The master plan for transforming the Broad Marsh area in Nottingham has been unveiled, progressing from the initial vision to detailed plans outlining new homes, offices, leisure facilities, and green spaces. This comprehensive plan aims to create opportunities for living and working in the area, attract investment, and generate employment
Start-ups tackling some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges have the chance to supercharge their business and pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The 15 starts-ups from across Europe will benefit from a four-week programme featuring expert-led workshops, specialised mentorship,
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver Rivington Chase, working on behalf of development partners, Bolton at Home and Irwell Valley Homes, to build 116 new homes in Horwich. Work at the former Loco Works will see Caddick resume work to regenerate the former railway works, where construction was previously
The Building Safety Alliance, a collaborative effort uniting leading industry figures, associations, and bodies, has announced the publication of two pivotal documents aimed at bolstering competence standards and fostering the recruitment of qualified professionals within the residential occupied sector. The newly unveiled documents, BSAS 01:2024 Organisational Capability Management System Standard
The new Commercial Director at an ambitious homebuilder is aiming to use his expertise within the industry to develop the skill sets of the company’s commercial team. Brett Lilley will oversee all commercial operations at Genesis Homes in the newly created Director role, using more than 20 years of knowledge
A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in smart cities markets, found the total number of EV (Electric Vehicle) charging points globally will grow by 194% over the next five years; rising from 21.8 million in 2024. The research found private EV sales have slowed in the last
Wolseley Group today announced the launch of a new offering to its customers, ‘Renewables by Wolseley’, to help installers get the job done on renewable projects. The ‘Renewables by Wolseley’ range features a wide variety of products, including, Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, District Heating Solutions, Solar
Mark Wild OBE has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd to lead the completion of the high-speed railway and help realise its transformational benefits. As one of the most respected figures in the infrastructure industry, Mark brings almost four decades-worth of experience to the role. This
The latest data release by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has shown that while the average agent across Britain is listing 15 properties for sale, this measure of current market activity ranges between 10 to 25 from one major city to the next. GetAgent analysed its own internal data* looking
A parking lot is more than just a place to keep your vehicle. It’s an extension of your property and plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety of your occupants and visitors. In the United States, for example, it’s estimated that there are two billion parking spaces—10% of which
The master plan for transforming the Broad Marsh area in Nottingham has been unveiled, progressing from the initial vision to detailed plans outlining new homes, offices, leisure facilities, and green spaces. This comprehensive plan aims to create opportunities for living and working in the area, attract investment, and generate employment for local businesses. A new fly-through CGI video and images provide a glimpse of the future look of the area. The master plan, developed by major international architecture and design practice BDP and property advisor JLL, follows extensive public consultation. Key elements of the Broad Marsh vision include: Nottingham City Council appointed BDP and JLL to develop the plan for this significant city centre project. The plan will be used to continue dialogues with Homes England and the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to prepare the area for market readiness. Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It is exciting to see the Broad Marsh vision brought to life with this fly-through video. The plan shows our commitment to finding a solution for Broad Marsh and attracting investment to support the transformation. We will continue to work with partners to find the investment and developers needed to deliver our vision. “The surrounding area has changed dramatically, with the new Central Library, bus station, and car park, plus new pedestrian areas along Sussex Street and Collin Street with its new play area. We also have plans for a new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre in part of the old shopping centre. One of the biggest transformations is happening right now, with work on the Green Heart due to finish this summer. This is a significant improvement for the people of Nottingham.” Urban Design Director David Rudlin, overseeing the Broad Marsh master planning process, said: “This project represents a pivotal moment for the city of Nottingham. Building on previous work, we have created a viable scheme that will deliver a lively and creative new urban quarter, breathing new life into this important city centre site. We are also seeking sustainable solutions to reuse part of the shopping centre’s existing concrete frame to support the development of a range of new spaces that will benefit the community.” Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, added: “Unveiling the Broad Marsh Master Plan presents an unparalleled opportunity for investment and growth for Nottingham. This transformative project is set to reshape Nottingham’s landscape, creating a welcoming gateway into the city centre with over 1,000 new homes, 20,000 sqm of office and leisure space, and around 2,500 new jobs. “The retention of the old shopping centre’s structural frame for innovative spaces, including an NHS Community Diagnostic Centre and a Caves visitor attraction, highlights the importance of tourism and innovation in our region. Team Nottingham, led by Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s Invest in Nottingham, is looking forward to launching the Broad Marsh Master Plan at this week’s UKREiif investment event in Leeds alongside other exciting development sites across the region.” Phil Farrell, JLL’s development director for the Midlands, said: “JLL has been supporting Nottingham City Council for a number of years on Broad Marsh. We were delighted to work with BDP, a world-class master planner, to bring this concept to life. Broad Marsh is one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the UK today and certainly the most transformative. It sits at the very centre of the city, connecting the retail core and office quarter to the emerging areas around the railway station and river. Broad Marsh will become the heart of the city, delivering a modern employment, residential, and leisure experience, sensitively integrated into world-famous heritage. JLL is proud to have been involved in ensuring this master plan is both aspirational and commercially viable.” The Broad Marsh master plan was unveiled at a special Nottingham event at UKREiiF, hosted by Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s Invest in Nottingham. A small team from Nottingham City Council joined partners from across Nottingham at the country’s biggest annual investment event. The funding to attend the event was not paid for by Nottingham City Council. Wider Regeneration The Broad Marsh sits at the heart of a current £4bn regeneration programme. Currently, building work is ongoing to create the new wildlife-rich Broad Marsh Green Heart. This new green space will feature 38 semi-mature trees, 34 of which are newly planted, colourful planting areas, a new ‘marsh’ area, several footpaths, and seating areas. The Green Heart will serve as a key pedestrian route, creating a clear and direct path from the train station to the city centre, well-lit at night and accessible for people with limited mobility. The Green Heart is the latest addition to the wider Broad Marsh public realm redevelopment. Most recently, a new play space was opened on Collin Street, featuring specially designed swings, a play trail with timber stepping blocks, balancing walkways, a seesaw, and green planting. This new play space is part of a Playable Cities Initiative and supports Nottingham’s journey to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City. In addition to the new play space, Collin Street is now fully open for pedestrian access, with a traffic-free route connecting the Green Heart and Lister Gate to the new green public space on Sussex Street next to Nottingham College. This area features a mini amphitheatre, a skateable space, and a multi-use games area. The Broad Marsh regeneration has already seen the development of a new Central Library, Car Park, and Bus Station, as well as a new Nottingham College city hub, which has transformed streets and public spaces in the area, increasing footfall and supporting businesses on Lister Gate. Recently, it was announced that a new state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre will be located on the Broad Marsh regeneration site, run and staffed by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The CDC will be a one-stop shop supporting GPs by providing direct access to diagnostic services such as MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, echocardiography, ECG, and lung function testing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice
Start-ups tackling some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges have the chance to supercharge their business and pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The 15 starts-ups from across Europe will benefit from a four-week programme featuring expert-led workshops, specialised mentorship, a tailored curriculum and access to a network of entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector. This year, for the first time, they also have the opportunity to pitch their technology for a trial in Amazon’s European operations, opening doors to future partnerships and Europe-wide implementation, earning them up to €2m each. The 15 selected start-ups span a diverse range of geographies and demographics, headquartered across 10 countries and together employing more than 600 people. From tackling issues arising from fast fashion, to reusable packaging and AI, the start-ups are focused on scaling their business in one of three categories: circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging. Since launching in 2022, the Accelerator has supported more than 25 start-ups across the UK and Europe, provided over US $1 million in grants and credits, and helped participating businesses increase total sales on average by 700% and raise over €18.7 million to date. This year, Dublin based HT Materials Science joins the Accelerator. Founded in 2018, the start-up has developed a simple retrofit solution that improves heating and cooling systems. The technology can be added to any existing commercial and industrial heating and cooling system, reducing energy consumption and enabling cost savings. “Building operations pose one of the most vexing challenges in the fight against climate change. Between 1990 and 2020, energy used for cooling tripled and will continue to increase as global economies expand and temperatures rise,” said Thomas Grizzetti, CEO of HT Materials Science, “Our Maxwell heat transfer fluids offer an immediate, cost-effective way to reduce the energy consumption of environmental and industrial cooling and heating systems by up to 15% while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. We believe Amazon’s Sustainability Accelerator Program will help us expand our reach to more clients and facilities around the world that can benefit from Maxwell.” In the UK, three start-ups join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator: ACS Clothing, Cheesecake Energy and Breathe Batteries. Glasgow-based ACS Clothing works with renowned brands and retailers like The North Face and Timberlandto extend the life of garments via its cleaning and repair service. Cheesecake Energy, a University of Nottingham spinout, has developed a technology system that stores surplus energy generated by a solar power plant during the day, to provide access to renewable energy for the site during non-solar producing hours. Based in London, Breathe Batteries, has built a software that can be used in any lithium-ion battery to enhance its performance and improve the charging time and lifecycle. The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a four-week programme designed to help start-ups navigate the challenges of scaling a sustainability business. Participants will meet and work with experts in Amazon’s Sustainability, Climate Pledge Fund and Climate Pledge Friendly teams, attend workshops, receive mentorship and €10,000 worth of AWS Activate Credits. For the first time this year, start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch to key decision makers for the chance to integrate their cutting-edge innovation directly into parts of Amazon’s business. During the four weeks, they will benefit from tailored support to help align them to Amazon’s needs and goals, following which they will pitch their pilots. Three start-ups will be selected to partake in an eight to ten week programme to scope their pilot with the intention to launch, earning them a potential contribution from Amazon of between €50,000 to €2 million, depending on duration and scope. “I’m so excited to welcome 15 ambitious start-ups to join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator this year, including our first ever Climate Tech Pilot,” said Zak Watts, Amazon’s International Director of Sustainability. “The scope of businesses involved means we can support even more entrepreneurs to reach their potential. Not to mention the one-of-a-kind opportunity to test their technology directly with parts of Amazon’s business. It is our mission for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator to be the best programme of its kind in the world for entrepreneurs to pioneer and scale cutting-edge sustainable solutions.” This year’s expanded Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency, and innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence, part of Accenture. The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator start-ups were chosen from hundreds of applications, with each of the selected start-ups bringing an innovative solution, strong sustainability credentials, and high growth potential to the table. The later-stage start-ups have moved beyond prototype testing and are working towards generating initial revenue and growing operations, having been selected from three key areas: circular economy, energy in buildings and packaging. Ezra Konvitz, Director & Head of Accelerators, Founders Intelligence: “We love finding the ways major companies can work with leading start-ups creating the future. The incredible start-ups and technologies that are part of the Pilot Challenge cohort give cause for hope – if we can help them find the best ways to work with Amazon’s scale we’ll achieve a game-changing impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver Rivington Chase, working on behalf of development partners, Bolton at Home and Irwell Valley Homes, to build 116 new homes in Horwich. Work at the former Loco Works will see Caddick resume work to regenerate the former railway works, where construction was previously being delivered by Lane End Developments, which went into administration in April 2023. Construction work will see Caddick build 38 family homes across eight terraces of four and five-bedroom homes, and two four-storey developments totalling 78 apartments. All homes will be available for affordable rent and shared ownership. Rivington Chase forms part of a £262m regeneration scheme for which outline planning permission was granted in 2015 for 1,700 homes and additional heritage, educational, retail, leisure, health and well-being services. This includes the expansion of Chorley New Road School to serve the new homes. Caddick’s presence in Horwich also includes the construction of a new health and wellbeing hub on behalf of United Healthcare Developments, which will provide a range of medical services for the local community. Caddick’s appointment to Rivington Chase marks the second project to be delivered on behalf of Bolton at Home following the completion of a new extra care development in Little Lever, including 62 one and two-bedroom apartments and six bungalows for those aged over 55 years. Dave Saville, Regional Director at Caddick Construction North West, commented: “All projects, particularly those for new residential developments, require positive momentum for the benefit of all involved, from the community to the supply chain. We are honoured to have been appointed to take forward the development of Rivington Chase following the unfortunate setbacks to-date. Our focus is now on getting work on site underway so that our clients’ ambitions of delivering quality homes for Bolton are back on course as soon as possible.” Dominic Conway, Group Director of Development & Growth, Bolton at Home, added: “It is really good to get this development progressing back on site after a disappointing set back. The new affordable homes will be a real boost to the area as there is significant demand for affordable homes in Horwich and few become available for customers to express interest in. The development also forms part of the wider regeneration of the area and complements the new facilities, which have and are being delivered in Horwich.” Andrea Swanwick, Development Director at Irwell Valley Homes, said: “It is fantastic to be moving forward with this development again and working in partnership with Bolton at Home and Caddick Construction to deliver much-needed affordable homes in this part of Bolton. “The mix of tenures offers choice for local people, while the wider regeneration of the neighbourhood is already bringing benefits to the broader area. We’re excited to begin on site and looking forward to seeing its transformation into a vibrant and sustainable community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Safety Alliance, a collaborative effort uniting leading industry figures, associations, and bodies, has announced the publication of two pivotal documents aimed at bolstering competence standards and fostering the recruitment of qualified professionals within the residential occupied sector. The newly unveiled documents, BSAS 01:2024 Organisational Capability Management System Standard and Guidelines outlining competence expectations for stakeholders involved in specifying, procuring, and managing services for occupied high-rise and higher-risk residential buildings in England, serve as essential resources for organisations seeking to enhance competence within their building safety functions. These initiatives align with the imperative of meeting the requirements set by the new building safety regime and its regulations pertaining to competence. In an evolving landscape where evidence of competence management, particularly organisational capability, is increasingly scrutinised, stakeholders across the sector must demonstrate their commitment to upholding rigorous standards. Clients will demand tangible proof of competence management, compelling organisations of all sizes and complexities within the supply chain to ensure the proficiency of their workforce, including contracted and subcontracted personnel. The development of these documents is a testament to the dedication and expertise of industry professionals who have tirelessly contributed to their creation. Anthony Taylor, Building Safety Alliance said: “The Alliance wish to thank all those who have given their valuable time and knowledge to developing common approaches to the requirements of the new regulatory regime. We would also extend our thanks to those representatives of BSR and DLUHC who acted as observers to the groups who have been developing these documents over many months.” The Standard and the Guidelines documents are immediately available through the Building Safety Alliance website https://buildingsafetyalliance.org.uk/ . The Standard will next become part of the British Standards Institute (BSI) standards development process, towards a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) or full British Standard (BS). Both documents are available free of charge – anyone interested in the Standard, will be engaged in a feedback process. For more information and to enquire about collaborating on the Building Safety Alliance’s work, please visit buildingsafetyalliance.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new Commercial Director at an ambitious homebuilder is aiming to use his expertise within the industry to develop the skill sets of the company’s commercial team. Brett Lilley will oversee all commercial operations at Genesis Homes in the newly created Director role, using more than 20 years of knowledge of the industry gained while working at some large housing developers across the North West. Joining from Story Homes where he was Associate Commercial Director for the North West, Brett is looking forward to using his expertise within the construction industry to develop the skills of people learning their trade in Cumbria. Brett said: “I’m very excited to be joining Genesis Homes, which is a homebuilder really going places and making its mark in construction across the North West. “There are certain geographical challenges that working in rural Cumbria brings but Genesis has already proved that there is a great amount of talent on the doorstep, which the company has developed through a programme of support and investment. “Through my role as Commercial Director, I want to build on the great work already ongoing at Genesis Homes to make sure our staff are the best they can be, and putting into place more specialist coaching and mentoring programmes will help us achieve this and bring on the next generation of commercial staff. “I am joining Genesis Homes at a really exciting period of its ambitious growth journey, and by appointing myself and Construction Director David Graziano, the business is investing in experience and expertise to reach these targets.” Brett’s career started as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Fairclough Homes, with spells following at Chelford Homes, Countryside Properties and Rowland Homes. It was while working as a Surveyor at Rowland when an opportunity to move into a more senior role presented itself, following a company restructure during the recession of 2008. After working with the company for 12 years, Brett moved to Russell Homes as Head of Commercial before heading on to Story Homes. While looking for a new opportunity, Brett was blown away by the ambitions and proactivity of Genesis Homes. He said: “I had a few interviews with other developers but when I met with Genesis’ Managing Director Nicky Gordon I could immediately see his passion, and it struck me how modern his approach to housebuilding was. “Nicky has a clear mindset of what he wants the business to achieve and how he wants to achieve it, and it was his refreshing honesty and openness to try new procedures which aligned to my values. “The first task is to review the commercial department from top to bottom and identify areas for improvement, but we’re really excited to be working together and pulling in the same direction to keep developing Genesis Homes’ excellent brand and reputation.” Genesis Homes was founded in the Cumbrian town of Penrith in 2017 and builds high specification new homes across Cumbria and Lancashire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in smart cities markets, found the total number of EV (Electric Vehicle) charging points globally will grow by 194% over the next five years; rising from 21.8 million in 2024. The research found private EV sales have slowed in the last year due to a number of factors, including range anxiety and reduced government EV purchase subsidies for consumers. Government support has shifted to building charging infrastructure, with new initiatives including the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme in the UK, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the US, being some of the key driving factors in expanding charging networks. An extract from the new report, Global Electric Vehicles Charging & Batteries Market 2024-2029, is now available as a free download. Support of Rapid Charging Technology Is Critical to Success The research identified the long duration of charging sessions and the impracticability of charging on the go as key barriers to wide-scale EV adoption. It urges service stations and retail outlets to take advantage of government EV charge point initiatives by installing rapid DC (Direct Current) chargers. By doing this now, infrastructure providers will avoid paying for costly upgrades in the future. Rapid DC chargers typically charge up to 150kW compared to fast chargers, which cannot charge beyond 22kW. This results in newer EV models, such as the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai IONIQ 6, becoming a more appealing option for potential adopters, due to reduced charging times via public charging services. The study predicts that the US and UK will be the largest two adopters of this emerging technology; accounting for over 45% of infrastructure by 2029. In addition to the significant improvements in charging times, the integration of rapid DC chargers also aligns with the advancements seen in electric vehicle testing. As more rigorous and comprehensive tests are conducted, it’s evident that faster charging capabilities are not only beneficial for consumer convenience but also enhance electric vehicles’ overall performance and reliability. This improved infrastructure and vehicle technology accelerates the transition to electric mobility, reinforcing the necessity for stakeholders to invest in rapid charging solutions. About the Research Suite The new market research suite offers the most comprehensive assessment of the electric vehicle charging & batteries market to date; providing analysis and forecasting of over 56,500 datapoints across 60 countries over five years. It includes a ‘Competitor Leaderboard’ and examination of current and future market opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wolseley Group today announced the launch of a new offering to its customers, ‘Renewables by Wolseley’, to help installers get the job done on renewable projects. The ‘Renewables by Wolseley’ range features a wide variety of products, including, Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, District Heating Solutions, Solar Panels, Battery Storage and Accessories, Heat Emitters, Biomass Solutions, Ventilation Systems and Heat Interface Units. The initial range will feature products from industry-leading brands including Panasonic, Vaillant, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Bosch, Ideal, Daikin and Grant. It will launch through all 400+ Plumb Centre branches and online at www.wolseley.co.uk/renewables from Tuesday 28 May 2024. Wolseley continues to invest in colleague training to build further expertise within renewables. Additional to this, they have also launched a specialist hub to support teams in helping customers with product queries and quotations in the renewables space. Chief Operating Officer, John Hancock, said: “’Renewables by Wolseley’ is part of a longer-term strategy to enhance our capabilities and offering in renewable heating and energy efficient solutions. The aim is to connect our customers, colleagues, and suppliers in delivering energy-efficient solutions into the market that make a difference.” “Renewables is a rapidly developing sector; our aim is to help customers grow their expertise to install energy-efficient products with confidence. With our vast product range and in-house support hub, we aim to be the trusted partner for our customers as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy technologies. I believe that by working together with our partners and customers, we can make a significant environmental impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mark Wild OBE has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd to lead the completion of the high-speed railway and help realise its transformational benefits. As one of the most respected figures in the infrastructure industry, Mark brings almost four decades-worth of experience to the role. This includes an outstanding record in the successful delivery of complex railway systems – the alignment of tracks, train, power, signalling and communications – most notably as the CEO of Crossrail. Mark will join HS2 Ltd at a pivotal moment in the programme’s delivery, with civil engineering works along the route from London to the West Midlands reaching their peak and focus shifting to building the infrastructure to operate the railway. This new appointment forms part of a series of reforms across the project aimed at bearing down on costs and safely delivering the scheme on time, in line with recent scope changes announced by the Government. Mark was selected following a rigorous recruitment process overseen by the HS2 Ltd board and led by Sir Jon Thompson, Executive Chair, with backing from Mark Harper, the Secretary of State for Transport. Mark