Wales will need an additional 11,000 construction workers to support its growing economy, the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, tells a Construction Summit in Llandudno Junction. Speaking to delegates from the North Wales construction sector, Jeremy Miles emphasised the importance of the private and public sectors
Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2024-2026. The key takeaway from this Forecast, which focuses on the next three years (2024-2026), is that the construction industry will face near-term challenges including weak economic growth, high interest
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has stated that, while it supports efforts to manage the UK’s housing crisis, policy interventions to get more people on the property ladder must come with adequate resources to the planning system. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said:
Tellon Capital, real estate investment and development business, has appointed RED Construction Group to deliver its redevelopment of 40 Broadway, creating a high-quality, wellbeing-led office building within the heart of Westminster. Spanning more than 130,000 sq ft GIA, works on the landmark scheme will be carried out by RED Construction’s
Planning permission has been granted by the City of London to Mactaggart Family & Partners for The Resident Farringdon. The 128-room hotel, which is due to open in 2027, will be the fifth London site for the brand, taking it to a total portfolio of seven properties across the UK.
Planning has been granted to speculatively build 170,000 sq ft of Grade A sustainable urban logistics space in Adlington, Cheshire potentially creating up to 250 jobs. A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and specialist sustainable and impact investor, Bridges Fund Management will deliver the scheme, which has a projected gross
Adaptavate, a global leader in the development and industrialisation of low-carbon and carbon-negative construction materials, has announced the production of the world’s first carbon-negative technology to produce plasterboards. The leap from producing low-carbon construction materials to now providing an additional carbon-negative product comes through the incorporation of char – produced
Work has begun on GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd’s new £14m manufacturing facility and office complex, which will transform a 24,000 sqm vacant site on Caton Road in Lancaster into a sustainable and captivating riverside location. Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton are leading on the project and will deliver
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) held a celebration lunch on 23rd May to commemorate the completion of its first BCIA Inspired Leaders programme. The initiative, started in February 2024 and developed in partnership with Inspired Leadership Solutions, was aimed at developing existing and future leaders in the BEMS industry.
The Council’s housing company This City has celebrated a major milestone in construction as a topping out ceremony marks the highest point of the build. The development will become No 1 Ancoats Green on completion and will deliver 129 new homes bringing a long-term brownfield site back into use –
Wales will need an additional 11,000 construction workers to support its growing economy, the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, tells a Construction Summit in Llandudno Junction. Speaking to delegates from the North Wales construction sector, Jeremy Miles emphasised the importance of the private and public sectors working together to meet this demand. He set out his vision to ensure rapid growth and improvement, including: Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates, also addressed the event and emphasised there are many opportunities for the construction sector in North Wales. Jeremy Miles said: “The construction industry has a huge impact on our economy and society. It creates jobs, drives economic growth, and offers solutions to social, climate, and energy challenges. We are already doing a lot of things right in Wales, with many countries looking at our efforts to transition to a prosperous, sustainable future with fair work at its heart. “That is not to say we do not acknowledge the challenges construction employers face, the creation of a future talent pipeline, the identification of key projects and the need to support innovation are issues that need further backing. My message to the sector in North Wales is clear: whether through building vital infrastructure for a greener, more sustainable future or maximising opportunities presented by Free Ports and Investment Zones, the construction industry is crucial to shaping the Wales of tomorrow.” Ken Skates said: “I’m pleased this event is taking place in North Wales focussed on the construction sector in the region. “Part of my role as Cabinet Secretary for North Wales is to champion the interests of our communities, businesses and institutions. It’s about ensuring our policies reflect the circumstances, challenges and opportunities in the North. “We can achieve so much more by working together, and with exciting developments across the region, this is an exciting time for the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2024-2026. The key takeaway from this Forecast, which focuses on the next three years (2024-2026), is that the construction industry will face near-term challenges including weak economic growth, high interest rates, and disruptions caused by the General Election. These factors are expected to further constrain private-sector investment and delay public-sector projects. However, the outlook brightens over the forecast period. The early election will reduce political uncertainty, while a strengthening economy is expected to boost consumer and business confidence from H2 2024. This signals recovery in the not-so-distant future, with a modest increase in project-starts predicted in the latter half of 2024 lifting starts by 3% this year. As the economy picks up further in 2025, Glenigan forecasts 7% growth, and 6% in 2026. Disruption stifles short-term growth Construction starts have remained sluggish during the first six months of 2024, as high interest rates and a weak economic outlook dented investor and consumer confidence. The General Election has also affected the pipeline of public-sector construction projects. The purdah period has disrupted the progress of public-funded projects, while decisions will also be delayed post-election as the new government reviews existing programmes such as the Lower Thames Crossing. Starts on the up However, an easing in borrowing costs and improved economic conditions – with the UK economy forecast to grow around 0.8% in 2024 – together with greater political certainty, should help to lift investor confidence from the second half of 2024 and into next year. Despite a tough start, renewed growth in project-starts is forecast for H2 2024. The gradual easing of interest rates is also expected to feed through to lift housing market activity from the second half of this year. Further, the Spending Review will set out the new government’s funding commitments and priorities and is expected to strengthen public sector construction activity during the second half of the forecast period. Commenting on the Forecast, Glenigan’s Economic Director Allan Wilen says, “The UK construction sector is still facing significant headwinds as the economy struggles to pick back up. However, there are signs of growth in several key areas, particularly in the private verticals, signalling a gradual recovery from mid-2024. In the private housing sector, for example, we anticipate starts will pick up in the latter half of this year, driven by improved affordability and brighter economic prospects. “Similarly, we’re forecasting improved activity in consumer-related verticals such as retail and hotel & leisure, as a gradual easing in price inflation is set to provide a boost to households’ spending power. Elsewhere, structural changes are expected to create new opportunities in office refurb and fit-out, while logistics is poised for renewed investment fuelled by online retail growth. However, he acknowledges the upcoming General Election will have a significant upfront impact on industry performance, particularly in the public sector, “Public-funded investment is expected to stagnate in the near term. The election has disrupted the progress of many projects, with the purdah period leading up to the 4th of July preventing civil servants from making any announcements that could influence voting intentions. As a result, decisions will be delayed until post-election. For example, the Department for Transport has already announced that ministerial decisions on several major projects, including the Lower Thames Crossing, have been pushed back by six months. This means we’ll have to wait until the new Government’s Spending Review for further clarity on budget allocation, and this might not be until Q.4 2024.” Taking a deeper dive into sector verticals… Private housing set to rebound Housing market activity fell sharply in 2023, with the value of project-starts dipping 11% as housebuilders reacted to weakening market conditions and more stringent building regulations. Private housing starts are predicted to experience slow growth over the forecast period, with Glenigan predicting a 2% rise in 2024 as the market environment gradually picks up. An increase in mortgage approvals in March 2024 (the highest in 18 months) points to a strengthening in house sales in the coming months. Renewed project-starts recovery is also anticipated in the second half of the forecast period, rising 14% in 2025 and 6% in 2026, as interest rates dip and consumer confidence improves. Social housing stabilises The forecast for social housing is mixed, with starts predicted to experience modest growth over the next three years, with a slight dip in 2025. Greater stabilisation to previously eye-watering construction materials costs in 2024 is expected to boost the sector, with a 4% rise forecast for 2024. Student accommodation starts are expected to stagnate significantly over the forecast period, due to the government’s visa restrictions on graduate schemes which will likely weaken demand for purpose-built student accommodation. Having been a key driver of sector growth in 2023, this is anticipated to slow down sector recovery. Glenigan is forecasting a slight decline (-1%) in 2025, however, increased government funding for social housing provision, a major political priority, is expected to lift starts by 7% in 2026. Slightly brighter outlook for industrial The industrial sector is experiencing a period of consolidation following a boom post-pandemic, largely driven by significant growth in warehousing and light industrial projects. Looking forward, industrial project-starts are expected to remain weak for the rest of the year, before returning to growth in 2025. A decline in consumer spending caused the online retail market to lose momentum, tempering the demand for logistics space. Meanwhile, manufacturing output has also been subdued, limiting investment in facilities. Nevertheless, as the economic outlook and household finances improve, the sector should see renewed growth fuelled by the demand for warehousing and logistics. Consequently, Glenigan is forecasting a 3% growth in 2025, and 4% in 2026. Utilities to boost civil engineering A sustained rise in civil engineering starts is anticipated over the next three years, driven by an increase in utilities projects as energy and water companies roll out planned investments. Overall, civil engineering starts are forecast to grow
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has stated that, while it supports efforts to manage the UK’s housing crisis, policy interventions to get more people on the property ladder must come with adequate resources to the planning system. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “We are currently dealing with a severe housing crisis, with an urgent need to build more affordable homes and help young people get onto the property ladder. “But we need to ensure these are the right homes, built in the right places. Our planning system, which would play an essential role in delivering these houses, can do more to make homeownership achievable and affordable, and to provide a wider range of affordable housing options. However, this can only happen if there is a step change in funding for the next UK Government provides funding to councils to deliver high-quality planning services” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tellon Capital, real estate investment and development business, has appointed RED Construction Group to deliver its redevelopment of 40 Broadway, creating a high-quality, wellbeing-led office building within the heart of Westminster. Spanning more than 130,000 sq ft GIA, works on the landmark scheme will be carried out by RED Construction’s London team. The redevelopment will offer a variety of Grade A office space from the basement to the eighth floor, together with a ground floor café, roof terraces on the majority of floors, and a communal roof terrace with exceptional views across St James’s Park, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The vision aims to maximise building performance and wellness for occupants and will achieve WELL Platinum and BREEAM Excellent ratings. Situated within the Broadway and Christchurch Gardens Conservation Area, the design of 40 Broadway has been sensitively considered to seamlessly sit within its surroundings. RED Construction Group’s London team will deliver the works, and will erect a steel frame from the ground to eighth floor and create a natural stone façade on the Broadway elevation with projecting full-length feature windows. In keeping with the appearance of the neighbouring Grade II listed buildings, the rear of the building features traditional brick work and a metal clad mansard from the fifth floor to the roof. With Tellon Capital’s successful track record of delivering exceptional developments that respond to and enhance the local character, 40 Broadway will encourage innovative and collaborative working, with offices enhanced by landscaped outdoor terraces. James Burchell, Founder of Tellon Capital, added: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of RED Construction Group for 40 Broadway, allowing us to commence construction of this landmark new building for Westminster. We are thrilled to be delivering a high-quality office development that sets an example for a high-performing building whilst considering the sensitive local context. This is a really exciting project, breathing new life into Westminster.” Ian Hopkinson, Executive Director at RED Construction Group, commented: “The redevelopment of 40 Broadway is a prime example of what RED Construction London does best. Nestled in the heart of Westminster, our team is well-versed in appraising the unique construction challenges due to the capital’s heritage and scale. Tellon Capital’s 40 Broadway is yet another first-class well-being-focused office development that we are excited to be a part of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning permission has been granted by the City of London to Mactaggart Family & Partners for The Resident Farringdon. The 128-room hotel, which is due to open in 2027, will be the fifth London site for the brand, taking it to a total portfolio of seven properties across the UK. The hotel has been designed by EPR Architects, with a focus on creating a highly sustainable building. Situated at 1-8 Long Lane, it will be at the heart of the Culture Mile, with easy access to the Barbican, Smithfield and Farringdon neighbourhoods. From 2026 the area will also be home to the London Museum, as part of the Smithfield General Market regeneration. William Laxton, CEO, Mactaggart Family & Partners, said: “We are thrilled with the consent for The Resident Farringdon and with the opportunity to contribute to this growing and thriving location. It is so important to us to be able to maximise this site’s potential with a modern, high-quality hotel, which is also as sustainable as possible and we are thrilled that the City of London planning committee has vindicated our approach to the scheme. “The Resident Farringdon will offer guests a home-from-home experience, from which they can explore this thriving neighbourhood, with bars, restaurants, galleries, museums and performance venues only steps away, all activated by some of the best infrastructure in Europe in the form of the Elizabeth Line at Farringdon East.” The Resident Farringdon will feature third party operated restaurant, cafe and retail spaces at ground level and a pocket garden for guests and the public to enjoy. In keeping with the rest of The Resident portfolio, the Brand purposely forgoes its own formal bar or restaurant, but has a library lounge. From here the knowledgeable team will encourage guests to enjoy the highlights and hidden gems that abound in the surrounding area. Adam Jones, director, EPR Architects, said: “Sustainability is at the core of the scheme and we and Mactaggart Family & Partners, advised by ARUP, have sought to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint through a series of thoughtful design solutions, including optimising the façade’s design to minimise energy consumption and solar gain, using a low embodied carbon ventilation system and improving on-site biodiversity.” Additional features of the build will include over 95% of demolition, excavation and construction waste being diverted from landfill. In addition to the pocket garden, enhanced greening at upper floor terrace levels will be introduced, along with a new green roof space helping to achieve a significant uplift in biodiversity. With vast experience that has involved defining some of the world’s leading hotels, EPR’s previous projects in London have included The Ned, The OWO and NoMad. David Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels Ltd as Operator of The Resident, said: “The Resident has established itself with guests as one of the best regarded hotel brands, particularly in London, the most global of cities. The Resident Farringdon opens up a prime destination within the ‘Culture Mile’ BID, where community, culinary and commercial innovation cohabit in abundance. The prospect of partnering with local, yet world-renowned Arts institutions, engaging with our culturally affluent guests, and leading local connectivity with our Resident Insiders teams is very exciting.” Resident Hotels is due to open its sixth location, in The Resident Edinburgh, in August under the leadership of GM Gillian Mylles. She is assembling a great team, ready to delight guests from the final weeks of the International Festival. Heartfelt hospitality fuels The Resident brand’s reputation with exceptional NPS scores, and review rankings. This ethos has ensured that this year saw The Resident Covent Garden confirmed by TripAdvisor Travelers’’Choice “Best of the Best” as the no. #1 Hotel in the UK 2024 and #15 in Europe 2024. Current The Resident Covent Garden is at #1, The Resident Soho is at #18 in London and The Resident Victoria is at #20, which means that we have three Top 20 hotels in the current Tripadvisor Traveler ranked places in London. The Resident Liverpool is consistently at #1 in that great cultural destination, host city to the exceptional Biennial. The brand has plans to add rooms of a total target of 1,500 to 2,000 rooms over the next five years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning has been granted to speculatively build 170,000 sq ft of Grade A sustainable urban logistics space in Adlington, Cheshire potentially creating up to 250 jobs. A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and specialist sustainable and impact investor, Bridges Fund Management will deliver the scheme, which has a projected gross development value of around £36m. Called Avro Business Park, the scheme is located on a 7.8-acre site off London Road, south of Poynton town centre, and will adjoin Adlington Business Park and Adlington Industrial Estate. It will comprise 11 units ranging from 7,000 sq ft to 29,000 sq ft, available on a leasehold or freehold basis. Construction is scheduled to commence in October, with practical completion expected October 2025. Neighbouring occupiers to the development include confectionery manufacturer Swizzels, tray sealing and packaging line specialist Proseal, and transport company William Kirk. All properties at the development will target an EPC rating of A+ and a BREEAM Excellent rating. They will feature electric vehicle charging points along with solar photovoltaic cells which provide occupiers with affordable green energy. In addition, the units will be constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions. Chancerygate development director, Chris Brown, who is based in the company’s Warrington office, said: “Avro Business Park is in an excellent location, with fantastic connections to the airport and the M56 via the new Poynton Relief Road. “The area is witnessing an increasing shift to ESG-led developments, from both the occupational and investor market. “Our development will help satisfy this strong demand for sustainable, high specification urban logistics accommodation within the south Manchester and Cheshire markets.” 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 ranging from Edinburgh to Croydon. Bridges is a specialist sustainable and impact investor. Its property funds focus on sectors that are well-placed to benefit from the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy, including lower-cost living, healthcare and sustainable logistics. Guy Bowden, partner at Bridges Fund Management, said: “We’re delighted that we can begin construction on this great site in Adlington. We plan to deliver Grade A logistics space with best-in-class sustainability credentials – meeting the strong local demand and supporting local job creation.” Agents for Avro Business Park are Savills and Williams Sillitoe Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Adaptavate, a global leader in the development and industrialisation of low-carbon and carbon-negative construction materials, has announced the production of the world’s first carbon-negative technology to produce plasterboards. The leap from producing low-carbon construction materials to now providing an additional carbon-negative product comes through the incorporation of char – produced by the pyrolysis of ligno-cellulosic materials. This locks the CO2 sequestered by plants into a stable state, and subsequently into the board, preventing it from being released through decay. Incorporating char makes the current technology to produce Breathaboard genuine permanent carbon-storage, as an alternative to plasterboard which absorbs and stores more carbon than it produces. Importantly, this has been quantified by Adaptavate’s independent, industry verified carbon calculation tool to the latest EN 15804+A2 standard. Adaptavate’s innovative technology allows for CO2 savings through both its product formulation and manufacturing methods. The company repurposes ligno-cellulosic wastes, combining them with minerals and a small amount of water to create a flat board material. Unlike conventional board production, this process requires no natural gas and can absorb low concentration CO2 in the curing process, which can be sourced from industrial emissions during the curing stage. Tom Robinson, founder and CEO at Adaptavate, says: “Our new carbon-negative and carbon-storing technology marks a significant milestone and step forward not only for Adaptavate, a business I founded a decade ago, but also for the global construction industry as a whole. Plasterboard is one of the most heavily used construction material after cement and steel, in an industry that produces around 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. As a former builder, the potential impact of putting carbon storing building materials in the hands of every builder, architect and developer around the world as a drop-in solution is massive in our global endeavour to decarbonise construction. This announcement demonstrates with a real-world example of how we can do this and have a successful business on a global scale.” The development of this new climate-positive technology and the pilot line for the board’s production has been made possible by UK Government grants (Innovate UK), and investment from a group of climate-focused businesses dedicated to accelerating carbon removal within the construction industry, including Counteract, Perivoli Innovations, Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 (LCIF2), and SEMIN Group. Jeff Ive, CTO at Adaptavate, says: “The production of full-sized permanently carbon-storing plasterboard is a major step forward for Adaptavate and the scale up of our regenerative material solutions. We have brought together a systemic solution for carbon dioxide removal that is required on a global scale, and matched it with a product that is used on a similar scale. With our licencing business model, we aim to deliver these systemic innovations at a rate that the planet needs them. The innovations’ development is thanks to the expert international team we have at our Bristol headquarters. With their knowledge, skills and dedication we have produced a game changing carbon-storing product with a comparable performance to the incumbent. The past few years of innovation in this space have been exciting for us, and we can see that this core technology has some important attributes that could be well used in a diverse product portfolio.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has begun on GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd’s new £14m manufacturing facility and office complex, which will transform a 24,000 sqm vacant site on Caton Road in Lancaster into a sustainable and captivating riverside location. Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton are leading on the project and will deliver a transformative UK headquarters that pays homage to the company’s Italian heritage. With roots stretching back to 1979, GVS manufactures highly technical filtration systems for healthcare, life science, safety and automotive sectors. The move will see all c.200 employees from GVS’s current UK office in Morecambe relocate to a new two-storey, low carbon waterside development in Lancaster, in a move that supports the company’s drive to net zero. Leveraging extensive experience in delivering sustainable projects, Conlon Construction will incorporate renewable energy and heat transfer management systems into the build. The new headquarters will also feature a sophisticated drainage system that channels surface water through grassed swales within the car park, leading to a meticulously landscaped wildlife pond, before ultimately releasing the water into the River Lune. The Bamber Bridge-based contractor is working alongside North West architects and planning consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton, who designed the scheme and secured planning permission for the ambitious project. The proposals see both parties working in partnership to transform an existing warehouse into GVS’s new production facilities, comprising injection moulding and high-tech filter manufacturing, which is carried out under ‘clean room’ standards. Conlon will also deliver space for warehousing and storage, plus a striking reception, office, and administration area. Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “This project suits our skills and experience at Conlon to a tee. We’ve delivered net zero builds for multiple clients, from the education sector to industrial units, and we’re thrilled to be involved in transforming this site into an inspiring and efficient workplace. “As a Lancashire business, we’ve a rich history of bringing spaces across the county, and beyond, to life – whether that’s through transforming areas with untapped potential or restoring historically significant buildings. “The plans by Cassidy + Ashton are spectacular. GVS will soon have a UK base reflective of its Italian roots and manufacturing prowess.” Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, GVS, a leading manufacturer of medical products and personal protective equipment, played a pivotal role in supplying the NHS with protective face masks specified to the highest classification. Miguel Aranda, Managing Director at GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd, said: “I am very impressed with the progress of the new building and am looking forward to the move next year in 2025. I can’t wait to start afresh in a new location where there will be improvements in our main drivers like safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost, sustainability, inventory and the most important one, an improved working environment for our people.” Alistair Baines, chairman of Cassidy + Ashton, said: “After several years in the making, it’s great to finally see the works progressing on site. We know how important this project is for GVS as a company and I’m sure it will help strengthen their operations both regionally and globally.” Conlon Construction has broken ground on the former Sofidel site, kicking off construction in a special ceremony attended by representatives from the contractor, Cassidy + Ashton, GVS, structural engineer Sleater & Watson and M&E designer, DRB Environmental Design. Completion is expected in spring 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) held a celebration lunch on 23rd May to commemorate the completion of its first BCIA Inspired Leaders programme. The initiative, started in February 2024 and developed in partnership with Inspired Leadership Solutions, was aimed at developing existing and future leaders in the BEMS industry. The event saw the first 14 selected delegates come together, along with BCIA President Stacey Lucas and former President Graeme Rees, who oversaw the development of the programme during his tenure. Led by Michael Holbrow, a professional coach, mentor, and facilitator who has spent more than three decades in the building controls industry, the programme was the result of a training gap identified during the development of the BCIA’s corporate plan. During this, it was discovered that people development and leadership training was suffering due to the pace of the market. In fact, it was found that often companies would be struggling to recruit and not able to set time aside to concentrate on people development. The 16-week programme comprised of six modules that were designed to change the way in which individuals in the BEMS sector might approach situations, whether that’s how they lead teams and client projects or understand the benefits of self-leadership. As a result of the industry-centric leadership training programme, the delegates were able to truly grasp and understand the challenges and opportunities of leading within the BEMS industry. BCIA President Stacey Lucas was delighted with the success of the programme, saying: “The delegates really sank their teeth into the programme and have taken so much out of it. Michael was a brilliant coach and really helped those taking part to embrace the potential for leadership roles in the building controls sector and understand how to overcome any challenges along the way. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Council’s housing company This City has celebrated a major milestone in construction as a topping out ceremony marks the highest point of the build. The development will become No 1 Ancoats Green on completion and will deliver 129 new homes bringing a long-term brownfield site back into use – including 119 apartments and 10 town houses. A range of one bed to four bed homes are being built to meet a range of needs, including families choosing to live in the city centre, and 30% of these new homes will be capped at the Manchester Living Rent. This is a level of rent that can be covered by housing benefit, which makes sure the homes are accessible to as many Manchester people as possible. The ambition is that This City will scale up to build 500 homes a year. Six further sites are currently being considered for development in the coming years. This development is expected to be completed in 2025. The scheme is being built by Wates and designed by architect Buttress. A full list of contractors can be found in the notes to editors section. Find out more about This City No 1 Ancoats Green will overlook a transformed Ancoats Green, with the development site moving seamlessly into the improved city centre park. This investment will include new walking and cycling routes through the neighbourhood, along with significant new planting – wildflower and wetland planting, and a range of new trees, alongside new accessible play equipment and open grassed areas. This development will also be built to high sustainability standards, limiting heat loss through exemplar insulation, making the homes warm and more efficient to run – essential to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis. The Ancoats Green redevelopment is part of a range of public realm investment in Ancoats that looks to create a green heart for the local community and improve access to quality park spaces. Adjacent to the park, the Ancoats Mobility Hub celebrated its own topping out milestone earlier this year. The innovative investment will help create a low traffic, pedestrian first neighbourhood. The hub will feature secure parking for 150 bikes, alongside changing facilities, 102 electronic vehicle charging points, up to 30 spaces for car club and car share schemes as part of a total of 406 car park spaces which reduces the need for parking within new residential developments nearby (apart from disabled parking). The building itself will feature 400 rooftop solar panels and over 400sqm of living green walls. A last-mile delivery hub and parcel lockers will centralise how local people can receive post and packages, vastly reducing delivery traffic in the area. A new commercial or hospitality space is also being explored. Find out more about the regeneration of Ancoats Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of the Council, said: “The first This City development encapsulates a lot of what we’re looking to achieve when it comes to building new homes in the city centre. “Affordable, low carbon, close to great transport routes, built seamlessly into a rejuvenated Ancoats Green park – and with a range of housing types and sizes to accommodate different demand – including family homes. “Hitting the highest point is a welcome milestone and marks the hump of this project and we look forward to these homes welcoming the first residents next year.” Cllr Gavin White, executive member for housing and development, said: “This City is the innovation that Manchester’s housing market needs to help us deliver genuinely affordable housing – capped at the Manchester Living Rent – using brownfield, Council-owned land. These are the types of homes we know our residents need and in a city centre location. This development – complemented by the improvements to the park next door – is spearheading the final phase of regeneration for Ancoats that begins the end of two decades of investment in this community.” Adam White, Chair of This City, said: “Topping out our No. 1 Ancoats Green scheme marks a really important milestone for This City, proving the concept and our ability to deliver high quality, low carbon and affordable homes at scale. “Our exciting plans for the future will see us ramping up the delivery of our sizeable residential pipeline over the next few years, delivering hundreds more affordable homes available at the Manchester Living Rent. “I’d like to thank City Council Officers and Members, the This City Board, DLUHC, Wates, Buttress and the wider project team for all their input and efforts to date – No. 1 Ancoats Green is a seminal project for This City and one we should all be proud to have played a part in delivering.” Tom Maguire, project director at Wates, said: “The Rodney Street project encompasses everything we stand for at Wates – exemplary design that prioritises sustainability, delivered in a way that helps communities thrive in the long term through Social Value initiatives and the homes it will ultimately provide. “So far here at Rodney Street, we’ve spent more than £50k on local Social Enterprises and over £5m on local supply chains, as well as supported 315 Apprenticeship Weeks. While we celebrate this latest milestone of topping out, we’re focused still on delivering the rest of the project in the same way, creating opportunities wherever possible to benefit Manchester residents and businesses.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals