Joint venture partners Cole Waterhouse and Tonia Investments have secured a significant amended planning consent for Leeds Urban Village, a £185 million mixed-use, residential led scheme in the East of Leeds city centre. The partnership acquired the 3.8-acre site in May 2022 with full detailed planning permission for 1,012 apartments
One of the UK’s leading specialist interior fit-out contractors has reported another record financial year and has added new apprentices to its workforce. EE Smith Contracts, which marked its 125th anniversary last year, employs over 300 staff at its purpose-built headquarters in Leicester. The business has posted the highest annual
Wyatt Homes, a leading South West housebuilder recently handed over a collection of new high-quality apartments at the prestigious Rivers Edge development in Wimborne. These homes have been built for Aster Group, a housing association dedicated to providing affordable homes for communities across the South of England and London. Situated
Commenting on the Government’s announcement of an expansion of permitted development rights, Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association said; “There is no doubt that we need more homes as well as to reinvigorate our high streets and town centres. However, premises such as offices, barns, and shops
SP Energy Networks has completed major upgrades to the electricity network across Mid and North Wales, paving the way for the rollout of rapid EV charging across the region. In collaboration with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, SP Energy Networks has created additional electricity capacity for EV chargers
AMA FIC Ltd has secured planning permission from Lancaster City Council for the first phase of new-build works that forms the next phase of significant improvements at Heysham Business Park. Heysham Business Park lies within the Heysham Gateway regeneration area which is identified by the Council for major economic investment
The latest research from digital property pack provider, Moverly, has revealed that cooling market conditions and the higher cost of borrowing have resulted in one property market silver lining, as the number of homes returning to the market following a scuppered sale have reduced by 60% when compared to the
MP Rishi Sunak took part in a special ground-breaking ceremony at the site of a new multi-million pound primary school in Northallerton. Mr Sunak, who is the MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire, joined the milestone occasion which signalled the start of construction at the Alvertune Road site. Also in
Plans submitted by British Land to build a new multi-level logistics hub in Enfield have been secured. The site at Heritage House, located near Junction 25 of the M25, has excellent connectivity and will cater for the growing demand for rapid distribution across Greater London. The main 435,000 sq ft
Joint venture partners Cole Waterhouse and Tonia Investments have secured a significant amended planning consent for Leeds Urban Village, a £185 million mixed-use, residential led scheme in the East of Leeds city centre. The partnership acquired the 3.8-acre site in May 2022 with full detailed planning permission for 1,012 apartments across five towers with commercial space on the ground floor. Following the purchase, Leeds-based DLG Architects and landscape specialists Exterior Architects were appointed to review the scheme design with a focus on enhanced placemaking and a significant review of its wind mitigation features. Having worked closely with a range of stakeholders through the summer including Leeds City Council, a Section 73 Minor Material Amendment Application was submitted in December 2023. The planning approval will mean there are wholesale changes to the building’s elevational and public realm design. Wind mitigation measures have also been substantially improved through changes to the towers’ form and massing. Leeds Urban Village will deliver 1,012 residential apartments across five towers ranging from 13-23 storeys and will include 478 BTR apartments. The ground floor spaces will accommodate retail, food and beverage as well as a considered range of resident amenities such as a shared pantry, cinema, gym and a ‘library of things’ – appliances and useful equipment for people to borrow. The public realm, designed by Exterior Architecture, includes features such as a climbing wall and spaces for active play, whilst a large central hub offers opportunities for events, markets and gatherings. The development is targeting Fitwel rating – the world’s leading healthy building design accreditor – and has considered occupant wellbeing and health from the outset of design. In addition, a new cycle hub within the public realm is proposed with direct platform lift access to basement parking and a range of high-quality cycle welfare facilities. Speaking about the scheme, George Smith, planning manager at Cole Waterhouse, commented: “These design enhancements will ensure that Leeds Urban Village is a desirable new urban neighbourhood and a cultural destination in itself, designed to meet and exceed people’s expectations now and in the future. “Located in the heart of Leeds city centre with both the West Yorkshire Playhouse and Great Northern Ballet nearby, we have looked at how we best build on the surrounding cultural offer to deliver a vibrant and meaningful placemaking strategy to strengthen further our engagement with the cultural and creative community in Leeds as our vision for the site develops.” George continues: “We have been working with Colliers to secure development funding and also working on the appointment of a main contractor. We are aiming to start on site in Q2 2024 to deliver the first phases of much needed Built-to-Rent homes for the city of Leeds.” Cole Waterhouse has a strong track record in the residential and BTR sector and has a current pipeline to deliver over 2,000 residential units across its sites in Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading specialist interior fit-out contractors has reported another record financial year and has added new apprentices to its workforce. EE Smith Contracts, which marked its 125th anniversary last year, employs over 300 staff at its purpose-built headquarters in Leicester. The business has posted the highest annual revenues in its history for a second successive year – £75.1 million to the year ending March 31, 2023. This record-breaking activity includes working on multiple prestigious developments, particularly the luxurious Peninsula London hotel alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, and the completion of two super-prime London residences. EE Smith Contracts has added 18 new apprentices during the last financial year to build on its long-established apprenticeship programme, which has just achieved a fourth consecutive placing in the prestigious annual top 100 UK Apprenticeship Employers. The business has reduced carbon emissions by 30 per cent over the last two years despite a material growth in activity and is aiming to further reduce its carbon consumption in the next 12 months. Neil Bottrill, Managing Director of EE Smith Contracts, said profits have returned to pre Covid-19 levels despite the business absorbing significant building products inflation in the year due to, now completed, fixed price contracts. He said: “When viewed against the continuing headwinds of material and labour inflation, as well as huge increases in energy costs, this last 12 months has been a financial success and one to be very proud of. “We have had the pleasure, and challenge, of carrying out work in what can only be described as the very pinnacle of the super-prime fit-out market, both in the residential and hotel sector in London. “This underlines the fact that our skillset, drive and attention to detail continues to attract the elite of the fantastic industry that we are in. “Our apprentice programmes continue to prosper and are producing excellent results. We are actively producing our next generation of highly skilled joiners, supervisors and managers. Our schemes continue our underlying philosophy to ‘train and retain’ our skill base because our workforce will always be our greatest asset. “We have a promising year ahead with the excitement of handing over the largest project in our history at The Peninsula London hotel this summer, and we will also be starting work on some phenomenal new schemes which complement our existing portfolio.” Neil Simpson, Finance Director at EE Smith Contracts, added that the business has continued to invest in its facilities and employee development to maintain its unrivalled capability and craftsmanship. He said: “With the challenges of Brexit, the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over the last five years, we have seen an extended period of uncertainty for UK industry. “The strength of our markets, our continuing focus on client satisfaction and our relentless hands-on approach have allowed our business to grow significantly in size and capability against this testing backdrop. “Due to high client satisfaction, we have a continuous stream of new business prospects from previous clients or their professional advisors. “The company is well set to continue to grow in the coming years, having retained surplus profits and further strengthened our robust balance sheet. “I am excited to see what the business can deliver once freed from the external challenges.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wyatt Homes, a leading South West housebuilder recently handed over a collection of new high-quality apartments at the prestigious Rivers Edge development in Wimborne. These homes have been built for Aster Group, a housing association dedicated to providing affordable homes for communities across the South of England and London. Situated in the heart of Wimborne, Rivers Edge will offer 79 homes for both affordable rent and shared ownership across five phases upon completion. Aster customers moved into the first phase in March 2021. Shared ownership provides an affordable way onto – or back onto – the housing ladder. Buyers purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share. This reduces the size of the initial deposit required and if they want to, purchasers can buy more shares in their property (known as staircasing), eventually leading to outright home ownership. The newly handed-over apartments mark a significant milestone in this project. Shaun Pettitt, Managing Director of Wyatt Homes, commented on the achievement, stating, “We are delighted to have successfully completed and handed over these exceptional apartments to Aster Group. Rivers Edge represents our commitment to excellence and innovation in housebuilding. “We have worked tirelessly to create homes that not only offer exceptional quality and craftsmanship but also contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of the local community. We are confident that the residents will enjoy a fantastic living experience at Rivers Edge.” Nick Ridd, Site Manager at Rivers Edge, expressed his pride in the completion of the apartments, saying, “Handing over these apartments to Aster Group is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team at Wyatt Homes. “It has been a pleasure overseeing the construction process, ensuring attention to detail and high quality at every stage. We are thrilled to have contributed to the creation of outstanding homes.” Jane Gallifent, Development and Sales Director at Aster Group said: “The team at Wyatt Homes have done a fantastic job at delivering these beautiful new affordable homes which we’ll be proudly handing over to our customers who are either choosing them as a great option for affordable rent or buying through shared ownership. “Being handed the keys to a new home provides our customers with long-term security. For many it means they are able to remain living in an area they often grew up in, close to family and friends but otherwise would’ve been priced out of due to an acute shortage of affordable homes, an issue that is a particular problem in the South West.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting on the Government’s announcement of an expansion of permitted development rights, Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association said; “There is no doubt that we need more homes as well as to reinvigorate our high streets and town centres. However, premises such as offices, barns, and shops are not always suitable for housing. “Further expanding permitted development rights risks creating poor quality residential environments that negatively impact people’s health and wellbeing, as well as a lack of affordable housing or suitable infrastructure. “It is disappointing that the Government have ignored their own commissioned research that concluded that homes converted through a planning application process deliver higher quality homes than those converted via permitted development rights. The proposals are also at odds with their ambitions to give local communities greater control over developments where they live. “Building the homes the country needs should be delivered through a locally-led planning system, and in the right places supported by the right infrastructure. Only this ensures a mix of high-quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of local communities, while also giving those communities the opportunity to shape and define the area they live in.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SP Energy Networks has completed major upgrades to the electricity network across Mid and North Wales, paving the way for the rollout of rapid EV charging across the region. In collaboration with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, SP Energy Networks has created additional electricity capacity for EV chargers to serve major roads, commuter hubs and tourist locations across Wales. This vital investment will help make low carbon car journeys accessible for more people, by giving EV users confidence in making long journeys across Mid and North Wales. It will also provide a huge boost to achieving Welsh Government’s low carbon transport ambitions, including the installation of up to 4000 rapid EV chargers by 2030. With a climate emergency declared by Welsh Government in 2019 and the ban on petrol and diesel cars approaching, future proofing the electricity network to support EV charging rollout has never been more important SP Energy Networks Manweb Director Liam O’Sullivan said: “We’ve worked closely with our partners to identify more than 20 sites that will benefit from new infrastructure for EV charge points, which will really make a difference to those commuting and travelling through Mid and North Wales. “By taking a forward-looking approach and delivering ahead of need, the Green Recovery Investment project ensures capacity is available as people make the move to low carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps. “And we’re already seeing that in action with connections at some sites already up and running and supporting customers on their journeys, such as the Rhug Estate which now makes use of eight rapid, EV chargers, making it the second largest EV charging site in Wales. “That’s exactly the kind of change we’re enabling through infrastructure investment, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners and service providers to create the net zero energy future we all want – and need.” Lee Waters, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Climate Change (with responsibility for transport) said: “We are in a climate emergency and we all need to play our part in the drive to hit net zero by 2050. “Making the switch to electric vehicles is just one thing that will make a difference but, to do that, drivers need confidence in the charging facilities available. “It is crucial that we work with the private sector to develop charging infrastructure and we are grateful to SP Energy Networks for their work in delivering major upgrades to the electricity network.” By making visitor destinations in rural Wales more accessible to EV owners, it is hoped that footfall at local businesses and tourist destinations will be increased and that local economies will benefit. And the work required to bring charging facilities to these sites is making sure local supply chains in Wales can benefit and play their part too. Eight of the sites have also been selected in collaboration with Transport for Wales, to ensure that rural commuters can access EV charging at transport hubs in local towns. Geoff Ogden, Chief Planning and Development Officer, Transport for Wales said: “TfW and SP Energy Networks worked together to identify sites to deliver capacity ahead of need. “We have worked closely with SP Energy Networks and Welsh Government to find the right locations for capacity upgrades that offer the maximum benefit for road users who are commuting. “Proactive infrastructure investment is absolutely crucial is we are to achieve Net Zero. We’ve worked with SP Energy Networks to identify 8 sites, 7 of which are now live, and it’s great to see they are already well used, particularly at Dolgellau. Proactive infrastructure investment like Green Recovery is so important to achieving net zero, it’s been great to work with SP Energy Networks to identify sites and ensure they are future proofed for increased use of EV’s.” The work has been made possible by SP Energy Network’s Green Recovery Investment Project. The Distribution Network Operator has worked with Ofgem and the Energy Networks Association to unlock over £60 million funding to help bring forward connection to low carbon technologies and accelerate the drive to net zero. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AMA FIC Ltd has secured planning permission from Lancaster City Council for the first phase of new-build works that forms the next phase of significant improvements at Heysham Business Park. Heysham Business Park lies within the Heysham Gateway regeneration area which is identified by the Council for major economic investment through its adopted Local Plan. The business park was purchased in 2021 by AMA FIC Ltd, part of Crown Oil Ltd, and the new owner has invested significantly to refurbish buildings, remove dilapidated structures and clear illegally tipped waste. The approved works represent next stage of works in its ambitions to deliver new high quality employment space that closely aligns with the Council’s ambitions to see focused employment growth in the area. The detailed planning permission will allow the delivery of four new employment units and a new gatehouse, significantly improving the appearance of the site entrance and kickstarting further investment in the park. P4 Planning is advising AMA FIC Ltd on the planning strategy to bring forward a coordinated approach to the wider site’s redevelopment, which is strategically located close to Heysham’s port and power station. Bill Davidson, Managing Director at P4 Planning said: ‘AMA FIC has worked hard to clean up this once dilapidated employment site and this proposal is a critical next step that will deliver additional environmental benefits and act as a catalyst for further economic growth in Heysham.’ Stephen Chicken, from asset manager SCP Investments said: ‘We are pleased to secure planning approval and are grateful to officers and the members of the planning committee. It has been a long process, but our team has worked tirelessly with the council to bring forward these plans. We look forward to continuing to work with the local and country authorities in a proactive manner because these development proposals, that align with the strategic plan, are critical to economic growth in the region.’ P4 Planning is working with architects Bate and Taylor, SCP Transport, Cudd Bentley, E3P and Gravitate Consulting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest research from digital property pack provider, Moverly, has revealed that cooling market conditions and the higher cost of borrowing have resulted in one property market silver lining, as the number of homes returning to the market following a scuppered sale have reduced by 60% when compared to the start of the year. Moverly analysed data on the current number of homes to have returned to the market following the collapse of a previously agreed sale and how this level of market instability has changed since the start of the year (July versus February 2023). The figures show that currently some 2,118 homes have returned to the market across England, -60% fewer when compared to the start of the year, with every region of the nation seeing a reduction. Yorkshire and the Humber has seen the largest reduction in the number of homes returning to the market, down -67% since the start of the year. The West Midlands (-63%) and North East (-63%) also rank within the top three in this respect. The South East is the region where the most homes are currently returning to market, accounting for almost a quarter (24%) of the national total. London also accounts for a considerable proportion of these homes (14%) along with the East of England (14%). In terms of the property type that is most likely to cause sellers to return to the drawing board, detached homes top the table, accounting for 38% of all homes returning to the market. Flats are the second most common (26%), followed by semi-detached homes (22%). Moverly co-founder Ed Molyneux, commented: “The current property landscape is far from desirable, with increasing interest rates pushing up mortgage costs and deterring many buyers and existing homeowners from making their move. In recent months, this has led to a reduction in market activity, with house prices also cooling due to declining buyer demand levels. However, one silver lining to these cooler market conditions is a fall in the number of homes returning to the market having previously agreed a sale. This demonstrates that those buyers who are moving forward with a purchase are doing so after a far greater degree of consideration than was shown during the erratic highs of the pandemic market boom. As a result, fewer transactions are collapsing due to the fact that buyers are in a proceedable position and aren’t being found out further down the line.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MP Rishi Sunak took part in a special ground-breaking ceremony at the site of a new multi-million pound primary school in Northallerton. Mr Sunak, who is the MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire, joined the milestone occasion which signalled the start of construction at the Alvertune Road site. Also in attendance were representatives from North Yorkshire Council, the Dales Academies Trust and the contractors, Hobson & Porter. The school, which academy leaders have promised will be a “flagship of excellence”, will be run by the Dales Academies Trust and will be based in the northern part of Northallerton, where a major new housing development is being built. The Dales Academies Trust was selected as the sponsor for the school following a competitive process, which attracted interest from several trusts. The trust has announced the new educational establishment will be called Oakbridge Church of England Primary School and will begin welcoming its first pupils in September next year. The 2024 opening date gives certainty to the availability of school places in a part of North Yorkshire where housing growth is expected to increase the population. A phased opening will start with reception children in 2024, expanding to the full cohort over seven years. North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “We were delighted to welcome the MP for Richmond Rishi Sunak and are so pleased that work has begun at the new school site. “This demonstrates the council’s commitment to making sure there are the right number of school places, which allows children to be educated in their local communities. “We continue to provide children and young people across North Yorkshire with the best learning environments, enabling all our leaners to thrive. We believe Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is going to be a tremendous asset for the community.” Speaking about his visit, Mr Sunak said: “It was great to see work under way on a very important multi-million-pound investment in education in Northallerton. “This is a vital element of the North Northallerton development project, part of making sure the new housing has the appropriate infrastructure in place to support the families that will be moving here.” The school’s location is close to the new link road which spans the site earmarked for housing, ensuring access for pupils, staff and other members of the public is convenient. Nikkie Godbold, director of primary for Dales Academies Trust and executive headteacher of the new school, said: “We considered at length the naming of the school. Ultimately, we were inspired by an oak tree in the vicinity of the development and the new bridge at the other end of the road on which the school is situated.” Richard Hunter, managing director at Hobson & Porter, which has been awarded the contract to build the school, said: “Starting work on this new school is an exciting moment for everyone involved with this project. “There’s no doubt that once it’s complete, this school will become a hugely valuable part of the local community.” The site was acquired through a planning condition agreed with a housebuilder developing land nearby and Oakbridge Primary itself will account for investment of more than £7 million when complete. During his visit, the Prime Minister also took time out to see North Yorkshire Council’s Multiply team in action. A series of ‘fun on a budget’ workshops were held for families at the campus in Northallerton. Free activities were held to help with budgeting tips, ideas for free days out and how to enjoy the summer holidays with children while sticking to a budget. The Multiply scheme is an adult numeracy programme which has been allocated £2.6 million to be spent in North Yorkshire through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund up to March 2025. The overall objective of the Multiply programme is to increase the levels of numeracy for adults across the country. Meanwhile, the Multiply team works with community groups and individuals aged 19 and over who would like to feel more confident with maths in everyday life. Anyone interested in finding out more about the courses on offer can email multiplyteam@northyorks.gov.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans submitted by British Land to build a new multi-level logistics hub in Enfield have been secured. The site at Heritage House, located near Junction 25 of the M25, has excellent connectivity and will cater for the growing demand for rapid distribution across Greater London. The main 435,000 sq ft building will be split into two levels, allowing access to HGVs to both the ground and first floor service yards. The plans provide flexibility of layout, including potential for sub-division, to meet the requirements of a wide range of occupiers and ensuring the building can meet both current and future market demand. British Land is also providing 20,000 sq ft of space at the front of the site to cater to smaller occupiers. In line with British Land’s ‘Greener Spaces’ pillar of its 2030 sustainability strategy, the scheme will be rated BREEAM Excellent, with an EPC A rating. All available roof space will be used for solar photovoltaics which, combined with air source heat pumps, will offset 80% of the site’s carbon emissions. British Land’s 2.9m sq ft Greater London urban logistics pipeline has a gross development value of £1.3 billion and aims to be one of London’s most environmentally sustainable and centrally located urban logistics portfolios. The pipeline includes two sites off the Old Kent Road (Mandela Way and Verney Road), Finsbury Square Car Park, The Box at Paddington Central where planning consent was received earlier this year, and sites at Wembley and Thurrock. To date, British Land has submitted planning applications for 1.6m sq ft of potential urban logistics space. British Land acquired Heritage House, a 200,000 sq ft warehouse, in 2021. The site is currently let to Waitrose and Crown Records Management. Mike Best, Head of Logistics at British Land, said: “Following a successful planning outcome at Paddington Central earlier this year, we are delighted to have received consent in Enfield for our first multi-level scheme. Our densification and repurposing strategy will help address the acute shortage of prime logistics space in London. “With over 1 million sq ft of urban logistics schemes currently in planning, we have exciting opportunities ahead where we can leverage our skills delivering complex developments across the capital.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
