January 10, 2024
Sheffield’s first zero carbon-ready office development completed

Sheffield’s first zero carbon-ready office development completed

Henry Boot Construction, part of the Henry Boot Group, has officially completed work on Elshaw House, the flagship office development within Heart of the City. The exceptionally-designed building, with its striking black metal façade, has already become a standout aspect of Sheffield’s evolving skyline. Located between Wellington Street and Carver

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Planning application submitted for new Eco Business Park

Planning application submitted for new Eco Business Park

On behalf of Stockport Council, and working with the Cheadle Town Fund Board, Network Space Developments has submitted a detailed planning application for a new Eco Business Park in Cheadle. Designed to target BREEAM Outstanding and emerging Net Zero Carbon in construction accreditation from the UK Green Building Council, the

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Costain awarded landmark new contract with Northumbrian Water

Costain awarded landmark new contract with Northumbrian Water

Appointment adds to Costain’s wins in the new water regulatory cycle Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been appointed by Northumbrian Water (NWG) to help shape and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme. The framework will see contracts awarded with the potential value of up to £670m to Costain over

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

January 10, 2024

Sheffield’s first zero carbon-ready office development completed

Sheffield’s first zero carbon-ready office development completed

Henry Boot Construction, part of the Henry Boot Group, has officially completed work on Elshaw House, the flagship office development within Heart of the City. The exceptionally-designed building, with its striking black metal façade, has already become a standout aspect of Sheffield’s evolving skyline. Located between Wellington Street and Carver Street in Sheffield, it is the city’s first zero carbon-ready office building, incorporating 70,000 sq ft of flexible workspace across seven floors. With Henry Boot Construction now finished on-site, Elshaw House is ready for occupiers to move in and tailor their own bespoke fit-outs. A key part of the transformational Heart of the City masterplan – led by Sheffield City Council and their Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry, the innovative design reduces overall operational energy use. It has achieved an “excellent” five-star NABERS UK rating, placing it in the top 1% of office buildings in the country for energy efficiency. Elshaw House also boasts an Excellent BREEAM sustainability rating and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A. The latest energy-efficient technologies have been adopted, including heat pumps, mixed-mode ventilation and cooled slabs to regulate the building’s temperature, whilst green energy supplies will further boost its sustainable credentials. Tony Shaw, Managing Director for Henry Boot Construction, said: “It’s a great moment to see Elshaw House reach completion. This is the pinnacle of commercial developments, utilising the very latest in sustainable technology. “We’re proud to have delivered this project despite facing a number of well-documented industry-wide challenges. Working in partnership with Sheffield Council has demonstrated a blueprint for collaboration and there’s no better place to do this than in our home city. “Elshaw House complements the objectives of the masterplan to support a city with a refreshed work, live and play dynamic. Spilling out onto Pound’s Park, adjacent to the new food hall and nearby residential schemes like our own Kangaroo Works, the new workspace will play a key role in attracting new businesses and talent in Sheffield.” Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of Elshaw House. We’re incredibly eager for Sheffield to be a standard bearer for sustainable practice in the region. This project, with its five-star NABERS accreditation, is a testament to the Council’s bold ambition to drive the city forward and raise the bar for other developments to follow. “Heart of the City is moving into an incredibly exiting stage of the project, with Burgess House, Isaacs Building, Elshaw House and Kangaroo Works all finished and ready for occupiers to move in. This includes the recently announced retailers Yards Store and Fjällräven. “This is a transformational year for the city centre with Leah’s Yard, Cambridge Street Collective food hall and Radisson Blu also set to open their doors in the coming months. It all shows how Sheffield is undeniably a city on the up.” Elshaw House has been attracting strong market interest, with tenants expected to be formerly announced in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning Approval Granted for 321 Student Apartments at St Vincent Street, Glasgow

Planning Approval Granted for 321 Student Apartments at St Vincent Street, Glasgow

Artisan Real Estate & Homes for Students to Develop 321 Self-Contained Apartments  Ambitious proposals for high quality student accommodation in the heart of Glasgow city centre have been given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council. Award-winning developer Artisan Real Estate together with Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student management company, will now take forward proposals for 321 self-contained studio apartments at 292-298 St Vincent Street, aimed primarily at the post-graduate and overseas student market. The plans include demolition of the existing office block, which has remained vacant since 2019 and replacing it with the new student development, bringing new investment, interest and life back to Glasgow city centre. The planning consent follows an extensive consultation exercise with the neighbouring community, which has largely supported the proposals. Local feedback recognised the need for student accommodation in Glasgow city centre, with many agreeing the proposals would help to address the current shortfall in the city’s student accommodation whilst easing pressure on the city’s current residential stock. Similarly, development plans were also welcomed by the local business community – including restaurants, cafes and bars – which are all currently suffering from the decline of office workers returning to the city centre following the pandemic. Welcoming the planning consent, Artisan’s Scottish Regional Director David Westwater, said: “The site is in a superb city centre location, within easy walking or cycling distance to a number of higher and further education establishments within the city. There is a demonstrable need for high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in the city, especially for individual studio apartments. The more longer-term student market we are targeting will bring energy and investment to the city centre and ensure deliverability of a superbly designed development to replace the existing office block which has remained vacant for four years.”  The new student development proposals will provide a welcome boost for the city centre and are set to complement the Glasgow City Council-backed ‘Golden Z’ plan to re-energise the central commercial district, criss-crossed by Sauchiehall, Buchanan and Argyle streets. This includes plans for less retail and more restaurant and culture operators, with other suggestions including using empty upper floors of buildings for housing and shared workspaces. Mr Westwater added: “We have engaged with the local business community, which is suffering with the decline of office workers following the pandemic, and they widely welcomed the prospect of renewed investment and energy that the development will bring to the area. We will actively work with our neighbours to make the development an active and integral part of the local area, providing opportunities for our neighbours to share communal meeting spaces.” Homes for Students is the largest independent student management company in the UK with 40,000 beds nationwide and a strong regional presence across Scotland. The company’s core focus is on student wellbeing, environmental social governance (ESG) and community integration. Martin Corbett, Chief Executive Officer of Homes for Students said: “We are proud to have worked closely with Artisan Real Estate to ensure this is a best-in-class purpose-built scheme by providing high quality accommodation and amenities which students will enjoy living in. We will ensure we provide our residents with an exceptional student experience and encourage them to integrate and support the needs of the local community alongside our own highly experienced team who will foster and support their wellbeing.” Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate is an award-winning property developer and investor, with a strong track record in delivering innovative and sensitive development across Scotland and in Glasgow in particular. The company has recently completed the spectacular £80 million transformation of the city’s A-Listed Custom House and neighbouring buildings into a vibrant hotel quarter overlooking the River Clyde. Artisan first secured planning permission for the 292-298 St Vincent Street site in 2020 with plans for a 255-room, 4-star hotel. Due to the impact of Covid 19 pandemic on the hospitality sector, alternative uses were explored resulting in a revised planning application for 250 serviced residential apartments. Artisan subsequently secured a planning approval for this ‘co-living’ residential development from Glasgow City Council in early 2023, which is now superseded by the student development consent. For more information on 292 St Vincent Street and to register for updates, visit the project website at: www.292stvincentstreet.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning application submitted for new Eco Business Park

Planning application submitted for new Eco Business Park

On behalf of Stockport Council, and working with the Cheadle Town Fund Board, Network Space Developments has submitted a detailed planning application for a new Eco Business Park in Cheadle. Designed to target BREEAM Outstanding and emerging Net Zero Carbon in construction accreditation from the UK Green Building Council, the 115,000 sq ft multi-unit development at the Bird Hall Lane site will provide a flexible range of light industrial space, delivered across six units ranging from 40,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft. The scheme will be environmentally exemplar and market leading, incorporating low carbon technologies and building materials to facilitate net zero carbon in both construction and operation. All-electric, the buildings will use Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) technology, solar PV and externally incorporate the use of timber cladding. The scheme will appeal to a wide range of businesses, targeting occupiers operating in the clean growth and green technology sector alongside commercial occupiers seeking low carbon and highly sustainable business premises. The scheme is set to create upwards of 200 jobs once complete. Catherine Chilvers, Development Director at Network Space Developments, said: “We are delighted to have accelerated the submission of a detailed planning application for Cheadle Eco Business Park. The development expertise of Network Space and ambition of Stockport Council has unlocked the design of an innovative and environmentally exemplar scheme designed to target BREEAM Outstanding and align with emerging Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. We have carefully designed the scheme to minimise energy demand and usage, utilise low embodied carbon building materials and enhance the wellbeing of future tenants. The scheme will proudly enable Stockport MBC as Landlord to set a new benchmark for lower carbon and sustainable industrial development in the North West.” The development is central to the Town Investment Plan, which will unlock Cheadle’s economic potential and drive clean growth, it has secured £4.4million of Government Town Fund support as part of a wider £13.9m Town Fund package alongside the Cheadle Rail Station and Active Travel projects. The next key milestone is the appointment of a preferred contractor to support a start on site early 2025. Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to provide a new green employment zone which will bring new jobs to the area with a core focus on the environment, sustainability and opportunities for clean energy generation. This project will be an important aspect of our Economic Plan and in our work on CAN (Climate Action Now). Working alongside NSD will enable us to pursue a ground breaking design in a marketplace which has typically lagged behind other sectors regarding sustainability.”  Brian Bradley, Cheadle Town Board Chair, said: “On behalf of the Cheadle Town Board, we are really pleased that the Eco Business Park has reached yet another milestone in submitting a planning application. The sustainability and innovative design of the scheme demonstrate our commitment to improving the environment for Stockport’s employees and residents. The jobs created will be a major boost to the area for generations to come and we can’t wait to see the scheme on site. “Alongside the Eco Business Park the work on the new Rail Station at Cheadle is progressing well. Planning consent has recently been granted and further technical design work and modelling is being undertaken and will continue in 2024”. The project team includes architects, AEW, Spawforths planning, Tyler Grange landscape and ecology, Wilde Consulting Engineers and M&E from Kaizen Consulting. The agents appointed to the scheme are CBRE and B8. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Circularity in the built environment could reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the construction sector by 75% by 2050

Circularity in the built environment could reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the construction sector by 75% by 2050

A new report published in partnership between McKinsey & Company and the World Economic Forum reveals that the construction sector’s carbon dioxide emissions – from building to real estate to infrastructure – can be reduced by up to 75% or 4 gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2050 through the establishment of a circular economy. The report has found that circularity also presents substantial economic advantages, with the potential to yield an annual net profit gain of up to $46 billion by 2030 and $360 billion by 2050. As the population grows and urbanization accelerates, 30 billion square meters of new buildings will need to be constructed in the next 40 years – similar to building the equivalent of New York City every 40 days. Most of this growth will occur in emerging markets including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Creating a sustainable and resilient built environment is crucial for people’s well-being and to stay within safe planetary limits. “The construction sector is a crucial industry for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the long term,” says Sebastian Reiter, partner in the Munich office of McKinsey and co-author of the study. “One-third of material consumption and 26% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from this sector. At the same time, this sector employs 7% of people globally and accounts for 13% of economic output.” The report considers the potential for carbon dioxide abatement and potential net value gain for six key building materials: cement and concrete, steel, aluminium, plastics, glass and gypsum.   Key findings include: ·       Circular loops could abate up to 4 gigatonnes of CO2 (Gt CO2) in 2050. ·       In 2030, recirculation of materials and minerals and CCS/CCU are each expected to contribute around 40% of total abatement. ·       Circularity in cement has the potential to create the highest value pool across materials, with an estimated net value gain of $10 billion in 2030 and $122 billion in 2050. In conclusion, Jukka Maksimainen, senior partner in the Helsinki office of McKinsey and co-author of the report notes: “Our analysis of the construction sector shows an extraordinary potential for circularity – not only through carbon dioxide savings but also on a financial level. Nevertheless, we see hardly any solutions in the market that address this issue at scale yet – this makes it even more essential that we identify scalable solutions and make them visible.” To download the report: Circularity in the Built Environment: Maximizing CO2 Abatement and Business Opportunities, please see here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Costain awarded landmark new contract with Northumbrian Water

Costain awarded landmark new contract with Northumbrian Water

Appointment adds to Costain’s wins in the new water regulatory cycle Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been appointed by Northumbrian Water (NWG) to help shape and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme. The framework will see contracts awarded with the potential value of up to £670m to Costain over the 12-year period and builds on significant recent wins in the water sector for the company. The framework contract will see Costain work with the water company and its partners to shape, create and deliver solutions to meet the strategic needs of NWG’s business plan during Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8). The contract starts immediately and will run for a seven-year initial term with an option for a further five-year extension.  The framework is the Living Water Enterprise, the innovative vehicle developed to deliver NWG’s complex long cycle programmes in AMP8, comprising 12 partners and the water company. The work will involve: AMP8 will see the biggest investment in the water industry for decades. In 2023, Costain extended into AMP8 its Managed Service Provider contract with United Utilities and its consultancy work with Yorkshire Water. Costain has also won funding from Ofwat to support innovation projects. Alex Vaughan, CEO, Costain, said: “Costain is a leading business partner to the water industry, ensuring that water companies achieve value for money as they meet the needs of their customers and the regulator during this crucial period for water investment. We’re looking forward to supporting Northumbrian Water in this new working relationship, upgrading both its wastewater and water treatment infrastructure to improve people’s lives and safeguard the environment. At Costain, we develop solutions by building collaborative and sustainable relationships with our customers, and we’re excited to begin this vital work.  “This contract win not only reflects our continued growth in the water sector, but it also reinforces our commitment to improving critical infrastructure in the North-East of England. This includes major upgrades to the region’s highways and our carbon capture work in Teesside as part of the East Coast Cluster, generating opportunities for regional suppliers and employment for local people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Before You Get Started on Your Renovation Work, Identify Your Kitchen Style and Preferences

Before You Get Started on Your Renovation Work, Identify Your Kitchen Style and Preferences

A kitchen isn’t a leftover space or a place to be defined at the end of the project. It’s the powerhouse of the home, empowering the needs of people who live there, and its importance in our lives can’t be overstated. What motivates people to renovate their kitchens can vary widely, depending on individual circumstances, but the remodelling process remains the same. Every now and then, changing the kitchen’s existing design, décor, and layout is a must. Some things are critical to consider before your remodel, such as the style of the kitchen. From contemporary to traditional (and everything in between), there are several choices in terms of creating the perfect cooking space.  You and your loved ones spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, so transform it into a space you’re going to love. There are many options to choose from when it comes to kitchen styles, but if you’re struggling to pick the right direction, keep in mind these suggestions. Knowing how to find the right look for your cooking space doesn’t have to be complicated.  Contemplate The Architectural Qualities and Period of Your Home Before ruminating over kitchen styles, the design process entails some decision-making, such as what architectural elements to highlight. When breathing new life into the cooking space, you should consider more than the interior; think about the home’s architecture as well. If you have a stunning house, you’ll want to emphasise its lines and style with your décor choices. A couple of additions and choices are the ideal way to make your building unique and stand out. By identifying your house’s style and researching it, you’ll get a much-needed understanding of the design details and nuances that have been incorporated into your home, which in turn helps get an idea of what your interior scheme should look like.  The age of the home impacts the type of remodelling project you can carry out and the amount of money you might spend. Irrespective of the total amount of floor space of the building, a kitchen renovation makes sense if it’s small, obsolete, hazardous, or no longer suits your lifestyle. According to the experts at Kitchen Warehouse Ltd, a timeless design transcends trends and fads. If you want to future-proof your kitchen, create a framework that can be adapted over time as technology and tastes change. Ensure your money is well-spent by achieving the perfect combination of form and function.  Don’t Limit Your Choices to What You Find in Showrooms  To meet the rise in demand for one-of-a-kind kitchens, manufacturers now make available cabinets, countertops, and fixtures in today’s most popular styles. Nevertheless, your options aren’t limited to what you come across in kitchen showrooms. Most kitchen design styles fall into these three main categories:  Incorporate Materials That Give Your Home a Unique Look When selecting the materials that will be part of the interior design, consider what emotion you want to elicit, and depending on this, make choices that best combine with the rest of the rooms in the home. The countertops and the cabinetry dominate the space, not forgetting that they set the tone for how the kitchen will be perceived. Ready-made granite countertops, for instance, provide both durability and a luxurious feel, blending seamlessly with various styles. Review the architectural elements and materials already in use throughout the building to make the best decisions. The kitchen materials should follow the same line of tone as the rest of the rooms in the house, especially if you have an open floor plan.  Give Priority to Durability Undoubtedly, aesthetics can set the tone and style of your kitchen, but it’s durability that guarantees your cooking space remains functional for years to come. Think about how each element will tolerate factors such as moisture, bumps and nicks, high traffic, and exposure to harsh cleaners, to name a few. Keeping your existing kitchen is better for the environment than putting in a new one, so don’t throw everything into the bin. Durability is directly proportional to care and maintenance, so practise proper upkeep with a cleaning routine that tackles and prevents grime.  Decide If You Want Appliances to be Out of Sight or Visible for Everyone to See  Besides materials, appliances matter in terms of energy efficiency, enabling you to save running costs while using fewer resources and being better for the environment. Just like picking paint colours, appliance trends come and go, so incorporate them wisely. Settle for options that make cooking and cleaning easier for you. Designers prefer to hide their appliances behind a panel that imitates the look of the space’s cabinets. The result is that the cooking equipment falls into the background, creating unhindered cohesion in the process. Every piece of equipment is tidy and organised, therefore saving you a lot of frustration.  Perhaps you want to display the kitchen appliances in plain sight, creating an unfitted kitchen. The cooking equipment gives the space character on account of its sleek and modern design. As a way of illustration, an exposed fridge adds a pop of colour. Vintage refrigerators are orange, green, yellow, and purple. As you plan for your kitchen remodelling, don’t feel compelled by the things you think you need to have in a prominent position. Think about what you need to have easily accessible, such as a kettle, a microwave, a standing cooker, and so forth. 

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