• National Grid’s Tunnel Boring Machine completes almost 7km journey across South London • 140-tonne machine travelled at depths of up to 50m from Hurst to Eltham • Key moment for £1 billion project to rewire London and prepare it for future electricity demands National Grid team members were celebrating
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched its latest Research Strategy, setting out the Institute’s vision and aspirations for 2022-2024. Planning priorities are constantly shifting. While areas such as climate change and affordable housing remain cornerstones of research focus, issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19
Construction at Millwrights Place and Coopers Court, Finzels Reach, Bristol, has reached a major milestone with ‘topping out’ being achieved. The projects form the second Cubex/Grainger Build to Rent scheme in the city, providing high-quality rental homes and much needed affordable new homes for Abri. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member
Network Space Developments (NSD) has exchanged contracts to sell the second phase of its popular Tunstall Arrow scheme in Stoke-on-Trent, to 4th Industrial for an undisclosed sum ahead of its completion. Construction work is progressing well on the 2nd phase of this successful scheme which will provide an additional 111,000
The function of the radiator is to heat our home space. For decades the radiator design has stayed the same, with almost any changes made to its design. But nowadays, we are often seeing radiator brands that have decided to review their style and make it more elegant and sophisticated
• National Grid’s Tunnel Boring Machine completes almost 7km journey across South London • 140-tonne machine travelled at depths of up to 50m from Hurst to Eltham • Key moment for £1 billion project to rewire London and prepare it for future electricity demands National Grid team members were celebrating a landmark moment for the London Power Tunnels (LPT) project this week (21st June), as the first of five drives by four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) was completed at Eltham. The 140-tonne TBM, named ‘Christine’ after Christine Townley, the former Executive Director of the Construction Youth Trust, known for her championing of diversity and STEM careers, began its journey at the LPT site in Hurst in July of last year. In total, it has travelled 6.7km underneath London, reaching depths of up to 50m underground in the process. The completion of the drive represents a key moment for the £1 billion project to rewire London and prepare it for future electricity demands as the city continues to grow. LPT will also help provide crucial infrastructure for helping the UK energy sector to reach net-zero targets. Members of the LPT project team gathered at the Eltham site to witness this major milestone and celebrate their achievement. National Grid’s three other TBMs, “Edith”, “Grace”, and “Caroline” continue their tunnelling work deep underground across sites in South London. Speaking at the breakthrough, Gareth Burden, Project Director, London Power Tunnels, National Grid, said: “The completion of Christine’s journey from Hurst to Eltham represents a significant milestone for all of us working on London Power Tunnels today. After close to a year of tunnelling, it is exciting to see the first connection between sites. The team has worked so hard to make this happen, in the face of tough ground conditions.Thanks to HMJV, our engineers, fitters, miners and all else involved. A special thanks also goes to the JGL gangs who put in some hard yards down in the tunnel. It’s great to take a moment to celebrate with them all today and see so many flags and kits proudly on display. LPT is a crucial infrastructure project that will ensure people living in Eltham and Londoners more widely can continue to access safe and reliable electricity supplies. LPT is currently under-budget and on time. The project is part of National Grid’s continued investment across the network – connecting, expanding and maintaining through projects such as Hinkley Connection Project, a £900 million investment to connect low carbon energy to six million homes in the South West. It also has a planned series of investments along the East Coast of England to deliver on the government’s target of 50GW of offshore wind generation by 2030. For more information about the LPT project, please visit National Grid’s project website www.londonpowertunnels.co.uk
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched its latest Research Strategy, setting out the Institute’s vision and aspirations for 2022-2024. Planning priorities are constantly shifting. While areas such as climate change and affordable housing remain cornerstones of research focus, issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic, both of which have occurred since the launch of the RTPI’s 2019-2021 Work Programme, have shown the challenge of predicting the issues of tomorrow. Progress within the field will require researchers to seize on opportunities to learn internationally. The RTPI will therefore become more global in its outlook, to promote international research where possible, and increase its use of external research, particularly research undertaken by RTPI accredited planning schools. In its latest three page strategy, released today, the RTPI is taking an adaptive approach to its usual detailed 39-page Research Programme to ensure it is always prepared for ever-changing global challenges. Aude Bicquelet-Lock Deputy Head of Policy and Research at the RTPI, said: “As a professional membership body, a charity and a learned institute, we’re in a unique position to understand the research needs of planners in the UK, Ireland and globally. As such, we understand that global issues are not always predictable, and well-planned research does not always reflect current issues. “Since the launch of our last research programme, we’ve seen the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, both of which shifted critical contemporary questions around how to build healthy, resilient Cities. “Our new research strategy aims to take a broader approach to research that will allow us to be flexible, and ready to adapt when unpredictable situations happen. We want to advance knowledge across all sectors of planning to ensure that policymakers and practitioners have the information and expertise to deliver the best outcomes.” Janet Askew, former president of the RTPI and current Chair of the Policy, Practice and Research Committee at the RTPI said: “The research agenda is changing all the time. Three years ago, when we published our last Research Programme, we could not have foreseen the extent of new areas of research presented by migration and humanitarian impacts or the climate crisis. “The RTPI must work with planners internationally to show how we are responsive and flexible in our approach to the urgent needs of society. I very much welcome the initiatives and ideas in our new research strategy, and I am confident that we will develop ways of conducting and disseminating research over the next few years.”
Construction at Millwrights Place and Coopers Court, Finzels Reach, Bristol, has reached a major milestone with ‘topping out’ being achieved. The projects form the second Cubex/Grainger Build to Rent scheme in the city, providing high-quality rental homes and much needed affordable new homes for Abri. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing, Delivery and Homes at Bristol City Council, laid the final piece of concrete at Millwrights Place alongside representatives from the respective owners of the two schemes, namely housing provider Abri and Build to Rent Landlord Grainger plc. Millwrights Place, developed by Cubex for Grainger plc, who will own and operate the scheme when complete, will provide 231 ‘Build to Rent’ homes created specifically for renters. All new homes will be professionally managed by Grainger’s dedicated onsite Resident Services team and in addition to offering high quality homes there will be a strong emphasis on shared resident amenity spaces, including roof top terraces, residents’ lounge, gym, co-working space and shared entertainment spaces. At ground level there will be co-working spaces custom-made for those working independently or running their own business. Grainger, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord and a FTSE-250 listed business has over 100 years’ experience as a residential landlord and is a leader in the UK private rental market, leading the way in the emerging Build to Rent sector and raising the bar in the rental market by providing high quality, mid-market rental homes for young professionals, key workers and families on regular incomes. Coopers Court, developed by Cubex for the social housing provider Abri, will deliver 66 affordable homes consisting of 48 homes for the social rented market and 18 for shared ownership. The energy-efficient building includes a bio-diversity roof amenity space, 94 cycling spaces and only four car parking spaces in line with the city’s drive to help tackle the environmental crisis. Together, Coopers Court and Millwrights Place will help to address the housing crisis in Bristol by providing social housing, an opportunity for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder and high-quality rental accommodation all of which is much needed in the city. Both buildings have been designed to have strong identities and a sense of place, whilst ensuring they integrate well with the surrounding area. Significant investment in improvements to the area around the buildings, including new landscaping, traffic management, pedestrian and cycle routes, will help create a more attractive area and foster a sense of community. As part of a £2.4m investment in improvements around the site, there will be new ‘pocket parks’ with seating and soft landscaping to create relaxing spaces the whole community can enjoy. As well as Coopers Court and Millwrights Place, the second phase of Cubex’s mixed-use Finzels Reach development on the former fire station site, incorporates a landmark, sustainable 116,000 sq. ft office building named Halo, with notable tenants confirmed including international legal firm Osborne Clarke and accountancy firm Deloitte. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “Demand for housing in Bristol far outstrips the number of homes available and it’s vitally important that we deliver a mixture of different types of housing to meet our city’s need. These new developments at Finzels Reach, offering affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership, and managed homes for rent, demonstrate that by working together we can deliver good quality homes for all. “We’ve got Bristol building since 2016, with over 9,000 new homes delivered for Bristolians. These new homes in central Bristol will add another 297 to that total – including 66 new affordable homes.” Peter Walford, managing director at Cubex, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this important milestone on Coopers Court and Millwrights Place, an integral part of Finzels Reach phase two. Thanks to a successful partnership approach with both housing provider Abri and professional landlords Grainger, plus our construction partner Wilmott Dixon, this once-derelict city centre site is fast being transformed into much-needed, high quality affordable accommodation to add to the 440 homes we have already delivered at Finzels Reach. Neal Stephens, managing director from Wilmott Dixon Wales and West, said: “Together, Millwrights Place and Coopers Court are the fourth project that we have worked on alongside Cubex and as part of this long standing and collaborative partnership we are delighted to have the opportunity to deliver this regenerative development. Millwrights Place and Coopers Court will provide much needed high-quality housing in Bristol, and we at Wilmott Dixon are proud to be part of the team that has delivered this landmark scheme.” Helen Gordon, Chief Executive at Grainger plc, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone for our Millwrights Place development – a great addition to our Bristol portfolio and delivering much needed new homes in one of our key target cities. We look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming months in the lead up to our launch – providing high quality homes, a commitment to excellent customer service and establishing a thriving new community for renters in Bristol.” Michelle Hyde, head of land and planning at Abri, commented: “It’s great to be a step closer to providing affordable homes in such a central location in Bristol and to be helping to transform a former derelict site into a place of real value for the community. “On our part, Abri is committed to delivering 12,500 new homes by 2030 and Coopers Court is a great example of how working with our partners we’re collectively helping to tackle the unmet housing need.” Cubex bought the former fire station site in summer 2018 on behalf of Fiera Real Estate Opportunity Fund IV (UK), a programmatic joint venture by FRE UK that is exclusive to clients of CBRE Global Investment Partners (CBRE GIP). Award-winning Finzels Reach is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the South West. The first phase, which is complete, includes 440 new apartments, 240,000 sq.ft of office space including two Grade A office buildings, a 168-bedroom Premier Inn, plus a host of
Network Space Developments (NSD) has exchanged contracts to sell the second phase of its popular Tunstall Arrow scheme in Stoke-on-Trent, to 4th Industrial for an undisclosed sum ahead of its completion. Construction work is progressing well on the 2nd phase of this successful scheme which will provide an additional 111,000 sq. ft of industrial and logistics workspace on a 7.3 acre site. Caddick Construction started on site in November 2021, and are just over halfway through the build, with completion anticipated in Autumn 2022. Phase Two will deliver five high-specification highly sustainable business premises for industrial or logistics uses, ranging from 13,400 sq ft to 31,000 sq ft. Phase One of Tunstall Arrow, which opened in 2018, was sold by Network Space to 4th Industrial in February 2021. The scheme proved extremely popular being fully let prior to completion to a host of international tenants including – DHL Express, Boels Rental, Q-railing, Pramac Generac and SG Fleet. Other major occupiers in the area include Churchill China and JCB. Acquired by NSD in 2013, the Tunstall Arrow scheme covers 28 acres of a former colliery site adjoining the A527 (James Brindley Way) in Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent. The scheme is close to the A500 with access to Junction 16 of the M6 only minutes away. Simon Peters, Development Director at NSD, said: “The Tunstall Arrow development has been a huge success story in terms of delivering sustainable employment and inward investment benefits for Stoke on Trent. “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts for the sale of Phase Two to 4th Industrial. This is the third scheme they have acquired from us and follows Tunstall Arrow Phase One and Ashroyd in Barnsley. Demand for well-located urban logistics and industrial space is extremely high and interest in Tunstall is strong. ” B8RE Investment Director Simon Wood added: “Following on from the sale of Phase 1 it has been fantastic to have been involved in the forward sale of Phase 2. Not only has it been really encouraging to see continued strong investor appetite for high quality schemes such as this but also Tunstall emerging as a really strong and recognised industrial location for investors and occupiers alike. Congratulations to both Network Space Developments and 4th Industrial on another successful deal.” 4th Industrial Managing Director, Derek Heathwood, said: “We are delighted to have agreed another deal with NSD providing real scale at this prime location. The acquisition of Tunstall phase 2 continues our investment theme of purchasing high quality, multi let industrial estates with strong ESG credentials in key target UK sub-markets. There is already significant interest in the units and we look forward to completing this purchase when the development is at practical completion.” Tunstall Arrow is a priority development for Stoke on Trent City Council, being one of the six sites in the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. The CVEZ has potential to create up to 6,700 jobs and deliver 3.3 million sq ft of commercial space across six sites along the A500 corridor.
The function of the radiator is to heat our home space. For decades the radiator design has stayed the same, with almost any changes made to its design. But nowadays, we are often seeing radiator brands that have decided to review their style and make it more elegant and sophisticated looking to fit with every interior style. Radiators are now stylish and come in many designs, sizes, and shapes. Whether freestanding or mounted on a wall, they are now real design objects and play a big part in every interior. Today we will talk about the kitchen radiator trends in 2022. Mirror, mirror on the wall Yes, the mirror you see on that wall is not just a mirror but a mirror radiator. Mirror radiators are radiators with a built-in mirror and give you the two-in-one effect of heating your home and decorating it. This genius idea allows the radiator to dissipate the light, optically make your space bigger and heat it simultaneously. They have a sleek design and can be found as a mirror only or a mirror with a metal tube on the side and can be placed vertically and horizontally. Mirror radiators can be used in all types of spaces and are perfect for placing in smaller spaces such as corridors, bathrooms, and kitchens, especially in small and dark kitchens. Since this type of radiator is very discreet and minimal, it will look great in clean interior designs such as Scandinavian and Minimalist, but of course, it can also be implemented in other interior designs. We love the Trade Radiators kitchen radiator selection, and we are sure you will love it too, so make sure to check the link below. Browse Kitchen Radiators here. Cast Iron Radiator Cast iron radiators, usually called traditional or classic radiators, are beautiful, often decorated with detailed ornaments. They come in many different styles, such as Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian and are often vintage, traditional and old-fashioned. These beautiful radiators can create the perfect statement piece in your home and elevate its interior. They match best with more opulent and luscious interior designs, such as Vintage, Traditional, French Country, Shabby Chick, Bohemian and even Transitional. They never go out of style and will look good and fashionable even after decades. Is this a picture? Picture radiators or art radiators look like a work of art. They look like a picture, and when you see them for the first time, you might be like the many others who got fooled. These radiators can be energy efficient infra-red or ‘wet central heating. Both options can offer a stunning focal point and add life and colour to your home, making it look more stylish. You can also get a customised radiator and pick a picture that will best match your style. Why not go for a picture of someone you love or a painting of your favourite artist? Or another idea is to put it in the dining area of your kitchen instead of a picture. We think they can look great in every room and interior style and allow you to experiment and play with your imagination. Sculpture Radiators Art radiators or sculpture radiators are a big thing right now. They are out of the ordinary, modern, artistic, and even futuristic. There are so many shapes, colours, and sizes. You can even find designs that look like a piece of actual wooden furniture which can look great in your kitchen. Some can even be placed on a table and fool for a real decoration. The most popular shapes are ladder shapes, clothes hangers, towel warmers, clothing racks, screen separators, benches, mirrors and sculptures. You will find great choices for the kid’s room, modern bathroom, kitchens, and all around the home. These choices are perfect for the modern loft – wall-hung radiators fit nicely with cement walls. If you’re considering a designer radiator for your home, look no further, this is the best choice you can make. To put it in a nutshell, As you can see, radiators have become much more than just a heating body. They are now a work of art, a fashion statement for your home and even an easy way to refresh your interior and add something unique to your home decor. Nowadays, we have so much choice, which allows us to play with our imagination and sense of style. We are far behind the boring rules that state every room should have a matching interior, so you don’t have to stick to just one radiator style for your home. You can use something different in every room. We hope you found our blog interesting and useful.
