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July 16, 2024

Skanska rebuilds 7 Millbank in London, UK, for GBP 105M

Skanska rebuilds 7 Millbank in London, UK, for GBP 105M

Skanska has signed a contract with Baola Properties Limited, c/o Old Park Lane Management, for construction and mechanical and electrical engineering services for the redevelopment of 7 Millbank in London, UK. The contract is worth GBP 105M, about SEK 1.4 billion, which will be included in the order bookings for

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Liverpool welcomes £55m brownfield housing boost

Liverpool welcomes £55m brownfield housing boost

Liverpool City Council is set to receive a £55m investment boost from Homes England to accelerate the regeneration of Liverpool’s historic northern docklands.   A report to the Council’s Cabinet today is recommending the council enters into an agreement with Homes England to accept Brownfield Infrastructure Land (BIL) grant funding.   

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LB Navana adds two new prestigious London sites to its books

LB Navana adds two new prestigious London sites to its books

Specialist property manager LB Navana has been appointed as the managing agent for two prestigious sites in London: The Arc and The Haydon. The Arc, situated at the heart of London, is a 340,000 square foot mixed use scheme with a mixture of retail and office space, and 100 residential

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Work completes on £16.5m Dock extension at Space City Leicester

Work completes on £16.5m Dock extension at Space City Leicester

Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has completed construction of a new £16.5 million low carbon innovation hub in Leicester, on behalf of Leicester City Council. The Dock extension project has created three new buildings which deliver c.65,000 sq ft of purpose-built accommodation for hi-tech industries in an area of Space City

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Ballymore submits plans for Edgware town centre

Ballymore submits plans for Edgware town centre

Ballymore has put forward an outline planning application to redevelop the Edgware Broadwalk Shopping Centre, the bus station and the garage, in partnership with Places for London. The masterplan, designed by Howells, proposes to deliver 3,365 new homes, including 1,150 affordable homes, and 463 student accommodation spaces. A significant increase

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

July 16, 2024

Skanska rebuilds 7 Millbank in London, UK, for GBP 105M

Skanska rebuilds 7 Millbank in London, UK, for GBP 105M

Skanska has signed a contract with Baola Properties Limited, c/o Old Park Lane Management, for construction and mechanical and electrical engineering services for the redevelopment of 7 Millbank in London, UK. The contract is worth GBP 105M, about SEK 1.4 billion, which will be included in the order bookings for Europe for the third quarter of 2024. Skanska will lead the construction of a new nine-storey office building with two basement levels. The design and build of approximately 12,100 square meter flexible workspace will include reconstruction of the original historic façade, which has been carefully deconstructed and stored before being rebuilt into the new structure to maintain and enhance the building’s historic character. The building is targeting environmental standards to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum and Design for Performance to secure a Nabers 5* accreditation. Construction will begin in July 2024 and is expected to be completed in January 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Liverpool welcomes £55m brownfield housing boost

Liverpool welcomes £55m brownfield housing boost

Liverpool City Council is set to receive a £55m investment boost from Homes England to accelerate the regeneration of Liverpool’s historic northern docklands.   A report to the Council’s Cabinet today is recommending the council enters into an agreement with Homes England to accept Brownfield Infrastructure Land (BIL) grant funding.    The public funding relates to Central Docks, the largest neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters, and the city’s largest brownfield site. The site, owned by waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters, is projected to unlock more than £500m in private investment. The Central Docks scheme includes the establishment of a public park and vital infrastructure to accommodate approximately 2,350 new homes. The funding for this site, which is subject to final approval from HM Treasury, comes just a week after Rachel Reeves MP, referenced the scheme in her first speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer in which she set out the new Government’s commitment to unlock stalled housing schemes.  The Central Docks scheme was also identified by the Liverpool Strategic Futures Panel, chaired by Mayor Steve Rotheram, and forms part of Liverpool’s ambitious 20-year plan for the whole of its iconic waterfront. Liverpool City Council has also made a similar brownfield site commitment in its draft housing strategy, currently subject to a public consultation, which supports the delivery of 2,000 new homes every year to 2030 and to double the number of affordable homes across the city. Peel Waters has stated that the key infrastructure within the 10.5 hectare scheme, which would comprise of utilities, thoroughfares, green spaces, and public amenities, would lay the groundwork for future investments and the development of housing and commercial ventures would also support new community, retail and leisure facilities. With full planning approval for the site preparation work, the comprehensive plans for Central Docks include the creation of an interconnected network of public spaces.  The proposed new landscape will be enriched with the planting of hundreds of trees, with the centrepiece being ‘Central Park,’ a sprawling 2.1-hectare oasis, set to become one of the city’s largest urban green spaces.  Central Park’s design will celebrate the site’s industrial heritage and coastal location, blending coastal and woodland plantations, wetlands, community gardens, and open parkland. Embracing inclusivity and sustainability, the park will feature amenities such as shelters, recreational facilities, and wildlife habitats, to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors. The development will also significantly enhance connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, with the aim of creating seamless open access between the city centre, Princes Dock, Central Docks and Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Chancerygate granted planning for £27m, 103,000 sq ft Grade A urban logistics development in Southwater, near Horsham

Chancerygate granted planning for £27m, 103,000 sq ft Grade A urban logistics development in Southwater, near Horsham

Developer Chancerygate has been granted planning permission to speculatively build 103,000 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics space in Southwater, near Horsham. Called Audio Park, the development will comprise seven units ranging from 8,325 sq ft to 33,940 sq ft and the projected gross development value is approximately £27m. Units will be available on both a freehold and leasehold basis. The 4.59-acre site, which was formerly a logistics hub for global manufacturers Sony, is located in a country park setting at Southwater Business Park approximately four miles south of Horsham. Its strategic position close to the A24 between Crawley and Worthing provides excellent connectivity to the mid-Sussex and wider south coast markets. Neighbouring occupiers to the scheme include esteemed British audio technology developers Bowers & Wilkins. Local amenities within walking distance include retail convenience stores, a pharmacy and GP surgery. All units at Audio Park will benefit from electric vehicle charging points, low air permeability design and solar cells on their roofs which provide green energy on an affordable basis to occupiers. In addition, the units will have enhanced levels of roof lighting and will be constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions. The scheme is targeting a BREEAM accreditation of Very Good and for all units to achieve an EPC B rating as a minimum.  Chancerygate development director, Matthew Young said: “There is strong demand for sustainable,  Grade A urban logistics units in Horsham and the wider Sussex region. “Audio Park will meet this demand and enable occupiers in the locality to access high-specification, strategically located industrial warehouse accommodation. “Much of the existing urban logistics stock in mid-Sussex is second hand with low sustainability credentials and is only available on a leasehold basis. We have already seen strong interest in the scheme and anticipate this will only further grow now planning has been granted.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company has offices in London, Warrington, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Madrid and Lisbon. It currently has more than 1.16m sq ft of industrial space under construction or ready for development across 19 sites ranging from Edinburgh to Croydon. Agents for the development are Graves Jenkins and JLL. For more information, visit www.chancerygate.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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LB Navana adds two new prestigious London sites to its books

LB Navana adds two new prestigious London sites to its books

Specialist property manager LB Navana has been appointed as the managing agent for two prestigious sites in London: The Arc and The Haydon. The Arc, situated at the heart of London, is a 340,000 square foot mixed use scheme with a mixture of retail and office space, and 100 residential apartments. With its iconic architecture and unparalleled amenities, the site is a short walk away from Old Street and Liverpool Street stations. LB Navana has been involved with the mobilisation of the site for a number of years and recently welcomed its first residents. Similarly, The Haydon, a flagship development by Regal London, epitomises contemporary living in the heart of the Square Mile. The Haydon represents modern urban living, comprising of 87 luxury homes, set in a landscaped courtyard. LB Navana will bring to life its vision for elevating the residential experience and will work to foster a sense of community within the development. LB Navana will be responsible for the day-to-day estate management, including the maintenance of the common areas and ensuring the compliance with all the latest health and safety legislation. With a focus on proactive maintenance, personalised service, and community engagement, LB Navana says it is dedicated to enhancing the living experience for residents while maximising the value for property owners. Ian Jones, Group Chief Operating Officer, LB Navana, said: “We are thrilled to be entrusted with the management of The Arc and The Haydon. Both developments represent the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication in London’s property landscape, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled service to residents and stakeholders alike.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Work completes on £16.5m Dock extension at Space City Leicester

Work completes on £16.5m Dock extension at Space City Leicester

Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has completed construction of a new £16.5 million low carbon innovation hub in Leicester, on behalf of Leicester City Council. The Dock extension project has created three new buildings which deliver c.65,000 sq ft of purpose-built accommodation for hi-tech industries in an area of Space City formerly known as Pioneer Park, within Leicester’s Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone. Known as Docks, 3, 4 and 5, the new buildings include two new offices that cater for up to 45 businesses across c.43,000 sq ft. A terrace of nine manufacturing units provides more than 21,500 sq ft for innovative start-ups and established businesses seeking grow-on space. New buildings are net carbon zero in operation and require no gas heating. They house a range of environmentally sustainable features, such as low energy LED lighting, roof-mounted photovoltaic panels on the offices, air source heat pumps, and super-thick insulation. Externally there is cycle storage and 12 electric vehicle charging points in a new parking area. The Dock extension has been designed to complement the look and feel of the original Dock workspace buildings and is part of Space City Leicester, one of the largest and most connected Enterprise Zones for space-related activities in the UK. Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD, said: “We are very pleased to have delivered the expansion of the successful Dock managed workspace development for Leicester City Council. “These three new energy efficient units deliver purpose-built space for exciting new businesses in a range of sectors. Extending the Dock innovation hub will undoubtedly support the attraction and retention of local talent and hi-tech entrepreneurs, ensuring Leicester continues to be a hub for research, production and manufacture in the space industry.” Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “It’s fantastic to see the next chapter of our innovative workspace development for hi-tech businesses take shape. “Space City Leicester is helping to put our city firmly on the map for research, production and manufacture in the space industry. “We’re proud to contribute to that momentum by further expanding our Dock innovation hub with three new, low carbon buildings which will help meet demand from businesses keen to locate here from the UK and overseas. The new buildings will also provide valuable grow-on space and much-needed manufacturing facilities for our local talent and high-tech entrepreneurs. “The new buildings are looking fantastic and I’m particularly pleased that we have been able to work with locally-based Brackley Property Developments as our development partner on this ambitious project.” The development was supported by £12 million from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund, with The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership providing £3.5 million from Enterprise Zone retained business rates. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Midlands contractors collaborate to provide classroom and sensory facilities for Coventry school

Midlands contractors collaborate to provide classroom and sensory facilities for Coventry school

Regional sub-contractors are joining forces and providing all their time, labour, and costs for free to offer SENCO enhancement works for the Grace Academy in Coventry – as part of its vision for the future. Led by McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division and Opus Land, ‘The Big Build’ charitable programme of works will deliver brand-new classrooms and sensory facilities, enriching the lives of students at the Academy who are in desperate need of these spaces. McLaren Construction Midlands and North and Opus Land have been supported in this community project by our designers who helped provide the vision for this scheme; Architect – Webb Gray, Structural Engineer – SBK, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers – CPW and Landscaper – Whiting’s, who are also providing all the landscape and raised beds works. The works will include a complete refurbishment and remodelling of existing classrooms to form larger teaching spaces and a new sensory room with access to outside spaces. New walls, ceilings and floorings will also be installed, complemented by new LED lighting, heating, security, and fire alarm systems. The dedicated space will allow a new environment for student needs, offering room for small group intervention and 1-2-1 support with internal staff and external agencies. The school enhancements will ensure students with special educational and emotional needs can be as fully equipped as possible for success. Works will take place from 22 July until Friday 2 August, and the academy will be holding an opening ceremony to celebrate and view the new spaces on 2 September. Head of Grace Academy, Natasha Whiles, said: “We are so grateful that this space and build has allowed us to really take the time to consider the individual needs of some of our most vulnerable learners. We’ve really enjoyed working alongside McLaren Construction Midlands and North and all parties involved, to develop the space which otherwise would be completely unaffordable. We’re looking forward to the new facilities helping special educational and emotional needs students work towards their limitless potential through ‘The Grace Way’.”  Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Shaun Colley, said: “The Big Build works at Grace Academy will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities to improve the lives of the current and future intake of students and we are proud to be part of this fantastic project. “We commend all of the designers and contractors who have committed to supporting this project and it’s been an honour to be part of this process and driving it forwards for such a worthy school in the region. “I would like to thank the below contractors personally, without you none of this would have been possible, thank you.” Joint Managing Director of Opus Land, Richard Smith, said: “We are most grateful to McLaren Construction Midlands and North and all of the other companies involved in the BIG Build for their tremendous generosity here. “Opus originally got involved in The Grace Academy through their development of the nearby Prospero estate on the Ansty Business Park and soon came to realise the tremendous results that the school fulfils for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Naked Energy Announces £17m Of New Equity In Series B First Close, Led By E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions

Naked Energy Announces £17m Of New Equity In Series B First Close, Led By E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions

British solar heat and power scale-up Naked Energy announced today that it has secured £17m ofnew equity as part of a Series B first close to supercharge its global expansion and the adoption of its cutting-edge solutions to decarbonise heat. The round was led by E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions (E.ON EIS), a provider of integrated, sustainable energy solutions for cities and industries. E.ON EIS is part of the E.ON Group, one of Europe’s largest operators of energy networks and infrastructure, and a strategic partner to Naked Energy. The partnership was initiated by E.ON Group Innovation through the global accelerator programme Free Electrons, in which E.ON’s innovation team identified the advanced Naked Energy technology.  The strategic partnership was founded in October 2023 and enables the partners to continuously expand the collaboration and scale the solution. The series was supported by co-investment from existing investor Barclays through its Sustainable Impact Capital. The investment is a strong endorsement of Naked Energy’s growth plans, enabling the company to accelerate the international distribution of its award-winning solar heat and power technology with the adoption of innovative new business models. Naked Energy’s Virtu solar collectors have a modular design and the world’s highest energy density solar technology, proven to be up to four times more impactful at offsetting CO2 emissions than conventional solar PV panels.  E.ON EIS will benefit from access to the innovative Virtu product range for its commercial and industrial customers. The relationship between E.ON and Naked Energy will facilitate the provision of Naked Energy’s technology through a Heat-As-A-Service model to a global client base. The two companies are already working on a pipeline of projects across multiple territories. Naked Energy has sold its Virtu product range to more than 20 countries and is well-established in the UK and Europe, having signed deals with industrial and commercial clients, such as IHG Hotels & Resorts and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. The IEA Renewables Report 2023 projects that the share of heat from renewable energy will increase by more than 40% worldwide from 2023 to 2028. As a result of the deal, Naked Energy is well-positioned to capitalise on this growing opportunity for renewable heat technologies.  The company has manufacturing bases in the UK and Europe, and is scheduled to start manufacturing in Dallas, Texas later this year in partnership with its US distribution partner ELM Solar. Christophe Williams, CEO of Naked Energy, said: “The first wave of investment of our Series B round is transformative for our journey and a great step in the wider movement to decarbonise heat.  “It’s clear that both E.ON and Barclays share our sense of urgency to decarbonise heat. Heating takes up over half of all energy consumed globally, and as the demand for renewable heat continues to rise, we’re committed more than ever to supporting the commercial and industrial sectors in their transition away from natural gas. “Heat decarbonisation presents a huge economic opportunity. With investment from such major industry players, we’re confident we can capitalise on this global shift and look forward to other like-minded investors joining us on our journey to ‘change energy for good’.”  Daniel Joisten, Head of Innovation Commercialization at E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions, added: “Investing in Naked Energy has been a great decision for E.ON. In just one year, we’ve progressed from scouting and assessing their capabilities through E.ON Group Innovation as part of the prestigious Free Electrons Program, to a test installation at E.ONs Silicon Valley Garage and now on to a strategic partnership with significant potential for E.ON´s Energy Infrastructure Business. “Naked Energy’s solutions have distinctive and convincing value propositions. We will utilise them to help our customers, in industries such as Food & Beverage and Hospitality, to decarbonize their businesses profitably. We are looking forward to scaling our joint business activities, both from an E.ON perspective and on Naked Energy’s board of directors.” Gavin Chapman, Co-Head of Principal Investments at Barclays, said: “To reach net zero, we need to rapidly scale new, innovative technologies to help reduce emissions in the sectors that are most difficult to decarbonise – particularly our homes and buildings. As we make our follow-on investment today, we’re excited to see and support Naked Energy’s continued growth and further deployment of their technology, supercharged by the partnership with E.ON.” Piper Sandler served as exclusive corporate finance advisor to Naked Energy on the transaction. The second close is expected to complete before the end of September 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ballymore submits plans for Edgware town centre

Ballymore submits plans for Edgware town centre

Ballymore has put forward an outline planning application to redevelop the Edgware Broadwalk Shopping Centre, the bus station and the garage, in partnership with Places for London. The masterplan, designed by Howells, proposes to deliver 3,365 new homes, including 1,150 affordable homes, and 463 student accommodation spaces. A significant increase in green space for the town centre includes a new Deans Brook Nature Park, which is to be created by unlocking nearly five acres of land which has been inaccessible to the public for almost 100 years. To complement the high street offer, the new town square and centre will more than double the existing volume of commercial space and reintroduce a cinema following the loss of the former Ritz cinema over 20 years ago. Edgware’s daytime and mid-week economy will be bolstered by new office, and workspace for small and medium businesses. The development will open up access to green space that has been closed off to the public for almost 100 years, by creating the 4.7 acre Deans Brook Nature Park. The current scrubland will become a nature trail with wild planting, walking routes, seating and play areas for the local community to relax, enjoy and spend time in nature within the Town Centre. Across the project, landscape design by Gustafson Porter + Bowman includes 400 new trees, as well as 2.5 acres of new play space for children of all ages integrated across the site. The development aims to generate zero emissions once in operation and includes the use of renewable energy sources, such as air heat pumps, and will incorporate solar panels, green roofs and community growing gardens. Plans will more than double the existing commercial, retail and leisure space on the site, with 460,000 sq. ft. for new shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a new larger Sainsbury’s, cinema and leisure centre, plus flexible floorspace that can deliver office, workspace and hotel uses – centred around a new town square that will complement the existing amenity offer in the town centre. The masterplan will prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and encourage active travel with significant improvements to connectivity within the town centre and a new public cycle hub offering 200 cycle spaces. The development will deliver a future-proof transport interchange including a new bus garage which can be easily adapted to EVs in the future. The garage will contribute towards future use of electric buses across London – improving air quality and helping to tackle the climate emergency. Subject to consent, the first phase will be delivered by 2031 which includes: the new nature park, retail, leisure, cinema, around 1,000 homes, a new Sainsbury’s store, office, bus station and garage as well as the library and community centre. The whole development has an anticipated completion date of 2036. The application will now be validated by the Barnet Council, after which an extended eight-week period of statutory consultation will be undertaken by the council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ROCCIA’s 2024 Trade Event packs a punch with the help of boxing legend Tony Bellew

ROCCIA’s 2024 Trade Event packs a punch with the help of boxing legend Tony Bellew

ROCCIA’s annual Trade Event, which took place this month, was a knockout success, with the high-end tile specialist welcoming a record number of tradespeople from across the UK to its annual supplier showcase. The event, held at ROCCIA’s Preston showroom, provides anyone working in the kitchens, bathrooms and home building or renovating industry with the opportunity to speak first-hand with trade experts from ROCCIA and its key suppliers including Kelmore, RUBI, PCS, Genesis, CT1, Dural, Tile Rite, BAL, Schluter Systems, First Trace and BAL/Ardex. But there was another special guest that visitors to the show were keen to meet, former WBC World Champion (and I’m A Celebrity star) Tony Bellew. Tony has become a familiar face in the ROCCIA showroom, as a valued client, and was on hand to oversee the ROCCIA ‘punch machine challenge’ which saw individuals battle it out to demonstrate the strength of their punch. Attendees also got to find out more about the latest adhesives and tiling tools with live demonstrations throughout the day. The event also raised more than £1,140 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation a local charity which supports world-class cancer treatment throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria, funding cutting edge equipment and supporting innovative ways to take the fear out of cancer for patients and their families. Anyone who donated £20 to the charity received a ROCCIA Gift Bucket full of goodies worth more than £55 and were entered into a prize raffle. Commenting on this year’s event, Jonathon Stopforth, Trade Account Manager at ROCCIA, said: “We’re committed to supporting our trade account members year-round with the best service, exclusive products, offers and expert advice, but it’s fantastic when trade customers as well as suppliers get together for our annual ROCCIA Trade Event to enjoy networking, learning and freebies. We were delighted to welcome back familiar faces to the event as well as meet some of our newest trade members. “The day was a great opportunity to celebrate our ever-growing trade community and for industry experts to showcase what’s new; sharing best-practice advice and tips on everything tiles, kitchen and bathroom fitting. Our ROCCIA trade team were on hand throughout the day to explain more about ways to save time and money when fitting tiles within client’s homes and commercial properties. “There was a real buzz around the business, and we were glad to welcome more visitors than ever before as the event goes from strength to strength. “Congratulations to all of the winners on the day – especially Gaz Fenton who got to take home the Tony Bellew signed gloves. And thank you to Tony for helping us to make it a great and fun event. His unique blend of sportsmanship and motivational insights left us in awe of what he’s achieved.”  More information can be found at www.roccia.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Arch Company completes vacant railway arch transformation close to City of London

Arch Company completes vacant railway arch transformation close to City of London

Boost for local economy as London railway arches are transformed into high-specification, modern industrial space Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is thrilled to announce that completion has been reached on the transformation of six vacant railway arches into high-specification commercial premises for light industrial use, located just 16 minutes away from the City of London. Benefitting from good loading/parking facilities, the design and style of the refurbished arches on Witan Street, Bethnal Green, create an on-brand aesthetic for light industrial use which should prove attractive to potential tenants in the current marketplace. Josh White, Architectural Technologist at SGP says: “As design architect for the scheme, we have drawn on both our technical expertise and proven track record delivering industrial buildings to create contemporary spaces to suit a variety of industrial occupiers. Part of the development challenge from an architectural perspective has been to maximise the tenantable area and we worked closely with The Arch Company to deliver modern industrial spaces that allow maximum flexibility for future tenant fit-out.” SGP Studio Director Alan Soper comments: “Urban industrial property can play a vital part in local economies, yet good-sized, modern industrial space close to central London is often difficult to find. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with The Arch Company on the transformation of these arches on Witan Street into vital commercial spaces that will suit a variety of industrial occupiers and support their daily operations in a location close to the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world.” Following comprehensive surveys of the arch structures and original brickwork, new internal linings and concrete floor slabs have been installed, alongside glazed infills and electric roller shutter doors, LED lighting, 3-phase power and a WC facility in Unit 216a, with capped services for potential kitchen/WC in other units. The design incorporates high-quality materials and restores the appearance to the elevation at this location on Witan Street and further enhances the commercial appeal of the surrounding neighbourhood. The Witan Street project forms part of Project 1000, The Arch Company’s £200m plan to bring a thousand empty or derelict spaces into use across England and Wales by 2030. It is just one of over ten such projects for which SGP has been commissioned to develop designs. Elsewhere in London, work has commenced on the refurbishment of four disused and dilapidated railway arches on America Street, Southwark, into spaces for restaurants, cafés and bars. Dave O’Sullivan, Senior Project Manager at The Arch Company, said: “We’ve enjoyed working with SGP on our scheme at Witan Street in Bethnal Green which has transformed six previously empty and derelict arches into a new and improved single multipurpose rental property. Demand for our spaces in Bethnal Green is high and the arches there play host to a range of different businesses, each serving an important role with the local and wider London economy. We look forward to working with SGP on other upcoming projects to create more economic activity in previously unused and underutilised spaces.” Multi-disciplinary consultancy, Pick Everard, provided structural, civil and building engineering services on the site, working in close collaboration with key partners. Santosh Patel, Strategic Account Director at Pick Everard, said: “From concept to completion, we were able to advise and coordinate with SGP to allow efficient structural and drainage solutions to be designed. This collaborative approach has delivered exceptional results that utilises the unused archways into modern industrial units, creating spaces that are both functional and versatile. With every inch of space in London highly valuable, the regeneration of the arches grants exciting new opportunities. It’s been a rewarding experience to once again collaborate with SGP and The Arch Company on a development that will support local businesses and enrich the urban area of Bethnal Green.”   Alan Soper concludes: “Like much of our industrial heritage, refurbished and repurposed railway arches present significant opportunities. If refurbished correctly, they create a long-term, sustainable solution to the economic vitality of our towns and cities. Witan Street, with its nearby transport links to central London, is perfectly located for commercial businesses to thrive and it’s incredibly gratifying to have refurbishment work complete and see these arches back in productive use.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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