Bowler’s Yard development in New Islington has secured planning approval, with work due to start later this year. Scarborough International Properties, in joint venture with Metro Holdings Limited of Singapore and Hualing Group of China, are behind the application. It will comprise 62 one and two-bedroom apartments over levels one
DealTrak, the automotive techology specialist, is set to return to its Leeds Dock base later this year, as the AutoProtect Group business commits to keeping its city centre building. The technology platform, which connects automotive dealers’ finance, insurance and compliance processes, will return to the city centre tech, media and
Work has commenced on the second Exchange Square development in Birmingham city centre, which will include 375 apartments. Nikal Ltd appointed Grainger plc to deliver the 37-storey build to rent scheme, designed by Stephenson Studio and located opposite the new HS2 Curzon Birmingham station. Birmingham City Council’s planning committee voted
Technology will play a vital role in providing reassurance and protection to individuals – both in commercial and residential property. That’s the view from 2N, a global market leader in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems, as commercial and residential property managers, architects and planners seek innovative solutions to help
A historic industrial site in Bevendean has been given a new lease of life after developer Charter Land transformed it into Brighton Works – the largest warehouse and industrial development to be brought to the city for 25 years. The building at The Hyde, Auckland Drive, previously housed Brighton Sheet
Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has announced the availability of the U50-5, to complete its new series of 5-tonne machines. The U50-5 will join the KX060- 5 and U56-5, which were recently made available. With construction output set to drop by 25 per cent because of COVID-19, the industry needs machines
Proposals for a new hotel, which overlooks Keel Square in Sunderland city centre have moved forward with a deal agreed for the sale of the land for the development. The council has agreed the sale of the land to developer Cairn Group. Plans for the 120-bed Holiday Inn Hotel were
More details have been revealed on an international conference and exhibition centre set to open at Gateshead Quays in 2023, including new CGI images of the development. The centre will include a 68,000 sq ft pillar free exhibition hall, with the capability to be divided into three smaller halls. Alongside
In an attempt to attract new national and international businesses, the developer of AirView Park has welcomed the return of flights from Newcastle International Airport. Routes including Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Belfast, Paris and Southampton, have all resumed, and with more business flights to start very shortly. Developer Tynexe said the resumption
Construction firms are to have the chance to develop a ground-breaking building designed to attract tech and creative businesses to Swansea city centre. Tender documents for the multi million-pound project have been published for the construction of a glazed building rising six storeys on the site of The Kingsway’s former
Bowler’s Yard development in New Islington has secured planning approval, with work due to start later this year. Scarborough International Properties, in joint venture with Metro Holdings Limited of Singapore and Hualing Group of China, are behind the application. It will comprise 62 one and two-bedroom apartments over levels one to nine, designed by CJCT Architects, with the ground floor providing a double-height entrance hall, bicycle stores and undercroft electric car charging points. “This is great news and we are looking forward to getting started. Bowler’s Yard will be an exciting addition to the popular residential area of New Islington,” said Nicola Wallis, sales and marketing director at Scarborough. Bowler’s Yard represents the third phase of residential development by Scarborough, Metro and Hualing at New Islington, following Milliners Wharf, which completed in 2010, and the Hatbox, which completed in the spring of 2016. Contractors will soon be appointed, with completion expected in mid-2022. “Bowlers Yard is another opportunity for Scarborough and our international partners to create a high quality, residential scheme in one of the UK’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan and progressive cities,” added Paul Kelly, development director at Scarborough. “It underlines not only our commitment to deliver our major residential and mixed-use developments, in a dynamic city where there is strong demand for housing but also Manchester’s attractiveness to international investors.”
DealTrak, the automotive techology specialist, is set to return to its Leeds Dock base later this year, as the AutoProtect Group business commits to keeping its city centre building. The technology platform, which connects automotive dealers’ finance, insurance and compliance processes, will return to the city centre tech, media and creative cluster following the easing of lockdown measures, as it expects a surge in car sales post-Covid-19. “The role of the workplace has changed, it is no longer a space in which we are glued to our desks for eight hours a day, it is a place for collaboration, inspiration and socialising,” commented Allied London chief executive Michael Ingall. “Leeds Dock enables all of this, and is a destination which adds true value to a business and its working week. We’re thrilled to see the AutoProtect Group and DealTrak commit its future to Leeds Dock, and return to the workplace, when some businesses are abandoning the workplace – something which is in my opinion shortsighted, and detrimental in the long run.” DealTrak currently occupies a 5,300 sq ft space over two floors, with a balcony overlooking the waterfront, which is part of the Leeds Dock cluster, owned by Allied London. The property developer has created a water taxi service, in partnership with DealTrak, who created its TaxiTrak app. Allied London has welcomed back all of its Leeds Dock tenants and has assisted in the introduction of on-site safety measures, including screens, two-metre distance markers, additional cleaning, and hand sanitiser stations, as it helps the business cluster get back on track. “Leeds Dock is very much our technology hub and we are committed to retaining the building and supporting Allied London in the continued development of this great part of the city centre,” Matthew Briggs, chief executive at Autoprotect Group, added. “We have always had a flexible working policy at our Leeds office, and this will continue after lockdown restrictions are lifted. Offering our employees the choice of working from home or coming into our fantastic open plan office, allows us to honour our commitment to employee wellbeing.”
Work has commenced on the second Exchange Square development in Birmingham city centre, which will include 375 apartments. Nikal Ltd appointed Grainger plc to deliver the 37-storey build to rent scheme, designed by Stephenson Studio and located opposite the new HS2 Curzon Birmingham station. Birmingham City Council’s planning committee voted through the plans at the end of 2019. “We are delighted to progress on our Exchange Square development, our second build to rent scheme in Birmingham. The Exchange Square location makes it attractive and convenient for renters in the city, and we look forward to seeing this landmark scheme progress,” said Andrew Saunderson, director of investments at Grainger. The formal completion of the agreement concludes the appointment of design and build specialist McAleer & Rushe as main contractor. Grainger’s development, along with half-an-acre of new public realm known as Exchange Square, will form the first stage of works on the last phase of this development. A second stage will deliver a 15-storey 235-bed Premier Inn Hotel and 6,000 sq ft Bar+Block Steakhouse Restaurant, both pre-let to Whitbread, and 7,500 sq ft of retail space. Exchange Square phase two is the next phase in Nikal’s £350 million urban village. Phase one, comprising 603 build-to-rent apartments across three buildings of seven, 14 and 27 storeys, was completed last November. “We’re so proud of what we have achieved to date in Birmingham. We started with dreams and derelict land, and to see ambitions transformed into thriving busy communities that people can call home is why we do what we do,” commented Nikal co-founder and managing director Nick Payne. “This next chapter in our Masshouse story is our most ambitious to date, and we could not have asked for a better partner in this project than Grainger. Their foresight, passion and dedication to creating a sense of place and community, whilst providing high quality homes for all, is admirable. We are looking forward to working with them to deliver Exchange Square phase two in Birmingham,” he continued. Works started on site last week, with completion scheduled for summer 2023. James Mannix, head of residential development at Knight Frank, also added: “This deal is a huge vote of confidence for the BTR sector and for Birmingham. Nikal is emerging as a key delivery partner for this sector and Grainger is continuing to curate one of the best institutional grade rental portfolios in the country. Knight Frank research shows that through careful and considerate tenant care during this crisis that institutional landlords have continued to collect close to normal levels of rent through the period.”
Technology will play a vital role in providing reassurance and protection to individuals – both in commercial and residential property. That’s the view from 2N, a global market leader in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems, as commercial and residential property managers, architects and planners seek innovative solutions to help maintain physical distancing and hygiene measures. The value of technology to manage access to buildings or floor levels for colleagues, invited guests and deliveries is becoming more widely recognised. Technology enables social interaction at a safe distance whilst protecting buildings from strangers. Michal Kratochvíl, CEO of 2N, says: “COVID-19 has brought new challenges for the commercial and residential property sector and as a consequence we are seeing increasing demand for our technology. Previously, our customers focused on providing convenience, flexibility and security but times have changed. These factors remain important but architects, planners and property managers are looking at ways to help occupiers maintain physical distancing and hygiene practices. We have launched a new 3D animation tool to support the planning process and help deliver the right solutions for their buildings.” 2N has developed the new 3D animation initiative to help architects, planners and property managers identify areas in their buildings that would benefit from access control and door communications. 2N’s Virtual Experience application takes users on a virtual tour of both residential buildings, including apartment blocks and family homes, and commercial spaces to learn more about relevant products via 360° rotation and how they can be adapted to meet specific needs. In addition, the application enables occupiers to see how the technology can directly benefit them by providing a new level of safety and security. This includes the ability to answer the intercom via mobile phone and open doors remotely.
A historic industrial site in Bevendean has been given a new lease of life after developer Charter Land transformed it into Brighton Works – the largest warehouse and industrial development to be brought to the city for 25 years. The building at The Hyde, Auckland Drive, previously housed Brighton Sheet Metal, which closed in 2018, but has now been extensively refurbished to a high standard, providing seven warehouse and industrial units. It brings much needed commercial space to the city, generating important local jobs, both for Bevendean and the wider Brighton area. Charles Sandy, Director of Charter Land, said: ”We are delighted to bring Brighton Works to life and to create an important central Brighton location for warehousing and light industrial businesses to answer the lack of good quality warehouse space in the city. We are just finishing the development and we are delighted to announce our first letting to local produce distributor Sun Harvest.” Brighton Works provides seven units, six of which are now available to occupy immediately on competitive terms. Located approximately three miles north east of the city centre near the A27, Lewes Road and Falmer Road, as well as Moulsecoomb Train Station, the site is well served by public transport. There is good parking and the units boast views of the South Downs. Units range in size from 1,750 sq ft to a combined total of 50,500 sq ft.
Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has announced the availability of the U50-5, to complete its new series of 5-tonne machines. The U50-5 will join the KX060- 5 and U56-5, which were recently made available. With construction output set to drop by 25 per cent because of COVID-19, the industry needs machines that offer value for money and meet the demands of the job. The U50-5 has been built for the hire market and designed as an entry-level machine. The size of the excavator means it is well suited to working in smaller spaces and will have excellent site access. The U50-5 comes fitted with the following features: Developed with sustainability in mind: As sustainability becomes a key focus across the globe, new machinery needs to reflect this. The U50-5 comes fitted with a Kubota Original Direct Injection Engine with CRS and DPF Muffler and a fully Stage-V compliant engine. Easy access to information: With a full-color, high-resolution 7” LCD screen and job dial navigation as standard, the operator has access to all information needed, from AUX flow adjustment to important maintenance information, as well as detailed alerts. Improved comfort and safety: Double adjustment air suspension has been included on L models to maximise on comfort and to allow for easy height adjustment via an air compressor. The new CAB structure is fitted with noise-cancelling technology, reducing noise by 5dB to ensure a more stress-free working environment for the operator. An orange high visibility seatbelt and alert functions have been fitted to encourage the operator to wear the belt and reduce the risk of serious injury. Better maintenance access: The machine is designed to provide easier access for both operators and service engineers, with accessible radiators and wide opening bonnets. The new and improved DPF reduces maintenance by increasing the service intervals for the regeneration filter and ash cleaner. Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager for Construction at Kubota UK, said: “We’re proud to be welcoming the U50-5 into our 5-tonne range. The U50-5 is a brilliant entry-level machine, it’s easy to operate and the new features ensure it’s safe to use. Our products are built to last, from sustainable engines to straight forward maintenance access. It is important for us here, at Kubota, that we’re providing machines that get the job done, but are also enjoyable and comfortable to use -which the U50-5 certainly is.”
Proposals for a new hotel, which overlooks Keel Square in Sunderland city centre have moved forward with a deal agreed for the sale of the land for the development. The council has agreed the sale of the land to developer Cairn Group. Plans for the 120-bed Holiday Inn Hotel were approved in the latter part of 2019. Final agreements have now been signed with the council, meaning that work can now commence on the four-storey development. The hotel is set to create 130 jobs when it opens its doors next year. Cairn Group’s Richard Warren said: “We’re delighted to be able to push forward with the development of an exciting new addition to the city’s leisure and hospitality portfolio. We are thrilled to be part of regenerating Sunderland and remain committed to investing within the region.” Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “This has been a challenging time for the city, as it has for the UK at large, so it is good to be able to announce a really positive development for Sunderland, and one that demonstrates that we are ready to emerge from this crisis on the front foot and deliver the dynamic city centre our residents want and deserve.” Cairn Group’s £18m Holiday Inn development is being part-funded by Canada Life, a commitment secured by Avison Young, and will create additional accommodation to support an increase in the number of visitors to the city. Simon Beanland, principal and head of investment at Avison Young, Newcastle, said: “This funding commitment by Canada life is another tremendous vote of confidence for the City of Sunderland, following hard on the heels of substantial funding commitments by Legal & General elsewhere in the city.” Building work will get underway over the summer, and it is expected that the hotel will complete by the end of 2021. The hotel will also comprise ground-floor commercial units.
More details have been revealed on an international conference and exhibition centre set to open at Gateshead Quays in 2023, including new CGI images of the development. The centre will include a 68,000 sq ft pillar free exhibition hall, with the capability to be divided into three smaller halls. Alongside this, there will be a 17,500 sq ft conference hall, 10,500 sq ft of meeting and events spaces with views of the NewcastleGateshead quayside, and a dedicated 14,500 sq ft outdoor events space. The £260m project on Gateshead Quays will also include a 12,500-capacity arena, two hotels with 290 bedrooms, bars, restaurants, and other public spaces. In total, the international conference and exhibition centre would be capable of hosting up to 5,000 delegates. It is expected to create about 2,000 jobs, inject £60m into the regional economy each year, and attract an extra 300,000 visitors to North East. A full planning application has been submitted for the development, to be located between the BALTIC and Sage Gateshead, with a decision expected in autumn 2020. “The Quays development confirms the region’s reputation for world-class events. Gateshead Quays will capitilise on a conferencing demand that the region has been unable to meet and showcase the North East’s strengths to a global audience. The new images show just how unique and special the waterfront site is. An events setting like no other in the UK,” said Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council. Kerrin MacPhie, head of business events at VisitBritain, added: “The Gateshead Quays development will create a huge opportunity for NewcastleGateshead, increasing its global reach to attract large-scale events from all over the world. This development is great for the business events industry in the UK and shows confidence within the market. “The new centre will provide event planners with an exciting option in an already well-established destination within the business events industry and will have a positive impact on bringing more international associations and incentive groups to the area.” International venue and event management company ASM Global has already been confirmed as the operator for the venue. Global architects’ practice HOK is designing the overall masterplan for the site, international conference and exhibition centre and the 12,500 capacity arena, while AHR Architects is designing the hotel which forms part of the masterplan. The project team also includes project manager and contract administrator Legends International; Lichfields, planning consultant; Gardiner and Theobald, QS; ARUP, structural engineer/ M&E and Vectos for transport planning.
In an attempt to attract new national and international businesses, the developer of AirView Park has welcomed the return of flights from Newcastle International Airport. Routes including Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Belfast, Paris and Southampton, have all resumed, and with more business flights to start very shortly. Developer Tynexe said the resumption would help to attract national and international organisations now diversifying operations regionally, or establishing a UK base as part of their growth and recovery strategy. The 175,000 sq ft site has secured housebuilder Bellway as its first anchor tenant, with planning permission for up to four more bespoke office buildings or a 150,000 sq ft premises in place. “Connectivity to other parts of the UK, Europe and beyond has always been a key selling point of AirView Park as a commercial development, therefore having flights restart is a welcome sign for the site as well as the regional economy,” said Mike Clark, development director of Tynexe Commercial Ltd and Dysart Developments. “There have been discussions over recent months as to how home working is the new way forward and how office space could become redundant, and whilst true for some companies, this isn’t necessarily accurate. A significant number of organisations will revert back to office-based working, and with many bigger companies now establishing smaller regional centres and geographical bases in and around the UK, we’re in a great position to offer bespoke build or relocation options.” Nick Jones, chief executive of Newcastle International Airport, added: “AirView Park will help to generate new jobs and significant economic benefits by creating more international trade opportunities for the region. Its location is second to none, on airport land just a few minutes from the terminal building. Newcastle International Airport is fully behind this project and we look forward to welcoming the businesses that decide to locate to the site.”
Construction firms are to have the chance to develop a ground-breaking building designed to attract tech and creative businesses to Swansea city centre. Tender documents for the multi million-pound project have been published for the construction of a glazed building rising six storeys on the site of The Kingsway’s former Oceana nightclub. It aims to bring new vitality to the city centre. More than 600 people could work in what aims to be a digitally-enabled and flexible work space for a wide variety of companies, educational institutions and individuals. Plans for 71 and 72 Kingsway were approved this summer. The project will be procured via a mini tender against the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework. The building will be high-tech, eco-friendly and have flexible open-plan work spaces including the balconies overlooking the city centre. The scheme includes a new link from Oxford Street onto The Kingsway. Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said 71 and 72 Kingsway was a key to unlock the regeneration potential of the city centre. “71 and 72 Kingsway is a prestige development that will help further transform our city centre, creating high-tech, high-value jobs and offering 21st century business space to innovative and creative industries,” said Stewart. “We’re confident it’s the kind of development construction firms will want to be part of. Any visitor to the city centre recently will have seen things changing at pace. The steel framework for the £135m Swansea arena scheme is clear to see and the £12m makeover of the Kingsway area is nearly there.” It’s anticipated that construction of 71 and 72 Kingsway could start early next year, with the building opening in late 2022.