Luna Students, a leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) management services and part of Torsion Group, is pleased to announce its new leadership team. The appointments mark a significant step in Luna’s ambitious growth strategy, positioning the company to enhance student living experiences while driving value for property owners.
Leeds-based mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) provider G&H has opened applications for its 2025 apprenticeship programme, offering both on-site and office-based roles. This year, there are several apprenticeship opportunities available in electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), service and maintenance, engineering, and building services disciplines. Apprentices joining the
Heather Fleming tells trade association how apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago… Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Former textile machinist Heather Fleming
Developers are facing construction delays of more than 18 months and additional costs of up to £49,000 per week due to safety regulations such as the Building Safety Act (BSA), according to new data from the Purposeful Finance Commission (PFC). A report published today by the PFC highlights how the
A recently completed build-to-rent scheme located in the heart of Glasgow has been refinanced following a £14.4m loan from Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance. The three-year residential property investment loan has been provided to Maven Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm. It was used to refinance an external development facility
The ‘Climate and Nature Private Members’ Bill’, brought forward by Dr. Roz Savage MP, seeks to set new legally binding targets for climate and nature, as well as give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve these targets. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has
A local Priors Hall Park School student is over the moon following an ‘out of this world’ gift from a housebuilder. Last year, 9-year-old pupil Jasper won a competition to design a bedroom, held by housebuilder Davidsons Homes for its stunning showhome at Kirby Woodlands. As part of his prize,
HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Barnfield Group have secured planning approval for three additional industrial units at their APTUS logistics scheme in Preston, Lancashire. The £100 million development is set to create up to 1,500 jobs and will deliver a total of 800,000 sq ft of high-quality, sustainable industrial
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, and Ridgelift, its development partner, have secured consent from Cambridge City Council for 230 Newmarket Road, a 157,000 sq ft six-storey Grade A office building in the city. Outline consent has also been granted for 10,000 sq ft of
Manchester City Council (MCC) and Salford City Council (SCC) are working in collaboration on the ambitious long-term regeneration proposals for the Strangeways and Cambridge areas ahead of public consultation. The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) reports will be heard by both Councils’ respective executive and cabinet committees outlining the vision
Luna Students, a leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) management services and part of Torsion Group, is pleased to announce its new leadership team. The appointments mark a significant step in Luna’s ambitious growth strategy, positioning the company to enhance student living experiences while driving value for property owners. We’re especially proud that our leadership team is majority female —an important distinction in a sector where this remains rare. Meet the Leadership Team With over 15 years of experience in the PBSA sector, Louise is a strategic leader with a proven track record in driving occupancy, enhancing student experiences, and maximising asset value. Having held senior roles at Unite, Liberty Living, GSA/Yugo, and StudentCrowd, she brings a wealth of expertise in sales, marketing, and strategy. Louise’s vision for Luna Students is centred around operational excellence and industry-leading student experiences. Stuart has been at the forefront of PBSA operations for over a decade. Beginning his journey as General Manager at The Student Housing Company in 2014, he quickly ascended to European Head of Operations at Yugo, overseeing 20,000 beds. His leadership has garnered multiple industry awards, including International Operator of the Year at the 2020 Student Accommodation Awards. Stuart’s expertise in operational efficiency, team leadership, and ESG strategies will be instrumental in Luna’s continued growth. Rosie began her decade-long career in PBSA as a Resident Assistant at The Student Housing Company, quickly advancing to Digital Marketing Specialist. She later played a key role in the rapid expansion of PBSA portfolios, successfully launching new markets across nine countries as Head of Marketing at Nido Living and contributing to 12 industry award wins during her tenure. With expertise in brand development, demand generation, and strategic market entry, and named one of EG’s Rising Stars of Real Estate in 2023, her appointment will support LUNA’s ambitious growth, expanding its presence in new locations and strengthening student engagement. Shelley brings over 17 years of experience in PBSA, having held key roles at Yugo, Liberty Living, The Student Housing Company and Project Student. She specialises in building high-performing teams and optimising commercial and operational functions. She has a keen ability to enhance student experience while delivering strong financial performance. Shelley’s leadership will ensure Luna’s growth remains people-focused, aligning with its commitment to providing exceptional student living environments. Luna’s Growth and Expansion Plans LUNA Students currently has over 700 beds live for 2025 and a pipeline of over 2500 beds as part of their rapid growth plan to own and operate over 4,000 beds in the next 4 years. As a third-party operator, Luna is expanding its reach through strategic partnerships, leveraging its expertise to provide best-in-class student accommodation management services. In partnership with Torsion Group, Luna is committed to sustainability, operational efficiency, and student well-being. Recent developments include a joint venture with Zenzic Capital, acquiring five major PBSA schemes in Leeds, Warwick and Nottingham. Currently LUNA operates two schemes, with three additional properties set to launch in September 2025, following a mix of owner –operator and third-party management models. Luna Students work closely with Torsion Developments to achieve the highest 3-Star Fitwel Certification in the UK, and excellent BREEAM ratings reinforcing its commitment to creating healthy and sustainable student living environments. Leadership Vision Louise Bena, Managing Director at Luna Students, stated: I am incredibly proud to have built such an outstanding leadership team. At Luna Students, people are at the heart of everything we do—our team, our customers, and our investors. We are committed to delivering excellence at every level. This year marks an exciting period of growth for Luna, and I am thrilled to be on this journey with such a talented and dedicated team. Dan Spencer, CEO of Torsion Group, added: Luna Students is a key part of Torsion Group’s fully integrated business model, enabling us to invest, develop, construct and operate best-in-class student accommodation. The team at Luna is among the best in the sector, and they are already making a huge impact—enhancing student experiences, optimising developments, and delivering strong returns for our investors. With Louise’s leadership and our combined expertise, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth and set new benchmarks for excellence in the PBSA sector. For more information on Luna Students, visit: www.lunastudents.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds-based mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) provider G&H has opened applications for its 2025 apprenticeship programme, offering both on-site and office-based roles. This year, there are several apprenticeship opportunities available in electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), service and maintenance, engineering, and building services disciplines. Apprentices joining the team in August 2025 will become full-time employees, gaining hands-on experience, academic qualifications, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and a competitive salary. Applications are welcome from post-A-Level, BTEC, or equivalent school and college leavers. The three-year apprenticeship scheme is delivered in partnership with further education establishments, including Leeds College of Building and Bradford College, and will lead to an industry-recognised City & Guilds qualification. Paul Churchill, Development Manager at G&H, said: “We’re excited to launch our 2025 apprenticeship scheme, which is designed to develop and nurture our future workforce. We’re looking for candidates who are hardworking, reliable, eager to learn, and passionate about the construction sector. “For over 25 years, we have offered a comprehensive apprenticeship programme designed to attract top talent and provide young people with valuable real-world experience, with many of our alumni having gone on to forge successful careers at G&H.” Charlie Barton, first year Maintenance Apprentice at G&H said: “Applying for the G&H apprenticeship scheme was the best decision I ever made. I’m gaining valuable on-the-job training, experiencing the working world firsthand, and attending college, where I’ll earn my Level 3 NVQ in Servicing and Maintenance upon completion. For me, an apprenticeship has been a far better pathway than just going to college, and I would highly recommend it to anyone leaving school and eager to start their career.” G&H has been delivering apprenticeships since 1999, with many former apprentices now in senior roles. Chair of the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, Anthony Impey, recently visited G&H and praised the “inspiring work that G&H is doing to invest in the skills needed to drive the growth and productivity of their business.” Apprenticeships on offer include two Level 3 Electrical roles, Level 3 HVAC, and Level 3 Plumbing, all based in the north, and a Level 3 Service and Maintenance role in the south. All applicants must be at least 18-years-old by August 2025. GCSE grade four or above in Maths and English are desirable but not essential, as is a driving license. Additionally, there are two Level 4 Project Manager apprenticeship roles. Applicants must be at least 16-years-old by August 2025, be able to travel to the Pudsey-based head office, and hold five GCSEs graded four to nine, including English, Maths, and Science. Candidates with a BTEC Extended Diploma, Level 3 advanced apprenticeship, or one to two A-levels, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a fast-track route to completion. The deadline for applications is 28 March, with a recruitment day scheduled for April and an August 2025 start. CVs should be sent to katie.hardisty@wearegandh.com Established in 1998, G&H is a leading MEP provider. Its 200-strong experienced team designs, manages, delivers, and maintains every aspect of MEP schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heather Fleming tells trade association how apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago… Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Former textile machinist Heather Fleming tells viewers how she got her big break 37 years ago, how she insisted on being treated as an equal to her male counterparts – and why she still believes an apprenticeship is an invaluable way to help climb the career ladder. Produced in partnership with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the video has also been released ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March. In the film, entitled Blazing a Trail, Heather reveals how she switched careers when she joined SELECT Member firm HF Electrical in Glasgow in 1988. She says: “I was working as a sewing machinist in a factory and had the afternoon off, so went to the local careers office and found a leaflet called Would You Like to be an Electrician? “Electricity had always been like black magic – it was just there – so it piqued my interest and I thought, ‘I’ll go for it and if I don’t get it, I don’t get it.’ “I was sent for an aptitude test and then told, ‘You’ve passed everything. Where would you like to work?’ I had no idea so they set me up with an interview at HF, I got the job and started work.” Heather duly became Scotland’s first female electrical apprentice, attending Clydebank College – now West College Scotland – but insists she was never given any special treatment. She tells the film: “HF looked after me but there was never any, ‘Wow, you’re the first’. I still had a job to do and there was an attitude of, ‘This person is part of our team and we will make sure we give her opportunities.’ “Although I’d gone from a very female-oriented job to a very male oriented one, for my own part it was just a job and I didn’t think it was any big deal.” Heather also said she also insisted on equality as she continued her studies at Stow College, night school and university, revealing: “I was the only female in most classes and sometimes the lecturers would say, ‘We’d like to put you forward for something because you’re female.’ “But I always said, ‘I’m not the best person for that, not if there’s a guy that’s better than me – put them forward’. Just because you’re a female you don’t need to be promoted more.” After rising through the ranks and working at a consultancy, Heather gained a degree in Building Services and is now an engineer with the Estates Department at the University of Edinburgh, who are also members of SELECT. She said: “Life is about earning money and having a good lifestyle and an apprenticeship will get you to the stage of having a good job and being able to go up the tree.” The video also comes more than three decades after Heather discussed her apprenticeship in SELECT’s cabletalk magazine, in which she said: “Sometimes there’s some taunting on-site, but I try to ignore it and if that doesn’t work I just give it back to them.” And she said: “I think the attitude to women in the workplace in general has changed since then. I just think it’s a natural progression and I’ve been accepted in every job that I’ve been to.” SELECT Director of Employment Affairs Catherine Gillon said: “As we celebrate achievements of electricians everywhere as part of our 125th anniversary, we are grateful to Heather and the University of Edinburgh for giving up their time and allowing us to discuss her journey in the industry. “Some 37 years after we first interviewed her, it is heartening to see that Heather is still working in our sector. It shows that with a solid apprenticeship and the ongoing support of industry bodies like SELECT and SECTT, anything is achievable.” SECTT CEO Fiona Harper added: “Heather’s story is an inspiring one and is the perfect example for Scottish Apprenticeship Week as it shows the rewards and opportunities that are available to young learners starting out on their own career path. “As we look ahead to International Women’s Day, it also shows that there are no barriers in the electrotechnical industry and we should rightfully celebrate the achievements of the many women who currently enjoy successful careers at all levels of the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developers are facing construction delays of more than 18 months and additional costs of up to £49,000 per week due to safety regulations such as the Building Safety Act (BSA), according to new data from the Purposeful Finance Commission (PFC). A report published today by the PFC highlights how the BSA has unintentionally caused significant setbacks in the construction sector. The independent body, which brings together public and private sector organisations, warns that the stringent regulatory process is creating major barriers to housing and infrastructure development. The report, Breaking the Cycle: Unlocking Infrastructure Investment, reveals that developers are waiting over 18 months for approvals from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before they can even begin construction. These delays stem primarily from the three-stage ‘gateway’ process that high-risk projects must navigate to secure planning consent, construction approval, and ultimately, occupancy. Since the introduction of Gateway 2 in October 2023, the number of build-to-rent (BTR) homes reaching the detailed planning application stage has dropped by 41%, falling to just 17,315 between Q4 2023 and Q4 2024. The PFC argues that these regulatory delays are making many schemes financially unviable, with one developer reportedly losing up to £49,000 per week due to prolonged waiting times at Gateway 2. In December alone, the BSR received 1,502 planning applications for high-risk buildings, yet nearly half remain undecided. Of those reviewed, more than 70% have been either rejected or deemed invalid. Meanwhile, construction starts on over 800 high-rise residential projects have been delayed, with Gateway 2 approvals now taking an average of 22 weeks—almost double the original 12-week target. Tracy Blackwell, chief executive of the Pension Insurance Corporation and chair of the PFC, acknowledged the importance of regulatory oversight but criticised the lack of resources that is slowing progress. She said: “Regulators play a critical role, particularly in ensuring resident safety, but there is no excuse for them to be under-resourced and effectively stalling vital infrastructure and housing projects. The regulatory burden is strangling growth, and I’m delighted the PFC is focused on how regulation can better align with the government’s growth mission and drive investment into the economy.” The report also found that nearly half (49%) of local authorities in England have reduced spending on planning, with overall planning department budgets increasing by just 3.85% per capita between 2018 and 2022. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A recently completed build-to-rent scheme located in the heart of Glasgow has been refinanced following a £14.4m loan from Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance. The three-year residential property investment loan has been provided to Maven Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm. It was used to refinance an external development facility at Dalian, a former office building converted into 92 apartments. Just a mile away from Glasgow Central train station, the development is conveniently located in Scotland’s most populated city. Completing in late December, only six weeks on from credit approval, this is the bank’s second deal with Maven Capital Partners, having funded the development of a 159-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Stirling in 2020. The deal was led by Daniel Thornton, Relationship Director at STB Real Estate Finance, with the support of Joe Hora, Relationship Support Manager. Paul Johnston, Partner at Maven Capital Partners, said: “Following completion of Dalian in late 2024 we are delighted that the property has let extremely well, and that STB was able to complete the refinance so quickly. We look forward to working together over the next three years.” Daniel said: “It was a pleasure to work with Maven Capital Partners on this transaction. Over the past six years, STB has been able to build a strong working relationship with Maven that is mutually beneficial to both parties. “With the deal occurring during what was certainly a busy end to the year, a quick turnaround was simply non-negotiable. This was made possible thanks to the hard work of our experienced property finance professionals alongside a constant dialogue with Paul and his team.” With 10 regional offices located across the country, Maven Capital Partners has invested over £920m in UK businesses since 2009. Acting on behalf of the bank for this property loan was solicitors Addleshaw Goddard. Discover more about Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance or its dedicated residential property investment landing page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The ‘Climate and Nature Private Members’ Bill’, brought forward by Dr. Roz Savage MP, seeks to set new legally binding targets for climate and nature, as well as give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve these targets. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has worked closely with Government’s old and new to ensure they understand the impact of their environmental and climate policies. Unfortunately, many of these decisions have resulted in increased taxation, lower growth, and have achieved little or nothing for the climate and environment. The Labour Government is therefore correct to take stock and ensure the direction of travel delivers for nature, business, and society. The following outlines a few examples of where industry warnings were ignored by the Government. The Treasury’s decision to remove the construction industry’s access to red diesel increased project costs and fuel theft, while also creating new maintenance expenses for the plant hire sector. Three years on, most machinery remains diesel fuelled, with the limited availability of electric plant machinery still to be charged by diesel generators. DEFRA’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) approach, which is championed as an ‘onsite first policy’ but for most developments cannot be delivered onsite, is creating offsite habitats miles from original development sites. Their strategy also neglects local biodiversity and, if projects can afford the sky-high mitigation costs, means new developments do not build in biodiversity but instead, can create physical barriers within a wildlife corridor. Due to being a statutory requirement, BNG is also reducing levels of affordable housing. Sticking with DEFRA, Nutrient Neutrality schemes attempt to reduce the pollution entering our waterways, not by targeting the polluters but the new build sector, which in some areas accounts for less than 1% of total pollution. Like BNG, Nutrient Neutrality leads to farming land being taken out of use to provide mitigation credits via habitat creation and in the process reducing the UK’s food security. In the MHCLG, vital grid investment, such as pylons and substations, continue to be stopped by NIMBY sentiments, while the Government obsesses over the energy efficiency of new homes, despite these new homes accounting for only 1% of stock and already being 65% more efficient than old homes. These outcomes exist because somebody tried to use policy levers to do the right thing but, in the process, ignores the broader impacts. This consequently damages sustainable environmental and climate improvement, stifles maintainable change, and embeds zero sum outcomes. Worse still, those businesses, our SMEs, that have historically offered the solutions that many champion, such as building within communities and so reducing car dependency, installing renewable energy solutions within buildings, and working with local communities on nature conservation and access, have been leaving the sector at an alarming rate due to the above and many other policy changes that have made doing business impossible and unprofitable. While well intentioned, the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) is a Bill of unexplored and unintended consequences, far eclipsing the policy harms exampled above. The Government is therefore correct to head off CAN and reassess the UK’s role in solving a global challenge, while balancing the many competing domestic needs, from renewable energy and biodiversity to growth and healthy societies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A local Priors Hall Park School student is over the moon following an ‘out of this world’ gift from a housebuilder. Last year, 9-year-old pupil Jasper won a competition to design a bedroom, held by housebuilder Davidsons Homes for its stunning showhome at Kirby Woodlands. As part of his prize, Jasper’s bedroom design was replicated in one of the showhome bedrooms – a room that Jasper was excited to visit and explore for himself. Following a surge of sales including the showhome itself, Davidsons Homes decided to gift all the furniture from the space-themed bedroom to Jasper. The treat was carefully planned between the housebuilder and Jasper’s mum, Annabelle, giving the youngster a surprise that rendered him speechless on the day. Simon Tyler, Sales Director for Davidsons South, said: “Gifting the furniture to Jasper from the bedroom he designed feels like the perfect ending to this lovely story. Originally, we tasked students from Priors Hall Park School to design a bedroom for our new showhome, and we were absolutely blown away by the results. From models made of the room, through to stories that accompanied entries, we have genuinely never seen such high-quality entries from children. “Jasper’s design won our hearts though, with so many carefully-considered details – a galaxy-themed ceiling, Doctor Who and Star Wars elements and a slide reaching from the bed, surely every child’s dream. “Now, we’re delighted that following the sale of the showhome, we are able to gift all the furniture from this bedroom to Jasper. We very much hope he enjoys his revamped bedroom and that it’s a little reminder to him of this project, which has certainly been one we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed here at Davidsons Homes.” As part of his prize, Jasper also won a £500 Merlin voucher for him and his family to enjoy. Not only that, but Jasper was the first to visit the showhome and see the bedroom, before it was open to other visitors. Jasper’s mum, Annabelle, said: “Jasper has been so excited about his bedroom design being chosen, in fact he even took his grandparents to visit it over Christmas last year. Now, it’s the icing on the cake that we have been given the furniture from the bedroom for Jasper to take home and enjoy. “It was wonderful to visit the showhome again with Jasper, along with his sisters, and see him receive the news that he is able to take the furniture home with him. We really cannot thank you all enough.” People are invited to visit Kirby Woodlands for themselves. To make an appointment or to find out more, visit davidsonshomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Barnfield Group have secured planning approval for three additional industrial units at their APTUS logistics scheme in Preston, Lancashire. The £100 million development is set to create up to 1,500 jobs and will deliver a total of 800,000 sq ft of high-quality, sustainable industrial space just off Junction 31A of the M6. The latest phase includes two adjoining units of 26,507 sq ft each, alongside a larger detached unit spanning 53,841 sq ft. Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, said: “We’re pleased to have secured planning for a further 108,000 sq ft at APTUS. Its prime location, combined with strong sustainability credentials and power capabilities, continues to attract significant interest from potential occupiers.” Tracy Clavell-Bate, Head of Development at Barnfield Group, highlighted the benefits of the approval: “Having planning permission allows us to go to market with a ready-to-go scheme, making it highly attractive to occupiers. With limited supply in the region, we are ahead of the curve.” The scheme will incorporate a range of energy-saving features, including electric vehicle charging points and photovoltaic panels, as well as a 15-acre landscaped wildlife area designed for occupiers to enjoy. Across the wider APTUS development, units ranging from 25,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft will be available. Property agents Gerald Eve, Young & Co, and Eckersley Property have been appointed to market the scheme. The first confirmed occupier at APTUS is Kerakoll, with construction set to begin this summer on its 145,000 sq ft unit. HBD is one of the UK’s most established property developers, with a strong financial track record and a £1.3 billion development pipeline. The company focuses on industrial and logistics, urban regeneration, and residential projects, working in partnership with local authorities, investors, and developers. Barnfield Group, a Lancashire-based contractor, developer, and investor, has been delivering projects across the UK for more than 40 years. With a turnover of £80 million, the company is currently involved in more than 30 live developments, spanning a diverse range of sectors. With the latest approvals in place, APTUS is on track to become a major industrial and logistics hub in the North West, offering state-of-the-art facilities in a prime location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, and Ridgelift, its development partner, have secured consent from Cambridge City Council for 230 Newmarket Road, a 157,000 sq ft six-storey Grade A office building in the city. Outline consent has also been granted for 10,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space in a separate single-storey building adjacent to the office. Designed by Leonard Design Architects, 230 Newmarket Road is in a prominent position on a major thoroughfare into Cambridge. It has been conceived as a multi-occupier headquarters building, providing exemplary quality and amenities. The ground floor contains a generous reception area and extensive cycling and end-of-trip facilities, with space to park 438 bikes. Moving up through the building, the first floor includes an elevated lobby café and offices, with the floors above providing flexibility of configuration to reflect varied occupier requirements. The top floor features two pavilion-style office spaces designed for co-working, both opening onto an inside-outside terrace. Externally, the consent includes a new carpark with 45 spaces, 26 with EV charging. Railpen also has strong ambitions for 230 Newmarket Road’s sustainability credentials, and is aspiring for BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and at least 20% biodiversity net gain. The design follows the principles of the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) and RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, with targets including net zero enabled in operation, low embodied carbon (800 kg/CO2e/m2), and a maximum operation energy performance of 55 KwH/ m2. More widely, 230 Newmarket Road is a gateway to Railpen’s proposed 1m sq ft Beehive, which will blend modern workspace, retail, leisure, entertainment and community spaces, and is currently going through planning, along with proposals to enhance the neighbouring Cambridge Retail Park through the introduction of new retail and leisure facilities. Together, the developments will create a new business district in Cambridge to serve the innovation and STEM sectors as part of the UK’s Golden Triangle, which was recently ranked by Savills as a top three life sciences hub globally. Matthew Howard, Head of Property at Railpen, said: “We’re delighted with the council’s decision to grant consent for 230 Newmarket Road, with the development adding to the quality of offices available to accommodate growth in a world-leading city for innovation. As importantly, it is the first stage of a new business district for the city that will bring more long-term employment and prosperity to one of the UK’s most important economic areas.” 230 Newmarket Road is the latest of Railpen’s investments in Cambridge. Part of its strategy of supporting the UK’s economic and social growth through the clustering of assets in key sectors and locations, it joins Mill Yard, its 180,000 sq ft mixed-use campus adjacent to Cambridge rail station, and the nearby Botanic Place, Railpen’s 500,000 sq ft headquarters office development. Railpen also has a number of other significant proposed developments in the city, including its 1m sq ft Beehive scheme, which has been called in by the Secretary of State. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council (MCC) and Salford City Council (SCC) are working in collaboration on the ambitious long-term regeneration proposals for the Strangeways and Cambridge areas ahead of public consultation. The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) reports will be heard by both Councils’ respective executive and cabinet committees outlining the vision that will guide wide-scale investment and development across the 130hectare city fringe location over the coming decades. The draft Strangeways and Cambridge SRF presents a high-level vision for the area, building on the work of the Operation Vulcan policing operation, to provide a platform for legitimate businesses to grow and thrive, alongside a major new urban park, significant new housing – including affordable homes – and significant commercial and employment opportunities. The programme of investment estimates the combined development areas could see up to 7,000 new homes across seven distinct ‘neighbourhood’ areas, increased commercial floorspace of around 1.75m sqft, and the regeneration could support an additional 4,500 jobs. The draft SRF presents a development approach that will support Manchester’s target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038 and reacts to other environmental factors in the areas, including potential flooding linked to climate change. The SRF also reflects how HM Prison Manchester – formerly Strangeways Prison – remains a significant barrier to the regeneration ambitions in this part of the city and the framework will act as an engagement tool with the Ministry of Justice around the long-term future of the prison. The key themes of the SRF include: This draft Strangeways and Cambridge SRF document has been prepared on behalf of MCC and SCC by Avison Young with Maccreanor Lavington Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Schulze+Grassov, Civic Engineers, Useful Projects and PLACED. Salford’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 11 March. Find the Salford City Council Cabinet Report Manchester’s executive will meet on Friday 14 March Find the Manchester City Council Executive Report – see agenda item 8 Following the respective Council approvals, consultation around the SRF document will begin at the end of March, the results of which will be reported to future Executive and Cabinet meetings. Further information on the SRF can be found here. The draft SRF was in part delivered using Government Funding. Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities. “We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the Operation Vulcan partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods – creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing. “We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential. “We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.” Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: “We’ve been on a journey of growth and regeneration in recent years, and our work has changed the landscape in different parts of Salford for the benefit of our residents. It’s now time to focus on the Cambridge area and working with colleagues in Manchester, this framework provides us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to do that. “This framework proposes options for the Salford part of the SRF, taking into account the requirements of residents and local businesses, and the need for quality housing in the area. The key will be to balance these needs with what the long-term flood data is telling us and how we future-proof the area against climate change. “The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area. These include the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, with an option for appropriate levels of mixed-use development, to continue to drive sustainable growth. “I’d urge everyone with a vested interest in this area, whether you’re a resident or business to engage with the consultation process and work with us help shape the future of this part of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals