New headquarters in Lichfield to secure existing jobs, support future growth, and raise sustainability standards Palletways UK, the country’s leading and most trusted palletised freight network, has announced plans to relocate its national headquarters and core operations to a new purpose-built 640,000 sq ft facility at Fradley Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
A significant milestone was reached at West Middlesex University Hospital with the topping out ceremony of the new £80 million Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre (ADC). The event, held on 2nd July, marked the completion of the main structure of this transformative healthcare project being built by Bouygues UK, set to enhance
Livingston Designer Outlet in Scotland has reported strong sales growth among retailers that have recently invested in store refurbishments and upgrades. A standout example is premium kitchenware brand Le Creuset, which relocated to a larger unit in November 2024. Since the move, the brand has seen a notable uplift in
Malaysia’s leading engineering and property group, Gamuda Berhad, together with Singapore-headquartered real estate private equity firm Q Investment Partners (QIP), has announced the expansion of its student accommodation development in Woolwich, London, with the addition of Phase 2. This latest agreement marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between
Key updates to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Manchester’s East Village Central will be considered as part of a report to the Council’s executive committee next week (Tuesday 8 July). First approved in 2022, the SRF for the East Village area – which sits within the wider Piccadilly SRF
Temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), in partnership with Balfour Beatty VINCI, played a key role in the construction and repositioning of the A46 Kenilworth Bypass Box Structure, a critical element of the HS2 high-speed rail project. Project Overview The A46 is a major highway connecting Coventry, Kenilworth,
Work has officially begun on site to prepare Eston Precinct for demolition, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of the area. The process, which initially includes the safe removal of asbestos, paves the way for a major redevelopment project aimed at delivering high-quality retail facilities for both residents and
Landlords are already stepping up to meet the ambitions of the government’s consultation on the new Decent Homes 2 standard, with investment in improvement works up 26% in the last year, according to new data from market-leading procurement specialists Procure Plus. Key features of the proposed Decent Homes 2 standard
WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services, has carried out a full audit and replacement of the heat metering system at a high spec residential development in Bath. North Range is a prestigious new build development located in Bath’s Artisan Quarter
Consero, a luxury developer of Surrey’s super-prime homes, has been granted planning permission to build a boutique collection of detached homes in the highly sought-after area of Send, in Surrey, by Guildford Borough Council. The plans for the site – named Oaktrees – will deliver just four contemporary, high-end homes
New headquarters in Lichfield to secure existing jobs, support future growth, and raise sustainability standards Palletways UK, the country’s leading and most trusted palletised freight network, has announced plans to relocate its national headquarters and core operations to a new purpose-built 640,000 sq ft facility at Fradley Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire. Developed in partnership with Prologis UK, the project will consolidate Palletways’ operations, create space for future growth, and raise the bar for sustainable logistics buildings in the UK. The new site, located a short distance from the company’s current site at Fradley Park, will look to consolidate their operations in the area. Around 250 existing jobs will be secured for the Lichfield area, with the new facility set to create clear opportunities for further employment growth in the years ahead. Palletways has been based in Lichfield since 1994, when it first established its operations in the UK. What began as a single site has grown steadily over the past three decades into a network that now supports more than 140 independent members and handles close to 6 million pallets each year. Rob Gittins, Managing Director of Palletways UK, said: “Our decision to remain in Lichfield reflects the strength of our connection to the area and the role it has played in our success over the past 30 years. This new facility represents the next step in that relationship — creating space for growth while keeping us firmly rooted in the place where we began.” By consolidating operations into a single, purpose-built site, Palletways will reduce handling times, improve tracking accuracy, support earlier finish times and more reliable delivery windows. The additional space and flexibility will also allow the business to trial new technologies and streamline logistics processes — helping its independent members operate more efficiently and deliver stronger service to their own customers. Rob Gittins added: “It has been clear for some time that we are outgrowing our existing site at Fradley Park, which has served us so well for nearly 30 years. We began looking at how we could secure local jobs with minimum disruption, create opportunities for long-term growth, and further strengthen our commitment to sustainability.” We’re very excited about these plans, developed in partnership with Prologis, which reinforce all of those objectives. Our new headquarters will allow us to build on our service levels, provide better facilities and training opportunities for our staff, and offer even greater support to our members.” A key factor for Palletways in selecting Prologis as development partner was the company’s proven ability to deliver sustainable logistics buildings that meet both environmental and operational needs — a close fit with Palletways’ ambitions for its new headquarters. This, backed by Prologis’ robust balance sheet and access to capital means that the development could be delivered for Palletways with confidence, once planning approval is in place. The 640,000 sq ft facility will be delivered by Prologis and target BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ standards, placing it among the UK’s top-performing industrial buildings for energy efficiency. Features will include a 600kWp+ rooftop solar PV array, smart metering, rainwater harvesting, and high-efficiency systems to reduce both emissions and running costs. The new headquarters has been designed with employee wellbeing and community connectivity in mind. The building will feature warehouse skylights to maximise natural light, alongside secure cycle parking and EV charging to encourage more sustainable commuting. A dedicated amenity space for Palletways workers will include soft and hard landscaping, seating and a covered area. A new cycleway and footpath, winding through natural landscaping and featuring native species will improve local access between Fradley and Streethay, creating benefits beyond the building itself. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “This is a development that supports jobs, productivity and sustainability in equal measure. It reflects the ambitions of a long-standing logistics leader, while also contributing to a cleaner and more efficient built environment. It also aligns with the UK’s broader goals to modernise infrastructure, support regional growth and enable more sustainable ways of working. By investing in high-quality logistics facilities outside major city centres, projects like this help strengthen local economies and future-proof the country’s supply chain network.” The proposals are currently subject to planning approval. A public consultation is now underway, with a planning application expected to be submitted to Lichfield District Council in summer 2025. Subject to approval, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with occupation targeted for 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A significant milestone was reached at West Middlesex University Hospital with the topping out ceremony of the new £80 million Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre (ADC). The event, held on 2nd July, marked the completion of the main structure of this transformative healthcare project being built by Bouygues UK, set to enhance diagnostic and treatment services in the local community. Designed to be an all-electric, sustainable building, the ADC will deliver essential diagnostic and treatment services for cancer, renal conditions, and imaging, benefiting residents of Hounslow, Richmond, and Ealing. The ADC aims to address health inequalities by doubling capacity for renal and cancer services, ensuring local access to critical treatments sooner. Enhancements include increasing chemotherapy chairs from 10 to 18, allowing for approximately 3,000 more cancer treatments over the next decade, and doubling dialysis chairs from 12 to 24, significantly boosting renal service capacity. The new facility will also house a state-of-the-art education and training centre, reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to enhancing the skills of its staff and recruiting top talent to continue delivering exceptional healthcare services. The project is supported by the Trust’s charity, CW+, which is raising £1.5m to enhance the environment, providing expertise on design and patient experience, and commissioning bespoke artwork for the building. Beyond what Bouygues UK will bring to the healthcare sector through this project lies the promotion of community growth and sustainability. Through partnerships with MITSkills, the London Borough of Hounslow, and JCP Hounslow, the contractor is committed to developing local skills and creating employment opportunities throughout the lifetime of the project. Philippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, commented, “I am proud to celebrate the topping out of this pivotal project and would personally like to thank our team and partners. As well as working hard to reach this milestone, they have done an excellent job in fostering skills development and creating sustainable job opportunities for local residents which is sure to leave a lasting legacy in the community.” Lesley Watts, CEO of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which also includes West Middlesex University Hospital site, commented: “The topping of our Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre, marks a significant milestone for West Middlesex University Hospital. The new facility supports our wider vision to deliver high-quality, accessible care closer to home, and we are proud to play a leading role in strengthening and improving NHS services in West London. I would like to thank our teams and partners whose hard work has made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that it will have for our patients and staff for years to come.” Bouygues UK has a strong track record in delivering healthcare infrastructure across the UK, including the state-of-the-art Grafton Way Building for University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, completed in 2022, and the ongoing development of Oriel, a cutting-edge integrated eye care, research and education centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Livingston Designer Outlet in Scotland has reported strong sales growth among retailers that have recently invested in store refurbishments and upgrades. A standout example is premium kitchenware brand Le Creuset, which relocated to a larger unit in November 2024. Since the move, the brand has seen a notable uplift in performance, recording a 48% year-on-year increase in sales across November and December, along with a 33% rise in footfall during the same period. This positive trend continued into the first quarter of 2025, with Le Creuset achieving a 42% year-on-year growth in sales, a 31% increase in footfall, and a 7% improvement in its sales conversion rate. Nicky Lovell, Head of Outlets and Retail Business Development at Global Mutual, commented:“The performance of Le Creuset at Livingston Designer Outlet clearly demonstrates the value of reinvestment in outlet retail. For brands aiming to remain relevant and attractive to customers, upgrading their store environments is essential. The outlet sector continues to gain momentum, and it’s exciting to see major global brands investing in destinations like Livingston. These refurbishments underline that outlet shopping is firmly positioned at the heart of many of the world’s most dynamic retail strategies—and we are proud to play a part in that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Malaysia’s leading engineering and property group, Gamuda Berhad, together with Singapore-headquartered real estate private equity firm Q Investment Partners (QIP), has announced the expansion of its student accommodation development in Woolwich, London, with the addition of Phase 2. This latest agreement marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Gamuda and QIP, building on the successful momentum of Phase 1, which recently celebrated its topping out. The expanded development reflects the partners’ continued confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the UK’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) market, following their inaugural collaboration on Phase 1, Gamuda’s first UK student housing project and QIP’s first scheme in London. Phase 2, with a gross development value of c.£41.5 million, will add 120 student beds, bringing the total to 419 beds across both phases, and a combined GDV of c.£144.5 million. The phase 2 site was acquired from Hurlington Capital and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2026. Chu Wai Lune, CEO of Gamuda Land, said: “We’re pleased to deepen our collaboration with QIP on this next phase of our Woolwich development. The success of Phase 1 reinforces our confidence in the UK student housing sector and in our ability to create high-quality, sustainable living spaces that resonate with global student needs.” “At Gamuda, we view the UK as a strategic market and are steadily growing our presence through carefully selected partnerships and opportunities. This expansion reflects our commitment to scaling our PBSA footprint across key academic cities, bringing the same level of design quality and community focus that define our developments globally.” The Phase 1 topping out ceremony, held earlier this month, marked the structural completion of the initial 299-bed development and was attended by co-developers Hurlington Capital, along with other key stakeholders including CField Construction, and Alpha Real Estate Finance. Peter Young, CEO and Co-Founder of Q Investment Partners, added: “This Phase 2 agreement underscores the strength of our joint venture with Gamuda and our shared ambition for delivering institutional-quality student accommodation that meets the evolving needs of students while creating long-term value for our investors and communities.” “The Woolwich schemes play a key role in QIP’s portfolio & represents our flagship PBSA development in London, reflecting our long-term commitment to the UK market. Led by our UK-based QIP Development Group (QIPDG), under the leadership of James Coppack, this project also highlights the importance of our development expertise & execution within QIP’s vertically integrated real estate platform. We were among the first to recognise the area’s potential, and we’re proud to see this development progress with strong momentum.” “The UK PBSA sector continues to present compelling opportunities, and we remain committed to delivering long-term value through well-located, thoughtfully designed assets.” Strategic Urban Location with Excellent Connectivity Located on Beresford Street within the Royal Arsenal regeneration masterplan, the development forms part of the multi-billion-pound transformation of the area and enjoys direct access to central London via the Elizabeth Line. The location ensures commute times of under 35 minutes to eight major universities including the University of Greenwich (24 minutes), King’s College London (35 minutes), and LSE (35 minutes). Designed with student well-being in mind, the final development will offer a full suite of amenities including private study areas, fitness facilities, yoga rooms, games rooms, bicycle storage, and a community hub with commercial space at ground level. Sustainability and affordability are core to the project’s vision, with Phase 1 targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, and 35% of units designated as affordable student accommodation. Confidence in a Growing Sector The announcement comes amid continued investor interest in the UK PBSA market, driven by: Gamuda is actively expanding its PBSA portfolio to develop approximately 3,000 beds in the UK by 2029, with a particular focus on Russell Group university cities where demand consistently outpaces supply. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Key updates to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Manchester’s East Village Central will be considered as part of a report to the Council’s executive committee next week (Tuesday 8 July). First approved in 2022, the SRF for the East Village area – which sits within the wider Piccadilly SRF area – guides investment and development in the emerging city centre neighbourhood behind Piccadilly train station. The 2022 SRF did not give detailed proposals for the 1.6ha former Presbar Diecastings Foundry (‘Diecast’) site, as it was expected to be a later phase of development. This update to the East Village plan will incorporate the site as part of the long-term regeneration aspirations for this neighbourhood. This site has significant potential to deliver 1,400 new homes, significant hotel space, 12,000sqm of workspace, and 6,500sqm of retail, leisure and event space. To note – this SRF update does not include the Stockton’s site within the East Village Central Framework area, which remains governed by the previously agreed 2022 East Village Central SRF document. East Village Central opportunity The update to the SRF, covering the former Diecasting Foundry site, provides the opportunity to deliver new homes and commercial space, with complementary leisure amenities for existing residents in the immediate vicinity. The vision set out within the draft framework is to create a unique, vibrant and green neighbourhood in the city centre supporting a mix of uses to create a welcoming and inclusive space. A distinct character and sense of place will be developed inspired by the history of the area through a sustainable reuse and repurpose approach. Approximately 40% of the site area could be used to create an inclusive green public space that encourages community participation and interaction, including pop up events. The site will improve connectivity through the site and to neighbouring communities through improved walking and cycling routes together with interconnected green spaces. Sustainability will be embedded throughout the lifecycle of development, implementing green practices throughout the process. The site is envisioned as a hub for commerce and community, building on the tech hub already established in the area, new leisure opportunities, and local amenities that will prioritise local suppliers and independent businesses. A new purpose-built building will provide a long-term home for the current Diecast hospitality venue, which will also enable the site to be designed to manage any potential impact on local residents. Development will be coordinated and phased to ensure the venue can continue to operate through the duration of the regeneration of the area. Former Stockton’s Furniture site A planning application for the former Stockton’s furniture site has also now been submitted to the Council with proposals to deliver 758 apartments and 45,000sq ft of office space. This development will be complemented by 55% of the site being developed for new public space. Read the East Village Central SRF report in full Consultation on the SRF update is expected to begin in mid July 2025. Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “The neighbourhoods behind Piccadilly train station offer some of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in our city centre to continue our sustainable growth agenda – creating opportunities for new jobs, new homes and new green spaces in the heart of our city. “The East Village Central vision – with new homes, workspace and leisure uses – is an important part this and we have an incredible opportunity to create a vibrant, sustainable destination with a unique sense of place. This area will celebrate the city’s industrial past while creating opportunities for our city’s residents into the future. “And importantly this will be a green neighbourhood with interconnected public spaces that help bring people together, seamlessly connected to the wider city centre, to create a thriving place for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), in partnership with Balfour Beatty VINCI, played a key role in the construction and repositioning of the A46 Kenilworth Bypass Box Structure, a critical element of the HS2 high-speed rail project. Project Overview The A46 is a major highway connecting Coventry, Kenilworth, and Leamington Spa to the M40. To accommodate the new HS2 rail line, a 14,500-tonne box structure was built adjacent to the carriageway before being manoeuvred into place beneath the A46. This approach significantly reduced disruption to road users by eliminating the need for up to two years of extensive roadworks. Spanning 42 metres wide, the structure required extensive planning and engineering to manage its substantial weight. The installation followed a carefully coordinated sequence: first, the construction of the structure itself, followed by meticulous site preparation to ensure the controlled and precise movement of the box into position. Advanced engineering techniques were employed throughout to maintain structural integrity while minimising disruption to local traffic and the surrounding environment. The Challenge This was the heaviest bridge move in the UK. To achieve this, specialist civil and structural engineering company Freyssinet designed a guiding raft and jacking mechanism to push the box at an average speed of 6.5 metres per hour, ensuring accuracy in positioning while safeguarding the structure’s integrity. Adding to the complexity, the project required a continuous supply of temporary works solutions and on-site equipment to facilitate the move. At its peak, over 800 tonnes of equipment were in use, with additional resources mobilised for night shifts to maintain progress and keep the operation on schedule. The Solution To support the structure’s significant weight, Altrad RMD Kwikform developed an innovative temporary works solution, adapting a combination of formwork and falsework supports. This combination of advanced and conventional techniques ensured both safety and efficiency throughout the operation. Superslim Soldiers, known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, provided the primary structural support, ensuring stability in confined spaces and under tight time constraints. Alform beams were also installed in conjunction with the Superslim Soldiers to form a shutter configuration on either side of the structure, offering robust support during each controlled concrete pour. Tubeshor ground shoring props were applied in an inclined orientation at 45-degree angle along the outer edges of the formwork. A total of 22 Tubeshor props – 11 on each side – were deployed to supplement the primary support systems to facilitate landing of precast beams and deck casting. Until the structure was made fully integral, the cast inclined walls were not self-supporting. Throughout the project, a series of concrete pours were meticulously executed to reinforce the structure. These included ten inclined wall pours, six tulip pier pours, four base pours, and one deck pour. A summary total of over 4300m3 of concrete was used during construction of the overbridge. The temporary works solutions ensured stability throughout the curing process, allowing the systems to be removed efficiently upon completion. Altrad RMD Kwikform played a vital role in ensuring a seamless operation by supplying essential equipment around the clock and coordinating timely deliveries. This effort allowed the project to progress smoothly, meeting key milestones while minimising disruption to the local community. Stuart Grant, Senior Sales Representative at Altrad RMD Kwikform, commented: “We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for temporary works solutions. From Superslim Soldiers to Tubeshor, we were able to provide all the essential equipment and expertise under one roof, ensuring we kept to the programme and successfully delivered this highly complex project.” Sharon Liu, Sub Agent at Balfour Beatty VINCI added: “The success of this box push relied heavily on both the engineering expertise and the efficiency of the equipment used. Altrad RMD Kwikform’s ability to deliver and manage the right equipment on a tight schedule, and their hands-on expertise, directly contributed to the success of the offline build and completion of the bridge slide backfill, influencing reopening of the road 30 hours ahead of schedule.” “Working with the team at Altrad RMD Kwikform has been a pleasure. Our collaboration has been highly rewarding and has allowed us to successfully tackle complex challenges using innovative technical solutions, demonstrating the strength of our partnership and shared commitment to excellence.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has officially begun on site to prepare Eston Precinct for demolition, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of the area. The process, which initially includes the safe removal of asbestos, paves the way for a major redevelopment project aimed at delivering high-quality retail facilities for both residents and visitors. The transformation will not only provide retail services but also enhance the overall appeal of Eston as a vibrant and welcoming destination. Planned improvements to the surrounding area include new paving, trees, benches, lighting, and upgraded power infrastructure to support events and markets, creating a more attractive environment for shoppers and businesses. As part of the first phase, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council will oversee the construction of seven new retail units, totalling 14,600 square feet, alongside the creation of a new outdoor space. The project is being funded by Government and Tees Valley Combined Authority. Phase one is expected to be completed by summer 2026. Following a public consultation held last month, it has been confirmed that the site will retain its name ‘Eston Precinct’. Councillor Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise at the council, speaking at the site today (Thursday 3 July), said: “This is an important day for the local community, who have waited a long time for this to happen. “The demolition is set to be completed by early October, and the construction of seven new, high-quality retail units will follow. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing this project to Eston, and to the local community for their patience. I can’t wait to be back next summer to celebrate its opening.” Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Eston Precinct has been in dire need of improvement for years so it’s great to see demolition work now getting underway. While there’ll be memories left behind, the precinct will be getting a much-needed modern makeover – and I’m looking forward to seeing work finished next year.” Esh Construction has been appointed as the principal contractor for both the demolition and the new build. Andy Radcliffe, Chief Executive at Esh Construction, said: “We are proud to be delivering the first phase of Eston Precinct and playing our part in this important regeneration project for the area. “As a local contractor, we are committed to maximising the social and economic benefits throughout the scheme by procuring locally, delivering award-winning school engagement initiatives, and supporting charitable and voluntary initiatives within the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landlords are already stepping up to meet the ambitions of the government’s consultation on the new Decent Homes 2 standard, with investment in improvement works up 26% in the last year, according to new data from market-leading procurement specialists Procure Plus. Key features of the proposed Decent Homes 2 standard include: Even though the Decent Homes 2 standard remains under consultation, landlords are already taking proactive steps to futureproof their housing stock, focusing on quality, safety, and long-term condition to improve the lives of tenants. In 2024/25 alone, Procure Plus supported landlords in delivering: By using Procure Plus’ procurement frameworks, these upgrades were achieved at costs significantly below market base rates, enabling landlords to reinvest savings into additional works. For example, market prices in 2024/25 saw kitchens cost £6,700 per unit on average, while Procure Plus secured a base price of £4,026 for its clients. Similarly, bathrooms averaged £4,010 per unit on the market, compared to a Procure Plus base price of £2,794. Landlords are also intensifying their focus on damp and mould programmes, with 6,603 ventilation measures installed and 32,470 properties assessed through condition surveys, helping to better prioritise maintenance and target future improvements more effectively. Procure Plus also revealed that 92% of its Decent Homes work was delivered by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and generating local economic and social value. Matt Jarratt, Operations Lead of Procure Plus, said: “Decent Homes 2 sets out a clear vision, and landlords have already started delivering on it. We’re seeing a strong commitment from the sector to make homes warmer, safer and healthier. “This increase in activity shows how cost-effective, transparent procurement frameworks empower landlords to go further, tackling disrepair, damp, and new regulatory standards while also supporting local businesses and generating lasting social value. “Despite ongoing pressures affecting the supply chain this year, from increased shipping costs to uncertainty around American tariffs, Procure Plus remains confident in providing competitively priced solutions, and we’ll continue working closely with suppliers to ensure stability and value for our clients and the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services, has carried out a full audit and replacement of the heat metering system at a high spec residential development in Bath. North Range is a prestigious new build development located in Bath’s Artisan Quarter situated on the historic Old Walcot Yard. The collection of nine contemporary, lateral and duplex apartments had been completed, incorporating a centralised heat network plant with modular gas boilers. Each property has a Heat Interface Unit (HIU) with an energy meter, with a hard wired Mbus output. After all the properties were completed, sealed and tenanted it was handed over to the property management company to manage the building and associated billing. It was soon discovered that there was no means of remotely collecting data on energy usage at each of the properties. The only option was to go door to door to collect meter readings, which led to issues with access, lack of accurate billing and no way to resolve any queries regarding energy consumption for tenants and occupiers. Andy Wilkinson, CEO at WilSon Energy, explains: “A combination of misspecification and a lack of awareness about billing on property, once complete, led to several issues for the property management company. There was no cable network or any data logging devices installed, so there was no remote way to connect to gather meter readings.” After completing a full audit of the heating system, WilSon Energy engineers found that the original meters supplied with the HIUs were low cost, with a single output which could not be connected, as the meters would not accept interchangeable modules. The WilSon Energy solution included replacing all heat meters with wireless MBus, enabling remote data monitoring and a central data collection device. This removed the need for manual meter readings and meant that access into the properties was no longer required. It also provided hourly updates on usage, ensured and accurate billing for residents. Andy Wilkinson continues: “It is very common that metering and billing gets forgotten about during the construction phase. The original developer designs the project, specifies the equipment and neither the designer nor contractor has considered the future management of the property. A lack of foresight, knowledge and planning leads to additional costs for new meters and the required installation. This causes problems with ongoing management and maintenance for property or buildings management teams as well as residents. That’s why we like to work with design teams at the commissioning stage to help specify the right heat network and the associated metering, data collection and billing solutions.” Now that the new wireless metering system is in place, WilSon is also working on behalf of the property management company to provide billing and bureau services to ensure accurate billing and maximising returns on energy costs. As an established energy procurement specialist, WilSon has also secured a better energy supply deal, providing overall savings and reducing costs to residents. For more information about WilSon Energy’s heat network, smart metering, billing and bureau services, visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Consero, a luxury developer of Surrey’s super-prime homes, has been granted planning permission to build a boutique collection of detached homes in the highly sought-after area of Send, in Surrey, by Guildford Borough Council. The plans for the site – named Oaktrees – will deliver just four contemporary, high-end homes with Consero’s expertise as a leader in the future of luxury living and award-winning design. Located on Clandon Road, a 1960s six-bedroom detached house is being demolished to create four exceptional five-bedroom homes, spread over three floors. Each 2,800 sq ft / 260 m2 home will boast a spacious, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space overlooking the garden, separate utility, private study, separate formal living room, master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite, plus a further four bedrooms and three ensuite/bathrooms. Outside, south-westerly facing gardens will be approximately 110 ft feet long with private parking for two vehicles at the front of each property with EV car chargers. Jason Lawrence, Managing Director at Consero, said: “We are pleased to have received approval for our planning application for this site in Send, a well-connected Surrey village with fantastic links to Guildford and access to outstanding schools. We’re bringing all our expertise and in-house architectural and design skills from building some of the country’s most beautiful homes to deliver four exceptional properties in Send. “The collection of homes will be named Oaktrees, in reference to the ancient oaks on the site boundary, and we can’t wait to reveal more soon.” Established in 2004, Consero is a master in designing homes with timeless architecture, discretion, and impeccable detail. The housebuilder is behind some of the UK’s most super-prime homes in prestigious addresses, including the Wentworth Estate and St George’s Hill and is now bringing its knowledge and vision to a wider audience of homeowners with hand-picked sites in desirable locations. For further information on Consero, visit: https://consero.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
