Nurton Developments, a prominent Birmingham-based property firm, has announced the launch of Nurton Retail Ltd, a new joint venture aimed at acquiring and developing retail and roadside projects both on and off the market. The initiative is designed to capitalise on growing demand in this dynamic sector. The new entity
Be.EV, one of the UK’s fastest-growing public electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, has begun construction on Manchester’s first large-scale Charging Oasis. The site, located on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road (Manchester, M40), is the only project of its kind to repurpose a former petrol station into a
UK Government has launched an open search today for a team to create a design masterplan to honour The Late Queen Leading artists, architects and engineers can express their interest in designing the masterplan for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen Elizabeth Memorial will be one of
Crown Property Management has been entrusted with the management of a landmark Quayside development in Exmouth, marking another milestone in the firm’s growth and reputation. The estate comprises 266 leasehold and freehold properties, alongside a variety of commercial units. Speaking on the appointment, Darren Stocks, founder of Crown Property Management,
A pioneering PropTech startup aiming to address the UK’s housing crisis with an innovative AI-tool integrating Bluesky International’s high resolution aerial imagery, eyes significant growth with a rebrand and funding stream announced. Viability, formerly known as Hesti, launches at a critical time of rapid expansion for the UK’s house building
Development situated at Staples Corner will comprise of self-storage units and flexible-use office accommodation. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences, Data Centres,
Englishcombe Lane Development: A Landmark Supported Living Project for Adults with Autism and Learning Difficulties Gains Approval Arcadis, in collaboration with Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), has achieved planning permission for a ground-breaking development at Englishcombe Lane, Bath. Arcadis provided a fully integrated, multidisciplinary service to Bath and
Thirteen organisations across England, Wales and Scotland are set to share nearly £5m in funding through the initial round of The Crown Estate’s innovative Supply Chain Accelerator (“the Accelerator”). This funding will help kick-start projects drawing down from a £50m fund established in May to accelerate and de-risk the early-stage
Guests from education, construction, and regional employers joined staff and students for the official opening of Bradford College’s Garden Mills building. A multimillion-pound renovation project has transformed the derelict mill on Thornton Road into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. The 1900s five-storey building opened after months
GRAHAM has achieved a significant milestone in the delivery of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Scheme for Reading Borough Council. The successful installation of a 47.5-metre footbridge marks a major step forward in the project. The footbridge was manoeuvred into place on Sunday 1st December, using two cranes
Nurton Developments, a prominent Birmingham-based property firm, has announced the launch of Nurton Retail Ltd, a new joint venture aimed at acquiring and developing retail and roadside projects both on and off the market. The initiative is designed to capitalise on growing demand in this dynamic sector. The new entity will be spearheaded by Ian Harris, a highly respected industry professional with extensive expertise in site acquisition, planning, occupier engagement, and construction management. Harris has held key roles with leading brands such as Lidl and Wickes and served as a director at both Capital and Regional’s The Junction Retail Park Fund and CBRE. Additionally, his independent consultancy career involved collaborations with high-profile clients such as Hammerson Plc, Strathclyde Pension Fund, McLaren Developments, and Travis Perkins, delivering over 1.5 million square feet of retail space. Harris commented on the venture:“I’m excited to partner with Nurton, a well-established developer with a stellar reputation in the industry. This collaboration blends decades of retail and development expertise with a shared vision to identify and deliver top-tier retail and roadside opportunities. With a proactive approach and robust client relationships, we’re poised to excel in this rapidly evolving market.” Nurton Retail Ltd plans to target plots ranging from 0.5 to 10 acres, prioritising prominent, high-visibility sites along major road networks. The team’s goal is to create innovative, high-quality developments that align with the needs of occupiers and local communities. David Bradshaw, Managing Director of Nurton Developments, praised the collaboration:“While we’ve experienced success in this sector in the past, our partnership with Ian Harris is transformative. His unparalleled expertise and industry insight will drive significant growth opportunities. Together, we are committed to delivering developments that positively impact local communities and meet the expectations of our occupiers.” The venture marks an exciting chapter for Nurton Developments, reinforcing its reputation as a key player in the retail and roadside development landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Be.EV, one of the UK’s fastest-growing public electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, has begun construction on Manchester’s first large-scale Charging Oasis. The site, located on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road (Manchester, M40), is the only project of its kind to repurpose a former petrol station into a modern EV charging hub in the UK. The plot of land was a derelict petrol station for over 15 years, and is now being regenerated as the forecourt of the future – equipped with 12 ultra-rapid charging bays capable of charging an EV to 80% in just 20 minutes. The charge points are accompanied by four labelled waiting bays, giving EV owners clear spaces to queue if the Hub becomes busy. These are ready to be converted into full charging bays, when demand requires. The Charging Oasis will also be home to a new store by Caffè Nero, the premium European independent coffee house, who has signed a deal with Be.EV to be the exclusive retail partner on-site. The Nero Express store will serve as the latest drive-to site in Caffè Nero’s 1,100 store estate, and comes as part of the brand’s wider strategy to provide high-quality, barista-made coffee to commuters and local communities alike. Both brands are bringing a commitment to providing a welcoming space for EV drivers, with the store providing a warm and welcoming environment for drivers to recharge while their vehicles power up or grab a quick coffee to go whilst passing through. The partnership brings an additional layer of community focus to the Charging Oasis, with the project being a key part of the ongoing regeneration of the Failsworth area. Manchester City Council has already committed over £550 million to help regenerate the Failsworth area, and the site will serve as a focal point for attracting further investment to the region. Positioned on a high-traffic route between Manchester and Oldham, over 26,000 commuters pass by the site daily. With more than 1,242 registered EVs in the area, and over 150,000 EVs set to be on Manchester’s roads by 2038, there’s a clear demand for future-proof, accessible charging infrastructure. All bays will be accessible, including one fully accessible bay and one specially designed for vans, with each charger featuring a water-repellant canopy to keep drivers dry. The site also features free Wi-Fi for all users as well as CCTV to ensure members of the community are safe. The Charging Oasis marks Be.EV’s first project of this scale, and is set to serve as a model for similar Be.EV locations across the UK, with plans for more to come. Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, said: “We’re excited to break ground on our flagship Charging Oasis – this Manchester site will be the jewel in Be.EV’s crown, and it’s an incredible moment for the business. “We’ve designed the site with EV drivers in mind – we know that they want amenities on-site, either to take an extended break from driving, or simply to pop in and grab a takeaway coffee. “Not only will the Charging Oasis provide passers-by with a calm, convenient place for them to charge their EV or get a drink, but it will also serve as a hub for the local community to enjoy a coffee and a snack. “Having Caffè Nero on board as our retail partner is a real testament to the project. The partnership elevates the site from somewhere for drivers to quickly charge their car, to a destination for them to grab a coffee and recharge their own batteries too. “Their focus on sustainability and community aligns perfectly with our mission, and together, we’re creating a space where drivers can recharge while supporting a greener future.” Will Stratton Morris, CEO of Caffè Nero said: “With every Caffe Nero store, we aim for it to be a hub in the community where people can come together, feel welcomed and enjoy premium hand crafted coffee. “The store we are opening at the Manchester Oasis will be just that, and it matches perfectly the ambitions Be.EV have for the site. “We are delighted to partner with them on this, they are creating a truly great project which will not only benefit those with electric cars but will also strengthen the local community. ” The construction of the Charging Oasis is expected to be completed by spring 2025, with the site opening shortly thereafter. Partners of the site include Architect That (who designed the site), AY (who undertook planning and discharging of conditions), Vital (who supplied chargers), Kempower (who manufactured chargers), MES (M Group) (who constructed the site), Formula Space (who consulted on and manufactured signage) and Matrix (who built infrastructure to bring power to the site). Be.EV also worked with Manchester City Council, which has been very supportive and helped to get the project to this point. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK Government has launched an open search today for a team to create a design masterplan to honour The Late Queen Leading artists, architects and engineers can express their interest in designing the masterplan for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen Elizabeth Memorial will be one of the most significant design projects in recent British history and will provide the nation with a permanent memorial to the UK’s longest-serving monarch. The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, chaired by The Late Queen’s former Private Secretary, Lord Janvrin, is working with competition specialists at Malcolm Reading Consultants to identify a team of inspired and dedicated artists, architects, engineers, and landscape architects and other specialists who would be interested in designing the project. The Committee is urging creatives interested in designing the masterplan for the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial Masterplan Design Competition to submit a twelve-page Expression of Interest via the online form. Full details of the project and how to enter the competition are available on the dedicated competition website: competitions.malcolmreading.com/queenelizabethmemorial Details of the Selection Panel can also be found in the Competition Conditions available on the website. The first stage of the two-stage competition opens today 12 December 2024 and closes at 14:00 GMT on 20 January 2025. Subsequently, there will be a ten-week design stage for a shortlist of five competitors. No design work is required at stage one. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said: “Queen Elizabeth II was our longest reigning Monarch and Her Majesty dedicated her life to serving the people of the United Kingdom. “This National Memorial will provide a permanent tribute to The Late Queen’s legacy, offering space for reflection as well as celebration. We want the very best architects and designers to come forward with their ideas for how this historic project should look.” Committee Chair Lord Janvrin said: “We want to attract the finest teams of architects, artists, landscape architects, engineers and other specialists to work with us to create an outstanding design for the memorial site. We are looking for teams who thoroughly understand and connect with our ambitions for the project. “The challenge at the second stage for the finalists will be to evoke memories of Queen Elizabeth II’s outstanding contribution to national life and to tell the story of Her Majesty’s long reign through an original masterplan that is sensitive to the unique setting. “The memorial must be – simply – a beautiful place, somewhere to visit with family and friends, to enjoy and to reflect on an extraordinary life.” The Memorial will be located in St James’s Park, the UK’s oldest Royal Park, and close to Buckingham Palace. The site includes the area of the Grade I listed Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, and the land surrounding the pathway down to the lake including the Blue Bridge and the land either side and across to Birdcage Walk. The Committee is seeking a design that is beautiful, inclusive and sustainable. The competition brief sets out defining elements including a new bridge over the lake and opportunities for artistic interventions and enhanced landscaping. The new memorial will be of outstanding design quality and an emotionally powerful place, with celebratory spaces as well as areas to encourage reflection. Integral to the Committee’s vision is the intention to place a standalone monument including a figurative representation of the late Queen at the Marlborough Gate entrance. Post-competition, an artist/sculptor for the figurative element will be appointed by the winning lead designer in consultation and agreement with the Committee, ensuring a strong creative match and an integrated scheme. As a national memorial to the country’s longest-serving and much-respected Monarch, the Government has identified a provisional construction budget of £23m-46m excluding VAT for the project. The provisional construction budget is required at this stage as a guide for designers to develop their proposals. The final cost will depend on the winning design and will be shared in due course. The Committee will judge all submissions against a value for money criterion. This provisional construction cost includes the replacement of the Blue Bridge – an important public amenity in St James’s Park. The shortlist is expected to be announced in spring 2025 and the winner in early summer 2025. The final design will be announced to coincide with what would have been Her Late Majesty’s 100th birthday year in 2026, following approval from the Prime Minister and His Majesty The King. The Committee has visited the four nations of the United Kingdom and engaged widely to ensure ideas and suggestions from the public, experts and key stakeholder groups inform the project scope and competition brief. The winning team will be expected to work with the Committee on their public engagement strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Crown Property Management has been entrusted with the management of a landmark Quayside development in Exmouth, marking another milestone in the firm’s growth and reputation. The estate comprises 266 leasehold and freehold properties, alongside a variety of commercial units. Speaking on the appointment, Darren Stocks, founder of Crown Property Management, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to have been chosen for this significant project. We are confident that the services we provide will meet the expectations of both clients and residents, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards at Exmouth Quay.” Mr Stocks further highlighted the company’s ongoing success, attributing it to the dedication of its team: “Our staff have been instrumental in the firm’s development over the past 30 years, and we look forward to continuing this journey for many more years to come.” In addition to this new appointment, Crown Property Management has announced plans to open a new branch in Exeter in January 2025. The expansion reflects the growing demand for their specialised estate management services across the region. Mr Stocks noted, “What sets us apart from our competitors is our exclusive focus on estate management. While many other agencies spread their efforts across sales, lettings, and surveying, we concentrate solely on delivering outstanding estate management services. This singular focus allows us to provide a truly unique offering.” Crown Property Management’s ethos, “People, not Property,” remains at the heart of its operations, underlining its commitment to exceptional client and resident care. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A pioneering PropTech startup aiming to address the UK’s housing crisis with an innovative AI-tool integrating Bluesky International’s high resolution aerial imagery, eyes significant growth with a rebrand and funding stream announced. Viability, formerly known as Hesti, launches at a critical time of rapid expansion for the UK’s house building industry with the new Government’s recent announcement committing to the creation of 370,000 new homes each year. With a successful funding campaign now secured, Viability is looking to continue the rollout of its AI-platform which leverages cutting-edge technology, accurate property data and Bluesky’s geospatial data to deliver a SaaS platform, particularly aimed at SME home developers. To ensure quality and accuracy for their customers, Viability has turned to Bluesky for the supply of aerial imagery to be streamed via the platform. Henry Mayell, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer at Viability said: “We initially applied satellite imagery to the platform but quickly found that the quality wasn’t sufficient for our customer requirements. As a result of the feedback, we started testing aerial imagery from Bluesky which offered significant improvements in terms of image resolution and accuracy. “Our platform enables developers to assess a site’s potential, understand what constraints there could be, in order to build a picture of risk and run financial analysis. With significant investment at stake it is important they can make decisions based on accurate data.” Ralph Coleman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bluesky added: “Our aerial imagery offers the detail needed for developers to begin plotting optimal scheme designs for potential sites. We are supplying Viability with the imagery via our GeoStream service which launched last year. GeoStream is our new data-as-a-service offering which enables customers who need data from us on a regular basis to access it quickly and easily via an API.” Henry commented: “We are very impressed with the GeoStream service and, from a user perspective, it has proved simple to implement into our platform. It also allows us to clearly overlay Ordnance Survey and Land Registry data over aerial imagery.” The viability of potential sites is a key restricting factor to the housing industry meeting development targets. Regulations are increasing and becoming more complex so a full picture of a proposed site is essential. Viability has also incorporated Biodiversity Net Gain assessments into their platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Development situated at Staples Corner will comprise of self-storage units and flexible-use office accommodation. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences, Data Centres, Commercial Studios and Civils, has today announced that is has been appointed by long-running and repeat customer Big Yellow Self Storage to build a new 135,000 sq. ft (MLA) six storey development at a site situated at Staples Corner, North West, London. The project will see the design, construction and turnkey fit-out of a new six storey flagship store. It will include self-storage accommodation together with flexibly designed office spaces, catering for increasing demand from both domestic and business users. Ground works onsite will include the installation of below ground drainage and services with ground improvement to both foundations and ground floor slab. The building will comprise of a steel portal frame design with full façade cladding with concealed LED lighting and curtain walling. The project will also see the installation of an internal lightweight steel mezzanine structure, services and full fit out works. The building’s green credentials targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rating include a 200kwp solar PV array with EV chargers and battery storage Construction is expected to be complete by the start of June 2026. Commenting on the appointment Roy Jones Glencar Managing Director for London and the South said: “Big Yellow Self Storage are one of our longest running customers and we are very happy to be working together again on this build which serves as the biggest project we will have delivered to date for them. A key feature of the design is circa 400 square metres of flexible office space at the forefront, overlooking the very prominent Edgware Road and Staples Corner West Roundabout. The office spaces we will be delivering have been designed to be highly flexible and will vary in size, ranging from 10 to 20 sq. m. They are designed to be utilised either independently or in conjunction with the storage facilities, providing versatility for various business needs. This initiative is also expected to create additional employment opportunities in the area. We have assembled an exceptional team on this project and we look forward to getting started and delivering another outstanding solution”. Also commenting Nigel Hartley, Construction Director at Big Yellow Self Storage said: “This new landmark building replaces the current leasehold Big Yellow facility providing environmentally friendly and sustainable storage space in a great location. We are delighted to have appointed Glencar on what we hope will be a successful project for us all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Englishcombe Lane Development: A Landmark Supported Living Project for Adults with Autism and Learning Difficulties Gains Approval Arcadis, in collaboration with Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), has achieved planning permission for a ground-breaking development at Englishcombe Lane, Bath. Arcadis provided a fully integrated, multidisciplinary service to Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) including Planning Consultancy, Project Management, Architecture and Landscape Design, Ecology, Infrastructure Design, Geotechnical Advisory, Engagement and Social Value and Transport Planning. The project will see the creation of 16 specialist supported living homes for adults with autism and/or learning difficulties, alongside a communal hub, carefully designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape and community. The development is a vital response to the growing demand for supported living accommodations in Bath and Northeast Somerset. It will help reduce the need for out-of-area placements, offering residents the opportunity to live within their community in a supportive and inclusive environment. Described by the local planning authority as “exemplary,” the scheme has been recognised for its “immense” social value. It has the potential to serve as a model for supported living environments, designed to bring together residents, their carers, and families in a nurturing, nature-connected setting. The Englishcombe Lane development places resident well-being and connecting people with nature at the heart of its design. The layout, which includes clusters of homes arranged around inward-facing courtyards, provides a secure and serene environment. Level paths connect terraced spaces, ensuring accessibility for all, while the landscaping creates a sensory experience tailored to the needs of residents. The homes, a mix of one-bed bungalows, split-level two-bed, and three-bed dwellings, are crafted to offer flexibility and adaptability. These features allow residents to live independently with appropriate care and support, including accommodations for overnight carers and office spaces for staff. The success of the project stems from a highly collaborative effort, with significant community engagement and specialist input shaping the final design. Arcadis worked closely with local services, delivering a Designing for Neurodiversity webinar in collaboration with the Neurodiversity in Planning Network, and incorporating feedback from sustainability training sessions. Volunteers from Arcadis and B&NES also contributed by refurbishing Moorlands Park in Bath, reinforcing the project’s positive impact on the community. With sustainability at the forefront of the design and planning process, the development is anticipated to deliver a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), exceeding local and national policy requirements. The scheme, a collaborative effort by Arcadis and B&NES not only addresses immediate housing needs but also ensures a long-term, sustainable future for its residents. The development promises to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism and/or learning difficulties by providing them with a tranquil, well-integrated space for independent living. Gemma Care, Technical Director, Arcadis, comments: “We are thrilled to see the Englishcombe Lane project receive planning approval. This development is a true reflection of how thoughtful design, proactive planning and meaningful engagement can transform lives, providing a safe, sustainable, and inclusive environment for individuals with autism and learning difficulties.” Nick Plumley, Development Lead, Bath & North East Somerset Council, comments: “We are proud to have reached this important milestone in what is an ambitious project on a challenging site. The project directly supports the Corporate Strategy mission to improve people’s lives by providing the right homes in the right places”. Our belief is that the built environment is a material factor in the wellbeing of people. This carefully designed scheme will better enable people to reach their full potential by providing greater choice and control over where and how to live, as set out in our Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives Autism Strategy”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thirteen organisations across England, Wales and Scotland are set to share nearly £5m in funding through the initial round of The Crown Estate’s innovative Supply Chain Accelerator (“the Accelerator”). This funding will help kick-start projects drawing down from a £50m fund established in May to accelerate and de-risk the early-stage development of UK supply chain projects that service the offshore wind sector. The Crown Estate’s match funding will contribute to a combined development investment of over £9m which, if the opportunities successfully conclude their respective development stages, could lead to more than £400m of capital investment. Projects receiving funding include those enabling floating wind platforms, anchoring and mooring systems, operations and maintenance facilities, test facilities, and those supporting the skills transition. In early 2024, The Crown Estate published the Celtic Sea Blueprint which predicted that 5,300 jobs and a £1.4bn economic boost could be generated through deploying the first floating offshore wind capacity, resulting from the current Leasing Round 5 process, in the waters off South Wales and South-West England. The research highlighted a number of opportunities for supply chain development essential for the deployment of these floating wind farms, including: floating platform components; dynamic cables and connections; wet storage infrastructure and facilities; operations and management infrastructure and facilities; and skills transition facilities. Successful projects were rigorously evaluated and selected based on a number of criteria, one of which was their ability to deliver on the requirements of the Celtic Sea Blueprint. This was the initial round of funding allocated by The Crown Estate to address some of these opportunities with a further £45m earmarked for future rounds that could potentially be deployed to support further projects around the UK that meet the opportunities identified by the Industrial Growth Plan (IGP) for the offshore wind sector. The Crown Estate’s role is to create long-term value for the country, and it focuses on using the land and seabed it manages to help catalyse net zero, restore nature, create thriving communities and drive economic growth. Helping to develop the offshore wind industry’s domestic supply chain through collaboration with industry and government partners forms a vital component of these ambitions. The UK is already a global leader in offshore wind, and the pipeline grew by 10GW in 2023 to 93GW, with the sector producing 49TWh of electricity last year, according to The Crown Estate’s most recent UK Offshore Wind Report. This announcement comes as the UK Government continues to set out details of Great British Energy, including a new partnership with The Crown Estate to support the accelerated delivery of clean energy infrastructure, benefiting millions of homes and businesses across the country. Ben Brinded, Head of Investment at The Crown Estate, said: “This is a significant moment for The Crown Estate as our first funding into the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, and I would like to congratulate the 13 organisations on their success. “As outlined by the Government’s emerging Industrial Strategy, in order for the UK to realise the economic benefits from the clean energy sector – and from offshore wind in particular – it is vital that there are mature, investable propositions which crowd in investments from both public and private capital. “The Supply Chain Accelerator forms part of an active dialogue that we’re having with the Offshore Wind sector and with key stakeholders such as Great British Energy and others to identify and explore opportunities for TCE to make commercial and sustainable investments into the UK offshore wind supply chain.” Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Our clean power mission brings with it huge potential to expand our supply chains, creating skilled jobs and growth across the country. “This investment from The Crown Estate will support 13 firms up and down Great Britain and use their manufacturing expertise to help us lead the way in developing innovative floating offshore wind technology. “Great British Energy will build on this innovation by working with The Crown Estate to accelerate offshore wind projects, helping to protect homes and businesses from unstable fossil fuel markets.” Juergen Maier CBE, Chair of Great British Energy, said:“Creating good manufacturing jobs is at the heart of our plans to expand the UK’s clean power production – and this investment will help to do just that. “Together with organisations like The Crown Estate, Great British Energy will pave the way for strong domestic supply chains and unlock investment in vital clean energy infrastructure across the UK.” For more information on the Supply Chain Accelerator, please visit: Supply Chain Accelerator Fund | The Crown Estate List of organisations to receive funding through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Guests from education, construction, and regional employers joined staff and students for the official opening of Bradford College’s Garden Mills building. A multimillion-pound renovation project has transformed the derelict mill on Thornton Road into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. The 1900s five-storey building opened after months of construction work supported by £5.8 million in funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund and a £1.1 million College contribution. The site is now Bradford College’s dedicated building for HNC, HND, and degree programmes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), including digital and ophthalmic courses. The site supplements the extensive STEM facilities established across other College campuses. Contractors Tilbury Douglas led the Garden Mills project and installation of industry-standard equipment, including six digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, a prep room, a clinical suite, a real-life work environment with consulting and testing booths, a collaboration area, and academic teaching spaces. Bradford College Director of People Services, Sarah Cooper, addressed invited guests, which included employers from digital and ophthalmic industries such as Specsavers and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, as well as representatives from Bradford Council and the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Sarah said:“We are thrilled that this incredible new learning environment is now open to our staff and students, and I’m sure you’ll agree it is a wonderful new addition to both Bradford College’s estate and the resources available to the local community. “We’re delighted that Garden Mills is now ready for staff and students. It is an essential part of our estates strategy and perfectly demonstrates our ambition of opening up pioneering student careers that support regional growth.” After speeches, guests enjoyed a tour of the new cutting-edge Garden Mills facilities which concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Bradford College CEO & Principal, Chris Webb. Garden Mills is one of several current Bradford College capital developments. Over the last two years, Bradford College secured nearly £32 million in funding, which is being used to enhance, refurbish, and build aspirational new facilities in the heart of Bradford. Other construction projects include newly completed vocational T Level facilities in the College’s David Hockney Building, overseen by Sewell Construction and funded by £3.5 million from the Department for Education (T Level Capital Fund – Wave 5). New facilities include a commercial barbering salon, nail bar, collaborative lecture spaces, TV studio, media editing and recording studios, and a remodel of The Grove training restaurant. Work on the College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre is also well underway with Phase 2 of the scheme led by contractor Morgan Sindall. This new site will support the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire and be the home of modern automotive and digital engineering curricula, such as electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced manufacturing. The College’s Automotive, Digital and Engineering Department will relocate to the new premises once completed in 2026. Students will use industry-relevant facilities to gain skills in new technologies for careers in a fast-moving sector. The project was made possible by a £15 million investment from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), boosted by a £2m College contribution. The Future Technologies Centre, Garden Mills, and T Level facilities all form part of Bradford College’s ambitious estates strategy. The capital masterplan centres around building facilities that open up pioneering student careers and support regional economic growth.Find out more about the Garden Mills project and other ongoing capital projects: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/capitalprojects Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM has achieved a significant milestone in the delivery of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Scheme for Reading Borough Council. The successful installation of a 47.5-metre footbridge marks a major step forward in the project. The footbridge was manoeuvred into place on Sunday 1st December, using two cranes (300 and 350 tonnes respectively) in a tandem lift operation over the River Kennet. Works commenced in early 2024 and are set to be complete by late Spring 2025, delivering several benefits including reduced bus congestion, improved bus services, enhanced access to shops and businesses and better cycling and walking infrastructure. This phase is part of Reading’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), funded by a £26 million grant from the Department for Transport. The South Reading BRT scheme aims to alleviate the effects of congestion on buses and improve bus services to Kennet Island, Green Park, and Mereoak Park & Ride by allowing buses to bypass current pinch points on the A33. The project will enhance access to Reading Link Retail Park and other nearby businesses with new bus lanes and stops around the Rose Kiln Lane (North) junction. James Murphy GRAHAM Project Manager said, “The team has been committed the past few months to reach this significant milestone and it’s fantastic to see the bridge in place. Working in close collaboration with Reading Borough Council and our supply chain partners, we successfully managed the complex interfaces between temporary and permanent works, while coordinating with utility providers and statutory bodies. “We are proud to have designed and constructed the abutments and installed the footbridge during a full road closure, ahead of traffic management constraints on the A33 as the Christmas period approaches. “During the bridge lift, we also completed extensive surfacing works, installing approximately 4000m² of finished wearing course to the north of the bridge. By utilising the same road closure, we achieved significant programme savings and eliminated the need for additional road closures for our client. This required significant scarifying, as we removed the previous carriageway surface, then installed the new wearing course which involved the use of approx. 80 lorries throughout the road closure to complete these tasks simultaneously”. Councillor John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “The installation of this new pedestrian and cycle bridge is an exciting milestone in the fifth phase of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme. “The new bridge will provide cyclists and pedestrians with better infrastructure and create space for an extended bus lane without taking away any carriageway from general traffic. “Overall, this project will provide even quicker and more reliable journeys for bus passengers travelling between south Reading and the town centre. And it will improve access to shops and businesses which were previously hard to reach by public transport. “I would like to thank our contractors GRAHAM for delivering this vital part of the scheme and cannot wait for the bridge to be open and in use.” GRAHAM is proud to contribute to this transformative project, which aligns with the Council’s vision for a more sustainable and accessible transport network in Reading. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
