Cristina Diaconu
Regal London gets green light for two PBSA schemes

Regal London gets green light for two PBSA schemes

Two purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) projects by Regal London have been given the go-ahead, bringing forward a total of 1,580 student beds and 200 on site affordable homes alongside new community space, public realm and infrastructure improvements in the London Boroughs of Southwark and Brent. Earlier this year, Regal London,

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Clegg starts work on Peterborough College block

Clegg starts work on Peterborough College block

Clegg Construction started work to develop a £13.5 million Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College. The company has been appointed by the Inspire Education Group for the design and build of the three-storey reinforced concrete frame green technology centre, which is being constructed at the main college campus, off

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Ceremony marks start of works for Garden Village School

Ceremony marks start of works for Garden Village School

Works have officially started to construct the £7 million Garden Village Primary School in Amington, Tamworth which will provide much-needed new teaching provision for the local area. Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is delivering the construction on behalf of Staffordshire County Council and alongside Entrust as the Project Manager and

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McLaren Construction completes units at Omega Business Park

McLaren Construction completes units at Omega Business Park

Works have now completed for Units 2 and 3, Omega West, Omega Business Park in Warrington delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North. Unit 2, developed by Omega St Helens Limited and managed by Miller Developments with Barings as Funder, is currently being marketed to potential end users and comprises

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Importance of brownfield site development

Importance of brownfield site development

To support the UK’s focus on delivering sustainable regeneration and 5,800 new homes on a brownfield site, housebuilders can consider what these sites have to offer and how they can create sustainable homes at accessible prices. By committing to working towards the latest targets announced by the Department of Levelling

Read More »
Plans submitted for 280 apartments in Preston City Centre

Plans submitted for 280 apartments in Preston City Centre

Plans for 280 apartments to be built in the centre of Preston have been formally submitted to the City Council. The new building, consisting of 67 two-bedroom and 213 one-bedroom apartments, will replace some of the existing buildings within the development site at 127-131 Church Street. It will rise from

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Roann Limited on track to record-breaking turnover 

Roann Limited on track to record-breaking turnover 

Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, is on track to achieve a record-breaking turnover in 2023, thanks to successfully securing three new projects. Roann Limited has been appointed by some of the UK’s largest house builders to provide its bestselling Silestone worktops to three new developments, which have

Read More »
From the city to the country with Cavanna Homes

From the city to the country with Cavanna Homes

Relocating to the idyllic Devonshire countryside, to a small rural village surrounded by spectacular views is a dream for many. For John Greatwood and his family, it’s now reality. John and his wife Phillipa lived and worked in Carshalton in South London with their four-year-old twins, Finley and Imogen. When

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Bhangals Construction Consultants makes director appointments

Bhangals Construction Consultants makes director appointments

Renowned Northampton construction consultancy Bhangals Construction Consultants has celebrated its recent expansion and office move by making two dedicated members of staff directors of the business. Former operations manager Katie Newman is now Associate Operations Director and Harrison Baxter, who was previously estimating manager at the firm, has been named

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Capital & Centric appointed for Sainsbury’s site in Wolverhampton

Capital & Centric appointed for Sainsbury’s site in Wolverhampton

Developer Capital & Centric is set to transform a brownfield site in Wolverhampton into a creative new neighbourhood. A report – to be considered by City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet next week – recommends Capital & Centric are appointed as part of a pre-development agreement for the former Sainsbury’s supermarket

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Cristina Diaconu

Regal London gets green light for two PBSA schemes

Regal London gets green light for two PBSA schemes

Two purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) projects by Regal London have been given the go-ahead, bringing forward a total of 1,580 student beds and 200 on site affordable homes alongside new community space, public realm and infrastructure improvements in the London Boroughs of Southwark and Brent. Earlier this year, Regal London, supported by funding partners UMTB, submitted plans for Devonshire Place, located at 747-759 and 765-775 Old Kent Road in Southwark positioned strategically opposite the proposed new Bakerloo Line station. Following extensive public consultation, the plans include 941 best-in-class student bedrooms and 200 new on-site affordable homes, contributing to over 40% affordable housing. The comprehensive proposal includes provisions for a new convenience food store and GP surgery, along with transport infrastructure upgrades to enhance links with surrounding areas. Following extensive public consultation, Regal London’s vision for Devonshire Place goes beyond housing, aiming to create a mixed and balanced community through innovative architecture, a community hub and café, open spaces, and quality public realm. This development serves as an opportunity for significant large-scale investment, creating sustainable economic growth, supporting the local community, and fostering growth anticipated by the Bakerloo Line Extension. Shaw Corporation coordinated the planning process and act as development manager for the project. In Brent, Regal London has been granted permission for 639 student beds at Wembley Greenway, situated to the rear of 390-406 High Road, Wembley. Previously, Regal London gained permission for 359 beds on the adjacent site, the two sites have been brought together, bringing the total number of beds to 998. In partnership with Secure Trust Bank, Regal London are not only introducing a cutting-edge PBSA development but also opening the railway lands parallel to High Road, Wembley, creating a newfound space for both students and the local community. The Wembley Greenway project is set to deliver a total of 639 student beds, featuring a diverse array of bedroom typologies, including 10% designated as accessible rooms. A car-free design emphasises sustainability, with the development incorporating new public realm areas enriched with greenery, seating, and play spaces accessible to all. Additionally, the project includes a community studio space available for rent. Both Devonshire Place and Wembley Greenway will be BREEAM Excellent and will seek to be amongst the first PBSA projects in the UK to be WELL Platinum certified, demonstrating Regal London’s commitment to the highest level of health achievements. Construction on Wembley Greenway and Devonshire Place will commence in 2024. Simon De Friend and Paul Eden, Co-Founders of Regal London commented: “Whilst others may sit on their hands and wait for circumstances around them to change, we have taken the opportunity to bring our PBSA portfolio into the spotlight. With 25 years of experience of residential development behind us, our student projects, with 4,000 beds in the current pipeline, will reflect the continuing quality and design excellence with which we have built our reputation. “With the available capacity representing only 25% of the student housing requirement, we are looking forward to playing our part in helping to meet London’s urgent student demand.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clegg starts work on Peterborough College block

Clegg starts work on Peterborough College block

Clegg Construction started work to develop a £13.5 million Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College. The company has been appointed by the Inspire Education Group for the design and build of the three-storey reinforced concrete frame green technology centre, which is being constructed at the main college campus, off Park Crescent. The centre, which will be a low-carbon project, will offer a curriculum that includes modern methods of construction, emerging construction technologies, alternative heat sources and electric vehicle technology. It will include a total floor space of 2,300 sq m and is due to be completed towards the end of next year. Darren Chapman, director at Clegg Construction, said: “The Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College is an inspiring project which will make a real difference to the future, training the next generation to work in green technologies and modern methods of construction. “Clegg Construction is very pleased to have been appointed to partner with the Inspire Education Group to deliver this exciting scheme and we are delighted to have now started on site. With this being a live and busy educational setting, with public access, and lessons and exams to consider, the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and visitors is at the forefront of our approach – particularly as the building phase of the project gets underway.” Over the course of the build, Clegg will be engaging with the college to provide experience and insight into the construction sector and associated professions for students. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ceremony marks start of works for Garden Village School

Ceremony marks start of works for Garden Village School

Works have officially started to construct the £7 million Garden Village Primary School in Amington, Tamworth which will provide much-needed new teaching provision for the local area. Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is delivering the construction on behalf of Staffordshire County Council and alongside Entrust as the Project Manager and concept Architects. Procured through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework, the school will be managed by Fiertè Multi Academy Trust. Due to open its doors to its first cohort of pupils in September 2024, the new two-storey 1FE school located on Eagle Drive in Amington will provide 210 primary and 26 nursery places to meet the demand for residents in the nearby housing developments. The 17,0000 sq. ft. facility will comprise nine classrooms, staff offices, an indoor school hall and catering spaces, alongside an outdoor play area to enable pupils to take part in a number of sporting activities. The energy efficient design will ensure a good amount of daylight and natural ventilation to the building and to ensure the scheme adjusts to temperature changes, high levels of insulation and thermal mass will be applied to walls and ceilings. The structural steel frame is now complete and a sod cutting ceremony to mark the start of works took place at the grounds on Thursday 30th November. The event was attended by Fiertè Multi-Academy Trust, G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council and Entrust representatives. G F Tomlinson has vast experience of working within the education sector, providing high quality school provision across the region. This will be the ninth school that the contractor has delivered for Staffordshire County Council alongside Entrust, the latest of which was Beaconfields Primary School, which commenced in October. Close liaison has been established with the local community, keeping neighbours informed of progress and planned activities, through regular newsletters and a public consultation with Fiertè Multi Academy Trust. Site tours will be provided to the trust and local schools to encourage engagement with the project. Chris Flint, managing director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Staffordshire County Council and Entrust and it is a privilege to build on this as we commence our ninth scheme working together. “This school will provide modern teaching and recreational spaces that are much needed for the Amington area, improving the lives of residents in the neighbouring new housing developments, who require primary and nursery places.” Mark Sutton, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “Staffordshire is a growing county and to meet that demand, we are committed to either upgrading facilities, or building new schools such as this, so communities have first class facilities on their doorstep. “Learning is so much easier if it happens in a well-lit, well-designed school that meets the needs of children and staff and I look forward to seeing pupils take their places here in September.” Fiertè Multi-Academy Trust representative, said: “It is great to be working in partnership with G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire Country Council, Entrust and the Department for Education prior to the opening of Garden Village Primary Academy, the second free school we have been privileged to be selected to run in the Tamworth area. “Our vision for the school is to work in close collaboration with parents, the local and wider community to soar to excellence. We have absolute confidence that we will have an amazing building for children to learn in and a site that they will delight in exploring. We very much look forward to welcoming our first nursery and Reception cohorts joining us in September 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren Construction completes units at Omega Business Park

McLaren Construction completes units at Omega Business Park

Works have now completed for Units 2 and 3, Omega West, Omega Business Park in Warrington delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North. Unit 2, developed by Omega St Helens Limited and managed by Miller Developments with Barings as Funder, is currently being marketed to potential end users and comprises a portal steel frame building, with a single-storey office block and an extensive warehouse, the overall area of which is 300,000 sq. ft. Externally, a concrete service yard is situated to the north of the building and carparking for staff is located at the east elevation. Unit 3, funded by Aviva Life 7 Pensions UK Limited and now let to Iceland Foods Limited, is a large 510,000 sq. ft. cross dock distribution centre with 106No dock doors, two transport hubs, a Vehicle Maintenance Unit and extensive office space over two floors. The unit has provision for frozen, chilled and ambient storage within the building which will be installed as part of the upcoming Iceland fit out works. Starting in November 2022, construction works for Unit 2 (£22m) and Unit 3 (£40m), completed in October 2023. Both units have achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent,’ fitting in with net zero targets, and include EV charging, 10% roof lights to warehouse and a score of 45/45 in the most recent Considerate Constructor’s audit. The McLaren Construction Midlands and North team overcame challenges during the build of Unit 2, including being in close proximity to existing overhead Scottish Power lines, meaning the Northwest corner of the build was constructed under strict controls. Exclusion limits meant that the erection of the steel frame and delivery needed to be extensively planned before execution. The challenges faced on Unit 3 included combatting poor ground conditions, managing, and removing asbestos found in the ground and completing numerous variations to the contract to meet Iceland Foods requirements, all within the original programme period. Providing social value-added opportunities, the contractor invited work experience candidates to join the Omega team, including 3No local trainees, a 1No trainee administrator, a 1No trainee site manager, alongside employing locally with the appointment of document controller, Rebekah Morris, and community and supply chain coordinator, Sarah Caine. Community workshops were also carried out during the build, with the involvement of local councils and charities and alongside this, McLaren Construction sponsored Martin Murray’s ThinkFAST academy to provide support and development for young people through the discipline and ethos of boxing. Teaming up with Miller Developments, £30,000 was donated to the St Helens-based Martin Murray Academy to help hard-to-reach young people with high quality social support and development through the ThinkFAST programme. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re pleased with the completion of the second and third units of this pivotal logistics scheme and our teams have worked hard to deliver a high-quality end product. “Alongside the builds, we’ve worked with the local community to provide a range of social value-added opportunities, including supporting the fantastic work of Martin Murray’s ThinkFAST programme.” David Milloy, a Director of Omega St Helens Limited and Managing Director of Miller Developments said: “This was the second project we appointed McLaren Construction to build. The quality was first class and Gary’s team were both helpful and accommodating throughout.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Importance of brownfield site development

Importance of brownfield site development

To support the UK’s focus on delivering sustainable regeneration and 5,800 new homes on a brownfield site, housebuilders can consider what these sites have to offer and how they can create sustainable homes at accessible prices. By committing to working towards the latest targets announced by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, housebuilders across the UK can bring lasting change that improves the economic and wellbeing outcomes of communities across the UK. Tim Wray, Group Development Director at top 10 UK housebuilder Keepmoat, reflects on these new targets and how planning, construction and development teams can pinpoint brownfield redevelopment projects to create sustainable communities in spaces that were once unused, to benefit populations across the UK .  Redeveloping brownfield sites Sustainable land Developing brownfield land and creating thriving new communities is key to delivering the government’s housing targets, whilst also contributing to the UK’s sustainable regeneration advancements. With more than 67,000 acres of brownfield land across the country, if developed effectively, these unused sites can  offer sustainable, social and economic benefits to the surrounding cities and towns. Brownfield sites also provide ideal opportunities to provide housing stock at accessible price points, creating employment opportunities, promoting conservation efforts and adding new social areas, such as playgrounds, playing fields or sitting areas. Developers may want to look at  prioritising sustainable development practices as we look to the future of housebuilding. By purchasing formerly developed land, these sites continue to promote urban regeneration, providing new homes, workplaces, and amenities in areas that have suffered from neglect or lack of investment. Many local authorities also support regeneration in their communities, making it easier for developers to gain planning permission to create new housing stock at a price point that residents can afford.  Keepmoat recently began work on a new site of 300 new homes in Northstowe, Cambridgeshire. The homes will be constructed using a closed panel timber frame technique to deliver part of the second phase of the new town which is located on former RAF military land.  Developing this unused RAF site means the newest Cambridgeshire town, which in total will see more than 10,000 homes, eight schools, a new town centre with multiple facilities and open spaces provided, will become a sustainable, lively community.  Land acquisition  Revitalising communities through the delivery of high-quality multi tenure homes, in well-designed and well-connected neighbourhoods, is made possible through a strong local authority partnership approach. One such partnership is the Leeds City Council Brownfield Land Programme. Keepmoat is working with Leeds CIty Council to deliver 1,000 new multi tenure homes, across 13 brownfield developments across east Leeds.  The scheme is widely considered to be the most prominent package of brownfield redevelopment in the Leeds area. The large-scale intervention will not only broaden the housing on offer in East Leeds but will aid the regeneration of three neighbourhoods, through local amenities, highway improvements and greenspace provision. The housing stock is multi-tenure and set at accessible price points to attract first time buyers and young professionals to the area. 68% of purchasers are between 18-30 years old. The Synergy development in Halton Moor is the latest in the Leeds Brownfield project to see construction begin. The project will deliver 109 new two, three and four-bedroom properties, of which a percentage are available for affordable housing provision through Leeds Federated Housing Association. Keepmoat and the Council have engaged with local schools, colleges and employment groups to recruit local young people through apprenticeship schemes.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans submitted for 280 apartments in Preston City Centre

Plans submitted for 280 apartments in Preston City Centre

Plans for 280 apartments to be built in the centre of Preston have been formally submitted to the City Council. The new building, consisting of 67 two-bedroom and 213 one-bedroom apartments, will replace some of the existing buildings within the development site at 127-131 Church Street. It will rise from four storeys to a part-19 storey building with 337 sq.m of ground floor commercial accommodation provided in addition to residential amenity areas, landscaped courtyard and cycle storage. The historic 131 Church Street will be retained and refurbished and the scheme will boast an outdoor seating area in the new central public realm core. If approved the 19,257 sq.m apartments scheme in Preston is expected to start on site during Autumn 2024. Luke Averill, Managing Director of developer TAG, said: “Preston City Centre continues to look forward and we are delighted to have submitted this planning application. “We believe our project will contribute significantly to the long-term success of Preston, which is outlined in the transformational 15-year vision ‘Preston’s City Investment Plan (2020 – 2035)’. I would like to thank the professional team that have got us to this stage and also say that we are actively seeking joint venture partners for this exciting scheme.” Consultants on the scheme include DAY Architectural Ltd, Zerum PDM, Scalia Planning, Futureserve, TPM Landscape Ltd, MB Heritage, ERAP, Adept Consulting Engineers (Manchester) Ltd, SK Transport Planning Ltd, Arcaero, GIA Surveyors, Noise Air, Jensen Hughes, TC Property and RAD. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Roann Limited on track to record-breaking turnover 

Roann Limited on track to record-breaking turnover 

Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, is on track to achieve a record-breaking turnover in 2023, thanks to successfully securing three new projects. Roann Limited has been appointed by some of the UK’s largest house builders to provide its bestselling Silestone worktops to three new developments, which have a combined value of £180,000, with the potential for this amount to increase by up to 20% with upgrades. Among the projects is Highcroft, a Oxfordshire-based development of 33 new build homes by St Joseph Homes (a division of Berkeley Group), and Lime Grove, a Lincolnshire-based development by Bowbridge Homes, which includes a total of 68 new build homes. Roann Limited has also been selected as the exclusive worktop provider for Sunbeam, a former factory in Wolverhampton which is being converted into 180 modern apartments by Kuche Contracts. Silestone, a sustainable surface containing a minimum of 20% recycled materials, is made using 100% renewable electrical energy and 99% recycled water. The worktops are extremely hard-wearing, making it an ideal choice for contemporary family homes. The company’s success in securing these projects is testament to its unrivalled focus on quality, innovation and client satisfaction. As the year draws to a close, Roann Limited is poised to celebrate a record-breaking turnover and financial year, reflecting the company’s sustained growth and prominent position in the kitchen worktop manufacturing industry. “We are thrilled to announce our recent success in securing three new projects,” said Scott Wharton, Operations Director at Roann Limited. These accomplishments affirm our commitment to delivering high-quality worktop solutions to our clients, whilst positioning us for our most successful year to date. It’s a very exciting time for us here.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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From the city to the country with Cavanna Homes

From the city to the country with Cavanna Homes

Relocating to the idyllic Devonshire countryside, to a small rural village surrounded by spectacular views is a dream for many. For John Greatwood and his family, it’s now reality. John and his wife Phillipa lived and worked in Carshalton in South London with their four-year-old twins, Finley and Imogen. When it came to deciding where they wanted their children to go to school, the couple decided to pack up and move to the mid-Devon village of Hemyock. With a clear vision for the home and location they wanted to live in, as well as a firm deadline for when they needed to be moved by in the country, John and Phillipa searched Rightmove and found the Cavanna Homes Oak Mount development in Hemyock. “The area and its amenities were the biggest selling point for us, particularly as the local primary school is within walking distance of Oak Mount,” explained John. We also wanted to be within a 15-minute drive of Honiton as we have close friends who live there,” he added. Oak Mount is within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape with some of the homes benefiting from views over uninterrupted countryside. The three and four-bedroom family homes are within walking distance to Hemyock village with local amenities on the doorstep, including a shop, pub, post office, a doctors’ surgery and pharmacy. “We wanted a house with four bedrooms, a garage, space for a home office, and an open plan kitchen with dining space for family mealtimes”, said John. “We looked through the different house types on the Cavanna Homes website and found one that ticked all our boxes – the ‘Hockinston’!”. The couple then booked to visit the Oak Mount Marketing Suite to find out more about buying with Cavanna Homes and to explore the area. John said: “As the development was still in its early stages, not all the homes had been built yet, so the Sales Advisor arranged for us to see the same house type at one of their developments in Exeter whilst we were down visiting. “We fell in love with the Hockinston and set the wheels in motion to reserve our brand-new family home at Oak Mount.” As a Carpenter, John was able to easily visualise how their finished home would look, but to put Phillipa’s mind at ease, the couple booked a second visit to Oak Mount to look around the newly opened ‘Hockinston’ show home. “We’d never reserved a home off plan before, so I was keen to visit the show home to see the build quality and layout of the house, and we weren’t disappointed”, said Phillipa. She was also able to envisage where she could create an office to enable her to comfortably work from home as a Travel Consultant. The idea of a new-build property enticed John and Phillipa because there would be no need for renovations or costly improvement works. New-build homes also have excellent energy performance ratings, making them cheaper to run than older properties. Every home at Oak Mount is built with greener living in mind and is installed with high-quality wall and loft insulation, double glazing and an air source heat pump, which provides a low carbon heating alternative to gas. “The Sales and Site team were great at introducing us to our air source heat pump, showing and advising us how to use it most efficiently,” said John. The family collected the keys to their new home on 26th July and moved in two days later. Finley and Imogen started at the local primary school in September; “We can do the school run in under 5 minutes with no need for a car, which is fantastic. It’s been a big change for the twins, but they’ve really embraced it and are settling in well”, said Phillipa. “We love our new home and we’re living out our countryside dream”, added John. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bhangals Construction Consultants makes director appointments

Bhangals Construction Consultants makes director appointments

Renowned Northampton construction consultancy Bhangals Construction Consultants has celebrated its recent expansion and office move by making two dedicated members of staff directors of the business. Former operations manager Katie Newman is now Associate Operations Director and Harrison Baxter, who was previously estimating manager at the firm, has been named Associate Estimating Director. The dynamic duo have worked their way up the career ladder at Bhangals Construction Consultants over the last five years and both recently featured in the company’s Build A Career at Bhangals campaign which marked Careers in Construction Month. The month-long celebration of the career paths available in the construction industry shone a much-needed spotlight on the rewarding opportunities on offer in the sector to people looking learn a new craft or skillset. Katie and Harrison were perfect examples for the campaign as both have grown with the business. Katie started out as a client services executive five years ago, and now oversees and improves business processes and in-house strategies to ensure the company’s success. She said: “I’m thrilled to announce my new role. From starting out as an administrator five years ago to being where I am now is something I’m extremely proud of and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of such an amazing team. I’m so excited for the journey ahead!” Harrison, who studied product design and has a natural eye for detail, looks after a team of around 20 estimators and enjoys the responsibility of his role. He said: “I am so excited about this promotion. My journey throughout the last five years has been unimaginable and I have grown within the business and within myself by a staggering amount. I am excited for what this new opportunity brings and can’t wait to hit future goals with our amazing team.” Bhangals Construction Consultants Managing Director Parm Bhangal said: “This promotion for Katie and Harrison is well deserved and well earned. They are both an asset to our business and their dedication and hard work has paid off. We look forward to continuing to watch them thrive as they ascend the professional ladder within our organisation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Capital & Centric appointed for Sainsbury’s site in Wolverhampton

Capital & Centric appointed for Sainsbury’s site in Wolverhampton

Developer Capital & Centric is set to transform a brownfield site in Wolverhampton into a creative new neighbourhood. A report – to be considered by City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet next week – recommends Capital & Centric are appointed as part of a pre-development agreement for the former Sainsbury’s supermarket site, to bring the neighbourhood forward. The first step will be to develop a masterplan for the 5 acre St George’s site, with early ideas for a melting pot of homes, community spaces and green streets, with the Grade II listed church repurposed as a community centrepiece. Shops, workspaces and café bars would complete the line up, adding a vibrant new quarter to Wolverhampton’s city centre, with links to the £61 million City Learning Quarter set to open in 2025. If appointed, the developers will work up a detailed vision as to how the strategic site could become a destination district for the people of Wolverhampton, with the potential for over 400 homes. The next stage would then be to consult the community prior to the submission of a planning application. Established in Manchester, Capital & Centric have gone on to deliver on award winning regeneration projects across the UK, from homes and workspaces, to hotels and leisure destinations. They’ve earned an enviable reputation for their offbeat design, with many of their projects featuring a striking blend of restoration of historic buildings alongside contemporary new builds. Having delivered standout neighbourhoods in Manchester city centre – including Kampus and Piccadilly East – they’re now ploughing on with transformational mixed use communities in spots including Stockport, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Everything they do is geared toward delivering social impact through regeneration, whether creating communities of independent businesses, creating skilled new jobs or inspiring young people into careers in regeneration through the not for profit ‘Regeneration Brainery’ they established. City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “Ambitious plans and investment as part of a wider strategy are driving the regeneration of our city centre, The Halls Wolverhampton, our award winning £150 million transport interchange and Grade A office developments are testament to that. “The St George’s opportunity sits at the heart of this, well connected to commercial and leisure hubs, which is a priority as we transform our city centre to generate jobs, homes and growth. “If the recommendations are approved by Cabinet it will enable the council to develop an outline business case that will establish this site as a new gateway into the city centre. “St George’s can provide an inclusive, safe and sustainable new quarter that will generate new opportunities and jobs, bring underutilised assets back into community use and, importantly, deliver much needed new homes in Wolverhampton city centre, which will bring wider social and economic benefits.” John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital & Centric, said: “St George’s is a worthy headliner among the line up of major opportunities in Wolverhampton and fits perfectly with what we’re about … delivering eclectic neighbourhoods that mix the old and new. It has bags of potential and we’re already brimming with ideas of how we could deliver new city centre homes alongside community hangout spaces and loads of much needed greenery. We can’t wait to write the next chapter for the stunning St George’s church, creating a new centrepiece around which the community will revolve.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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