Kenneth Booth

Travelodge Announces Two New Hotels as Part of UK Expansion

Budget hotel chain Travelodge has unveiled plans for two new hotels on the east coast of England, in Skegness and Harwich, as it continues its expansion across the UK. Contracts have been exchanged for both sites, and construction has already commenced. In Skegness, an 80-room Travelodge is being built on

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Weston Homes and Royal London Asset Management Announce £110m Build-to-Rent Partnership at Bracknell Beeches

Weston Homes and Royal London Asset Management Announce £110m Build-to-Rent Partnership at Bracknell Beeches

Weston Homes has announced a landmark forward funding partnership with Royal London Asset Management to transform the £110.1 million Bracknell Beeches site into a state-of-the-art Build-to-Rent (BTR) development. As part of the agreement, Royal London Asset Management will purchase the entire Bracknell Beeches site from Weston Homes and enter into

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SBTi validates Marshalls’ science-based net-zero targets in milestone moment

SBTi validates Marshalls’ science-based net-zero targets in milestone moment

Building materials specialist Marshalls has approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making a bold commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes by 2050. Marshalls’ near-term targets – to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by

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Valor and QuadReal Expand London Logistics Portfolio with £60 Million Acquisitions in Barking and Enfield

Valor and QuadReal Expand London Logistics Portfolio with £60 Million Acquisitions in Barking and Enfield

Valor Real Estate Partners (“Valor”), Europe’s fastest-growing last-mile real estate specialist, has made two strategic acquisitions in London, expanding its logistics portfolio. Acting on behalf of its joint venture with QuadReal Property Group (“QuadReal”), a global real estate investment, development, and management company, Valor has secured two prime last-mile logistics

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Kenneth Booth

Cameron Homes and Keon Homes make ‘Best Workplaces in Construction’ list in major boost for Tara Group

Cameron Homes and Keon Homes make ‘Best Workplaces in Construction’ list in major boost for Tara Group

Investment in people, encouraging more females into the sector and putting in proactive wellbeing support have all played a role in helping two Tara Group companies make the 2024 UK’s Best Workplaces in Construction, Engineering & Property™ list. Cameron Homes and Keon Homes have both made the prestigious rankings, reaffirming the group-wide commitment to its industry-leading ‘Tara Academy’ and how it strives to creates a positive working environment for its 300 plus staff. The list is created using anonymous feedback from employees and covers flexible working environments and how company culture aligns with trust, pride and camaraderie. Julie Caudle, People and Performance Director at the Tara Group, commented: “While bricks and mortar tend to be our main tools, people will always remain the heartbeat of what we do and that’s why we invest so much in their development and in creating the right conditions for them to grow and prosper. “That’s why we are pleased to see Cameron and Keon both feature in the Best Workplaces ranking, scoring highly in pretty much every category. This is even more impressive when you consider that we don’t influence the scores – this is completely in the hands of our team to give their honest feedback of how they feel working for us.” She continued: “The last twelve months have been very impressive. In addition to the latest list, we have also seen Keon Homes secure the highest placing for a construction company in the UK’s Best Workplaces for Development list and Cameron Homes highly placed in the Best Workplaces for Women.” Getting more females into construction has been a priority for the Tara Group, with new measures in place to work with all girl schools to help them understand the roles within the sector. Sutton Grammar School and Newport Girls High School are the first two to take part, in order to help their pupils explore potential courses and qualifications that can be used to pursue a career in the industry. Working with Instep, the group has also launched its first ever female leadership programme, a programme designed by women from a female perspective. It combines group workshops, peer learning, personalised coaching and guest speakers to harness strengths and equip rising stars with the essential skills and capability they will need to lead in the future. Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place To Work® UK, added his support: “The UK’s Best Workplaces focus on ensuring sufficient opportunities for upskilling and reskilling wherever possible – recognising that employee growth spurs organisational growth. “We’ve seen the companies in our UK’s Best Workplaces for Construction, Engineering & Property list proactively introducing development-based investment for their greatest asset, their employees. It’s great to see Keon Homes and Cameron Homes leading from the front.” For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or www.cameronhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Environment Bank to offer biodiversity net gain services to Barclays business customers

Environment Bank to offer biodiversity net gain services to Barclays business customers

Environment Bank has recently announced that it is working in collaboration with Barclays to support greater visibility and adoption of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) among housebuilders and England-based farmers. Environment Bank offers Biodiversity Units to developers to enable them to fulfil their BNG obligations. It works with farmers and landowners to generate these units by building ‘habitat banks’, supporting farmers to increase biodiversity, unlock a diversified revenue stream and build business resilience for their farms. BNG is an initiative that aims to make sure that property development in England has a measurably positive impact on biodiversity. To comply with the Environment Act 2021, developers in England must deliver a 10% net uplift in biodiversity relating to the site to be granted planning permission. Barclays’ developer clients will be able to purchase off-site Biodiversity Units from Environment Bank from a network of habitat banks around the country. As part of the collaboration, Environment Bank and Barclays are also highlighting opportunities for farmers and landowners to explore the BNG market as an avenue of accessing Nature markets, through Environment Bank’s model where it takes a 30-year lease on areas of land to deliver the biodiversity gains. Commenting on the collaboration, Catherine Spitzer, CEO of Environment Bank, said: “We are delighted to be working with Barclays and look forward to helping both its developer and agricultural clients to navigate the BNG market.” “I hope that working closely with Barclays’ clients in this way will make a significant contribution to nature restoration in England.” Adam White, Head of Agriculture, Barclays UK said:  “Not only does BNG support farmers and landowners to explore possible new revenue streams, but it also supports biodiversity uplift across the England and is a route for developers to comply with this new regulation. “This collaboration with Environment Bank helps ensure our customers are getting support to understand what is right for their business.” Environment Bank has already established a network of 28 Habitat Banks over almost 2,000 acres across England – with more than 20 additional sites already in development. It has a team of 85 experts working across ecology, land management, planning, and legal services. Its clients comprise SME and major housebuilders alongside significant commercial, utility, energy, and infrastructure developers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic’s Talent Development Manager Wins Construction Industry Training Board Local Hero Award

Winvic’s Talent Development Manager Wins Construction Industry Training Board Local Hero Award

Winvic Construction Ltd’s Talent Development Manager, Kayleigh Merritt, has won a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Top 100 Influential Women in Construction Award. Kayleigh scooped the Midlands Local Hero accolade – which recognises exceptional women that are working at an operational or site level in construction – and collected her trophy at the awards ceremony in Birmingham last week. Kayleigh’s passion to drive more meaningful on-site interactions and her collaboration with colleges led her to devise the award-winning Winvic Enrichment Programme (WEP). Five days of on-site sessions – tailored to the students’ discipline – are delivered by the Winvic team and subcontractors to showcase roles, skillsets, technology and teach CV-writing and interview skills. Students are benefitting from seeing more on-site activities, learning about the varied roles available and speaking to team members who can provide a greater depth of information. Student and tutor feedback is excellent and the WEP is inspiring the next generation of construction professionals and helping them to make informed career choices. Kayleigh works closely with the Winvic social value team to identify opportunities with schools and colleges that are located near projects. The whole team gets involved in presenting in schools and welcoming students to sites to learn about modern construction culture, site experiences and careers. Winvic’s focus on using the power of female role models has been successful in encouraging young women to consider a construction career and increasing female representation in the industry. Talent Development Manager at Winvic, Kayleigh Merritt, commented: “I’m honoured to have won the Midlands Local Hero award, and I think what we’ve been able to achieve with the Winvic Enrichment Programme and hundreds of other educational outreach activities is very special. I’d like to dedicate this award to all the schools and colleges we collaborate with and the whole Winvic team because I couldn’t do my job without their support.” Rebecca Schwarz, Head of HR and Training, added: “We see Kayleigh as a hero every day, so I’m delighted that she has been publicly recognised for her innovative and tenacious work to engage with young people and support them on their construction career journeys. We’re proud to always listen, learn and be flexible in our approach and this ensures students in local communities gain valuable on-site experiences. Congratulations, Kayleigh, this accolade is well deserved.” Danny Clarke, Engagement Director, England at CITB, said: “Congratulations to our award winners and to all of those who were shortlisted for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. We are delighted to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry. “The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while inspiring others and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field. We are proud to showcase those who are leading in our industry and hope to see more even more applicants next year.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Somerset businesses attend supplier engagement day for Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine

Somerset businesses attend supplier engagement day for Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine

On Tuesday 8th October, 340 people from local businesses attended an open day to hear about the opportunities to work on the development of the Agratas battery facility near Bridgwater.   In partnership with Agratas’ contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine, Agratas invited businesses operating in various sectors, including catering, offsite consolidation, and signage to hear updates on the Gravity Smart Campus development and explore future supplier opportunities.   David Crew, Managing Director, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Somerset has many skilled and talented businesses who are ready to help deliver this exciting project.  “The supplier engagement day was very well-attended and informative, describing a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to be at the heart of the green revolution here in Somerset as vehicle manufacturers switch from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles.  “Somerset Chamber is looking forward to supporting local businesses, Agratas and its partners to mobilise and deliver this transformative project in our region.”  During the supplier engagement day, businesses were provided with a comprehensive project overview, detailing the objectives and significance of the Agratas facility. Attendees were updated on the site progress to date, highlighting key milestones achieved and the work packages currently being considered for future collaboration. The event offered valuable networking opportunities, enabling suppliers to connect, discuss potential partnerships, and engage at exhibition stands where they could ask questions and gain a deeper understanding into the project’s requirements.  Jefferson Weber, Head of UK Construction at Agratas, commented: “It was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and expertise in the room at the first supplier engagement day for the Agratas facility in Bridgwater. While this is a nationally significant project, Agratas is committed to a local-first approach that provides opportunities for businesses and individuals across Somerset.”  Graham Lill, Project Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “This supplier engagement day marks an exciting opportunity for us to connect with local businesses in Somerset. It highlights our commitment to collaborating with the community as we move forward with the Agratas facility project. Sir Robert McAlpine is proud to work alongside high-quality businesses from the region, and together, we can create a meaningful impact on the local economy.”  The Agratas site at Bridgwater is a multi-billion dollar facility that will design, develop and manufacture high-quality, high-performance, sustainable electric batteries once operational. It is set to be the biggest battery facility in the country and by the early 2030s will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector.  The facility itself will create up to 4,000 new high-skilled green tech jobs in the area, with many thousands more expected to be created in the UK supply chain.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glenbrook Unveils Iconic 44-Storey Residential Development in Manchester City Centre

Glenbrook Unveils Iconic 44-Storey Residential Development in Manchester City Centre

Glenbrook has launched a public consultation for a striking 44-storey residential development in the heart of Manchester city centre, near Deansgate Train Station on Whitworth Street West. The proposed development will feature 364 apartments spread across 44 storeys, along with over 7,750 square feet of active space on the ground, first, and second floors. Designed to respect the city’s architectural heritage, the building will incorporate a three-storey arched terracotta colonnade, creating a visually dynamic streetscape. In addition to the residential space, the landscaping plans include new green areas, improved pedestrian routes, and better connections to surrounding communities. Proposed avenues along Cameron and Bugle Streets will provide much-needed public spaces, with well-lit, thoughtfully designed landscaping for both residents and the local community. Commenting on the project, Daniel Roberts, Development Director at Glenbrook, said: “As a Manchester-based developer, we’re thrilled to be embarking on this landmark project in the heart of our city. The site on Whitworth Street West is a highly sustainable location, close to the cultural and leisure attractions that make Manchester so vibrant. With Whitworth Street West undergoing a transformation, Glenbrook is proud to play a key role in its revitalisation.” Tony O’Brien, Partner at Sheppard Robson, added: “This project offers an opportunity to create high-quality homes that harmonise with the character of Whitworth Street. Our design opens up the site, introducing a new public realm at the centre of the development, helping to animate the streets and enhance connections between the city, Knott Mill, and First Street. The building’s design takes inspiration from the area’s rich history, using a local palette of materials to link the scheme with the listed railway viaduct to the south and Deansgate Station to the west.” The public consultation is open from 9th October to 28th October, with a live event scheduled for 15th October at Home on First Street from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. The event will provide residents, businesses, and other stakeholders with an opportunity to view the plans in detail and share their thoughts. Representatives from Glenbrook and the design team will be available to answer questions and gather feedback to ensure the development meets the needs of the community. Input from the consultation will be crucial in shaping the final planning application, which will be submitted to Manchester City Council in the coming months. The public consultation is also accessible online at www.whitworthstreetwest.co.uk, and any enquiries during the consultation period can be directed to info@whitworthstreetwest.co.uk. Glenbrook’s planning adviser for this project is Deloitte. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Travelodge Announces Two New Hotels as Part of UK Expansion

Budget hotel chain Travelodge has unveiled plans for two new hotels on the east coast of England, in Skegness and Harwich, as it continues its expansion across the UK. Contracts have been exchanged for both sites, and construction has already commenced. In Skegness, an 80-room Travelodge is being built on a former crazy golf site on South Parade. The six-storey hotel will feature the chain’s in-house restaurant, Bar Café, located on the top floor with stunning sea views. The development is set to create 30 new jobs in the local area. In Harwich, a 68-room Travelodge is being developed on a six-acre site at Stanton Europark, next to Harwich Port and Enterprise Zone. Both hotels are scheduled to open by summer 2025. The projects are being developed by Burney Group and constructed by Faircloth Construction Ltd. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director at Travelodge, commented: “We are thrilled to continue the expansion of our hotel network across the UK. These new locations in Skegness and Harwich are fantastic additions to our portfolio, ideally placed for both business and leisure travellers. We’re pleased to be working with Burney Group again, and are confident these hotels will perform well, creating new jobs and supporting the local economies.” Carter Jonas acted as Travelodge’s retained development manager for these projects. Travelodge has plans to open 300 additional hotels across the UK, with further sites targeted in Essex and Lincolnshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Weston Homes and Royal London Asset Management Announce £110m Build-to-Rent Partnership at Bracknell Beeches

Weston Homes and Royal London Asset Management Announce £110m Build-to-Rent Partnership at Bracknell Beeches

Weston Homes has announced a landmark forward funding partnership with Royal London Asset Management to transform the £110.1 million Bracknell Beeches site into a state-of-the-art Build-to-Rent (BTR) development. As part of the agreement, Royal London Asset Management will purchase the entire Bracknell Beeches site from Weston Homes and enter into a development contract for the construction of the project. The Bracknell Beeches development will comprise 349 high-quality one, two, and three-bedroom apartments spread across seven buildings, with heights ranging from four to 16 storeys. Designed to offer a premium living experience, the scheme will feature a concierge service, gymnasium, communal lounge and business suite, along with outdoor terraces and landscaped gardens for residents to enjoy. This deal marks a significant milestone for both companies, highlighting Weston Homes’ commitment to forming long-term partnerships with leading investment funds. Located less than 100 metres from Bracknell train station, the development provides easy access to London Waterloo in just over an hour, making it an attractive option for tenants seeking modern, convenient living. Royal London Asset Management, part of the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, shares Weston Homes’ dedication to quality, sustainability, and long-term community investment. This alignment of values underpins the partnership, ensuring that the Bracknell Beeches development will be delivered to the highest standards while creating lasting value for both investors and residents. ProperTies, a specialised operational firm, will manage the Private Rented Sector (PRS) aspect of the development. Bob Weston, Chairman and Chief Executive of Weston Homes, commented: “We are thrilled to secure our first major forward funding deal with Royal London Asset Management, one of the UK’s most respected investment managers. This project reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional developments that cater to the evolving needs of modern living. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Royal London and contributing to the future of Bracknell’s residential landscape.” Mark Evans, Head of Property and Commercial Development at Royal London Asset Management, added: “Our collaboration with Weston Homes on the Bracknell Beeches project aligns with our strategy to expand our portfolio in the residential sector, providing our investors with strong, sustainable rental income. We are excited to see this development take shape and contribute to the growth of Bracknell’s community.” The Bracknell Beeches project is expected to set a new benchmark for Build-to-Rent schemes in the UK, combining innovative design and first-class amenities in a highly connected location. Weston Homes remains open to future long-term partnerships across their wider portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar reaches full height at landmark new 60,000 sq. ft Life Science R&D Facility at Chesterford Research Park

Glencar reaches full height at landmark new 60,000 sq. ft Life Science R&D Facility at Chesterford Research Park

A special ceremony was held on the roof of the new Sidney Sussex building to mark the occasion and celebrate the excellent progress to date. Glencar, a leading UK construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses, recently held a topping out ceremony at Chesterford Research Park to celebrate reaching full height on the new 60,000 sq. ft. multi-occupancy life science R&D facility, known as the Sidney Sussex Building. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the ongoing development, showcasing the great progress being made across the site. The Sidney Sussex Building is located within the Park’s superb 250-acre landscape and is set to meet the growing demand from within the Cambridge Life Science cluster for facilities of the type. Upon completion, the building will feature a versatile mix of ten individual R&D suites within its multi-occupancy design. Intended to enable existing occupiers to grow whilst also attracting new names to the Park community, the Sidney Sussex Building will offer flexible suites ranging from 2,226 sq ft to 8,409 sq ft within a beautifully landscaped setting. Designed by architect BCR Infinity Architects, the building allows for the combination of spaces to accommodate larger requirements. Each fully fitted suite will comprise wet laboratory space with benching, sinks and fitted fume hoods, as well as heating and cooling systems, with separate open plan office areas.  Storage rooms and shower facilities also feature, all centred around a communal, light-filled atrium with a dedicated reception area. Sustainability is at the core of the design, with renewable energy sources, efficient structural uses, and daylighting strategies to minimise carbon emissions. Ecological enhancements will include significant tree planting, bird and bat boxes, and a new pond, promoting biodiversity and offering green spaces for occupiers. The project is anticipated to be complete by October 2025. Speaking about the project and key milestone reached, Glencar CEO Eddie McGillycuddy said: “It is a testament to the hard work and specialised expertise of our Life Sciences team that we have reached full height, and we are delighted to have achieved this important milestone. Once completed, this 60,000 sq. ft, three-storey multi-occupancy building will directly address the growing demand for laboratory space within the Cambridge cluster and the wider Golden Triangle. “As Glencar’s third Life Science project, this development is a significant addition to our portfolio and further showcases our expanding expertise in this sector. We look forward to following the project’s progress and the key milestones that lie ahead. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the entire project team and our partners for their invaluable contributions to this achievement.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SBTi validates Marshalls’ science-based net-zero targets in milestone moment

SBTi validates Marshalls’ science-based net-zero targets in milestone moment

Building materials specialist Marshalls has approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making a bold commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes by 2050. Marshalls’ near-term targets – to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50.5% by 2030 and reduce absolute scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 37.5% by 2033 – have been validated, as have its long-term targets, to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2040 and reduce absolute scope 3  greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2050. The targets use 2018 as the base year. In 2019, Marshalls became one of the first businesses in its sector in the UK to commit to the SBTi programme, publishing an original set of targets which were validated in 2020.  The newly validated targets are based on a recalculation of the Marshalls group footprint following its acquisition of roofing specialist Marley in 2022. They also encompass the requirements for any net-zero target to include scope 3 emissions, as first detailed in the Net-Zero Standard of October 2021.  The new targets were submitted to the SBTi in January 2024 and validated in September. The SBTi said it commended Marshalls’ net-zero target, which it says is currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process. To achieve its targets, Marshalls will work closely with its suppliers – particularly those who supply cement – to explore the technologies and innovations available to decarbonise its supply chain. The SBTi develops standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels. Michael Edwards, Group Head of Sustainability for Marshalls, said: “This is a true landmark moment for Marshalls and one we’re very proud to be telling people about. It’s a clear demonstration of our absolute commitment to become a more sustainable business, which is something we, along with our stakeholders, take incredibly seriously. “Additionally, achieving this robust, gold standard in validation will undoubtedly go on to influence and drive our product development and innovation, ensuring we meet customer sustainability needs and remain competitive in a market increasingly focused on environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, our Environmental Product Declarations allow us to demonstrate how our commitment is manifesting itself at a product level and give our customers the power to make informed, sustainable choices. “We’re now actioning the meaningful and measurable steps required to meet our targets – a commitment that’s set in stone.” Tim Clement, Director of Social Value and Sustainability for Morgan Sindall Construction, a customer of Marshalls, said: “Knowing Marshalls has made a net-zero commitment which has now been validated by the SBTi provides us with a greater level of confidence and reassurance that we’re working with a business that is absolutely committed to doing the right thing for future generations – something that’s incredibly important to us here at Morgan Sindall Construction.” Marshalls worked with the Carbon Trust on the development and submission of its targets to the SBTi.  Samuel Lloyd, Sector Lead for Construction, Property and Infrastructure at the Carbon Trust, said: “Setting rigorous carbon reduction targets that are aligned to the latest science is a key step in any organisation’s path to net-zero. We’re pleased to have worked with Marshalls to develop these SBTi-validated targets, signalling the company’s strong commitment to accelerating its decarbonisation journey.” The work Marshalls is doing to reduce emissions is part of a larger sustainability strategy that includes continual improvements to its circularity of materials, water use and approach to responsible sourcing. Visit https://www.marshalls.co.uk/sustainability for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Valor and QuadReal Expand London Logistics Portfolio with £60 Million Acquisitions in Barking and Enfield

Valor and QuadReal Expand London Logistics Portfolio with £60 Million Acquisitions in Barking and Enfield

Valor Real Estate Partners (“Valor”), Europe’s fastest-growing last-mile real estate specialist, has made two strategic acquisitions in London, expanding its logistics portfolio. Acting on behalf of its joint venture with QuadReal Property Group (“QuadReal”), a global real estate investment, development, and management company, Valor has secured two prime last-mile logistics sites in Barking and Enfield, with a combined gross development value (GDV) of £60 million. Both properties were acquired off-market. In Enfield, North London, the joint venture has acquired Trafalgar Trading Estate, the leading multi-let industrial park in the area. The 79,435 square-foot estate comprises 11 units spread across three terraced buildings and boasts high-quality specifications. Currently, 92% of the property is let to a variety of trade counter and last-mile logistics businesses, with an average lease term of two years. Situated close to the M1 motorway and A10 trunk road, the site offers access to around 6.4 million people within a 60-minute drive. Meanwhile, in Barking, East London, the partnership has secured a 3.49-acre vacant site. The intention is to develop a state-of-the-art, build-to-suit last-mile distribution hub. Future tenants will benefit from excellent transport links, including the nearby A13 and North Circular, as well as Barking’s position as a major industrial hub. Ongoing residential-led regeneration projects in Barking, such as Barking Riverside, are expected to further reduce industrial supply in the area, making the site even more strategically valuable. Jeremy Achkar, Senior Vice President at Valor, said: “The off-market acquisition of the Trafalgar Trading Estate marks our first purchase in Enfield, one of London’s key industrial submarkets. We look forward to expanding our presence in the area over the coming years.” Timour Wielemans, Vice President at Valor, added: “We’re excited to have secured this prime 3.5-acre site in Barking, which expands our London development pipeline to over 700,000 sq ft. Our goal is to deliver our first build-to-suit scheme here, and with the support of our newly established in-house development team, we are well-equipped to manage increasingly complex projects and provide tailored solutions that meet occupier needs.” Thomas Blangy, Senior Vice President at QuadReal Property Group, commented: “These acquisitions align perfectly with our strategy of focusing on high-growth urban logistics markets, where limited supply and strong demand create opportunities for long-term value generation. London’s last-mile logistics sector remains robust, and our partnership with Valor positions us to deliver strategically located assets that meet the needs of occupiers in these important submarkets, ensuring sustainable returns.” The joint venture received advisory support from Altus and SBY for the Barking acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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