Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd confirm retail operators, Starbucks, KFC and Greggs are coming to Viking Park in Congleton. Construction has already begun as Roe Developments have initiated works on three retail units. The roadside convenience offering at Viking Park will consist of a detached 1,850 sq ft Starbucks drive through
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has signed a pre-lease agreement with DPD, the parcel delivery company, for a 58,000 sq ft facility at its net zero carbon Panattoni Park Sittingbourne development in Kent. Subject to planning approval, Panattoni expects to start construction of
EV infrastructure provider installs third site as part of four retail locations across Scotland, which will deliver a megawatt of power between them. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider, FOR EV, has launched a new site at Tesco Express on Great Northern Road, Aberdeen. The new 200kW charging hub, which is
Building Heroes, the leading tri-service military charity dedicated to facilitating the transition from military to civilian careers within the construction sector is proud to announce that Thakeham has renewed its Bronze Sponsoring Partnership. Partnering with Thakeham, a leading housebuilder renowned for its commitment to sustainability and community-focused developments, underscores our
The reimagined Creamery building at the heart of Castle Cary railway station now boasts a striking, all-glass passenger lift from Stannah. This modern addition combines style with accessibility, offering a transparent and elegant way to visit the trackside restaurant and working creamery. This historic structure, which has been a part
William Martin has announced the promotion of Derrick Milligan to Director of Consultancy. With over 15 years’ experience in safety consultancy management, he brings a wealth of expertise to the position, as well as in-depth knowledge of technical operations and account management. Derrick’s promotion comes after six successful years at
Instagrid (www.instagrid.co), the Certified B Corporation and leading provider of advanced battery-based portable power systems for mobile workforces, today announces the launch of Instagrid GO. The high-performance battery unit will provide mobile power to UK construction workers facing challenging power demands, whilst simultaneously transforming workplace safety and driving the construction
Commenting on the latest Halifax data showing UK house prices in September rose 4.7% compared with a year ago – the strongest rate since November 2022, Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners, said: “We are continuing to see a consistent month-on-month rise in house prices, which signals a potential
Horizontal milling machines, often referred to as machining centers, have become a cornerstone in several industries. Their adaptable nature and numerous benefits have made them indispensable. But how exactly do these machines increase productivity, precision, and flexibility in machining? The Productivity Driver One of the standout advantages of horizontal milling
BDC 321 : Oct 2024
Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd confirm retail operators, Starbucks, KFC and Greggs are coming to Viking Park in Congleton. Construction has already begun as Roe Developments have initiated works on three retail units. The roadside convenience offering at Viking Park will consist of a detached 1,850 sq ft Starbucks drive through facility at the front of the plot. Adjacent to Starbucks will be a semi-detached unit totalling 3,200sq ft which will house a KFC and Greggs. At the centre of the plot there will be a parking facility for up to 38 vehicles, including 4 E-V charging stations for added convenience of passing trade. The retail units are conveniently located directly off Barn Road which runs through the centre of Viking Park connecting Congleton town to the A536 link road. Starbucks, Greggs and KFC will sit next to the brand-new Aldi store which officially opened to the general public in October 2024. Marc Freeman, Director, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd added: “It’s good to see that the roadside convenience offering is now under construction on site at Viking Park. We feel that a Starbucks ‘drive thru’, KFC and Greggs will be a welcomed addition to the business park. Following the successful opening of Aldi back in October, it’s refreshing to watch Viking Park take shape. Our construction contractor, Roe Developments, will also be starting to construct a standalone 20,000 sq ft unit for a yet to be named retailer. We anticipate all units will be open for business by the summer of 2025. Elsewhere on the mixed-use scheme, residential developer, Bloor Homes, are progressing well with the construction of their homes. On completion, Viking Park will deliver up to 175 homes, a 20,500sq ft supermarket/roadside convenience, as well as 36,800sq ft office facilities and 219,500sq ft of industrial units. Available units including Viking103 are being marketed on an all enquiries basis, interested parties are invited to contact our agents Mark Sillitoe, ms@willsill.co.uk or Andrew Groves, andrew.groves@harrislamb.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has signed a pre-lease agreement with DPD, the parcel delivery company, for a 58,000 sq ft facility at its net zero carbon Panattoni Park Sittingbourne development in Kent. Subject to planning approval, Panattoni expects to start construction of the facility, which comprises the second phase of the park, in the fourth quarter of this year and complete it in the third quarter of 2025. Panattoni is targeting a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. Panattoni is already under construction with the 645,000 sq ft first phase of development at the park, comprising two units of 440,000 sq ft (S440) and 205,000 sq ft (S205). Completion of these two units is expected in March 2025. While there is already significant interest in these units, both remain available for tenants. All units are being developed with enhanced sustainability measures within the base specification, including the installation of roof-mounted solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. The park has 5MVa of power available with a further 1.35MVa of power generated from the solar panels. Panattoni is investing £170 million in the development of the park, which is strategically positioned between London and Dover, four miles north of junction 5 of the M2. Alex Mitchell, Development Manager, South East and London, at Panattoni, said: “This pre-let to DPD demonstrates the strong demand for high-quality, sustainable industrial space in the south east. We are excited to begin construction later this year and deliver a state-of-the-art facility that meets DPD’s operational needs while also aligning with our sustainability goals”. Agents at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne are Savills, Avison Young and CBRE. DPD was advised by SBH. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EV infrastructure provider installs third site as part of four retail locations across Scotland, which will deliver a megawatt of power between them. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider, FOR EV, has launched a new site at Tesco Express on Great Northern Road, Aberdeen. The new 200kW charging hub, which is less than a 10-minute drive from the city centre, is equipped with three dual charging points and six connectors that can charge a typical EV from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes. The completion marks the latest of four sites run by Cedarwood Asset Management Ltd, including recently launched charging hubs at Sainsbury’s Inverkip in Inverclyde and Toolstation Montrose. The next step of the expansion will be FOR EV’s delivery of a fourth site in Fraserburgh, securing a combined total of 22 connectors across the Cedarwood sites. Paul Jenkins, Director at Cedarwood Asset Management Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have completed another deal with FOR EV and are sure that the public and staff of the Tenants on this site will benefit significantly from this additional facility.” John Ross, Business Development Manager at FOR EV, said: “We have a strong and growing relationship with Cedarwood Asset Management. Delivering a third site enables us to provide user-friendly EV charging infrastructure to a wider range of drivers across Scotland. “It’s important for retail businesses and landowners to recognise the need for infrastructure as not only an essential provision for EV owners but also an opportunity to attract new customers.” FOR EV is Scotland’s leading charge point operator and is supported by funding from The Scottish National Investment Bank. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building Heroes, the leading tri-service military charity dedicated to facilitating the transition from military to civilian careers within the construction sector is proud to announce that Thakeham has renewed its Bronze Sponsoring Partnership. Partnering with Thakeham, a leading housebuilder renowned for its commitment to sustainability and community-focused developments, underscores our mission to collaborate with industry trailblazers that align with our values of service and excellence and are committed to providing opportunities for the armed forces community within the construction industry. Since its foundation in 2014, Building Heroes has supported the transition of over 3,400 graduates into civilian life by offering access to barrier-free construction training programmes. As a recipient of the Queen’s Award and celebrating a decade of significant impact, the charity continues to work with educational partners and industry leaders to accelerate learning that leads to employment or self-employment in construction, infrastructure, and sustainable building sectors. Thakeham’s sponsorship of Building Heroes strengthens a shared commitment to supporting armed forces personnel, advancing construction skills training, and fostering community development. This ongoing collaboration was recently showcased when Thakeham team members joined Building Heroes at a British Forces Resettlement Service careers event, jointly engaging with service leavers to explore various career opportunities in construction. On September 30th, learners from the Basingstoke Building Heroes Academy experienced a comprehensive site tour at