Savills has expanded its Technical Due Diligence (TDD) team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of Paul Harper who joins as a director based at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Paul has over 25 years’ experience specialising in providing technical due diligence and
Chancerygate has sold two urban logistics in developments totalling 275,000 sq ft of Grade A accommodation to a private investor for an undisclosed sum. The developer has sold Vantage 41, which is located in Aston Clinton, near Aylesbury, and Broadway Central in Chadderton, near Oldham. Vantage 41 is a 165,000
Häfele UK, the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of fixtures and fittings, has added a certified fire rated pocket door to its range. Available exclusively in the UK via Häfele, Optimo comes with an optional fire rated FD30 jamb kit. When fitted, the kit ensures the door meets the regulation
Several Doka SKE50 plus hydraulic and Xclimb 60 crane-lifted climbing formwork systems are being used to construct four new town centre towers that are at the heart of Southwark Council’s Elephant and Castle redevelopment programme. The development will transform an area of South East London that was once compared to
Retail design strategically utilises space, aesthetics, and functionality to enhance the shopping experience. Zentia’s Prestige suspended ceiling tiles offer a wide range of colours to align with brand identity and seasonal themes. Their easy installation and adaptability enable quick changes to store layouts without compromising aesthetic or acoustic quality, ensuring
Developer Delancey has secured planning permission for a landmark commercial building at the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter in London. The 200,000 sq ft life sciences and technology-focused building will be constructed on a brownfield site on York Way. Delancey aims to start construction next year, with completion expected in 2028.
New government figures reveal a significant decline in Right to Buy (RTB) sales, with overall sales down by 43% in London, reflecting a decrease across all UK regions last year. The data shows that there were 6,275 RTB sales in London last year, a sharp decline from the 14,085 sales
Bakery chain Greggs has announced plans for a new National Distribution Centre at Symmetry Park in Kettering. The planning application details a 311,551 sq ft logistics space on a 25.1-acre plot, part of Greggs’ strategic growth plan that necessitates significant investment in supply chain capacity. Currently operating 2,500 shops, Greggs
Global Segment Manager at Malvern Panalytical, Murielle Goubard, discusses how the construction industry can cut industrial emissions by up to three-quarters before 2050… Navigating toward a more sustainable construction industry is driven by the pressing need to curb carbon emissions and advance sustainability. Cement producers globally are pushing for ambitious
Conlon Construction has concluded a multi-year project at Wilmslow High School, facilitating a substantial increase in capacity to 360 places for the 2024/2025 academic year. Funded by Cheshire East Council and procured through the North West Construction Hub Framework, the extensive expansion permits a school transition from a 10-form to
Savills has expanded its Technical Due Diligence (TDD) team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of Paul Harper who joins as a director based at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Paul has over 25 years’ experience specialising in providing technical due diligence and development monitoring services for a wide range of clients who provide debt finance or equity funding. This included managing the TDD process for institutional investors on a wide range of projects throughout the UK and mainland Europe. As part of this, he recently monitored several large Build to Rent (BTR) and private for sale residential developments, building up a wealth of knowledge in the living sector. Prior to joining Savills, Paul was a director in the project monitoring team at Colliers and before that at JLL, having also spent six years in central Europe whilst at King Sturge. At Savills, Paul will work as part of the central London development monitoring team, helping to grow this capability on a national and international level. Paul Harper comments: “I am very excited to be joining Savills market leading TDD team. This continues to be an interesting time for the real estate sector, with due diligence now more important to clients than ever as they seek to make sustainable, future proofed investments.” Steve Page, head of the TDD team at Savills, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Paul to Savills. His skillset and expertise will undoubtedly help to further strengthen the team and ensure we can continue to offer exceptional service to our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chancerygate has sold two urban logistics in developments totalling 275,000 sq ft of Grade A accommodation to a private investor for an undisclosed sum. The developer has sold Vantage 41, which is located in Aston Clinton, near Aylesbury, and Broadway Central in Chadderton, near Oldham. Vantage 41 is a 165,000 sq ft development is located four miles east of Aylesbury, sitting directly off the A41 with excellent road connectivity to the M25 and M40. The scheme comprises 16 units ranging from 4,800 sq ft to 43,600 sq ft. Located in Chadderton, near Oldham, Broadway Central has eight unit totalling 110,000 sq ft. It comprises seven units across two terraces ranging from 7,600 sq ft to 18,200 sq ft and one stand-alone unit of 27,000 sq ft. The development s six miles north of Manchester city centre and a short drive away from the M60 and M62. It is part of the wider 121-acre mixed use Broadway Green, which is delivering 700,000 sq ft of employment space and 500 new homes. Both Vantage 41 and Broadway Central achieved BREEAM Very Good rating and all properties have a mixture of EPC A and B ratings. In addition, all units benefit from electric vehicle charging points and are constructed from high-performance building materials and 15 per cent roof lights to reduce CO2 emissions and occupational energy costs. Chancerygate senior development director, Matthew Connor, said: “These deals are testament to the hard work and expertise to develop Vantage 41 and Broadway Central and will help satisfy the strong demand for urban logistics accommodation in the respective regions. “The sales are also further evidence of our product’s sustainability credentials, flexible sizing and proximity to key infrastructure and transport hubs, which are attractive to both investors and occupiers.