Harper said: “HS2 between Euston and the West Midlands will provide faster connections for millions of passengers, grow the economy, regenerate communities and create tens of thousands of high skilled jobs across the country. “Mark Wild brings a wealth of experience with him, including leading the successful delivery of Crossrail, and I have every confidence he will grip costs and robustly oversee this project to transform rail travel for generations.” Sir Jon Thompson said: “Mark joins HS2 Ltd with unrivalled experience and a track record of successful delivery, giving confidence that he will drive this hugely complex programme to completion – providing more reliable and faster services for rail users, while boosting the economies of the West Midlands and London. It is a mark of the scale and ambition of HS2 that we can attract a leader of his calibre.” Mark’s precise start date is yet to be confirmed. His arrival follows the departure of Mark Thurston who led HS2 Ltd for six-and-a-half years up to the end of September, 2023. Sir Jon will continue in his current position as Executive Chair until Mark’s arrival, when he resumes his previous role as HS2 Ltd Chair. Mark’s extensive experience includes key roles in the transport and utilities industries, most recently as CEO of SGN, the gas distribution network covering Scotland and the south east of England. He was previously CEO of Crossrail for almost four years, leading the project from a crucial juncture in its construction through to successful opening. The scale of Crossrail is eclipsed only by HS2 as the largest wholly new railway in the UK. Now known as the Elizabeth Line, Crossrail has been a staggering success since its launch, clocking up more than 300 million passenger journeys since opening in May 2022. Prior to Crossrail, Mark was Managing Director of the London Underground and was previously Chief Executive of Public Transport Victoria, the integrated transport authority based in Melbourne, Australia. Mark Wild OBE said: “I look forward to leading HS2 as it progresses from major construction works to its rail systems phase and beyond to the first passenger services. The scale and ambition of HS2 is phenomenal and will deliver wide-reaching benefits for the UK through more jobs, economic growth and better journeys.” Once complete, HS2 will provide significantly faster and more reliable journeys between London and the West Midlands, with trains running to destinations further north via existing lines. It will double rail capacity between Britain’s two biggest cities and provide relief to the most congested southern section of the West Coast Main Line – creating more space for local and freight services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest data release by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has shown that while the average agent across Britain is listing 15 properties for sale, this measure of current market activity ranges between 10 to 25 from one major city to the next. GetAgent analysed its own internal data* looking at for sale stock listed across 30 British major cities over the last six months before comparing this to the number of unique agents to have listed this stock, to reveal the average number of homes currently on the books of agents within these major cities. The research shows that over the last six months a total of 226,120 homes have been listed for sale across the 30 major cities analysed by GetAgent. These homes have been listed by 15,046 unique agents, meaning that on average, these agents are listing 15 properties each. Of course, this current gauge of buyer market activity differs drastically when breaking the market down from one city to the next. Plymouth is home to the nation’s busiest estate agents at present, where 4,211 homes have been listed in the last six months by 167 individual agents. This means that those agents who have bolstered their stock levels over the last six months are listing an average of 25 properties. Agents in Newcastle aren’t far behind in this respect. While the city has seen more than three times the number of new listings over the last six months when compared to Plymouth (12,652), these homes are being marketed by 550 unique agents, meaning that on average, these agents are listing 23 properties each. Across both Bristol (22) and Norwich (20), agents have listed 20 or more properties in the last six months, while in Glasgow, Liverpool, Cornwall and Nottingham they’ve averaged 18 listings. In contrast, agents in Bath, Bolton, Chester and Bradford have seen the most muted level of market activity. Over the last six months, those agents to have listed homes for sale have done so at a rate of 10 listings each. Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “It makes sense that agents in cities with lower property values and fees need to sell more properties to survive as a business. In contrast, agents in cities like London can get by with fewer completions, as each one generates a large fee. A good exception to this rule seems to be Bristol, which has relatively high property values, yet the average agent still lists 22 properties every 6 months. However, at the other end of the scale are Bolton and Bradford, where not only are the average fees very low, but the average agent also lists only 10 properties every 6 months. Obviously, this is just an average, and many agents will be doing better than this, but it does demonstrate how tough the market is in some locations. Hopefully, agents in these areas have strong Lettings departments.” Data tables and sources Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A parking lot is more than just a place to keep your vehicle. It’s an extension of your property and plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety of your occupants and visitors. In the United States, for example, it’s estimated that there are two billion parking spaces—10% of which are paid facilities. It might not look like it, but the industry earned USD$ 121 billion (GBP£ 94.88 billion) in 2022. Asphalt is the most popular parking lot surface, but different paving options might interest you. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular choices and compare each by discussing their pros and cons. You’ll also discover the essential considerations to help you make an informed decision. Asphalt: The Popular Choice Think paved parking lots, and asphalt is the first thing that comes to mind. This dark, petroleum-based material is a popular choice for several reasons: Budget-friendly Asphalt boasts a lower upfront cost compared to other options, making it ideal for larger parking areas. Hiring a reliable asphalt paving service provider helps ensure you’re getting the most out of your project. These companies offer cost-efficient yet excellent preparation, construction, maintenance, and repair solutions. Better Traction Asphalt parking lots provide a smooth, comfortable driving experience for your customers. It also has higher skid resistance, making it safer than concrete. Quick Installation and Easy to Repair Asphalt paving can be completed relatively quickly, minimizing downtime for your business. Cracks and potholes can be repaired relatively easily and inexpensively. If you’re worried about the carbon footprint of asphalt production, choose a paving company that provides eco-friendly solutions like recycling. Less Sensitive to Cold Temperatures Asphalt performs well in colder climates, as it’s less prone to cracking from freezing temperatures. Cons Despite being the most popular choice, asphalt has its drawbacks. These include: Frequent Maintenance Sealcoating is required every three to five years. It’s crucial to maintain asphalt’s integrity and prevent cracks. High Heat Absorption Asphalt tends to absorb heat more readily, which can be uncomfortable in hot climates. Shorter Lifespan Compared to concrete, asphalt typically has a shorter lifespan of around 40 years before needing replacement. Concrete: The ‘Tough’ Candidate If durability is your top priority, concrete might be your champion. This strong, weather-resistant material is known for its ability to withstand heavy traffic and harsh conditions: Built to Last Concrete boasts a longer lifespan of up to 75 years compared to asphalt, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. Low Maintenance A concrete parking lot requires less frequent maintenance than asphalt, with occasional crack repairs being the main concern. Heat Reflective Unlike asphalt, concrete reflects heat, making it a cooler option for hot climates. Cons But concrete isn’t perfect for every parking lot for the following reasons: Higher Initial Cost Concrete has a higher upfront cost compared to asphalt. Rough Ride Concrete can provide a slightly rougher driving experience compared to smooth asphalt. Crack Happens While less frequent than asphalt, concrete can still develop cracks, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles. Interlocking Pavers: A Great Aesthetic Option Looking for a touch of sophistication for your parking lot? Consider interlocking pavers. These precast concrete or stone units offer a unique aesthetic and several practical benefits: Design Flexibility Pavers come in various colours, shapes, and patterns, allowing for creative design possibilities. Drainage System Champs The spaces between pavers allow for natural drainage, reducing water pooling. Easy Repairs Individual pavers can be replaced if damaged, minimizing repair costs. Cons However, pavers come with their own set of considerations: Highest Cost Interlocking pavers are the most expensive option on this list. Installation Time Installing pavers is a more time-consuming process compared to asphalt or concrete. Weed Warrior The spaces between pavers can be susceptible to weed growth, requiring regular maintenance. Important Factors to Consider Choosing the right parking lot paving material goes beyond just the materials themselves. Here are some additional factors to consider: Traffic Volume High-traffic areas will benefit from the durability of concrete, while lower-traffic areas might find asphalt sufficient. Drainage Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water pooling and damage. Consider the natural slope of your land and choose a material that allows for proper water flow. Climate Asphalt performs well in cold climates, while concrete is better suited for hot climates. Maintenance Budget Factor in the ongoing maintenance costs associated with each material to ensure it aligns with your budget. For example, asphalt requires regular seal coating, while concrete might need occasional crack repair. Pavers are generally low-maintenance but require occasional cleaning and joint sand replenishment. Aesthetics Remember to consider the visual impact of your parking lot. Pavers offer the most design flexibility, while concrete’s clean lines can create a modern look. Asphalt provides a classic, no-frills aesthetic. Environmentally conscious individuals can ask for certain technologies that make each paving material more sustainable. We’ve earlier mentioned asphalt recycling. You can also inquire whether your preferred option supports green practices in the construction industry. Making Your Choice There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to parking lot paving. Based on the discussion above, here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you get started: Considering the discussion above will help you choose the right material that aligns with your needs and preferences. More importantly, consulting a local paving contractor is a wise move. They can assess your specific needs and guarantee that your soil or ground conditions are ideal to make your parking lot project last. These specialists can help you pave the way for optimized functionality and appearance of your parking lot.
