EV infrastructure provider installs third site as part of four retail locations across Scotland, which will deliver a megawatt of power between them. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider, FOR EV, has launched a new site at Tesco Express on Great Northern Road, Aberdeen. The new 200kW charging hub, which is
Building Heroes, the leading tri-service military charity dedicated to facilitating the transition from military to civilian careers within the construction sector is proud to announce that Thakeham has renewed its Bronze Sponsoring Partnership. Partnering with Thakeham, a leading housebuilder renowned for its commitment to sustainability and community-focused developments, underscores our
The reimagined Creamery building at the heart of Castle Cary railway station now boasts a striking, all-glass passenger lift from Stannah. This modern addition combines style with accessibility, offering a transparent and elegant way to visit the trackside restaurant and working creamery. This historic structure, which has been a part
Instagrid (www.instagrid.co), the Certified B Corporation and leading provider of advanced battery-based portable power systems for mobile workforces, today announces the launch of Instagrid GO. The high-performance battery unit will provide mobile power to UK construction workers facing challenging power demands, whilst simultaneously transforming workplace safety and driving the construction
Commenting on the latest Halifax data showing UK house prices in September rose 4.7% compared with a year ago – the strongest rate since November 2022, Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners, said: “We are continuing to see a consistent month-on-month rise in house prices, which signals a potential
Energy efficiency has become a major concern with regards to commercial building construction, with companies wanting to keep operational expenses as low as possible while also being “green.” Probably the most effective strategy toward such a goal would be the application of energy-efficient building materials, for which wall panels represent
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel operator and owner of Premier Inn, has secured planning permission to develop a 693-bedroom hotel at 5 Strand, just metres away from Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column. The new development, approved by Westminster City Council, will be one of London’s largest budget hotels and
The UK Government has announced a substantial £22 billion investment in carbon capture and storage projects, aimed at cutting emissions while driving economic growth. This major funding boost is set to support two significant “carbon capture clusters” in Merseyside and Teesside over the next 25 years, creating thousands of jobs
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
M&G Real Estate Finance has announced £200 million in prime refinancing deals across the resilient UK logistics and retail warehousing sectors. The company is capitalising on robust tenant and investor demand, driven by constrained supply in key markets. One of the deals includes a £50 million construction loan (72.5% LTV)
EV infrastructure provider installs third site as part of four retail locations across Scotland, which will deliver a megawatt of power between them. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider, FOR EV, has launched a new site at Tesco Express on Great Northern Road, Aberdeen. The new 200kW charging hub, which is less than a 10-minute drive from the city centre, is equipped with three dual charging points and six connectors that can charge a typical EV from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes. The completion marks the latest of four sites run by Cedarwood Asset Management Ltd, including recently launched charging hubs at Sainsbury’s Inverkip in Inverclyde and Toolstation Montrose. The next step of the expansion will be FOR EV’s delivery of a fourth site in Fraserburgh, securing a combined total of 22 connectors across the Cedarwood sites. Paul Jenkins, Director at Cedarwood Asset Management Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have completed another deal with FOR EV and are sure that the public and staff of the Tenants on this site will benefit significantly from this additional facility.” John Ross, Business Development Manager at FOR EV, said: “We have a strong and growing relationship with Cedarwood Asset Management. Delivering a third site enables us to provide user-friendly EV charging infrastructure to a wider range of drivers across Scotland. “It’s important for retail businesses and landowners to recognise the need for infrastructure as not only an essential provision for EV owners but also an opportunity to attract new customers.” FOR EV is Scotland’s leading charge point operator and is supported by funding from The Scottish National Investment Bank. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building Heroes, the leading tri-service military charity dedicated to facilitating the transition from military to civilian careers within the construction sector is proud to announce that Thakeham has renewed its Bronze Sponsoring Partnership. Partnering with Thakeham, a leading housebuilder renowned for its commitment to sustainability and community-focused developments, underscores our mission to collaborate with industry trailblazers that align with our values of service and excellence and are committed to providing opportunities for the armed forces community within the construction industry. Since its foundation in 2014, Building Heroes has supported the transition of over 3,400 graduates into civilian life by offering access to barrier-free construction training programmes. As a recipient of the Queen’s Award and celebrating a decade of significant impact, the charity continues to work with educational partners and industry leaders to accelerate learning that leads to employment or self-employment in construction, infrastructure, and sustainable building sectors. Thakeham’s sponsorship of Building Heroes strengthens a shared commitment to supporting armed forces personnel, advancing construction skills training, and fostering community development. This ongoing collaboration was recently showcased when Thakeham team members joined Building Heroes at a British Forces Resettlement Service careers event, jointly engaging with service leavers to explore various career opportunities in construction. On September 30th, learners from the Basingstoke Building Heroes Academy experienced a comprehensive site tour at Thakeham’s Welborne development in Hampshire. This visit provided an in-depth view of the complex stages of development, highlighting Thakeham’s commitment to sustainable building practices. Sarah Crush, Social Value Manager at Thakeham, commented, “We are committed to helping veterans and reservists find a rewarding career in construction by providing the necessary skills and employment pathways. Our partnership with Building Heroes supports active service members and veterans transition into civilian life via work placements and site tours as part of the charity’s academy programmes. Our dedication to helping the armed forces community is unwavering. Last year, we received a Gold award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the highest level of recognition available to organisations who pledge, demonstrate and advocate support for, and align their values with, the Armed Forces Covenant. With less than 200 national recipients of this accolade, we are the only south east housebuilder to achieve this status.” CEO of Building Heroes, Chris Charles, added, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Thakeham. Our decision to renew the partnership with Thakeham is a testament to their leadership in sustainable development and their unwavering commitment to quality, the Armed Forces community, and the local communities within which they work. This collaboration not only strengthens our ability to support the Armed Forces community though our training programmes but also enhances our learners’ experiences with direct involvement in modern, high-quality housing developments through on-site visits and work placements at Thakeham. We are immensely grateful for Thakeham’s ongoing support, which enriches our charity’s work and provides our learners with deeper industry insights, thereby expanding their career opportunities in the construction sector.” Both organisations are enthusiastic about continuing this rewarding collaboration and eagerly anticipate further success stories as learners transition into rewarding careers, enhanced by the skills and industry knowledge acquired through Building Heroes’ programmes. For more information about Building Heroes and their programmes, please visitwww.buildingheroes.org.uk. For further details on Thakeham and their projects, please visit www.thakeham.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The reimagined Creamery building at the heart of Castle Cary railway station now boasts a striking, all-glass passenger lift from Stannah. This modern addition combines style with accessibility, offering a transparent and elegant way to visit the trackside restaurant and working creamery. This historic structure, which has been a part of the area since 1912, recently underwent an extensive renovation to enhance the safety, stability and user experience. The Creamery is renowned for its tower, ‘La Belle Epoque’, which still stands tall today as a symbol of industrial innovation and artistic flair. Originally established by brothers G&C Prideaux as a milk factory, the creamery processed milk delivered by local farmers into cheese, then transported to London via the railway. Today, The Creamery is open to the public and has been transformed into a community hub, featuring a restaurant and shop, and offering a range of delightful food options to travellers, visitors, and train passengers while reviving its cheesemaking heritage. The client The Creamery is owned by Koos Bekker and his wife, who also owns The Newt in Somerset, which was recently awarded the World’s Best Boutique Hotel at The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. Ken Biggs Contractors were appointed as the principal contractor on this project and made contact after being impressed by Stannah’s distinctive refurbishment of a vintage passenger lift at the YMCA in Bristol. Working with architects Stonewood Design, and Ken Biggs Contractors, Stannah Lifts worked to deliver a lift that was both modern and harmoniously integrated with the early 20th-century aesthetic of the building. The project’s vision was to blend the 1912 style with contemporary elements, which also resulted in Ken Biggs Contractors reconstructing the entire Creamery. The work Stannah Lifts collaborated with architects to incorporate the new lift into the design of the re-imagined Creamery. The project commenced with the installation of vertical rail guides to keep the lift aligned within the elevator shaft, followed by the mechanical first fix in 2023 and the completion of the mechanical package. Shortly after, works commenced on the glass lift shaft and car. The lift shaft and car featured bespoke glass sourced from Gemtec, a specialist German company. Stannah Lifts facilitated a 24-hour visit to Germany for Ken Biggs Contractors and Stonewood Design, allowing them to review the glass and how it would integrate with the lift design before shipping it to the UK, which minimised the need for additional modifications. To ensure the glass was installed without any issues, Gemtec provided helpful support throughout this stage. Meanwhile, Stannah Lifts supplied and fitted custom trims and a glass panel to fill the gap adjacent to the glass car doors. A CTV mechanical lift car package was fitted as part of the overall lift components and snagging works meant full lift completion in April 2024. Additional building works in the Creamery included a new brick extension to match the original factory’s detailing, reflecting the 1912 era and the Titanic’s historical significance, with posters embedded in the staircase brickwork. The design also pays tribute to the rich history of milk and cheese production at the Creamery, with milk bottle carvings integrated throughout the building and on the lift car doors. The challenge One particular challenge was aligning with the client’s design vision while maintaining the lift’s structural integrity for safe and efficient operation. As a result, the design and concept of the lift evolved during the project to better address customer needs and project requirements. Precision was crucial as several design elements, including lighting and fitting locations, were adapted throughout the project. Stannah Lifts collaborated closely with the client to balance their needs with practical and mechanical feasibility, such as incorporating shaft lights underneath the lift structure for a minimalistic look, creating an illuminated effect. At the customer’s request, the lift’s structure wasn’t initially anchored to the brickwork, resulting in a requirement to monitor structural movement. Stannah conducted wind load calculations, revealing potential issues during gale-force winds. To ensure the safety of passengers, Stannah proposed securing the lift to the brickwork. Given the complexity of the installation, Stannah assembled a highly skilled team to execute the project, which included Gemtec, R&R Lifts, and Vinsol. Stannah participated in regular meetings and design consultations with the client to ensure their requirements were thoroughly addressed. The result The custom-designed passenger lift features a minimalist approach with discrete fixings and fixtures. It seamlessly integrates handrails through the glass without additional supports or corner trims. This 8-person all-glass lift allows natural light to illuminate the interior, offering passengers views of the Creamery as they travel to the first floor. The hydraulic passenger lift serves two floors and travels 3.6 metres to provide step-free access from The Creamery restaurant to the train station’s platform. A unique aspect of the lift is the placement of the keyhole for manually operating the car and landing doors. Traditionally mounted at the top of the landing doors, Stannah positioned the keyhole at the bottom to align with the minimalist design, effectively concealing the system. To address signal issues within the shaft, a GSM package was installed with an antenna mounted on the structure ensuring reliable signal reception. The bespoke lift adheres to all open protocol requirements, allowing for independent maintenance and repair, and is fully DDA compliant, ensuring accessible features like illuminated push buttons are positioned at a height accessible to wheelchair users. All Stannah lifts are certified according to the Lifts Regulations 2016 (2016 No. 1093). Ben Harding, Bristol Branch Manager at Stannah Lift Services, said: “We’re proud to have worked on this unique project. It hasn’t come without its challenges but we can proudly say this bespoke glass lift embodies our client’s minimalist vision while offering a safe and accessible alternative to reaching the train platform. It seamlessly blends modern design with functionality while offering an unobstructed view of the Creamery as passengers ascend.”www.stannahlifts.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Instagrid (www.instagrid.co), the Certified B Corporation and leading provider of advanced battery-based portable power systems for mobile workforces, today announces the launch of Instagrid GO. The high-performance battery unit will provide mobile power to UK construction workers facing challenging power demands, whilst simultaneously transforming workplace safety and driving the construction industry net-zero push. Global off-grid work is currently dominated by inefficient and costly fuel-powered combustion generators that produce harmful emissions and pose health risks to users. To combat this, the UK construction industry has launched a plan to eliminate 78% of diesel machinery from UK construction sites by 2035. In order to reach this goal, construction executives and business owners need to adopt innovative clean technologies. Born out of Germany’s world-renowned epicenter for innovation and engineering excellence, Instagrid has developed a sustainable alternative power supply that integrates a unique award-winning architecture of stacked micro-inverters to deliver precise grid-like performance, at a fraction of the size, weight, and environmental cost of conventional generators. In fact, by avoiding expenditure on fuel and maintenance, Instagrid customers save nearly 80% on lifetime costs, all whilst generating zero exhaust fumes. Instagrid’s principal and flagship product Instagrid ONE has so far helped nearly 50,000 users across Europe to reduce costs thanks to savings on fuel and maintenance, and to create a more efficient and healthier work environment. In many cases, Instagrid ONE has transformed how users work entirely. For example, providing metal workers ultra-high peak power for welding on-the-go, or helping film crews to streamline their operations by avoiding cumbersome cables and noisy power generators on set. Following the monumental success of Instagrid ONE across several verticals in Europe, Instagrid has now developed a new power unit that directly responds to the unique energy regulations of the UK construction vertical, whilst encompassing the peak power and portability components of Instagrid ONE. Instagrid GO will transform the way construction workers operate, granting them a higher level of flexibility and freedom to perform power-demanding tasks, whilst elevating their level of safety through reduced cabling and local emissions. Furthermore, by drastically reducing air and noise pollution on-site, workers can feel assured that their safety is of paramount importance. Instagrid GO: portable energy reinvented Instagrid GO (shown above, product spec below) is the new UK-specific mobile energy source for construction workers, providing clean power for anyone, anywhere, anytime: Instagrid GO is the third product from Instagrid, and is compatible with the Instagrid LINK – the smart power distributor that lets users connect multiple power sources together, allowing seamless switching between them and increasing overall capacity. With charge times of under 3 hours, and enabling a sustained and efficient energy supply, the Instagrid GO powers a range of applications. For example: For information on demoing or purchasing Instagrid GO, the UK Sales Team can be contacted at sales.uk@instagrid.co. Instagrid GO is also available to purchase in North American markets, developed with dual 120 V outputs and the option to switch to 240 V, empowering professional use cases across multiple sectors of industry, including construction, film & media, emergency services, and events. Sebastian Berning, Co-CEO and Co-Founder: “Instagrid GO embodies the same innovative spirit as our European flagship product, Instagrid ONE, which has revolutionised the portable power market since its inception. Rooted in rigorous German engineering and fueled by feedback from top-tier professional customers, we crafted Instagrid GO to fulfil the exacting demands of the UK construction vertical. Instagrid GO is a game-changer for construction professionals pursuing clean, high-performance mobile power.” Andreas Sedlmayr, Co-CEO and Co-Founder: “The launch of Instagrid GO marks a groundbreaking step in our commitment to delivering high-performance power while achieving ambitious sustainability targets. In our mission to decarbonise off-grid power, we now have a product tailor-made for the UK construction vertical, which remains heavily reliant on combustion technology. With nearly 50,000 users across Europe already experiencing the benefits of clean, high-performance mobile power, Instagrid GO is set to empower professionals in this key construction industry. This innovative solution will not only drive their commercial success but also support the transition towards net-zero goals.” Product specifications Output voltage: 110 V AC / 50 Hz Rated output power: 3.6 kW Peak output power: 18.0 kW Rated energy capacity: 2.1 kWh Weight: 21 kg IP Class: IP54 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting on the latest Halifax data showing UK house prices in September rose 4.7% compared with a year ago – the strongest rate since November 2022, Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners, said: “We are continuing to see a consistent month-on-month rise in house prices, which signals a potential upward trend for the remainder of the year. The market is showing strong signs of resilience, even amid broader uncertainties. Much anticipation surrounds Labour’s plans to stimulate the housing sector, particularly regarding the construction of new homes and unlocking the planning system. If effective initiatives are announced in the coming months, they could provide the market with an additional boost, driving further growth and confidence in the sector. “In the property investment world, rent values have seen sustained growth, positioning real estate as reasonably valued in comparison to gilts and presenting growth potential. In the realm of commercial real estate, we have seen values hit the bottom and confidence return. The market has picked up with opportunistic acquisitions of prime properties in prime locations. “As a debt provider, we hope to support well-capitalised borrowers who understand their product and are looking at the best sites in prime locations with potential to add to their asset value. Following this strategy, we aim to bolster developers’ initiatives with the flexible underwriting approach that is necessary for navigating a changing market. This will enable us to continue to offer opportunities for the growing number of private individuals opting to invest in property debt.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy efficiency has become a major concern with regards to commercial building construction, with companies wanting to keep operational expenses as low as possible while also being “green.” Probably the most effective strategy toward such a goal would be the application of energy-efficient building materials, for which wall panels represent some of the most overt examples. Wall panels can play a considerable role in lowering energy usage because these are crucially important in regulating internal temperature within any building. Thermal Insulation and Temperature Regulation Wall panels play a very important role in regulating the temperature within commercial settings. The integration of insulated wall panels into other materials that offer high thermal insulation ensures uniform internal building temperatures. This ultimately reduces the demand for heating and cooling, hence decreased energy use. Indeed, maintaining the temperatures within comfortable ranges keeps occupants more comfortable, and this includes working offices, retail outlets, and even industrial establishments. Wall Panels for Reduction of HVAC Load Most commercial buildings have HVAC systems that are among the largest consumers of energy. These wall panels with enhanced insulation will reduce the stress that HVAC systems go through by minimizing heat leakage or penetration through a building envelope. A smaller HVAC load significantly lessens energy consumption and thus means smaller utility bills. In addition to that, smaller loads on HVAC might also increase its service life and bring extra savings after some very long periods of time. Prevention of Air Leakage Air leakage is one of the major issues in energy efficiency and most of the time, it occurs due to gaps or cracks within a building envelope. Therefore, panels make the structure much tighter-fitting, hence reducing the chances of air infiltration in wall panels. It keeps conditioned air from escaping or outside air from coming inside the building and maintains the temperature of the building along with reducing energy consumption upon proper installation. Sustainability through Wall Panel Materials The energy efficiency in commercial buildings is related to the material used during the building process. Today, most of the wall panels are made from sustainable materials which have a minimal environmental impact and provide very good insulation. Environmentally friendly wall panels add to reducing the carbon footprint of a project, and energy-efficient wall panels often qualify for green building certifications like LEED, adding to the sustainability profile of the building. Soundproofing and Energy Efficiency Another great feature of such energy-efficient wall panels relates to soundproofing. Most materials that contribute to thermal insulation are also capable of not allowing any extraneous noise into the spaces. In commercial buildings, it allows the creation of productive environments. In cases of offices or conference rooms, for instance, it becomes critical. While soundproofing might not relate directly to energy efficiency, the dual functionality of these wall panels reduces the need for additional materials and hence makes the entire process of construction more efficient. Long-Term Cost Savings If anything, energy-efficient wall panels are more costly to install but pay for themselves long-term through energy usage. Money generated from lower utility bills will offset the cost of a good panel. Over time, the benefit of reduced energy use, wear and tear on HVAC systems, and a more sustainable building makes it an enterprise advantage. They have become an essential element in the growing demand for energy-efficient buildings, which are commercial in nature. They address various issues related to thermal insulation and leakage of air, apart from concern for sustainability. Thus, they would continue to remain one of the major essentials in designing and developing energy-efficient buildings, meeting both environmental and economic objectives in the development of commercial buildings.
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel operator and owner of Premier Inn, has secured planning permission to develop a 693-bedroom hotel at 5 Strand, just metres away from Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column. The new development, approved by Westminster City Council, will be one of London’s largest budget hotels and will operate under Whitbread’s hub by Premier Inn brand. This prime site acquisition is part of Whitbread’s strategy to expand its footprint in London, where a large portion of its future hotel room pipeline is focused. The £200 million-plus investment, which covers construction and related costs, highlights Whitbread’s commitment to bringing affordable accommodation into the heart of the capital and other major UK cities. Mark Anderson, Whitbread’s Managing Director for Property and International, commented: “The hub by Premier Inn brand was launched 10 years ago in St. Martin’s Lane, not far from this new site. Since then, it’s grown into a network of 18 popular hotels across Central London and Edinburgh. The development at 5 Strand showcases how we can evolve the brand in London’s core and leverage our strong balance sheet to secure high-demand, accessible locations. With planning approved, we’re eager to start construction and create a flagship location for our guests.” Whitbread has been making significant investments in London to address the shortage of branded budget hotel rooms. Currently, it operates over 100 hotels within the M25, with 12 more in its development pipeline. The company is also scouting for new sites in 40 locations across inner and outer London for both its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands. The new hotel at 5 Strand will cover 16,000 square metres over 13 storeys and will feature a spacious ground-floor area on the Strand and Northumberland Street. Around 150 team members will be employed at the hotel, with recruitment prioritised in the City of Westminster and surrounding boroughs. The hub by Premier Inn hotels offer compact rooms – around half the size of a standard Premier Inn room – with a modern design, tech-focused amenities, and a relaxed lounge-style food and beverage area. In line with Whitbread’s commitment to achieving net-zero direct emissions by 2040, the 5 Strand hotel will be powered entirely by renewable electricity. This exciting new development is set to provide affordable, centrally located accommodation for visitors to London, further strengthening Whitbread’s presence in the capital’s competitive hotel market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK Government has announced a substantial £22 billion investment in carbon capture and storage projects, aimed at cutting emissions while driving economic growth. This major funding boost is set to support two significant “carbon capture clusters” in Merseyside and Teesside over the next 25 years, creating thousands of jobs and attracting private investment, all while helping the UK meet its climate targets. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, highlighted the initiative as a means of “reigniting our industrial heartlands by investing in the industry of the future.” Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology traps emissions produced by energy generation and industrial processes, such as cement manufacturing, and stores them underground in geological formations like disused oil fields beneath the sea. Experts, including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Climate Change Committee, consider CCUS vital to achieving the greenhouse gas reductions needed to combat climate change. The Government’s £22 billion commitment will fund carbon capture initiatives in Teesside and Merseyside, focusing on projects that capture emissions from hydrogen production, gas power plants, and energy-from-waste facilities. This investment is set to generate around 4,000 direct jobs and support up to 50,000 jobs long-term. Additionally, it will help the UK remove 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, with the first carbon being stored as early as 2028. These projects are expected to serve as a catalyst for the UK’s first large-scale hydrogen production plant, while also helping the oil and gas industry transition to greener energy sources. The move has been widely welcomed, with David Grier of Verdant Regeneration stating, “This funding provides industry with the confidence to invest in groundbreaking technology that will create jobs, spur growth, and help meet the UK’s climate ambitions.” The initiative is predicted to attract £8 billion in private sector investment. CCUS technology is also key to the development of “blue” hydrogen, which is produced from natural gas with carbon emissions captured and stored. However, environmentalists, including Greenpeace, have raised concerns that blue hydrogen still relies on fossil fuels, potentially locking the UK into what they call “second-rate solutions.” Prime Minister Starmer defended the plan, stating: “For the past 14 years, business has been held back by a dysfunctional government. Today’s announcement provides the certainty needed to deliver jobs, drive growth, and set the UK on a path to a cleaner, greener future.” Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who first announced plans for carbon capture projects back in 2009, said, “This investment paves the way for a clean energy revolution that will revitalise Britain’s industrial heartlands.” Businesses involved in the carbon capture clusters, including those focused on hydrogen and industrial production, have welcomed the Government’s commitment. Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of Energy UK, described CCUS as “a vital tool in our arsenal to decarbonise industries that cannot yet rely on clean electricity, unlocking significant investment in the process.” However, Greenpeace UK’s policy director, Doug Parr, warned that the £22 billion investment risks extending the lifespan of the oil and gas industry. He called for a greater focus on truly green jobs in sectors like offshore wind or nationwide home insulation programmes to reduce energy bills. The Government’s investment in carbon capture is seen by many as a bold step forward for UK industry and climate action, but its success will depend on balancing economic growth with genuine long-term sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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. • You can read the full Cabinet report here. THE REMEDIATION : Remediating the Festival Gardens site has been a three-year project, which began in 2021. It was a mammoth excavation programme, moving almost 450,000 cubic metres of soil and waste of which more than 95 per cent was recycled, including 100,000 cubic metres of earth being used to create the city’s newest park – the Southern Grasslands which opened in August 2023. The remediation won a national brownfield award in recognition of the complex and sustainable nature of activity which was carried out to ensure the viability of the next phase in the transformation of Festival Gardens. Additional works have also been carried out which include laying drainage and constructing a substation to provide a power supply for the future development. This 28-acre site includes a unique 8-acre area of landscaped amenity space, with the other 20 acres now primed and ready for development. The remediation was led by the Council’s principal contractor VINCI Building. The improvement works to the site that are integral to enabling this exciting development to progress were made possible through a combination of Liverpool City Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Homes England grant funding. Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “This is a major milestone moment in the evolution of the Festival Gardens site. “The appointment of a development partner will see the completion of the International Garden Festival initiative and marks the final chapter in a 40-year story of a site which originally covered 250 acres. It will also ensure that the UK’s only remaining Festival Gardens are preserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy. “We know how well-loved this area is and want to make sure that we are doing as much as we can to ensure this prime waterfront land has the potential to be a flagship development that sets the standard for sustainable housing in the UK. “The extensive remediation work is another piece in the puzzle, and we’re now in a position to go out to the market and invite developers to share with us their viable vision which will be transformative for the area and the city as a whole. “It’s an incredibly exciting time and is the next step in making this in-demand, thriving community a reality.” Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said: “This is another milestone on the journey to transforming Festival Gardens into a vibrant, inclusive community that will be cherished by generations to come. This isn’t just about building units; it’s about building desirable homes, where families can put down roots, where nature and urban living coexist in harmony, and where the community spirit that defines our region can thrive. “Working with the city council we have done much of the hard graft on remediating the contaminated land, and we’re now ready to work with a partner who shares our vision to turn this prime waterfront site into a beacon of sustainable living. Together, we’ll make sure that this development is something we can all be proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
M&G Real Estate Finance has announced £200 million in prime refinancing deals across the resilient UK logistics and retail warehousing sectors. The company is capitalising on robust tenant and investor demand, driven by constrained supply in key markets. One of the deals includes a £50 million construction loan (72.5% LTV) to PineBridge Benson Elliot, aimed at developing two prime logistics assets in Woodford and Enfield, North London. Both sites have received planning consent for seven warehouse units, delivering 175,000 sq ft of high-quality speculative space with strong environmental credentials. Completion is expected within 18 months. London continues to experience a shortage of Grade A logistics space, with vacancy rates currently at 5%, highlighting the strong demand for premium assets that meet modern market standards. In a separate deal, M&G is providing MetroBox—a joint venture between Delancey and Tritax—with a £150 million refinancing loan (53% LTV) to replace an existing debt facility. This loan is secured against four prime retail warehouses in Guildford, Crawley, Luton, and Solihull, all of which are fully let to prominent tenants such as Next, B&Q, and Marks & Spencer. The retail warehousing sector is also experiencing record-low vacancy rates, with the current rate at around 4.6% nationwide and 4.4% recorded in July—the lowest since 2017. These deals highlight M&G’s ability to originate large-scale loans independently, without relying on third-party syndication. The assets secured by these loans showcase M&G’s expertise in underwriting investment-grade properties with positive credit profiles and growth potential. Dan Riches, Head of Real Estate Finance at M&G Real Estate, commented: “We remain committed to financing prime logistics and retail warehousing assets in strategic UK and European locations that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses. With e-commerce and manufacturing growth driving demand for Grade A logistics space, we continue to invest on behalf of our clients in well-located, high-quality assets.” George MacKinnon, Managing Director at PineBridge, added: “We are thrilled to have secured this financing with M&G, which enables the development of two sustainable, high-quality urban logistics assets in key London sub-markets where such facilities are in high demand.” A spokesperson from MetroBox also remarked: “Despite uncertainties in the debt market, we saw significant lender interest during this refinancing exercise. It’s been a pleasure working with M&G, whose competitive terms reflect the strong asset management success of our joint venture with Delancey and Tritax.” M&G’s £73 billion Private Markets division, which includes one of the world’s largest real estate investors, manages more than £40 billion in assets. Established in 2009, M&G’s Real Estate Finance team has deployed over £13 billion across the UK and Europe, investing on behalf of over 100 institutional investors globally. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals