Hollaway Studio has designed the world’s first purpose-built multi-storey skatepark in Folkestone, UK, as part of a major ongoing programme to regenerate the seaside town. The landmark building features three skateparks, climbing wall (the tallest in the South East of England), and boxing ring, and opens to the public on
New residents now occupy the new homes in Stockton-on-Tees, following national housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, completing its £2.2 joint venture scheme, and handing over to housing provider Thirteen Housing Group in a development partnership. The 14 two-bedroom, energy efficient and environmentally friendly bungalows at Elm House were built by Keepmoat Homes in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and Thirteen Housing Group, to provide
Eleanor Ogilvie, from Stockport, joined MCI Developments in 2019 as a Land & Partnerships Manager, and within 3 years has been able to achieve her goal of Head of department at just 27 years old. The promotion reflects Eleanor’s ambition to identify additional development opportunities, and during her time at
In an industry long perceived as male dominated, North Midlands house builder Harron Homes are always looking to encourage talented women into their workforce to become a successful female architect. Architectural Technologist, Philippa Bargh, attests to how she has thrived in her career in construction and house building. Female architect
Westbrook Partners has agreed to forward-purchase two BREAAM ‘Very Good’ urban logistics portfolios for £172.5m from Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”). The first portfolio, which was wholly owned by Chancerygate, is called Urban Portal and comprises three multi-unit logistics developments located in Aston Clinton, Brackley and Leicester. The schemes
One of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and the secure storage container, Mobile Mini, is asking clients, customers, and industry peers to ensure they are fully prepared to transition fuel requirements ahead of red diesel taxation changes set for next month. Red diesel refers to a normal diesel
A national housebuilder has obtained planning permission to build a development of 234 new homes on a vacant site at Brenda Road in Hartlepool. Keepmoat Homes, with support from Hartlepool Borough Council and the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, will be building on a partly derelict site which has
Top ten national housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, has been recognised for its ambitious programme of systems and processes to maximise social value delivery with a certificate. The Doncaster-based business is the first private-market housebuilder to achieve a Level One Social Value Management Certificate from Social Value UK. The certificate acknowledges the
Roann Limited, the Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, celebrates over a decade working in partnership with global-leading architectural surface brand, Cosentino. Cosentino produces and distributes high value, innovative surfaces, including Silestone, the hybrid surface made from premium natural minerals and recycled materials. Manufactured exclusively with HybriQ technology, it’s a
Astley Hire is proud to be one of the first industrial equipment hire companies to achieve carbon-neutral status for December 2020 – November 2021 under PAS 2026 framework. In 2021 Astley Hire embarked on a 12-month long project to address how they could further minimise the environmental impact of the
Hollaway Studio has designed the world’s first purpose-built multi-storey skatepark in Folkestone, UK, as part of a major ongoing programme to regenerate the seaside town. The landmark building features three skateparks, climbing wall (the tallest in the South East of England), and boxing ring, and opens to the public on 4 April 2020. For Hollaway Studio, F51 is an ‘adrenaline building’. From its initial ambition and conception through to the articulation of its form and architecture and ultimately its end use, F51 is the shot of adrenalin needed by all – from those using it to the local community and the town itself. To create this, Hollaway Studio has designed an imposing concrete beacon shrouded in mesh rising out of the Folkestone Creative Quarter, acting as a focal point within both the local landscape and the community. With its three layers of high quality skateparks, boxing gym, climbing wall, and café space, it is a central hub for youth culture following the year that skateboarding was recognised at Tokyo as an Olympic sport and in advance of Paris 2024, just across the Channel from it. F51, named after its location in the heart of Folkestone, a burgeoning seaside town in South East Kent, has been commissioned by the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust. The Trust views the skatepark project as a further means to support the local community and has been responsible for much of the ongoing regeneration currently taking place that is transforming and reviving Folkestone. F51 is a gift to Folkestone and the young. Located on the edge of one of the most deprived wards in Kent, it will offer young locals freedom and the opportunity to push both physical and mental boundaries within a safe space away from screens. In doing so F51 aims to put young people first, conveying to the youth of Folkestone that they are important and have opportunities that may not have been immediately apparent before. Membership for young locals who attend schools in the area, will be offered at a heavily discounted rate making F51 accessible for all of the local community. F51 also aims to attract the large number of locals who moved away and are now returning to bring up their own families and continue the regeneration of Folkestone. F51 will be managed by The Sports Trust, the Folkestone independent not-for-profit sports charity, previously known as Shepway Sports Trust, established to encourage participation and excellence in sport. The Sports Trust will use the new facility as a base from which to support local clubs, strengthening their connections with primary and secondary schools and encouraging people of all ages to adopt a more active lifestyle.
New residents now occupy the new homes in Stockton-on-Tees, following national housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, completing its £2.2 joint venture scheme, and handing over to housing provider Thirteen Housing Group in a development partnership. The 14 two-bedroom, energy efficient and environmentally friendly bungalows at Elm House were built by Keepmoat Homes in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and Thirteen Housing Group, to provide a desirable place to live for older people and vulnerable residents in the area. The site is adjacent to Keepmoat Homes’ £21m Sycamores town centre regeneration project which is delivering a further 143 new homes. “We’re delighted to be involved in the revival of this exciting part of Stockton that’s created new homes where they’re needed most,” said Stuart Poulter, Thirteen’s head of affordable homes delivery. “These bungalows for older people are a stunning addition to the town centre, and it’s been great working with all partners, including Keepmoat, Stockton Council and TVCA, to regenerate an area so close to the shops and amenities in Stockton.” Ian Prescott, North East Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “This is without doubt the quickest ever project in my time at Keepmoat Homes. We were asked to consider the site by the Council in mid-November 2020 and by mid-February 2021 we had obtained planning, secured brownfield grant funding, and signed contracts with Thirteen Housing Group “By December 2021 all dwellings had been completed – a mere 13 months from us first looking at the site. The provision of much needed affordable homes in such a rapid pace of time is testament to all of those involved at Stockton Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Thirteen Housing Group, and the team at Keepmoat Homes as well as our consultants and sub-contractors. “This illustrates just what can be achieved through strong partnership working, despite Covid and all of the challenges it has created.” The development forms part of an ambitious partnership plan to regenerate Stockton town centre, creating over 1,000 new homes in Tees Valley on neglected and disused land, following £19.3million funding from Government’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “The bungalows at the former Elm House site are an exciting addition and another piece in the jigsaw as we continue on with our plans to improve every town centre across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough and make them fit for the future. “We know we have to rejuvenate our town centres and high streets in different ways and encouraging people to live in or nearby them is key to what we’re trying to achieve.”
Eleanor Ogilvie, from Stockport, joined MCI Developments in 2019 as a Land & Partnerships Manager, and within 3 years has been able to achieve her goal of Head of department at just 27 years old. The promotion reflects Eleanor’s ambition to identify additional development opportunities, and during her time at MCI Developments has purchased and facilitated land opportunities, resulting in the delivery of over 650 much-needed affordable dwellings across the North West. Having started her career in the construction industry in 2015, Eleanor has been able to quickly progress in the industry, and as Head of Land & Partnerships, she will be responsible for leading the department to acquire and deliver residential development sites, with an aim of 500 homes per year in the region. Often stereotyped as an all-male industry, Eleanor’s promotion marks a progressive step forward as the industry is slowly becoming more diverse, particularly in managerial roles. Eleanor Ogilvie commented: “I’m immensely proud to be leading the Land & Partnerships team here at MCI Developments. I’m looking forward to strengthening the Land Team and continuing the success of delivering much-needed affordable housing across the North West of England. “I decided I wanted to pursue a career within the construction industry whilst I was at university. I thoroughly enjoyed the regeneration modules, and it sparked an interest in me to learn more about the property and construction industry. For me, being knowledgeable in the industry and being able adapt to new challenges has helped progress my career quickly.” With an aim to open more doors to women within the construction industry, Eleanor Ogilvie has been a member of Women in Property for five years, and Chair for the organisation in the North West for 2021/2022. The organisation plays an important role in creating opportunities, expanding knowledge, and advocating for change among women working in the property and construction industry, and during Eleanor’s tenure as Chair, membership grew by 60%. Eleanor added: “It has been an honour to lead the committee and drive for a better industry. I started my tenure as Chair very much still in lockdown and had to adapt to the circumstances to ensure our members were connected through virtual events. Over the past year the organisation has gone from strength to strength and that’s all down to the hard work and input from our members, committee and sponsors. It has been both highly rewarding and a privilege to be able to support women at all stages of their construction careers. “My advice to women who are interested in starting their career within the industry would be to be yourself and take up every opportunity as and when they arrive, you never know where it may take you. I’m an advocate that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.” Alex Wood, Regional Managing Director at MCI Developments, said: “It’s great to see Eleanor take on the position as Head of Land & Partnerships here at MCI Developments. Her achievement is testament to the crucial work she plays within the construction industry and marks an exciting new chapter for the company. “Eleanor is a true inspiration to other women, and her achievement clearly demonstrates the important role women play in the construction sector. We’re confident that with Eleanor’s proven track record of success, she will play a significant role in our continued growth plans by identifying key areas to build new beginnings and flourishing communities here in the North West.”
In an industry long perceived as male dominated, North Midlands house builder Harron Homes are always looking to encourage talented women into their workforce to become a successful female architect. Architectural Technologist, Philippa Bargh, attests to how she has thrived in her career in construction and house building. Female architect Philippa, 29, has worked at Harron for four years and has worked in construction for eight years. She was drawn into housebuilding during her time at a ‘multi-disciplinary practice’. “During my time there I began to head up small residential projects for developers and it was this experience that made me want to join Harron Homes and develop my career within the sector. “At Harron I take site feasibility layouts, and conduct an architectural review with the rest of the team to develop the layout in readiness for planning. This is to ensure our sites are aesthetically pleasing, buildable and meet the Local Authorities various design guides to ensure a swift approval. “Following planning approval, I produce the sites construction drawings. My role also includes keeping house type drawings up to date, ensuring these meet current building regulations.” This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias, and Philippa has an interesting take on negative biases that need to be challenged in the industry: “I haven’t experienced much bias in my career – my gender has certainly never held me back from pursuing my passion in architecture. I guess this shows the industry is moving in the right direction. “However, I have had it assumed previously that I am an admin assistant because of my gender – and this was by a female – so it very much isn’t just men who need to progress in their mindset. I would say as a woman, there are times where you need to prove your worth and be assertive, but if you are knowledgeable, it never takes long to be respected just the same as your male colleagues.” Harron strives to create a culture which is fair and equal to all, and Philippa feels that this is making a difference in the workplace. “In terms of the physical construction side of things, yes, it is male-dominated. In terms of everything leading up to the build however, I think it is very much an even split – or at least it is here at Harron Homes. “I don’t believe it’s necessarily important to encourage women specifically into this industry, but it is important to publicise the vast array of roles this industry does cover and ensure they are accessible to all. With the right publicity, anyone can make an informed career choice that suits them.” Philippa’s advice for any women who are considering a career in the construction industry is “Just go for it! I think there’s a lack of knowledge about all of the opportunities that are available, and everyone in the industry could do more. The industry is vast and varied; brick laying, drawing, managing, sales, commercial, customer care. You don’t need a degree – you need enthusiasm and it’s that drive that can take you where you want to be in the industry irrelevant of your gender.”
Westbrook Partners has agreed to forward-purchase two BREAAM ‘Very Good’ urban logistics portfolios for £172.5m from Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”). The first portfolio, which was wholly owned by Chancerygate, is called Urban Portal and comprises three multi-unit logistics developments located in Aston Clinton, Brackley and Leicester. The schemes will total 347,177 sq ft across 45 units and all three are set to practically complete in the next 12 months. The second portfolio, called City Gateway, comprises three multi-unit developments in Edinburgh, Leeds and Peterborough. The three schemes were jointly owned by Chancerygate and Bridges, who have a long track record of successful collaboration on sustainable industrial developments. The City Gateway portfolio will total 485,389 sq ft across 61 units, providing 43 industrial/warehouse units, 16 trade counter units and two drive throughs. The three schemes are set for practical completion in the next 24 months. In total, the portfolios comprise 832,000 sq ft over 42 acres, with each of the six schemes being acquired on a forward-commitment basis. All the newly built units will have market leading green credentials and will be constructed to the highest specification. Commenting on the deal, Mark Donnor, managing principal of Westbrook Partners, said: “We are delighted to have concluded the deal with Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management, in such a timely manner. “The 832,000 sq ft of Grade A stock is already receiving strong occupational interest for a variety of units. JLL is instructed to pre-lease the portfolio.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest multi-unit industrial developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company has offices in London, Warrington, Birmingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes. It currently has more than 3.5m sq ft of industrial space under construction or ready for development across 32 sites ranging from Bournemouth to Edinburgh. Chancerygate managing director, Richard Bains, said: “Our strategy of focusing on acquiring urban logistics sites and delivering Grade A schemes benefiting from strong environmental credentials has been borne out by the very strong interest we received for these portfolios. “We are very pleased to have concluded the deal with Westbrook Partners in a very swift timescale. The funds from the disposal will be used by us to invest in further strategic speculative development opportunities as Chancerygate continues to expand throughout the UK.” Bridges Fund Management is a specialist sustainable and impact investor. It has been working in partnership with Chancerygate on projects for more than 10 years. Investments include acquisitions last year of sites for industrial development in Coventry, Leeds, Tolworth and Edinburgh. Guy Bowden, partner at Bridges Fund management, added: “We’re delighted to complete this forward-purchase, which we think is testament to the strong demand – from both investors and occupiers – for high-quality highly sustainable logistics developments. Bridges’ sustainable logistics portfolio continues to deliver both attractive financial returns for our investors and superior environmental outcomes.” Tudor Real Estate represented Westbrook. JLL advised Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management.
One of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and the secure storage container, Mobile Mini, is asking clients, customers, and industry peers to ensure they are fully prepared to transition fuel requirements ahead of red diesel taxation changes set for next month. Red diesel refers to a normal diesel that has been dyed to show it is for use on untaxed off-road vehicles or equipment. Historically this distinction would see the fuel achieve a low duty rate, but from 1st April 2022, red diesel will no longer be made available at a rebated rate for most commercial applications. These reforms were announced by the Government two years ago as part of the ongoing task to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Losing tax-free status and business entitlement means viable alternatives to red diesel must be found. These changes will typically affect any business that hires generators, lighting, static & mobile welfare facilities, fuel management services or any other diesel-powered equipment. As with any major industry change, accepting and adapting as soon as possible is usually in the best interest of all involved, which is why the storage container company has acted fast to source new approaches. The company recently sent out correspondence to all customers and partners outlining their approach and advising others to act quickly to ensure a seamless transition with no negative impact endured. Bernard McGovern, Mobile Mini UK Managed Services, said, “To put it simply, it will no longer be legal to use red diesel to fuel most products required on construction projects. This is not a matter of choice and is something we must all adhere to. At face value, existing alternative fuels are costlier, so it will become more essential than ever to work with partners that have a well thought out efficiency strategy and can help ensure customer savings are made elsewhere. “A fundamental way we have maintained our long-standing reputation is by providing bespoke solutions to individual customers and never taking a one-size-fits-all approach, including the correct solution regarding fuel. Mobile Mini will advise all customers on what the best solution appears to be for their needs and will factor in current industry standards to this advice. Ensuring no costly modifications are required for equipment to change over will help make transitions both quick and efficient.” One of the alternative fuels the storage container expert is suggesting to suitable customers is HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil) fuel, which is a fossil-free fuel consisting of 100% renewable, biodegradable and sustainable properties. For others, dual power options supplied through the inclusion of a battery pack will be the most appropriate alternative and the business is already working with innovative suppliers that offer the next generation of hybrid solutions. Mobile Mini UK, headquartered in Stockton-on-Tees, has a fleet of over 40,000 portable units for a variety of storage solutions and 16 strategically placed sites throughout England, Scotland and Wales. The company has had an enviable record of zero reportable accidents for over two years and earlier this year furthered its reputation for excellence after being named the GOLD winner of the Customer Experience category at the 2022 UK Business and Innovation Awards. 7% of employees at Mobile Mini are qualified Mental Health First Aiders and the business was proud to support the NHS with units throughout COVID-19, as well as rolling out life-saving defibrillator equipment to all branches and investing in new safety features on an upgraded fleet of crane-mounted trucks.
A national housebuilder has obtained planning permission to build a development of 234 new homes on a vacant site at Brenda Road in Hartlepool. Keepmoat Homes, with support from Hartlepool Borough Council and the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, will be building on a partly derelict site which has been untouched for the last two years. The site was formerly used by Ford Motors as a dealership in 1997, and will now provide a range of highly accessible new homes for sale, with 36% of the total dwellings allocated for affordable housing, representing double the 18% requirement from the Council. The development will feature a range of 150 private homes for sale, which will comprise of two, three and four-bedroom properties. In addition, 84 two and three-bedroom bungalows and houses will be built for the council to provide affordable housing. “This is a fantastic development which absolutely goes with everything that we’ve been saying over the past few years about the Council intervening, and once again building our own housing stock to provide good quality homes and truly affordable homes for our residents. Since its closure, the Ewart Parsons site has often been a target for anti-social behaviour and this positive development will certainly help to reduce this,” said Councillor Shane Moore, the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council. As part of Keepmoat Homes’ commitment to employment and opportunities in the region, the new development will both safeguard and create 725 construction jobs. “We are delighted to have secured planning consent along with the Brown Field Grant approval for this challenging site. As well as bringing competitively priced high-quality homes for first time buyers to the town, the scheme will also deliver a significant number of much needed affordable homes. This will include bungalows for older persons or those with disabilities. This £35 million project will also safeguard and create over 700 construction related jobs, which will massively benefit the local community,” added Ian Prescott, North East Land and Partnerships Director. The business has secured a £1.9million Brown Field Grant from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority to assist the project, which will help transform the community and bring economic benefit to the area. Work is due to start on site in March 2022.
Top ten national housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, has been recognised for its ambitious programme of systems and processes to maximise social value delivery with a certificate. The Doncaster-based business is the first private-market housebuilder to achieve a Level One Social Value Management Certificate from Social Value UK. The certificate acknowledges the commitment Keepmoat Homes has made to implement systems and processes that are consistent with the Social Value Principles. These systems and processes have helped the homebuilder measure, manage and maximise its social value in the areas which it serves. The Social Value Management Certificate is accredited on behalf of Social Value International by Social Value UK, the national network for social impact and social value. The Social Value Management Certificate is an internationally recognised assurance seal that assesses the standard of an organisation’s practice in managing the social value that it creates through its activities. Consisting of three levels (Commit, Implement, and Maximise), the certificate will take Keepmoat Homes on the pathway to maximising social value in the way it operates, as the company looks to obtain levels two and three. Keepmoat Homes is one of the UK’s leading partnership homebuilders and a leading brownfield builder. 70% of its homes are built on previously developed land, with 56% of these located in the regeneration areas (in the bottom two deciles of the indices of multiple deprivation). The company specialises in partnership projects with Homes England, Registered Providers and local authorities, and aims to deliver sustainable and affordable homes for first-time buyers, as well as up-sizers and downsizers alike. Tim Beale, CEO at Keepmoat Homes, said: “As a company, we’re driven to go beyond bricks and mortar and improve places, enhance the environment and deliver real social value and outcomes. We have a clear responsibility to help deliver a sustainable future and meet our customers’ expectations and those of the communities in which we operate – it’s a key factor that sets us apart from other homebuilders. “High energy prices and the need to protect the planet makes the provision of warm, affordable and efficient homes more important than ever. In developing these homes, we also provide training and job opportunities in the area to support the people who live and work in our communities. “This contribution to society is our social value and I’m delighted that we’ve been awarded with the Level One Social Value Management Certificate, which recognises our commitment to enhancing this value in accordance with the very highest standards.” Craig Foden at Social Value UK said: “Keepmoat Homes are social value pioneers and achieving the Social Value Management Certificate recognises them as being strongly committed to social value best practice. We were particularly impressed with their commitment to involving stakeholders at each stage of the impact management process, and their outcomes-based approach which places the changes experienced by stakeholders as a core element of decision-making and resource allocation. “Through a systematic approach which focuses on understanding the impacts on stakeholders, and making decisions informed by this information, Keepmoat Homes will continue to improve their social value. “To be the first private market sale housebuilder to achieve the Social Value Management Certificate is to be thoroughly commended. We hope to work closely with Keepmoat Homes in the coming years as they continue on their social value journey.”
Roann Limited, the Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, celebrates over a decade working in partnership with global-leading architectural surface brand, Cosentino. Cosentino produces and distributes high value, innovative surfaces, including Silestone, the hybrid surface made from premium natural minerals and recycled materials. Manufactured exclusively with HybriQ technology, it’s a more sustainable approach to architectural surfaces. “We’ve been working with Roann Limited for over 10 years now and we’re thrilled with our working relationship. It is a great, commercially-focused business to work alongside of and every project we work on together is smooth-running and successful. We look forward to increasing our portfolio together over the coming years,” commented Claire Eagling, Senior Commercial Project Sales Manager at Cosentino. Roann Limited and Cosentino have collaborated to provide kitchen worktops to hundreds of projects across the UK, including the £130 million project, New Victoria apartments in Manchester, delivered by Muse Developments. “It’s great working so closely with the team at Cosentino. We have an established professional relationship, and our business objectives and values align closely, which means we have delivered and continue to deliver great results across our projects. I look forward to continuing our work together,” said Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited. With further large-scale projects already in the pipeline up until 2024, the professional partnership continues to grow in scale and profits. This comes shortly after Roann Limited reported record revenue last year, with a 40% increase in sales in just 18 months. Established in 1990, Roann Limited specialises in manufacturing, supplying, and installing high-quality granite and quartz worktops within the house building, property development and construction sectors. With more than 30 years’ experience, Roann Limited is dedicated to procuring stone worktops that help developers significantly reduce costs on their projects by selling direct to them.
Astley Hire is proud to be one of the first industrial equipment hire companies to achieve carbon-neutral status for December 2020 – November 2021 under PAS 2026 framework. In 2021 Astley Hire embarked on a 12-month long project to address how they could further minimise the environmental impact of the business. The company has held the ISO 14001 environmental standard for many years but was inspired to make the big push for carbon neutrality by the UK’s target to become carbon neutral by 2050. The industrial hire firm engaged with consultancy service Charis Ventures Ltd to assist with the project. By working together to form and implement a comprehensive carbon scheme, Astley Hire and Charis Ventures were able to reduce a potential carbon footprint of 142.08 tons down to a residual value of 48.24 tons, which has been offset via the government approved Carbon Footprint scheme. “We have always been aware of the impact of our business activities on the outside world. I am pleased to have reached this significant milestone of zero-carbon neutrality and be one of the first hire companies in the UK to have achieved this status. Our customers who prioritise their green credentials can benefit greatly from knowing they are hiring equipment from a carbon-neutral provider,” said Astley Hire’s General Manager, Martin Doran. Being carbon-neutral is the first milestone in a long term effort to reduce the business’ carbon output and the requirement for carbon offset. Astley Hire’s aim for 2022 is to reduce carbon offset by a further 10%, with similar targets for future years. Over 2022 and beyond, Astley Hire will examine business processes and seek ways to improve key areas such as their vehicle fleet efficiency, fuel for hire equipment, employee commuting, and the digitalisation of processes. The next stage of Astley Hire’s carbon-neutral journey is to get the PAS 2060 result certified by an external body, with a long term strategy to target every aspect of the business as technology advances and greener solutions become available.
