Restoration of a 32-year-old Antarctic runway and significant construction milestones on the new Science and Operations building, mark the end of the austral summer season for British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). Modernisation of Rothera Research Station, the UK’s polar science hub, is nearing the finish line,
OakNorth, a digital bank tailored for entrepreneurs, has provided a £48.3m loan to Vabel, a London-based developer, for a new mixed-use project at 28-34 Queensway, West London. The project, set to complete by Q4 2025, will include 27 new homes, a 24-hour concierge service, landscaped communal gardens, and 251 sqm
Leading UK contractor HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on a Manchester-based purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme for developer Greystar. One Medlock Street will comprise 1,014 high quality student rooms across 37 storeys, with access to amenity space at ground, first, eleventh and thirty-seventh floors to promote
Mayor Tracy Brabin has vowed to deliver a “new dawn” for housebuilding across West Yorkshire, by working in lock-step with local housing providers and the new government in Westminster. The West Yorkshire Housing Strategy 2040, the first of its kind for the region, has been unveiled on a visit to
Last week, Savills announced that it has acquired the UK property management business of Montagu Evans, which will be integrated into Savills’ operations. This move provides Savills with an opportunity to enhance its already robust UK property management business by further broadening its client base, particularly in the public sector.
Works have completed at Project Holst – a £75 million industrial warehouse scheme located at Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. Ansty Park is a major business park positioned next to the M6 and M69 junction providing unrivalled access to the UK’s major motorway network, which is home to a number
The construction of 750 new affordable homes on the Durham Coast is getting underway, marking the next milestone in the development of the county’s first ‘garden village’. Karbon Homes has partnered with Esh Construction to begin work on the first phase of its new homes at Seaham Garden Village. The
Castlemere Developments has completed its first major airspace project in Tunbridge Wells. The Windsor-based company has expanded into the airspace development sector and has a range of projects in the pipeline having completed this first project in Kent. The 11-unit scheme at Hamilton Court, located on Chilston Road, features five
Rangeford Villages’ latest retirement development, ‘Siddington Park’, was officially opened last week by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, at a glamourous party hosted in the village’s dedicated new restaurant and bar, The Orangery. Guests included Siddington Park owners, prospective buyers, national and regional press, and VIP’s Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen, Hermione Marriott, Lady Bathurst and
Leading provider of groundworks McCoy Contractors has been appointed to deliver the groundworks and hard landscaping for Phase 4 and 5 of The Oaks Student Village in Coventry. This prestigious project will provide an additional 1,210 rooms in purpose-built accommodation for students attending the nearby University of Warwick. The Oaks
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Restoration of a 32-year-old Antarctic runway and significant construction milestones on the new Science and Operations building, mark the end of the austral summer season for British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). Modernisation of Rothera Research Station, the UK’s polar science hub, is nearing the finish line, which BAS and programme partners, BAM, Ramboll and Sweco and their teams have been meticulously planning and delivering since 2017. The transformation will ensure BAS continues to enable the UK to remain at the forefront of climate, biodiversity, and ocean research in the Antarctic. Restoring Rothera’s Runway. Critical to the continued effective operations of Rothera is its runway. At 32-year-old the extreme weather had taken its toll. This season, the planned Ramboll design and carefully sequenced resurfacing and restoration of the runway to its original length was completed by BAM amid challenging weather conditions. The new runway incorporates existing local rock materials from the previous wharf project, aligning with BAS’s commitment to sustainability. The team installed new and improved energy-efficient runway lighting to maintain safe flying operations in the station. The works also included upgraded drainage and a new aircraft turning pad as part of the overall modernisation programme. Penultimate construction year for new science and operations building. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the Discovery Building, a state-of-the-art facility for scientific support and operations, with its high degree of insulation took shape internally, with interior partitioning for offices, the medical centre, plant room and storage areas. Externally, glazing and solar panel installations, which will support the station’s energy needs have been completed. Mechanical and electrical, work was also undertaken with four other buildings on the station having new energy-efficient heating systems installed. Designed by Hugh Broughton Architects, internally the building will use colour, light and space to create an environment intended to foster well-being. Elen Jones, Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme Director, BAS, said: “At the end of a long, productive and challenging season, these strides forward would not have been possible without our incredibly collaborative team. We have progressed to such an extent that we’re looking forward to completing next season’s work, which will see the Discovery Building being handed over and brought into operational use” For the first time, AIMP team members working on construction joined the existing on-site winterers who operate the station under extreme conditions and prolonged darkness. These ‘overwintering’ efforts see joiners and electricians focus on the interior fit-out of the Discovery Building, preparing the facility for the next austral summer construction phase beginning in November. “Thank you to everyone involved for their commitment this season and good luck to all our winterers who make a huge contribution in an extraordinary environment,” Elen continued. Huw Jones, Executive Director, BAM, said: “Upgrading the runway to ensure access to Antarctica for the international science community in one of the world’s harshest and most remote locations is an incredibly complex operation. Our success this season is a result of the collective effort of our team, partners, and suppliers. We’re proud to be part of a project that aligns perfectly with our own values of building a sustainable tomorrow and that will enable important climate research to continue in the region.” Natalie Wathen, Framework Manager at Ramboll, said: “It is incredible what the team has achieved this season, it has once again all been down to the collaboration across our partnership. Working to deliver a more sustainable and long-lasting future for Rothera has been extremely rewarding for us all”. About the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) is a long-term investment in the Polar Regions, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research in Antarctica. The programme is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, GA Barnies and Hugh Broughton Architects. Since 2017, BAS has utilised the expertise and knowledge of the partnership and its wider value chain to ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering solutions in the world’s harshest environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OakNorth, a digital bank tailored for entrepreneurs, has provided a £48.3m loan to Vabel, a London-based developer, for a new mixed-use project at 28-34 Queensway, West London. The project, set to complete by Q4 2025, will include 27 new homes, a 24-hour concierge service, landscaped communal gardens, and 251 sqm of ground-level retail space. Vabel, founded by Daniel Baliti and Jeremy Spencer, aims to revolutionise the quality of new build homes through an integrated approach that combines in-house architecture, interior design, project management, and construction. The company employs approximately 40 professionals who collaborate within this innovative model. Vabel’s projects are distinguished by their focus on sustainable construction. They utilise renewable technologies such as LED lighting, aerated taps, heat recovery ventilation systems, solar panels, and thermally efficient glazing. Their upcoming Blackheath development will feature a ground source heat pump system, and they aim to recycle building materials and retain existing building fabric whenever possible. Co-founders Jeremy Spencer and Daniel Baliti expressed their excitement about the Queensway project: “We are thrilled to contribute to the area’s evolution through exceptional architecture and homes. Queensway is re-energising as a vibrant community, and we’re proud to be part of this transformation. This is our largest project to date, and we appreciate OakNorth’s support and understanding of the London real estate market.” Deepesh Thakrar, Senior Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “Vabel has a proven track record of successful projects across London, even during challenging market conditions. Their integrated operational model and responsible development approach stood out to us. We’re delighted to support their growth and bring new homes to a revitalised central London area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading UK contractor HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on a Manchester-based purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme for developer Greystar. One Medlock Street will comprise 1,014 high quality student rooms across 37 storeys, with access to amenity space at ground, first, eleventh and thirty-seventh floors to promote the health and wellbeing of the residents. The scheme will deliver 13,000 sq ft of resident amenities in total, including a gym, yoga studio, quiet study areas, meeting spaces, screening rooms, shared lounges and games rooms. The development will incorporate sustainability features including a green living roof, solar PV panels and sustainable materials. Plans also include an 11-storey public art installation across 30 pre-cast panels. Located in the Deansgate regeneration area, One Medlock is an 11-minute walk from Manchester Metropolitan University. The scheme is also a 20-minute walk from both the main and north campuses of The University of Manchester – two of the UK’s most populous universities. HG Construction will be internally delivering the concrete frame and piling on the scheme, which is due for completion in 2028. Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction commented: “This is an exciting scheme which will make a significant contribution to the transformation of this area and help to meet the high and growing demand for first-class student accommodation in the Manchester area. With solid expertise in delivering high-quality PBSA projects across the UK, we are delighted to partner with Greystar on this landmark Manchester scheme. We are looking forward to getting to know the local area and to maximising opportunities for local employment and positive community engagement throughout the construction of this project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mayor Tracy Brabin has vowed to deliver a “new dawn” for housebuilding across West Yorkshire, by working in lock-step with local housing providers and the new government in Westminster. The West Yorkshire Housing Strategy 2040, the first of its kind for the region, has been unveiled on a visit to Saxton Lane in Leeds, where 204 affordable apartments are being developed by WDH. The strategy identifies untapped potential for new housing across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, where over 38,000 new homes could be built on previously developed land. For the first time, the plans will bring together the five local authorities of West Yorkshire to deliver across four core missions – boosting housing supply, building affordable homes, improving existing homes, and creating vibrant communities. The strategy aims to build on the progress made since the devolution of the £90 million Brownfield Housing Fund to the region, which has helped to deliver more affordable homes than at any other time since the global financial crash, including 1,500 in the year 2022-2023. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our fifteen year housing strategy gives us the long-term, joined-up approach we need to tackle this intolerable housing crisis, ensuring that everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. “Growing up in a good quality council flat we didn’t have to worry about unaffordable rent, mould on our walls or the looming threat of a no-fault eviction, and no one else should have to either. “Housing is a basic human right and the foundation for a good and healthy life. By working in lock-step with the new government and our brilliant local housing partners, we will deliver a new dawn for housebuilding across West Yorkshire.” The launch of the West Yorkshire Housing Strategy follows a speech made earlier in the week from the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, who vowed to “get Britain building again”. To help deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of the parliament, the Chancellor and MP for Leeds West and Pudsey has pledged to work closely with Mayors and local leaders, restore housebuilding targets, and reform planning rules whilst bolstering planning teams. According to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, there are approximately 85,000 people and families on waiting lists for a council home across the region, with house prices reaching six times the average annual wage, as compared to only three times the average annual wage in 2002. Private renters have also been hit hard by the “double-whammy” of high inflation and poor conditions, with rents in Leeds, Kirklees and Wakefield rising by around 20% since 2018, and two in five privately rented homes failing to meet the government’s definition of a “decent home”. To address rising fuel poverty, the Combined Authority and its partners have committed £40 million to modernise social homes with solar panels, heat pumps and better insulated walls and windows. The new housing strategy sets out an ambitious vision to create greener and more secure communities, driving down energy bills across West Yorkshire. Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Place, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said: “Thousands more families are living in safe, secure and affordable homes because of the decisions of our West Yorkshire Mayor in partnership with local councils. We’ve really made the most of the powers and funding devolved to our region so far. “But now we need to accelerate this work even more. For too long, strict Government rules over where our brownfield housing fund is spent have blocked our plans. This has limited too much of what we’ve been able to achieve to places where land values are already high. “With the backing of a new Government, and the promise of greater flexibility in how we can make decisions, we can build 38,000 new homes. That is at the heart of delivering a region which everyone can be proud to call home.” Andy Wallhead, Chief Executive Officer of WDH and Chair of the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership, said: “Housing associations are already leading the way on housebuilding in West Yorkshire, with our partnership members collectively providing a fifth of all homes across the region.“ But, by working with the new Government and continuing our close collaboration with the Mayor, we’re determined to do even more and will keep on building to provide the affordable and sustainable homes needed to unlock West Yorkshire’s true potential.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last week, Savills announced that it has acquired the UK property management business of Montagu Evans, which will be integrated into Savills’ operations. This move provides Savills with an opportunity to enhance its already robust UK property management business by further broadening its client base, particularly in the public sector. It will also strengthen its accounts team and create greater opportunities to leverage sector-specific knowledge and expertise throughout its UK divisions and regions. Led by Andrew Walker, the property management team at Montagu Evans consists of nearly 100 staff, with 20 based in its London office, 18 in Edinburgh, and a further 59 site-based staff who will all transfer to Savills immediately. Those based in London and Scotland will join Savills’ respective offices in these locations. Montagu Evans’ property management team has an established client base, including Redical Holdings, Rivington Hark, AEW, and several local authorities. They currently manage a shopping centre portfolio of approximately 5 million sq ft across 20 centres, with the majority being public sector mandates. This will both complement and enhance Savills’ market-leading position in relation to shopping centre instructions, which encompass 49 million sq ft across the UK, with a predominantly private client base. Nick Herward, head of property management at Savills, says: “By acquiring Montagu Evans’ UK property management business, we have a valuable opportunity to expand and augment our already market-leading property management offering in the UK. We have identified strong synergies with our existing instructions and clients, which will help us to enhance our service further. The team at Montagu Evans has a wealth of experience across the industry with very well-regarded personnel that will provide additional depth to our team.” Andrew Walker, head of property management at Montagu Evans, comments: “This is an exciting opportunity for the team, and we look forward to working with Savills, whom we regard as market leaders in property management. This move not only supports our growth and expansion but also enables us to maintain a first-class service for clients while providing a strong platform for future growth and offering new opportunities for our people to develop their careers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works have completed at Project Holst – a £75 million industrial warehouse scheme located at Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. Ansty Park is a major business park positioned next to the M6 and M69 junction providing unrivalled access to the UK’s major motorway network, which is home to a number of high-profile companies including Rolls-Royce, Sainsbury’s, Cadent, Meggitt and MTC. McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) commenced the delivery of four industrial units and associated offices at Project Holst in January last year, on behalf of Manse Opus. All units are now finished and open to speculative tenants. The commercial units span a total of 856,109 sq. ft. and predominantly comprise a cladded portal frame with a CAT A open plan layout. The site also features an external logistics yard with a level and dock access area, dedicated parking spaces with electric charging points, communal areas and landscaped gardens. The offices have a largely open plan design to provide flexibility to prospective tenants, and the architecture has focused on the business culture and purpose of the technology park, reflecting the current variety of highly skilled professions already present within the surrounding developments. Units are highly energy efficient and were designed to meet a BREEAM Excellent rating. Their design has incorporated the application of roof top PVs and rainwater harvesting tanks. The scheme entailed a complex earthworks operation which took place prior to construction and extensive infrastructure works were needed to access the plots and associated balancing ponds, to accommodate storm water. All removed earth was also reused back within the site, to reduce waste and provide a greater circular approach. As part of the wider landscaping scheme, new ecological areas were also developed during the construction and population of the site, and prior to works commencing, great crested newts were identified and relocated, with protective fencing installed around the perimeter of the site. Giving back to the local community, voluntary works were also carried out at the Grace Academy during the summer months and the team created a sensory open space for students to enjoy. Project Holst marks the third scheme at the park that McLaren Construction and Manse Opus have partnered together for, following more than three years of collaboration. Operations director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Shaun Colley, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Manse Opus again to provide further expansion to Prospero Ansty Park for this next phase, which is now complete. “Prospero Ansty Park is a fast-growing business and industrial hub for the West Midlands, for which we previously completed works for Apollo and Cadent. We have managed to overcome many challenges with this site – battling extreme weather. However, our skilled team of contractors managed to stick to the critical timelines of the programme and delivered an exceptional product. “Our focus for the scheme has been on providing energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality, which ensures energy consumption efficiencies whilst promoting a healthier and inviting workspace. The central high-specification commercial office space is ideally positioned to cater to clients in the industrial and logistics sector, bringing our client’s vision to life.” David Mitchell & Victoria Turnbull, Joint Managing Directors of Manse Opus commented “We are proud of what we have achieved on site since our appointment in 2019. The transformation of this unused land to create the stunning buildings you see there today has been a great privilege and one we are really proud to have been able to achieve. We have contributed to safeguarding the legacy of a site which has such an impressive history.” To find out more about McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd, please visit: www.mclarengroup.