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July 7, 2023
Glencar awarded further instruction by Wrenbridge to build £32M sustainable multi-industrial scheme in Aylesford

Glencar awarded further instruction by Wrenbridge to build £32M sustainable multi-industrial scheme in Aylesford

BDC News Team July 7, 2023

Scheme extends to a total development (GEA) of 302,844 sq ft across six highly sustainable new industrial warehouse buildings. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has just announced that it has been appointed by leading property development company Wrenbridge and specialist

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Plans to extend the HS2 network to Manchester move forward

Plans to extend the HS2 network to Manchester move forward

BDC News Team July 7, 2023

HS2 Ltd, the company building Britain’s new low-carbon high-speed railway, recently confirmed that a second set of proposed changes to the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill, has been introduced to Parliament. The submission of Additional Provision 2 (AP2) is an important milestone in the parliamentary process. It keeps

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Wates to deliver new Manchester housing development

Wates to deliver new Manchester housing development

Cristina Diaconu July 7, 2023

Construction firm Wates has been appointed by This City, a housing development company owned by the Manchester City Council, to develop 128 new low carbon homes in the heart of Ancoats. Building work has started on site and the project aims to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing

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Preston Youth Zone receives planning approval

Preston Youth Zone receives planning approval

Cristina Diaconu July 7, 2023

National youth charity, OnSide has received planning approval for a new Youth Zone in Preston. The state-of-the-art youth centre will provide young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Expected to open

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Evolution approaches major milestone in regenerating communities

Evolution approaches major milestone in regenerating communities

BDC News Team July 7, 2023

A PIONEERING construction business well-known for creating better places for people to live and regenerating communities is approaching a major milestone on properties across a North-West town. Evolution takes pride in delivering quality private housing, social housing, and sheltered housing to create sustainable communities across Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Greater Manchester

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

July 7, 2023

Glencar awarded further instruction by Wrenbridge to build £32M sustainable multi-industrial scheme in Aylesford

Glencar awarded further instruction by Wrenbridge to build £32M sustainable multi-industrial scheme in Aylesford

BDC News Team July 7, 2023

Scheme extends to a total development (GEA) of 302,844 sq ft across six highly sustainable new industrial warehouse buildings. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has just announced that it has been appointed by leading property development company Wrenbridge and specialist sustainable and impact investor Bridges Fund Management, to build a new six-unit industrial warehouse development totalling 302,844 sq ft at a strategic development site in Aylesford, Kent, named Click Aylesford. The works will see construction of six highly sustainable new industrial warehouse buildings, completed in shell form with finished open plan offices at first floor, resulting in total development GEA of 302,844  sq ft. The project is adjacent to the M20 motorway and a Network Rail line and includes Section 278 works. Construction of the development is due to start in July and is expected to take 52 weeks, with the expected PC by the end of August 2024. Commenting on the announcement, Greg Wright Glencar Operations director said: “Repeat business is the best business, and we are very pleased to once again be working in partnership with our long standing and much valued customer Wrenbridge, and its partner, Bridges Fund Management, to deliver this fantastic new industrial development at Little Preston in Aylesford. We are also currently on site with Wrenbridge and Bridges Fund Management at Lily House, Basingstoke, and we have previously delivered a five-unit industrial scheme for Wrenbridge – The Bridge in Dartford, which once again demonstrates the strength of our partnership and supply chain. We look forward to working with the team onsite including KAM, Chetwoods, and Sweco and delivering a great new facility for this important customer.” Also commenting Alistair Dunsdon of Wrenbridge, said: “We are very excited to kick start the delivery phase of this major scheme alongside our funding partner Bridges Fund Management and construction partner Glencar. The scheme which is ideally situated in a strategic location off the M20 will provide high quality buildings and achieve market leading sustainability credentials. We look forward to starting on site in the next few weeks and having these units available for local, regional and national businesses by the summer of 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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GMI Construction Group Completes Cheyne’s Impact Build-to-Rent Scheme In Manchester

GMI Construction Group Completes Cheyne’s Impact Build-to-Rent Scheme In Manchester

BDC News Team July 7, 2023

Alternative asset manager, Cheyne Capital, and contractor GMI Construction Group announce the practical completion and launch of its 144 home Impact Build-to-Rent (BTR) scheme, in the emerging New Cross neighbourhood of Manchester. Poplin, named in honour of the fabric used to manufacture coats on the same site in the Second World War, will open its doors to residents later this month. The brick-clad scheme includes a mix of design-led one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. 35 per cent. of the homes are reserved for local key workers at meaningfully discounted rents, over and above local authority planning requirements, and all homes have capped rental increases to offer longer-term certainty for residents. Marc Banks, Divisional Managing Director North West at GMI Construction Group, said: “We’re pleased to hand over this striking building in New Cross. This scheme is a jewel in the crown of one of the most exciting new areas of Manchester. We’re delighted with what has been achieved, working in partnership with Cheyne and the whole project team. The quality of the product is impressive and epitomises what GMI is all about.” Designed by award winning practices Tim Groom Architects and YOUTH Studios, Poplin contains 3,500 sq ft of contemporary amenities including a residents’ lounge, co-working spaces, private dining room, 10-storey atrium space and a communal roof terrace with a stunning view of Manchester.  Tim Groom, of Tim Groom Architects, added: “It has been a pleasure to work on this project and the whole team have worked incredibly hard to get all the details right and deliver a building of the highest quality. The façade draws on the familiar warehouse typologies that are so well associated with Manchester and the round headed archways are reminiscent of the nearby market hall. We are committed to creating designs which appreciate context and add value to places and communities and we are proud of the positive contribution this development makes to an increasingly vibrant area of the city.” Poplin will be operated by Native Residential who already operate the award-winning Kampus scheme in Manchester. Through Native’s pioneering Neighbourhood Hero programme, Poplin will collaborate with local, independent businesses and charities in Manchester. Jack Greenhalf, Development Manager at Cheyne Capital, concluded: “Poplin is in a fantastic location within the thriving city of Manchester. New residents will benefit from the existing offering of neighbouring Ancoats along with additional new developments to the New Cross area. With a unique brick façade, quality of design has clearly been at the forefront throughout this development. Residents will benefit from high quality, fully furnished apartments and a wealth of amenities with their well-being in mind. In the current cost of living climate, Poplin will provide renters with longer term security and cost certainty, offering capped annual rental increases for all residents, as well discounted rents for key workers. Set against the current inflationary rental market, these provisions are particularly impactful and have received the full support of local stakeholders. We look forward to delivering a continued pipeline of Impact BTR schemes across the UK.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Plans to extend the HS2 network to Manchester move forward

Plans to extend the HS2 network to Manchester move forward

BDC News Team July 7, 2023

HS2 Ltd, the company building Britain’s new low-carbon high-speed railway, recently confirmed that a second set of proposed changes to the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill, has been introduced to Parliament. The submission of Additional Provision 2 (AP2) is an important milestone in the parliamentary process. It keeps HS2 on track to open the Crewe – Manchester extension between 2035 and 2041, ensuring zero carbon rail services extend to Manchester’s two new dedicated HS2 stations at Manchester Airport and Piccadilly. HS2’s construction is currently supporting more than 28,500 jobs and over 3,000 UK-based businesses, including 190 in the Northwest, have already won work supplying materials, products and services. The High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill, which seeks powers to extend and operate the new high-speed network to Manchester, was submitted to Parliament in January 2022. The first set of proposed changes to the Bill, known as Additional Provision 1 (AP1), was introduced six months later. Changes to hybrid bills aren’t uncommon and reflect the ongoing work that HS2 Ltd undertakes to ensure it builds the best railway in the best way. This includes developing the design for the railway, acting on new information, and assessing feedback from individuals and communities affected by the construction proposals. One year on from the submission of AP1, communities are now invited to view the latest set of proposed changes and have their say on the supporting documentation through a public consultation.  Stephen Smith, Head of Consultation and Engagement for HS2’s Phase 2b programme said: “Extending the HS2 network to Manchester will vastly improve connectivity between the UK’s major towns and cities, while freeing up vital capacity on the existing rail network for more local and regional rail services. “This latest set of design changes reflects our ongoing commitment to minimise disruption during the construction and operational phases. Feedback from communities plays a vital role in the design process and we encourage people to have their say before the consultation closes.” The public consultation focuses on two key documents which outline any new, different or removed significant environmental effects resulting from the proposed changes. The consultation opens at 09:00 on 4 July and closes 11:45 on 31 August 2023.  Supporting documentation and information about the consultation can be found at www.hs2.org.uk/crewe-manchester Information about the changes proposed in AP2, for each of the seven community areas, is published on the HS2 website. In some cases, the changes proposed in AP2 require additional land and powers. HS2’s community engagement team is already engaging with individuals and communities affected by the proposals. Directly affected parties can petition against the changes. The petitioning period will open tomorrow (4 July 2023) and continue until 15 August. More information about how to petition can be found on the Bill’s Parliamentary web page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Hull’s Guildhall Time Ball is working again after 100 years following major restoration project

Hull’s Guildhall Time Ball is working again after 100 years following major restoration project

BDC News Team July 7, 2023

A piece of Hull’s timekeeping history is now rising and falling again after 100 years following a major restoration by Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter. Hull’s Time Ball has reclaimed the city’s skyline, situated on top of The Guildhall’s clock tower, 196ft (60m) above ground level. It is just one of a small number still working in the country and one of the last remaining examples of this type of timekeeping in Britain. Funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Time Ball and its significance has been saved for the city and its residents. Restoration includes the Time Ball returning to full working order, renovating the clock tower as well as installing a new internal mechanism, maintaining history whilst adding a modern twist. Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is great to see the city’s Guildhall Time Ball in full working order again after over a century of not working. Residents can now learn about this nationally significant timepiece and the important role it played for sailors on the Humber. “It is important to continue to tell the story of the Guildhall Time Ball and ensure this maritime story lives on for decades to come.” Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s wonderful news that the Guildhall Time Ball, a timepiece of such great heritage significance has been restored to full working order. “We’re thrilled that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we have played a key role in keeping the story of this historic landmark alive and ensuring this unique aspect of Hull’s heritage can be enjoyed by future generations.” Joe Booth, Business Development Director at Hobson & Porter, said: “The Time Ball is a very special part of Hull’s Maritime Project and the restoration of The Guildhall. To see it working again is hugely rewarding for the city as a whole and everyone involved in this intricate project. “The feedback from both local people and Hull visitors passing the site has all been extremely positive, with people genuinely happy to see this famous landmark restored to its former glory, and it’s fantastic to see the Time Ball taking pride of place on the city’s skyline once more.” The Time Ball was last in operation in 1922 and is a rare historic timepiece. It played a key role to help ship’s navigators tell the time on the Humber and River Hull by dropping at 1pm in the summer. Hull’s Time Ball is the highest Time Ball in the UK and one of the last to be built. It is the only timepiece of its kind on a municipal building and one of only a few nationally. Installed between April 1915 – November 1916, it is a very late example of this method of timekeeping. As well as the restoration, musician and Director of Music at Hull Minster, Mark Keith, worked with Year 4 classes at Oldfleet Primary School and at Priory Primary School, both members of Hull Museum’s Magical Museums membership scheme. The two classes of children worked to create a new piece of music to be played on the Guildhall carillon. Pupils created their original compositions on glockenspiels and these compositions have been combined to create the final piece that will be played on the Guildhall’s carillon bells. This piece will be showcased at the Time Ball launch and at special events in the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Wates to deliver new Manchester housing development

Wates to deliver new Manchester housing development

Cristina Diaconu July 7, 2023

Construction firm Wates has been appointed by This City, a housing development company owned by the Manchester City Council, to develop 128 new low carbon homes in the heart of Ancoats. Building work has started on site and the project aims to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing in the area. This City is bringing long-term brownfield land at Rodney Street back into use, allowing residents to walk, cycle and use nearby public transport to access local services and employment. The 128 new homes will be built with a low carbon footprint, incorporating eco-friendly design elements and energy-efficient technologies. Each of the town houses will include off-street parking with electric vehicle (EV) parking and private gardens to the rear. Seven disabled parking spaces within the development site will also each have an EV charging point. The Mobility Hub is a new concept in urban design, which centralises car parking for multiple new developments, minimising on-site parking (other than disabled parking) and reduces traffic across the local area. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director for Construction North at Wates, said: “Rodney Street represents a pioneering shift in development approach for Manchester City Council and we’re proud to support them in their ambitions. We’ve worked closely with our project partners and the Council since the scheme’s inception to carefully plan out how we can ensure Rodney Street delivers its sustainability goals, as well as provides lasting benefit to the wider Ancoats community through Social Value initiatives. “We have a long history working with councils across the North and beyond on similar residential schemes and the positive impact that considered, sustainable provision of new affordable homes has on an area cannot be underplayed. I applaud Manchester City Council and This City for bringing this development to life and now we’re underway with construction, I and all our teams, look forward to delivering the next milestone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Preston Youth Zone receives planning approval

Preston Youth Zone receives planning approval

Cristina Diaconu July 7, 2023

National youth charity, OnSide has received planning approval for a new Youth Zone in Preston. The state-of-the-art youth centre will provide young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Expected to open in 2025, the Youth Zone will be located in the town centre on the corner of Crooked Lane and Tithebarn Street. Preston Youth Zone will be open to young people aged 8-19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, 7 days a week. For just £5 annual membership, plus 50p per visit, young people will have access to world class facilities including a four-court sports hall, rooftop 3G outdoor kick pitch, gym and boxing and martial arts room for sports, as well as a music room with a built-in recording studio, arts and crafts area, climbing wall, dance studio, sensory room, and mentoring kitchen. The Youth Zone will deliver skills and employability workshops in a dedicated enterprise and employability suite, as well as a wide range of programmes, services and activities. Hot, nutritious meals will be available for just £1 from the Youth Zone’s café.   In addition to the incredible facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available 7 days a week to offer guidance and support to help Preston’s young people to thrive. It will create a number of full and part-time jobs and many volunteering opportunities.  Preston Youth Zone is being delivered by OnSide, in partnership with Preston City Council and Preston Towns Fund Board who will be contributing towards the building and running costs. In March it was confirmed that the Youth Zone will receive a grant from the DCMS’ Youth Investment Fund which means all of the building costs have now been secured and focus will turn to raising the remainder of the running costs which will come from private sector and philanthropic donations. It will join the OnSide network of 14 similar Youth Zones supporting over 50,000 young people with locations in Bolton, Blackburn, Carlisle, Wigan, Manchester, Oldham, Wolverhampton, Wirral, Chorley, Warrington, Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Croydon and East Manchester. While OnSide will develop and oversee the build of the Youth Zone, once open it will be run as an independent, local charity with a private-sector-led board. Guy Topping, Preston Youth Zone Chair said: “This is an important milestone in the Preston Youth Zone journey and exciting news for young people living in Preston and beyond. Preston Youth Zone is a local, inspirational charity that will provide thousands of young people with access to activities, opportunities, and support from trusted youth workers. So much hard work has gone into getting us to this point and I want to thank everybody who has helped make this dream a reality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Evolution approaches major milestone in regenerating communities

Evolution approaches major milestone in regenerating communities

BDC News Team July 7, 2023

A PIONEERING construction business well-known for creating better places for people to live and regenerating communities is approaching a major milestone on properties across a North-West town. Evolution takes pride in delivering quality private housing, social housing, and sheltered housing to create sustainable communities across Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. After more then a decade of success in the construction industry, the business is approaching a total of 5,000 jobs – either refurbishing or maintaining properties – in its hometown base of Blackpool. Evolution, set up by JJ Fitzgerald in the bedroom of his mum’s council house in nearby Fleetwood, creates positive social impact across the communities it serves through more than a decade of success in the construction industry.  Evolution Managing Director JJ said: “We renovate houses to give people quality homes and we provide jobs which help people build a better life.  “We believe business is a force for good. We put people, places and the planet at the centre of everything we do, offering a brighter, sustainable future to those living in our communities.” JJ is passionate about giving young people a better start in life and supports a range of pioneering training and employment initiatives, including giving young people from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities to build a career in the construction industry. JJ said: “At Evolution we are a family and we care about our people and our communities.  “Providing opportunities to young people is really important to us. It’s about changing people’s lives.” Evolution employs a team of 20 tradespeople across Blackpool bringing empty properties back to life with complete refurbishments and maintains 650 properties managed by My Blackpool Home. Evolution’s refurbishment projects, which often include installing new kitchens, new bathrooms, full rewiring, plastering, damp work and decoration, take from six to 12 weeks to complete. Ben Reader, Evolution Contract Manager, said: “We pride ourselves on the speed and quality of our work. We always deliver on time, on budget and to an industry-leading quality standard, creating better places to live for people across the region. “It is very satisfying to walk into a property when we first start a job and then a few weeks later walk back in and see how it has been completely transformed and is ready for new tenants to make it their home.” Dave Spalding, Evolution’s Helpdesk, Fleet and HR Manager, manages the maintenance of 650 My Blackpool Home properties. Dave said: “We enjoy working with My Blackpool Home which is raising the standard of the rented accommodation market to provide better quality homes – the work we do improves the living conditions of people across Blackpool.” Evolution employs up to 80 people renovating private housing, social housing and sheltered housing across the North-West.  For more information visit: http://www.evolution-ltd.co.uk/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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