The City of London Corporation has approved plans from Landsec to transform Hill House, EC4 into a sustainable workspace and new rooftop restaurant. The news follows planning approval being granted at the end of 2023 for the redevelopment of 55 Old Broad Street, EC2. Combined, the developments will deliver over
The world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building is now just months away from claiming its place in Birmingham’s history books. With the core reaching level 40 and floorplates reaching level 35, Octagon has already begun offering unparalleled views of the city below. On completion, the Octagon will stand proudly
A proposal for Latitude Yellow – a new 12-storey sustainable office development by BAM – has been approved by Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel, following significant support from local stakeholders. The proposals will be located on the final remaining plot of the former Doncaster Monk Bridge works off Whitehall
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site with planning permission for an 81-bedroom care home in Ewell, Surrey. The site, which was formerly occupied by the Organ & Dragon pub that was demolished in 2014, sits in a highly prominent position, at
Visitors to the event can discover investment options in Greater Lincolnshire including Low Carbon Energy and Agri-food Councils from Greater Lincolnshire will be represented at the annual real estate investor forum UKREiiF next month, alongside representatives from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and Team Lincolnshire – a public
SJ Roberts Construction has secured three new contracts worth £17.6m with Barcud, one of the leading housing associations in Wales. The news further strengthens the relationship between the two organisations which have previously collaborated on developments in Newtown and Presteigne in Powys. These most recent contracts form part of Barcud’s
Leading pub, bar and restaurant chain Mitchells & Butlers have named Milton Keynes-based building services experts Project 1 as their ‘Contractor of the Year’. Specialising in design, construction, refurbishment and ongoing property maintenance services, Project 1 are a long-standing partner of Mitchells & Butlers, contributing significantly to the success of
Plans have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for a multi-million-pound maritime hub in Whitby. The hub will provide training and certification opportunities for the maritime, marine and offshore industries, to residents of Whitby and the wider area. The application has been submitted following a public consultation in January and
In late March, the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s opened a new ‘local’ store within Princes Dock, situated on Liverpool Waters, creating 20 job opportunities. This expansion aims to cater to the growing number of businesses and residents within Peel Waters’ lively waterfront district. Occupying a ground floor unit beneath the 760-space
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and
The City of London Corporation has approved plans from Landsec to transform Hill House, EC4 into a sustainable workspace and new rooftop restaurant. The news follows planning approval being granted at the end of 2023 for the redevelopment of 55 Old Broad Street, EC2. Combined, the developments will deliver over 660,000 sq ft of best-in-class office space in the City of London. Hill House is adjacent to Landsec’s New Street Square cluster and has been designed to respond to market demand for sustainable, well-connected workplaces supported by great local amenities. It will enhance the Square Mile’s cultural and leisure appeal by combining 380,000 sq ft of high-quality office space with a rooftop club room and terrace, restaurant, cultural events space and a new ground floor home for the much-loved Shoe Lane Library. Hill House will be net zero in both construction and operation. Nearly 60% of the existing structure will be retained and materials from the building will be recovered and re-used where possible. The all-electric building will be powered by air source heat pumps and procure 100% renewable electricity to help businesses meet their ESG targets and respond to employees’ growing sustainability expectations. Oliver Knight, Head of Workplace at Landsec, said: “Businesses are looking for sustainable workspaces in the best connected and most vibrant locations to attract staff into the office and support employee wellbeing. The market for best-in-class space remains robust and, with an increasingly constrained supply pipeline across London, will continue to grow. “Not only will Hill House provide modern, energy efficient workspace, with a new rooftop clubroom and terrace, skyline restaurant and cultural space, it’s set to become a truly seven day a week destination.” The design for Hill House includes extensive access to nature. Alongside landscaped public realm, accessible terraces feature on every level and an external ‘vertical forest’ will cascade down from the top of the building. Hill House was designed by Apt architects. BH2 are leasing agents for Landsec on the development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building is now just months away from claiming its place in Birmingham’s history books. With the core reaching level 40 and floorplates reaching level 35, Octagon has already begun offering unparalleled views of the city below. On completion, the Octagon will stand proudly at 155 meters (410 feet) tall, as a testament to Birmingham’s burgeoning skyline. The pair of tower cranes have now reached their final height, allowing main contractor Midgard to construct the remaining 10 floors of the building core ahead of its practical completion, scheduled for summer 2025. The Octagon isn’t just a feat of engineering; designed by Howells Architects, it’s a testament to innovation in architectural design. As the world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building, it stands as an example of progress and possibility in Birmingham. This milestone marks a significant leap forward in Paradise’s commitment to deliver a world-class estate and with a true mixed-use proposition by providing 370 spacious new Build to Rent (BtR) homes. Birmingham is the second fastest-growing city centre population in the UK, ahead of cities like Manchester and Leeds, with 7,000 new residential units either being built or planned across the city centre. Backed by global real estate investor City Developments Limited (CDL) of Singapore, the £110m project pays homage to the nearby Jewellery Quarter with its metal-influenced workshops and products. “As a high-profile tall building with a world-first and highly sustainable design ethos, Octagon will become an important part of the city’s skyline for years to come,” Ross Fittall, Paradise’s Commercial Development Director said. “We are creating a highly recognisable landmark for our city that will build on Birmingham’s growing reputation both at home and abroad, and the latest milestone in Octagon’s progress is something to celebrate.” The architecture of Octagon, a pure octagon with eight equal sides, is an exciting world-first for the city, making the building instantly recognisable on the skyline. The shape of the building responds to the plot of land upon which it sits, maximising light in every home and creating unique appeal thanks to the utilisation of both views and space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A proposal for Latitude Yellow – a new 12-storey sustainable office development by BAM – has been approved by Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel, following significant support from local stakeholders. The proposals will be located on the final remaining plot of the former Doncaster Monk Bridge works off Whitehall Road, in the established Leeds West End Business District. Developed by BAM, Latitude Yellow will provide over 200,000 sqft of Grade A commercial office space. Latitude Yellow has been meticulously designed to create the next generation of high-quality, sustainable office space. With a vision to be the most sustainable new workspace in Leeds, the development will achieve Net-Zero status from day one, totally eliminating the need for fossil fuels throughout the lifetime of the building and relying exclusively on renewable energy sources. The development will target BREEAM Outstanding and a Nabers rating of 5.5. The design promotes sustainable and active travel, with minimal on-site car parking, premium changing facilities and secure cycle storage areas. The development has been designed to offer exceptional amenities and access to outdoor space, with the inclusion of a gym, ground floor café, event space, and roof garden. Biodiversity-friendly features include green walls throughout the development and a new public realm. Over 25% of the budget for Latitude Yellow has been allocated to local social value initiatives, so the development will directly benefit the local community. The decision to approve the application was taken by the City Plans Panel on 11 April 2024. Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The development – which has now seen its planning application approved – will provide much needed, modern office space on brownfield land in a key location for the city centre. It’s encouraging the new building will be Net Zero, setting an example for future office developments on the road to a low carbon future. We welcome the steps they’re taking to ensure all energy and electricity used by the site will be sourced exclusively from renewable energy, as well as the commitment to sustainable construction. “We look forward to seeing the building progress and further improving this part of the city centre.” Managing Director of BAM Properties, Euan Miller, said: “We’re delighted that our application has been approved by Leeds’ City Plans Panel. Sustainability is at the heart of Latitude Yellow and our proposals have had a really positive response from both the local community and senior stakeholders in Leeds. “In particular, we’re glad to see the City Plans Panel’s support for the promotion of sustainable city centre travel by limiting the amount of car parking spaces. We’re now aiming to begin work on site later this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site with planning permission for an 81-bedroom care home in Ewell, Surrey. The site, which was formerly occupied by the Organ & Dragon pub that was demolished in 2014, sits in a highly prominent position, at the junction of the A24 and Ewell bypass. Planning consent was achieved in February 2024 and the care home development will provide much-needed best-in-class accommodation for the local elderly population. When completed, the scheme will benefit from 100 per cent wet rooms, luxury communal resident amenities, balconies, and landscaped gardens. Following a competitive sales process run by the specialist care development brokerage team at Christie & Co, the site has been purchased by leading care home developer, Morrison Community Care Group, which plans to complete construction in 2026. Paul Sokhi, Managing Director at Morrison Community Care Group, comments, “Morrison Community Care has a long-standing reputation in the design and development of care homes. We are one of the UK’s leading care home developers because we are passionate about providing the very highest standard of living and service possible, having successfully done this in Scotland for over 30 years, we are now excited to bring our expertise to England. This is another step on the group’s journey to achieve our target of becoming the largest care home developer in the UK, to ease pressure on the NHS, and to provide quality, welcoming, sustainable care facilities for those that require them in our local communities and beyond. “We are delighted to announce that the Group has continued its expansion into England, and has now come as far south as Surrey, with the acquisition of this site. We look forward to bringing the Morrison Community Care product of sustainable quality care environments to Ewell, where residents can enjoy safe quality time while enjoying many amenities such as a cinema, champagne bar, spa, bistro and a private dining room.” Jordan Rundle, Director – Head of Healthcare Development at Christie & Co, comments, “We are delighted to have assisted in the delivery of a state-of-the-art care home scheme for the local community in Ewell. As is the case with many Greater London locations, the local catchment has a material shortfall of market-standard care bedrooms to meet the current demand statistics. This transaction is another example of the demand for high-quality consented development sites being robust within urban M25 locations. Morrison Community Care Group performed exceptionally well on the purchase, and we look forward to visiting the care home once it is built.” The development site was sold for an undisclosed price. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Visitors to the event can discover investment options in Greater Lincolnshire including Low Carbon Energy and Agri-food Councils from Greater Lincolnshire will be represented at the annual real estate investor forum UKREiiF next month, alongside representatives from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and Team Lincolnshire – a public and private sector group of Lincolnshire ambassadors. The Greater Lincolnshire contingent will also be providing two speaker sessions at the event within the Midlands Engine Partnership Pavilion, led by nationally recognised sector specialists; Lincolnshire: Feeding the UK and Energy in the UK: How Lincolnshire is at the Forefront of the Low Carbon Energy Sector. With over £1bn of investment opportunities in the region, Greater Lincolnshire will be showcased by the collaborative inward investment team, who will be promoting the county’s strengths as the place to live, learn and work, with an emphasis on the quality of life. Investment opportunities across the region include the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, Humber Freeport, offshore renewables hub, hotel sites ready for development, land earmarked for housing, multiple business centres and commercial space and more. UKREiiF runs from 21 to 23 May, and now in its third year, it’s set to attract more than 10,000 delegates from the property industry, with more than 250 UK local authorities in attendance and 70 guest speakers over the three-day event. Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment and Economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We have ambitious plans for Greater Lincolnshire and using the national platform UKREiiF provides, will be targeting investors, developers and organisations that can help drive forward our five core sector propositions. These are low carbon energy, agri-food, advanced engineering and manufacturing, defence & security and our visitor economy. “As we have 25% of England’s grade 1 arable land and 11% of its food production, with leading industry clusters across the food value chain, from agriculture to food manufacturing, this will of course continue to be a focus for a lot of our conversations.” Lincolnshire excels in food processing and agri-tech and was chosen as one of the Government’s manufacturing zones. This followed growth deal grants of £18 million, including £5.1 million for South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and £2.4 million for University of Lincoln’s Centre of Excellence in Agri-food and Technology at Holbeach. Andy Gutherson, Executive Director of Place at Lincolnshire County Council adds: “We’re well- positioned in Greater Lincolnshire because as well as having established industries, we are also at the forefront of emerging opportunities for investment in the UK. In low carbon energy, we are already creating profitable opportunities and industrial businesses aligned with national sustainability goals. “We are also home to the UK’s most ambitious industrial decarbonisation project, a dynamic circular economy cluster, and the country’s leading offshore renewables hub.” Ruth Carver, Chief Executive at Greater Lincolnshire LEP said: “By attending UKREiiF as a collective, we are showcasing what Greater Lincolnshire can offer to an audience of key players, developers and decision makers within the property and investment industry. “Our team will be more than happy to talk about the devolution opportunities and recent developments in Greater Lincolnshire either now or in the future.” In addition, Team Lincolnshire, professional services firm Knights and contractor Lindum will be co-hosting a fringe event for Team Lincolnshire ambassadors and guests on 22 May, with over 100 attendees expected. Those interested in attending can email teamlincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk The Greater Lincolnshire Pavilion is within the Pavilion Zone at the event with refreshments from Lincoln-based operator Stokes Tea & Coffee. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SJ Roberts Construction has secured three new contracts worth £17.6m with Barcud, one of the leading housing associations in Wales. The news further strengthens the relationship between the two organisations which have previously collaborated on developments in Newtown and Presteigne in Powys. These most recent contracts form part of Barcud’s ongoing commitment to deliver new homes in the communities where they’re most needed and will see affordable housing constructed in Knighton on the Shropshire/Wales border, in Builth Wells, Powys and Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. Work has started in Knighton where a mix of eighteen 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes are being built to A-rated energy standards thanks to the inclusion of air source heat pumps and solar PV panels. The homes, located on West Street in the town, will all be available on an affordable rent basis, with work anticipated to complete in Spring 2025. A further 31 homes will be built on Hospital Road in Builth Wells, and 34 on Piercefield Lane in Aberystwyth. Work on those sites will start later this year. Commenting on the investment and decision to again partner with SJ Roberts Construction, Alex Dawson, Head of Development at Barcud, said: “Investing in the communities where affordable housing is most needed is a priority for Barcud, and ensuring those homes meet the very highest standards of quality and energy efficiency is a value we’re all very proud of. “It is, therefore, vital that we partner with a main contractor that shares these values and which can demonstrate an unrivalled commitment to quality and excellent construction management. Having worked with SJ Roberts on previous projects, we are confident in the team’s ability to successfully deliver these new homes and look forward to seeing the positive impact that they have in the communities of Knighton, Builth Wells and Aberystwyth.” Concluding for SJ Roberts Construction, Mike Sambrook, MD, said: “Our track record delivering quality homes across a range of tenures for social landlords is something we’re incredibly proud of.“Having successfully partnered with Barcud previously on a 36-home project in Presteigne, Powys and the Maes Dulais development in Newtown, it is testament to our experience in this sector that we’ve been appointed to build 80 further homes for the team. To us, this isn’t simply an agreement to build houses, but instead to create vibrant communities that the residents feel proud to call home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading pub, bar and restaurant chain Mitchells & Butlers have named Milton Keynes-based building services experts Project 1 as their ‘Contractor of the Year’. Specialising in design, construction, refurbishment and ongoing property maintenance services, Project 1 are a long-standing partner of Mitchells & Butlers, contributing significantly to the success of various projects across their esteemed portfolio of brands. This year, Project 1 have been recognised as ‘Contractor of the Year’ for their exceptional performance and outstanding general works, marking their unwavering commitment to excellence within the industry. “We’re honoured to receive Mitchells & Butlers’ Contractor of the Year Award! We’ve been working with the company for two years and it’s brilliant to be recognised for the excellent work we do by such a respected name in the hospitality industry” says Des Brown, Director of Project 1. Project 1’s highly skilled team have provided design, construction and ongoing property maintenance services for Mitchells & Butlers, including carpentry, plumbing and flooring. In addition to the quality of work completed for the pub chain, Project 1 have been commended for their exceptional performance, including their efficiency and a consistently professional team. “This award win is a testament to our fantastic staff! Not only does it highlight the projects we’ve delivered for Mitchells & Butlers, but it showcases our team’s commitment to excellence, quality, professionalism and client satisfaction” adds Des. One of the UK’s largest pub management firms, Mitchells & Butlers’ portfolio of esteemed brands boasts top names including All Bar One, Miller & Carter, Toby Carvery, Harvester and O’Neill’s. Backed by over 20 years’ experience, Project 1 have established themselves as a go-to contractor for design, construction, refurbishment and maintenance projects at pubs, bars and restaurants. As well as the hospitality industry, the building services specialists work on residential and commercial projects across the public, education, leisure and retail sectors. Operating primarily within London, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and the East of England, Project 1 continues to set the standard for excellence. “We’re incredibly proud of our reputation for reliability, dependability and excellent service. This recognition from Mitchells & Butlers reaffirms our dedication to delivering projects of the highest quality – on time and within budget” concludes Des. For more information about Project 1, visit: https://www.project1.uk.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for a multi-million-pound maritime hub in Whitby. The hub will provide training and certification opportunities for the maritime, marine and offshore industries, to residents of Whitby and the wider area. The application has been submitted following a public consultation in January and February when 69 per cent of those who responded to the survey were supportive of the scheme. Chief Executive, Richard Flinton, said: “Submitting the planning application is an exciting step forward for this project. The Maritime Hub will open doors to new economic growth in Whitby and help provide a route for young people into the maritime and marine industries. I encourage everyone in the community to look at the plans on our website and leave comments if they wish.” Concerns about the hub being located on a flood plain have also been mitigated as the building will be designed to flood. In the event of a flood, the ground floor units will allow water to enter, and all services will be raised above one metre. After water levels drop, the units would be easily washed out. Corporate director of community development, Nic Harne, added: “We have listened to stakeholders and consultation feedback throughout the planning process before submitting this application. “Endeavour Wharf will still retain around 200 parking spaces and the height of the Maritime Hub will match the surrounding buildings such as The Angel Hotel. “We have received some suggestions that following Eskdale School’s merger with Caedmon College this summer, the school site would be a better location. But existing and potential future tenants of the wharf have stated they need direct access to the water and as such the school site would not be a suitable alternative.” The project has been developed to address a local need to develop a better supply of technical abilities in the maritime sector and put the town at the forefront of the growing renewable energy sector. The hub will also provide accommodation for maritime businesses and service providers. Workshops on the hub’s ground and first floors will house the current and new wharf-based operations and functions of the Harbour Authority. There will be classroom space, engineering workshops and marine biology laboratories, offering opportunities for training and employment in areas ranging from marine biology to off-shore wind. The second floor will be an office space for marine-based start-up businesses and other maritime industries. The space is intended to be occupied by local, regional and national businesses and organisations, making Whitby a hub of maritime activity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In late March, the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s opened a new ‘local’ store within Princes Dock, situated on Liverpool Waters, creating 20 job opportunities. This expansion aims to cater to the growing number of businesses and residents within Peel Waters’ lively waterfront district. Occupying a ground floor unit beneath the 760-space multi-storey car park, the new 5,748 sq ft Sainsbury’s Local store on William Jessop Way offers a picturesque view of Princes Dock and provides various convenient amenities, including a cash machine, in-store bakery, and Argos collection point. With over 2,000 residents now residing at Liverpool Waters, along with numerous workers and a year-round events programme, the new store will serve as another accessible facility for the local community. Liverpool City Council granted planning permission for the new store last year, which was previously occupied by Bean Café and Holyrood Nursery. Both businesses have continued to operate, with Bean Café recently completing a high-spec fit-out of their new coffee house and deli following their relocation to the adjacent unit. The opening of the new store follows a series of exciting developments for Princes Dock, which is poised to host the UK’s first Nordic-style public floating sauna. Additionally, Princes Dock will be the venue for the swim/run knockout event ‘The Eliminator’ scheduled for May 18. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Property Director, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to welcome customers to try out our new store for the first time this week.” Liza Marco, Senior Asset Manager at Liverpool Waters, commented, “Following significant growth at Princes Dock in recent months, and an increasing number of visitors to the neighbourhood, it’s great to see Sainsbury’s joining the large number of businesses now based here.” Liverpool Waters is part of Peel Waters, a UK-wide portfolio of waterfront developments focused on delivering large-scale, sustainable regeneration projects. These initiatives aim to create jobs, spur economic growth, provide new homes, and enhance public spaces across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and will be part of the company’s Executive Committee. Anna’s most recent role at Kier saw her lead the sustainability strategy for the UK-wide construction division. Previous to this she established the sustainability function at Sir Robert McAlpine, where she won Environmental Contractor of the Year. Her experience spans the client, main contractor and subcontractor value chain making her ideally placed to understand the challenges and opportunities available to the business in its vision to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Commenting on her new role, Anna said: “Aggregate Industries is a future focused and innovative company with sustainability at the heart of its vision. “I’m thrilled to be joining this business and look forward to working alongside the talented teams here to deliver an ambitious sustainability agenda that will add real value for our customers and communities.” Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer for Aggregate Industries, said: “Decarbonising our operations and the wider industry is central to our vision and strategy as a company. “So it is great to have Anna joining us at this exciting time. She has an established track record in sustainability within a construction setting and understands the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to her continuing to take us forward on our journey.” Aggregate Industries launched its first Sustainability Strategy: Building Progress for a Sustainable Future in May 2022 and last year it released its ambitious plan to achieve zero carbon emissions before 2050 through its Our Journey to Net Zero strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
