Network Rail has launched its masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard, East London, which will see the regeneration of over 30 acres of brownfield land. The site is the final parcel of land to be developed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games legacy. The site is
Russell WBHO has been appointed to build a new nine-storey hotel in Gateshead. The contract was awarded by real estate company Ask:PATRIZIA to construct the 344 bedroom, 180,898 sq ft, dual branded hotel. Planning permission for the project was approved by Gateshead Council in March and construction is set to
The Torbay-based Cavanna Group of companies has announced the appointment of Keith Miller as Group Chairman, replacing Jeremy Cavanna who becomes a non-executive director. The move marks the final part of a succession plan for the family business which was founded in 1923 by Jeremy Cavanna’s grandfather, PD Cavanna and
Nottingham City Council has announced that Nottingham Castle will reopen on 26 June, following redevelopment work. The redevelopment includes a new visitor centre and cafe at the castle’s entrance. It will also include a new adventure playground in the moat in addition to modernised internal galleries and exhibition spaces. The
Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland has begun construction work has begun on a new £45.8 million performance venue in Derby. The 3,500 capacity entertainment centre will be built on the site of the former Pennine Hotel, Laurie House offices, multi-storey car park, Pink Coconut nightclub in Colyear Street and Padley House
Later living provider Inspired Villages has acquired a 27-acre site in Edenbridge, Kent. The deal is part of a joint venture with NatWest Pension Group Fund and Legal & General. The site has planning permission for 184,000 square feet of accommodation including a 100-unit Integrated Retirement Community. Inspired will now
Work has begun on the UK’s first mobility hub in Ancoats, Manchester, part of Manchester City Council’s regeneration and net zero plans. The mobility hub is a new concept which aims to prioritise green investment, public space, sustainable and active travel, and individual building design over space for car parking
Work has been completed on a new 66-home affordable development in Doncaster. The work was undertaken by a partnership between ESH Construction, Together Housing Group and Housing 21. The site, located in Askern, includes a mix of general housing and retirement living housing. Residents are now moving into 56 two,
The University of Manchester has unveiled the next phase of plans to provide additional student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus. The major redevelopment will include Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall. The University is progressing an outline planning application which would replace existing bedspaces with up to 3,300 new
The Government has been given the go ahead for a new railway station to be built in Cambridge. Work has already begun on the 4-platform, fully accessible station based at Cambridge Biomedical Campus in the south of the city. The Government has earmarked £200 million worth of funding for the
Network Rail has launched its masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard, East London, which will see the regeneration of over 30 acres of brownfield land. The site is the final parcel of land to be developed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games legacy. The site is situated close to the A12, and is currently home to several heavy freight uses. Network Rail will work with Maccreanor Lavington Architects to develop a vision for the site’s redevelopment. Possible options for the area include, a new neighbourhood of homes, a logistics and freight hub as well as a new business campus. Commenting on the project, Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail said: “As the last part of the regeneration story for the Olympic Park, Bow Goods Yard is strategically connected by both road and rail. The development has the potential to create London’s largest state-of-the-art freight and last mile logistics hub to serve Greater London, alongside delivering homes, a workspace campus and open space connecting to the surrounding neighbourhoods. “The regeneration of this strategic site demonstrates the huge importance rail infrastructure plays in unlocking the development of brownfield sites and to deliver on London’s sustainability agenda. We look forward to working closely with both communities and key stakeholders on this opportunity.” Reflecting on their involvement, Blazej Czuba, Associate Urban Designer with Maccreanor Lavington said: “We have been developing unique approaches to London’s employment locations for many years and we are thrilled to have been selected to apply them on this unique site. Bow Goods Yard has the potential to be London’s most industrious sites – it is also about its newest park and the evolving residential neighbourhoods around it. “This project needs care and sensitivity in its design, with a fair amount of innovation. The team understands the complexity of London: its communities, its spatial character, its uses, and the mix that will create a new neighbourhood here for the people of Newham and Tower Hamlets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Russell WBHO has been appointed to build a new nine-storey hotel in Gateshead. The contract was awarded by real estate company Ask:PATRIZIA to construct the 344 bedroom, 180,898 sq ft, dual branded hotel. Planning permission for the project was approved by Gateshead Council in March and construction is set to commence later this year. The design was created by AHR Architects. Other features of the hotel include, restaurants, bars, business meeting rooms and a residents’ gym. They will be managed by Vine Hotels. A network of pedestrian footpaths and crossings will link the hotel to the wider Quayside development areas and to Gateshead town centre to the west. When complete the hotel will be managed by Accor under its Novotel and Ibis brands. It is expected to host 210,000 visitors a year as well as to generate £13 million for the local economy. Commenting on the project, Russel WBHO Managing director Gareth Russell said: “As a recognised specialist in hotel construction, we are extremely pleased to confirm our appointment to this new project in Gateshead. “We take a collaborative partnership approach to delivery and our team is working closely with the client and the local authority in readiness for a project start later this year. “As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing and social value, we will look to secure labour and materials from local suppliers wherever possible and ensure the project provides training and apprenticeship opportunities for local young people.” Reflecting on the new partnership, John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate on behalf of the Ask:PATRIZIA partnership said: “Russell WBHO has a proven track record in the leisure sector and we are delighted to be partnering with them to deliver this superb new hotel for Gateshead. We’re looking forward to making a swift start on site and seeing the creation of another valuable asset for the Quayside area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Torbay-based Cavanna Group of companies has announced the appointment of Keith Miller as Group Chairman, replacing Jeremy Cavanna who becomes a non-executive director. The move marks the final part of a succession plan for the family business which was founded in 1923 by Jeremy Cavanna’s grandfather, PD Cavanna and PD’s brother Ray. Whilst the business continues to be family owned and supported by a family council, all land and property operations are now managed by a professional team with Group Managing Director Grayham Tucker at the helm. Keith, 53, who joined the company in 2017 as Group Managing Director of Cavanna Homes, transferred to the role of Deputy Chairman on the appointment of Grayham Tucker in January this year. Keith said: “My appointment is the final piece of the jigsaw in a succession plan that began over 10 years ago. “Over three generations and 100 years, the Cavanna family has grown a successful and respected business. They are now placing their trust in me to continue the strategic growth of the business as it enters its second century.” Keith and three non-executive directors including Stephen Trusler, John Lougher and Jeremy Cavanna, will ensure the ongoing engagement between the business and the family – something they have placed a great focus on establishing during the role out of the succession plan. Keith said: “It’s important that the family ethos, which has held the company in such good stead for so many decades, remains at the heart of how we conduct our operations to grow the business.” Jeremy Cavanna said: “Keith has shown himself to be an outstanding leader over the past six years and has embraced the Cavanna family ethos which my grandparents established and grew alongside the business.” Group MD Grayham Tucker is already pressing ahead with the implementation of even higher standards of housebuilding across all of the company’s West Country development sites. He said: “We are already exceeding the sustainability standards set in the new building regulations and intend to go greener sooner by focusing our attention on the very best methods of modern construction, optimising energy-efficiency in our new homes and delivering biodiversity net gain. This is important for our customers and our shareholders, and vital for the planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham City Council has announced that Nottingham Castle will reopen on 26 June, following redevelopment work. The redevelopment includes a new visitor centre and cafe at the castle’s entrance. It will also include a new adventure playground in the moat in addition to modernised internal galleries and exhibition spaces. The City Council was handed back the site following the liquidation of Nottingham Castle Trust last November. A decision was taken by the Council’s Executive Board on 21 March 2023 to work towards reopening the whole site in June managed directly by Nottingham City Council as part of its Museums and Galleries service. Commenting on the reopening Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that Nottingham Castle will open again on Monday 26th June. Nottingham without its castle is like Robin Hood without his merry men, so it’s going to be fantastic to have it back at the heart of our city’s life. “We’ve already seen with the Coronation events and the sold-out Eurovision event that people are eager to return to the site – and we’re very keen to welcome them back. With the final chance for a grounds only sneak preview with the new ‘Medieval Legends’ open day, visitors of all ages can discover the grounds of the Castle during the bank holiday at the end of May ahead of the full reopening of the site. “We hope this announcement will come as welcome news, as we have endeavoured to listen to what visitors didn’t like about the Trust’s admission arrangements, and I believe the simpler pricing and exceptional value we are announcing will help to encourage visitors, near and far, to come back again and again.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland has begun construction work has begun on a new £45.8 million performance venue in Derby. The 3,500 capacity entertainment centre will be built on the site of the former Pennine Hotel, Laurie House offices, multi-storey car park, Pink Coconut nightclub in Colyear Street and Padley House in Becket Street. It will be owned by Derby City Council and leased to and operated by ASM Global. Bowmer + Kirkland took over the site on 5 June and the project is expected to be complete by January 2025 after which it will be handed over to ASM Global. When complete the space will be capable of holding events such as stand-up comedy and concerts. It is hoped to bring an additional 250,000 visitors a year to Derby as well as creating over 200 jobs. Commenting on the development Christian Parnell, Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director,said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been appointed to build Derby’s exciting new entertainment and events venue. 2023 marks Bowmer + Kirkland’s first 100 years and it is fitting that we are beginning work on a major scheme which will bring life back to a once vibrant and prominent area of the city. “We are looking forward to working with St James Securities, Derby City Council and ASM Global to deliver this landmark venue for the people of Derby and Derbyshire.” Reflecting on the contract, Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council said:”This is an important step forward in finally delivering the new venue Derby needs, which will deliver real, tangible benefits for businesses, residents and visitors. “Creating a city centre for all is one of our priorities and this new and flexible space is a key part of bringing vibrancy and pride back to our city centre.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Later living provider Inspired Villages has acquired a 27-acre site in Edenbridge, Kent. The deal is part of a joint venture with NatWest Pension Group Fund and Legal & General. The site has planning permission for 184,000 square feet of accommodation including a 100-unit Integrated Retirement Community. Inspired will now seek to amend current permission to include additional facilities such as a restaurant and wellness suite. The site is a former golf course situated just outside Edenbridge, and is a 15-minute walk from the town centre. Commenting on the acquisition Neal Dale, Chief Development & Property Officer for Inspired Villages said: “We welcome the addition of Edenbridge to our portfolio of sites and are excited by its potential in a popular and thriving location for us. “We are keen to start progressing plans for the village here whilst raising awareness and gaining support from the local community. The provision of this type of age-appropriate accommodation is of wider benefit as it naturally frees up housing stock throughout every element of the property ladder. “The sense of holistic wellbeing and community we seek to create within our villages also proves beneficial to the surrounding areas where we are currently operating. Our Inspired Friendships programme is already well-established in Kent and seeks to reduce loneliness and isolation of those not just living with a village, but the wider community also. “Edenbridge is part of our wider business vision to open 34 sites as we embark on a mission to become the leading retirement community operator in the UK, with communities that are flourishing and residents living the best years of their lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has begun on the UK’s first mobility hub in Ancoats, Manchester, part of Manchester City Council’s regeneration and net zero plans. The mobility hub is a new concept which aims to prioritise green investment, public space, sustainable and active travel, and individual building design over space for car parking and vehicles. Vehicle movements around Ancoats will be further reduced by the Hub’s delivery centre, which will receive parcels and other deliveries, which will either be collected by residents or transferred to buildings via small electric vans and cargo bikes. The hub will include 150 secure bike parking spaces and changing facilities, 102 Electronic vehicle charging points and up to 30 spaces for car club/car share schemes. There will also be 406 parking spaces for visitors and residents. The building has been designed by Buttress Architects LTD and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Commenting on the project Leader of the Council Bev Craig, said: “The redevelopment of Ancoats over the last two decades is an exemplar in urban renewal. And rightly so – the neighbourhood is internationally renowned and has been named one of the best places to live globally. “This next phase of regeneration gives us an opportunity to think differently about how our residents occupy and interact with the space they live in. The Mobility Hub is a key part of this – helping to put the pedestrian, active travel and green public space as the focus of the neighbourhood, rather than the car. “Upcoming development will deliver 1,500 new homes and the transformation of the local park in this part of our city centre and the Hub ensures that Ancoats will be not just renowned for regeneration, but for its sustainability – creating a low carbon, green neighbourhood that should be a model for future city centre investment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has been completed on a new 66-home affordable development in Doncaster. The work was undertaken by a partnership between ESH Construction, Together Housing Group and Housing 21. The site, located in Askern, includes a mix of general housing and retirement living housing. Residents are now moving into 56 two, three and four-bedroom homes and 10 two-bedroom bungalows which have been delivered for Together Housing. All properties include front and rear gardens as well as parking facilities. Commenting on the completed works, Simon Woodward, Operations Director at ESH Construction, said: “Askern is a land led scheme which has been long in the making. It was jointly developed by ESH alongside two clients to meet identified housing needs in the area and create a community which fosters inter-generational living. “As a local contractor, we have maximised the benefits of our local supply chain by re-investing more than £7.4 million into the Yorkshire region throughout the overall scheme. We are delighted to reach completion and handover these new homes to Together Housing.” Reflecting on the project, Kevin Ruth, Together Housing Group Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to see these new homes in Askern, which will help to meet the need for affordable housing in the area. From the bungalows to the four-bedroom houses, these high-quality homes offer attractive housing options for a wide-variety of residents. “I’d like to thank everyone involved from the early stages who have helped to bring this project to fruition. As a Group, we’re committed to working with partners to invest in homes and communities.” The development in Doncaster has been positively received by the local council. Praising the work, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio holder for Housing and Business at City of Doncaster Council, Cllr Glyn Jones said: “A further 66 new affordable homes is another welcome boost to Doncaster. Being able to afford a home in an area with close proximity to essential facilities will be an attractive proposition to many of our residents and I am delighted that so many will now be able to make this a realistic possibility.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Manchester has unveiled the next phase of plans to provide additional student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus. The major redevelopment will include Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall. The University is progressing an outline planning application which would replace existing bedspaces with up to 3,300 new bedspaces. The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases and includes the demolition of Owens Park Tower which has been closed for several years. The work does not affect students currently living in halls at the Fallowfield campus and prospective students can continue to apply for existing halls as normal. The University has launched an accompanying public consultation to gauge the opinions of students, staff and local residents. The public consultation will close on the 30 June, prior to the submission of the outline planning application to Manchester City Council. Commenting on the plans, Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester said: “The proposals for the redevelopment of this area of the Fallowfield campus will strengthen the University’s ability to offer a world-class, supportive student experience in well-located, good value, quality accommodation. This redevelopment provides an opportunity to widen the choice and supply of student bedrooms whilst ensuring they are fulfilling the requirements of future students studying at the University. “Through creating these welcoming and inclusive spaces, it helps create a positive sense of place for our students as they live, learn and thrive within the surrounding community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Government has been given the go ahead for a new railway station to be built in Cambridge. Work has already begun on the 4-platform, fully accessible station based at Cambridge Biomedical Campus in the south of the city. The Government has earmarked £200 million worth of funding for the project which is due to be completed in 2025. The construction of the station is expected to create 300 new jobs and when completed, will provide links to Stansted Airport and the Eurostar. It’s expected to receive 1.8 million passengers a year. Unveiling the plans, Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “This brand-new station will not only benefit local passengers but deliver a major boost to the entire city, improving connectivity to a world-leading academic hub while unlocking local business and growth opportunities across the region. “This is just another step in our efforts to create a thriving, well-connected, passenger-focused rail network to support communities for generations to come.” Reacting to the announcement, Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “It’s an exciting time for the railway in Cambridgeshire with a green light to deliver a new station that will serve the vitally important and growing biomedical campus. “Rail continues to be an environmentally sustainable form of transport and I know the minister’s announcement will be welcomed by the customers and communities we serve across Cambridgeshire and beyond.” One of the main beneficiaries of the project, Kristin-Anne Rutter, Executive Director at Cambridge Biomedical Campus Limited, said: “We are delighted that the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is to get its own railway station in less than 2 years’ time. Better public transport links will be critical in fulfilling our vision of a more sustainable campus. “Currently, there are around 5 times as many visits to the site as there are car parking spaces. We have to find ways of making it easier for the thousands of staff, NHS patients and visitors arriving daily to get here without needing to use a car. “This is a campus dedicated to improving human health, so anything that has the potential to cut air pollution and take pressure off our local roads is also very welcome. Coupled with the recent approval of the East-West Rail route directly linking Oxford with the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, we believe we can create a successful yet sustainable health and life sciences cluster that can both grow the economy and save lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
