ENGIE, the leading regeneration, energy and services group, has completed building works on a £12 million scheme, which has seen 43 new homes constructed in partnership with Waltham Forest Council. The development comprises of 27 houses and 16 flats, three of which are fully-fitted disability flats, and forms part of
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have been chosen to deliver upgrade works on the electricity infrastructure across southern England. The substantial improvement programme, representing an investment of £32 million, reaches across parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset and includes the replacement of poles, conductors and plant such as
Highways England has announced plans for a major upgrade to the A69 Bridge End junction, which aims to reduce congestion, and improve journey times and safety for thousands of drivers. A multi-million upgrade will save drivers around an hour a week, and the installation of permanent average speed cameras to
Regeneration plans for the Bishopsgate Goodsyard in east London have reduced in height and scale following extensive consultation. The new revised plans were submitted for the 10 acre mixed-use scheme in Shoreditch, which also include the addition of new streets and a building for cultural space on Brick Lane. Hammerson
Two thirds of Brits (66%) say they will be repurposing their child’s bedroom as soon as they leave for university, according to a new study from AA Financial Services – nearly a third admit they can finally realise their dreams of turning the empty space into a guest bedroom (29%).
Electric vehicle charging points across the UK are set to be increased with an extra £2.5 million funding. This new set of funding will help install over 1,000 new charge points, supporting the on-street residential scheme which launched in 2017. The scheme aims to encourage even more people to choose an
A total of 150 care home places have been created in Bedfordshire with the introduction of two new luxury developments. Two new £9 million care homes were built in Flitwick and Fairfield, featuring 75 bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms and stylish communal spaces for dining, socialising and relaxing. Contractor Stepnell worked
A new innovation hub is set to be developed in London for regeneration specialist U+I’s Plus X business. The £7 million project will see the Powerhouse building at The Old Vinyl Factory in Hayes redeveloped. Since the historic site’s closure, which once housed the EMI HQ, many buildings have been
A five-year investment plan has been set out for Gatwick Airport, which will see the facility extend the Pier 6 western, as well as introduce robotic parking and automated boarding technology. The Capital Investment Programme (CIP) also identifies the £187 million railway station development, new North Terminal car park, and
Springfarm Architectural Mouldings Ltd. (SAM) is on track to reach ambitious growth target plans which will see the company double turnover by 2020. The business, which has sites in Antrim and Lincolnshire, is a leading UK manufacturer of interior MDF mouldings including skirting and architrave, as well as façade and roofline
ENGIE, the leading regeneration, energy and services group, has completed building works on a £12 million scheme, which has seen 43 new homes constructed in partnership with Waltham Forest Council. The development comprises of 27 houses and 16 flats, three of which are fully-fitted disability flats, and forms part of the council’s continuing commitment to providing quality new homes for residents – with 100% affordable rent. The £12 million scheme, which is part of a wider £300 million programme, was created to help with the demand for more housing in the borough. The scheme has taken 16 months to complete, and the majority of the homes are now occupied, with residents having moved into the portfolio of newly built properties, ranging from one and two bedroom flats to two, three and four bedroom houses. Dan Germann, MD of London and South Developments at ENGIE, commented: “We have been working on the programme for several years, and this is the 16th site we have completed for Waltham Forest as part of its housebuilding scheme. “It’s great to be part of the team that brings the affordable housing vision to life and supports local families, and we’re very excited to see how our partnership develops moving forward, allowing us to make greater sustainable places.” Councillor Simon Miller, Waltham Forest Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Housing Development, said “We have tough targets to meet to provide the expected 18.000 new homes needed in Waltham Forest over the next 10 years, but we are determined to make as many of those homes available for affordable rent as possible. “This high quality development in Warburton Terrace helps us deliver our promise to have a decent roof over the heads of all of our residents as it is 100 per cent affordable rent and includes family homes which are very much in demand.”
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have been chosen to deliver upgrade works on the electricity infrastructure across southern England. The substantial improvement programme, representing an investment of £32 million, reaches across parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset and includes the replacement of poles, conductors and plant such as substations and underground link boxes. Innovative automation systems have also been placed on the network and some sections of overhead line have been undergrounded. All measures will improve the resilience of power supplies to homes and businesses across the region – supporting growth and wider community needs. Network reliability is a key priority for SSEN and the customers its serves and SSEN’s multi-million pound investment to further improve network resilience and future-proof its infrastructure for customers’ changing demands follows local customer engagement. This is part of SSEN’s commitment to ensuring customers have more involvement in investment decisions in vital infrastructure. Head of Region for Wessex, Jo Niven, discussed the importance of the projects with Dr Lewis and outlined how they will support a reduction in power cuts to his constituents. Jo said: “As a responsible network operator, SSEN makes a commitment to our customers to do all we can to keep the lights on 24/7; by completing over £32 million pounds of works across Wessex in the last three years, we are reinforcing that commitment to the residents and businesses across the region who rely on us to power their day. “This three year programme marks a significant investment to an area which has differing needs across its rural and urban environments, and SSEN embarked on these works to strengthen the power supplies to homes, businesses and communities in Wessex, while reinforcing an infrastructure that it is robust enough to meet future needs.” Dr Julian Lewis MP added: “I’m greatly encouraged to see the level of investment being made in the electricity infrastructure that powers the homes and businesses of my constituents. “With three years of works completed, SSEN is providing Wessex with a power supply fit for the future and whatever changes may come to the region as it grows and develops in the years ahead.” While a total of seventeen large-scale projects have been completed in the last three years, five of the key projects benefitting from the £32 million investment are: • £7.5 million in refurbishing the 132kV overhead lines between Axminster and Yeovil • £5 million in reinforcing the 33kV infrastructure across Velmore, Bishopstoke and Netley Common • £4.3 million in refurbishing the 132 kV overhead lines between Poole and Winfrith Heath • £3.8 million in rebuilding the 33kV overhead line towers between Chickerell and Winterbourne Abbass • £2.8 million in reinforcing the 33kV network between Redhill and Victoria Park though cable overlay. All of the above projects carried out as part of this programme were completed on time and on budget.
Highways England has announced plans for a major upgrade to the A69 Bridge End junction, which aims to reduce congestion, and improve journey times and safety for thousands of drivers. A multi-million upgrade will save drivers around an hour a week, and the installation of permanent average speed cameras to improve safety at two locations along the road, are due to start in the next two months. Highways England project manager Russell Mclean said: “The A69 is used by around 26,000 drivers every day and these essential improvements will make the A69 safer while reducing congestion and improving journeys. “The Bridge End upgrade will also improve access from the A69 into Hexham, reducing the amount of accidents at the junction and aiding any future proposals to dual the route.” The permanent average speed cameras are being installed at two locations along the A69, between Hexham West and Haydon Bridge and between Warwick and Corby Hill following a safety review. Work between Hexham and Haydon Bridge starts in early September for around six weeks. Most of the work will take place in the verge however temporary traffic lights may be needed at times. Work between Warwick and Corby Hill is due to start at the end of October for around three weeks. The improvements are being carried out in partnership with Cumbria and Northumbria police forces. In October work starts on upgrading the junction at Bridge End. This means lowering the A69 under the junction so drivers are able to continue along the route without having to use the roundabout. As part of the work around 90,000 cubic metres of soil is being removed, two new bridges are being created, new drainage is being installed and the entire junction will be resurfaced. The improvements, announced by the Department for Transport in the autumn statement back in 2016, are being funded as part of the £220 million Congestion Relief Fund and can only be spent on the Bridge End and Styford work. To carry out the work a reduced speed limit of 30mph and temporary average speed cameras will be in place for the safety of drivers and the workforce while the junction is upgraded. Alterations to the roundabout will also be made to allow contractors to work safely on the junction. The roundabout will be open to traffic by next winter although some work will need to be completed once the new road layout is in place. Residents and businesses will be invited to an information event that is due to be held in September prior to work starting. Further details will be released shortly. Before work starts at the junction, some minor resurfacing work will be carried out nearby from Monday 09 September so drivers can continue to have smooth and safe journeys.
Regeneration plans for the Bishopsgate Goodsyard in east London have reduced in height and scale following extensive consultation. The new revised plans were submitted for the 10 acre mixed-use scheme in Shoreditch, which also include the addition of new streets and a building for cultural space on Brick Lane. Hammerson and Ballymore are leading the development to deliver 500 homes, 1.4 million sq ft of workspace in five buildings, and a high line-style public park sitting on top of the restored railway arches. The revisions for the site will see half of the homes delivered be affordable, an increase on the 15% previously outlined, along with a 25% increase in the number of public realm space. The six-acre public realm will cover over 50% of the whole site. These regeneration plans were shaped following an extensive public consultation and constructive discussions between the joint venture, the GLA, Hackney Council, Tower Hamlets Council and other key local stakeholders. “Bishopsgate Goodsyard is a highly challenging site with a large number of constraints but offers an incredible opportunity. We have listened very carefully to feedback on our original application and aspirations of the local community and our revised plans provide for a more balanced development that preserves and showcases the site’s heritage. Our proposals will create an exemplary urban quarter, with a mix of housing types, half of which will be affordable, as well as workspace, shops, cafes and restaurants, exhibition space, a cultural building and a new public park,” said Nicola Zech-Behrens, Senior Development Manager, Ballymore. “We are excited to bring forward these revisions to our plans, which promote a more sensitive scale of development for this strategically important site. These revisions include a focus on the delivery of a wide range of new workspace opportunities, including one of the largest ever provisions of affordable workspace in London. Our revised proposals will generate thousands of jobs and support local economic growth, creating a vibrant urban quarter that respects the heritage of its location,” added Tony Coughlan, Development Manager at Hammerson. The scheme is expected to make a significant contribution to the local area and London, supporting over 8,300 jobs worth over £600 million to the economy. The revised plans will be available on the GLA’s website shortly.
Two thirds of Brits (66%) say they will be repurposing their child’s bedroom as soon as they leave for university, according to a new study from AA Financial Services – nearly a third admit they can finally realise their dreams of turning the empty space into a guest bedroom (29%). Savings and disposable cash are two biggest ways they will be financing the improvements (48% and 42%). With the next round of 18-year-olds bracing themselves for A-level results day this week, the findings suggest their parents may already have their minds on other matters. The nationally representative survey asked 2,091 British adults to imagine if they had a child who was planning to leave home later this summer to start university, what plans, if any, they had to convert the space into something new. More than a third (34%) said they would do absolutely nothing and would leave the room untouched for when their kids came home from university, keeping it as a shrine for their child. The other 66% of respondents have other plans they intend to put into action. A time for friends Brits in the South West were the most likely (40%) to dream of turning the space into a guest room, suggesting that parents in the region will be seizing the opportunity to invite old friends over as soon as their children fly the nest. In contrast, only 25% of Brits in the West Midlands said they would transform the room this way – they were more likely to let their kids keep their room for when they come home to visit from university. Desk job Turning the room into a study space was a top consideration for many (17%) – especially those in East Midlands who were thinking about how they would make the most out of the free space (25%). Apparel lovers As the prospect of university looms, respondents in Wales were twice as likely than the national average (12% vs. 6%) to repurpose the space to fit a walk in wardrobe. Fitness first At a time when there is a priority on health and fitness, with the average Brit spending more than £65,000 in their lifetime to stay in good basic shape[1], it seems people in the South East are leading the way, with around one in ten admitting they would convert the room into a gym and workout from home (9%). Families of 5 Remodelling these empty rooms for gyms, studies and walk in wardrobes all seem like appealing ideas to utilise this new space. However, the AA Financial Services research shows that families with three children or more are the most likely to rent out the room in order to pocket some extra cash to go towards the household (11%). Ways of re-purposing the empty room National Average Region with the largest percentage Turn it into a walk-in wardrobe 6% Wales 12% Turn it into a gym 5% South East 9% Turn it into a study 17% East Midlands 25% Turn it into a hobbies/ games room 13% East Midlands 22% Use it as a junk/ store room 10% South West 13% Scotland 13% Rent it out to make some extra money 5% London 7% Wales 7% Offer the room to my parent(s) to stay in (i.e. so they can move in) 1% London 4% Turn it into a pet room 2% South West 5% Turn it in a guest bedroom (e.g. for friends or family staying over) 29% South West 40% Loose the room altogether (e.g. knock through the walls and combine it with another room) 2% London 3% West Midlands 3% Have it as a separate bedroom for me 5% Wales 8% None of these 11% South East 15% Don’t know 8% London 12% Not applicable – I would not do anything to the room 34% North West 37% How they are financing their home improvements Using my savings 48% Using cash or disposable income 42% Putting it on my credit card 11% Taking out a personal loan 5% Borrowing money from friends or family 3% Warren D’Souza, head of insight at AA Personal Finance comments: “Many families will soon be waving goodbye to their kids as they go off to university later this summer. Whilst this is a difficult transition for many, our findings suggest that many people have alternative, and potentially exciting, ideas on how they will repurpose the empty rooms left behind. For many parents, the sad departure of their child is a signal for the start of a new DIY undertaking or similar project to focus on. “We have personal loans and products that make this transitional period slightly easier and gives homeowners one less thing to worry about during this busy time. See what we can offer you.”
Electric vehicle charging points across the UK are set to be increased with an extra £2.5 million funding. This new set of funding will help install over 1,000 new charge points, supporting the on-street residential scheme which launched in 2017. The scheme aims to encourage even more people to choose an electric vehicle by making it easier to charge their cars near home, following a 158% increase in battery electric vehicle sales compared to July last year. The investment will go towards helping local authorities to install these chargepoints, which can be built into existing structures like lamp-posts. Announcing the doubled funding for the scheme, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “It’s fantastic that there are now more than 20,000 publicly accessible chargepoints and double the number of electric vehicle chargepoints than petrol stations, but we want to do much more. “It’s vital that electric vehicle drivers feel confident about the availability of chargepoints near their homes, and that charging an electric car is seen as easy as plugging in a smartphone. “That’s why we are now doubling the funding available for local authorities to continue building the infrastructure we need to super-charge the zero emission revolution – right across the country.” The funding was increased in an effort to meet demand and accelerate the take-up of electric vehicles as the UK moves towards net zero emissions by 2050 and further improve air quality. The allocation of funding for on-street residential chargepoints is also part of the £1.5 billion investment underpinned by the Road to Zero Strategy.
A total of 150 care home places have been created in Bedfordshire with the introduction of two new luxury developments. Two new £9 million care homes were built in Flitwick and Fairfield, featuring 75 bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms and stylish communal spaces for dining, socialising and relaxing. Contractor Stepnell worked with care home developer Frontier and care home provider Baycroft to deliver the projects. “We were delighted to have been chosen by Frontier as its construction partner and we are so pleased to have delivered these care homes to a high specification that meets the individual needs of residents,” said Rob Speirs, Stepnell’s Rugby regional director. “Stepnell is continuing to increase its portfolio of high-end luxury care homes in the UK, with health and care being one of our biggest sectors. Our delivery teams and care specialists understand how the final details of the finish make a practical difference to the buildings and residents, and we are really proud to have helped provide this modern, beautifully designed living space,” he added. Designed by architects Harris Irwin Associates, each home boasts its own cinema room, gym, café, hair and beauty salon as well as high-quality guest accommodation and a children’s play area for visitors. “Today marks the culmination of many months of hard work and dedication from the Stepnell team. John Neil and his team have worked tirelessly to provide two landmark care homes befitting of the contemporary brand and vision of our care home partner Baycroft,” Luke Harris, head of construction for Frontier, commented. “We are absolutely delighted to have witnessed these schemes develop from the ground into the contemporary, high end care homes they have become. These homes are half of the portfolio we are delivering for Baycroft and we look forward to seeing the buildings fully operational in the near future.”
A new innovation hub is set to be developed in London for regeneration specialist U+I’s Plus X business. The £7 million project will see the Powerhouse building at The Old Vinyl Factory in Hayes redeveloped. Since the historic site’s closure, which once housed the EMI HQ, many buildings have been transformed by U+I and it now comprises nearly 650 homes, 550,000 sq ft of office space, and 70,000 sq ft of retail and leisure facilities; including a cinema, gym, cafés and restaurants. The latest development will give Plus X the scope to offer 29,000 sq ft of BIM Level 2 standard accommodation ideally suited to start-ups and SMEs, as well as reinstating the building’s original Blyth Road frontage and creating an attractive pedestrianised piazza and café. International property and construction consultancy Gleeds will continue to project manage the scheme until construction begins on site, which is expected to be January 2020, before taking up its role as employer’s agent through to completion. Kevin Griffiths, Director at Gleeds, said: “The Old Vinyl Factory is a site with a fascinating history and incredible architectural heritage which has been given a new lease of life by U+I. The latest phase of works to reinstate the Powerhouse will not only serve to add to that story but will also support Plus X’s vision of accelerating the growth of hundreds of fledgling creative businesses. I am thrilled that Gleeds is to play such an integral role in the delivery of this exceptional building.” Richard Upton, Chief Development Officer at U+I, added: “By offering inspiring workspace, incredible facilities and countless opportunities for collaboration, The Powerhouse will play a key role in supporting young and established businesses and entrepreneurs to flourish. The Plus X Innovation Hub will further position The Old Vinyl Factory as a world-class creative and innovative campus. Our partnership with Plus X will allow us to unlock potential and drive business growth, innovation, collaboration and positive social impact among occupants and further transform the local area.” Plus X hopes to start welcoming entrepreneurial designers and engineers into its new premises by October 2020.
A five-year investment plan has been set out for Gatwick Airport, which will see the facility extend the Pier 6 western, as well as introduce robotic parking and automated boarding technology. The Capital Investment Programme (CIP) also identifies the £187 million railway station development, new North Terminal car park, and the expansion of both the international departure lounges in both North and South Terminals. A few emerging projects have also been revealed for the airport, which include a new special assistance airside lounge for the South Terminal, similar to the popular North Terminal facility which opened in 2018. These projects, and many more, will be delivered at Gatwick Airport over the next five years as the facility brings its total investment since 2009 to £3.21 billion. Gatwick’s Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Wingate said: “We always put passengers at the heart of our investment plans and it’s great to see how automation and technology can further enhance the passenger experience. The plans explore ways we can grow capacity sustainably, including providing more space in our departure lounges. This investment will support our existing airlines, help attract new airlines and provide an enhanced service for the millions of people who choose to fly from Gatwick. “We have outlined our long-term growth strategy in our final master plan and the Capital Investment Programme we are sharing today, gives a more detailed view of our short-term plans which will continue to improve our service proposition and lay foundations for the future,” the Chief Executive Officer added. The CIP continues Gatwick’s strong environmental commitment. By joining VINCI Airports’ global AirPact policy – the first-ever integrated environmental programme in the airport industry – Gatwick will share best practice with the rest of the network on a number of projects in the CIP, notably electric and hybrid vehicles and recycling facilities.
Springfarm Architectural Mouldings Ltd. (SAM) is on track to reach ambitious growth target plans which will see the company double turnover by 2020. The business, which has sites in Antrim and Lincolnshire, is a leading UK manufacturer of interior MDF mouldings including skirting and architrave, as well as façade and roofline products. It also boasts one of the most advanced production facilities in Europe. SAM is currently set to complete its £5 million investment programme as part of its growth strategy plans, which has so far included an integration of technology and production systems, upgrading machinery, increasing the SAM stock offer, expanding the external sales team by another two employees and offering sector leading marketing support across both digital and traditional platforms, tailored to individual account needs and market demands. Sam McCrea MBE, chief executive officer of SAM, said: “We have made substantial investments across several key areas including people, equipment and the service we offer to our customers to prepare for future growth and the long-term success of the company. We have successfully integrated two sites and improved our customer offering and we believe this has set a good foundation for the business for the future.” Gerard Wilson, sales director of SAM, added: “The past two years have been an exciting time for our business. We have always worked hard to provide a market leading service, but as always you have to listen to the market and react accordingly. We want to stay ahead of our competition and maintain our USPs. “This investment has allowed us to further improve production efficiencies by increasing capacity, shortening lead times and delivering on time, in full, while maintaining our high standards of quality. The improvements to the sales and marketing functions mean we can offer leading industry expertise and an excellent account management service, as well as strengthening relationships with customers by supporting them to develop and grow their sales of the SAM product brands.” SAM currently employs 200 people.