Contractor Morgan Sindall has achieved a number of key construction milestones at a £50 million regeneration scheme in Leicester. Project Medius is a mixed-use development in Leicester city centre featuring two new hotels, 35,000 sq ft of space in a new five-storey office, a new public realm area called Great
Based in the heart of the Middle Eastern region, luxury property developer Eagle Hills has partnered with independent global creative agency Crowd to transform its website to a more SEO and user-friendly digital platform. Eagle Hills asked Crowd to develop a fully content managed solution that provides the best usability
An appointment has been made by Wates Construction, who named David Wingfield as the new Business Unit Director for the North East and Yorkshire region. He will take over the role from Paul Dodsworth, who is stepping up to the role of Managing Director of Wates Construction North. “I joined Wates
A former post office building in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter will be redeveloped into a new state-of-the-art apartment complex. The Lionel House build-to-rent (BTR) scheme will comprise 156 one-bedroom, 90 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom apartments. Moreover, the 14-storey building will also include landscaped roof terraces, ground floor communal areas for residents, a
A purpose-built timber salt farm in Croydon has been delivered by GRAHAM to support the council’s highways maintenance duties during the winter weather. The firm’s Facilities Management Team redeveloped an ageing asbestos barn at Factory Lane into the new facility over a 10-week programme. “The project was completed within the
Birmingham’s latest apartment development, The Bank, has had its second tower topped out. Contractor Wates has begun work to fit out the interior of the building, located between Broad Street and Brindleyplace, following the completion of the structure. “This topping out ceremony is the latest proof that Birmingham is a
Following two successful drop-in sessions, the deadline for views on a £150 million development in Bolton’s Church Wharf is fast approaching. Muse Developments proposes to build around 320 homes on the Canary Wharf site, located alongside the River Croal and between St Peters Way (A666), Bank Street, Manor Street and
Morgan Sindall has completed the transfomation of the Lucas Lane cricket grounds in Hertfordshire as a new state of the art sporting centre. First opened in 1866, Hitchin Cricket Club and Blueharts Hockey Club’s ground now includes a new two-storey club pavilion, with catering facilities, a bar and a function room and
An additional 21 homes are arriving in Wandsworth with the construction of a new £7 million housing development. The Stag House site on the Putney Vale Estate, which is home to the vacant Stag House Community Youth Centre, will be redeveloped to provide 10 self-contained homes for those with physical
Manchester City Council joined UK construction union Unite’s Construction Charter and now they have announced a new partnership. Both institutions will work together to stand up for the city’s construction workers and outlaw poor construction practices on building projects under its control. “By signing up to Unite’s Construction Charter, Manchester
Contractor Morgan Sindall has achieved a number of key construction milestones at a £50 million regeneration scheme in Leicester. Project Medius is a mixed-use development in Leicester city centre featuring two new hotels, 35,000 sq ft of space in a new five-storey office, a new public realm area called Great Central Square and a major highways and traffic management scheme. “We’re incredibly pleased to reach this important milestone as we move ever closer to delivering this exciting project for the people of Leicester. Project Medius is set to play a central role in revitalising this area of the city. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with everyone involved over the coming months as we deliver this once in a generation scheme,” said Richard Frape, Project Director at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure. The milestones include the completion of the concrete frame on the 10-storey Novotel hotel, with work on the outside façade cladding and internal fit out of the hotel underway. Internal fit out works are also progressing on the office block. The hotel will offer 154 bedrooms when complete, including executive rooms and suites, a gym, banqueting facilities, meeting rooms and a ground floor feature bar and restaurant. In addition, the Charles Street Buildings (CSB) development will also feature the six-storey Aparthotel Adagio hotel. “The progress that has been in made in constructing two new hotels, a new office block and new public realm in Leicester City Centre is very pleasing. Our ambitious regeneration plans, along with those of Leicester City Council, in this area are now having an impact on Leicester’s sky line and street scene,” said Joseph Murphy, Director, at CSB. “Completion of superstructure works for the Novotel and Adagio marks the next phase of tangible delivery of this transformative development and starts the countdown to the arrival of exciting new hotels, along with work and leisure facilities at No1 Great Central Square and Leicester Central,” he added. The scheme aims to help create an attractive new gateway to link the city centre to the Waterside area. Construction work is expected to be complete by the end of 2019.
Based in the heart of the Middle Eastern region, luxury property developer Eagle Hills has partnered with independent global creative agency Crowd to transform its website to a more SEO and user-friendly digital platform. Eagle Hills asked Crowd to develop a fully content managed solution that provides the best usability for users to navigate, explore and register their interests. The website is a robust, sales funnel that generates leads. “The new website had to act as a hub for Eagle Hills’ development projects throughout the world – showcasing plans and rendered photography of in-development properties,” said Tom Berne, Studio Director at Crowd Dubai. “Our challenge was to showcase the developer’s leading iconic destinations in a confident way that speaks to an ‘inner-directed’ consumer who appreciates great design. Eagle Hills wanted a direct approach, so we kept the website clean and simple to communicate a positive message to the appropriate demographic,” Tom added. A comprehensive content management system allows Eagle Hills to manage every aspect of their site and seamlessly integrate into their existing CRM system. Key design details include luxury and modern photography to reflect the developer’s brand message and services. Eagle Hills’ vision is to become the world’s most-admired real estate company by developing integrated communities that provide smart innovation, high-quality products, and services. It is one of the few developers that have adopted an e-commerce approach with their innovative thinking and showcase their passion for modern living through a dynamic digital platform. Since the launch of the new website, there has been a steady increase in traffic because of the optimisation activities added to the site. The website has won three CSS Design Awards in the Best Innovation, Best UI and Best UX Design categories. It has also been listed on the professional web design and development competition body – Awwwards.
An appointment has been made by Wates Construction, who named David Wingfield as the new Business Unit Director for the North East and Yorkshire region. He will take over the role from Paul Dodsworth, who is stepping up to the role of Managing Director of Wates Construction North. “I joined Wates as Business Unit Director for the North East and Yorkshire in 2015 and David has been a fundamental part of the business’ success throughout my tenure. I am a very big believer in nurturing the talent within our team and David’s commitment to Wates, along with his extensive knowledge of our business, our culture and the markets within which we work, places him as a perfect successor,” said Paul Dodsworth. “2019 is already shaping up to be a very exciting year for Wates, which kickstarted with our move to new premises at Paradigm, Thorpe Park. I very much look forward to seeing David take this region forward as we continue to deliver exceptional work across our current and prospective project portfolio,” Paul continued. In his new role, David will lead the delivery of Wates’ project portfolio within the private and public sectors as the business grows its presence in its core markets of commercial, residential, education and leisure development. His appointment sees him promoted from his position of Regional Commercial Director at Wates, which he held for nine years. “I am extremely proud to have played a part in Wates’ increasingly impressive reputation in the North East and Yorkshire for almost 15 years and to be charged with the leadership of this great business is a privilege. My previous remit with Wates has been focused on ensuring we deliver sustainable business growth, which in-turn has enabled us to lead the way in terms of investment in training and employment. My intention is to continue to build on this success while ensuring we maintain exceptional levels of quality for our clients, seek out new areas of innovation and sustain our impeccable standards in health and safety,” David added.
A former post office building in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter will be redeveloped into a new state-of-the-art apartment complex. The Lionel House build-to-rent (BTR) scheme will comprise 156 one-bedroom, 90 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom apartments. Moreover, the 14-storey building will also include landscaped roof terraces, ground floor communal areas for residents, a 17-space car park and cycle storage for every apartment. Construction work will begin on the site in June 2019, with plans to have the development ready for occupation by summer 2021. “Another contract win in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter brings our total current multi-room projects to eight, and we always feel fortunate to work with new clients who have recognised our enthusiasm and expertise. We are looking forward to commencing this 14-storey, 259 apartment scheme later in the year,” said Mark Jones, Winvic Construction’s Director of Multi-room, the company that landed the contract. The project is being delivered on behalf of Lionel House Developments Ltd and Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI). “The location, on the edge of both the vibrant Jewellery Quarter and the central business areas, make this a fantastic location for build-to-rent. We’re enthused about the deal, as it represents ASI’s first UK investment for its pan-European ASPER fund, but also because we’re working with Stamford Property Developments and Winvic, two experienced and well respected companies in the sector,” added ASI’s Ed Crockett.
A purpose-built timber salt farm in Croydon has been delivered by GRAHAM to support the council’s highways maintenance duties during the winter weather. The firm’s Facilities Management Team redeveloped an ageing asbestos barn at Factory Lane into the new facility over a 10-week programme. “The project was completed within the designated time and to exceptionally high standards. We would like to say that GRAHAM were extremely organised, kept all the deadlines, maintained high standards and followed all of the Council’s policies and protocols. They provided regular updates and demonstrations of their work,” said Croydon Council’s Project Manager for Facilities Management, Kaushai Tripathi. Completed as part of GRAHAM’s ‘Hard FM building fabric planned and reactive maintenance works, and multi-trade planned works, contract with Croydon Council, the £450,000 scheme has a service life of over 30 years. This ensures the long-term storage of salt in prime condition for use around the borough’s road network. “We have enjoyed a long-term relationship with Croydon Council since May 2016. The new salt barn is yet another example of the important work that we consistently undertake in support of the Council’s operations. As the snowy and icy conditions continue to present challenges to motorists and pedestrians, this salt barn guarantees the integrity of the salt that is spread across the borough’s roads network. It is therefore a core piece of infrastructure and we are proud to have delivered it to the very highest standards,” commented GRAHAM’s Operations Director, Gareth Smyth.
Birmingham’s latest apartment development, The Bank, has had its second tower topped out. Contractor Wates has begun work to fit out the interior of the building, located between Broad Street and Brindleyplace, following the completion of the structure. “This topping out ceremony is the latest proof that Birmingham is a city quite literally on the up. Our city skyline is being transformed and The Bank is one of the exciting developments helping to make Birmingham an even better place to live, work and invest,” commented Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, Brigid Jones. Owned by Aprirose, The Bank is being developed by Regal Property Group, funded by Aprirose and designed by architect Glancy Nicholls. It consists of two residential towers that contain a total of 406 apartments. The first tower comprises 189 studio, one and two-bedroom properties, reaching 22-storeys, and is now 96% sold. It was completed in summer 2018. Meanwhile, the second tower at The Bank is 33-storeys high and will comprise 217 luxury apartments, including one, two and three-bedroom homes. It will be one of only two residential skyscrapers to measure over 100 metres tall in the city and is expected to complete by the end of 2019. “The topping out of the second tower at The Bank is a significant milestone in the regeneration of this important part of the city and my thanks go to our project team for the hard work and unrelenting commitment to ensure the rapid progress and excellent quality of this development,” commented John Carlin, Managing Director, Wates Construction Midlands. Moreover, tenants will also have access to a private gym, residents lounge and coffee bar, a private kitchen and dining room, on-site cycle storage and secure and private outdoor green space. “As Birmingham continues to thrive as the UK’s second City, schemes such as The Bank are integral to providing quality housing as the business scene continues to bloom and attract talent to the city centre. As The Bank development nears completion we look forward to it becoming not only an iconic addition to the skyline but a part of the fabric of Birmingham. The scheme represents not only a strong investment for Aprirose into a key business destination but a mark of our commitment to Birmingham’s continued growth,” concluded Manish Gudka, CEO, Aprirose.
Following two successful drop-in sessions, the deadline for views on a £150 million development in Bolton’s Church Wharf is fast approaching. Muse Developments proposes to build around 320 homes on the Canary Wharf site, located alongside the River Croal and between St Peters Way (A666), Bank Street, Manor Street and Folds Road. “Having over 300 local residents come and engage with our consultation on Church Wharf is very encouraging. Church Wharf is a really important development for Bolton. It’s the first site to come forward under the Council’s ambitious town centre strategy and we are grateful for everyone who has shared their views on the proposals with us. The consultation period remains open, and I would encourage local residents who are yet to have their say on Church Wharf to provide feedback on the project website,” commented David Burkinshaw of Muse Developments. Ranging from one to four bedrooms, the new homes will include townhouses and apartments aimed at young people, first-time buyers and families. Further plans for the site include a new hotel, commercial offices and leisure and retail opportunities, such as a café, convenience store or bar/restaurant. The development will help improve the area around the river, with plans also in place to construct a new footbridge linking the site to Bank Street. Hundreds of local residents viewed the plans at the public sessions, as part of a consultation process, with over 95% of visitors who completed feedback forms at the drop-in event having said they agreed with plans to develop Church Wharf. “We are delighted with how the consultation has gone and the response from the community,” said Councillor Ebrahim Adia, Deputy Leader of Bolton Council. “This is the first major scheme in our masterplan where developers have revealed detailed proposals for the site. The Church Wharf plans will transform a key gateway into Bolton that needs attention and care, and we are backing the scheme through our wider £100 million investment.” Local residents can still have their say on the consultation website, with the consultation remaining open until Friday 8th February.
Morgan Sindall has completed the transfomation of the Lucas Lane cricket grounds in Hertfordshire as a new state of the art sporting centre. First opened in 1866, Hitchin Cricket Club and Blueharts Hockey Club’s ground now includes a new two-storey club pavilion, with catering facilities, a bar and a function room and a balcony overlooking a new all-weather hockey pitch. “We are delighted with the outcome of the completed project, the new Cricket Club Ground is a fantastic community asset with professional standard facilities that will support the needs and ambitions of two local teams long into the future. We are confident that the refurbished facilities will enable the club to build upon their rich local history at the Lucas Lane site and provide a brilliant community sporting resource for generations to come,” said David Rowsell, Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure’s area director for the Northern Home Counties. New changing rooms, an equipment store, cricket nets, and a brand new scoreboard are also part of the new state of the art centre. Morgan Sindall also demolished the ground’s existing clubhouse, built a new external car park and extensive soft landscaping in order to create an attractive environment. “Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure helped us to deliver a state of the art new home for Hitchin Cricket Club and Blue-harts Hockey Club at Lucas Lane,” commented Hitchin Town Cricket-Ground Chairman Geoff Edwards. “It is a truly exceptional facility that will be enjoyed by our members and the local community for many years to come. We would like to thank the whole team at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure for their hard work, dedication and professionalism throughout this project, and for helping us to achieve this pivotal milestone in the history of both clubs,” he concluded.
An additional 21 homes are arriving in Wandsworth with the construction of a new £7 million housing development. The Stag House site on the Putney Vale Estate, which is home to the vacant Stag House Community Youth Centre, will be redeveloped to provide 10 self-contained homes for those with physical and learning disabilities, including accommodation for an on-site support officer. The other 11 homes in the area will be available for social rent. The project is being delivered by Wates Residential, who won the competitive tender project from Wandsworth Council. “This is a demonstration of our commitment to build new homes which meet the diverse needs of our residents. Good quality housing is fundamental in supporting the wellbeing of our residents and we’re delighted to be partnering with Wates Residential on this scheme. I am also proud that this scheme is the first Council build supported housing scheme for our more vulnerable residents which will give those with learning and physical disabilities the opportunity to live safely in a scheme built to the highest standards,” said Leader of the Council Ravi Govindia. “May I also thank the local residents’ association, chaired by Shirley Price, and Cllr Jane Cooper for identifying this and another development opportunity on the estate and for their positive contributions and understanding as this development has been taken forward,” he added. The contractor held a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction. “It is great to see local authorities like Wandsworth building again on brownfield sites and to be a part of this. Today’s ground breaking event marks an exciting milestone in our delivery of these new homes for Wandsworth residents. It follows months of collaboration with the Council, members of the community and other local stakeholders to really understand their vision for the area and how we can realise this, both through the design and construction of these homes and by looking at ways that we can create wider local economic and social value. We look forward to strengthening these relationships as we continue to progress on site and to creating a positive lasting legacy for the community long after we have handed over this site,” commented Paul Nicholls, Managing Director of Wates Residential. The Stag House scheme is due for completion in Spring 2020.
Manchester City Council joined UK construction union Unite’s Construction Charter and now they have announced a new partnership. Both institutions will work together to stand up for the city’s construction workers and outlaw poor construction practices on building projects under its control. “By signing up to Unite’s Construction Charter, Manchester City Council is making a serious commitment to securing the best employment standards for construction workers. The Charter will protect workers from poor industry practices which result in the loss of employment rights, it stops blacklisting and means workers can raise health and safety issues without fear,” said Unite’s regional coordinating officer for construction, Andy Fisher. “It’s fantastic news that one of the UK’s major cities has pledged to lead the way and demand the highest standards in construction. It means that projects across the city including the ongoing work at Manchester Airport will need to meet the highest employment standards. Unite representatives at Manchester City Council deserve a special thanks for the work they did to help get the Charter up and running,” Andy Fisher added. Manchester City Council is the latest local authority to sign up to Unite’s Construction Charter, which ensures building contractors and sub-contractors under the control of the local authority provide good jobs, good apprentice training, excellent health and safety and that they ensure workers are paid the going rate for the industry. “Manchester City Council has ambitious plans for the city and we are delighted to work with Unite to ensure that our construction projects meet the highest standards for workers and for residents. The council has a number of important development projects in progress including the renovation of Manchester Town Hall and the Factory project. The Charter means that workers and residents can be confident that these projects will move forward with ethical construction practices,” commented Councillor Carl Ollerhead.