The North East region of Lovell has been appointed to Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework. The arrangement means that the developer, which has its headquarters in Houghton le Spring, is in a prime position to bid for construction contracts worth more than £3 million with the affordable housing provider. Beyond
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th rapid charging station in Wales. The new hub at Capital Shopping Park in Cardiff features 10 charging bays equipped with state-of-the-art charge points compatible with every electric vehicle (EV)
Polypipe Building Services secured an order for more than 4,000 prefabricated drainage stacks to help transform an historic London site which is being redeveloped by Telford Homes. Mechanical and electrical contractor I-MEX (M&E) Ltd selected Terrain FUZE Stax for the Alperton Bus Depot site, a mixed-use development in Brent comprising of three
The Doncaster-based chartered surveyors and property consultancy group, Barnsdales, has leased commercial properties an award-winning cybersecurity firm and a retro gaming arcade to create its new flagship store. Barndales successfully let a 14,000 sq ft open-plan property on Doncaster’s bustling high street to the popular gaming entertainment company The Arcade
Two Imax Xtra 2 240kW Ideal Heating Commercial condensing boilers have been installed at Hull Maritime Museum as part of a major restoration project to the Grade 2* listed building. Dating back to 1871 when the building was Hull’s Dock Offices, the Hull Maritime Museum has been in operation since
Exciting new details have emerged for Project Edison, a high-tech data centre proposed by Elite UK REIT, which aims to transform a 39-acre site near the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Peel Park campus in Blackpool. With plans submitted to Fylde Council earlier this month, the project includes the
Associated British Ports (ABP) has secured 21 acres of land to support the ongoing expansion of the Port of Immingham, the UK’s largest port by tonnage. The newly acquired site, located along Humber Road and Rosper Road, has a live hybrid planning application in place, proposing up to 300,000 sq
Lidl, the popular German discount supermarket chain, has secured a landmark £70 million sale-and-leaseback deal to fund the development of 12 new stores across the United Kingdom. This strategic move is part of Lidl’s ambitious UK expansion plan, which aims to make affordable, high-quality groceries accessible to even more communities
Vantage, a sustainable retrofit and principal contracting business, proudly announces the successful completion of its photovoltaic (PV) installation project at The Arches, a new build-to-rent development in Leicester, for the Catella European Residential Fund III (CER III). The project was delivered on budget and a week ahead of schedule. Commissioned
If current trends persist, Scotland is set to face a homelessness crisis of alarming proportions by 2040, according to a new report by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. The study has forecasted a 90% increase in homelessness applications to more than 4,100 annually, while at least 7,000 households could be
The North East region of Lovell has been appointed to Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework. The arrangement means that the developer, which has its headquarters in Houghton le Spring, is in a prime position to bid for construction contracts worth more than £3 million with the affordable housing provider. Beyond Housing is one of the largest registered housing providers in the North East and North Yorkshire, which currently provides 15,000 homes to 30,000 customers. The organisation has a development strategy to develop or acquire 2,750 homes by 2030. Contracts awarded under the four-year framework will predominantly be for affordable new-build houses, flats and bungalows but may also include conversion/remodelling contracts, associated public realm works, buildings associated with sustainable neighbourhoods and commercial small-scale enterprise and regeneration projects. Phil Jones, Head of Land and Partnerships at the North East region of Lovell, said: “Our selection for Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework is testament to our understanding of the construction market, housing for sale, intermediate and social housing and ability to assist in the delivery of projects on time and to budget. In addition, we have the expertise, the demonstrable skills and experience of delivering large, often phased, projects of this nature. “As one of the most experienced new-build contractors in the UK, we have been building for the affordable housing sector for more than 50 years. Whether for housing associations or local authorities, we are the partner of choice for many clients and are very pleased to have been selected as a preferred supplier to bid for construction contracts by Beyond Housing. “This exciting new relationship clearly demonstrates the potential that we have here within the team at the North East region of Lovell to grow and to expand our level of operations across the region.” Karen Howard, Development Manager at Beyond Housing, said: “The framework is a strategic partnership between Beyond Housing, Broadacres Housing Association, and North Star Housing Group. “The organisations will manage the framework together, sharing their expertise to deliver high-quality housing and development projects. Each association will tender their contract opportunities through its own procurement portal, making the process clear and open to all, while encouraging new ideas from development partners. “Beyond Housing is excited to collaborate with Lovell as we work to deliver our ambitious development programme of affordable rent and low cost home ownership options, together with our outright sales programme through our sales subsidiary Viola Homes. We look forward to utilising Lovell’s extensive experience to help us create thriving communities that meet the diverse needs of our customers.” To find out more about Lovell, visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th rapid charging station in Wales. The new hub at Capital Shopping Park in Cardiff features 10 charging bays equipped with state-of-the-art charge points compatible with every electric vehicle (EV) model on the market today. The Cardiff Shopping Park hub provides a variety of charging options for EV owners. With eight 300kW DC chargers, drivers can add up to 100 miles of range in just 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the vehicle and battery capacity. For those planning a longer visit, two slower AC chargers are also available. Osprey Charging now operates the largest number of rapid charge points in Wales, with over 100 in operation. In 2024 so far, the company has installed more than 40 new rapid and ultra-rapid charge points in the region, contributing to better air quality, lower noise pollution and supporting local decarbonisation efforts. This Capital Shopping Park hub reflects Osprey’s ongoing commitment to expanding Wales’ EV infrastructure. With simple payment options that include contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments, as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards, this new installation arrives in south Wales just weeks after Osprey opened a hub in the north of the country at Billy Jeans Café in Holywell. Two more rapid charging hubs are also set for launch before the end of the year, underscoring Osprey’s rapid expansion throughout Wales. “We are proud to be at the forefront of Wales’ EV transition,” said Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging. “With over 1,200 charging bays across the UK, including more than 100 charge points in Wales, the opening of our Capital Shopping Park hub in Cardiff is an important step in our mission to provide reliable and accessible rapid charging for all drivers wherever they live. This hub not only helps meet the immediate needs of those with EVs but also plays a crucial role in our broader commitment to building a future-proof network across the UK.” Osprey has a long-standing history of supporting the growth of EV infrastructure in Wales. In 2020, the company partnered with Cardiff Council to install 12 rapid charging stations in Cardiff city centre, marking a pivotal moment in their commitment to regional development. Osprey’s continued investment in the region will ensure that more areas have access to high-quality charging facilities as the country works towards the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles. All of Osprey’s charging stations, including those at Capital Shopping Park, are powered by 100% renewable energy. By funding the installation and continuing to oversee the operation and maintenance of the chargers, Osprey ensures charge point reliability for all EV drivers. As a multi-award-winning network, Osprey has been recognized as a Zap-Map ‘Driver Recommended Network’ for the fourth consecutive year, with its locations consistently rated highly for safety and accessibility by the independent inspection body ChargeSafe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services secured an order for more than 4,000 prefabricated drainage stacks to help transform an historic London site which is being redeveloped by Telford Homes. Mechanical and electrical contractor I-MEX (M&E) Ltd selected Terrain FUZE Stax for the Alperton Bus Depot site, a mixed-use development in Brent comprising of three high-rise blocks of commercial, residential, and affordable housing providing 461 homes. The development is due to be completed by June 2025. Terrain FUZE Stax significantly reduces installation times in large-scale drainage stack projects. This is because as a prefabricated solution covering the most common configurations of kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, it removes the time spent on repetitive cutting and welding jobs or assembling loose components. Being available to order through distributors meant I-MEX (M&E) Ltd were able to order product and have it delivered within a month of them starting work on site. Robert Bruce, Polypipe Building Services Technical Sales Manager for London, said: “I-MEX (M&E) Ltd were looking for a versatile drainage stack, and liked the fact that Terrain FUZE Stax offers two four-way bosses on the same stack and can be used in multiple situations. “The fast turnaround needed to keep up with the build program made Terrain FUZE Stax an ideal choice because we keep these in stock with our distributors so there’s a short lead time. “We also worked out a complete delivery schedule with them which means their installation team can call down so many floors for delivery to site at a time through their distributor as they need them. “The fact Stax come in two parts makes them easy to install, especially where fire collars are already fitted into the slab. Previously I-MEX (M&E) Ltd had been cutting stacks in two to fit them then fabricate them back together. “Now they are installing Stax so quickly at a level per day that we’ve had to speed up their delivery schedule. Our Advantage team has also helped adapt the Terrain FUZE Stax being used in the bathrooms because I-MEX (M&E) Ltd needed a ring seal fitting to one of the outlets.” To give the installation team complete peace of mind Polypipe Building Services were able to conduct a site visit to check the standard of the drainage product installation and produce a report for I-MEX (M&E) Ltd to present to Telford Homes. This is increasingly being requested by responsible contractors from construction product manufacturers following the implementation of the Building Safety Act. Dan Smailes, Commercial Director Prefabrication at I-MEX (M&E) Ltd, said: “Prefabrication is at the forefront of what I-MEX (M&E) Ltd have been doing over the last seven years, and the introduction of Polypipe FUZE Stax came at the perfect time for us to be able to utilise it on this project. “We have previously worked alongside Polypipe Building Services to complete traditional prefabrication pieces on other projects using their standard drainage stacks and had adjusted them to make installation easier, but moving forward we will continue to use the two-part FUZE Stax on all our sites.” For more information about the commercial drainage products and prefabrication service at Polypipe Building Services go to www.polypipe.com/this-is-our-terrain Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Doncaster-based chartered surveyors and property consultancy group, Barnsdales, has leased commercial properties an award-winning cybersecurity firm and a retro gaming arcade to create its new flagship store. Barndales successfully let a 14,000 sq ft open-plan property on Doncaster’s bustling high street to the popular gaming entertainment company The Arcade Warehouse. Alongside this, it let a 4,574 sq ft unit in a brand new office building at Carolina Way office park to the IT services and cybersecurity provider, Wavenet. Jason Barnsdale, Managing Director of Barnsdales, said: “I’m very happy to welcome The Arcade Warehouse and Wavenet into our growing portfolio of commercial property leases throughout Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the UK. “The commercial property market is truly starting to recover from the unsettling impact of a tough few years and these lettings are a testament to the fact that the market is adapting towards experience and infrastructure-led enterprises like these two businesses.” Situated just metres from Doncaster’s historic Mansion House and Frenchgate Shopping Centre, the rental agreement with Barnsdales marks a new era for The Arcade Warehouse – which prides itself on being ‘the UK’s best free-play gaming arcade’. It now celebrates three years of consistent growth by opening its Doncaster facility, establishing bases across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and Tyne and Wear. Caton Airey, Regional Manager of The Arcade Warehouse, said: “We’ve been looking to establish a foothold in Doncaster for years now, but the right property was proving quite evasive. Barnsdales showed us around the high street premises and we simply fell in love with it straight away. “Its layout, location and design make it ideal for our business – which typically involves blacking out windows and retrofitting features to create an immersive gaming experience reminiscent of a 1980s gaming arcade. The proactive and hands-on-the-ground approach from Barnsdales has really sped up the process of installing our games and digital infrastructure and we’re already reaping the benefits of the prime location and excellent transport links. “Our Doncaster store is now our biggest and most impressive venue, making it our flagship location – we’ve welcomed guests from Sheffield, Leeds, the North East and even London.” Meanwhile, Barnsdales has leased a 4,574 sq ft unit in Chadwick House, a modern office building at Carolina Way Office Park, to the award-winning IT and cyber security provider Wavenet, acting on behalf of the landlord The RG Group. Situated close to the picturesque Lakeside Shopping Village and well-known brands such as BT, The Direct Line Group and the UK’s largest rail freight company, DB Cargo, which Barnsdales also oversees property management for, the location is ideally positioned for rail and road transport links – with access to the A1 (M) accessible via the M18 in just over five minutes. David Dixon, Managing Director of The RG Group, said: “Barnsdales have been instrumental in helping us to successfully let out this prime commercial property. While interest has been intense throughout the marketing period, it was important to us to take on a client we feel is the right fit for this purpose-built space – and Wavenet is just that.” James Humphreys, Surveyor at Barnsdales, added: “We’re very proud to have been trusted with this instruction and are equally proud to have excelled in putting together a deal that the client and tenant are happy with. Truthfully, post-COVID, the office market was predicted to have a potentially bleak future – but we’re certainly not seeing this become reality. The office market is still very active with a number of deals being done throughout the region and nationally.” Barnsdales has a team of experienced property professionals with offices in Doncaster, Sheffield, Bristol, Cirencester, Manchester, Nottingham, Lincoln, London, and Derby. To learn more, visit www.barnsdales.co.uk or contact the Barnsdales head office on 01302 323 453. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two Imax Xtra 2 240kW Ideal Heating Commercial condensing boilers have been installed at Hull Maritime Museum as part of a major restoration project to the Grade 2* listed building. Dating back to 1871 when the building was Hull’s Dock Offices, the Hull Maritime Museum has been in operation since 1975 and had been heated by the same cast iron section boiler for the last 30 years. The boiler had not only outlived its natural working lifespan, but was also energy inefficient. With building services being replaced and updated throughout the museum as part of a restoration project that began in 2020, the old boiler has now been replaced by two Imax Xtra 2 240kW boilers installed in cascade on a prefabricated header kit. The Imax Xtra 2 range of floor standing condensing boilers from Ideal Heating Commercial provide up to 97.7% full load efficiency and up to 108.2% part load efficiency, and have a high 5:1 turndown, making them highly energy efficient. Installing the boilers in cascade, as at Hull Maritime Museum, makes for an even more energy efficient solution as they have a higher modulation ratio than a single larger boiler, so there is less need for each individual boiler to cycle on and off to meet changing demands for heating over a day. Up to four Imax Xtra 2 boilers can be installed in a cascade for an output up to 1120kW Imax Xtra 2 boilers can operate at up to 30°C ΔT, and five of the six models – including the 240kW – operate at 26mg/kWh on natural gas. As with all Ideal Heating Commercial boilers, they are built to last and feature a robust cast aluminium silicon alloy heat exchanger. Imax Xtra 2 boilers are also highly compact with a small footprint to fit through standard doorways. All these factors played an important role in the specification of the new boilers, but a further factor which sealed the deal for the client was that Imax Xtra 2 boilers are proudly manufactured in Hull! The heating contractor on this project, family-owned HF Brown & Son Ltd. that has been in business since 1947, is a long-standing Ideal Heating Commercial customer, who has used the company’s full range of boilers extensively. Managing Director Nick Brown is satisfied with this latest installation: “The whole install appears to be working well and the boilers were an ease to install. The service and support from Ideal Heating was very good as usual.” Hull Maritime Museum is expected to reopen in 2026. For more information on Ideal Heating Commercial, visit https://www.idealcommercialheating.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exciting new details have emerged for Project Edison, a high-tech data centre proposed by Elite UK REIT, which aims to transform a 39-acre site near the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Peel Park campus in Blackpool. With plans submitted to Fylde Council earlier this month, the project includes the construction of two data centre buildings and a 400-space multi-storey car park, paving the way for cutting-edge infrastructure that could redefine Blackpool’s role in the digital economy. The ambitious plans detail two 20-metre-tall data centre buildings covering a combined 157,000 square feet, which will house “multiple data halls accommodating approximately 600 racks” of server infrastructure each. These facilities will replace an existing surface-level car park at the site, creating a need for new parking solutions for DWP staff. To address this, Elite UK REIT has proposed a multi-storey car park that would support the data centre and DWP employees, though demand is expected to drop as around 1,000 DWP staff are scheduled to relocate to Blackpool’s town centre next year. Elite UK REIT selected this location for its prime connection to the North Atlantic Loop, a high-speed subsea fibre optic cable linking the USA, UK, and Ireland. This connectivity promises fast and reliable internet speeds, boosting Blackpool’s appeal to data-centre operators and tech firms. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to Silicon Sands, a 40-acre tech cluster planned within the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, designed to attract data-driven industries to the Fylde Coast. According to consultancy Cassidy + Ashton, Project Edison “will position the Fylde Coast at the cutting edge of AI development, supporting the economic ambitions of the Blackpool Enterprise Zone.” To find out more, search reference number 24/0516 on Fylde Council’s planning portal. The project team includes Cassidy + Ashton, KeySource, TTSP, Murphy Geospatial, SLR, GEA, and Bowland Ecology, all working to bring this landmark development to life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Associated British Ports (ABP) has secured 21 acres of land to support the ongoing expansion of the Port of Immingham, the UK’s largest port by tonnage. The newly acquired site, located along Humber Road and Rosper Road, has a live hybrid planning application in place, proposing up to 300,000 sq ft of new industrial buildings or 16 acres for open industrial storage. North Lincolnshire Council planners are expected to make a decision on the application soon. Andrew Dawes, Director of Humber Ports, commented: “Acquiring this strategic site on the western edge of the Port of Immingham is essential to extending our footprint and ensuring that the Port can continue to grow in line with the needs of our customers on the Humber. As the nation’s busiest port by volume, Immingham handles around 46 million tonnes of cargo each year, making this expansion critical to maintaining our role as a gateway to Keep Britain Trading.” ABP’s Head of Property, Greg Lacey, added: “This acquisition is another significant step for the UK’s largest port by tonnage, following our purchase of the Stallingborough Interchange last year. We’re seeing high demand for warehousing to support traditional bulk cargos as well as industrial open storage. With its proximity to major players like Phillips 66 and Prax, the site could play an important role in broader energy projects focused on generation and storage. This aligns with ABP’s mission to Enable the Energy Transition and contribute to the Humber’s decarbonisation.” The new acquisition underscores ABP’s commitment to enhancing the Port of Immingham’s capacity to meet growing demand, positioning it as a central hub for the UK’s industrial and energy sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lidl, the popular German discount supermarket chain, has secured a landmark £70 million sale-and-leaseback deal to fund the development of 12 new stores across the United Kingdom. This strategic move is part of Lidl’s ambitious UK expansion plan, which aims to make affordable, high-quality groceries accessible to even more communities nationwide. To bring this vision to life, Lidl has teamed up with Roadside Real Estate and Meadow Real Estate Fund, who have formed a joint venture to acquire these new stores upon completion. Under the agreement, Lidl will continue to manage and operate each location, allowing the retailer to strengthen its UK presence while unlocking capital to fuel further growth. Initially, Lidl acquired land and planning permissions for each of the 12 strategic sites. Once construction is complete, Roadside Real Estate will acquire the stores, leasing them back to Lidl under a 25-year contract. This flexible capital arrangement allows Lidl to grow its network while maintaining a robust operational foothold in key communities. The funding deal sees the joint venture contributing an initial £30 million, with a further £40 million to be provided upon the stores’ completion between late October 2024 and February 2025. These new additions will bolster Lidl’s current network of over 960 UK stores, solidifying its position as a major player in the British retail sector. Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s Chief Development Officer, stated: “We have big ambitions for our expansion, including plans to open hundreds more Lidl stores in the future. This deal is just the latest example of how we’re continuing to grow our footprint, ensuring that more households can benefit from a Lidl store nearby. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Roadside, Meadow, and the JV.” Charles Dickson, Executive Chairman at Roadside, added: “The Lidl portfolio perfectly demonstrates the JV’s strategy, swiftly providing targeted capital to support tenant expansion while generating management fees and opening up further income opportunities.” George Trimmer from Savills commented, “This is a valuable opportunity to forward fund the construction of 12 supermarkets let to Lidl. The 25-year leases not only provide long-term income stability with annual indexation but also enable Lidl GB Limited to unlock capital while retaining operational control.” This sale-and-leaseback arrangement is a testament to Lidl’s commitment to sustainable growth, combining an innovative funding model with operational stability. By leveraging real estate partnerships, Lidl is accelerating its store expansion across the UK, continuing its mission to invest in quality and affordability for British customers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vantage, a sustainable retrofit and principal contracting business, proudly announces the successful completion of its photovoltaic (PV) installation project at The Arches, a new build-to-rent development in Leicester, for the Catella European Residential Fund III (CER III). The project was delivered on budget and a week ahead of schedule. Commissioned by CER III and Catella APAM, the site’s asset managers, Vantage began by assessing The Arches’ energy performance baseline and producing a tailored decarbonisation pathway. The report identified the potential for a significant roof-mount PV array, alongside a selection of other energy and carbon reduction projects. Following an extensive feasibility study – which included a structural assessment as well as planning and Distribution Network Operator (DNO) applications – Vantage executed a comprehensive design and build solution, acting as Principal Contractor for the project. Vantage managed all aspects of the project, including in-house procurement, project management, cost management and construction site oversight. The successful installation now allows The Arches to generate 25% of its total electrical load from on- site renewable energy, significantly decreasing reliance on grid energy and bolstering the asset’s energy performance credentials. Marwin Weber, CER III Fund Manager, commented: “We have integrated a climate strategy into our investment strategy aiming to decarb and adapt at the lowest possible cost point. This is another milestone of our pan-European climate strategy.” Adam Fairless, Managing Director of Vantage, added: “The PV installation marks a significant milestone on the asset’s journey to net zero. We’re thrilled to have delivered this project ahead of schedule and within budget, and look forward to continuing to support CER III on future sustainability enhancements.” Chalwe Silwizya, Asset Manager at Catella APAM, stated, “This project underpins the CER III Fund’s commitment to reducing its climate impact and increasing the energy efficiency of its portfolio. This is one of several initiatives being undertaken at The Arches as part of our ESG strategy, to adapt to the changing climate and occupier demands” For enquiries about the Vantage turn-key decarbonization model or if you’re interested in enhancing your assets EPC rating please contact us at info@vantagezero.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
If current trends persist, Scotland is set to face a homelessness crisis of alarming proportions by 2040, according to a new report by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. The study has forecasted a 90% increase in homelessness applications to more than 4,100 annually, while at least 7,000 households could be forced into temporary accommodation – an 89% surge. The City of Edinburgh is anticipated to have the largest share of households in temporary accommodation in Scotland, comprising two thirds (66%) of the total nationwide. Highland follows, accounting for 32% of all such households in the country. Grant Docherty, partner and head of Shakespeare Martineau in Scotland, said: “This is a wake-up call. We cannot allow these projections to become a reality. “Scotland abolished the Right to Buy scheme, which gave council house tenants the opportunity to buy their rented home at a discounted price, in 2016 – leading to a 4% increase in the country’s social-rented homes stock in the six years that followed. “However, despite this, these figures show that it is crucial the public sector and housing associations work together to provide stable, accessible and affordable accommodation. The government also needs to ensure support services for vulnerable groups are properly funded. “The cost of doing nothing will be catastrophic – not just for the individuals affected but for society as a whole.” Utilising the latest National Records of Scotland population projections, Shakespeare Martineau – supported by socio economic experts at Marrons – has built a national and regional picture of Scotland’s housing need in 2040. Supplementing this is government data on homelessness applications and the number of households living in temporary accommodation, as well as under-occupation statistics. By 2040, Scotland’s 16+ population is expected to grow by 4% to more than 4.7 million people. Notably, Edinburgh and Lothians emerges as the fastest-growing region – anticipating 15% growth to more than 871,000 – while Highlands and Islands will witness a 3% decline in its total population. To meet the burgeoning demand, at least 352,500 homes need to be constructed across the country by 2040. Edinburgh and Lothians leads the way in housing need, with demand for more than 111,500 homes. In contrast, South of Scotland demands the least, with a requirement of 16,830 properties. The first-time buyer demographic is anticipated to grow by 1% to more than 1.3 million, with Edinburgh and Lothian expected to experience the most positive growth at 11%. Highlands and Islands stands out with the most significant decline, projected at 7%. Nationally, the later living demographic is set to witness a 27% increase, with Edinburgh and Lothians experiencing the greatest surge (39%) and Scotland South demonstrating the slowest growth (19%). Meanwhile, the student-age demographic is set to make up 7% of the total 16+ population in Scotland’s university cities. Dan Usher, economics director at Marrons, who specialises in housing need evidence, said: “Citing pressure on homelessness services, rising property prices and high levels of temporary accommodation, the Scottish government and 12 of the country’s 32 councils have declared housing emergencies – signalling that intervention is needed. “In examining the data, it becomes evident there is a pressing need for strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the growing demand for affordable housing, as well as a real opportunity for purpose-built homes tailored for last-time buyers. By capitalising on this, we not only cater to the specific needs of this demographic but also unlock the potential to release much-needed family homes back into the market. “Building a range of homes to suit many different needs is not only a priority but a necessity. It creates more choice, aids first-time buyers onto the property ladder, gives expanding families additional space; helps the ageing population downsize and live in homes more suitable for their needs, and adds to the supply of affordable housing.” To read the full report, please visit https://tinyurl.com/ScotlandHousing2040. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals