Kenneth Booth
Offsite construction specialist Reds10 gets the go-ahead for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery designed to be net-zero in operation

Offsite construction specialist Reds10 gets the go-ahead for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery designed to be net-zero in operation

New school for Cornwall to be delivered using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Reds10, the vertically integrated off-site construction specialist, has been given the go-ahead by Cornwall Council for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery in West Carclaze, Cornwall. The new school and nursery has been designed to be net-zero

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British Land Announces Sale of Its 50% Meadowhall Stake

British Land Announces Sale of Its 50% Meadowhall Stake

In line with its strategy to focus on retail parks and reduce exposure to covered shopping centres, British Land has exchanged contracts for the sale of its 50% stake in Meadowhall Shopping Centre to its partner, Norges Bank Investment Management, for £360 million. Earlier this year, the joint venture also

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‘There’s still work to do’: Study finds alarming ‘knowledge gaps’ on Building Safety Act responsibilities

‘There’s still work to do’: Study finds alarming ‘knowledge gaps’ on Building Safety Act responsibilities

NBS’ 2024 Building Safety Survey reveals industry still ‘unsure’ of high-rise legislation… A new study by NBS, the UK’s leading specification platform, has found that nearly half of specifiers are still unsure of the responsibilities attached to the Building Safety Act 2022, a worrying sign that a high number of ‘knowledge gaps’

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Pexhurst Hosts Informative Industry Insights Event on Sustainability

Pexhurst Hosts Informative Industry Insights Event on Sustainability

With sustainability being a key focus for the built environment, encouraging conversation and educating industry professionals on the importance of designing and building future-proof buildings is absolutely essential. To that end, Pexhurst recently hosted an Industry Insights/CPD morning in partnership with Landways and Mitsubishi Electric.   The morning, held at

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Marshalls announces national winners of Register Awards

Marshalls announces national winners of Register Awards

Landscaping specialist Marshalls has announced the final results of this year’s Marshalls Register Awards, with hundreds of entries whittled down to just ten national winners, including the coveted Contractor of the Year title. Over 400 landscaping projects were entered into the awards and earlier this year, Marshalls announced its regional

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Kenneth Booth

Offsite construction specialist Reds10 gets the go-ahead for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery designed to be net-zero in operation

Offsite construction specialist Reds10 gets the go-ahead for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery designed to be net-zero in operation

New school for Cornwall to be delivered using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Reds10, the vertically integrated off-site construction specialist, has been given the go-ahead by Cornwall Council for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery in West Carclaze, Cornwall. The new school and nursery has been designed to be net-zero in operation and will be delivered using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The 1,750m2 Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery will accommodate 210 pupils in the school and 26 places in the nursery on the site of the wider residential development at West Carclaze Garden Village. With Reds10 acting as principal contractor and architecture and interior design undertaken by Sense of Space Architects, design proposals have been developed in close association with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Kernow Learning Trust, which provides education, training and support to schools in Cornwall. Utilising Reds10’s wholly-owned MMC factory facility in East Yorkshire, 87% of the new two-storey school building will be manufactured in Driffield before being transported to West Carclaze to be assembled on site, maximising productivity, quality and control and minimising disruption. Sustainable features are embedded throughout, with air source heat pumps providing heating to the building and PV panels and windcatchers on the roof, in line with the energy strategy for the school. Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery  is designed to be net-zero in operation and complies to the Department for Education (DfE)’s net-zero in operation guidance, Spec21. Sense of Space has worked with Reds10 to produce a design which will integrate with the wider West Carclaze Garden Village development using a combination of local and contemporary materials. The new school will be clad in local stone at the lower level with hard-wearing fibre cement panels and metal cladding above, and complimented by soft planting across the site, with areas of short and long grasses, native tree planting and a dedicated habitat area for study. Informal hard playground space will facilitate the link between the key outdoor play areas and the internal classroom layout. A fenced Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and grass playing field are enclosed by a soft landscape buffer around the perimeter of the site with tree planting to provide shade, shelter, and interest throughout the year. The new school will be located at the heart of the Carclaze Garden village centre with direct access from the adjoining neighbourhood facilities, supporting sustainable transport via a network of footpaths and cycleways. Groundworks for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery begin on site in Spring 2024, with first modules arriving on site in Autumn 2024. Clare Crowle, CEO of Kernow Learning, said “We are incredibly proud of Sky and its first cohorts based at Eden.  We are feeling excited at the progress towards finally arriving at our permanent site – building the future for Sky before our very eyes.” Joe Shepherd, Director & Education Sector Lead for Reds10, said “Delivering sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective new schools is an ongoing challenge for the education sector but the broadly similar requirements of school buildings in the UK make them particularly amenable to the standardisation that MMC delivers. Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery is a fantastic opportunity to illustrate the benefits of MMC and we are very pleased to get the go-ahead from Cornwall Council and the DfE.” Richard Addenbrook, Managing Director at Sense of Space, said: “We are looking forward to seeing this highly sustainable project take shape, initially in Reds10’s factory and subsequently on site in this beautiful location.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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British Land Announces Sale of Its 50% Meadowhall Stake

British Land Announces Sale of Its 50% Meadowhall Stake

In line with its strategy to focus on retail parks and reduce exposure to covered shopping centres, British Land has exchanged contracts for the sale of its 50% stake in Meadowhall Shopping Centre to its partner, Norges Bank Investment Management, for £360 million. Earlier this year, the joint venture also sold some ancillary land for £7 million (British Land’s share). Together, these deals value the entire Meadowhall estate at £734 million, which is 3% above its September 2023 book value. After accounting for net debt of approximately £200 million, the expected proceeds are around £156 million. The impact on FY25 NTA per share is projected to be negligible, with an estimated FY25 EPS dilution of 0.6p prior to reinvestment. The transaction would reduce HY24 proportionally consolidated LTV by 2.7 percentage points. As part of the agreement, British Land will continue to serve as the asset manager for Meadowhall Shopping Centre, earning fees in line with current terms. The transaction is anticipated to complete in July 2024, with the proceeds being utilised for general corporate purposes, including reinvestment into retail parks. Simon Carter, Chief Executive of British Land, said: “We have had a successful partnership with Norges over many years and are delighted to continue to work alongside them as asset managers of the centre. Following the sale of Meadowhall, 93% of our portfolio is now in our preferred segments of retail parks, campuses, and London urban logistics. We will continue to grow our retail park portfolio; with low capex requirements, parks offer attractive cash returns and at 99% occupancy, we are delivering strong rental growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Office Principles North hired for £1.7m Milton Keynes office building makeover

Office Principles North hired for £1.7m Milton Keynes office building makeover

Office Principles North has been chosen to carry out the £1.7 million CAT A refurbishment of an office building in the heart of Milton Keynes’ business district. The office fit out and design consultancy will upgrade c.10,000 sq ft on the ground, second and third floors of One Grafton Mews, Midsummer Boulevard.  The new design will enhance tenant amenities through a brand new ground floor reception/welcome area, featuring social and collaborative spaces. Office Principles North will remove existing lift lobbies on the second and third floors to create additional, open plan office accommodation. New lighting will be installed, and washrooms and common areas will be refreshed.  Sustainability is at the heart of the refurbishment, which will see the installation of new energy efficient M&E systems. There will also be low VOC paints, sustainable flooring products and finishes, while existing doors and raised access floors will be retained.  New fire curtains will be introduced to ensure compliance with building control regulations.Office Principles North has been appointed to deliver the refurbishment following a competitive tendering process. The fast-tracked project will be completed in just 12 weeks by a team also featuring TFT, Burnley Wilson Fish and KJ Tait. Bray Fox Smith and CBRE are the letting agents. One Grafton Mews offers more than 20,000 sq ft of office accommodation and is part pre-let to Woodfines. Occupiers benefit from the use of facilities at The Pinnacle, an adjacent office development of 190,000 sq ft, home to MHA, Dentons and RSM. Tina Batham, joint managing director of Office Principles North, said: “We’re excited to be delivering this CAT A office refurbishment. One Grafton Mews is sited in a terrific location in the centre of Milton Keynes, right next to The Pinnacle, and within minutes of the train line. This project is all about making best use of that positioning by enhancing the arrival experience for occupiers and visitors, and maximising the building’s available space. We’re looking forward to the challenge of completing the refurbishment within an incredibly fast-paced programme.” For more information on One Grafton Mews, please contact retained agents, CBRE and Bray Fox Smith. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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‘There’s still work to do’: Study finds alarming ‘knowledge gaps’ on Building Safety Act responsibilities

‘There’s still work to do’: Study finds alarming ‘knowledge gaps’ on Building Safety Act responsibilities

NBS’ 2024 Building Safety Survey reveals industry still ‘unsure’ of high-rise legislation… A new study by NBS, the UK’s leading specification platform, has found that nearly half of specifiers are still unsure of the responsibilities attached to the Building Safety Act 2022, a worrying sign that a high number of ‘knowledge gaps’ persist within the industry. Findings from NBS’ Building Safety Survey showed that half of respondents were either unsure or had no idea of duty holder responsibilities for Higher Risk Buildings (HRB). What’s more, just 12% felt ‘very clear’, demonstrating that more industry-wide training is needed in the run-up to the 1st of April 2024, when the grace period around the Act ends. The figures could be seen as concerning given that around two in three respondents (66%) have past experience working on HRB projects (although these are more likely to be suppliers and contractors than architects). Delving deeper, nearly half (44%) of respondents are unsure or have no idea what steps to take within the new building safety regime. These figures come nearly a year after the BSA was passed in Parliament, first introduced back in July 2021. Surprisingly, the figures are almost identical to that seen in NBS’ 2022 report (43%), showing that understanding of legislation has seen little improvement in this area. Worrying still, was that attitudes towards the Golden Thread and the crucial role it plays within HRBs appeared lax. As well as providing a continuous flow of information throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, it ensures all relevant safety-related information is readily accessible and up to date. However, only around half of respondents (45%) were clear as to how they would manage building information to realise the Golden Thread and just one in ten had a solid plan in place. Again, these are similar to 2022 figures, where in fact, more people felt confident managing building information than they did in 2023 (+2%). This is despite the increasing number of advanced construction-tech platforms designed to help specifiers capture each decision-making stage to form the Golden Thread. However, despite the obvious informational disparities, the study did highlight some more reassuring stats, particularly around third-party testing and the information being supplied by manufacturers – which is increasing safety within specifications. The report flagged that nine out of ten suppliers now provide ‘clear and accurate’ building product data in a digital format. At least eight out of ten also provide third-party certification with their products and have robust internal sign-off and version control processes. Commenting on the survey’s results, David Bain, NBS’ Research Manager, said, “Consistency is the backbone of progress and the stakes have never been higher when it comes to HRBs. These studies serve to highlight ‘trouble spots’ and importantly, offer an understanding of how to take the industry forward as a whole.” Russell Haworth, Chief Executive Officer UKI at Byggfakta Group, NBS’ parent company, said “At our Construction Leaders’ Summit last October, Dame Judith Hackitt told the audience, in no uncertain terms, that regulatory change is coming, and it’s unstoppable, so the construction industry needs to be fully prepared. Fast-forward to April 2024, and our research shows many specifiers are struggling to get to grips with the requirements, and this needs to be resolved. All designers must have the correct approach to specifications if the industry is to raise the bar on building safety. This includes getting to grips with the ‘nitty gritty’ of the BSA if they want to operate in the new regulatory landscape.” To download NBS’ Building Safety Whitepaper, click here. To find out more about NBS, its services, and expertise, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pexhurst Hosts Informative Industry Insights Event on Sustainability

Pexhurst Hosts Informative Industry Insights Event on Sustainability

With sustainability being a key focus for the built environment, encouraging conversation and educating industry professionals on the importance of designing and building future-proof buildings is absolutely essential. To that end, Pexhurst recently hosted an Industry Insights/CPD morning in partnership with Landways and Mitsubishi Electric.   The morning, held at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in Liverpool Street, London, began with a warm welcome and registration at 8.15am, followed by breakfast that provided all attendees with an opportunity to network and connect with like-minded professionals from various sectors across the industry. Landways delivered the opening CPD session on multi-use digital and DC power infrastructure design and how this can help deliver smarter, greener solutions. The in-depth Q&A session that followed allowed those attending to engage directly with the experts, address queries about the sustainability advantages it could bring and deepen their understanding. Mitsubishi Electric then took to the stage to present the importance of retrofitting building stock and why choosing heat pump technology as a low-carbon solution could be pivotal for the future of the industry. Additionally, the session highlighted what good looks like and how it can be achieved. Following the event, the attendees completed a survey to review the Industry Insights morning and give their feedback. The respondents highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions and the networking opportunities in-person events offer. One attendee commented: “The morning was incredibly informative and there was a good mix of clients and consultants in attendance. Great work team Pexhurst!” Delighted with the turnout for the event and the conversations created, Pexhurst Director Nick Tagliarini said: “This was our second Industry Insights/ CPD morning, following the success of our first, last year. We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout and the attendees were keen to learn and engage with the content. “It was another hugely successful event and we were incredibly grateful for the valuable contributions from our partners, Landways and Mitsubishi Electric.” Pexhurst remains committed to industry excellence and creating opportunities for professionals to keep up-to-date on the latest advancements and best practices in the industry. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay informed on all relevant industry news –  https://www.linkedin.com/company/pexhurst-services-limited/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Finning calls on dealer network to meet tight timescale for Ministry of Defence

Finning calls on dealer network to meet tight timescale for Ministry of Defence

Being part of a global network of Cat® dealerships has many advantages, not least when it comes to securing delivery of more than 80 fully Cat certified machines to Ukraine ready to help rebuild vital infrastructure and facilities in the country.   Finning has a long-standing relationship with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the UK, having worked with them over the past 20 years, previously providing generators as well as customised wheel loaders and excavators. In November the MOD, on behalf of the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, placed a contract with Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and services, for 82 fully operational machines delivered to Ukraine by the end of April.   The equipment was primarily needed to support rebuilding works on important parts of the country’s infrastructure including reclamation works on sites damaged during the conflict as well as clearing buildings, reinstating infrastructure and repairing underground utilities.   Given the variety of tasks, Finning worked with the MOD to select a combination of machines – including excavators, a variety of D6 dozers, and various wheel and track loaders – providing the greatest flexibility when on the ground in the Ukraine.   Having agreed on the machines required, Finning then looked at availability, given the tight deadline for delivery of April 2024 for all 82 machines. Finning began looking at its stock of used equipment available in the UK and widened this out to identify suitable machines to meet the MOD’s needs from other Cat dealerships in the US, Europe and Canada.   “Being part of a global dealer network, meant we were able to mobilise the required used machines from across Europe and the US to meet the MOD’s requirements,” explained Adam Smith, Head of Used Equipment at Finning.  “Over half of the machines were sourced from our stock of used equipment here in the UK. However, we were able to meet the demands of the full machine requirement by sourcing equipment from Cat dealerships in the US, Norway, Spain, Germany, and France.   “This really emphasises the strength of the dealer network across the world and with all dealers adhering to the same inspection standards – we were able to provide absolute reassurance for the MOD on the quality and performance of the machines.  All Finning used machines undergo an end-to-end, full 140-point service inspection prior to delivery. To this end, all the machines were prepped at one of 10 Finning service workshops in Glasgow, Leeds, Winsford, Cannock, Chesterfield, Dublin, Lisburn, Ashford, and Llantrisant.   The end-to-end service inspection includes a full function test and visual inspection of the machine itself. Then checks to the hydraulic system, powertrain, axels and gearbox are carried out. This includes fluid analysis checks to determine engine health and a full inspection of the undercarriage, tyres and any work tools. Finally, all the electrical systems on the machines are tested to ensure they are fully operational.  Adam continues: “Carrying out such a detailed inspection means we can provide a standard Cat warranty package in line with the machine’s age, hours on the clock and general condition, and includes providing a full-service history.   “This is standard practice across the sale of our used equipment and is universal across all Finning dealerships to provide customers buying used equipment with complete peace of mind and confidence that their equipment has been fully inspected and is fit for the job it needs to do.”  “The next stage involved us preparing all the equipment for transit. This required us to remove any blades, guides, belly guards and rippers so they wouldn’t be damaged en-route. We then had the task of coordinating with hauliers and shipping agents to manage their journey.”  Finning delivered the first 25 units by the end of December 2023, with the balance of machines due to be delivered by the end of April 2024.  Maj Gen Anna-Lee Reilly, Head of Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations at DE&S, said:   “We’ve been impressed with the level of expert input and service from Finning, which had a real task with sourcing such a range of machines in a very short time. The company has applied their proven expertise and combined it with creativity to find a solution which delivers a huge benefit to Ukraine.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Arco partners with mental health foundation to protect heads ‘Inside and Out’ 

Arco partners with mental health foundation to protect heads ‘Inside and Out’ 

Arco has pledged to donate a share of profits from its hard hat sales to the Mental Health Foundation, as part of a new partnership to “protect heads inside and out”.   From next month, the UK’s leading safety experts will donate 10% of all profits from sales of own-brand hard hats to the UK’s leading charity for mental health.  Arco announced the partnership today as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), underlining the company’s commitment to keeping people safe at work, and its preventative approach to physical and mental well-being.  Guy Bruce, chief executive of Arco, said: “Everything we do is focused on protecting people. We are Experts in Safety, and alongside the physical aspects of safety, we are increasingly aware of how important mental wellbeing is to keeping people safe.  “That is why I am delighted to embark on this partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, supporting their focus on protecting people’s mental wellbeing.  “Prevention is at the heart of everything we do at Arco, and this completely aligns with the Mental Health Foundation’s approach.  “Our collective fundraising activities will help the Mental Health Foundation work to prevent mental wellbeing problems and support people with understanding and achieving better mental health.  Arco will be organising activities and events throughout the year to further support the Mental Health Foundation’s efforts to educate and build people’s mental resilience.    The company is encouraging its staff to take part in the charity’s challenge events, with Guy and his executive team leading the way by signing up for a 25km fundraising hike in the Peak District.   Mark Rowland, CEO of Mental Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be launching this partnership with Arco.   “The Mental Health Foundation are the leaders in good mental health in the UK, and Arco’s support will help our work with some of the most vulnerable communities all over the country.”  The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.  Throughout the week, Arco will be providing its staff with daily updates and resources to support their personal and collective mental health, as well as holding a company-wide step challenge.  Find out more about Arco’s corporate social responsibility initiatives Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Marshalls announces national winners of Register Awards

Marshalls announces national winners of Register Awards

Landscaping specialist Marshalls has announced the final results of this year’s Marshalls Register Awards, with hundreds of entries whittled down to just ten national winners, including the coveted Contractor of the Year title. Over 400 landscaping projects were entered into the awards and earlier this year, Marshalls announced its regional winners of the competition across its series of 11 roadshows. Now, Marshalls has announced its national champions for each award category, which are: Landscape by Design North West Ltd also took the coveted title of Contractor of the Year. This was decided by fellow contractors and peers in the industry, who voted online to select their favourite from the national winners projects which were featured anonymously on the Marshalls website. Tom Foster, Trading Director for Landscaping at Marshalls said: “Everyone in the business has been looking forward to the announcement of our Marshalls Register Award winers, and I’m delighted to say this year’s calibre of entries was more impressive than anything we’ve ever seen before. Landscapers today know the vital role they play in making a home not just special, but truly outstanding in its design, and the many projects submitted to the awards proved that. “Huge congratulations must go to Landscape by Design North West, not only for standing out as a truly exemplary contractor but for its second national award for Best Large Driveway – a category which was fiercely fought. All our winners have demonstrated they strive to set new benchmarks in what consumers can expect from their landscapers, and we’re proud to have them all as members of the Marshalls Register.” Darren Smith, owner of Landscape by Design North West Ltd, said: “This is a very proud moment for our business. We’re absolutely over the moon to have won the title of Contractor of the Year because we know it’s such a prestigious achievement. We’re still buzzing from the news, and I’m sure our celebrations will continue for a while!” Hundreds of installers and businesses across the UK are part of The Marshalls Register of Accredited Landscape Contractors and Driveway Installers, a national network of independent professional landscaping specialists. The awards are just one of the benefits of being an approved Marshalls Register member, as well as having a profile on the manufacturer’s ‘find an installer’ facility that generates over 65,000 searches per year; access to the Marshalls Design Service, and reward points for every purchase. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Green Revolution in Construction: How Air Source Heat Pumps are Reshaping Property Development

The Green Revolution in Construction: How Air Source Heat Pumps are Reshaping Property Development

