Housebuilder Barratt Homes Bristol has been granted permission by South Gloucestershire Council to build 145 new homes as part of the popular Ladden Garden Village development in Yate. This strengthens the homebuilder’s longstanding commitment to the area following the approval of some 200 new homes late last year. This next
Affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, has appointed Ray Winney as its new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray takes up the position after four years as Construction Director with Orbit Homes and succeeds Andy Doylend following his retirement. Ray brings with him over 20 years of experience in the construction
Two companies have created a unique partnership to acquire long-established training company Expedient Training, to develop the UK’s green skills ahead of 2050. The owners of UK National and Simply Certification have come together to create a partnership which sees UK National acquire 100% of the land and buildings at
GLP recently announced the completion of a major solar photovoltaic roof installation at G-Park Zevenaar. G-Park Zevenaar is a 133,000 SQM logistics complex, and represents a major development in renewable energy by GLP Europe. G-Park Zevenaar is a significant solar PV project for the Netherlands. The logistics complex will house
Travelodge, the pioneers of the UK budget hotel sector, are delighted to announce that this year they are upgrading a further 55 hotels across their estate to the group’s new Budget-Luxe design. Twenty five of these hotels in key staycation destinations have been fast tracked to be completed in time
Prestigious event for Facilities Management and Cleaning industry to be held at iconic Mayfair hotel Considered to be the pinnacle awards for the cleaning industry, Kimberly-Clark Professional is delighted to announce the return of the Golden Service Awards on Thursday 23 May 2024 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Energy firms met today with Secretary of State Grant Shapps during Energy Week to strengthen the UK’s plans for energy security and economic growth. Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps today hailed the “immense opportunities” available for companies and communities as the UK continues to invest in renewable and other clean
The construction industry accounted for 11% of administrations in the first six months of 2023 – the third highest sector in the UK – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. A total of 759 businesses, 85 of which came from the construction industry, filed for administration between
A first look at the new housing development which is set to transform part of Stevenage has been provided by the developer currently building the homes. Miller Homes has released the first computer-generated images of its Forster Park development, detailing some of the architectural features of the properties which are
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor has announced a new promotion in the business’ UK Capital Deployment and Leasing team, with James Straw, who has been with the business for over seven years, becoming a Director. Straw joined Prologis UK in May 2016 and began working
Housebuilder Barratt Homes Bristol has been granted permission by South Gloucestershire Council to build 145 new homes as part of the popular Ladden Garden Village development in Yate. This strengthens the homebuilder’s longstanding commitment to the area following the approval of some 200 new homes late last year. This next phase will offer buyers a choice of two-, three- and four-bedroom energy efficient homes, 55 of which will be affordable. Construction work on the additional builds is due to start later this autumn with the first homes to go on sale towards the beginning of next year. Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes Bristol said: “We are delighted to get the green light for this next phase of Ladden Garden Village, which will make an important contribution to the demand for much-needed new housing in Yate. We have already had considerable interest from potential buyers. “We have a range of incentives available for both key workers and second steppers on the property ladder, like our Key Worker Deposit Contribution, Deposit Unlock and Part Exchange Guarantee schemes. Community is at the heart of our developments and it great to see the residents already at Ladden Garden Village thriving and settling into their new homes.” As part of Barratt Homes’ commitment to sustaining and protecting local wildlife on its development, all of the properties will include features such as swift boxes, bat boxes and hedgehog highways. Ladden Garden Village has good public transport connections and is close to local schools and amenities including Yate Shopping Centre, parks and sports pitches. Yate train station is less than a 15-minute providing easy access to both Bristol and Gloucester. For sales enquiries call the Barratt Homes sales team on 0333 355 8487. Alternatively visit www.barratthomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, has appointed Ray Winney as its new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray takes up the position after four years as Construction Director with Orbit Homes and succeeds Andy Doylend following his retirement. Ray brings with him over 20 years of experience in the construction and housebuilding sector and will play a key role in continuing to drive Orbit Homes’ land acquisition, construction, HS&E, sales and marketing, and customer care in the region. Commenting on his appointment, Ray said: “I first joined Orbit Homes as I believed in its strong social purpose and commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality, sustainable new homes. I am looking forward to working with the team to continue to deliver on these values together, grow the business and have a positive impact across the region for our customers, communities, and colleagues.” Helen Moore, Group Director at Orbit Homes, added: “I am delighted to confirm Ray’s appointment as our new Regional Managing Director for the East. Ray has been instrumental in taking the business forward in his role as Construction Director and is a real asset to the team. “I would also like to thank Andy for his service over the last four years. Orbit Homes in the East has gone from strength-to-strength under his leadership, becoming the strong business and team we have today. I wish him all the best in his retirement.” Orbit Homes has recently unveiled a brand-new range of sector-leading house designs, all of which have been matched against the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident’s (RoSPA) Safer by Design framework and include the introduction of new safety standards and Orbit Homes’ inclusive design specification. Orbit Homes currently has nine thriving new communities underway in East Anglia, comprising a range of affordable two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, including some rarely available brand-new bungalows. The homes are available to purchase either as market sale or shared ownership and the rented homes are for Orbit Group’s housing portfolio. To find out more about the properties on offer at your nearest Orbit Homes development, please visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two companies have created a unique partnership to acquire long-established training company Expedient Training, to develop the UK’s green skills ahead of 2050. The owners of UK National and Simply Certification have come together to create a partnership which sees UK National acquire 100% of the land and buildings at Quay Corner Training Centre and a 70% share of the business, with the owners of Simply Certification acquiring 30% of the business. Facilities Management company UK National and certification body Simply Certification have joined forces to create the unique partnership to acquire Expedient Training, which specialises in built environment training and qualifications. The deal, which completed on 28th July will allow the two companies to bring their areas of expertise to the senior management team, following retirement of the current Managing Director Malcolm Atkinson who set the business up in 2002. Expedient Training based in Jarrow, has developed a reputation for excellence within the built environment sector and offers over 200 training courses alongside NVQ qualifications. Under the new business structure, Alex Gates will take on a dual Managing Director (MD) role leading Expedient whilst also continuing to be MD for Simply Certification. Sonny Parker, MD at UK National will lead the Facilities and Operations side of the Expedient business. The deal will allow the new team to further expand the existing training service offering, and in addition support companies to reach the government’s net zero targets through the delivery of services under funding schemes and commercial contracts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP recently announced the completion of a major solar photovoltaic roof installation at G-Park Zevenaar. G-Park Zevenaar is a 133,000 SQM logistics complex, and represents a major development in renewable energy by GLP Europe. G-Park Zevenaar is a significant solar PV project for the Netherlands. The logistics complex will house a vast roof-mounted solar PV system with a total installed capacity of 16.2MWp. It covers an area the size of 21 football pitches and will save 4,629 tonnes of CO2 in the first year and an anticipated 78,227 tonnes of CO2 across a 25-year period. G-Park Zevenaar is located at the business park 7Poort, located in the established and strong logistics region of Arnhem – Nijmegen which is ranked 5th in the Dutch Logistics Hotspot Ranking 2022. The site is located closely to the German border and along the main transport corridors connecting Rotterdam and Amsterdam to the European markets. G-Park Zevenaar has been constructed to BREEAM Excellent principles and the use of PV has enabled the project to be certified as BREEAM Excellent. In addition, the energy generated will be exported to the grid and part of it will be diverted to the tenant for on-site consumption. Throughout the installation and construction process, measures have been taken to protect indigenous birds and plants, benefiting local nature. Philippe Hendriks, Country Director, Netherlands, GLP Europe, commented: “Embedding renewable energy generation, including solar PV, is critical for investors, developers, landlords and occupiers to achieve their net zero targets and future-proof assets. GLP is actively committed to this change in the logistics sector. The economic benefits that customers will enjoy through the cost savings in energy reduction will be just one of many attractions this project will offer to future occupiers. ” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the pioneers of the UK budget hotel sector, are delighted to announce that this year they are upgrading a further 55 hotels across their estate to the group’s new Budget-Luxe design. Twenty five of these hotels in key staycation destinations have been fast tracked to be completed in time for summer – the company’s busiest trading period. This includes the group’s two biggest hotels, the 463-room, Covent Garden and the 408- room, Kings Cross Royal Scot London Travelodge hotels. Other key staycation locations include: Cheltenham, Ipswich, Oxford, Newport and Southampton. The latest Travelodge Travel Index report has revealed that despite the current ‘cost of the living crisis’- the majority (63%) of Britons have booked a summer holiday this year and (72%) of these holidaymakers are holidaying on British shores this summer. Staycationers are expected to be splashing out on average £1011.30 for their holiday and will collectively spend around £20 billion holidaying at home this summer. The new Travelodge Budget-Luxe design has been created on the success of the group’s budget chic hotel format, TravelodgePLUS with feedback from the company’s largest consumer study – which surveyed around 5,000 UK business and leisure travellers to find the psychographics of the modern budget traveller. Key findings revealed that modern travellers crave style, choice and little homely touches to make it easier to work, rest and relax both inside and outside of the room. In response to this consumer insight, the Travelodge interiors team have remodelled their core product with a new budget-luxe design that includes all the low cost efficiencies you would expect from Travelodge but with the added benefit of thoughtful, stylish design and homely touches throughout its interiors. This is underpinned by the introduction of a new signature rich navy blue brand colour which pays homage to the first iconic Travelodge blue brand colour- chosen for its calming and uplifting qualities. In essence all the key essentials that matter to modern business and leisure travellers. The upgrade also features a number of sustainable initiatives, including carpet made from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles, low energy lighting installed throughout the hotel with motion sensing controls and aerated showers and taps in the en-suite bathrooms. The Travelodge budget-luxe upgrade programme includes a timeless classic, elegant style reception which is the hub of the hotel. A next generation room which has been smartly devised to create a multi-dimensional space by utilising the new luxurious signature Travelodge navy blue colour for the R&R (resting and relaxing) section of the room and a serene colour palette for the functional and energising side of the room to work and get ready. Plus a contemporary designed restaurant called the Bar Café – that features spaces for guests to work, relax and socialise. Steve Bennett, Travelodge, Chief Property & Development Officer said: “We are making good progress with our Budget-Luxe UK hotel upgrade programme and our current schedule includes upgrading a further 55 hotels this year. As we are expected to have another bumper staycation year, we have fast tracked 25 of these hotels to be upgraded for the summer season. This includes two of our biggest hotels within the estate in London at Covent Garden and Kings Cross Royal Scot. As well as key staycation destinations such as Oxford, Southampton, Liverpool, Newport and Cheltenham.” This upgrade is our most radical transformation to date and is a complete overhaul of our existing design. Customer feedback has been extremely positive for our Budget-Luxe design and by the end of this year, around 20% of our UK hotels will feature our premium Budget-Luxe design from Fort William to Newquay.” Travelodge has also worked with the famous Psychologist, Corrine Sweet on its new budget-luxe hotel design. Psychologist Corinne Sweet said: “Recent psychological research shows people’s tastes are changing and incorporating homely touches into décor and design are becoming essential to create a calming environment for wellbeing. The new Travelodge budget-luxe design fits the bill as the premium look and feel is a good mixture of high functionality, comfort and calmness which helps guests feel psychologically refreshed.” The new Travelodge budget-luxe design features A new hub of the hotel – a redesigned elegant reception The new reception area has been designed in a warm timeless classic style featuring a decorative panel design, soft low LED lighting, stylish leather bench seating and wooden style flooring. The new colour palette includes the new warm Travelodge signature navy blue shade complemented against a palette of fresh tranquil neutral shades – creating a big warm welcome from Travelodge. The next generation multi-dimensional Travelodge room The new chic Travelodge room offers everything a business or leisure guest needs for a comfortable, relaxing stay and most importantly a good night’s sleep. The room has been smartly decorated to create a multi-dimensional space by utilising the new luxurious signature Travelodge navy blue colour for the R&R (Resting and Relaxing) section of the room and a serene colour palette for the functional and energising side of the room where you need to work and get ready. The bespoke luxurious king-size Travelodge Dreamer bed remains the king of the room and is dressed with crisp white bed linen which includes a cosy 10.5 tog duvet and comfy pillows. The bed sits within a light box bed frame that emanates a soft, warm glow to aid relaxation and features bedside reading lights and USB charging points. Located above the bed is a bespoke piece of artwork commissioned by Travelodge which has been inspired by classic lullabies, with clever use of playful and discoverable elements to help you drift off to sleep. The en-suite bathroom also features a new brilliant white complementary design and décor with complimentary hand, hair and body wash. Other key features of the new room include: ● Complimentary WIFI for 30 mins £3 for 24 hours A stylish on-site restaurant with a statement bar called the ‘Bar Café’ The stylish Bar Café features a well-designed space for guests to work, relax and socialise. The restaurant features
Prestigious event for Facilities Management and Cleaning industry to be held at iconic Mayfair hotel Considered to be the pinnacle awards for the cleaning industry, Kimberly-Clark Professional is delighted to announce the return of the Golden Service Awards on Thursday 23 May 2024 at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Created more than 30 years ago, the biennial Golden Service Awards are one of the most prestigious events and sought-after accolades in the facilities management (FM) and cleaning industry across a variety of sectors, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, education, leisure and office. “Behind the scenes, our cleaning and FM teams continue to make our workspaces and our public venues safe despite difficult times for all of us,” said Craig Bowman, General Manager for the UK and Ireland at Kimberly-Clark Professional. “We can go to work and attend events with our families and friends trusting that the many cleaners and FMs keep these locations safe. We are delighted to announce the launch of the Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards 2024 where we will acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our industry colleagues.” Entries to The Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards 2024 close on Friday 27October 2023, with finalists to be announced on Monday 4 December 2023. Entries are welcome from all FM and contract cleaning companies across the UK and Ireland. There are 18 categories that recognise excellence and the achievement of the highest standards in the industry. To honour the achievements of the industry in diverse and challenging times, Kimberly-Clark Professional has announced two new categories: a ‘Social Impact Award’ recognising positive impact on people and communities, and a ‘Cleaning Team of the Year Award’ for outstanding contributions. The sponsors of the Golden Service Awards include a new gold sponsor, Kärcher, and returning silver sponsors, Nationwide, and Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies, which are joined this year by a new silver sponsor, Soap20, and a new bronze sponsor, BioVate Hygienics. Welcomed back for the 2024 awards is the Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA), event category sponsors for Inclusion and Diversity. Kimberly-Clark Professional also welcomes returning media sponsors for the Golden Service Awards, including Tomorrow’s Cleaning, Facilities Management Journal and Cleaning Matters. To support all entrants, Kimberly-Clark Professional hosted a webinar on July 26 in addition to distributing a comprehensive ‘how to enter’ guide. The webinar featured support and guidance from the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), which independently oversees the judging process, and Suzanne Howe Communications, the awards’ organisers. “We are very grateful to all our sponsors that support the Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards and continue to help us make this special industry event possible. It is our flagship event in the UK and Ireland, and we look forward to discovering how the cleaning and FM industry continues to excel in reaching incredible new heights,” said Bowman. Silver, bronze, category, and table sponsorships are still available. The sponsorship programme will run from the summer 2023 and culminate in the awards ceremony in May 2024. Sponsors benefit from extensive PR and social media coverage, excellent branding opportunities and top-level networking. For additional information on becoming a sponsor, please download our sponsor’s guide here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy firms met today with Secretary of State Grant Shapps during Energy Week to strengthen the UK’s plans for energy security and economic growth. Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps today hailed the “immense opportunities” available for companies and communities as the UK continues to invest in renewable and other clean technologies and strengthen national energy security. At an industry roundtable in Downing Street this week energy firms across renewables, oil and gas and nuclear all outlined projects worth as much as up to £100 billion, to be built across the UK over the next decade. Government and industry also agreed on the importance of working together across the entire energy sector to: The Secretary of State also outlined the government’s new powers to protect UK energy supplies. Speaking after the event Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said: We stand at a crucial point in the UK’s energy history: achieving our goals depends on continued close collaboration with the leaders in the industry. This was the shared consensus at today’s industry roundtable, which I had the privilege of convening, where we discussed the path to strengthen the UK’s energy security and boost economic growth. The consensus among energy firms was clear – there are immense opportunities ahead and these can only be seized if the UK government, industry and regulators work together across the sector to accelerate investment into renewables, bring down bills and deliver on net zero. The investment projects discussed today will not only of safeguard hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs across the country but ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future for the Britain. Attendee comments Keith Anderson, CEO, ScottishPower said: We welcomed the opportunity to hear the Secretary of State’s continued commitment to the UK’s world leading position on tackling climate change and delivering net zero, while growing the economy. As one of the biggest renewables and electricity network investors, ScottishPower is helping drive that growth, creating over 1,000 job in 12 months alone and we look forward to continuing that for decades to come. Tom Glover, RWE’s UK Country Chair said of today’s meeting: With an ambition to invest up to £15 billion in the UK electricity market by 2030, it was good to discuss the issues facing the industry at the roundtable today with Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and very reassuring to hear him emphasise the government’s commitment to net zero targets and the UK’s carbon budgets. We emphasised the need for more and regular engagement between government and industry, the continued commitment to net zero and the requirement for interim targets for the electricity sector. We also welcomed the announcement of the latest Track 2 CCS transport and storage projects, and encouraged the government to go further and faster with other CCS projects and CO2 shipping around the UK. David Whitehouse, Offshore Energies UK said: I welcomed the opportunity to represent Offshore Energies UK’s membership of over 400 firms at Number 10 today. These companies’ investments in innovative projects across the sector, from oil and gas to offshore wind, carbon capture and hydrogen are the key getting to net zero and beyond. Today’s energy summit re-iterated the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero, and recognised the key role that domestic oil and gas production and carbon capture and storage will play in that journey. Through ongoing collaboration and pragmatic policy, I am convinced that the UK can unlock the private investment necessary for an energy future that provides security, affordability, creates highly skilled jobs, and tackles climate change. The offshore energy sector’s proven track record over the last 5 decades shows what we can achieve when working collaboratively. Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, said: Gas is at the heart of the UK’s energy security. There were 260 days in 2022 where gas provided over 30% of the nation’s electricity, ensuring the lights were kept on, whilst also keeping our citizens warm and industries fuelled – protecting thousands of jobs and half a million businesses. We welcomed today’s discussion with the Secretary of State and industry leaders, and we will continue to work with the government to strengthen the resilience of our energy sector. Emma Pinchbeck, CEO Energy UK, said: Our industry’s united view is that achieving net zero and energy security go hand in hand, and we welcome the Secretary of State’s renewed commitment to that. The best and quickest way to tackle those challenges, and keep bills affordable for customers, is to rapidly expand our own sources of cheap, clean power alongside reducing demand. Making more homes energy efficient is a no-brainer, and the potential that greater flexibility offers for consumers and the wider energy system will bring down costs for us all. We also need to focus on the immediate issue of support for those customers facing a struggle this winter to afford energy bills that remain much higher than 18 months ago. Enabling all this means having the right environment to attract the necessary investment in face of increasing global competition, developing supply chains and workforce skills and tackling issues around the planning system and grid connections that can hold up the rapid progress we all want to see. Our industry is fully committed to working with government to address all these because we all see the huge opportunities on offer for our economy, our environment and our customers. Ruth Herbert, Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said: Today’s meeting was an important opportunity to discuss with energy industry partners how we can collectively deliver secure, affordable, decarbonised energy, with CCUS critical to achieving this and driving future economic growth. We welcome the government’s CCUS announcements this week, which deliver momentum to the industry and a decarbonisation pathway to two important industrial regions. But we still need clarity on the timeline of support if we are to successfully store 20-30Mt of CO2 by 2030 in line with government’s net zero ambitions, and ensure we are not left
The construction industry accounted for 11% of administrations in the first six months of 2023 – the third highest sector in the UK – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. A total of 759 businesses, 85 of which came from the construction industry, filed for administration between 1 January and 30 June 2023, marking a 22% increase compared to 2022. Retail, manufacturing, construction, hospitality and real estate were the worst-hit sectors, accounting for 57% of all administrations. Greater London led the way with 25% of the filings, followed by the North West (15%) and South East (11%), data from The Gazette Official Public Record has revealed. While administrations are still yet to hit pre-Covid levels (940 in the first six months of 2019), an insolvency and restructuring expert has warned that more businesses will fail unless inflation is controlled and interest rates stop being increased. Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Given the prolonged economic uncertainty that is plaguing the country, the increase in the number of businesses filing for administration is no surprise. “HMRC is definitely taking a harder line than in previous periods and its threat of enforcement is certainly pushing some businesses towards considering their options, with some seeking administration as an alternative to facing a winding up petition. “We’re seeing a steady flow of corporate failures. Should some other ‘bad news’ rear its head, then that is only likely to increase. Businesses and individuals need to see interest rates and inflation come down. With a period of stability, we will see confidence increase.” With the sector’s filing almost doubling when compared with the first six months of 2022, the retail industry replaced construction as the worst-hit sector. The hospitality, real estate and manufacturing sectors also remained in the top five. Andy said: “The sectors most impacted are feeling the effects of higher interest rates and inflation; the money in people’s pockets is now worth less so they are less likely to purchase none essential items and services, which is impacting the retail and hospitality sectors. “Consumer spending is shrinking and footfall on the high street and in restaurants is declining as a result. The pressure is also on businesses as they face higher borrowing costs and energy expenses, so they are being squeezed from both sides. “There is still uncertainty in the geopolitical landscape, which is impacting business confidence. With cash flow becoming tight, businesses are at a greater risk of going under. Supply chain issues and the rising cost of importing goods, especially in the automotive industry, have created a challenging juggling act for businesses to maintain profitability.” Greater London remains the region where most businesses filed for administration. However, the North West overtook the South East for second place, and the West Midlands replaced the East of England in the top five. Andy said: “Our advice remains consistent – seeking professional advice early can open up more options for struggling businesses. It is crucial not to ignore the signs and bury your head in the sand, and, instead, take a proactive approach to address underlying issues. By doing so, businesses can better navigate the tough trading conditions and increase their chances of survival.” Businesses filing for administration in the first six months of the year By sector 2022 2023 By region 2022 2023 Agriculture 3 2 North West 93 116 Mining and quarrying 5 4 North East 21 33 Manufacturing 88 91 Yorkshire & The Humber 61 77 Utilities 19 36 East Midlands 28 51 Construction 98 85 West Midlands 29 69 Engineering 18 18 East of England 59 47 Automotive/transportation 32 38 Greater London 137 192 Retail 62 118 South East 104 84 Hospitality 63 79 South West 29 41 Information & communication 25 44 Scotland 28 27 Financial 48 32 British Isles 0 2 Real estate 55 59 Wales 23 16 Professional services 50 20 Northern Ireland 9 4 Administrative 23 26 Public admin and defence 3 10 Education 1 6 Health and social 17 32 Arts and entertainment 5 26 Others 6 33 Total 621 759 Total 621 759 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A first look at the new housing development which is set to transform part of Stevenage has been provided by the developer currently building the homes. Miller Homes has released the first computer-generated images of its Forster Park development, detailing some of the architectural features of the properties which are set to complement its surroundings. The development, part of a joint scheme with housebuilder Bellway, is set to total almost 800 new homes off North Road in Stevenage, which also includes plans for a local centre, primary school and country park. Work has started on the first phase of new housing and Miller Homes is planning to release its first homes for sale before the end of 2023. The national housebuilder will ultimately deliver 396 homes at Forster Park, named as a tribute to EM Forster whose literature was inspired by his hometown roots in Stevenage, many of which will feature solar panels on roofs and EV charging points to properties, ensuring sustainability and green energy is at the forefront of the scheme. Alastair Parsons, area sales director for Miller Homes Midlands, said: “With work now underway at Forster Park, we are keen to show both Stevenage residents and prospective customers alike what our homes are going to look like at the development, well in advance of releasing them for sale onto the market, which we plan to do in late 2023. “The images we have released to the public demonstrate how our first phase of homes will look, featuring a contemporary style of new build housing, marking a distinct area of the site. Future phases will also have a recognisable design theme running through them, becoming more traditional in style as we near EM Forster’s family home, something we’ve worked hard to achieve as part of our planning consent for the development. “One of our principal design features is to create a sense of arrival for people when entering the development, which we’re implementing by using a contemporary style of home combined with buff brick and rendered elements to some of our housetypes within the first phase. “Forster Park is located in a desirable part of Stevenage, which we hope to elevate even further with an attractive and sustainable scheme of new housing, public open spaces, amenities and facilities for residents new and old. “We hope that when customers and ultimately homeowners arrive at Forster Park, they will appreciate the work that has gone into the site, with solar panels on roofs, as well as electric vehicle charging points, celebrating our green approach to new housing developments, standing side-by-side with our plans to create a country park to be enjoyed by all residents in Stevenage for many years to come.” Stevenage Borough Council is due to vote on the proposed 93-acre country park later this year, which forms part of the plans at Forster Park. Together with Bellway, the developers have already agreed to contribute more than £1.1 million to the Stevenage community through a Section 106 agreement signed as part of the initial planning consent granted to the developers by the council. For more information and to register interest in the Forster Park development, visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/new-homes/south-east/forster-park-stevenage.aspx. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor has announced a new promotion in the business’ UK Capital Deployment and Leasing team, with James Straw, who has been with the business for over seven years, becoming a Director. Straw joined Prologis UK in May 2016 and began working in the Investment Services team, where he gained a deep understanding of the UK business, as well as the country’s industrial and logistics property market. In February 2021, he joined the Capital Deployment and Leading team, where he has played an important role in a number of significant land and lease deals for the business. As an Associate, Straw led Prologis UK’s first deal of 2023, a 350,000 sq ft build-to-suit development for Hankook Tire. In his new role, Straw will continue to work closely with his colleagues on the Capital Deployment and Leasing team to build and develop Prologis UK’s landbank as well as securing build-to-suit opportunities and leases. Geographically, Straw will keep his focus on the East and West Midlands markets. Robin Woodbridge, Head of Capital Deployment and Leasing, Prologis UK, said: “James has been with us for a number of years now and has really made his mark on the business. He has been pivotal in a significant number of deals and has proven himself a go to person for our customers and our agents, as well as shown himself to be an expert in the Midlands market. “One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is seeing our team thrive and progress, and I am excited to see James’ career develop even further at Prologis UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals