£45m investment and jobs boost for sustainability industry in East of England Assan Panel, a major affiliate of Kibar Holding, a renowned name in Turkey’s industrial sector, has confirmed its plans to locate its first UK manufacturing facility at Gateway 14, part of Freeport East. The firm produces sustainable building
St George, in partnership with SEGRO, celebrated a significant achievement at Grand Union in Alperton, as a groundbreaking multi-storey industrial development, known as SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, was officially inaugurated. This highly sustainable six-storey building offers 134,500 sq ft of premium floorspace from just a 1.7-acre site footprint, aligning with
The rejuvenation of urban areas is a delicate balance between honouring history and embracing progress. As cities evolve, once-overlooked areas can transform into vibrant hubs of activity, but this transformation demands meticulous planning and execution. In London, the successful transformation (now complete) of King’s Cross serves as a beacon of
The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire. Working on behalf of Renfrewshire Council, the £117 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project will see the new bridge connect Renfrew with
An £80 million scheme to revitalize the heart of Telford is set to take the spotlight at a significant national development and investment event. Telford & Wrekin Council’s ambitious plan to rejuvenate the core of Telford – by establishing a dynamic new residential, educational, and business community, complete with an
Propertymark, the leading membership body for property agents has written to London Mayor candidates highlighting proposals to tackle the unique housing challenges that the capital experiences. Londoners go to the polls on Thursday 2 May 2024 to elect a Mayor and 25 Assembly Members, with housing policies featuring in most
Leading building and civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction has completed a new £37m Keynsham Recycling Hub for client Bath & North East Somerset Council, on time and on budget. The significant project involved the development of a modern facility offering a range of services that have made it easier for
Further growing its new build investment in Cheshire East, housing Group, Torus, is celebrating planning permission being awarded to build 236 new affordable homes at Viking Way in Congleton. Once again partnering with award-winning developer, Castle Green Homes, Torus will invest £59 million into the scheme. As part of a
LGIM announces today the completion, on behalf of Legal & General Retirement Institutional (LGRI), of its first direct-let Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) acquisition, following the purchase of the Aqua Portfolio from Global Student Accommodation (GSA). Building on its strong track-record of investing and lending into the sector, this marks
Ashe Construction has been awarded £14m of contracts to transform Bedford’s North Wing hospital site. The two projects will create a one-stop shop for primary and secondary care to create better access to healthcare and diagnostics, without the need for patients to attend Bedford’s acute hospital site. The first project
£45m investment and jobs boost for sustainability industry in East of England Assan Panel, a major affiliate of Kibar Holding, a renowned name in Turkey’s industrial sector, has confirmed its plans to locate its first UK manufacturing facility at Gateway 14, part of Freeport East. The firm produces sustainable building materials and is one of the world’s market leaders in this sector. The move to Gateway 14 will create around 100 highly skilled jobs in Stowmarket and bring an investment of up to £45m. The announcement comes at a time when the UK and Turkey are discussing an enhanced Free Trade Agreement. Both Freeport East and Assan Panel are keen to ensure the investment acts as a positive signal to other companies looking to strengthen trade connections between the two countries. Contingent upon securing required approvals, İhsan Tolga Akar, Managing Director of Assan Panel, mentioned that the goal is to have the new plant operational by Autumn 2025. As part of its investment, Assan Panel, which exports to 85 countries from Turkey, is planning to establish a new office in Ipswich to cater the UK market. A skilled workforce will be required at the new multi-million-pound facility, which will manufacture sandwich panels filled with Polyisocyanurate (PIR), mineral wool, or polyurethane – critical components in constructing sustainable and eco-friendly buildings. Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, comments: “This announcement represents a real milestone in strengthening the presence of green industry in and around the Stowmarket and wider Freeport East area. As well as direct job creation, the investment will provide opportunities to build strong local R&D relationships with universities and drive the development of the skills and innovation cluster at Gateway 14. “With close proximity to the Port of Felixstowe and the flexibility of the freeport customs model, locating in Freeport East provides Assan Panel with the ideal base from which to serve both UK and European markets. We are confident this is a model that will encourage other international manufacturers to consider Freeport East as a future strategic location.” Haluk Kayabaşı, CEO of Kibar Holding, made a statement regarding the new facility investment: “Kibar Holding, one of the leading groups of the Turkish industry, under which Assan Panel operates, is taking firm steps forward on its globalization journey with its unabated investment moves. We aim to further strengthen our presence in the European market with the new facility investment of Assan Panel in the UK, which has previously increased its presence abroad with the investments it has realized in Jordan and Azerbaijan. By making a difference with the innovative, pioneering, sustainable, energy-efficient products we offer, we serve for the transition in European sandwich panel market for sustainable solutions, and now with more concentration in the UK.” Minister for Investment in the Department for Business and Trade, Lord Dominic Johnson, said: “Assan Panel’s investment underscores Freeport East’s outstanding offer to businesses operating in green industries, and will create new, skilled jobs in the region. UK Freeports are perfect places for businesses to innovate, collaborate and grow. This news highlights Freeport East’s exceptional opportunities which underpin their vision of a global hub for trade and investment into advanced manufacturing and green energy.” The Minister for Levelling Up, Jacob Young, said: “This significant commitment by Assan Panel, made possible by the government’s Freeports programme, not only brings high-skilled jobs and investment to the east of England but also strengthens the UK’s important trading relationship with Turkey.” Councillor Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Skills, Transport Strategy and Waste, said: “It is excellent news that Assan Panel will manufacture its panels here in Suffolk. This is a substantial investment which will create many new local jobs and be a significant boost for Suffolk’s manufacturing sector, and I would like to commend the joint inward investment and Freeport East teams for their important role in securing it.” Gateway 14, led by Mid Suffolk District Council-owned Gateway 14 Ltd with development partner, Jaynic, is next to the A14 at Stowmarket. It is East Anglia’s largest business park, providing 2.36 million sq. ft. of accommodation and as part of Freeport East, the site offers tax reliefs and simplified customs arrangements and is fast becoming a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and R&D firms. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
St George, in partnership with SEGRO, celebrated a significant achievement at Grand Union in Alperton, as a groundbreaking multi-storey industrial development, known as SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, was officially inaugurated. This highly sustainable six-storey building offers 134,500 sq ft of premium floorspace from just a 1.7-acre site footprint, aligning with the new London Plan’s objective to intensify industrial land. Once fully leased, the building is anticipated to support up to 250 jobs and apprenticeships, contributing to a total of 650 new jobs across the wider Grand Union neighbourhood. Situated on the southern tip of the expansive 22-acre Grand Union regeneration site, where St George is revitalising a once derelict brownfield industrial site into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood with 3,350 homes, 35% of which will be affordable, alongside a variety of green open spaces and public amenities. ‘A New Benchmark in Modern Industrial Space’ SEGRO V-Park Grand Union spans six storeys and is equipped with cargo lifts. The two lower levels offer loading bay space and parking facilities, while the four upper levels feature units of varying sizes. Each customer will occupy a self-contained industrial unit and enjoy exceptional communal amenities that foster a modern, inclusive, and enjoyable working environment, a feature not commonly found in traditional industrial spaces. These amenities include dedicated social and workspaces, from break-out areas and bookable meeting rooms to a roof terrace designed to facilitate team collaboration. Additionally, a dedicated reception service is available to provide support as needed. The development incorporates cutting-edge energy-saving measures throughout its construction and lifecycle, designed to assist customers in reducing their carbon footprints and achieving sustainability targets. The building targets a BREEAM Excellent rating and includes 20 charging points for electric cars and vans, as well as photovoltaic cells and an internal green wall. ‘Working in Partnership’ Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning, and Growth at Brent Council, commented: “The Grand Union development is transforming under-utilised industrial land into a thriving neighbourhood bursting with opportunity. Today, we are delighted to mark the completion of SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, which will provide high-quality industrial space and create up to 250 jobs for local people.” Claire Hammond, Land Director at St George Plc, added: “Grand Union is an impressive example of collaborative work between public and private partners. Our ambition across the St George portfolio is to create successful places where communities thrive. Grand Union exemplifies that with more than 400 residents enjoying its prime location next to the Grand Union Canal, access to high-quality amenities, and a varied programme of community events.” Bonnie Minshull, Head of London at SEGRO, noted: “Innovative, sustainable, high-quality co-location schemes like SEGRO V-Park Grand Union are vital for intensifying land use and driving regeneration. We look forward to converting initial interest into completed leases, enabling job creation and economic prosperity.” ‘A Vibrant Canalside Neighbourhood’ Grand Union is poised to become a comprehensive canalside neighbourhood, offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes. Several amenities, including a piazza, Community Hub, Anytime Fitness gym, and Crepes+Coffee café operating from the development’s narrowboat PAVO, have already launched, with a Co-op store and nursery set to open later this year. St George’s broader plans for the new community include 11 acres of green space, restaurants, coffee shops, and a medical centre. For more information on SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, click here. For further information on Grand Union or the homes available, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The rejuvenation of urban areas is a delicate balance between honouring history and embracing progress. As cities evolve, once-overlooked areas can transform into vibrant hubs of activity, but this transformation demands meticulous planning and execution. In London, the successful transformation (now complete) of King’s Cross serves as a beacon of regeneration, offering valuable insights for neighbouring districts like Euston. Euston, akin to King’s Cross, boasts a rich historical tapestry and holds tremendous potential for regeneration. As a pivotal transport hub in London and home to iconic landmarks such as Euston Station, the area has long been earmarked as a prime candidate for large-scale rejuvenation. The eagerly anticipated development of Euston is poised to draw inspiration from the achievements of its neighbouring King’s Cross. With Lendlease leading the charge, it’s noteworthy that Euston’s engagement with the local community is beginning to take centre stage. Much like the transformation of King’s Cross, which saw significant input from thousands of local residents and businesses throughout the Knowledge Quarter, this collaborative approach ensures that the regeneration aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the area’s revival. Moreover, King’s Cross underscores the importance of preserving and repurposing existing infrastructure. While Euston may lack the luxury of retaining historic buildings to the same extent as King’s Cross, where around 20 buildings were preserved, breathing new life into Victorian-era structures, preserving the area’s architectural legacy, and infusing character and authenticity into the regenerated space. Transport connectivity is pivotal to the success of King’s Cross regeneration, and Euston stands to benefit from significant enhancements with the eventual arrival of HS2, laying the groundwork for substantial economic and employment growth in the capital. King’s Cross is renowned for its emphasis on expansive, green, open spaces. Euston has the opportunity to build on this legacy by creating an environment that prioritises sustainability and offers a welcoming atmosphere for residents and commuters alike, transcending the current transient experience. Additionally, under the guidance of Argent, King’s Cross exemplifies the value of mixed-use development in cultivating vibrant, inclusive communities. By seamlessly blending affordable, private, and student accommodation with commercial and cultural spaces, King’s Cross caters to a diverse range of residents, fostering a lively and dynamic neighbourhood. Euston is poised to replicate this approach, diversifying its urban landscape and providing opportunities for people to live, work, and socialise within the area. Euston will evolve into a new London destination, rather than merely a thoroughfare for travellers. Although the revitalisation of Euston, particularly in light of the proposed and delayed arrival of HS2, has been a lengthy process spanning 15 years, it pales in comparison to the journey of King’s Cross. While initial schemes for Euston in the late 1980s and throughout the 90s failed to materialise, the delivery of King’s Cross’s vision over nearly a quarter of a century has elevated London’s status. The timeline of Euston’s regeneration may feel like a marathon at present, but once realised, the triumvirate of King’s Cross, St Pancras, and Euston will fortify London’s global presence. There is much anticipation for the future of Euston. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire. Working on behalf of Renfrewshire Council, the £117 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project will see the new bridge connect Renfrew with Yoker and Clydebank and open up work, health, education, and leisure opportunities on both sides of the Clyde – bringing thousands of additional jobs, investment, and developments to the riverside. The south section of the 184-metre cable-stayed twin-leaf bridge has arrived on the River Clyde after travelling for seven days on a barge across the North Sea, English Channel and Irish sea having been fabricated in the Netherlands. The team will install the first section on the Renfrew side of the river at Meadowside Street, ahead of the north section of the bridge arriving next month, where it will be fixed into place at Dock Street in Yoker. Jim Armour, GRAHAM Contracts Manager said: “The arrival of the first section of the bridge marks a significant milestone on the project- a fantastic achievement by the team. Over the next few weeks, the team will be working hard to prepare for the north section of the bridge to arrive, where it will be fixed into place. The new bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure that demonstrates civil engineering excellence, driving economic growth on either side of the Clyde”. Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “It’s fantastic to see the first section of the bridge arrive in Renfrew and the project take a significant step forward as this is going to be transformational for the local area, wider Renfrewshire, and the City Region. “The opportunities that the new bridge, and its new connecting roads and active travel routes, will offer communities and businesses are exponential and the project as a whole will provide a substantial boost to the economy and attract more jobs to the area – in addition to more than 950 already created during the construction phase. “With this project linking into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) at Netherton next to Glasgow Airport, it is an exciting time for Renfrewshire and outlines the council’s continued ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects successfully.” In addition to the new bridge, the project will create additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes which will link Inchinnan Road in Renfrew with Yoker Railway Station, using the new Renfrew North Development Road. It will also see improved access for businesses and suppliers to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation AMIDS, which is being developed by the Council in collaboration with Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. For more information on the project, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/citydeal Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An £80 million scheme to revitalize the heart of Telford is set to take the spotlight at a significant national development and investment event. Telford & Wrekin Council’s ambitious plan to rejuvenate the core of Telford – by establishing a dynamic new residential, educational, and business community, complete with an academic campus focused on digital skills and enterprise – will be featured at UKREiiF next month. This three-day event, held in Leeds, brings together key figures from the public sector alongside government officials, developers, housebuilders, international investors, and funders. The investment and potential of the borough’s flagship Station Quarter development will be explored by a panel of decision-makers and industry leaders on May 22 as part of the Midlands Engine pavilion, showcasing a £42 billion investment portfolio. Panel members will include Telford & Wrekin Council leader and LGA Chair Cllr Shaun Davies, Harper Adams University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Simone Clarke, Stuart Penn, regional managing director for leading housebuilder Lovells, and Anette Simpson, director of development and partnerships from Legal and General. During the session, attention will be given to how Telford has embraced the opportunities of the technological revolution to establish a cutting-edge education hub, fostering new partnerships between the public sector, further and higher education, and the business community. Councillor Davies stated: “Our transformation of Station Quarter will pioneer a new model of inter-generational town centre living alongside an innovative, easily accessible academic campus anchored by The Quad, offering learning pathways to individuals of all ages, from school to higher education, with a focus on digital skills. “This ambitious and dynamic transformation will establish a truly integrated residential, educational, and business community, providing a vibrant and connected lifestyle that will serve as the foundation of the town’s future.” The panel, chaired by Amy Bould, managing director of Newport-based strategic communications consultancy Be Bold Media, will also delve into the opportunities presented by The Quad – a unique collaboration between the council, Harper Adams University, Telford College, and others, aimed at creating a state-of-the-art digital skills and enterprise hub. Councillor Davies added: “The Quad will redefine education, business innovation, and digital skills provision in this region. It will equip individuals with the skills necessary for the digital era, offering start-up and incubation space to nurture great ideas into successful businesses. “Modern, sustainable housing, high-quality commercial premises, and green spaces will all contribute to building a thriving community that embodies the future of our youthful town. “We believe this development model could benefit many other towns and cities across the country and also presents a significant opportunity to attract further investment into the borough. “By showcasing the scheme at UKREiiF, we aim to highlight both the opportunities offered by our plans and the broader approach to regeneration, education, training, and business partnerships we are adopting to create an innovative and dynamic borough.” The Quad is scheduled to open in September 2024 and is expected to accommodate over 300 students annually. Further phases of the Station Quarter have already received planning approval, and de-risked by phase 1 infrastructure investment, they offer immediate opportunities for residential, leisure, and commercial development. UKREiiF will take place from May 21-23 and is anticipated to draw over 10,000 attendees, including 1,500 investors, 250 local authorities, and 1,500 developers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Propertymark, the leading membership body for property agents has written to London Mayor candidates highlighting proposals to tackle the unique housing challenges that the capital experiences. Londoners go to the polls on Thursday 2 May 2024 to elect a Mayor and 25 Assembly Members, with housing policies featuring in most candidates manifesto pledges. Propertymark’s plan includes expanding the Mayor’s Energy for Londoners programme to support landlords and homeowners to decarbonise their properties, releasing land held by public bodies for housing development, encouraging the capital’s employers to support workers housing needs and tackling short-term lets thorough greater enforcement. The professional body’s plan for London welcomes candidate pledges for an increase in affordable social housing. However, Propertymark recognise that demand for private rented sector accommodation is not keeping up with supply and more must be done by the Mayor to incentivise landlords – with rent controls must albe avoided. To boost the supply of new homes there must be a greater focus on speeding up planning process and building on land under the Mayor’s control. This will ultimately allow more properties to be built and help make housing in London more affordable. The Greater London Authority, Transport for London and the National Health Service should also release land for residential development and ensure that any development works alongside local needs – including provision for families and older people. Propertymark has also called for the successful Mayor to have greater devolutionary powers to tackle the challenges that the Capital faces. Commenting, Propertymark’s Policy and Campaigns Officer, Tim Thomas, said: “With a population of over nine million, the highest house sales and rental values in the country and challenges with the supply of all housing tenures, the next Mayor of London needs to use all powers at their disposal to tackle problems the Capital faces. London is facing a housing crisis and more must be done to boost supply across all tenures, work with councils to deliver more homes more quickly, utilise land under the Mayor’s control and provide more support to existing homeowners and landlords to make energy efficiency improvements to their property.” For further details, please click HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading building and civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction has completed a new £37m Keynsham Recycling Hub for client Bath & North East Somerset Council, on time and on budget. The significant project involved the development of a modern facility offering a range of services that have made it easier for residents to recycle and help reduce general waste and operational costs. The four-hectare site includes a reuse shop for people to donate pre-loved items for resale and an MOT and Servicing Centre. While the Reuse and Recycling Centre opened to the public in April 2023, Phase 2 of the project continued throughout the year with the demolition of the old Pixash Recycling Centre. Additional construction works in this phase included the development of new operational infrastructure for waste and recycling collections and bulk transfer to processing or treatment sites and a significant installation of sorting and baling equipment for recyclables. Phase 2 was completed in January this year. Clare Taylor, contracts manager at Farrans Construction, said: “Our team has been proud to deliver Keynsham Recycling Hub, a state-of-the-art facility which offers its visitors a truly sustainable experience by encouraging reuse and recycling in line with the council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency policy aims. With its own onsite power generation capabilities, this hub is an example of what can be created with innovation and collaboration. “We have worked with local partners in Keynsham and the wider B&NES region to provide employment and training opportunities, engage in educational and community initiatives and support the local economy throughout the project. We worked with local supply chain, led construction workshops for 1,295 school children and donated over £4,000 to charities in this area. We have had a growing presence in the Bath and Bristol region over the last decade and we are continuing our work here on site at a large public transport hub at Bristol Airport with our JV partner Alun Griffiths.” Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The investment in construction of the purpose-built, modern Keynsham Recycling Hub and the consolidation of collections, disposal and recycling processing operations will help to reduce general waste and operational costs and ensure the service can meet current pressure and future demand from an increasing population.” Information on the new reuse and recycling centre can be found on the council website including directions and a layout of the new site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Further growing its new build investment in Cheshire East, housing Group, Torus, is celebrating planning permission being awarded to build 236 new affordable homes at Viking Way in Congleton. Once again partnering with award-winning developer, Castle Green Homes, Torus will invest £59 million into the scheme. As part of a larger development project for the site at Viking Way, which will see a total of 396 new homes built, Torus will deliver 215 homes for Shared Ownership and 21 for Affordable Rent. Castle Green Homes will deliver 160 private homes, to create a modern, multi-tenure community. The latest step in its ever-growing partnership with Castle Green Homes, which has already seen the two companies engage on over 360 homes across three other sites – Flowers Lane, Crewe, Bridgewater View, Daresbury and Orchard Place, Thornton – Viking Way will provide even more affordable homes to communities across Cheshire. A key growth area for Torus in the past few years, Cheshire East has already seen Torus invest over £76 million into building over 450 affordable homes, to date, and Viking Way is the latest scheme to reiterate Torus’ commitment to bolstering access to more affordable housing. Discussing Torus’ latest Cheshire-based scheme, Torus Developments’ Managing Director, Chris Bowen, said: “I’m proud of everything we have accomplished as a developer to not only expand our geographic footprint, but to work with an excellent partner in Castle Green Homes to facilitate our ambitions of building even more new, affordable homes across the North West. “Viking Way is another fantastic step in our journey to being able to create modern communities and to help regions redress the balance when it comes to the availability of good quality homes that actively help people onto the property ladder and I am excited to see how these additional 236 homes will go onto benefit Congleton.” Partnerships director for Castle Green Eoin O’Donnell explained: “We are delighted to finally achieve a planning consent on the Viking Way development. This will be another major step forward in our developing relationship with Torus, with whom this will now be our fourth project. We aim to deliver homes to Torus at a record pace to assist them in placing local families in well-designed, fuel-efficient homes as soon as possible. We believe that together Torus and Castle Green can be a driving force for the provision of much needed affordable homes over the coming years.” Kate Collins, Senior Manager – Provider Manager, from Homes England, continued: As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious housebuilders of all sizes to build those homes and communities. “As a Homes England Strategic Partner, Torus has committed to delivering new affordable homes via the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26. Investment at Vikings Way, Congleton will transform the site and provide much needed, good quality, affordable new homes in Cheshire. At Homes England we are committed to supporting our partners to increase the supply of good quality affordable housing in the communities where they’re needed most.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LGIM announces today the completion, on behalf of Legal & General Retirement Institutional (LGRI), of its first direct-let Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) acquisition, following the purchase of the Aqua Portfolio from Global Student Accommodation (GSA). Building on its strong track-record of investing and lending into the sector, this marks the launch of the L&G Student Living Platform. The GSA portfolio consists of two high quality, modern PBSA assets located in Exeter (Clifford House) and Glasgow (Scotway House). Both assets completed in 2019 and have proven historic rental growth, consistent 98%+ occupancy and have established a strong reputation in each of their respective student markets. Clifford House in Exeter consists of 312 bedrooms and Scotway House in Glasgow consists of 399 bedrooms, the assets were purchased for a combined pricing of c.£122m. LGIM has been operating within the student accommodation sector for more than 10 years following its first investment in 2011. It currently manages over £1.2bn in the sector, across equity and debt investments. The new direct-let PBSA strategy will look to target operational, up and built PBSA units no older than five years old. LGIM aims to deploy c.£0.5bn of capital into the sector over the next two years, with the longer-term goal of growing the portfolio to over £1bn and directly managing c.5k beds across the UK. The PBSA strategy complements L&G’s track-record in the investment, development and operation of residential assets – with over £1.1bn1 invested across suburban build to rent, affordable housing as well as later living. Having launched in 2016, LGIM’s build to rent strategy has committed over £3bn2 of institutional capital into the sector and expanded its portfolio to 24 schemes across 13 cities nationwide; cementing its position as a leader in the market. Neil Dovey, Head of Annuity Transactions, LGIM said: “We’re excited to have made our first direct-let acquisition in the student accommodation space. These assets provide high quality PBSA accommodation, situated in locations benefitting from strong academic institutions and demand from students, looking for buildings designed to meet the requirements of modern university life.” Adam Burney, Head of Annuity BTR & PBSA, LGIM commented: “Investing in direct-let PBSA assets forms the next iteration of our Living Sector strategy. The sector has demonstrated its alignment to our strategic requirements, which includes a significant focus on ESG and provides diversification. Following the success and growth of our BTR platform, this strategy further supports the long-term investment goals of LGRI.” Andrew Kail, CEO, Legal & General Retirement Institutional (LGRI) added: “Pension scheme capital is being put to positive use in the real economy – with tangible benefits across generations. These buildings provide students with quality accommodation, while the British economy as a whole should benefit from long-term investing in real assets. We’re proud of how expertise from colleagues has unlocked these benefits for both the new generation as well as the long-term future of those looking to a sustainable pension.” Knight Frank advised LGIM on the acquisition, MTRE advised GSA 1,2 – Legal & General internal data as at April 2024 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ashe Construction has been awarded £14m of contracts to transform Bedford’s North Wing hospital site. The two projects will create a one-stop shop for primary and secondary care to create better access to healthcare and diagnostics, without the need for patients to attend Bedford’s acute hospital site. The first project for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is valued at £11.8m, and has been procured through the Pagabo Major Works framework. It will transform the existing Gilbert Hitchcock House (GHH) in Kimbolton Road, to provide diagnostic services such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, x-ray and cardiology services for increased demand in the area. Around 400-600 appointments currently take place in the building each day so the project will be delivered in two phases to ensure existing services can be maintained throughout the works. David Carter, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals said: “We welcome this major investment at Bedfordshire Hospitals which will bring crucial tests closer to home and help us improve outcomes for patients with serious conditions, by diagnosing health conditions earlier, faster and more accurately. “The new facilities will allow patients to access planned diagnostic care in a more convenient location without the need to attend our hospital sites, taking some pressure off our acute hospitals and allowing us to focus resources on more complex cases and urgent and emergency care.” Ashe will have a team of between 45 and 50 working on the site for the year-long project, with vehicle movements carefully planned and co-ordinated to maintain safety at all times. A new substation and backup generator will provide failsafe power and GHH will benefit from improved energy efficiency with ground and air source heat pumps installed. Ian Robbins, managing director at Ashe said: “We are very experienced at working in live healthcare settings so understand the needs of service users, and healthcare providers, and how to minimise the impact of our works during projects like these. We are really looking forward to delivering these improved services, taking the pressure off the main South Wing Hospital, and increasing much-needed primary and secondary healthcare capacity for patients in North Bedfordshire.” The existing gym at GHH will be converted into consulting rooms, MRI and CT scanners. phlebotomy, retinal screening and therapy services will also be accommodated there. Adjacent to the project at GHH, Ashe will work on a £3m refurbishment project at Bedford Health Village for Assemble Fund Co. Ltd to develop an Enhanced Service Centre (ESC) to provide primary healthcare services in two phases. It will bring together a number of GP practices and community services to the health village, giving patients easy access to potentially life-saving tests for a range of conditions, quickly and easily at neighbouring GHH. The project consists of full refurbishment works over three floors of the building, with phase one due for completion in July and phase two due to complete in October. Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded £24m of national funding to enhance facilities on the site. Ashe has undertaken four projects for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in recent years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
