Tk Maxx has unveiled a detailed wishlist of prime retail spots as it prepares for a significant expansion across London. The fashion and homeware retailer, which currently operates around 350 stores across the UK, is on the hunt for new premises ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. It is
Wealth management firm Quilter has extended its partnership with Sodexo for a further three years, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality workplace experiences across its UK offices. Sodexo has been providing integrated food and facilities management services to Quilter since 2020, covering 18 sites across the UK and Ireland. Prior
Eclipse Power Networks to adopt and maintain mission-critical power infrastructure for new hyperscaler campus Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus
Glasgow City Council has approved plans for the final stage of the long-running Collegelands redevelopment, giving the green light to a £95 million mixed-use scheme in the city’s Calton district. The new project, known as Collegelands Park, will feature two purpose-built student accommodation blocks providing 591 beds, alongside 147 build-to-rent
The Oxford Science Park has secured planning permission for a new 80,000 sq ft best-in-class laboratory and office building, unlocking the next major phase of growth at the Park. The approved development will see the construction of a state-of-the-art four-storey building offering high-specification laboratory and office space tailored to the
Stanmore Contractors, the UK’s leading specialist contractor, has today announced the launch of Stanmore Design House, a new division that will provide RIBA Stage 4 and onwards technical design services to its clients – alongside integrated procurement and construction advice. The new division, which will serve developers, contractors, housing associations,
Intatec, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating and plumbing products, is returning to the Installer Show 2025 – joined on stand 5B60 by group brands ActivTec and Zilmet UK. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th –26th of June, this year’s exhibit puts the spotlight firmly on
Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the global safety charity, has today announced the launch of its new Global Safety Evidence Centre, backed by a £15 million investment over 10 years. The Centre will serve as a hub for anyone who needs to know ‘what works’ to make people safer in the face of a
As the dialogue around sustainable architecture deepens, a quiet material revolution is underway. Thermally modified wood—celebrated for its dimensional stability, rich tonal qualities, and low environmental impact—is fast becoming a staple in the palette of architects seeking both performance and aesthetic appeal. Thermally modified wood, often referred to as thermowood,
A leading property developer plans to showcase exciting new land promotion in Warwickshire to influencers and stakeholders at a major event next week. Stoford, a specialist in occupier-led development and strategic land promotion within the main commercial sectors, will participate in roundtable sessions at UKREiiF, including a panel that will
Tk Maxx has unveiled a detailed wishlist of prime retail spots as it prepares for a significant expansion across London. The fashion and homeware retailer, which currently operates around 350 stores across the UK, is on the hunt for new premises ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. It is open to trading across two floors and is seeking 10-year lease agreements for its new London outlets. Within Central London, the retailer is targeting key high-footfall locations including the West End, Canary Wharf, King’s Cross, and Regent Street. Additional sought-after areas include Marylebone, Spitalfields, Borough, and Vauxhall, among others. Tk Maxx has also outlined a broad range of potential sites across Greater London. These include areas such as Croydon, Chiswick, Crouch End, Finsbury Park, and Crystal Palace, as well as suburban hubs like Upminster, Walton-on-Thames, and Banstead. Property firms Brasier Freeth and KLM Real Estate have been instructed to identify and secure suitable units across the capital. The expansion marks a bold move by the retailer to strengthen its London presence and tap into the capital’s diverse consumer base, as demand for value-led fashion and homeware continues to grow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wealth management firm Quilter has extended its partnership with Sodexo for a further three years, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality workplace experiences across its UK offices. Sodexo has been providing integrated food and facilities management services to Quilter since 2020, covering 18 sites across the UK and Ireland. Prior to this partnership, Quilter worked with multiple service providers, but the collaboration with Sodexo has brought a streamlined, consistent approach to workplace operations. As part of the renewed contract, Sodexo will continue to provide a comprehensive range of services including food, hospitality, technical support, and soft facilities management. Its workplace dining concepts, Modern Recipe and Kitchen Works, will remain central to fostering a positive and engaging work environment, offering healthy, sustainable food options that encourage employees to relax and connect away from their desks. Both companies share a strong focus on sustainability. Sodexo’s services fall within Quilter’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, and the two organisations will continue to work together to support Quilter’s journey towards net zero. Sodexo’s Waste Watch food waste reduction programme is already in place at sites where food services are delivered. A key innovation in the new agreement is the rollout of Sodexo’s agile mobile engineering service. This self-delivered solution, overseen by Sodexo’s digital intelligence hub in Salford, will handle planned and reactive maintenance across core areas such as electrical systems, HVAC, building fabric, and water management. The technology-driven system is designed to anticipate and resolve maintenance issues before they escalate, minimising disruption and reducing costs. Lynsey O’Keefe, CEO of Corporate Services at Sodexo UK & Ireland, commented: “Over the last five years we have worked closely with Quilter to seamlessly integrate and deliver optimised food and FM services, successfully elevating the employee experience at its offices across the country. We are excited about this next step in our partnership and look forward to driving innovation, enhancing sustainability, and enabling Quilter to focus on its core business.” Maxine Hulme, Operations Director at Quilter, added: “Sodexo has made some notable improvements to our workspaces over the last five years, including some remarkable initiatives in hospitality and fine dining. We look forward to continuing our partnership over the next three years.” The extension signals continued evolution in workplace management, with both companies committed to creating sustainable, engaging, and future-ready office environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eclipse Power Networks to adopt and maintain mission-critical power infrastructure for new hyperscaler campus Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus at Hayes, Middlesex. The agreement follows a competitive tender process that began late 2023 and ran until the end of 2024. Eclipse offered support and guidance to Colt Data Centre Services throughout the process, and is delighted to have been contracted at its conclusion. Under the contract, Eclipse will adopt a 132 kilovolt (kV) dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s Uxbridge Moor substation, near Iver, providing 100MW of power to the campus. In addition, Eclipse will adopt a 66kV dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s North Hyde substation for a further 150MW of power. These two connections are designed to support the campus of five data halls, each individually metered via Eclipse Power Networks’ network at 11kV. The project demonstrates Eclipse Powers’ innovative approach to network infrastructure adoption, working collaboratively with Colt Data Centre Services and their appointed Independent Connection Provider (ICP) to ensure that the network is designed, built, owned and operated as efficiently and economically as possible, while maintaining security of supply through direct connections to the transmission system. David Swadling, Group Sales Director at Eclipse Power said: “This Critical National Infrastructure project showcases our technical expertise, and our ability to develop creative, economically attractive solutions for mission-critical infrastructure. We worked collaboratively and transparently with Colt Data Centre Services to help them develop a complex commercial model that that provided an innovative and equitable economical solution never seen before in Great Britain. “By owning and operating the grid infrastructure on Colt’s behalf, we’re ensuring that they secure reliable power for the facility, while allowing them to focus on their core business of providing sustainable hyperscale data centre solutions.” Eclipse Power Networks’ selection was based on its extra-high voltage (EHV) experience and deep technical understanding of National Grid processes, along with a commitment to working transparently with all stakeholders to optimise the commercial relationship between the parties. David Knox, Global Director of Energy & Sustainability at Colt Data Centre Services, said: “As the UK aims to reach the next level in the global digital marketplace, customers require scale in their data centre solutions. Sustainable, hyperscale sites such as our Hayes campus not only require power supply security, but they must also have the expansion potential necessary to support growth. “As a trusted partner for our worldwide customers, Colt Data Centre Services works only with organisations that share our commitment to mission-critical infrastructure. Eclipse’s innovative and collaborative approach, together with its rich expertise in power networking, has made it the ideal partner for our expansion at the Hayes site.” With data halls across five floors and 175MW of IT power, Colt Data Centre Services’ Hayes campus represents a major investment in data centre infrastructure. Energisation of the site is scheduled for 2028, with the network infrastructure provided by Eclipse Power Networks designed to last a minimum of forty years. More information about Eclipse Power’s data centre services can be found here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glasgow City Council has approved plans for the final stage of the long-running Collegelands redevelopment, giving the green light to a £95 million mixed-use scheme in the city’s Calton district. The new project, known as Collegelands Park, will feature two purpose-built student accommodation blocks providing 591 beds, alongside 147 build-to-rent apartments and a new arts centre. A 2.5-acre public park is also included in the plans, offering meadows, orchards, exercise spaces and seating areas designed to enhance the local environment. The development is expected to generate around 250 construction jobs and marks the final phase of a regeneration programme that began over two decades ago. The broader Collegelands project has already delivered offices, homes, retail units and a hotel to the area. Paul O’Donnell, a representative of Glasgow Enlightenment, the development group behind the scheme, said: “It’s fantastic that we are now able to start work on delivering the final piece of the Collegelands jigsaw, creating a completely new neighbourhood that will help enrich the Calton area and address Glasgow’s urgent need for purpose-built student accommodation. “The Collegelands regeneration project began over 20 years ago, so it’s great news for the city that it’s now moving towards completion, bringing new residents and much-needed amenities to the area. We’re grateful for the support of Glasgow City Council and pleased that they share our vision for the future of this community.” The final phase is being seen as a major step forward for the east end of Glasgow, breathing new life into a site that has long been earmarked for transformation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Oxford Science Park has secured planning permission for a new 80,000 sq ft best-in-class laboratory and office building, unlocking the next major phase of growth at the Park. The approved development will see the construction of a state-of-the-art four-storey building offering high-specification laboratory and office space tailored to the needs of cutting-edge science and technology companies. Located at the eastern edge of The Oxford Science Park, the site is near the proposed new Cowley Branch Line, with a new station scheduled to open in early 2030, bringing direct links to central Oxford and London. Yong Shen, Director at The Oxford Science Park, said: “This is fantastic news for the Oxfordshire ecosystem and for the companies shaping the future of science and technology. This development allows us to offer more world-class facilities in an established setting that promotes collaboration, sustainability and discovery, further cementing The Oxford Science Park’s reputation as a leading destination for science and technology companies. My thanks go to everyone who worked on the planning application.” Designed with sustainability and community integration in mind, the development includes a 5.86% biodiversity net gain, extensive landscaping, improvements to the adjacent wildlife site, and enhanced cycle and pedestrian connectivity. Alongside 168 car parking spaces (25% with EV charging) and 104 bicycle spaces, the building itself will feature upgraded façades with anodised aluminium, high energy efficiency standards, and rooftop photovoltaic panels. The development will also deliver significant heritage enhancements. These include a public space showcasing archaeological discoveries and contributing to the setting of the nearby Grade II listed Minchery Priory. The unanimous decision by Oxford City Council follows extensive public engagement and marks another milestone in the park’s growth, following the unanimous approval of the 450,000 sq ft Daubeny Project in 2023. The expansion ensures Oxford remains competitive against global science hubs whilst enabling local communities to benefit from investment and employment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stanmore Contractors, the UK’s leading specialist contractor, has today announced the launch of Stanmore Design House, a new division that will provide RIBA Stage 4 and onwards technical design services to its clients – alongside integrated procurement and construction advice. The new division, which will serve developers, contractors, housing associations, as well as the wider industry, launches at a time of significant regulatory change in the sector. The new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) regime requires that, alongside submitting technical designs (RIBA Stage 4), developers must now begin tendering, contractor engagement, and preparing detailed contractor designs (RIBA Stage 5) ahead of BSR Gateway 2 submission. Stanmore Design House will offer clients a fully integrated suite of technical design consultancy, procurement services, and contractor-led advice to prepare for BSR Gateway 2 submission in a single place, removing the need to engage a separate, standalone technical design house whose outputs are later passed to contractors for RIBA Stage 5. Stanmore Design House will provide clients with the full suite of RIBA Stage 4 outputs, including elevation drawings, section and plan details, subframe layouts, wind load assessments, thermal analysis, and supplier coordination. Stanmore will also apply its contractor expertise to the design process, ensuring all technical designs are practical and buildable. The new technical design service will be paired with comprehensive procurement and construction support and guidance, including providing multiple supplier options across different price points, assessing material availability, ensuring QA through early factory visits, and considering site logistics and construction needs during the design phase. This end-to-end support will help minimise the risk of late-stage design changes that could trigger BSR resubmission and cause delays. The offering is designed to streamline planning, reduce risk, and ensure designs are ready for real-world construction. Founded in 1958, Stanmore is one of the UK’s leading specialist contractors, with expertise in drylining, facades, glazing, and metalwork. With offices in London, the South West, and the North West, the business has delivered major projects for clients including The Guinness Partnership, Bouygues UK, Wates, and St James. Raj Manak, Managing Director at Stanmore, said: “With the new BSR framework, it’s more important than ever to integrate procurement and construction insight into the technical design stage as early as possible. Stanmore Design House will offer clients exactly that kind of insight-led support. “Our ultimate aim is to make technical design seamless, efficient, and effective. We want to reduce risk, save costs, and deliver solutions that work in practice and not just in theory.” Haman Manak, Head of Procurement at Stanmore, added: “We want to offer our clients the ability to tap into the company’s wider procurement and construction expertise from Day One. “Whether it’s aligning technical design with material availability, supplier pricing, or site logistics, it’s increasingly important that design and delivery go hand in hand.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Intatec, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating and plumbing products, is returning to the Installer Show 2025 – joined on stand 5B60 by group brands ActivTec and Zilmet UK. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th –26th of June, this year’s exhibit puts the spotlight firmly on solutions for heat pump systems, in response to increasing demand across the sector. A not-to-miss product on stand is the IntaKlean Heat Pump Filter with 28mm Reducing Set – a compact, high-flow magnetic filter with an unmatched Kv value of over 17,000 l/h. It delivers powerful corrosion protection without restricting performance, making it a standout choice for both new and retrofit installations. Also featured on stand is the Inta Zero, a next-gen anti-freeze valve that prevents freezing before it starts. With a 3°C trigger, zero-drip outlet, and full R290 compatibility, it offers reliable protection for external pipework. Additionally, the newly launched K Type Ball Valve will also be available on stand, this new design replaces the traditional handle with a removable key type adjuster, enabling the valve to be operated without breaking the insulation seal. Built to last with anti-tamper and anti-vandal features, it’s pressure rated to PN25 and handles temps from -10°C to 90°C. Available in compression sizes from 15mm to 35mm and WRAS-approved, each valve includes both a red and blue cover cap for hot and cold systems. Darran Bougourd, Managing Director at Intatec, comments: “This year is all about innovation for heat pump systems. We’ve listened to what installers need – products that are smart, safe, and simple to fit. From the K Type Ball Valve to the IntaKlean 35mm Filter, everything on the stand has been designed to make working with heat pumps easier and more efficient.” In addition to these products, the stand will also feature ActivTec’s ActivStopLeak, designed to detect leaks as small as 0.1 litres per hour, setting a new benchmark in leak detection and water conservation. Established favourites will also be on stand, including the HIPER II HIU and ActivFlo – each playing a crucial role in improving reliability and efficiency. Zilmet UK will also be showcasing its Zil-B range of Insulated Buffer Vessels – created to reduce cycling and stabilise flow in renewable systems. With premium insulation, wall brackets and optional feet that allow 100% drainage during maintenance, these features make installation and servicing significantly easier. The expanded presence of ActivTec and Zilmet UK further reinforces the group’s commitment to whole-system performance. Visitors to stand 5B60 can expect hands-on product demos and expert advice from the Intatec team across all three days of the show. To find out more about Intatec’s product ranges, visit: https://www.intatec.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the global safety charity, has today announced the launch of its new Global Safety Evidence Centre, backed by a £15 million investment over 10 years. The Centre will serve as a hub for anyone who needs to know ‘what works’ to make people safer in the face of a range of global safety challenges, including workplace accidents and injuries. In addition to OSH practitioners and policymakers, the centre aims to support professionals across different high hazard industries, including the construction sector, high-quality and actionable resources and evidence. According to the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, one in five workers globally (18%) experienced harm at work in the last two years, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates this to be the cause of three million deaths annually. The need for such a centre is demonstrated by two reports published today, produced by RAND Europe on behalf of the Foundation. The reports – including a systematic review of OSH intervention reviews, and the findings of a consultation with OSH practitioners in high-risk sectors around the world – highlight a worrying scarcity of reliable, high-quality evidence on the comparative effectiveness of different safety measures, and a need to make evidence more relevant and accessible to practitioners in different global and industrial contexts. Nancy Hey, Director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “Evidence is critical to improving the safety of people and property; without it, we cannot fully understand the nature and scale of safety challenges faced by people around the world, nor what works to protect them from harm. “However, around the world and across industrial sectors, many professionals, policy and decision-makers who need to consider safety do not have access to sufficient high quality evidence; either because it does not yet exist, or because it has not been collated and communicated to them in an understandable and actionable form.” To address these problems, the new Global Safety Evidence Centre will collate, create and communicate the best available safety evidence from the Foundation, its partners and other sources on the nature and scale of global safety challenges, and what works to tackle them. To kickstart this process, the Centre is inviting researchers and safety practitioners from all over the world to apply for a share of £2 million being made available to support projects that address OSH evidence gaps, as well as broader safety science work, such as how to measure and value safety and prevention, and how to learn from past failures and fatalities. Nancy Hey continued:“We are keen to partner and collaborate with other researchers, analysts and funders, professional and trade bodies, and most of all, safety practitioners, whose knowledge and expertise we need to harness – not just to identify evidence gaps, but as part of the evidence base itself on how to reduce harm.” Martin Cottam, Chair of the Global Safety Evidence Centre’s Expert Advisory Panel and former chair of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee on Occupational Health and Safety Management, added: “I’m delighted to see this important initiative from Lloyd’s Register Foundation coming to fruition. As safety practitioners we are presented with a sometimes bewildering range of tools and methods with which to manage safety risks, but often without much evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness, or evidence of the conditions under which they are more or less effective. The work of the Centre will help safety practitioners navigate this landscape, enabling them to be confident in selecting approaches that have been shown to deliver real safety improvement. “I’m excited to be involved in the Global Safety Evidence Centre’s expert advisory panel, and look forward to working with panel members to help the Centre achieve its objectives for the benefit of the global safety community.” Further outputs due to be published by the Centre this summer include a report on the growing impact of emerging technologies – including virtual reality training, AI and robots – on workplace safety. The Centre will also publish a report on the relationship between climate change and OSH – an important priority for the ILO. Welcoming the launch of the Centre, Joaquim Pintado Nunes, the ILO Branch Chief responsible for occupational safety and health and the working environment, said: “Lack of data remains one of the biggest challenges to improving workplace safety worldwide — it’s the fourth major gap identified in national OSH systems by ILO Member States. In many regions, research on the scale of the problem is also still scarce. The launch of the Global Safety Evidence Centre marks a vital step forward in closing this gap.” As well as offering funding to external organisations, the Global Safety Evidence Centre is currently recruiting data analysts, research (trials and reviews) managers, and project and stakeholder managers to grow its in-house capacity. Qualified candidates with an interest in improving safety are encouraged to apply via the Lloyd’s Register careers platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the dialogue around sustainable architecture deepens, a quiet material revolution is underway. Thermally modified wood—celebrated for its dimensional stability, rich tonal qualities, and low environmental impact—is fast becoming a staple in the palette of architects seeking both performance and aesthetic appeal. Thermally modified wood, often referred to as thermowood, isn’t new—but its role in modern architecture is evolving. At its core, the process takes timber and transforms it using nothing more than heat and steam. The result is a material that behaves with the discipline of engineered timber but maintains the soul of natural wood—a blend that is increasingly in demand in both residential and commercial environments. What Is Thermally Modified Wood? Thermal modification is a bit like baking bread. The process takes place in a specially designed oven – a thermokiln, where sensors send information into computers that are constantly monitored by thermal modification specialists. European manufacturers like Thermory have refined this process to achieve consistent results across wood types, producing materials that are not only technically outstanding but visually compelling. However, all thermal modification producers follow the same principle: within max 48 hours the temperature of the wood is raised up to 215 degrees, reducing the equilibrium moisture content, which is followed by a cooling process. No chemicals are used in the process, only heat and steam. The high heat alters the wood’s cellular structure, reducing its moisture content and eliminating natural sugars that can attract pests and promote decay. Species such as ash, pine, spruce, and oak respond particularly well to thermal modification, gaining a deeper hue and greater durability. A Refined, Stable Material One of the defining qualities of thermowood is its dimensional stability. Unlike untreated timber, it resists cupping, warping, and shrinking—even in climates with dramatic seasonal shifts. This predictability makes it ideal for applications where tight tolerances are non-negotiable: façade systems, louvered screens, or flush-profile decks. Architects working with detail-intensive designs appreciate how thermally modified wood responds to fine joinery and clean lines. Whether laid horizontally along a minimalist cabin or used vertically in large-scale commercial structures, the material maintains visual clarity and structural integrity over time. Private house with Thermory thermo-pine cladding and roofing, thermo-ash decking. Photo: Karl Kasepõld Aesthetic Depth and Patina Visually, thermowood offers more than resilience. Its natural tone darkens during the modification process—ranging from warm caramel to deep coffee brown, depending on the species. Left untreated outdoors, it develops a soft silver patina that brings character to contemporary forms without compromising longevity. While the material can be finished with oils or stains to preserve its tone, many designers choose to let it weather naturally, embracing its slow transformation and organic texture. Thermally modified wood can also be painted or coated to match the architectural brief. Sustainability and Certification Thermowood aligns with key principles of sustainable construction. The thermal modification process uses no toxins or added chemicals, relying instead on high temperatures and steam. As a result, the end product is suitable for eco-conscious buildings and 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Leading manufacturers like Thermory use wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and offer FSC®-certified options. With the growing demand for low-impact materials that don’t compromise on performance, thermowood is a material that supports both aesthetic and environmental goals. Applications Across Projects Thermally modified wood adapts seamlessly across architectural projects. In residential architecture, it’s frequently specified for cladding, decking, and soffits—especially in builds that seek harmony with natural surroundings. Its warm tone and low maintenance needs make it a staple in holiday homes, urban rooftops, and lakeside cabins alike. In commercial and hospitality settings, thermowood lends an approachable elegance to terraces, outdoor seating areas, and façades. It offers the tactile qualities of wood with the durability typically associated with composite or engineered materials—ideal for spaces that welcome heavy footfall. In public architecture, thermally modified ash and pine are often used in benches, boardwalks, and cladding for schools or cultural centers. Thanks to its resistance to moisture, fungi, and insects, it performs reliably even in exposed or coastal conditions. Thermowood is also a popular choice in interior applications, particularly in wellness architecture. Its heat tolerance and low thermal conductivity make it well-suited for saunas, spas, and steam rooms—spaces where both function and comfort are essential.
A leading property developer plans to showcase exciting new land promotion in Warwickshire to influencers and stakeholders at a major event next week. Stoford, a specialist in occupier-led development and strategic land promotion within the main commercial sectors, will participate in roundtable sessions at UKREiiF, including a panel that will focus on partnership working with Warwickshire County Council as one of its official partners. Stoford has delivered extensive floorspace across Coventry and Warwickshire amounting to over 2 million sq ft of market-leading industrial and office schemes in the area over the last ten years. These schemes have supported local key sectors like automotive and digital creative industries within Spa Park in Leamington Spa through to larger logistics requirements on the A435 between Redditch and Stratford. Within the UKREiiF events Stoford will participate in, Planning Director Jo Russell will comment on the opportunity for growth within Coventry and Warwickshire, how partnership working has directly benefitted Stoford’s schemes to date and what interventions are needed to ensure that future plan making by local authorities is delivering the right amount of land in the right locations. Stoford believe identifying locations for growth that are local to, and complemented by, new investments in railway infrastructure across Warwickshire, such as Rugby Parkway, represent a clear opportunity. Other interventions could range from greater collaboration with the private sector to earlier engagement and feedback on matters raised. The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and preceding Ministerial Statement placed sustainable economic growth at the heart of planning. Angela Raynor MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been clear in advising that ‘sustained economic growth is the only route to improving the prosperity of our country and the living standards of working people.’ Stoford is keen to act on a renewed vigour for growth and sees changes made through the NPPF to introduce Grey Belt as another intervention that will assist Warwickshire in meeting the needs of industry. To this end, Stoford will also promote its land portfolio including Brickhill Farm, a circa 5ha Grey Belt land site south of Coleshill. The site is strategically located, accessible from the M6 (junction 4) and the A446 and has quick connections to the A45, M42 and the Birmingham hinterland. Sites like this are seen to embrace the Government’s agenda to support logistics growth, in addition to the role that previously developed land and Grey Belt can play. New jobs in logistics would match the local skill set. Locally within the logistics ‘golden triangle’, 20% of jobs currently held are within this sector. The changing face of logistics towards automation and the use of AI in operations has also resulted in an upgraded skill set and associated salaries. Stoford Director Jo Russell said: “There is a significant window of opportunity for developing land within the Grey Belt, capitalising on the Government’s clear intentions to deliver growth in areas that do not contribute strongly to the purposes of Green Belt and /or are previously developed. “In addition, with the NPPF now in place, and an opportunity through devolution in the next few years, closer working between the Coventry and Warwickshire authorities and the private sector can focus on how economic growth can go hand in hand with locations well served by public transport/rail infrastructure and thereby assist local people in accessing employment. “We are confident that through discussions at UKREiiF, and within the context of partnership working, we can identify a range of benefits to Warwickshire that the development of sites within our portfolio can bring.” Stoford is one of eight organisations across the public and private sectors that Invest Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council’s inward investment team, will partner with at UKREiiF, the UK’s largest real estate event and conference. The partnerships will see each organisation involved in the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ panel discussion that Invest Warwickshire is hosting at UKREiiF, which takes place in Leeds from May 20 to 22. Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is one of the most dynamic economic locations in the Midlands and the UK. The county is a popular destination for both UK and foreign direct investment, and the area is home to some of the most important commercial property developments such as Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, one of the eight UK Investment Zones, MIRA Technology Park South Site and major town centre opportunities like Transforming Nuneaton, Creative Quarter Leamington Spa and Rugby Town Centre. “UKREiiF is a great opportunity for us to promote our partner organisation, Warwickshire Property Development Group and the new homes and SME commercial space being developed by them in the county, and Warwickshire County Council’s Property Infrastructure Fund, which can lend up to £10m to bring forward commercial development projects in support of growth and jobs. “We also look forward to working with a range of partners, including Stoford, Tritax Big Box Developments and IM Properties to promote new development opportunities in the county and local area at the event this year.” Stoford started life in 1996 when a small group of professionals saw a gap in the market to launch a pre-let, privately-owned commercial property development company. If you’re attending UKREiiF and would like to join the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ event, you can find more information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318559790829 Stoford will be in the West Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF between 3-4pm on 20th May, and the following morning. To arrange a meeting with Stoford before, during or after UKREiiF, call the main office on 0121 234 6699, email mail@stoford.com or contact their LinkedIn page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
