Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics parks, has completed the construction of the UK’s first logistics property to go beyond net zero carbon in its construction and operation – delivering a net benefit for the environment over its lifetime. Located on Prologis Apex Park, near Daventry, Prologis
TODD Architects has submitted a planning application on behalf of Press Up Hospitality Group and sister company Oakmount to refurbish and redevelop Birmingham’s Grade II* Listed Central Methodist Hall into a destination hospitality and leisure scheme with up to 150 new hotel rooms and eight new bars and restaurants at
DIGITAL PLATFORM provider MiProject Solutions believes it has the key to the pressing data challenge facing the UK construction industry. Time and again, reporting mechanisms are shown to be a significant contributing factor to the success of contractors – from identifying risks, to being appointed to frameworks and demonstrating clear KPI
Construction has begun on an 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park for one of the UK’s leading dedicated flooring distribution companies. Developer Stoford is delivering a bespoke unit for Worcestershire-based Alliance Flooring Distribution, a subsidiary of Victoria PLC, which offers a UK wide storage, cutting and distribution
A pioneering development of nine high-quality business units will offer much-needed new commercial space in the heart of Warwickshire which could help create up to 100 new jobs, a leading commercial property expert says. Tom Bromwich says the 42,000 sq ft Southam Park development at Kineton Road Industrial estate in
Selling your house can be incredibly frustrating if you don’t know what you’re doing. That is likely why so many sellers opt to use an agency because they are experienced and therefore – experts in their field. Before you go to an agent, here are five things that you can
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics parks, has completed the construction of the UK’s first logistics property to go beyond net zero carbon in its construction and operation – delivering a net benefit for the environment over its lifetime. Located on Prologis Apex Park, near Daventry, Prologis has delivered a brand new 435,000 sq ft unit, which will act as UK Logistics Centre for an American multinational. In a first for the world of industrial logistics property, Prologis have delivered an industrial unit which pushes the boundaries of sustainable construction. The building includes the installation of bespoke energy saving technology. In addition to the standard sustainability measures provided by Prologis, including rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a 1.4MW rooftop solar system has also been installed, resulting in a building which will return more energy to the grid than it uses. The surplus energy it generates will help to power other homes and businesses. The new unit at Apex Park is BREEAM rated ‘Outstanding’ – placing it in the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings. When certified at Post Construction stage by BREEAM, the building scored 88.2%, which was the highest “Industrial 2018 Shell & Core” score so far achieved. Martin Cooper, vice president, development management at Prologis UK, said: “This is a milestone for Prologis and shows what can be achieved when like-minded businesses work together to realise their vision for a building that delivers a net benefit for the environment. All our new warehouses in the UK have been net zero carbon in construction for the past 14 years, but this building at Apex Park takes carbon reduction to a new level. “The dialogue around net zero is progressing rapidly and businesses are beginning to look beyond ‘operational carbon’ to find other ways to make their buildings more sustainable. Reducing the embodied carbon of new buildings requires intense collaboration across the supply chain, from engineers and architects to material and product suppliers, plant hire firms and contractors. Moving as a country towards being net zero by 2050, we look forward to seeing many more logistics projects that are net-positive for the environment, and we’re extremely proud to be leading the way.” Additionally, the new unit is also the first development of its type to achieve an EPC rating of A+, meeting the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Framework Definition of Net Zero Carbon for both embodied & operational carbon. It’s predicted that the unit will generate more energy than it uses, avoiding 105 tCO2e per year and feeding unused energy back in the grid. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable construction Prologis ensures that each new logistics property can achieve a net environmental benefit, starting by designing out carbon emissions wherever possible – for example by offering customers rooftop solar power systems. The whole life carbon footprint is then measured, and unavoidable embodied carbon emissions are mitigated by protecting rainforest. Through Prologis’ partnership with climate change charity, Cool Earth, 310 acres of Papua New Guinea rainforest were protected based on a whole lifetime assessment of the Apex Park building’s carbon impact. In November 2021, Prologis were awarded the Terra Carta seal, which recognises companies who are building a sustainable future and have made a serious commitment to put nature, people & the planet at the heart of the economy. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
TODD Architects has submitted a planning application on behalf of Press Up Hospitality Group and sister company Oakmount to refurbish and redevelop Birmingham’s Grade II* Listed Central Methodist Hall into a destination hospitality and leisure scheme with up to 150 new hotel rooms and eight new bars and restaurants at ground and basement levels. The proposed scheme on Corporation Street will be operated by Press Up Hospitality Group under ‘The Dean’ brand. The Dean is a boutique, design-led hotel with locations in Dublin, Cork and Galway. This will be the first Dean location outside of Ireland. Originally built in 1904, the Central Methodist Hall became the legendary Que Club in 1989, attracting major artists such as David Bowie, Daft Punk and Blur. Despite becoming an important part of Birmingham’s musical and cultural scene, the club went out of use in 2017 and the building declined onto Heritage England’s At Risk Register. TODD Architects’ hotel-led proposal sensitively extends and adapts this much-loved landmark, preserving many of its original features whilst once again allowing it to take its place at the heart of Birmingham’s cultural landscape. Fundamental to the plans will be the refurbishment of the Central Hall into a luscious 1500-seat event space, with the pulpit area redefined as a stage for visiting acts. In addition, a traditional members’ club cocktail lounge, two expansive external terraces and a flagship rooftop restaurant with panoramic views across the city are proposed. Seamus Lennon, Principal, TODD Architects, comments: “The Central Methodist Hall offers the opportunity to mix the height of Victorian grandeur with a fresh and contemporary take on the modern hospitality offer. Whilst it remains necessary to extend the building vertically to ensure the project is commercially viable, our proposals will ensure this is done sensitively and allow the full restoration of the Central Hall space to be enjoyed by generations to come.” The proposed three-storey rooftop extension will be set back from the parapet and terraced backwards as the volume rises. A single-storey extension to the south will also be set back from the parapet and above this rests a new restaurant with a pitched roof matching the form of the original. The new elements make explicit reference to the qualities of the original building, whilst also utilising modern methods of construction and material technologies. TODD Architects’ Seamus Lennon concludes: “It is a rare opportunity to contribute to the ongoing story of such an important cultural landmark as Birmingham Central Methodist Hall. Building on our growing portfolio of hospitality and leisure schemes throughout the UK and our specialist knowledge in commercially successful adaptive re-use of buildings, our proposal will deliver a high-quality hotel and leisure destination that will have a transformative impact on the immediate neighbourhood and support Birmingham City Council’s wider regeneration targets.”
DIGITAL PLATFORM provider MiProject Solutions believes it has the key to the pressing data challenge facing the UK construction industry. Time and again, reporting mechanisms are shown to be a significant contributing factor to the success of contractors – from identifying risks, to being appointed to frameworks and demonstrating clear KPI performance. MiProject Solutions has created savings for major contractor Willmott Dixon of more than £1.1m per year and shares how this has been achieved while making data a key part of its digital transformation In the words of David Mosey, author of Constructing the Gold Standard, contractors must share information that they would usually “keep to themselves” in order to create meaningful change in the sector. Combined with recommendations from the Construction Playbook, the industry needs to see an urgent cultural shift to embrace transparent data capture, digital transformation, and greater collaboration between delivery partners. MiProject Solutions has adapted its suite of digital platforms to meet the evolving requirements of a wide range of major contractors and framework providers. However, its MiPerformance product has stood the test of time for Willmott Dixon, which was its first partnership seven years ago. The flexibility of its approach is paramount to its success. Martin Ward, director of digital solutions at MiProject Solutions, said: “There is a real impatience brewing among contractors and framework providers regarding inadequate data, and requirements to not only promise but to provide evidence of strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials, robust health and safety practices and strong corporate governance. “There is no sign of this slowing down, and our data-hungry industry will only continue to multiply to meet the UK’s sustainability targets. “Digital transformation is required to turn a new leaf in the sector, which has long held a reputation for being notoriously slow to digitally innovate. We see our job as streamlining data processes to make them as pain-free and efficient as possible, to allow contractors to do what they do best. Our solutions navigate KPIs to revolutionise the way we see data in the sector.” Willmott Dixon’s initial investment in the MiPerformance platform followed its appointment to a SCAPE framework, as it identified the need to accurately calculate local spend and social value. Ahead of the curve for its time, this triggered several other contractors on the framework to see its benefits, choosing to adopt the platform too. SCAPE was then able to view transparent data and KPI performance across its delivery partners in one window and assess progress across a breadth of projects – something they had not seen before. Scott Corey, strategic accounts and services director at Willmott Dixon, said: “When done well, data input, analysis and forecasting can deliver hugely positive outcomes. It can spot time and cost efficiencies in advance, as well as strengthen processes and policies to benefit a wide range of stakeholders. “On the other side of the coin, poor data processes can place extreme pressures on staff, pose security risks and create backlogs that are detrimental to contract performance and business improvement. “Efficient digital data processes are an absolute necessity for a modern contractor. In our case, MiPerformance has cut time spent on admin by 50 per cent, as it calculates social value in real time and streamlines manual processes. “The platform also reduces the opportunity for human error by generating alarms and alerts to help gear us towards our deadlines, and even suggests improvement actions.” Willmott Dixon praised the benefits of good digital data management and its wide-ranging effects – slashing time spent on preparing bids or award submissions, demonstrating value to potential clients and supporting eligibility for accreditations. Scott said: “We need the digital assistance of this platform to identify risks, keep teams on track and accountable, and encourage constructive conversations at all levels. This is what drives performance and allows us to reach internal and external KPIs at Willmott Dixon. “We can’t afford to bypass the digital tools at our disposal – it is an essential step in the industry’s journey to meet the high bar set for us by governing bodies. “I understand that many contractors might be initially reticent to share data with their partners, either out of fear of exposing vulnerabilities or ‘giving too much away’. However, what I have found is that the tool brings a greater sense of collaboration as we work together to reach shared goals. “The system is embedded into our culture, with all new employees inducted straight onto it. We are now seeing the system track more than 20 data collection points per project across all our sites and operations.” Willmott Dixon is also using the platform to track its internal KPIs. It has been configured to pull a wide range of data from several of its key internal information systems, including the customer relationship management (CRM), CSCS system and other MiProject Solutions’ products to serve as the central hub of all knowledge. Framework providers are increasingly aware that a unified approach to digital data processing creates greater transparency and certainty of delivery, helping to build trust and cultivate strong working relationships. In Willmott Dixon’s case, data is not a taboo subject, and a transparent approach to data processing is a strong force for change. MiPerformance is the leading digital solution provided by MiProject Solutions. To learn more about MiPerformance, visit: https://miprojectsolutions.com/solutions/mi-performance/ Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Construction has begun on an 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park for one of the UK’s leading dedicated flooring distribution companies. Developer Stoford is delivering a bespoke unit for Worcestershire-based Alliance Flooring Distribution, a subsidiary of Victoria PLC, which offers a UK wide storage, cutting and distribution service for both soft and hard flooring and is moving its operations from Kidderminster to unit 7 at the business park. To meet its targets of reducing its carbon footprint, the build of the unit will be net carbon zero in operation and will feature extensive electric vehicle charging points and photovoltaic panels on the roof. Stoford is also creating two new ponds, which will further improve the green infrastructure on the business park, provide an attractive setting and also introduce new habitats for wildlife. Contractor Benniman has been appointed to build the unit, which will comprise 157,000 sq ft of warehousing, as well as 21,000 sq ft of offices and ancillary space. Completion is expected in Q4 2022 and Alliance Flooring Distribution, which hopes to create a further 60 roles over the next three years, aims to be fully operational on site early 2023. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford, said: “It’s great news that we have started to build this bespoke unit for Alliance Flooring Distribution. We’ll deliver a high-quality unit on a business park that is already making its mark on the local economy and gaining attention from global and national companies that are keen to base themselves in a strategic location that is convenient for both the south west and the Midlands. “Worcester Six has attracted several significant employers that are making their homes and are planning their long-term futures here. This is all positive news for Wychavon, in which the business park sits, and surrounding areas.” Philippe Hamers , CEO of Victoria PLC, said: “A fast and effective distribution network is vital in our industry and this project shows how serious we are about servicing the UK and in an environmentally friendly way. Worcester 6 futureproofs the fantastic distribution service that we offer both to the Victoria brands and our valued third-party customers. We are looking forward to seeing the completion of the building works and starting to operate out of this top-notch facility early next year.” In the past four years, Worcester Six has welcomed Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira and IONOS. For details about Worcester Six Business Park and other units that can be provided, contact the agent: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Ben Wiley at BNP Paribas – ben.wiley@realestate.bnpparibas Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
A pioneering development of nine high-quality business units will offer much-needed new commercial space in the heart of Warwickshire which could help create up to 100 new jobs, a leading commercial property expert says. Tom Bromwich says the 42,000 sq ft Southam Park development at Kineton Road Industrial estate in Southam – the first to be brought forward by the Warwickshire Property and Development Group (WPDG) – is exactly what the region needs to meet growing demand for modern, purpose-built commercial space. Tom, founding partner at Coventry-based Bromwich Hardy, said the agency had been appointed sole agents by WDPG, Warwickshire County Council’s newly-formed property delivery company, after a competitive tendering process. “This is a really exciting opportunity for existing local companies and those looking to move into the area to lease space which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of modern businesses. “The scheme will provide nine units of between 1,900 – 15,000 sq ft on land which has been unused for a number of years and will be particularly suited to small to medium sized enterprises who are either starting up or looking for expansion space. “Planning permission is already in place, the units will benefit from excellent specification and be highly energy efficient. Each of the units can be fitted out to the tenants’ own requirements and the location at the heart of the nation’s motorway network cannot be beaten. “The area is desperately short of new commercial units and we are anticipating the highest levels of interest in this site, particularly since the units will be of such high standard and so eco-friendly. They are scheduled to be available in the second quarter of 2023 but we would urge anyone interested to contact us without delay.” Tom said Bromwich Hardy was thrilled to have won the contract to be sole agent for WPDG. “In terms of the commercial market, new development is desperately needed if we are going to satisfy demand and create the conditions the business community needs to thrive for years to come. It is hugely rewarding to have won this contract and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with WPDG.” Rob Andrews, senior development manager at WPDG, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring this new scheme to market and to be working with Bromwich Hardy in doing so. “This scheme marks an exciting milestone for us as the first to be signed off, but more importantly meets our key objectives of bringing new investment and jobs to the county and helping our SMEs thrive and expand.” Bromwich Hardy is one of the country’s leading independent agencies, regularly featuring at the top of industry league tables in Coventry, the West Midlands and further afield. For more information about Southam Park visit https://www.bromwichhardy.com/propertyInfo/2233/
Selling your house can be incredibly frustrating if you don’t know what you’re doing. That is likely why so many sellers opt to use an agency because they are experienced and therefore – experts in their field. Before you go to an agent, here are five things that you can do to help to increase the selling price of your house and guarantee a quick sale. If you don’t, be prepared to entertain countless people who simply like looking at houses that are on show and are not serious buyers. Below are the five aforementioned ways to increase your selling price: 1. Make a Great First Impression In life, first impressions count for everything. In real estate, the rules are the same. Your job as the owner is to ensure that your house makes the best first impression possible on the potential buyers. You can do this by improving the curb appeal of your home and by installing a grand entrance. Buyers know what they want, and it is your job to make them want something that they hadn’t even thought of yet. 2. Tidy Homes Sell Life is hectic when your house is on the market, unless it’s in a luxury development. Selling a house is particularly difficult if you are still living in it. As crazy as balancing life is during this time, you must keep your home as clean and tidy as possible. You might be used to the mess that comes with having kids, but that does not mean that potential buyers will understand. Your buyers need to imagine themselves living in your house – and that won’t happen if it’s in a total state. 3. The Price Is Right Pricing on real estate is always a contentious point between buyers and sellers. You have lived in your house for years and made so many happy memories in it that you automatically assume it must be worth a pretty penny. Sadly, that is not always the case. Your house price needs to be set by someone in the business who knows the area and what offers you can expect to receive. Get a real estate appraisal done by a trusted agency or professional, that way you can manage your expectations from the start. 4. Fix the Problems Fix the issues with your house before you even think about selling it. One of the first things a potential buyer will do is look for reasons to offer you less for your home. You must make sure that doesn’t happen, and the only way to do that is to ensure that your house repairs are fixed long before the buyers arrive. 5. Professional Staging You can watch as much interior design shows as you like; it won’t change the fact that you’re not an interior designer. Before wasting time and money trying to stage your home so that it appeals to everyone, spend an hour with a professional. It might cost you money now, but it will help get your house sold for a higher price – and who doesn’t want that?