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction of 750 new affordable homes on the Durham Coast is getting underway, marking the next milestone in the development of the county’s first ‘garden village’. Karbon Homes has partnered with Esh Construction to begin work on the first phase of its new homes at Seaham Garden Village. The partnership will deliver 750 affordable homes, half of the total 1,500 homes planned for the new community. The garden village will also include a new primary school, convenience retail and health and well-being facilities. Taking advantage of the location on the Durham heritage coast, around 50% of the garden village will be dedicated to managed green space, with over 3 miles of landscaped paths and cycle routes. Sarah Robson, Director of Development and Regeneration at Karbon Homes, said: “I’m delighted we’ve started to build these much-needed affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village which will not only be an exciting new location in County Durham but also one of the few garden villages being delivered in the north-east region. The project is a fantastic example of collaborative working, that not only delivers new homes but a thriving new community and a great place to live for our residents. “We’re pleased to announce Esh Construction as our construction partner for the first phase of this scheme. We have worked well together elsewhere to deliver good quality, affordable homes, and we look forward to seeing progress on this site and new homes becoming available later in the year for people looking to live in a beautiful garden village environment.” The first homes from Karbon will become available towards the end of the year, for both affordable rent and affordable home ownership options, shared ownership and rent to buy. Karbon’s 750 homes are being delivered alongside 750 homes for private sale, developed by national housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes. Andy Radcliffe, chief executive officer at Esh Construction, said: “We are proud to be chosen as construction partner by Karbon for the exciting and innovative Seaham Garden Village development. With a spade in the ground on the first phase, this marks a key milestone in our strategic growth plans as we capitalise on a number of major project wins within the affordable housing sector and help registered providers deliver more quality, much-needed affordable homes. “As a Durham-headquartered contractor, our commitment to Constructing Local will amplify social and economic benefits in County Durham over the coming years, through local job creation, procurement opportunities, our bespoke award-winning school programmes, and quality work placements for the next generation of construction professionals.” The 78-hectare garden village, located on the A182 going into Seaham town centre, has sustainability and community spirit at its heart. Karbon is aiming to build all of its 750 homes to net zero carbon and the very latest building standards, ensuring they are fit for the future. They will all boast a range of energy efficiency technologies, including solar PV panels and battery storage units. The delivery of Karbon’s 750 homes is supported by funding from Homes England, through the housing association’s Strategic Partnership with the government’s housing delivery agency. The strategic partnership has provided Karbon with £165m in funding, to deliver 2,200 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Castlemere Developments has completed its first major airspace project in Tunbridge Wells. The Windsor-based company has expanded into the airspace development sector and has a range of projects in the pipeline having completed this first project in Kent. The 11-unit scheme at Hamilton Court, located on Chilston Road, features five two-bedroom and six one-bedroom apartments. Each apartment will deliver aspirational and affordable modular penthouse living. Prices for one bed will be from £210,000 and £280,000 for a two bed. Each apartment offers premium designer kitchens complete with Bosch appliances, quartz worktops, fully tiled bathrooms and oak flooring. Heating is provided via heat pumps to ensure no carbon-burning appliances are used. In addition, each apartment has fibre broadband and assigned parking with dedicated electrical vehicle charging. Hamilton Court has been built off-site, with Castlemere Developments embracing the modern methods of construction (MMC) approach with all of its properties before lifting them into place for the finishing touches. It has purposely chosen off-site MMC so that it can deliver projects much quicker than onsite developments, reduce the disruption to current residents, and ensure its developments are as environmentally friendly as possible. Kris Collett, managing director of Castlemere Developments, said: “Hamilton Court is a stunning addition to the residential property market in Tunbridge Wells. We are incredibly pleased with it. Our plan was to deliver stylish, environmentally friendly accommodation which we have achieved. “We have chosen to adopt MMC best practices for this scheme – and future ones. This is more cost-effective, and quicker and also we believe that building airspace apartments offsite is less complex. There is a huge demand for residential properties and we will continue to source suitable locations that we can develop to help meet this need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rangeford Villages’ latest retirement development, ‘Siddington Park’, was officially opened last week by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, at a glamourous party hosted in the village’s dedicated new restaurant and bar, The Orangery. Guests included Siddington Park owners, prospective buyers, national and regional press, and VIP’s Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen, Hermione Marriott, Lady Bathurst and Cirencester’s new Mayor, Councillor Sarah Orr. The Orangery’s hospitality team served free-flowing drinks, and mouthwatering canapes artistically created by talented Head Chef Danijel Furjan, throughout the afternoon. Live music was performed by classical violinist, Meg Batch from Cheltenham, followed by well-known local band Pip & the Bad Seed playing favourite songs from the 60’s and 70’s. There was also a thrilling aerobatics display put on by pilot Dave Barrell in a WWII bi-plane, from Rendcomb-based wing-walking team, Aerosuperbatics, the only display team of its kind in the world. Upon departure, guests were further treated to goodie bags containing indoor orange trees and a gift voucher for lunch for two at The Orangery. Siddington Park has been expertly designed with a contemporary twist on Cotswold elegance, set in beautifully landscaped parkland. Guests were shown around village’s newly completed central hub, ‘The Pavilion’, and were in awe of the five-star design and incredible attention to detail. The Pavilion houses The Orangery bar and restaurant, and state-of-the-art leisure facilities. These include a Stuart Wilson hair salon; an impressive heated indoor pool with sauna, steam room and deluxe experience shower; a gym with the latest high-tech equipment; a dedicated studio space for yoga and fitness classes; luxurious treatment rooms; and a sumptuous owners’ lounge with cinema screen. The Orangery bar and restaurant and the Stuart Wilson hair salon are open to the public, whilst the leisure complex of pool, spa facilities and lounge are exclusively for the owners living at Siddington Park and their families. Bookings for The Orangery can be made on the restaurant’s website. Also unveiled on the day was a stunning new show home apartment, exclusively designed and decorated by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, a new collaboration with Rangeford Villages and the celebrity interior designer, which will be rolled out to other Rangeford developments. All fabrics, upholstery, furniture, artworks and accessories are from the LLB Shop and Brand HQ in Cirencester. The end result is a magnificently stylish home, exuding glamour and charm with swanky abundance. The Pavilion was interior designed by Jonathan Radburn of Whichelo Spa Interiors & Lighting. Wichelo are at the forefront of the high-end retirement village sector, with a particular focus on the design of wellness facilities, which stems from a wealth of experience designing some of the most glamorous hotel and destination spas in the UK and worldwide. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, speaking about his collaboration with Rangeford, referred to the new Pavilion as ‘super swanky’, and talked about living life over 60 years old, saying: “As you get older you must not stop being brave, you must not compromise, and you must not think, I’m old now, so I’d better turn down the volume. Rangeford has proven it’s about keeping the volume up, keeping up the rock ‘n’ roll, and keeping the excitement.” He went on to say: “Design is there to help, it is there to make you feel a lot better about who you are, where you are and how you live, and this development is a perfect example how to use it to do exactly that.” During CEO Howard Nankivell’s welcome speech, he praised Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s ‘spectacular’ show home appartement, referring to him as ‘the undisputed king of wild and adventurous design’, and announced that Rangeford’s collaboration with LLB would be rolled out to other villages in the portfolio. He added: “At Rangeford we strive to really raise the bar for retirement living, creating thriving new communities that promote healthy active lifestyles, hobbies, friendships, and wellbeing, and so we are absolutely delighted to officially open this, our latest exciting development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading provider of groundworks McCoy Contractors has been appointed to deliver the groundworks and hard landscaping for Phase 4 and 5 of The Oaks Student Village in Coventry. This prestigious project will provide an additional 1,210 rooms in purpose-built accommodation for students attending the nearby University of Warwick. The Oaks Student Village, designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, comprises nine buildings ranging from five to six stories. Phase 1 delivered 378 beds in 2021, with Phase 2 and 3 adding 639 more rooms. Phase 4 and 5 will deliver a further 1,209 rooms. Having successfully completed the groundworks for Phases 1-3 to the client’s satisfaction, McCoy was awarded the latest £8 million groundworks package by main contractor McLaren Construction. McCoy is delivering a range of groundworks including earthworks, foundations, reinforced retaining walls, external drainage, attenuation tanks, service trenching, and hard landscaping across the extensive site. Despite challenging weather and groundwater conditions, McCoy is working ahead of schedule, underscoring their commitment to delivering complex projects efficiently. “McCoys has made a fantastic start to our project at 120 Longwood Close.On a project with some challenging details the team have performed to a very high standard through a difficult and wet winter,” said Alex Derbyshire, Construction Manager, McLaren Construction. “McCoys has been very agile through change and have enhanced our project team with their vast knowledge and expertise in groundworks. The helpful and approachable nature of the team at McCoys has gone a long way to the current successes at Longwood Close moving into the summer months,” added Alex Derbyshire. “We are extremely proud to continue our involvement in this landmark student accommodation development,” said Chris Haughey, Managing Director of McCoy Contractors. “Being re-appointed by McLaren Construction for Phases 4 & 5 is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in delivering high-quality groundworks on large-scale projects. The Oaks Student Village is setting new standards for purpose-built student living in the Midlands, and we’re excited to play a key role in bringing this exceptional development to fruition.” McCoy’s strong health and safety practices have also been recognised on-site, recently ranking 3rd out of 45 subcontractors – further highlighting the company’s professionalism and commitment to creating safe working environments. The final phase of McCoy’s works at The Oaks Student Village is scheduled for completion in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
