Premcor Estates, a prominent northeast property developer known for large-scale industrial projects across Nottingham and Rossington, has submitted ambitious plans for a transformative mixed-use development at Woburn and Bedford Court in Croydon. This project aims to revitalise a crucial entry point into the town with 445 new homes, 156 of
Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £13m expansion project at Carlton le Willows Academy which has created new space and improved learning environments. The first phase of the development at the school in Gedling, Nottingham, involved building South Block – a new two-storey building to provide a state-of-the-art performance space,
Dominus and Cheyne Capital have successfully obtained planning permission to transform 65 Fleet Street, London, into a dynamic mixed-use space primarily focused on student accommodation. The redevelopment will breathe new life into the former offices of the law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, celebrating Fleet Street’s rich historical legacy while catering
Bain Capital, a global leader in multi-asset investment, has acquired an 80% stake in AQ Compute, Aquila Group’s dedicated data centre subsidiary. This partnership signals a substantial investment drive to develop sustainable, AI-ready data centres across Europe, leveraging Bain Capital’s global expertise and Aquila’s focus on renewable energy. Established in
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has announced plans for electrification and the dates of a public consultation on the latest designs and plans for its project which will link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. The 10-week non-statutory consultation will run from 14 November 2024 to 24 January
Catella APAM, a prominent real estate asset and investment management firm, acting on behalf of Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), has announced the successful sale of 133-137 Briggate in Leeds for a total of £4.7 million. The approximately 10,800 sq. ft. retail space was acquired by property investment and development
Logicor, a leading owner, manager and developer of European logistics real estate, has completed the first two buildings in Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park, the first ‘Last Mile’ logistics hub in the city. The newly delivered development is strategically located at the exit to the Sun Highway (Autostrada Soarelui),
Dave Sanders, head of technical sales at specialist civils engineering supplier Wrekin Products’, reaction on the £500m investments into the UK’s road network for pothole maintenance announced in the Autumn Budget: “Unless there is a real push for long term pothole repair solutions instead of quick fixes, then we will
Temporary power solutions specialist, Star Power, has successfully achieved re-accreditation for three key international standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 14001:2015. This reaffirmation underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining business quality, health and safety, and environmental management systems. The rigorous three-day audit, conducted by the British Assessment Bureau, covered
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has been appointed on two projects in Bristol, valued at a combined £35m. RED’s South West division will carry out the work, including a prominent, £20m student accommodation scheme and the South West’s biggest façade remediation project. RedOak Property has instructed RED Construction’s
Premcor Estates, a prominent northeast property developer known for large-scale industrial projects across Nottingham and Rossington, has submitted ambitious plans for a transformative mixed-use development at Woburn and Bedford Court in Croydon. This project aims to revitalise a crucial entry point into the town with 445 new homes, 156 of which will be affordable, alongside flexible commercial and community spaces covering 1,772 sqm on the ground floor. The development has been designed to breathe new life into the Croydon Opportunity Area, with its masterplan laying the groundwork for residential, commercial, and public space growth. It will serve as a key link between Tavistock and Wellesley Road, featuring new pedestrian pathways, enhanced public spaces, and bolstered infrastructure. Premcor’s project is anticipated to become a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Wellesley Road, contributing significantly to the area’s urban landscape and community facilities. The proposed buildings include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in four structures ranging from four to 29 storeys, with the tallest block positioned above the commercial spaces, creating a vibrant, vertical neighbourhood. Rob Lane, Director at Premcor, expressed optimism, stating, “We’ve invested immense thought and care over the past four years to develop a masterplan that will bring the best possible residential, commercial, and community benefits to Croydon.” In line with sustainability goals, Premcor aims to create an inclusive, community-focused space that promotes local employment, supports small businesses, and enhances community life, addressing a longstanding need for a central community hub in the area. Planning consultant Rapleys, represented by James Owens, notes the current 1960s buildings on the site are outdated, with limited amenities and an unfavourable layout. The current site’s outdated infrastructure has resulted in poorly maintained communal spaces, contributing to antisocial behaviour. “Placemaking lies at the heart of this proposal,” Owens said, adding that the project would modernise the area and address these longstanding issues. Pending approval, Premcor’s vision for Woburn and Bedford Court represents a major step toward creating a safe, sustainable, and thriving urban neighbourhood in the heart of Croydon. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £13m expansion project at Carlton le Willows Academy which has created new space and improved learning environments. The first phase of the development at the school in Gedling, Nottingham, involved building South Block – a new two-storey building to provide a state-of-the-art performance space, dining hall, 20 new classrooms, office space and a new main reception which has united the previously split site by linking the East and West buildings. Designed by Welham Architects, South Block has recently been highly commended in the regional LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Building Excellence Awards. Now the second part of the improvements – extensive alterations and refurbishment in various parts of the existing school, including the conversion of the previous dining area and assembly hall into additional teaching space – has also been completed. It marks the fourth project Clegg Construction has undertaken in partnership with the academy. Ross Crowcroft, pre-construction director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg Construction has had a long relationship with Carlton le Willows Academy, supporting the school in a number of improvement projects. “We are delighted to have completed these latest two schemes, which provide additional first-class facilities for those already at the school, as well as allowing the school to expand the number of places it can offer to youngsters in the nearby community. “As a Nottingham-based company, Clegg Construction takes particular pride in helping to improve the local education infrastructure and delivering facilities that will benefit future generations.” South Block created capacity for a further 300 extra students at Carlton le Willows Academy to meet increasing local demand for school places. It features a range of smart technology to ensure long-term sustainability, including optimising natural light and using low-energy lighting throughout the building, natural ventilation and cooling, and underfloor heating. As well as the new extension, the project involved the creation of a new car park for just under 100 cars, along with infrastructure for electric charging points. A sustainable drainage solution has also been installed as part of the groundworks, which included an attenuation tank aimed at avoiding any extra burden on the existing public sewers caused by rainwater. Other members of the project team included local businesses: GNA Surveyors, Moran Structural Consultants and Integrated Energy Building Services (IEBS). The development has been funded by Nottinghamshire County Council. During the construction and renovation periods, Clegg Construction took part in a careers fair during the summer term to help students at Carlton le Willows Academy understand more about careers available in the construction industry. The company has a long track record of delivering award-winning educational projects across primary and secondary schools, colleges, sixth form facilities and universities and has worked with Carlton le Willows since 2005 to create science labs, a resource centre, a music and drama extension, refurbish a library building, and build a Sixth Form centre complete with an ICT room and two teaching rooms. Education schemes currently being delivered by Clegg Construction include the £9.6m Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College – which is set to hand over early next year – as well as the £8.8m Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange at West Nottinghamshire College, which is due for completion next summer. With its headquarters in The Lace Market, Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialties across a range of different sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dominus and Cheyne Capital have successfully obtained planning permission to transform 65 Fleet Street, London, into a dynamic mixed-use space primarily focused on student accommodation. The redevelopment will breathe new life into the former offices of the law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, celebrating Fleet Street’s rich historical legacy while catering to contemporary needs. This project exemplifies Dominus’ expertise in student accommodation and reflects the strategic partnership with Cheyne Capital. Together, they aim to create a hub that aligns with the City of London’s “Destination City” initiative by preserving and enhancing Fleet Street’s architectural character. Key historical features, including the Grade II-listed Whitefriars Crypt, will be carefully restored and opened for public access, connecting visitors to the area’s rich past. The cherished Tipperary Pub will also be thoughtfully renovated and reopened, maintaining its historical and cultural significance for the community. The redevelopment brings exciting new additions to Fleet Street, including “Tattle at The Tipperary,” a contemporary independent coffee shop designed as a welcoming spot for students, residents, and visitors. A florist shop will add a vibrant touch to Fleet Street, enhancing the area’s appeal. In line with its commitment to sustainability, the project targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, showcasing high environmental standards. Dominus and Cheyne Capital plan to reuse significant portions of the existing structure to minimise waste, while an energy-efficient building envelope will optimise natural heating and cooling, reducing energy usage. The redevelopment will be entirely car-free, with extensive cycle storage promoting sustainable commuting options for residents. Marking their first major collaboration in Fleet Street, this project builds on Dominus and Cheyne Capital’s momentum, following two key financing transactions in 2023 worth £400 million for student accommodation projects in central London. The redevelopment at 65 Fleet Street underscores their shared commitment to fostering sustainable, lively communities in the heart of the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bain Capital, a global leader in multi-asset investment, has acquired an 80% stake in AQ Compute, Aquila Group’s dedicated data centre subsidiary. This partnership signals a substantial investment drive to develop sustainable, AI-ready data centres across Europe, leveraging Bain Capital’s global expertise and Aquila’s focus on renewable energy. Established in 2020 by Aquila Group, AQ Compute has carved out a niche by offering modular and environmentally responsible data centre solutions. Their operations focus on clean energy sources, with their first major sustainable data centre recently launched near Oslo. Plans are underway for further expansion, with new centres planned in tech hubs like Barcelona and Milan. This alliance aims to create a leading data centre platform in Europe, supporting the rapid growth in demand from hyperscale and AI customers while addressing the challenges of high power usage and carbon emissions. Ali Haroon, a Partner at Bain Capital, highlighted Europe’s promising data centre market, driven by increasing demand for cloud storage, AI, and high-performance computing. He noted that combining their investment expertise with Aquila’s commitment to renewable energy places AQ Compute in a strong position to address both data demands and the sector’s power challenges. Bain Capital’s significant global experience in data centres is key to AQ Compute’s growth trajectory, with successful ventures including Bridge Data Centres in Asia and support for DC BLOX in the United States. Rafael Coste Campos, a Managing Director at Bain, emphasised their deep experience in the European property market and infrastructure services, which will be instrumental as they build AQ Compute into a market leader in sustainable data centres. Aquila Group’s CEO, Roman Rosslenbroich, expressed confidence in the joint venture’s potential, noting that their ongoing 20% stake ensures AQ Compute’s sustainable growth aligns with Aquila’s long-term goals. Rosslenbroich commented on the dual challenge and opportunity presented by increasing data demands and the necessity for sustainable solutions, stressing the importance of using clean energy to power Europe’s digital future. Markus Holzer, Chairman of AQ Compute, underscored the importance of Bain Capital’s backing in accelerating AQ Compute’s pipeline. With this new alliance, AQ Compute is poised to set a benchmark in sustainable, AI-focused data centre development, bolstering Europe’s digital infrastructure while prioritising environmental responsibility. This strategic partnership between Bain Capital and Aquila Group marks a significant step toward greener data infrastructure across Europe, with plans for multi-billion-euro investments focused on addressing both today’s and tomorrow’s digital and environmental demands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has announced plans for electrification and the dates of a public consultation on the latest designs and plans for its project which will link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. The 10-week non-statutory consultation will run from 14 November 2024 to 24 January 2025, offering communities along the route a crucial opportunity to have their say on the latest plans and shape the future design of the railway. EWR Co has confirmed its preference for green traction power in the form of discontinuous electrification with hybrid battery-electric trains, after the Chancellor confirmed government support for the project in yesterday’s Budget. As well as the environmental benefits such as reducing carbon emissions, discontinuous electrification would mean overhead lines would only need to be installed along some sections of the route, which would significantly reduce disruption during construction and potentially decrease visual impacts in more sensitive locations along the new railway. This option would also cost less than full electrification, reducing the need to alter current structures and requiring less land for things such as mast foundations. As well as electrification, the consultation will provide latest designs and information on East West Rail, including: David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said: “We’re excited to confirm our plans for electrification, which support our environmental goals by delivering sustainable low carbon journeys and supporting the UK’s transition to an overall net zero carbon economy. “This consultation is a pivotal moment in our journey to create a railway that truly serves the needs of our communities and delivers sustainable growth for the region and the whole country by improving access to jobs, education and public services. “East West Rail represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect communities across the Oxford-Cambridge region. We invite everyone to take part in our consultation and share their feedback on our proposals to create a positive legacy for future generations who will live and work in the area.” Consultation events will be held at various locations along the entire proposed route, including some weekend dates and online events, to widen opportunities for people to attend. A Virtual Consultation Room will also be available, where all the information shown at the public events can be accessed online in a virtual room. For those unable to attend in person, all consultation materials will be available online, with multiple ways to provide feedback. The consultation, originally planned for summer 2024, was rescheduled due to the General Election. This new timeframe covers the Christmas and New Year holiday period, but to ensure ensures that communities have ample opportunity to engage with the project and shape its development, the consultation period runs for an additional two weeks and concludes on 24th January. For more information about the consultation and how to get involved, please visit our consultation page or contact our helpdesk at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Catella APAM, a prominent real estate asset and investment management firm, acting on behalf of Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), has announced the successful sale of 133-137 Briggate in Leeds for a total of £4.7 million. The approximately 10,800 sq. ft. retail space was acquired by property investment and development firm Augur Group Limited. The unit, which includes the basement, ground, and part of the first floor, was previously single let to the internationally renowned footwear retailer, Foot Locker. Catella APAM, through its Development Management subsidiary Bankfoot APAM, had completed significant refurbishment works to an adjacent unit in 2023 into which Foot Locker was relocated. The strategic move followed the sale of the long leasehold interest in the upper floor in November 2023, collectively optimising the asset’s total sales receipts. Nicky Newman, Senior Asset Manager at Catella APAM, commented: “We are pleased to have successfully completed the sale of Briggate on behalf of GMPF. This transaction underscores our ongoing commitment to enhancing asset value and aligning with GMPF’s broader investment strategy to meet pension liabilities.” “Our proactive management and strategic asset management enhancements have maximised returns, reflecting our dedication to delivering superior outcomes for our clients throughout all stages of the real estate cycle.” Jonathan Heptonstall, Head of UK Retail Investment at JLL, who acted as the agent on the sale, added: “It has been a privilege to advise Catella APAM and GMPF on the successful sale of this prime asset in Leeds. This achievement underscores the impact of proactive asset management and the resurgence of positive retail sentiment in the area. Briggate continues to thrive, with major retailers like Zara, Footlocker, and Frasers all establishing their flagship stores. We are proud to have supported the entire team through this significant transaction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Logicor, a leading owner, manager and developer of European logistics real estate, has completed the first two buildings in Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park, the first ‘Last Mile’ logistics hub in the city. The newly delivered development is strategically located at the exit to the Sun Highway (Autostrada Soarelui), on Theodor Pallady Boulevard, at a distance of c. 1 km or 10 minutes walking distance from the Anghel Saligny subway station. As a premium facility, Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park is BREEAM Very Good certified, and is equipped with efficient and environmental-friendly LED lighting systems. This project is highly customized and offers unique spaces adapted for our customers’ specific needs. The two buildings in Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park total a 41,500 sqm area, including 37,000 sqm of state-of-the-art warehouse space and 2,800 sqm of office and social spaces and 1,700 sqm of mezzanine space. The park is almost fully leased to high-profile, dynamic customers who will benefit from the ideal position which enables an easy access for their employees, the production and distribution of goods, both locally and nationwide. Our role as a logistics developer and facility owner is to enable the flow of trade that is vital for everyday life, and we remain committed to this mission as we successfully complete this unique project in Romania.” Given its proximity to the city, Logicor Bucharest III Pallady Logistics Park is the ideal solution for companies providing everyday life services, such as e-commerce, distribution, courier services or retail, for whom effective coverage of the last segment in the supply chain is of particular importance. In line with its commitment to creating long-term value and positive impact on local communities, Logicor added a unique art component to the Pallady project. The project is located at the Theodor Pallady Boulevard, named from well-known Romanian painter. To mark this unique location Logicor invited to cooperation the Romanian artist Wanda Hutira who created an inspiring, representative c.100 sqm mural on the park’s water tank, with her personal interpretation of Logicor’s mission to enable the flow of trade vital for everyday life. Including Pallady, Logicor Romania’s portfolio currently comprises more than 320,000 square meters of Class A warehouse space, with tenants such as Fildas-Catena, Dr. MAX, Coca-Cola, DPD, Profi Rom Food, Heineken and IKEA. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dave Sanders, head of technical sales at specialist civils engineering supplier Wrekin Products’, reaction on the £500m investments into the UK’s road network for pothole maintenance announced in the Autumn Budget: “Unless there is a real push for long term pothole repair solutions instead of quick fixes, then we will not be able to solve the pothole crisis – no matter how much budget is allocated. We’re seeing a growing number of local authorities unhappy with the approach of patch repairing already subpar pothole repair works, but this is happening far too often. “More guidance surrounding how potholes are formed and the innovative solutions available will allow more local authorities to address the root causes properly. “Other underlying causes of potholes include road ironwork failures and this needs to be addressed. Potholes will form when weaknesses exist in the road surface, potentially from surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials. Fitting a piece of ironwork in a road can create a potential weakness, as well as the cuts in the road needed to remove ironwork. Replacement or repair of ironwork also poses an increased risk. “Selecting robust systems with the correct, appropriate materials can reduce the potential for surface weakness. Durable ironwork that is sympathetic to its bedding materials and surrounding environment is key to preventing potholes. “Though there is much to be done in addressing the short comings of iron work solutions in the road network, a key factor will be the welcomed £500m commitment from national government. More discussions and collaboration between national government and local authorities will be needed to ensure that the allocation of funding accurately addresses the root causes of failures in the road network, and we look forward to these developments taking place.” To find out more about Wrekin’s pothole insights and read its recent industry report on the nationwide issue, visit: www.wrek.in/potholes Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Temporary power solutions specialist, Star Power, has successfully achieved re-accreditation for three key international standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 14001:2015. This reaffirmation underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining business quality, health and safety, and environmental management systems. The rigorous three-day audit, conducted by the British Assessment Bureau, covered multiple Star Power locations across the country, including its key operational depots. The audit concluded with no non-conformances or corrective actions. Del Patterson, QHSE Manager at Star Power, said: “Our teams have worked tirelessly to maintain the standards required for these ISO certifications. The auditors were highly impressed with the systems we have in place, and this reaccreditation shows our seriousness about upholding these important standards for quality, safety, and environmental performance.” The ISO 9001:2015 accreditation affirms Star Power’s focus on customer satisfaction and continual improvement, ensuring that quality is integrated into all aspects of its business. ISO 45001:2018 reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and healthy working environment, while ISO 14001:2015 highlights Star Power’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Patrick Gallagher, Operations Director at Star Power, commented on the achievement: “These accreditations are not just badges; they are a testament to the ongoing dedication of our teams to maintain the highest standards in everything we do. By meeting these internationally recognised standards, we are showing our clients and stakeholders that we are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and environmentally conscious services.” Star Power provides a full range of temporary power and site solutions across the UK, including generator hire, sales, maintenance, and water bowser hire. The company remains dedicated to upholding the highest levels of health, safety, and sustainability across its operations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has been appointed on two projects in Bristol, valued at a combined £35m. RED’s South West division will carry out the work, including a prominent, £20m student accommodation scheme and the South West’s biggest façade remediation project. RedOak Property has instructed RED Construction’s South West team to deliver a prestigious student accommodation scheme on Moon Street. Situated in the Stokes Croft Conservation Area, Bristol’s cultural quarter, the project has been designed by Bristol-based practice Angus Meek Architects to provide 184 high-quality student rooms across five stories. At ground floor, the development will feature a flexible commercial space situated on the primary Stokes Croft façade wrapping around to Moon Street, providing a new active frontage and business opportunities to local enterprises. Technical specifications of the design include a bespoke light gauge steel frame with cranked steel sections, to form a stepped-back mansard roof. The substructure of the building will consist of piled foundations at a depth of 8m, utilising the shallow underlying bedrock, with the South West team reinstating traditional cobbled roads around the development to reflect the historical setting of the area. The Moon Street student accommodation scheme has been designed with a recessed courtyard and twin pitched roof areas, replicating the original silhouette of the Stokes Croft School which occupied the site from 1772, until it was destroyed in the 1941 Blitz. RED Construction South West has also been appointed to deliver £15m worth of fire safety remedial works across three key buildings in Bristol City Centre. Across the three buildings, RED South West will undertake cladding remediation to over 400 flats, marking the biggest scheme of its type in the region. The three buildings – The Crescent, 10 Harbourside, and Panoramic – are managed by property agents Hillcrest. The Moon Street scheme and cladding projects confirm RED South West’s reputation for unparalleled regional expertise, further exemplified by winning both ‘Construction Firm of the Year’ and ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ at the Insider Media South West Property Awards, earlier this month. Derek Quinn, Executive Director of RED Construction South West, commented: “Our management team have lived and worked in the South West for many years, so they have a real respect for the area and its heritage. Working on projects like the Moon Street development and façade remediation projects is a personal investment for us and we’re so pleased to be a part of such major regeneration schemes in the Stokes Croft Conservation Area and wider harbour area of the city.” Adam Scott-Avis, Development Director, at RedOak Property, added: “RED Construction South West are highly regarded in the region for their expertise and the quality they provide, making them an ideal partner to deliver the Moon Street scheme. We have worked closely and collaboratively with RED South West throughout the preconstruction period and feel confident the project is in safe hands. It’s very important on a project like this to ensure we curate a team that’s in touch with the local community, with project members who understand the significance of the area and who will be proactive in preserving its unique personality.” Since launching in 2021, RED South West has seen significant growth, attracting highly skilled talent from the industry. The South West team has expanded to over 40 employees, recently strengthening its senior operational and commercial departments with two key industry leading hires. This announcement follows the news that RED Construction Group’s South West division has recently been appointed to complete works on Alumno Group’s Hollis Wharf, the former Jubilee Centre, in Bath. Spanning 45,000 sq ft across five storeys, the team is set to carry out the £13m mixed-use development, creating purpose-built student accommodation and commercial space, set for completion in summer 2025 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
