Planning approval has been secured for a new boutique Dakota Hotel at MIX MANCHESTER, adjacent to Manchester Airport. The 154-bedroom hotel is expected to inject approximately £12million per annum to the local economy, with 150 jobs for local people. It has an estimated £60m development value with a gross internal
Chancerygate has achieved practical completion on two urban logistics developments in Greater London which provide a combined total of 242,300 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics accommodation. Metroplex Park is located in Tolworth, south west London and Dagenham Logistics Hub in east London. Located in Red Lion Business Park
Leading independent energy developer Balance Power today announces planning approval for its 99MW/99MWh battery storage project located in Iron Acton, South Gloucestershire. This project will play a critical role in storing renewable energy during peak production times and supplying it back to the grid when demand is high, helping to
As the commercial real estate sector faces unprecedented challenges and against the backdrop of New York Climate Week 2024, the biggest annual climate event of its kind, the movement toward smarter buildings is top of mind. Building on a 2023 commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), a
Today, the Supply Chain Sustainability School (“the School”) has released the findings of the ninth annual Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Culture Impact Report, showcasing significant growth and a positive impact of the FIR Programme within the built environment sector. The FIR Programme, delivered by the School and part-funded by
Grayson, a leading provider of construction consumables, is proud to announce a new partnership with St Edmunds Society (St Eds), a Norwich-based charity offering vocational training and employability skills training to young people aged 16-18. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the learning experience for St Eds’ students by providing
Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that by 2030 all rental properties will be required to achieve at least Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) level C or equivalent. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Many
SP Energy Networks has established a new team dedicated to supporting the community energy ambitions of community groups within its network areas. The team and accompanying community energy strategy recognises the importance of community energy in helping both the UK as a whole and local communities with their ambition to
Huws Gray Group, one of the UK’s leading supplier of construction materials, has today published its inaugural annual sustainability report. The report looks forward to future ambitions, including targets and areas of focus for the Group and gives a transparent overview of the Group’s 2023 performance in the areas of
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Delivering the volume of high-quality homes to meet the urgent demand across the country is essential. We have a housing
BDC 321 : Oct 2024
Planning approval has been secured for a new boutique Dakota Hotel at MIX MANCHESTER, adjacent to Manchester Airport. The 154-bedroom hotel is expected to inject approximately £12million per annum to the local economy, with 150 jobs for local people. It has an estimated £60m development value with a gross internal area of 7,835sqm. The hotel will be the second in Manchester for Dakota Hotels, complementing its city centre hotel on Ducie Street, and will be located off Enterprise Way on a three-acre plot at MIX MANCHESTER. Enabling and preparation works are already underway on site and contractor GMI Construction is lined to start construction works shortly. Andrew Ovenstone, Managing Director of Dakota Hotels Ltd, commented: “This is an exceptional location for the latest hotel in our northern portfolio. Not only is it strategically placed next to one of the busiest airports in the world, but it will be central to the development coming forward across the MIX MANCHESTER site. We’re very pleased to have secured planning and look forward to bringing the Dakota Hotels experience to the local community, business travellers and employees and visitors to MIX MANCHESTER.” The JV partnership behind MIX MANCHESTER comprises Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Speaking on behalf of the JV partnership Gareth Jackson, Group Property Director for Manchester Airports Group, said: “Dakota securing planning for their new hotel is another great milestone for us at MIX MANCHESTER. It’s a superb brand, one which closely aligns with our ambitions and vision for the forward-thinking companies that we’re aiming to attract to MIX MANCHESTER. It will provide an exceptional standard of accommodation and high-quality service for both employees and for some of the 28million passenger wo travel through the airport each year.” The MIX MANCHESTER Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) is currently out for public consultation and will see the creation of the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation, and manufacturing campus. Designed by KPP Architects, the new Dakota Hotel will also include a premium bar and brasserie-style Grill on the ground floor and will provide 130 car parking spaces and a dedicated shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. The new Dakota Hotel will join other new amenities at MIX MANCHESTER, including additional hotel and leisure facilities and extensive public realm, all of which is designed to complement the development’s wider masterplan which comprises 2 million sq ft of high-quality science, innovation, and advanced manufacturing space. The site is ‘shovel-ready’, with £30 million of joint venture capital already invested in highways and utilities infrastructure, including a new pedestrian bridge linking to the main airport site. Driven by occupier demand, a wide range of buildings will be available, including advanced manufacturing, research and development, laboratory and office spaces with the creation of up to 8,000 jobs. Asteer Planning advised Dakota Hotels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chancerygate has achieved practical completion on two urban logistics developments in Greater London which provide a combined total of 242,300 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics accommodation. Metroplex Park is located in Tolworth, south west London and Dagenham Logistics Hub in east London. Located in Red Lion Business Park near the A3 Kingston bypass, Metroplex Park provides 70,300 sq ft of urban logistics space. The development comprises nine highly sustainable leasehold units ranging from 4,490 sq ft to 18,110 sq ft. The development is a joint venture (JV) partnership between Chancerygate and specialist sustainable and impact investor Bridges Fund Management. Dagenham Logistics Hub is a 172,000 sq ft development comprising 14 units. Chancerygate delivered the development in a joint project with a fund managed by Credit Suisse Asset Management, a UBS Group company, and global real estate investor, developer and manager Hines. The scheme was forward sold to investment manager, Padrock, for an undisclosed sum in June 2022. Both Metroplex Park and Dagenham Logistics Hub have achieved EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent ratings and are targeting being net zero carbon for regulated energy schemes. Chancerygate managing director, Richard Bains, said: “We’re very pleased to have achieved practical completion on these developments. Both Metroplex Park and Dagenham Logistics Hub sit in areas where there is strong demand for new, high-quality, sustainable urban logistics accommodation. “Both of these developments will help satisfy this demand and provide long term economic assets for their respective localities.” Agents for Metroplex Park are JLL, Bonsors and SHW. You can learn more about Chancerygate’s live projects here.Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading independent energy developer Balance Power today announces planning approval for its 99MW/99MWh battery storage project located in Iron Acton, South Gloucestershire. This project will play a critical role in storing renewable energy during peak production times and supplying it back to the grid when demand is high, helping to stabilise the grid and power approximately 26,700 homes. The approval from South Gloucestershire was achieved through a delegated decision, following an extensive community consultation process. These discussions led to adjustments in the design, scale, and location of the project, ensuring it meets community expectations and needs. Comprising 19 battery units and spanning 2.3 hectares, the Iron Acton facility will help reduce CO2 emissions by about 18,300 tonnes annually, equivalent to taking 13,000 cars off the road. Currently, the Iron Acton Grid Supply Point (GSP) network has 120MW of solar and wind energy connected, with an additional 750MW of solar connections planned. Balance Power’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at this site will be crucial for stabilising network frequency, efficiently storing excess clean energy generated by the renewable energy sources for use during times of peak demand. A 100MW grid connection has been secured at the adjacent Iron Acton Grid Supply Point. While the construction timeline is still being finalised, efforts are underway to advance the energisation date. Initially set for June 2036, ongoing discussions with National Grid aim to bring this date forwards and get the project up and running sooner. Additionally, the project includes a biodiversity enhancement plan, promising a 10% increase in habitat units and a 119% boost in hedgerow units, reflecting Balance Power’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Oliver Pettersen, Connections Manager at Balance Power, expressed enthusiasm: “Securing planning permission for Iron Acton is a significant milestone and is set to make a sizeable impact on local clean energy reliability. With extensive solar development in the Iron Acton area, this project will be pivotal for managing excess power generation and more broadly for balancing out the supply and demand of renewable energy, helping to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Due to the size and scale of the project, it also marks a big step forward for the UK’s transition to net zero, which depends upon battery storage projects that provide stability for a decarbonised grid. We’re grateful for the support from South Gloucestershire and the community – it’s due to our collective efforts and close collaboration that we’ve reached this brilliant outcome.” Since 2017, Balance Power has been pioneering decentralised energy projects across the UK, collaborating with stakeholders to meet decarbonisation goals. With nearly 2GW of projects in development, Balance Power continues to lead the transformation of the UK’s energy landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the commercial real estate sector faces unprecedented challenges and against the backdrop of New York Climate Week 2024, the biggest annual climate event of its kind, the movement toward smarter buildings is top of mind. Building on a 2023 commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), a recently released spotlight report, “Cracking The Smart Buildings Code: A Spotlight On Retail And Commercial Real Estate,” reveals that investments in smart buildings are essential for leaders aiming to enhance sustainability, security, and save money. “Smart buildings are not just a trend; there is growing recognition they are a necessity for modern commercial real estate,” said Vijay Sankaran, vice president and chief technology officer, Johnson Controls. “This report highlights the urgent need for integrated systems and expert partners to navigate the complexities of today’s commercial real estate market to achieve long-term success.” The digitalisation of buildings provides an immense opportunity to gain a clearer picture of the operation of facilities to create sustainable, healthy, and safe environments—a critical differentiator for both commercial real estate tenants and buyers. Notably, 75% of commercial real estate and retail leaders say smart buildings are important to accelerating their digital transformation efforts. Nearly two-thirds of leaders indicate smart buildings are important for reducing costs, accelerating sustainability initiatives, and driving business growth. These results reveal that retail and commercial real estate leaders are seeking outcomes that have a positive impact for building owners, occupants and the bottom line. Additional key findings include: Johnson Controls is optimised to be the leading comprehensive solutions provider for commercial buildings, as a one-stop-shop for leaders looking for a partner with the technology and industry experience to drive meaningful outcomes. The company delivers a diverse portfolio of solutions for a variety of industries, from schools to office buildings, arenas to hospitals. “As a leader in the smart buildings industry, we have a comprehensive understanding of how connected, data-driven solutions provide deeper insights into a building’s performance and how we can optimise equipment performance and enable proactive services,” said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “This report confirms what we’re already hearing from our customers, that smart buildings are foundational to the design, operation, and maintenance of indoor environments, ultimately driving value.” At the centre of Johnson Controls’ smart building strategy is OpenBlue, an industry-leading ecosystem of connected technologies, expertise and services. Combining data from across a building’s systems and using advanced digital experiences augmented with AI, OpenBlue provides actionable insights and controls that save more energy and reduce more emissions than possible with isolated systems. It also helps customers in simplifying carbon disclosure reporting and regulatory compliance with building performance standards. With deployments across the globe spanning commercial office spaces, healthcare, education, campuses and more, OpenBlue enables real-time data visibility across assets, people and processes, empowering customers to drive intelligent and proactive operations from a single pane of glass. To learn more about how Johnson Controls OpenBlue is transforming smart buildings, please visit: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/OpenBlue. For more insights, download the full report, “Cracking The Smart Buildings Code: A Spotlight On Retail And Commercial Real Estate,” available now here: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/insights/2024/white-paper/cracking-the-code-cre. MethodologyIn August 2023, Johnson Controls commissioned Forrester Consulting to evaluate the state of smart buildings. Forrester conducted an online survey with 3,445 respondents responsible for smart building strategy to explore this topic. All respondents were asked high-level smart building strategy questions and then more granular questions depending on their level of responsibility for sustainability, security, and/or building environmental systems. Respondents represented organisations in 18 industries and 25 countries. The study was conducted in a double-blind fashion. This spotlight is focused on a subset of 299 smart buildings decision-makers in retail and commercial real estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, the Supply Chain Sustainability School (“the School”) has released the findings of the ninth annual Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Culture Impact Report, showcasing significant growth and a positive impact of the FIR Programme within the built environment sector. The FIR Programme, delivered by the School and part-funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), offers comprehensive training, resources, and a network of FIR Ambassadors to help organisations embed fairness, inclusion, and respect in their workplace practices. Through workshops, webinars, e-learning modules, and a resource library, the programme equips individuals and businesses with essential knowledge and tools to enhance inclusivity and cultivate a positive working culture. This year’s FIR Culture Impact Survey revealed an impressive milestone, with 1,689 respondents – a 32.7% increase in participation compared to the previous year. This rise underscores the growing importance of the FIR mission within the industry and reflects heightened awareness of inclusivity efforts. Key findings from the 2024 FIR Culture Impact Survey indicate that 56% of respondents have engaged with the FIR Programme, with 39% joining within the last 12 months. This surge in engagement highlights the programme’s increasing relevance, particularly for newer entrants to the workforce discovering the benefits of FIR for the first time. The demographic composition of survey respondents continues to challenge traditional industry norms, signalling meaningful progress towards greater inclusivity. Notably, 48% of respondents identified as women, 9% disclosed a disability, and 15% represented non-white backgrounds, exceeding standard diversity benchmarks within the sector. The Role of FIR Ambassadors The survey further underscored the invaluable contribution of FIR Ambassadors, with 519 Ambassadors (31% of respondents) sharing insights about their experiences. Findings indicate that the Ambassador role correlates with higher engagement and job satisfaction: Quality and Impact of FIR Training Respondents praised the quality of FIR Training, with 90% providing positive feedback on workshops, webinars, and the FIR resource library. Furthermore, 92% of workshop attendees and 93% of webinar attendees reported an enhanced understanding of FIR principles. The FIR e-learning modules also demonstrated significant impact, with 93% reporting increased knowledge and 88% indicating that they applied knowledge from FIR resources in practical settings. Positive Impact on Individuals and Businesses The FIR Programme continues to have a strong impact on individuals, with an increasing number of respondents reporting positive experiences: At the business level, many organisations reported tangible improvements in key areas: Anonymous feedback from participants further highlights the FIR Programme’s influence. One participant shared, “The FIR Programme has given me a deeper understanding and knowledge base of issues that can affect my colleagues and the workforce that we supply to our clients.” For the full report, visit the Supply Chain Sustainability School website here. Explore the FIR Programme here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grayson, a leading provider of construction consumables, is proud to announce a new partnership with St Edmunds Society (St Eds), a Norwich-based charity offering vocational training and employability skills training to young people aged 16-18. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the learning experience for St Eds’ students by providing them with modern, up-to-date materials and equipment for training and teaching purposes. An award-winning charity, St Eds offers a diverse range of courses and qualifications, including City and Guilds Multi-Skills Construction (L1) in which students can gain skills in carpentry, bricklaying, painting and decorating, plastering, tiling and plumbing, with the opportunity to specialise in these areas in an industry-approved training environment. St Eds also works closely with local schools to support students who find mainstream education challenging. Recognising the high-need nature of St Eds’ student cohort, the institution has a robust welfare team in place, providing extensive emotional and mental support beyond what is typically available in traditional schools and colleges, ensuring that students receive the care and guidance they need to succeed both academically and personally. Through this partnership, Grayson has supplied St Eds’ construction department with state-of-the-art equipment and materials, including those for cavity wall construction and other specialised techniques used on-site. This contribution has enabled St Eds to expand its curriculum, offering more enrichment activities that go beyond standard qualification requirements. As a result, students can gain a deeper insight into the construction industry and hands-on experience with materials and techniques that are crucial for their future careers. In addition to supplying equipment, Grayson works closely with the staff at St Eds to keep them up-to-date on the latest products and techniques, elevating the quality of education and ensuring that both tutors and students are well-acquainted with the modern materials currently used onsite. Grayson also recently sponsored the Construction Student of the Year Award at St Eds’ graduation ceremony in July. Katie Wills, Grayson’s Regional Manager for the South, attended the ceremony to recognise the hard work of the emerging talent and proudly presented the award to the deserving student. “The tutors are thrilled with the new resources provided by Grayson,” says Heidi Duhig, Fundraising Manager at St Eds. “These are tools and materials we wouldn’t typically have access to due to budget constraints, and they allow us to provide a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience for our students. Thanks to Grayson’s support, we can now expose our students to a broader range of construction skills and knowledge, better preparing them for their future careers.” Gary Smith, Lead Construction Tutor at St Eds, comments: “We have been able to develop our teaching methods with the resources that Grayson has been giving us. We are using realistic profiles on one model now, rather than using wooden profiles. Cavity walling is more realistic with the cavity stop socks they have generously given us, along with the lintels, cavity trays and weep holes.” By partnering with St Eds, Grayson is helping to ensure that the next generation of tradespeople are equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to succeed in the industry. Tony Higson, Managing Director at Grayson, adds: “We are incredibly proud to support St Edmunds Society in their mission to provide alternative education and practical training to young people. By equipping students with the latest materials and tools, we are helping to create a solid foundation for their future careers in construction. It’s essential that these students have access to the best resources, and we’re delighted to be a part of their journey.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that by 2030 all rental properties will be required to achieve at least Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) level C or equivalent. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Many landlords will find EPC C challenging to reach, particularly if they own older buildings. However, some of the reasons relate to the cost of energy which means a gas boiler achieves a better EPC rating than electric heating, such as heat pumps. It is therefore pleasing to see the Government propose a consultation to make EPC’s more accurate and reliable, plus use the words EPC C ‘or equivalent’, suggesting the introduction of an alternative assessment method.” The EPC C by 2030 target is less ambitious than the EPC C by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing ones that Rishi Sunak scrapped in September 2023, but more realistic. DESNZ also confirmed the continuation of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, as well as the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which replaces the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB, said: “EPC C or equivalent by 2030 is achievable and great news for SME builders who will be fundamental in retrofitting those 2.9 million homes. We hope to convince the Government to do even more and as part of our response to the NPPF consultation we again proposed a National Retrofit Planning Framework (NRPF) to ensure the planning process does not hinder works or make them prohibitive. Introducing a Digital Buildings Passport would also encourage all owners to better understand their buildings and plan a timeline for renovation and retrofitting. As works would be recorded, bad practitioners would also have nowhere to hide and better or best practice could be highlighted.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SP Energy Networks has established a new team dedicated to supporting the community energy ambitions of community groups within its network areas. The team and accompanying community energy strategy recognises the importance of community energy in helping both the UK as a whole and local communities with their ambition to reduce their energy costs and enjoy the environmental benefits that these solutions can bring. Initiatives supported by the team will promote energy autonomy, explore solutions to local energy issues and help to address environmental concerns, fuel poverty, and actively improve communities’ capacity to engage with these types of projects. A recent independent review of community energy, commissioned by SP Energy Networks, found that community-led green initiatives have the power to deliver 2.5m tonnes of carbon savings each year – the equivalent of powering 2.2m UK homes by 2030. Community-led energy programmes are a crucial component in achieving net-zero ambitions through the provision of alternative energy sources and grid flexibility to meet the growing demand for low carbon technologies.. As part of the SP Energy Networks’ Community Energy Strategy, a series of dedicated workshops will be delivered to help groups explore the community energy sector, with practical sessions offering technical guidance and signposting to suitable project support. The Community Energy team members will also be on hand to meet with community groups and organisations as well as guiding communities through the energy journey process, providing relevant advice and optioneering. This initiative also aims to help support national targets, with the newly elected UK Government’s Local Power Plan looking to provide grants and low-interest loans for community-led clean energy projects. This will contribute to the strive to produce 8GW of solar and onshore wind in the next five years as part of its broader climate change ambitions. Nicola Connelly, CEO, SP Energy Networks explains more: “Over the past year, we have worked closely with community energy organisations and key stakeholders to establish how people perceive and understand community energy. “It’s clear that there is a wealth of ambition across communities but a lack of resources and support to help every project move forward. In setting up our new community energy team we hope to be able to breakdown potential barriers to community energy projects and help more local groups to see the major benefits community energy can bring them.” Emma Bridge, Chief Executive at Community Energy England, said: “We welcome SP Energy Networks taking a proactive approach in supporting community energy groups.” “By providing technical expertise, funding guidance, and strategic support, this new team will help to empower local organisations to overcome barriers and achieve their renewable energy goals, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy system for all.” As the network operator for Central and Southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire North and Mid Wales and North Shropshire, SP Energy Networks plays a critical role in helping connecting community energy projects – ranging from local renewable generation projects to low carbon transport into the grid. To find out more about SP Energy Networks’ Community Energy team and register for updates on available support, please visit: www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/zero_carbon_communities.aspx Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Huws Gray Group, one of the UK’s leading supplier of construction materials, has today published its inaugural annual sustainability report. The report looks forward to future ambitions, including targets and areas of focus for the Group and gives a transparent overview of the Group’s 2023 performance in the areas of environment, social and governance. Sustainability Report 2023 (huwsgray.co.uk) Introducing the report, Daksh Gupta, Group CEO Huws Gray Group, says; “A renewed focus on sustainability was one of my immediate priorities for Huws Gray Group when I became CEO of the business earlier this year. Like many businesses, we have much to do but I am extremely heartened by the steps we have already taken. Our ESG strategy focusses on four strategic pillars and this first report lays out the company goals to which we commit.” The report covers two key aspects, firstly the company’s achievements, covering economic, environmental, social and governance areas. Secondly, the report sets out a new set of targets for the Huws Gray Group including Scope 1&2 emissions, Scope 3 emissions, transitioning to a 100% electric fleet and developing a sustainable procurement process. The strategy has four central pillars, which are described in detail in the report: Some highlights from the 2023 report include: Huws Gray Group are committed to publishing a sustainability report annually with progress on the company’s journey towards a more sustainability future. Dafydd Hughes from Huws Gray Group Sustainability Team commented; “In 2023 we made significant progress in the ESG areas so are delighted to publish our first Sustainability Report and we look forward to being part of driving positive change within our industry. We believe the key to success in sustainability is working together with our colleagues, customers, suppliers and stakeholders to make a positive impact on our people and planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Delivering the volume of high-quality homes to meet the urgent demand across the country is essential. We have a housing crisis, and while there are promising reforms on the table, such as measures to unlock brownfield land, real change will only happen if these proposals are backed by adequate support and resources. Architects are poised to bring the high-quality design that these reforms call for, but the uncomfortable truth is that most volume homes never pass through an architecture design studio. Add to that the lack of investment in local planning authorities, which are stretched thin and lack the design expertise necessary to oversee the process effectively. While we note proposals to mandate a greater proportion of homes for social rent and a mix of tenures and types, these must be accompanied by an adequate supply of housing for older and disabled people to meet the increasing demand. If the Government commits to supporting local planning, encourages cross-boundary cooperation, and releases grey belt land while also prioritising brownfield sites, it can unlock the system’s full potential – but it must get it right.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
