Lending for commercial construction is expected to fall for the ninth year in a row, underlying how demand for office space and high street retail has declined over the period. The analysis comes from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, which compared lending levels across different areas of the property
YTL Developments has secured planning permission for 1,514 beds of student accommodation at Brabazon. The company is transforming the 380-acre former Filton Airfield into a sustainable new mixed-use neighbourhood for Bristol. Over the next twenty years, this new city district – known as Brabazon – will grow to include thousands
Agreement highlights new model of delivery and partnership to tackle the housing crisis Sustainable housing developer EDAROTH, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has signed a development agreement with Bristol City Council to design and deliver 29 affordable homes – based on a new model created under Bristol’s involvement in the
With the opening days of 2024 seeing widespread flooding across Europe in the wake of Storm Henk, temporary power and temperature control solutions provider, Aggreko, is raising awareness within the construction industry of the risks to projects posed by high humidity and advocating a strategic approach to dehumidification. Using
STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a
Local housebuilder Redrow is continuing its support of nearby Ashford Rugby Football Club (ARFC) with brand new kits for the new year. Redrow South East, currently building a community at Crown Hill View in Ashford, Kent, is supporting the academy. Redrow’s sponsorship means each player within the academy, aged between
Using technology to provide information required under the new Building Safety Act 2022 – which has been enforceable since October 1st – can help relieve the pressure on suppliers who are responsible for submitting the data, says Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings. The
Henry Boot Construction, part of the Henry Boot Group, has officially completed work on Elshaw House, the flagship office development within Heart of the City. The exceptionally-designed building, with its striking black metal façade, has already become a standout aspect of Sheffield’s evolving skyline. Located between Wellington Street and Carver
Artisan Real Estate & Homes for Students to Develop 321 Self-Contained Apartments Ambitious proposals for high quality student accommodation in the heart of Glasgow city centre have been given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council. Award-winning developer Artisan Real Estate together with Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student
On behalf of Stockport Council, and working with the Cheadle Town Fund Board, Network Space Developments has submitted a detailed planning application for a new Eco Business Park in Cheadle. Designed to target BREEAM Outstanding and emerging Net Zero Carbon in construction accreditation from the UK Green Building Council, the
Lending for commercial construction is expected to fall for the ninth year in a row, underlying how demand for office space and high street retail has declined over the period. The analysis comes from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, which compared lending levels across different areas of the property construction industry over the past decade using data from the Bank of England. Octane then estimated where total lending would sit come the end of 2023 based on the current data available (Jan to November). The analysis shows that the average monthly amount outstanding across the commercial construction lending sector has gradually fallen from £5.11 billion in 2014 to £3.383 billion in 2022, a drop of 34%. Octane Capital estimates that 2023 will see this figure fall by a further -2.6% in 2023 to £3.30 billion, following on from an annual decline of -4.3% in 2022 and a minor reduction of -0.8% in 2021. Rental recession and challenging year for retail Last year office rentals in London were said to be in “rental recession” due to the number of empty workspaces, as the pandemic has facilitated a growing work from home and flexible working culture. Meanwhile the high street has struggled to compete with the growth of online retail for some time, while consumers are currently being squeezed by the cost of living crisis. In January the The British Retail Consortium warned that retailers are set for a “challenging” year in 2024 due to “weak consumer confidence. Overall construction lending dips for second consecutive year The analysis by Octane Capital also shows that lending across the construction sector as a whole is forecast to fall for a second consecutive year in 2023, as interest rate rises made borrowing gradually less affordable. Octane Capital estimates that the average monthly total of outstanding lending will reach £33.26 billion in 2023, marking a -7.1% drop from the year before, while in 2022 there was also a drop, at -4.0%. The second consecutive annual decline follows the Bank of England base rate hike from 0.25% to 5.25% between December 2021 and August 2023, making the cost of borrowing far more expensive for construction and development firms. Development down but domestic construction sees uplift Commercial lending for the development of buildings – which encompasses structural alterations, demolitions and rebuilding – has been on the steady decline since 2021. Octane Capital estimates that some £12.74 billion of outstanding lending will be recorded in 2023, which will again result in a drop of -7.9%, following previous yearly falls of -5.3% in 2022 and -4.3% in 2021. Lending for domestic construction – a dwelling where more than one family unit lives – is the only construction type expected to go against the grain. After dropping off by -19.8% in 2021 it recovered by 9.2% in 2022, and is estimated to climb by 1.7% in 2023, as is forecast to sit at £6.04 billion for the year. CEO of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, commented: “Demand for commercial construction lending has seen a consistent decline in recent years, with the average monthly amount outstanding falling by 34% between 2014 and 2022 and expected to fall further in 2023. “While the pandemic accelerated the trend for more businesses to embrace hybrid working, it must have come as a shock to the office sector, as it’s ultimately businesses paying competitive rents that justify these construction projects. “Another factor hitting construction is the cost of financing, as it’s becoming harder for developers to make a good return on their investment given that interest rates are relatively high. “One positive is that interest rates now look to be falling again, so it could become more affordable for developers to fund projects in 2024 and beyond, which should help cultivate some growth, albeit this will likely remain subdued versus historic highs.” Data tables and sources Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
YTL Developments has secured planning permission for 1,514 beds of student accommodation at Brabazon. The company is transforming the 380-acre former Filton Airfield into a sustainable new mixed-use neighbourhood for Bristol. Over the next twenty years, this new city district – known as Brabazon – will grow to include thousands of new homes, creative workspaces and the largest new urban public park in the South West for 50 years. The new neighbourhood will be connected to Bristol and beyond by every form of sustainable transport. The MetroBus will stop at Brabazon and both the University of the West of England (UWE) and University of Bristol. The UWE campus is 1.5 mile walk or cycle away along dedicated bike paths and pedestrian routes. And a new railway station will serve Bristol Temple Meads – adjacent to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus – in less than 15 minutes. The student accommodation at Brabazon consists of 1,514 bedrooms, located across four mansion-style buildings on the southern boundary of Brabazon, close to the new railway station. Designed by leading local architects Stride Treglown, the attractive mansion blocks will have the space students want, both to socialise and to study. Separate bedrooms are arranged in clusters around communal spaces that will balance studying with a rich social experience. Inside, there will be dining areas and karaoke rooms, a gaming suite and gym, as well as shared studies and quiet working areas. Outside, the landscaped courtyards and green spaces include exercise areas and even a basketball court as well as south-facing gardens. The project is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, designers and inventors and attract the best young talent to Bristol. The city’s world-class universities and diverse student population help give Bristol its unique energy and edge. But at present, a lack of dedicated student accommodation risks resulting in large numbers of HMOs that can upset the balance of some neighbourhoods. When the new student accommodation at Brabazon opens in time for the 2026-7 academic year, it will provide an inclusive place to live that is conducive to learning and be part of a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by the housing shortage elsewhere in the city. Sebastian Loyn, Planning and Development Director, YTL Developments comments: “Brabazon is designed to live up to the pioneering legacy of the former Filton Airfield and inspire the next generation. New purpose-built student accommodation is essential to our vision to create a thriving, diverse new neighbourhood for Bristol. “When the student accommodation completes, approximately 400 private homes will also be occupied, giving a total of almost 2,000 new residents from all generations by 2026-7. “This represents a critical mass. “The new residents will facilitate the arrival of a new breed of cafes, shops and restaurants. “They will ensure the new public transport services – both the MetroBus and new train station – become sustainable and reliable options for the whole community. “Alongside the existing world-leading engineering cluster, the new residents at Brabazon will accelerate the transformation of North Bristol, ensuring it remains a place of opportunity and drives local prosperity for the next 100 years.” Subscribe to the Neighbourhood Newsletter for Brabazon to receive updates as they are announced: www.brabazon.co.uk/newsletter Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Agreement highlights new model of delivery and partnership to tackle the housing crisis Sustainable housing developer EDAROTH, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has signed a development agreement with Bristol City Council to design and deliver 29 affordable homes – based on a new model created under Bristol’s involvement in the UN Climate Smart Cities challenge. The new homes will be a mix of 13 houses and 16 apartments and will be constructed using offsite manufacturing methods to create low energy-use, net zero homes – which will provide additional capacity for the housing market and directly tackle the housing crisis. Subject to planning approvals, they will be developed at six sites* across Bristol on under-utilised land owned by the city council, including brownfield which is often overlooked by large-scale housing developers, but can be adapted/repurposed to unlock new space for communities. Central to the development agreement are the sustainable construction methods that are used by EDAROTH including: Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homelessness at Bristol City Council, said: “We are thrilled that our collaboration with the UN Habitat for the Climate Smart Cities Challenge is set to deliver 29 social rent zero carbon council homes. “This development of much needed affordable homes will add to the 12,500 new homes already completed in the city between 2016 and 2023. The new homes will help people in housing need, adding to the 474 new affordable homes built in Bristol in 2021/22. “This wider collaboration is not just about the great homes that will be built, but it is helping us unlock small parcels of underutilised council land that have often been considered too complex or expensive to develop for council housing. “We remain ambitious to see even more affordable housing built in our city and this new approach to unlock these small brownfield sites will help us do that whilst also protecting our vital green spaces.” Mark Powell, Managing Director at EDAROTH (an acronym for Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head), added: “Entering into a development agreement with Bristol City Council underlines their position as a forward-thinking local authority which places value in sustainable housing and infrastructure. “Bristol, in common with the rest of the country, faces a huge demand for affordable homes. This scheme is one part of the solution which not only supports the ambition to meet that demand, but also aims to enhance communities by transforming under-used sites to create thriving places to live. “The agreement is a really important step in this project which demonstrates the city council’s confidence in the proposals we’ve put forward and their determination to deliver low carbon, low-energy-use homes for the community.” The agreement is based on an award-winning approach developed by the city council, and the One City team, with partners including the Housing Festival, AtkinsRéalis and EDAROTH, as one of four winning projects in the UN Habitat Climate Smart Cities Challenge in 2022. Part of the challenge involved the creation of a demonstrator scheme that could prove how aggregating small sites for development, and overcoming systemic barriers, could unlock previously unviable sites to deliver truly affordable social housing. The new approach identifies small parcels of land for development such as brownfield or under-used garage sites, within existing residential areas, which is more effective in creating social value and cohesion as it enables those existing communities to thrive. Zoe Metcalfe, Client Director for Connected Thriving Places, AtkinsRéalis who led on the competition application process for AtkinsRéalis, said: “Winning the UN Smart Cities Challenge as the Bristol Thriving Places team enabled us to explore viable sites for development and devise this approach around them. “The wisdom of the EDAROTH development team has been instrumental in translating theory into reality. The Housing Festival boldly led the systems-led change to disrupt the evaluation model to deliver social value with Bristol City Council facilitating innovation. An exemplar of the power of collective action through trusted partnerships. “It really shows how the principle of aggregating and clustering sites in this way can help to unlock value and achieve the economies of scale that are central to the offsite manufacturing approach which EDAROTH delivers, and we’re thrilled that Bristol City Council has chosen to turn those potential benefits into a reality through this new development agreement.” A public engagement process has been launched, with information packs and questionnaires issued to residents near to the development sites to provide feedback. The development agreement with Bristol City Council follows the recent announcement that EDAROTH has been given the green light to provide state-of-the-art, sustainable homes in Surrey, after Raven Housing Trust was granted planning permission for its latest housing scheme. The scheme in Surrey is the latest in a number of new contracts across southeast England for EDAROTH, which is bringing a fresh approach to the housing crisis by utilising brownfield and former industrial land to release genuine social and economic value from often overlooked assets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the opening days of 2024 seeing widespread flooding across Europe in the wake of Storm Henk, temporary power and temperature control solutions provider, Aggreko, is raising awareness within the construction industry of the risks to projects posed by high humidity and advocating a strategic approach to dehumidification. Using the wrong equipment could lead to potential long-term issues for construction projects, with Aggreko advising that solely relying on heaters to dry sites could cause issues, as flooding continues to worsen across the UK and