In a bid to drive growth for the city, Leeds Trinity University will be establishing a city centre location at a building on 1 Trevelyan Square. The University has secured a lease on the 57,000 square foot building, which is located just off Boar Lane in the heart of the
ASHE Group has been awarded two contracts totalling nearly £30 million to deliver net zero schools for Hertfordshire County Council. The builder has already commenced work on a new £14.5 million primary school, which will be operated by the Avanti Academy Trust. The new primary school, due to open in
Plans for the multi-million pound transformation of Stretford town centre have been approved by councillors. Aiming to boost businesses and create a ‘thriving high street environment’, the project includes a high street, improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a new town centre. The plans, developed
Mace, the international construction and consulting company, has announced the completion of The JJ Mack Building, one of London’s smartest and most sustainable office buildings neighbouring the newly developed Farringdon station. The 200,000 sq ft scheme provides ten floors of technology-enhanced office space, including three terraces and extensive views across
Navien, the leading global boiler manufacturer, has announced the launch of a new, innovative NCB combi boiler range that offers a whole different approach to home comfort. The range, which features three new models, helps installers, and homeowners, meet the changing demands on Britain’s heating systems. Designed for every need,
Stoford, one of the UK’s leading property developers, has submitted a planning application for the new BBC home in Birmingham at the historic Typhoo Building in Digbeth. The building is already housing several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today.
Higgins, an award winning partner and developer, has announced the development of over 90 new homes on York Way Estate in the London Borough of Islington. While residents will benefit from a combination of studio, and one, two, three and four bedroom homes across four buildings, half of the homes
National firm Excello Law has announced the appointment of real estate specialist Amanda Hurst, who has joined from Hill Dickinson. Qualifying in 2002, she has a wide range of commercial property experience as well as specialisms in healthcare and education. “I am really excited to join other like-minded, experienced consultants
Kier, a leading UK construction and infrastructure company, was appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to design and deliver a new school building for St Peter’s Collegiate Academy and Three Spires Trust in Wolverhampton. Part of the DfE school rebuilding programme, St Peters Academy is one of the first
Low Carbon Materials (LCM), the science-led construction company, has announced it is one of the three international finalists in the world’s most prestigious environmental prize, The 2022 Earthshot Prize. The UK-based company is competing in the Fix Our Climate category, having been recognised by HRH Prince William as an accomplished
In a bid to drive growth for the city, Leeds Trinity University will be establishing a city centre location at a building on 1 Trevelyan Square. The University has secured a lease on the 57,000 square foot building, which is located just off Boar Lane in the heart of the city, subject to a ‘change of use’ planning application. Despite the announcement of the new building, Leeds Trinity’s campus in Horsforth, located just six miles from Leeds, will continue to be central to its offer – including new programmes in Nursing and Biomedical Science, which are being designed to respond to key public sector workforce needs in the City Region. “I am delighted to confirm that we are at the early stages of establishing a city centre location at 1 Trevelyan Square, Leeds, to complement our campus in Horsforth. Colleagues involved in this process have been hugely impressed by the potential of the building, the opportunities it will provide for our future students, and our ability to align with city-based partners and businesses as a career-led university,” said Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University. “Leeds Trinity remains fully committed to Horsforth, which will continue to offer students a supportive and engaging experience. Overall, this is a significant investment by the university, which will support our strategic ambitions to drive growth.” The plan to establish a city centre base is part of Leeds Trinity University’s growth ambitions, set out in its Strategic Plan 2021-26, which is underpinned by increasing engagement in the Leeds City Region. A city base to complement its existing campus in Horsforth will enable the University to work more closely with key partners and employers to bring new opportunities for its students, contribute to the continued growth of Leeds city centre and support demand for skills. In addition, by refurbishing an existing building, the University is seeking to contribute to sustainable development in the city centre. This comes as Leeds Trinity University has been ranked top for student experience in Yorkshire and the Humber and second for teaching quality in the region, in The Times and Sunday Times Good Universities Guide 2023. Nationally, the institution was placed 18th in the UK for student experience and joint 24th for teaching quality, reflecting high rates of student satisfaction in the latest National Student Survey (NSS). Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ASHE Group has been awarded two contracts totalling nearly £30 million to deliver net zero schools for Hertfordshire County Council. The builder has already commenced work on a new £14.5 million primary school, which will be operated by the Avanti Academy Trust. The new primary school, due to open in September 2023, will provide school places for 420 children living locally. The school will offer up to 30 places at Reception as well as 26 places for nursery aged children each year from September 2023. The school size will increase year on year as the school’s first pupils progress through their school life. “We’re committed to developing sustainable communities in Hertfordshire, providing residents with the infrastructure needed to make new developments great places to live – this includes providing good local schools which children can walk to,” said Cllr Terry Douris, Executive Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning at Hertfordshire County Council. “The children joining the school in September will have the unique distinction in that they’ll be able to look at the school in 50 years’ time and say that was my school from day one. The school is being built with the future in mind; by prioritising environmental sustainability in construction and operation, we’re taking a big step towards building a cleaner, greener and healthier Hertfordshire.” The school is planning to generate its own power and be ‘net zero in operation’ using air source heating, photovoltaics and will be gas free, relying on electricity. The project aims to increase the local biodiversity by around 20% with bird and bat boxes, and green roofs included in the scheme. Once completed, the school will be Net Carbon Zero in operation, using only electricity for power and heating, aided by photovoltaic (solar) panels which will help to generate the electricity needed to run the school. “We are delighted to be breaking ground on yet another Net Zero Carbon School for Hertfordshire County Council. This significant investment in sustainable infrastructure demonstrates Hertfordshire County Council’s intention to address the climate emergency head on, and we are proud to be able to assist in delivering a building that is part of the solution in ensuring that there is a brighter future for the students of Avanti Brook School,” added Andrew Morris, Business Development Director at ASHE Construction. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for the multi-million pound transformation of Stretford town centre have been approved by councillors. Aiming to boost businesses and create a ‘thriving high street environment’, the project includes a high street, improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a new town centre. The plans, developed by Bruntwood and Trafford Council, include huge investment to create a new King Street Square that will provide outdoor seating areas, market stalls and spaces to host events, along with transforming the existing multi-storey car park to make it more secure. Moreover, a home for retailers, eateries and bar areas to boost the local evening economy will be built, spilling out into a new south-facing community space, which will feature a covered shopping area aimed at local independent businesses. “This first phase of development is another milestone in the redevelopment of Stretford for the local community. It’s brilliant to work closely with Bruntwood towards a shared goal, and equally so to have the community involved in the decision-making process,” said Trafford Council Leader Councillor Andrew Western. “The extensive development of King Street and the wider Stretford area will significantly increase connectivity by introducing green and open spaces where people can come together and interact. With King Street playing a large role in the plans, the wider masterplan will enhance the quality of life for Stretford residents while injecting a surge of businesses into the community to boost the local ecosystem.” The Stretford town centre development will also see a quiet service street adjacent to the mall repurposed to create the new ‘Little King Street’. This new street will create a safe and welcoming place for activities to spill into and become a destination for a variety of food and beverage offerings. Preparatory works for the transformation of King Street have begun, with development works set to start in early 2023, with completion set for Summer 2024. Meanwhile, plans for up to 800 new homes, substantial new green public open space, and a new canal-side neighbourhood are due to be submitted later this year. The King Street plans are one of the projects to receive funding from the Government’s £830million Future High Streets Fund (FHSF). Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace, the international construction and consulting company, has announced the completion of The JJ Mack Building, one of London’s smartest and most sustainable office buildings neighbouring the newly developed Farringdon station. The 200,000 sq ft scheme provides ten floors of technology-enhanced office space, including three terraces and extensive views across central London. An example of forward-thinking building design, The JJ Mack Building incorporates smart building technologies throughout in order to enhance its sustainability. All working environments can be operated and controlled via a dedicated app, allowing building users to control heating, cooling and lighting, and monitor energy usage and occupancy levels to minimise the building’s environmental impact. A 3D ‘digital twin’, powered by data collected from building sensors, drives its systems to adapt and provide an optimal environment for occupiers, monitoring air quality and CO2 levels. As well as an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the development will be BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating (the first building in the UK to achieve this at the design stage) and a 5-star NABERS rating for energy performance and commitment to sustainable operations. Delivered for Helical plc and Ashby Capital, the construction work kept its carbon emissions to a minimum through low carbon materials, such as ‘Earth Friendly Concrete’ and sustainable design measures, such as a connection to Citigen’s district energy network which provides energy from renewable sources. A dynamic water management system linked to real-time weather data adapts its capacity in line with anticipated rainfall and recycles much of the water collected in the building. The JJ Mack Building offsets some of its energy use through 144 photovoltaic solar panels which generate energy that is fed back to the grid. To promote Biodiversity a 885 sq m green roof hosts various plant and animal species and two bee colonies. “We’re delighted to have delivered a building that raises the bar, both for sustainability and as a smart working environment. It’s been a fantastic journey working with Helical’s team and I’m proud of our team’s contribution to a development that sets a positive example of what can be achieved to create smart and healthy working environments for the future,” concluded Ged Simmonds, MD Commercial Offices and Residential at Mace. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Navien, the leading global boiler manufacturer, has announced the launch of a new, innovative NCB combi boiler range that offers a whole different approach to home comfort. The range, which features three new models, helps installers, and homeowners, meet the changing demands on Britain’s heating systems. Designed for every need, from small two-bedroom homes through to larger five-bed properties with multiple bathrooms, the range features Navien’s revolutionary ON technology which maximises comfort and eliminates the need to wait for hot water; whatever the time of day. ON maximises the recirculation of domestic hot water (DHW) while significantly reducing water wastage, ensuring the rapid delivery of hot water, consistency in temperatures, and enough hot water to run up to three showers at once – all without the need for a hot water cylinder. “We are delighted to launch our new NCB range with ON technology. The first boiler range of its kind on the market. The NCB range can deliver constant and rapid hot water to multiple rooms simultaneously. The days of waiting for the shower to heat up and dodging cold spells while someone else is washing the dishes are over. For installers, the NCB 500 ON and 700 ON remove the need to fit system boilers in larger homes. By removing the cylinder and requirement for pre-heating water, the NCB range not only reduces installation times but returns valuable space to homeowners,” said Jason Davies, National Business Manager at Navien UK. This new approach to heating and hot water offers a host of savings as it is more economical to use than system or regular boilers, with homeowners able to save up to 7,787 litres per year and up to 38% of gas on average per year compared to system boilers and regular boilers. Moreover, the Navien Navicirc technology negates the need to pre-heat large volumes of water or keep water heated to temperature when outlets are not in use. This means homeowners can deliver hot water to showers and taps more quickly than system or regular boilers and create extra space in the home by removing existing cylinders. “As a business, we identified an opportunity within the industry to take home heating to the next level by eliminating the need to wait for hot water. With premium styling, an intuitive control panel and intelligent self-learning to deliver hot water on demand, we have designed this range with revolutionary technology to deliver unrivalled hot water performance whilst still bringing savings and low running costs to our customers,” concluded Davies. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stoford, one of the UK’s leading property developers, has submitted a planning application for the new BBC home in Birmingham at the historic Typhoo Building in Digbeth. The building is already housing several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today. Hoping to move from its current home at The Mailbox to the new 84,001 sq ft custom-built centre in 2025, BBC will also be part of one of Birmingham’s first net zero carbon in construction office buildings. The detailed planning application has been informed by two successful public consultation events and numerous online consultation responses, and represents the first phase of a wider masterplan for the surrounding area. “The feedback from the public – both those who live or work in Digbeth and the thousands of people we reached via social media who are just interested in the scheme – has been overwhelmingly positive. Birmingham’s residents, visitors, and commuters are genuinely excited at the prospect of the BBC making its home at such a recognisable and prominent building,” said Gerard Ludlow, Director at Stoford. “Typhoo Wharf is a significant opportunity, which will not only catalyse reinvigoration of the wider area, but will also help to kick start further private and public-sector investment into Digbeth’s built environment and transport connections. Central to our Typhoo scheme is the commitment to conserving the historic building, which dates back to 1929 but has been left empty for decades. The BBC’s new home will be instantly recognisable to everyone who travels into Birmingham on HS2, the tram, or into our existing railway stations,” he added. The building is on target to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘outstanding’ and an energy performance certificate (EPC) of ‘A’. Stoford is working with The Gooch Estate, Glenn Howells Architects, Turley and several public sector partners to deliver the development and to prepare a comprehensive vision for the wider area, which will be served by multiple public transport connections, including a new tram top, HS2’s Curzon Street terminus, and the existing Birmingham coach and Moor Street railway stations. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Higgins, an award winning partner and developer, has announced the development of over 90 new homes on York Way Estate in the London Borough of Islington. While residents will benefit from a combination of studio, and one, two, three and four bedroom homes across four buildings, half of the homes will be given to tenants of Islington Council. “High housing costs are a threat to the capital’s competitiveness and the ability of London’s businesses to attract and retain the workforce it needs. London’s housing shortage is one of the most pressing social issues that we face. We have ambitious plans to develop many new homes on sites across the capital. The housing project at York Way Estate is an exciting one and will benefit residents for years to come,” said Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed. The City of London Corporation, a social landlord that manages 12 housing estates across the City of London and six London boroughs, will also build a new community centre, estate office, two playgrounds, a games area, and resident gardens. “Everyone deserves a safe, decent, and genuinely affordable place to call home – this is a vital part of our work to create a more equal Islington. I am delighted that this development will provide 45 much-needed new homes for social rent for Islington Council tenants on the York Way Estate. Council homes change lives – we need them more than ever in the midst of a housing crisis and a cost of living emergency,” commented Cllr Diarmaid Ward, Islington Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Planning and Performance. “With the ongoing demand for new social housing in London we are pleased to be working with the City Corporation to deliver these additional low carbon affordable homes on the York Way Estate,” added Steve Leakey, Managing Director of Higgins Partnerships. “As well as delivering the new homes we will also work closely with the local community to create employment and training opportunities for those living in the local area, through apprenticeship and work placements and also support those who are looking to retrain and build a career in the construction industry.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National firm Excello Law has announced the appointment of real estate specialist Amanda Hurst, who has joined from Hill Dickinson. Qualifying in 2002, she has a wide range of commercial property experience as well as specialisms in healthcare and education. “I am really excited to join other like-minded, experienced consultants and continue to provide an excellent service to clients whilst working flexibly,” commented on her appointment at Excello Amanda. Having moved from Hill Dickinson, where she headed up the national healthcare property commercial team, Amanda will be focusing on commercial landlord and tenant matters, as well as property acquisitions and disposals. “We are delighted to welcome Amanda to our real estate team in the north west. She is highly valued by her clients and joins at an exciting time in the firm’s history in Liverpool, with a growing team across the region and the launch of our new office facilities in Derby Square. It’s great to have her on board,” said Julie Mogan, Regional Director at Excello. Recently, Amanda was listed in the Legal 500 2023 directory for both commercial property and public sector (health) in Liverpool as a ‘Next-Generation Partner’. “Amanda joins a successful national real estate team and her expertise is a valuable addition to the services we provide. We’re always pleased to hear from lawyers looking to enjoy greater freedom to build their practice with all the infrastructure and regulatory support from an established consultant model firm like Excello,” added Jo Losty, Director at Excello. Founded in 2009 as one of the first law practices to adopt a limited liability company structure, Excello Law is a national, new-model law firm providing a more dynamic, forward-thinking and independent environment in which to practise for senior lawyers, underpinned by unparalleled administrative, compliance and technological support. The firm has grown to a team of 200 partner-level lawyers, with year-on-year growth averaging 20%. The firm has ten UK offices in London (x3), Birmingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Leeds. Excello Law was one of the first law firms in the UK to pioneer true agile or flexible working. The model reduces overhead costs and uses leading-edge technology to give freedom to lawyers and provide better value legal services to clients. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier, a leading UK construction and infrastructure company, was appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to design and deliver a new school building for St Peter’s Collegiate Academy and Three Spires Trust in Wolverhampton. Part of the DfE school rebuilding programme, St Peters Academy is one of the first schools in the country to be announced by the programme. The project, which was procured through the Department for Education Contractors Framework 2021, will be developed in stages that involve the design and planning, through to demolition of existing buildings, creation of specialist temporary accommodation, and the build of a new secondary school. “We’re delighted to be appointed by the DfE to support St Peter’s Academy and Three Spires Trust to develop the design, and ultimately deliver this important new school building. As experts in delivering education projects in live school environments, we understand the needs of the school to continue to support their students’ education. We look forward to playing our part in creating a first-class educational setting for pupils, students, staff and local communities in Wolverhampton,” said David Yorke, Regional Director, Kier Construction Eastern and Midlands. The new academy building will replace four of the current seven buildings on site and, during the build, specialist accommodation will be provided by Kier to minimise disruption to teaching and learning for students at the school. Further works will take place to make way for enhanced outdoor facilities as well. “The appointment of Kier is an important milestone for the project and we are delighted with the progress made so far in our journey to a new academy building. Although St Peter’s is much more than the buildings, it is undoubted that moving into a new building in 2025 will transform the education we offer to our students currently and in the future,” added Vice Principal, St Peter’s Academy, Daniel Sherriff. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Low Carbon Materials (LCM), the science-led construction company, has announced it is one of the three international finalists in the world’s most prestigious environmental prize, The 2022 Earthshot Prize. The UK-based company is competing in the Fix Our Climate category, having been recognised by HRH Prince William as an accomplished group of entrepreneurs and innovators spearheading ground-breaking solutions to the biggest environmental challenges our planet faces. LCM was founded to shape the green construction sector with its science-based, lower carbon, new-age building material OSTO. OSTO is a carbon-negative lightweight aggregate for concrete produced out of waste and by-products. It is a game-changer for the construction industry, which works by making traditional carbon-intensive blocks carbon-zero, thereby reducing their environmental impact. “We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated and now to be through to the final stages in this competition. It is such an honour to be included alongside such pioneering organisations and individuals who are engaged in truly astounding environmental initiatives,” said CEO and Co-Founder Dr Natasha Boulding. “To have our low-carbon, waste-based building material recognised as a formidable solution that can be scaled to reverse environmental damage and to better protect the environment is truly game-changing. This is real independent verification from the highest authority that our product has the potential to help fix our planet,” she added. Finalists for the Earthshot Prize are eligible for the £1 million prize, as well as receiving tailored support and resources from The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance Members, an unprecedented network of private sector businesses around the world committed to helping scale innovative climate and environmental solutions and multiplying their impact. The five Winners will be selected by The Earthshot Prize Council, a diverse team of influential individuals committed to using their platforms to champion inspiring leadership and elevate urgent efforts to repair and regenerate the planet. The Earthshot Prize Council Members include: HRH Prince William, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Cate Blanchett, Daniel Alves Da Silva, Sir David Attenborough, Ernest Gibson, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Jack Ma, Shakira Mebarak, Yao Ming, Luisa Neubauer, Indra Nooyi, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Naoko Yamazaki. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
