McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has announced the start of works at the first UK industrial scheme in the East Midlands for a joint venture with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH and Invesco Real Estate. McLaren will oversee all aspects of construction for the £30 million project located in Shireoaks,
London Metropolitan University is proud to demonstrate its comprehensive approach to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The university’s commitment is backed by a £250 million investment into a transformational programme over seven years, focusing on enhancing its estate and digital infrastructure without the need to resort to borrowing
NHS Property Services is excited to announce that we have received a resolution to grant from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the Whitechapel Road Life Sciences project. The project will revitalise a series of outdated buildings and empty sites in the area near the Royal London Hospital into
Approval of infrastructure projects increased 298% in October, the second consecutive month the sector has posted triple digit gains. In September approvals were up 136%, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The huge gains are driven by big movements in green energy projects. Five renewable energy projects, all over £100m
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, is delivering preconstruction and construction management services on Manhattan Loft Corporation’s multi-million pound refurbishment of St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, within the eponymous international train station. RED Construction Group’s London team is currently working on the multi-phased project, having recently completed the second phase
Starlight Investments (“Starlight”), a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm, has acquired three build-to-rent (“BTR”) communities under development in Manchester and Basildon, for over £500 million. In Manchester, Starlight will be acquiring two high-rise towers from Renaker, a leading UK developer with a long-standing and successful track record.
Electricity network operator, SP Energy Networks has joined forces with Scotland-based digger driver, mum of two and social media sensation Amy Underwood – AKA ‘The Digger Girl ®’ – to share crucial safety tips on avoiding electrical hazards when operating machinery. Their collaboration follows a rise in incidents involving underground cable
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has relaunched its Integrated Management Standard (IMS) as part of a comprehensive new Organisational Capability Toolkit, to help businesses in the construction industry streamline their operations, enhance their organisational capability, and comply with the latest Building Regulations. Recent updates to the Building Regulations now
PLP has secured another blue-chip tenant, BAE Systems, at PLP Bessemer Park, Sheffield. BAE Systems have taken Unit 5, which is a new 96,000 sq ft, state of the art logistics and industrial facility and will create 50 new jobs for the area. This is the third successful letting at
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has brokered the sale of a development site with full planning consent for a start-of-the-art care home development. Award-winning developer, Frontier Estates Limited, gained planning consent in November 2023 following an appeal process for a 70-bedroom care home in a prominent location on
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has announced the start of works at the first UK industrial scheme in the East Midlands for a joint venture with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH and Invesco Real Estate. McLaren will oversee all aspects of construction for the £30 million project located in Shireoaks, Worksop – in the prime East Midlands logistics district, including associated access roads and landscaping features. With a 45-week completion target, works will include the design and build of two new industrial units totalling approximately 550,000 sq. ft across 28.9 acres, alongside the construction of S38 works, and a private access road that will form the main access into the site and adjacent plot. The site is easily accessed from the A57 and located in equal distance to the major A1 and M1 motorway links, with the major cities of Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield reachable within less than two hours. Soft landscaping, turfing and planting has been undertaken as part of the initial grounds and landscape works and complex aspects of the build will include the S38 carriageway to an adoptable standard throughout the site, alongside the implementation of a culvert drainage system. In keeping with the environmental and landscape specifications, the build will include green cladding of varying shades alongside glazing and ribbon windows to allow natural optimised lighting to all warehouse areas. McLaren Construction Midlands and North demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability by integrating recycled components from previous demolitions, using available materials from the groundwork that can be crushed and re-used, alongside connecting to the site’s Mains Power thereby eliminating the need for generators and fuel. This approach will not only contribute to the scheme’s BREEAM Rating of Excellent and EPC rating of A+, but it will also extend to McLaren’s efforts to enhance local ecology. The team has worked alongside the client to ensure satisfaction with pre-commencement planning conditions, and enabling works were undertaken during bird nesting season, with an ecologist appointed to oversee the process. The contractor has meticulously planned the development to minimise environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and target additional BREEAM points for ecological enhancements. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are honoured to be working alongside Garbe and Invesco Real Estate as part of a joint venture for the first industrial and logistics scheme in the UK – contributing to the expansion of the companies’ UK and European logistics portfolio.” “Bringing our experience delivering exceptional quality sustainable industrial and logistics builds, and with the prime Midlands location of the site, the scheme is well positioned to support the operational growth needs of businesses across a variety of sectors.” To find out more about McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd, please visit: www.mclarengroup.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Metropolitan University is proud to demonstrate its comprehensive approach to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The university’s commitment is backed by a £250 million investment into a transformational programme over seven years, focusing on enhancing its estate and digital infrastructure without the need to resort to borrowing of any kind. Central to its sustainability drive is its Estates Strategy which is focused on creating vibrant, student-focused campuses with cutting-edge facilities, with all of its heating and cooling coming from semi-renewable sources. Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, said: “I believe that universities have an obligation to lead on sustainability. Universities account for such a large proportion of the built environment, making it crucial that sustainable practises are introduced to have a positive impact on not only the university itself, but the surrounding areas and the local community in which they operate. She added: “We are proud to be leading by example with our commitment to net zero and are making tangible changes to ensure that we are providing world-class education for our students, as well as creating campuses that are environmentally responsible and a community that is greener for all.” London Met’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its physical infrastructure. Through its civic university status and the London Met Lab: Empowering London initiative, the institution is actively engaging with local communities to address their environmental challenges. One of the strategy’s standout projects is the university’s tree-planting initiative, which will see over 400 trees planted across its campuses. This project supports the important tasks of providing food and shelter for wildlife, tackling carbon emissions, improving air quality and combatting biodiversity loss. It has also embarked on a bee rehoming project, with the Rocket building at the Holloway campus now being home to 40,000 bees. Several beehives have been installed on campus rooftops, providing a haven for these pollinators and offering students hands-on learning opportunities in conservation and environmental studies. Last year it also launched the School of the Built Environment, a collaboration between leading businesses, practitioners and professional bodies within the property and construction sectors. The new school aims to prepare students for the green jobs of the future. By developing new initiatives and continuous collaborative work between students, staff and key stakeholders the university previously reduced its carbon footprint by 78% by 2019-20 from a 2009 baseline figure and met the Government’s ( HEFCE ) 2020 target four years early. London Metropolitan University’s bold investment and sustainability strategy set a new benchmark for higher education institutions in the UK. As it works towards its 2030 net-zero goal, the university is proud to be positioning itself as a leader in sustainable education, creating campuses and communities that can thrive. For more information about London Metropolitan University’s Estates Strategy and sustainability initiatives, please visit www.londonmet.ac.uk/about/sustainability/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NHS Property Services is excited to announce that we have received a resolution to grant from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the Whitechapel Road Life Sciences project. The project will revitalise a series of outdated buildings and empty sites in the area near the Royal London Hospital into a thriving life sciences district. The development will include five new and repurposed buildings, ranging from three to 13 stories. Allies and Morrison have designed three of these buildings, with Gibson Thornley responsible for the remaining two. Supported by Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, the Greater London Authority, and the borough, this project will provide lab-enabled commercial workspaces, educational facilities, and new public spaces. The goal is to establish Whitechapel as a premier life sciences hub, offering adaptable, high-quality spaces for a variety of life sciences and public health organisations, from small start-ups to larger enterprises. The development also sits within the London Hospital Conservation Area and adjacent to several listed buildings characterised by their unique brickwork, fine detailing, decorative features and high level of craftsmanship which has been a key inspiration for our proposals. Some of this heritage is revitalised in the plan. The masterplan features all buildings with ground-floor public spaces, including community areas, retail, and outreach services. The success of the new plans is underpinned by an inclusive and contextual public realm, connecting with a complex mix of existing communities, businesses and institutions, while also providing an environment that is green, safe and climate resilient. The proposed transformation of these five vacant sites has been developed over a number of years through extensive engagement with the local community. Creating this much-needed space will not only deliver a new home for life sciences but also deliver many benefits such as: Adrian Powell, Director of Investment & Development Management at NHSPS, said: “We’re delighted that the Strategic Development Committee have approved our planning application which will create a new home for life sciences in Whitechapel. The approval of the planning application is the next step in delivering this long-held vision, which is shared with Queen Mary University of London, Barts NHS Health Trust, and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and other stakeholders. “The proposals will regenerate a series of outdated buildings and empty sites around the Royal London Hospital and Queen Mary University, being the catalyst in creating a thriving life science cluster. The development will deliver a range of economic, health and social benefits for Tower Hamlets, including the creation of thousands of jobs, as well as attracting major investment into the UK’s life science sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Approval of infrastructure projects increased 298% in October, the second consecutive month the sector has posted triple digit gains. In September approvals were up 136%, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The huge gains are driven by big movements in green energy projects. Five renewable energy projects, all over £100m in value, drove the October gain. Ossian Offshore Wind Farm 3.6GW is the largest of these projects at £3.6bn. In the previous month 700MW and 1000MW Battery Storage Projects in Scotland and the North East were behind the big numbers. The UK’s largest infrastructure approvals in October were worth around £3.5billion and included: Barbour ABI head of business and client analytics, Ed Griffiths said “Another mega month for renewable energy approvals demonstrates the laser focus the Labour government has on driving through a green energy transition at all costs. We’ve seen a string of massive approvals in recent months, including one of the largest solar farms on record. The government seems intent on leaving the flood gates open to these kinds of project, even as protests mount about their potential impact on the countryside.” The wider construction industry saw 44% and 59% gains in monthly approvals. in September, brand new applications also appear to be following the trend with a 18% increase in infrastructure projects entering the planning system, led by a series of battery storage projects and wind farms. Contract Awards boost for housebuilders and commercial developers Elsewhere housebuilding saw some positive signs as the government searches for ways to meet a 1.5million homes pledge. Whilst the overall value of contracts awarded for construction projects have remained stable, residential saw its highest month since January 2023 soaring 41% to £2.5bn, helped along by two projects totalling £540m in the North West. Commercial & Retail projects saw a strong month for contract awards rising 189% to £1.1bn after the worst month this year in September with three projects in London worth over £100m help the sector. In general, awards in October saw a decrease of 36% to £6.5bn returning to normal after an inflated September. Griffiths continued: “Although we have seen a decrease in contract awards from last month, given the high value that came from a small number of projects, it is more realistically another flat month for awards overall. The government’s recent budget offered little in tackling the major risks to the industry. In fact, in a labour-intensive industry like construction, labour costs will likely increase putting more pressure on SME’s. The reform to apprenticeships under the new Growth and Skills Levy has the potential to help reduce the skills shortages but focus on construction apprenticeships will have to be pushed by the sector itself. Housebuilding and Infrastructure were areas of promise. However, the number of housing starts and finishes has increased in recent months possibly showing an increased confidence in the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, is delivering preconstruction and construction management services on Manhattan Loft Corporation’s multi-million pound refurbishment of St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, within the eponymous international train station. RED Construction Group’s London team is currently working on the multi-phased project, having recently completed the second phase of works comprising the refurbishment of the guestrooms and corridors on the ground and 1st floors within the Barlow House wing. The originally prefabricated bathrooms have been reconstructed with new 5-star hotel fixtures, fittings, and finishes. Now, RED Construction Group is delivering a full refurbishment of the initial historic suite prototype room within the original “Chambers Building” of the hotel. This is being undertaken using traditional materials and has been designed to pay homage to the heritage of the Grade I Listed hotel. The RED Construction team has carried out the works with the 5-star hotel fully operational throughout, and given its location in one of the busiest areas of the capital, the refurbishment commands the London division’s vast experience in logistics problem-solving. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel joins RED Construction Group’s extensive portfolio of hospitality projects, including Lore Group’s independent concept, One Hundred Shoreditch, the Ruby Lucy London Hotel in South Bank, and The Other House flexible-stay hotel in South Kensington. Mark Iori, Managing Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Located amongst one of the country’s most iconic and busy destinations, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is the latest project to call upon RED Construction Group’s skill and experience in hospitality redevelopment. It is a pleasure to work with the project team for Manhattan Loft Corporation, and we look forward to realising the client’s vision for this British landmark hotel.” Mark Simmonds, Manhattan Loft Corporation, added: “We are enhancing the rooms with a modern, exciting and unique design that secures the reputation of the hotel amongst London’s most respected and exciting five-star hotels. We are committed to preserving this historically significant building and maintaining high standards of luxury and quality. This all requires a passionate and dedicated project team, from interior designers and gold-leaf specialists to knowledgeable and agile construction partners. With their extensive experience in luxury hotel restoration in the capital, RED Construction London are the ideal team for this project.” The news follows RED Construction Group’s appointment to deliver Tellon Capital’s £200m GDV Westminster office redevelopment, 40 Broadway. Spanning more than 130,000 sq ft GIA, works on the landmark scheme will be carried out by RED Construction’s London team, creating a high-quality, wellbeing-led office building situated within the Broadway and Christchurch Gardens Conservation Area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Starlight Investments (“Starlight”), a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm, has acquired three build-to-rent (“BTR”) communities under development in Manchester and Basildon, for over £500 million. In Manchester, Starlight will be acquiring two high-rise towers from Renaker, a leading UK developer with a long-standing and successful track record. Manchester has experienced among the highest population and economic growth of all major cities in the UK over the past 10 years, a trend which is expected to continue over the next decade. The first Manchester property being acquired is a 60-storey, 532-suite residential tower currently under construction in the Castlefield conservation area on the bank of the River Irwell. The location is walking distance to several transit connections and easily accessible to the vibrant business, retail and entertainment precincts of Exchange Square and Spinningfields. Upon completion, the property will include a diverse mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Extensive high-quality amenities will include an indoor pool, co-working areas, a gym, resident lounges and an outdoor terrace. The second Manchester property is a 40-storey, 517-suite residential tower located in the city’s Greengate neighborhood. The location is a short walk from the Northern Quarter and the Manchester Central Business District (CBD). The property will feature high-quality one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and will differentiate itself through an exceptional amenity offering including a rooftop terrace, co-working areas, a gym, and resident lounges. The third property being acquired in Basildon is a 492-suite three-block, mid-rise property close to the main train station and part of an area within the city’s £600 million regeneration masterplan. Basildon is a popular commuter city and only a 35-minute train journey into central London. The property will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments and include extensive amenities such as five outdoor terraces, a gym, and co-working areas. All the properties being acquired will contain numerous sustainability features including high-efficiency lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. These acquisitions mark a major milestone in Starlight’s European residential asset management platform which, together with previously announced acquisitions, will increase Starlight’s UK portfolio to over 3,300 units. “We are excited to announce the significant expansion of our UK portfolio with a vision to positively impact the communities where we will operate,” said Daniel Drimmer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Starlight Investments. “These acquisitions reflect our strategy to create dynamic communities and high-quality rental housing in growing markets across the United Kingdom. Our increasing presence in the UK and our relationships with well-respected and established developers positions us strongly to deliver on our expansion strategy in the country’s growing BTR segment.” “We are pleased to have completed these two transactions with a quality and professional global partner, who shares the same vision and values to deliver market-leading build-to-rent communities. We look forward to building on this relationship in the future,” added Daren Whitaker, Founder and Chairman, Renaker. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Electricity network operator, SP Energy Networks has joined forces with Scotland-based digger driver, mum of two and social media sensation Amy Underwood – AKA ‘The Digger Girl ®’ – to share crucial safety tips on avoiding electrical hazards when operating machinery. Their collaboration follows a rise in incidents involving underground cable strikes across the UK, which have resulted in 12 injuries and fatalities over the past year. With the potential for underground cable strikes to result in power outages, property damage or even severe injury or death, the safety messages produced with ‘The Digger Girl’ Amy are designed to ensure people know what to look out for and what to do to keep themselves and others safe when working near the electricity network. The Digger Girl – with more than 800,000 followers across her social media channels – is famous for her creative and engaging content, industry expertise and down to earth information and advice about life as a female working in the construction industry. Previously named as one of the UK’s top 100 women in construction by the National Federation of Builders, she’s now using her popular platforms to share SP Energy Networks’ top tips for staying safe when working near underground cables and overhead lines. Amy said: “As operators working in the construction industry, safety is the first thing we should all be thinking about when using machinery. When you add in the potential risks of using that equipment around underground cables or overhead powerlines, it’s even more important – we all deserve to go home at the end of the working day. “That’s why this content with SP Energy Networks is so important for people to see, and I’m proud to be part of these efforts to support a safer work site for operators like me. If I had one bit of advice, it would be to make sure you follow these easy safety tips at all times when on site – they really could save your life!” Amy’s top tips for staying safe near underground cables and overhead power lines are: Derek Bell, Health and Safety Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “It’s fantastic to have ‘The Digger Girl’ on board to help share SP Energy Networks’ vital messages about recognising potential electrical hazards and how to stay safe while working near the electricity network. We know that many people working in the construction industry will routinely follow this advice, but evidence shows that’s not always the case and one injury – or worse – is one too many when there are lots of ways to keep ourselves safe. “I’ve no doubt Amy’s reputation as a trusted and respected voice in the industry combined with her brilliant storytelling style will ensure we reach as many people as possible – it really is the perfect way to help boost industry safety.” For further information and details on SP Energy Networks construction safety advice, please visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/safety. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has relaunched its Integrated Management Standard (IMS) as part of a comprehensive new Organisational Capability Toolkit, to help businesses in the construction industry streamline their operations, enhance their organisational capability, and comply with the latest Building Regulations. Recent updates to the Building Regulations now require businesses to demonstrate their organisational capability, ensuring that all team members are competent and supported by effective process controls. While managing foreseeable risks has always been a legal obligation, this heightened focus from clients and Building Control officers now demands clearer evidence that companies’ processes meet required standards. The FIS Integrated Management Standard (IMS), now part of a newly developed Organisational Capability Toolkit, will help companies implement tried and proven methods of streamlining their company for the benefit of their business and its stakeholders. It will help to link and contextualise the wealth of information that FIS members have available to support compliant business management and how they can use their membership to support claims of organisational capability. This IMS sits as a central resource to help align and control resources. It provides a framework for implementing risk management systems (supported by the FIS Product, Process, People Quality Framework) that will help organisations to meet statutory and legislative requirements. On relaunching the standard at the FIS Conference and AGM in November, FIS CEO Iain McIlwee said: “This standard was developed originally to support the FIS vetting process, but really comes into its own in this new environment. It is clear in our work with members that many construction firms have great processes in place, but there can be a real disjoin between these processes. “Across the sector we see design, procurement, contracts and legal, and construction processes that should complement and support each other. However, procedures often clash, cause confusion and conflict and ultimately undermine delivery. This toolkit is a great opportunity to start to look collectively at how we cannot just hit the baseline of compliance, but help to raise standards, promote professional businesses and support the ‘Responsible No’”. The new FIS Organisational Capability Toolkit is available here https://www.thefis.org/knowledge-hub/product-process-people/ . For further information or for any questions please contact the FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121-707-0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PLP has secured another blue-chip tenant, BAE Systems, at PLP Bessemer Park, Sheffield. BAE Systems have taken Unit 5, which is a new 96,000 sq ft, state of the art logistics and industrial facility and will create 50 new jobs for the area. This is the third successful letting at the development with 75% of the units now let, with only one unit remaining of 294,000 sq ft. This second phase of development at Bessemer Park was completed in Q1 this year and has already seen Unit 3 let to ITM and Unit 4 let to Dormole. The scheme has been delivered to best in class specification and in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s Carbon Net Zero standard, ensuring reduced carbon emissions through construction and enabling net zero operations for all occupiers. Hugh Chesterton, Development Director at PLP, commented: “We are delighted to welcome BAE Systems to PLP Bessemer Park. It is great to have another blue-chip British business join PLP Bessemer Park. This is another stamp of approval for Sheffield’s premier industrial and logistics location.” The final 294,000 sq ft unit is immediately available to lease. Knight Frank, CBRE and Moriarty & Co (part of CPP) are the appointed leasing agents for the development. BAE Systems were represented by Colliers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has brokered the sale of a development site with full planning consent for a start-of-the-art care home development. Award-winning developer, Frontier Estates Limited, gained planning consent in November 2023 following an appeal process for a 70-bedroom care home in a prominent location on Cove Road in the desirable Hampshire town of Fleet. The consented care home has been thoughtfully designed and will comprise en suite wet rooms to all bedrooms and luxury resident amenities including a café, cinema, hair and beauty salon, choice of lounge and dining rooms, balcony and terrace access, and landscaped gardens. Following a sales process with Jordan Rundle and Sara Hartill at Christie & Co, the site has been purchased by leading care provider, Oakland Care, which plans to complete construction in 2027. Oakland Care develops and operates exceptional care homes across the South East of England providing residential, nursing and respite care. Fleet is a natural choice for the expansion of the group’s portfolio, where strong demographics underpinned the need for more future-proof care home provision in the area. Richard Dooley, Director of Development of Oakland Care, comments, “We are delighted to acquire this well-located opportunity from Frontier. The site provides us with a great opportunity to expand our portfolio of homes across the wider southeast area. The new home will form part of our new strategy of developing all electric-powered, net zero homes which will be BREEAM accredited. Working with the wider Frontier and Christie & Co teams has been a positive experience and we look forward to building on both relationships moving forward.” Sophie Kowalska, Development Manager at Frontier Estates Limited, comments, “We are delighted to have secured consent on this site at appeal for a new best-in-class care home in a great home county location. It has been a pleasure working with the Oakland team, and we look forward to seeing the completed home in due course. Frontier has numerous other exciting care development opportunities coming forward through the planning process and thanks to Christie & Co, for their assistance with this sales process.” Jordan Rundle, Director – Healthcare Investment & Development at Christie & Co, comments, “Frontier Estates has achieved yet another excellent planning consent, and the sale to Oakland will introduce a best-in-class care home to Fleet. Demographic analysis identified a significant demand for elderly care home beds in the catchment which is predicted to grow materially over the next five years. It is clear that, once built, this new and exciting care home scheme will provide a much-needed service to the local community. Oakland is well positioned to serve the growing requirement for market-standard beds in the area with their existing presence in the region, and we look forward to seeing the scheme come forward in the coming months.” The site was sold for an undisclosed amount. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
