.aeicables.co.uk
A new technology platform which takes a huge step towards meaningful global climate change accountability has been specially selected for presentation as world leaders gather in Glasgow for the COP26 summit next week. The New Energy Matrix is a global ecosystem software platform developed by Isle of Man-based data management specialists, Curtis & Associates Group, which allows citizens, institutions such as schools, companies great and small, and government regulators to post and monitor their carbon footprints and net zero targets in a transparent, fair, verifiable and immutable way. A unique validation process within the decentralised ecosystem platform guarantees that there cannot be any zero counting or double counting of net zero efficiencies, and also addresses the vexed issue of “greenwashing”, where many companies claim to be offsetting their emissions without evidence or proof. Curtis & Associates also has the credibility of practising what it preaches. While many companies have set net zero targets for dates in the future, it has become one of the few enterprises to have already achieved net zero for all *Scope emissions in 2020. CEO Jon Curtis said: “One of our most important achievements is the company Gold Teak based in Indonesia, wherein we set up at the time of the Kyoto Protocol an agro-forestry project of over 30,000 teak, mahogany, acacia, jabon and fruit trees as an ethical investment, and which to date has sequestered over 16,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent as well as funding the re-building of the local school and mosque to the benefit of the local community. “Over the years of its operation, we calculated that the cost of sequestering this carbon in the trees was only 0.3% of our total group turnover. So, it doesn’t have to cost the earth to save the earth.” Mr Curtis has a track record in data management dating back to the boom years of the North Sea energy industry. After setting up his own company over 30 years ago, he conceived and built data sharing mechanisms which have now been re-designed to use as net zero target and progress monitoring systems for any industry in any country worldwide. As one of the select group of companies chosen to present at COP26 through the Climate Chambers events between the 1st and 4th November, Curtis & Associates will demonstrate how the New Energy Matrix Ecosystem can be used by anyone and everyone to post carbon footprints and net zero targets. The ecosystem software will be free for individuals, institutions, and non-profit organisations to post a yearly set of net zero scope emission data. Companies would be expected to contribute modest fees. The transparent nature of the ecosystem, and the huge importance of our collective decarbonisation efforts means that peer pressure within sectors would encourage mutual validation amongst leading companies. The New Energy Matrix will enable the creation of Green Ecosystem Certificates of Known Origin (GECKOs). These verified and immutable certificates can be applied to any industry on a global basis. For organisations such as schools and universities, or other organisation seeking green finance, such verified information can give confidence to both government and private sector fund managers. The New Energy Matrix validation system will be open source, thereby allowing citizens, institutions, and companies to build their own solutions to use on a common decentralised framework, anywhere in the world. Mr Curtis said: “This is a major opportunity for businesses, which need to urgently collaborate with governments to address the immediate issue of climate change. “While government can regulate, without the direct involvement of business, climate action will not succeed. The fair and universal system of green certificates will enable those common objectives to become a reality. “We know that we must mitigate climate change by replacing fossil fuel sources with renewable and carbon-free alternatives and do so as rapidly as possible without destabilising industry and even entire countries. “The New Energy Matrix will be an important deterrent to greenwashing, which involves companies misleading consumers about their green credentials and their overall environmental performance.” The Curtis & Associates Group has offices in many countries across the globe. Its projects include EnergyVue, a platform for renewable energy operators. It will present at COP26 on the 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th of November in association with the British Chambers of Commerce. Jon Curtis is available for media interview by arrangement through Blueprint Media on 0330 223 4288. *Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions. Scope 2 emissions are indirect. Scope 3 emissions relate to the supply chain.
Homebuyers eager to make one of London’s coolest neighbourhoods their home should head to award-winning housebuilder Hill’s development, Fish Island Village in the vibrant canal-side surroundings of Hackney Wick. A landmark development of stylish new homes in partnership with London housing association Peabody, Fish Island Village forms an integral part of a thriving new creative hub combined with unique spaces to live, work and socialise and since its birth has become a truly inspirational place to call home. Set to deliver the final collection of apartments next month, those keen to step on the ladder here should act now to avoid missing out on the final opportunity to be part of one of the capital’s most exciting new destinations. Comprising a superb selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, this final phase of homes will provide residents with access to a private rooftop garden with seating areas, as well as new commercial space. Occupying a prime Zone 2 location, homebuyers at Fish Island Village will have a huge variety of amenities at their disposal, both within the development and within easy walking distance. Residents will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness suite, a dedicated concierge service and secure cycle storage. Scattered courtyards offer breakout zones for social interaction and play, while a new public square provides a great space to sit, unwind and watch the world go by. The attractive canal side setting connects to a neat network of footpaths and cycleways that lead residents to a unique and spirited choice of cool bars, restaurants, shops and outdoor venues that cater for every imaginable ambiance. “Fish Island Village has been a tremendous success and we are extremely proud to have been part of bringing such a special collection of homes to London’s homebuyers. The final collection of apartments will mark the end of an era for Hill; however, we will leave a sustainable legacy and community behind that we hope will continue to thrive and flourish for many years to come. Homebuyers who are considering making Fish Island Village the place to start their homeownership journey should register their interest as soon as possible – we expect strong demand for these homes and urge prospective purchasers to book their viewing to avoid disappointment,” said Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director. Each of the spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments have been thoughtfully created and feature the usual high-quality specification and attention to detail found in a Hill home. Designed to combine community and convenience, many will enjoy views over the Hertford Union Canal, as well as the more private courtyard setting of Wanbeck Yard. A number of properties benefit from being within our Capitol Collection which provides the highest level of specification, and also have the added bonus of winter gardens, allowing owners to enjoy the outside whatever the weather. All residents will have access to a communal rooftop garden – a serene space ideal for relaxing, catching up with friends or even somewhere for keen gardeners to grow their own produce too. For those who relish time out, without having to leave the city, this particular spot offers stunning cityscape views across London’s iconic skyline – perfect for a morning coffee before work or somewhere to end the day watching the sun disappear over the capital. Residents can take a short 13-minute walk across to Here East where there is a host of shops, cafes, bars and even a spa to indulge in. The development is also just a fifteen-minute walk from the lively hub of Stratford where a haven of shopping and leisure venues await residents at Westfield Stratford City. Closer to home there is plenty to keep residents occupied. Popular dog café Barkney Wick is great place for furry friends and residents alike to relax with a coffee, London’s funky floating venues – The Milk Float and Barge East serve up a tasty treat or Number 90 is ideal for drinks with friends – with much more to explore. Commuters at Fish Island Village are taken care of. Hackney Wick station is a short 10-minute walk away and provides straightforward transport links to nearby Stratford, Kings Cross and Liverpool Street. From Stratford Station residents can reach North Greenwich, Canary Wharf and London Bridge in under 20 minutes. Stratford Olympic Village is a short walk and provides a whole host of activities and outside space to keep even the most active residents occupied.
hgh Consulting, the London-based planning and development advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Nick Belsten, former Director of WSP Indigo, to its executive board. Having played a leading role in the growth of the Indigo Planning business from 2014 until its acquisition by WSP in 2019, Nick is a qualified Chartered Surveyor who has advised on a number of significant recent central London projects. “I’m delighted to be joining hgh at a time when the firm is forging ahead. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to continue developing the hgh business and advising clients on significant projects and in delivering successful outcomes,” commented Nick Belsten on his appointment. Mongst those projects, we can include Argent’s mixed use regeneration of King’s Cross Central and Google’s HQ, the regeneration of the former News International site at Wapping, the Francis Crick Institute, the UK Centre for Dementia Research and Institute of Neurology. “This is an ideal time to welcome Nick to the team. His wide-ranging experience and working approach is a good fit with that of hgh’s at this point in our growth. He brings a wealth of expertise that not only enhances our talented team, but also boosts our extensive insight into major regeneration schemes and urban development,” said Patrick Grincell, Managing Director of hgh Consulting. hgh Consulting became an Employee Owned Trust in October 2021. The firm also has Steve Quartermain CBE, former Chief Planner, and Lord Matthew Taylor as key advisors. hgh Consulting is an independent specialist consultancy that guides clients through the complex UK planning system with a strong track record of success. Our team of experts are hand-picked for their experience across high profile and challenging projects, balancing legislative, planning and commercial objectives. As a trusted partner, hgh proactively advises clients, both domestic and international, with a hands-on, agile approach to diverse areas of planning and development.
A showhome is set to be unveiled this month at a new development on a former school site in Forest Hill. Bellway London Partnerships will be opening the doors to a showhome at Dacres Wood Court – a 59-apartment development on the former home of Our Lady and St Philip Neri Infant School – on Saturday 6 November. The homes, off Mayow Road, will be one, two and three-bedroom apartments, 20 of which will be provided as affordable housing for local people through rent or shared ownership. “Viewing the showhome at Dacres Wood Court will provide the perfect opportunity for buyers to visualise what it would be like to live in one of these brand-new apartments. This will be the first time visitors have the chance to look inside a completed home and we expect there to be a lot of interest in doing so. Sales are already going well and we anticipate that high level of demand to continue. The showhome, which is the first property to be completed on site, is a perfect example of the quality apartments on offer at Dacres Wood Court,” said Amie Triphook-Cole, Head of Sales for Bellway London Partnerships. The show apartment features an open plan living space off an entrance hall, with two bedrooms – one of which includes a suggested home-working zone, and a family bathroom. “The open-plan kitchen has integrated appliances and flows seamlessly into the dining and living area, which leads onto a terrace. All apartments will have a private outdoor space, giving buyers the option to work outside if the weather is kind or just to enjoy relaxing in the fresh air. All the homes within this development are below the London Help to Buy price cap and are proving to be extremely popular with first time-buyers. Work continues to progress well and we hope to see our first completions later this year, when we’ll welcome the first residents onto the development,” added Amie. London Help to Buy enables first-time buyers to secure a new-build home in the capital with a five per cent deposit and a 55 per cent mortgage. The remaining 40 per cent is provided in the form of a Government-backed equity loan, which is interest free for the first five years. The scheme, which runs until 2023, is now only available to first-time buyers and on homes under the regional price cap – which for London is £600,000. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments currently on sale at Dacres Wood Court, with prices starting from £354,495.
