Scheme set to enhance Salford’s global reputation for industry and innovation Plans to bring forward Crescent Innovation, a pivotal element of the wider £2.5bn, 252-acre Crescent Salford masterplan, have been approved by Salford City Council. The proposals are being brought forward by the Crescent partnership, comprised of Salford City Council,
Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries. The BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for
Celebrations have taken place at Wirral Waters yesterday to celebrate the practical completion of the first 150 highly sustainable waterside apartments at Peel Waters’ Millers Quay development. With extensive views across the water, the £130m cornerstone residential scheme of 500 new homes across six buildings is transforming the Left Bank of
The Council’s executive committee will be asked to approve the move to consult on a Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF) for the east Manchester neighbourhood. Earlier this year, Studio Egret West were chosen to lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop the neighbourhood regeneration plan that will guide investment in Holt Town
HS2’s tunnelling team are celebrating completing half of the 8.4-mile twin bored Northolt Tunnel underneath London. Four tunnel boring machines (TBM) are being used the complete the tunnel that will carry high-speed trains between HS2’s super-hub station at Old Oak Common, west London, and the outskirts of the capital at
Managing Director of McLaren Midlands and North, Gary Cramp, said: “Following the recent election and this afternoon’s King’s Speech, we are feeling ambitious about the UK’s targets to enhance economic growth through the measures outlined. The government will aim to ‘Get Britain Building’ through the planning reform, to accelerate the
Reynaers Aluminium has introduced its new DigiTrace digital product passports across all its systems to allow instant access and complete transparency for performance, material and sustainability information. Supporting the demand for easy access to sustainability data, and the need to demonstrate clear and accessible product information to support the golden
Ballymore has submitted an outline planning application for a £1.7 billion redevelopment of Edgware’s Broadwalk Shopping Centre, the bus station, and the garage. This ambitious project is in partnership with Places for London, Transport for London’s property company, which owns part of the area’s land. The transformative masterplan, designed by
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has noted the emphasis on the planning system’s pivotal role in the government’s plan to revive the UK economy, as outlined in the King’s Speech. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, commended the government’s efforts to increase the capacity of local planning authorities
Principle Estate Management has announced the completion of significant works at a highly prestigious London development, overseen by the firm’s London office. York Terrace West and Nottingham Terrace are widely regarded as among the finest addresses in Regent’s Park. Principle’s latest project for the residents involved constructing a new, enlarged
Scheme set to enhance Salford’s global reputation for industry and innovation Plans to bring forward Crescent Innovation, a pivotal element of the wider £2.5bn, 252-acre Crescent Salford masterplan, have been approved by Salford City Council. The proposals are being brought forward by the Crescent partnership, comprised of Salford City Council, the University of Salford, and ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse. The scheme comprises 933 new homes, 1.7m sq ft of new commercial innovation, academic, and research floorspace, active ground-floor space, and a new movement hub, along with significant improvements to public spaces. Creating a high-quality innovation ecosystem around the University of Salford, Crescent Innovation will build on existing world-class research and development capabilities; help drive further economic growth in the city and wider region; and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research, and business. Spanning 29 acres between Broughton Road East and University Road, Crescent Innovation will be linked to the wider masterplan by Salford Rise – a near five-acre podium which will span Frederick Road. Laying the foundations for connectivity and collaboration, Salford Rise will act as a key gateway between the University of Salford’s campus and the wider innovation zone. Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “With our Crescent partners – ECF and University of Salford – we are pushing ahead with our vision to create world-class research and development facilities that local people and businesses can benefit from. The Crescent Innovation proposals are a key element of the wider vision for the Crescent area and will change the face of the area through the creation of a high-quality innovation environment, where people can achieve their full potential. I am delighted to see that this important planning application has been approved and look forward to seeing our vision delivered on the ground.” Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, Professor Nic Beech, commented: “This is a major milestone in our shared mission to transform Salford into a global hub for innovation and groundbreaking research. Working alongside our Crescent partners, we are committed to advancing our vision of creating world-class facilities that will benefit local residents and businesses. I am thrilled that this significant planning application has been approved and eagerly anticipate seeing our shared vision come to life.” Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF, said: “The approval of the plans for Crescent Innovation marks a significant step forward in our collective mission to make Salford a global hub for innovation and groundbreaking research. The city has always been a pioneer of industry, and the creation of Crescent Innovation will equip Salford – and the wider region – with the facilities and opportunities to make an impact on the world stage, as well as driving growth and prosperity.” Crescent Innovation forms one aspect of the Crescent masterplan being delivered by ECF in partnership with Salford City Council and the University of Salford. It will bring together industry, education, and the local community by delivering more than 3,000 homes, 1m sq ft of offices, retail, leisure, a new multi-model transport hub, and vast areas of green space. The site is located within Salford’s Innovation Triangle, which is made up of Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, the University of Salford, and Salford Royal Hospital. The go-ahead for Crescent Innovation follows the completion of three world-leading university facilities – the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, the Science, Engineering, and Environment (SEE) building, and Energy House 2.0. CBRE advised ECF on planning for Crescent Innovation, while Make Architects is leading on design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries. The BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for lithium-ion battery storage and transport. Its unique cable gland design allows users to safely charge their batteries within the case, ensuring maximum safety and convenience. The case’s lightweight and robust construction, coupled with its easy handling, makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Key features of the BSK-1 fire protection case include: • Affordablility: BSK-1 is available for less than £500 per unit • Fire-resistant interior fittings: Derived from cutting-edge fire and explosion protection technologies, including dust-free PyroBubbles cushions. • Maximum protection: The case maintains an outside temperature below 100 °C, with no emission of flames or splinters in the event of an emergency, providing top-tier protection for people and their surroundings. • High dielectric safety: Suitable for strong power tools or defective batteries, ensuring versatile use. • Tested technology: Developed according to the latest hazardous goods technology and successfully tested in real-time fire scenarios. • Capacity: Accommodates a maximum dangerous goods weight of 8 kg with inner dimensions of 520 x 320 x 245 mm. Rising incidence of lithium-ion battery fires There has been a significant rise in the use of lithium-ion batteries globally, driven by the growing popularity of power tools, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. However, this surge in usage has also led to a concerning rise in lithium-ion battery fires, with UK fire services attending 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 than 2022. The impact of lithium-ion battery fires can be devastating; a factory fire in South Korea in June 2024, involving exploding lithium-ion batteries tragically resulted in 22 fatalities and highlights the urgent need for reliable and safe storage solutions . Speak to the experts As the go-to experts for lithium-ion battery storage, Chemstore has become the preferred partner for industry leaders across multiple sectors, including construction, education, logistics and motorsport, where the demand for safe battery storage is paramount. The BSK-1 represents the latest addition to Chemstore’s expanding range of lithium-ion battery storage solutions, which includes safety products at every stage of the process when working with lithium-ion batteries, including: – Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore, commented on the launch: “The BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case is a simple yet effective solution to the increasingly common problem of safely charging, storing, and transporting lithium-ion batteries. Whether for power tools, ebike/escooter charging or defective batteries, the BSK-1 offers peace of mind that batteries are protected.” “We are thrilled to expand our lithium-ion battery storage offering, reinforcing our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers and ensure the highest safety standards.” For more information on the BSK-1 fire protection case and other lithium-ion battery storage solutions, visit: www.chemstore.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celebrations have taken place at Wirral Waters yesterday to celebrate the practical completion of the first 150 highly sustainable waterside apartments at Peel Waters’ Millers Quay development. With extensive views across the water, the £130m cornerstone residential scheme of 500 new homes across six buildings is transforming the Left Bank of the River Mersey and seen as an exemplar in brownfield regeneration. Millers Quay is the single biggest development to date at Wirral Waters, the largest regeneration project of its kind in the UK. The transformational Millers Quay development will also include 100 affordable new homes and has been commended for the social impact delivered within the local community. Following completion, residents will shortly move into the one- and two-bedroom apartments within phase one, which includes blocks ‘Copper Mill’ and ‘Steam Yard’. Phase two, the final 350 new homes, within blocks Soda Factory, Salt House, Glaze Works and Lime Studio, are expected to complete early in 2025. Millers Quay is part of the emerging Northbank neighbourhood at Wirral Waters, where contemporary and sustainable urban living is surrounded by green spaces and dockside walkways. Representatives gathered yesterday from Peel Waters, its funding partner, Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”), construction firm GRAHAM, Homes England, Wirral Council, and staff and students from Wirral Met College, who have all been instrumental in the delivery of Millers Quay, to celebrate the practical completion of Millers Quay phase one. Designed in collaboration with award-winning architects Howells, Millers Quay offers striking architecture, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours, metalwork, and warehouses that defined the area’s 19th Century industrial heritage. These waterfront apartments also offer expansive views, south-facing shared spaces, dockside walkways, and access to new green spaces and micro parks, inviting residents to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying urban comforts. With 100 affordable new homes included, this transformational residential scheme is delivering high levels of sustainability and social impact. Throughout its construction, a wide range of unique learning and employment opportunities have engaged the local community and students at neighbouring Wirral Met College. Wirral Waters is part of Peel Waters, a UK wide portfolio of vibrant and innovative, waterfront developments, delivering large-scale, sustainable regeneration projects, creating jobs, economic growth, new homes and new public realm across the country. Richard Mawdsley, Development Director at Wirral Waters, said: “We are very proud to mark this special moment in Wirral Waters’ history with the practical completion of the first phase of this mammoth project. Millers Quay is the result of incredible partnership working between Peel Waters, PIC, GRAHAM, Homes England, Wirral Council and Wirral Met College, each bringing something very important to the project. “The impact that this development has had on local construction students and the local community over the last couple of years is truly inspiring and the innovation and skills learnt around green methods of construction will benefit many future generations too. This great work continues as we look forward to completing phase two early next year.” James Agar, Head of Long Income at PIC, said: “Millers Quay exemplifies the ideal partnership of a long-term investor, a highly experienced developer, and a forward-thinking local authority working together to generate a development of considerable social value. “As an example, over the course of construction the average monthly spend on local labour has exceeded £1 million per month with 41% of the costs of construction placed with businesses located within a 50-mile radius of Wirral Waters. The benefits of cutting the distance goods and contractors need to travel has helped to reducing energy consumption, particularly of fossil fuels. “This Build-to Rent development has been funded through a long-term, regeneration lease structure, which operates like a fully amortising loan, providing funding for Wirral Council, which would not have been available from traditional sources. Wirral Council will now lease the buildings for 50 years, with annual rent increases linked to inflation, after which ownership of the building will pass to Wirral Council.” Peter Reavey, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “Millers Quay exemplifies our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that positively impact the local community. We are particularly proud of the unique learning and employment opportunities this project has provided to local construction students, fostering the next generation of skilled professionals. Additionally, the development has supported local businesses and created jobs, demonstrating the positive social impact we aim to achieve through our projects.” Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “As well as being a colourful and prominent new landmark on Wirral’s skyline, Millers Quay is an important and successful example of the council’s commitment to working with partners in providing new homes while demonstrating our commitment to a pro-growth, brownfield-only local plan. Including many affordable homes in this development, working with students at Wirral Met College throughout the construction, engaging with the local community, and showing how we attract vital inward investment demonstrate how regeneration can and will deliver for everyone across our borough.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Council’s executive committee will be asked to approve the move to consult on a Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF) for the east Manchester neighbourhood. Earlier this year, Studio Egret West were chosen to lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop the neighbourhood regeneration plan that will guide investment in Holt Town over the next decade and more. Holt Town presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform 74 acres (30ha) of brownfield land to create a link between Manchester’s city centre and Sports City and the Etihad Campus in east Manchester – two key economic drivers for the city – and presents a natural extension of the ongoing, long-term regeneration in Ancoats and New Islington. The NDF will present: The proposals will look to deliver a major mixed-used, residential led programme of regeneration that will have the capacity to deliver 4,500 new homes, with significant affordable housing alongside a range of tenures and housing types to help diversify the housing offer in the city. The vision presents a low carbon, sustainable neighbourhood that will take a nature-based approach to development. The investment will change the face of the area from post-industrial to modern urban district while celebrating the existing heritage buildings and canal waterways. The pockets of nature that have persisted against the backdrop of industrial decline will be enhanced and woodland regrown as part of the ambition to create 15 acres of new and enhanced public and green space, including a 1km play link for you people to enjoy outdoor activities safely. Investment in new commercial space has the potential to create around 1,500 new local full-time jobs and the growing neighbourhood will include a new cultural and community space for local residents. The community will enjoy low-car principles, underpinned by safe walking and cycling routes connecting the emerging district to the surrounding communities and the city centre – and supported by a new mobility hub to help limit the number of cars in the area. The development framework also considers the need for new health and education services for the community to meet a growing need in the area. And the Council is also exploring how digital technologies can be embedded into the fabric of urban regeneration projects to modernise the way residents can access public services – from traffic management, waste collection and neighbourhood management to health and social care. Following executive approval, a six-week consultation is expected to begin later this summer. Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of the Council, said: “The evolution of East Manchester over the last two decades is driving forward our exciting plans for Holt Town. The neighbourhood is an under loved area of the city and investment in this community will create that vital missing link between the city centre, Ancoats and New Islington and the ongoing investment at Sport City and the Etihad Campus. “Holt Town is an ambitious opportunity to create the equivalent of a new town in the city. A brand new district showcasing innovation, culture and sustainability – including 4,500 new homes, with a focus on affordable housing – that will support continued and sustainable economic growth for our city. “The momentum to deliver our ambitions follows the successful regeneration of Ancoats and New Islington and this platform is already driving the regeneration ambitions for Holt Town – which will drive innovation, create new jobs and support population growth, new high quality green spaces, and a new era for urban renewal in Manchester.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s tunnelling team are celebrating completing half of the 8.4-mile twin bored Northolt Tunnel underneath London. Four tunnel boring machines (TBM) are being used the complete the tunnel that will carry high-speed trains between HS2’s super-hub station at Old Oak Common, west London, and the outskirts of the capital at West Ruislip. The machines will excavate 16.8 miles of tunnel overall – two bores over the 8.4-mile length – making it the second longest tunnel on the new railway after one recently excavated beneath the Chiltern Hills. The first machine, named Sushila after a local teacher, was launched eastwards from West Ruislip in October 2022. This was followed one month later by TBM Caroline, named after astrologer Caroline Herschel, which is used to excavate the adjacent tunnel. Both will complete 5 miles of the route, finishing their journeys at the Green Park Way vent shaft in Greenford – just over half way – where they will be lifted out. In February this year, TBM Emily, which is named after Emily Sophia Taylor, began its journey west from HS2’s Victoria Road Crossover Box site near Old Oak Common towards Greenford. She was joined by the fourth machine, named Anne, after Lady Anne Byron, in May. They will both complete 3.4 miles of the tunnel. Combined, the four machines have now travelled over 8.4 miles – half of the total distance for the twin-bored tunnel. The completion of each tunnel drive will be staggered as they reach the final destination at Green Park Way, with the first TBM, Sushila, arriving later this year. Each machine operates like an underground factory, excavating the tunnels, lining them with pre-cast concrete tunnel segments, grouting them into place before moving forward at an average speed of 16 metres per day. Teams work around the clock below ground on the TBMs along with teams on the surface supporting them. Marking the significance of the tunnelling milestone, Malcolm Codling, Client Director for HS2 Ltd, said: “Our London tunnels team are making significant progress taking HS2 from design to reality underneath the capital, building Britain’s new transformational low carbon railway. Completing half of the Northolt Tunnel has come after years of work from the team and we are now looking forwards to the TBMs reaching the end of their journeys, with the first arriving at Green Park Way in Greenford later this year. “ As the TBMs progress, other vital features of the tunnel are put in place such as cross passages, vent shafts and headhouses. Along the Northolt Tunnel there are five shafts and headhouses which will provide ventilation systems and emergency access to the tunnel when in operation. Between them, the quartet of machines have excavated nearly 2 million tonnes of earth. The excavated material is being put to beneficial reuse. Around the West Ruislip portal, it is being used around the Copthall Green Tunnel, to remodel a nearby golf course that has been impacted by HS2’s tunnelling and is being used sustainably to create new green spaces in the Hillingdon area surrounding the new railway. London Clay removed from the Victoria Road Crossover Box side of the tunnel, is being taken to the London Logistics hub using a spoil conveyor. From there it is taken by rail to beneficial reuse sites across the UK in Rugby, Kent and Cambridgeshire. The logistics hub has now transported over 2 million tonnes of materials to these sites, which are being used to backfill quarries to support housing developments and build wildlife areas for birds. The Northolt Tunnel is being built by a joint venture formed of the companies Skanska, Costain and STRABAG (SCS). The same JV will also construct the Euston Tunnel eastward from Old Oak Common to the centre of London. James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture, said: “Reaching the halfway point of our tunnelling programme for the Northolt Tunnel demonstrates the huge progress achieved to date on one of the most complex and ambitious programmes embarked upon in the UK. Alongside the tunnelling operations we are now moving into the fitout stage of the works in readiness for track and rail systems to be installed. “At Old Oak Common, we are gearing up to assemble and install our final two TBMs, ready to take the high-speed line into central London.” In May, HS2 revealed that across the route between London and the West Midlands, half of all the twin bored tunnel had been complete highlighting the significant progress HS2’s 31,000 strong workforce have made in constructing Britain’s new high speed rail line. Two of the tunnels are now complete – one stretching for 10 miles under the Chiltern Hills and another one-mile in length beneath Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire. Two others remain under construction – the Northolt Tunnel in London and the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel in the West Midlands taking the line into central Birmingham. Preparations to bore the final tunnel between Old Oak Common station and Euston are underway with two further TBMs due to arrive in the UK this summer ready to be assembled in the underground box at the station site. Timings and funding for the construction of the Euston Tunnel are being confirmed with government. When complete, HS2 will improve connections between London and the West Midlands, with trains running further north on existing lines. The new high speed railway will create quicker and more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while crucially freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Managing Director of McLaren Midlands and North, Gary Cramp, said: “Following the recent election and this afternoon’s King’s Speech, we are feeling ambitious about the UK’s targets to enhance economic growth through the measures outlined. The government will aim to ‘Get Britain Building’ through the planning reform, to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing and the English Devolution Bill will introduce increased powers for combined authorities and local leaders. “With the government focusing on enhancing Britain’s position as a leading industrial nation, the transport and industrial and logistics sectors will be key areas for growth, and we are feeling positive about the future economic benefits and opportunities that new powers for combined authorities and mayors in the Midlands and North region, will bring to local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reynaers Aluminium has introduced its new DigiTrace digital product passports across all its systems to allow instant access and complete transparency for performance, material and sustainability information. Supporting the demand for easy access to sustainability data, and the need to demonstrate clear and accessible product information to support the golden thread, the DigiTrace system is instantly accessible via element-specific QR codes. DigiTrace is the latest online support tool to be unveiled by the aluminium doors, windows and curtain walling specialist, which aims to deliver a seamless software information solution to support its products, and their use, from start to finish. Through DigiTrace, building owners, architects and contractors can share and access in-depth system, technical and performance data for specific products and elements. Supporting the entire process from manufacturing through to end use, the specially developed software solution is added to products at the manufacturing stage, usually by fabricators, who can then use DigiTrace to share and access information. Product details and technical information are exported directly from ReynaPro, the company’s calculation, order and production software, while additional certification, documentation and information, such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), maintenance guides, warranties and installation guides can be added by stakeholders throughout the product lifetime. The tool can be used by scanning the QR code to share feedback and to flag up any issues. Martin Boland, Technical Support Manager at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “With the introduction of the golden thread and an increasing commitment to sustainable building design, the need for precise and up-to-date information is growing. “DigiTrace is an end-to-end product passport system that enables complete transparency from start to finish. Every element is labelled with a unique QR code enabling instant access to online information via a smartphone. “With the ability to upload images and share information with other stakeholders through the platform, DigiTrace supports communication between sites and offices to discuss any issues, as well as between contractors and fabricators. There is also a feedback feature where building owners can upload pictures to help explain any queries they might have. In addition, the level of detail around the materials used allows for appropriate end of life recycling. “DigiTrace is a real step forward in promoting product circularity and transparency to support the development of safer, more sustainable buildings.” The introduction of DigiTrace follows the company’s recent launch of the Docu Portal system with Hardware Configurator to make technical guidance easily accessible online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ballymore has submitted an outline planning application for a £1.7 billion redevelopment of Edgware’s Broadwalk Shopping Centre, the bus station, and the garage. This ambitious project is in partnership with Places for London, Transport for London’s property company, which owns part of the area’s land. The transformative masterplan, designed by Howells, proposes delivering 3,365 new homes, including 1,150 affordable homes and 463 student accommodation spaces. A significant increase in green space for the town centre includes a new Deans Brook Nature Park, unlocking nearly five acres of land that has been inaccessible to the public for almost 100 years. To enhance the high street offering, the new town square and centre will more than double the existing commercial space and reintroduce a cinema, addressing the absence of the former Ritz cinema for over 20 years. Edgware’s daytime and mid-week economy will be strengthened by new office spaces and workspaces for small and medium businesses. Greener, Cleaner, and Closer to Nature The development will open up access to green space that has been closed off to the public for almost a century by creating the 4.7-acre Deans Brook Nature Park. Current scrubland will become a nature trail with wild planting, walking routes, seating, and play areas for the local community to relax and enjoy nature within the town centre. Landscape design by Gustafson Porter + Bowman includes 400 new trees and 2.5 acres of new play space for children of all ages, integrated across the site. Ballymore and Places for London collaborated with Make Space for Girls, a charity campaigning for parks and public spaces to be designed with teenage girls in mind. Community engagement workshops with local young women and girls aged 12-17 ensured that often overlooked groups were considered. The resulting landscape design includes a range of inclusive spaces such as social seating, play areas, and safe spaces for young people to meet and spend time with friends. The development aims to generate zero emissions once operational, using renewable energy sources such as air heat pumps, solar panels, green roofs, and community growing gardens. An Improved Town Centre Experience Plans will more than double the existing commercial, retail, and leisure space on the site, with 460,000 sq. ft. for new shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a new, larger Sainsbury’s, a cinema, and a leisure centre. Flexible floorspace will deliver offices, workspaces, and hotel uses, centred around a new town square that will complement the existing amenities in the town centre. The masterplan prioritises pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging active travel with significant improvements to connectivity within the town centre and a new public cycle hub offering 200 cycle spaces. The development will deliver a future-proof transport interchange, including a new bus garage that can easily adapt to electric vehicles. The garage will contribute to the future use of electric buses across London, improving air quality and helping to tackle the climate emergency. Safety for residents and all town centre users is a priority, with Ballymore and Places for London committing that no electric vehicles will use the garage until the design is approved by the London Fire Brigade, Barnet Council, the Health & Safety Executive, and Building Control. The new transport interchange will provide sheltered waiting areas, pick-up and drop-off points, and improved connectivity to the Underground station. Convenient local car clubs and Dial-a-Ride services will also be provided on-site. Designed for Community Ballymore acquired The Broadwalk Centre in 2020. Over the past three and a half years, the project team has worked closely with the Edgware community and a network of stakeholders to gain insights into how the development can best serve local needs. These contributions have guided the design process and prompted adaptations. The team met with over 3,000 local community members and received nearly 2,800 pieces of feedback and project contributions. Last summer, the Edgware Summer Fair saw part of the Broadwalk car park taken over for arts and crafts, food, drink, and live music, providing an opportunity for local people to view the model and learn more about the design proposals. Almost 3,000 people attended over the late August bank holiday weekend. In response to local resident feedback, the proposed scheme provides 769 parking spaces, including 344 public spaces. On-site parking currently at ground level will be relocated to a multi-storey car park with flexible community space at ground level, potentially housing a café, a new modern library, pharmacy, and affordable workspace. John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, said: “Edgware is an incredible town with a rich history – and this site presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We’re submitting this application 100 years on from the opening of Edgware station. With this masterplan, we are looking to help Edgware continue to thrive over the next 100 years – with new homes, green spaces, job opportunities, sustainable travel, and places for friends and family to spend time together and make memories among new shops, restaurants, and community spaces. “We’re proud of the plans we’re submitting, and we thank the huge numbers of people in the community who’ve met our design team and helped shape these plans.” Graeme Craig, Director and Chief Executive at Places for London, said: “Following extensive engagement with the local community and close collaboration with our partner, Ballymore, we are pleased that the planning application to deliver an enhanced and improved town centre for Edgware has now been submitted. It looks to revitalise and support the local economy, alongside new opportunities for the community to explore new green and open spaces, while also delivering the homes that the capital urgently needs. “Sustainability has been considered throughout the design process and is at the heart of the proposals. From a new transport interchange to cycling and walking improvements, these designs will help to encourage sustainable travel and make Edgware and London an even more fantastic place for people to live, work and travel in.” Glenn Howells, Founding Partner of Howells, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ballymore and Places for
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has noted the emphasis on the planning system’s pivotal role in the government’s plan to revive the UK economy, as outlined in the King’s Speech. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, commended the government’s efforts to increase the capacity of local planning authorities and underscored the potential impact of these measures on restoring trust in the planning system and fostering thriving communities. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The government has laid the groundwork for achieving its housing and infrastructure ambitions by setting plans to increase the capacity of local planning authorities. We believe that these measures will not only restore trust in the planning system but also demonstrate that with sufficient resources, the planning system can effectively create spaces where communities can thrive. “It is essential for planners to make a significant impact within the government’s first parliamentary term. To achieve this, measures such as ringfencing resources, allowing councils to set their own fees at an appropriate level for their area, and enabling full cost recovery for their services need to be implemented quickly.” On modernising planning committees: “The Institute believes planning committees need modernisation and could include a national scheme of delegation, allowing planning officers to make some decisions themselves. Qualified planners should be able to implement agreed planning policy, freeing up councillors’ time to focus on the most challenging planning cases. This change would help to unblock many applications and speed up the planning process.” “The RTPI will also be considering how our experiences running the Politicians in Planning network (PiPN) can inform any new training for politicians on planning committees. We will also examine how the hybrid or virtual planning committee models, which we successfully advocated for, can help to open up the planning process to a more diverse and inclusive range of people.” On Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: “We have repeatedly emphasised the importance of clearer, more spatial and up-to-date national infrastructure policy to speed up project delivery and clarify where projects should be delivered. This involves updating our National Infrastructure Strategy and requiring National Policy Statements to be reviewed at least every 5 years.” On devolution: “We have long called for metro mayors to have strategic planning powers. We welcome today’s announcements as an essential step in ensuring that the new housing developments are well located and well integrated with industrial strategy, to deliver the billions in economic growth that our research has shown is possible. We believe it will not only enhance cooperation across housing market areas and diminish local political obstacles, but provide certainty to investors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Principle Estate Management has announced the completion of significant works at a highly prestigious London development, overseen by the firm’s London office. York Terrace West and Nottingham Terrace are widely regarded as among the finest addresses in Regent’s Park. Principle’s latest project for the residents involved constructing a new, enlarged Porters’ Lodge in the centre of the estate. The works were managed by Principle consultant Bob Myhill, who has been involved in the development’s management for 17 years. Rachael Hornby, associate director and head of Principle’s London office, said: “In recent years, we have completed our five-year cycle of external decorations for the entire estate. This was followed by a complete refurbishment of the communal areas of Nottingham Terrace, incorporating new lighting, modern signage, new carpets, and redecoration with bespoke wallpaper, reflecting the connection with Regent’s Park. “Our most recent project – the new, enlarged Porters’ Lodge – was undertaken after consultation with the residents, and planning permission and Crown Estate approval were obtained. Construction was carried out in the second half of 2023 and completed in early 2024.” The new lodge has been brought forward to the pavement edge and designed to improve visibility for the Porters. It accommodates the modern needs of the security and porterage team, and Principle also upgraded to fibre optic cabling, renewing the entire CCTV monitoring and video entry phone access systems to all apartments. The Grade I-listed York Terrace West is one of the original John Nash-designed terraces fronting the iconic green space of Regent’s Park. Originally built in 1823, it was completely refurbished in 1970 when Nottingham Terrace was constructed. A spokesman for York and Nottingham Terraces Management Ltd said: “The new Porters’ Lodge and upgrades to the entire estate were needed to provide modern facilities, with due regard to the surrounding history and aesthetics. We worked closely with Bob Myhill and Rachael Hornby to ensure the new, completed Porters’ Lodge was designed not to compete with the historic York Terrace or the more modern Nottingham Terrace, but to blend in with oak slatting and a green roof. “It has produced a highly satisfactory facility, and the estate, under Principle’s astute management, is maintained to a very high standard, as befits a property on the Crown Estate.” Chris Green, commercial director at Bloomsbury Construction Group Ltd, which led the contractors’ work on the project, said: “The Porters’ Lodge is a project we can all be proud of. Despite the fast-track programme duration, the project maintained high standards of design and sub-contractor coordination and integration. “We formed a collaborative and forward-thinking relationship with Jak Studios, BlokBuild and other stakeholders to deliver a brilliant space that is visually stunning and environmentally conscious, yet highly functional for the Porters, and this will serve the estate for many years to come. We appreciate the support and quick decisions from Principle, which culminated in the successful delivery of this project.” Mrs Hornby of Principle added: “One of the most rewarding aspects of property management is working with our clients and customers to see major works projects through to completion, especially when they improve facilities and amenities for residents.” Founded by Brett Williams in 2018, Principle Estate Management is based in Birmingham and acquired London firm Myhill Newman in August 2022, expanding its services into London and the South East. Principle now has more than 65 staff looking after a portfolio of over 16,500 units at around 375 developments across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals