Mark Green joins from ISG and assumes the role of Operations Director working out of Glencar’s expanding Midland’s office. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses has today announced that it has hired Mark Green into the role of Operations Director. Mark
The latest research by Unlatch, the new homes sales progression and aftercare platform for developers and housebuilders, has revealed which local authorities have seen the highest level of house building when it comes to residential development as a percentage of total space available. Unlatch analysed each area of England based
Urban Edge Architecture has been granted planning permission by Birmingham City Council for a new industrial distribution warehouse on the Erdington Industrial Estate on behalf of Hermes Fund Managers. The building will potentially be divided into two units of high-end warehouse space, with office space for each at mezzanine level.
Urban Edge Architecture has submitted a planning application to South Kesteven District Council on behalf of Harlaxton College for the restoration of the disused Walled Garden at the historic Harlaxton Manor, near Grantham, to create a stunning and sustainable visitor attraction and educational experience. As Project Lead, Urban Edge worked
Oxford University Property Development (OUPD), the joint venture bringing together the land, vision and opportunities of Oxford University with the investment and development management skills of Legal & General, has announced today (31 August 2022) that Mace has been appointed to deliver the next phase of development at Begbroke Science
Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has announced its third senior appointment in as many months, with the recruitment of a new senior CDM consultant. Experienced health and safety professional, Paul Woods, has joined the expanding multi-disciplined construction consultancy to support a growing national demand for its services. Paul has established
RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services has commenced a new working partnership with VINCI Facilities on a substantial Ministry of Defence (MOD) Future Defence Infrastructure (FDIS) contract with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Over the coming years, the South Wales-based company will be working with VINCI Facilities on six MOD sites
FIRETHORN TRUST LAYS THE GROUND FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION WITH CARBON-SAVING AT PETERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT In line with Firethorn’s commitment to be a market leader in sustainable development, the three-unit scheme will feature innovative products and an advanced specification for occupiers, setting the standard for future logistics. As part of its ongoing
On behalf of CEG, BAM Construction has completed its 37,800 sq ft seven-storey office development on Globe Road, marking the first new build office to be delivered in Leeds this year. BAM Construction commenced the development in May 2021. Simon Sutcliffe, Construction Director for BAM added: “We are delighted to
Fit-out specialist Pexhurst is currently refurbishing a spacious industrial unit for SEGRO, the leading UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). The project involves the fit-out of an existing warehouse located at 160-161 Bestobell Road, Slough and is set for completion in September 2022. The warehouse is conveniently situated on the
Mark Green joins from ISG and assumes the role of Operations Director working out of Glencar’s expanding Midland’s office. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses has today announced that it has hired Mark Green into the role of Operations Director. Mark will be based at Glencar’s expanding Midlands office based in Solihull, Birmingham. Mark joins from Construction Services Company ISG after more than 21 years with the business. He initially started out at ISG Pearce as Operations Manager and more latterly held the position of Divisional Operations Director based in Bristol, where he was also Account Lead for Tesco. In his role at ISG Mark oversaw leading programs of work along with large individual projects on the Tesco retail account together with several large multi-million Amazon distribution schemes. Speaking about the announcement Glencar CEO Eddie McGillycuddy said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark into the business who brings significant experience and expertise which will strengthen our Midlands office significantly. We continue to experience extremely strong growth right across the Midlands market and industrial/logistics sector so this appointment will not only strengthen and expand our team but enable growth through increased resources and customer partnerships. Talking about his appointment Operations Director Mark Green said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity with Glencar and very happy to be joining during a time of such rapid growth and regional expansion with many exciting projects under construction across the Midlands and in the pipeline. I have worked in the construction industry for many years and my values reflect those of the company; working as a team to put the customer first and grow strong, strategic partnerships. I look forward to working with the Midlands team to build repeat business and further growth.”
The latest research by Unlatch, the new homes sales progression and aftercare platform for developers and housebuilders, has revealed which local authorities have seen the highest level of house building when it comes to residential development as a percentage of total space available. Unlatch analysed each area of England based on the total land area in hectares and what percentage of this land area has been attributed to developed use for residential properties. The research shows that the nation’s grand total land area is estimated to cover almost 13.3m hectares. Just 152,380 hectares of this land is also estimated to have been utilised for developed residential use, equating to just 1.1% of total land area. In the majority of regions this land usage for residential development remains fairly consistent with the national average, with the South West home to the lowest level at 0.7%. Outside of London, the North West and South East are home to the highest levels at 1.4%, but in the capital itself, this climbs to 10.1%. No surprise then, that the capital’s boroughs account for the most built up property markets in the nation. In Kensington and Chelsea, 22.3% of the borough’s total land area has been utilised for residential development. Islington isn’t far behind, where a fifth of the borough has been developed for residential homes, with Lambeth (18.2%), Hackney (17.6%) and Hammersmith and Fulham (17.4%) also ranking amongst the highest. Outside of London, Luton is the most developed local authority with respect to residential properties, accounting for 10.1% of total land area, followed by Leicester (10%), Blackpool (9.8%), Watford (9.8%) and Worthing (9.6%). The least developed area? Eden, where land developed for residential use sits at just 268 hectares, 0.1% of the area’s total land area. At 0.2%, Ryedale, Richmondshire, Craven, West Devon and Northumberland are also some of the least developed areas where residential property is concerned. Lee Martin, Head of UK for Unlatch says: “There seems to be a common misconception amongst the public that the nation is bursting at the seams when it comes to the number of homes already built and that we simply have no available land left to address the current housing crisis. This simply isn’t the case and, in fact, land utilised for residential development currently accounts for just over one per cent of the nation’s total land area. Of course, in major urban areas, this percentage is far higher, particularly in London, where the demand for housing is greater due to a larger population. However, in some areas, residential development accounts for a tiny fraction of total land available and it’s ironically in these areas where current homeowners are often most passionately against the construction of new homes.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here.
Urban Edge Architecture has been granted planning permission by Birmingham City Council for a new industrial distribution warehouse on the Erdington Industrial Estate on behalf of Hermes Fund Managers. The building will potentially be divided into two units of high-end warehouse space, with office space for each at mezzanine level. The scheme will include service yards, car parking and a landscape buffer to reduce the visual impact on surrounding residential areas. Dave Frost, Senior Associate Director at Urban Edge, comments: “This has always been a popular estate due to its central location and convenient access to the M6 and this new facility will help meet the need for high-quality commercial warehouse space in the Midlands, as well as providing employment opportunities for local people during construction and in use. “The scheme utilises a brownfield site to add a contemporary industrial/distribution unit to complement the existing industrial park and adds value to an existing asset for our client Hermes Fund Managers. The building has been designed to reflect the scale of the adjacent industrial and distribution buildings, whilst the attractive façade that wraps around all three of the public elevations adds great visual interest and proves not all industrial schemes need be plain boxes. The design provides sufficient internal height to match current distribution demands and enough flexibility to adapt to changing market demand and occupier requirements.” Urban Edge’s design maximises the site with a single 95,000sq ft building, split into two independent units of 40,000sq ft and 55,000sq ft with, respectively, 2,000sq ft and 2,750sq ft of office space at mezzanine level. Two sets of parking and service yards, including both level access and sunken loading docks, are separated by fencing. The entrances to the two office areas are situated on opposite sides of the building, with clear lines of sight from the two entrances to ease navigation. This division will also improve safety by keeping pedestrian pathways separate from HGV movements. The entrances and offices are marked by double-height glazing to maximise natural light, and a dark grey, projecting border of cladding. The main entrance doors will have a light blue frame which highlights the access points. The main body of the warehouse will use contrasting dark, mid and light grey cladding, with a splash of light blue and a horizontal emphasis to break down the elevations. Although the site is within an established industrial park, the layout offered a few challenges, including a 15m sewer easement located north-east of the site boundary which led to the building being relocated to avoid conflicts. A sub-station on the site also required Urban Edge to rearrange the loading docks’ location for lorry access. Explains Dave Frost: “Our extensive experience in opening up opportunities for asset creation on sometimes challenging sites has allowed us to develop a quality and deliverable design that can meet all the client’s key requirements. Getting the infrastructure right and making it easy to navigate around the scheme is also a key component of our design and a vital ingredient for both tenants, their customers and the long-term viability of a scheme.” The design of the scheme also proposes a number of interventions and initiatives to improve energy performance, reduce air pollution and improve local air quality. Available roof space has been fitted with PV technology, whilst car-share spaces are to be included on the site to encourage sharing journeys and 12 EV charging bays for electric vehicles. Sheltered cycle parks are also to be proposed to encourage people to cycle to work. Urban Edge’s design includes a new landscape buffer along the western and northern boundaries which will screen the site and enhance the privacy of the nearby residential houses, as well as reducing any noise pollution. The landscape buffer will be a mix of trees and shrubs and will incorporate SUDS and swales for site drainage.
Urban Edge Architecture has submitted a planning application to South Kesteven District Council on behalf of Harlaxton College for the restoration of the disused Walled Garden at the historic Harlaxton Manor, near Grantham, to create a stunning and sustainable visitor attraction and educational experience. As Project Lead, Urban Edge worked in close collaboration with Harlaxton College to create a masterplan for the 56.65ha site and a detailed landscape design focused around the historic Grade II* Listed Walled Garden, which will not only restore the historic fabric, but recreate the original productive function of the garden and introduce opportunities for education and participation. The proposals have been submitted following extensive engagement with stakeholders and with representatives of the community and officers of South Kesteven District Council, Historic England and Lincolnshire County Council. Andrew Cottage, Head of Landscape Design at Urban Edge, said: “This is an exceptional project in which we have applied our landscape design skills and understanding of the historic environment to deliver a practical and beautiful scheme that will meet the needs of the College and satisfy the requirements of Historic England and the planning authority. On completion the public will have access to assets of heritage significance which have previously been inaccessible to visitors helping them to understand, appreciate and interpret the past.” The Walled Garden will be made fully accessible and will be arranged around a series of axial vistas dividing the area into a series of garden rooms, each with a different character. Some areas will focus on the historic roots of the garden, emphasising the production of fruit, vegetables, herbs and cut flowers, with others being themed with specialist planting, such as four seasons, medicinal and sensory gardens. Tall hedges aligned with the axial paths will introduce a sense of intrigue and drama by not allowing the whole garden rooms to be seen at once and will create a sense of arrival in to the next character area. The scheme includes associated visitor infrastructure such as a new car park; footpath network and play area, whilst a large lawn will create a flexible space for informal gatherings and more formal events such as performances and parties. The listed Gardener’s House is being restored and converted by HP Architects Ltd into a new café, visitor facilities and education centre. The two historic vineries will be sensitively replaced and will serve as a café seating area with splendid views across the gardens and an education centre. Despite the challenges of working with heritage assets, sustainability was a key focus of the design, which included elements such as green roofs, ground source heat pumps and solar panels on the roof of the new energy centre. EV charging points will be included in the car park, and the whole project is targeting BREEAM Very Good. Concludes Andrew: “This is a remarkable opportunity for us to be involved in a very exciting project to restore an historic walled garden and make it relevant in the 21st century, creating opportunities for education, participation and horticultural innovation. It was immensely rewarding to lead and coordinate such a talented multidisciplinary design team to achieve such an impressive outcome.” Urban Edge’s design is part of an on-going process by Harlaxton College, the overseas study centre of the University of Evansville, in close liaison with Historic England, to restore and preserve the historic features within the estate and remove the Grade II* listed grounds and gardens from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Full Design Team: Landscape Architect: Urban Edge Architecture Architect: HP Architects Ltd Business planner and Cost Consultant: Focus Consultants M&E Engineer: BCA Structural and Civil Engineer: CTP Engineers Sustainability Consultant: Focus Consultants Ecologist: Inspired Ecology Arboriculturalist: RPS
Oxford University Property Development (OUPD), the joint venture bringing together the land, vision and opportunities of Oxford University with the investment and development management skills of Legal & General, has announced today (31 August 2022) that Mace has been appointed to deliver the next phase of development at Begbroke Science Park (BSP). This contract is the first in a package of work representing a £100m investment in expanding the Science Park by the JV and will create a further c 135,000 sq ft of space in total. One building will become a new home for the University’s academics and the other will become a new commercial hub for companies looking to grow and build links with academia. Practical completion of the buildings, designed by nbbj architects, is targeted for early 2024. The two buildings are lab enabled, designed by nbbj architects, to perform to high sustainability standards including BREEAM Excellent and WELL Gold Enabled. The development includes a new cycleway link between Begbroke Science Park and Kidlington as well as a public art piece by the Turner Prize winning practice Assemble. The buildings are an expansion of the current facilities within the boundaries of the existing Begbroke Science Park at Begbroke Hill. OUPD is also working on plans, in consultation with the local community and Cherwell District Council, to bring forward wider development outside the existing boundaries of the Science Park to deliver homes, additional research and development facilities and commercial space. The building was developed by Oxford University Development (OUD), the delivery arm of OUPD, in conjunction with Oxford University and Bruntwood SciTech. The contract has been placed by Legal & General who will oversee delivery. Anna Strongman, CEO of OUD said today: “Begbroke has been a home of innovation for Oxford University for over 20 years, supporting spin-out and scale up businesses, attracting and retaining talent, and generating economic and social benefits. Our partnership will deliver the further space needed to build on that success. These two new buildings will provide further much needed academic and commercial spaces by 2024.” Mike Coplowe, Senior Development Manager, Legal & General “We are extremely proud of our partnership with the University of Oxford, and today marks an exciting milestone in Begbroke Science Parks journey. The first phase of the scheme will bring forward new research facilities, as well as providing space to incubate spin-out companies. Future phases will also seek to develop 2,000 new homes, with a mix of affordable tenures and subsidised key worker accommodation. These new facilities will help retain talent in the city, whilst driving essential inward investment and providing opportunities for world-leading innovation, as well as much needed housing for key workers.” Professor Patrick Grant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), from Oxford University, said: “For many years Begbroke has provided a unique environment for the University’s scientists to work alongside colleagues in the private sector. Amongst many innovations, we have created new technologies and products for green and sustainable energy and for precision medicine. The new buildings will accelerate our activity and collaborations, providing flexible facilities for research groups, spinouts and innovative companies of all kinds. They represent the first phase of an ambitious plan to deliver an innovation district at Begbroke, and we are excited to see the work commence.” Terry Spraggett, Managing Director, Construction (PREACH) at Mace said: “Begbroke Science Park is one of the most ambitious science and education projects Mace has ever been appointed to deliver. Working closely with the University of Oxford and L&G, we’ll use our track record and experience in creating the UK’s latest science testing facilities in electronics, satellites, and medical research, to bring new research spaces for this prestigious academic institution. By assembling a multi-disciplinary team, we are delivering the buildings in the science park to the highest sustainability and quality standards.” For more information go to www.oud.co.uk or contact Robert Gordon Clark on 07973 148238 or robert@playgc.co.uk
Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has announced its third senior appointment in as many months, with the recruitment of a new senior CDM consultant. Experienced health and safety professional, Paul Woods, has joined the expanding multi-disciplined construction consultancy to support a growing national demand for its services. Paul has established a track record for the successful delivery of construction design and management services during a 25-year career in health and safety, spanning the public and private sectors. He specialises in areas including pre-construction and construction phase planning and management, as well as auditing, inspection, safe systems of work and the production of safety management systems. Recent experience includes the delivery of support services to the UK and North West Europe safety teams at Fujitsu, where he was a senior health and safety manager for more than a decade. The appointment further complements TCC’s 18-strong specialist team and follows the recent recruitment of Allan Davies as Director and Clint Howell as Senior Building Surveyor. Co-founder and Director of TCC, Alex Pimley said that the firm had spent many months selecting the best candidate for the new role. He said: “Our success has been built on long-term client relationships and industry-leading services, so it’s crucial that we employ the very best professionals in our sector. “Paul is hugely experienced in the built environment and well respected in his field, having delivered services in all aspects of health and safety for the likes of the Ministry of Defence and Croydon Council. His expertise will be an invaluable asset to us as we move into the next phase of our business growth.” TCC is an independent, multi-disciplined construction consultancy headquartered in Cannon Street, Birmingham. Launched in 2017, it has developed a growing portfolio of clients including The Gym Group, Zone Developments, Ocado, Equation Properties, Panattoni, BentallGreenOak, Godwin Developments, Wolverhampton Council, University of Wolverhampton and St Francis Group. It specialises in a wide range of disciplines, most notably project management, employer’s agent, quantity surveying, fund monitoring and CDM consultancy.
RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services has commenced a new working partnership with VINCI Facilities on a substantial Ministry of Defence (MOD) Future Defence Infrastructure (FDIS) contract with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Over the coming years, the South Wales-based company will be working with VINCI Facilities on six MOD sites in the Oxfordshire area. The contract is part of the MOD’s new Future Defence Infrastructure Programme. The contract will see RDM inherit an additional two sites and more than 20 existing staff members. It will also see the company employ an additional five new staff in key roles, including senior management positions. The company has established an enviable reputation for delivering facilities management within the defence sector. It is highly regarded for its excellent service levels and considered, practical approach, as well as its ethos of utilising a local workforce wherever possible to help contribute to the local economy. Furthermore, the company is known for its passion for embracing the principles of the circular economy. Both VINCI and RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services share a commitment to work towards a lower carbon society, focusing on sustainable and innovative methods to exceed goals and add value for all stakeholders. VINCI Facilities is part of VINCI SA, a world leader in concessions and construction, and is the Facility Management (FM) and Building Solutions business within VINCI Construction in the UK. It has supported the defence sector for over 70 years, delivering maintenance, repair, project management, and refurbishment services to operational and support facilities. It was named the top-ranked FM service provider in the Sustainable FM Index for 2020 and 2021. It works with its partners, customers and supply chain to deliver lasting, positive and effective change in the built environment. Dave Kieft, Director, RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services, said: “We look forward to a very successful working relationship with VINCI Facilities over the next few years. RDM will be responsible for ensuring day-to-day delivery of great customer service and performance across the remit of our work, which includes electrical, mechanical building fabric and environmental engineering services at the six MOD sites in Oxfordshire. We will also be working very closely with RDM’s sister company EFT Consult on all the relevant design and innovation opportunities. “We are very proud to have a proven reputation for going the extra mile in all the projects we undertake. As ever, we remain focused on providing world-class services and solutions, which will make a positive difference to the end users – the forces personnel that do such important work in the defence of our country, and that live, work and train at the six MOD sites across the Oxfordshire region.”
FIRETHORN TRUST LAYS THE GROUND FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION WITH CARBON-SAVING AT PETERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT In line with Firethorn’s commitment to be a market leader in sustainable development, the three-unit scheme will feature innovative products and an advanced specification for occupiers, setting the standard for future logistics. As part of its ongoing investment in research and development, Firethorn identified the short- and long-term advantages of PrimX as an alternative to traditional concrete flooring, becoming the first developer to bring the product to the UK logistics space. Delivering environmental benefits – including a 30% reduction in construction time and a 70% decrease in CO2 emissions – the jointless system is designed to save money, enhance safety and increase high-load resistance over time. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn Trust, said: “We are always striving to innovate and do things differently, working with best-in-class teams to deliver pioneering solutions that will set the standard for occupiers and sustainability. We’re proud to be the very first UK logistics developer to use PrimX flooring, knowing that it will provide substantial environmental benefits, both now and in the future. “The time and investment that we spend exploring these products is what we believe sets Firethorn schemes apart, and is central to our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and improving tenant experiences. Bringing industry-leading products and build methods to the market means that we stay ahead of the curve and can create future-proofed logistics solutions that meet our own ambitious ESG targets, as well as the evolving needs of our occupiers.” An ultra-high performance concrete, PrimX features a shrinkage control system that makes it possible to cast indoor slabs of unlimited size and geometry. Featuring steel fibre reinforcement, the slab’s design is up to 60% thinner than traditional alternatives, whilst providing a higher load-bearing capability. Paul Martin continued: “This is the first of many innovations that will take the industry forward, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of sustainable development. We are implementing actions to reduce our environmental impact at every level of the business, and at every stage of our projects, and our Peterborough South scheme is a prime example of the Firethorn standard.” The first PrimX pour has now taken place at Peterborough South, which is being delivered by Glencar Construction, with completion due in Q4 2022. The development will be net-zero carbon in construction, with a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification. Its infrastructure will feature more than 40,000 sq. ft. of photovoltaic arrays and 48 electric vehicle charging points. Future occupiers can also benefit from a clear internal height of 15m, up to 52.5m yard depth and an impressive 3MVA of power. The scheme is located just six minutes from Junction 17 of the A1(M) and adjacent to Fletton Parkway, allowing quick and easy access to the motorway network and local labour force. All enquiries for Peterborough South should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents, Savills and Lambert Smith Hampton.
On behalf of CEG, BAM Construction has completed its 37,800 sq ft seven-storey office development on Globe Road, marking the first new build office to be delivered in Leeds this year. BAM Construction commenced the development in May 2021. Simon Sutcliffe, Construction Director for BAM added: “We are delighted to have completed Globe Point, it is a striking building and delivers the highest quality office space. This is the first of many of CEG’s developments in the Temple area and we look forward to starting the second office development in the near future.” Globe Point provides next generation workspace for over 400 people and its striking flat iron design offers spectacular views across the city from the roof terrace gardens. Designed to BREEAM Excellent, the workspace maximises natural daylight to deliver healthy, flexible workspaces. The ground floor café kitchen and business lounge will open in autumn creating a vibrant use at this site which lies just a few minutes’ walk from Leeds City Station’s southern entrance. Marketing and data science agency, Jaywing, is taking the 6,437 sq ft third floor. Antonia Martin Wright, head of investment at CEG, said: “Globe Point has been designed to deliver the highest quality workspace in a great location close to the station. It is the first of our developments to complete in the Temple district, and a first for Leeds this year. It is set to create a buzz in Temple and, as the numbers of people living and working in the area continues to grow, this will help to support the fantastic bars, restaurants and other amenities, including our events space partnership with Chow Down.” Fox Lloyd Jones and Knight Frank are marketing the building on behalf of CEG. Nick Salkeld from Fox Lloyd Jones said: “Globe Point is an exemplary landmark building at the gateway to Temple and sets the benchmark for the wider masterplan in Leeds’ most exciting district. “It’s a market leading product which has responded to current day occupier needs and boasts best in class features including business lounge, café facilities. The workspace has a truly unique ceiling detail with a mix of coffered and trucell finishes and can be offered in both traditional and fully fitted solutions. It’s added much needed Grade A supply to the market where occupier demand remains high particularly at the prime end.” CEG has worked with specialist local consultants on the project. Sarah Dodsworth, Founding Partner of interior design consultancy Ekho Studio, said: “Globe Point is an interesting and unique project that will both fit with and elevate the surrounding area. It’s a special scheme, and one we’re really proud to be associated with. “The ground floor building amenity has been designed as a community space, reflecting the diversity and energy that is synonymous within this vibrant city neighbourhood. It offers a daytime to evening coffee bar, kitchen and events space with a mix of dwell spaces in which to lounge or co-work. “Every design solution represents the commitment to delivering a sustainable and healthy end product. The statement bespoke artwork pieces further reflect and celebrate the grain and architectural richness of the area, whilst the large video wall creates opportunities for events and social gatherings.” Award-winning Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios is the architect for Globe Point. Amanda Whittington, Partner, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios said: “The workplace and what tenants want is changing and this building has pre-empted this. Globe Point is part of a wider masterplan that is really going to revitalise and lift the area, and as one of the first buildings within the masterplan, its position at the head of the site creates a new landmark for the area. The detailing of the brickwork, crown and curved glazing come together with the informal and natural materials of the interior design to create an exciting new destination for Leeds.” Globe Point is the first of CEG’s developments to complete within the Temple district of the city. CEG has also handed over Drapers Yard on Marshall Street to Labcorp for the fit-out of its life science centre of excellence. This new headquarter facility is set for completion early next year and will boast a new façade, roof top amenity space with a green, sedum roof and new landscaping and planting.
Fit-out specialist Pexhurst is currently refurbishing a spacious industrial unit for SEGRO, the leading UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). The project involves the fit-out of an existing warehouse located at 160-161 Bestobell Road, Slough and is set for completion in September 2022. The warehouse is conveniently situated on the popular Slough Trading Estate in close proximity to a number of local amenities and transport links. Built in 1988, the single-storey unit stands at an expansive 20,120 ft2 and is in need of modernisation. The client’s ambition is to transform the 34-year-old unit into a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable industrial and warehouse space. Pexhurst were commissioned by SEGRO for the project, working alongside Hollis as the contract administration and project manager. This is an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) focussed scheme, with a net-zero carbon operation targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A+’ standards. Pexhurst was the contractor of choice, due to their experience on fit-outs of this calibre. The project required many sustainable initiatives designed to combat air pollution, reduce water wastage and improve energy efficiency. The most distinctive detail on this project is the living green wall on the warehouse’s exterior; providing not only an aesthetically pleasing attribute, but measurable sustainability impacts. The living green wall will significantly increase air quality, producing 94kg of oxygen and extracting 71kg of carbon dioxide per year. In addition to this, Pexhurst are also installing EV chargers and cycle shelters to the exterior, promoting sustainable travel. The bike sheds will also feature green roofs. Additionally, Pexhurst has installed 136 kWp of photovoltaics onto the roof, which is designed to save 26 tonnes of CO2 annually (equivalent to planting over 1,200 trees per year). The team are also installing energy efficient LED light fittings with PIR sensors and daylight sensors. With regards to improving air quality, Pexhurst are installing air source heat pumps, fresh air ventilation and carbon dioxide sensors to reduce energy consumption. The design is also water efficient, entailing waterless urinals, self-closing push taps and dual flush WC cisterns. Moreover, all carpets used in the space are carbon neutral. Pexhurst have participated in the ReEntry scheme whereby old carpet tiles from site were reused, repurposed or recycled and donated to local businesses and charities, ensuring that nothing goes to landfill. Pexhurst are also providing planting and nesting boxes for birds and bats, ensuring that local wildlife is suitably accommodated for. Pexhurst are enthusiastic with their progress on this project, as they are on track to hit their BREEAM ‘Excellent’ target, accounting for only the top 10% of refurbishment or fit-out projects in the UK. However, the extensive sustainability measures implemented by Pexhurst on the fit-out suggest that the project may even achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ grade, which accounts for less than the top 1% of the UK’s refurbishment or fit-out projects. Pexhurst’s experience is proving invaluable on this sustainable warehouse fit-out project. The contractor’s skill is ensuring that a decades-old warehouse is modernised and fit for use and is contributing to a healthier ecosystem.