BDC News Team
Square Mile Farms, in partnership with elegant workplace and dining destination Devonshire Square, has created a vibrant community farm for City workers

Square Mile Farms, in partnership with elegant workplace and dining destination Devonshire Square, has created a vibrant community farm for City workers

Square Mile Farms are bringing farming back into the heart of the city through the stunning location of Devonshire Square. A vibrant five-acre square home to some of London’s most exciting restaurants and businesses, located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market. From late June through to July,

Read More »
Algeco UK cleans-up in support of Ronald McDonald House Charity

Algeco UK cleans-up in support of Ronald McDonald House Charity

The marketing team from Algeco UK, the leading storage accommodation and temporary building solutions provider, recently attended Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, donating their time to help keep the 65 bedrooms, communal kitchens and living room spaces clean for people who need accommodation when children are in hospital nearby. Sunil Achtar,

Read More »
Hill promotes Cain Peters to Managing Director of Special Projects

Hill promotes Cain Peters to Managing Director of Special Projects

Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, has announced the promotion of Cain Peters to Managing Director in charge of Special Projects, which specialises in large high density construction projects. Cain, who began his journey with Hill as a site manager 17 years ago, will leverage his extensive experience managing this region,

Read More »
Modernisation milestones achieved at UK Antarctic Research Station

Modernisation milestones achieved at UK Antarctic Research Station

Restoration of a 32-year-old Antarctic runway and significant construction milestones on the new Science and Operations building, mark the end of the austral summer season for British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). Modernisation of Rothera Research Station, the UK’s polar science hub, is nearing the finish line,

Read More »
OakNorth Funds £48.3m Loan for Vabel’s Queensway Development

OakNorth Funds £48.3m Loan for Vabel’s Queensway Development

OakNorth, a digital bank tailored for entrepreneurs, has provided a £48.3m loan to Vabel, a London-based developer, for a new mixed-use project at 28-34 Queensway, West London. The project, set to complete by Q4 2025, will include 27 new homes, a 24-hour concierge service, landscaped communal gardens, and 251 sqm

Read More »
HG Construction appointed to 1,014 bed Manchester PBSA Scheme

HG Construction appointed to 1,014 bed Manchester PBSA Scheme

Leading UK contractor HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on a Manchester-based purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme for developer Greystar. One Medlock Street will comprise 1,014 high quality student rooms across 37 storeys, with access to amenity space at ground, first, eleventh and thirty-seventh floors to promote

Read More »
Mayor Brabin tells builders to brace for housebuilding boom

Mayor Brabin tells builders to brace for housebuilding boom

Mayor Tracy Brabin has vowed to deliver a “new dawn” for housebuilding across West Yorkshire, by working in lock-step with local housing providers and the new government in Westminster. The West Yorkshire Housing Strategy 2040, the first of its kind for the region, has been unveiled on a visit to

Read More »
Savills UK Acquires Montagu Evans Property Management Business

Savills UK Acquires Montagu Evans Property Management Business

Last week, Savills announced that it has acquired the UK property management business of Montagu Evans, which will be integrated into Savills’ operations. This move provides Savills with an opportunity to enhance its already robust UK property management business by further broadening its client base, particularly in the public sector.

Read More »
Landmark expansion of technology hub completes in Coventry

Landmark expansion of technology hub completes in Coventry

Works have completed at Project Holst – a £75 million industrial warehouse scheme located at Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. Ansty Park is a major business park positioned next to the M6 and M69 junction providing unrivalled access to the UK’s major motorway network, which is home to a number

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

BDC News Team

Square Mile Farms, in partnership with elegant workplace and dining destination Devonshire Square, has created a vibrant community farm for City workers

Square Mile Farms, in partnership with elegant workplace and dining destination Devonshire Square, has created a vibrant community farm for City workers

Square Mile Farms are bringing farming back into the heart of the city through the stunning location of Devonshire Square. A vibrant five-acre square home to some of London’s most exciting restaurants and businesses, located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market. From late June through to July, Square Mile Farms will be creating an immersive urban farming experience, where it will grow a selection of fresh herbs and vegetables, sharing the harvests with the local community through a programme of events. Devonshire Square is home to a selection of wonderful restaurants with cuisines from across the globe. Square Mile Farms is collaborating with two of the restaurants where the chefs will be using the herbs to create classic Italian dishes and modern Indian street food.  Enoteca da Luca’s executive chef Giuseppe Ferreri will prepare a classic dish from Liguria – Trofie al Pesto, utilising fragrant basil grown in the urban farm. Workers at Devonshire Square, and its visitors, will be able to sample the dish at aperitivo time (5-6pm) on Tuesday 2 July.  Moving to a different continent executive chef Raju Ramachandran of Cinnamon Kitchen will be creating a range of inspired canapés incorporating freshly picked herbs including stir fried shrimp with red chard, thyme flavoured chicken tikka with coriander, and Indo Chinese stir fried chilli paneer in gem lettuce. visit the urban farm on 16July 12.30-13.30pm if you don’t want to be disappointed. Andy Booth, director of offices at Devonshire Square, says: “Nuveen is delighted to partner with Square Mile Farms to provide a new urban farm for the City of London this summer.  Devonshire Square is a green oasis in the heart of the City, and this concept adds another dimension to the garden aesthetic that makes the Square such a tranquil haven for workers and visitors. Seeing locally produced goods, grown and harvested has multiple benefits, from educating children, and learning opportunities for local people, to being used as ingredients for our varied restaurants ”  During the summer there is a huge outdoor screen in one of the Devonshire Square courtyards which will be showing all the big sporting events which of course includes Wimbledon. We can’t promise a Briton in the final, but we can promise ice cream from Cinnamon Kitchen. During Wimbledon matches visitors will be treated to a deliciously refreshing lemon basil ice cream using organic lemons and basil grown in the urban farm. Patrick Dumas CEO of Square Mile Farms says “There can be nothing more satisfying than freshly grown produce, harvested by hand, that you have watched grow and flourish in front of you. Joining together to enjoy the bounty and sharing the experience has long been part of the human experience. Our indoor community farm represents a significant step towards sustainable urban living and community engagement”. As well as the restaurant collaborations Square Mile Farms will also be hosting walk in workshops, running cooking demonstrations and sharing with the local community and schools to show how we can all live more sustainably, while still being able to enjoy the food we love. Square Mile Farms will be growing 10 different crops using its advanced hydroponic growing systems, delivering fragrant flavours, all grown ultra-locally. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Algeco UK cleans-up in support of Ronald McDonald House Charity

Algeco UK cleans-up in support of Ronald McDonald House Charity

The marketing team from Algeco UK, the leading storage accommodation and temporary building solutions provider, recently attended Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, donating their time to help keep the 65 bedrooms, communal kitchens and living room spaces clean for people who need accommodation when children are in hospital nearby. Sunil Achtar, Bev Rutter, Daniel Glover, Stewart Perry and Jai Purewal were met on-site by Laura Bennett, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The team were taken for a tour of the facilities and provided insight into the incredible support and difference these accommodation buildings provide for families who find themselves in the unfortunate circumstances of caring for a sick child who is in hospital. Many think of these solutions as being short-term accommodation needs, but in some scenarios, these locations become a home away from home for families for months, even years. After the tour, the team got their marigolds on and started cleaning for the rest of the day, ensuring windows, carpets, kitchens and living areas were left spotless. These small gestures can make a big impact and give those living through a challenging time one less thing to think about, so they may focus their energies purely on the health of their families. The first Ronald McDonald House was opened in Philadelphia, USA, in 1974. Today, there are over 380 Ronald McDonald Houses in 64 countries around the world, accommodating families with hospitalized children who are being treated at nearby hospitals and medical facilities. Algeco UK is a longstanding partner of McDonald’s, whose mascot is shared with the RMHC charity’s name. Primarily, the company has provided offsite build solutions, including McDonald’s Market Drayton, which was notably the UK’s first carbon net zero restaurant (using the UKGBC’s net zero carbon buildings framework) and the two-storey Drive-Thru restaurant in North Acton, London, also the first of its kind in the UK. As a key partner to McDonald’s, Algeco UK has grown to be a long-standing supporter of the charity. In addition to this recent volunteering day by the Algeco UK marketing team at RMHC Birmingham, the company has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Ronald McDonald House Charity Golf Day taking place in Manchester this July, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Worsley Park Country Club. This sold-out event will raise vital funds for the charity and is part of a network of golf days that take place across the country annually. On volunteering at RMHC Birmingham, Sunil Achtar, Algeco UK Marketing Manager, said, “Our team was really happy to spend some time learning more about the incredible work of RMHC Birmingham and we are proud to have contributed in a small way to this wonderful cause. Algeco UK is dedicated to social value and making a positive impact in the communities we work in. Knowing you have made a difference is a great feeling and as a team-building exercise, it has been great to come together and do something that will help people who need support.” Laura Bennett, Corporate Marketing Manager at RMCH, said, “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Algeco UK for their incredible team of volunteers who recently supported our Birmingham Ronald McDonald House. Their hard work in assisting with housekeeping duties, including cleaning communal kitchens, dining areas, living room spaces, and windows, made a significant difference.  This generous support greatly eased the workload for our House team, allowing them to focus on other essential tasks such as room turnaround for families checking in and created a more comfortable and welcoming environment for our families. The team’s dedication and effort have had a profound impact, and we are deeply grateful for your contribution. Thank you, Algeco UK!” Algeco UK has a company-wide target of volunteering 1,000 hours per annum to charitable causes. The organisation also recently took part in a construction industry football tournament organised by The Wates Group, with over £8,000 being collectively raised for PAPYRUS, a charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people. Algeco UK has developed the largest workspace fleet in the country, operating from strategically located service centres across the nation. The company recently delivered a full turnkey solution to MOD Stafford Barracks and is currently completing the rapid deployment of the brand-new Northampton School for Boys, a 1200-place new secondary school and sixth form, launching this summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Hill promotes Cain Peters to Managing Director of Special Projects

Hill promotes Cain Peters to Managing Director of Special Projects

Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, has announced the promotion of Cain Peters to Managing Director in charge of Special Projects, which specialises in large high density construction projects. Cain, who began his journey with Hill as a site manager 17 years ago, will leverage his extensive experience managing this region, which includes key joint venture partnerships and has become a major pillar of Hill’s recent success. Since 2015, in his role as Regional Director, Cain has worked closely with the Special Projects region. The move exemplifies Hill’s commitment to career progression and the wealth of talent within the organisation. Cain will now manage a team of over 100 employees and a division with a projected turnover of £300 million for the current financial year. Andy Hill OBE, Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, comments: “Cain has demonstrated exceptional loyalty and a commitment to continuous improvement during his time at Hill. This latest promotion is both a well-deserved progression for Cain, reaffirming the confidence I have in his lead and develop further our Special Projects team to remain the ‘partner of choice’  on large joint venture projects with key partners across London and the South East.” Cain Peters, Regional Managing Director for Special Projects, comments: “I am passionate about Hill and proud to have been a part of the company’s success over the past 17 years. I look forward to leading the Special Projects division and contributing to the company’s future achievements and planned period of growth.” Hill has gone from strength to strength in recent years and was recently named Housebuilder of the Year at the 2023 WhatHouse? Awards. The company is set to announce its financial results for its previous financial year, ending March 2024, and is currently planning for the next phase of its business strategy, in which the Special Projects region will play a key role. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Modernisation milestones achieved at UK Antarctic Research Station

Modernisation milestones achieved at UK Antarctic Research Station

Restoration of a 32-year-old Antarctic runway and significant construction milestones on the new Science and Operations building, mark the end of the austral summer season for British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). Modernisation of Rothera Research Station, the UK’s polar science hub, is nearing the finish line, which BAS and programme partners, BAM, Ramboll and Sweco and their teams have been meticulously planning and delivering since 2017. The transformation will ensure BAS continues to enable the UK to remain at the forefront of climate, biodiversity, and ocean research in the Antarctic.  Restoring Rothera’s Runway. Critical to the continued effective operations of Rothera is its runway. At 32-year-old the extreme weather had taken its toll. This season, the planned Ramboll design and carefully sequenced resurfacing and restoration of the runway to its original length was completed by BAM amid challenging weather conditions. The new runway incorporates existing local rock materials from the previous wharf project, aligning with BAS’s commitment to sustainability. The team installed new and improved energy-efficient runway lighting to maintain safe flying operations in the station. The works also included upgraded drainage and a new aircraft turning pad as part of the overall modernisation programme. Penultimate construction year for new science and operations building. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the Discovery Building, a state-of-the-art facility for scientific support and operations, with its high degree of insulation took shape internally, with interior partitioning for offices, the medical centre, plant room and storage areas. Externally, glazing and solar panel installations, which will support the station’s energy needs have been completed. Mechanical and electrical, work was also undertaken with four other buildings on the station having new energy-efficient heating systems installed. Designed by Hugh Broughton Architects, internally the building will use colour, light and space to create an environment intended to foster well-being. Elen Jones, Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme Director, BAS, said: “At the end of a long, productive and challenging season, these strides forward would not have been possible without our incredibly collaborative team. We have progressed to such an extent that we’re looking forward to completing next season’s work, which will see the Discovery Building being handed over and brought into operational use” For the first time, AIMP team members working on construction joined the existing on-site winterers who operate the station under extreme conditions and prolonged darkness. These ‘overwintering’ efforts see joiners and electricians focus on the interior fit-out of the Discovery Building, preparing the facility for the next austral summer construction phase beginning in November. “Thank you to everyone involved for their commitment this season and good luck to all our winterers who make a huge contribution in an extraordinary environment,” Elen continued. Huw Jones, Executive Director, BAM, said: “Upgrading the runway to ensure access to Antarctica for the international science community in one of the world’s harshest and most remote locations is an incredibly complex operation. Our success this season is a result of the collective effort of our team, partners, and suppliers.  We’re proud to be part of a project that aligns perfectly with our own values of building a sustainable tomorrow and that will enable important climate research to continue in the region.” Natalie Wathen, Framework Manager at Ramboll, said: “It is incredible what the team has achieved this season, it has once again all been down to the collaboration across our partnership. Working to deliver a more sustainable and long-lasting future for Rothera has been extremely rewarding for us all”. About the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) is a long-term investment in the Polar Regions, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research in Antarctica. The programme is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, GA Barnies and Hugh Broughton Architects. Since 2017, BAS has utilised the expertise and knowledge of the partnership and its wider value chain to ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering solutions in the world’s harshest environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
OakNorth Funds £48.3m Loan for Vabel’s Queensway Development

OakNorth Funds £48.3m Loan for Vabel’s Queensway Development

OakNorth, a digital bank tailored for entrepreneurs, has provided a £48.3m loan to Vabel, a London-based developer, for a new mixed-use project at 28-34 Queensway, West London. The project, set to complete by Q4 2025, will include 27 new homes, a 24-hour concierge service, landscaped communal gardens, and 251 sqm of ground-level retail space. Vabel, founded by Daniel Baliti and Jeremy Spencer, aims to revolutionise the quality of new build homes through an integrated approach that combines in-house architecture, interior design, project management, and construction. The company employs approximately 40 professionals who collaborate within this innovative model. Vabel’s projects are distinguished by their focus on sustainable construction. They utilise renewable technologies such as LED lighting, aerated taps, heat recovery ventilation systems, solar panels, and thermally efficient glazing. Their upcoming Blackheath development will feature a ground source heat pump system, and they aim to recycle building materials and retain existing building fabric whenever possible. Co-founders Jeremy Spencer and Daniel Baliti expressed their excitement about the Queensway project: “We are thrilled to contribute to the area’s evolution through exceptional architecture and homes. Queensway is re-energising as a vibrant community, and we’re proud to be part of this transformation. This is our largest project to date, and we appreciate OakNorth’s support and understanding of the London real estate market.” Deepesh Thakrar, Senior Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “Vabel has a proven track record of successful projects across London, even during challenging market conditions. Their integrated operational model and responsible development approach stood out to us. We’re delighted to support their growth and bring new homes to a revitalised central London area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
HG Construction appointed to 1,014 bed Manchester PBSA Scheme

HG Construction appointed to 1,014 bed Manchester PBSA Scheme

Leading UK contractor HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on a Manchester-based purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme for developer Greystar. One Medlock Street will comprise 1,014 high quality student rooms across 37 storeys, with access to amenity space at ground, first, eleventh and thirty-seventh floors to promote the health and wellbeing of the residents.  The scheme will deliver 13,000 sq ft of resident amenities in total, including a gym, yoga studio, quiet study areas, meeting spaces, screening rooms, shared lounges and games rooms.  The development will incorporate sustainability features including a green living roof, solar PV panels and sustainable materials. Plans also include an 11-storey public art installation across 30 pre-cast panels.  Located in the Deansgate regeneration area, One Medlock is an 11-minute walk from Manchester Metropolitan University. The scheme is also a 20-minute walk from both the main and north campuses of The University of Manchester – two of the UK’s most populous universities. HG Construction will be internally delivering the concrete frame and piling on the scheme, which is due for completion in 2028. Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction commented: “This is an exciting scheme which will make a significant contribution to the transformation of this area and help to meet the high and growing demand for first-class student accommodation in the Manchester area.  With solid expertise in delivering high-quality PBSA projects across the UK, we are delighted to partner with Greystar on this landmark Manchester scheme.  We are looking forward to getting to know the local area and to maximising opportunities for local employment and positive community engagement throughout the construction of this project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Mayor Brabin tells builders to brace for housebuilding boom

Mayor Brabin tells builders to brace for housebuilding boom

Mayor Tracy Brabin has vowed to deliver a “new dawn” for housebuilding across West Yorkshire, by working in lock-step with local housing providers and the new government in Westminster. The West Yorkshire Housing Strategy 2040, the first of its kind for the region, has been unveiled on a visit to Saxton Lane in Leeds, where 204 affordable apartments are being developed by WDH. The strategy identifies untapped potential for new housing across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, where over 38,000 new homes could be built on previously developed land. For the first time, the plans will bring together the five local authorities of West Yorkshire to deliver across four core missions – boosting housing supply, building affordable homes, improving existing homes, and creating vibrant communities. The strategy aims to build on the progress made since the devolution of the £90 million Brownfield Housing Fund to the region, which has helped to deliver more affordable homes than at any other time since the global financial crash, including 1,500 in the year 2022-2023. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our fifteen year housing strategy gives us the long-term, joined-up approach we need to tackle this intolerable housing crisis, ensuring that everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. “Growing up in a good quality council flat we didn’t have to worry about unaffordable rent, mould on our walls or the looming threat of a no-fault eviction, and no one else should have to either. “Housing is a basic human right and the foundation for a good and healthy life. By working in lock-step with the new government and our brilliant local housing partners, we will deliver a new dawn for housebuilding across West Yorkshire.” The launch of the West Yorkshire Housing Strategy follows a speech made earlier in the week from the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, who vowed to “get Britain building again”. To help deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of the parliament, the Chancellor and MP for Leeds West and Pudsey has pledged to work closely with Mayors and local leaders, restore housebuilding targets, and reform planning rules whilst bolstering planning teams. According to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, there are approximately 85,000 people and families on waiting lists for a council home across the region, with house prices reaching six times the average annual wage, as compared to only three times the average annual wage in 2002. Private renters have also been hit hard by the “double-whammy” of high inflation and poor conditions, with rents in Leeds, Kirklees and Wakefield rising by around 20% since 2018, and two in five privately rented homes failing to meet the government’s definition of a “decent home”. To address rising fuel poverty, the Combined Authority and its partners have committed £40 million to modernise social homes with solar panels, heat pumps and better insulated walls and windows. The new housing strategy sets out an ambitious vision to create greener and more secure communities, driving down energy bills across West Yorkshire.   Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Place, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said: “Thousands more families are living in safe, secure and affordable homes because of the decisions of our West Yorkshire Mayor in partnership with local councils. We’ve really made the most of the powers and funding devolved to our region so far. “But now we need to accelerate this work even more. For too long, strict Government rules over where our brownfield housing fund is spent have blocked our plans. This has limited too much of what we’ve been able to achieve to places where land values are already high. “With the backing of a new Government, and the promise of greater flexibility in how we can make decisions, we can build 38,000 new homes. That is at the heart of delivering a region which everyone can be proud to call home.” Andy Wallhead, Chief Executive Officer of WDH and Chair of the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership, said: “Housing associations are already leading the way on housebuilding in West Yorkshire, with our partnership members collectively providing a fifth of all homes across the region.“ But, by working with the new Government and continuing our close collaboration with the Mayor, we’re determined to do even more and will keep on building to provide the affordable and sustainable homes needed to unlock West Yorkshire’s true potential.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Savills UK Acquires Montagu Evans Property Management Business

Savills UK Acquires Montagu Evans Property Management Business

Last week, Savills announced that it has acquired the UK property management business of Montagu Evans, which will be integrated into Savills’ operations. This move provides Savills with an opportunity to enhance its already robust UK property management business by further broadening its client base, particularly in the public sector. It will also strengthen its accounts team and create greater opportunities to leverage sector-specific knowledge and expertise throughout its UK divisions and regions. Led by Andrew Walker, the property management team at Montagu Evans consists of nearly 100 staff, with 20 based in its London office, 18 in Edinburgh, and a further 59 site-based staff who will all transfer to Savills immediately. Those based in London and Scotland will join Savills’ respective offices in these locations. Montagu Evans’ property management team has an established client base, including Redical Holdings, Rivington Hark, AEW, and several local authorities. They currently manage a shopping centre portfolio of approximately 5 million sq ft across 20 centres, with the majority being public sector mandates. This will both complement and enhance Savills’ market-leading position in relation to shopping centre instructions, which encompass 49 million sq ft across the UK, with a predominantly private client base. Nick Herward, head of property management at Savills, says: “By acquiring Montagu Evans’ UK property management business, we have a valuable opportunity to expand and augment our already market-leading property management offering in the UK. We have identified strong synergies with our existing instructions and clients, which will help us to enhance our service further. The team at Montagu Evans has a wealth of experience across the industry with very well-regarded personnel that will provide additional depth to our team.” Andrew Walker, head of property management at Montagu Evans, comments: “This is an exciting opportunity for the team, and we look forward to working with Savills, whom we regard as market leaders in property management. This move not only supports our growth and expansion but also enables us to maintain a first-class service for clients while providing a strong platform for future growth and offering new opportunities for our people to develop their careers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Landmark expansion of technology hub completes in Coventry

Landmark expansion of technology hub completes in Coventry

Works have completed at Project Holst – a £75 million industrial warehouse scheme located at Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. Ansty Park is a major business park positioned next to the M6 and M69 junction providing unrivalled access to the UK’s major motorway network, which is home to a number of high-profile companies including Rolls-Royce, Sainsbury’s, Cadent, Meggitt and MTC. McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) commenced the delivery of four industrial units and associated offices at Project Holst in January last year, on behalf of Manse Opus. All units are now finished and open to speculative tenants. The commercial units span a total of 856,109 sq. ft. and predominantly comprise a cladded portal frame with a CAT A open plan layout. The site also features an external logistics yard with a level and dock access area, dedicated parking spaces with electric charging points, communal areas and landscaped gardens. The offices have a largely open plan design to provide flexibility to prospective tenants, and the architecture has focused on the business culture and purpose of the technology park, reflecting the current variety of highly skilled professions already present within the surrounding developments. Units are highly energy efficient and were designed to meet a BREEAM Excellent rating. Their design has incorporated the application of roof top PVs and rainwater harvesting tanks. The scheme entailed a complex earthworks operation which took place prior to construction and extensive infrastructure works were needed to access the plots and associated balancing ponds, to accommodate storm water. All removed earth was also reused back within the site, to reduce waste and provide a greater circular approach. As part of the wider landscaping scheme, new ecological areas were also developed during the construction and population of the site, and prior to works commencing, great crested newts were identified and relocated, with protective fencing installed around the perimeter of the site. Giving back to the local community, voluntary works were also carried out at the Grace Academy during the summer months and the team created a sensory open space for students to enjoy. Project Holst marks the third scheme at the park that McLaren Construction and Manse Opus have partnered together for, following more than three years of collaboration. Operations director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Shaun Colley, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Manse Opus again to provide further expansion to Prospero Ansty Park for this next phase, which is now complete. “Prospero Ansty Park is a fast-growing business and industrial hub for the West Midlands, for which we previously completed works for Apollo and Cadent. We have managed to overcome many challenges with this site – battling extreme weather. However, our skilled team of contractors managed to stick to the critical timelines of the programme and delivered an exceptional product. “Our focus for the scheme has been on providing energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality, which ensures energy consumption efficiencies whilst promoting a healthier and inviting workspace. The central high-specification commercial office space is ideally positioned to cater to clients in the industrial and logistics sector, bringing our client’s vision to life.” David Mitchell & Victoria Turnbull, Joint Managing Directors of Manse Opus commented “We are proud of what we have achieved on site since our appointment in 2019. The transformation of this unused land to create the stunning buildings you see there today has been a great privilege and one we are really proud to have been able to achieve.  We have contributed to safeguarding the legacy of a site which has such an impressive history.” 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

Read More »
First phase of affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village gets underway

First phase of affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village gets underway

The construction of 750 new affordable homes on the Durham Coast is getting underway, marking the next milestone in the development of the county’s first ‘garden village’.    Karbon Homes has partnered with Esh Construction to begin work on the first phase of its new homes at Seaham Garden Village. The partnership will deliver 750 affordable homes, half of the total 1,500 homes planned for the new community.   The garden village will also include a new primary school, convenience retail and health and well-being facilities. Taking advantage of the location on the Durham heritage coast, around 50% of the garden village will be dedicated to managed green space, with over 3 miles of landscaped paths and cycle routes.  Sarah Robson, Director of Development and Regeneration at Karbon Homes, said:   “I’m delighted we’ve started to build these much-needed affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village which will not only be an exciting new location in County Durham but also one of the few garden villages being delivered in the north-east region. The project is a fantastic example of collaborative working, that not only delivers new homes but a thriving new community and a great place to live for our residents.  “We’re pleased to announce Esh Construction as our construction partner for the first phase of this scheme. We have worked well together elsewhere to deliver good quality, affordable homes, and we look forward to seeing progress on this site and new homes becoming available later in the year for people looking to live in a beautiful garden village environment.”  The first homes from Karbon will become available towards the end of the year, for both affordable rent and affordable home ownership options, shared ownership and rent to buy.   Karbon’s 750 homes are being delivered alongside 750 homes for private sale, developed by national housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes.  Andy Radcliffe, chief executive officer at Esh Construction, said: “We are proud to be chosen as construction partner by Karbon for the exciting and innovative Seaham Garden Village development. With a spade in the ground on the first phase, this marks a key milestone in our strategic growth plans as we capitalise on a number of major project wins within the affordable housing sector and help registered providers deliver more quality, much-needed affordable homes.  “As a Durham-headquartered contractor, our commitment to Constructing Local will amplify social and economic benefits in County Durham over the coming years, through local job creation, procurement opportunities, our bespoke award-winning school programmes, and quality work placements for the next generation of construction professionals.”  The 78-hectare garden village, located on the A182 going into Seaham town centre, has sustainability and community spirit at its heart.  Karbon is aiming to build all of its 750 homes to net zero carbon and the very latest building standards, ensuring they are fit for the future. They will all boast a range of energy efficiency technologies, including solar PV panels and battery storage units.  The delivery of Karbon’s 750 homes is supported by funding from Homes England, through the housing association’s Strategic Partnership with the government’s housing delivery agency.    The strategic partnership has provided Karbon with £165m in funding, to deliver 2,200 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »