Construction Begins on £4.35m Solar Membrane at London Stadium Work has commenced on a cutting-edge solar membrane that will transform London Stadium, home to West Ham United, into one of the world’s most eco-friendly sports and entertainment venues. The ambitious £4.35 million project has now received planning approval, with construction
A major new student accommodation development has been approved in Coventry, marking a significant step forward for the city’s student housing landscape. Birmingham-based developer and investor, Sama Investment Group, has secured planning permission for a 130-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, located on the edge of Coventry city centre. The
Leisure investor Imbiba has struck a deal with Canary Wharf Group (CWG) to open an impressive 65,000 sq ft development at 12 Bank Street. The new venue, set to open in 2025, will feature a 78-bedroom House of Gods hotel, the vibrant Amazing Grace music venue, a rooftop bar with
Kerakoll Group has taken a major step in its UK and Northern European expansion by acquiring a 40,000-square-metre plot of land in Preston, Lancashire, at the APTUS development. The international leader in sustainable building materials plans to construct a 145,000 sq ft production and distribution facility on the site, with
Down to Earth Developments, a Home Counties-based land reclamation company, has invested in two Cat® D6 XE dozers from Finning, and is believed to be the youngest customer to own the latest electric drive Cat machines in the UK. Ben Maclean, 24, owner at Down to Earth Developments, bought one of
A complete bespoke battery solution from Aggreko has enabled Curo Construction to continue work on a major refurbishment project in central London while work took place on the building’s electricity meter, which removed mains power for five days. The project at 14 St John’s Lane in Farringdon, involves the renovation
SEGRO has completed its largest solar panel installation in London at SEGRO Logistics Centre Faggs Road, which is located a few minutes from Heathrow Airport The project is in partnership with its customer, GEODIS, a leading worldwide provider of customised transportation, warehousing, global logistics and supply chain solutions. SEGRO has
The hotel development boom in Leeds city centre continues with Whitbread PLC, the parent company of Premier Inn and the UK’s largest hotel chain, acquiring a prime office building for redevelopment. This latest move reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in high-demand locations. Whitbread has purchased the freehold
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, in partnership with WSP, has been granted funding by Northumbrian Water to develop a new AI-powered platform designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data, thereby reducing delivery times for the company’s capital projects during asset management period 8 (AMP8). The funding will enable
Vistry Group has acquired a site in Tewkesbury to deliver up to 150 affordable homes in partnership with Platform Housing Group as part of a £38 million project. Outline planning consent is already in place for the homes in Fiddington Lane, near Ashchurch, and a reserved matters application will now
Construction Begins on £4.35m Solar Membrane at London Stadium Work has commenced on a cutting-edge solar membrane that will transform London Stadium, home to West Ham United, into one of the world’s most eco-friendly sports and entertainment venues. The ambitious £4.35 million project has now received planning approval, with construction set to begin imminently. The solar scheme, first revealed by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), will see 6,500 square metres of solar panels installed across the roof. The installation is expected to reduce the stadium’s carbon emissions by over 200 tonnes annually, while generating enough energy to power all major events held at the venue. The project has been supported by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, who contributed £45,000 towards a feasibility study through the mayor’s Green Finance Fund, which also provided a loan for the solar installation. The initiative was granted planning permission on 24th September 2023 and is expected to be completed by summer 2025. The solar membrane is projected to generate around 850,000 kWh of electricity per year – enough to power 20 football matches, four concerts, two Major League Baseball (MLB) games, and one international athletics event. This renewable energy is estimated to save the stadium up to £350,000 annually in energy costs. Given the stadium’s existing lightweight roof structure, the solar membrane is designed to be lightweight while ensuring maximum energy generation and compliance with fire regulations. Once completed, it will start generating electricity immediately. Mete Coban, London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, hailed the project as a “game changer”, saying:“These solar panels will transform the London Stadium into one of the world’s greenest venues, reducing its energy consumption and running costs. The mayor’s Green Finance Fund is a fantastic opportunity for public sector bodies to lower their carbon footprint, and we encourage more organisations to take advantage of this funding.” Graham Gilmore, Chief Executive of LS185, the stadium’s operator, echoed the sentiment:“We are committed to becoming one of the most sustainable live event venues globally. This significant investment will not only cut our energy costs but, more importantly, reduce our carbon footprint. We’re proud to lead the way in tackling climate change, powering our concerts and events with energy generated right here on site.” With the solar membrane set to be completed in 2025, London Stadium is set to be a pioneer in the movement towards greener, more sustainable large-scale venues, paving the way for future innovations across the global sports and entertainment industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new student accommodation development has been approved in Coventry, marking a significant step forward for the city’s student housing landscape. Birmingham-based developer and investor, Sama Investment Group, has secured planning permission for a 130-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, located on the edge of Coventry city centre. The development, known as Charter House, will transform a former industrial site on Charterhouse Road into a modern student living complex, featuring four and six-storey buildings. In addition to high-quality student apartments, the site will offer an array of amenities designed to enhance the student experience. These include dedicated study areas, comfortable lounges, a gym, and a landscaped courtyard with views over the Sherbourne River, ensuring students enjoy both social and natural environments. Designed with sustainability as a priority, Charter House will integrate renewable energy technologies throughout the project. The developers are aiming for an ‘Excellent’ rating under BREEAM, the globally recognised standard for sustainable building design and construction. This underscores the commitment to eco-friendly practices, ensuring the development has minimal environmental impact. Strategically located just a five-minute walk from Coventry University, Charter House is set to meet the rising demand for high-quality student housing in the city. The project will play a crucial role in supporting the university’s growth, while also relieving pressure on local family housing, reducing reliance on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and the private rental sector. Bilal Ahmed, Executive Chairman & Founder of Sama Investments, commented:“We’re thrilled to have received planning approval for Charter House. This brownfield site, so close to Coventry University, provides a fantastic opportunity to create a high-quality student accommodation development that will benefit the city as a whole. Our project will not only meet the growing need for student housing but also help to free up family homes across Coventry. By investing in sustainable design and innovative amenities, we aim to foster student wellbeing and contribute to the city’s ongoing regeneration.” The Charter House development is expected to play a key role in Coventry’s continued urban transformation, creating jobs and driving local economic growth. As part of a wider regeneration plan for the area, the project represents a significant investment in the city’s future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leisure investor Imbiba has struck a deal with Canary Wharf Group (CWG) to open an impressive 65,000 sq ft development at 12 Bank Street. The new venue, set to open in 2025, will feature a 78-bedroom House of Gods hotel, the vibrant Amazing Grace music venue, a rooftop bar with stunning views over Eden Dock, and a new event space operated by Camm & Hooper. The Eden Dock itself has been designed as a lush urban oasis, offering access to the water and promoting green spaces to enhance biodiversity within the Canary Wharf area. Stuart Fyfe, Managing Director of Retail, Leisure, and Hospitality at CWG, said, “Imbiba will deliver a spectacular new 65,000 sq ft hospitality and leisure venue at Canary Wharf. Their line-up of world-class brands will further enhance evening entertainment, event venues, and bring another hotel to the Wharf. We are continually elevating the offer at Canary Wharf across retail, leisure, and hospitality, curating a thriving seven-day destination for workers, residents, and visitors alike. Visitor numbers are at an all-time high, up 7.5% year-to-date, with 67.2 million visitors in 2023, and we’re seeing strong demand across our retail, leisure, and hospitality spaces with 97% occupancy.” Kieran Sherlock, Partner and Property Director at Imbiba, added, “Imbiba has a long-standing and successful partnership with CWG, and this investment builds on that foundation. Canary Wharf is transforming into a world-class destination for hospitality and leisure, and we’re excited to bring our cutting-edge concepts to this remarkable building in the heart of the area.” Imbiba boasts over 25 years of investment and operational experience, with a portfolio that includes Farmer J, Pizza Pilgrims, F1 Arcade, 1Rebel, Little Houses Group, Clays, and House of Gods. This new venture is set to further cement Canary Wharf as a leading destination for leisure and entertainment in London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kerakoll Group has taken a major step in its UK and Northern European expansion by acquiring a 40,000-square-metre plot of land in Preston, Lancashire, at the APTUS development. The international leader in sustainable building materials plans to construct a 145,000 sq ft production and distribution facility on the site, with construction set to begin in late 2024. The new facility is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026. This expansion will see Kerakoll double its UK production capacity by 2028, meeting the increasing demand for eco-friendly building solutions in the region. The new facility will not only support the company’s growth in sustainable materials but also lead to a 30% increase in its UK workforce. This will be Kerakoll’s second UK site, complementing its existing production facility in Leyland, and marks the company’s twentieth site globally. Sustainability is central to Kerakoll’s mission, and the Preston facility will showcase the latest in green technologies. These include photovoltaic panels generating 245 kWh per day, and a state-of-the-art rainwater recycling system. The company is also targeting a “Very Good” or higher BREEAM rating, ensuring the facility meets top environmental performance standards. To further strengthen its leadership, Carl Gardner has been appointed General Manager UK and Director for the UK, Nordics, and the Netherlands. With Kerakoll’s UK turnover reaching £40 million in 2023, this new development underlines the company’s commitment to its international growth and continued investment in sustainable building materials. The new Preston facility will play a pivotal role in Kerakoll’s strategic vision for the future, reinforcing its position as a global leader in eco-friendly construction solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Down to Earth Developments, a Home Counties-based land reclamation company, has invested in two Cat® D6 XE dozers from Finning, and is believed to be the youngest customer to own the latest electric drive Cat machines in the UK. Ben Maclean, 24, owner at Down to Earth Developments, bought one of the electric drive Cat D6 XE dozers earlier this year from Finning UK and Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat equipment, parts and aftermarket services. So impressed was he with the performance of the machine, he subsequently ordered another citing the machine’s sustainability credentials combined with its performance as the reason for the follow-up purchase. Ryan Trafford, Customer Service Manager at Finning UK and Ireland, explained why this deal is key for the industry as a whole: “We’re really pleased to be working with a next generation of machine owners, who really value sustainability when it comes to making decisions. Down to Earth Developments are experts in land reclamation and recovery, working with private clients and government agencies to restore land to its natural state. “Sustainability is quite literally what they do. Customers like Ben are the first generation to have grown up understanding the importance of making responsible decisions, with sustainability being at the heart of that.” The Cat D6 XE, the world’s first high-drive electric drive dozer, offers significant sustainability benefits, delivering up to 35% better fuel efficiency compared to previous models, resulting in a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, this reduction in fuel use directly impacts operating costs, meaning a significant financial saving over the life cycle of the machine. Ben Maclean’s decision to choose these state-of-the-art machines was also influenced by the operational efficiency they offer. He commented: “It’s not just the electric drive using less fuel but the all-round technology package you get with Cat machines that saves costs in quite a few ways. We also have two Cat 323 hydraulic excavators and their grade assist and payload technology help us get the job done that little bit quicker. “The D6 XEs are also fitted with Trimble™ 3D GPS systems supplied by SITECH® UK and Ireland, which means we make the absolute minimum number of passes to get perfect grading. We also ensure we tap into the telematics data that’s available through VisionLink® telematics so we can monitor machine idle time, productivity and fuel use, as well as the general health of each of the assets, so we can ensure timely and preventative maintenance that fits with our work schedules.” As a Contracts Director of Down to Earth Developments Ben ensures that they are using these efficiencies to their advantage, and with plenty of projects in the pipeline, they could be looking to expand the fleet in the near future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A complete bespoke battery solution from Aggreko has enabled Curo Construction to continue work on a major refurbishment project in central London while work took place on the building’s electricity meter, which removed mains power for five days. The project at 14 St John’s Lane in Farringdon, involves the renovation of a six-storey building, incorporating a single-storey vertical extension for a fifth floor. Because the project has several party walls, as well as residential properties nearby, the management of noise, vibrations, air quality and carbon are vital considerations. Aggreko was called upon to deliver a temporary power solution that would enable work to continue on the project during the disruption to the mains electricity supply. It initially proposed a Stage V generator and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), offering a quiet, low carbon and fuel-efficient solution. However, the tight confines of the site meant there was not sufficient space to accommodate a hybrid set-up. This prompted Aggreko to engineer a bespoke solution of two 45/55 BESS that would be connected and located in the ground floor of the building, offering sufficient power to replace the mains supply for five days. Kirsty McCormick, Sustainability Manager at Curo Construction, said: “14 St John’s Lane is a high-profile project in a logistically challenging location, surrounded by both residential and commercial neighbours. We must also adhere to strict restrictions on both noise and air emissions and our business commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2040. Aggreko’s BESS solution has allowed us to manage these challenges effectively. We have been able to continue work on the site whilst protecting air quality, reducing carbon and avoiding any additional disruption to our neighbours.” Tom Adlington, Construction Sector Lead at Aggreko, added: “The construction industry is increasingly needing to balance challenging commercial pressures against logistical considerations, environmental regulations and restrictions on noise and disturbance. Our engineered BESS solutions, whether standalone or in a hybrid configuration with a Stage V generator, can be tailored to the needs of specific sites to deliver greener energy, while supporting profitability.” A recent Aggreko report, A Perfect Storm for European Construction?, based on a survey of 850 European construction managers, found that reducing noise is one of the leading reasons for using greener technologies on site, with 28% saying it had been a factor in adopting new technologies. Aggreko’s support for the decarbonisation of construction is reflected in its recently launched sustainability framework, Energising Change. The framework allows Aggreko and the organisations it works with to embed low-carbon power and temperature control technologies in their operations. At the heart of Energising Change are investments that give industry better access to cleaner and greener energy sources, such as the expansion of its fleets of small, mid and large-size BESS, which builds on $140m earmarked over the last two years to expand Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades fleet, including new boilers, Stage V generators, batteries and chillers. To find out more about Aggreko’s BESS solutions, visit: https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/products/energy-storage. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO has completed its largest solar panel installation in London at SEGRO Logistics Centre Faggs Road, which is located a few minutes from Heathrow Airport The project is in partnership with its customer, GEODIS, a leading worldwide provider of customised transportation, warehousing, global logistics and supply chain solutions. SEGRO has been working closely with GEODIS, which occupies a 96,562 sq ft unit in Hounslow, to install 1,750 PV panels on its roof, with installed capacity 700 kWp. The energy produced by this solar array is equivalent to powering 75 homes and saves as much carbon annually as planting 5,445 trees. The project aligns with the Responsible SEGRO commitment to Champion low-carbon growth and requirements of the Heathrow supply chain, where businesses are expected to demonstrate low-carbon building practices to support the airport’s sustainability goals. As part of the initiative, SEGRO was able to secure a Power Purchase Agreement that enables the customer to benefit from cheaper electricity. Chris Packwood, Managing Director at GEODIS, said: “We are delighted with the evolution of our facility, to now harness the power of the sun. This further strengthens the GEODIS commitment to sustainability, by having confidence in the origin of our power supply and the associated REGO certificates.” Gareth Baker, Director, Western Corridor at SEGRO, said: “It is fantastic to deliver this exciting project, providing both environmental and cost benefits to GEODIS. This project is a prime example of how we can collaborate with our customers to drive sustainable growth. Not only does it significantly reduce carbon emissions by generating renewable energy on-site, but it also helps GEODIS to reduce its operational costs in the long run.” The installation is linked to GEODIS’ recent lease renewal and as part of the agreement, SEGRO installed six electric vehicle charging stations, furthering the sustainability credentials of the development. SEGRO Logistics Centre Faggs Road is located within minutes of Heathrow Airport. As well as being in a prime position with easy access to the A30, the development is well connected with the M25 within 6 miles to the west, giving swift access to the UK’s motorway network. Responsible SEGRO framework A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO’s purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing Low-Carbon Growth, Investing in Local Communities and Environments and Nurturing Talent. Striving for the highest standards of innovation, sustainable business practices and enabling economic and societal prosperity underpins SEGRO’s ambition to be the best property company. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The hotel development boom in Leeds city centre continues with Whitbread PLC, the parent company of Premier Inn and the UK’s largest hotel chain, acquiring a prime office building for redevelopment. This latest move reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in high-demand locations. Whitbread has purchased the freehold of a 42,000 sq ft office building in the South Bank area of Leeds, a stone’s throw from Leeds Railway Station. The building, constructed in 2000, is ideally situated for conversion into a Premier Inn hotel, with plans for a 120-bedroom facility, subject to planning permission. The proposed redevelopment will see the L-shaped building retrofitted and potentially extended to accommodate the hotel. Whitbread’s expertise in converting office buildings into budget-friendly hotels has made this acquisition an exciting opportunity for the company. Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager at Whitbread, expressed her optimism: “Whitbread has a proven track record in transforming office spaces into successful budget hotels. This approach not only meets the growing demand in cities like Leeds, where development opportunities are limited, but it also offers environmental benefits by repurposing existing buildings and reducing the carbon footprint associated with new construction.” Anderson highlighted the building’s prime location: “Verity House is perfectly positioned, being just a short walk from the station and close to all the amenities in Leeds city centre. It complements our existing network of eight Premier Inns across the city and demonstrates our willingness to invest in prime freehold locations, even when planning and development risks are involved. I’m eager to collaborate with Leeds City Council on this project to unlock the full potential of the site.” The acquisition of Verity House boosts Whitbread’s development pipeline in Leeds city centre to two locations, with over 250 additional hotel rooms planned. The company already offers eight Premier Inn sites across Leeds, including at Leeds Bradford Airport. Further east in the city, Whitbread is also the chosen hotel operator for the Leeds Kirkgate redevelopment, spearheaded by Leeds City Council. Scheduled to open soon, this site will offer 143 bedrooms along with a bar and restaurant for guests, following planning approval granted in December 2023. In the Verity House transaction, Whitbread was represented by WSB property consultants, while the vendor was advised by Commercial Property Partners. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, in partnership with WSP, has been granted funding by Northumbrian Water to develop a new AI-powered platform designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data, thereby reducing delivery times for the company’s capital projects during asset management period 8 (AMP8). The funding will enable Costain and WSP to develop a proof-of-concept for WISDOM – Wastewater Insights for Standardisation, Delivery, Operation and Maintenance – a platform that uses generative AI technology to capture, standardise and analyse large volumes of data from a variety of sources, providing a comprehensive intelligent database of operational assets. With AMP8 investment programmes likely to see a doubling of investment from the previous cycle, and a corresponding increase in asset interventions, capital delivery and operational teams need to manage and evaluate larger, more complex sets of data for compliance purposes. The WISDOM AI platform would seek to optimise, combine and process huge datasets, providing richer insight into operational performance for capital delivery teams working on AMP8 projects. The expectation is that the platform will reduce the need for wastewater works managers to repeatedly provide and analyse operational data for delivery teams, thereby reducing time spent on data entry which can be up to 45% of their working week. This will in turn improve overall delivery times and potentially save more than £10m for Northumbrian Water over the course of the AMP8 lifecycle. The idea was developed during Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival, where Costain and WSP were challenged with the task of revolutionising the designing and building of wastewater assets during the AMP8 investment cycle. Costain and WSP will deliver strategic infrastructure upgrades for the water company’s AMP8 investment programme. Gavin Stonard, framework director at Costain, commented: “Capital delivery programmes in AMP8 – which will see a doubling of investment on wastewater assets compared with AMP7 – will require enormous volumes of data to be gathered and analysed for design, operational and compliance purposes. This will be a considerable challenge and will not be accomplished using existing techniques. “Working closely with WSP and Northumbrian Water and using cutting-edge generative AI technology, we will provide teams with the information they need quickly and efficiently. This will be a first-of-a-kind solution for the water sector, and one that could have significant benefits in improving productivity, reducing delivery times and creating better outcomes for Northumbrian Water customers. “It’s hugely exciting to be taking this idea to proof-of-concept stage. Being at the forefront of innovation is a testament to the enterprising culture that Northumbrian Water has fostered with its suppliers.” Michelle Johnson, technical director, WSP, commented: “We quickly recognised the challenge facing Northumbrian Water and that solving it required new and radical thinking. The Innovation Festival allowed us to stretch the boundaries and consider the adoption of new technologies, such as generative AI, and apply them to a capital delivery setting. We’re looking forward to taking WISDOM to the next level with the hope that, if successful, we can roll it out and make important savings throughout AMP8.” Richard Seales, head of engineering, Northumbrian Water, commented: “Coming up with fresh ways of thinking about the delivery of new and upgraded wastewater assets is not easy, but Costain and WSP have more than risen to the challenge, and their energy and enthusiasm has been plain to see. This was one of the standout ideas from our Innovation Festival and we’re excited to see how its application could solve a big challenge facing the whole of the water sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group has acquired a site in Tewkesbury to deliver up to 150 affordable homes in partnership with Platform Housing Group as part of a £38 million project. Outline planning consent is already in place for the homes in Fiddington Lane, near Ashchurch, and a reserved matters application will now be submitted. Vistry is the UK’s largest housebuilder and leading provider of affordable homes. House types from its specialists Partnerships range will be plotted for the Tewkesbury development. The properties will be constructed with timber frames made by Vistry Works, the manufacturing arm of Vistry Group. Supriya Ray, managing director for Vistry Cotswolds, said: “Tewkesbury is a growing town which requires new affordable homes to help accommodate its expanding population. Our partnership with Platform Housing Group will make a significant and positive contribution towards addressing local housing need. “This is the first 100 per cent affordable homes project to be delivered in this area under the partnerships model and we are in discussions to bring forward many more. This reflects Vistry Group’s commitment to sustained growth in housing output, while driving social value and delivering strong returns for our investors.” Michael Baggett, director of land and partnerships at Platform Housing Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of land at Fiddington, Tewkesbury, working in partnership with Vistry Group. The purchase of this site makes a significant step forward in our commitment to tackling the housing crisis. “The development of 150 affordable homes is a testament to partnership working. Together Platform and Vistry are working to create sustainable communities, ensuring that people and families have access to a safe, affordable place to call home.” Vistry is working to secure full planning consent before the end of the year, with a view to starting build early in 2025 and completing on the first of the homes by the end of 2025. The homes will form an extension to a new neighbourhood which is taking shape to the south-east of Tewkesbury and is planned to bring new community facilities to the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