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. This shift is not just about adopting new materials or changing designs; it’s about integrating advanced technologies that can lead to more sustainable and efficient homes and buildings. One of the most promising developments in this arena is the adoption of innovative heating and cooling systems, specifically air source heat pumps (ASHPs), which are playing a pivotal role in this green revolution. The Role of Air Source Heat Pumps As the industry shifts towards more sustainable solutions, air source heat pumps have emerged as a frontrunner due to their efficiency and versatility. These heat pumps operate by extracting heat from the outside air, even in cold conditions, and using it to heat indoor spaces.  They require significantly less electricity compared to traditional heating systems and can substantially reduce a building’s carbon footprint. Moreover, air source heat pumps can be reversed in the summer to cool buildings, providing a year-round climate control solution. This dual functionality not only makes them an attractive option for property developers but also aligns with increasing regulatory demands for energy-efficient buildings. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings One of the primary appeal factors of air source heat pumps is their potential to lower energy bills. These systems are particularly efficient in moderate climates, making them ideal for a significant portion of the U.S. market. For property developers, integrating ASHPs means constructing buildings that are inherently more attractive to buyers who are conscious of both their environmental footprint and their utility expenditures.  Moreover, the initial investment in ASHP technology can often be offset by the long-term savings and potential tax incentives offered for green building practices. Property developers are not only able to market these savings as a benefit but also contribute to broader environmental goals, making developments appealing on multiple fronts. Enhancing Green Building Standards Incorporating air source heat pumps into new developments is increasingly being recognized as a standard component of achieving green building certifications. These standards are crucial for developers looking to capitalize on the growing market for sustainable housing and commercial spaces.  Beyond certification, ASHPs help builders meet stricter building codes that are being updated to reflect new environmental targets. States like California, known for their aggressive climate policies, are setting examples that others are beginning to follow, pushing more developers nationwide to consider ASHPs as a default option. Market Response and Consumer Demand As awareness of climate change increases, so does consumer demand for eco-friendly homes. A survey by the National Association of Home Builders revealed that a vast majority of homebuyers consider environmentally-friendly features as significant factors in choosing a home. In response, property developers are increasingly advertising the inclusion of ASHPs and other green technologies as key selling points. Moreover, certain market segments, particularly millennials and Gen Z buyers, prioritize sustainability not only in their lifestyles but also in their investment choices, including real estate. This shift in consumer preferences is prompting developers to adapt quickly to incorporate reliable and efficient solutions like air source heat pumps in their projects. Challenges and Opportunities Ahead Despite the advantages, the introduction of ASHPs in construction projects does face some challenges. Installation can be complex, requiring specific expertise that not all contractors currently possess. Additionally, the upfront cost can be a barrier for some projects, although this is gradually being mitigated by lowering costs and increasing government incentives. Nevertheless, these hurdles present opportunities for growth within the construction industry. As more professionals are trained in ASHP technology and more manufacturers enter the market, the costs are likely to continue to decrease, making these systems even more accessible. In conclusion, the green revolution in construction is picking up pace, and air source heat pumps are at the forefront of this movement. By offering significant energy savings, helping meet regulatory requirements, and appealing to eco-conscious consumers, ASHPs are reshaping how properties are developed. As the industry adapts to these changes, the future looks promising for both the planet and property developers who are ready to embrace these new technologies.

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£1 Billion Mixed-Use Development Set to Revitalise Blackfriars in London

£1 Billion Mixed-Use Development Set to Revitalise Blackfriars in London

London is set to receive a significant boost with a £1 billion mixed-use property development in Blackfriars. The green light has been given to a property developer for the redevelopment of 18 Blackfriars, the former site of the Sainsbury’s headquarters. This area has remained largely vacant for over two decades, but plans are now underway to construct three buildings. Two of these will provide over 400 new homes, with 40 per cent designated as affordable housing. The third building will offer 800,000 square feet of office space. In addition to the residential and office components, the developers will also build 20,000 square feet of affordable workspace. There will be assembly rooms available for use by the local community, educational facilities, children’s play areas, and a new central public space featuring retail and food outlets. Ross Blair, senior managing director and country head of Hines UK, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Businesses are increasingly demanding more from their office spaces, and 18 Blackfriars aims to meet that challenge by delivering the office of the future. We believe our plans will establish a new standard for premium quality workspace in London, seamlessly integrated into its local community and strategically positioned in the heart of our capital city.” This development comes at a time of significant transformation for the UK office market. Commercial property values have faced challenges due to rising interest rates and concerns about the post-pandemic office market, particularly with the persistence of hybrid working trends. Businesses are also prioritizing environmentally sustainable office spaces that meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) targets. Blair highlighted the importance of environmental considerations, noting that many businesses are currently operating in spaces that fall short of their own environmental standards or employee needs. To address this, 18 Blackfriars Road has been designed to be fossil fuel-free, 100 per cent electric, and Net Zero Carbon in operation. The site’s heat demand will be served primarily by ground source heat pumps, with energy sharing, storage, and offsetting mechanisms in place. The development is slated for completion by the end of the decade and is part of a wave of new developments planned for London in the coming years. Olympia London, a project in Hammersmith set to open in 2025, will offer commercial office space along with amenities such as a new permanent theatre and a variety of restaurants. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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