BDC News Team
Efficient financial asset management especially for renewable energies

Efficient financial asset management especially for renewable energies

meteocontrol introduces new platform “mc Assetpilot” at Smarter E Europe 2024 meteocontrol GmbH, a leading provider of energy and asset management solutions in the renewable energy sector, announces the introduction of its latest product, “mc Assetpilot,” at this year’s Smarter E Europe in Munich. Under the motto “Your assets under

Read More »
British Gypsum helps customers cut carbon footprint with product launch

British Gypsum helps customers cut carbon footprint with product launch

Leading high-performance drylining solutions provider British Gypsum is bringing metal profiles with lower embodied carbon to market. British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, is working closely with suppliers to deliver metal profiles manufactured from steel with lower embodied carbon under its Gypframe® metal profiles range. Branded Gypframe Carbon Low

Read More »
Connect Direct attracts 1000 users in first month

Connect Direct attracts 1000 users in first month

The ENA Connect Direct platform has successfully processed applications from 1000 installers in its first month of operation.   ENA Connect Direct aimed to modernise and simplify the application process, which used to be slow and reliant on manual processes. For installers of domestic low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and

Read More »
MD appointment for IBMG’s South West build division

MD appointment for IBMG’s South West build division

The Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has appointed Danny Spokes  as the divisional managing directorfor IBMG’s South West build division.  The appointment heralds the restructure of IBMG’s South West operation to align with the wider structure of the Group.  IBMG’s South West division incorporates CRS’s 13 builders merchant branches in Somerset as well as RGB’s

Read More »
Watkin Jones secures planning approval for 484 PBSA scheme in Bristol

Watkin Jones secures planning approval for 484 PBSA scheme in Bristol

Watkin Jones is pleased to announce that Bristol City Council Development Committee (‘the Council’) approved plans for the development of a 484-bed purpose-built student accommodation (‘PBSA’) scheme on Malago Road, Bedminster in Bristol earlier this week. This development represents one of the final projects of the Bedminster Green regeneration area

Read More »
Prestigious aerospace training facility now open in Newark

Prestigious aerospace training facility now open in Newark

The eagerly anticipated Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark has now received its first intake of students. The £15.4m state-of-the-art facility provides world-class educational opportunities for future generations of the aerospace industry. Procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works and delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F

Read More »
Salford Council Approves £15m Revamp of Walkden Town Centre

Salford Council Approves £15m Revamp of Walkden Town Centre

Salford City Council has approved an ambitious £15 million redevelopment plan for Walkden Town Centre, spearheaded by Derwent Estates on behalf of the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation. This significant investment aims to breathe new life into the area, addressing high vacancy rates and underused retail spaces. The comprehensive scheme involves

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

BDC News Team

EJ Peak Technology Solutions secures multi-million-pound framework with Yorkshire Water

EJ Peak Technology Solutions secures multi-million-pound framework with Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water has appointed EJ Peak Technology Solutions, part of the Edwin James Group, to its Motor Control Centres and Systems Integration framework following a competitive tender. The contract will run for an initial period of four years with an optional four-year extension. Peak has recently opened a new office in Leeds and is now further recruiting in the local area to support the contract. Projects under the framework will include work on existing Yorkshire Water assets and the integration of new assets into the network, such as PLCs and intelligent motor control centres. Michael Thomas, executive director at Peak Technology Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to secure this new framework with Yorkshire Water and look forward to collaborating with them on their business plan. We work with several utilities clients, and our team has been supporting systems integration, automation, and digital technology innovation in the sector for 20 years. “Last year, we opened a new digital academy that is equipped with the latest hardware and software platforms used in the sector. This has allowed us to recruit and train talent from diverse engineering backgrounds, adding capacity to support the delivery of AMP7 and AMP8 schemes.” Yorkshire Water provides essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region. It currently serves over 5 million households and 140,000 business customers, collecting and treating approximately one billion litres of wastewater and rainwater every day. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Efficient financial asset management especially for renewable energies

Efficient financial asset management especially for renewable energies

meteocontrol introduces new platform “mc Assetpilot” at Smarter E Europe 2024 meteocontrol GmbH, a leading provider of energy and asset management solutions in the renewable energy sector, announces the introduction of its latest product, “mc Assetpilot,” at this year’s Smarter E Europe in Munich. Under the motto “Your assets under control,” trade fair visitors can get an exclusive insight into the comprehensive platform for financial asset management of renewable energy projects from June 19 to 21, 2024, at booth B5.210. Customer benefits in focus The mc Assetpilot offers a solution that helps plant operators effectively manage the financial tasks andies responsibilit in the area of financial asset management and optimize their processes. Users of the cloud-based platform receive clear financial insights, recognize potential issues early, and can easily manage documents and contacts. It is suitable for both individual projects and large portfolios. The mc Assetpilot is aimed at companies that are new to financial asset management as well as experienced asset managers looking to increase team efficiency and reduce manual workloads. Tailored solutions for practical use Dr. Stijn Stevens, CTO and Managing Director at meteocontrol, explains: “The mc Assetpilot is a significant advancement for asset managers who face daily challenges in financial management. Our solution provides a central platform that allows maximizing financial performance, eliminating structural inefficiencies, and significantly reducing the work.” Innovative features for maximum efficiency The mc Assetpilot stands out with its comprehensive features specifically tailored to the needs of the renewable energy industry: Test phase and market Launch Numerous meteocontrol customers are already testing the mc Assetpilot under real conditions. The final market launch is planned for July 1, 2024. Interested customers can contact the meteocontrol sales teams now to test the mc Assetpilot in advance. Rouven Lenhart, Executive Vice President at meteocontrol, adds: “With the mc Assetpilot, we offer our customers a powerful and user-friendly solution to meet the challenges of financial management in the renewable energy sector. We create a seamless connection between the technical requirements of portfolio management and the commercial needs. Our goal is to help our customers make their projects more efficient and maximize their investments.” Launch event and live product demo at Smarter E Europe 2024 On June 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM, a launch event with a public product demo will take place at the meteocontrol booth at Smarter E Europe. Interested visitors are invited to attend this event and learn about the new features of the platform. Visit meteocontrol at Smarter E Europe at booth B5.210 In line with the motto “Your assets under control,” meteocontrol invites all visitors to Smarter E Europe 2024 to stop by booth B5.210 and discover the latest solutions from the company. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Vistry East Anglia joins forces with Own New to offer lower mortgage rates for home buyers

Vistry East Anglia joins forces with Own New to offer lower mortgage rates for home buyers

A scheme which could help new-build home buyers access lower mortgage rates is now available at Vistry Group locations across the Peterborough area and Cambridgeshire. Vistry East Anglia, which incorporates the Linden Homes and Bovis Homes brands, is rolling out Own New’s Rate Reducer product at all its developments across the region. The scheme is designed to help first-time buyers and home movers by enabling them to unlock reduced mortgage rates as low as 3.14 per cent from participating lenders over an initial fixed term, usually two or five years, reducing their monthly payments during this time.* Fraser Hopes, managing director of Vistry East Anglia, said: “Own New will provide more options for people looking to take their first step onto the property ladder as well as those wanting to move into a larger property. It offers a regular mortgage, just with lower monthly payments for the initial period which is often when buyers have additional expenses. “We’re already seeing a great deal of interest in this innovative new mortgage product and are looking forward to helping even more people secure a high-quality Vistry home which meets their needs.” Own New Rate Reducer was launched in February and works by using the housebuilder’s incentive budget to access lower mortgage rates with the lender and therefore reduce the customer’s monthly mortgage payments over a fixed term. For example, if the housebuilder offers a three per cent incentive on a home, Own New Rate Reducer takes this sum and offsets it against the mortgage interest to reduce monthly payments. In addition to cutting monthly outgoings during the fixed-rate period, the customer will pay more off the capital value of their mortgage because the interest charged on the loan is lower. Lenders still carry out their usual affordability assessment to check the purchaser can afford repayments if the interest rate increases once the fixed-term benefit ends. Halifax, Virgin Money, Perenna and Furness Building Society are the lenders which have already signed up to the scheme. Eliot Darcy, founder of Own New, said: “In today’s challenging economic climate, we’ve partnered with national house builders like Vistry Group to introduce a straightforward solution—a regular mortgage with lower monthly payments. This initiative is making homeownership more accessible, allowing people to pursue their dream homes without compromising their financial stability.” Own New is available at developments across the Vistry East Anglia region, including Bovis Homes’ and Linden Homes’ developments in; Once a buyer has found the new-build home they want to buy, the sales advisor at the development will put them in touch with an approved Own New mortgage broker. More information can be found at bovishomes.co.uk, lindenhomes.co.uk or countrysidehomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Smithfield Riverside takes step forward as demolition contractor Cawarden appointed

Smithfield Riverside takes step forward as demolition contractor Cawarden appointed

Shropshire Council’s plans to transform the Smithfield Riverside area of Shrewsbury town centre have taken a major step forward with the appointment of specialist demolition company, Cawarden. Chosen for its vast experience of working on similar projects, Cawarden will start work next week (17 June 2024) to demolish the Riverside shopping centre and former Riverside medical practice, paving the way for key enabling works on site for future phases of the Smithfield Riverside scheme. Smithfield Riverside is an ambitious plan led by the council and its development manager, RivingtonHark to transform the area between the River Severn, The Darwin centre, Roushill and Raven Meadows in Shrewsbury town centre. Mark Barrow, Shropshire Council’s executive director of place, said: “We’re pleased to have Cawarden on board for what will be the first real visible sign of change following the recent closure of the former Riverside shopping centre. “The company has lots of experience of working on similar projects and a great track record of keeping nearby residents and businesses informed of their progress, as well as care and consideration for the environment in which they are working. Minimising disruption in the town centre as much as possible was a key consideration when awarding the contract.” Oliver Crooks, Cawarden’s commercial director, said: “We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the contract for Smithfield Riverside shopping centre, a significant demolition project that will pave the way for an important development in Shrewsbury. “We are pleased to bring our extensive expertise in managing similar projects and environments, whilst ensuring that our social value commitments are met throughout the process. We look forward to working in partnership with Shropshire Council to deliver this transformative project, which will bring substantial benefits to residents and visitors alike.” Once the site has been cleared, work can begin on the first phase of the Smithfield Riverside project – the creation of a new landmark park near Roushill which was granted planning permission in March (2024). This attractive green space has been designed to help breathe new life and vibrancy into the area, as well as improve biodiversity and flood resilience in the town centre. The park will feature play equipment, facilities for visitors of all ages, and a dedicated events and performance area. It is expected that work to build this will start by the end of 2024. These developments are being financed from a pot of almost £19 million of external funding which was secured by Shropshire Council last year. Following the completion of the most recent public consultation, the next planning application will be submitted later this year, introducing ‘outline’ plans to the develop three plots located between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the new park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
British Gypsum helps customers cut carbon footprint with product launch

British Gypsum helps customers cut carbon footprint with product launch

Leading high-performance drylining solutions provider British Gypsum is bringing metal profiles with lower embodied carbon to market. British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, is working closely with suppliers to deliver metal profiles manufactured from steel with lower embodied carbon under its Gypframe® metal profiles range. Branded Gypframe Carbon Low metal profiles, the new product is made from steel manufactured using an electric arc furnace rather than a blast furnace. They have been proven to perform the same as British Gypsum’s existing Gypframe metal profiles but have up to 58%* less embodied carbon over the whole product life cycle versus British Gypsum’s standard metal profiles. Charles Morris, Head of Framing and Systems at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, said: “We are focussed on net zero carbon and want to help our customers achieve their goals as well, so this product targets the impact of Scope 3 carbon emissions as well as contributing towards BREEAM and LEED points. “Our Gypframe metal profiles are well established in the market, however, we have taken an innovative approach to now provide a version with lower embodied carbon which has the same grade material, is made through the same process, has the same dimensions, and was tested in the same way; so it looks, feels and performs like any other Gypframe metal profile. The profiles with lower embodied carbon will be printed Carbon Low to distinguish them from standard profiles. “We are very excited by this development, but it is just one part of a wide range of activities to reduce carbon emissions across our production portfolio as we are committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050.” Using an electric arc furnace means Gypframe Carbon Low metal profiles embodied carbon, compared with current Gypframe metal profiles, is reduced by up to 58%* over the whole product life cycle. Testing for the product was carried out at an independent UKAS-accredited test centre and includes fire and acoustic test data. For more information, visit british-gypsum.com/carbon-low. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Connect Direct attracts 1000 users in first month

Connect Direct attracts 1000 users in first month

The ENA Connect Direct platform has successfully processed applications from 1000 installers in its first month of operation.   ENA Connect Direct aimed to modernise and simplify the application process, which used to be slow and reliant on manual processes. For installers of domestic low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels, ENA Connect Direct upgrades the process with an intuitive interface and by automating many of the inputs which speeds up the application creation time. It provides a streamlined system which uses artificial intelligence to provide instant approvals for most routine applications. When transferred to the DNO, the system has an average processing time of 1.5 days, reflecting the additional time more complex applications take to review and process. The digital system has also helped eliminate the manual transposing issues that potentially slowed applications in previous years.   ENA Connect Direct is also succeeding in providing the efficient delivery of accurate data to network operators. In turn this provides increased visibility to aid network design and operations, a major step forward in creating a smarter UK energy system.  With the uptake of low-carbon technologies anticipated to continue at a considerable rate in the coming years, ENA Connect Direct supports installers with completing faster and safe installations.   Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation at Energy Networks Association, said:  “I am delighted so many installers have made use of the platform already, and the feedback from users has been incredible, with one installer stating, ‘this platform is a dream come true!’ It is the sort of tangible improvement that the installers, manufacturers, the distribution network operators and ultimately the customer, will benefit from. The insights and data the system helps to centralise also supports network operators in having a live overview of LCT installations that they need to operate a smarter and more efficient network in the years ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
MD appointment for IBMG’s South West build division

MD appointment for IBMG’s South West build division

The Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has appointed Danny Spokes  as the divisional managing directorfor IBMG’s South West build division.  The appointment heralds the restructure of IBMG’s South West operation to align with the wider structure of the Group.  IBMG’s South West division incorporates CRS’s 13 builders merchant branches in Somerset as well as RGB’s 22-branch network across Devon and Cornwall. Both RGB and CRS were acquired by IBMG in 2022. With Danny taking the helm in the South West, Toby Constable  will continue to lead IBMG’s build division in the South East with Mat Miller in the North.  Prior to this appointment, Danny was MD of IBMG’s roofing division where he has overseen its development to become the third largest roofing merchant in the country and the largest independent in Southern England.  Allun Pittingale, COO of IBMG, said “I am thrilled with this appointment. Danny has extensive experience in this sector and a track record of building great teams and delivering great results. Danny is keenly aware of the heritage and history of his new brands and I am absolutely certain that he will take our South West build division to new heights.” Danny Spokes, a resident of Somerset, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: “Our branch network in the region, in terms of geographical spread and customer base, is significant and I have no doubt that, together with the teams in each branch, we can continue to make a big difference to tradespeople across the South West.” IBMG is the largest owner of independent merchants in the South of England. Operating five core divisions: builders merchants; timber; plumbing & heating; roofing; and electrical, it primarily serves trade customers. IBMG-owned branches extend from Penzance to Margate, East Anglia and north to the Midlands. The Group employs 2,000+ people, and leads the way in personal customer service.  independentbm.com  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Watkin Jones secures planning approval for 484 PBSA scheme in Bristol

Watkin Jones secures planning approval for 484 PBSA scheme in Bristol

Watkin Jones is pleased to announce that Bristol City Council Development Committee (‘the Council’) approved plans for the development of a 484-bed purpose-built student accommodation (‘PBSA’) scheme on Malago Road, Bedminster in Bristol earlier this week. This development represents one of the final projects of the Bedminster Green regeneration area and follows two years of negotiation and engagement with the Council. Formerly an engineering works and foundry, the project is a prime opportunity to revive a disused brownfield site and contribute to the broader regeneration of the Bedminster Green area. The scheme will deliver high-quality managed homes for students ranging from six to ten storeys in height across three buildings. The proposals will deliver broad benefits to the local community, including the creation of a new public space and improvements to the highway infrastructure. The new student population is expected to support local businesses, including those along nearby East Street in particular. Compared to the proposals of previous developers, Watkin Jones’ proposal promoted significant changes including reducing the number and height of buildings across the site and decreasing the number of rooms to better reflect the local character and in response to public engagement. With support from the University of Bristol, this scheme will help to meet the higher education needs of the city that continues to be a premier destination of choice for both UK and international students as numbers continue to rise. Importantly, it has been designed sustainably to support the Group’s ESG strategy. The scheme will be BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and WiredScore ‘Gold’ enabling the best connectivity for students, in addition to an EPC rating B. Watkin Jones is expected to partner with its award-winning management company Fresh to deliver well-maintained, 24-hour on-site services for students. As a leading and long-standing student accommodation developer, Fresh can ensure the site is well cared for and that the student population is well integrated with the existing community. The site offers excellent public transport links and includes storage for 130 bikes, three disabled car spaces that can accommodate EV charging, significant new tree planting, and green landscaping along Malago Road, seamlessly integrating with the council’s highway improvements and river restoration works. Ben Wrighton, Head of Planning at Watkin Jones commented: “We are very excited to announce planning approval for our second project in one of Bristol’s key regeneration areas and our third active project within the city. “Our commitment to providing high-quality, and well-managed purpose-built student accommodation will in part address the significant growing demand from the University of Bristol. We look forward to continuing our efforts to meet this growing need alongside the City Council and the local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Prestigious aerospace training facility now open in Newark

Prestigious aerospace training facility now open in Newark

The eagerly anticipated Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark has now received its first intake of students. The £15.4m state-of-the-art facility provides world-class educational opportunities for future generations of the aerospace industry. Procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works and delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, the new ASI facility provides a unique opportunity for students aged 16-18 to train for pilot, engineer and ground-crew roles in airlines, the military, airports and logistics companies across the UK and abroad. The new three-storey college building constructed for Newark College, which is part of the Lincoln College Group, sits adjacent to the Newark and Sherwood District Council offices on the former Cattle Market and is only the second of its kind to be built in the UK. The facility provides high tech training for the air and space industry, accommodating a full-sized Airbus A318 for enhanced hands-on teaching experience, alongside a double height entrance hall, large open space hangar, flight simulators, teaching zones, engineering workshops, lecture and seminar areas. It is anticipated that the building blueprint could form a model for future establishments of this type, across other areas of the UK. Introducing a full-sized commercial aeroplane into the building posed a number of complexities including ensuring the installation was successfully implemented within the tight tolerances of the building. The initial brief was just a section of the fuselage to be placed into the building. Through collaborative innovation with the client and designers on how the plane would be supported on specially designed wheel mounts, we were able to install the Airbus A318 as a whole unit, enhancing the learning experience for students. G F Tomlinson sourced specialist advice from a private Flight Director who provided industry expertise to collaboratively assist with the permanent installation in the hangar. The aircraft was transported from the Air Salvage International base in Cirencester and travelled 110 miles by police escort to Newark. Prior to arrival, reinforced concrete pads and beams were installed to strengthen the floor slab and a specialist hydraulic gantry was erected within the building to lift the fuselage from the low loader and temporarily suspend and support the aircraft mid-air. Specially designed structural steel supporting systems were manufactured and installed to stabilise and take the weight of the aircraft, fixing it in its final position. G F Tomlinson used BIM technology software from the conception of the scheme, to digitally map the complex build which comprised numerous articulated angles. Using world coordinate systems for its design and construction, the software allowed the contractor and client to work the design and use real time updates to navigate through all fundamental stages towards completion. This software helped ensure the plane installation could be completed accurately, with tolerances down to millimetres. Sustainability was an integral part of the project, with initiatives such as five air source heat pumps, two air handling units and three extracts incorporated within the building to reduce the overall energy building requirements. During the project, 1140 car miles were driven using low-emission vehicles and we sourced 92% local spend and 92% local labour within 40 miles of site. 135.53 tonnes of wood waste materials were rescued from the waste stream and 99.3% of site waste was recycled, aligning with the target of offsetting carbon during the project, in line with the Government’s Net Zero agenda. G F Tomlinson provided £25,315,802 of Total Social Value opportunities for the local community, which was calculated using social impact software, Loop. This included organised site visits, regular newsletters and career talks with students from nearby schools. 228 hours of work experience placements, 948 apprentice hours and 723 local student engagements were provided. Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s been an honour to turn Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality, providing a world-class training facility for young people going into the aerospace industry. “We worked closely with the client using the latest technology and specialist advice to ensure the seamless construction of the new campus building and the installation of the large commercial aircraft for educational purposes – consulting with third party experts to manage the transportation and stabilisation of the aircraft to its final fixed position.” Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a huge moment not just for Newark but the whole district. We now have an amazing world-class training centre right in the heart of our community which will be giving local students opportunities to pursue successful and inspiring careers like they’ve never had before. “This goes beyond just education but will create exciting developments for our local community. It will provide employment opportunities and boost our local economy and will be home to over 200 students each year.  “It will directly create almost 40 new jobs for the area and importantly will create many more over the coming generations to those wanting to embark on careers and pathways into better skilled, well-paid jobs in the civil and military aviation industries. “The ASI has all been made possible thanks to the successful Newark Town Board bid for £25m as part of the Government’s Towns Fund initiative in 2019 and it’s been great to see students already studying at the site after years of planning and construction.” Tom Marsden, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Lincoln College Group, said: “We are thrilled with the exceptional work done by GF Tomlinson and their team of contractors in constructing our new state-of-the-art facility. “Their dedication and expertise have truly transformed the space into a cutting-edge hub for education and training that will benefit not only the students of Newark but also the entire surrounding region. We are excited to see the positive impact this facility will have on our community for years to come.” David Llewellyn, head of construction and infrastructure at Pagabo Group, said: “Our goal is always to make procurement simple, effective and compliant, and this type of large-scale project is the

Read More »
Salford Council Approves £15m Revamp of Walkden Town Centre

Salford Council Approves £15m Revamp of Walkden Town Centre

Salford City Council has approved an ambitious £15 million redevelopment plan for Walkden Town Centre, spearheaded by Derwent Estates on behalf of the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation. This significant investment aims to breathe new life into the area, addressing high vacancy rates and underused retail spaces. The comprehensive scheme involves the demolition of 180,000 square feet of outdated retail space, specifically targeting large sections of Egerton Walk and Victoria Square, which have struggled with high vacancy rates in recent years. In their place, Derwent Estates plans to create modern commercial units and a landscaped public area designed to boost the centre’s appeal and functionality. This transformation is expected to enhance the vitality of Walkden Town Centre, providing a more attractive and sustainable environment for both retailers and visitors. A planning statement by Savills, who advised on the project, highlighted the potential for future redevelopment of the newly cleared plots. “Those future development plots will be landscaped areas that will host meanwhile uses in the interim period before development progresses on those plots, further supporting the centre’s vitality and viability,” the statement noted. This phased approach ensures that the area remains vibrant and functional throughout the redevelopment process. In addition to the new commercial units, the project will introduce a contemporary façade for Walkden Town Centre, significantly improving its aesthetic appeal. The plans also include enhanced public spaces, aimed at creating a more welcoming and user-friendly environment. With the council’s approval secured, Derwent Estates is now seeking a contractor to commence demolition work later this year. Scott Hall, asset manager at Derwent Estates, emphasised the project’s importance to the local community. “We fully understand the importance of Walkden Town Centre to the local area, which is why we have taken this proactive decision to significantly improve its current offering. We aim to create a more contemporary and attractive yet sustainable environment for both retailers and visitors. We recognise the changing attitudes and expectations of all stakeholders, which is why these plans are so imperative to ensuring a vibrant future for the centre.” The architectural design for the redevelopment has been crafted by RGP, while project management is being handled by Artal. Barker Proudlove and Graham Sibbald are the retained letting agents, responsible for leasing the new commercial spaces. Derwent Estates is also in the process of liaising with current tenants as part of its relocation programme, ensuring minimal disruption during the redevelopment. Beyond the town centre, Derwent Estates is demonstrating its commitment to the local community through additional investments, notably at the nearby Little Hulton Community Centre. Hall explained, “The charity’s commitment to enhancing and improving amenities in the area is further indicated by the works currently underway at Little Hulton Community Centre. A grant has been awarded to redevelop the existing pavilion, which has been underused since its construction in 2008. Funds from The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation will provide an enhanced and permanent place for the community to come together, with a commitment to investing in and maintaining the building for the next 125 years. The full refurbishment and extension of the existing facility has already started on site and will be handed over to Community Little Hulton in October of this year.” This dual focus on both Walkden Town Centre and the broader community underscores the holistic approach of Derwent Estates and the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation. Their coordinated efforts are set to provide lasting benefits, creating vibrant, functional, and attractive spaces that cater to the evolving needs of the local population. The redevelopment of Walkden Town Centre, coupled with the revitalisation of the Little Hulton Community Centre, marks a significant investment in the future of the area, promising enhanced amenities and a more dynamic local economy.

Read More »