Thakeham’s Welborne development in Hampshire. This visit provided an in-depth view of the complex stages of development, highlighting Thakeham’s commitment to sustainable building practices. Sarah Crush, Social Value Manager at Thakeham, commented, “We are committed to helping veterans and reservists find a rewarding career in construction by providing the necessary skills and employment pathways. Our partnership with Building Heroes supports active service members and veterans transition into civilian life via work placements and site tours as part of the charity’s academy programmes. Our dedication to helping the armed forces community is unwavering. Last year, we received a Gold award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the highest level of recognition available to organisations who pledge, demonstrate and advocate support for, and align their values with, the Armed Forces Covenant. With less than 200 national recipients of this accolade, we are the only south east housebuilder to achieve this status.” CEO of Building Heroes, Chris Charles, added, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Thakeham. Our decision to renew the partnership with Thakeham is a testament to their leadership in sustainable development and their unwavering commitment to quality, the Armed Forces community, and the local communities within which they work. This collaboration not only strengthens our ability to support the Armed Forces community though our training programmes but also enhances our learners’ experiences with direct involvement in modern, high-quality housing developments through on-site visits and work placements at Thakeham. We are immensely grateful for Thakeham’s ongoing support, which enriches our charity’s work and provides our learners with deeper industry insights, thereby expanding their career opportunities in the construction sector.” Both organisations are enthusiastic about continuing this rewarding collaboration and eagerly anticipate further success stories as learners transition into rewarding careers, enhanced by the skills and industry knowledge acquired through Building Heroes’ programmes. For more information about Building Heroes and their programmes, please visitwww.buildingheroes.org.uk. For further details on Thakeham and their projects, please visit www.thakeham.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The reimagined Creamery building at the heart of Castle Cary railway station now boasts a striking, all-glass passenger lift from Stannah. This modern addition combines style with accessibility, offering a transparent and elegant way to visit the trackside restaurant and working creamery. This historic structure, which has been a part of the area since 1912, recently underwent an extensive renovation to enhance the safety, stability and user experience. The Creamery is renowned for its tower, ‘La Belle Epoque’, which still stands tall today as a symbol of industrial innovation and artistic flair. Originally established by brothers G&C Prideaux as a milk factory, the creamery processed milk delivered by local farmers into cheese, then transported to London via the railway. Today, The Creamery is open to the public and has been transformed into a community hub, featuring a restaurant and shop, and offering a range of delightful food options to travellers, visitors, and train passengers while reviving its cheesemaking heritage. The client The Creamery is owned by Koos Bekker and his wife, who also owns The Newt in Somerset, which was recently awarded the World’s Best Boutique Hotel at The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. Ken Biggs Contractors were appointed as the principal contractor on this project and made contact after being impressed by Stannah’s distinctive refurbishment of a vintage passenger lift at the YMCA in Bristol. Working with architects Stonewood Design, and Ken Biggs Contractors, Stannah Lifts worked to deliver a lift that was both modern and harmoniously integrated with the early 20th-century aesthetic of the building. The project’s vision was to blend the 1912 style with contemporary elements, which also resulted in Ken Biggs Contractors reconstructing the entire Creamery. The work Stannah Lifts collaborated with architects to incorporate the new lift into the design of the re-imagined Creamery. The project commenced with the installation of vertical rail guides to keep the lift aligned within the elevator shaft, followed by the mechanical first fix in 2023 and the completion of the mechanical package. Shortly after, works commenced on the glass lift shaft and car. The lift shaft and car featured bespoke glass sourced from Gemtec, a specialist German company. Stannah Lifts facilitated a 24-hour visit to Germany for Ken Biggs Contractors and Stonewood Design, allowing them to review the glass and how it would integrate with the lift design before shipping it to the UK, which minimised the need for additional modifications. To ensure the glass was installed without any issues, Gemtec provided helpful support throughout this stage. Meanwhile, Stannah Lifts supplied and fitted custom trims and a glass panel to fill the gap adjacent to the glass car doors. A CTV mechanical lift car package was fitted as part of the overall lift components and snagging works meant full lift completion in April 2024. Additional building works in the Creamery included a new brick extension to match the original factory’s detailing, reflecting the 1912 era and the Titanic’s historical significance, with posters embedded in the staircase brickwork. The design also pays tribute to the rich history of milk and cheese production at the Creamery, with milk bottle carvings integrated throughout the building and on the lift car doors. The challenge One particular challenge was aligning with the client’s design vision while maintaining the lift’s structural integrity for safe and efficient operation. As a result, the design and concept of the lift evolved during the project to better address customer needs and project requirements. Precision was crucial as several design elements, including lighting and fitting locations, were adapted throughout the project. Stannah Lifts collaborated closely with the client to balance their needs with practical and mechanical feasibility, such as incorporating shaft lights underneath the lift structure for a minimalistic look, creating an illuminated effect. At the customer’s request, the lift’s structure wasn’t initially anchored to the brickwork, resulting in a requirement to monitor structural movement. Stannah conducted wind load calculations, revealing potential issues during gale-force winds. To ensure the safety of passengers, Stannah proposed securing the lift to the brickwork. Given the complexity of the installation, Stannah assembled a highly skilled team to execute the project, which included Gemtec, R&R Lifts, and Vinsol. Stannah participated in regular meetings and design consultations with the client to ensure their requirements were thoroughly addressed. The result The custom-designed passenger lift features a minimalist approach with discrete fixings and fixtures. It seamlessly integrates handrails through the glass without additional supports or corner trims. This 8-person all-glass lift allows natural light to illuminate the interior, offering passengers views of the Creamery as they travel to the first floor. The hydraulic passenger lift serves two floors and travels 3.6 metres to provide step-free access from The Creamery restaurant to the train station’s platform. A unique aspect of the lift is the placement of the keyhole for manually operating the car and landing doors. Traditionally mounted at the top of the landing doors, Stannah positioned the keyhole at the bottom to align with the minimalist design, effectively concealing the system. To address signal issues within the shaft, a GSM package was installed with an antenna mounted on the structure ensuring reliable signal reception. The bespoke lift adheres to all open protocol requirements, allowing for independent maintenance and repair, and is fully DDA compliant, ensuring accessible features like illuminated push buttons are positioned at a height accessible to wheelchair users. All Stannah lifts are certified according to the Lifts Regulations 2016 (2016 No. 1093). Ben Harding, Bristol Branch Manager at Stannah Lift Services, said: “We’re proud to have worked on this unique project. It hasn’t come without its challenges but we can proudly say this bespoke glass lift embodies our client’s minimalist vision while offering a safe and accessible alternative to reaching the train platform. It seamlessly blends modern design with functionality while offering an unobstructed view of the Creamery as passengers ascend.”www.stannahlifts.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
William Martin has announced the promotion of Derrick Milligan to Director of Consultancy. With over 15 years’ experience in safety consultancy management, he brings a wealth of expertise to the position, as well as in-depth knowledge of technical operations and account management. Derrick’s promotion comes after six successful years at William Martin, during which he has been instrumental in delivering outstanding safety consultancy services. In his new role, he will manage operations across multiple teams, leading the delivery of innovative, reliable solutions in a rapidly evolving market. Derrick Milligan said: “I will be working with our talented team to deliver tangible change for clients. Our priority is providing trustworthy knowledge and advice to keep businesses safe and help them thrive.” “I look forward to bringing a fresh outlook to the table to expand our capabilities, whilst helping clients create a positive and meaningful impact.” William Martin’s Managing Director, Phil Jones, added: “Derrick’s dedication to our clients and colleagues is unmatched, and his extensive technical knowledge and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate as we continue to expand. His appointment underscores our commitment to maintaining our leading position in the health and safety consultancy sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Instagrid (www.instagrid.co), the Certified B Corporation and leading provider of advanced battery-based portable power systems for mobile workforces, today announces the launch of Instagrid GO. The high-performance battery unit will provide mobile power to UK construction workers facing challenging power demands, whilst simultaneously transforming workplace safety and driving the construction industry net-zero push. Global off-grid work is currently dominated by inefficient and costly fuel-powered combustion generators that produce harmful emissions and pose health risks to users. To combat this, the UK construction industry has launched a plan to eliminate 78% of diesel machinery from UK construction sites by 2035. In order to reach this goal, construction executives and business owners need to adopt innovative clean technologies. Born out of Germany’s world-renowned epicenter for innovation and engineering excellence, Instagrid has developed a sustainable alternative power supply that integrates a unique award-winning architecture of stacked micro-inverters to deliver precise grid-like performance, at a fraction of the size, weight, and environmental cost of conventional generators. In fact, by avoiding expenditure on fuel and maintenance, Instagrid customers save nearly 80% on lifetime costs, all whilst generating zero exhaust fumes. Instagrid’s principal and flagship product Instagrid ONE has so far helped nearly 50,000 users across Europe to reduce costs thanks to savings on fuel and maintenance, and to create a more efficient and healthier work environment. In many cases, Instagrid ONE has transformed how users work entirely. For example, providing metal workers ultra-high peak power for welding on-the-go, or helping film crews to streamline their operations by avoiding cumbersome cables and noisy power generators on set. Following the monumental success of Instagrid ONE across several verticals in Europe, Instagrid has now developed a new power unit that directly responds to the unique energy regulations of the UK construction vertical, whilst encompassing the peak power and portability components of Instagrid ONE. Instagrid GO will transform the way construction workers operate, granting them a higher level of flexibility and freedom to perform power-demanding tasks, whilst elevating their level of safety through reduced cabling and local emissions. Furthermore, by drastically reducing air and noise pollution on-site, workers can feel assured that their safety is of paramount importance. Instagrid GO: portable energy reinvented Instagrid GO (shown above, product spec below) is the new UK-specific mobile energy source for construction workers, providing clean power for anyone, anywhere, anytime: Instagrid GO is the third product from Instagrid, and is compatible with the Instagrid LINK – the smart power distributor that lets users connect multiple power sources together, allowing seamless switching between them and increasing overall capacity. With charge times of under 3 hours, and enabling a sustained and efficient energy supply, the Instagrid GO powers a range of applications. For example: For information on demoing or purchasing Instagrid GO, the UK Sales Team can be contacted at sales.uk@instagrid.co. Instagrid GO is also available to purchase in North American markets, developed with dual 120 V outputs and the option to switch to 240 V, empowering professional use cases across multiple sectors of industry, including construction, film & media, emergency services, and events. Sebastian Berning, Co-CEO and Co-Founder: “Instagrid GO embodies the same innovative spirit as our European flagship product, Instagrid ONE, which has revolutionised the portable power market since its inception. Rooted in rigorous German engineering and fueled by feedback from top-tier professional customers, we crafted Instagrid GO to fulfil the exacting demands of the UK construction vertical. Instagrid GO is a game-changer for construction professionals pursuing clean, high-performance mobile power.” Andreas Sedlmayr, Co-CEO and Co-Founder: “The launch of Instagrid GO marks a groundbreaking step in our commitment to delivering high-performance power while achieving ambitious sustainability targets. In our mission to decarbonise off-grid power, we now have a product tailor-made for the UK construction vertical, which remains heavily reliant on combustion technology. With nearly 50,000 users across Europe already experiencing the benefits of clean, high-performance mobile power, Instagrid GO is set to empower professionals in this key construction industry. This innovative solution will not only drive their commercial success but also support the transition towards net-zero goals.” Product specifications Output voltage: 110 V AC / 50 Hz Rated output power: 3.6 kW Peak output power: 18.0 kW Rated energy capacity: 2.1 kWh Weight: 21 kg IP Class: IP54 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting on the latest Halifax data showing UK house prices in September rose 4.7% compared with a year ago – the strongest rate since November 2022, Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners, said: “We are continuing to see a consistent month-on-month rise in house prices, which signals a potential upward trend for the remainder of the year. The market is showing strong signs of resilience, even amid broader uncertainties. Much anticipation surrounds Labour’s plans to stimulate the housing sector, particularly regarding the construction of new homes and unlocking the planning system. If effective initiatives are announced in the coming months, they could provide the market with an additional boost, driving further growth and confidence in the sector. “In the property investment world, rent values have seen sustained growth, positioning real estate as reasonably valued in comparison to gilts and presenting growth potential. In the realm of commercial real estate, we have seen values hit the bottom and confidence return. The market has picked up with opportunistic acquisitions of prime properties in prime locations. “As a debt provider, we hope to support well-capitalised borrowers who understand their product and are looking at the best sites in prime locations with potential to add to their asset value. Following this strategy, we aim to bolster developers’ initiatives with the flexible underwriting approach that is necessary for navigating a changing market. This will enable us to continue to offer opportunities for the growing number of private individuals opting to invest in property debt.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Horizontal milling machines, often referred to as machining centers, have become a cornerstone in several industries. Their adaptable nature and numerous benefits have made them indispensable. But how exactly do these machines increase productivity, precision, and flexibility in machining? The Productivity Driver One of the standout advantages of horizontal milling machines is their ability to significantly augment productivity. Designed for multi-sided machining, these machines handle tasks such as face milling, pocket milling, drilling, tapping, precision boring, and contouring. Many models include automatic pallet changers, minimizing idle time by allowing continuous loading and unloading workpieces. Automatic tool changers enhance efficiency by enabling seamless tool changes during operations, reducing setup time and streamlining workflow. Machines with multiple spindles also increase output by producing identical parts in a single cycle, ensuring consistency and saving time. Used machine tools are practical solutions for companies looking to improve their operations while controlling costs. Platforms like https://www.rdmo.com offer access to high-quality used equipment, where the performance remains strong even with a lower investment compared to new machines. The operational benefits of horizontal milling machines extend to longer tool life and significant cost savings. Better workpiece handling, efficient chip removal, and the use of multiple fixtures reduce overall machining time. While tool life may not always surpass that of vertical mills, the ability to run parts for extended periods without frequent tool changes helps maximize tool usage. Precision and Safety Horizontal milling machines are known for their precision, handling tasks like cast housings and block-like components with ease, while ensuring accuracy and squareness. The inclusion of B-axis rotary tables enhances multi-surface machining, making these machines suitable for a variety of applications. The strong spindle power and rigidity of horizontal machines make them ideal for multi-axis operations, especially for projects that require working on several sides of a workpiece. With horizontal spindles, operators can also replace workpieces without stopping the machine, further boosting efficiency. Safety features, such as automated systems that minimize manual intervention, help reduce the risk of accidents. By limiting direct contact with moving parts and utilizing hoist-assisted loading, horizontal milling machines contribute to a safer working environment, especially when managing larger, more intricate parts. In multi-sided and multi-axis tasks, horizontal milling machines truly excel. Features like index tables and rotary tables allow for efficient cutting on all sides. While vertical machines can also offer 5-axis capabilities, horizontal machines provide greater rigidity and spindle power, making them better suited for more complex operations. Built for Adaptability The adaptability of horizontal milling machines is another significant advantage, particularly for industries requiring frequent changeovers. Quick setup and changeover times make these machines an excellent choice for diverse product lines or varied workpiece designs. For larger workpieces, hoist-assisted loading simplifies the handling of heavy components, especially in sectors where large, intricate parts are common. Industries like automotive manufacturing, gearbox production, oil field valve production, and axle manufacturing depend on the flexibility and precision of horizontal milling machines. Their ability to handle complex cuts ensures accuracy and consistency across a range of applications. For example, in automotive and gear manufacturing, the precision of horizontal milling supports efficient production, while in specialized areas like cannon or axle production, these machines excel in creating durable, intricately shaped components with smooth finishes. As manufacturing processes continue to evolve, could horizontal milling machines offer even greater advantages in terms of adaptability and precision?
