Commenting on the Government’s announcement of an expansion of permitted development rights, Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association said; “There is no doubt that we need more homes as well as to reinvigorate our high streets and town centres. However, premises such as offices, barns, and shops
SP Energy Networks has completed major upgrades to the electricity network across Mid and North Wales, paving the way for the rollout of rapid EV charging across the region. In collaboration with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, SP Energy Networks has created additional electricity capacity for EV chargers
AMA FIC Ltd has secured planning permission from Lancaster City Council for the first phase of new-build works that forms the next phase of significant improvements at Heysham Business Park. Heysham Business Park lies within the Heysham Gateway regeneration area which is identified by the Council for major economic investment
The latest research from digital property pack provider, Moverly, has revealed that cooling market conditions and the higher cost of borrowing have resulted in one property market silver lining, as the number of homes returning to the market following a scuppered sale have reduced by 60% when compared to the
MP Rishi Sunak took part in a special ground-breaking ceremony at the site of a new multi-million pound primary school in Northallerton. Mr Sunak, who is the MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire, joined the milestone occasion which signalled the start of construction at the Alvertune Road site. Also in
The construction industry is one of the largest sectors of the UK economy, employing around 3 million people and building the foundations of the future with new homes, factories, offices, schools, hospitals, transport networks and energy infrastructures. There are consistently innovative and exciting developments taking place within the industry, much
Private real estate and renewable energy investment company, Interland, has agreed a £66.4m investment property loan with Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance to refinance its portfolio of residential assets across Greater London. The new 5-year agreement sees Interland refinance an existing £42.2m loan with Secure Trust Bank with a
COMMITTING its future to regional improvement, leading independent multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to a new framework deal with Leicester City Council. Operating on an initial two-year term, with options to extend for a further two, the framework will see Pick Everard flex its broad range of consultancy services, working closely with the council’s
Winvic Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) project, building on their success as the design stage delivery partner to Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP). With 8 million sq ft of commercial space planned for the 734-acre
Work has commenced on the £74 million industrial warehouse scheme – Project Holst – located in Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. A ground-breaking ceremony held on 12 July marked the start of the pivotal scheme at the landmark technology hub, attended by representatives of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and
Commenting on the Government’s announcement of an expansion of permitted development rights, Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association said; “There is no doubt that we need more homes as well as to reinvigorate our high streets and town centres. However, premises such as offices, barns, and shops are not always suitable for housing. “Further expanding permitted development rights risks creating poor quality residential environments that negatively impact people’s health and wellbeing, as well as a lack of affordable housing or suitable infrastructure. “It is disappointing that the Government have ignored their own commissioned research that concluded that homes converted through a planning application process deliver higher quality homes than those converted via permitted development rights. The proposals are also at odds with their ambitions to give local communities greater control over developments where they live. “Building the homes the country needs should be delivered through a locally-led planning system, and in the right places supported by the right infrastructure. Only this ensures a mix of high-quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of local communities, while also giving those communities the opportunity to shape and define the area they live in.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SP Energy Networks has completed major upgrades to the electricity network across Mid and North Wales, paving the way for the rollout of rapid EV charging across the region. In collaboration with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, SP Energy Networks has created additional electricity capacity for EV chargers to serve major roads, commuter hubs and tourist locations across Wales. This vital investment will help make low carbon car journeys accessible for more people, by giving EV users confidence in making long journeys across Mid and North Wales. It will also provide a huge boost to achieving Welsh Government’s low carbon transport ambitions, including the installation of up to 4000 rapid EV chargers by 2030. With a climate emergency declared by Welsh Government in 2019 and the ban on petrol and diesel cars approaching, future proofing the electricity network to support EV charging rollout has never been more important SP Energy Networks Manweb Director Liam O’Sullivan said: “We’ve worked closely with our partners to identify more than 20 sites that will benefit from new infrastructure for EV charge points, which will really make a difference to those commuting and travelling through Mid and North Wales. “By taking a forward-looking approach and delivering ahead of need, the Green Recovery Investment project ensures capacity is available as people make the move to low carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps. “And we’re already seeing that in action with connections at some sites already up and running and supporting customers on their journeys, such as the Rhug Estate which now makes use of eight rapid, EV chargers, making it the second largest EV charging site in Wales. “That’s exactly the kind of change we’re enabling through infrastructure investment, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners and service providers to create the net zero energy future we all want – and need.” Lee Waters, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Climate Change (with responsibility for transport) said: “We are in a climate emergency and we all need to play our part in the drive to hit net zero by 2050. “Making the switch to electric vehicles is just one thing that will make a difference but, to do that, drivers need confidence in the charging facilities available. “It is crucial that we work with the private sector to develop charging infrastructure and we are grateful to SP Energy Networks for their work in delivering major upgrades to the electricity network.” By making visitor destinations in rural Wales more accessible to EV owners, it is hoped that footfall at local businesses and tourist destinations will be increased and that local economies will benefit. And the work required to bring charging facilities to these sites is making sure local supply chains in Wales can benefit and play their part too. Eight of the sites have also been selected in collaboration with Transport for Wales, to ensure that rural commuters can access EV charging at transport hubs in local towns. Geoff Ogden, Chief Planning and Development Officer, Transport for Wales said: “TfW and SP Energy Networks worked together to identify sites to deliver capacity ahead of need. “We have worked closely with SP Energy Networks and Welsh Government to find the right locations for capacity upgrades that offer the maximum benefit for road users who are commuting. “Proactive infrastructure investment is absolutely crucial is we are to achieve Net Zero. We’ve worked with SP Energy Networks to identify 8 sites, 7 of which are now live, and it’s great to see they are already well used, particularly at Dolgellau. Proactive infrastructure investment like Green Recovery is so important to achieving net zero, it’s been great to work with SP Energy Networks to identify sites and ensure they are future proofed for increased use of EV’s.” The work has been made possible by SP Energy Network’s Green Recovery Investment Project. The Distribution Network Operator has worked with Ofgem and the Energy Networks Association to unlock over £60 million funding to help bring forward connection to low carbon technologies and accelerate the drive to net zero. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AMA FIC Ltd has secured planning permission from Lancaster City Council for the first phase of new-build works that forms the next phase of significant improvements at Heysham Business Park. Heysham Business Park lies within the Heysham Gateway regeneration area which is identified by the Council for major economic investment through its adopted Local Plan. The business park was purchased in 2021 by AMA FIC Ltd, part of Crown Oil Ltd, and the new owner has invested significantly to refurbish buildings, remove dilapidated structures and clear illegally tipped waste. The approved works represent next stage of works in its ambitions to deliver new high quality employment space that closely aligns with the Council’s ambitions to see focused employment growth in the area. The detailed planning permission will allow the delivery of four new employment units and a new gatehouse, significantly improving the appearance of the site entrance and kickstarting further investment in the park. P4 Planning is advising AMA FIC Ltd on the planning strategy to bring forward a coordinated approach to the wider site’s redevelopment, which is strategically located close to Heysham’s port and power station. Bill Davidson, Managing Director at P4 Planning said: ‘AMA FIC has worked hard to clean up this once dilapidated employment site and this proposal is a critical next step that will deliver additional environmental benefits and act as a catalyst for further economic growth in Heysham.’ Stephen Chicken, from asset manager SCP Investments said: ‘We are pleased to secure planning approval and are grateful to officers and the members of the planning committee. It has been a long process, but our team has worked tirelessly with the council to bring forward these plans. We look forward to continuing to work with the local and country authorities in a proactive manner because these development proposals, that align with the strategic plan, are critical to economic growth in the region.’ P4 Planning is working with architects Bate and Taylor, SCP Transport, Cudd Bentley, E3P and Gravitate Consulting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest research from digital property pack provider, Moverly, has revealed that cooling market conditions and the higher cost of borrowing have resulted in one property market silver lining, as the number of homes returning to the market following a scuppered sale have reduced by 60% when compared to the start of the year. Moverly analysed data on the current number of homes to have returned to the market following the collapse of a previously agreed sale and how this level of market instability has changed since the start of the year (July versus February 2023). The figures show that currently some 2,118 homes have returned to the market across England, -60% fewer when compared to the start of the year, with every region of the nation seeing a reduction. Yorkshire and the Humber has seen the largest reduction in the number of homes returning to the market, down -67% since the start of the year. The West Midlands (-63%) and North East (-63%) also rank within the top three in this respect. The South East is the region where the most homes are currently returning to market, accounting for almost a quarter (24%) of the national total. London also accounts for a considerable proportion of these homes (14%) along with the East of England (14%). In terms of the property type that is most likely to cause sellers to return to the drawing board, detached homes top the table, accounting for 38% of all homes returning to the market. Flats are the second most common (26%), followed by semi-detached homes (22%). Moverly co-founder Ed Molyneux, commented: “The current property landscape is far from desirable, with increasing interest rates pushing up mortgage costs and deterring many buyers and existing homeowners from making their move. In recent months, this has led to a reduction in market activity, with house prices also cooling due to declining buyer demand levels. However, one silver lining to these cooler market conditions is a fall in the number of homes returning to the market having previously agreed a sale. This demonstrates that those buyers who are moving forward with a purchase are doing so after a far greater degree of consideration than was shown during the erratic highs of the pandemic market boom. As a result, fewer transactions are collapsing due to the fact that buyers are in a proceedable position and aren’t being found out further down the line.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MP Rishi Sunak took part in a special ground-breaking ceremony at the site of a new multi-million pound primary school in Northallerton. Mr Sunak, who is the MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire, joined the milestone occasion which signalled the start of construction at the Alvertune Road site. Also in attendance were representatives from North Yorkshire Council, the Dales Academies Trust and the contractors, Hobson & Porter. The school, which academy leaders have promised will be a “flagship of excellence”, will be run by the Dales Academies Trust and will be based in the northern part of Northallerton, where a major new housing development is being built. The Dales Academies Trust was selected as the sponsor for the school following a competitive process, which attracted interest from several trusts. The trust has announced the new educational establishment will be called Oakbridge Church of England Primary School and will begin welcoming its first pupils in September next year. The 2024 opening date gives certainty to the availability of school places in a part of North Yorkshire where housing growth is expected to increase the population. A phased opening will start with reception children in 2024, expanding to the full cohort over seven years. North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “We were delighted to welcome the MP for Richmond Rishi Sunak and are so pleased that work has begun at the new school site. “This demonstrates the council’s commitment to making sure there are the right number of school places, which allows children to be educated in their local communities. “We continue to provide children and young people across North Yorkshire with the best learning environments, enabling all our leaners to thrive. We believe Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is going to be a tremendous asset for the community.” Speaking about his visit, Mr Sunak said: “It was great to see work under way on a very important multi-million-pound investment in education in Northallerton. “This is a vital element of the North Northallerton development project, part of making sure the new housing has the appropriate infrastructure in place to support the families that will be moving here.” The school’s location is close to the new link road which spans the site earmarked for housing, ensuring access for pupils, staff and other members of the public is convenient. Nikkie Godbold, director of primary for Dales Academies Trust and executive headteacher of the new school, said: “We considered at length the naming of the school. Ultimately, we were inspired by an oak tree in the vicinity of the development and the new bridge at the other end of the road on which the school is situated.” Richard Hunter, managing director at Hobson & Porter, which has been awarded the contract to build the school, said: “Starting work on this new school is an exciting moment for everyone involved with this project. “There’s no doubt that once it’s complete, this school will become a hugely valuable part of the local community.” The site was acquired through a planning condition agreed with a housebuilder developing land nearby and Oakbridge Primary itself will account for investment of more than £7 million when complete. During his visit, the Prime Minister also took time out to see North Yorkshire Council’s Multiply team in action. A series of ‘fun on a budget’ workshops were held for families at the campus in Northallerton. Free activities were held to help with budgeting tips, ideas for free days out and how to enjoy the summer holidays with children while sticking to a budget. The Multiply scheme is an adult numeracy programme which has been allocated £2.6 million to be spent in North Yorkshire through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund up to March 2025. The overall objective of the Multiply programme is to increase the levels of numeracy for adults across the country. Meanwhile, the Multiply team works with community groups and individuals aged 19 and over who would like to feel more confident with maths in everyday life. Anyone interested in finding out more about the courses on offer can email multiplyteam@northyorks.gov.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry is one of the largest sectors of the UK economy, employing around 3 million people and building the foundations of the future with new homes, factories, offices, schools, hospitals, transport networks and energy infrastructures. There are consistently innovative and exciting developments taking place within the industry, much of which is underpinned by research and development. Anything can happen during a construction project, with R&D in this sector all about overcoming problems on site, the innovative use of products or processes to deal with unforeseen difficulties and adapting existing techniques to solve site specific problems. The HMRC Research and Development Tax Scheme was created to encourage business innovation and stimulate the economy through supporting firms to bring new products and services to market. Yet, due to time constraints, lack of awareness and doubts around eligibility or the legitimacy of the incentive, there are thousands of building and construction companies not currently taking part in the scheme. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly felt in the sector, with the combination of projects having to be temporarily paused, social distancing and supply chain challenges leading to a decrease in the number of claims submitted last year, along with a 14% decrease in SME claim values, which averaged out at €53,962 per claim. There were 6,365 construction R&D SME claims in 2022, representing 8.07% of the total 78,825 claims. The value of the claims across the construction sector amounted to 7.01% of the whole, approximately €343 million of a whopping €4.89bn total paid out across all sectors. Research and Development Specialists Ltd (RDS), are experts in helping companies to navigate the HMRC scheme. Mark Joyner, MD of RDS, is on a mission to demystify R&D in a bid to reach firms in the construction sector that could benefit from a cash influx of potentially thousands of pounds. “We’ve previously had great success within the construction industry, recovering over £2 million solely for our portfolio of clients in the construction industry, which includes major players such as Walshaw Building Ltd. “Construction is an industry that is constantly evolving and innovating, and that is exactly what this scheme has been created for. If I were to say to you, I’ll give you £46,347, I’m sure there would be lots of things that, as a business owner, you could do with that money. That figure represents the average amount of a successful claim through the HMRC R&D Tax Incentive last year. It is not a scam or a way to play the system, yet for many reasons, eligible companies are not claiming the money to which they are entitled. “A lot of people think it sounds too good to be true, some are time poor and don’t have the time to investigate the scheme properly and some are just unaware that it even exists. At RDS we simplify the process and take a lot of the leg work away from busy accountants, senior teams or business owners. “Something that sets us apart is that we’re completely transparent and we give our clients full sign off for a claim at various stages of the process. We hand over the final submission to the in-house team so that they know the full figure they’re claiming for, and our costs are recovered only when a successful claim is submitted, approved, and credited. For us, building trust and working in partnership is the most important part of the process.” What is R&D in Construction? Research and development tax credits are a valuable government incentive that rewards UK businesses for investing in innovation and a powerful source of funding for construction businesses looking to grow and develop new products, services, procedures, and internal systems. Qualifying R&D for the construction industry includes: Any UK limited construction business can claim for R&D tax relief, with different types of R&D scheme depending on whether you fit HMRC’s guide as being an SME or large company. For the SME scheme, a construction company must employ less than 500 people and have a turnover of less than £85m or a balance sheet total of less than £73m. An SME’s eligible R&D costs receive an additional 130% deduction when calculating the taxable profit. For profitable businesses, the benefit is applied as a reduction in corporation tax. If a claim is historical, the monies will be claimed back as a repayment of overpaid corporation tax. For companies operating at a loss, the R&D claim will increase the loss arising. This loss can then be set against prior and future profits of the company, or it can be turned into a cash repayment by using a process HMRC calls ‘surrender’, whereby the business takes a slightly lower benefit percentage for the ‘cash now’. An R&D claim can typically be submitted for a business’s current and previous financial year. The project must relate to construction, with the claim detailing how the project looked for an advance in science and technology, attempted to overcome an uncertainty and how the problem could not be easily worked out by a professional in the field. It is not necessary to have a finished product or service, rather proof of the research and development phase is sufficient to qualify. R&D Tax Credits are a legitimate Government-backed incentive to encourage innovation and have been operating in the UK since 2000. That said, there are intricacies, including when claiming for other tax relief incentives, as well as criteria to be met, that can make the process seem overwhelming. That is why employing a R&D specialist such as RDS can help take the headache out of making a claim. More information on R&D tax relief can be found on the Government’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/corporation-tax-research-and-development-rd-relief For more information visit https://randdspecialists.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Private real estate and renewable energy investment company, Interland, has agreed a £66.4m investment property loan with Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance to refinance its portfolio of residential assets across Greater London. The new 5-year agreement sees Interland refinance an existing £42.2m loan with Secure Trust Bank with a £24.2m uplift to cover additional assets previously financed by various other lenders. The new loan represents a loan-to-value (LTV) of 52%. With the original investment property loan due for refinancing next year, the early refinancing by Interland allows the business to lower its cost of debt whilst fixing the rate across all properties to maximise business stability and avoid the need to manage multiple refinances over the next two years. Oleg Vorobeichik, Group Managing Director at Interland Group, said: “We are delighted to increase the depth and breadth of our relationship with Secure Trust Bank. STB were able to move at pace, working closely with our teams to tailor the facility to the company’s needs. The refinancing with STB forms part of Interland’s strategy to re-capitalise its debt through portfolio funding, thereby allowing the group to reduce its cost of debt and achieve the flexibility required to balance market volatility and the Group’s operational needs.” Founded in 1985, Interland is a private real estate and renewable energy investment group which owns, develops, and operates assets in the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Belgium. Interland’s wide-ranging portfolio includes Private Rented Sector (PRS), social and council housing, student accommodations, hotels, youth hostels, offices as well as investments into energy storage through Atlantic Green, where it holds 25%. Andy Clutterbuck, Regional Head for Midlands and South at Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance, added: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to extend the successful partnership we’ve enjoyed with Interland since agreeing our first loan back in 2017.” Richard Nowell, Senior Relationship Director at Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance, who will be working closely with Interland Group over the course of the loan, added: “As a bank which places a great deal of emphasis on the relationships we build with a range of ambitious property investors and developers, this refinancing deal with Interland underlines just how effectively we can work together to agree a deal which acts as a springboard for future growth.” For more information on the investment property loans offered by Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
COMMITTING its future to regional improvement, leading independent multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to a new framework deal with Leicester City Council. Operating on an initial two-year term, with options to extend for a further two, the framework will see Pick Everard flex its broad range of consultancy services, working closely with the council’s Estates and Building Services (EBS) department to drive city-wide improvement programmes. Pick Everard will lead ‘Lot A’ on the Project Construction Professional Services Framework, providing multi-disciplinary consultancy across the entirety of the council’s estate, including schools and education, transport, art galleries and museums, leased premises, public and office buildings, and housing. Matt Hall, national director at Pick Everard, said: “This appointment marks a significant period for our business and Leicester City Council, which like all local authorities across the country is working hard to deliver and maintain a building stock fit for current and future sustainability standards. “As sole multi-disciplinary supplier, our aim is to deliver real value to the city, building on our previous work across a broad and varied estate, that will deliver the best possible outcomes, with high quality assets that will positively impact this generation and the next.” Pick Everard will cover a range of projects under the framework agreement, including new builds, extensions, refurbishments and housing builds. In total, it will provide more than 30 multi-disciplinary services, tying into a council-led vision to provide Leicester with a high quality, efficient, effective, and sustainable built environment. Alastair Hamilton, partner at Pick Everard, said: “Our philosophy at Pick Everard is to deliver better together, and with this major appointment, we look to the next phase of enhancing the city we have so rightly called home since 1866. “It is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through a programme of works that combines industry leading expertise under one central collaborative relationship. “We’re proud to continue our ongoing work with Leicester City Council and to partner them in this onward journey.” Matt Wallace, director of estates and building services at Leicester City Council, said: “Having undertaken a robust procurement exercise to provide essential construction professional services and support to the council, we are delighted to be working with a successful, Leicester-based company like Pick Everard, that has such a strong and proven track record in local development. “Having access to its supply chain, along with their shared passion for improving the quality of life for people living and working in Leicester, will be invaluable to us as we deliver the council’s vision to sustainably develop the city and support Leicester’s economic growth and future prosperity.” Pick Everard is a major contributor to city-wide improvement programmes, having delivered project management on the £14.5m Leicester Royal Infirmary relocation of East Midland’s Congenital Heart Centre in 2021. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) project, building on their success as the design stage delivery partner to Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP). With 8 million sq ft of commercial space planned for the 734-acre site, the £1bn WMI Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) will be the UKs largest intermodal logistics site when it is completed by 2034. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, added: “During Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), Winvic has worked for over twelve months as the design stage partner on West Midlands Interchange and with the fantastic relationships built with Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners in that time, Winvic is primed to deliver the first phase civils and infrastructure works. We are known for the successful delivery of similar intermodal logistics schemes, sustainable projects and employment and training opportunities to local people, so we look forward to applying our tried and tested collaborative approach to create this best-in-class logistics park and Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI)” Commencing in 2023, Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects will deliver phase one works; comprising new road infrastructure and works to the existing road and public rights of way network, reconfiguration and undergrounding of energy infrastructure, and the earthworks required to create development plots and landscape zones. John Pagdin, Head of UK Business, Logistics Capital Partners, remarked, “We are delighted to be working with Winvic again following earlier successful collaborations to deliver the UKs newest and most exciting Strategic Rail Freight Site. Winvic’s experience in designing and constructing similar schemes and their credentials in engaging with local and regional stakeholders will ensure that the phase one works will be delivered sustainably and collaboratively.” Winvic will be working to an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses during the construction phase, including providing employment, apprenticeships and trainee positions. An Employment Fund Steering Group has already been established in collaboration with the City of Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire Council and Staffordshire County Council to maximise these opportunities. In an additional local focus, communities adjoining the site have been consulted on the features for 109 acres of country parkland to be created to the northwest and southeast of the site, which will provide recreational opportunities for local people as well as protect and enhance biodiversity in the area. Robin Everall, Head of Development, Europe at Oxford Properties, commented, “Winvic possess an impressive track record of executing large-scale, complex schemes and we are pleased to welcome their expertise to the project team as we deliver a best-in-class logistics park with occupier demand, technological advancements and environmental, social and governance principles at its core.” The WMI scheme was granted planning permission in May 2020 and is being financed and delivered by Oxford Properties, the property arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS, who acquired the WMI site in July 2021, in partnership with European developer LCP. As well as helping to attract global business and investment, WMI will create more than 8,500 new jobs and apprenticeships during development, construction and operation, boosting employment and training opportunities for people in the Midlands region. For more information on the project visit www.westmidlandsinterchange.co.uk If you have a query and would like to contact the project team, you can reach WMI via: Email: contactus@communityrelations.co.ukTelephone: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm on the freephone number 0800 377 7345
Work has commenced on the £74 million industrial warehouse scheme – Project Holst – located in Coventry’s renowned Prospero Ansty Park. A ground-breaking ceremony held on 12 July marked the start of the pivotal scheme at the landmark technology hub, attended by representatives of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Manse Opus. Consisting of four industrial warehouses with associated offices, construction works led by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) on behalf of Manse Opus, started earlier this year and are due to complete in March 2024. Spanning a total of 1,739,598 sq. ft, the four commercial speculative units will predominantly comprise a cladded portal frame with a CAT A open plan layout and the site will feature an external logistics yard with a level and dock access area and dedicated car parking spaces with electric charging points, alongside landscaped communal areas. Designed to meet a BREEAM Excellent rating, units will be highly energy efficient in design with the application of roof top PVs and rainwater harvesting tanks. Offices have been designed as largely open plan to provide flexibility to prospective tenants, and the architecture has focused on the business culture and purpose of the technology park, reflecting the current variety of highly skilled professions already present within the surrounding developments. The scheme will also entail a large and complex earthworks operation prior to construction with extensive infrastructure works needed to access the plots and associated balancing ponds to accommodate storm water. All removed earth will also be reused back within the site to reduce waste and provide a greater circular approach. Prior to works commencing, great crested newts were identified and relocated, and protective fencing was erected to the perimeter of the site. As part of the wider landscaping scheme, new ecological areas will continue to be developed during the construction and population of the site. Giving back to the local community, voluntary works are due to be carried out at the Grace Academy during the summer, to create a sensory open space for the students to enjoy. Last year, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) completed construction works for Manse Opus, on a new 94,000 sq. ft regional headquarters for Cadent Gas – the UK’s largest gas distribution network. Project Holst marks the second scheme at the park that McLaren Construction and Manse Opus have partnered together for, following more than three years of collaboration. Managing director, Gary Cramp, said: “It’s excellent to be partnering with Manse Opus again for the further expansion of Prospero Ansty Park and we have a strong relationship formed over many years successfully working together. “Prospero Ansty Park is a fast-growing business and industrial hub for the West Midlands, and we’re very pleased to be bringing our client’s vision to life with Project Holst, providing central high-specification commercial office space, ideally positioned to cater to clients in the industrial and logistics sector. “We have managed to overcome challenges with this site – including battling with the wettest March on record in 20 years. However, our dedicated team of skilled contractors managed to stay dedicated to the programme and timeline.” Richard Smith, director of Manse Opus, said: “I am delighted for the third time now to be working with McLaren in delivering this massively important logistics and industrial scheme comprising four buildings between 117,000 sq. ft and 300,000 sq. ft, to be completed between December 2023 and March 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals