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
Hartwell Plc, the automative and property development company, has unveiled £100 million regeneration plans to deliver Phoenix Yard, a landmark mixed-use scheme at the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham. The proposals will seek to transform an outdated and under-utilised brownfield site which totals 2.8-acre (1.134 hectare) and is beside Coventry Street,
Adventure Leisure, the company behind Mulligans, BUNKERS, Total Ninja, and Ninja Warrior UK, is bringing its popular crazy golf concept to Guildford town centre. Set to be the 14th Mulligans venue in the UK, the new site will span 17,000 sq ft on North Street. It will be created by
Taiwan’s Fubon Life Insurance Company has appointed development and leasing specialist Fabrix to lead the refurbishment of Bow Bells House, a 216,000 sq ft office building in the heart of the City of London. Fubon acquired the eight-storey building from Mitsubishi Estate in 2015 for £197 million. Located next to
Landsec is planning a major shift in strategy, announcing plans to sell £2bn worth of office assets to fund its expansion into the residential sector. The move marks a significant pivot for the FTSE 100 property giant, which aims to establish a £2bn+ residential platform over the next two to
Charles Wilson Engineers (CW Plant) has expanded their hire fleet of Trime lighting towers with a further investment of sixty X-ECOLED and twenty-four X-ECO LITHIUM HYBRID sets. CW Plant’s site lighting fleet is entirely made up of Trime lighting towers, totalling six hundred and fifty sets all spread throughout their
Bobcat, a brand of Doosan Bobcat, has won a significant order for 90 PA7.2 portable air compressors from Speedy Services, one of the UK’s leading providers of tools, equipment and plant hire. This latest order underscores Speedy’s confidence in Bobcat’s outstanding service, strong existing relationship and industry-leading reputation. Speedy Services
Greggs is setting its sights on 140 to 150 new store openings in 2025, following a record-breaking year in which the bakery chain surpassed £2 billion in sales for the first time. In 2024, Greggs expanded its presence with 226 new store openings, while closing 28 locations and relocating 53.
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
Hartwell Plc, the automative and property development company, has unveiled £100 million regeneration plans to deliver Phoenix Yard, a landmark mixed-use scheme at the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham. The proposals will seek to transform an outdated and under-utilised brownfield site which totals 2.8-acre (1.134 hectare) and is beside Coventry Street, Oxford Street, Meriden Street, and Digbeth High Street to deliver a new gateway to Digbeth. The site has the potential to provide 260,000 sq ft (24,228 sq m) of media and educational space, commercial floorspace, 240 new homes units, retail, public realm and high-quality landscaping. The proposals have been sensitively developed by award-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to pay homage to the site’s industrial history as Phoenix ironworks. This is combined with ambitious sustainability targets across the site which include BREEAM ‘Excellent’, WELL certification, WiredScore Platinum, SmartScore, NABERS and a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain. Phoenix Yard proposals will respond to Digbeth’s recognised potential as a growth area in Birmingham, which contributes to its ongoing transformation into a thriving and vibrant creative area. This includes the BBC’s new multi-million-pound Birmingham HQ at Typhoo Wharf and approval of the £1.9 billion Smithfield Market masterplan. The proposed Phoenix Yard is forecast to create circa 200 construction jobs and has the potential to create upwards of 500 FTE jobs, as well as attract a range of new residents to the area and provide a meaningful boost to the economy to support the area’s social and economic growth. Joanne Churchill, group property manager, Hartwell Plc said: “We are delighted to unveil our vision to transform an under-utilised brownfield site to deliver Phoenix Yard, a new mixed-use neighbourhood at the heart of Digbeth. Through unlocking the potential of this site, our plans promise to positively contribute to the area’s ongoing transformation into a thriving and vibrant part of Birmingham, delivering an exciting range of new opportunities and living space for the future. “In recent years Digbeth has benefitted from significant investment and is recognised by Birmingham City Council as a key growth area. This scheme has been designed with this investment and the wider ambitions for Birmingham in mind. The potential delivery of media and educational space will support the continuing growth of BBC Midlands HQ and its ecosystem following the BBC’s multi-million-pound investment into the area. Similarly, new homes will complement the site’s location in Digbeth’s creative centre. This will be supported by excellent connectivity, which is enhanced by nearby major transport investments including HS2’s Curzon Street Station and the Metro Eastside Extension. “We look forward to receiving comments on the proposals from local residents and businesses, with feedback set to help inform our final planning application.” Ahead of submitting a hybrid planning application to Birmingham City Council, Hartwell Plc has launched a public consultation for local residents and businesses to see and comment on the plans. A dedicated consultation website is now live at https://www.phoenixyard-digbeth.com/ with the deadline to provide feedback to close at 12pm on 31st March 2025. Acting on behalf of Hartwell are Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Ridge, Cundall, Hoare Lea, Macfarlane + Associates and Newmark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Adventure Leisure, the company behind Mulligans, BUNKERS, Total Ninja, and Ninja Warrior UK, is bringing its popular crazy golf concept to Guildford town centre. Set to be the 14th Mulligans venue in the UK, the new site will span 17,000 sq ft on North Street. It will be created by combining two vacant units – the ground floor previously occupied by TGI Fridays and a basement space that formerly housed a nightclub and later a pop-up leisure venue, Slice. The Guildford venue will offer two 9-hole crazy golf courses alongside a variety of interactive games, including electronic darts, American pool, and electro-shuffleboard. Sports-themed arcade games such as air hockey, skeeball, and basketball will also be available. In addition to the gaming experiences, Mulligans Guildford will feature a family-friendly sports area with booth seating and TV screens, as well as a food and drink offering to enhance the overall visitor experience. Stephen Brown, chief operating officer of Adventure Leisure, said: “We can’t wait to open our latest Mulligans venue in Guildford. We’ve had our eyes on the town for some time and have some exciting plans for the golf courses in particular. It’s fantastic to be working with Zachary Pulman to bring everything to life. “We’re in a really exciting period of growth for Adventure Leisure, following our new venue in Hemel Hempstead last year and with Mulligans Guildford opening soon.” Adventure Leisure currently operates 13 Mulligans locations across the UK, including sites in Basildon, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cheltenham, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Norwich, Sidcup, Stevenage, Tonbridge, Worcester, and Hemel Hempstead. The Guildford opening marks another step in the company’s expansion, bringing its unique mix of crazy golf, arcade games, and social entertainment to a new audience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taiwan’s Fubon Life Insurance Company has appointed development and leasing specialist Fabrix to lead the refurbishment of Bow Bells House, a 216,000 sq ft office building in the heart of the City of London. Fubon acquired the eight-storey building from Mitsubishi Estate in 2015 for £197 million. Located next to St Mary-le-Bow Church and Bow Churchyard, the property includes 197,000 sq ft of office space and 19,000 sq ft of retail space. It was previously occupied by the Bank of Ireland. The planned upgrades will transform Bow Bells House into an all-electric, fossil-free workspace, featuring state-of-the-art amenities such as enhanced end-of-trip facilities, a tenant business lounge, and landscaped terraces. Designed by Fabrix in collaboration with White Red Architects, the refurbishment will draw inspiration from the historic character of Bow Churchyard and its surroundings. While Fabrix has not disclosed the total investment in the project, the works are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. Fabrix CEO Clive Nichol said: “Fabrix is delighted to be working with Fubon on this exceptional building, drawing on our team’s extensive experience in repositioning assets. The City is evolving, and our focus is to bring Bow Bells House back to life with a sharp emphasis on decarbonisation and enhancing the occupier experience.” Nichol added: “Partnering with an international investor in a development and leasing management capacity allows us to apply our expertise in both technical and creative solutions, ensuring Bow Bells House is income-generating once again. With its strong foundations, this building has the potential to be a market leader through a sensitive revitalisation that enhances services, amenities, and environmental performance to meet modern standards.” The redevelopment of Bow Bells House is set to play a key role in the City’s ongoing transformation, blending sustainability with high-quality office space in one of London’s most historic locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec is planning a major shift in strategy, announcing plans to sell £2bn worth of office assets to fund its expansion into the residential sector. The move marks a significant pivot for the FTSE 100 property giant, which aims to establish a £2bn+ residential platform over the next two to five years while also growing its retail-focused portfolio. The company intends to reduce its exposure to office-led assets, releasing £2bn of its current £6.5bn capital in this sector and scaling back investment in new office developments by at least half once its existing pipeline is completed. Landsec said this strategic rebalancing aims to create a more stable, high-growth portfolio, with a focus on residential-led projects offering strong returns with lower risk. It noted that while net effective income returns for offices and residential properties are broadly similar, residential offers higher income growth and fewer lease incentives. To support the transition, Landsec plans to release half of its £0.7bn capital tied up in pre-development assets over the next three years and will also exit its remaining £0.8bn in retail and leisure parks to fund investment in key retail-led destinations. The strategy will roll out in two phases: the first, over one to three years, will focus on maximising returns from its existing retail and office assets, exiting low-yielding properties, and reducing overheads by £12m. The second phase, spanning two to five years, will see a significant reallocation of capital towards assets offering stronger income growth and long-term stability. By 2030, Landsec expects to have built a more balanced portfolio, better positioned for sustainable growth in an evolving property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Charles Wilson Engineers (CW Plant) has expanded their hire fleet of Trime lighting towers with a further investment of sixty X-ECOLED and twenty-four X-ECO LITHIUM HYBRID sets. CW Plant’s site lighting fleet is entirely made up of Trime lighting towers, totalling six hundred and fifty sets all spread throughout their nationwide network of twenty-nine depots. Graham Pollard, CW Plant Director, said, “We made this new investment to top up our existing fleet of X-ECOs and to continue to grow a sustainable hybrid fleet. Trime products are tried and tested. They are the market leader and, in our opinion, the most reliable tower light in the hire industry and that’s also agreed by our customers.” The Trime X-ECO HYBRID LITHIUM is an LED lighting tower that is powered by a combination of a lithium battery and a small fuel-efficient diesel engine. X-ECO Hybrid Lithium can be fully recharged in less than 3.5 hours. This means that for 80% of operation, the X- ECO HYBRID LITHIUM is powered exclusively by its batteries and therefore emits zero noise and zero carbon emissions. Noise-sensitive areas will profit from the X-ECO HYBRID LITHIUM as it operates silently for up to 11.5 hours. The Trime X-ECO LED features 6 no. 160W, 48V multi-directionally adjustable LED lights floodlights, with safe 48V power between the generator and the lights. The vertical hydraulic mast has seven sections, rising to a maximum height of 8.5m with 340° rotation and wind stability up to 110 km/h. Easy lifting is via a central lifting eye with longitudinal and transversal forklift pockets for safe handling and transportation. Charles Wilson Engineers began trading in Harpenden, Hertfordshire in 1979 and the company remains a privately owned rental business. They offer a plant hire and tool hire service in London and all across the South East, South West, the Midlands, and North West, and in the North East. CW Plant also provides PASMA and IPAF training, alongside a comprehensive line of forklift and manual handling courses. Full details can be found at www.cwplant.co.uk Trime is regarded as the leading manufacturer and supplier of sustainable lighting towers to the UK and Ireland construction rentals markets. Their UK offices are based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and their production facility is near Milan, Italy. Aside from its lighting tower range, the company also manufactures a wide range of water-recycling wash bays and dust suppression products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bobcat, a brand of Doosan Bobcat, has won a significant order for 90 PA7.2 portable air compressors from Speedy Services, one of the UK’s leading providers of tools, equipment and plant hire. This latest order underscores Speedy’s confidence in Bobcat’s outstanding service, strong existing relationship and industry-leading reputation. Speedy Services has been a long-term partner of Bobcat, choosing the brand not only for its high-quality products but also for its commitment to reliability, innovation and sustainability. The PA7.2 compressor from Bobcat provides a free air delivery of 2.0 m³/min (70 cfm) and is built for high performance and durability. The compressors at Speedy Services have been supplied with fully bunded bases to ensure complete spill protection and compliance with the latest environmental regulations. This latest deal highlights Bobcat’s position as a trusted supplier in the equipment hire industry, providing market-leading products backed by exceptional service and environmental responsibility. In addition to this order, Speedy Services has also chosen to incorporate Bobcat’s ECOmizer technology into its fleet, ensuring that all new compatible models it purchases in the future from Bobcat will feature this fuel-saving innovation. The Bobcat ECOmizer system automatically adjusts engine speed during periods of low demand, significantly reducing fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs. Depending on the idle time of the machine, the ECOmizer system can deliver fuel savings of up to 70%, helping Speedy Services further enhance its environmental and cost-efficiency goals. By making ECOmizer a standard across its fleet where compatible, Speedy is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable operations and smart fleet management. Nick Kealy, UK Sales Manager for the Bobcat Portable Power range, expressed his enthusiasm about the deal, stating: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Speedy Services through this major order. Their continued trust in our brand reflects our reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable and environmentally responsible equipment. Speedy’s decision to implement ECOmizer across all compatible models further demonstrates their commitment to sustainability, and we look forward to supporting their operational needs in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Greggs is setting its sights on 140 to 150 new store openings in 2025, following a record-breaking year in which the bakery chain surpassed £2 billion in sales for the first time. In 2024, Greggs expanded its presence with 226 new store openings, while closing 28 locations and relocating 53. The company also refurbished 165 existing shops, bringing its total estate to 2,618 stores by the end of the year. Looking ahead, Greggs sees significant potential to exceed 3,000 UK stores in the long term. The company’s total sales for 2024 rose 11.3% year-on-year to £2.01bn, with underlying operating profit increasing 13.7% to £195.3m. Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, reflected on the company’s success: “2024 was another record-breaking year for Greggs; we exceeded £2 billion in sales for the first time and opened our 2,600th shop. Our people have worked tirelessly to deliver on our strategic ambition to further establish Greggs as a multi-channel food-to-go retailer, and I want to acknowledge their efforts. It is thanks to their hard work, week after week, that we continue to grow, while maintaining the great prices, high-quality products, and friendly service that keep our customers coming back.” Currie also reaffirmed Greggs’ long-term growth strategy: “In 2021, we set our sights on doubling sales by 2026 and building a significantly larger business. Three years into this five-year plan, we are on track and confident in the growth opportunities ahead. The brand is stronger than ever, with vast potential to expand our store network and continue developing in newer markets and channels.” With strong momentum and ambitious expansion plans, Greggs is poised for another year of impressive growth in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals