Kenneth Booth
Salboy advances plans for Viadux Phase Two

Salboy advances plans for Viadux Phase Two

With Phase One of the Viadux development now complete, Salboy is continuing the momentum by advancing plans for Viadux Phase Two. Located between Manchester Central Conference Centre and Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink Station, the development is poised to become a key addition to the city’s skyline and a vibrant destination for residents

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Work begins on £55m Hertfordshire constabulary HQ redevelopment

Work begins on £55m Hertfordshire constabulary HQ redevelopment

MODERNISING operational policing requirements, work has commenced on the £55m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary headquarters, delivering a flexible and agile workspace for 600 operational staff. The new space, which involves the demolishment and consolidation of five buildings, will be set across 9,000 sqm and provide a new home for services

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Birchgrove opens first London development in Mill Hill

Birchgrove opens first London development in Mill Hill

Leading retirement BTR developer launches its first London community after recognising high and growing demand for housing suitable for older people in the capital Birchgrove, the UK’s leading provider of rented retirement homes, has today opened the doors to its fourth development, its first to open in the Greater London

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£300m Micro-Modular Nuclear Plant Project Announced for South Wales

£300m Micro-Modular Nuclear Plant Project Announced for South Wales

Last Energy, a US-based energy start-up, has announced ambitious plans to develop a £300 million micro-modular nuclear power plant scheme in South Wales. The project aims to deliver four innovative 20 MWe micro-modular nuclear units, generating a total of 80 MWe – enough to power approximately 244,000 homes annually. The

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Kenneth Booth

NHDG joins forces with Futurebuild and Innovate UK for the big retrofit challenge

NHDG joins forces with Futurebuild and Innovate UK for the big retrofit challenge

The National Home Decarbonisation Group, in partnership with Futurebuild and Innovate UK, has launched its Big Retrofit Challenge, a bold new competition aimed at unearthing game-changing solutions in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to showcase their innovations in front of key industry players and get their ideas to the market. The innovations that come through the competition should aim to either directly address central challenges to the sector or improve wider processes for the delivery of projects that help consumers live in healthier homes, tackling issues such as exposure to damp and mould and alleviating fuel poverty. The judges are looking for innovations that go beyond just products, including new systems, approaches, solutions, and processes that contribute to creating healthier homes. Entries are open to UK-registered businesses that have an annual turnover of £15 million or less, with priority being given to less established organisations. The submitted solutions must be suitable for retrofitting or renovating existing homes or non-residential properties. While solutions designed for new builds are also welcome, they must demonstrate applicability to retrofit projects as well. Six shortlisted winners will have the chance to pitch their solutions on stage at Futurebuild’s National Retrofit Conference, and attend a networking morning to showcase their innovation to NHDG members with each winner having allocated slots to network directly with its members. Winners will also be given the exciting opportunity to discuss with NHDG members the potential of piloting their technology on a live decarbonisation scheme, accelerating their path to market and turning ideas into reality. It offers shortlisted winners a unique opportunity to actively work with the private sector to deliver retrofit.   Paul Rogers, National Decarbonisation Manager at CLC Group, and member of the National Home Decarbonisation Group who are managing The Big Retrofit Challenge on behalf of the team, said: “By collaborating on the Big Retrofit Challenge, we are supporting the discovery and implementation of solutions that address the urgent need for greener, healthier homes. This competition will help unlock innovations that reduce fuel poverty, improve living conditions, and advance the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.” Mat Colmer from Innovate UK, and Senior Innovation Lead for Construction and Net Zero Heat at UK Research and Innovation, also commented on the competition: “Innovation is key to solving the complex challenges we face in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge provides a crucial opportunity for cutting-edge solutions to be tested and scaled, ultimately helping the UK meet its net zero targets while improving the quality of housing for consumers.” Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, said: “The Big Retrofit Challenge is about turning bold ideas into impactful solutions. We are excited to partner with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group to create a powerful platform where innovators can showcase their game-changing technologies that will accelerate the decabonisation of homes across the UK.” The Big Retrofit Challenge is an inspiring step towards transforming the UK’s housing sector and achieving net zero goals. By fostering bold innovation and collaboration, the competition aims to deliver real-world solutions that will make an impact on the environment and communities across the country. Enter now for your chance to make a real impact. Further criteria and guidelines are found on the application form. The competition will close at 11am on Thursday 28th November 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Height Restriction Barriers for Car Parks: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Height Restriction Barriers for Car Parks: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Height restriction barriers are an essential feature of car parks for safety reasons, so compliance with height restrictions can be enforced. These barriers will keep tall vehicles away from areas typically made for standard-sized vehicles, hence saving you from possible damages and accidents in every shape or form.  This blog will go into detail on the reasons why these barriers are important, their advantages, and critical elements to keep in mind when deploying them efficiently. Advantage of Height Restrictions for Car Parks Enhancing Safety The most common use for height restriction barriers is safety, especially within car parks. Barriers that contain access to oversized vehicles help reduce the costs of damage control, such as crushed ceilings, pierced beams, and other structural elements. This is easier said than done; otherwise, tall vehicles running into low-clearance areas risk accidents that result in expensive damages to be repaired and potentially dangerous situations for other users. As a result, height restrictions offer preventative measures to protect the tenants and property. Smooth Traffic Flow Height restriction barriers mean efficient traffic flow. If larger, unauthorized vehicles try to move within regular-sized vehicles designed for parking spaces, it can become impossible. These disruptions can be prevented from occurring with height barriers, which can help ensure a smooth passage of traffic and decrease any risks of traffic jams or crashes happening on site. This, in turn, improves the overall user experience, facilitating easy access to and from car parks. Compliance with Regulations Compliance is everything for car park operators. Certain areas have overtly stated regulations about vehicle height. Height restriction barriers are used to ensure the operator meets these legal obligations, avoiding financial penalties and legal complications. The barriers are updated on an ongoing basis, which displays continuous safety and regulatory compliance. Versatility in Design Everyone has a different feel, and various height restriction barriers are available to suit your requirements, design style, and budget. Some of these are fixed and will permanently solve any exposure problem, while others are adjustable to suit your different needs. The Junker sliding barriers can also be tailored to fit the car park’s design concept, so they become part of a harmonious whole. Their flexibility permits operators to select the best barrier for their surroundings. Durability and Maintenance The durability of height restriction barriers is a significant concern. Heavy-duty materials like steel or aluminum also speak to longevity and will hold up against the elements even if you use your seat often. But with routine maintenance, such as checking for and repairing any wear and tear or repainting, you can significantly increase the life of your barrier. Improved strength and more permanent barriers are justified not only by the costs but also by the fact that they may be necessary to operate continuously. Signage and Visibility Signage and visibility are very important for height restriction barriers. Not only are the signs clearly readable and in a good location, but they also give drivers enough ample warning to not end up changing their minds at last, possibly creating potential accidents. Light or reflective tip material can make a big difference in terms of visibility, especially during early mornings and evenings. Signage is necessary so that drivers know about restrictions in advance and can stay safe and not get a ticket. Implementation Considerations When deploying height restriction barriers for car parks, several factors must be considered to balance these trade-offs. First, examining the car park and its average vehicle height can provide insight into the appropriate limit. Additionally, consulting with car park designers and structural engineers can help determine the most effective locations for the barriers. Involving stakeholders, such as end-users and local agencies, in the design process can lead to more user-friendly solutions that gain wider acceptance. Conclusion Having height restriction barriers in place is crucial to keep people safe, to ensure that traffic flows freely, and to ensure overall compliance. Not only can they be designed to meet a variety of applications, but their durability and necessity for the use of signage also make them invaluable for efficient car park management. By taking into account variables such as the average height of vehicles, referring to experts, and keeping the environment in mind, car park administrators can introduce barriers that will ensure a safer and more usable space for everyone.

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Salboy advances plans for Viadux Phase Two

Salboy advances plans for Viadux Phase Two

With Phase One of the Viadux development now complete, Salboy is continuing the momentum by advancing plans for Viadux Phase Two. Located between Manchester Central Conference Centre and Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink Station, the development is poised to become a key addition to the city’s skyline and a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. In November last year, Salboy and Domis introduced landmark proposals for a second phase of development on this site as part of a public consultation. Since submitting a planning application in April, plans for Viadux Phase Two have continued to develop and now include a hotel operated by an exciting global brand within the 76-storey building, with associated updates to the design, including a new combined residential and hotel entrance on Albion Street in place of the previously proposed retail unit. The revised design, created by architect SimpsonHaugh, will help ensure the area becomes a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors, with a public bar at ground level bringing more life to the Grade II Listed Viaduct and Great Bridgewater Street. There will also be a restaurant, available for reservations.   The landscape design, led by Planit, will enhance Albion Street and Great Bridgewater Street by featuring green spaces and seating to create a welcoming public realm. The plans have also been updated to retain more of the historic Grade II Listed bridge over Great Bridgewater Street, preserving an important element of Manchester’s architectural heritage. Salboy remains committed to providing a range of housing options with the delivery of 133 affordable homes being unaffected by the revised proposals, ensuring that the city’s housing needs are addressed. Simon Ismail, Managing Director & Co-founder at Salboy, said: “With Phase One of Viadux now completed, we’re excited to carry this momentum into Phase Two. Our vision is to create a destination where people can live, visit and enjoy, combining high-quality homes, amenities and vibrant public spaces. “The addition of the hotel will not only elevate the development but also support Manchester’s growing tourism and visitor economy. This mixed-use development will be easily accessible by public transport and ensure that the benefits of the development extend across the city, contributing to Manchester’s ongoing growth and transformation.” Salboy are excited to make the community aware of the revised proposals and are keen to hear any feedback and comments before submitting the revised details. For more details on the revised proposals and to share your thoughts, visit www.viadux2-consultation.co.uk.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Work begins on £55m Hertfordshire constabulary HQ redevelopment

Work begins on £55m Hertfordshire constabulary HQ redevelopment

MODERNISING operational policing requirements, work has commenced on the £55m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary headquarters, delivering a flexible and agile workspace for 600 operational staff. The new space, which involves the demolishment and consolidation of five buildings, will be set across 9,000 sqm and provide a new home for services and departments including the major crime unit, victim services and dog unit, along with the senior leadership team and operational support staff. Targeting BREEAM Excellent for ultra-high sustainability standards, the building is also set to include heat recovery units, solar panels, and sustainable drainage systems, while the new building will also respond to modern working requirements by prioritising hot desking and wellbeing initiatives in its design. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, is behind the scheme, operating via Perfect Circle, in a technical advisory role from RIBA Stage 3 under the SCAPE Consultancy framework. The firm is working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary and contractor Willmott Dixon to bring the project to fruition. Andy Robinson, director at Pick Everard, said: “This project recognises Pick Everard’s commitment to supporting the UK’s blue light sectors, providing industry-leading expertise that enables police, healthcare, and other emergency services to support its staff and the surrounding community effectively. “Policing is a job unlike any other, and with it comes its own unique considerations in design. Key to this is the thorough stakeholder management programme established on the project, which will result in a flexible workspace that responds to current need while being scalable for the future. “Working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary and Willmott Dixon, we’re looking forward to the new space delivering a lasting legacy for police services across Welwyn Garden City.” As well as helping reduce the current Stanborough estate’s long-term running costs, the new building is also targeting a WELL Platinum Certification, a major benchmark for advancing health and wellbeing within a single building. Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon in North London and Northern Homes Counties, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary to deliver its new headquarters. As a proud Hertfordshire-based company, it is fantastic to be starting on site to provide a new facility for our county’s police force. “This project follows on from our successful delivery of the Bedfordshire Police’s new custody suite. The new HQ will provide Hertfordshire Constabulary’s people with a sustainable, flexible working environment which can be utilised for police and community groups as well.” Victoria Brambini, chief executive at Perfect Circle, said: “This project is a prime example of where Perfect Circle can add real value to the public sector. Commissioning our industry-leading consultancy experts at Pick Everard, we will provide the technical expertise for the redevelopment of the headquarters of Hertfordshire Constabulary, alongside ensuring the building will meet exceptional sustainability targets. “I’m delighted the project will be delivered through both SCAPE’s Consultancy and Construction frameworks, demonstrating that as SCAPE partners, we can provide all that is needed to deliver projects from start to finish.”  Mark Robinson, group chief executive at the SCAPE group, added: “With sustainability in mind, the redevelopment of the headquarters of Hertfordshire Constabulary will provide a much-improved flexible work environment for the county’s police force. “This is a significant project for us as through the SCAPE consultancy framework, SCAPE and Perfect Circle will play an integral role in supplying consultancy services and expert advisory solutions in relation to the complexities of the project. SCAPE is also working in close collaboration with Willmott Dixon through the SCAPE Construction Framework, to deliver efficiency and cost savings throughout the project.” Designed by Vincent & Gorbing Architects, work will complete in summer 2026 on the new headquarters. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Scott Brownrigg designs for flagship life science campus in Oxford approved for planning

Scott Brownrigg designs for flagship life science campus in Oxford approved for planning

Proposals to transform the underused Eastpoint Business Park in Oxford into a new flagship life science campus have been approved for planning by Oxford City Council. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Railpen, the scheme will bring an additional 200,000 sq ft much needed life science space to the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and provide a focal point for interaction with STEM and educational outreach within the local community. The site for the new life science campus is located adjacent to The Oxford Academy, five miles southeast of Oxford city centre in the district of Littlemore. Three four-storey laboratory buildings and a single storey amenity building are carefully positioned to buffer noise and pollution from the A road to the North, define a new public space, and enhance permeability across the site. Each fully serviced building is designed to suit a range of tenants and provide flexibility in occupancy, with 55% CL2 laboratory and 45% office space to support cutting-edge research and collaboration. A contextual material palette with distinctive horizontal banding and vertical flues references Oxford’s history while ensuring comfortable and naturally lit spaces within and views out. An emphasis on facilitating safe pedestrianised movement, activating ground floor frontages, and provision of high- quality public amenities supports the creation of an inclusive environment that contributes positively to the social, ecological, and educational fabric of Littlemore. A ‘Learning Lab’ will provide local students with access to state-of-the- art facilities and interactions with professionals in the field, while a publicly accessible café, social hub and green space will create a communal focus at the heart of the site. The scheme targets BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL, Wired and Smart Platinum and Cycle Score Platinum with features such as the ‘Travel & Energy hub’ to promote sustainable travel and pocket parks with integrated planting to enhance user wellbeing. A fabric first approach combined with the latest building technology, renewable energy, and biodiverse balconies and roofscapes will reduce embodied and operational carbon and enhance biodiversity on site. Ed Hayden, Director and Head of Life Sciences at Scott Brownrigg said: “Securing planning approval for the Eastpoint Life Science Campus is a significant milestone in our vision to create world-class research environments. This project not only addresses the growing demand for life science space in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, but also contributes to the community with its focus on education, sustainability, and wellbeing. We’re excited to see how this campus will foster innovation and bring global talent to Oxford.” The new Eastpoint life science campus development is a cutting-edge facility designed to attract to industry leading talent from around the world. With a flexible, community focused design and commitment to sustainability, the new campus is poised to become a leader in life sciences in the Oxford market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Birchgrove opens first London development in Mill Hill

Birchgrove opens first London development in Mill Hill

Leading retirement BTR developer launches its first London community after recognising high and growing demand for housing suitable for older people in the capital Birchgrove, the UK’s leading provider of rented retirement homes, has today opened the doors to its fourth development, its first to open in the Greater London area. The development, Ayrton House in Mill Hill, North London, contains a mixture of 60 self-contained, one-, two- and three-bed apartments, all purpose built on the site of a historic former medical research institute. Communal features of the development include a restaurant, club room, licensed bar and wellness suite, as well as landscaped gardens. The development marks Birchgrove’s first Greater London community and was set in motion in September last year, when it acquired Ayrton House. It is also planning to open a development in West London, having now obtained planning permission for 50 apartments on a site it purchased in Chiswick in 2022. A further site being built in the Hampton Court Estate is also aimed at the West London market, with its location just a few hundred metres from the famous Hampton Court Palace in Richmond. Honor Barratt, Chief Executive of Birchgrove, said:“Birchgrove is going from strength to strength and we’re excited to have our fourth development now open, particularly as it is our very first in London, where we know demand for senior living is especially high. “It’s a common misconception among some sectors that once they get older, people want to move to the country or live by the seaside. Surveys frequently show that many retired people want to live in the bustling Capital with all its cultural attractions and this is particularly true for those who’ve lived there a long time. “We know from previous research that many older Londoners live in homes far too big for them, with over-75s in the Capital typically having at least twice the number of bedrooms they need. In a city with such a tight housing market, freeing up some of these homes could contribute to improving the overall housing situation across many demographics. “Many older people would be interested in moving to smaller properties if more suitable local options were on offer. By providing a thriving community as we open our first London development, we’re hoping we can attract more of these people into our development and eventually, roll out more London communities for those who want to continue to live in the Capital but without the burden of maintaining a property too large for them.” A report released by Age Concern in September last year revealed there were 1.4 million people aged over 60 living in London and that this group was the fastest growing demographic in the Capital. Of these, 59% felt positive about living in London, rising to 64% of those aged 75 and over. The report also found that many Londoners had deep connections to the area, with 76% reporting being happy with their family and community connections and only 16% often feeling lonely. The report also found that 70% of older Londoners owned their own home. However, many of those homes are underoccupied and could be put to better use if older Londoners had more suitable options for downsizing. Previous research carried out by Professor Les Mayhew of the International Longevity Centre and Bayes Business School found that over-75s in the capital had more than twice the number of bedrooms they needed, while those aged 65-74 had 70% more bedrooms than necessary. Birchgrove’s new Mill Hill apartments are exclusively available to independently minded people in later life. In keeping with other Birchgrove developments, all of the residences are future proof, with level-access bathrooms, wider-than-standard doorways and lifts. In addition, all Ayrton House apartments have been fitted with Nobi smart lights. These AI-driven intelligent lights are designed to detect, help prevent and even predict falls among occupants. The building is the centrepiece of the “Ridgeway Views” residential scheme, a 47-acre, 528-home project in Mill Hill’s conservation area, with many of Birchgrove’s residences having sweeping views over Totteridge Common. Founded in 2017, Birchgrove also operates three other retirement communities in the South-East, with one of these now at full capacity and operating a waiting list. It has a fifth development set to open before the end of this year in Godalming, Surrey, and four additional communities under construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Renowned contractor Miller Knight leads first building safety forum at Villa Park

Renowned contractor Miller Knight leads first building safety forum at Villa Park

MULTI-DISCIPLINE principal contractor, Miller Knight, is set to host its first annual Building Safety Forum on 6 November at the iconic Villa Park, home to Aston Villa football club. The event will centre on some of the major challenges the construction and property management sector are facing, predominantly in light of the country’s legislative changes surrounding building safety and fire regulations. Bringing together industry leaders, the Building Safety Forum will serve as a platform to explore key regulatory updates, initiate conversations, and encourage collaboration, while aiming to create the future of a safer and more accountable built environment. With speakers from BB7, TFT, Quelfire, Blackhurst Budd, the Fire Protection Association (FPA) and Miller Knight’s team of experts themselves, attendees will gain insights into the changing regulatory landscape and the robust fire protection safeguarding solutions needed for the future. The event comes in the wake of the 2017 Grenfell disaster, which has been a catalyst for a stringent focus on building safety and compliance. The Building Safety Forum aims to ensure that the industry continues to use past failures as grounds to improve building practices that adhere to the highest safety standards. Wayne Woodland, business development director at Miller Knight, said: “We have all witnessed the devasting consequences of non-compliance. To ensure tragic events of the past are never repeated, we must take responsibility and unite the industry around a shared goal of safeguarding health and safety. “With the Building Safety Forum, we aim to move the conversation from talk to action. The event provides the much-needed opportunity for collaboration between key industry professionals, combining our expertise to create a safer, more compliant and sustainable future.” As a leading name in remedial fire protection and refurbishment, Miller Knight is known for delivering high-quality passive fire protection services across the UK. The company specialises in fire stopping, fire doors, and compartmentation services, ensuring that buildings not only meet current safety standards but are also future proofed against changes in regulations. The Building Safety Forum aligns with Miller Knight’s long-term commitment to advancing safety and compliance. By facilitating dialogue and sharing expert knowledge and experiences, the event will help to generate an industry wide conversation as a new regime of regulation continues to work its way into the process of remediation and refurbishment projects. For more information and to register for the event, contact: enquiries@miller-knight.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Net Zero Festival 2024 to help catalyse the UK's decarbonisation efforts

Net Zero Festival 2024 to help catalyse the UK’s decarbonisation efforts

The new government’s net zero priorities and the impact of a Trump presidency on global climate action will be top of the agenda at Net Zero Festival 2024 next week (October 22-23 at the Business Design Centre in London). The UK’s leading event dedicated to accelerating the net zero transition will bring together 2,000 business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and campaigners across two days to showcase the best of the UK’s green economy and explore strategies for turbocharging decarbonisation. New Labour MP and environmental campaigner Polly Billington, green entrepreneur and Labour donor Dale Vince and Google’s sustainability lead Adam Elman are among the more than 150 expert speakers leading keynotes, panel discussions and workshops during the event. Other speakers will include: Now in its fifth year, the CPD accredited event remains free to attend, and will this year feature keynotes, presentations, panel discussions, and workshops across four stages: Inspiration, Action, Engage, and Showcase. Meanwhile visitors can upgrade their ticket to gain access new arena, the BusinessGreen Intelligence stage, which will provide a series of deep-dive sessions, offering exclusive insights into how to develop a best-in-class net zero strategy. James Murray, co-founder of Net Zero Festival and editor-in-chief of BusinessGreen said: “Action on climate change is more critical than ever, so this year’s Net Zero Festival promises to be our most impactful yet. “We’ve seen an incredible surge in interest in this year’s event, reflecting the urgency and importance of the net zero agenda and how serious it is being taken by our new government. Our focus now is to convert this enthusiasm into actionable collaboration during the festival and so we are bringing together a diverse group of leaders to collaborate on tangible solutions for a sustainable future.” Keynotes, panel discussions and workshops will include: To secure your place at the Net Zero Festival 2024, register at netzerofestival.com/register. Attendees can upgrade their free tickets to access the BusinessGreen Intelligence Stage for specialised content tailored to sustainability executives and green business leaders. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction kicks off at Rochdale Road as Whitbread starts building its latest central Manchester Premier Inn

Construction kicks off at Rochdale Road as Whitbread starts building its latest central Manchester Premier Inn

Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has begun construction of its latest hotel development in Manchester at Rochdale Road to the north of the city centre. GMI Construction Group, which Whitbread appointed as principal contractor to the project in July 2024, will lead the delivery of the 229-bedroom 10-storey Premier Inn.  The company marked the start of construction with a ground-breaking event on-site. Whitbread acquired the consented Rochdale Road development site from Premcor in February 2024 as part of its ongoing strategy of investing in strategic locations where its hotel brands are under-represented. The hotel will feature Premier Inn’s very latest bedroom product, including its popular enhanced Premier Plus rooms, with a stylish integrated restaurant, bar, and reception space on the ground floor. Will Steward, Project and Programme Manager for Whitbread, said: “Manchester is a hot spot for Whitbread’s development team as we expand our hotel network in the places we want to grow.  The Rochdale Road Premier Inn will bring our very best product to the north of the Northern Quarter – an area of the city where we are not heavily represented and where we know our customers want Premier Inn to be. “As an operating hotel business, our goal is to turn our development sites into popular hotels for our guests quickly. Since acquiring the Rochdale Road site in February, we have done an awful lot to enable the once stalled scheme to proceed including the appointment of GMI Construction as principal contractor in July. “With building work now underway, we are on our way to having a new location for our customers to enjoy in 2026, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to deliver the significant new opening.” Rochdale Road is the latest strategic investment by Whitbread in Manchester this calendar year.  On 23rd September [2024] the company announced its intention to create the largest Premier Inn in the north of England at Manchester Airport with MIX MANCHESTER.  In May, it announced the disposal of its Manchester City Centre (Deansgate Locks) hotel for redevelopment into alternative uses. When it opens its doors, the Premier Inn hotel at Rochdale Road will be one of Whitbread’s largest hotels in Manchester and adds to a portfolio of more than 20 locations across the city. Anthony Judge, Regional director for GMI Construction, said: “Following on from GMI and Whitbread’s collaboration in delivery of the nationally recognised and impressive Premier Inn development in Keswick, its brilliant to see our partnership go from strength to strength. This latest development in the iconic Northern Quarter of Manchester will be a striking new addition to the skyline with its remarkable brickwork façade. We are delighted to be a part of this major project and greatly look forward to progressing with this scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£300m Micro-Modular Nuclear Plant Project Announced for South Wales

£300m Micro-Modular Nuclear Plant Project Announced for South Wales

Last Energy, a US-based energy start-up, has announced ambitious plans to develop a £300 million micro-modular nuclear power plant scheme in South Wales. The project aims to deliver four innovative 20 MWe micro-modular nuclear units, generating a total of 80 MWe – enough to power approximately 244,000 homes annually. The plants will be built in Bridgend County, on the former Llynfi Power Station site, with completion of the first unit expected by 2027, pending regulatory approvals. Last Energy’s cutting-edge technology promises a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels, marking a key step in the UK’s push for sustainable energy solutions. Boost for the Local Economy and Clean Energy Goals This project is not only a major development in the UK’s energy landscape but also a significant investment in the local economy. Around 100 full-time jobs will be created for the Bridgend community, with at least 10% of procurement sourced from local suppliers, injecting £30 million into the region. The micro-modular plants, known as PWR-20, are designed with advanced modular technology, allowing components to be pre-fabricated, transported, and assembled on-site in just 24 months – similar to assembling a “LEGO kit.” This approach ensures faster construction and lower costs, with the entire project funded privately, without public investment. A Strategic Step for UK Energy Security and Decarbonisation This initiative aligns with both UK and Welsh Government goals. By providing clean, reliable power to local manufacturers, it supports industrial decarbonisation and contributes to the Welsh Government’s 2030 net-zero targets. It also bolsters the UK government’s long-term strategy to expand nuclear capacity, enhancing energy security. With Last Energy’s investment, South Wales is set to play a pivotal role in the UK’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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