Northumbria University in Newcastle has chosen to retain Sodexo for its soft and hard FM services and residential living management contract for a further ten years in a new contract with the addition of a new food offer for the University’s largest Trinity Square student accommodation. Sodexo has been managing
Construction students from EKC Sheppey College in Sheerness got valuable insight into what it’s like to work on a construction site when Jones Homes invited them to its Shurland Park development. The eight students visited the site – where Jones Homes Southern is currently building 171 new properties off Larch
Fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have forged a new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy to offer work engagement for young people. To help invest in the futures of aspiring tradespeople and construction workers, Injecta Fire Barrier has partnered with the Nottingham
Market insight from Material Information and digital property pack provider, Moverly, suggests that the proper implementation of Material Information across the estate agency sector could reduce the amount of lost or delayed commission due to fall throughs to the tune of £357.4m per year. Moverly looked at the number of fall
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,
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,
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,
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,
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
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
Northumbria University in Newcastle has chosen to retain Sodexo for its soft and hard FM services and residential living management contract for a further ten years in a new contract with the addition of a new food offer for the University’s largest Trinity Square student accommodation. Sodexo has been managing student accommodation services at Northumbria University since 2014. Initially covering just Trinity Square, a contemporary accommodation block housing up to 1,000 students in double en-suites or shared flats for groups of three-five students. Over the course of the contract the University has added all its four City residences, housing nearly 2,500 students every year. Sodexo is focused on ensuring the student living experience is second-to-none and is committed to ensuring its presence has a positive social impact for the residents, the University, and the local community in which it operates. Services managed by Sodexo in the University’s student accommodation include reception, helpdesk, security, mechanical and electrical maintenance, and cleaning. Sodexo employs 58 people at Northumbria University and uses digital platforms for students to report maintenance issues, recently mobilising a mobile-enabled maintenance system to ensure timely servicing of request within the residences to reduce unexpected breakdowns and inconveniences, minimise costs and extend equipment life. The new contract will see Sodexo introduce a brand-new catering offer at Trinity Square student accommodation serving hot drinks and a grab and go food solution such as paninis and pastries. The team will transform the currently under-utilised space at the accommodation to further enhance the student experience creating a fantastic live learning experience that creates a true home from home atmosphere. Sodexo’s commitment to social impact underpins the strategic business ambitions at Northumbria University and is engrained into every floor cleaned, every maintenance job resolved, and every conversation had with students. Sodexo has built strong relationships with the local community and works with local charities and social enterprises such as Northern Rights and the DFN project, which are focused on helping the long term unemployed and people with learning difficulties get in to work. The Sodexo team at Northumbria has: Supporting students from applicant to alumni is a crucial part of Sodexo’s focus at the University, the team provides vital support to residents at a time which can be quite difficult as they adjust to life away from home where they need to balance studying with financial independence, making new friends and settling into a new setting and city. To provide further support in this area Sodexo has committed to train five mental health first responders across the contract. In 2022 Sodexo introduced Residency Advisors, students who live within the residences join the Sodexo team on a part-time basis to work with the accommodation team to manage any issues that arise quickly and efficiently and offer proactive peer to peer support. Through this programme Sodexo provides employment opportunities for 15 students which helps the long-term employability of the students as a valuable addition to their CVs. Sian Thompson, national operations director, Universities & PFIs, Sodexo UK & Ireland, Sodexo said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Northumbria University. There is a strong cultural fit between our organisations, and we are committed to continually delivering a leading facilities management service alongside the award-winning residency living model, with aligned goals and strategic objectives. This next contractual period brings with it some exciting service developments and we expect to achieve great things by continuing to work in a strategic and trusted partnership.” Erin Peart, executive director of campus services, Northumbria University said: “Sodexo continues to be one of the University’s valuable partners – not only because of the services it delivers and the commitment it has to enhancing the student experience, but in helping us to deliver social impact. We look forward to continuing this partnership with students at the heart of our shared ambitions.” Sodexo’s team at Northumbria University has received numerous awards including the 2023 IWFM award for Excellence in Customer Experience, Contract Manager Tom Martin received the 2022 title of Young Leader of the Year at the PFM Partnership awards and the contact was highly commended in the 2022 Student Accommodation awards for Collaboration. The team was also shortlisted at the 2024 Property Week awards for excellence in social impact. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction students from EKC Sheppey College in Sheerness got valuable insight into what it’s like to work on a construction site when Jones Homes invited them to its Shurland Park development. The eight students visited the site – where Jones Homes Southern is currently building 171 new properties off Larch End in Minster on Sea – on Friday 14 June. The group, who are studying for their Level 2 qualification in Bricklaying and Construction, were shown different stages of build at the development including the show home, finished houses, piling, brickwork, scaffolding, and plots at the second fix stage of construction. Nicole Fitzpatrick, Head of Building Services at EKC Sheppey College which is part of East Kent Colleges Group, said: “We would like to thank Jones Homes for this opportunity and are looking forward to developing this relationship further in the future. “These links are vital in supporting our learners’ development and, as well as supporting tutor delivery, will allow them an invaluable insight into the latest developments within industry. “Learning from professionals via these links will help support with the transition into their chosen vocational fields and hopefully spur their passion for this industry further.” The students, who were all supplied with hi-vis vests and hard hats to wear during the visit, met Sales and Marketing Manager Sophie Steel, Construction Director Terry Brown, and Site Manager David Yeo. They spoke to the students about a range of topics including health and safety, the importance of communication, hitting targets, quality control, and the process of building a home from start to finish. Terry said: “Pursuing a career in construction is a great choice for young people as there are so many opportunities to learn, develop and progress. So, we were very happy to host the students from Sheppey College and give them a real insight into the work we are doing here and give them an understanding of what the industry is like. “These students are already making great strides by studying for their Level 2 qualifications and I hope that their visit to Shurland Park inspired them even further and has shown them what the possibilities are.” To find out more about Jones Homes’ Shurland Park development, visit jones-homes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have forged a new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy to offer work engagement for young people. To help invest in the futures of aspiring tradespeople and construction workers, Injecta Fire Barrier has partnered with the Nottingham Skills Academy to provide work experience and training opportunities for individuals kickstarting their career. Having supported over 8,200 learners in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire with fully-funded courses and training, the Skills Academy is expanding their service with help from Injecta Fire Barrier. “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy! We’re always looking for ways to support the next generation, and by helping provide work placements we hope to give young people of Nottingham the tools they need to succeed” says Shaun. Skills Academy is a training centre run by the Skills People Group that offers high-quality teaching and learning for construction, digital business administration and warehousing. Established in 2008, the Skills People Group is the country’s leading provider of construction-related qualifications and now has seven dedicated training centres, including the Nottingham Skills Academy. Their academies provide a first-class training environment to help young members of the local community to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours. “Gaining work experience can be a challenge for young people and we’re hopeful our partnership will give eager individuals a practical opportunity which helps boost their employability. As well as helping others, we also plan to utilise their courses to develop our own Injecta Fire Barrier team” adds Shaun. Currently, Skills Academy works with some of the UK’s biggest construction companies and offer a series of courses for bricklaying, joinery, painting, labouring, CSCS card, Skills Bootcamps in construction and much more. Now partnering with Injecta Fire Barrier, the Nottingham Skills Academy will be increasing their support materials with new opportunities for ambitious individuals to learn, develop and prosper in the fire safety industry. “We see that Skill Academy has the location, knowledge and attributes to make a change and we can’t wait to help contribute towards a brighter future for Nottingham residents!” concludes Shaun. Injecta Fire Barrier are the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system. With years of experience in passive fire protection, the company can help property managers and building owners seamlessly install cost-effective cavity fire barriers that protect their buildings and occupants. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Market insight from Material Information and digital property pack provider, Moverly, suggests that the proper implementation of Material Information across the estate agency sector could reduce the amount of lost or delayed commission due to fall throughs to the tune of £357.4m per year. Moverly looked at the number of fall throughs that take place across the property market on a quarterly basis, as well as the total amount of estate agent fees either lost or delayed as a result of these sellers having to return to square one. According to TwentyCI, 64,865 sales fell through across the UK market during the first quarter of this year alone. With estate agents earning £3,975 on the sale of the average home in the current market*, that’s a total of £257.9m in commission either lost, or at best delayed, until a new buyer is found. The figures from Moverly show that in 2023 alone, almost £1,1bn was lost or delayed in commission due to the number of fall throughs across the UK market. While fall throughs are unfortunately inevitable, there are steps that can be taken to minimise the potential of a sale collapsing. One such step is the proper provision of Material and Upfront Information early in the process. This provides agents, vendors, buyers and conveyancers alike, with better insight to the potential issues posed when purchasing a property and the opportunity to resolve issues earlier. Figures from Moverly show that not only does the provision of Upfront Information allow for transactions to complete up to 70% quicker, but it also reduces the chances of a sale collapsing by a third. If estate agents across the UK were to embrace Material and Upfront Information fully, this could have reduced the fees lost or delayed during the first quarter of 2024 by £85.9m. Over the course of 2023, reducing fall throughs by a third would have also seen agents benefit to the tune of £357.4m in fees that weren’t lost or delayed as a result of transactions collapsing. Gemma Young, Moverly CEO, says: “With the introduction of NTSELAT guidelines, agents now have a concrete framework to work towards with respect to Material Information. This provides them with a firm foundation upon which they can drive sector standards forward, whilst, at the same time, reducing the propensity for transactions to fall through Moverly’s mission is to support agents to deliver Material and Upfront Information with greater ease and without adding to their already substantial workload. In turn, Moverly works to connect the key stakeholders in the property transaction to the vital information which helps other stakeholders to progress towards exchange and completion. In embracing this, agents will not only be able to offer quicker transaction times to their sellers, this in turn will also reduce the amount of commission that is either lost or delayed as a result of fall throughs.” Data tables Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
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
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
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
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
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
