Story Homes is pleased to announce the submission of a full planning application for a new residential development in the village of Swarthmoor. The planning application for 155 new high quality homes has been submitted to Westmorland & Furness Council, and will make an important contribution towards local housing delivery,
LEADING fit out and refurbishment main contractor Pexhurst has announced its target to achieve net zero across Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. The announcement follows a period of extensive research, data analysis and planning, with the target awaiting validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – an
The development of new Crick supported lab space at 20 Triton Street on British Land’s Regent’s Place campus represents a bold step in transforming London’s Knowledge Quarter into a global leader in life sciences. Gensler partners with British Land and the Francis Crick Institute, a flagship for discovery research in
Commenting the Chancellor’s new willingness to ‘fight for growth’, Daniel Austin – CEO of property investment firm ASK Partners, said: “The Chancellor has promised a review of government guidance on building major projects to support investments outside of the wealthy and productive south-east of England. With a political shifting of
With a large million-pound investment Selkent, a leading UK supplier of construction fixings and tools, increases its customer fulfilment capacity with the opening of a brand-new warehouse in Sittingbourne, UK. Officially opened by local MP Kevin McKenna, the facility currently has 34 employees with an additional eight roles being recruited for
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Government’s plans to deliver new homes and national infrastructure. The Chancellor of the Exchequer made the announcement in a speech today in Oxfordshire. Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said: “The Government’s focus on delivering
Façade specialist Alsecco has appointed a new technical design and support specialist to further enhance its support for both offsite and traditional construction projects. Nick Barrett brings extensive experience of offsite construction to the role having previously worked at TopHat Modular. With a background in construction design and offsite manufacturing,
MAG (Manchester Airports Group) which owns and operates East Midlands Airport (EMA) is pleased to announce Prologis, the leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, as its partner to take forward the development of a new industrial logistics and advanced manufacturing park near EMA. The new park is a designated
Bouygues UK is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the fourth phase of the Hallsville Quarter regeneration project in Canning Town, London. The project, part of the £3.7 billion Canning Town and Custom House Regeneration Programme, recently held a topping out ceremony to mark reaching the highest point of
Specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie, in partnership with Howkins & Harrison, has successfully brokered the sale of a 25-acre site in Bulkington, Warwickshire. Acting as joint agents on the sale, Howkins & Harrison represented the landowners, while Mather Jamie was instructed by Tarmac, the land promoter. The
Story Homes is pleased to announce the submission of a full planning application for a new residential development in the village of Swarthmoor. The planning application for 155 new high quality homes has been submitted to Westmorland & Furness Council, and will make an important contribution towards local housing delivery, including the provision of 54 new affordable homes for eligible local people. The scheme will deliver a range of well-designed, two to six-bedroom properties to complement the existing area. From first-time buyers to downsizers or those looking for a ‘forever’ family home, this new development will deliver much-needed new homes for residents at different life stages. Adam McNally, Senior Land & Planning Manager for Story Homes, said: “We are delighted to have submitted plans for a new residential development in Swarthmoor. Our plans demonstrate our commitment to this site and how we have overcome key long standing planning constraints. The scheme has been carefully designed around flexibility and modern living, reflecting the aesthetics of the local area and featuring the distinctive and appealing street scenes that define Story Homes. “This is a key site for Story Homes as we continue to focus on growth throughout the South Lakes area, building on the success of our recent schemes in Kendal and Ulverston. These projects have been well-received by customers, reflecting the strong demand for our high quality homes in the area. We look forward to receiving the Council’s views on our proposals.” This scheme will generate over £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)* as well as delivering infrastructure and highways improvements, as well as a travel plan. New green areas of public open space, including an equipped area of play, will be delivered on-site which will be accessible to the local community, benefitting new and existing residents. This development will bring substantial benefits to the local economy, both during and after construction. During the construction phase, it will create direct and indirect employment opportunities through subcontractors and supply chains. Once the new homes are occupied, the increased demand for local services will provide an ongoing boost to the community. It is anticipated that a decision on these plans will be received by Westmorland & Furness Council by summer 2025. For more information, please visit www.storyhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING fit out and refurbishment main contractor Pexhurst has announced its target to achieve net zero across Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. The announcement follows a period of extensive research, data analysis and planning, with the target awaiting validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – an external verification process of near-term targets to ensure they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined by the Paris Agreement 2015. Having established its 2023 financial year as the baseline for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, the contractor has been able to plan for, set and now announce an ambitious absolute net zero target for these emissions. Between now and 2030, Pexurst has an intermediate target to achieve a 40% reduction in emissions by 2027. This journey has been captured in its new Carbon Reduction Plan, to be published soon, detailing its plan for a sustainable future by addressing each component of its footprint, the solutions to decarbonise them and timings for when changes will occur. Stuart Byles, director at Pexhurst, said: “As a responsible contractor, announcing a net zero target for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions is a very important moment in our own efforts to tackle climate change. There were many sources of inspiration during this process, such as our progressive commitment to sustainability and the equally ambitious net zero targets set by our clients – without forgetting how the changes will reduce our environmental impact amid a climate emergency. “The announcement of our net zero target follows a significant period of hard work to ensure we are ambitious but also realistic. The Pexhurst Junior Board deserves recognition for its role in this process, but also our sustainability coordinator Luca Sidoli – who has brought new ideas to the table along with the enthusiasm needed to ensure everyone at Pexhurst understands and embraces change. The journey we are embarking on will involve everyone within the business, which makes me proud to have such a strong cohort of passionate and vocal sustainability advocates.” By 2030, Pexhurst aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90% in relation to the 2023 baseline year, followed by the carbon removal of the remaining 10%. Some of the measures Pexhurst aim to introduce to achieve its target include transitioning to electric-powered plant and fleet vehicles, as well as substituting diesel with hydrogenated vegetable oil and implementing renewable energy tariffs wherever possible. Luca Sidoli, sustainability coordinator at Pexhurst, said: “Sustainability is a huge and complex challenge that we all face, which means that education must be ongoing. Part of our net zero target strategy includes continued training on carbon impact and emissions, starting as early as the Pexhurst onboarding process, as well as supporting our staff on the operational changes required to make reductions in our emissions. “As we move forward, we will be doing everything we can to make sustainability an accessible topic – to continue inspiring, motivating and proving that urgent change is achievable. Beyond the Pexhurst team, we will be ensuring that our supply chain and clients are able to engage with us on the topic of net zero so that we are also contributing to their ambitions.” Pexhurst also understands the significance and size of its Scope 3 emissions. Therefore, it is currently undergoing a screening process with the aim of generating a complete dataset of its material categories, which will allow the contractor to begin developing a reduction plan for these emissions. To learn more about Pexhurst’s baseline year emissions and what the business has already achieved during its sustainability journey, read its Sustainability Statement for the 2023/24 reporting period: www.pexhurst.co.uk/pexhurst-sustainability-statement-2023-24 To learn more about Pexhurst, visit www.pexhurst.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The development of new Crick supported lab space at 20 Triton Street on British Land’s Regent’s Place campus represents a bold step in transforming London’s Knowledge Quarter into a global leader in life sciences. Gensler partners with British Land and the Francis Crick Institute, a flagship for discovery research in biomedicine, on new labs at 20 Triton Street in Regent’s Place, Euston. The space aims to support the shared mission to strengthen London’s Knowledge Quarter as a world-leading life sciences and biotech destination. Spanning 33,000 sq. ft the design concept developed by Gensler focuses on creating best-in-class, adaptable spaces for future tenants, utilising the Crick’s expertise in the design and operation of world-class laboratory facilities within the heart of the Knowledge Quarter. This collaboration mirrors the rapid evolution of King’s Cross, which has become a thriving science district with a high concentration of life sciences companies, research centres, and academic institutions. Nathan Morgan, Project Director at Gensler, said: “This collaboration at 20 Triton Street represents a bold step in transforming London’s Knowledge Quarter into a global leader in life sciences. Through our partnership with British Land, we have designed flexible, cutting-edge spaces that drive innovation and scientific discovery, supporting the shared mission to accelerate the process of scientific discovery, deliver benefits to society and reinforce London’s position as a world-class destination for biotech.” Gensler’s design features a central community hub to foster interaction and collaboration, providing dynamic spaces for both individual scientific discovery and collaboration. The space includes CL-2 wet lab suites, flexible office spaces, meeting rooms, and shared amenities such as an outdoor terrace, ideal for driving creativity and cross-disciplinary exchange. The range and type of modular spaces provided underscores the flexible, hybrid nature of today’s research and development environments, where cross-functional teams from academia, industry, and start-ups work closely together to tackle global health challenges. Stephen Mayhew, Chief Business Officer at the Francis Crick Institute, said: “By bringing the expertise in technology and infrastructure of the world- renowned Francis Crick Institute, we are opening the door to the next generation of global life science businesses – helping them to go faster and further than ever before.” The Francis Crick Institute supported lab space at 20 Triton Street is designed to feel like a Crick space. The resulting aesthetic features intentional injections of bold colour balanced with a neutral base palette along with branding and environmental graphic design. The space also incorporates elements of biophilia, with a focus on sustainability using high-recycled content materials such as perforated timber and acoustic walls, creating a natural, calming atmosphere. Simon Hepher, Head of Regent’s Place Asset Management, commented: “The completion of this pioneering, highly flexible lab space at Regent’s Place marks an exciting next chapter for lab space within the Knowledge Quarter. Collaborating with The Francis Crick Institute and Gensler has been a fantastic experience, showcasing the incredible outcomes that can be achieved when experts unite. I am eager to see the innovative companies, groundbreaking research, and scientific advancements that will emerge from this space.” This speculative development approach by British Land caters to the dynamic nature of scientific research and aligns with the Crick’s goals, providing highly serviced and state- of-the-art laboratories and office facilities to companies sharing its scientific mission in biomedicine. This emerging idea of a collaborative network reflects a broader shift towards creating a cohesive and interconnected community within the Knowledge Quarter. Gensler’s development of the Francis Crick Institute supported lab space at 20 Triton Street builds on an earlier collaboration with British Land to design shared tenant facilities within the building, including end-of-trip facilities, lobbies, and amenity spaces. The project team at 20 Triton Street includes Gensler, Bulb, Studio Sutton and ARUP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting the Chancellor’s new willingness to ‘fight for growth’, Daniel Austin – CEO of property investment firm ASK Partners, said: “The Chancellor has promised a review of government guidance on building major projects to support investments outside of the wealthy and productive south-east of England. With a political shifting of gears globally spearheaded by the US, the UK Government has said it is prioritising delivering growth at any cost, with major infrastructure projects having a key role to play. While the growth-focused approach is welcomed, pursuing large-scale infrastructure projects at any cost risks an excess of borrowing, leading to stubborn inflation and sticky interest rates. These factors will leave the industry questioning the financial viability and delivery of these projects. “Further, a critical issue remains overlooked: cripplingly high construction costs severely limit the number of projects that can be completed. If construction projects continue to stall due to steep costs and an imbalance between delivery expenses and expected sales, land will increasingly lose its appeal for builders and investors, further exacerbating the project delivery crisis. “The rise in construction costs is as damaging to project delivery as fluctuating market sentiment and rising interest rates. To address this, the government must consider the broader impact of rising costs on the entire market. A holistic approach is needed and one that ensures financial viability across small, medium, and large-scale developments. One solution would be targeted financial support for the building sector, which could help make construction manageable again. By tackling this issue head-on, the UK can reinvigorate its construction sector and work towards a sustainable boost to robust economic growth via the country’s promising infrastructure potential.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With a large million-pound investment Selkent, a leading UK supplier of construction fixings and tools, increases its customer fulfilment capacity with the opening of a brand-new warehouse in Sittingbourne, UK. Officially opened by local MP Kevin McKenna, the facility currently has 34 employees with an additional eight roles being recruited for within the local area. As part of the company’s wider growth plans, the new warehouse is accompanied by an office move to Orpington, offering easier commute to its employees and better links between the office and its new Kent-based warehouse. The new warehouse will form a central base for its upgraded delivery fleet operations, using entirely electric vehicles that utilise a new fleet management system, the Podfather. Integrated with the company’s back-office systems, the fleet management software helps to improve the efficiency of dispatch, ensure cost effective and resource efficient delivery management, and support the move towards paperless working. With improved efficiencies the warehouse will enhance the company’s on-site delivery service, helping customers overcome challenges, such as rising costs and supply chain issues, and meet project demands. Founder of Selkent, Julian Bushnell, said: “The new warehouse facility is key to our plans for company growth, enhanced customer fulfilment, and ever-improving sustainable operations. With a focus on delivering construction supplies to projects across the country, the new warehouse in Sittingbourne will act as a hub for our operations and we hope that our facility will provide increased business and careers in the local community for years to come.” Local Sittingbourne MP, Kevin McKenna, said: “The investment into the local economy and resulting employment opportunities is hugely beneficial for Sittingbourne. With ambitious plans to grow the team at the new warehouse, Selkent is leading by example to help improve sustainable operations within the construction industry as well as support their local community through increased business opportunities and employment.” To find out more about Selkent and its latest news, visit https://www.selkent.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Government’s plans to deliver new homes and national infrastructure. The Chancellor of the Exchequer made the announcement in a speech today in Oxfordshire. Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said: “The Government’s focus on delivering new homes and national infrastructure is great news – these are essential drivers for economic growth and moves to unlock land near transport hubs can be transformative. We need vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods with everything from accessible transport to green space and bustling local centres. But quality matters when creating new developments. Architecture plays a crucial role in ensuring that new places are sustainable, liveable and fit for the future. We remain ready to work with government to meet this challenge head on. We look forward to seeing more detail in the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Façade specialist Alsecco has appointed a new technical design and support specialist to further enhance its support for both offsite and traditional construction projects. Nick Barrett brings extensive experience of offsite construction to the role having previously worked at TopHat Modular. With a background in construction design and offsite manufacturing, he brings an in-depth understanding of innovation and efficiency to offsite construction. Alsecco, a leading manufacturer of external wall insulation and brick slip systems, has appointed Nick to work within its technical team to develop new façade offerings and provide bespoke support for developing projects. Nick will take a key role in overseeing and delivering CPD events to support technical understanding of external wall insulation and façade systems for architects, design managers and contractors. Ben Robinson, Technical Manager at Alsecco, said: “Nick brings not only a wealth of knowledge around all construction aspects to the business, but a forward-looking view on integrated technologies for construction products and a high degree of problem-solving skills. “Nick will assist in developing new façade offerings within the range and offer enhanced bespoke support for clients’ projects. “Having the right technical support for facades projects is essential to accurate specification and installation and we are delighted to have someone with Nick’s skillset on board that will both complement and expand our commitment to developing systems that directly meet the design, vision and needs of developers and architects.” Alsecco is a leading manufacturer of external wall insulation systems, specialising in render, brick and ceramic finishes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MAG (Manchester Airports Group) which owns and operates East Midlands Airport (EMA) is pleased to announce Prologis, the leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, as its partner to take forward the development of a new industrial logistics and advanced manufacturing park near EMA. The new park is a designated East Midlands Freeport tax site which will stimulate economic growth, investment and employment in the region, helping to unlock $1.3bn (£1bn) of investment in and around the airport. It will contribute to a corridor of innovation around MAG’s airports across the North, Midlands and South East England in key growth-driving sectors including life sciences and advanced manufacturing. The development site, south of the airport, will offer operators the option of various tax and customs relief and simplified import / export procedures. A Sustainable Development Supporting Growth A planning application for the new park has been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council, which, if approved, will bring up to 2,000 new jobs, £132m of economic growth per year (GVA) to the East Midlands, whilst contributing £9m of additional business rates. As part of the partnership, Prologis will also deliver a dedicated centre for logistics job training and education in Leicestershire. The centre will host the Prologis Warehousing and Logistics Training programme – providing local people with the skills and experiences needed to begin and progress their career in logistics. The new park will incorporate industry-leading standards of sustainability in its design, construction, and management. During construction, embodied carbon will be measured, reduced and mitigated aligned with the UKGBC net-zero carbon framework. In operation, the buildings at the park will have a net-zero regulated energy use in line with an EPC A+ rating. Unrivalled Connectivity & Air Cargo Operations EMA’s strategic central location, excellent motorway connectivity and unmatched operational capabilities position it as the UK’s number one airport for express freight. The airport is advancing plans to scale its cargo operations to meet rising demands, with Prologis research forecasting double-digit growth in air cargo volumes by 2025[1] and EMA’s predicted to grow by 54% to 2043[2]. EMA has already demonstrated how airports are catalysts of growth, with its unrivalled cargo operation attracting complementary investment across the East Midlands Freeport area and clusters of advanced manufacturers nearby. It connects key businesses in the region in the aeronautical, automotive, retail, pharmaceutical and logistics sectors to the world’s major cities. MAG is looking to work in partnership with Prologis to establish its three major airports as economic anchors within a growing corridor of innovation across the North, Midlands and South East England. This will stimulate key economic sectors identified in the Government’s Industrial Strategy such as life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Prologis has developed logistic parks at some of the world’s largest international airports including London, Amsterdam and New York. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Economic growth is the number mission of our Plan for Change to raise living standards in every part of the country. “This investment in East Midlands Freeport is a clear demonstration of the UK’s strength as a hub for innovation, will create thousands of new jobs driving growth in the region and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Together we are kick starting our economy, driving growth and getting more money in people’s pockets.” EMA’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “I’m delighted to announce Prologis as our global development partner and excited by the prospect of unlocking significant investments in East Midlands Freeport for the region. This is an exciting step forward for growth in and around the airport, as our unrivalled cargo operation continues to act as a catalyst for investment in our region and we look at ways to build on its success.” Paul Weston, Regional Head, Prologis UK said: “Our partnership with MAG aims to realise the full potential of this strategic hub for international logistics. “Our shared vision is to leverage the Freeport status and central location of EMA to create a high-impact gateway that drives economic growth, innovation and employment opportunities across the Midlands. By bringing our expertise in logistics developments to the table, we are confident that our partnership will unlock significant benefits for both the local community and the broader UK economy.” Tom Newman-Taylor, CEO of East Midlands Freeport said: “We welcome this announcement and Prologis’ commitment to East Midlands Freeport and this unique opportunity to drive transformative growth in the region. This is a positive first step in realising the full potential of the Freeport’s tax sites which, when fully developed, will be transformative for the East Midlands economy. Working collaboratively with all our partners we can realise our ambition of creating 20,000 jobs and unlocking billions of public and private investment into the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the fourth phase of the Hallsville Quarter regeneration project in Canning Town, London. The project, part of the £3.7 billion Canning Town and Custom House Regeneration Programme, recently held a topping out ceremony to mark reaching the highest point of the 11-storey development, well ahead of its expected completion in summer 2026. This phase of Hallsville Quarter, developed in a joint venture between Crosstree Real Estate Partners and Bouygues UK’s development arm, is set to become a vibrant home for London students. The purpose-built student accommodation, designed by PRP Architects with interiors by Holloway Li, will feature 375 state-of-the-art student rooms, modern amenities, a roof terrace, and a beautifully landscaped public realm. Bouygues UK, as the developer and main contractor, is committed to a low-carbon, sustainable approach, aiming for BREEAM Excellent certification, and is incorporating features such as fully pre-fabricated bathrooms and self-delivering the building’s concrete frame and internal finishes. Oliver Campbell, Managing Director of Bouygues UK’s development arm, said at the event, “We are proud to have reached this topping out milestone, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. This phase of the Hallsville Quarter regeneration represents a significant step forward in creating a dynamic and sustainable living environment for students. The location of this development, in the thriving new town centre in Canning Town, will offer students a vibrant area to live in with excellent links into the centre of London.” Phillippe Bernard, the newly appointed CEO of Bouygues UK, added, “It’s impressive to see how much has been achieved across the Hallsville Quarter regeneration project. This milestone not only represents significant progress but also highlights our commitment to creating sustainable and thriving communities.” The topping out ceremony marks a major achievement in the penultimate stage of the £600 million Hallsville Quarter Masterplan, which upon completion, will offer over 1,100 private and affordable homes, more than 30,000 square meters of leisure and retail space, and a new hotel. Conveniently located opposite Canning Town underground station, the development will also feature new public spaces, pedestrian links, cyclist provisions, and secure parking facilities. Bouygues UK and Morgan Sindall chair a Construction Working Group for the borough, meeting quarterly to discuss best practices on social value. Bouygues UK works closely with local schools on various initiatives such as CV writing workshops, mock interviews, and volunteering in the local community. The project is offering 10 weeks of work experience opportunities with local schools, two paid placements for UEL engineering master’s students, and provisions for 12 apprenticeships starting this year. Additional initiatives include a half-day course for 20 local people in collaboration with Newham Works. The topping out ceremony is a proud moment in the Hallsville Quarter project, symbolising progress and the promise of an exciting future for Canning Town’s urban landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie, in partnership with Howkins & Harrison, has successfully brokered the sale of a 25-acre site in Bulkington, Warwickshire. Acting as joint agents on the sale, Howkins & Harrison represented the landowners, while Mather Jamie was instructed by Tarmac, the land promoter. The development, located on Lancing Road, with access from Nuneaton Road and Bramcote Close has outline planning permission for 230 new homes and was acquired by leading residential developer Taylor Wimpey. Commenting on the sale on behalf of Mather Jamie, Associate Director, Karla Williams said “We’re thrilled to see this project take shape. Bulkington’s prime location near the M69 and M6 offers excellent transport links to Coventry and Leicester, making it a highly attractive option for future homeowners. Jeff Paybody from Howkins & Harrison added “Bulkington is a vibrant village with a community of over 6,000 residents and a range of established amenities. Adding quality housing here will not only enhance the local economy but also make the village an even more appealing destination for new homeowners.” A spokesperson from Taylor Wimpey said “We’re passionate about creating homes that meet real community needs. This project gives us the chance to provide essential housing in this part of Warwickshire. The Reserved Matters application has been submitted and we are looking forward to seeing our plans come to fruition.” Taylor Wimpey plc, one of the UK’s largest homebuilders, constructs over 15,000 high-quality homes across the country each year, committed to providing sustainable, community-focused developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals