Work has started on site to transform an iconic, Grade II listed former British Waterways warehouse on the canal side area at Castle Wharf, in Nottingham into a high quality, build-to-rent residential scheme. The £13 million project is being developed in partnership with The Canal River Trust, H2Ourban and bloc.
Peabody and Crest Nicholson have formed a new joint venture to deliver hundreds of much-needed new homes in Brackley, Northamptonshire. The partnership between not-for-profit housing association Peabody and housebuilder Crest Nicholson will provide circa 405 high quality, energy efficient homes off Turweston Road. The 34-acre site will include one- and
New development to bring over £358k in community improvements to benefit local people Local housebuilder Story Homes has been granted permission from Cumberland Council to build 112 much-needed new homes on land south of the A69 in Scotby, Carlisle. Cumberland Council’s Planning Committee met on Wednesday 5 June to consider
SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has appointed Richard Hodson as Planning Director. Richard previously joined the business’ planning team in 2022 and has since played an integral role in developing and delivering SevenHomes’ full planning strategy, from the acquisition of new sites amassing to a pipeline of nearly
The Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders revolutionizes the UK’s residential construction sector, offering unparalleled efficiency, visibility, and growth potential. sa.global, the leading Microsoft partner for the house building industry, announces the launch of the Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders in the United Kingdom. This groundbreaking offering is designed
Bouygues UK has been appointed by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as lead contractor for the design and build of the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital and demolition works of the current MRI building at the hospital have commenced. This new collaboration, secured through
Drone footage at Milton Park shows construction is well underway on Nebula, a £40m research and development (R&D) scheme. Following a ground-breaking ceremony with Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP earlier in the year, a drone fly-through shows one of the three Nebula buildings timber beams have been put in place.
Pershore Junction is a new 127-bedroom purpose-built student building in the heart of Birmingham from developer Alumno. The £24 million project was funded by Who Hup Holdings Limited and built by GMI Construction Group. It has transformed a former BT brownfield site on Dogpool Lane to accommodate the increasing number
Caddick Construction has been awarded a £12m contract by Staffordshire Pension Fund to build a new 100,000 sq ft distribution warehouse at Vernon Park in Wolverhampton. Work on the new two-storey high industrial unit will commence this month and will see Caddick Construction deliver the base-build to accommodate manufacturing, storage
The Mint Building offers an outstanding and rare investment opportunity in the heart of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square Lismore Real Estate Advisors has brought The Mint Building, a premier investment opportunity, set in the heart of Edinburgh’s most highly desired office and leisure locations, to the market on behalf of
Work has started on site to transform an iconic, Grade II listed former British Waterways warehouse on the canal side area at Castle Wharf, in Nottingham into a high quality, build-to-rent residential scheme. The £13 million project is being developed in partnership with The Canal River Trust, H2Ourban and bloc. It is funded by Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group. Citra appointed Rund to undertake Technical Due Diligence followed by being the Project Monitor, where Rund will see the project through to completion. Located in the Canal Conservation Area, the six-storey former warehouse dates back to 1919 and was originally built to help move goods along the Nottingham and Beeston Canal. The building will be converted to provide 95 residential units including 12 studios, 42 one-bedroom apartments and 41 two-bedroom flats, this includes a rooftop extension housing eight apartments. Ground floor amenity space for residents will also be included. Designed by Franklin Ellis Architects, it is being constructed by Jessops Construction Limited and completion is due in March 2025. Tom French, Associate Director at Rund, said, “This redevelopment project draws on our specialism in managing build-to-rent projects through to successful completion, while also benefitting from our expertise in dealing with sensitive Listed building conversions, safeguarding heritage for future generations. Once completed, the scheme will breathe new life into a historic building in a prime waterside location, making it an exceptional place to live.” Speaking about the project Andy Hutchinson, CEO for Citra said: “Bringing disused buildings back in to use and regenerating areas into new communities is central to what Citra is about. Regenerating the warehouse at Castle Wharf will bring much needed homes to the area, allowing more people to live in the type of quality homes they want in the areas that give them access to the facilities and amenities they want.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peabody and Crest Nicholson have formed a new joint venture to deliver hundreds of much-needed new homes in Brackley, Northamptonshire. The partnership between not-for-profit housing association Peabody and housebuilder Crest Nicholson will provide circa 405 high quality, energy efficient homes off Turweston Road. The 34-acre site will include one- and two- bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses across a range of tenures, including affordable rent, shared ownership and open market homes. The development will be sustainable, with each of the homes benefitting from an air source heat pump and an electric vehicle charging point. Proposed open spaces will include three new play areas and more than seven acres of green spaces for the community to enjoy, including a wildflower meadow, plus new ponds. Peabody and Crest Nicholson are expecting to submit a detailed planning application later this year. The homes will be delivered in phases, with construction due to begin in 2025. Simon Barry, Regional Managing Director at Peabody, said: “Our partnership with Crest Nicholson is great news for Brackley and the community. Our organisations share a commitment to deliver high quality, energy efficient homes for local people, and a desire to add long-term value to communities. “These much-needed new homes, a sizeable proportion of which will be affordable, will be located in the heart of our north counties region, giving residents the benefits of market town living but with easy access to the countryside, Northampton and the M40 motorway. “We look forward to welcoming new residents to the neighbourhood from next year.” Adrian Sims, Managing Director at Crest Nicholson Chiltern, added: “We are pleased to be partnering with Peabody to build this new community on the edge of Brackley. The partnership enables us to capitalise on the expertise of both organisations to provide a collection of high quality, energy efficient new homes and a selection of amenities that residents and the wider community will be able to benefit from in years to come. “We look forward to working hand in hand with Peabody to deliver a thriving, quality community that meets growing local demand for private market and affordable housing.” For more information, please call 0800 029 7171 or email TurwestonRoad@connectpa.co.uk. Or visit TurwestonRoad.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New development to bring over £358k in community improvements to benefit local people Local housebuilder Story Homes has been granted permission from Cumberland Council to build 112 much-needed new homes on land south of the A69 in Scotby, Carlisle. Cumberland Council’s Planning Committee met on Wednesday 5 June to consider Story Homes’ proposals for a new residential development, subsequently approving the scheme, which includes a range of high-quality two to five-bedroom properties that suit the needs of a variety of prospective buyers. 33 of the new homes will be classed as affordable and will address the different requirements of eligible occupants with a connection to the Scotby area. The new development will complement the local area and include biodiversity enhancements and the delivery of new public open space which can be enjoyed by new and existing residents. As part of this new development in Scotby, Story Homes will make a number of significant community contributions totalling over £358k in line with the Section 106 Agreement requirements for the scheme. This includes contributions towards open space, sports and recreation, new primary school places, highways and travel improvements. David Hayward, Land Manager for Story Homes in Cumbria & Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been granted planning permission to deliver 112 new homes in Scotby. Our scheme has been carefully designed to provide an appropriate extension to the village of Scotby and will deliver a range of two to five-bedroom modern, family homes centred around flexible living. “The scheme will also provide a number of benefits to the local community, such as the provision of 33 much needed new affordable homes for local people with differing requirements, attractive street scenes, biodiversity gains and areas of new open space. We look forward to works beginning on site for this exciting new development.” Due to significant delays within the planning system, including Nutrient Neutrality mitigation, Story Homes has been unable to bring forward any new residential developments in the Carlisle area since permission was granted for its Oakleigh Fields development at Orton Road in 2021. This approval was therefore welcomed by the local housebuilder, with the new scheme creating benefits for the local economy during the construction phase as a result of direct and indirect employment opportunities through the sub-contractor and supply chains. Works on site at the new development are set to begin in early 2025, following completion of the S106 agreement which will secure the various contributions as well as the Nutrient Neutrality mitigation scheme. For more information, please visit www.storyhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has appointed Richard Hodson as Planning Director. Richard previously joined the business’ planning team in 2022 and has since played an integral role in developing and delivering SevenHomes’ full planning strategy, from the acquisition of new sites amassing to a pipeline of nearly 3,000 homes, through to the achievement of planning permissions and successful disposal of sites across the midlands, including in Bromsgrove, Warwick and Redditch. In his new role as Planning Director, Richard will lead the planning function across all SevenHomes’ operating regions, whilst bolstering the wider team’s work in identifying and securing new opportunities. Richard commented: “I am delighted with the promotion to Planning Director at SevenHomes. The business prides itself on the ability to identify land with good prospects for the provision of new homes and amenities and add significant value through the planning and subsequent build process. I look forward to further developing our planning capabilities as we push ahead with both current and future projects.” Abdul Ali, Executive Director SevenHomes, said: “Richard’s track record within our planning department at SevenHomes has been exceptional in the two years he’s been with us thus far. In this new role leading the function, I am confident his leadership skills and expertise will be instrumental in achieving the company’s ambitious growth plans over the coming years.” For more information on SevenHomes, please visit: www.sevenhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders revolutionizes the UK’s residential construction sector, offering unparalleled efficiency, visibility, and growth potential. sa.global, the leading Microsoft partner for the house building industry, announces the launch of the Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders in the United Kingdom. This groundbreaking offering is designed to empower the nation’s housebuilders with the unparalleled capabilities of Microsoft technology, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of the residential construction sector. At the core of the innovative suite of solutions is HomebuilderONE, a comprehensive end-to-end enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution based on Microsoft Dynamics 365. It is designed to manage every aspect of the building lifecycle, from land development to warranty, for both single-family and multi-family construction. This cloud-based solution simplifies operations, eliminates the need for multiple applications, and supports scalable business growth. Key Features of the Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders include: The introduction of the Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders also involves a key partnership with Double Diamond Delivery, a renowned UK-based consultancy specialising in transformation and business improvement delivery programmes for construction and housing industries. This collaboration enriches sa.global’s offerings with profound industry insight and expertise, specialising in the UK house building market. Oliver Lock, Director at Double Diamond Delivery, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with sa.global to advise and guide the evolution of their HomebuilderONE product and the Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders for the UK house building market. Our shared commitment to delivering successful outcomes aligns perfectly with sa.global’s vision for innovation and excellence in serving the needs of the industry.” Neill Hills-Johnes, Managing Director of sa.global United Kingdom, shares his enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to introduce the Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders. This comprehensive suite of enterprise cloud solutions combines the robust capabilities of Microsoft technologies with our industry leading HomebuilderONE solution, specifically designed to serve the UK’s leading house builders.” He continues, “Our partnership with Double Diamond Delivery highlights our commitment to delivering unparalleled solutions and services for the UK house building sector.” The introduction of the Microsoft Industry Cloud for House Builders into the United Kingdom marks a significant advancement, simplifying and unifying the software ecosystem for the nation’s house building industry. It solidifies sa.global’s status as the premier Microsoft Industry Cloud provider for house builders across the globe, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This initiative is set to empower production house builders with cutting-edge technology, promoting efficiency, innovation, and growth within the industry. About sa.global sa.global, a trusted Microsoft partner, specialises in delivering cloud-based, vertical-focused solutions to address industry challenges. Our offerings are exclusively based on Microsoft business applications and the Microsoft Business Cloud, serving service-based verticals such as advertising and marketing, accounting, architecture and engineering, consulting, house building, legal, and IT services. By adopting an industry-first approach, we equip those closest to the problem with the tools needed to act swiftly and make informed decisions. Leveraging modern technologies like AI and Copilot, we empower organisations to make intelligent decisions and act faster. With over 800,000 users across 80 countries, sa.global’s expertise is trusted worldwide. We bring over 30+ years of consulting and implementation experience and have been recognised as a Microsoft Dynamics Partner of the Year 11 times. Additionally, we have been part of Microsoft’s elite Inner Circle for 11 years. Our global team comprises 1,000 professionals across 25 countries. For more information, visit www.saglobal.com. About Double Diamond Delivery: Double Diamond Delivery, a leading consultancy firm specializing in technology-enabled business improvements, announces the official launch of its services. Leveraging a proven framework and a team of experienced consultants, Double Diamond Delivery aims to drive successful outcomes for organizations seeking to transform their operations through technology. For more information, visit www.doublediamond.info Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has been appointed by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as lead contractor for the design and build of the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital and demolition works of the current MRI building at the hospital have commenced. This new collaboration, secured through a competitive bid process, builds on the long-term partnership between the Trust, Bouygues UK and its subsidiaries. The new five-storey facility will provide vital diagnostic and treatment services in cancer, renal and imaging for local residents in Hounslow, Richmond and Ealing. It aims to reduce health inequalities, improve patient outcomes and provide care closer to home, freeing up space in the main hospital for inpatient care. The centre will support outpatient care and will offer day services for patients. The project includes five storeys of new build, a rooftop plant and a small terrace area. On the ground floor there will be a new single storey link corridor to the existing hospital building. Social value will play a key role in the project and the contractor will be supporting the local community with apprenticeships and work experience placements, as well as working with educational institutions in the area and taking part in local charity initiatives. Bouygues UK is currently working in partnership with MITSkills, London Borough of Hounslow and JCP Hounslow on a training and skills development programme and sustainable long-term employment opportunities for local people. The contractor will be taking on 11 apprentices and providing around 50 work experience opportunities with MITSkills throughout the project. Fabienne Viala, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK said, “We are thrilled to be partnering again with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and leading the construction of this much-needed diagnostic centre. This project underscores our commitment to delivering sustainable, state-of-the-art facilities that will significantly benefit the local community.” Lesley Watts CBE, Chief Executive of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The new diagnostic centre at West Middlesex University Hospital will provide a vital service for our residents, speeding up diagnosis and treatment. Most importantly it will improve early diagnosis and health outcomes for patients in our community for years to come.” Bouygues UK has a track record of delivering healthcare infrastructure across the United Kingdom, following the successful completion of University College London Hospital’s Grafton Way building a state-of-the-art cancer and surgery centre in 2022, and the ongoing development of Oriel, an integrated eye care, research and education centre. This new development is designed to be an all-electric building and supports both Bouygues UK’s and the Trust’s commitment to the sustainable development of new builds and facilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Drone footage at Milton Park shows construction is well underway on Nebula, a £40m research and development (R&D) scheme. Following a ground-breaking ceremony with Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP earlier in the year, a drone fly-through shows one of the three Nebula buildings timber beams have been put in place. The video shows the scale of the structural frame being built by Barnwood, which features sustainably sourced and recyclable glue-laminated (glulam) timber beams in place of steel. Targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A sustainability standards once finalised, Barnwood and Milton Park are also working together to minimise the scheme’s environmental impact during construction. Barnwood will intercept and donate surplus wood to RAW Workshop, an Oxfordshire-based social enterprise employing a range of people, many of whom are experiencing mental health issues, addiction and homelessness. The surplus will be recycled in RAW’s workshop and through its education programmes, helping to minimise the environmental impact whilst maximising social value. Nebula will offer just under 80,000 sq ft space for science, technology and advanced engineering companies alike. The building units range from 6,000 to 30,000 sq ft, combining flexible R&D space with high quality CAT A office accommodation. Kathryn Andrew, Development Manager at MEPC Milton Park, said: “It only felt like yesterday that we were finalising the CGIs of what Nebula would look like, but the fly-through really brings the project to life and showcases the full scale and potential of the development. “Once complete, Nebula will offer adaptable R&D space, providing significant flexibility for any future occupier’s needs. We’re looking forward to sharing more updates in the coming months as the development progresses.” Dave Piper, Joint Managing Director, Barnwood Limited, said: “It has been incredibly rewarding to utilise innovative and more sustainable materials like glulam on the Nebula project, and see the structures come to life in recent weeks. “One of our objectives is to ensure we minimise our environmental impact through the materials we use. We’re pleased to be working with RAW who will be recycling off-cuts and surplus wood from site. We are also progressing new initiatives with MEPC to generate a positive impact from the constriction process and look forward to reporting back soon.” Commenting at the ground-breaking ceremony, Science Minister Andrew Griffith said: “This state-of-the-art facility will facilitate those achieving breakthroughs from engineering to life sciences, support skilled jobs here in Oxfordshire, and enhance the UK’s position as a science superpower.” Plans for Nebula were submitted for approval to the Vale of White Horse District Council via the Park’s Local Development Order (LDO), a 10-day LDO which simplifies the planning process and allows developments to be fast tracked. Working alongside Milton Park and Barnwood Limited as part of the project team are SRA Architects, ASA Landscape Architects, Ridge & Partners LLP (BREEAM, cost management, M&E, principal design, project management), Stantec (civil and structural engineering), William Downie Associates (utilities), Cundall (carbon consultant), CBRE (letting agent) and ProVision (planning). For more information or to enquire about Nebula, please visit: https://www.miltonpark.co.uk/availability/nebula-190-192-park-drive Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pershore Junction is a new 127-bedroom purpose-built student building in the heart of Birmingham from developer Alumno. The £24 million project was funded by Who Hup Holdings Limited and built by GMI Construction Group. It has transformed a former BT brownfield site on Dogpool Lane to accommodate the increasing number of students from local universities, including Birmingham’s School of Dentistry. David Campbell, Alumno Managing Director said: “It is wonderful to see this dynamic building come to life and provide accommodation for Birmingham’s expanding student population. Working with the local authority and community was integral to the buildings’ success and it has re-energised the overlooked site to offer a unique student experience and enhance this vibrant university town.” Philip Johnson, Head of Investment at Who Hup, commented: “Woh Hup is delighted to launch this new property at Pershore Junction to add to our existing portfolio of 1000+ operational PBSA beds in the UK. We believe high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in tier one locations in the UK offers great opportunities to investors. We are extremely grateful to the Alumno and GMI teams for their support in delivering a best-in-class building and look forward to welcoming students in Sept 2024. We continue to look for further development / funding opportunities around the Selly Oak and adjacent areas”. The contemporary brick building is distinctive yet fits appropriately into the wider fabric of the local area and has been designed by architects Howells. Alan McCartney, Partner at Howells said: “Pershore Junction contributes appropriately to the ongoing transformation of Stirchley, with the design delivering a contemporarily crafted brick and terracotta building, that remains clearly of its place, drawing reference to materials and details found on several local landmarks, including Selly Park Church and Dogpool Lane Hotel. Stirchley is a fantastic part of Birmingham and the quality the whole team have been able to deliver will serve to set the benchmark for new buildings coming forward in the area – we have always remained committed to providing design excellence for this site and the design overall has benefited significantly through community and local authority involvement.” Gareth Jones, Divisional Managing Director, GMI Construction Group PLC stated: “As part of our ongoing partnership with Alumno, we’re delighted and incredibly proud to see another fantastic project complete. This new purpose-built student accommodation has been delivered to an incredibly high standard and has been sustainably designed and built to meet the needs of Birmingham’s ever-growing student population.” Alumno is a strong advocate of enriching the surrounding areas of all its student developments by seeking opportunities to integrate the arts using local creative talent. At Pershore Junction they have worked with local artists to deliver a poetry installation from Birmingham’s former poet laureate, Casey Bailey and a student photography exhibition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has been awarded a £12m contract by Staffordshire Pension Fund to build a new 100,000 sq ft distribution warehouse at Vernon Park in Wolverhampton. Work on the new two-storey high industrial unit will commence this month and will see Caddick Construction deliver the base-build to accommodate manufacturing, storage and distribution. Building work will include the creation of access roads, hardstanding, car parking, cycle storage and external landscaping at the new development at Junction 1 of the M54. Caddick will also install loading doors, dock leveller equipment, fire escape staircases, lifts and ancillary spaces. Additional features include heating, comfort cooling, domestic hot and cold-water services, electrical installations, fire alarms, and general and emergency lighting. The project adds to Caddick Construction’s growing portfolio in the Midlands, which also includes Urban Splash and Places for People’s Port Loop development in Birmingham where building work began in 2023. Vernon Park also adds to Caddick Construction’s wider portfolio of industrial developments across the North and Midlands, which includes projects on behalf of Network Space and Chancerygate. Ray O’Sullivan, Regional Director of Caddick Construction Midlands, commented: “We are building a healthy project pipeline in the Midlands, which is flexing our expertise in a number of our core sectors, including residential, commercial offices, and industrial and logistics. We have an excellent team in place to deliver Vernon Park, and we will be working with suppliers and subcontractors across Wolverhampton and the West Midlands to support our delivery of the project.” The design and consultant team at Vernon Park includes UMC Architects, Virtus Consult as project managers and quantity surveyors, Rodgers Leask as structural and civil engineering and M&E engineers, Couch Perry Wilkes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Mint Building offers an outstanding and rare investment opportunity in the heart of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square Lismore Real Estate Advisors has brought The Mint Building, a premier investment opportunity, set in the heart of Edinburgh’s most highly desired office and leisure locations, to the market on behalf of Hines. This iconic property, strategically located on the south-east corner of Edinburgh’s prestigious St Andrew Square, is fully let to four prestigious tenants: FNZ, Nationwide Building Society, Franco Manca, and Tattu. Adjacent to the £1bn St James Quarter, The Mint Building stands as a beacon of modernity and sophistication in one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. Completed in 2019, it extends to 70,467 sq ft across nine floors, featuring a statement double-height reception, roof terraces, secure parking, cycle storage and quality end-of-journey facilities. It comprises 59,427 sq ft of Grade A office space, alongside 11,040 sq ft of restaurant / retail accommodation. Future-proofed to meet the exacting ESG standards of occupiers and investors, the all-electric office building boasts an EPC rating of A(7). Commenting on the sale, Colin Finlayson, Director of Lismore Real Estate Advisors said: “Edinburgh is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing cities in the UK. The Mint Building is a true trophy asset, in Edinburgh’s most prized location. It offers an outstanding and extremely rare opportunity to acquire a newly-developed building on St Andrew Square, with an immediately reversionary income profile.” St Andrew Square is renowned as Edinburgh’s premier office and leisure destination, boasting unrivalled public transport links and an array of exceptional amenities. The immediate vicinity is home to prestigious names such as Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Louis Vuitton, Gleneagles Townhouse, Dishoom, and The Ivy, as well as a selection of top-tier hotels, enhancing the prestige of this prime location. The Mint Building represents a unique opportunity to invest in a landmark property that stands at the forefront of the city’s thriving office and leisure market, offering an unrivalled blend of location, design, tenant quality and immediate investment performance. Further information can be found by visiting: THE MINT BUILDING Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
