Liverpool City Council is set to seek a development partner to help transform a prime waterfront spot into Liverpool’s newest residential community. A report to Cabinet on Tuesday, 10 September, is recommending the Council embarks on a competitive procurement exercise to appoint a high calibre development partner to lead on
Construction works to deliver Phase 2 of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire, have commenced. Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1. Once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight
Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore UK, outlines the critical differences between fire-rated and fire-resistant storage and emphasises the importance of correctly distinguishing between them. As the UK experiences increasingly extreme weather patterns and record-breaking temperatures, the importance of proper fire safety measures has never been more critical. With rising
MEDITE SMARTPLY, the market-leading manufacturer of sustainable wood-based panels, has successfully completed extensive testing with a UKAS-accredited laboratory on flooring solutions featuring SMARTPLY MAX DB and SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB. The OSB panels used in timber flooring systems for internal residential floors have achieved the airborne sound insulation performance of
Bouygues UK, the construction company currently building the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, has joined forces with Skanska UK to showcase local construction projects and possible future construction careers to schoolchildren in Tewkesbury. Tewkesbury, which will create 136,000sq ft for 56 high quality retail and food and beverage brands when it opens
UAP Limited, a leading British door hardware supplier, has made two key management appointments to its growing team. Martin Cope joins as National Account Manager, and Adam Dixon as Senior Technical Manager. Martin Cope has vast experience in sales management across 45 years and will be contributing to UAP’s continued
Indurent, the newly formed logistics giant born from the merger of Industrials REIT and St. Modwen Logistics, has successfully secured planning approval for a substantial 432,000 sq ft industrial and logistics development in Lichfield. This ambitious project, named Indurent Park Lichfield, is set to address the critical shortage of mid-sized
McLaren Construction has chosen OpenSpace, the global leader in 360° reality capture, to integrate AI-powered computer vision and analytics into its projects throughout the UK. OpenSpace helps construction and real estate companies operate more efficiently and with less risk. The company’s AI-powered computer vision and analytics make OpenSpace the fastest
Demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is progressing well. Contractors, DSM, remain hard at work throughout the summer months to demolish the former theatre safely and considerately to make way for the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC). Residents and local businesses have been kept regularly
A Bellway development in Halstead has been shortlisted in the Essex Housing Awards 2024. Willow Park has been chosen as a finalist in the Large Housing Scheme category of the prestigious awards, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony at the Greenwoods Hotel and Spa in the Essex
Liverpool City Council is set to seek a development partner to help transform a prime waterfront spot into Liverpool’s newest residential community. A report to Cabinet on Tuesday, 10 September, is recommending the Council embarks on a competitive procurement exercise to appoint a high calibre development partner to lead on creating a new neighbourhood as part of the city’s famous International Festival Gardens site, which was originally opened in May 1984. The ambition is to significantly boost the city’s housing supply with a diverse range and mix of housing types, including affordable properties, together with local amenities, creating a thriving new community in this prime south Liverpool location, which is well connected and within 10-minutes of the city centre. The scheme, which is a flagship project outlined in the city’s draft housing strategy, will connect with and enhance its natural surroundings and biodiversity and provide a high standard of desirable and multi-generational living for all. Significant remediation and enabling works were recently completed in January 2024 to enable development, and since that time a team of experts have been curating an ambitious, and deliverable development brief which will provide an essential framework to market the site. Clear objectives are outlined which state the council’s intentions to make the 28-acre site a sustainable, healthy and inclusive neighbourhood which has a strong identity and high design quality. If the report is given the green light, the initial phase of the procurement process will begin in October, with a view to securing a partner towards the middle of next year. The development brief will form the central part of a procurement process, seeking viable expressions of interest from developers with a proven, successful track record in delivering transformative schemes at pace, which are built on strong community engagement. Montagu Evans will be running the procurement process on behalf of the Council. It is expected that the contract with the successful development partner will be finalised in Autumn 2025 once thorough due diligence has been undertaken. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction works to deliver Phase 2 of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire, have commenced. Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1. Once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), on behalf of clients BGO Wire PropCo Ltd and Equation Properties. Phase 2 is the construction of two single-storey base build distribution warehouses. Units 7 and 8 will be 249,995 sq. ft and 249,866 sq. ft respectively, and each will include a two-storey office, with associated mechanical and electrical installations, 23 loading docks and a transport office. The contractor will deliver earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing and cladding, lift shaft and stair installations. All external works are also being undertaken by McLaren (Midlands and North) and include general hard standings, car-parking, landscaping, mains services and drainage. There will be cycle racks for 60 cycles per warehouse and a gate house. Sustainable features will include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging points, and bird and bat boxes. The units will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. Phase 2 has a 49-week build programme. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “Horizon 29 is going to be a premier distribution centre for Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands. It provides an ideal opportunity for tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south. “Progressing on to Phase 2, we are building two more units at the site – and as with earlier phases – they will be highly energy efficient buildings, with the potential for the whole of the roofs to be used to gather energy from PV to not only power the units, but to put energy back into the National Grid. “We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the next phase of this landmark scheme.” Phase 1A and 1B of Horizon 29 completed in February of this year, which comprised four warehouse units (units 1, 2, 4 and 5). McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore UK, outlines the critical differences between fire-rated and fire-resistant storage and emphasises the importance of correctly distinguishing between them. As the UK experiences increasingly extreme weather patterns and record-breaking temperatures, the importance of proper fire safety measures has never been more critical. With rising temperatures and heatwaves becoming more frequent, the risks associated with improper storage of flammable materials are amplified. This makes it imperative to understand the difference between fire rated and fire-resistant storage, as the consequences of getting it wrong can be devastating. When it comes to protecting valuable or hazardous items, the terms “fire-rated” and “fire-resistant” are often used interchangeably. This common misunderstanding can lead to dangerous consequences, especially when products that require fire rated storage are mistakenly placed in less effective fire-resistant units. To avoid these pitfalls, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the two and why choosing fire-rated storage from trusted experts like Chemstore is essential. Understanding Fire Rated vs. Fire Resistant Storage The confusion often starts with the assumption that “fire-rated” and “fire-resistant” are synonymous. Many believe that a fire rating simply means the storage unit can stop the passage of flames. However, the reality is more complex, especially when safety is on the line. Fire-resistant storage typically refers to materials or structures that can physically resist the passage of flames but this falls well short of the rigorous standards required for fire-rated storage. Fire-rated storage, is designed to not only resist passage of flames but also to control the internal temperature of a storage module, preventing thermal heat transfer that could ignite the contents within. According to HS(G)51, an essential guideline on fire safety in the workplace, fire walls (and by extension, fire rated storage units) must be imperforate and provide a minimum of 30 minutes of fire resistance in terms of integrity, insulation, and load-bearing capacity where applicable. This means that a fire-rated storage unit must be capable of maintaining its structural integrity, insulating against heat, and bearing loads even under intense fire conditions. In terms of spotting the difference between a fire-resistant panel and a fire-rated panel, a fire-resistant panel made of single sheet steel is thin, smooth, and solid, often with a shiny or matte finish but lacking visible insulation. Its primary function is to resist flames, but it provides minimal insulation and may warp or fail under intense heat. In contrast, a fire-rated panel featuring non-combustible insulation such as Rockwool is much bulkier, with insulating material encased between protective layers. This panel offers superior structural integrity and high insulation performance, effectively delaying heat transfer and maintaining a barrier against flames for extended periods. The key differences are in thickness and construction, which impact how each panel performs in fire situations. The importance of temperature control in fire-rated units One of the critical benefits of a fire-rated storage unit is its ability to control the temperature inside the unit. This feature is often overlooked but is vital in scenarios where the stored materials are sensitive to heat. In the case of highly flammable substances or lithium-ion batteries, even a slight increase in temperature can lead to disastrous outcomes. The assumption that stopping flames is enough to protect the contents of a storage unit can lead to tragic mistakes. For instance, a single-skin metal box, which many mistakenly believe to be fire-rated, offers minimal insulation. In direct sunlight or during a fire, such a box can act like an oven, leading to the overheating and possible ignition of the materials inside. This risk is especially pronounced during hot weather when ambient temperatures can already push the limits of what stored items can safely endure. It is good practice to maintain lithium-ion batteries at 19°C ±1.5°C to maximise safety yet is not possible for a single skin storage module to provide this level of environmental control as it will consistently overheat and freeze throughout the year. The dangers of mislabelling and the importance of expert advice A significant issue in the UK market is the influx of products labelled as “fire-rated” without meeting the necessary standards. Many of these products are sold based on the misconception that fire rating merely involves preventing flames from passing through. This misunderstanding can lead to businesses and individuals purchasing storage solutions that are woefully inadequate for their needs. The consequences of using improperly rated storage can be severe. In the event of a fire, a unit that does not provide sufficient insulation and temperature control can allow heat to build up inside, potentially causing primary containers to fail and lead to the release of harmful fumes, or the destruction of critical materials. To ensure safety, it’s imperative to purchase fire-rated storage from trusted experts like Chemstore. We are a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier and our products are designed and tested to meet the rigorous requirements set out in HS(G)51, ensuring that you have the highest level of protection. Conclusion Understanding the difference between fire rated and fire-resistant storage is not just a matter of semantics—it’s a matter of safety. In scenarios where the contents of a storage unit are sensitive to heat or flammable, relying on inadequate storage can lead to catastrophic consequences. By choosing fire rated storage solutions from reputable providers like Chemstore, you can ensure that your materials are protected not just from flames, but from the heat that can be just as deadly. Don’t take risks with fire safety; understand what you’re buying and why it matters. For more information, visit www.chemstore.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MEDITE SMARTPLY, the market-leading manufacturer of sustainable wood-based panels, has successfully completed extensive testing with a UKAS-accredited laboratory on flooring solutions featuring SMARTPLY MAX DB and SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB. The OSB panels used in timber flooring systems for internal residential floors have achieved the airborne sound insulation performance of 40dB as required by the Building Regulations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Compared to the traditionally used chipboard solution, these flooring systems offer a host of benefits. Opting for SMARTPLY MAX DB enables a thinner, stronger and 30% lighter alternative. Opting for SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB provides an airtight, durable, and slip-resistant solution, ticking all the boxes for operational goals. Roly Ward, Head of Business Development at MEDITE SMARTPLY, commented: “Peace and quiet are essential for a comfortable and healthy home environment. We are excited to bring to the market new applications for our products that have been tested in flooring systems and offer sound reduction while providing the construction industry with a lighter, safer, airtight, and sustainable flooring solution as an excellent alternative to traditionally used materials.” MEDITE SMARTPLY has tested its new 18mm SMARTPLY MAX DB in flooring systems. The panel helps achieve 40dB, which is required for internal residential floors under the Building Regulations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The panel also offers weight savings, allowing for easier handling on the construction site, as well as simpler transportation and reduced costs. SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB is an airtight, tongue-and-groove panel with a high-performance coating. Using it as an airtight layer for flooring or decking can contribute to sustainable building practices and reduce energy consumption for heating. This solution complies with building regulations and is certified as airtight. What’s more, SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB’s unique coating enhances durability during the construction phase and ensures slip resistance in all site conditions. SMARTPLY OSB panels are highly durable because of their manufacturing process. The cross-orientation of the wood strands is key; this alignment allows for greater surface coverage for the adhesive, resulting in the panel’s superior strength. SMARTPLY OSB is a sustainable material that can add value throughout the supply chain. Sourced from sustainably managed and accredited Irish forests, SMARTPLY wood-based panels not only store carbon during the growth of trees but also continue to lock it in throughout the manufacturing process and the entire lifespan of the product and the buildings in which they are used. SMARTPLY’s OSB panels are fully certified, UKCA and CE marked, legally sourced, and sustainable. Because OSB is made of wood strands, the whole tree is used, and nothing is wasted. The entire SMARTPLY OSB range has been manufactured using no added formaldehyde, contributing towards healthier environments for dwellers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. “SMARTPLY OSB has one of the lowest embodied carbon of any mainstream building material. This makes it ideal for building energy-efficient homes – offering a warmer home and a reduction in energy consumption – keeping us on track towards a net-zero future,” added Roly Ward. SMARTPLY MAX DB and SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB are engineered OSB wood-based panels that meet regulatory requirements and exceed expectations, making them a smarter choice for specifiers, housebuilders, contractors, and homeowners. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK, the construction company currently building the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, has joined forces with Skanska UK to showcase local construction projects and possible future construction careers to schoolchildren in Tewkesbury. Tewkesbury, which will create 136,000sq ft for 56 high quality retail and food and beverage brands when it opens in Spring 2025. Skanska UK is also working in Tewkesbury, modernising the British Army’s vehicle hub nearby. In order to offer STEM engagement and promote the construction industry and career routes to nearby Tewkesbury Academy and Alderman Knight School, the two construction firms decided to work together to provide a joint delivery of STEM engagement, using ‘Building Aspirations’ sessions. Bouygues UK’s social value advisor for the Cotswolds Designer Outlet project, Nick Toulson, said it is a great example of collaborative working between competitors to increase learning opportunities for the local community as well as offering an insight into the many careers available in the construction industry. He said: “It’s quite a collaboration between two tier one construction companies working in Tewkesbury with major building contracts in close proximity, underway at the same time. Following a conversation between Bouygues UK, Skanska UK and Tewkesbury Academy at the school’s careers fair, we agreed to trial some joint delivery to increase learning opportunities for the students. “It makes perfect sense as we are both working with the same school audience to offer STEM engagement, promote the construction industry and career routes. It’s been great working with Skanska and has really benefited the children we’re working with.” Alex Green, Trainee Quantity Surveyor for Skanska UK added, “It has been a rewarding opportunity to shine a light on the diverse range of careers and opportunities in the construction industry. I myself, as a degree apprentice have been able to share first hand the path I have taken into the business, which is becoming ever more prevalent as another education option. Collaborating with Bouygues UK has been enjoyable, and I truly believe we have opened the minds of the young people to our industry.” The collaboration has already led to four workshops which have been successfully delivered to 100 pupils. Using a Building Aspirations session and showcasing Bouygues UK’ s and Skanska UK’s local construction projects, the team were able to: Bouygues UK has also run Building Aspirations and Construction Challenge Lessons to local primary school children to two groups of pupils at Abbey View School and a Building Aspirations session and two Construction Management Challenge activities to Year Five at Carrant Brook Junior School. Kelly Jefferies, Mathematics and Design Technology Lead, Carrant Brook Junior School said: “The pupils were extremely engaged and thoroughly enjoyed both sessions. These opportunities don’t come up very often for schools these days and so it was a fantastic experience for the children that they wouldn’t normally have in relation to STEM. The construction activity was great. It kept all children engaged and was an excellent high ceiling low threshold exercise which meant all abilities could be challenged.” When working on any project, Bouygues UK takes great steps to add to the social value of the community in which it is working and is also working with the Department for Work and Pension’s (DWP) Gloucester and Tewkesbury Job Centres as part of their SWAP programme. The sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) gives jobseekers who are 16 and over and are claiming benefits, the opportunity to apply for jobs. This programme can last up to six weeks and includes pre-employment training, on-site training and mentoring, a short work placement and a guaranteed job interview or help with the application process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UAP Limited, a leading British door hardware supplier, has made two key management appointments to its growing team. Martin Cope joins as National Account Manager, and Adam Dixon as Senior Technical Manager. Martin Cope has vast experience in sales management across 45 years and will be contributing to UAP’s continued development by establishing relationships with builders’ merchants and helping the business forge established routes into the industry. Dixon brings a decade of experience in the fire safety industry, with expertise in compliance and product development. His work has taken him across the country – servicing iconic landmarks including the Elizabeth Tower clock face as well as major projects including Transport for London’s Elizabeth line. On his new role, Martin Cope, National Account Manager at UAP said: “UAP is a fantastic business: from the warehouse to the head office, the people are the best at what they do. Innovation has always been my passion, and UAP are at the bleeding edge of hardware security. Its products, especially the Armasmart range, has incredible potential for the future, and it’s exciting to be a part of a business that has such vast impact.” Adam Dixon, Senior Technical Manager at UAP said: “The fire industry is always developing, and UAP’s pace and energy is one of the driving forces behind this. This move is a new chapter in my career, and I’m looking forward to pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve, working with a talented team, and continuing to innovate and evolve in an industry that never stands still.” David Jennings, Chief Executive Officer at UAP said: “Martin and Adam are joining us at a particularly dynamic time for UAP. Their extensive experience and expertise align perfectly with our commitment to quality, durability, and continuous innovation, and we are eager to continue driving progress, through enhanced product offerings and innovation. With Martin and Adam’s extensive knowledge of their fields, we’ll be even better equipped to carry on this mission.” Established in 1996, UAP Limited has become a leading UK door hardware supplier with products ranging from fire-rated hardware to locking systems and door and window security. The business designs door hardware solutions around customer needs, equipping them to navigate the ever-changing fire and security landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Indurent, the newly formed logistics giant born from the merger of Industrials REIT and St. Modwen Logistics, has successfully secured planning approval for a substantial 432,000 sq ft industrial and logistics development in Lichfield. This ambitious project, named Indurent Park Lichfield, is set to address the critical shortage of mid-sized warehousing units in the region. Located off Cricket Lane and adjacent to the Swinfen Interchange roundabout, which offers convenient access to the M6 motorway, the development will comprise eight mid-box units ranging in size from 36,000 sq ft to 83,000 sq ft. Each unit is designed to achieve a minimum BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for sustainability and an EPC ‘A’ rating for energy efficiency, reflecting Indurent’s commitment to environmentally responsible construction. Jessica Evans, senior planning manager at Indurent, commented on the project’s approval: “The approval of Indurent Park Lichfield will help to address the region’s acute undersupply of modern mid-box warehousing and deliver significant social and economic value for the region. Having engaged extensively with the local community throughout the planning process, the approval builds on Indurent’s successful track record of development in Staffordshire, where we provide over three million sq ft of high-quality space and support the success of customers of all sizes seeking to benefit from the Midlands’ national connectivity and large, skilled workforce.” The development is expected to create 250 jobs during its construction phase, which is slated to begin in 2025. Upon completion of the first phase in 2026, the park is projected to support around 820 full-time jobs across various roles. Indurent, owned by investment funds managed by Blackstone, currently owns and operates 27 million sq ft of industrial and logistics space across the UK, supporting over 2,000 businesses across diverse sectors. This new Lichfield development is a significant addition to their expanding portfolio, underscoring their commitment to meeting the growing demand for high-quality industrial space in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction has chosen OpenSpace, the global leader in 360° reality capture, to integrate AI-powered computer vision and analytics into its projects throughout the UK. OpenSpace helps construction and real estate companies operate more efficiently and with less risk. The company’s AI-powered computer vision and analytics make OpenSpace the fastest and simplest way to fully document construction sites, visualise progress, coordinate with the field, and manage tasks. After a thorough RFP process designed to evaluate different vendors in the market, McLaren has come to the conclusion that OpenSpace provides the most value to their teams and overall operations. As one of the largest players in the UK construction industry, McLaren requires a solution that is capable of rapid and effortless scaling to support its growth. OpenSpace has proven to be able to deliver this level of scalability with a blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design, ensuring a smooth roll-out and swift adoption in the field. The ability to access a comprehensive visual record of construction sites from any location, will simplify remote progress tracking, facilitate issue management, and expedite cross-team communication and decision-making. With OpenSpace BIM+, McLaren Construction further aims to empower its teams by enhancing on-site BIM utilisation and improving coordination between the field and the office. Thomas Flannery, Head of Digital Construction at McLaren Construction, comments, “As the firm approaches £1 billion turnover, McLaren is investing around £4 million over three years in the skills and rigorous systems required for project and business management. These skills and systems will ensure compliance with building safety legislation and give us robust digital information management for all aspects of design, procurement, change and quality control process. Following a very competitive tender process we are pleased to partner with OpenSpace who align with McLaren’s aspirations of an open and streamlined software stack to help drive efficiency for our customers.” OpenSpace’s Account Executive Lewis Campbell comments, “Working with the team from McLaren Construction on the initial test projects has been a real pleasure, and it’s been fantastic to see our solution get adopted so quickly by everyone involved. McLaren is a real industry leader and an exceptional company, at the forefront of leveraging technology to build better and achieve outstanding results for their customers. We are looking forward to working with their teams on the deployment of OpenSpace across all major projects in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Demolition of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is progressing well. Contractors, DSM, remain hard at work throughout the summer months to demolish the former theatre safely and considerately to make way for the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC). Residents and local businesses have been kept regularly updated on the works and Sefton Council continues to hold face-to-face sessions for people nearby to ask questions and raise any concerns. Prior to the demolition, a number of historical heritage items were removed from the former theatre. They are now being held in safe storage and will be incorporated into the future MLEC site for public viewing. While most of the work so far has taken place inside the building, an annexe building on site has now been demolished. Away from site, Sefton Council and its partners remain fully committed to an impressive social value project which gives back to the community in a number of ways. Recently the MLEC team, which consists of the Local Authority and partners including architects AFL and contractor DSM, donated 45 ‘back to school’ kits to local charity Compassion Acts. The kits will help struggling families keep down costs for essential items pupils need when they return to school in September. Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:“It’s great to see lots of work happening on site and the MLEC project is progressing very well. “With huge economic and tourism projects like the Marine Lake Events Centre, there are lots of things which need to happen behind the scenes that most will never be aware of so for people to be able to see physical demolition work taking place is great. “Our social value work is a real credit to the kindness and generosity of our project partners and contractors and I would like to thank them again for their incredible kindness in supporting the community in and around Southport.” Updates about the Marine Lake Events Centre project are available via www.sefton.gov.uk/MLEC Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Bellway development in Halstead has been shortlisted in the Essex Housing Awards 2024. Willow Park has been chosen as a finalist in the Large Housing Scheme category of the prestigious awards, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony at the Greenwoods Hotel and Spa in the Essex village of Stock on Thursday 7 November. The Large Housing Scheme award recognises the development of homes (new or refurbished) which make a significant contribution to meeting housing needs and placemaking and improving the image and perception of housing in the county. Bellway Essex has delivered 153 houses for private sale and 65 affordable homes for local people through rent or shared ownership at Willow Park, off Winston Way, alongside more than 30 acres of parkland, footpaths and a children’s play area. Although this project is now complete, Bellway is building on this legacy in Halstead at its Oakfields Park development in the town, where construction is currently in progress. Jenny Walker, Sales Director at Bellway Essex, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected in the finals of the Essex Housing Awards 2024. To be on a shortlist of three in the Large Housing Scheme category is testament to the hard work and effort put in by the whole team in Halstead. “We are very proud of the brand-new neighbourhood which has been established at Willow Park, where there is a distinct community feel. The development design promotes and encourages health and exercise with a large country park and footpaths and cycleways. “This attractive new development not only delivered 218 new homes to meet the specific needs of the local housing market but also brought new jobs in sales and construction during the build life of the site. In addition, Bellway contributed almost £1.7 million to local education, outdoor sports, community buildings and healthcare as part of the planning agreement. “We are now continuing our commitment to delivering high-quality new homes in Halstead at our Oakfields Park development off Tidings Hill. Like Willow Park, the new properties at Oakfields Park are from Bellway’s flagship Artisan Collection, with a wide mix of designs to suit different lifestyles and budgets and the same focus on exceptional quality and customer service.” Bellway Essex is building 80 homes at Oakfields Park, with 52 homes for private sale and 28 affordable homes available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership. The team at Oakfields Park won the Showhome of the Year category at the Showhome Awards earlier this year, for the inclusive design of its Thespian showhome and has also been shortlisted in the EG Awards which will be announced in November. Joe Gracey, who has been site manager at both Willow Park and Oakfields Park, won a Quality Award in the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job competition this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
