Milton Park, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community for science and technology, is poised to support thousands of new jobs sustainably. The news follows the adoption of a refreshed LDO enabled by the completion of an innovative Section 106 (S106) planning agreement, which focuses on green travel. The LDO, which
Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team is celebrating a highly successful first year, having transacted over 1 million square feet of commercial space across key UK cities. The team’s achievements include a standout deal for Auto Trader, securing their new headquarters in Manchester. Formed in January 2024, the Occupier Advisory Team, led
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed a new senior surveyor, boosting the business’ growth in the South. Peter Norris joins the team with a wide variety of experience, having started in the industry as an apprentice aged 18 before completing a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, as well
Award-winning Shropshire constructor McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd is building on the success of its milestone 60th year, kicking off 2025 with a strong order book across diverse sectors. The company marked its diamond anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of celebration events and initiatives – starting with its ’60 for 60′
Five quantity surveying students at Birmingham City University (BCU) will take their careers to new heights thanks to the award-winning company building Birmingham’s tallest skyscraper. Court Collaboration, which is constructing the 155-metre tall One Eastside on James Watt Queensway, will advise and guide the quintet to help prepare them for
With each architecture studio delivering a separate collection, Pala Zion has now launched sales of four of 22 residences Today marks the official unveiling of Pala Zion, an innovative residential development and “architectural gallery” that unifies some of the world’s most innovative firms – Morq, GOMA and Taller Hector Barroso
The Project Management & Cost Consultancy team at multi-disciplinary practice, rg+p Ltd, has announced it has won six significant projects in the education sector as well as a framework success. “These new projects are a mix of refurb and new build schemes, and have all been secured over the last
ENHANCING modern firefighting services and responding to vital community need, work on a new carbon neutral fire station is underway in Surrey, with work set to complete in 2026. The existing Reigate Fire Station, located on Croydon Road, is set to be demolished to make way for a purpose-built 950
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has revealed plans to invest more than £50m across three new developments in Calderdale to deliver more than 200 homes. The developments are being delivered in partnership with Calderdale Council and will contribute to the North Halifax Transformation Programme created by the local authority to
Morro, Scape Group’s co-living developer, has been granted planning permission for its 150-home co-living scheme on Kingsland Road in Haggerston. The plans, revised from a previously approved 2020 submission, include an extra 31 homes whilst maintaining the same visual and heritage impact. The approved proposal features an enhanced amenity offering,
Milton Park, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community for science and technology, is poised to support thousands of new jobs sustainably. The news follows the adoption of a refreshed LDO enabled by the completion of an innovative Section 106 (S106) planning agreement, which focuses on green travel. The LDO, which has now been adopted by the Vale of White Horse District Council, will enable the delivery of flexible laboratories, offices and amenities. Now formally adopted, it permits Milton Park to grow to a total of 4.2 million sq ft and can fast-track planning approvals to just ten days, supporting its long-term strategic 2040 Vision to become a 24/7 hub for innovation and aligning with the period of the new Joint Local Plan. The LDO makes the planning process nearly nine times faster for Milton Park’s occupiers to capitalise on growth opportunities, with the agreement believed to be the UK’s first data-driven, green travel-focussed S106. Under the refreshed LDO, S106 highway infrastructure commitments are triggered by the objective measurement of vehicular traffic levels entering the Park, rather than the level of occupied floorspace. As part of their shared ambition to continue to encourage green travel, Oxfordshire County Council, and Milton Park have installed VivaCity AI-powered computer vision sensors to monitor traffic flows, providing real-time anonymised data on movement patterns. The LDO will incentivise greener methods of travel, with contributions towards public investment in bus services in support of the ongoing partnership with Thames Travel, alongside new cycle and walking pathways, healthcare services and road upgrades. As well as enabling Milton Park to provide more options for renewable energy, a range of local green infrastructure projects will also be explored. Under the S106, and subject to feasibility, Milton Park will provide over £2m of funding to enable Oxfordshire County Council to bring forward a new cycle path to Steventon, which will bypass the Milton Interchange, and a cycle link between Sutton Courtenay and Abingdon (Cycle Route 5). The refreshed LDO will minimise the carbon footprint of future development by prioritising the retrofitting, reimagining and repurposing of existing buildings and incorporating low or zero carbon energy technology. It will encourage biodiversity net gain (BNG) initiatives through ecological strategies and include provisions for electric vehicle charging points and eco-friendly infrastructure. The previous Milton Park (2012) LDO facilitated circa 1,000 jobs and enabled the delivery of 734k sq ft of development across 80 predevelopment notifications. This equates to an estimated 1,000 days of planning over a decade, which would have taken 8,900 days without the agreement in place. Councillor Neil Fawcett, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Workplace and IT, said: “Our Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan sets out plans for 20,000 new jobs in the area by 2031 and this LDO will help us achieve that. “I’m delighted to see that the plans also include improvements to cycle and pedestrian routes. Promoting active travel to employment sites from nearby developments means we can reduce our carbon emissions and reduce congestion while also attracting high quality employers.” Philip Campbell, Commercial Director at MEPC Milton Park, said: “Simplifying planning and section 106 agreements is hugely complicated, but it’s been a real privilege to work with both councils to update the LDO. The agreement fulfills a shared vision to deliver the UK’s first green-travel-focused simplified planning agreement, renewing our commitment to ongoing investment in the Oxfordshire bus network through our partnership with Thames Travel. It’s a prime example of what can be achieved through effective public-private sector collaboration. “Our mission is to continue to support organisations whatever their size within the region, to facilitate innovation and boost the economy. Coupled with our single ownership model and plentiful power provision, the new LDO will allow us to continue to do this and drive greener growth for decades to come.” MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, said: “Milton Park is critical to the economy of Didcot and Wantage constituency. It is important that, with this new agreement, Milton Park continues its excellent work to date as a good neighbour to local communities. “To that end, I am especially pleased that Milton Park is continuing its commitment to public transport and active travel. We are particularly excited about the funding towards the proposed cycle routes between Milton Park and Steventon, and Sutton Courtenay and Abingdon, which will be hugely beneficial to both Milton Park employees and local residents. “I will continue to use my voice in Parliament to ensure that central government supports our business and high-tech sectors”. Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Oxfordshire is at the heart of the UK innovation sector and Milton Park is a key part of that. So, we are delighted to have been able to support The Vale of White Horse District Council in updating their Local Development Order, which will speed up the planning process and make it easier for businesses to find a home here in Oxfordshire. “We are also proud to be working with Milton Park to incentivise green methods of transport and we look forward to seeing the impact the VivaCity sensors have on travel to and from the site.” Advisors involved in the delivery of the LDO process include: Pro Vision (planning), Meeting Place (PR and marketing), Perkins & Will (masterplanning), Ensafe (air quality, noise and lighting), Ramboll (drainage and utilities), RPS (heritage), ASA Landscapes (landscape), Tyler Grange (biodiversity) and Systra (transport). For more information on Milton Park and the new Local Development Order (LDO), please visit: www.miltonpark.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team is celebrating a highly successful first year, having transacted over 1 million square feet of commercial space across key UK cities. The team’s achievements include a standout deal for Auto Trader, securing their new headquarters in Manchester. Formed in January 2024, the Occupier Advisory Team, led by Director Stephen Downey, has quickly made its mark in the industry by supporting clients with strategic advice and tailored real estate solutions. “We’ve had an incredibly successful first year, surpassing all expectations,” said Stephen Downey. “Our occupier-only approach has been central to our success. By acting exclusively in the interests of tenants, we’re able to offer independent, conflict-free advice that delivers optimal results for our clients. This year, we’ve successfully supported clients with several significant acquisitions, and we look forward to continuing that momentum into 2025. A key highlight of the team’s first year is its work with Auto Trader, securing a new, state-of-the-art headquarters at No. 3 Circle Square in Manchester. The 130,000 sq ft space spans seven floors, featuring a private rooftop terrace, and is set to be completed in April 2025. The building will be a model of sustainability, achieving net-zero carbon in construction, BREEAM Excellent, NABERS 5-star accreditation, and an EPC A rating. The headquarters will accommodate Auto Trader’s HQ function and reflect the company’s commitment to both sustainability and employee well-being. “We are delighted to have advised Auto Trader in this landmark deal for Auto Trader. The relocation is part of a broader trend we’re seeing, where businesses are prioritising high-quality office environments to attract and retain top talent. Today’s office isn’t just a place to work; it’s an essential part of driving business growth and employee satisfaction.” Stephen Downey, Director, Newsteer Occupier Advisory The Auto Trader deal is one of the largest regional office transactions in the North West, underscoring the team’s expertise in the regional market. Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team offers a full range of services, including portfolio strategy, confidential property searches, site selection, lease negotiations, re-gears, and both freehold and leasehold disposals. Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory team is one of a range of specialist services provided by Newsteer, which celebrated five years of successful operations in 2024. Newsteer’s emphasis on building strong relationships and delivering truly independent advice has supported the company’s rapid growth, with Occupier Advisory being the latest branch of the company to showcase its success. For more information, please visit www.newsteer.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed a new senior surveyor, boosting the business’ growth in the South. Peter Norris joins the team with a wide variety of experience, having started in the industry as an apprentice aged 18 before completing a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, as well as a master’s degree in Commercial Management at the University of Westminster. After becoming a chartered surveyor, Peter progressed to the position of associate director at consultancy BAQUS. Peter has experience in sectors spanning healthcare, residential, education, leisure and commercial, and has recently spent time working on a self-employed basis as a project manager and quantity surveyor, completing various projects, including a golf club, for an ultra-high-net-worth individual in Hampshire that saw them develop a 400+ unit-strong residential portfolio. Other significant projects Peter has completed include a 50,000 sq. ft office building. Now based in the business’ London office, Peter’s primary responsibility will be fund monitoring projects across Kent, Surrey and London. He is already working on a number of projects, including five care homes throughout the South East, notably a 70-bed care home in Westgate on Sea, as well as a variety of residential schemes in Kent and South London. Peter said: “Having worked for myself for a number of years it felt like the right time for a change, and Naismiths is the perfect business for me to join at this point in my career. Most of my previous experience has been in quantity surveying so I’m looking forward to working with a variety of funders in London and developing my skills in that area, as well as learning more about Naismiths Analytics and how this can further support my clients. “The team has been welcoming and from the very beginning I’ve had a fantastic rapport with everyone, particularly our directors Marcus Higgins and Ross Wilson, who were keen to get me on board and have helped me settle in. I’m now looking forward to getting out and spending more time on site to see our projects for myself.” Ben Harwood, group chief executive, said: “It’s been an exciting few months for Naismiths and Edmond Shipway following our strategic partnership, and Peter is another fantastic addition to the team. We’re keen to continue to grow in the South, and we know Peter’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we progress.” Naismiths is a modern yet mature national real estate consultancy with offices in eight cities across the UK. Earlier this year the business announced a strategic partnership with fellow consultancy Edmond Shipway. The joining up of these two industry-leading businesses has resulted in a stronger, more versatile organisation, capable of delivering an even higher level of expertise and support to clients across various sectors. For more information please visit www.naismiths.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning Shropshire constructor McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd is building on the success of its milestone 60th year, kicking off 2025 with a strong order book across diverse sectors. The company marked its diamond anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of celebration events and initiatives – starting with its ’60 for 60′ food bank donation programme and culminating in the launch of its new McPhillips Community Fund. Managing director Paul Inions said the company was looking to build on its recent successes and maintain its position of strength and diversity in its project portfolio. He said: “Last year was momentous for McPhillips – it was a chance for us to take stock of everything we’ve delivered in the last six decades and to celebrate with all the people who helped us achieve this success. “In the summer we brought together 400 of our staff and their partners which includes our directly-employed workforce working on more than 30 projects across the Midlands, North West and beyond, for a party at Telford International Centre. And in November, we celebrated with our supply chain, against the dramatic backdrop of aircraft at RAF Cosford. We would not be where we are without them.” A flagship project completed in December 2024 was the Heart of Africa development at Chester Zoo, creating new wildlife habitats. The company’s proven expertise in delivering complex schemes has led to a further contract with the zoo to create 51 new luxury lodges on site. This safari-style accommodation project, which includes a two-storey welcome building with restaurant and bar facilities, will continue until summer 2025. January 2025 will see the McPhillips team start on new multi-million projects in Telford & Wrekin and Stafford, progress a £20m project in Newport for retirement living developer Untold Living and deliver a number of ongoing schemes across the Midlands and North West. Company secretary Val Hardy said 2025 would see a continued focus on skills and workforce development, including recruitment into the McPhillips Apprenticeship Scheme. She said: “We are a rarity in our industry because we choose to directly employ our workforce. This sets us apart from many contractors and is rooted in our commitment to training our talent and building their skills for the future. “Although it undoubtedly creates additional overheads compared to competitors who rely on subcontracted labour, our sector crisis is caused by a skills gap. “If we don’t train our own and do our bit, then how can we expect it to be any different? So, we’ve got to keep doing what is the right thing to do – train people and employ them directly. The result is consistently high-quality delivery for every client, whether public or private sector,” she added. The company’s commitment to social value took a significant step forward in 2024 with the launch of the McPhillips Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Shropshire Community Foundation. The fund will support innovative projects across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin that help improve mental health, reduce social isolation and promote long-term wellbeing in local communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Five quantity surveying students at Birmingham City University (BCU) will take their careers to new heights thanks to the award-winning company building Birmingham’s tallest skyscraper. Court Collaboration, which is constructing the 155-metre tall One Eastside on James Watt Queensway, will advise and guide the quintet to help prepare them for the workplace. “We’re extremely proud to be launching this student mentoring initiative as part of our ongoing partnership with BCU,” said Court Collaboration CEO Alex Neale. “It’s an honour to help nurture some of the next generation of professionals in this way.” The students are undertaking final-year dissertations that closely align with critical issues in the construction and housing sectors. These include the UK housing crisis, off-site manufacturing, cost assurance in construction, regulatory compliance, and contract management in social housing refurbishment. “We’ve been inspired by the group’s knowledge and passion, so we’re very much looking forward to supporting them on their journey,” added Neale, a BCU graduate himself. “These young minds will not only benefit Court Collaboration developments but will also go on to innovate and push boundaries across the entire industry, both regionally and beyond.” Against a fitting backdrop of the Birmingham skyline, the students recently visited Court Collaboration’s offices in the city centre to present their research scope. They were then matched with mentors who will provide insights and access to data, facilitate interviews, and guide them in shaping their dissertations to address real-world challenges. “This collaboration develops mutual learning,” said Dr Saeed Talebi, Associate Professor in BCU’s College of Built Environment. “Court Collaboration will gain impactful knowledge they can potentially utilise to create actionable solutions, while mentors gain fresh perspectives from the students’ research. “While our students will develop crucial problem-solving skills – finding innovative ways to address complex, practical problems – that will prepare them for future professional roles.” Student Ria Curtis will focus her project on social housing repairs and maintenance. “Working on a business brief will allow me to deepen my understanding of real-world challenges and develop my experience in the workplace,” she said. “The combination of academic learning and practical application on my course is equipping me with the tools I need to take on greater responsibilities. I’m gaining the critical leadership and strategic thinking skills for my aspirations to become a Chartered Surveyor.” This latest initiative builds on the work that BCU and Court Collaboration have already been doing together on the One Eastside project, which is due for completion in 2026. They joined forces to create a virtual 3D model or ‘digital twin’ of the skyscraper that will use artificial intelligence to analyse data from air quality and energy consumption sensors to keep residents of the 667 apartments safe and healthy. This aligns with the three core pillars of BCU’s newly launched 2030 Strategy: Professor Nick Morton, BCU Associate Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment, said: “BCU has made a strategic commitment to ‘Develop the Talent for Tomorrow’ in its new institutional strategy. “Our partnership with Court Collaboration enables Built Environment students to work directly with industry at the cutting edge of knowledge and innovation. It also provides the best possible opportunity to nurture that talent for the future.” Read more about the One Eastside research project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With each architecture studio delivering a separate collection, Pala Zion has now launched sales of four of 22 residences Today marks the official unveiling of Pala Zion, an innovative residential development and “architectural gallery” that unifies some of the world’s most innovative firms – Morq, GOMA and Taller Hector Barroso and Studio Andrew Trotter – to create a community of 22 individually designed, standalone private homes situated on a rugged 35-acre plot adjacent Utah’s Kolob Canyon at the footsteps of Zion National Park. Pala Zion marks the first time that these four acclaimed and distinct firms have worked together, each contributing a collection of residences along architectural guidelines. The homes, ranging from 3,000 – 5,000 square feet, are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered in Q3 2026. Pala Zion’s listed properties can be seen here. From a holistic perspective, Pala Zion provides the ideal lifestyle for disconnection, reflection, and self-renewal, while fostering a sense of community among like-minded residents. All homes will have access to the facilities and amenities of the forthcoming Paréa landscape hotel – designed exclusively by Studio Andrew Trotter – which will include restaurants, a wellness center, a spa with treatment rooms, reading and lounge spaces, as well as a program of daily activities and workshops. Pala Zion sits on a parcel of land just a short drive from Paréa landscape hotel via Kolob Terrace Road, which was created by the same development team as Pala Zion. All homes are designed for short-term rentals, whether private guests or guests of the hotel, and can be placed into a fully managed rental pool in association with Paréa landscape hotel. Entrepreneurs Reed Lerner and Robert Babbage commissioned Studio Andrew Trotter to create the architectural guidelines for Pala Zion and to select three different firms to each deliver a series of residences that pay homage to the time and place of the primordial terrain in one of the most majestic desert landscapes in the world. The development features homes ranging from three to five bedrooms, each designed with seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces, private courtyards, kitchens and swimming pools that blend harmoniously with the surrounding bluffs and boulders of the primeval terrain. Each residence will also feature a small spa with a sauna and bath while connecting denizens with nature by offering unobstructed views of the surroundings. Several residences will feature open-air sunroofs, crafted from the negative space of the structures, utilizing natural light, airflow, and local stone, including custom plaster finishes that incorporate raw limestone and sandstone from the excavation process.Studio Andrew Trotter for Pala ZionStudio Andrew Trotter is a multi-disciplinary office working on international projects from architecture and interior design, to product design and design consultancy. With simplicity at the heart of its ideas and a true belief that any design should belong to the place where it is built, works such as Masseria Moroseta and Villa Cardo quickly became icons within the Pugliese landscape. The studio is currently working on projects ranging from private homes to holiday homes, shops and boutique hotels in Puglia, Milan, Todos Santos, Sicily, Jamaica, Athens and the Amalfi Coast, as well as Utah (Paréa). Studio Andrew Trotter visited the site for Pala Zion both in the spring and late fall. To adjust to the seasonal climate changes, the studio created overhangs and orientated the buildings to prevent the summer sun from entering the buildings, keeping them cool in the summer, yet cozy and warm in the winter. Studio Andrew Trotter intends for Pala Zion to be the perfect place to disconnect, to rejuvenate oneself, and while at the same time, become a meeting place for like minded people. The studio’s work for the project and creation of architectural guidelines for Pala Zion to be a place to join rituals, community and private living. “The landscape of Kolob Canyons is truly incredible, especially at sunset, when the colors become vivid and surreal,” says Andrew Trotter. “Pala Zion is a place where architecture harmonizes with this splendor—a realization of a dream.” Five houses in total have been designed by the firm, including a corner house that has incredible views to the north and to the west from the whole building. Two larger houses of the same design mainly look to the north, whilst the living, dining and kitchen have views to the west. The last two houses are more simple, with direct views to the north, one slightly smaller than the other. Each house has many courtyards, which give privacy to the house from the street, allowing for an open flow from the inside out. Each building is separate and a standalone structure. While each house is created separately by each studio, there is a constant dialogue between all four architectural studios so the houses will exist in unison. “It has been amazing to work together, we are all learning from each other, and it’s a great pit of ideas,” says Andrew Trotter. Studio Andrew Trotter has envisioned a community where architecture seamlessly integrates with the wild beauty of Kolob Canyons. Each home will be constructed with hand-applied lime plaster on both exteriors and interiors, embedded within the terrain’s undulating bluffs and majestic mesas. The project embodies a new definition of “quiet luxury,” focusing on a connection to nature through a lens of architecture and aesthetic, supported by environmental impact and promoting natural light and cross-ventilation through sunroofs and expansive glass walls. GOMA Taller de Arquitectur for Pala ZionTaller de Arquitectura is a Mexico-based firm with more than 10 years of experience and continuous innovation in the design and execution of architectural and construction projects. The studio develops ideas and concepts aligned with the vision of their clients and conducts them powered by the inspiration of their leaders with the creativity and passion of each one of their collaborators. For Pala Zion, the studio has created six panoramic houses and one corner solution, designed to provide a rooted connection with the landscape. The house is formed by a
The Project Management & Cost Consultancy team at multi-disciplinary practice, rg+p Ltd, has announced it has won six significant projects in the education sector as well as a framework success. “These new projects are a mix of refurb and new build schemes, and have all been secured over the last 18 months or so as investment in the education sector has accelerated,” explains the firm’s director, Mitch Dale. “The School Rebuilding Programme is a major contributor to this, so we were pleased the Autumn Budget allocated an additional £1.4bn to allow this to continue, along with £2.1m to maintain and improve school buildings, £300m for college estate investment, and £1bn towards the transformation of the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. These pledges represent a necessary boost for the sector and will ensure learning environments are upgraded to help the next generation succeed. “In addition to these six projects, we were also pleased to be reconfirmed as a preferred supplier on the West Northamptonshire Council Multiple Consultant Framework for the provision of Professional Design, Technical and Estates services. We were successful in the Project Management, QS & Cost Consultant, and Clerk of Works lots and are now supporting delivery of a trio of major schemes in the region,” adds Mitch. In the village of Tiffield, West Northamptonshire, rg+p is acting as Employer’s Agent and QS on the £22m Tiffield Academy, a SEND school for 4-18 year olds. Currently under construction by Willmott Dixon, this new school will include specialist teaching spaces, soft playroom, sensory room, rebound therapy room, playground, outdoor soft and hard play areas, and will accommodate 230 pupils. This is on track for delivery in summer 2025. Also in Tiffield is the £5.2m refurbishment of the Gateway School, which will provide 55 places for students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs together with enhanced sports and leisure facilities, including reopening the existing swimming pool. Finally in the sustainable urban extension of Overstone Leys, rg+p has been appointed as the contract administrator and QS on an £11.5m new primary school, designed by PHP Architects, to serve 420 pupils. Outside of Northamptonshire, additional new schemes include: Mitch continues: “Education has historically been a specialism for our architectural team, who have designed many successful primary schools, colleges and student accommodation schemes. It’s therefore pleasing to enhance this reputation with our increased work on the QS/PM side, offering clients a more cohesive service from design to delivery. “On most of these new projects our role is either Quantity Surveyor, Employer’s Agent or Project Management but we’ve also seen an uptake in our Clerk of Works, Contract Administrator and Principal Designer services. This expansion, both in terms of geographical spread and diversity of roles, means we’re in a strong position and will likely be recruiting in the near future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ENHANCING modern firefighting services and responding to vital community need, work on a new carbon neutral fire station is underway in Surrey, with work set to complete in 2026. The existing Reigate Fire Station, located on Croydon Road, is set to be demolished to make way for a purpose-built 950 sq. m. facility, designed to meet the needs of firefighting crews and the communities they serve. Facilities will include a new kitchen, gym and lounge space, with private rest rooms and shower facilities. A gender-neutral design will be central to the new fire station, as fire and rescue authorities look to encourage more diverse recruitment into the sector, as well as maximise space and cost efficiencies. As a 24/7 operating base, energy management will also be central to the new fire station, with an all-electric and solar solution in place to ensure the facility fits in with the local, regional and national net zero drives. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is supporting the project, operating under the Surrey County Council Professional Services Framework to provide design services up to RIBA Stage 3, while acting in a technical advisory capacity from Stage 4 onwards. The firm was instructed by Surrey County Council and is working closely with contractor Neilcott Construction and the Council to bring the new design vision to life. Chris Gilbert, associate director at Pick Everard, said: “Renovating and modernising fire estates is a crucial undertaking in the blue light sector, ensuring our emergency services have the tools at their disposal to respond quickly to critical need. “The work being undertaken at Reigate is exemplary of this approach, with significant investment allowing for a build that is more responsive, adaptive and energy efficient, meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse and flexible workforce. “We’re looking forward to our collaboration with Neilcott Construction and Surrey County Council, which will provide a comfortable and agile new space for crew members and a vital resource for the local community.” As well as housing its fire crew, the new fire station at Reigate will also provide a space for the South East Coast Ambulance Service, as Surrey Fire and Rescue Service continue to work even closer with their blue light partners. The investment by Surrey County Council forms part of a wider plan to modernise and improve fire and rescue services in the county, with further fire station renovations taking place in Chobham and Lingfield. Training facility upgrades at Wray Park are also part of the wider plan, which is the largest single investment in training for frontline staff in Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s history. Chief Fire Officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Dan Quin said: “We are pleased to be making the necessary improvements to Reigate Fire Station. This investment means we can enhance and update our facilities and better serve our communities. “I’d like to thank our staff, partners at Pick Everard and Neilcott Construction, residents and the community of Reigate for their support with this piece of work.” Councillor Natalie Bramhall, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Property, Infrastructure, and Waste said: “We are delighted that Pick Everard are facilitating the upgrades at Wray Park. We are making significant investments in our Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that we are providing Surrey’s firefighters with modern, state-of-the-art facilities which align with our net zero carbon ambitions and are fit for the future.” For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has revealed plans to invest more than £50m across three new developments in Calderdale to deliver more than 200 homes. The developments are being delivered in partnership with Calderdale Council and will contribute to the North Halifax Transformation Programme created by the local authority to regenerate the area and create much-needed housing stock there. Furness Avenue, Turner Avenue and Brow Bottom Lane in North Halifax are being regenerated by the housebuilder with a local housing association, to breathe new life into disused land and create quality new homes – repurposing 15 acres of space. Furness Avenue and Turner Avenue South in Illingworth and Brow Bottom Lane in Mixenden will be transformed into a new flourishing community of more than 200 energy efficient homes. Brow Bottom Lane will see around 50 multi-tenure homes delivered, meanwhile across Furness Avenue and Turner Avenue, nearly 200 new homes will be built for both open market sale and in partnership with a local housing association to meet the needs of the local community. Chris Clingo, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire West, said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering hundreds of new homes in the North Halifax area under our strategic partnership model to build quality, sustainable homes as part of the North Halifax Transformation Programme. “We’re excited to begin building at Furness Avenue, Turner Avenue, and Brow Bottom Lane to create new thriving communities in the heart of Halifax whilst rejuvenating brownfield land.’’ Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, added: “Driven by local people and their priorities for North Halifax, we’re committed to providing facilities that meet their needs, breathe new life into unused land and tackle local issues. “Our exciting plans for high-quality homes are a significant part of our commitment to North Halifax alongside a range of other improvement schemes, which reflects our priority for thriving towns and places across Calderdale. “As well as transforming the area and reducing inequalities, it’s great that the developments will also help towards fighting the climate and cost of living crises through their embedded sustainable features.” The sites all sit within the Homes England Strategic Place Partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Master planning for the North Halifax Transformation Programme was partially funded through the Combined Authority and One Public Estate Programme. To find out more about Keepmoat, please visit: www.keepmoat.com The transition to the new Vision 2034 for Calderdale is beginning, encouraging local communities to be bold and ambitious about what we can do next to make Calderdale a better place for all. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morro, Scape Group’s co-living developer, has been granted planning permission for its 150-home co-living scheme on Kingsland Road in Haggerston. The plans, revised from a previously approved 2020 submission, include an extra 31 homes whilst maintaining the same visual and heritage impact. The approved proposal features an enhanced amenity offering, including a gym, co-working spaces and a landscaped rooftop accessible to all residents. Residents will also benefit from the site’s excellent connectivity, located just 300 metres from Haggerston Overground Station with regular connections to the Victoria Line via Highbury and Islington, as well as Shoreditch and the City. The scheme, which backs onto the Regent’s Canal, is just a 15-minute walk to the green spaces of London Fields. The development will revitalise a currently vacant 0.2-hectare site providing best-in-class accommodation. The scheme will support Hackney in reaching its housing targets as well as providing over 1,500 sqm of affordable workspace to the area. In addition, renewable technologies such as solar PV will feature alongside delivering direct and indirect jobs both during construction and in operation. This is the fourth major co-living scheme in the capital that Morro has secured planning permission for, following approvals in Surrey Quays, Hackney Wick and Walthamstow – indicating the team’s commitment to bringing a diverse range of much-needed housing solutions to the London market. Neil Smith, Managing Director at Morro and Scape Group, said: “At Morro, we are committed to providing flexible, thoughtful, and well-designed housing that meet the needs of contemporary city living. We’re delighted to be working closely with Veretec, Ab Rogers Design, Nicola Harding Design and Hackney Council to transform this site into high quality, canal-side living and contribute to the rich and dynamic character of the area. Work is expected to start on site towards the end of the year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
