The Oxford Trust has submitted plans to Oxford City Council for its new Aspen Building to be built at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford, to provide additional laboratory and office grow-on space for science and tech start-ups. The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation, named
A significant milestone in the delivery of 81 affordable, low-energy homes at Greenhill Centre in Newham has been marked with an official topping-out ceremony. Higgins Partnerships was joined by the Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiza OBE and its partners Newham Council to celebrate the progress being made in delivering these
Leading regional housing association Bromford has retained its A+ stable credit rating from S&P Global Ratings. S&P highlighted Bromford’s “solid management expertise”, “prudent cost planning and financial headroom”, and “very strong liquidity” as key factors in their decision to maintain the A+ stable rating. The agency carried out its latest
Celebrating the release of their new customer portal app, Faraday Connect, leading property management and surveying agents Faraday are proud to continually evolve and improve their customers’ experience. As the first of many developments and with over 4,000 app downloads, the launch of the Faraday Connect app marks a milestone
FM service provider Macro has announced the promotion of three new directors from its executive team. The newly appointed directors, all women, are Adelaide Forbes, Group People Director; Janyne Gan, Group Commercial Director; and Parris Ullrich, Regional Director of MENA & APAC. Adelaide Forbes Adelaide Forbes has been with the
DEVELON, formerly called Doosan Construction Equipment, has launched the DX235RTF-7 Tunnelling Excavator, a new extension to the company’s line-up of Special Application machines. The DX235RTF-7 is based on Develon’s well-established DX235LCR-7 reduced radius crawler excavator and is powered by a DL06V Stage V engine, providing 141 kW (189 HP) of
World’s largest transformation of an HQ office tower into a sustainable mixed-use building Qatar Investment Authority (“QIA”) and Canary Wharf Group (“CWG”) have just released the first images of architectural plans that display the ambition for the redevelopment of the iconic 8 Canada Square building in Canary Wharf. 8 Canada
Far East Consortium (FEC), the developer working in a joint venture-partnership with Manchester City Council (MCC) to deliver Manchester’s transformative £4 billion Victoria North regeneration project, has appointed CR Construction to deliver the next phase of 895 homes at the vibrant Red Bank neighbourhood. Representatives from FEC and CR Construction
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site in Cowbridge, South Wales, which benefits from planning consent for 50 retirement living apartments. The site was identified by Mercian Developments Limited as suitable for a retirement living development given its underlying affluent demographic and
Scheme set to enhance Salford’s global reputation for industry and innovation Plans to bring forward Crescent Innovation, a pivotal element of the wider £2.5bn, 252-acre Crescent Salford masterplan, have been approved by Salford City Council. The proposals are being brought forward by the Crescent partnership, comprised of Salford City Council,
The Oxford Trust has submitted plans to Oxford City Council for its new Aspen Building to be built at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford, to provide additional laboratory and office grow-on space for science and tech start-ups. The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation, named after the Trust’s late founder Sir Martin Wood’s favourite tree, has been designed in response to the increased demand for grow-on laboratory space in Oxford, particularly within the globally significant Headington Science Cluster. It will enable the Trust to further its mission and support for scientific research, discovery and education. It will total 12,926 sq ft (1,200 sq m) over two floors to provide flexible CL II laboratory and office space. The building will also include a new STEM resources and preparation room that will allow the Trust to support the increase in demand for its outreach delivery to schools across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire as well as local communities and further the impact of its Science Oxford education programme. The building will target BREEAM Excellent and include photovoltaic roof panels, a green wall, cycle parking, shower and locker facilities and a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain to enhance its surrounding 15-acres of woodlands, ponds and grassland. Harvesting and storing rainwater will provide grey water for toilets and, separately, additional flow for the ponds. The Aspen Building has been sensitively and sustainably designed and carefully positioned in the site on the existing car park to fit into its surroundings by a leading group of local architects, landscape designers, ecologists, project managers and planning consultants. The design will mirror and complement the existing buildings and will be landscaped to enhance the site. Car parking will remain at the same level and, to continue the encouragement of sustainable travel, additional rapid electric vehicle charging bays will help the adoption of this technology. The Wood Centre for Innovation, which was opened in 2019 and is also the Trust’s HQ, totals 14,961 sq ft (1,390 sq m) of CL II laboratory and workspace across two floors and is home to pioneering science and technology companies, Barclays Eagle Lab incubator and Oxford Hospital Charity which together employ 191 people. Companies include: DJS Antibodies, PicturaBio, Helio Display Materials, RedShiftBio, Jack Fertility, Samsara Therapeutics, Lumai and Spintex. The Wood Centre for Innovation adjoins the Trust’s Science Oxford Centre, which is the first indoor-outdoor hands-on science education centre for primary-aged children in the UK. Since opening the Centre five years ago, Science Oxford has run more than 600 term time school visits and 240 Family Days on Saturdays. Under the Trust’s charitable business model, the funds generated from leasing the laboratory and office space will be reinvested in its innovation and STEM education and engagement programmes. Steve Burgess, chief executive officer, The Oxford Trust said: “All our Wood Centre for Innovation companies are pushing the boundaries of research and development with breakthroughs in biotech and deep tech, driving positive change. “This multi-million pound investment funded by the Trust underlines our commitment to the Headington Science Cluster. The Aspen Building will mean we can continue expanding our support of science and tech start-ups by providing high-quality R&D lab and office space for grow-on companies to further scientific research and discovery, create local jobs, and contribute to Oxfordshire’s impressive wider innovation ecosystem. “The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation will also allow the Trust to further expand the impact of its Science Oxford education programme with a new resources and preparation room to support the growing demand for outreach delivery in local schools and communities. We hope to inspire even more young people about the wonders of STEM.” Glen Moses, architect and project director, ADP Architecture added: “Our brief was to design a new carbon-efficient building with flexible laboratory and workspace to both enhance the Wood Centre for Innovation site and sit beautifully within its surroundings. We have worked hard with the consultancy team and carried out public consultation with the Trust to ensure that the Aspen Building is low impact while helping to boost life-enhancing discovery. It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to build on the success of the Science Oxford Centre and the Wood Centre for Innovation and to assist The Oxford Trust in continuing is mission on its important and sensitive site in Headington.” The project team includes ADP Architecture, Carter Jonas, BSG Ecology, Landshape, Glanville, Gleeds, Sylva Trees and CPW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A significant milestone in the delivery of 81 affordable, low-energy homes at Greenhill Centre in Newham has been marked with an official topping-out ceremony. Higgins Partnerships was joined by the Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiza OBE and its partners Newham Council to celebrate the progress being made in delivering these new homes, which will achieve Passivhaus Classic certification. This ensures the homes will have reduced energy costs and improved comfort and air quality for residents. Located in Manor Park, the development features three blocks: an eight storey building, a five storey building and a multi-level building with heights varying from two to seven storeys. Of of the 81 homes, 56 will be available at London Affordable Rent and 25 will be offered for low-cost shared ownership, with partial funding from the Greater London Authority. Designed by architects Haworth Tomkins, the scheme will also include a new gym space and landscape improvements, with a focus on preserving existing mature trees on the site and creating a new community garden. Colin Ricketts, Regional Director of Higgins Partnerships commented, “We are proud to welcome the Mayor of Newham here to Greenhill Centre to mark this significant point in the delivery of these affordable homes, which have been designed to ensure residents benefit from increased thermal comfort, improved indoor air quality and lower energy bills. “As part of our commitment as a socially responsible developer, we are also working closely with the local community to provide a wide range of social value initiatives, including Eat Clubs, volunteering opportunities, community garden and environmental initiatives, working with schools and colleges to provide career and work of work sessions, and community sport sessions.” Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “This development forms part of our ambition to deliver homes that our people can afford. In the face of this country’s crushing housing crisis, we are making the case to the new government that they need to support councils like Newham to deliver more and more homes. “I am working with the Cabinet and council officers to make that ambition a reality, along with Higgins Partnerships, who are supporting us on this particular scheme which will deliver 56 new homes at London affordable rent and 25 homes at low-cost shared ownership. “This is an example of our commitment to deliver more affordable housing and I look forward seeing the completed scheme next Autumn.” Higgins is also providing a range of apprenticeship and work placement opportunities, throughout the construction of Greenhill Centre. One such apprentice is Mikael Mustafa, a local Newham resident who is now a Business Admin Apprentice in Higgins’ head office and part of the Social Value team. Mikael shared his experience, saying: “Doing an apprenticeship means I am able to put what I learn in college into practice working in the Social Value team. I really enjoyed maths at school and so use my skills to support the rest of the team by recording all the social value data as well as taking part in a variety of employability volunteering events in the local community. “Every day brings different challenges which keep me motivated to become better. If I am unsure of anything I can ask my team and Manager for help, and they take their time to explain everything to me. I really enjoy the flexibility and the range of tasks in my role. I am grateful for the support Higgins and Ixion have given me and am hoping to move onto a Level 4 apprenticeship once I have completed my Level 3.” For further information about Higgins Partnerships please visit www.higginspartnerships.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading regional housing association Bromford has retained its A+ stable credit rating from S&P Global Ratings. S&P highlighted Bromford’s “solid management expertise”, “prudent cost planning and financial headroom”, and “very strong liquidity” as key factors in their decision to maintain the A+ stable rating. The agency carried out its latest review of the Gloucestershire-based housing association earlier in July, examining the progress against its new strategy and business plan which sets out Bromford’s ambitions to build 11,000 new homes by 2032 and to invest £2 billion in maintaining and upgrading its existing homes, including improvements to make them more energy efficient. Bromford recently announced that it had entered into discussions with Flagship Housing Group to create one of the largest housing associations in the country, with 80,000 homes across the central belt of England and the capacity to build up to 2,000 new homes every year whilst maintaining a sector leading A+ / A2 credit rating platform. S&P Global have reviewed the combined organisation’s initial financial analysis and confirmed it continues to reflect an A+ rating, commenting: “Bromford’s currently strong financial indicators would mitigate pressure of the potential business combination, and hence we do not expect it to have an immediate impact on our rating on Bromford.” In the S&P report published yesterday, the agency pointed to the flexibility in Bromford’s robust financial plans around its investment in existing and new homes among the reasons for the housing association retaining its rating. The global ratings agency, said: “The affirmation of the A+ rating reflects our view that Bromford’s prudent cost planning and financial headroom, along with expected improvement in economic conditions, will support the group’s solid credit metrics.” The S&P report, added: “We view favourably Bromford’s flexibility over its investments in new and existing homes. With a proven track record, we expect the group to continue generating some cost efficiencies. This, along with the solid quality of the group’s existing assets, will provide Bromford the headroom to adjust costs, if needed.” Earlier in the year, the housing association held a dedicated workshop with the agency and a small group of its customers, who shared their experiences living in a Bromford home and discussed how this is taken into account by credit rating agencies. Bromford’s director of treasury Imran Mubeen said: “We’re delighted that S&P has recognised our performance over the past year by re-affirming our A+ rating with a stable outlook. The A+ stable rating is also testimony to the opportunity and capacity we can create through the proposed merger with Flagship, with £5 billion of new funding over the next 15 years delivering over 30,000 new, affordable, energy efficient homes perfectly curated within our existing financial framework and A+ rating envelope. We arrive here by design and through intent, with a full shadow credit analysis run on every iteration of the business plan we produce. This is particularly important at a time when we are seeing continued pressure in our sector and a migration to the weaker single A or BBB. “Throughout the rating process, we believe it’s important to showcase how we are delivering for our customers. It is also our responsibility to explain our business plan and treasury strategy to them. That’s why we were pleased to give S&P the opportunity to meet our customers during the year, allowing the agency to hear directly from customers about their lived experiences in their homes and their engagement with our broader services. “The confirmation of this rating, along with our A2 rating from Moody’s will support us when we return to the market to seek additional funds, helping us achieve our goals of tackling the housing crisis by building more homes, investing in our existing properties, and progressing towards net zero, all underpinned by sector leading funding deals.” Bromford has retained its rating after a year in which it has successfully unlocked its balance sheet capacity to deliver new funding through expanding its portfolio of revolving credit facilities to £450 million, securing new private placements with UK and US investors worth £100 million, and co-creating a new pathway to funding with Legal and General Investment Management worth £50 million. In June 2024, Bromford also completed a £200 million sustainability linked loan with key funding partner NatWest. Read the full report from S&P Global Ratings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celebrating the release of their new customer portal app, Faraday Connect, leading property management and surveying agents Faraday are proud to continually evolve and improve their customers’ experience. As the first of many developments and with over 4,000 app downloads, the launch of the Faraday Connect app marks a milestone for Faraday in transforming the way leaseholders and property owners engage and communicate with their property managers and surveyors. With enhanced access to the portal anytime and anywhere, Faraday understands the significance of convenience for their customers. By extending the portal’s availability with a user-friendly app, users can now access Faraday Connect from any mobile device. Following their recent launch, Faraday are already planning to introduce new features to ensure the platform continues to enhance their communications. Aimed at empowering users, Faraday Connect enables customers to conduct real-time financial monitoring, effortlessly engage with their community, and instantly raise and track requests, all at the touch of a few buttons. Faraday’s Managing Director, Russell O’Connor, added: “In today’s digital world, it is increasingly important that information is easily accessible. With the development of Faraday Connect, we prioritise our customers’ ability to instantly connect with their property managers and retrieve important documents such as key building and leasehold documents. As ethical and transparent agents, we pride ourselves on making it easy for customers to find important information, which is why our portal acts as an easy-to-use hub for service charge details, fostering open lines of communication and tracking their request progress.” Director’s Area By extension, Faraday Connect grants Directors improved access to information through a secure and dedicated area. This exclusive Directors area also offers easier ways to communicate with their property management teams transparently and efficiently, further enhancing the platform’s functionality. Faraday’s dedicated team brings years of specialised experience in building surveying and property management. Whether you have a historic or new build, using the latest technology, Faraday is equipped to support your property’s unique needs and enhance your property management experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FM service provider Macro has announced the promotion of three new directors from its executive team. The newly appointed directors, all women, are Adelaide Forbes, Group People Director; Janyne Gan, Group Commercial Director; and Parris Ullrich, Regional Director of MENA & APAC. Adelaide Forbes Adelaide Forbes has been with the company for 12 years, starting as an HR business partner for the UK and Europe. She commented: “I’ve been enormously energised by the challenge of positioning the people side of our business for Macro’s exciting next chapter. To now be promoted to the Global People Director role is, to me, further evidence of Macro’s commitment to delivering a market-leading people experience.” Janyne Gan Janyne Gan, Global Commercial Director, joined Macro three years ago with responsibilities that include bids, commercial, supply chain, and mobilisation. She said: “It’s such an exciting time to be a part of Macro, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to impact the future of the business in my new leadership role. Specifically, my team is focused on further strengthening and integrating our supply chain and designing client solutions that deliver impact, excellence, and value.” Parris Ullrich Parris Ullrich joined Macro in 2009 as a facilities manager in Dubai and worked her way up to Operations Director for the Middle East. Today, she plays an active role in raising the profile of women in leadership within the Middle East. Parris stated: “I’m honoured to have the trust and confidence from Macro leaders to continue to elevate and strengthen our client-focused service delivery across Asia and the Middle East. I remain focused on unlocking further growth around the world by developing our people, driving operational efficiency for clients, and leveraging technology and innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DEVELON, formerly called Doosan Construction Equipment, has launched the DX235RTF-7 Tunnelling Excavator, a new extension to the company’s line-up of Special Application machines. The DX235RTF-7 is based on Develon’s well-established DX235LCR-7 reduced radius crawler excavator and is powered by a DL06V Stage V engine, providing 141 kW (189 HP) of power. The DX235RTF-7 utilises the successful compact design and minimum swing radius of the DX235LCR-7, but the key part of the machine is the heavy duty Tunnelling Front, offering a new arm and boom design with special kinematics and a tilting function. Jan Breburda, Special Applications Product Manager for Develon Europe, commented: “The new DX235RTF-7 tunnelling machine is designed for superior performance in challenging underground environments. Complementing the safety and comfort of its operation, the advanced hydraulics and robust construction of the DX235RTF-7 ensure optimal power and durability, while its compact design allows for easy navigation in tight spaces.” The DX235RTF-7 has a total operating weight of 25,689 kg and offers a maximum reach of 9260 mm. The kinematics of the tunnelling front on the DX235RTF-7 excavator are designed to prioritize horizontal reach and precision over vertical movement. The special kinematics are based around a boom tilting function, providing a 45°/45° tilt in two directions, the movement of which can be operated via a pedal in the operator’s cab. The boom and arm configuration is specifically designed for operation in narrow areas, with ranges of movement slightly limited compared to the standard front on the DX235LCR-7. The DX235RTF-7 is specifically suited to work in restricted environments, without using the swing movement in narrow areas. This allows the DX235RTF-7 to work efficiently in narrow tunnels with the ability to reach the tunnel face and walls, while maintaining a low profile to navigate tight spaces. For work in confined spaces, the DX235RTF-7 features protective equipment to safeguard against falling debris or contact of the arm with the tunnel ceiling and walls. As a result, the DX235RTF-7 has a level 2 FOG system combined with more heavy duty covers and hydraulic piping protection. The protection also includes covers over hydraulic hoses and arm work lights, as well as enclosing the bucket cylinder and links in a dedicated protective compartment and hiding the arm cylinder under the arm. Compared to the standard DX235LCR-7 model, the DX235RTF-7 has six LED work lights, four on the front and two on the back, as well as AVM cameras as standard. Other features include PERO rotating piping, centralized greasing points and a dozer blade as an option. The specifications also include a 6.4 tonne counterweight and 600 mm wide triple grouser track shoes. Tunnelling applications often require the transportation of the machine to areas with limited access, so the DX235RTF-7 is designed to be simple to lift and manoeuvre into place. Specifications for DX235RTF-7 Tunnelling Excavator: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
World’s largest transformation of an HQ office tower into a sustainable mixed-use building Qatar Investment Authority (“QIA”) and Canary Wharf Group (“CWG”) have just released the first images of architectural plans that display the ambition for the redevelopment of the iconic 8 Canada Square building in Canary Wharf. 8 Canada Square is fully owned by QIA, and CWG is the development partner. Kohn Pedersen Fox (“KPF”), the world-renowned architectural practice won a global competition run by QIA and CWG to reimagine the building. KPF will work with a market-leading team across design, engineering, planning and delivery on one of the world’s largest redevelopment projects. The project is set to begin in 2027, following the expiry of the current HSBC lease. The images of the 1.1 million sq ft building demonstrate the transformation into a unique destination, which will include best-in-class workspaces, leisure, entertainment, education, and cultural attractions. The redevelopment will create a unique proposition for businesses within 8 Canada Square, with unparalleled sustainability credentials, excellent transport links and amenities. Set in the heart of Canary Wharf, the plans will enable a new publicly accessible route between the adjacent Elizabeth line station and Canada Square Park as well as offering the outstanding views across London from Canary Wharf to the public for the first time. The investment from QIA to transform 8 Canada Square is a flagship example of the sovereign fund’s vision for multi-use real estate of the future, ensuring that the iconic building has world-class ESG credentials and meets the changing requirements of business for the long term. The building’s changing shape will create a unique proposition for businesses within 8 Canada Square, with users also benefitting from being in Canary Wharf, where visitor numbers are at an all-time high with 67.2 million people visiting Canary Wharf during 2023. Shobi Khan, CEO of CWG, added, “We look forward to working with QIA on 8 Canada Square to deliver a building of outstanding design, engineering and sustainability standards. This redevelopment is another step in Canary Wharf’s evolution into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood offering workspace, retail, homes, leisure and amenities all in one location – a true 15-minute city.” Elie Gamburg, Design Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), said: “We are extremely excited to collaborate with QIA and CWG to reimagine the single-use office building as a blueprint for the highly sustainable, mixed-use building of the future. This transformation embodies the ethos behind much of our work, we see it as an integral part of the evolution of today’s single-use neighbourhoods into vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods of tomorrow – an evolution of which CWG is already leading the way.” CWG and QIA will be working with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the appointed team to develop plans and submit a planning application. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Far East Consortium (FEC), the developer working in a joint venture-partnership with Manchester City Council (MCC) to deliver Manchester’s transformative £4 billion Victoria North regeneration project, has appointed CR Construction to deliver the next phase of 895 homes at the vibrant Red Bank neighbourhood. Representatives from FEC and CR Construction were in attendance at a signing ceremony on site on Wednesday 17th July to celebrate this significant milestone in the development process. FEC secured planning permission in August 2023 for 1,551 new homes, across plots known as NT02, NT03 and NT04, along Dantzic Street, together with a separate outline planning permission for a further 3,250 new homes within Red Bank under its transformative ‘Wild Urbanism’ concept which seeks to prioritise green space, biodiversity and active travel. CR Construction is currently working on FEC’s neighbouring 634-home Victoria Riverside development which is due to complete in early 2025. Building on the success of this partnership, CR Construction will now deliver the next phase of Red Bank Riverside on plots NT02 & NT03 on Dantzic Street, which will include a collection of three towers reaching 20, 31 and 34 storeys-high, and another mid-rise, nine-storey block set within extensive public realm. The scheme was designed by Hawkins\Brown Architects and Schulze+Grassov in collaboration with Optimised Environments landscape architects. Works are due to start on site early next year, following the completion of the enabling works by Manchester City Council and its appointed contractor BAM, which is funded under the Housing Infrastructure Funding secured by the joint venture in 2019. Nick Whitehouse, Delivery Director at FEC, said: “The execution of this contract to deliver the next phase of Red Bank Riverside is another significant milestone for one of the country’s largest regeneration projects. We’re pleased to engage the market leading skills of CR Construction on this exciting project.” Calum Kidd, Managing Director said: “CR Construction are delighted to expand upon our existing working relationship with FEC in the UK. Securing this project is another significant milestone for us as we further establish our business and presence in the UK market as we continue to deliver on our promise to be one of the best, providing added value to our clients, partners and stakeholders.” Shane Kelly, Projects Director at CR Construction said: “We look forward to delivering another prestigious, high quality residential project with FEC in Manchester. Our market presence in the North West is now well established and our reputation is growing as we continue to demonstrate our ability to deliver’’ Apartments are now available for reservation at the 189-home Falcon, with the next tower due to launch to the market later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site in Cowbridge, South Wales, which benefits from planning consent for 50 retirement living apartments. The site was identified by Mercian Developments Limited as suitable for a retirement living development given its underlying affluent demographic and proximity to a wide range of amenities on Cowbridge’s bustling High Street. McCarthy Stone submitted and secured planning consent for a scheme of 50 retirement living apartments (C3) with communal facilities and has subsequently acquired the site from Mercian. Leah Tattersall Land Manager at McCarthy Stone, comments, “It is great news to complete on this site acquired from Mercian Developments after successfully securing a first-time planning consent. We very much look forward to bringing more high-quality retirement living homes to South Wales. Thanks to Christie & Co and Mercian Developments for their collaboration in making this happen.” Chris Towers, Managing Director of Mercian Developments, comments, “We are delighted to have worked with McCarthy Stone on this project, who were successful in securing this planning consent, which is a prime example of a great team effort. This strategically located site will bring forward the redevelopment of a former farmstead, which will be regenerated to deliver new retirement apartments for the elderly residents of Cowbridge and beyond that will integrate well within the local community.” Jordan Rundle, Director – Head of Healthcare Development at Christie & Co, who acted for Mercian Developments in the sale, comments, “According to the ONS, as of 2021 the total population in Wales was circa 3.1 million, with those aged 65 years and over accounting for circa 21%, equating to approximately 650,000 people. Consequently, there is a significant opportunity for developers and operators to provide much-needed future-proof later living accommodation in the country. McCarthy Stone’s high-quality retirement living scheme in the desirable market town of Cowbridge is another example of increased development activity we are now seeing as a trend in Wales.” The site was sold for an undisclosed price. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scheme set to enhance Salford’s global reputation for industry and innovation Plans to bring forward Crescent Innovation, a pivotal element of the wider £2.5bn, 252-acre Crescent Salford masterplan, have been approved by Salford City Council. The proposals are being brought forward by the Crescent partnership, comprised of Salford City Council, the University of Salford, and ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse. The scheme comprises 933 new homes, 1.7m sq ft of new commercial innovation, academic, and research floorspace, active ground-floor space, and a new movement hub, along with significant improvements to public spaces. Creating a high-quality innovation ecosystem around the University of Salford, Crescent Innovation will build on existing world-class research and development capabilities; help drive further economic growth in the city and wider region; and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research, and business. Spanning 29 acres between Broughton Road East and University Road, Crescent Innovation will be linked to the wider masterplan by Salford Rise – a near five-acre podium which will span Frederick Road. Laying the foundations for connectivity and collaboration, Salford Rise will act as a key gateway between the University of Salford’s campus and the wider innovation zone. Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “With our Crescent partners – ECF and University of Salford – we are pushing ahead with our vision to create world-class research and development facilities that local people and businesses can benefit from. The Crescent Innovation proposals are a key element of the wider vision for the Crescent area and will change the face of the area through the creation of a high-quality innovation environment, where people can achieve their full potential. I am delighted to see that this important planning application has been approved and look forward to seeing our vision delivered on the ground.” Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, Professor Nic Beech, commented: “This is a major milestone in our shared mission to transform Salford into a global hub for innovation and groundbreaking research. Working alongside our Crescent partners, we are committed to advancing our vision of creating world-class facilities that will benefit local residents and businesses. I am thrilled that this significant planning application has been approved and eagerly anticipate seeing our shared vision come to life.” Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF, said: “The approval of the plans for Crescent Innovation marks a significant step forward in our collective mission to make Salford a global hub for innovation and groundbreaking research. The city has always been a pioneer of industry, and the creation of Crescent Innovation will equip Salford – and the wider region – with the facilities and opportunities to make an impact on the world stage, as well as driving growth and prosperity.” Crescent Innovation forms one aspect of the Crescent masterplan being delivered by ECF in partnership with Salford City Council and the University of Salford. It will bring together industry, education, and the local community by delivering more than 3,000 homes, 1m sq ft of offices, retail, leisure, a new multi-model transport hub, and vast areas of green space. The site is located within Salford’s Innovation Triangle, which is made up of Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, the University of Salford, and Salford Royal Hospital. The go-ahead for Crescent Innovation follows the completion of three world-leading university facilities – the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, the Science, Engineering, and Environment (SEE) building, and Energy House 2.0. CBRE advised ECF on planning for Crescent Innovation, while Make Architects is leading on design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals