£300M Durham Mixed Use Scheme Announces Deal With One Of The UK’s Largest House Builders Citrus Durham has announced a major deal with housebuilder Bellway to build up to 100 new homes at the £300m mixed-use Integra 61 development at J61 of the A1(M). Savills was appointed in Spring 2021
One of the government’s top scientific advisors has called for a concerted programme of ventilation improvements in buildings including professional accreditation for contractors. Professor Cath Noakes told the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) National Conference that the pandemic had increased understanding of how disease is transmitted around indoor spaces and
Partners from joint venture, Bournemouth Development Company, joined together recently (Wednesday 17 November) to celebrate the ‘topping out’ of West Cliff Mansions – a £14 million high-quality collection of 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments in Bournemouth town centre. More than 20 guests from joint-venture partners, BCP Council and leading
RWE Generation & Shell New Energies will explore the possibilities of establishing integrated projects for the production of green hydrogen using offshore wind power on a gigawatt scale in the industrial regions in the north-east of England such as Teesside and/or Humberside. The plan is one of the steps set
Plumbers have been overlooked in the Government’s plans to end the use of gas boilers in British homes, putting the whole Net Zero agenda in jeopardy, a think-tank warns today. The Social Market Foundation said that the Government strategy aimed at decarbonising home heating does not give plumbers and other
Aquaspira, which specialises in producing large low carbon pipes for the construction, housing, utilities and infrastructure industries, has made further strides in its ambitious target to achieve zero carbon production by the end of the decade. A £45,000 investment has been made to switch to electric forklifts at its site
Construction work has started on the first phase of a new housing development in Clipstone, Mansfield, by developer Sherwood Oak Homes. The Oaks is a high-quality residential scheme which will bring 313 thoughtfully designed properties to the market in 2022. On Clipstone Road East, the first phase of the development
Leading residential developer Bellway has received planning consent for 413 high quality new build homes at two sites in Halewood, Merseyside. Part of the approved East Halewood masterplan, the housebuilder will bring forward two new residential developments featuring a mix of 310 private and 103 affordable homes. Located on Baileys
Considered safer than other cities in Texas and home to over nine hundred thousand people, Fort Worth is an incredible place to live. With plenty of job opportunities, significant hospitals, and reputed educational institutions, the city regularly welcomes an influx of residents from other Texas cities. In such a scenario,
£300M Durham Mixed Use Scheme Announces Deal With One Of The UK’s Largest House Builders Citrus Durham has announced a major deal with housebuilder Bellway to build up to 100 new homes at the £300m mixed-use Integra 61 development at J61 of the A1(M). Savills was appointed in Spring 2021 to market the 8-acre site located on the northern part of the Integra 61 scheme, immediately adjacent to Bowburn village. The site already benefits from outline planning consent and following very strong competition, Bellway has now exchanged contracts and is aiming to start on site in Spring next year, subject to detailed approval from Durham County Council. The scheme will comprise a mix of 3 and 4 bed houses with the first units expected to be available from late 2022. Following the completion of major infrastructure works in 2020, Integra 61 is now progressing rapidly and is well on its way to creating thousands of new jobs in the area, adding around £2 billion to the regional economy over the next 10 years. Integra 61 is the largest mixed use employment-led scheme the North East has seen in a generation and is already home to Amazon’s new 2 million sq ft Fulfilment Centre which is fully operational with over 1,000 employees on site. A further 1 million sq ft of employment space will be delivered over the next few years to satisfy huge demand from companies looking to move to or expand in the region, which faces a chronic shortage of good quality industrial and logistics floorspace. The scheme will provide a wide range of unit sizes, from 1,200 sq ft up to 500,000 sq ft or more. In addition to the employment space and new homes, the masterplan for Integra 61 also includes a care home, 70-bed hotel, a family pub/restaurant, nursery and roadside/retail opportunities. Costa Coffee already has a drive-thru unit on site and further lettings are expected shortly. David Cullingford, Project Director for Integra 61 and Citrus Durham, said; “We are delighted to be welcoming Bellway to Integra 61 and to contribute to its ongoing success. Providing new, high quality homes at Integra 61 has always been an extremely important part of our vision to create a thriving, sustainable community on a mixed-use development in a strategic, well-connected location”. Helen Russell, Land Director for Bellway Durham, said: “Located just off the A1(M) near the popular village of Bowburn, Integra 61 is set to become a high quality mixed use scheme located on the outskirts of Durham City. Working alongside Citrus Durham, we are looking forward to building and delivering a prime new homes development. The development will benefit from the extensive local village amenities Bowburn has to offer and the excellent commuter links to the wider North East region”. “Further plans are set to be submitted to Durham County Council in the coming weeks.” For more information about Bellway Durham visit www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/durham.