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company currently has around 1.16m sq ft of urban logistics space under construction or ready for development across ten sites in the UK ranging from Edinburgh to Croydon. JLL advised Chancerygate on the sale of Vantage 41. For more information visit www.chancerygate.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Häfele UK, the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of fixtures and fittings, has added a certified fire rated pocket door to its range. Available exclusively in the UK via Häfele, Optimo comes with an optional fire rated FD30 jamb kit. When fitted, the kit ensures the door meets the regulation standard of 30 minutes fire resistance and is fully certified to EN1634 12016+A1:2018 standards. Meeting these criteria, Optimo is ideal for high-rise residential dwellings, new build properties and commercial spaces. Available from Häfele as a kit containing the door and runners makes delivery and installation simple, with self-close and soft-close kits available as optional extras. The jamb kit is sold separately. A simple, removable track assembly allows direct access to the mechanism without the need to modify the wall, should a soft-close or self-kit need to be added to the door retrospectively. Optimo also offers guaranteed durability up to 10,000 cycles in line with the BS EN 1527 standard. As a pocket door – which slides into a recess within a wall when not in use – Optimo is on- trend and taps into the growing requirement for space-saving door products. Paul Smith, Head of Specification Sales for Häfele UK, said: “Pocket doors have become increasingly popular as a design feature in homes across the UK, ideal for breaking up larger spaces into smaller zones, but also acting as an alternative to swing-out doors in homes with a smaller footprint. They’re useful in modern offices and retail spaces, too. “The Optimo takes all the great benefits of a pocket door and elevates them further, as the only certified fire rated product of its type available to the UK market. As well as this, Optimo meets the standards of reliability and durability demanded by the industry, making it a game changing product for specifiers and designers in various fields. As the exclusive distributors of Optimo, we look forward to seeing the impact it makes on the industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Several Doka SKE50 plus hydraulic and Xclimb 60 crane-lifted climbing formwork systems are being used to construct four new town centre towers that are at the heart of Southwark Council’s Elephant and Castle redevelopment programme. The development will transform an area of South East London that was once compared to Piccadilly Circus on account of its dynamism and vibrancy. The huge works programme, which is being carried out in three phases, will lead to the creation of a new town centre. It will include 1,000 new homes, an upgraded Elephant and Castle tube station and the building of a cutting-edge campus for nearby London College of Communication, part of UAL University of the Arts London. Contractor Morrisroe selected Doka to provide its design expertise and innovative hydraulic climbing formwork for the construction of the concrete cores that will form the three of the developments multi-storey tower blocks. Each block will comprise a standard concrete finish featuring Doka Framax Xlife panels. These are being installed using Doka’s SKE50 plus hydraulic climbing formwork. The crane-independent system includes an all-round enclosure that makes for safe, weather-shielded working at any height. Such is the SKE50’s robustness and reliability, it facilitates the floor-by-floor lifting of internal-external materials whilst protecting operatives carrying out the rebar process in preparation for casting concrete. The all-hydraulic crane-less climbing method optimises construction workflows by allowing greater flexibility in respect of cycling the SKE50 units’ repositioning. The fourth core, which was the first one to come out of the ground, was constructed using the Doka Xclimb 60 crane-lifted solution. This system was chosen primarily because this tower was much lower than the others. Additionally, it was originally specified as a cost-effective option due to the fact that the slab was programmed to follow, and it was completed before the cranes were too heavily utilized on the rest of the vast project. As well as reviving Elephant and Castle as a thriving social, cultural, and commercial hub, it’s estimated the town centre development will create 1,230 construction jobs over the ensuing decade. Approximately 2,000 full-time jobs will ultimately be created upon the wider development’s scheduled 2030 completion. This is a blue-chip project in a characterful, historical area of London that thanks to Doka and a myriad of skilled, visionary stakeholders, will see Elephant and Castle prosper as a redeveloped cultural hub. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Retail design strategically utilises space, aesthetics, and functionality to enhance the shopping experience. Zentia’s Prestige suspended ceiling tiles offer a wide range of colours to align with brand identity and seasonal themes. Their easy installation and adaptability enable quick changes to store layouts without compromising aesthetic or acoustic quality, ensuring a seamless and inviting retail environment. What is Retail Design? Retail design directly impacts the customer experience and a shopper’s willingness to buy a product. It encompasses everything from store layout and organisation to interior design and colour selection. Good retail design can have a positive impact on a shop’s financial performance. Acoustics and the careful use of colour play an important part in this. Colour can convey a brand identity, help customers navigate an interior space, or even create different retail zones. Enhancing Brand Identity Through Retail Interior Design Brand identity is extremely important in retail environments, whether they be supermarkets or high street banks. Consumers connect to brand colours more than they realise, building relationships between the retailer and its customers. When you think of the most high profile brands, for example Barclays or Starbucks, you will probably associate a colour with their names. While colour can be used in retail interior design to enhance a brand, it is important to use it thoughtfully. Too much vibrant colour can cause sensory overload and make it difficult for customers to focus on products. Too much dark colour can make a store feel gloomy, causing customers to exit before purchasing. Customers are unlikely to make a repeat visit if they don’t enjoy the atmosphere in the store. Think too about the psychology of colour. Use blue to create a sense of security and trust, or red to encourage impulse purchases. Use black to communicate authority, or yellow and orange to convey creativity. Combined with good acoustic design, colour can be a powerful way to improve the customer experience. The Prestige family of products is an excellent product to use in retail ceiling design. It offers three different levels of sound absorption and is available in six different edge details. It can also be ordered in 34 different colours, as well as white. It is one of our most flexible product ranges for both acoustic performance and aesthetics. Easy Installation for Retail Design Efficiency Prestige acoustic ceiling panels are quick and easy to install, especially when used in combination with Gridline, our suspended ceiling grid. Choose a Board edge for a flat ceiling installation that completely exposes the ceiling grid, or a Tegular24 or Tegular15 edge type to create geometric shadows across the ceiling surface. Prestige ceiling tiles can also be specified in SL2 planks, ideal for corridors, as well as unique Integra and Conceal edge types, designed to eliminate shadows and conceal the suspended ceiling grid entirely. Balancing Aesthetics and Acoustics in Retail Design When it comes to acoustic design, the ceiling is the largest continuous surface in any interior and it can have a big influence on a store’s atmosphere. A suspended acoustic ceiling with a high level of sound absorption will create a very calm and quiet store. A suspended ceiling design with a lower level of sound absorption will create a louder and more lively environment. When choosing a ceiling solution, think about the retail environment you’re designing for. High sound absorption Does the store need a high level of sound absorption? If yes, a drop ceiling like Prestige hA+ can be an excellent design choice. Rated Class A for sound absorption with αw 1.00, the Prestige hA+ tile provides settings with a dose of calm and quiet. It is ideal for banks and other high street environments that are usually quiet. This tile is available in white only, so it suits interiors that require a more neutral colour scheme. Enhanced customer privacy Some retail spaces need to prioritise the customer’s privacy. In these circumstances, choose a tile like Prestige dB. These drop ceiling panels have an outstanding sound attenuation performance of 41dB. Prestige dB is good for changing rooms, treatment rooms, and offices behind the scenes. Its smooth and finely textured surface adds a clean and classic finish to any kind of interior. Vibrant atmospheres For retail environments that need a more lively atmosphere, consider Prestige. The classic Prestige ceiling tile are Class C rated in sound absorption, with an added sound attenuation rating of 33dB, a combination that helps manage ambient noise levels in open plan spaces. They are durable and scratch resistant and also rated 95% RH for humidity resistance. This is where the inclusion of colour into retail interior design can really add to the look and feel of the store. Prestige ceiling tiles are available in 34 exciting colours as well as white. Use them to incorporate splashes of the retailer’s brand colours across the ceiling, or to complement an existing colour scheme. Prestige ceiling tiles maintain superior aesthetic standards while providing crucial acoustic benefits, ensuring a pleasing shopping experience that minimises and manages disruptive noise levels. Click here to learn more about the Prestige family of products and how they can be used in your project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Delancey has secured planning permission for a landmark commercial building at the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter in London. The 200,000 sq ft life sciences and technology-focused building will be constructed on a brownfield site on York Way. Delancey aims to start construction next year, with completion expected in 2028. The project is anticipated to cost around £170m and will employ an average of 300 workers annually during the 31-month demolition and construction programme. Demolition contractor JF Hunt has been advising Delancey on the demolition phase. Structural engineer Arup and architect Kohn Pedersen Fox have developed an innovative structural design to accommodate the building over three Network Rail tunnels and two Piccadilly Line tunnels, situated as close as 4.5 metres below the surface. The structural strategy, created with Arup, utilises a deck-stiffened arch inspired by 20th-century bridges designed by Swiss civil engineer Robert Maillart. This design employs long-span arches to distribute the building’s load over the underground railway lines. The 176-178 York Way building will feature 130,000 sq ft of research and laboratory space, 13,000 sq ft of affordable workspace, and a mixed-use flexible community and events space. The massing of the nine-storey building is stepped back in sequence to reduce the perceived scale at street level. Passive and active strategies have been implemented to reduce the building’s whole life carbon footprint. These include an all-electric MEP strategy, roof-mounted PV panels, and optimised external shading to reduce operational energy. Careful material selection and structural efficiencies have been employed to reduce embodied carbon, with the development targeting NABERS 4.5+ Stars. Nathan Watt, Development Director at Delancey, said: “We are delighted to have secured unanimous planning approval for this progressive, innovatively designed development that offers cutting-edge sustainable facilities. The project will deliver significant public realm improvements and provide much-needed office, science, and technology workspace.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New government figures reveal a significant decline in Right to Buy (RTB) sales, with overall sales down by 43% in London, reflecting a decrease across all UK regions last year. The data shows that there were 6,275 RTB sales in London last year, a sharp decline from the 14,085 sales the previous year. The report indicated that nine stock-owning authorities, including some with substantial housing stock, did not submit their figures in time for publication. However, even with these additional figures, the total is estimated to only increase to between 6,750 and 6,820. This year’s figures are comparable to the sales during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when there were 6,861 sales. Although sales had increased in the subsequent two years, they have now dropped again. The data also reveals a fall in sales across all regions last year. Despite London having one of the highest numbers of RTB sales, the year-on-year decline is evident. The number of sales in the capital was 1,081, the lowest since 2013. London also has one of the lowest rates of sales relative to its housing stock, just above the South East and the South West. The number of sales per 1,000 social housing properties in London was just 2.8%, a significant drop from the 2015 peak of 10%. Since the RTB scheme started in 1980 until 31 March 2024, there have been over 2,026,893 sales across the country. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government commented: “As part of our mission to get Britain building again, we will build 1.5 million homes over this parliament and create the biggest wave of social and affordable housing in a generation. Our ambitious plan to increase overall supply will make homes more affordable, and we will work with councils to replace the homes sold under Right to Buy.” The Labour Party’s manifesto includes a commitment to prioritise the building of new social rented homes and to better protect existing stock by reviewing the increased RTB discounts introduced in 2012 and increasing protections on newly built social housing. One expert believes the significant drop in RTB sales could be due to higher borrowing costs, which is also believed to have contributed to a decline in overall house sales last year. Alex Diner, senior housing researcher at the New Economics Foundation (NEF), stated: “While higher borrowing costs are likely behind this reduction in Right to Buy sales, the scheme still requires serious reform. Right to Buy continues to have a chilling effect on councils’ ability to build new homes. Powers should be devolved to councils, who know their areas best, to tailor the policy to local circumstances. The receipts system should also be reformed to allow councils to replace homes that are sold. These reforms would allow Right to Buy to help resolve the housing crisis, rather than contribute to it as it currently does.” The NEF has previously called for the devolution of the Right to Buy scheme following research published in May, which provided an update on how many homes sold under the policy are now owned by private landlords. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bakery chain Greggs has announced plans for a new National Distribution Centre at Symmetry Park in Kettering. The planning application details a 311,551 sq ft logistics space on a 25.1-acre plot, part of Greggs’ strategic growth plan that necessitates significant investment in supply chain capacity. Currently operating 2,500 shops, Greggs has set its sights on expanding to over 3,000 shops in the UK. The new distribution centre will enhance its ability to supply ambient and chilled products directly to its growing network of outlets. Tritax Symmetry is also seeking planning permission for an additional 100,000 sq ft, allowing Greggs to further expand the site. This building will form a key part of Symmetry Park, which spans 136 acres and has outline planning permission for a total of 2,310,000 sq ft of logistics floor space. Subject to planning approval, Greggs expects the new centre to be operational in the first half of 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global Segment Manager at Malvern Panalytical, Murielle Goubard, discusses how the construction industry can cut industrial emissions by up to three-quarters before 2050… Navigating toward a more sustainable construction industry is driven by the pressing need to curb carbon emissions and advance sustainability. Cement producers globally are pushing for ambitious goals, with many targeting a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and envisioning a concrete industry that achieves lifetime carbon neutrality by 2050. The adoption of innovative solutions to mitigate environmental impact in the industry is accelerating. Industry leaders are heavily investing in research and development to supercharge sustainability. Optimising process and kiln efficiency Many cement manufacturers are carefully adjusting processes in the raw milling and pyro-processing stages to enhance efficiency. Ensuring the fine particle size distribution of raw mix particles is key since larger particles can trigger clinker formation issues. Cutting-edge tools such as particle size analyzers and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are empowering manufacturers to maintain precise control over these parameters. This has resulted in increased throughput, substantial cost savings and reduced energy consumption. Innovative fuels and sustainable materials Reducing direct CO2 emissions in cement production remains a high priority across the industry. Co-processing is an approach widely used, whereby alternative fuels – such as biomass, mixed and fossil-waste fuels – are applied to recover the calorific value of waste materials and reduce carbon emissions. To optimise combustion and kiln performance, accurate characterisation of these alternative fuels is imperative. A significant quantity of emissions in cement production comes from clinker production. Cement manufacturers are proactively incorporating alternative materials into their processes to address this issue. Alternative materials, including blast-furnace slag, fly ash, calcined clays, pozzolans, and other industrial waste, reduce the reliance on clinker production, substantially reducing emissions. Unlocking efficiency through automation Automated solutions, ranging from individual instruments to real-time online analysis, provide the precise control needed over processes, increasing sustainability. On-line solutions are particularly useful in busy industrial production environments as they address the very common sampling representativity issue that is one of the most critical steps in the monitoring and control process. This technology can reduce human error, ensuring consistency in product quality. By embracing automation, cement manufacturers can optimise fuel and power costs, cut down on production expenses and meet stringent quality requirements. Paving the way The cement and concrete industry is making important progress in becoming carbon-neutral, despite it being a significant challenge. Implementing a connected, future-proof analytical strategy alongside more efficient manufacturing practices, heightened recycling rates, electrification, renewable energy integration, and carbon capture could potentially cut industrial emissions by up to three-quarters by 2050. While sustainability efforts involve investment, they also offer substantial opportunities for cost savings. The cement and concrete industry is increasingly focused on delivering a greener future, where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. Aligning with industry trends and adopting sustainable practices, the sector will continue to navigate a path toward an environmentally friendly and economically viable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Conlon Construction has concluded a multi-year project at Wilmslow High School, facilitating a substantial increase in capacity to 360 places for the 2024/2025 academic year. Funded by Cheshire East Council and procured through the North West Construction Hub Framework, the extensive expansion permits a school transition from a 10-form to 12-form entry, elevating its capacity to new heights. The project encompassed a diverse range of enhancements, including a striking single-storey 1500m² extension to the main school building alongside extensive internal remodelling. Externally, upgrades to car parks, a new drop-off area, and the construction of a cutting-edge 1500m² sports barn are set to enhance the school’s overall sports amenities and visitor experience. Internally, a key highlight of the project lies in the transformative redesign of the technology department, which features a central corridor linking various teaching areas while seamlessly integrating with the newly constructed extension. Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “This multifaceted project necessitated seamless collaboration among our teams, on-site staff, Cheshire East Council, and neighbouring residents. The journey to completion underscores the strength of our partnerships, adeptly addressing any complexities and the logistical challenges of systematically closing parts of the school, to ultimately ensure minimal disruption to students’ experiences. “Our extensive education experience equips us with a deep understanding of fundamental best practice principles and the importance of meeting critical deadlines. It has been immensely rewarding to deliver a project that bolsters the capacity of this highly sought-after high school.” Ruth Powley, headteacher at Wilmslow High School, said: “It’s been a long challenging project, but we are really delighted with the outcomes for our students and the Wilmslow community. Conlon Construction have been great to work with, and we’ve enjoyed collaborating with them on this significant improvement to our school environment. Claire Williamson, Cheshire East Council’s director of education, strong start and integration, said: “This is really good news for families in Cheshire East – and delivers an additional 300 pupil places on site at Wilmslow High School. “Enhancing education provision in the borough is one of the council’s key priorities and it is very pleasing to see this substantial and complex multi-million-pound project come to successful fruition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals