Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has acquired a prime site near Brighton for a 257,000 sq ft speculative logistics development to serve the south coast markets. The development, called Panattoni Park Brighton, is on a 12-acre site, which Panattoni has just acquired in
A major new planning application for the Silvertown site in the London Borough of Newham has been submitted following an extensive consultation process with local residents and businesses. With a bold character founded in the industrial heritage of this historic part of London, this diverse neighbourhood will feature around 6,500
Swedish window manufacturer, LEIAB Windows, has joined Secured by Design, the official police security initiative. LEIAB, situated in Mariannelund, Sweden, is a bespoke manufacturer of high-performance windows and doorsets in composite timber/aluminium materials, manufacturing more than 50,000 products each year destined to a wide variety of residential projects throughout Scandinavia
Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden
The latest analysis from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, has revealed that the nation’s homebuyers are turning to equity release to help combat the cost of living crisis, with the total value of equity released up 73% annually, driven by both an increase in volume and the sums being
WORK has begun to build a new 124-home development in the former mining town of Spennymoor, County Durham, marking continued growth in the North East region for leading national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships. The development will offer a selection of two, three, and four-bedroom new homes to suit a range of
WOLSELEY Group today announced that Sarah Broughton has been appointed as Group HR Director. At a time when the plumbing, heating and cooling sectors have become more reliant on trade specialists that can advise on and source best-fit solutions, she will lead the strategy for identifying, developing and retaining talent
Wates was selected by Be First to develop over 330 new homes in Barking and Dagenham, as part of an £874 million regeneration of the Gascoigne Estate. This will be the third project Wates has undertaken for Be First in the area, having recently completed 201 homes at Gascoigne West
Tritax Symmetry has appointed GMI Construction to develop a 132,750 sq ft logistics facility at Symmetry Park Doncaster. The facility will be built on a speculative basis to net zero carbon in construction. “Symmetry Park Doncaster has become a prime logistics location with successful companies such as Butternut Box and
Leading Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson will spearhead the design and construction of the new £15.4 million state-of-the-art Air and Space Institute (ASI) aerospace project for Newark College, part of the Lincoln College Group, at the former cattle market site in Newark. The ASI provides a unique opportunity for school
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has acquired a prime site near Brighton for a 257,000 sq ft speculative logistics development to serve the south coast markets. The development, called Panattoni Park Brighton, is on a 12-acre site, which Panattoni has just acquired in an off-market deal from an investment vehicle managed by Kennedy Wilson. It is located within the boundary of Brighton City Airport and with excellent access onto the A27. Panattoni plans to begin speculative development of the park, which has detailed planning consent, in the first quarter of 2023, with completion expected in the fourth quarter. It will consist of seven units, ranging from 19,000 sq ft to 71,495 sq ft, which will be built to a targeted BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ and benefit from eaves ranging from 7m to 10m, 15% roof lights and EV charging for vans and cars. The speculative development will offer much-needed space for occupiers, due to the lack of availability in the area. Tony Watkins, Head of Development for the South East and London at Panattoni, said: “Despite the headwinds facing the whole real estate sector, both Panattoni and Kennedy Wilson are delighted to have closed the transaction for this very well-located site in a very supply-constrained market. We hope to work together on further development transactions. “We continue to look for opportunities to acquire land, given that the need from occupiers for the development of new facilities remains great. Logistics still has value and we retain our strong commitment to the sector”. Mike Pegler, Head of UK at Kennedy Wilson, said: “We recognised a compelling opportunity to unlock the full potential of the whole Brighton City Airport estate following our acquisition of the site in 2020 and moved quickly to secure planning permission for a new industrial development on this site. “Two years later, as demand for new logistics and industrial space has steadily increased within a region acutely lacking in supply, we are pleased to complete this transaction with Panattoni that will lead to the creation of much-needed, high-quality space with leading ESG credentials. We retain our interest in the remainder of the airport estate and look forward to working with all stakeholders to further its long-term success”. DTRE represented Kennedy Wilson on the sale. Agents for Panattoni Park Brighton are DTRE, Savills and SHW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new planning application for the Silvertown site in the London Borough of Newham has been submitted following an extensive consultation process with local residents and businesses. With a bold character founded in the industrial heritage of this historic part of London, this diverse neighbourhood will feature around 6,500 new homes with 50% affordable housing, alongside a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks. Submitted by The Silvertown Partnership, striking designs for the 50-acre site show how the iconic Millennium Mills building, left derelict and largely disused for around 40 years, will be fully restored and form the centrepiece of the new community. The £3.5bn development will embrace its dockside location and over 5 acres of water will be central to the new neighbourhood, with canal walkways, a paddle board club and new bridges providing far greater access to the water and a closer connection with nature. Situated within London’s only Enterprise Zone, the London Plan identifies the site as one of the largest regeneration opportunities in the capital and the development is predicted to contribute between £76m-£90m per year to London’s economy, with the vast majority of this expected to be in the Newham area. The plans reveal ambitions to make Silvertown a hub of new industry, featuring over 780,000 square feet of next generation work and creative spaces in the refurbished Millennium Mills buildings and surrounding employment quarter, equivalent to 13 times the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral, alongside provision for additional future flexible workspace and makerspace. Silvertown is expected to become a new cultural hub for the Royal Docks, with brand-new arts and leisure facilities, cafés, restaurants and bars providing residents and visitors a place to unwind and be entertained. New public squares will play host to cultural events while green spaces will provide access to nature and encourage walking, running and cycling across the site. The newly opened Custom House Elizabeth Line Station will also provide a convenient transport link for residents, workers and visitors just 15 minutes from central London. Silvertown will deliver significant opportunities for local people and create more than 10,000 jobs, making the site somewhere to celebrate East London’s pioneering past and brighter-than-ever future. It’s estimated that more than 1,300 people per year will be involved in construction of the site, with a target of 25 per cent of those to come directly from the London Borough of Newham. In addition there will be a mix of apprenticeships and paid work experience opportunities available. Extensive new community facilities are also proposed that will include healthcare, nursery and community spaces, as well as a brand-new primary school. The new neighbourhood will also be one of London’s greenest, with all homes and commercial spaces supplied with hot water and heating powered through a zero-carbon district heating system. The Silvertown Partnership is seeking full planning permission for phase one of the Proposed Development, which will include 1,248 new homes, including 610 affordable homes, and 82,328 sqm new commercial space. Outline permission is sought for the remainder of the site. The Silvertown Partnership, which includes Lendlease, an international real estate and investment group, is working in conjunction with the Greater London Authority (GLA), Homes England and The Guinness Partnership (TGP). Prior + Partners are the lead consultant for the hybrid planning application and masterplanners for the whole Silvertown site. Architects working on various plots within the site include AHMM, dRMM, Pollard Thomas Edwards, Maccreanor Lavington, and Gort Scott with OMMX, with Arup on transport, AECOM on infrastructure and EIA and Energy Strategy, and SLA and Churchman Thornhill Finch on landscape. DP9 are the planning consultant. Quote attributable to Ed Mayes, Project director for Silvertown, Lendlease: “After months of working together with local residents and our public sector partners GLA, Homes England and the London Borough of Newham, I’m proud to present our vision for this iconic new neighbourhood. Silvertown is finally being reimagined as a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks – a place where people can live and work well, better connected to the water and each other. “This is a pivotal moment for the Silvertown development, as we reveal plans for a neighbourhood that will create thousands of much-needed new affordable homes and jobs for Newham. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the local community and our stakeholders to make this shared vision a reality.” Quote attributable to Catriona Simons, CEO at The Guinness Partnership: “This planning application is a big milestone in creating a new future for the Silvertown site. As affordable housing provider for the first phase affordable homes, Guinness is proud to be part of this ambitious and exciting vision for the Silvertown neighbourhood.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Swedish window manufacturer, LEIAB Windows, has joined Secured by Design, the official police security initiative. LEIAB, situated in Mariannelund, Sweden, is a bespoke manufacturer of high-performance windows and doorsets in composite timber/aluminium materials, manufacturing more than 50,000 products each year destined to a wide variety of residential projects throughout Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. LEIAB offers a choice of four window models, with a variety of frame and sash combinations to create 16 different exteriors and three interiors. All products are tailored to customer specifications, ensuring the right style and fit for each property. The most exposed parts of the window, the frame and outer sash, are composed of strong powder-coated aluminium fitted with weep holes. This prevents the window from rotting and ensures a superior life span. The interiors are engineered from dense timber with a high-quality decorative finish. LEIAB’s Secured by Design accredited products also include their timber aluminium composite door range, a selection available in double or single leaf, fully glazed, and offering a high level of security to the property. Johan Pettersson, LEIAB Windows, said: “By joining Secured by Design, LEIAB now have confirmation that their products meet the stringent SBD criteria, thus providing additional comfort to our clients by having this accreditation.” Alfie Hosker, Secured by Design, said: “I am delighted that LEIAB Windows AB have joined Secured by Design with their timber aluminium clad door and window range, and understand that they may be looking to extend this soon. I look forward to this being a successful relationship with them over the coming years.” You can find out more about LEIAB Windows and their Secured by Design accredited products at: Secured by Design LEIAB Windows Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Beginning his career with Hilti back in 2001 in his native France, Lefebvre worked in various sales roles before relocating to Spain in 2012 as a sales director for the south of Spain and Canary Islands. He joined Hilti Canada in 2018 as sales director for the largest division in Hilti North America, going on to lead the business unit for tool services and software in 2020 as marketing director and member of the North America marketing leadership team. His responsibilities included the tool repair network, warranty and service concepts as well as Hilti’s software and internet of things (IoT) business in the region. Lefebvre’s move to Hilti GB sees him sit alongside long-standing sales director and fellow VP Gareth Prosser. A passionate advocate of digitisation across the industry, Lefebvre’s position will be heavily focused on modernisation for Hilti’s customers via technology. He commented: “Productivity in construction lags behind other sectors, and has stagnated for over 20 years as a result. Construction is one of the least digitised sectors, but this means there is huge opportunity. The construction sector can make significant gains in productivity and thus profitability by embracing the advantages of new technologies, IoT and digitalisation. As an example, our customers have tried many things to manage, optimise and track small tools and equipment, but it’s still one of the biggest challenges they face today. Our research shows that each jobsite loses on average 2 days per month of productivity due to workers searching for tools, or not having the right performing tools. I strongly believe we can make construction better, and we, at Hilti, deliver productive solutions, software and services to make it so. We have what is needed to become the best productivity partner of our customers.”
The latest analysis from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, has revealed that the nation’s homebuyers are turning to equity release to help combat the cost of living crisis, with the total value of equity released up 73% annually, driven by both an increase in volume and the sums being released per plan. The cost of living crisis continues to stretch households across the nation to financial breaking point. As of October, a 95.8% increase to the energy price cap means the average household is paying £2,500 per year to run their homes. Even the average annual spend on our shopping has soared, with the average household now spending £4,295 per year – up 15% in a year. While the record levels of house price growth seen during the pandemic have started to subside, the average UK house price has still climbed by 12.6% in the last year. However, with the health of the UK property market looking uncertain over the short-term, at least, the nation’s homeowners are turning to equity release to combat the cost of living crisis, as well as improve their existing homes, rather than making the move to a larger property. In fact, the latest quarterly data shows that the number of homeowners opting to release equity from their home is up 25% compared to this time last year. The largest increase has been across Northern Ireland, with a 149% annual increase in equity release activity, followed by the North East (60%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (52%). But it’s not just the number of homeowners opting to release equity that is on the up, the amount they’re releasing has also climbed. In fact, the average amount released across the UK during the last quarter sat at an average of £114,356, a 38% increase compared to the previous year. This trend has been driven by the London market, where the average level of equity released is up 59% year on year, averaging £261,880. Both an increase in equity release plans and the propensity to release a higher level of equity has pushed the total level of equity released to £1.526bn in the last quarter alone, a 73% annual increase vs the same quarter last year. CEO of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, commented: “Homeowners are facing a prolonged period of financial uncertainty, with the cost of living crisis stretching their household finances extremely thin. At the same time, a drop in property market confidence along with the increasing cost of borrowing has caused many to think twice before continuing to climb the property ladder. However, following the pandemic property market boom, many homeowners have enjoyed a substantial boost where the value of their home is concerned and so while they may be short on cash, they’ve seen the value of their bricks and mortar nest egg increase. As a result, there’s been a sharp increase not only in the number of homeowners opting to release the equity built up in their home, but also the level of equity they are choosing to release. Cashing in their chips is allowing them to improve their existing home in order to meet their needs, as well as providing them with a lump sum to help stabilise their finances during the current economic downturn.” Data tablesData tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORK has begun to build a new 124-home development in the former mining town of Spennymoor, County Durham, marking continued growth in the North East region for leading national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships. The development will offer a selection of two, three, and four-bedroom new homes to suit a range of different buyers, 71 of which will be available on the open market, with the remaining 53 offering affordable housing. The site has been named Cornish Park in honour of Norman Cornish, one of the most celebrated mining artists of the last century. Mr Cornish lived in Spennymoor his entire life, working as a miner for 33 years. He is also known for creating popular works that depicted the people and places of his hometown, along with colliery life. Cornish Park is the first phase of a wider regeneration project happening in Kirk Merrington, as part of Durham County’s ‘Towns and Villages’ strategy. The Spennymoor Area Action Partnership outlines a £21 million investment into the area, which will include finding opportunities to address community housing needs, among other challenges. The scheme is to be delivered in one phase and aims to be completed by February 2025, forming part of the Homes England strategy to provide more affordable housing across the country. Paul Devaney, area director of Lovell Partnerships in the North East region, said: “The Spennymoor site is just one of a number of exciting projects that we have in the pipeline in this region. We’re pleased that work has begun on schedule, and we look forward to watching the development progress. “Lovell’s key focus is on creating new and exciting communities for people across the region, as well as progressing work to achieve our ambitious growth targets, and further establishing our five-star builder status. “Delivering affordable housing under the Homes England banner is also a major factor, as Lovell strives to help meet the rising demand for high-quality homes that suit a range of buyers.” To find out more about Lovell Partnerships, please visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/ For more information on Cornish Park, please visit: https://www.lovell.co.uk/developments/cornish-park-spennymoor/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WOLSELEY Group today announced that Sarah Broughton has been appointed as Group HR Director. At a time when the plumbing, heating and cooling sectors have become more reliant on trade specialists that can advise on and source best-fit solutions, she will lead the strategy for identifying, developing and retaining talent across all group companies, as well as nurturing a successful and inclusive culture. Wolseley has grown organically and through acquisition in recent years, and now has a team of over 6000 people across the UK and Ireland. Sarah was most recently HR Director at Waterstones and also Group HR Director at DCS Group. Prior to that she ran her own interim business working as HR Director at Travis Perkins, City Plumbing, Virgin Atlantic and Bensons for Beds. Prior to which she held permanent roles as Group HRD for Mothercare and World Duty Free Group. Simon Oakland, CEO, Wolseley Group, said: “Wolseley has a proud history of putting the expertise and experience of all of its people front and centre in delivering for customers. As we increase the depth and breadth of our customer offer, our talent strategy is core to how we serve the market and how we make our group the most attractive place to work in the sector for our colleagues. Sarah will be an invaluable member of our leadership team and enable us to ensure we maintain a high bar as an employer of choice.” Sarah Broughton, Group HR Director, Wolseley, said: “As a trade specialist, Wolseley is a people-driven business, which is something that has become ever-more important as the team worked through the pandemic and is now helping customers in a tough economic period. We will endeavour to deliver on a talent strategy that drives positive outcomes for customers and colleagues alike.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates was selected by Be First to develop over 330 new homes in Barking and Dagenham, as part of an £874 million regeneration of the Gascoigne Estate. This will be the third project Wates has undertaken for Be First in the area, having recently completed 201 homes at Gascoigne West Phase 1. The £142 million Gascoigne East Phase 3B scheme will provide 277 apartments, 46 houses and 11 maisonettes as well as new public spaces connecting pedestrian and public transport links, centred around a garden square at the east of the site, as well as delivering £30 million in social value to the area. The build will use modern methods of construction such as offsite production of balconies, bathrooms and utilities cupboards, which will reduce construction time on site. “At Wates we believe everyone deserves a great place to live. This new project will provide huge economic, social and environmental benefits to local people and the local businesses that will be involved, as well as providing safe, healthy and comfortable places for communities to flourish,” said Helen Bunch, Executive Managing Director, Wates Residential. Be First has a strong track record in delivering new, high-quality homes for people and communities in Barking and Dagenham, with the borough named the most affordable for housing in the capital. The latest phase of this major development will complement the award-winning regeneration of the eastern side of the Gascoigne Estate, where Be First is delivering 526 new flats as part of a safer, healthier, and more sustainably designed environment. The wider Gascoigne Estate will include tree-lined public spaces, a new 5,000 sqm park Gascoigne Square along with public art and stunning designs in a mixture of traditional and modern styles. The Gascoigne East Phase 3B project will allow Wates to invest in the local community through the provision of 13 apprenticeships and a minimum of 40 work placements for local people. During the Gascogne West Phase 1 programme, the pandemic inspired Wates to find innovative ways to bring £45 million in social value to the local community including the creation of 21 apprenticeships, 22 work experience placements and £89k of investment in local charities and community causes. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tritax Symmetry has appointed GMI Construction to develop a 132,750 sq ft logistics facility at Symmetry Park Doncaster. The facility will be built on a speculative basis to net zero carbon in construction. “Symmetry Park Doncaster has become a prime logistics location with successful companies such as Butternut Box and B&Q choosing to be based here. The highly sustainable facility we are developing will undoubtedly attract a sophisticated business looking for a build which supports its ESG and operational objectives,” said Scott Meakin, Development Surveyor at Tritax Symmetry. This is the third building to be constructed on the site: the first unit (151,000 sq ft) is occupied by Dogmates Ltd, trading as Butternut Box on a 15-year lease whilst the second unit (430,000) is being built by GMI and has been pre-let to B&Q, which is due to PC imminently. An additional 1.26-acre plot is available for development. “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Tritax Symmetry to deliver a facility that will contribute to the levelling up of the region by providing much-needed logistics space that encourages investment and job creation. This project reflects GMI’s growing position in the construction of manufacturing and logistics facilities not only in Yorkshire, but the other areas in which we operate – in the North West, North East and the Midlands,” added Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction Group’s Divisional Managing Director Yorkshire. Located at Junction 34 of the A1 (M) on the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border, Symmetry Park, Doncaster is a 54-acre site, located adjacent to J34 A1(M) and Blyth Services. Representing the development are the Leeds offices of Savills, Dove Haigh Phillips and Colliers International. “Tritax Symmetry’s decision to speculatively build out the net zero carbon in construction 132,750 sq ft unit comes at a time when Grade A standing stock in the region is at record low levels and we are already fielding strong enquiries regarding the unit which will practically complete in quarter three 2023,” concluded Rob Whatmuff, Head of Colliers Leeds. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson will spearhead the design and construction of the new £15.4 million state-of-the-art Air and Space Institute (ASI) aerospace project for Newark College, part of the Lincoln College Group, at the former cattle market site in Newark. The ASI provides a unique opportunity for school leavers aged 16-18 to train for pilot, engineer and ground-crew roles in airlines, the military, airports and logistics companies across the UK and abroad. “We are delighted to be appointed as main contractor on the ASI which offers state-of-the-art training for students at a brand-new campus in the heart of Newark. We are extremely pleased to have secured this project under the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works. Through our early contractor involvement and close collaboration with the Client team, we look forward to turning Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality by providing a world-class training facility for young people throughout the region,” said Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson. The new three-storey building, which is due to complete at the end of 2023, will be only the second of this type of college building to be built in the UK and will provide world class training for the air and space industry, accommodating a full-sized Airbus A318 for hands-on teaching experience, alongside a double height entrance hall, large open space hangar, flight simulator, teaching zones and lecture and seminar areas for students and staff. The scheme will be finished off with a combination of soft and hard landscaping works. “Like the whole of the town, we’re hugely excited about the progress being made on site and we can’t wait to see the building. Young people completing their GCSEs this year can apply for our engineer, pilot, space engineering, groundcrew and military pathways now and they will benefit from these fabulous new facilities during their course, as well as the chance to fly in our ASI aircraft and flight simulators,” commented Lincoln College Group Director of ASI and Strategic Growth, Tom Marsden. From conception, G F Tomlinson used BIM technology software to digitally map the complex build of the aerospace project, which includes numerous articulated angles, using world coordinate systems for the design and construction of the build. This allowed the contractors and Lincoln College Group to work the design and use real time updates to navigate the build through all the fundamental stages through to completion. “It is fantastic to see the vision for the Air and Space Institute coming to life in Newark and I know many local people are looking forward to having this huge asset in our district. Providing skills locally is a key driver for the whole package of projects being funded under Newark’s Town Fund initiative,” said Councillor David Lloyd, Co-Chair of Newark Town Board and Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council. “The ASI will be a huge boost for Newark’s inspiring generations of future pilots, ground crew and engineers to see its new home when it is completed. It will help shape the ambition for Newark’s future, making it a place people want to live, work, study and visit and I look forward to seeing the progress over the forthcoming years,” he concluded. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
