The planning green light given for the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster is to become a reality for visitors to one of the country’s leading theme parks as Thorpe Park gets set to launch Hyperia to the public next month (24 May 2024). The new £18 million, 236ft height ‘Hyperia’
Church Street Place, a joint venture between Arlesco Ventures Ltd, and Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd along with their principal contractor BCEGI, project monitors Naismiths, with funding by lending specialist Zorin Finance, proudly celebrated the Topping Out ceremony, marking a significant advancement in the Build to Rent (BTR) development. The project,
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has been instructed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to act as planning consultants in the preparation of a planning application for a new herbarium building at the Thames Valley Science Park at Shinfield just south of Reading. The new facility is intended to maintain and
Three Net Zero office buildings at Princes Dock, Liverpool Waters, will become the first commercial office buildings in Liverpool to connect their heating and hot water supply to the new Mersey Heat network. The multi-million-pound energy centre, currently under construction and set to complete in the autumn, will have the
Real estate firm Redevco is embarking on a refurbishment project for its mixed-use building located at 376-384 Oxford Street, aiming to create a space that operates with net zero carbon emissions. Situated opposite Bond Street underground station, the building stands out as one of Oxford Street’s unique ‘island’ properties. Originally
Brookfield replicates successful platform building model to capitalize on the strong demand for warehouse space from blue-chip companies Brookfield, through its European logistics business, continues to significantly expand its platform of high-quality specialized logistics assets. This year the platform will have a gross leasable area (GLA) of 43 million square
Following Climate Change Committee reports that the Scottish government’s ambition to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030 is out of reach, and the ensuing decision to scrap the target, Don McLean, CEO of Glasgow-headquartered climate tech company, IES, comments on the vital role that the built environment can play in
Peabody has appointed Higgins Partnerships to build 189 homes at Deptford Landings, southeast London. The project will not only tackle the urgent demand for affordable homes in London but will also be Peabody’s first venture into providing homes that achieve Passive House certification. The Passive House concept is widely accepted
McLaren Construction has been selected to build a four-story last mile logistics hub for Southwark and central London. The firm was appointed by British Land. The first of a new generation of multi-storey logistics hubs by British Land, the 140,000 square foot building on a 0.78 hectare site on Mandela
WJ Group has shown its continued commitment to reducing carbon in infrastructure by gaining PAS 2080 certification with the British Standards Institute (BSI). With more than 30% of UK greenhouse gas emissions being attributed to the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure assets, PAS 2080 certification recognises businesses that have
The planning green light given for the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster is to become a reality for visitors to one of the country’s leading theme parks as Thorpe Park gets set to launch Hyperia to the public next month (24 May 2024). The new £18 million, 236ft height ‘Hyperia’ ride, will offer visitors a nerve shredding experience. The new ride soon to launch at Thorpe Park – Surrey on the outskirts of London, by operator Merlin Entertainments, was supported by planning and development consultancy Lichfields. Set to open to the public on 24th May 2024, the eponymous ride inspired by the fearless Greek goddess Hyperia, will allow up to 20 riders per train to experience a new level of excitement and speed as they hurtle around the 995m-length track at speeds of over 80 mph and reaching heights of 236ft! According to an economic impact assessment, upwards of 123 seasonal and 31 full-time jobs could be created when it opens in May. Thorpe Park is expected to see an economic uplift on the back of a significant increase in visitors keen to enjoy the new rollercoaster ride. Approval for the project secured by Lichfields, is explained by planning director Hannah Whitney, as an important project for the park’s operator Merlin Entertainments, to enable them to keep ahead in a competitive leisure sector. She said: “New rides and attractions are the lifeblood of the theme park industry. We built a compelling case for the ‘Hyperia’ ride, working closely with the local authority to show the need for investment at Thorpe Park – a green belt location – and its long-term benefits. We have drawn extensively on our experience and expertise to deliver an impactful planning case to secure that approval. “It also reflects our ability to handle sensitive leisure developments and get them over the line, working in close cooperation with both local planning authorities and sector developers. It’s experience that can be shared on further big projects as other sector operators look to invest in their infrastructure and assets.” Lichfields advising on major leisure and visitor attraction projects for over 40 years, continues to advise Merlin Entertainments to develop the Thorpe Park site in the future and ensure its success in the theme park arena. Neil Poulter, Divisional Director at Thorpe Park said: “We’re delighted to be launching the UK’s tallest, fastest and most weightless ride which has been years in the making. Despite the site’s planning constraints, Lichfields worked with the Park’s Management team and wider design team to deliver a planning permission that has allowed us to add to our other record-breaking rides.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Church Street Place, a joint venture between Arlesco Ventures Ltd, and Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd along with their principal contractor BCEGI, project monitors Naismiths, with funding by lending specialist Zorin Finance, proudly celebrated the Topping Out ceremony, marking a significant advancement in the Build to Rent (BTR) development. The project, at its midway point, is poised to redefine a substantial section of Eccles’ town centre and elevate the community’s residential presence. Church Street Place is a transformative development involving the demolition of existing properties to make way for a multi-story structure accommodating 272 one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental apartments. Additionally, the development includes 685 square metres of ground floor commercial space, contributing to the enhancement of Eccles’ retail and F&B offerings. The development consists of ground plus 3 & 5-story buildings, complemented by a tower rising to an impressive 22 stories. The ground floor, strategically positioned to address Church Street, Vicarage Grove, and Birkdale Grove, seamlessly integrates into the existing urban fabric. In addition, the Local Authority now controls the redevelopment of the town’s shopping centre which is integral to the wider area as a whole. The multifunctional ground floor encompasses commercial spaces, apartment entrances, plant, and service areas. Notably, it provides 19 car parking spaces and 168 bicycle spaces, emphasising a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly living. A meticulously designed planted courtyard, situated behind the podium, adds a touch of greenery and offers residents private, accessible amenity space. Reflecting on this milestone, Steve Carnes, Managing Director of Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd, expressed, “Today’s Topping Out ceremony signifies a crucial moment in the project’s timeline, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the development team, as we witness the structure reach its highest point, we anticipate the positive impact Church Street Place will have on Eccles and its community.” BCEGI’s Lead Director, Mr Yu commented, “Topping Out is a significant milestone for any construction project; however, this event holds particular importance for the wider regeneration of Eccles town centre. The achievement is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the entire project team and has been a fantastic project for BCEGI to be a part of.” John Crompton, associate director of project monitoring at Naismiths, said: “Having been involved since the pre-construction phase when the funding facility was being agreed, it’s fantastic to see the plans brought to fruition. Working alongside both the developers and BCEGI for the first time, and furthering our existing relationship with Zorin Finance, has been a seamless experience. It’s fantastic to have supported all involved in reaching this phase of such an important project for the area. “ Andrew Scotting, Partner at Zorin Finance said: “‘We are delighted with the progress of the development to date which is down to the capability and professionalism of the contractor BCEGI and the development management team at Silver Lane.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has been instructed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to act as planning consultants in the preparation of a planning application for a new herbarium building at the Thames Valley Science Park at Shinfield just south of Reading. The new facility is intended to maintain and protect Kew’s preserved plant collection of over 7m dried plant specimens for future generations. It will provide space for future growth of these collections, as well as a more efficient and sustainable building which will deliver value for money. As a world-class herbarium, the facility will ensure the usability of the collections for biodiversity research and provide the flexibility to respond to future needs. The move to the TVSP site will additionally enable the redevelopment of the Kew Gardens site for improved and expanded research, education, and public engagement facilities, enhancing the global impact of RBG Kew’s work. The estimated net construction cost is £100m. The project will be completed in line with RBG Kew’s sustainability strategy, Climate Positive by 2030: urgently tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis which is based on a commitment to achieve or better the RIBA 2030 Challenge, LETI Operational Energy and Embodied Carbon Targets, BREEAM Outstanding, and the wider RIBA Sustainable Outcomes. Nicky Brock, Partner, Planning and Development, Carter Jonas Oxford, commented, “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to prepare this planning application. The new herbarium project will enable RBG Kew to continue its unparalleled work in botanical research and, importantly, increase accessibility to this wealth of knowledge. With the benefit of a comprehensive sustainability strategy, the new facility addresses significant global issues and we look forward to a positive resolution.” Mark Rushworth, Project Director at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew commented, “We are delighted to appoint Carter Jonas to join our project team to deliver our new Herbarium at Thames Valley Science Park in Reading, which is promoted by the University of Reading. The project is critical to support our mission to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on earth. We are very much looking forward to joining the British Museum and the National History Museum who are also located at the site.” It is anticipated that the planning application will be submitted in December 2024. In the meantime, Carter Jonas is working with the project team in the preparation of the application, liaising with the council officers and local stakeholders, and public and stakeholder consultation later in the year. It is hoped that planning consent will be granted in May 2025. Carter Jonas’ Planning team will work closely with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (architects) and Gardiner and Theobald (project, cost and construction management). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three Net Zero office buildings at Princes Dock, Liverpool Waters, will become the first commercial office buildings in Liverpool to connect their heating and hot water supply to the new Mersey Heat network. The multi-million-pound energy centre, currently under construction and set to complete in the autumn, will have the capacity to provide low carbon heat and hot water, through the Mersey Heat network, to thousands of homes and businesses around the city, reducing energy costs and their carbon footprint. Businesses based at No. 8, No. 10, and No. 12 Princes Dock, which sit within Peel Waters’ growing Liverpool Waters district, have already been verified as Net Zero for three years running. The popular waterside office space will now also benefit from locally generated heat, through the district heat network and energy centre. This will make it the largest cluster of offices in Liverpool to provide this opportunity to its tenants. The energy centre, which will be home to one of the UK’s largest water source heat pumps, will take heat from the water in the nearby Leeds/Liverpool Canal and use it to heat surrounding homes and businesses via a 6km district heating network. Last year, renewable energy company, Vital Energi was appointed by Peel NRE to design and build the energy centre off Great Howard Street, which is expected to be complete by September 2024. Led by Peel NRE’s district heat network specialist, Ener-Vate, the Mersey Heat network is set to become a major part of Liverpool’s low carbon energy infrastructure. The Mersey Heat network will reduce Liverpool’s reliance on fossil fuels and save 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year – the equivalent of taking 1,000 cars off the roads. The infrastructure will provide low carbon heat and hot water to thousands of homes and commercial space within Liverpool Waters as well as sustainably futureproofing future developments planned for the growing mixed-use district, as well as wider domestic and commercial buildings across Liverpool. This initial phase of the project could supply 20GWh of heat every year with planning permission in place to expand the project to supply around 45GWh (the equivalent of supplying 17,000 new homes with heating and hot water). Liza Marco, Senior Asset Manager at Liverpool Waters, said: “With construction of the new energy centre underway, it’s fantastic that we are now securing connections to the network from offices at Princes Dock. This is a highly desirable location for businesses, with a beautiful waterfront setting and access to range of amenities but, at Liverpool Waters, we are also striving for excellence in sustainability and climate resilience. This is also a big priority for our tenants and our growing community, and so it is vital that we connect to this ambitious project right across the Liverpool Waters site to ensure the sustainable regeneration of Liverpool’s northern docklands.” Andrew Wightman, Pre-Construction Director at Vital Energi said: “It’s fantastic to have a number of buildings at Princes Dock signed up to connect to the Mersey Heat network. Securing early adopters to the scheme further fortifies the need for heat networks across cities like Liverpool, where a range of buildings are seeking to contribute to the UK’s wider net zero journey and invest in their own sustainable heat and hot water infrastructure. Vital Energi are delighted to be a part of the Mersey Heat network, developing and delivering a futureproofed and low carbon heat network.” Liverpool Waters is part of Peel Waters, a UK wide portfolio of vibrant and innovative, waterfront developments, delivering large-scale, sustainable regeneration projects, creating jobs, economic growth, new homes and new public realm across the country. To find out more about the office space available at Liverpool Waters, visit www.liverpoolwaters.co.uk or contact Liza Marco lmarco@peel.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate firm Redevco is embarking on a refurbishment project for its mixed-use building located at 376-384 Oxford Street, aiming to create a space that operates with net zero carbon emissions. Situated opposite Bond Street underground station, the building stands out as one of Oxford Street’s unique ‘island’ properties. Originally constructed in the 1950s, it has previously housed retailers such as C&A and, more recently, Gap. Currently, the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors are leased out as office space. Under Redevco’s plans, the second and third floors will undergo conversion into office space, while retail areas will be retained on the basement, ground, and first floors. The new retail store will maintain its existing triple-height frontage, ensuring a prominent presence on Oxford Street. The renovated offices will incorporate advanced features such as air quality sensors, technology-driven waste management systems, and a new building management system, all aligned with Net Zero targets. Redevco aims for a Well Platinum rating for all office floors in the building, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Chris Baker, UK portfolio director for Redevco, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting Oxford Street’s significance for such an investment. He emphasized the project’s role in revitalizing a building with a rich history spanning over 70 years. Collaboration with existing occupiers, neighbors, and local stakeholders has been integral to minimizing disruptions and maximizing positive impact on the West End area. Faithdean has been appointed as the principal contractor, with TFT serving as the project manager. The refurbishment project is expected to be completed by 2025, aligning with Redevco’s mission to create more livable and sustainable cities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Brookfield replicates successful platform building model to capitalize on the strong demand for warehouse space from blue-chip companies Brookfield, through its European logistics business, continues to significantly expand its platform of high-quality specialized logistics assets. This year the platform will have a gross leasable area (GLA) of 43 million square foot, as Brookfield focuses on further building its logistics footprint in its core markets, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Brookfield’s 2024 growth strategy focuses on leveraging its reputation as a reliable global partner for blue-chip clients and continuing to deliver state-of-the-art warehousing in response to increasing local demand. With the traditional landlord-tenant dynamics shifting, the future will trend towards more flexible, bespoke solutions. These changes are being driven by several factors, including the shift from global to nearshoring, the consolidation of supply chains, the scaling of e-commerce supply chains post-pandemic, and the need for more sustainable operations such as decarbonized logistics for warehousing. Brookfield has signed 4.3 million square foot of notable leases with blue-chip customers over the past twelve months, with the first quarter of 2024 accounting for over 3.2 million square foot of activity. These leases highlight Brookfield’s strength in the market as an investor-developer managing the full process from land sourcing and building development, through to flexible leasing and proactive property management. Dan Benhamou, Senior Vice President at Brookfield, said, “We’re not just delivering warehousing solutions; we are working with our tenants to implement their supply chain infrastructure. Our approach across the full logistics life-cycle, with in house development skills and operating capabilities, enables us to build leading platforms, for example Castignac, which is continuing to push boundaries that help our customers unlock more international growth opportunities.” For more information, please visit the website at www.brookfield.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following Climate Change Committee reports that the Scottish government’s ambition to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030 is out of reach, and the ensuing decision to scrap the target, Don McLean, CEO of Glasgow-headquartered climate tech company, IES, comments on the vital role that the built environment can play in driving progress towards net zero. Don McLean, CEO of Glasgow-headquartered climate tech company, IES, commented: “We’ve long known that the scale of the climate challenge is immense. However, it’s disappointing to see that Scotland has missed so many annual targets and its ambition to reduce carbon emissions by 75% by 2030 is now beyond reach – and officially scrapped. “We’re already in a state of environmental emergency, and right now is simply not the time for our industry and society to backtrack on its commitments. Scotland’s 2045 net zero target remains in place, so we must now look ahead and further accelerate our efforts to decarbonise. “We’ve already proven that progress can be made; between 1990-2021, Scottish greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by almost half (49.2%) compared to the baseline level in 1990. This issue isn’t about politics; it’s about our planet, and the private sector has a unique opportunity to acknowledge its responsibility and take the initiative to drive action. “However, the biggest problem as I see it is that like most governments around the world, the Scottish government does not have the mechanisms in place to properly measure and make the reductions required to meet these ambitious targets. This is especially so in the built environment. Buildings are complex in the way they are designed, built and operated and in turn need sophisticated tools to navigate their decarbonisation. Without them governments face an impossible task.“Buildings are responsible for almost two-fifths (39%) of global energy-related carbon emissions, and governments, businesses and landlords must invest in their long-term decarbonisation plans to ensure that they opt for the most cost, energy, and carbon-efficient options for the future. By doing so, they can play a meaningful role in decarbonisation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peabody has appointed Higgins Partnerships to build 189 homes at Deptford Landings, southeast London. The project will not only tackle the urgent demand for affordable homes in London but will also be Peabody’s first venture into providing homes that achieve Passive House certification. The Passive House concept is widely accepted by the construction industry as the standard to aim for when reducing a building’s running costs and the amount of energy it uses. The energy needed to heat and cool Passive House buildings can be 90 percent lower than that of regular buildings, and more than 75 percent lower than typical new ones. Peabody’s homes at Deptford Landings will be one of the largest single-phase Passive House projects in the UK to date and will see residents benefitting from reduced energy costs and a significant improvement in comfort and air quality. The fully affordable scheme from Higgins, managed by Peabody, will include social rent and shared ownership homes – helping local people from the council’s housing waiting list in London. It will be made up of three eight-storey buildings, two of which will have large roof terraces, and a central landscaped courtyard. Designed by architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), with Max Fordham engineers and a high calibre design team, each home will benefit from a private balcony. Block 6A will provide 69 one- and two-bedroom homes, while Block 6B will comprise 61 homes ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. The final residential block, C, will have 59 one- and two-bedroom homes. The homes will be part of a masterplan being delivered by Lendlease. The global company is developing a community with new homes, shops, a renovated pub, and green spaces connected to The Waterline Way walking and cycling route. The project is unfolding in stages, offering residents a vibrant place to live, work, and socialise. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction has been selected to build a four-story last mile logistics hub for Southwark and central London. The firm was appointed by British Land. The first of a new generation of multi-storey logistics hubs by British Land, the 140,000 square foot building on a 0.78 hectare site on Mandela Way is designed for a unique blend of industrial and logistics. Stacking logistics space over multiple floors allows the building to be subdivided, multi-tenanted and adaptable to future trends and climates. The ground floor provides access for a variety of distribution vehicles, including HGVs and cargo bikes. The building is served by 5 goods lifts, a further 3 lifts for cycles and cargo bikes and 6 passenger lifts. McLaren’s contract includes plant, landscaping, access, vehicle and cycle parking. Building services works are limited to give maximum flexibility to future tenants, meaning around 90% of the build is shell and core only with the remainder built to a CAT A office fitout. The BREEAM Excellent design includes low carbon materials and 1,470 square metres of rooftop photovoltaics above a mix of green and blue roofs, the latter collecting for a grey water system. The total biodiversity net gain for the former car pound site is 167%, which includes creation of an ecological corridor alongside a residential boundary. David Gavin, managing director for industrial and logistics at McLaren, commented: “We are seeing a new generation of clever industrial buildings that stack light industrial, warehouse and distribution space to keep a broader range of jobs in urban areas and serve demand for last-mile distribution space. If there’s one thing they have in common, it’s that they maximise their use of tight urban sites, requiring ingenuity and careful planning for the plant and materials we need for construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WJ Group has shown its continued commitment to reducing carbon in infrastructure by gaining PAS 2080 certification with the British Standards Institute (BSI). With more than 30% of UK greenhouse gas emissions being attributed to the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure assets, PAS 2080 certification recognises businesses that have to come together to deliver low carbon infrastructure projects and reduce their environmental impacts. To achieve PAS 2080 status, WJ Group demonstrated to the auditors that it had made considerable progress in reducing its carbon emissions and have a systems-based approach to being a greener link in the supply chain. This included promoting industry collaboration as well as reviewing its products and service methodology. During the accreditation process, the business demonstrated their ability to work within a PAS 2080 community delivering lower carbon infrastructure. Paul Aldridge, Sustainability Director at WJ Group said: “Receiving PAS 2080 certification is independent recognition of our significant and ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact while collaborating on the vital projects on the highways network. For many years, we have worked to reduce our carbon footprint through our products and delivery methods to become part of the solution. We believe we have had some success in this area, but our sustainability efforts will not end here – this is just the start.” The announcement follows WJ Group’s recent success at the Green World Awards where it was given a gold level award for the carbon reducing impact of its driver behaviour scheme. In the first year of the initiative, the business saw a 7.75% reduction in emissions as well as a 12% increase in Miles Per Gallon. WJ Group has been working actively on reducing its carbon footprint since the early 2000s when it started recording and monitoring its energy usage, gaining Carbon Trust accreditation in 2015. Since then, the business has made significant advances including eliminating 20,000 tonnes of embedded carbon a year by reviewing the materials, wastage, and transportation of its thermoplastic road marking products. Alongside this, WJ Group has made considerable effort to upskill employees across all areas of the business on their Green Skills, helping them understand their individual impact on the Group’s efforts to decarbonise. These steps will mean that WJ Group can achieve its Net Zero targets. With sustainability being a significant priority for clients, designers, contractors, and suppliers alike, securing certifications such as PAS 2080 demonstrates WJ’s ability to play a positive role in the delivery of low carbon infrastructure projects. Paul continued: “Currently, over 80% of our company cars and vans are hybrid or electric and our aim is eventually to have a fully zero emissions fleet of delivery vehicles. By doing this, all our projects in the future will be completed without the impact of fossil fuels. Alongside this, we are signatories of the Science Based Target Initiative, helping to achieve net zero by adopting an integrated systems-based approach. This is done using internationally recognised and independently audited standards including ISO 14064, SBTI, PAS 2080, ISO 14067, PAS 2050 and ISO 14040 to give our stakeholders confidence we are serious partners in change and the just transition to net zero.” For more information on WJ Group’s sustainability work, please visit: https://www.wj.uk/sustainability/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
