Developer Delancey has secured planning permission for a landmark commercial building at the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter in London. The 200,000 sq ft life sciences and technology-focused building will be constructed on a brownfield site on York Way. Delancey aims to start construction next year, with completion expected in 2028.
New government figures reveal a significant decline in Right to Buy (RTB) sales, with overall sales down by 43% in London, reflecting a decrease across all UK regions last year. The data shows that there were 6,275 RTB sales in London last year, a sharp decline from the 14,085 sales
Bakery chain Greggs has announced plans for a new National Distribution Centre at Symmetry Park in Kettering. The planning application details a 311,551 sq ft logistics space on a 25.1-acre plot, part of Greggs’ strategic growth plan that necessitates significant investment in supply chain capacity. Currently operating 2,500 shops, Greggs
Global Segment Manager at Malvern Panalytical, Murielle Goubard, discusses how the construction industry can cut industrial emissions by up to three-quarters before 2050… Navigating toward a more sustainable construction industry is driven by the pressing need to curb carbon emissions and advance sustainability. Cement producers globally are pushing for ambitious
Stelling Properties has reached a major construction milestone to restore a historic site in the centre of Southampton. The installation phase for all 121 studio apartments, which were manufactured and fully fitted out offsite, has now been completed on-site. 31 High Street is a landmark project which is bringing a
Conlon Construction has concluded a multi-year project at Wilmslow High School, facilitating a substantial increase in capacity to 360 places for the 2024/2025 academic year. Funded by Cheshire East Council and procured through the North West Construction Hub Framework, the extensive expansion permits a school transition from a 10-form to
Proteus Waterproofing, a leader in blue roof design and installation and ACO, a global water management specialist, are proud to announce a new partnership, designed to deliver the ultimate blue roof package. It combines unparalleled design expertise from Proteus Waterproofing with the innovative patented RoofBloxx blue roof attenuation system from
A new research and development centre is taking shape in Hull, as a major manufacturer continues to invest in its long-term future in the city. Ideal Heating’s UK Technology Centre will support the development of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps, and drive further innovation in the way homes can
The Castle Street sustainable energy centre is at an exciting stage in its development with bespoke bronze cladding being applied to its facades. The new building skin has been designed by LDN Architects as a subtly symbolic saltire and diamond pattern that reflects the heritage, colours and patterns of its
Organisers of UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, have announced the creation of their first-ever Advisory Board, a prestigious panel of top industry leaders. Last week’s inaugural session saw the panel discuss some of the most critical challenges facing today’s construction industry, whilst attempting
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Developer Delancey has secured planning permission for a landmark commercial building at the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter in London. The 200,000 sq ft life sciences and technology-focused building will be constructed on a brownfield site on York Way. Delancey aims to start construction next year, with completion expected in 2028. The project is anticipated to cost around £170m and will employ an average of 300 workers annually during the 31-month demolition and construction programme. Demolition contractor JF Hunt has been advising Delancey on the demolition phase. Structural engineer Arup and architect Kohn Pedersen Fox have developed an innovative structural design to accommodate the building over three Network Rail tunnels and two Piccadilly Line tunnels, situated as close as 4.5 metres below the surface. The structural strategy, created with Arup, utilises a deck-stiffened arch inspired by 20th-century bridges designed by Swiss civil engineer Robert Maillart. This design employs long-span arches to distribute the building’s load over the underground railway lines. The 176-178 York Way building will feature 130,000 sq ft of research and laboratory space, 13,000 sq ft of affordable workspace, and a mixed-use flexible community and events space. The massing of the nine-storey building is stepped back in sequence to reduce the perceived scale at street level. Passive and active strategies have been implemented to reduce the building’s whole life carbon footprint. These include an all-electric MEP strategy, roof-mounted PV panels, and optimised external shading to reduce operational energy. Careful material selection and structural efficiencies have been employed to reduce embodied carbon, with the development targeting NABERS 4.5+ Stars. Nathan Watt, Development Director at Delancey, said: “We are delighted to have secured unanimous planning approval for this progressive, innovatively designed development that offers cutting-edge sustainable facilities. The project will deliver significant public realm improvements and provide much-needed office, science, and technology workspace.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New government figures reveal a significant decline in Right to Buy (RTB) sales, with overall sales down by 43% in London, reflecting a decrease across all UK regions last year. The data shows that there were 6,275 RTB sales in London last year, a sharp decline from the 14,085 sales the previous year. The report indicated that nine stock-owning authorities, including some with substantial housing stock, did not submit their figures in time for publication. However, even with these additional figures, the total is estimated to only increase to between 6,750 and 6,820. This year’s figures are comparable to the sales during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when there were 6,861 sales. Although sales had increased in the subsequent two years, they have now dropped again. The data also reveals a fall in sales across all regions last year. Despite London having one of the highest numbers of RTB sales, the year-on-year decline is evident. The number of sales in the capital was 1,081, the lowest since 2013. London also has one of the lowest rates of sales relative to its housing stock, just above the South East and the South West. The number of sales per 1,000 social housing properties in London was just 2.8%, a significant drop from the 2015 peak of 10%. Since the RTB scheme started in 1980 until 31 March 2024, there have been over 2,026,893 sales across the country. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government commented: “As part of our mission to get Britain building again, we will build 1.5 million homes over this parliament and create the biggest wave of social and affordable housing in a generation. Our ambitious plan to increase overall supply will make homes more affordable, and we will work with councils to replace the homes sold under Right to Buy.” The Labour Party’s manifesto includes a commitment to prioritise the building of new social rented homes and to better protect existing stock by reviewing the increased RTB discounts introduced in 2012 and increasing protections on newly built social housing. One expert believes the significant drop in RTB sales could be due to higher borrowing costs, which is also believed to have contributed to a decline in overall house sales last year. Alex Diner, senior housing researcher at the New Economics Foundation (NEF), stated: “While higher borrowing costs are likely behind this reduction in Right to Buy sales, the scheme still requires serious reform. Right to Buy continues to have a chilling effect on councils’ ability to build new homes. Powers should be devolved to councils, who know their areas best, to tailor the policy to local circumstances. The receipts system should also be reformed to allow councils to replace homes that are sold. These reforms would allow Right to Buy to help resolve the housing crisis, rather than contribute to it as it currently does.” The NEF has previously called for the devolution of the Right to Buy scheme following research published in May, which provided an update on how many homes sold under the policy are now owned by private landlords. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bakery chain Greggs has announced plans for a new National Distribution Centre at Symmetry Park in Kettering. The planning application details a 311,551 sq ft logistics space on a 25.1-acre plot, part of Greggs’ strategic growth plan that necessitates significant investment in supply chain capacity. Currently operating 2,500 shops, Greggs has set its sights on expanding to over 3,000 shops in the UK. The new distribution centre will enhance its ability to supply ambient and chilled products directly to its growing network of outlets. Tritax Symmetry is also seeking planning permission for an additional 100,000 sq ft, allowing Greggs to further expand the site. This building will form a key part of Symmetry Park, which spans 136 acres and has outline planning permission for a total of 2,310,000 sq ft of logistics floor space. Subject to planning approval, Greggs expects the new centre to be operational in the first half of 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global Segment Manager at Malvern Panalytical, Murielle Goubard, discusses how the construction industry can cut industrial emissions by up to three-quarters before 2050… Navigating toward a more sustainable construction industry is driven by the pressing need to curb carbon emissions and advance sustainability. Cement producers globally are pushing for ambitious goals, with many targeting a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and envisioning a concrete industry that achieves lifetime carbon neutrality by 2050. The adoption of innovative solutions to mitigate environmental impact in the industry is accelerating. Industry leaders are heavily investing in research and development to supercharge sustainability. Optimising process and kiln efficiency Many cement manufacturers are carefully adjusting processes in the raw milling and pyro-processing stages to enhance efficiency. Ensuring the fine particle size distribution of raw mix particles is key since larger particles can trigger clinker formation issues. Cutting-edge tools such as particle size analyzers and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are empowering manufacturers to maintain precise control over these parameters. This has resulted in increased throughput, substantial cost savings and reduced energy consumption. Innovative fuels and sustainable materials Reducing direct CO2 emissions in cement production remains a high priority across the industry. Co-processing is an approach widely used, whereby alternative fuels – such as biomass, mixed and fossil-waste fuels – are applied to recover the calorific value of waste materials and reduce carbon emissions. To optimise combustion and kiln performance, accurate characterisation of these alternative fuels is imperative. A significant quantity of emissions in cement production comes from clinker production. Cement manufacturers are proactively incorporating alternative materials into their processes to address this issue. Alternative materials, including blast-furnace slag, fly ash, calcined clays, pozzolans, and other industrial waste, reduce the reliance on clinker production, substantially reducing emissions. Unlocking efficiency through automation Automated solutions, ranging from individual instruments to real-time online analysis, provide the precise control needed over processes, increasing sustainability. On-line solutions are particularly useful in busy industrial production environments as they address the very common sampling representativity issue that is one of the most critical steps in the monitoring and control process. This technology can reduce human error, ensuring consistency in product quality. By embracing automation, cement manufacturers can optimise fuel and power costs, cut down on production expenses and meet stringent quality requirements. Paving the way The cement and concrete industry is making important progress in becoming carbon-neutral, despite it being a significant challenge. Implementing a connected, future-proof analytical strategy alongside more efficient manufacturing practices, heightened recycling rates, electrification, renewable energy integration, and carbon capture could potentially cut industrial emissions by up to three-quarters by 2050. While sustainability efforts involve investment, they also offer substantial opportunities for cost savings. The cement and concrete industry is increasingly focused on delivering a greener future, where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. Aligning with industry trends and adopting sustainable practices, the sector will continue to navigate a path toward an environmentally friendly and economically viable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stelling Properties has reached a major construction milestone to restore a historic site in the centre of Southampton. The installation phase for all 121 studio apartments, which were manufactured and fully fitted out offsite, has now been completed on-site. 31 High Street is a landmark project which is bringing a fire-damaged building back to life after it remained derelict for more than a decade. The Portland stone façade of the former Bank of England building has been restored and other parts of the original building have been retained including the historic bank vaults in the basement. The development represents a £12m investment by Stelling to regenerate this prominent site on Southampton High Street whilst helping to meet the critical undersupply of student accommodation in the city. The five-storey scheme will provide 121 high-specification, self-contained studio apartments which will be operated by Unilife and are due for completion later this year. Steel-framed, 8m long modules, each weighing up to 12 tonnes, contained a single apartment and arrived on site finished, with kitchenettes, shower rooms, fitted and loose furniture, flooring, doors, and glazing already in place. These were lifted into position over a six-week installation phase and using a 230-tonne crane. Dan Smith, COO of Stelling Properties, said: “This high-profile project follows another modular student scheme that we have already delivered on Southampton High Street, and we are about to start a third. These developments are an important part of the regeneration of the city centre. “31 High Street has been a hugely challenging and constrained site to develop. It demonstrates the enormous potential of offsite construction and our technical capabilities very well. The site is completely enclosed on three sides, which would have been extremely difficult for in-situ construction as there is no storage space for plant, materials or equipment.” “This is a locally listed building in a Conservation Area but with a fantastic modular design developed by our inhouse team and the retained Portland stone façade, it will blend sympathetically into the locality. “Speed of construction was absolutely critical to reduce disruption in the city centre. By manufacturing and fully fitting out the apartments offsite, we reduced time on site by around 50 per cent. The tremendous progress so far is a real credit to our design, production and site teams.” To complement the local architecture and reflect the heritage aesthetic of the retained façade, the studio apartments will be finished in light stone-coloured external cladding. The final phase of construction will include mechanical and electrical connections on site, fitting out the extensive social and amenity spaces for residents in the original retained part of the building, roofing works, solar panel installations and landscaping of a large roof terrace. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Conlon Construction has concluded a multi-year project at Wilmslow High School, facilitating a substantial increase in capacity to 360 places for the 2024/2025 academic year. Funded by Cheshire East Council and procured through the North West Construction Hub Framework, the extensive expansion permits a school transition from a 10-form to 12-form entry, elevating its capacity to new heights. The project encompassed a diverse range of enhancements, including a striking single-storey 1500m² extension to the main school building alongside extensive internal remodelling. Externally, upgrades to car parks, a new drop-off area, and the construction of a cutting-edge 1500m² sports barn are set to enhance the school’s overall sports amenities and visitor experience. Internally, a key highlight of the project lies in the transformative redesign of the technology department, which features a central corridor linking various teaching areas while seamlessly integrating with the newly constructed extension. Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “This multifaceted project necessitated seamless collaboration among our teams, on-site staff, Cheshire East Council, and neighbouring residents. The journey to completion underscores the strength of our partnerships, adeptly addressing any complexities and the logistical challenges of systematically closing parts of the school, to ultimately ensure minimal disruption to students’ experiences. “Our extensive education experience equips us with a deep understanding of fundamental best practice principles and the importance of meeting critical deadlines. It has been immensely rewarding to deliver a project that bolsters the capacity of this highly sought-after high school.” Ruth Powley, headteacher at Wilmslow High School, said: “It’s been a long challenging project, but we are really delighted with the outcomes for our students and the Wilmslow community. Conlon Construction have been great to work with, and we’ve enjoyed collaborating with them on this significant improvement to our school environment. Claire Williamson, Cheshire East Council’s director of education, strong start and integration, said: “This is really good news for families in Cheshire East – and delivers an additional 300 pupil places on site at Wilmslow High School. “Enhancing education provision in the borough is one of the council’s key priorities and it is very pleasing to see this substantial and complex multi-million-pound project come to successful fruition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proteus Waterproofing, a leader in blue roof design and installation and ACO, a global water management specialist, are proud to announce a new partnership, designed to deliver the ultimate blue roof package. It combines unparalleled design expertise from Proteus Waterproofing with the innovative patented RoofBloxx blue roof attenuation system from ACO Building Drainage, a game changing development which is helping to transform the way that the industry manages rainwater. As a result of the agreement, Proteus will now incorporate ACO’s patented RoofBloxx system, where possible, into every blue roof they design and install. This ensures optimal water management in all weather conditions, a critical aspect of blue roof functionality. Comprehensive design support from Proteus will remain an integral part of the offering. This includes in-depth site surveys, bespoke specification services, advanced roof design solutions and robust technical support. By combining this exceptional design knowledge with ACO’s water management experience, every project will benefit from a team of experts, dedicated to delivering the best possible blue roof solution for every contract. Proteus Waterproofing’s design package includes a detailed understanding of each specific need and uses cutting-edge drone technology for inspections and provides on-site visits to ensure no detail is missed. Precise U-Value calculations, condensation risk analysis, fire risk compliance, wind uplift assessments and drainage calculations are also part of the package. In addition, Proteus offers a range of insulation choices designed as a total roof system to meet Part B Fire regulations to ensure optimal thermal performance, together with ACO’s patented flow restrictor outlets and overflow mechanisms to deliver efficient water management and prevent water ingress during extreme weather events. Water management innovation By partnering with ACO Building Drainage the Proteus Blue Roof package now includes the RoofBloxx system, which is proving to be a game-changer. The RoofBloxx system offers an efficient and environmentally friendly way to manage rainwater runoff and meet planning conditions. The system enables advanced water storage and irrigation solutions for blue and green roofs in urban areas. ACO’s philosophy aligns perfectly with the vision of blue roofs. Their WaterCycle systems collect, channel, clean, retain and reuse water, contributing to water conservation. Furthermore, ACO’s intelligent drainage systems use smart technology to manage rainwater and wastewater efficiently. This ensures optimal water usage and minimises waste. The company also prioritises long-lasting, reusable products with a low carbon footprint. They are committed to sustainable practices throughout their operations and offer extensive experience and a vast network of resources to ensure the success of every blue roof project. This partnership between Proteus Waterproofing and ACO Building Drainage represents a significant leap forward for blue roofs in the UK. By combining their expertise, they will deliver exceptional blue roof solutions that are not only functional, but also sustainable and environmentally conscious. Unparalleled design and innovation from the combined expertise of two industry leaders means that quality and performance are guaranteed on both labour and materials, supported by products known for their durability and reliability. This means total peace of mind with a team of experts dedicated to every project, to deliver a blue roof, designed installed and maintained to the highest standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new research and development centre is taking shape in Hull, as a major manufacturer continues to invest in its long-term future in the city. Ideal Heating’s UK Technology Centre will support the development of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps, and drive further innovation in the way homes can be heated sustainably. After a competitive tender process, Ideal Heating appointed Henry Boot Construction as lead contractor on the project. The project is backed by more than £2m of seed capital funding from Humber Freeport, having been identified as a significant project which will help the region decarbonise its industries and transition to a net zero economy. The steelwork for the UK Technology Centre is now in place, with work on the new facility moving forward at pace. Craig Finn, Director at Henry Boot Construction said: “We are delighted to be delivering this significant technology centre in Hull. “Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our business, so it’s a pleasure to be working with a company that shares these values, alongside playing our part in contributing to a greener future for the UK. “Like us, Ideal Heating is always looking to integrate new technologies and be at the forefront of the sector — in particular, trying to deliver more innovative low-carbon solutions — so this partnership was the perfect fit.” Ideal Heating Chief Operations Officer, Jason Speedy, further emphasised the importance of innovative technologies: “The UK Technology Centre represents a significant investment in more ways than one. “We’re part-way through a £60m development programme at our National Avenue headquarters in Hull, largely focused on heat pump production, distribution and innovation. The R&D facility forms a key part of that programme. “But, more than that, the UK Technology Centre signals a new chapter in our 100-plus years of history in Hull. It will enable us to continue the evolution of the products which will heat homes for decades to come.” The UK Technology Centre will provide a purpose-designed new home for Ideal Heating’s expert R&D team, which has an increasing range of engineering roles related to design, development, electronics, simulation and product testing. The 38,000 sq ft facility will house a heat pump testing area, workshop spaces and a training room, as well as new laboratory facilities. In addition to increasing Ideal Heating’s R&D capacities, the Technology Centre will boast excellent sustainability credentials, with roof-mounted solar panels and air source heat pumps. LED lighting and controls will also help to reduce energy consumption within the building and high-performance building fabrics will reduce heat loss. The facility is set to be operational in early 2025 and will house a range of simulators, test rigs and environmental chambers, all of which will advance the efficiency and performance of Ideal Heating’s product portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Castle Street sustainable energy centre is at an exciting stage in its development with bespoke bronze cladding being applied to its facades. The new building skin has been designed by LDN Architects as a subtly symbolic saltire and diamond pattern that reflects the heritage, colours and patterns of its surroundings. This includes the bastion walls of the castle and the sandstone buildings that are predominant in Inverness city centre. The system is being installed by Bancon Construction and its specialist cladding contractor Maple. When complete, the building will act as a distinctly contemporary gateway to the Inverness Castle Experience and will supply the building with all its heating demand through renewable technology. Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area and Co-Chair of the Levelling Up Fund Programme Board, said, “We need to create a greener, more sustainable future for all our Highland communities.” “The three projects being refurbished in the Highland capital, supported by UK Government funding, will provide, on completion, immense benefits for locals and visitors alike.” Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “Everyone is aware of the necessity to reduce our carbon footprint. As a Council, we have a crucial role to play in this challenge and it is only by prioritising renewable technologies within projects in the Highlands that the path to net zero can be achieved. It is great to see this project taking shape as the castle project comes together.” Three projects along the River Ness in Inverness are being supported with almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund. The projects – Castle Street Energy Centre, Northern Meeting Park refurbishment, and upgrades to Bught Park – will boost the city’s sporting and cultural attractions, preserve key heritage assets, help attract more tourists, and assist in achieving net zero carbon targets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Organisers of UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, have announced the creation of their first-ever Advisory Board, a prestigious panel of top industry leaders. Last week’s inaugural session saw the panel discuss some of the most critical challenges facing today’s construction industry, whilst attempting to uncover meaningful and innovative solutions which could be rolled out across the sector. The panel also dissected UKCW’s stage content, with suggestions on elements and features which could be introduced to keep the show relevant and fresh. Topics debated included the new government’s manifesto commitments and first 100 days of Labour; Modern Methods of Construction (MMC); the skills gap; AI and data; planning; mental health in construction; and social value. Sam Patel, Divisional Director – Construction, commented: “The aim of the panel is to get to the very heart of the most important issues facing our industry today. We want UKCW to not only be at the centre of the construction debate, but for us to be a voice for the sector; that means the show must reflect the ever-changing needs of a fast-paced industry. “We aspire to ignite growth, enhance connectivity, and drive meaningful improvements across the construction landscape, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.” The Advisory Board features a Who’s Who of top level experts, including: Charlotte Garrett said: “I think it’s a great experience to sit alongside other industry leaders and collectively bridge that gap between the organisers and the wider construction community, leveraging all of our connections and progressing the industry forward together.” Jessie Wilde commented: “Being on the advisory board is a great opportunity to help shape construction with like-minded people and discuss vision and purpose; I’d like UK Construction Week to draw everyone together around key shared objectives for the country we live in; we have such a part to play to move those discussions forward.” Trudi Sully added: “I think it’s a great opportunity for industry leaders to be able to influence the shape of these conferences because they are such important events to bring people together to talk about what’s coming up and how we can work together more effectively. I think it’s how we bring everything together – the technology, systems, processes and tools are really well developed but not widely adopted, so we need to talk about how we start to implement, develop and adapt to ensure continuous improvement in everything that’s been happening in the last 5-10 years.” Andy Tookey said: “The skills shortage is one of the biggest challenges we face in the construction industry, and I would really like to hear from the different demographics – Generation Z, and what attracts them to the industry, and how do we use AI and tech as a lever so it’s not seen as a dirty and disruptive industry; I’d also like to see those of working age who’ve not considered construction, and also those valuable people thinking about leaving the industry and how we can retain them.” Marie Claude Hemming commented: “UKCW brings all the elements of the industry under one roof, and through this board I’m hoping to not only meet people in adjacent sectors but also represent the interests of civil engineers and contractors. At UKCW, I’d like to see a great thriving buzzing environment but also more focus on infrastructure and the direction of travel from the new government, and how we can work with them.” Opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke, UKCW Birmingham attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the globe, and will showcase a host of international exhibitors from the likes of Turkey, China and India. The multi award-winning show will feature over 200 exhibitors. 300-plus seminars, CPD sessions and workshops, and over 300 thought leaders and keynote speakers. To find out more and register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://ukcw-birmingham-2024.reg.buzz/cabpr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
