General Election market uncertainty contributes to a slower market says Lismore’s Chris Macfarlane On the eve of the 2024 General Election, leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate Advisors has published the latest figures on the commercial property market in Scotland for quarter two of 2024. Transaction volumes totalled
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest growing public EV rapid-charging network, recently conducted an eye-opening experiment which saw children aged 7-14 have their visions of the future brought to life by an AI artist. Asked to describe what they think the future holds for humanity, the children offered fascinating
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced that Nick Crossfield will join the Group later this year as CEO of its UK Construction Services business. Nick will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, delivering on its business plans with a focus on further
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured a resolution to grant planning permission from Oxford City Council on behalf of Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) to create a modern and highly energy-efficient life sciences building, known as ‘Ascent’, at its ARC Oxford campus in Cowley. Ascent will provide approximately 105,000 sq
Award-winning construction company Beard has started work on a cutting-edge habitat environment for Bristol Zoological Society. The project, worth £9.2 million to Beard, will see the company’s Bristol office build the new Central African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project – bringing together Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas and Endangered
Construction firm Henry Boot Construction has completed a £7.5 million extension to Weston Park Hospital’s radiology department in Sheffield. The block has been designed and built to incorporate linear accelerator (LINAC) machines – a device commonly used to deliver external beam radiation treatments to cancer patients. The extension, which connects
As politicians pledge action on net zero, a new report says hotels could use strategic energy efficiency upgrades to dramatically cut their carbon intensity by 75%. The report, “[Revive & Thrive: Decarbonising Hotels for a Sustainable Future]”, published by Currie & Brown – a world-leading provider of project management, cost
A comprehensive new, free online centre of building safety information has launched this month to help promote increased awareness of fire and life safety issues in the planning, commissioning, design, construction, surveying, maintenance, and management of buildings in the UK. The Building Safety Wiki offers regular news updates, guidance, factual
Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner is thrilled to have received two prestigious awards at this year’s ACE Awards: ‘Managing Agent of the Year (15,001+ units)’ and ‘Resident Engagement Initiative’. This marks the fifth occasion that Rendall & Rittner has received the renowned Managing Agent of the Year award in
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the final set of horizon scans in its recent series, examining trends in technological innovation that will shape society and the built environment over the next decade. RIBA Horizons 2034: Technological Innovation includes four horizon scans that consider how technological innovation,
General Election market uncertainty contributes to a slower market says Lismore’s Chris Macfarlane On the eve of the 2024 General Election, leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate Advisors has published the latest figures on the commercial property market in Scotland for quarter two of 2024. Transaction volumes totalled £272 million, down 15% on Q2 2023 and 31% below the 5-year average. A smaller number of larger ticket sales, combined with continued uncertainty in the market over the timing of future interest rate cuts and the impending General Election have affected transaction volumes. The largest deal of the quarter was the £45.8 million acquisition of 1 West Regent Street in Glasgow, by Corum Asset Management, followed by Remake Asset Management’s £36.6 million acquisition of HQ buildings, 2 Greenmarket in Dundee and 4 Pacific Quay in Glasgow, let to BT and STV respectively from LondonMetric. Other noteworthy transactions include Ropemaker Properties £14.725 million sale of four prime industrial units at Fullarton Drive in Cambuslang to clients of Ediston and the £23.5 million off-market sale of Malmaison at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh by Associated British Foods to clients of Patrizia. Logistics and multi-let industrials continue to see strong demand, with prime yields around 6%. Office yields are improving, while retail parks offer compelling value with 6.50-7.00% yields. High street properties in prime locations and living sector investments remain attractive and prime BTR and PBSA yields are stable at 5.00-5.50%. Lismore Director Chris Macfarlane said: “Despite a slower than anticipated quarter, buyer-seller standoffs are easing, with increased buyer activity and momentum improving. “Fund activity remains selective and quite opportunistic, focusing on living and logistics sectors, with retail warehousing gaining interest. Core-plus buyers may benefit from potential interest rate reductions, whilst private equity shows interest in pressured sales and good-value, long-leased stock, indicating less distress than expected and expanding their investment scope. “We anticipate that the expected interest rate cuts by autumn may improve debt terms, although development continues to be hindered by stubbornly high build costs and uncertain exit pricing. “Amid the General Election, we hope the victor fosters optimism, creating a business-friendly environment for sustained economic growth. Effective governance is crucial for job creation, economic prosperity, and social well-being. Change brings opportunity; let’s hope for competent leadership to drive our future forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest growing public EV rapid-charging network, recently conducted an eye-opening experiment which saw children aged 7-14 have their visions of the future brought to life by an AI artist. Asked to describe what they think the future holds for humanity, the children offered fascinating yet startling ideas on how they envisage the future, and were astounded as these were projected back to them via AI. The children’s initial hopes centred around the advanced use of technology and a sense of community, but their expectations presented a different image of the future. This comprised images of a heavily polluted sky, artificial greenery and visions of the sick struggling to walk, all as a result of the unchallenged use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions. As these visceral images were projected on to a screen behind them, the children were shocked at the visualisation of the harsh landscapes that they had described. Conversely, as they explained their dream futures, the AI image generator simultaneously projected these wonderfully vivid and hopeful visions of future societies, demonstrating a more optimistic outlook of what could be possible, with images of vibrant nature, clean air and innovative transportation. In response to these images, the children involved outlined how they believe positive action to reduce carbon emissions, utilising green energy and driving electric vehicles can help us protect and improve the world around us. Many of the participants highlighted the need for action to be taken now, to avoid a cycle of missed opportunities to preserve our environment. Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, commented: “It has been incredibly eye-opening and insightful to hear the thoughts, hopes and fears of our next generation on what they believe lies in store for our society and environment, and the stark visualisation using AI generated images cements the need for action to be taken to support the move to net zero. Here at Osprey Charging, we’re continuing to be at the forefront of this transition, installing increasing numbers of public EV chargers across the UK, with over 1,000 rapid chargers now available on the Osprey network, in a range of accessible rural and urban locations. “This experiment and the engaging input from each child that participated highlighted the necessity for both businesses and individuals to continuously strive for greater green and sustainable practices, something which we pride ourselves on. Through installing charging infrastructure, powered by renewable energy, from Land’s End to John O’Groats and across Great Britain, we are providing the critical infrastructure that is supporting the UK’s transition to electric vehicles” Osprey’s network of chargers has an outstanding reliability rate of 99%, and in the last twelve months Osprey was awarded Charging Network of the Year at the Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellent awards and Best EV Charging Network at the Transport and Energy Awards. Furthermore Osprey’s easy charging experience saw the network recognised as a ‘Driver Recommended Network’ by Zap-Map for the fourth year running. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced that Nick Crossfield will join the Group later this year as CEO of its UK Construction Services business. Nick will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, delivering on its business plans with a focus on further developing its presence in the growing infrastructure market – including the energy, defence and sustainable transportation sectors – as the partner of choice for notable customers and clients such as SCAPE, the Environment Agency, the NHS and Rolls Royce, as well as local authorities. Nick will sit on the Executive Committee and report directly into Group Chief Executive, Leo Quinn. Having studied Mechanical Engineering at Reading University, Nick has over 40 years’ experience within the industrial and engineering industries, starting his career as a graduate with BAE Systems, and going on to work with British Steel, Network Rail, and Siemens. Currently Nick is the Managing Director of Alstom Transportation’s UK and Ireland business, a role he has held since 2015. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to Balfour Beatty. “He brings with him a wealth of experience working directly with Government on behalf of industry, as well as a strong track record of managing large businesses, successfully delivering sustainable profitable growth, and navigating highly regulated environments with a focus on driving operational improvements. His experience and understanding of the markets in which Balfour Beatty operates makes him perfectly positioned to lead our UK Construction Services business.” Commenting on his appointment, Nick Crossfield said, “I very much look forward to joining Balfour Beatty. I have watched with interest over the last ten years as the Group has continued to position and win work in its core markets and I look forward to continuing the successful delivery of national and local infrastructure across the UK”. Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business consists of three business units: Scotland, Buildings – responsible for the delivery of construction projects in the aviation, health, defence, education and development sectors in England, and Civils – responsible for delivering civil engineering projects across the transportation (highways, public realm, and rail), flood and coastal defence, and industrial and energy sectors in England. As well as specialist brands Balfour Beatty Living Places, Balvac and Balfour Beatty Homes Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured a resolution to grant planning permission from Oxford City Council on behalf of Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) to create a modern and highly energy-efficient life sciences building, known as ‘Ascent’, at its ARC Oxford campus in Cowley. Ascent will provide approximately 105,000 sq ft of lab-enabled office space alongside supporting facilities. This will include a rooftop lounge, wellness spaces, a gym and ‘end-of-trip’ facilities. The new building will be delivered alongside enhancements to the wider landscape, including improvements to an adjacent footpath. The 1.3-hectare (3.2 acre) site was previously occupied by several office buildings which are being replaced by a new building that delivers a step change to the architectural quality of the Campus in alignment with ARC’s strategic vision for ARC Oxford. Steven Sensecall, Partner at Carter Jonas in Oxford commented, “This fantastic new building will make a major contribution to the supply of life science buildings in Oxfordshire. “This is the first of many exciting proposals we are helping ARC bring forward at ARC Oxford, which will enable the transformation of the site into an innovation campus, reflecting its position as an internationally, nationally and regionally important anchor site.” Dan Williams, ARC Oxford’s Director of Asset Management, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning permission for Ascent. This transformational project will provide a new home for businesses of all types including leading science and tech organisations. This latest development at ARC Oxford further supports our mission in attracting world class talent, driving economic growth, and fostering continuous support for the innovation ecosystem in the City.” Construction is due to commence on site in July 2024 and the scheme is anticipated to be completed in early 2026. In addition to providing planning consultancy services on the project Carter Jonas’ Planning & Development team also provided an economic statement and coordinated the public engagement. Additionally, Carter Jonas’ Sustainability team provided advice on the preparation of a Social Value Strategy. In achieving planning success, Carter Jonas worked alongside Spratley & Partners (architects) and Macregor Smith (landscape architects). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning construction company Beard has started work on a cutting-edge habitat environment for Bristol Zoological Society. The project, worth £9.2 million to Beard, will see the company’s Bristol office build the new Central African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project – bringing together Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas and Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys for the first time in a UK zoo. Works will include the construction of the new gorilla house, along with a crocodile house and parrot aviary. Alongside their living quarters, Beard will be building extensive outdoor spaces for the gorillas which will be surrounded by a moat. An integrated viewing area and learning space will also be built, enabling visitors and school groups to get up close with the animals. Beard has worked closely with specialist contractors and BZS throughout the design process to ensure the habitat meets the exacting requirements of each threatened species. This includes water treatment, heating, atmospheric conditions and the necessary plants required for the Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles. Meanwhile, Beard will complete extensive landscaping and use sympathetic and non-toxic plants and materials to replicate the dense forest and landscape of Equatorial Guinea. The gorillas will have more than four-times the space in their new home among the vast woodland of the zoo’s 136-acre site. Alongside technical challenges, the remote location of the site, along with sensitive root and tree protection orders, means Beard will have the logistical challenge of access and managing deliveries. However, Beard has completed extensive planning, working with the zoo and all stakeholders to minimise disruption in live environments and ensure visitors, staff and animals remain safe – particularly to allow for the installation of services. Bristol Zoo Project will remain open throughout the scheduled works, with construction due to be completed in spring 2025. The development is the first stage in the Society’s plan to create a new, modern conservation zoo, where up to 90% of species are both threatened and part of targeted conservation programmes. Matt Cooper, Beard’s Bristol director, said: “It is a real privilege for Beard to be chosen to design and build this unique habitat which will deliver a conservation first in a UK zoo. It is an opportunity for us to showcase more than 130 years of experience in delivering complex and cutting edge spaces. “We are working closely with Bristol Zoological Society, specialist contractors and all stakeholders to ensure this exciting vision and conservation project is fully realised. The Society shares our ethos of building with ambition and we look forward to working with them and all parties throughout this one-of-a-kind project.” Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for us and a significant milestone in our vision to create a modern conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project. Central African Forest will see us create a new environment that will not only give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats, it will also help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species are facing around the world. “Currently, 78% of the animals we care for are both threatened, and part of targeted conservation programmes. Our aim is for this to rise to 90% of species by 2035. “We have ambitious plans for the future, and this is just the beginning. Following the completion of CAF, we will also be creating a new Central African Savannah habitat, new visitor facilities and a Conservation Campus for students studying to become conservationists. This work will be delivered in phases over the next few years. We hope our visitors, partners and supporters will join us on this journey.” Brian Zimmerman, Director of Conservation and Science at Bristol Zoological Society, said: “All of the mammals, birds, reptiles and fish that will live in Central African Forest are classified as threatened in the wild. The creation of this habitat not only presents a unique opportunity for us to bring these wonderful creatures together and expand our conservation work, it also enables us to participate in, and lead, managed breeding programmes, which will help to protect them in the future.” For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. To find out more about Bristol Zoo Project and the Bristol Zoological Society, please visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Henry Boot Construction has completed a £7.5 million extension to Weston Park Hospital’s radiology department in Sheffield. The block has been designed and built to incorporate linear accelerator (LINAC) machines – a device commonly used to deliver external beam radiation treatments to cancer patients. The extension, which connects to Weston Park’s main radiotherapy department, also hosts consultation spaces, plant rooms, offices, meeting rooms, and a small waiting area for patients. Due to the high-energy X-rays that LINAC machines use, the new reinforced concrete building utilises internal concrete walls to provide the required radiation protection. The LINAC chambers themselves are also windowless. A green living wall has been installed to the side of the building as well as enhanced soft landscaping to external areas to incorporate attractive design elements. Weston Park Hospital, part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is a National Centre of Excellence and the only provider of radiotherapy in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. Designed by James Totty Partnership, the expansion of the radiotherapy facilities is a response to the increasing need for radiotherapy at the hospital, which has seen demand – among its 60,000 patients per year – increase by 38% in the last 15 years. Tony Shaw, Managing Director from Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a company, we are always keen to invest in our local communities and deliver projects that can genuinely make a difference. This project is the perfect example of how our construction expertise can positively shape the future of our healthcare provision. We’re pleased to assist Weston Park Hospital in expanding their facilities, further enhancing their renowned quality of care.” The project was secured via the Procure Partnerships National Framework. As part of this, Henry Boot delivered key social value outputs through the utilisation of a local supply chain and on-site construction training initiatives. This extension is one of several recent updates to Weston Park Hospital, with Henry Boot also delivering a new aerial walkway connection between Weston Park and Royal Hallamshire Hospital back in 2020. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As politicians pledge action on net zero, a new report says hotels could use strategic energy efficiency upgrades to dramatically cut their carbon intensity by 75%. The report, “[Revive & Thrive: Decarbonising Hotels for a Sustainable Future]”, published by Currie & Brown – a world-leading provider of project management, cost management, and advisory services – outlines a clear path for hotels to significantly reduce their annual emissions per sqm from 70kg to just 20kg of CO² per m² per year. According to the report, these improvements could be delivered with a relatively modest investment of between £300 and £800 per sqm. To help organisations embed sustainability, be more cost efficient, and achieve their net zero ambitions, the report advises a four-stage strategy: “As the hospitality industry evolves, the focus must shift from merely adhering to traditional standards towards embedding sustainability in every facet of hotel operations and management,” comments Gillian Breen, senior director and head of commercial cost management at Currie & Brown. “This report not only guides hotel owners through effective strategies to increase profitability but also underscores the importance of immediate action in the face of global climate challenges.” The report calls for a collective industry effort to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets of 66% per room by 2030 and 90% by 2050. It also notes that by improving the environmental performance of their hotels, operators could see uplifts in revenue per room (RevPAR). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A comprehensive new, free online centre of building safety information has launched this month to help promote increased awareness of fire and life safety issues in the planning, commissioning, design, construction, surveying, maintenance, and management of buildings in the UK. The Building Safety Wiki offers regular news updates, guidance, factual articles and expert insights on fire and building safety from a wide range of authoritative sources, all in one place. Published in advance of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report and recommendations, the Wiki aims to help share vital knowledge and information regarding the new building safety regime in the UK, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and related fire safety legislation in all parts of the UK. Much of the content is drawn from existing articles in the long-established Designing Buildings Wiki which already has more than 7 million users a year, 20,000 registered users and nearly 300 articles covering building safety topics. That content, built up over more than 10 years, will be updated and added to on an ongoing basis. Users can easily find relevant information for their projects or disciplines by using the Wiki’s search bar or quick links. Anyone can also contribute their knowledge and expertise to the Wiki, free of charge, adding or editing articles to fill any important information gaps. The Building Safety Wiki is sponsored by LMC (Liz Male Consulting Ltd) and Enframe Consulting. LMC is a public relations and communications consultancy that works with UK and international innovators, change-makers and thought leaders in property, construction and the built environment. Liz Male, founding director of LMC, said: “The new building safety regime affects all aspects of construction and the built environment, setting new standards, policies and processes to restore confidence in building safety. Yet in our conversations with professionals across the industry, we often find big gaps in knowledge, confusion about the new rules, or just assumptions that ‘this doesn’t apply to me’. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry report in September will shock the world yet again with its findings, so each of us needs to play our part in ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.” Enframe specialises in construction and design consultancy for architects, providing expert technical guidance on the Building Safety Act. Will Freeman, director of Enframe Consulting, said: “This Building Safety Wiki is a significant step forward in creating a centralised hub for essential building safety information. Our mission is to provide a platform where knowledge is shared freely, contributing to safer building practices and ultimately saving lives. All architects, engineers, contractors and clients should have the knowledge they need to ensure compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry. I hope other fire and building industry experts will also come forward to keep adding vital information into this Wiki, and generations of students and industry professionals will benefit from the facts they learn here.” Visit the Building Safety Wiki today at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/Building_Safety_wiki Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner is thrilled to have received two prestigious awards at this year’s ACE Awards: ‘Managing Agent of the Year (15,001+ units)’ and ‘Resident Engagement Initiative’. This marks the fifth occasion that Rendall & Rittner has received the renowned Managing Agent of the Year award in the 6 years the awards have taken place. This achievement also follows the company’s recent ‘Property Manager of the Year’ award win at the RESI awards, meaning Rendall & Rittner currently holds the sector’s two most coveted awards. The ACE Awards were presented at an awards dinner in London’s Old Billingsgate market on Friday 21st June. Hosted by The Property Institute (formerly ARMA and IRPM), the awards unite industry-leading managing agents, developers, and suppliers to celebrate the ‘leading lights among UK managing agents’. The Managing Agent of the Year Award reflects Rendall & Rittner’s commitment to being a respected, responsible and trusted partner. With a portfolio of over 80,000 homes across the UK, Rendall & Rittner’s people led, technology enabled, service driven approach drives the company forward for the benefit of its customers, clients and residents. With each award entry vigorously scrutinised by an independent judging panel of senior property professionals, Rendall & Rittner’s success amongst such tough competition highlights a clear commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional service levels. Rendall & Rittner was also presented with the inaugural Resident Engagement Initiative award, acknowledging the careful consideration placed on enhancing the experience of residents and developing a greater sense of community at developments across the portfolio. Supported by its Operations Team, Rendall & Rittner organises and runs a wide ranging calendar of activities and events, including festive gatherings, open mic nights, Recycle Week, wildlife photography competitions and F1 simulator events in partnership with Sky. Resident communication is also a priority for the managing agent, ensuring residents are regularly engaged on key topics such as building safety, façade remediation, and the cost of living. Richard Daver, Group CEO at Rendall & Rittner comments: “At Rendall & Rittner, our strategic focus on driving change and innovation for our clients, customers and residents is at the forefront of everything we do. We are therefore thrilled that the ACE Awards judges have recognised the enthusiasm and dedication of our people once again this year as we continue to seek opportunities to enhance our service offering. Receiving both the prestigious Managing Agent of the Year and Resident Engagement Initiative awards is testament to the contribution and effort of all our people, especially so soon after being named Property Manager of the Year at the RESI awards.” For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the final set of horizon scans in its recent series, examining trends in technological innovation that will shape society and the built environment over the next decade. RIBA Horizons 2034: Technological Innovation includes four horizon scans that consider how technological innovation, including AI, will impact the built environment and the practice of architecture. They ask how architects can respond to this global shift and embrace a technologically enabled and empowered future. Commissioned by RIBA to provide foresight for building design professionals, the scans are written by leading academics and experts. The four horizon scans are: These horizon scans ask how architects can anticipate and take advantage of the opportunities posed by technological innovation, in areas such as design and business. They consider the ethical implications of the digitisation of the building industry and ask how resources can be shared across the global profession. They also examine what new demands the automation of construction might place on architects and ask important questions about professional agency in the era of AI. RIBA Horizons 2034: Technological Innovation is part of the RIBA Horizons 2034 series interrogating the global megatrends predicted to shape society, the built environment, and the architectural profession by 2034. Previous scans focused on the environmental challenge, the economics of the built environment, and population change. A final report summarising the series will be published this summer. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Architects have successfully adapted to many waves of technological change, but the advent of artificial intelligence poses bigger questions for the profession than ever before. Will AI change architecture as we know it? What are the creative, ethical and technical implications of AI and automation? And how can we harness new technology to ensure the built environment meets the needs of the future? I encourage all building professionals to read these scans to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Editor of RIBA Horizons 2034: Technological Innovation, Professor Phillip Bernstein, Associate Dean and Professor Adjunct at the Yale School of Architecture, said: “Unlike earlier technology disruptors like computer-aided design (CAD) or even building information modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence has placed immediate demands on the architectural profession. It requires architects to understand and respond both within and without their practices. The Technological Innovation scans speculate on the future world of practice and set a vision for architecture’s response that must include proactive comprehension, strategic foresight, and a bias toward innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