Europe. Storm Henk continues a long-term trend. According to the Met Office, the period between 1991 to 2020 was an average 1.75% wetter than the period 1981-2010 and 7% wetter than 1961-1990 for the UK overall, which shows that the issue of increased rainfall is only getting worse[1]. The European Union recently published figures showing that over 14,000 areas across its member states are at significant risk of flooding, amid a year that has seen widespread disruption[2]. This inclement weather can cause problems for construction sites, especially with the issue of humidity which can cause irreparable damage to critical assets, particularly when there is excess rainfall. According to moisture control experts at Aggreko, relative humidity on construction sites should be kept within an optimal range of 40-60%. Dehumidification systems help to reduce humidity, meaning that these issues can be eliminated before they cause problems and bring delays. Relying on heating systems, which are less effective at reducing humidity levels, can cause more damage to building materials and structures. This potentially can lead to issues such as increased mould growth, creating a deceptive sense of dryness and increased condensation. Tom Adlington, Building Services & Construction Sector Sales Manager at Aggreko UK & Ireland said: “Flooding, such as that seen over the new year, has the potential to cause time delays and budget problems for a construction site. Which is why it’s imperative the right approach to dehumidification is taken. “Heat alone cannot sufficiently dehumidify a site, which is why we advocate for a combined solution. This incorporates various technologies, including industrial dehumidifiers, to provide heat, air movement and moisture removal. Combining products such as power, dehumidification and heating can help create a complete solution that reduces project costs without compromising on reliability. For more information on effective dehumidification download the Aggreko guide https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/resources/the-hidden-cost-of-humidity-on-site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a transformational period following the merger acquisition by STARK Group, which completed in March 2023. She began her career as a Trainee Solicitor with Hammond Suddards Edge – now Squire Patton Boggs – in 1999, before moving to Addleshaw Goddard. Over the course of 10 years, she progressed to the role of Managing Associate before joining Elior UK – the UK subsidiary of French listed company Elior SA – as a Senior Solicitor. Six years later Cassidy was appointed as Group Legal Director at Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a FTSE250 specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals business, which she supported through several mergers and acquisitions until it entered the FTSE100. In 2022, she moved to JD Sports Fashion PLC, a FTSE50 retailer, as General Counsel and Company Secretary and a member of the executive team. There, she significantly grew the company’s legal and compliance division and improved the corporate governance structure during a period of transformational change. Now, as a member of the STARK Building Materials UK Executive Team, Cassidy will lead the organisation’s legal, compliance and secretarial function, supporting key stakeholders across the business brand portfolio that makes up the STARK UK family, including Jewson, Northern Ireland based merchant JP Corry, Jersey based merchant Normans and specialist brands such as Jewson Civils Frazer and Minster. Speaking about her new role, Cassidy said: “To be joining STARK Building Materials UK at such a landmark time for the organisation is a fantastic opportunity. My role is about supporting business growth and transformation and ensuring the business does everything it needs to remain compliant and a respected organisation. I’m also keen to look at the ways we can support new talent to enter the legal field – particularly women, ethnic minorities, and other under-represented members of society. “Construction brings with it its own set of opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing how we tackle them. Under the leadership of John Carter – a household name in the field, and someone who’s put together a hand-picked executive team – we have an exciting journey ahead of us to inject new life into all the UK brands functioning under the STARK UK umbrella. We are all working closely together to achieve that shared goal, with a strong focus on inspiring and energising our people and making them extremely proud to be part of the STARK Group.” John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, said: “Nim is a true asset to our organisation. Her experience speaks for itself, and we know the variety of roles and responsibilities she’s held previously will provide us with fresh perspectives and new ways of working that will position us firmly as leaders in our field. We’re delighted to have her on board and know our future will be brighter with her as part of our team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Redrow is continuing its support of nearby Ashford Rugby Football Club (ARFC) with brand new kits for the new year. Redrow South East, currently building a community at Crown Hill View in Ashford, Kent, is supporting the academy. Redrow’s sponsorship means each player within the academy, aged between 15 to 18, plus coaches, will have a brand-new, high-quality kit to wear during their training sessions and weekly matches. In addition to brand new training shirts, the donation includes a soft shell jacket, water bottle and other accessories within the ‘goodie bags’. Founded in 1885, ARFC has been at the heart of the community for 138 years. Based at Kinneys Field, just a stone’s throw from Crown Hill View, ARFC comprises four adult teams, a ladies’ team, and multiple youth teams. Run by volunteers, ARFC relies on local businesses to help it support residents to have fun and be active. Ben Fewsdale, Managing Director at Redrow South East, comments: “As part of our commitment to create thriving communities, we’re proud to support Ashford Rugby Football Club and its players. “Local sports teams play a crucial role in enabling communities to lead active lifestyles and get to know one another. They create a fun, safe environment for both adults and children to learn new skills, that they can transfer to either school or work, and help people make friends for life. “Ashford is home to a variety of community groups which make the area a great place to live. We know that behind these organisations are volunteers and that many of the organisations rely on the support of local businesses like us to be able to continue. We are delighted to support ARFC and wish them luck for the year ahead!” Tim Scrivens, Coach at Ashford Rugby Football Club Academy, adds: “Redrow has been a long-time supporter of Ashford Rugby club, primarily supporting one team of players as they transition through the club. Redrow’s initial involvement, with the team, started in 2019 funding training tops to keep players warm and dry throughout the cold winters, umbrellas for parents, and new, much-needed, equipment to ensure the team was coached safely. Earlier this year, we took the whole squad to The Rugby Youth Festival, Portugal; Redrow’s support provided a ‘tour kit’ for all lads with the funding to ensure that no player, who wanted to go, was left behind, providing some players with a once in a lifetime experience. “This season, Redrow has been even more generous, extending their support to encompass all age groups that make up the Ashford RFC Academy. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a very sincere thank you to Redrow for their continued support, it has really made a huge difference, over the years, to our community. I hope that the collaboration continues for years to come.” With first completions expected in Spring 2024, Crown Hill View comprises a collection of three and four bedroom semi-detached and detached homes that are ready to reserve now. Each home is heated by an air source heat pump and comes with underfloor heating as standard on the ground floor, helping customers to lower their energy use. As well as being a desirable feature for customers, the lack of ground-floor radiators gives customers even more living space. Crown Hill View is set within the charming county of Kent, lying on the Southern edge of the North Downs, making it ideal for those looking for a balance between town and countryside living. The development is approximately one mile away from Ashford town centre, providing access to plenty of amenities in and around the historic market town. Interested buyers can find out more about the award-winning homes on offer by visiting the brand new Customer Experience Suite, opening on Saturday 13th January 2024, and the new four bedroom Oxford show home, styled by Redrow’s award winning interior design team. Alternatively, visit https://www.redrow.co.uk/developments/crown-hill-view-conningbrook-212680. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Using technology to provide information required under the new Building Safety Act 2022 – which has been enforceable since October 1st – can help relieve the pressure on suppliers who are responsible for submitting the data, says Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings. The Building Safety Act is designed to take forward a fundamental reform of the building safety system and address the issues identified by Dame Judith Hackitt in her independent review, Building a Safer Future. The Government stated that the Act would deliver ‘the biggest changes to building safety for nearly 40 years and make residents safer in their homes’ and named the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as the new Building Safety Regulator to oversee the safety and standards of all buildings. In doing so, the legislation has also brought challenges for those in the complex supply chain who are required to provide specific information at each key stage which should be digitally stored and available for the lifetime of the building, described as The Golden Thread of information. For the protection of structural steel with intumescent coatings, the different parts of the engineering community and the supply chain also need to understand more detail of certain stages or Gateways as they are described under the terms of the act. Structural engineers, designers and specifiers will be more concerned with the requirements under gateways one covering the planning stage and parts of gateway two dealing with building control approval. Applicators will need to understand parts of gateway two on building control and gateway three covering safety information. Fabricators will need to understand the wider picture across all three gateways. Overhaul in existing regulations The intention is to ensure that the right people have the right information at the right time to ensure buildings are safe and building safety risks are managed throughout the building’s lifecycle. For the construction industry, and related specialisms such as Passive Fire Protection, this means an overhaul in existing regulations, with new guidance in how higher risk buildings should be designed, constructed and managed to ensure that those who use them are safe and feel safe. These buildings are defined as being a minimum of 18 metres or seven storeys in height and comprise of at least two domestic premises. Resource is limited in many organisations, so how are suppliers to approach these challenging requirements without cutting corners? At Sherwin-Williams, we use our years of expertise along with the appropriate technology. This technology allows us to understand what is required at the start of the process working in collaboration with our customers. To this end, we have invested in Building Information Modelling (BIM) process and technology for many years and also partner with leading global software developers including Trimble. Such systems allow for data transfer and make storage much simpler. They are future-proofed and permanent. They also provide important information and documentation required under the new act in the digital format required. Benefits to the process are apparent for main contractors, architects, structural engineers, steel fabricators and site inspectors. Accessing a BIM model collaboratively aids efficiency and versatility, particularly on projects with global players, where project team members may reside in different geographies around the world. All can access the model over the internet and collaborate using cloud-sharing technology. We have been committed to this approach for some years and, to this end, we have developed our own proprietary software called the FIRETEX Design Estimator 2.0 (FDE). The software offers calculated solutions for the safe protection of structural steelwork framing elements, and embraces BIM with an integrated plugin tool allowing 3D modelling data to be directly linked into the software. Manging the whole process This offers the capability of providing calculations for coatings thicknesses of all shapes and sizes of steel sections, fire engineering, and in the case of cellular beams, allows for any configuration of web apertures to be seamlessly incorporated and the fire protection specification passed back into the model. For the steelwork fabricator, the approach with BIM means they can manage the whole process from concept to design through to delivery of materials on site including the off-site applied fire protection. The same principle could also be adopted for use with on-site applied fire protection, offering advantages to the main contractor and eventually to the owner-operator. FIRETEX embodied carbon values, using our third-party certificated EPDs, are also stored within the 3D model. Once the fire protection properties have been passed back into the BIM model, future interested stakeholders can access any of that information to manage many areas such as inspection and onward building fire maintenance. Even fire and rescue services could create strategies using this data. There are real savings in efficiencies, time and cost here, with the added benefits for the users in the longer term. One example of these efficiencies can be seen in the huge time savings in a recent project where all the floor plates were unique. That in-turn made all the floor beams – which were cellular beams – unique designs in themselves so this was a huge design undertaking. The BIM workflow is a ‘push-pull’ system. We added missing dry film thickness design properties to the steelwork 3D model using the FDE. All of the coatings properties were then stored on every piece in the model, including the EPD values, meaning we had access to this information to share with other parties for the lifetime of the building. The newest development released very recently includes the ability to synchronise any optimised steel profiles back into the model. After synchronisation the end-user can then produce documents, drawings, labels, barcodes and any other relevant documentation. This is fast and accurate and provides certainty for the purposes of the new Building Safety Act. New powers of enforcement This information is critical and the technology enables us to be accurate from the outset for our customers in the interests of safety. As a reminder as to why this information is so
Henry Boot Construction, part of the Henry Boot Group, has officially completed work on Elshaw House, the flagship office development within Heart of the City. The exceptionally-designed building, with its striking black metal façade, has already become a standout aspect of Sheffield’s evolving skyline. Located between Wellington Street and Carver Street in Sheffield, it is the city’s first zero carbon-ready office building, incorporating 70,000 sq ft of flexible workspace across seven floors. With Henry Boot Construction now finished on-site, Elshaw House is ready for occupiers to move in and tailor their own bespoke fit-outs. A key part of the transformational Heart of the City masterplan – led by Sheffield City Council and their Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry, the innovative design reduces overall operational energy use. It has achieved an “excellent” five-star NABERS UK rating, placing it in the top 1% of office buildings in the country for energy efficiency. Elshaw House also boasts an Excellent BREEAM sustainability rating and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A. The latest energy-efficient technologies have been adopted, including heat pumps, mixed-mode ventilation and cooled slabs to regulate the building’s temperature, whilst green energy supplies will further boost its sustainable credentials. Tony Shaw, Managing Director for Henry Boot Construction, said: “It’s a great moment to see Elshaw House reach completion. This is the pinnacle of commercial developments, utilising the very latest in sustainable technology. “We’re proud to have delivered this project despite facing a number of well-documented industry-wide challenges. Working in partnership with Sheffield Council has demonstrated a blueprint for collaboration and there’s no better place to do this than in our home city. “Elshaw House complements the objectives of the masterplan to support a city with a refreshed work, live and play dynamic. Spilling out onto Pound’s Park, adjacent to the new food hall and nearby residential schemes like our own Kangaroo Works, the new workspace will play a key role in attracting new businesses and talent in Sheffield.” Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of Elshaw House. We’re incredibly eager for Sheffield to be a standard bearer for sustainable practice in the region. This project, with its five-star NABERS accreditation, is a testament to the Council’s bold ambition to drive the city forward and raise the bar for other developments to follow. “Heart of the City is moving into an incredibly exiting stage of the project, with Burgess House, Isaacs Building, Elshaw House and Kangaroo Works all finished and ready for occupiers to move in. This includes the recently announced retailers Yards Store and Fjällräven. “This is a transformational year for the city centre with Leah’s Yard, Cambridge Street Collective food hall and Radisson Blu also set to open their doors in the coming months. It all shows how Sheffield is undeniably a city on the up.” Elshaw House has been attracting strong market interest, with tenants expected to be formerly announced in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Artisan Real Estate & Homes for Students to Develop 321 Self-Contained Apartments Ambitious proposals for high quality student accommodation in the heart of Glasgow city centre have been given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council. Award-winning developer Artisan Real Estate together with Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student management company, will now take forward proposals for 321 self-contained studio apartments at 292-298 St Vincent Street, aimed primarily at the post-graduate and overseas student market. The plans include demolition of the existing office block, which has remained vacant since 2019 and replacing it with the new student development, bringing new investment, interest and life back to Glasgow city centre. The planning consent follows an extensive consultation exercise with the neighbouring community, which has largely supported the proposals. Local feedback recognised the need for student accommodation in Glasgow city centre, with many agreeing the proposals would help to address the current shortfall in the city’s student accommodation whilst easing pressure on the city’s current residential stock. Similarly, development plans were also welcomed by the local business community – including restaurants, cafes and bars – which are all currently suffering from the decline of office workers returning to the city centre following the pandemic. Welcoming the planning consent, Artisan’s Scottish Regional Director David Westwater, said: “The site is in a superb city centre location, within easy walking or cycling distance to a number of higher and further education establishments within the city. There is a demonstrable need for high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in the city, especially for individual studio apartments. The more longer-term student market we are targeting will bring energy and investment to the city centre and ensure deliverability of a superbly designed development to replace the existing office block which has remained vacant for four years.” The new student development proposals will provide a welcome boost for the city centre and are set to complement the Glasgow City Council-backed ‘Golden Z’ plan to re-energise the central commercial district, criss-crossed by Sauchiehall, Buchanan and Argyle streets. This includes plans for less retail and more restaurant and culture operators, with other suggestions including using empty upper floors of buildings for housing and shared workspaces. Mr Westwater added: “We have engaged with the local business community, which is suffering with the decline of office workers following the pandemic, and they widely welcomed the prospect of renewed investment and energy that the development will bring to the area. We will actively work with our neighbours to make the development an active and integral part of the local area, providing opportunities for our neighbours to share communal meeting spaces.” Homes for Students is the largest independent student management company in the UK with 40,000 beds nationwide and a strong regional presence across Scotland. The company’s core focus is on student wellbeing, environmental social governance (ESG) and community integration. Martin Corbett, Chief Executive Officer of Homes for Students said: “We are proud to have worked closely with Artisan Real Estate to ensure this is a best-in-class purpose-built scheme by providing high quality accommodation and amenities which students will enjoy living in. We will ensure we provide our residents with an exceptional student experience and encourage them to integrate and support the needs of the local community alongside our own highly experienced team who will foster and support their wellbeing.” Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate is an award-winning property developer and investor, with a strong track record in delivering innovative and sensitive development across Scotland and in Glasgow in particular. The company has recently completed the spectacular £80 million transformation of the city’s A-Listed Custom House and neighbouring buildings into a vibrant hotel quarter overlooking the River Clyde. Artisan first secured planning permission for the 292-298 St Vincent Street site in 2020 with plans for a 255-room, 4-star hotel. Due to the impact of Covid 19 pandemic on the hospitality sector, alternative uses were explored resulting in a revised planning application for 250 serviced residential apartments. Artisan subsequently secured a planning approval for this ‘co-living’ residential development from Glasgow City Council in early 2023, which is now superseded by the student development consent. For more information on 292 St Vincent Street and to register for updates, visit the project website at: www.292stvincentstreet.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On behalf of Stockport Council, and working with the Cheadle Town Fund Board, Network Space Developments has submitted a detailed planning application for a new Eco Business Park in Cheadle. Designed to target BREEAM Outstanding and emerging Net Zero Carbon in construction accreditation from the UK Green Building Council, the 115,000 sq ft multi-unit development at the Bird Hall Lane site will provide a flexible range of light industrial space, delivered across six units ranging from 40,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft. The scheme will be environmentally exemplar and market leading, incorporating low carbon technologies and building materials to facilitate net zero carbon in both construction and operation. All-electric, the buildings will use Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) technology, solar PV and externally incorporate the use of timber cladding. The scheme will appeal to a wide range of businesses, targeting occupiers operating in the clean growth and green technology sector alongside commercial occupiers seeking low carbon and highly sustainable business premises. The scheme is set to create upwards of 200 jobs once complete. Catherine Chilvers, Development Director at Network Space Developments, said: “We are delighted to have accelerated the submission of a detailed planning application for Cheadle Eco Business Park. The development expertise of Network Space and ambition of Stockport Council has unlocked the design of an innovative and environmentally exemplar scheme designed to target BREEAM Outstanding and align with emerging Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. We have carefully designed the scheme to minimise energy demand and usage, utilise low embodied carbon building materials and enhance the wellbeing of future tenants. The scheme will proudly enable Stockport MBC as Landlord to set a new benchmark for lower carbon and sustainable industrial development in the North West.” The development is central to the Town Investment Plan, which will unlock Cheadle’s economic potential and drive clean growth, it has secured £4.4million of Government Town Fund support as part of a wider £13.9m Town Fund package alongside the Cheadle Rail Station and Active Travel projects. The next key milestone is the appointment of a preferred contractor to support a start on site early 2025. Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to provide a new green employment zone which will bring new jobs to the area with a core focus on the environment, sustainability and opportunities for clean energy generation. This project will be an important aspect of our Economic Plan and in our work on CAN (Climate Action Now). Working alongside NSD will enable us to pursue a ground breaking design in a marketplace which has typically lagged behind other sectors regarding sustainability.” Brian Bradley, Cheadle Town Board Chair, said: “On behalf of the Cheadle Town Board, we are really pleased that the Eco Business Park has reached yet another milestone in submitting a planning application. The sustainability and innovative design of the scheme demonstrate our commitment to improving the environment for Stockport’s employees and residents. The jobs created will be a major boost to the area for generations to come and we can’t wait to see the scheme on site. “Alongside the Eco Business Park the work on the new Rail Station at Cheadle is progressing well. Planning consent has recently been granted and further technical design work and modelling is being undertaken and will continue in 2024”. The project team includes architects, AEW, Spawforths planning, Tyler Grange landscape and ecology, Wilde Consulting Engineers and M&E from Kaizen Consulting. The agents appointed to the scheme are CBRE and B8. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals