Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has completed the speculative development of an 80,000 sq ft last-mile logistics development in the sought-after Heathrow area. Panattoni Poyle 80 is a net zero carbon development that was built to a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ and
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed as the new managing agents and Maintenance Trustee of Nell Gwynn House in Chelsea. The development comprises 430 luxury apartments set behind an impressive 1930s façade, with many of the apartments available for short term let. Further expanding Rendall & Rittner’s remarkable
Whether it’s viewing architectural plans or enabling Internet of Things (IoT) devices, access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection is increasingly becoming a priority on construction sites. But with scope and timescales often varying so much between projects, is there such thing as a one-size-fits-all for internet connectivity? Here, Kristian
Beaconfields Primary School and Nursery in Stafford, Dunstall Park Primary School and Garden Village Primary School both in Tamworth, will provide much-needed school places and state-of-the-art facilities for local children. The schools have been built by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, for Staffordshire County Council in partnership with Entrust, and
Façade specialist Spanwall has won a major national manufacturing award. At this year’s Engineering & Manufacturing Awards, Spanwall was presented with the Digital Innovation Award for its Smart Manufacturing initiative. These awards celebrate the trailblazers of UK engineering and manufacturing, and the companies and individuals that are shaping the future
STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Edwin de Silva as STARK UK Business Development Director, effective Monday 23 September. de Silva joins STARK UK from EDS Building Connections, having previously worked in a range of senior leadership roles across the building and construction sector.
As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, green building is at the forefront of creating eco-friendly spaces that are both efficient and environmentally responsible. A key component of this process is the use of chemical solutions that reduce the environmental impact without sacrificing quality or performance. These help minimize
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has today set out bold proposals to transform Oxford Street, including turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space. The plans backed by the new government would ensure Oxford Street becomes a driver of London’s economic prosperity for decades
The new development, which will replace Mercury Point in Duke Street, will be an exciting addition to the city’s skyline, with 810 beds across two blocks connected by an elevated outdoor terrace. The increase in beds from the current 560 beds will provide the city with much-needed purpose-built student housing,
Legal & General Group Plc (“Legal & General” or “L&G” or the “Group”) yesterday announced that it has agreed the sale of the UK house builder CALA Group (“Cala”) for an enterprise value of £1.35bn, to Ferguson Bidco Limited, an entity owned by funds managed by Sixth Street Partners and
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has completed the speculative development of an 80,000 sq ft last-mile logistics development in the sought-after Heathrow area. Panattoni Poyle 80 is a net zero carbon development that was built to a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. The occupier will benefit from a 50m service yard, five dock doors, two level access doors, 12.5m clear internal height, and 37 car parking spaces with 20% EV charging provision. Panattoni Poyle 80 is located on Horton Road at one of Greater London’s most established logistics locations near junction 14 of the M25, providing immediate access to the UK’s largest cargo terminal at Heathrow Airport. It is one of the sites in the south east that Panattoni acquired in 2023 for a combined £350 million, all of which provide value-add development opportunities in core markets where Panattoni can drive rental growth. Alex Mitchell, Development Manager, South East and London, at Panattoni, said: “Poyle 80 represents a rare ultra-urban last-mile opportunity that is perfectly positioned to serve as a central distribution hub for businesses with global ambition. The facility’s proximity to Heathrow and the M25 ensures seamless access to both local and international markets, making it an ideal solution for companies focused on e-commerce and e-fulfilment operations”. Letting agents at Panattoni Poyle 80 are DTRE and ACRE Capital Real Estate. For more information please visit www.panattoni.co.uk/poyle Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed as the new managing agents and Maintenance Trustee of Nell Gwynn House in Chelsea. The development comprises 430 luxury apartments set behind an impressive 1930s façade, with many of the apartments available for short term let. Further expanding Rendall & Rittner’s remarkable London portfolio, management of Nell Gwynn House began on the 1st of April 2024. Built in 1937, Nell Gwynn House has since been home to a variety of famous residents, from Diana Dors to Sir Bruce Forsyth. The building has also appeared in film and TV series such as Lucky Man and The Courier. Rendall & Rittner’s role includes supporting the onsite operation, as well as managing the building’s assets and finances. Following recent sympathetic enhancements, Rendall & Rittner will also work with the Board to implement further refurbishment and improvement projects over the coming years to ensure the preservation of the Art Deco architecture. Richard Daver, Group CEO at Rendall & Rittner comments: “We are proud to have been appointed as the managing agent for Nell Gwynn House, a building renowned for its timeless luxury and magnificent architecture. Our experienced team is committed to delivering an exceptional service at Nell Gwynn House through our unique, client-centred approach to property management.” Rendall & Rittner has proven itself as a market-leading managing agent with a strong reputation for service excellence. Formed in 1990, the award-winning company has continued to grow and today has a portfolio of over 80,000 homes nationwide ranging from smaller luxury developments to complex multi-phase estates. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whether it’s viewing architectural plans or enabling Internet of Things (IoT) devices, access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection is increasingly becoming a priority on construction sites. But with scope and timescales often varying so much between projects, is there such thing as a one-size-fits-all for internet connectivity? Here, Kristian Torode, director and co-founder of business IT provider Crystaline, investigates. Construction workers are increasingly finding themselves in need of a faster, more reliable internet connection. Whether it’s accessing architectural plans or 3D CAD diagrams, the ability to share, edit and download large files is becoming more and more essential to the daily operation of sites. This need is exacerbated further in larger developments, where multiple teams across the site need to be able to communicate with one another. Internet access can also facilitate the implementation of IoT technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM uses a host of cameras and sensors on-site to create a digital model of the project as construction work goes on, allowing for architects and engineers to validate the structure’s integrity throughout. As a result, minor errors or faults can be spotted much more quickly, preventing long project delays. Security is another area that can benefit, with remote CCTV monitoring and the ability to set up more sophisticated locking systems at gates and barriers. Using personal devices But how can construction sites get online? The first, and perhaps easiest option, is to rely on workers to use their own personal devices to access the internet. And for quick access to one or two individual files, such an approach might be sufficient. But problems can quickly arise as soon as there’s a need to do more. Workers may not have sufficient data plans to access everything they need, for example. This can be alleviated in part by using devices to ‘tether’ to one another and sharing data that way, but it often results in slow speeds for the user and is unlikely to be able to support more than one or two devices at a time. And for businesses who are paying for company plans, it might be that the cost of multiple unlimited data plans quickly starts to add up. Fixed broadband So, what about installing a broadband line? For long-term projects lasting several years, in areas already with access to ultrafast broadband, this might be the most appropriate solution. But often, projects must work on a shorter timeframe. With most broadband contracts locking customers in for 12 or 24-month periods, it often isn’t financially viable for workers who may only be on-site for half that time, for example. And with the time it takes to lay a new fixed line varying from weeks to months, particularly in remote areas or those with more challenging terrain, it could result in a significant and crucial part of the project not having the connectivity required. With the PSTN stop sell having already taken place, setting up new connections on these old lines will no longer be possible, presenting an additional challenge to construction companies looking to get their sites online. Rolling out 5G routers Rather than relying on personal device usage or long-term broadband plans, a 5G router could provide the ideal solution. 5G routers provide connectivity via mobile network connections rather than on fixed broadband lines, meaning they can be plugged in anywhere to provide connectivity within minutes. With 5G up to ten times faster than 4G, and just a fraction of the latency, a 5G router offers enough speed and bandwidth for multiple workers to access any file they might need or hold video meetings with other colleagues. Crystaline offers TCL’s LinkHub 5G HH515 router which can support up to 256 connections alone. Capable of delivering speeds up to 4.67 Gpbs, it’s on par with most fibre connections, without the long setup. Other benefits include the ease of setting up ‘Guest Wi-Fi’, which can help improve cybersecurity by separating visitor connections from employees. Many routers, including the LinkHub, will also come with an app for additional functionalities, allowing for any changes and upgrades to be carried out remotely. With the size and scale of construction sites varying so much between projects, finding the right solution to fit can be a challenge. But with the flexibility of a router, combined with the UK’s ongoing 5G rollout, it could be the answer to providing businesses with high-speed, reliable internet, wherever the job next takes you. Crystaline supplies a range of 5G routers to suit a variety of construction site specifications. To discuss your individual needs with a member of the team, please get in touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beaconfields Primary School and Nursery in Stafford, Dunstall Park Primary School and Garden Village Primary School both in Tamworth, will provide much-needed school places and state-of-the-art facilities for local children. The schools have been built by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, for Staffordshire County Council in partnership with Entrust, and were procured through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework. Built to meet the increase in local demand for pupil places by housing developments, the two-storey schools have welcomed their first set of pupils and will grow year-on-year to eventually accommodate 210 children each. The schools have a combined value of £20 million which represents a significant investment in the region’s educational infrastructure. Beaconfields Primary School and Nursery, located on Ransom Avenue in Stafford, includes nine modern state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, a school hall with acoustic panelling, and catering facilities. The school also features multiple outdoor play areas and is managed by the Creative Learning Partnership Trust. Situated within the Dunstall Park Estate in Tamworth, the new Dunstall Park Primary School features seven classrooms, a dedicated nursery area, an indoor hall, and outdoor sports facilities. This school is the second project delivered by G F Tomlinson that will be managed by the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP). Located on Eagle Drive in Amington, Garden Village Primary Academy (main picture) also offers multiple classrooms, staff offices and an indoor sports hall, along with outdoor play areas and an extensive playing field. The academy will be managed by the Fiertè Multi Academy Trust. Ready for pupils to start the 2024/25 academic year, the schools were designed using the Entrust ‘Touchstone’ model, which standardises design and specification to ensure build efficiencies, optimal learning environments and the capacity for future expansion. The energy efficient designs ensure optimal daylight and natural ventilation alongside high levels of insulation – to contribute to the council’s commitment to Climate Change and the Net Zero Agenda. As part of G F Tomlinson’s commitment to delivering social value, a total of £1.3 million social value-added was provided across all three projects, including site tours for local residents and 172 apprentice weeks with valuable on-the-job training provided. 99% of construction waste was diverted from landfill and 77% of labour sourced locally within a 40-mile radius – contributing positively to the local environment and national carbon net-zero agenda. Adrian Grocock, managing director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are immensely proud to have completed the three schools in partnership with Entrust and Staffordshire County Council. This milestone marks our tenth school project delivered together, further strengthening our long-standing collaboration. “The schools will provide vital education facilities for the growing communities in Staffordshire, offering modern and inspiring environments for children to learn and thrive. We look forward to continuing our work with Staffordshire County Council and Entrust, with future projects such as St John’s Grange Primary School, in Lichfield, already underway.” Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education Jonathan Price said: “With an increase in demand for school places coming from local housing developments, the county council has worked hard to ensure there are sufficient school places in Stafford and Tamworth to accommodate pupils. By planning early and working with developers, we can ensure there are enough spaces to accommodate new housing developments. “These brand new, bright and modern schools will grow year-on-year to provide the best foundation for hundreds of pupils as they start their educational journey. I’ve been pleased to watch these schools take shape over the past few months and seeing the delight of pupils as they start their school journey in brand new, bright and modern schools.” Claire McAnulty, Entrust’s Managing Director, said: “Entrust’s property design team have worked in close collaboration with our partners to deliver this latest school project and we are incredibly proud of the end result. Our whole approach to design and project management is to strive to create better outcomes – with pupils, learning and our environment at the heart of our efforts.” As the partnership with Entrust continues, G F Tomlinson remains committed to delivering projects that provide lasting value and benefit to local residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Façade specialist Spanwall has won a major national manufacturing award. At this year’s Engineering & Manufacturing Awards, Spanwall was presented with the Digital Innovation Award for its Smart Manufacturing initiative. These awards celebrate the trailblazers of UK engineering and manufacturing, and the companies and individuals that are shaping the future of industry. The event at the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, London was attended by around 300 manufacturing and engineering professionals from across British industry. The judges praised Spanwall’s entry as ‘a great example of the way in which digital technologies can be used to drive manufacturing efficiency’. David Clark, Managing Director of Spanwall, said, “These awards do a fantastic job of recognising and promoting innovation and excellence across the best of UK industry. To win the Digital Innovation Award is a huge accolade for Spanwall and is a real credit to our design and manufacturing teams at every level of our business.” “We are committed to digital transformation and believe it is fundamental to delivering our core values of innovation, safety and quality to our customers, specifiers, and most importantly, to building owners and occupiers.” Spanwall manufactures sheet metal façade solutions for some of the world’s most iconic architectural landmarks, as well as buildings across the public and private sectors, and large-scale refurbishment projects. The Digital Innovation Award was presented for Spanwall’s market-leading Smart Manufacturing initiative, which has applied digital technology to streamline processes and workflows. This has leveraged the power of digital twinning for rapid prototyping of its metal façade components before going into full production. The new technology also allows the live tracking of every component part through each stage of design and manufacturing, delivering real-time reporting for improved efficiency and a completely new level of customer communication, transparency and traceability. The digital system has integrated multi-disciplinary data to create a truly information-driven product workflow. This allows Spanwall to create and test new metal rainscreen cladding designs for its customers and specifiers more efficiently, whilst optimising manufacturing resources and significantly increasing overall capacity. The Smart Manufacturing project represents a significant investment for Spanwall, particularly in the level of testing and validation that was required to implement seamless workflows. The result is shorter lead times and cost reductions of around 80 per cent for digital prototyping of sheet metal components. Machine set-up times for production runs have also been reduced by up to 50 per cent. As Spanwall is often involved in producing highly complex metal façade solutions for large-scale construction projects, identifying potential issues at the earliest design stage is critical for a ‘right first time’ approach. The new digital technology provides increased certainty of project delivery on time and on budget, and to consistently high-quality standards. The next phase of Spanwall’s digital transformation will apply new technology to integrate quality control, preventative maintenance, health and safety, and estimating into digital workflows. For more information, see www.spanwall.com, email info@spanwall.com or call 028 9081 5303. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Edwin de Silva as STARK UK Business Development Director, effective Monday 23 September. de Silva joins STARK UK from EDS Building Connections, having previously worked in a range of senior leadership roles across the building and construction sector. He is an active champion for small and medium builders and women in construction, supporting organisations including the Regional Builder Hub, a partnership between the King’s Foundation and University of Estate Management, The Developers Club and R&B Developers Forum. Under the previous Conservative Government, Edwin was Secretariat for All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME Housebuilders. Commenting on the news of his appointment, de Silva said “I’m delighted to be joining this incredible business at what is a very exciting period in my career. My new role will be focused on developing our approach to further accelerate the growth of the housebuilding sector, across STARK UK’s business brands. With the ‘Build Build Build’ mantra coming from Westminster, it could not be a better time to support housebuilders.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, green building is at the forefront of creating eco-friendly spaces that are both efficient and environmentally responsible. A key component of this process is the use of chemical solutions that reduce the environmental impact without sacrificing quality or performance. These help minimize the carbon footprint, ensure indoor air quality, and support the overall health of occupants and the environment. Understanding where to source chemical solutions that meet green building standards is crucial for anyone involved in construction, renovation, or maintenance. By choosing the right products, you contribute to sustainable development and promote healthier living spaces. Green Chemicals Green chemicals are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemicals, designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining functionality. Fortunately, Amicus Chemical Solutions and other reputable providers offer a range of these sustainable products to meet industry needs. These chemicals are used across various industries, including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Here are some types of green chemicals. Biodegradable Chemicals These chemicals break down naturally without harming the environment. Commonly used in cleaning products, biodegradable chemicals are derived from natural sources like plants or microbes and do not leave harmful residues. Water-Based Solvents Water-based solvents are used in paints, adhesives, and cleaning products. Unlike traditional solvents, which often contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), water-based solvents are safer for both human health and the environment. Low or Zero-VOC Compounds VOCs are often found in paints, coatings, and sealants. Green chemicals with low or zero VOCs emit fewer pollutants, improving indoor air quality and reducing the overall environmental impact. Natural or Plant-Based Polymers These polymers are derived from renewable sources like corn, starch, or cellulose and are used in everything from packaging to insulation. Plant-based polymers replace petroleum-based plastics, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Green Surfactants Surfactants are compounds used in detergents and cleaning products to break down grease and dirt. Green surfactants are made from renewable resources like coconut oil or sugar, and they are biodegradable, making them safer for waterways and ecosystems. Bio-Based Plastics Traditional plastics are made from petroleum, but bio-based plastics are created using organic materials such as corn, sugarcane, or algae. These plastics reduce dependency on fossil fuels and can be biodegradable or recyclable. Green Additives Green additives enhance the performance of materials like concrete, plastics, or lubricants while minimizing environmental damage. These additives can improve durability, reduce emissions, or lower energy usage during production. Renewable Feedstocks These chemicals are made from renewable resources, such as plant oils, rather than non-renewable sources like petroleum. They are used in everything from bioplastics to biofuels, supporting a more sustainable production process. By utilizing these types of green chemicals, industries can minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining high levels of product performance and safety. Where to Source Green Chemicals Using green chemicals in building projects is crucial for creating eco-friendly spaces. These products reduce emissions, improve air quality, and lower environmental impact. Though sourcing them may seem challenging, with the right resources and suppliers, you can make choices that align with your sustainability goals. Specialized Green Building Suppliers Many companies now specialize in supplying materials that meet green building standards, including green chemicals. These suppliers often offer a wide range of environmentally friendly products, such as low-VOC paints, adhesives, and non-toxic sealants. They focus specifically on eco-friendly materials, making it easier to find products that align with sustainable practices. Online Eco-Friendly Marketplaces Websites dedicated to green products offer an extensive catalogue of green chemicals. These platforms make it easier to compare products, read reviews, and choose suppliers that align with your sustainability goals. Additionally, they often feature certifications or guidelines that can help verify the environmental impact of the products, ensuring you make an informed decision. Local Distributors of Sustainable Products Many local hardware or construction material suppliers now offer green chemicals as part of their product range. By working with local distributors, you can support nearby businesses while sourcing eco-friendly options. It’s also a great way to reduce transportation emissions, further contributing to sustainability. Sustainable Building Organizations Organizations that promote sustainable building can be excellent resources for sourcing green chemicals. They provide guidance on certified products that meet green building standards, making it easier to find suppliers that offer eco-friendly chemicals. By following their recommendations, you can ensure your project aligns with recognized sustainability benchmarks. Manufacturers of Green Chemicals Some manufacturers specialize in producing green chemicals, offering products like water-based solvents, plant-based polymers, and biodegradable cleaners. These manufacturers play a vital role in reducing environmental impact across various sectors, including construction. Opting for direct sourcing from these companies ensures you get the most sustainable options available. Sustainable Construction Initiatives Many sustainable construction initiatives promote the use of green chemicals and may recommend trusted suppliers. These initiatives often collaborate with chemical manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that their materials are environmentally responsible, giving you peace of mind that your project meets high sustainability standards. Green Certifications and Databases Consulting green certification bodies and databases can provide valuable insights into where to source green chemicals. These organizations often maintain databases of certified products and suppliers that meet strict environmental standards. Utilizing these resources can help ensure you’re choosing products that are both effective and eco-friendly. Sourcing green chemicals is vital for sustainable building. Whether through suppliers, online marketplaces, or certifications, many resources can guide you. By selecting the right products, you support a greener future and ensure your projects meet top environmental standards. Wrapping Up Incorporating green chemical solutions into your building project helps reduce environmental impact, improves indoor air quality, and supports healthier living spaces. From eco-friendly paints and biodegradable cleaners to non-toxic flooring and water-based solvents, there are sustainable options for every stage of the construction and maintenance process. Now that you know where to source chemical solutions that align with green building practices, you can make more informed choices that benefit both your project and the planet.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has today set out bold proposals to transform Oxford Street, including turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space. The plans backed by the new government would ensure Oxford Street becomes a driver of London’s economic prosperity for decades to come. Today the Mayor Sadiq Khan will say he wants Oxford Street to “once again become the leading retail destination in the world.” The Mayor has previously tried to implement major changes to Oxford Street, but was blocked from implementing his plans. Now, with the new Government taking a partnership approach to working with cities and Mayors, there is agreement to work together with a view to unlocking Oxford Street’s full potential for the benefit of London and other parts of the UK. The proposals would deliver a much-improved experience for shoppers, residents, workers and tourists visiting Oxford Street and the surrounding area, returning this part of the capital to its former glory. Supported by ministers, today the Mayor has confirmed that he intends to designate a Mayoral Development Area to bring forward the regeneration of Oxford Street.* As part of this, the Mayor is proposing that a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) is established, which will haveplanning powers to provide the framework for delivery of a world-leading scheme that works for residents, visitors and businesses. Oxford Street is famous across the world. It still welcomes more than 500,000 visitors every day and generates approximately five per cent of the capital’s economic output (GVA), the equivalent of £22.75bn (in 2019)*. It is home to numerous flagship stores, including Selfridges and John Lewis, as well as being a key commercial centre. Although Oxford Street remains a vital part of the UK’s tourism, leisure and retail offer, generating revenue for the Exchequer that is reinvested across the country, it is in need of major regeneration. Competition from online retailers and out-of-town shopping centres, the closure of flagship department stores, and the prevalence of ‘candy stores’ have put significant strain on Oxford Street’s attractiveness, while tourism numbers have not fully recovered since the pandemic. The Mayor is determined to re-invent and transform Oxford Street, working with businesses and Westminster City Council to create one of the finest public spaces in the world and making the area substantially greener, cleaner and safer for everyone. The Mayor believes his proposals would turn Oxford Street into a more attractive and thriving modern retail and leisure destination attracting more tourists, increasing footfall and spending. It’s likely this would generate additional economic activity and increased tax revenue, as well as boosting London’s night-time economy, meaning that it can once again compete with other international high street destinations, such as Times Square in New York, the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris and Las Ramblas in Barcelona. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector, but there’s no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade. Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life. “I am excited to be working with the new Government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans – that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country. “I want Oxford Street to once again become the leading retail destination in the world.” “The transformation of Oxford Street will be a leading example of how working together – City Hall and the new Government – we can build a better London for everyone.” Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister said: “Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination and we want it to stay that way. By working with the Mayor and local leaders, we can ensure it gets the boost it needs.” “This plan to revitalise Oxford Street will drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy.” Peter Ruis, Executive Director for John Lewis, says: “Oxford Street has been home to the first ever John Lewis store since 1864. We’re extremely proud of our place on the street and are investing significantly in our flagship, next month opening one of the country’s biggest Beauty Halls and welcoming Waterstones. We’re delighted to see the plans announced today to transform ‘the nation’s high street’ and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to London’s West End.” John Dickie, CEO of BusinessLDN, said: “Oxford Street is London’s flagship high street and an attraction for visitors from across the country and all over the globe. As a key strategic site that spans borough boundaries, the Mayor has an important role to play in investing in and helping to improve the area for the benefit of Londoners, businesses and visitors. We look forward to engaging with the new Mayoral Development Corporation as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, the New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.” John Dickie, CEO of BusinessLDN, said: “Oxford Street is London’s flagship high street and an attraction for visitors from across the country and all over the globe. As a key strategic site that spans borough boundaries, the Mayor has an important role to play in investing in and helping to improve the area for the benefit of Londoners, businesses and visitors. We look forward to engaging with the new Mayoral Development Corporation as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, the New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.” Barbara Stoll, Director of the Clean Cities Campaign said: “This is fantastic news and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost the West End’s economy while tackling London’s air quality crisis. Cities worldwide have shown that pedestrianisation increases foot traffic, boosts sales, and
The new development, which will replace Mercury Point in Duke Street, will be an exciting addition to the city’s skyline, with 810 beds across two blocks connected by an elevated outdoor terrace. The increase in beds from the current 560 beds will provide the city with much-needed purpose-built student housing, freeing up privately rented homes. To enhance the student living experience, Unite Students has invested £90million over the past year to upgrade properties across its portfolio and improve service levels, and this continues to be a key priority. In July, the business raised a further £450million from investors to help fund new developments and refurbishments of its existing portfolio. Unite Students considered several options, including a renovation of the existing building, and has taken the decision to redevelop the property and close it to students from summer 2025, once this year’s residents have checked out. The new property will fully adhere to Unite Students’ sustainable construction framework, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon in construction and operation. The scheme will aim to achieve a BREEAM Excellent sustainable building certification and include solar panels to generate renewal energy, air-source heat pumps for heating and hot water, and high-performance glazing to help reduce thermal losses. Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said: “We’re excited about the planned redevelopment works at one of our key properties in Southampton as we work to continuously improve the student experience across our portfolio. We’ve worked closely in consultation with the council, the local community and Southampton University to develop these plans. “We’re trusted by parents, students and universities to provide high-quality, safe and affordable accommodation and the planned increase in bed numbers will help free up privately rented homes in the city for families.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legal & General Group Plc (“Legal & General” or “L&G” or the “Group”) yesterday announced that it has agreed the sale of the UK house builder CALA Group (“Cala”) for an enterprise value of £1.35bn, to Ferguson Bidco Limited, an entity owned by funds managed by Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital. The consideration for the sale will result in cash proceeds of £1.16bn (after adjustment for net debt), of which c£500m will be paid at closing with the remaining consideration being paid over the next five years on a deferred non-contingent basis. As at HY24, Cala had a Net Asset Value of £1.15bn and generated operating profits of £42m. The disposal reflects L&G’s disciplined approach to capital allocation and follows the Group’s decision to create a Corporate Investments Unit as outlined at the Capital Markets Event (“CME”) in June 2024. Disposal proceeds from the sale will primarily be used, as they become available, to reinvest in the Group in line with our strategy and the capital allocation framework set out at the CME. The Board will also consider the proceeds as part of the Group’s announced intention to increase returns to shareholders through ongoing buybacks. As signalled, the sale of Cala reduces the Group’s Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) by c£100m after diversification. The transaction is expected to complete in Q4 2024. António Simões, Group Chief Executive Officer of Legal & General said: “This transaction demonstrates continued momentum in executing our strategy, simplifying our portfolio to enable a sharper focus on our core, synergistic businesses. Cala has been an important part of L&G for over a decade, with profits increasing ten-fold since our initial investment in 20131. The sale announced today will provide capital to deliver our strategic goals of sustainable growth alongside enhanced returns for shareholders. I would like to thank the whole Cala team for their contribution to the Group and wish them every success in the future.” Kevin Whitaker, CEO of Cala said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news for Cala. The acquisition by Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital demonstrates confidence in Cala’s business plan and growth potential, as our talented team continues to build high quality, sustainable new homes throughout the UK. L&G has been a great support to Cala throughout its investment and ownership. Since 2013, we have grown revenues and profits five- and ten-fold respectively, and tripled the number of homes we build each year.” Julian Salisbury, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Sixth Street, said: “Cala has a bright future and we are proud to be entering this new chapter as stewards of a company with such a deep history and long track record of sustainable growth. We, together with Patron Capital, look forward to continuing to support Cala and its management team, not only with capital but also with the significant resources of our London-based real estate investment team led by Giulio Passanisi.” Keith Breslauer, Managing Director of Patron Capital, said: “We are pleased to be able to back the Cala business once again. Cala is one of the UK’s leading housebuilders with a best-in-class landbank and a focus on building high-quality homes, being consistently ranked five-star for customer service. Furthermore, Cala is also a people business with a strong corporate culture and a business we know well, and we look forward to working closely with Cala’s impressive management team and our partner, Sixth Street, to further build the business and help tackle the undersupply of homes in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
