A £5 million project to replace cladding and improve fire safety at a 74-home central London development has now been completed. The works at Barrington Court in Victoria form part of A2Dominion’s wider programme to remediate cladding at a total of 65 developments to ensure they meet new government safety
Sto, in collaboration with applicators Chiltern Contracts, has successfully completed a rendering project that enhances both performance and aesthetics for a refurbished multi-purpose building in central London. Located in Oxford Circus, Henry Wood House was originally constructed in the 1960s and consists of a 16-storey tower with two interconnecting wings,
STRABAG UK have completed the 1.2km long exploratory tunnel for SSE Renewables on the banks of Loch Lochy using the drill and blast technique. The multi-disciplinary team of over 100 members of staff set up a fully operational tunnel construction site in a remote location 20 miles from Fort William,
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has started work building a new £12 million eagerly anticipated college campus in Skegness. Once complete in 2025, Skegness Learning Campus will offer a diverse range of vocational education courses from the Wainfleet Road site that are tailored to meet the needs
The life of Louis Bienaime might easily have gone in a different direction, but instead he is a great example of how the construction sector can help turnaround the fortunes of individuals, and gain valuable employees. Uncertainty over employment, an appearance before the court, and limited outlook nearly took Louis
Planning approval has been granted for a series of exciting development projects at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Midlands in Cosford. These plans include the construction of a state-of-the-art Collections Hub, the refurbishment and extension of the historic Hangar 1, and significant enhancements to the surrounding landscape. Nationally renowned
A NEW government office development in Darlington has been given the go-ahead by planners. The application to construct a 5-storey, 10,000m2 government hub in Brunswick Street, put forward by the Government Property Agency (GPA), has been approved by the town planning committee. The new office on Brunswick Street will build
The topping out ceremony at Ireland’s first citizenM hotel took place recently, marking a significant construction milestone for the project. citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s will be a nine-storey hotel from the award-winning hotel and lifestyle brand, situated at the former Molyneux House site opposite St Patrick’s Cathedral. Led by award-winning
Green light for 462 new rental homes in second phase of 2,400-home New Garden Square masterplan Moda Group has secured planning permission for the next phase of its city gateway masterplan in Edgbaston, paving the way for a further 462 much-needed new homes in the Birmingham district. Plans for the
Working for The Arch Company, four railway arches situated on America Street, Southwark, SE1 were comprehensively renovated and turned into space designed for businesses to thrive. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that is has completed a project
A £5 million project to replace cladding and improve fire safety at a 74-home central London development has now been completed. The works at Barrington Court in Victoria form part of A2Dominion’s wider programme to remediate cladding at a total of 65 developments to ensure they meet new government safety legislation. Recladding works at Barrington Court Barrington Court, built in 2009, includes a mix of leasehold and social rented homes. A2Dominion invested £5m in replacing the cladding, which includes £1.4m from the government’s building safety fund. No costs have been passed to customers. Saleh Mirza, A2Dominion’s Head of Building Projects, who is responsible for delivering the fire safety remediation programme said: “We first carried out an initial inspection of Barrington Court in 2020 where we found the building used a type of cladding that is now known to be a non-conformant material which is unsuitable for buildings. “Works began in March 2023, and took just over a year to complete ending in June this year. The building now has a new cladding system which is a safe and non-combustible material. Our wider fire safety programme, which involves undertaking fire safety works at 65 schemes, is on track and due to be completed in 2026.” A2Dominion employed contractor Equans to deliver the works with minimal disruption. Solar panels While carrying out safety works, A2Dominion also upgraded the building’s solar panels with the latest technology. The energy supplied through these drastically reduces the amount of power needed from an energy supplier for the communal areas. By introducing the new solar power system, leaseholders in the building will save approximately £6,000 in service charges each year. Continued support offered for customers A team of Resident Liaison Officers and specialist Property and Safety Managers have been supporting customers where fire safety work is taking place. Maaz Khan, A2Dominion’s Senior Property and Safety Manager, who is responsible for managing Barrington Court, said: “One of our key objectives is to improve customer engagement by having a weekly on-site presence. “I have been able to speak to customers face-to-face rather than just over email, which has helped us discuss the building safety works. This collaborative approach has enabled our customers to have their say in decisions about buildings and their homes.” A2Dominion customer Peter spoke about the improvements they had seen in the service they have been receiving and said: “We are seeing results and benefits I never thought we’d see. Residents would appreciate Maaz’s standard and problem solving at A2Dominion moving forward.” Building fire safety programme In 2019, A2Dominion carried out inspections to identify which buildings needed recladding, as part of new safety measures introduced by the government. Although most of its buildings do not need fire safety works, A2Dominion has created a programme to carry out essential recladding to buildings that need it, which included Barrington Court. You can find out more about A2Dominion’s fire safety programme here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sto, in collaboration with applicators Chiltern Contracts, has successfully completed a rendering project that enhances both performance and aesthetics for a refurbished multi-purpose building in central London. Located in Oxford Circus, Henry Wood House was originally constructed in the 1960s and consists of a 16-storey tower with two interconnecting wings, each five storeys high. The building comprises 69,000 square feet of office space, 10,800 square feet of retail, and a hotel occupying the upper seven floors. The external renovation required the refurbishment of the existing façade, including the application of new rendering. Sto was chosen to design a system that would not only repair the damaged façade but also meet a specific design brief from Ben Adams Architects and the building’s owners, Derwent. The brief called for a modern, linear render finish that would bring texture to the building’s surface and provide a durable exterior. Bogdan Stefan, Project Manager for Chiltern Contracts’ façades division, said: “The linear appearance, which was to be applied across thousands of square metres, was particularly challenging and had not been replicated anywhere else in the UK before. “Meticulous planning was crucial to achieve the desired result. Sto provided specialist training for our applicators, enabling us to create extensive mock-ups for the client’s approval before commencing the work.” To create the StoSignature linear appearance, Stolit MP render was applied, and using a special V-shaped trowel, the applicators carefully pulled the trowel in one direction across the render at a specific angle to achieve the exact finish required. Bogdan continued: “Replicating the precise lines approved in the mock-up on a much larger scale required significant skill and patience. To ensure consistency and the highest standards, the applicators who were specially trained by Sto completed the entire project from start to finish.” Before applying the specialist render finish, the StoReno Plan system was used to repair the façade. This system was installed over the failing mosaic tile cladding and granite slips. It comprised an adhesive bedding coat, StoReno A recycled glass, mesh-reinforced carrier boards, a reinforcing coat with embedded mesh, and the decorative render finish. This system ensures the new façade is resistant to cracking and weathering. The new repair system was specifically selected for installations requiring an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification. Given the complexity of the installation, Sto provided ongoing technical advice and support to the applicators throughout the project. Due to the building’s existing structure and high negative wind loads, strict fixing patterns had to be agreed upon and followed. The installation was reviewed by Sto at various stages to ensure the workmanship met the required standards, securing an extended warranty. The rendering project was completed on time and met the high expectations of all parties involved. For more information, visit www.sto.co.uk, email info.uk@sto.com, or call 0330 024 2666. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STRABAG UK have completed the 1.2km long exploratory tunnel for SSE Renewables on the banks of Loch Lochy using the drill and blast technique. The multi-disciplinary team of over 100 members of staff set up a fully operational tunnel construction site in a remote location 20 miles from Fort William, Scotland in December 2022. The exploratory works are at the site of the proposed large-scale pumped storage scheme for SSE Renewables. With a potential capacity of up to 1500MW and energy storage of around 30GWh, the Coire Glas hydro scheme would double the United Kingdom’s existing electricity storage capacity, providing homegrown renewable energy when the demand is high or if other variable generation decreases. These exploratory works awarded to STRABAG UK involved the creation of a tunnel approximately 4.5 metres wide, cutting into the hillside towards the proposed location of the underground powerhouse complex, and subsequent ground investigation. The purpose of the tunnel is to acquire information on the geological conditions of the proposed location to inform the detailed design of the main works. Now that tunnelling is complete, the remaining investigation can take place over the coming months. STRABAG UK’s experts have utilised the drill and blast technique, rarely used in the UK, to adapt to the variations in rock type and the geological conditions on site. Holes are first meticulously drilled into the rock using advanced machinery tailored to the rock’s hardness and composition, followed by blasting, where the holes are filled with explosives and detonated in a controlled manner. The blast fractures the rock, facilitating its removal and allowing for the tunnel to progress. With works carried out in compounds surrounded by a nearby forest in the West Highlands, the steep hillside, and the shoreline of Loch Lochy, environmental protection was of paramount importance. Working collaboratively with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) meticulous monitoring and surveillance of both tunnel effluent and noise emissions was carried out to minimise the impact on the natural environment. The team, combining international expertise with local knowledge, work in shifts across 24 hours, seven days per week. STRABAG UK’s preference for working with local construction partners and suppliers has also created many further jobs in the region. In addition, as well as providing local schools the opportunity to visit the site, apprentices, graduates and young engineers from across the country also spent time on the site to learn about hard rock tunnelling. Managing Director of STRABAG UK, Simon Wild said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have completed the exploratory tunnel at the Coire Glas project. To set up a fully operational tunnel construction site from scratch with all the necessary infrastructure in such a remote location has been a huge achievement for our team. Our use of the drill and blast technique in particular demonstrates our industry leading expertise.” Mike Seaton, Director of Development at Coire Glas for SSE Renewables, added: “Completing the tunnelling is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and a positive step forward in de-risking the project. The works progressed to plan, and samples of the materials excavated from within the hillside are currently being analysed. The findings of the tunnelling works will be used to inform the final design, including the detailed design of underground structures, and will be a key consideration in any final decisions related to the project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has started work building a new £12 million eagerly anticipated college campus in Skegness. Once complete in 2025, Skegness Learning Campus will offer a diverse range of vocational education courses from the Wainfleet Road site that are tailored to meet the needs of Skegness and its surrounding communities. The campus is supported by a £14 million government-funded Connected Coast Town Deal and is poised to make a significant impact by providing accessible education opportunities in critical areas such as construction, engineering, hospitality, tourism, and digital skills training. This latest contract win for Hobson & Porter follows the successful completion of a £5.5m technical, engineering and construction facility at York College, which was delivered on time and within budget. Joe Booth from Hobson & Porter said: “The Skegness Learning Campus adds to our growing portfolio of further education projects in recent years, on the back of us delivering successful large-scale projects for both York College and Bishop Burton College at its campuses in both Lincoln and Beverley. “This latest contract win also builds on our expertise in the education sector and as well as building and refurbishing schools and colleges across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, we’re using these opportunities to create a sustainable workforce for the construction industry by educating, developing and upskilling the next generation through our Foundations scheme. “The initiative, which was born after we completed work on a construction hub at Bishop Burton College, helps to enrich career opportunities in the industry, and whilst working on that project and the one at York College, we were able to give students live on-site experience, which is as essential part of their T Level qualifications. We hope to follow a similar model during the construction programme at Skegness Learning Campus.” Adrian Clarke, Group Vice Principal for Corporate Services at the TEC Partnership, stated: “I am thrilled that construction is underway on our new Skegness Learning Campus. It is exciting to witness our designs and plans come to fruition. The new learning campus will introduce a broad curriculum and fresh opportunities for the community of Skegness.” Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast, echoed this sentiment, and said: “The new, state of the art Skegness learning campus is set to be an economic game changer for the area. Not only is it our flagship Town Deal project in Skegness, it is also the single largest Towns Fund project in Lincolnshire. “The new campus is also part of the Skegness Gateway and will be a catalyst for change in the area, providing an inspirational space where local people can get the skills, knowledge, and training they need to access the employment opportunities they want. Consultation is also being carried out with local employers and learning providers to ensure the training offered meets the needs of the local economy now and in the future. “It is great to see work now underway on this fantastic facility and I forward to seeing the difference the campus will make within the community and for local people in the years to come.” The Skegness TEC campus will be located at the heart of the Skegness Gateway initiative, which includes 1,000 new homes, approximately 41,000 sq m of commercial premises, tourist accommodation, a crematorium, a primary school, a local retail centre with shops, pubs, and eateries, as well as 4,000 sq m of storage facilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The life of Louis Bienaime might easily have gone in a different direction, but instead he is a great example of how the construction sector can help turnaround the fortunes of individuals, and gain valuable employees. Uncertainty over employment, an appearance before the court, and limited outlook nearly took Louis on a downward trajectory. But despite the odds, Louis turned his life around and within two years, is now helping others improve their life chances as part of his role as a Customer Services Apprentice at Wates Living Space on the housing maintenance contract for Croydon Council, a key function which is supporting the company’s social values initiatives that help other young people. After his brush with the courts, Louis’ family pointed him towards taking the Construkt course run by Serious About Youth at Croydon College. The Construkt programme focuses on those aged 16 to 25 years old from black, asian and minority (BAME) backgrounds, particularly those not in education, employment or training (NEETS). It provides individuals like Louis with pathways into construction industry and engineering careers, builds confidence, teaches team working, and in the case of those choosing a career in building, Health and Safety Level 1 and CSCS card training. The course also helps individuals secure apprenticeships, permanent employment and work experience, and has resulted in positive outcomes for more than 75 per cent of participants. Louis joined the Construkt course sponsored by Wates, and it turned his life around. It gave him the confidence, knowledge, skills and ambition to work in the construction sector, and trained in how to work collaboratively in a positive team environment alongside others. It also taught planning, including practical exercises such as producing the technical as well as engineering elements involved in producing tenders. This includes building large scale models out of timber. A key element the Construkt programme also involves preparing individuals for what comes after the course, including writing a CV and interview skills. This says Louis, was very significant in providing the confidence to tackle the jobs market, which again was made easier because another factor of the course is arranging for perspective employers to attend an end of course social get together. As a course sponsor, and because Wates has a hands-on approach to social and community projects it supports in Croydon and elsewhere, the course was visited by Jamie Clancy-Toomey, Social Value Manager at Wates, and that is where she and Louis first met. And it could also have been their only encounter. But it was not, thanks to Rommell Wallace, Co-founder and Director of Serious About Youth, who had become a trusted mentor to those on the course. Louis explains: ‘At the end of the Construkt course there was a celebratory get together attended by local employers. Lacking a bit of confidence, I wasn’t going to go in, but Rommell told me I needed to. That I needed to put myself forward in front of those who were offering apprenticeships. He told me nobody could do it for me. So I went, and I met Jamie again, and the result is me now working for Wates.’ Louis was not the only one on the course to land an apprenticeship with Wates. Jermal Douglin-Kirton, another Croydon Student, got an apprenticeship as a carpenter, and at least two others have done the same course and undertaken work experience with Wates, with the potential of them going for a further internship or employment. The benefit to individuals is clear, but it also benefits the wider community and economy. As a Customer Services Apprentice, Louis’ primary role is in liaising with Croydon Council in the delivery of Wates housing maintenance contract services, and involves working with a wide range people and organisations to ensure services are provided to standard and on time. It involves constant learning, and Louis finds great reward in no two days being the same. ‘One of the great things about the job is the variety. One minute I can speaking with suppliers, the next it can be a liaising with someone in a council department. No day is the same,’ says Louis. However, a key part of Louis’ job is also helping to implement social value programmes run by Wates in Croydon, including supporting students work experience, helping the elderly with digital skills and community building projects planting allotments. Louis also shares his experiences with other young people as part of the programme. As Louis comments, ‘I’m in a great position to help others. Because of my experiences I can relate to people in ways that helps them, and allows them to find the right direction. Louis recognises his life could be very different, and is absolutely clear about why his journey has taken the positive course that it has. Support from family, and being able to join the Construkt course, and the dedication of Wates in implementing social value commitments, but crucially, it is the influence of Rommell Wallace as an effective and influential mentor that pushed Louis into helping himself. Louis emphasises there is an important lesson for others. There are opportunities for young people, but you have to make the most of them, to be bold in a positive way, and be prepared to get noticed for the right reasons. ‘Others cannot do it for you,’ he says. Jamie Clancy-Toomey points out, the new phase of Louis’ life is a result of others creating opportunity, and Louis himself taking responsibility. ‘Wates provides a range of opportunities for young people. We provide finance for courses, plus support in other ways. There are opportunities out there created by Serious About Youth and others, but when it comes down to it, young people also have to put themselves out there.’ This sentiment strongly endorsed by Rommell Wallace. ‘In areas like Croydon, negatives circles of influence can be found all over, and it is often easy to get drawn in. But there are also positive entry points and avenues to be taken if individuals have the motivation,’
Planning approval has been granted for a series of exciting development projects at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Midlands in Cosford. These plans include the construction of a state-of-the-art Collections Hub, the refurbishment and extension of the historic Hangar 1, and significant enhancements to the surrounding landscape. Nationally renowned architects, GSSArchitecture, have been selected to lead the design and planning efforts for this transformative project. The new Collections Hub will centralise the Museum’s off-site collections, making them accessible to the public for the first time and enhancing visitor engagement. Additionally, the revamped Hangar 1 will undergo internal remodelling and re-cladding, transforming it into a dynamic exhibition and learning centre. The landscaping improvements will enhance visitor experience by thoughtfully redesigning public spaces and pathways, increasing biodiversity and ensuring the site remains welcoming and functional for years to come. This development is a key component of the RAF Museum Midlands’ long-term masterplan. The design process has been comprehensive, involving extensive consultations and reviews. These included design meetings, workshops, co-creation activities, and engagement with stakeholders, local communities and visitors. From initial sketches to fully developed designs, every stage has been shaped by the insights and feedback gathered during these sessions. Public engagement has been a cornerstone of the project. A variety of consultation events and co-creation workshops were held, including a permanent display in the Visitor Centre showcasing the development, and interactive activities such as half-term drawing events where visitors were invited to contribute ideas for the Hangar 1 re-cladding design. One notable workshop involved No. 1047 Wolverhampton Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets, who met with GSSArchitecture and Museum representatives to discuss the future of Hangar 1. The valuable insights from these discussions were shared with the wider design team, ensuring that the perspectives of key stakeholders were integral to the development process. Tom Jagger, Partner at GSSArchitecture, said “We are thrilled to have achieved this step with these transformative projects. The collaborative design and consultation process involving Museum paid staff and volunteers, visitors, and the broader community has been invaluable. We are committed to creating modern, sustainable museum facilities that will enrich the visitor experience for generations to come.” Karen Whitting, Director of Content and Programmes at the RAF Museum said “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for these crucial projects. The creation of the Collections Hub and the refurbishment of Hangar 1 are significant milestones in our commitment to sharing the RAF’s rich history. By involving our visitors and local communities throughout the design process, we have ensured that these new facilities will meet the needs and expectations of our diverse audience now and for future generations. We extend our gratitude to our funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, for supporting this comprehensive programme that will deliver lasting benefits for all our visitors.” GSS has been appointed to carry out architectural and multi-disciplinary design services and is working closely with the Royal Air Force Museum, Project Managers – Focus, and Quantity Surveyors – Greenwoods, together with supply chain design partners SWJ Consultants (Structural Engineers), CPW (M&E Consultants) and LDA Design (Landscape Design). To find out more about GSSArchitecture and the services they offer, as well as their extensive portfolio of projects in a range of sectors across the country, please visit www.gssarchitecture.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A NEW government office development in Darlington has been given the go-ahead by planners. The application to construct a 5-storey, 10,000m2 government hub in Brunswick Street, put forward by the Government Property Agency (GPA), has been approved by the town planning committee. The new office on Brunswick Street will build on the success of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), currently comprising Feetham House and Bishopsgate House, both situated in the town centre. With works on site set to begin later this year and completion earmarked for 2027, the modern, energy efficient office complex will be part of the wider DEC, and home to 1,400 civil servants from across a number of government departments. The campus incorporates HM Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, for whom Darlington will be the second headquarters, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Office for National Statistics, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Competition and Markets Authority. It also includes the Department for Education who have been based in Darlington since the 1960s. The DEC forms part of the Government Hubs Programme supporting economic growth across the UK through the redevelopment of brownfield sites or repurposing existing buildings to create efficient, sustainable and productive workplaces. Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, said: “The new development will support Darlington’s economy and allow the Civil Service to draw on talent and skills across the region. This Government is committed to economic growth in every region of the UK and we will get behind cities and towns to deliver new jobs and opportunities for their communities.” Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO, said: “This is excellent news for our departmental clients and for the town of Darlington. We are delighted to achieve planning permission for this development which will help deliver on the Government’s mission in supporting economic growth in the region.It also supports the transformation of the Civil Service through delivery of a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient office complex.” Second Permanent Secretary to the Treasury Beth Russell said: “This is a great step forward in developing the Darlington Economic Campus.With over 920 new civil service jobs already created in the town and 480 more to come, we are offering the opportunity for people in the north east to do government jobs that were traditionally only available in London, making government policy-making more reflective of the communities we serve.” Jo Crellin, DBT, Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports said: “Having the Darlington hub as our second HQ means we can recruit people from all kinds of backgrounds into the civil service, securing this permission will enable us to build on the 250 brilliant staff we already have. The new site will also continue to ensure we are listening directly to businesses all over the UK as we are designing and delivering our support”. There has been extensive public consultation prior to the submission of the Darlington government hub application in March this year. The new hub in Brunswick Street will create extensive employment opportunities in the town, creating wider economic benefits for the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The topping out ceremony at Ireland’s first citizenM hotel took place recently, marking a significant construction milestone for the project. citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s will be a nine-storey hotel from the award-winning hotel and lifestyle brand, situated at the former Molyneux House site opposite St Patrick’s Cathedral. Led by award-winning construction and fit-out firm, Gilbert-Ash, which is currently growing its team in Ireland, the 245-room hotel is set to open in 2025. The façade of Molyneux House redesigned by the renowned Dublin architect, Sam Stephenson, will be retained as part of the new build citizenM hotel. The hotel will feature 245 of citizenM’s signature bedrooms, with XL king-size beds, an HD TV offering streaming options via free super-fast Wi-Fi, a relaxing rain shower and customisable room ambience fully controlled by an in-room iPad or the guest’s own smartphone via the award-winning citizenM app – enabling a fully contactless experience for everything from the TV to the temperature, blinds and lights. In terms of public spaces, guests will be able to enjoy an art-filled ground floor ‘Living Room’ which will include a 24/7 canteenM bar, pantry and servery, self check-in area, comfortable seating areas with designer furniture from Vitra, and four inspiring societyM meeting rooms available for half-day and full-day use. Art and culture are key to citizenM’s brand – art and styling items are carefully selected and site specific for each hotel, drawing inspiration from the local community. To date, citizenM has worked with 140+ artists across its 34 hotels. citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s is designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards. It operates without a mains gas connection, powered by purchased renewable electricity and making use of a solar water collector. This ensures that guests can enjoy their stay while minimising their environmental impact, significantly reducing emissions per room night. It is the second project Gilbert-Ash has worked on with citizenM after the team completed the modular construction of citizenM London Victoria. Gilbert-Ash Project Director, Sean Doran, said the company is proud to be once again working with citizenM on a hotel which will complement Dublin’s existing hospitality offering. He said: “It’s always pleasing to get to the topping out stage as the building really starts to emerge from the plans. “This building has a lot of character and we will be retaining part of the façade which will give the hotel’s appearance a nice balance of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. “There have been many technical elements to the job, but we are progressing well and working alongside citizenM and our other partners on this project has been hugely satisfying. “I have no doubt that when complete, citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s will be extremely popular with guests as it will step outside the traditional hotel model with the focus on affordable luxury for the people.” Klaas van Lookeren Campagne, CEO of citizenM, said he is excited to see the Dublin hotel progressing well, as the Irish capital has been high on the company’s list of target cities for some time. He said: “We are thrilled to have reached this milestone for our first ever hotel in Dublin, and our first entry into the Irish market. We believe our affordable luxury concept is a great fit for the city, and we look forward to connecting with this vibrant community.” citizenM has 34 hotels across the UK, North America, Europe and Asia. This marks the brand’s first venture into Ireland, and it is actively seeking further opportunities in Dublin city centre. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com, and for more about citizenM visit www.citizenM.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green light for 462 new rental homes in second phase of 2,400-home New Garden Square masterplan Moda Group has secured planning permission for the next phase of its city gateway masterplan in Edgbaston, paving the way for a further 462 much-needed new homes in the Birmingham district. Plans for the 37-storey build-to-rent development were submitted in January. After being recommended for approval on 1 August, the building was given the go ahead by Birmingham City Council this afternoon. Moda, in partnership with landowner Calthorpe Estates, will now deliver the striking building with an innovative ‘stepped bar’ design, creating a new and instantly recognisable local landmark. The consented plans include 462 high-quality homes for rent with flexible, all-inclusive tenancies. Featuring a mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes, residents will also benefit from best-in-class amenity spaces such as a roof terrace, 24-hour gym, co-working space and resident lounges, along with 230 new cycle parking spaces to encourage sustainable travel in the city. The development is the latest phase of Moda and Calthorpe’s ambitious New Garden Square masterplan, which will also see the next part of the linear one-acre park being delivered running east to west along the whole length of the masterplan. Anchored by 2,400 new homes in a mix of tenures, the 11-acre masterplan will include the new park, along with retail space, a range of cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as community amenities and industry-leading workspace. Immediately adjacent to Edgbaston Village Tram Station, New Garden Square has lifestyle, wellness and convenience built into its spaces, providing a canvas for a new, multi-generational community to thrive. The first phase of the New Garden Square masterplan – 398-home BTR neighbourhood Moda, Loudon’s Yard – opened last month with the first phases of homes pre-let before doors had opened. Named for the family behind the nearby Botanical Gardens, John and Jane Loudon, the neighbourhood has set the benchmark for the high quality of homes the New Garden Square masterplan will deliver. James Blakey, Planning and Engagement Director at Moda Group, said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for Moda and a big step forward for our wider 2,400-home mixed use masterplan, New Garden Square. Birmingham is in great need of quality new homes, and we are now that bit closer to delivering 462 outstanding quality homes, and a new city neighbourhood providing a gateway to the city centre. “Working with Calthorpe Estates, the local community and our investors and stakeholders, plus Birmingham City Council, we are dedicated to delivering something that is transformational not just for Edgbaston and Birmingham, but also for the wider Midlands region.” Ralph Minott, Masterplanning and Development Director at Calthorpe Estates, added: “The approval of this landmark development marks a significant milestone in the transformation of New Garden Square. Our partnership with Moda represents a new era of living and working to Edgbaston, delivering high-quality rental homes and outstanding amenities that reflect our commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities. We are thrilled to see our vision come to life, providing much-needed high-quality homes and contributing to the continued growth and prosperity of Birmingham.” The New Garden Square masterplan is one of several Moda Group projects underway in the city, with 4,000 rental homes operational, under construction or in development. Committed to being a long-term custodian of its communities, Moda is committed to using its significant footprint in the city to drive skills, training and economies for the long term. During construction of the 487-home Moda, The Mercian, local people were offered free construction training and a guaranteed job interview after completing a course through the Skills Hub, which was funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority in partnership with Birmingham City Council. The Hub exceeded the initial targets it had been set and resulted in 300 people being employed on site. Following the success of this scheme, the Skills Hub will also be used on site during construction of the 722-home Moda, Great Charles Street in the city’s Jewellery Quarter. A further 1,000 new homes are also planned at Stone Yard in Digbeth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Working for The Arch Company, four railway arches situated on America Street, Southwark, SE1 were comprehensively renovated and turned into space designed for businesses to thrive. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that is has completed a project to renovate four railway arches situated on America Street, Southwark SE1 for new customer The Arch Company. The scope of works encompassed demolition, groundworks, fire rated façade installation, waterproofing, a new substation and extensive sustainable fit-out. Commenting on the appointment, Glencar Commercial Director – Special Projects Neil Johnstone said : “This development breathes new life into these spaces and provides a blank canvas for restaurants, cafes, bars, and other leisure businesses looking to contribute to the local community and economy. We were very happy to work with the team at The Arch Company for the first time to not only revitalise these historic structures into high-quality, repurposed spaces but also to deliver a development that meets high sustainability standards, an area where Glencar leads the way. Energy efficient elements that featured in the restoration included the re-lining of all arch spaces, new insulated floor slabs suitable for restaurant use and the installation of new LED smart lighting and glazed front infills. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the exceptional project team that worked on this development and we look forward to collaborating again with The Arch Company in future”. Roger King, Operations Director at The Arch Company, said: “We’re pleased to complete the transformation works of these arches, turning them into spaces for businesses to thrive in the heart of Southwark. Designed for restaurant, bar, retail, or gym use, we encourage anyone interested in letting to get in touch directly.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
