BDC News Team
Prologis warehouse in Wrocław certified “Excellent” by BREEAM

Prologis warehouse in Wrocław certified “Excellent” by BREEAM

Building DC4 at Prologis Park Wrocław III is the largest speculative facility in Prologis’ history in Poland, covering an area of ​​50,000 square meters. Its modern warehouse and production spaces respond to the growing needs and expectations of customers in the region. Meanwhile, a location close to the airport and

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Recycl8 complete first commercial project within port sector at Ardesier

Recycl8 complete first commercial project within port sector at Ardesier

Sustainable technology firm, Recycl8, has completed its first commercial project in the ports sector, supporting Haventus with work on the Ardersier Port east of Inverness.  Recycl8 teamed up again with construction materials company Breedon Group, to pour 52 cubic meters of its sustainable, lower carbon R8 Mix concrete for a

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Understanding the Role Metalworking Fluids in the Railway Sector

Understanding the Role Metalworking Fluids in the Railway Sector

Introduction to Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are an indispensable product within the railway industry, facilitating the machining and shaping of metals by providing lubrication and cooling properties. Often referred to as suds, coolants, slurry, or soap, these fluids find their application primarily in machine shops or maintenance areas

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Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Deal with Knight Property Group is one of Scotland’s largest industrial transactions in the past year Wincanton, a leading supply chain partner for UK business, today announces that it is expanding its Scottish operations, with establishment of a new distribution centre, strategically located in the heart of Scotland’s ‘golden triangle’.

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Glenigan: Planning approvals edge higher on last year

Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the March 2024 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of February 2024, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a

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Cleaner, greener and more affordable homes delivered in Salford

Cleaner, greener and more affordable homes delivered in Salford

Largest Passivhaus affordable housing scheme in the North West completes Greenhaus – the largest Passivhaus Classic Certified development in the North West – has completed, bringing 96 highly-sustainable, affordable homes to Chapel Street in Salford. The monthly cost of heating and hot water at Greenhaus is expected to be less

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ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

Everton Stadium – Another Brick in the Wall

The first steel pedestrian gate has been fully integrated into its historic surroundings at Everton Stadium. Restoration work has been ongoing to rebuild the Grade II Listed wall around the galvanised steel gate, which was lifted into one of three new pedestrian access points on the eastern boundary of the

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Chris Dale joins specialist insulation manufacturer AIM

Chris Dale joins specialist insulation manufacturer AIM

Acoustic, fire and thermal insulation product manufacturer AIM has appointed Chris Dale as Business Development Manager – North.  Liaising with insulation distributers, builders’ merchants and their installer customers, Chris will be responsible for customer and installer relationships in the Midlands, northern England and Scotland.  He will work hand in hand

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Latest Issue
Issue 330 : Jul 2025

BDC News Team

Prologis warehouse in Wrocław certified “Excellent” by BREEAM

Prologis warehouse in Wrocław certified “Excellent” by BREEAM

Building DC4 at Prologis Park Wrocław III is the largest speculative facility in Prologis’ history in Poland, covering an area of ​​50,000 square meters. Its modern warehouse and production spaces respond to the growing needs and expectations of customers in the region. Meanwhile, a location close to the airport and the city ring road, together with excellent transport connections, are important advantages appreciated by current and potential customers.  DC4 also stands out for its functionality and wide range of services designed with employee comfort in mind, implemented in line with sustainable principles. The unique attractiveness of the building is confirmed by the fact that it was almost fully rented just 6 months after becoming operational. The last available space in DC4 covers an area of ​​7,700 square meters, including the possibility to add an office to any lease arrangement. DC4’s innovative solutions have now led to it receiving BREEAM environmental certification at the “Excellent” level. The building meets over 70% of BREEAM requirements set out within a complex, multi-criteria system for assessing buildings’ environmental performance. This provides significant competitive advantage, given that an increasing number of market leaders pay close attention to the environmental certification of their spaces. “BREEAM certification at the “Excellent” level for DC4 in Prologis Park Wrocław III is the result of our continuous commitment to developing properties in line with the highest standards of sustainable construction. We are very proud to create spaces that not only meet the needs of today’s business, but also help protect the environment,” says Marcin Kruszewski, Leasing & Customer Experience Manager at Prologis. A place with a future Building DC4 offers modern, energy-saving solutions that ensure high operational efficiency. The warehouse space has a clear height of 12 m, a reinforced floor load-bearing capacity of up to 10 t/m2, and enhanced wall and roof insulation. For greater safety and to protect the well-being of employees, the warehouse and office areas are illuminated with a high-quality LED lighting system. Intelligent lighting systems are implemented, with motion sensors programed to meet all customer needs while cutting electricity costs. An employee-friendly place Prologis Park Wrocław III is carefully designed to meet the needs of customers’ employees. The space offers numerous parking spaces for cars and trucks, while for those who prefer other means of transport, there are bicycle shelters and repair points, as well as electric vehicle charging stations. The park is also served by great access to public transport. Within PARKLife™ program, Prologis Park Wrocław III provides numerous amenities for employees, including rest areas and innovative outdoor BookBox libraries. A place with the environment in mind Prologis consistently strives to create sustainable logistics properties. As such, building DC4 is equipped with skylights and window panels on the façade which provide up to 12.5% ​natural daylight indoors. The building also features photovoltaic panels and solar collectors. Whether it’s about taking care to help a customer’s business or building warehouses in accordance with sustainable development principles, kept promises are… Made in Prologis. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Recycl8 complete first commercial project within port sector at Ardesier

Recycl8 complete first commercial project within port sector at Ardesier

Sustainable technology firm, Recycl8, has completed its first commercial project in the ports sector, supporting Haventus with work on the Ardersier Port east of Inverness.  Recycl8 teamed up again with construction materials company Breedon Group, to pour 52 cubic meters of its sustainable, lower carbon R8 Mix concrete for a weighbridge project at the port.   The Project at the port used Recycl8’s R8 mix, which is made from recycled materials, in combination with the Breedon Balance range of products, known for its performance and commitment to sustainability.  Mark Gillespie, CEO of Recycl8, said: “The last 6 months have been particularly exciting for Recycl8 with our first commercial pours in the housing and industrial sectors and now our first port project, marking another milestone for us. We believe that our R8 mix technology is very much the future of the construction industry achieving sustainability goals and are delighted to be partnering once again with Breedon Group and also supporting Haventus, two companies who are very much aligned with our vision for what is possible in the industry, without compromising on performance.”  Craig Godsman of Breedon Group said: “Working in conjunction with Recycl8 and Haventus is a great platform to show how we can design and produce low carbon concrete as part of our Breedon Balance range. With Recycl8’s mix along with low carbon cement replacements, we are able to produce high quality concrete suitable for all kinds of environments with lowered CO2 values. Recycl8 works in collaboration with the waste-to-energy and global construction industries to transform Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) normally destined for landfill into a high-performing, lower carbon concrete solution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Understanding the Role Metalworking Fluids in the Railway Sector

Understanding the Role Metalworking Fluids in the Railway Sector

Introduction to Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are an indispensable product within the railway industry, facilitating the machining and shaping of metals by providing lubrication and cooling properties. Often referred to as suds, coolants, slurry, or soap, these fluids find their application primarily in machine shops or maintenance areas where intricate tools such as lathes, CNCs, or drills are utilised to shape metal components essential for railway operations. Understanding the Concerns Surrounding MWFs While MWFs offer significant utility in metalworking processes, they also present notable health concerns for railway workers. Prolonged exposure to these fluids can lead to various adverse health effects, including skin irritation, dermatitis, and significant respiratory ailments such as occupational asthma and bronchitis. The potential for debilitating and long-term health impacts on railway personnel underscores the critical importance of addressing MWF-related hazards effectively. Routes of Exposure to MWFs Workers in the railway sector face exposure to MWFs through multiple routes, depending on their roles and the nature of their activities. Inhalation of mist generated during machining processes, direct skin contact with unprotected areas, and ingestion due to inadequate hygiene practices represent primary routes of exposure that necessitate careful consideration. Implementing Effective Controls for MWF Exposure Mitigation To mitigate the risks associated with MWF exposure, the adoption of robust control measures is imperative: Additional Considerations and Resources Beyond direct exposure during machining activities, attention must also be directed towards associated processes such as storage, dilution, cleaning, and disposal of MWFs. Comprehensive management strategies should encompass these areas to ensure adequate risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. A wealth of resources, including guidance materials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and industry associations such as the United Kingdom Lubricants Association, offer invaluable insights into best practices for MWF safety and compliance. Moreover, our team stands ready to provide expert assistance and support in navigating the complexities of MWF management within the railway sector. How can we help? Our team specialises in occupational hygiene and offers tailored support to enhance Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) safety in the railway sector. Our expertise ensures comprehensive coverage of hazards, proactive measures, and worker awareness, fostering a safer work environment. With our assistance, railway companies can prioritise safety while maintaining operational efficiency. For more information or assistance with customised MWF safety measures, get in touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Wincanton expands Scottish operations with new 126,960 sq ft distribution centre at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill

Deal with Knight Property Group is one of Scotland’s largest industrial transactions in the past year Wincanton, a leading supply chain partner for UK business, today announces that it is expanding its Scottish operations, with establishment of a new distribution centre, strategically located in the heart of Scotland’s ‘golden triangle’. The company has secured a 15-year lease for the brand new 126,960 sq ft unit at the award-winning Belgrave Logistics Park, in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire.  This significant transaction, agreed with developer and landlord, Knight Property Group, marks one of the largest industrial deals completed in Scotland this year and the largest letting of a speculative new build since 2018 for the Greater Glasgow market. This deal signifies Wincanton’s continued growth and commitment to Scotland. It follows the successful launch of their Scottish Gateway hub in Motherwell just last April, spanning an impressive 153,000 sq ft. The new distribution centre in Bellshill is strategically positioned, only six miles away from the Motherwell hub. It will cater to the demands of an expanding client base, underlining Wincanton’s dedication to enhancing operational efficiencies and service capabilities nationwide. Derek Stirling, Country Manager for Scotland at Wincanton, said: “This new distribution centre, our second in Scotland within two years, reinforces our long-term commitment to Scotland and promises enhanced services and efficiencies for our customers and partners across the country. “We are delighted with the high-quality space and accessibility of our new facility at Belgrave, conveniently located in close proximity to our existing hub in Motherwell.” James Barrack, Chairman and Founder of Knight Property Group added: “Securing Wincanton for the largest unit at Belgrave underpins and reinforces our strategy of committing to the speculative development of the best units in the best locations across Scotland. With lettings already secured with Likewise Group and RES at the park, the last two units are seeing high levels of interest and we hope to be able to place them under offer very soon.” Belgrave Logistics Park, a £55m brand new speculative development by Knight Property boasts a total area of 261,193 sq ft across five buildings. Wincanton’s unit is designed to a high specification, featuring high-performance composite wall and roof cladding, an internal height of 12 meters, four level access doors, and 16 dock levellers. Additionally, it includes a 2,870 sq ft office space, 63 car parking spaces, and an expansive 55-metre deep yard. It stands out as one of the greenest industrial/logistics parks in Scotland, boasting ‘all-electric’ buildings with impressive environmental credentials such as an EPC rating of ‘A+’ and a BREEAM ‘excellent rating’. The park also features electric car charging points, solar photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, heat recovery air conditioning, and water management systems for conservation. Alan Gilkison, Managing Partner of Ryden said: “This deal represents one of the largest industrial transactions to be concluded in Scotland over the past year, showcasing Knight Property Group’s commitment to delivering quality speculative developments in key geographical areas. With three out of the five units already let at Belgrave Logistics Park, strong occupier interest is noted for the remaining space.” Ross Sinclair, Director of Savills added: “It was a pleasure to see Wincanton and Knight act transparently and expediently throughout this transaction as this was critical in achieving the eventual successful outcome to meet the objectives of Landlord and Tenant alike.” Ryden and JLL are agents for Knight Property Group, whilst Savills represented Wincanton. The project architect was SPACE Solutions, the engineer was Fairhurst, QS/ CA was Axiom, Wallace Whittle were M&E, with the main contractor Clark Contracts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glenigan: Planning approvals edge higher on last year

Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the March 2024 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of February 2024, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. Whilst the March Review highlights the consistently weak construction-start performance over the first two months of 2024 as the industry navigates a tough economic landscape, planning approvals provided a welcome boost to a beleaguered sector. Averaging £6,080 million per month, project-starts dropped 17% against the preceding three months’ performance, to stand 30% lower than a year ago. Main contract awards were also sluggish, dipping 13% in the run-up to March and down 34% on 2023 figures. However, detailed planning approvals registered a modest 5% increase compared to the previous year, despite falling back 24% against the preceding period. Approvals were boosted by the £1,268 million A12 Chelmsford to A120 junction improvement works in Essex. Commenting on these results, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen says, “Persistent adverse socioeconomic conditions continue to hold back significant spending in both the public and private sectors. However, a rise in underlying infrastructure starts during the last three months and a modest uptick in planning approvals compared to last year indicates the current situation may slightly ease during the second half of the year. “Whilst the Chancellor’s Spring Budget commitment to targeted funding for 15 new special free schools and for new children’s homes will open up work for the sector, the Government has been cautious about making any big infrastructure commitments during the run-up to the next general election. This will affect the delivery of existing and planned major capital projects and the lack of clarity may have a knock-on effect across the construction sector, with private investors likely to keep their powder dry as they wait out the uncertainty.” The sector-specific and regional index follows. Measuring underlying project performance, the March edition painted a picture of general decline. Project-starts across almost every vertical plummeted in the three months to February. Sector Analysis – Residential Overall residential starts-on-site fell during the three months to February, dropping 16% during the index period to stand 19% lower than a year ago. Drilling into the verticals, private housing was down 11% on the previous year, declining 17% against the preceding three months. Social housing also performed poorly, with work commencing on-site slipping back 31% during the three months to February and plummeting 30% against the previous year’s figures. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential The value of starts fell across most non-residential sectors during the three months to February, with health the only sector to experience growth against both periods. Offices and Community & Amenity were two of only three verticals to experience growth against the preceding three months, rising 18% and 21%, respectively. However, both failed to increase on the previous year. Health starts enjoyed a strong period, increasing 24% against the preceding three months and finishing 19% above last year’s figures. Civils work also increased against the preceding three months, up 19%. However, these figures failed to increase against the year before. Civils growth was boosted by infrastructure activity, with starts increasing by nearly a third (31%) against the preceding three months but remaining down by a fifth (22%) on a year ago. Utilities starts increased 3% against the preceding three-month period but were 18% down on the previous year. Industrial performance was disappointing, sinking 38% during the three months to February to stand 48% lower than a year ago. Retail lost ground as well, with the value of project-starts declining 22% against the preceding three months and 23% against the previous year. Education was also on the decline, with the value of underlying project-starts slipping back 18% against the preceding three months to stand 39% down on 2023 levels. Hotel & Leisure starts decreased 3% against the preceding three months but crashed on the year before, falling back 39% compared with 2023 figures. Regional Performance Regional performance was poor, with most of the UK experiencing a weakening in project-starts during the three months to February. However, London offered a bright spot, with project-starts performing relatively well compared to the rest of the UK, increasing 22% against the preceding three months. Despite this, starts failed to match 2023 levels, remaining 15% behind. It was a similar story in the West Midlands, with the value of project-starts increasing 15% against the preceding three months but remaining 8% down on the previous year. Scotland experienced a similar trend, advancing 2% against the preceding three months but falling back by a quarter (25%) on the year before. Northern Ireland and the North East weakened against the preceding three months, falling back 4% and 31%, respectively. Both regions were down on the previous year, remaining 16% and 43% lower than a year ago. Some areas of the UK fared even worse, including Wales where the value of project-starts fell 37% against the preceding three months to stand a whopping 57% down on a year ago. This was also the case in Yorkshire & the Humber which crashed compared to the preceding three months and the previous year, down 18% and 37%, respectively. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Food Service Logistics takes 161,134 Sq. Ft. Prologis UK Unit at Hemel Hempstead

Food Service Logistics takes 161,134 Sq. Ft. Prologis UK Unit at Hemel Hempstead

Leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property, Prologis UK, has let its prime location South East logistics unit, DC4 at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead, to Food Service Logistics Limited (FSL) to support the servicing of their national contract with Starbucks. A 15-year lease has been agreed on the 161,134 sq. ft. distribution centre, with refurbishment works currently underway and expected to be completed in June 2024. The works will bring the building in line with Prologis UK’s market leading standard, with EPC A rating targeted. Alongside this, the refurbishment will focus on increasing and enhancing the offices, installing new LED and all-electric heating alongside a number of wellbeing features, including pockets of greenery, communal break out areas lined with additional seating, and paving to enhance the existing amenity space. As part for the leasing terms, FSL has been provided with a Prologis Essentials allowance, to further upgrade the unit as they wish. The bespoke Essentials offering can include operational, energy and mobility enhancements. Kevin Hopkins, CEO, at Food Service Logistics, said: “With our operations already well established in the South East logistics market, the decision to move into a perfectly located Prologis UK unit was unanimous. Looking ahead to completion later this summer, we have no doubt that the quality of the unit will exceed expectations, and we very much look forward to watching the renovation unfold.” Gillian Scarth, Director, Capital Deployment and Leasing, at Prologis UK, said: “Welcoming new customers to our Parks is always a proud moment, and it is with great pleasure that we are announcing the letting of DC4 to FSL. Moreover, with the unit undergoing refurbishment, we are able to offer the customer a high quality product, equipped to service their needs, while avoiding embodied carbon that would occur during construction of a new warehouse.” Already operating out of Hemel Hempstead, DC4 provided the opportunity for FSL to locally expand it operations to a new, right-sized unit. Strategically located in one of the South East’s primary logistics parks, FSL continues to benefit from access to key motorways, with the M1 J8 less than two miles away: ideal for servicing London. Remaining in the company of household names including Vitabiotics and Hermes, the caliber of customers on site is testament to the strength of Prologis UK’s Hemel Hempstead portfolio. The lease at Hemel Hempstead follows the recently announced speculative construction of an additional five new distribution units currently available to pre-let; growing the park by over 280,000 sq. ft. and demonstrating the strong market demand for distribution facilities in the location. CBRE acted for Prologis UK. Knight Frank acted for FSL. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Orega continues its flex space expansion with new Management Agreement in Leeds

Orega continues its flex space expansion with new Management Agreement in Leeds

Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has entered into a new 10-year management agreement to create high quality flexible workspace and tenant amenity offering at Broad Gate in Leeds.  The new centre will open in Summer 2024. Orega will operate 26,000 sq ft of newly refurbished flexible workspace to provide in the region of 400 workstations on the second floor of the building and will manage the building wide amenity space on that floor. Broad Gate is a landmark 300,000 sq. ft. mixed use development located in the heart of Leeds city centre owned by NW UK Broadgate Limited and managed by HKIP. It boasts incredible quality of light and an abundance of space, with stunning office suites and four flagship retail units. Originally built in 1932, the building was restored in 2009 and finished to a high specification throughout, creating modern office space with unique design features such as an impressive double height reception and a full height atrium, overlooked by each of the office floors and crossed by elegant, glazed walkways. The building has the largest Grade ‘A’ office floor plates in Leeds together with penthouse office suites and flagship retail units, creating a vibrant place to work. Orega’s new workspace is designed to be a modern, flexible base for the region’s professional and financial businesses, and will offer: It is the second flexible workspace that Orega has launched in Leeds. Orega already offers space at St. Paul’s House, 23 Park Square, in Leeds. In addition, it has offices in Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester in the North of England. The company now offers flex space from 27 locations across the UK. In 2023 it opened new space in London, Birmingham, Marlow, Newcastle and Aberdeen and is the UK’s leading provider of flexible workspace under Management Agreements (as opposed to leases). Ben Hutchen, Real Estate Director at Orega commented, “As one of the UK’s big-six regional cities, the demand for high quality flexible space in Leeds is growing and that is reflected in the increase in desk pricing.” “We are excited by the unique opportunity presented by the creation of a high-quality design-led flexible workspace at Broad Gate together with the broader building amenity that it will include.  We look forward to working with HKIP and the landlord to deliver a successful operation to the vibrant Leeds market.” Colliers were agents for NW UK Broadgate Limited. Roddy Morrison, Director, Colliers said, “We are delighted, after undertaking a rigorous selection process with several potential operators, that Orega was selected as the ideal partner for this important offering at Broad Gate. More than ever, modern Grade A office buildings require a high-quality flex offering, and identifying and working with the right partner is fundamentally important. We are delighted to be working with Orega who we are confident will deliver an exceptional new office destination in Leeds, and a new amenity for both existing and new occupiers at Broad Gate. This is the first in a series of initiatives which will ensure Broad Gate is at the forefront for occupiers seeking Grade A space of all sizes in Leeds city centre.” Eamon Fox, Partner, Knight Frank commented, “This strategic partnership with Orega aligns perfectly with the change in workstyle we are seeing and accommodating for.  Broad Gate points to a future relationship with the office that is more fluid and flexible for our customers, both existing and new prospects. Broad Gate is being re-designed and re-configured to reflect this. Orega and the holistic Broad Gate proposition is an exciting solution as we cater for organizations seeking to drive financial efficiency in their office space and re-configure it to more collaborative and amenity-based settings. We are excited to announce this deal with Orega this early in the year, with more positive news in the pipeline.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Cleaner, greener and more affordable homes delivered in Salford

Cleaner, greener and more affordable homes delivered in Salford

Largest Passivhaus affordable housing scheme in the North West completes Greenhaus – the largest Passivhaus Classic Certified development in the North West – has completed, bringing 96 highly-sustainable, affordable homes to Chapel Street in Salford. The monthly cost of heating and hot water at Greenhaus is expected to be less than half that of a similar sized new-build home with a gas boiler. Built to Passivhaus Classic certified standard, the leading low-energy design standard, the nine-storey development provides homes which offer high thermal comfort and improved air quality, enabling a healthier living environment as well as lower bills. Bridging a gap in the housing sector for affordable, high specification living, Greenhaus has been delivered by ECF – a joint venture between three of the UK’s leading regeneration and investment organisations, Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – alongside Salford housing association, Salix Homes, and supported by Salford City Council. Greenhaus is part of ECF’s £1bn, 50-acre Salford Central transformation being delivered in partnership with Salford City Council and takes the overall percentage of affordable homes delivered by ECF to 25% across the Chapel Street area of the masterplan. Following Greenhaus’ success, work is soon to start on a second Passivhaus development on nearby Peru Street, which will deliver a further 100 affordable and highly sustainable apartments. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett was at the official launch of Greenhaus (on Monday 18 March) where he hailed the development as “the benchmark” for new-build, affordable, and sustainable homes and commented: “We continue to be immensely proud of the innovation and drive to deliver forward thinking, sustainable developments in Salford – testament to the culture our city fosters and shares with our broader region. The regeneration of Salford is burgeoning and our future looking brighter and greener with each and every milestone we reach. We also work to ensure that local people can benefit for the growth and development that is taking place here – creating new jobs and opportunities for all.” The first residents have begun moving into Greenhaus this week, including mature student Harriette Matthews. The 29-year-old, who is studying to be a counsellor, has been staying on her dad’s sofa in his one-bedroom flat for the past seven months, following a relationship breakdown. Harriette has autism and is a sufferer of scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine, and her difficult living conditions have been affecting both her physical and mental health. Allocated one of the 13 apartments available for affordable rent[1] at Greenhaus, Harriette says moving into Greenhaus will transform her life: “I just can’t put into words how much of a difference having my own home will make to my life. When I got the call from my housing officer at Salix Homes to say I had a place at Greenhaus, I just couldn’t believe it – I feel so lucky.” And the building’s eco-credentials are the icing on the cake for Harriette: “I know all about Passivhaus as I’d seen it on Grand Designs, and I always said to myself that when I get my own place, I want it to be Passivhaus, and now I’m living in one – it couldn’t be more perfect. I grew up around Manchester, but my dad is a born and bred Salfordian, so Salford has a special place in my heart.” Salix Homes secured funding from NatWest, along with grants from Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help fund the multi-million-pound scheme, which supports the GMCA’s ambitions for more truly affordable net zero homes. Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome the first residents to Greenhaus, and see our vision for high quality, affordable and sustainable housing brought to life. “With the rising cost of living, a shortage in the supply of affordable and social housing, and a need to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis, Greenhaus demonstrates what can be achieved through effective partnership working, and a shared desire to create cleaner, greener, and healthier homes that are fit for the future and won’t need retrofitting. “To help use the development’s green credentials effectively, Salix Homes will also be embarking on a careful education and monitoring process, supporting residents to get the most of out of their new homes. We’ll be monitoring the air quality and energy usage, so we can track the long-term benefits and identify lessons learned for future developments.” Commenting on the completion of this ground-breaking development, Simon Hourihan, Project Director at Muse, said: “It is a wonderful moment to see residents moving into Greenhaus; a development that shows what can be achieved through collaboration on a shared vision and a real desire to deliver something pioneering rather than simply maintaining the status quo. “Our learnings from Greenhaus can also be shared for future developments which will help to shape other sustainable schemes for the benefit of people and the environment. We’ve loved the challenge of delivering the largest Passivhaus scheme of its kind in the North West and can’t wait to see the positive impact this scheme has on its residents.” Danielle Gillespie, Director of Regeneration, Partnerships and Major Projects, Homes England, commented: “The completion of Greenhaus in Salford, delivered by the English Cities Fund, is a significant achievement. The creation of new affordable, sustainable, and high specification homes contributes to a wider ambition to create healthy living environments which serve the needs and desires of local communities.” Wes Erlam, Managing Director of Urban Regeneration, Legal & General Capital, added: “Social and environmental benefits don’t have to be add-ons to investments: it is possible to pursue and create opportunities that generate long-term, secure income streams whilst also tackling some of the major social, environmental and economic issues facing society. Both the Greenhaus development and ECF’s wider partnership with Salford City Council underscore the many benefits that come from collaboration between investors, developers, and the public sector, and we’re proud to be delivering positive place-based impacts for Salford now and for the long-term.”

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ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

Everton Stadium – Another Brick in the Wall

The first steel pedestrian gate has been fully integrated into its historic surroundings at Everton Stadium. Restoration work has been ongoing to rebuild the Grade II Listed wall around the galvanised steel gate, which was lifted into one of three new pedestrian access points on the eastern boundary of the site last November. Stones that had been removed to create the space were all individually catalogued, photographed and numbered for later reintroduction by heritage specialists. And experts from Specialist UK Restorations, based in Ormskirk, have now completed their work to replace the stones in their original positions and ensure the wall is rebuilt sympathetic to the appearance of the historic structure. Three main pedestrian access points on Regent Road, all manufactured less than half a mile from the stadium site by Warbreck Engineering, are to be installed in total. These will be central to the flow of all visitors to the stadium, as all entry will be via the eastern side of the site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Chris Dale joins specialist insulation manufacturer AIM

Chris Dale joins specialist insulation manufacturer AIM

Acoustic, fire and thermal insulation product manufacturer AIM has appointed Chris Dale as Business Development Manager – North.  Liaising with insulation distributers, builders’ merchants and their installer customers, Chris will be responsible for customer and installer relationships in the Midlands, northern England and Scotland.  He will work hand in hand with contractors, funnelling project requirements through an aligned distribution network. The appointment is part of a major investment in sales and marketing at Acoustic Insulation Manufacturing, known as AIM.  The recruitment of an equivalent role for the south of England and for a specification sales manager is underway. Chris joins AIM following three years managing specification sales in the Middle East, including passive fire protection products, a key product category for AIM.  Prior to that, from 2013 to 2019, he was National Key Account Manager for insulation products for ROCKWOOL UK and, from 2002 to 2013, Area Sales Manager for joinery products, including doors, windows and staircases, for JELD-WEN UK. Ian Exall, AIM’s Commercial Director, said, “I am super excited that Chris is joining AIM at this exciting time.  We have spent two years investing in our product range and marketing support so that our expanded sales team will have the tools to take the business to the next level.” UK-based AIM Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing designs and manufactures third party tested fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products, primarily, but not exclusively, for the construction industry.  The company produces bespoke insulation products to customer specification and a range of standard fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products, and provides technical and product training support.  AIM supplies products on a rapid response basis throughout the UK and Ireland. www.aimlimited.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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