The Construction Pipeline Forecast Tool has had its latest six month data refresh where the value of future planned Scottish public sector construction projects has increased £600m to £12.2bn and the number of businesses registered for updates has reached 900. Launched in July 2021 to provide the construction industry with
The UK’s first drive-thru concrete, mortar and screed station is set to launch soon in February at Thorncliffe Building Supplies in north Wales. Customers can now collect exactly the right amount, exactly when they need it, with orders as small as 0.25m3 at the push of a button, thanks to
You may have watched the horrors of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, and the court case which followed revealing years of poor accountability and neglect, and as a responsible infrastructure professional thought it had nothing to do with you. You may have read about the leasehold scandal and large-scale
More than 200 affordable homes have been given the green light this week, allowing the Council to create more much-needed affordable housing. At least 130 of these new homes will be for social rent at key sites in Greendykes, Wester Hailes and Dreghorn. It follows decisions by the Development Management
Are you Britain’s best bulldozer driver? A world-class wheel loader operator? The search is on for Operator of the Year, with £10,000 in prize money up for grabs in a dedicated all-day festival of construction. This is the competition’s third year, run by UK Plant Operators Magazine (UKPO) and supported
Mace, the international construction and consultancy company, has been appointed by BauMont Real Estate Capital and YardNine to deliver ‘Edenica’, an office and retail development at 100 Fetter Lane in London. Planning consent for the former offices of DAC Beachcroft and the White Swan pub at 108 Fetter Lane includes
Designs for a landmark scheme that will regenerate Smithfield Birmingham have been submitted to the City Council, following an extensive consultation on the proposals. The site played a central role in the hugely successful Commonwealth Games last summer, during which it hosted several games venues as well as the Smithfield Festival.
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched a brand-new play area within its sought-after Arborfield Green in Wokingham, for children and families to enjoy. Located off Princess Marina Drive, the play area includes a climbing frame, slide and swings, and is perfect for children aged three to twelve. Helping to promote active
Network Space has appointed Bansco to construct Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham with completion expected in summer. A pre-let has been agreed to one of the world’s largest logistics companies. Maersk will take a 41,500 sq ft unit at the Atlantic Street site, where some 206,000 sq ft of workspace is
Gregory Properties (Leeds) Limited has secured reserved matters planning approval to deliver 124,700 sq ft of green industrial and logistics park at Rockingham in Barnsley. The ten-acre site is well located fronting the A6195 Dearne Valley Parkway with direct motorway access to Junction 36 of the M1. Gregory Properties plans
The Construction Pipeline Forecast Tool has had its latest six month data refresh where the value of future planned Scottish public sector construction projects has increased £600m to £12.2bn and the number of businesses registered for updates has reached 900. Launched in July 2021 to provide the construction industry with greater knowledge of future public sector construction projects across Scotland, the Construction Pipeline Forecast Tool has now had its half-yearly update, with the online platform showing: Managed by infrastructure body the Scottish Futures Trust, the Construction Pipeline Forecast Tool was one of the actions coming from the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum’s Recovery Plan, published in October 2020 to support Scotland’s construction industry recover and rebuild better. The Pipeline provides a longer-term view on planned investment up to 2028, with the majority of the forecast spending occurring before 2025. The Pipeline allows the user to simply and easily look at the data using various criteria that include the chosen procurement route, the procuring authority, contract value and sector. The types of construction projects include new build, refurbishments, and maintenance across a wide range of sectors including roads, health, education, housing and cultural and heritage. Of the 1,718 projects, 55% are below £2m in value, emphasising the opportunities that exist for small and medium-sized enterprises working in the construction sector. In addition, the updated Pipeline contains details of over 90 individual construction-related frameworks across Scotland that businesses can apply to join when they come to be regularly refreshed. Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “With over 900 businesses registered on the Construction Pipeline Forecast Tool, many are reaping the benefits of having up-to-date information at their fingertips, allowing them to tender for public sector projects. “Critically, the Pipeline also encourages greater collaboration between public sector bodies allowing them all to see details of their respective investment pipelines and where strong partnerships can be built to deliver improved efficiencies.” Welcoming news of the Pipeline update, Business Minister Ivan McKee said: “Scotland’s construction industry is a significant contributor to the economy and the Scottish Government is working with the sector, through the Construction Leadership Forum, to ensure it continues to transform and grow in a sustainable way. “The Construction Pipeline Forecast Tool is providing a transparent forecast on anticipated work across the public sector. This is giving businesses the confidence to plan ahead with investment, upskilling, and if needed, increasing their workforce for any tender process. “In line with the recently launched Construction Accord, the Pipeline Tool is further supporting greater collaboration within the supply chain and improving outcomes for the businesses and workforce which make up the construction and associated industries.’’ To provide support to users of the Pipeline tool and share learning, the Scottish Futures Trust will be hosting an information sharing webinar on 2 March to provide new and existing users with an introduction to the tool and the insights that have been gained, with details to be posted on the Scottish Futures Trust social media platforms when details are confirmed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s first drive-thru concrete, mortar and screed station is set to launch soon in February at Thorncliffe Building Supplies in north Wales. Customers can now collect exactly the right amount, exactly when they need it, with orders as small as 0.25m3 at the push of a button, thanks to the fully automated, self-service batching plant. The Fibo Collect machine, made by Danish supplier Fibo Intercon, aims to save customers time and money and have a positive impact on the environment. The concept addresses issues faced by smaller builders, landscapers and DIYers who need small to medium loads of concrete, mortar, or screed. They can receive it by mixing on site, collection from a ready-mix plant, or delivery by volumetric trucks. The Fibo Collect machine allows customers to choose their recipe, amount, time and payment method. The fully automated mini batching plant will have customers follow 4 steps to receive their concrete, mortar or screed. The dynamic mix options include various recipes and automated mixing technology for high-quality and consistent results. The solution also releases less carbon emissions and offers a new revenue stream for the merchant. The batching plant can produce 10 to 40m3 of concrete per hour, store 60 concrete mixes and change from one mix to another with a click. The quality of the machine matches ready-mix plants and conforms to BS 8500, EN 206. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
You may have watched the horrors of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, and the court case which followed revealing years of poor accountability and neglect, and as a responsible infrastructure professional thought it had nothing to do with you. You may have read about the leasehold scandal and large-scale housebuilders trapping buyers into rising ground rents, fees, and ongoing maintenance costs, and as a responsible infrastructure professional thought it was nothing to do with you. The Government’s reaction to these events, which was five years in the making and finally achieved royal asset in April, was the drafting of the Building Safety Act, and the creation of a Building Safety Regulator, headed up by Peter Baker the Chief Inspector of Buildings at the Health and Safety Regulator. Ahead of his appointment Mr Baker warned that the public had “lost complete confidence in the construction industry’s ability to build safe and good-quality buildings. While the full impact of the Act and the creation of the Regulator will be felt over the coming months and years, there are some immediate changes that will come into force when the act is legally in effect in from October 2023 which infrastructure professionals need to pay attention to. The creation of the Building Safety Regulator in particular, sitting within the Health & Safety Executive, has huge connotations. The regulator will have three main functions; overseeing the safety and standards of all buildings, helping and encouraging the built environment industry and building control professionals to improve their competence, and leading the implementation of the new regulatory framework for high-rise buildings. The regulator is set to have a very active role in the approval of residential projects of more than 18 metres or seven storeys, and designs will have to be put before the regulator at various points throughout the process with the regulator having the power to hit the pause button should it believe safety isn’t at a good enough level. This isn’t the end for a project, but challenging a decision will involved a lengthy, and probably costly, appeal to the Secretary of State. Keeping a detailed digital audit trail will also become particularly important to parties involved in a project, if they’re named as the ‘accountable person’ on a scheme. This could be the asset owner, contractor, consultant or the architect, who will be responsible for maintaining a detailed record of their processes, and be able to justify how decisions were taken. Digital twins are the ultimate form of this audit trail. As my colleague Steve Cockerell, Industry Marketing Director, for Rail and Transit wrote earlier this year: “Cross River Rail’s CEO Graeme Newton expects that in comparison to the benefits digital twins provide, the cost of creating and maintaining them is insignificant, and that investment in digital twin technology will just become the norm. Newton believes future owner-operators will ask: ‘What have been the (data) inputs into all of these things? How are you maintaining the standard you said you would? How do we know that safety is paramount? The digital twin means it is forever captured and its forever represented and its forever traceable.’” As a result of the new Building Safety Regulations when it comes to the ongoing cladding remediation, the leaseholders will now be the very last in line expected to pay out to fix it, behind developers, cladding manufacturers, and then existing property owners. Any asset owners looking to increase rents in future years better be sure that everything about the building is in ship shape. The Act creates a legal requirement to give building safety information to your tenants alongside any rent demands, as well as involving tenants in any building safety decisions. Should anything go wrong and the asset manager has to pay for remediation or legal costs, these costs are not allowed to be passed back to tenants in the form of service charges. The time period for any defects is also extended from six years to 30 years, and covers refurbishments as well as new builds. It could be poor design, shoddy workmanship, or inappropriate materials, but if it has happened in the last 30 years and impacts the habitability of a property, the original developer or current asset manager is responsible for the cost. That means businesses could end up paying out for work it was involved in long before the current team was on the scene. For new-build projects, the claims period is 15 years. The requirement for robust information management in the built environment is nothing new says Nigel Eatough, Regional Director at Bentley Systems. Firms have been doing this for years to help defend against claims, but today’s open source Digital Twin technology makes it easier to connect all information together. Open data is fundamental given the time scales that information needs to be maintained, but so is an open mindset to take advantage of the insights digital twins will bring. The creation of the Act also brings with it a new wave of council building inspectors, as well as private sector building control inspectors, tasked with looking over work which relates to safety. While for many parts of the residential sector this increase in scrutiny is much-needed, and much-welcomed, added layers of analysis and bureaucracy may seem like an additional headache. However, those interested in making a lasting impact to an area rather than a quick buck, should have less to fear as long as they have a strong digital audit trail of the work they carried out and the materials used. If implemented properly, when the Act is fully in place by October 2023 the new rules and processes should ensure a higher standard of development which will positively impact contractors, consultants, asset owners and residents alike. By Mark Coates, International Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Bentley Systems By Nigel Eatough, Regional Director, Northern Europe, Bentley Systems Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than 200 affordable homes have been given the green light this week, allowing the Council to create more much-needed affordable housing. At least 130 of these new homes will be for social rent at key sites in Greendykes, Wester Hailes and Dreghorn. It follows decisions by the Development Management Sub Committee on Wednesday (25 January) to grant permission for newbuild sites and agreement by the Finance and Resources Committee on Thursday (26 January) for the Council to purchase empty homes from the Ministry of Defence. Of the 140 new homes agreed for Greendykes, 74 will be Council homes. They form the final phase of the Council’s 15-year Greendykes masterplan, which is delivering 2,200 new homes in total alongside four new schools, a new public park, a brand new town centre and 300,000 sq ft of retail space. The project is also the second pilot for the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) programme, meaning innovative construction methods will be used to build these homes offsite before delivering them to Greendykes where they will offer residents’ net zero carbon homes. This is a significant milestone for the EHD programme and the Greendykes area as we look to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing that is aligned with the current Net Zero Carbon approach of the Council. Of the 73 new homes granted for Wester Hailes, 41 will be Council homes. They will be built at a derelict site in Murrayburn Gate where the Wester Hailes Health Centre once stood. The site is next to the Westside Plaza shopping centre and close to rail links, with the community to also benefit from a new public footway to the nearby Canal View Primary School. All 23 empty homes agreed to be bought in Dreghorn are currently owned by the Ministry of Defence and are based along Dreghorn Place and Dreghorn Drive. The homes will be made available for social rent from the Council. Councillor Jane Meagher, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Never has our need for affordable housing been greater as we face a cost-of-living crisis and a climate emergency. The decisions made this week demonstrate our Council’s commitment to urgently creating the homes Edinburgh needs. “I’m particularly pleased that we’ll be able to deliver so many homes for social rent. We want to provide everybody with a safe and warm place to live but we’re facing growing homelessness in Edinburgh. This remains a challenge, but these new properties that we’re buying and building are going to help many people in desperate housing need. “And, as we build these new homes, we’ll create well designed places. Innovative offsite manufacturing of net zero homes such as those planned for Greendykes will help tenants and residents to keep their fuel bills down. This work will be taken forward alongside retrofitting many of our existing homes, so that older Council properties are also brought up to a better standard.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Are you Britain’s best bulldozer driver? A world-class wheel loader operator? The search is on for Operator of the Year, with £10,000 in prize money up for grabs in a dedicated all-day festival of construction. This is the competition’s third year, run by UK Plant Operators Magazine (UKPO) and supported by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The event attracts substantial interest from owners, operators, hirers and contractors from across the UK. UK Plant Operators Magazine recognises that the industry faces a severe skills gap, urgent attention is required, as such this issue is at the strategic heart of the publication’s output. The nation’s leading contractors and hirers, through close relationships with the magazine, promote the operation of plant machinery as a rewarding and sustainable career path. The pathway to becoming a plant operator has been simplified with best-in-class training available through the CITB National Construction College (NCC) in Bircham. The best plant hire companies are providing excellent terms and conditions, first class opportunities and the latest technology. Creating a safer, smarter and cleaner environment to attract the next generation of UK Plant Operators. UK Plant Operator Magazine publisher Brian Coogan said: “We are delighted to welcome the CITB as headline sponsors of the 2023 campaign. As industry leaders the CITB supports the skills needs of the construction industry. We share the same values and face the same challenges. We look forward to working together to champion the sector, create awareness of the need for, and advantages gained, from quality training… all for the good of the UK construction industry.” In 2023 the UK Plant Operator of the Year campaign will see some exciting developments, with leading UK hirers and contractors entering teams to compete in a series of challenges across a range of Excavators, Telehandlers, Compact Loaders, Bulldozers, Backhoes, Wheel Loaders and Tilt Rotators, to name a few. The very latest models, supplied by the world’s leading manufacturers. The event is open to all to enter once they have their equipment tickets up to date. Finalists will demonstrate their skill and knowledge, in addition to showcasing the technological and engineered solutions the machines deliver, supporting the industry to be safer and more sustainable, whilst improving performance. The 2023 event will expand further with the introduction of a Scottish heat in July, the winners will qualify for the final on 30th September at the National Construction College. Brian Coogan added: “Working with the UK’s leading training authority, we will deliver together a message to the industry that encourages training, helping to build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce.” Gary Cumiskey, Head of NCC Curriculum Delivery at CITB, said: “This is such a fun event and showcases all sorts of skills on various types of machines. But there’s also a serious message behind it, as we seek to attract the next generation of workers to fill skills shortages in the UK. The benefits of these careers are obvious, so I’d invite operators across the country or anyone who is curious about a construction career to join us for this exciting event and find out more.” To find out more about the campaign and register your interest visit https://ukplantoperators.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace, the international construction and consultancy company, has been appointed by BauMont Real Estate Capital and YardNine to deliver ‘Edenica’, an office and retail development at 100 Fetter Lane in London. Planning consent for the former offices of DAC Beachcroft and the White Swan pub at 108 Fetter Lane includes the demolition of the existing buildings and the delivery of a new 12-storey development, roof gardens, new pedestrian route and pocket square at ground level, as well as ancillary cycle parking. The White Swan will be retained and relocated to the north-east corner of the site. The 95,000 sq ft development, designed by Fletcher Priest Architects, will target the highest environmental standards of BREEAM Outstanding, as well as WiredScore, SmartScore and WELL certifications. Sustainability, technology and wellbeing are extensively incorporated into the design including generous planted terraces, facilities to encourage active modes of travel and high-performance 100% electric building services to ensure the building achieves carbon neutrality in use. Edenica is the first scheme within the City of London to be designed as a ‘storage bank’ where materials are held for future reuse, through the use of ‘Materials Passports’. Materials Passports are digital data sets that describe characteristics of materials and components in products and systems, giving them value for present use, recovery and future reuse. Delivery for the new scheme is targeted for Q4 2024. Ged Simmonds, Managing Director for Offices, Construct, at Mace, said: “We are excited to take on the delivery of such an ambitious development, raising the bar on sustainability through the use of material passports, as well as smart technology to enhance occupier wellbeing.” Campbell MacDougall, Director of YardNine said: “This is an important milestone in the delivery of Edenica and we are looking forward to working closely with Mace to bring forward this best-in-class office development in the centre of London.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Designs for a landmark scheme that will regenerate Smithfield Birmingham have been submitted to the City Council, following an extensive consultation on the proposals. The site played a central role in the hugely successful Commonwealth Games last summer, during which it hosted several games venues as well as the Smithfield Festival. Now this 17-hectare development in the historic heart of the city is set to transform Birmingham and create major economic opportunities, including an estimated 8,000 new jobs. This once in a generation opportunity has the potential to reshape Birmingham’s city centre. A market has operated on the site for over 200 years and, continuing this long history, the new scheme will provide a home for the city’s historic Bull Ring markets, which will celebrate Birmingham’s roots as the ‘city of a thousand trades’. This will form an iconic new centrepiece for the city centre and include a rooftop garden, dining hall and new market square. The plans reveal ambitions to make Birmingham a new business hub where organisations can grow their networks and ideas. The masterplan creates a workspace campus of over one million square feet, featuring a range of workplaces designed to foster partnerships and knowledge-sharing, from Grade-A workspace, to flexible creative space and makerspace. Designed with health and wellbeing at its heart for a post-Covid, low-carbon future, the proposals will nurture a diverse range of companies and individuals. This will ensure that Birmingham continues to grow and retain its best talent and ideas, as well as attract new businesses to the city from across the UK and all over the globe. Integrated public transport, an enviable location close to Birmingham New Street station, along with easy access to the upcoming HS2 rail link, will make Smithfield one of the most well-connected areas to conduct business in the country. Taking advantage of the site’s location next to the artistic and cultural district of Digbeth, the plans submitted for approval also include a brand-new events and gathering space, Festival Square, that will play host to cultural events for thousands of people. Designed by James Corner Field Operations, the world-leading landscape architects responsible for the much-loved High Line in New York, the new square will be a space where musical and artistic communities come together to put on live performances for all ages. If approved, 600 sustainable and modern homes will be delivered in a green setting as part of the first phase of work – with a total of 3,000 homes planned for the whole site over the coming years, including affordable homes, all supported by modern community facilities. Smithfield Gardens will provide residents with access to nature on their doorstep and provide visitors with a new green space to unwind and keep fit. Meanwhile expanded cycling routes and improved eco-friendly transport options will be complemented by new and improved green walking routes, connecting the centre of Smithfield towards the Bullring, central Birmingham and Highgate Park. This will stitch the development into the fabric of the city, enhancing the existing offer while reinvigorating the centre of Birmingham. The scheme is a joint venture between Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, an international real estate and investment group with core expertise in shaping cities and creating strong and connected communities. And the plans submitted for approval have been shaped by local people from across Birmingham’s diverse communities; including local residents, businesses and community organisations, market traders, and a dedicated youth panel. Alongside masterplanners Prior+Partners and David Kohn Architects who are designing the new market, Lendlease’s design team includes a host of international and local architects and landscape architects, including dRMM, Intervention Architecture, Haworth Tompkins Architects, Minesh Patel Architects and RCKa with James Corner Field Operations designing the significant new public realm and landscape. Birmingham residents can view the proposals that have been submitted to the council at www.smithfieldbirmingham.co.uk Colin Murphy, Project Lead at Lendlease, said: “Throughout 2022 we’ve been part of a city-wide conversation with people who live and work in Birmingham, inviting comment on our plans from all corners of the city including those who are at the heart of today’s Bull Ring Markets. And the submission of our planning application is a pivotal moment for a £1.9bn development that will provide thousands of new jobs and homes. “This really is an exceptional opportunity to create and celebrate the next chapter in Birmingham’s transformation as an international city. Smithfield will provide the opportunity to create a destination market experience to rival Europe’s best; as well as an international office hub with access to outstanding transport links.” A decision on the planning submission is expected in early 2023. If approved, construction on site would begin later in the year. For further information on Smithfield, please visit www.smithfieldbirmingham.co.uk where you can sign up for updates on the proposals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched a brand-new play area within its sought-after Arborfield Green in Wokingham, for children and families to enjoy. Located off Princess Marina Drive, the play area includes a climbing frame, slide and swings, and is perfect for children aged three to twelve. Helping to promote active lifestyles and healthy communities, the play area will be a prominent hub for families within the development. Charlie Joseph, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson Chiltern, said: “As part of our commitment to build thriving communities with a range of amenities on the doorstep, we’re pleased to announce the launch of another much-anticipated play area at Arborfield Green. We know this play area will be popular with parents and children, and we’re looking forward to seeing both residents and local people coming together to enjoy it.” Crest Nicholson currently has a range of two bedroom apartments and three to five bedroom homes at its Nightingale Fields and Waterman’s Gate developments at Arborfield Green, and is launching a new phase at Waterman’s Gate in March 2023. Situated beside Waterman’s Lake and Hazebrouck Meadow, Arborfield Green provides the perfect balance between town and countryside living. Residents can already benefit from being close by to the brand new Bohunt School, which opened on site in September 2016, and will be able to make full use of the new Sainsbury’s store coming soon to the district centre. Prices for two bedroom apartments start from £305,000, whilst prices for three, four, and five bedroom homes start from £475,000, £640,000 and £699,000 respectively. To help homebuyers secure their dream property, there are a number of schemes available on select plots, including Part Exchange, Home Reach and Deposit Unlock. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space has appointed Bansco to construct Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham with completion expected in summer. A pre-let has been agreed to one of the world’s largest logistics companies. Maersk will take a 41,500 sq ft unit at the Atlantic Street site, where some 206,000 sq ft of workspace is being delivered across 25 units at the 11.5 acre former Cartwright headquarters. Chris Liptrott, Managing Director of Bansco, said: “As a Greater Manchester company, we are delighted to be working with Network Space to regenerate one of the oldest industrialised sites in the area. “The sustainability credentials of the development, and the quality of the space that is being delivered, is already starting to attract high profile occupiers. The development will create new job opportunities, during construction and after completion, helping to boost the local economy.” Regional sub-contractors will be involved and local training and employment opportunities will be provided during construction. Once complete, the scheme will have an estimated GDV of £45 million. The regeneration of this brownfield site will see a mix of high-quality refurbished space, alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial destination. With remaining units available from 2,100 sq ft to 28,500 sq ft, the development has the capacity to create upwards of 400 new jobs and provide much needed speculative workspace in the region. Both Network Space and Maersk are committed to a highly sustainable development and will be targeting low or very low greenhouse gas emissions. Across the wider scheme, Network Space will be targeting EPC A ratings and BREEAM Very Good. Bansco is working closely with Network Space to seek to reuse and recycle steel and concrete structures on site, resulting in a significant reduction in embodied carbon within the development. Individual units are being designed to accommodate photovoltaic panels to support renewable energy provision and electric vehicle charging will be delivered across the entire scheme. Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager at Network Space, said: “This is a fantastic pre-let to a multi-national company and represents some 20% of the scheme’s total floor area. Securing Maersk as an anchor tenant in the most prominent unit on site is a fantastic start. “We are receiving a strong level of enquiries from local businesses and trade occupiers to last mile logistics firms and legal negotiations are ongoing for additional lettings. This best-in-class scheme will deliver high quality employment space, job opportunities, inward investment and economic growth.” Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre by Network Space. The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying and AEW architects. The scheme is being supported with a £23.25 million loan from Trafford Council. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gregory Properties (Leeds) Limited has secured reserved matters planning approval to deliver 124,700 sq ft of green industrial and logistics park at Rockingham in Barnsley. The ten-acre site is well located fronting the A6195 Dearne Valley Parkway with direct motorway access to Junction 36 of the M1. Gregory Properties plans to speculatively build out the scheme which consists of three detached high quality industrial/warehouse units of 25,560 sqft, 43,000 sqft and 56,140 sqft. Each designed to a market facing specification including first floor office accommodation, secure service yards and institutional HGV loading provision and eaves heights. Nick Gillott, Development Director at Gregory Properties, said: “We are excited at the prospect of starting to deliver these three high quality purpose-built logistics units. It’s a superb scheme, situated less than half a mile from the M1, in an established location. We are confident that the development will attract strong occupier interest.” The Yorkshire industrial and logistics team at Knight Frank have advised Gregory Properties throughout the acquisition process and will be retained as marketing agents, Iain McPhail, Partner at Knight Frank said: “It’s a highly prominent site, in a desirable area for industrial, logistics and distribution. In addition to this, the area offers a vast array of amenities within close proximity. “On the ESG front, these will not be the usual grey boxes; they will be much more sympathetic to the surrounding natural landscape and complement the local area with neutral green tones. They are also set in generous landscaping, backing onto woodland. The impressive design doesn’t stop there, the units will have strong environmental credentials, green in more ways than one!” Gregory Properties hopes to start the speculative development on site Summer 2023 and be ready for an Easter 2024 occupation. The three new units will be offered to let. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
