February 15, 2022

HOUSEBUILDERS AGREE TERMS ON FIRST PHASE OF 1800 HOMES LEEDS SITE

Development Will Deliver First New Homes at 170 Acre Site Templegate Developments Limited, the joint venture partnership of Evans Property Group and Keyland Developments, has agreed terms of sale with Avant Homes and Evans Homes for the acquisition of strategic housing land at the 170 acre Skelton Gate site in

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Barhale to lead on Lowestoft pipeline relocation

Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale will lead a new scheme to protect critical water infrastructure from the impact of erosion on the Suffolk coastline. The programme of works will be carried out at Corton Beach, Lowestoft on behalf of Anglian Water by Barhale as part of the @one Alliance,

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

February 15, 2022

Willmott Dixon Interiors delivers flexible new office space at Edmonton Green Library 

Work has been completed on a refurbishment project to create flexible new office and meeting space for housing and homelessness services in north London.  The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors has transformed the second floor of Edmonton Green Library in Enfield, to deliver contemporary and accessible office accommodation.  Part of Enfield Council’s Build the Change programme, the new facilities will serve as a hub for the borough-wide Housing services. Willmott Dixon Interiors has carried out substantial alterations to the interior and exterior of the building at second floor level, to create a large, open plan office area with flexible meeting spaces. New partitions have been installed with glazed screens, as well as a new kitchen area, toilets and showers, and raised access flooring. The workspace benefits from an MEP installation throughout, with a new mechanical plant on the roof and new air handling, condenser and air conditioning units.  Externally, new large windows have been added to the east elevation, which also incorporates new steel wind posts and beams to create the increased structural openings and now greatly improves natural daylight penetration into the floor plate. Construction of the building has been characterised by strong sustainability credentials, with 98% of project waste directed from landfill and harvested rainwater used to limit dust on site. Graham Shaw, managing director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “The way we work is continually evolving and we are placing new demands on our offices. Employers need modern and dynamic workspaces that can attract and retain talent, and enable their teams to work flexibly and efficiently. At the heart of the Council’s vision for Build the Change is also the wellbeing of their staff and residents; it’s investment in Edmonton Green Library has created a modern light-filled space that brings vital services closer to the people who need them most and will serve the local community for many years to come.” As part of the delivery of the project, Willmott Dixon Interiors and Enfield Council developed a strategy to maximise investment in local suppliers, with 74% of total project spend made within 10 miles of the site.  Willmott Dixon Interiors also delivered a 71% social return on investment through deployment of a social value plan. Activities included a careers event with local sixth form students and a virtual site tour designed to give an insight into the construction industry to an audience of 300 secondary school students. The refurbishment was procured through SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities. It was delivered by a project team including architect, TP Bennett; quantity surveyor, Stace LLP; and Pick Everard as project manager and services engineer. 

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Winvic Breaks Ground to Undertake Enabling Works and to Construct Four Industrial Warehouses at St Modwen Park Derby

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, along with repeat client St Modwen Logistics, has celebrated the start of the first phase of a significant project in Derby with a ground-breaking ceremony. St Modwen Park Derby, which is located off the A52 and close to junction 25 of the M1, will initially see Winvic complete four modern industrial units at the new 67-acre business park in less than 10-months. Winvic will deliver over 224,000m3 of cut and fill works on the site adjacent to the River Derwent to enable the development plots, build 800m of new road infrastructure and create more than 20 acres of natural landscaped area in order to improve the working environment for those working within and living close to the Park. Works will be undertaken using two new Volvo EC300EL hybrid excavators – the first of their kind in the UK – which are powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel. In line with Winvic’s, Collins Earthworks’ and St. Modwen’s carbon reduction goals, the plant reduces net CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent and delivers a 17 per cent increase in fuel efficiency, all while maintaining the performance of a diesel equivalent machines. Units D39, D54, D79 and D131 will be completed in phases between July and October 2022. Project delivery includes the design and construction of the four buildings – which all comprise office space – mechanical and electrical installations, creation of service yards, drainage and service works, significant landscaping and associated roadworks. Each facility will achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an ‘A’ EPC rating. Unit D39 – 35,467 sq ft warehouse, with a 10m haunch height and 4,123 sq ft office accommodation Unit D54 – 49,577 sq ft warehouse, with a 10m haunch height and 5,680 sq ft office accommodation Unit D79 – 72,107 sq ft warehouse, with a 12.5m haunch height and 6,886 sq ft office accommodation Unit D131 – 121,987 sq ft warehouse, with a 15m haunch height and 8,962 sq ft office accommodation Winvic Project Manager, Adam Broadhurst, commented: “Having partnered with St Modwen Logistics on a number of occasions, we already have a great relationship with the company and we work very well together as one team, focusing on the end result. This, four-warehouse project in Derby will be delivered in quite a short space of time, but the rapid build illustrates Winvic’s ambition, our team’s experience in the infrastructure and industrial sectors and our exacting programme management skills. I’d like to thank the St Modwen team for having confidence in our ability to transform 70-acres of brownfield land into a high-profile business park within just 10-months.”   Richard Carter, Senior Director, Construction, at St Modwen Logistics added: “Our partnership with Winvic strengthens as they continue to deliver St. Modwen Parks to our Swan Standard – a set of industry-leading sustainable development guidelines, with a focus on responsible building practices that meet the needs of our customers and their employees. The Park will deliver BREEAM Excellent standard, demonstrating significant investment and innovation in sustainability above current regulation and practice, as well as a number of health, wellbeing and biodiversity enhancements to improve the environment for those working at the Park and those living close by.” Previous projects that Winvic has constructed for the client include five industrial units at St Modwen Park Tamworth and the first phases of St Modwen Park Gloucester and St Modwen Park Chippenham. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.  

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HOUSEBUILDERS AGREE TERMS ON FIRST PHASE OF 1800 HOMES LEEDS SITE

Development Will Deliver First New Homes at 170 Acre Site Templegate Developments Limited, the joint venture partnership of Evans Property Group and Keyland Developments, has agreed terms of sale with Avant Homes and Evans Homes for the acquisition of strategic housing land at the 170 acre Skelton Gate site in the Leeds Aire Valley. Both Avant Homes and Evans Homes are each purchasing half of phase one of the development which incorporates a total 27 acres and will enable the delivery of a combined 400 homes. The development has planning consent in place to build 1,800 new homes on the former open cast colliery site, which sits to the east of Junction 45 of the M1. As well as new homes, the Skelton Gate will also provide a primary and secondary school, public open space, a local centre and a convenience store as well as associated infrastructure. Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments, said; “The sale of phase one of what is one of the most significant regeneration schemes to be seen in the Leeds City Region, is a huge milestone in the transformation of Skelton Gate into a new sustainable community.”               Richard Bean, Portfolio Director at Evans Property Group, said; “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction to enable the provision of much needed new homes and assist Leeds City Council in meeting its housing targets.” Subject to planning approval by Leeds City Council, Avant Homes look to launch its first homes for sale by the end of summer 2022. Avant Homes Yorkshire managing director, Chris Coley, said: “We have ambitious growth plans for development across the region so we’re very pleased to be moving forward with this acquisition. “With its fantastic location that will cater to a wide range of buyers, and its proximity to the Aire Valley Enterprise Zone, this will become an exciting flagship development for our growing portfolio.” John Carter, Director at Evans Homes, said: “Evans Homes is delighted to be involved in the Skelton Gate development. Following on from the successful launch of our scheme at Tockwith near York, the development at Skelton Gate presents an exciting opportunity to be involved in the creation of a vibrant new community on the edge of Leeds. “The first phase of over 213 homes will commence in mid 2022 and we look forward to welcoming our first homeowners early in 2023.”

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Ground-breaking ceremony officially launches £9.7 million housing development

Partner Housing, in association with Flagship Homes, celebrated the start of works on a new housing development in Necton, Norfolk; The £9.7 million development will see 73 new homes built, with a mix of Shared Ownership and Social Rent properties; Work is expected to finish on the site, called Tower Mill, in early 2024 United Living New Homes subsidiary Partner Construction and leading housing provider Flagship Homes held a ground-breaking ceremony this week to celebrate the start of works on the brand new £9.7 million Tower Mill housing development in Necton, Norfolk. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Frank Lincoln, Regional Managing Director of Partner Construction | United Living New Homes, and Tony Tann, Managing Director of Flagship Homes, to celebrate this milestone. On behalf of Flagship Homes, Partner Construction is creating 73 new homes on North Pickenham Road in Necton, delivering much-needed affordable housing for the local community. The residential development will feature a mix of two-bedroom bungalows, one-bedroom walk-up flats, and two, three-, and four-bedroom houses. Supported by Homes England funding, the properties are 100% affordable, with a mix of Shared Ownership and Social Rent ensuring genuine affordability for residents.  The development is in a beautiful rural location and includes green open space, with landscaping plans to ensure the scheme looks attractive and in keeping with the surrounding area. This is one of two projects delivered in close partnership between Partner Construction and Flagship Homes, with a second scheme in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. The £8.4 million, 100% affordable development will create 53 new homes to provide much-needed new housing for the local area. Frank Lincoln said: “We are delighted to celebrate the start of construction works at Necton with a turf cutting ceremony. Working collaboratively with Flagship Homes, we look forward to delivering high-quality new homes that will provide a welcome housing boost to the local community. “We pride ourselves on supporting people with our affordable homes and employing a workforce on site that will be made up of local labour and contractors. With our homes, we are determined to ensure that the housing market better serves young first-time buyers and families on low to average incomes.” Tony Tann said: “We are delighted to have commenced construction on this site in Necton with Partner Construction. The development following a competition within our Development Team is named “Tower Mill” to associate it with the local Mill and the Village and we see this as the start of its integration within the community. The development provides essential housing to the area while respecting the beautiful rural landscape. We’re building a mix of 73 Shared Ownership and Social Rent properties to make sure that many local people and families will have access to quality affordable housing. It’s fantastic to see this development underway and are pleased to have Partner Construction working with us to share in that vision and provide a huge housing boost to the area.” The new homes are due to be completed in early 2024. You can find out more by visiting www.flagship-group.co.uk, and @_FlagshipGroup on Twitter and Instagram.

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PRE-QUALIFICATION WINDOW OPENS FOR EXPANDED £4BN NATIONAL CIVIL ENGINEERING FRAMEWORKS

Total value of the SCAPE Civil Engineering frameworks to increase from £2.1bn to £4bn The re-procurement includes a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. SCAPE frameworks provide organisations access to net-zero ready specialist contractors to help them achieve their aims around climate change. SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has outlined the timetable for its £4bn civil engineering frameworks, with contractors from across the UK now able to respond to a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) to submit their interest to bid. Following a period of extensive market engagement, involving more than 170 contractors, firms will have until 25th March to answer the PQQ following the contract notice being submitted on 15th February. The third-generation frameworks will enable local authorities and public sector organisations to accelerate the delivery of sustainably designed major infrastructure projects – including roads, rail, flood and coastal, broadband and electric vehicle infrastructure – with no defined upper limit for project value. Running for a period of four years from 2023, with an option to be extended for a further two years until 2029, the new generation follows the success of the existing frameworks which have commissioned more than 250 projects to date for public sector clients across the UK. The fully-managed frameworks include a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. SMEs will sit at the heart of the new frameworks, with the successful principal contractor expected to engage with an extensive supply chain of local businesses. The framework has been designed to facilitate better access for small companies to major public sector contracts they might otherwise not have been able to bid for, while also allowing public organisations to procure local specialists. Part of SCAPE’s suite of direct award frameworks, the new civil engineering frameworks have been developed following engagement with local authorities and other public sector bodies across the country, as well as industry body the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA). SCAPE, which is currently accelerating the delivery of more than 1,800 publicly funded projects across the UK, intends to issue invitations to tender (ITT) in June 2022 before the successful contractors are named in November 2022. Bidders are invited to register their interest for either one or both frameworks. The fully-managed frameworks will more than double the capacity of infrastructure focused activity procured through SCAPE. The current civil engineering frameworks are due to expire in January 2023.  John Simons, group procurement director at SCAPE, added: “As we emerge into a post-pandemic world, the delivery of infrastructure with a clear focus on community value – whether social, environmental or economic – has never been more important. “The successful market engagement has given us great confidence that we can help local communities receive much-needed infrastructure by providing fully-compliant, direct award frameworks. “Ultimately, the expansion of our civil engineering frameworks has been designed to offer greater certainty for contractors and to drive better outcomes for communities across the UK. This includes our termed service agreement option, which places a stronger emphasis on the long-term relationship between clients and supply chain partners allowing them to forge successful partnerships that will see them shine in years to come.” For full details of timescales and information on the SCAPE Civil Engineering frameworks re-procurement, visit www.scape.co.uk/liveprocurement.

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Barhale to lead on Lowestoft pipeline relocation

Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale will lead a new scheme to protect critical water infrastructure from the impact of erosion on the Suffolk coastline. The programme of works will be carried out at Corton Beach, Lowestoft on behalf of Anglian Water by Barhale as part of the @one Alliance, the collaboration of consultants and contractors working together to deliver more than half of Anglian Water’s capital investment programme. Continued coastal erosion has made it necessary to move three sewer pipes that currently run along the beach to a new route approximately 100 metres inland. They include the primary 700mm  Lowestoft domestic wastewater pipe which runs to the Lowestoft Water Recycling Centre (WRC) to be treated before being taken away by a second 800mm pipe to the Nesspoint outfall. A third pipe (300mm), dedicated to the nearby Birds Eye factory will also be moved. The replacement pipework will be laid through opencut to a depth of 2.5m in ductile iron with a special lining to protect against saline water. The new route will take the pipelines through the Gunton Warren Nature Reserve and the project has been subject to intensive involvement from East Suffolk Council, ecologists, arboriculturists and Suffolk Wildlife Trust to ensure there is minimal impact on the environment and ecology found in the reserve. It has also led to the agreement of a five year plan on completion of the project that will deliver a net biodiversity gain of 10%. Barhale’s contract manager, Stuart Kempster underlined the importance of the works and of proactively managing the risks presented by coastal erosion. “This is a critical project to protect the water infrastructure of Lowestoft and the surrounding area,” he said. “Anglian Water’s early intervention will significantly extend the life of the existing assets and ensure that the retreating coastline does not have any impact on waste water management. “Anglian Water and the @one Alliance have been very mindful of the new pipeline route and have worked closely with stakeholders to create a post-completion ecology programme that will actually enhance biodiversity. We are proud to be playing our part not only in leading these important works but also helping to make sure that we leave the site with ethe best possible future.” Work is scheduled to start in early 2022 and to take approximately 12 months.

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Cellular IoT Market Value to Exceed $61 Billion Globally by 2026, Driven by 5G & Low-power Solutions

A new study from Juniper Research has found that the global value of the cellular IoT market will reach $61 billion by 2026; rising from $31 billion in 2022. It identified the growth of 5G and cellular LPWA (Low-power Wide Area) technologies as key to this 95% increase over the next four years. The new study, Cellular IoT: Strategies, Opportunities & Market Forecasts 2022-2026, predicted that, LPWA solutions, such as NB-IoT and LTE-M, will be the fastest-growing cellular IoT technologies over the next four years. It anticipated that the low cost of both connectivity and hardware will drive adoption for remote monitoring in key verticals, such as agriculture, smart cities and manufacturing. In turn, LPWA connections are expected to grow 1,200% over the next four years. For more insights, download our free whitepaper: Three Important Cellular IoT Strategies for 2022. 2G and 3G Network Shutdowns to Drive LPWA The report urged operators to migrate IoT connections on legacy networks to networks that support LPWA technologies. It anticipated that demand from enterprises for low-cost monitoring technologies, enabled by LPWA networks, will increase as these legacy networks are shut off over the next four years. Research co-author Charles Bowman commented: “Operators must educate users on the suitability of LPWA as a replacement technology for legacy networks. However, many IoT networks cannot solely rely on LPWA technologies. More comprehensive technologies, such as 5G, must underpin IoT network architectures and work in tandem with LPWA technologies to maximise the value of IoT services.” 5G to Generate $9 Billion for the IoT Market by 2026 Conversely, the report predicted that 5G IoT services will generate $9 billion of revenue by 2026; rising from $800 million in 2021. This represents a growth of 1,000% over the next five years as 5G coverage expands and operators benefit from the increased number of 5G IoT connections. To capitalise on this growth, it recommended operators offer value-added services, such as network slicing and edge computing, to IoT users to maximise the value of 5G adoption.

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CITY LEADERS FROM ACROSS UK SET TO WELCOME LEADING INVESTORS AT INAUGURAL UKREiiF

·       UKREiiF is a new annual event that will connect people, places and businesses in order to accelerate the levelling up agenda and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment ·       Conference speakers to include a host of senior figures from national and local government, as well as leading developers and investors ·       Awards to celebrate pioneers in the ESG agenda, including Net Zero Hero of the Year, Social Value & Inclusive Growth Creator of the Year and Net Zero Place of the Year Government Ministers, councils, combined authorities and regional bodies representing cities from across the UK and the country’s most dynamic economies have committed to exhibit at a conference and exhibition that aims to bring together public sector organisations with both domestic and international investors and developers. The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), which takes place from 17-19 May in Leeds, is a new annual event that will connect people, places and businesses in order to accelerate the levelling up agenda and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the country. Confirmed keynote speakers include Lord Grimstone, Minister for Investment at the Department for International Trade, Baroness Vere, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, John Flint, Chief Executive at UK Infrastructure Bank, and Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. Public sector bodies that have already thrown their weight behind the event include Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Midlands Engine, multiple London boroughs and Glasgow City Council, alongside Birmingham City Council, Belfast City Council, Hull and the Humber and York and North Yorkshire. Wolverhampton, Blackpool, Carlisle, Staffordshire, Bradford, Cornwall, and Fife councils, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Invest Newcastle, Western Gateway – which covers Cardiff, Bristol and Swansea – and Thames Estuary Growth Board have also signed up. Private sector representation is equally strong, with dozens of exhibitors already signed up including Knight Frank, CoStar, Englobe, LandTech, First Base, Capital & Centric, JLL, MEPC, Countryside, Faithful & Gould, Atkins, Tarmac, Queensberry, Thirteen Group, Delta Simons, Maber, E.ON and ERE Property. Regional location Taking place in Leeds City Centre, UKREiiF will be one of the only such events to take place outside London, highlighting the huge investment opportunities that are available right across England and the devolved nations. Keith Griffiths, Founder of Built Environment Networking, UKREiiF’s organiser, said: “Hosting UKREiiF in Leeds was the obvious choice. In addition to keeping costs and carbon lower, the central location means that UKREiiF is also as inclusive as possible for delegates throughout the country, cutting travel expenses and carbon footprints. “Further, the rich mix of exhibitors signed up so far is highly encouraging and underscores the high demand for this type of event. Clearly, both the public and private sectors are seeing UKREiiF as valuable opportunity to come together for mutual benefit and for the good of the country.” Strong conference agenda and high-level speakers In addition to showcasing investment opportunities to investors, developers and house builders, UKREiiF’s conference agenda will address key themes, including the UK’s net zero target, social value and inclusive growth, the future of real estate and building better communities. Griffiths added: “At the heart of the show’s reason for being is improved outcomes for all people. That means promoting social value as well as environmental sustainability in real estate, as well as breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in all its forms in the real estate industry.” The conference will also hear from leading lights in local government, including Andrew Kerr OBE, Chief Executive of The City of Edinburgh Council, Marvin Rees, the Mayor of Bristol, and Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, Kellie Beirne, Chief Executive, Cardiff Capital Region, Jo Dally, Director, Western Gateway and Cllr Susan Aitken, Leader, Glasgow City Council. The agenda is also replete with influential figures from central government and national agencies, including Nick Harris, Chief Executive of National Highways, and Dr Janet Young, Chief Property Officer of the UK Government, as well as Gareth Rhys Williams, Government Chief Commercial Officer in the Cabinet Office, and Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England. On the private sector side, meanwhile, speakers include Anna Devlet, Head of Social Sustainability at British Land, Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive Officer at the Harworth Group, Katie Kopec, International Director at JLL, Jennie Coleville, Head of ESG and Sustainability at Landsec, and Jennie Daly, Group Operations Director at Taylor Wimpey. Heads of leading occupiers include Dr Kath Mackay, Director at Bruntwood Life Sciences, and Andy Williams, Vice President, UK Strategy, at AstraZeneca. Awards to celebrate environmental and social sustainability As well as hosting the conference and exhibition, the event will also include an awards dinner on the evening of Tuesday 17th May. The awards feature categories specifically dedicated to celebrating pioneers in the ESG agenda, including Net Zero Hero of the Year, Social Value & Inclusive Growth Creator of the Year and Net Zero Place of the Year The event is being sponsored by the Department for International Trade and Government Property Function, signifying that UKREiiF is already seen as a key industry event by ministers and officials working at the heart of HM Government. Private sector partners include JLL, the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development and MX Insurance. UKREiiF’s organisers are confident that the event will see more than 5,000 in person attendees, over 250 speakers across 14 stages, in excess of 100 exhibitors and at least 50 fringe events. For more information visit www.ukreiif.com

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