One of the government’s top scientific advisors has called for a concerted programme of ventilation improvements in buildings including professional accreditation for contractors. Professor Cath Noakes told the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) National Conference that the pandemic had increased understanding of how disease is transmitted around indoor spaces and raised public awareness of the importance of mechanical ventilation. “I never thought I would see the day when the Prime Minister and the Chief Scientific Officer were talking about ventilation,” said Noakes, who is one of two engineer members the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). She told the Conference that the pandemic had exposed systemic failings in how we design and retrofit buildings and said we should pay far more attention to the impact of poor ventilation on human health and productivity. “Many of our buildings are under-ventilated and there is no excuse for it,” said Noakes, who is Professor of Environmental Engineering for Buildings at the University of Leeds and an expert in fluid dynamics. “This is not just about complying with regulations. We also need to show clients that there is a benefit to them through the health and wellbeing of people. We know buildings improve health and that poor indoor air quality reduces productivity by up to 9% – that’s half a day a week. Tangible “Before the pandemic 5.3 million working days were being lost every year to respiratory infections [figures from the Office for National Statistics], but it is still not as tangible as your energy bill, so we need to push that message harder,” she told the Conference. She agreed with BESA chief executive David Frise that people operating at the “sharp end” had a bigger part to play in the development of practical solutions to building operating problems. Professor Noakes said it was important that ventilation contractors were included in wider discussions because they understand what works in the real world and what clients can be persuaded to pay for. “We also need to look at professional accreditation [for the ventilation sector] because we are not applying the same standards to the ventilation industry as we do to gas and electricity, for example,” she added. She also called for better evaluation of systems in use to assess whether the ventilation was delivering what occupants need, had been correctly installed and commissioned, and was being adequately maintained. “The increased amount of indoor air quality monitoring since the pandemic is helping because it is making people more aware of their indoor environment,” she told delegates at the two-day online event. “However, it is now clear that it is very hard to naturally ventilate buildings adequately in winter.” Professor Noakes also warned building owners and managers to be wary of many of the new solutions being promoted – some of which she described as “snake oil”. “We seem to know a lot about the new technologies emerging into the market, but some of the existing solutions are probably better – we just need to measure what they are doing. They also need to be well-maintained,” she said. Professor Noakes added that approaches to ventilation had been prioritising comfort and energy efficiency, rather than health and productivity, for more than 30 years and it was now time for a change of emphasis. All the BESA National Conference sessions can be viewed on demand here.www.theBESA.com/conference
Partners from joint venture, Bournemouth Development Company, joined together recently (Wednesday 17 November) to celebrate the ‘topping out’ of West Cliff Mansions – a £14 million high-quality collection of 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments in Bournemouth town centre. More than 20 guests from joint-venture partners, BCP Council and leading UK town and city-centre regenerator, Muse Developments, along with contractor Parsons and Joyce, attended the traditional event, which included the ceremonial laying of the last paving block by Cllr Philip Broadhead, Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration of BCP Council, on the highest terrace. Commenting on the milestone achievement, Cllr Philip Broadhead, BCP Council’s Portfolio holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a strong reaction to West Cliff Mansions which is attracting a diverse mix of homeowners choosing to invest and live in Bournemouth town centre. This shows huge confidence in our place, and demonstrates people really are wanting to embrace all that our coastal town centre living can offer. From sunset strolls at Durley Chine, a dip in the ocean, and browsing the many boutique shops, to evenings out soaking up the hustle and bustle that our many independent cafes, bars and restaurants have to offer. “Building on the strengths of our outstanding environment and globally recognised coastline we are determined for our city region to be world class – a place where people and businesses want to be because of the vibrancy of our communities, the strength of our economy, the skills of our people, the wealth of our culture and the quality of our infrastructure, our environment and quality of life. “As well as providing new town centre living, West Cliff Mansions is providing a financial return to the local authority for investment in key council services and future regeneration projects.” Each of the homes have been carefully designed inside and out, offering open-plan kitchen/living/dining spaces as well as access to their own outside space in the form of a private terrace or balcony. Toby Marden, senior development manager, Bournemouth Development Company, added: “West Cliff Mansions is our fifth residential scheme and is a notable addition to our portfolio which supports our aim to regenerate Bournemouth town centre. In the four months that the sales office has been open we have had strong interest from a diverse mix of buyers from first-time buyers to downsizers as well as second-home purchasers. We have secured a number of off-plan sales ahead of building completion in Summer 2022. This reflects the quality of the scheme but also confidence from our buyers that Bournemouth is a great place to live”. Toby continued: “The topping out ceremony was a brilliant opportunity for those involved in creating this fantastic residential development to celebrate the progress made so far. The celebration represents a high point not only for the build, but it is also testament to the entire project team who have worked so effectively, diligently and safely together in making such impressive progress.” For more information on West Cliff Mansions, call 01202 497 232, email WCM@stubbingsltd.co.uk or visit www.westcliffmansions.com
RWE Generation & Shell New Energies will explore the possibilities of establishing integrated projects for the production of green hydrogen using offshore wind power on a gigawatt scale in the industrial regions in the north-east of England such as Teesside and/or Humberside. The plan is one of the steps set out in a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies to jointly advance projects for the production, use, and distribution of green hydrogen, as well as further options to decarbonise RWE gas and biomass-fired power plants in northwest Europe. The aim of the MoU is to identify concrete project options which could then be developed toward investment decisions, the two companies said. ”Effective climate action needs cross-sector and cross-national cooperation. In our cooperation with Shell, we want to develop solutions that combine new approaches with proven technologies and, above all, can be applied quickly and on a large scale. We will also contribute our special expertise in the development of offshore wind projects as well as the provision of energy in the form of electricity, heat and, in the future, green hydrogen for our customers,” said Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE. RWE and Shell already have a background of cooperation through the NortH2 project in the Netherlands, and AquaVentus in Germany.
Plumbers have been overlooked in the Government’s plans to end the use of gas boilers in British homes, putting the whole Net Zero agenda in jeopardy, a think-tank warns today. The Social Market Foundation said that the Government strategy aimed at decarbonising home heating does not give plumbers and other workers enough incentive to get training to install the heat pumps that ministers want to replace gas boilers. The SMF is undertaking a major research project with the heat installer workforce. Its interviews with plumbers suggest that many see little reason to spend time and money getting the skills needed for heat pumps. The UK’s Net Zero plans mean decarbonising the heating of buildings, including homes, which account for 14% of carbon emissions. Over the coming decades that will mean replacing millions of domestic fossil fuel-burning heating systems with new ones, including heat pumps. The Government’s stated ambition is for a deployment of 600,000 heat pumps installed a year by 2028. The Heat Pump Association estimates that 50,200 fully trained heat pump installers will be required to fit one million heat pumps a year by 2030. But the SMF found that the Government does not appear to know how many installers are currently trained for heat pumps. Official Net Zero documents use different figures, the SMF found. The Heat and Buildings Strategy, published by the business department, suggests that there are 1,100 fully accredited companies. The Net Zero Strategy, published by Boris Johnson on the same day, suggests there are currently 3,000 trained fitters. SMF analysis of the heat strategy, published today, concludes that the policies it sets out do not give plumbers and installers enough reasons to train for heat pumps. The strategy overlooks the fact that most the relevant workers are self-employed sole traders, who must spend their own time and money on training. Many plumbers do not currently believe that such training will be soon justified by work installing heat pumps, the SMF found. The heat strategy does not do enough to support household demand for heat pump, it concluded: the £450 million set aside for grants will support just 90,000 new pumps a year for three years. The heat strategy also postpones a decision on whether to support the use of hydrogen in boilers as an alternative to fossil fuel gas. That creates uncertainty among plumbers about heat pumps, the SMF said. Finally, the SMF found that some plumbers, especially those closer to pension age, are calculating that existing gas boilers will create enough work for them until they retire. Ministers have said they hope to end all installations of new gas boilers by 2035, but have not set a firm deadline and insist that no-one will be required to replace a pre-existing boiler. The combined effect will be that Britain risks being left with not have enough workers with the skills and training needed to replace millions of gas boilers, the SMF said. Amy Norman, senior researcher at the SMF, said: “Taking the carbon out of home heating is a vital part of Net Zero, and the Heat and Buildings Strategy is a good start. But as things stand, the government isn’t creating enough incentives to plumbers and other heat workers to get the training needed to replace gas boilers with greener alternatives. That can still be fixed, but unless it is, forgetting to call the plumber could put Boris Johnson’s whole green agenda at risk.” “Plumbers, installers and heat engineers are vital to Britain’s greener future. They’re skilled workers who are used to making sure they have the right training to meet customers’ needs. But when you’re your own boss, you need to know the costs of training are going to be worthwhile, and right now Net Zero plans don’t offer enough incentives to train.”
Aquaspira, which specialises in producing large low carbon pipes for the construction, housing, utilities and infrastructure industries, has made further strides in its ambitious target to achieve zero carbon production by the end of the decade. A £45,000 investment has been made to switch to electric forklifts at its site in Nelson, Lancashire. AquaSpira will also start installing solar panels in November to generate electricity for the site, allowing the forklifts to be charged using renewable energy. AquaSpira Managing Director Neil Wallace explained: “We are investing in a series of initiatives to make our production process more environmentally friendly in line with our Research & Development innovations to de-carbonise through pipe design and sensors. This has included the use of recycled materials in our manufacturing, the installation of solar panels and reducing our road mileage. Investment must be based on a return on capital and while reducing our carbon footprint we can also be more competitive. “It’s all about making sensible decisions for the good of both our company and our workforce. Choosing electric forklifts will help us cut not only our carbon footprint but also our running costs. Due to their low energy consumption, the forklift trucks only need to be charged every couple of days. There are also no emissions so it is much safer for the team, especially on the factory floor. “This in-house work supports the huge strides we are making in helping housing and commercial developers and the transport industry considerably reduce their impact on the environment through their drainage specifications.” As well as supporting leaner and cleaner operations, electric trucks have the added benefit of being future-proof, given the impending end to red diesel subsidies that could see the running costs of diesel trucks soar. Aquaspira’s drive to achieve zero carbon production doesn’t stop there, a six-figure investment into Research and Development (R&D) is already paying dividends, with Aquaspira boasting its first drainage product using recycled material. A further significant investment has seen the delivery of a new research laboratory at its Nelson-based headquarters. The company is working in partnership with the University of Birmingham on its R&D to develop a digital twin to improve design and to investigate the use of recycled materials for backfill to reduce carbon usage in the construction sector. This research can make a huge step-change in helping the sector achieve Government de-carbonisation targets. The R&D is also looking at the use of sensors in pipes for long term monitoring and maintenance of systems which will contribute to the life cycle of the product Aquaspira’s unique light weight composite pipe already reduces the number of vehicle movements and fuel consumption when compared to traditional concrete products. A significant advantage with the current shortage of haulage drivers. Aquaspira is also on course to eliminate landfill waste from its North West site and is installing digital media to reduce road mileage. Overall the company believes that it is on target to save 126 tonnes per annum. Neil concludes: “We have been watching events at COP26 with interest and feel every company, whether large or small, has a role to play in reducing carbon consumption. We will continue to drive innovation, both in our products and the way we run our business, so we can help utility companies, housebuilders and the wider infrastructure and construction sectors reduce their impact on the environment.”
Construction work has started on the first phase of a new housing development in Clipstone, Mansfield, by developer Sherwood Oak Homes. The Oaks is a high-quality residential scheme which will bring 313 thoughtfully designed properties to the market in 2022. On Clipstone Road East, the first phase of the development will consist of 30 new homes; 10 three-bedroom and 19 four-bedroom properties and a single five-bedroom home. Local award-winning contractor Henry Boot Construction has been chosen to deliver the project and selling agent Pygott & Crone to market the properties. The homes have been designed with space at the fore with sizable plots and more space between than the standard. The properties themselves will benefit from high ceilings and include high-spec additions such as bi-fold doors out to the gardens. The development has been designed to encourage and attract wildlife and for its residents to enjoy the outdoors. Across the site, there will be a number of green spaces and children’s playgrounds for families to enjoy, and bird and bat boxes will be installed. In keeping with the Oak tree playing a major part in neighbouring Sherwood Forest and the name of the development, Oak trees are being planted throughout the site. The s106 agreement for the development outlines plans to make improvements to local Rights of Way to encourage walking and cycling as well as investments in Spa Ponds and Vicars Water – two nature reserves local to The Oaks. “We’re very pleased to be able to start construction on this new community of high-quality homes in such a fantastic area. The development is ideally located in a well-connected part of Nottinghamshire where residents will be able to enjoy the space and countryside around them whilst being just a short distance away from both Mansfield and Nottingham,” said Peter Roope, Development Director at Sherwood Oak Homes. “To deliver the very best new homes, we are working with impressive local businesses Henry Boot Construction – who will bring their wealth of knowledge of the surrounding area to the project – and Pygott and Crone estate agents. What’s important to myself and the team at Sherwood Oak Homes is to create homes that provide the space and quality that homeowners demand and deserve and to create peaceful new communities with access to nature. It’s very exciting to be moving forward with The Oaks.” The first phase of homes is due to go on sale in early 2022 with Pygott & Crone.
Leading residential developer Bellway has received planning consent for 413 high quality new build homes at two sites in Halewood, Merseyside. Part of the approved East Halewood masterplan, the housebuilder will bring forward two new residential developments featuring a mix of 310 private and 103 affordable homes. Located on Baileys Lane, opposite Halewood Leisure Centre, Halewood Oaks is the larger of the two sites that Bellway has plans for and will comprise a total of 315 two, three and four bedroom homes set around areas of attractively landscaped public open green space. Named after the late Rev Canon F B Plummer, of the nearby St Nicholas Church, who tragically lost three of his seven sons in WWI, Plummers Meadow is on Greensbridge Lane. A smaller development, it will comprise 98 two, three, four and five bedroom homes also set around open green space. Both Halewood Oaks and Plummers Meadow will feature a range of house types from Bellway’s beautiful new Artisan collection. Combining meticulous craftsmanship with architectural flair and luxurious touches, the Artisan collection has been expertly designed both inside and out to ensure a stunning street scene and future-proof forever home with a flexible and inviting interior that suits the demanding lifestyles of today’s discerning homebuyers. The two developments are the first in Halewood for the North West division of the national housebuilding group that has its regional office at Hunts Cross in Liverpool. “We are delighted to secure planning consent for two beautiful new developments, our first in Halewood. Plans for both are superb and we are looking forward to getting started on site later this year. Once complete, the developments will form part of an exciting new residential area in Halewood offering an excellent mix of high quality new build homes that are close to open green space, well placed for local amenities and served by good transport links,” said Bellway North West sales director, Jenny Bell. Within its development plan, Bellway will make a number of significant financial contributions to the locality, improving education, infrastructure and access to open space for residents in the immediate local area. More than £4 million will be contributed including £1.83 million towards highway improvements, £1.45 million towards the provision of primary school places within Halewood, £360,000 towards the improvement of facilities at Halewood Leisure Centre (located opposite Halewood Oaks) and £320,000 towards the management, maintenance and enhancement of Finch Woods (located next to Halewood Oaks).
Considered safer than other cities in Texas and home to over nine hundred thousand people, Fort Worth is an incredible place to live. With plenty of job opportunities, significant hospitals, and reputed educational institutions, the city regularly welcomes an influx of residents from other Texas cities. In such a scenario, condos Fort Worth are becoming a popular choice for housing among people. There are several different condos (also known as condominiums) in the city that one can choose from. If you wish to invest in one, consider the type, cost, and other critical aspects before making the final purchase decision. Below are the points to keep in mind before buying these spectacular homes better and buying the best one for you. Condo styles A condominium is a form of house in Fort Worth that combines individual apartments or homeownership with shared ownership of other common structures or facilities in the residential community. For instance, you may own a separate condo in a community while sharing ownership of the community pool, gym, canteen, and other elements. The following are some standard condos you will get to see in Fort Worth. Pick the one that best suits your needs. Rowhouses or Townhouses – These are the best options in Fort Worth for families or individuals looking for a bit of outdoor recreational space. Typically, the exterior is a common property owned and maintained by the condominium association with traditional townhouses. In contrast, owners of Rowhouses have complete property ownership right up to the fence in bare land townhouses. Lofts – These are stylish condos in Fort Worth often converted out of warehouses, industrial buildings, and commercial structures. Several of them are available as resale or new ones in the city, with the number and quality of amenities determined by the property value, space, and other details. High-rises – Several high-rise condos are often conversion properties sold as commercial condo units at the lower levels, mainly for retail use. Most of the upper floors are given for residential purposes, with individuals and families investing in them alike. Low-rises – Less expensive than high-rise condos, low-rise ones are an affordable option in Fort Worth for home buyers on a budget. So, you can either rent or buy them, depending on your finances and the length of your stay. Detached homes – Detached condos are part of a larger complex occasionally in the city. A gated community with multiple separate housing units is a good example. Common property elements would include sidewalks, roads, pools, recreation areas, and other facilities used by all homeowners. Price As per 2019 statistics, the average value of a Fort Worth condo is around $209,000 or more. This estimate can increase or decrease depending on the type and model of the structure. This cost estimate increases for detached structures, townhouses, and other independent housing. Therefore, people can invest in any property they want in the city, as many architectural designs are available. Furthermore, several people who come down just for jobs rely on rented apartments and condos. Insurance coverage Whether insurance covers any damage to your Fort Worth property depends on your ownership rights and extent. For instance, suppose a colossal hail storm (quite common in Texas) knocks out a fence, some walls, and a couple of railings. You will need to find out who owns the damaged structures to figure out if your homeowner’s insurance covers it or if it is an issue that must be dealt with by the association’s insurance. Similarly, if you want to remodel some part of your house, check beforehand if there are any parts of the unit that you do not have ownership of. For this reason, it is advisable to have signed association agreements that detail all aspects of your Fort Worth condo ownership.
