Award-winning company appointed main contractor for major redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Wales Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for the £38million redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Mold, North Wales. The construction, which is planned for completion in late 2024, aims to set a high
Nottingham-based architects and interior designers, Marchini Curran Associates, is reflecting on a year of positive change under new ownership, with ambitious plans for growth, innovation and sustainability in 2023. The practice has had a successful year of transition under its leadership, breaking into new sectors, promoting internally and growing the
The construction phase of a new £24 million purpose-built managed student accommodation project on Dogpool Lane in Birmingham began recently, marked with a special event. Senior teams from building contractor GMI Construction Group and developer Alumno Group were present at the ceremony. Regenerating a former BT brownfield site within the
Private equity real estate investor, Paloma Capital and leading real estate developer, Graftongate, have gained planning consent for the speculative development of a new urban logistics scheme in north London. Urban Logistics Tottenham will deliver seven new Grade A industrial/warehouse units totalling c.65,000 sq ft on a 2.31-acre site at
Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, and delivery partner, award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, has officially broken ground on its Rochester Riverside site on Corys Road, Rochester. Attended by Councillor Habib Tejan, Councillor Vince Maple, Councillor Alex Paterson, Patrick Duffy, Director
Stuart Heslop, formerly Managing Director of Real Estate Finance at Royal Bank of Scotland, is to be honoured at the 2023 Scottish Property Awards next week. He will receive the Business Leadership Award at Scotland’s national competition which recognises and celebrates excellence in the Scottish commercial and public property sector.
Balfour Beatty’s Group Sustainability Director, Jo Gilroy, has been appointed to the Board of the industry-leading Supply Chain Sustainability School (the “School”). The Supply Chain Sustainability School seeks to upskill those working within, or aspiring to work within, the built environment sector. Jo, who has worked at Balfour Beatty since
At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics
Seddon and Waypoint have joined forces to create a joint venture partnership, Seddon Waypoint. The new business will combine construction and delivery expertise with institutional-grade asset management and advice within the residential property sector in the UK and will focus on energy transition. Peter Jackson, managing director of Seddon, said:
Housebuilder Hayfield has submitted a Reserved Matters Application to Tewkesbury Borough Council to create a 50 new homes development in the Village of Gotherington, Gloucestershire. The £35m, 6.27 hectares scheme, just north of Bishops Cleeve, will deliver a range of two, three and five-bedroom EPC A-rated homes and bungalows, which
Award-winning company appointed main contractor for major redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Wales Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for the £38million redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Mold, North Wales. The construction, which is planned for completion in late 2024, aims to set a high bar in delivering a stand-out cultural space with zero carbon emissions. It also sees Gilbert-Ash reunite on a theatre project with architects Haworth Tompkins and Project Directors Plann. Gilbert-Ash was the main contractor in 2014 when Haworth Tompkins won the Stirling Prize for the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. The Theatr Clwyd project includes the major refurbishment of the existing theatre which will see the 1970s building being stripped right back to its shell. In addition, there will be a new build construction of a timber foyer extension to the front and carpentry workshop to the rear. Works also include new MEP systems, windows, roof coverings and theatre technical systems. Once complete, the building, which was originally designed as a TV production space and theatre, will provide multiple platforms for performance, music and community use. Every effort has been made to minimise the building’s carbon footprint during the redevelopment while several design elements have been included with the aim of meeting a whole life zero carbon target for the new building. These include the reconfigured foyer and sun shading canopy being made from larch and reused steel, while existing space will be upgraded and insulated to allow the theatre to run on 100% renewable electricity via air sourced heat pumps and LED lighting. There will also be a programme of tree planting green walls, roof planting and the widespread use of PVs. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson, said the company was delighted to be once again working on a project which has been designed by Haworth Tompkins. He said: “This is a truly exciting project, and we are looking forward to working closely with Haworth Tompkins and our Client, Flintshire County Council and Theatr Clwyd Trust in making these ambitious designs a reality. “I believe this will be another stand-out project in our portfolio and one which could have the power to make people re-think how cultural spaces are constructed in the future. “This will be a building which will serve as a real hub for the performing arts in this region and one which, through its intelligent design, will have only a minimal impact on the environment. “Annually, the theatre attracts over 200,000 paying visitors and plays an important role in the community with its outreach programmes. The redevelopment will enhance the experience for all visitors and provide a significant economic impact in the region. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham-based architects and interior designers, Marchini Curran Associates, is reflecting on a year of positive change under new ownership, with ambitious plans for growth, innovation and sustainability in 2023. The practice has had a successful year of transition under its leadership, breaking into new sectors, promoting internally and growing the team with new staff including architect, Sara Saadouni, and architectural assistant, Lauren Leyva, with plans to further expand the senior team this year. Major projects completed in 2022 have included Mayfield Retirement Village, whereby Marchini Curran Interiors was commissioned to develop a brand-new interior concept for the 255-apartment village, with a contemporary, vibrant and environmental community feel at its core. Marking further inroads into the leisure and entertainment sector for the practice, Marchini Curran Associates worked alongside Willmott Dixon to deliver two cinema schemes, which included architectural works for The Arc Cinema in North Street, Daventry, as part of the £12.5million Mulberry Place Development, and the expansion of the Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre in Leicester – a landmark expansion scheme, which transformed the Cultural Quarter venue with the provision of two additional screens, a new gallery facility, together with a multipurpose events space and terrace. Cultural and religious developments have also been a key area of growth in the last 12 months, and having secured planning permission at a public inquiry, the architects were appointed to deliver the landmark design for the UK’s first purpose-bult Hindu crematorium, located in the grounds of the Hindu temple at the Shree Swaminarayan Spiritual Cultural and Community centre in Denham. The facility will address a longstanding need for a purpose-built environment for the unique funeral rites of Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities. Finishing the year by planning further success for 2023, Marchini Curran is continuing to build on its diverse workload, increasing outputs in the data centre sector, which has been earmarked as a growth area due to increased reliance on cloud technologies. Retirement living is another key focus for the practice with an industry shift from functional to more premium community-based end of life care, alongside co-living schemes and purpose-built student accommodation. The practice has also been appointed to a major scheme in the heart of Oxford city centre, working with Lothbury Property Trust for a venture by Oxford Science Enterprises. Marchini Curran Associates will be delivering a mixed-use development, which is primarily a high-specification research and development facility including laboratory and incubation facilities, acting as a steppingstone for industry professionals following university PHDs. Alongside the higher enterprise business facility, the scheme will include retail and leisure units, as well as student and office accommodation – creating a pivotal professional and educational hub in the city centre. The practice will also be delivering design support for Brasenose college in Oxford, as well as a number of residential schemes in the London area, focusing on apartment living. To support the growing portfolio of secured projects, diversifying skill sets and expanding the senior team is a priority for the practice. Nurturing the next generation of architects and interior designers is also an intrinsic part of office culture, and placements are provided for students from universities across the UK, looking to progress with their RIBA qualifications in a thriving office environment, working with staff at a variety of experience levels. Strengthening operations through the introduction of new technologies is also a priority, and alongside the use of 360° photography and drones to map structures and create aerial photography, virtual reality applications are being introduced to facilitate immersive working and client viewing experiences. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, sustainability remains at the forefront of company commitments for the future. Focusing on ethical and responsible sourcing of materials, as well as efficient building, from a thermal perspective, the practice plans to continue developing its sustainability credentials across all aspects of the business, with a sustainability lead overseeing appraisals and addressing national and global targets, by reducing operational energy and embodied carbon both in the office and in construction. Marchini Curran has linked up with Nottingham Trent for a carbon analysis initiative and has designed a plan for offsetting carbon targets, with a carbon assessment in progress this year. Kevin Smith, director at Marchini Curran Associates, said: “The last 12 months have seen us transition into a new generation for the business, and since March we’ve welcomed new team members, reached clients in new sectors, and procured a significant pipeline of work putting us in a really strong position. “To facilitate work secured, we will be building on our diverse skill set alongside strengthening the senior team, to ensure we are as robust as possible to support company visions for the future. Ensuring the culture is the best that it can be is a priority for the practice and while flexible working is needed to ensure a harmonious balance, prioritising contact time to ensure consistent supported learning is key to fuelling engagement and creativity. We are now optimally placed to put our ambitious growth plans into action and look forward to enhancing our dynamic culture and offering, with a focus on professional identity, creativity, and sustainability.” Since its formation in 2002, Marchini Curran Associates and Marchini Curran Interiors has designed a diverse portfolio of projects for local, national, and international clients, across commercial, retail, leisure, residential, education, industrial and master planning. To find out more about Marchini Curran Associates and Marchini Curran Interiors please visit: www.mc-a.co.uk and www.mc-i.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction phase of a new £24 million purpose-built managed student accommodation project on Dogpool Lane in Birmingham began recently, marked with a special event. Senior teams from building contractor GMI Construction Group and developer Alumno Group were present at the ceremony. Regenerating a former BT brownfield site within the established Stirchley community, the development will accommodate the growing number of students attending local universities and the city’s dental hospital, taking pressure off private housing in the area. Funded by Woh Hup, the building will comprise a mix of cluster beds and single occupancy studio rooms for 167 residents, together with a reception and communal areas. Community benefits The scheme will also provide an improved retail space for the site’s original Post Office and newsagent outlet, which has been relocated close by during construction. The local community will also benefit from an enhanced public area in front of the building, which will include landscaping, seating and cycle stands. Promoting a cleaner local environment, the development will be car free, with students prohibited from bringing vehicles to Birmingham through their tenancy agreements. Student residents will benefit from easy access to public transport, with the development close to bus, rail and cycle networks, as well as being within walking distance of local university campuses. Local references Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, the new building will comprise brickwork and terracotta detailing, which references local materials, while also providing a new identity for the building. “The elegantly crafted red brick/terracotta design of Dogpool Lane responds to several key local landmarks, including the red brick Selly Park Church and Dogpool Lane Hotel,” explained Dav Bansal, Partner at Glenn Howells Architects, which designed the development. “The project also reinstates a piece of under-utilised green space as a matured setting for the building for both students and the local community to enjoy. It will provide a much needed and sustainable home to embed students in the wider community, but also a catalyst for regenerating this local neighbourhood.” Economic boost Commenting on the project, Alumno Managing Director David Campbell said: “It’s great to be celebrating the start of work on another exciting project. Our development will improve the local area visually, provide an economic boost to local businesses, and deliver much needed accommodation for Birmingham’s growing student population,” “As with all our developments, we have worked closely with the surrounding community and local authority to ensure the scheme enhances this vibrant area.” Delighted to be collaborating with Alumno again, Gareth Jones, GMI’s Joint Divisional Managing Director, said: “This is the third project we have undertaken in collaboration with Alumno, having last year completed the Church Inn development in Manchester, as well as working alongside them on the Whitelock Street scheme in Leeds. “We’re proud to add another project to our growing portfolio in conjunction with Alumno, and it is a development which underlines our versatility in constructing a wide range of builds.” Alumno and GMI plan to have the new building completed in time for the 2024 student intake. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Private equity real estate investor, Paloma Capital and leading real estate developer, Graftongate, have gained planning consent for the speculative development of a new urban logistics scheme in north London. Urban Logistics Tottenham will deliver seven new Grade A industrial/warehouse units totalling c.65,000 sq ft on a 2.31-acre site at the corner of Brantwood Road and Willoughby Lane, Tottenham. The new buildings will vary in size from 6,320 sq ft to 36,970 sq ft and can be combined to suit occupier demand. Paloma Capital and Graftongate will target BREEAM ‘excellent’ and an EPC ‘A’ rating for the new scheme, which is expected to be available for occupation from Q4 2023. Charles Lunnon, Director at Paloma Capital, said: “Warehousing remains the most attractive mainstream UK real estate sector and inner London has the greatest disconnect between supply and demand. This acquisition presents a very rare opportunity to develop a strategically located high quality last-mile logistics scheme to address this demand.” Alex Thomason, development manager, Graftongate, said: “Urban Logistics Tottenham will deliver first class logistics accommodation in a strategic location just 30 minutes from central London. This is a highly prominent and accessible estate with exceptional transport links that will appeal to the occupational market.” Urban Logistics Tottenham is located at the edge of the Meridian Water Masterplan area, providing direct access to the A406 North Circular via Angel Edmonton Road and easy access to junction 25 of the M25. For more information, please contact the scheme’s retained agents, DTRE and Cushman & Wakefield or visit www.urbanlogisticstottenham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, and delivery partner, award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, has officially broken ground on its Rochester Riverside site on Corys Road, Rochester. Attended by Councillor Habib Tejan, Councillor Vince Maple, Councillor Alex Paterson, Patrick Duffy, Director of New Business at Anchor, and Simon Trice, Managing Director at Hill, the event marked the official start of construction for the development, which will deliver 101 new mixed-tenure homes for people aged over 55. Set to be available to move into from 2024, Anchor’s homes will be part of the large-scale regeneration scheme being delivered by mixed-tenure developer Countryside and housing association Hyde. Patrick Duffy, Director of New Business at Anchor said: “The start of work on site marks an exciting point for our plans in Rochester. We believe that this development will offer a wide choice for those looking for a new home in their later life, offering the option to be as independent, quiet, or active as they desire as part of a vibrant new community set between the River Medway and Rochester town centre. “The acquisition of this new 1.6 acre site in 2021 was a fantastic step forward towards our goal of creating 5,700 new homes over the next 10 years, and it is great to see work begin on this new development.” Simon Trice, Managing Director at The Hill Group commented: “We are delighted to be working with Anchor on this development, which will provide high quality new homes and expand the wide range of housing tenure available at Rochester Riverside. We will utilise our extensive experience to provide energy efficient homes with excellent access to open space and local amenities, which are so important for wellbeing and creating a lasting community. Hill has worked extensively with Anchor in the past and we are proud to have been selected as their delivery partner once again.” Councillor Habib Tejan from Rochester River Ward said: “I’d like to thank Anchor and Hill for inviting me to the groundbreaking ceremony. We wholeheartedly welcome this investment into Medway and I look forward to seeing the development take shape and provide much needed housing for older people in our community.” Anchor’s new independent living scheme will provide a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments for rent and shared ownership. These new homes will be part of the £419m investment into the regeneration of Rochester where residents will benefit from commercial spaces and amenities right on their doorstep, alongside plenty of open space and excellent transport connections to both Kent and London. To find out more about the company’s growth strategy and vision for the future, or if you are a landowner, developer or site agent with suitable land then visit: www.anchorhanover.org.uk/professionals/land-acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stuart Heslop, formerly Managing Director of Real Estate Finance at Royal Bank of Scotland, is to be honoured at the 2023 Scottish Property Awards next week. He will receive the Business Leadership Award at Scotland’s national competition which recognises and celebrates excellence in the Scottish commercial and public property sector. His recommendation to receive the award came from individuals across the real estate sector who praised his commercial acumen, sharp mind and integrity across all aspects of the sector including development, advisory and internally. Stuart (52) retired from the bank last year, after 35 years of service and remains active in the property sector as a non-executive director with Knight Property Group and a number of other organisations, where he advises on strategic and funding matters. Over his career, he has earned the respect of industry colleagues for his considered and calm approach to complex transactions, bringing leadership to his team during a number of unsettling periods, including the banking crash of 2008. Alan Robertson, Chair of The Scottish Property Awards judging panel, commented: “It is clear from the recommendations of many individuals from across the Scottish property industry that Stuart Heslop is a highly regarded and respected individual, who has advised countless businesses and individuals across his long career in real estate finance. We are delighted to present the award to him at this year’s event and look forward to acknowledging his contribution.” Stuart Heslop added: “I am hugely honoured to receive this award, voted for by my industry peers. I am delighted to be able to continue my work in the sector with many of the people I have worked closely with over the years. The property market continues to thrive despite some of the economic headwinds we are facing and I look forward to contributing to the future success of the many great property companies in Scotland.” The award will be presented in front of over 600 guests expected to attend the Scottish Property Awards dinner on Thursday 23 February 2023 at the EICC in Edinburgh. For a full list of award finalists, please visit: AWARD FINALISTS 2023 and to book tickets, go to BOOK TICKETS Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty’s Group Sustainability Director, Jo Gilroy, has been appointed to the Board of the industry-leading Supply Chain Sustainability School (the “School”). The Supply Chain Sustainability School seeks to upskill those working within, or aspiring to work within, the built environment sector. Jo, who has worked at Balfour Beatty since April 2022, was recently elected to govern alongside eight other Partner representatives responsible for the fiscal governance and strategic direction of the School, including; Wilmott Dixon, EMCOR UK, Morgan Sindall Group, Speedy Services, VINCI Facilities, Skanska, Laing O’Rourke and National Highways. Jo commented: “With the climate change emergency becoming increasingly more urgent, it is integral that the construction and infrastructure industry pulls together in the same direction. “I am therefore delighted to have been appointed to the Board of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, as we continue our mission to upskill and educate our supply chain partners on what it means to be a truly sustainable business and ultimately, change our industry for the better and the future.” As Group Sustainability Director at Balfour Beatty, Jo provides focused leadership and advances the group’s achievements in this area, whilst bringing her breath of international experience from SAB Miller in India, IKEA in Sweden, and the mining sector in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to working at Balfour Beatty, Jo was responsible for Kier Group’s strategic direction on ESG and for leading Kier’s sustainability framework, ‘Building for a Sustainable World’. She has also worked closely with government and key customers in the hospitality and retail sectors to address ocean pollution from single use plastics. In recognition of her work within the corporate sector she was ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2021 Business Green Sustainability Leaders Awards, and previously won the Business Green Sustainability Executive award in 2017, and the Rising Star award 2016 at the Packaging Industry Awards. Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of Supply Chain Sustainability School, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Jo to the Board. Along with her energy and passion, she will bring significant experience from both within and outside the construction sector and will no doubt provide valuable contributions to drive our vision forward.” The School’s vision is an industry where everyone will have the skills and knowledge to deliver a sustainable future. In April 2022, the School was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in recognition of the significant environmental, social, and economic benefits it has delivered to its Members and Partners. There are currently 155 Balfour Beatty employees who are active members of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics around natural gas boiler installations, heating controls, the potential role for hybrid heat pumps in the future, and a proposal for mandating ‘hydrogen-ready’ boilers from 2026. With the potential to change heating professionals’ working lives significantly, Baxi wants to highlight the importance of responding to the consultation to ensure the heating industry has an active role in shaping the policy decisions set to determine the long-term future of the sector. Baxi has been at the forefront of renewable heating development, including hydrogen demonstration projects and research across the country. For residential applications, Baxi has supplied it’s hydrogen boilers and 20% blend compatible to projects such as HyDeploy, Hy4Heat, HyStreet, Northern Gas Network’s 100% Hydrogen Home near Gateshead and the H100 Fife project of 300 homes in Scotland. Most recently, Baxi has partnered with H2Go Power to deliver the world-first commercial hydrogen boiler and demonstrate the technology’s potential to decarbonise multiple industries. Furthering expertise in hydrogen being made available to Baxi is from its parent company, BDR Thermea, who have recently launched a world first hydrogen pilot in the Dutch town of Lochem. The company is using its 100% hydrogen boilers in 12 inhabited homes – which closely resemble the UK’s existing housing stock in age and energy efficiency – with hydrogen supplied via an existing natural gas grid. Jeff House, External Affairs and Policy Director at Baxi UK and Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to see the UK’s first UK Hydrogen Week take place, highlighting the sheer scale of research and development taking place to explore the viability of the fuel as part of a practical route to net zero for our industry. Baxi’s commitment to developing hydrogen appliances as low carbon alternatives to natural gas is a key part of our wider strategy of lowering emissions from heating and hot water provision. “We hope initiatives like Hydrogen Week will increase the support and urgency at which we push hydrogen as one of the key pillars of decarbonisation, in addition to guiding policy in the area.” With hydrogen-ready technology for heating applications mentioned by the Government in its latest consultation, policy direction could be pointing towards the technology as one of the solutions for the future. Jeff adds: “Whatever the rules and regulations put in place by the Government, the industry is moving towards a low carbon future, with heat pumps, hybrid systems, heat networks and hydrogen all set to play their part in this effort. To ensure we achieve this goal, it is vital that we take a pragmatic approach informed by the perspectives of that heating professionals who live and breathe our industry. We’d urge everyone involved in the heating industry to provide feedback on the consultation to ensure the policies it will ultimately result in are suitable and achievable.” For more information about Baxi’s work in the hydrogen space, visit: www.baxi.co.uk/about-us/the-future-of-heat Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Seddon and Waypoint have joined forces to create a joint venture partnership, Seddon Waypoint. The new business will combine construction and delivery expertise with institutional-grade asset management and advice within the residential property sector in the UK and will focus on energy transition. Peter Jackson, managing director of Seddon, said: “The joint venture partnership brings together two established and successful companies with new ideas and a new approach to dealing with the issues and challenges faced by property owners, investors and occupiers.” Waypoint joint managing director, Mike Riley, added: “The UK’s target of reaching net-zero, combined with the spiralling costs of living and the current energy crisis, means that it is essential that the property sector as a whole address the question of energy efficiency. Making new buildings energy-efficient is not enough, and it is vital that the thorny issue of retrofitting existing property assets is also tackled. “Seddon Waypoint brings together the combined experience of two market leaders, with fresh ideas on dealing with these challenges.” Between them, Seddon and Waypoint have a combined turnover of over £164 million, and a balance sheet of over £40 million. The two companies have over 500 staff and manage over £1.2 billion of capital across six investment funds. With an extensive experience in planning, design and construction delivery, Seddon Waypoint will focus on assisting clients to transition towards low-carbon and renewable sources of energy in both, the residential and commercial sectors. The joint-venture partnership will also advise on the environmental and investment benefits of building improvements and renewable technology solutions. Seddon Waypoint will also provide clients and partners with strategic advice regarding property development and investment. In addition, working in conjunction with Waypoint’s debt advisory team, the joint venture partnership will work with clients to provide solutions to residential construction projects which have run into financial difficulties. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder Hayfield has submitted a Reserved Matters Application to Tewkesbury Borough Council to create a 50 new homes development in the Village of Gotherington, Gloucestershire. The £35m, 6.27 hectares scheme, just north of Bishops Cleeve, will deliver a range of two, three and five-bedroom EPC A-rated homes and bungalows, which will add aesthetic variety to the neighbourhood, as well as meet continued market demand for single floor properties. Hayfield will take a tenure-blind approach to delivery, with a total of 20 of the plots designated for affordable housing and the rest for open-market sale. The development will be fossil-fuel free and achieve the gold standard for energy efficiency. Each home is to include solar PV panels, an air source heat pump, energy-efficient underfloor heating, increased insulation, water efficiency measures and electric vehicle charging point. These sustainability factors are in line with Hayfield’s A-rated, zero-carbon-ready design principles, which already exceed the government’s Future Homes Standard – a level of specification that will be mandatory for housebuilders to meet from 2025. “Our vision for this scheme has been to demonstrate how impressive a sustainable development can look and the positive impact it can achieve for local communities. That’s why in designing this scheme, not only have we harmonised our signature house designs to be in keeping with the village’s existing architecture, but to also introduce sustainable measures that will enable future residents to significantly lower their carbon footprint and household energy usage,” said Andy Morris, Managing Director of Hayfield. The scheme’s design has been inspired by the character of Gotherington’s existing properties, with care taken to ensure the new homes complement the village in an organic, sustainable way. Materials chosen, including stone, reflect those used throughout the existing village. A new access road and a network of footpaths will be created from Ashmead Drive incorporating the existing Public Rights of Ways. Particular attention has equally been paid to the natural environment. Prioritisation of biodiversity will see new habitats for wildlife incorporated, with native tree planting and an attenuation pond and wetland wildflowers added, while the vast majority of existing trees and hedgerows will also be retained and enhanced. The site will deliver a biodiversity net gain. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
