Average speeds at peak times drop by nearly a half in the morning rush hour between Hinckley and Tamworth, according to new research by transport body Midlands. Analysis shows the route drops 44% in average speeds in the AM peak, between 6 am and 10 am compared to off-peak journey
Bobcat has launched the company’s new PG40 and PG50 portable generators, providing a leap forward in portable generator design. Powered by Stage V D24 engines and Stamford alternators, these eco-conscious models replace the previous generation Stage IIIA G40 and G60 units, delivering a combination of increased power output and lower
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments. Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in
VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have staged a topping out ceremony on a £6m scheme at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. A key point has been reached in the construction of the new facility for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop which is
A national planning and development consultancy has urged the Labour government to clarify national planning policy guidance, enabling local planning authorities (LPAs) to develop bespoke local policies that support investment and growth at developed Green Belt sites. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement on Green Belt development, Lichfields highlights the
Social housing provider A2Dominion is pursuing a new approach to property development, as part of a raft of changes being brought in by the Board and Executive Management Team. Going forward the 38,000-home housing association will focus on regeneration and the redevelopment of neighbourhoods which need the greatest amount of
Construction work at a site in Ketton is progressing well, with the four-bedroom detached Boughton showhome now ready and waiting for visitors to explore. Balfour Beatty Homes is building a collection of 50 two, three and four-bedroom homes called The Crescent in the beautiful rural location near Stamford. Figures from
A substation in Wrexham is at the heart of SP Energy Networks’ first live network deployment of smart transformers to help the connection of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps as part of a £8.3m innovation project. Funded by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition, LV Engine will
CIBSE and IBPSA-England are pleased to unveil their partnership for the upcoming 2025 Technical Symposium. This joint effort merges two premier events in building performance and sustainable design: CIBSE’s annual Technical Symposium and IBPSA-England’s biennial Building Simulation and Optimisation event. Themed “Fit for 2050 – Achieving Net-Zero through Intelligent, Resilient
The regeneration of Wythenshawe town centre continues to accelerate as the Council decides on the appointment of a new development delivery and investment partner – in a report to the Council’s executive committee yesterday. The opportunity is to transform the 1970s shopping centre and surrounding areas through an aspirational project
Average speeds at peak times drop by nearly a half in the morning rush hour between Hinckley and Tamworth, according to new research by transport body Midlands. Analysis shows the route drops 44% in average speeds in the AM peak, between 6 am and 10 am compared to off-peak journey times. The average speed on the route is 48 miles per hour, dropping to around 32 MPH during peak periods. In some locations, it can dip down as low as 10 miles per hour. There were 180 road traffic incidents on this section of the A5 from 2017 to 2021, with 45 in 2019 and one in five of these (20%) resulting in ‘serious’ injuries to one or more people. The corridor is one of the Midlands’ most important east-west connections and is at the heart of the “Logistics golden triangle” bounded by the M1, M6 and M69. This is an area of the country from which drivers can reach 90% of the population within four hours, a very important location for logistics firms. Integrated Transport Programme Lead, Swati Mittal said: “The A5 corridor is home to a million people, sitting at the heart of the so-called Logistics Golden Triangle and supporting major employment sites such as Magna Park and MIRA. Anything we can do to upgrade the route is vital for residents, commuters and businesses in the area. “With improvements, Midlands Connect believes the route has the potential to provide an alternative route to our congested motorways and support significant housing and employment growth.” Sarah Edwards, Member of Parliament for Tamworth said: “Fixing our roads is a priority and plays a major part in our economic productivity and development. We must get our road networks fit for purpose. “The A5 plays a crucial role for commuters across the West Midlands, my constituents in Tamworth included, and it is important that appropriate funding and support is made available to ensure it can keep delivering for residents. I have written to the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure investment in road infrastructure supports our constituency and its prospects for growth.” Bill Cullen CEO of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and chair of the executive of the A5 Partnership said: “What these findings demonstrate is that the A5 continues to be a significant route through the Midlands, but we must unlock the blockages with key road investment in priority areas of the corridor to ensure it continues to support economic growth and remains fit for purpose.” Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways Mark Deaville said: “Improved connectivity is a priority to the county council and the A5 corridor is a key east/west route in the south. The M42 junction is particularly busy and congested at peak times which we hope can be addressed. As a centre for the logistics sector, especially with the development of the West Midlands Interchange, we need effective and efficient transport routes to help grow our economy. This route also supports our visitor economy, particularly with attractions like Drayton Manor Park and the National Memorial Arboretum. We wholeheartedly support any moves to upgrade the corridor and remove obstacles to growth.” Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “While the A5 is managed and maintained by National Highways, we fully support the work being done to secure improvements. “As the highway authority, we know problems such as bridge strikes, congestion and accidents are having a detrimental impact for our residents throughout Hinckley as well as the villages in the south of the county. The A5 isn’t functioning, and we share the views of partners who are calling for improvements to be prioritised and additional funding made available. “Securing and delivering improvements on the A5 also resonates with the core themes of our draft new Local Transport Plan, which include supporting growth and boosting the local economy, improving people’s health and reducing the impacts of traffic on our communities. The urgent need is there to improve the road.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bobcat has launched the company’s new PG40 and PG50 portable generators, providing a leap forward in portable generator design. Powered by Stage V D24 engines and Stamford alternators, these eco-conscious models replace the previous generation Stage IIIA G40 and G60 units, delivering a combination of increased power output and lower fuel consumption compared to their predecessors. The D24 engine in the new generators is a very impressive unit – more powerful than those in other machines of this size on the market and with a higher capacity. This has allowed Bobcat to offer a true 50 kVA prime unit on the market in the new PG50 model and still be below the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system requirement. Alongside the PG50, the PG40 delivers a prime power output of 40 kVA. In addition, both generators have a new sleek, compact design, with a selection of novel features including optional factory-mounted running gear, with either fixed or variable height, for easy transportation such as towing behind a car. This upgrade provides unmatched convenience, ensuring mobility on and off the job site. The new generators also have ‘Liquid Heat’, a low-load management system designed to reduce downtime and deliver peace of mind. Their versatile capabilities allow the new generators to manage lighter loads while preserving engine life, making them the perfect investment for job sites. Power Matched By Versatility The Stamford alternators on the PG40 and PG50 continue the use of this brand that started with the previously introduced PG100 100 kVA generator. The mechanical and electrical configuration and options also follow most of what is offered on the PG100, providing owners with the versatility they require. The COMAP MRS16 controller is again at the heart of the PG40 and PG50, with telematics options that allow units to be easily located and for their status to be read remotely. Building on its proven track record, the successful connection system from the PG100 is incorporated in the new models. Tested and trusted, these connection points guarantee optimal efficiency, facilitating hassle-free set-up and smooth performance. Operation is again quiet, with the new models offering a low noise level – the LWA 88 sound power level on the PG40 and LWA 89 on the PG50, make them among the quietest units on the market. As well as being quiet, the PG40 and PG50 are also clean running, featuring a bunded base designed for 110% fluid containment, where spills are virtually eliminated, ensuring environmental protection and reducing maintenance needs. The standard product warranty – as well as technical training and parts availability – are covered by Bobcat and the company’s extensive dealer network. The major difference in the new PG40 and PG50 is the engine coverage, which is handled by Bobcat’s own network without any third party involvement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments. Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in Leeds’ vibrant cultural quarter, which were built by Caddick Construction. This build-to-rent development is part of SOYO Leeds – a new neighbourhood in the heart of the city which has transformed a site along The Headrow. A mix of studio, one, two and three-bed apartments were designed by DLG Architects, together with new public realm, outdoor courtyards, retail, restaurant and ground floor amenity spaces. Deanestor provided bespoke, contemporary kitchens for 331 apartments in a range of configurations to suit each apartment layout. This involved the manufacture and installation of around 4,500 items of furniture including base and wall cabinets, drawers, tall fridge unit, oven housing and solid white quartz worktops. According to Eugene Cannon, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Caddick Construction,“The Deanestor team excelled commercially and in the design phase for this complex and large-scale co-living scheme. They were helpful at each stage and had a common-sense approach to any challenges, such as the need to upgrade appliances. The finished kitchens are great – good quality, contemporary detailing, superior worktops, and gave us the value for money we were looking for.” The kitchen cabinetry was supplied in two colour palettes for alternate floors – stone grey and dark blue, and with black D-shaped handles and brushed satin taps. Each kitchen was fully equipped by Deanestor with integrated appliances – a built-in oven, microwave, ceramic hob, washer dryer, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The apartments have oak flooring throughout the kitchen, dining, living, and utility areas to create a seamless flow. There is a range of amenities for residents, including an exclusive on-site gym, bike storage and repair station, 24/7 concierge, lounge space, and secure private parking. Deanestor provides a complete furniture and fitout service for both bedrooms and kitchens, working on major co-living schemes for some of the UK’s leading residential property developers and contractors. Its high specification cabinets are built for longevity and crafted using robust glue and dowel constructions which provide a modern yet durable finish for build-to-rent developments. The kitchens are all bespoke, offering developers a vast range of options, and are pre-assembled in Deanestor’s factory for consistently higher quality installations and to reduce work on site. For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk, call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have staged a topping out ceremony on a £6m scheme at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. A key point has been reached in the construction of the new facility for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop which is relocating from Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham, to the Warwickshire base. The project is being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The building will feature space for offices, garages and stores, and is being built at Gamecock Barracks ready for the Troop’s move next year. Now, as it reaches a significant point in construction, a topping out ceremony has been held, attended by representatives from VIVO, Midlands-based construction company Henry Brothers Construction, the DEO Army Programme, DIO, Gamecock Barracks and construction partner William Gough. Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, said: “We are continuing to deliver significant investment across the Defence estate to support military capability and provide modern, high quality working facilities for Army personnel. “I am delighted to see the steady pace of progress on the new infrastructure at Gamecock Barracks, and I look forward to completion of the project next year when the EOD Troop are due to relocate and take full advantage of their new building.” Warren Webster, Programme Director for DIO Major Projects (Army) said: “This is another demonstration of our commitment to increase the pace, quality and volume of Defence infrastructure delivery, by doing things differently. “We are working closely with our colleagues in DIO Regional Delivery and their long-term partner VIVO and its suppliers, to build this important capability. Collaboration remains at the heart of our delivery intent, and when completed, Gamecock Barracks will provide first class Explosive Ordinance Disposal facilities for the central region.” Jerry Moloney, Managing Director of VIVO Defence Services, added: “As one of the UK’s largest providers of estate services to the MOD, we at VIVO are involved in a huge array of innovative and important design and build projects for the military. “I am really pleased that we have reached such a key stage in the building of this excellent new facility for the Troop when they relocate and would like to thank our teams across VIVO and our supply chains for all their hard work.” Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “We were honoured to be appointed to build this new purpose-built facility for EOD Troop and very pleased to have now reached the topping out stage. “Henry Brothers has worked on numerous projects at MOD sites across the UK and we are proud to see how this latest project is progressing.” The scheme for EOD Troop at Gamecock Barracks is due to be completed in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A national planning and development consultancy has urged the Labour government to clarify national planning policy guidance, enabling local planning authorities (LPAs) to develop bespoke local policies that support investment and growth at developed Green Belt sites. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement on Green Belt development, Lichfields highlights the potential economic and social benefits of planning reform. Their newly published research points out the challenges posed by current national Green Belt policy guidance, which could hinder investment and prevent existing businesses from enhancing their facilities, remaining competitive, and delivering a range of essential services. The report, titled ‘Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt – The Land That Policy Forgot?’, reveals that a portion of the Green Belt, which encompasses about 12.6% of England’s land area, is used for various purposes, including leisure and tourism with theme parks and other major attractions, education, medical institutions, business parks, and transport infrastructure. Lichfields notes that pre-2012 national policy recognised many of these areas as Major Developed Sites (MDS), providing clearer guidance on how LPAs should assess development proposals. However, this was removed by the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which established more subjective, generalised guidance. This change removed the detailed guidance on how LPAs could identify, define, and guide development at such sites in local plans, potentially limiting these sites’ ability to evolve and contribute to local economies and services. Ian York, a Planning Director at Lichfields and co-author of the report, stated: “Our research shows that the majority of LPAs are adopting generalised policies that repeat national guidance. We must move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and adopt local, bespoke policies that recognise the unique characteristics of these sites. The report urges LPAs to engage with landowners and operators to create detailed policies that clearly define development parameters, ensuring these sites can thrive without compromising Green Belt integrity.” The research indicates that of the 180 LPAs with Green Belt land, only a third have adopted criteria-based, bespoke policies, while two-thirds rely on generic NPPF guidelines. This local policy context creates uncertainty for owners and operators planning for their sites’ future, especially where there is a continuous need to renew and refresh attractions and overnight accommodation to remain attractive to visitors and competitive. Additionally, there is a regional disparity in the policy approach, with the North West of England having the highest reliance on generic NPPF-based Green Belt policies, while the South East of England leads in bespoke policies. York added: “National Government has a very important part to play. With the new Labour government’s commitment to update the NPPF within its first 100 days, there is a crucial opportunity to reintroduce policy guidance akin to the previous MDS framework. This will provide much-needed clarity and support for LPAs and developers alike.” Lichfields urges policymakers to consider these recommendations seriously. Tailored local policies are essential to unlocking the full potential of developed Green Belt sites, enabling them to significantly contribute to local economies, enhance community services, and support sustainable growth across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Social housing provider A2Dominion is pursuing a new approach to property development, as part of a raft of changes being brought in by the Board and Executive Management Team. Going forward the 38,000-home housing association will focus on regeneration and the redevelopment of neighbourhoods which need the greatest amount of investment to make a real and positive impact on residents and communities. The housing association is aiming to improve the quality and performance of customers’ homes and to provide affordable housing by bringing together internal expertise to improve, regenerate its existing portfolio. The new approach moves the Group away from its previous emphasis on new developments, particularly those for private sale via its FABRICA by A2Dominion brand. As a result, the Group has seen its new build programme drop from 7,817 at its peak in 2018 – when it was one of the country’s top ten developing housing associations – to 1,645 today. The move also aligns with the Group’s decision to re-focus priorities to make improvements to services following its recent downgrade. To reflect the new strategy and reduced programme, the Group intends to reduce the size of its development team by half with colleague consultation already underway. It will also take a regional approach to the delivery of its current pipeline and future projects, with dedicated teams for London and the South East. This includes a technical team focused on a regeneration-led approach to future development, whilst ensuring continuity with its current joint venture projects. Michael Reece, A2Dominion’s Chief Property Officer, said: “We remain committed to building new affordable homes for those in need, however this will be done in a slightly different way. The shift will see A2Dominion targeting the regeneration and redevelopment of properties that need the greatest investment. Our new strategy will also improve the quality and energy and environmental performance of homes to either improve, regenerate or disinvest in our existing portfolio. “This new way of developing homes and improving existing customers’ living environments is designed to build resilience and flexibility into our development programme. “We will also focus on individual investment strategies for each local authority partner which will focus on reviewing and regenerating current stock. This will also look at stock rationalisation and dis-investment in stock that distracts the Group from its core purpose. “We’ll be looking at opportunities for redeveloping and improving densification and consider stock rationalisation where necessary to fund new development opportunities within the area. “Importantly we’ll consult with our key stakeholders and focus on customer needs within that local authority, providing a tailored approach to each of the communities we serve.” “We also recognise the impact these difficult decisions have on our colleagues and appreciate their hard-work and reliance through this change” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work at a site in Ketton is progressing well, with the four-bedroom detached Boughton showhome now ready and waiting for visitors to explore. Balfour Beatty Homes is building a collection of 50 two, three and four-bedroom homes called The Crescent in the beautiful rural location near Stamford. Figures from Rightmove pay testament to the growing popularity of the location, with data showing that sold prices in Ketton were up a huge 36 per cent from last year – so house hunters are being urged to buy now to avoid missing out. Gill Sabin, Sales and Marketing Director for Balfour Beatty Homes, said: “We always knew that homes at The Crescent would be popular with buyers, but the reaction has really blown us away. Over the launch weekend we received nearly 150 enquiries from buyers, which really does show how successful the development is proving to be. “It’s no wonder though – with a picturesque location in Rutland and high-quality homes, this home is ideal for all sorts of people, from families through to downsizers. There are great links to Peterborough, Grantham and Leicester too, making the homes ideal for commuters. “While these employment hubs are easily reachable, the historic town of Stamford is also only three miles away. We’ve found that our buyers are keen to live near this town and it’s no wonder – with lovely streets, tasty food and independent shops, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon. “Our showhome is now open, so we’re encouraging people to visit as soon as they are able to and see The Cresent for themselves.” With a spacious, airy kitchen/dining area, separate living room, study and utility room, as well as four bedrooms upstairs – two complete with ensuites – the Boughton showhome is now open and has been designed to showcase the very best that Balfour Beatty Homes has to offer. There are three and four-bedroom homes currently available at The Crescent, with prices starting from £445,000. As part of the development’s S106 contributions, money is being invested into increasing the biodiversity of the location and supplying a number of affordable homes for local people just down the road in Chater. To find out more information on the new homes and to make an appointment to visit, go to balfourbeattyhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A substation in Wrexham is at the heart of SP Energy Networks’ first live network deployment of smart transformers to help the connection of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps as part of a £8.3m innovation project. Funded by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition, LV Engine will carry out this world first demonstration at Wrexham to investigate how power electronics – a way of controlling and converting voltage – can help improve the quality and efficiency of power supplied into customers’ homes and reduce the need for disruptive and costly network reinforcement. LV Engine will use cutting-edge power electronic technology aiming to demonstrate greater voltage control at a substation level. The smart control system will recognise where electricity capacity can be shared between itself and other transformers on the network to maximise space on the existing network, allowing more low carbon technologies to be connected. Smart meter data will help tailor voltage in line with demand to ensure a high quality of supply for customers. This real-time data will also help operational planning and further increase capacity on the grid. Graham Campbell, Director of Processes and Technology of SP Energy Networks said: “Power electronics are playing a critical role in enabling our decarbonisation journey. This has become increasingly critical at distribution level to increase capacity and stability of the network as demand increases, while providing more flexibility for customers. Being a global first, LV Engine is developing engineering solutions that will enable a sustainable and efficient energy future by helping to shape future network design and make our LV network more flexible, adaptable and ready for our low carbon future. “This project is a culmination of collaboration between SP Energy Networks and its partners, particularly Ermco, to test and trial this globally unique solution. By improving the quality of the power supplied to customers’ homes we can continue to provide a resilient and reliable electricity supply while enabling more customers to adopt low carbon technologies and, potentially, in the longer term, reduce their bills.” The LV Engine project in Wrexham is part of wider works by SP Energy Networks innovation team to investigate and establish ways of adapting the electricity network to best meet the electricity needs of customers well into the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIBSE and IBPSA-England are pleased to unveil their partnership for the upcoming 2025 Technical Symposium. This joint effort merges two premier events in building performance and sustainable design: CIBSE’s annual Technical Symposium and IBPSA-England’s biennial Building Simulation and Optimisation event. Themed “Fit for 2050 – Achieving Net-Zero through Intelligent, Resilient and Sustainable Design in the Built Environment,” the CIBSE IBPSA-England Technical Symposium 2025 aims to serve as a platform for the latest research and innovations in sustainable practices. This partnership underscores a shared dedication to advancing knowledge and best practices in building performance. Event highlights Combined expertise: Leveraging the strengths of both organisations, the symposium promises a comprehensive programme covering a broad spectrum of topics related to building performance and sustainability. Diverse formats: Attendees can expect engaging sessions including technical reviews, case studies and poster presentations, fostering dynamic discussions and knowledge exchange. Networking opportunities: The event will provide numerous opportunities for participants to connect with industry peers, exchange insights and establish valuable professional relationships that can catalyse future collaborations and innovations. Simon Parker, Managing Director of CIBSE Services said about this partnership: ‘At CIBSE, we’re excited to collaborate with IBPSA-England for the 2025 Technical Symposium. This partnership combines top expertise in building performance and sustainable design, delivering cutting-edge research and innovations. We look forward to meaningful discussions and connections that will shape the future of the built environment.’ Professor Neveen Hamza, Chair of IBPSA-England stated: ‘IBPSA-England is excited to partner with CIBSE for the 2025 Technical Symposium. As an affiliate of the International Building Performance Simulation Association, IBPSA-England focuses on improving the built environment through building performance simulation. This collaboration merges our biennial Building Simulation and Optimisation conference with CIBSE’s annual Technical Symposium, creating a unified platform for cutting-edge research and innovation in building performance and sustainable design.’ Join us in shaping the future of the built environment. Abstract submissions are now open. Please visit https://go.cibse.org/ts2025-pr for more information and to submit your abstract. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The regeneration of Wythenshawe town centre continues to accelerate as the Council decides on the appointment of a new development delivery and investment partner – in a report to the Council’s executive committee yesterday. The opportunity is to transform the 1970s shopping centre and surrounding areas through an aspirational project that will deliver a new public square, new shops, net zero carbon commercial, community and cultural space, and more than 1750 new homes built on Council-owned land. The housing will be a mix of typologies and tenures to match local housing demand and will include affordable homes along with supported accommodation. Earlier this year, the Council was awarded £20m grant funding through the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) programme. The Council will now complement this with a further £11.9m of match funding to deliver a new Culture and Creative hub, food hall, co-working and enterprise employment space, and investment in the Civic’s public realm. However, over the lifespan of the long-term regeneration programme, the total investment will exceed £500m over the next 10 years with initial development work commencing as early as next year. Culture Hub A professional team has already been appointed to design a new Culture Hub, including an operational business model to ensure the hub is financially and operationally sustainable along with being able to support local people on a long-term basis. Following initial consultation in July this year, a feasibility study has now been approved and emerging plans will be subject to further public consultation. Once the principles of the Culture Hub have been agreed, the Council will begin a process to appoint an operator to run and manage the hub. This will process will likely begin later this year. Public Realm A landscape design team has now been commissioned to map out opportunities to deliver a new public square, new connections, sustainable drainage and significant new green planting and play equipment. This work is currently at RIBA stage 2 and the Council has already commenced procurement of a contractor to deliver the works, subject to public consultation on the final designs. The Council is on track to appoint the contractor to deliver the new public square later this summer. Work is ongoing on the feasibility options to deliver the food hall and co-working and employment spaces. Joint Venture Delivery & Investment Partner Following the acquisition of the Civic by the Council in 2022, it was envisaged that a private sector partner would be required to invest into and develop the Civic at scale to meet the regeneration ambitions set out in the development framework for the shopping centre. The formal procurement process is now complete subject to approval by the Councils Executive. If approved, the successful partner will be announced in August following the formal call-in period. The joint venture partner will: A formal announcement of the successful partner will be made in the next four weeks. In the meantime… The Council has also been working with community organisations and enterprises to widen the offer at Wythenshawe Civic to increase footfall within the town centre and drive momentum ahead of the major investment beginning. Monthly Makers Markets will begin from 3 August offering a range of independent stalls – from crafts to street food. The Maker Market brings together artisans, makers, bakers and other businesses in pop-up markets that have previously been held in Ancoats and Chorlton. Following hosting an event earlier in the year, the Civic will also host regular bike workshops hosted by the Bike Kitchen, providing training, servicing and sales. Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We know this will be welcome news to the people of Wythenshawe as we stand at the dawn of a new era for their town centre. “However, we also know that areas like Wythenshawe have seen higher rates of deprivation – and this extends to poorer health outcomes – but through strategic investment such as this, we can begin to create opportunities for these communities to share in the economic success of the city. “This means the right housing – including council, social and genuinely affordable homes – new jobs, new shops and a neighbourhood that both meets their needs and a place they can be proud to spend time in. These are the building blocks for successful communities and this programme of regeneration will deliver for local people.” Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “Regeneration programmes of this size and ambition take some time to bring forward and although we understand that local people are very keen to see this investment take shape – as we are too – the work we are doing now will make sure we have a long-term, sustainable proposal that will benefit Wythenshawe people for years to come. “In the meantime, we are working hard to bring forward impactful investment that will kick-start the long-term development of the Civic, including the Culture Hub and public realm improvements. Alongside plans to increase footfall to the town centre and attract new visitors to the area, such as bike repairs and local markets. “We are fully committed to the regeneration of Wythenshawe and we can’t wait to show local people what we have been doing so far and get their feedback.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
