Developer Linkcity has been granted planning permission by the London Borough of Newham for Phase 4 of its Hallsville Quarter development masterplan in Canning Town. Phase 4 proposes a new mixed-use city block designed by architects PRP, which includes 377 purpose-built student accommodation rooms, a wide range of student amenity
The Founding at Canada Water, a collection of homes set amongst 160 acres of woodlands and parks, bordered by docks and waterways, will launch in spring 2023. The apartments at The Founding – featuring carefully curated, bespoke interiors designed by Conran and Partners – form part of British Land’s once
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been awarded a c.£90 million contract by Fife College for the design and construction of a new learning campus in Dunfermline, Scotland. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the delivery of three interlinking buildings spanning over 20,000m2, which will house state-of-the-art teaching facilities
In response to the announcement that £60m will be made available to revive brownfield sites, Mark Powell, managing director of EDAROTH – a wholly owned subsidiary of Atkins – said: “Any investment in housing is a positive move. But looking at the scale of the problem across the UK today,
Leading specialist plant hire firm Land & Water Plant has made the commitment, alongside the rest of the Land & Water Group, to become Carbon Net Zero by 2030. In order to do this, the firm is expanding its fleet to offer more specialist hybrid and fuel-efficient solutions that fulfil
A major new planning application for the Silvertown site in the London Borough of Newham has been submitted following an extensive consultation process with local residents and businesses. With a bold character founded in the industrial heritage of this historic part of London, this diverse neighbourhood will feature around 6,500
High inflation, recession and supply chain uncertainty are jeopardising key infrastructure projects that are crucial to Britain’s chance at economic recovery, according to a new report published today by leading construction consultant, Currie & Brown. The 2023 Infrastructure Cost Predictions Report finds that the total cost of Britain’s National Infrastructure Pipeline
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has agreed three new lettings at Ascent Logistics Park in Leighton Buzzard. The largest of the three units, spanning 79,493 sq. ft., will be accommodated by wholesaler and retailer AS Colour, whilst healthcare provider HCA UK has taken an 60,835 sq. ft.
2022 witnessed a considerable shift in timber trading patterns, with the Republic of Ireland, Latvia, and China supplying significant volumes to the UK. Softwood imports from the Republic of Ireland (ROI) increased by 48% in 2022, overtaking supplies from both Germany and Russia. This comes despite low overall softwood volumes,
Firethorn Trust, a leading commercial real estate investor and developer, has announced the successful leasing of two of its three industrial units at Peterborough South. The development, which is located just six minutes from Junction 17 of the A1(M) and adjacent to Fletton Parkway, is set to achieve practical completion
Developer Linkcity has been granted planning permission by the London Borough of Newham for Phase 4 of its Hallsville Quarter development masterplan in Canning Town. Phase 4 proposes a new mixed-use city block designed by architects PRP, which includes 377 purpose-built student accommodation rooms, a wide range of student amenity spaces including a first-floor garden and 7th-floor roof terrace and 487m2 of new ground floor, flexible commercial floorspace and landscaped public realm. As with the previous phases, Bouygues UK will be the main contractor and will take a low-carbon, sustainable approach. Construction is expected to begin towards the end of the year. Planning and development consultancy Montagu Evans have been advising Linkcity on Phase 4, which will deliver the final jigsaw piece of the new town centre. It marks the penultimate phase of the Hallsville Quarter Masterplan and is expected to complete in Summer 2025. In total the Hallsville Quarter development will provide over 1,100 new homes, a new hotel, up to 30,000m2 of leisure, work and retail space with a new art-house style cinema, and community facilities including a new public health centre close to the Canning Town transport hub. New public spaces, pedestrian links, cyclist provisions and secure parking spaces are also included. Phillippa Prongué, Linkcity Managing Director said, “I’m so thrilled we have been given the go ahead to deliver phase 4 of this significant regeneration project in the London Borough of Newham, which will provide much-needed student accommodation in the area. It’s exciting to see the new town centre coming on at pace and students will bring vitality and diversity to this community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Founding at Canada Water, a collection of homes set amongst 160 acres of woodlands and parks, bordered by docks and waterways, will launch in spring 2023. The apartments at The Founding – featuring carefully curated, bespoke interiors designed by Conran and Partners – form part of British Land’s once in a generation development project in Zone 2 of south-east London, which is set to deliver a total of 3,000 new net zero homes by 2030, and a vibrant destination for all to live, work, play and relax. A range of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will be available within The Founding, with panoramic views across London from floor to ceiling windows and private balconies. The upcoming launch of The Founding presents the first chance to purchase a new apartment at Canada Water and an opportunity to be part of the area’s incredible growth story. Alongside the new homes, British Land’s plans include upwards of two million sq ft of office space for an estimated 20,000 workers, and one million sq ft of leisure, cultural and educational facilities. Recent research carried out by British Land sought to understand Londoners’ priorities when it comes to where they choose to live, with three-quarters (74%) ranking proximity to amenities, such as local shops and businesses, as their top priority while 70% of Londoners want to have green space and parks close to home. Canada Water more than delivers on both fronts. Emma Cariaga, Head of Residential and Co-Head of Canada Water at British Land, comments: “The launch of The Founding in spring marks the start of the next exciting chapter in Canada Water’s rejuvenation. The apartments are in a prime location within the wider scheme, minutes from Canada Water station, overlooking Canada Dock and positioned at the start of Canada Water’s new high street. These three elements represent the key appeal of Canada Water, an area that is surrounded by green space and water, yet moments from central London.” Alex Carr, director within JLL’s residential development team comments: “As demand has shifted towards the ’15-minute city’ concept – where green spaces, employment hubs, retail, restaurants and education are all situated within close proximity – the vision of the Canada Water masterplan, alongside the launch of the first residential phase in 2023, is highly anticipated. People are becoming increasingly convenience-led and therefore drawn to the idea of living in an evolving neighbourhood that is well-connected with easy access to transport, not to mention in a development that is well equipped with residents’ amenities. As a result, we expect high interest levels in The Founding, which meets a lot of these requirements. “New builds have continued to prove popular in 2022, with annual reservations up by 10% on the same period in 2021. As Canada Water continues to mature, we expect applicants (for homes to buy and rent) in the SE16 area to rise.” The marketing suite is open by appointment only from February. For further information and to register interest visit: www.thefounding.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been awarded a c.£90 million contract by Fife College for the design and construction of a new learning campus in Dunfermline, Scotland. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the delivery of three interlinking buildings spanning over 20,000m2, which will house state-of-the-art teaching facilities and learning spaces for students, staff and business clients. As part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy for the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty has committed to 50% of its workforce being made up of people from the local, surrounding area. Once complete, the campus will bring together c.4,500 school pupils and college students from Fife College, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to design and construct the new Fife College campus in Dunfermline, testament to our significant experience and expertise in delivering further education projects in Scotland. “Throughout, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to positively impacting local communities and stimulating economic growth, providing numerous employment opportunities for local people as well as work experience placements for students.” Main construction is scheduled to commence later this month. At peak construction, Balfour Beatty will employ approximately 400 people including a number of apprenticeship and graduate positions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In response to the announcement that £60m will be made available to revive brownfield sites, Mark Powell, managing director of EDAROTH – a wholly owned subsidiary of Atkins – said: “Any investment in housing is a positive move. But looking at the scale of the problem across the UK today, this is barely a drop in the ocean, especially compared to the £1.6bn spent on temporary accommodation from 2021 to 2022, according to government’s own figures. “There are currently in excess of one million households on social housing waiting lists across England, so an extra 5,800 homes by 2027 as quoted in the statement is in no way adequate. And it is a long way short of widely accepted estimates that we need to build at least 90,000 new social homes per year. “It’s a challenge that requires a proportionate response. However the recognition that brownfield sites have a role to play in the solution is welcome, as we have been calling for, and integral to that development is the use of modern methods of construction. “In addition to traditional methods, MMC represents a very real opportunity to accelerate the delivery of new homes across the UK which are not only energy efficient but can also be built faster with greater cost certainty. “But the MMC sector needs a strong pipeline of developments in order to sustain it and make it viable in the UK, which we would hope funding announcements like this will support.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading specialist plant hire firm Land & Water Plant has made the commitment, alongside the rest of the Land & Water Group, to become Carbon Net Zero by 2030. In order to do this, the firm is expanding its fleet to offer more specialist hybrid and fuel-efficient solutions that fulfil its client’s needs. The firm is thrilled to have recently taken delivery of the first Hitachi ZX130-7 super long reach excavator in the UK. Land & Water Plant Hire is already home to the largest range of long reach excavators and the most comprehensive fleet of amphibious plant and road transportable marine equipment in the UK. The Hitachi ZX130-7 model is ideal for dredging rivers and lakes, as well as bank maintenance. It is exceptionally durable and stable, and does not compromise on user-friendly operation. The environmental benefits of the Hitachi ZX130- 7 include: Dan Jackson, Strategic Account Manager at Land & Water Plant Hire, said: “We strive to ensure we have the very best offering for our customer’s needs. Increasing our offerings with more fuel-efficient machines like the Hitachi ZX130-7 helps us meet our own environmental targets as well as our clients. We will continue to adapt along with the market and requirements whether it be additional hybrid, fully electric or hydrogen in the near future. “As part of our company’s drive towards a net zero future, we are committed to ensuring that our clients have access to sustainable solutions. Innovation is one of our key values at Land & Water and we are extremely proud to be bringing new environmentally conscious technology to the UK.” The construction and civil engineering industry makes up almost 40% of the world’s CO2 emissions. The Land & Water Group is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and becoming Carbon Net Zero by 2030, making it one of the industry’s key pioneers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new planning application for the Silvertown site in the London Borough of Newham has been submitted following an extensive consultation process with local residents and businesses. With a bold character founded in the industrial heritage of this historic part of London, this diverse neighbourhood will feature around 6,500 new homes with 50% affordable housing, alongside a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks. Submitted by The Silvertown Partnership, striking designs for the 50-acre site show how the iconic Millennium Mills building, left derelict and largely disused for around 40 years, will be fully restored and form the centrepiece of the new community. The £3.5bn development will embrace its dockside location and over 5 acres of water will be central to the new neighbourhood, with canal walkways, a paddle board club and new bridges providing far greater access to the water and a closer connection with nature. Situated within London’s only Enterprise Zone, the London Plan identifies the site as one of the largest regeneration opportunities in the capital and the development is predicted to contribute between £76m-£90m per year to London’s economy, with the vast majority of this expected to be in the Newham area. The plans reveal ambitions to make Silvertown a hub of new industry, featuring over 780,000 square feet of next generation work and creative spaces in the refurbished Millennium Mills buildings and surrounding employment quarter, equivalent to 13 times the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral, alongside provision for additional future flexible workspace and makerspace. Silvertown is expected to become a new cultural hub for the Royal Docks, with brand-new arts and leisure facilities, cafés, restaurants and bars providing residents and visitors a place to unwind and be entertained. New public squares will play host to cultural events while green spaces will provide access to nature and encourage walking, running and cycling across the site. The newly opened Custom House Elizabeth Line Station will also provide a convenient transport link for residents, workers and visitors just 15 minutes from central London. Silvertown will deliver significant opportunities for local people and create more than 10,000 jobs, making the site somewhere to celebrate East London’s pioneering past and brighter-than-ever future. It’s estimated that more than 1,300 people per year will be involved in construction of the site, with a target of 25 per cent of those to come directly from the London Borough of Newham. In addition there will be a mix of apprenticeships and paid work experience opportunities available. Extensive new community facilities are also proposed that will include healthcare, nursery and community spaces, as well as a brand-new primary school. The new neighbourhood will also be one of London’s greenest, with all homes and commercial spaces supplied with hot water and heating powered through a zero-carbon district heating system. The Silvertown Partnership is seeking full planning permission for phase one of the Proposed Development, which will include 1,248 new homes, including 610 affordable homes, and 82,328 sqm new commercial space. Outline permission is sought for the remainder of the site. The Silvertown Partnership, which includes Lendlease, an international real estate and investment group, is working in conjunction with the Greater London Authority (GLA), Homes England and The Guinness Partnership (TGP). Prior + Partners are the lead consultant for the hybrid planning application and masterplanners for the whole Silvertown site. Architects working on various plots within the site include AHMM, dRMM, Pollard Thomas Edwards, Maccreanor Lavington, and Gort Scott with OMMX, with Arup on transport, AECOM on infrastructure and EIA and Energy Strategy, and SLA and Churchman Thornhill Finch on landscape. DP9 are the planning consultant. Quote attributable to Ed Mayes, Project director for Silvertown, Lendlease: “After months of working together with local residents and our public sector partners GLA, Homes England and the London Borough of Newham, I’m proud to present our vision for this iconic new neighbourhood. Silvertown is finally being reimagined as a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks – a place where people can live and work well, better connected to the water and each other. “This is a pivotal moment for the Silvertown development, as we reveal plans for a neighbourhood that will create thousands of much-needed new affordable homes and jobs for Newham. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the local community and our stakeholders to make this shared vision a reality.” Quote attributable to Catriona Simons, CEO at The Guinness Partnership: “This planning application is a big milestone in creating a new future for the Silvertown site. As affordable housing provider for the first phase affordable homes, Guinness is proud to be part of this ambitious and exciting vision for the Silvertown neighbourhood.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
High inflation, recession and supply chain uncertainty are jeopardising key infrastructure projects that are crucial to Britain’s chance at economic recovery, according to a new report published today by leading construction consultant, Currie & Brown. The 2023 Infrastructure Cost Predictions Report finds that the total cost of Britain’s National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) is set to reach £483 billion by 2026, of which £84 billion is the direct result of inflation. Inflation-driven cost increases could amount to the equivalent of an additional £32,000 per minute, or more than £1,250 per person over five years. A drastic new approach to infrastructure projects is crucial The report highlights that if measures are not taken, cost increases, inefficiencies and wastage – all compounded by inflation – will slow down, limit, or cancel infrastructure projects that are essential for Britain’s economic recovery. It finds that, within the current recessionary climate, there is no room for cost increases of any kind, and that ‘business as usual’ project and cost management, could put planned infrastructure projects at risk. Indeed, for every 1% increase in required expenditure resulting from inefficient project and cost management, the cost of delivering the infrastructure pipeline could rise by an additional £1,500 per minute. Therefore, clear and early planning and effective cost management will be essential to ensure projects are not dramatically descoped or scrapped altogether – in turn wasting precious time, resources and taxpayers’ money. Risk to economic recovery and the levelling up agenda The threat to the infrastructure pipeline has the potential to undermine Britain’s domestic growth ambitions and prospects for foreign trade, as well as putting the Government’s levelling up agenda at risk. Northern and Central England have promised infrastructure investment of at least £72 billion by 2026, but with spiralling costs and inflation potentially adding £13.4 billion to this figure, the viability of projects going ahead with their original scope is at great risk. This could impact many high-profile planned projects including Northern Powerhouse Rail, Midlands Rail Hub and HS2 Phase 2b. Nick Gray, Currie & Brown COO UK & Europe, said: “Britain has entered recession and inflation remains a significant threat to the financial health of the country. The Chancellor has prioritised infrastructure as a key lever for driving labour market participation, growth and productivity, and for accelerating the levelling up agenda. “However, with budgets so tight and such pressure in the wider economic landscape, we must urgently change the way we approach infrastructure investment if projects are to be successfully delivered. A business as usual approach is simply not feasible. We are calling on the government, local authorities and stakeholders to take immediate action. Early and informed decision making will be critical to safeguarding the infrastructure pipeline, and Britain’s economic recovery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has agreed three new lettings at Ascent Logistics Park in Leighton Buzzard. The largest of the three units, spanning 79,493 sq. ft., will be accommodated by wholesaler and retailer AS Colour, whilst healthcare provider HCA UK has taken an 60,835 sq. ft. unit, and Tate Business Group, a leading UK provider of essential business supplies, will occupy a 16,787 Sq. ft space. Accredited by the UK Green Building Council for its net-zero carbon construction, Ascent Logistics Park is built with sustainability in mind. With a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, all units are integrated with smart design, delivering positive and lasting change for businesses and the environment. The latest round of lettings mean seven of the scheme’s eight units are now fully occupied, with existing tenants including Spreetail, Airbox UK, Solution EU and Stone Hardy. One 48,639 sq ft unit remains available at Ascent Logistics Park, which reached completion earlier this year. Chris Beer, Senior Associate at Firethorn Trust, said: “This is a significant milestone for Ascent Logistics Park, as we near to full occupancy. The diverse mix of tenants reflects the scheme’s high-quality, modern and flexible specification, in addition to our team’s commitment to working closely with occupiers to ensure we are responding to their operational requirements effectively.” Lawrence Railton, Managing Director at AS Colour, said: “At AS Colour, we are committed to manufacturing and delivering a premium product for our customers through efficient operations and responsible practices. The tenancy at Ascent will allow us to enhance our UK supply chain and grow our shipping capabilities to meet customer demand even more effectively.” Scottie Lambright, CEO in the Supply Chain function at HCA, commented: “As a business, we continue to set out and deliver on ambitious growth plans. Ascent will put us in a central location to further improve operations, ensuring HCA facilities can always access the right supplies and equipment, and in turn, deliver outstanding patient care across the UK.” Richard Beal, Managing Director at Tate Business Group, added: “Location, flexibility and specification is key to ensuring we can effectively meet diverse client requirements and provide a tailored solution that improves the efficiency of their supply chains. It has been a pleasure working with Firethorn to secure our new home at Ascent, which will allow us to maintain our exceptional service offering as our customer base continues to grow.” Situated off the Leighton Road, Ascent Logistics Park offers a quick and easy route to London Luton airport, Milton Keynes Central station and the M1/M25 motorways, which are within a 30-minute drive. To find out more about the site, or for information on the other Ascent Logistic Park units, please visit www.ascentlogisticspark.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
2022 witnessed a considerable shift in timber trading patterns, with the Republic of Ireland, Latvia, and China supplying significant volumes to the UK. Softwood imports from the Republic of Ireland (ROI) increased by 48% in 2022, overtaking supplies from both Germany and Russia. This comes despite low overall softwood volumes, with imports in October 2022 down 28% from 2021. Hardwood import patterns also varied, with Latvia overtaking the USA as the leading country of supply. Overall hardwood imports increased by 15% in 2022, with 22% provided by Latvia and 16% by the USA. China has cemented itself as a key supplier in the plywood category, providing 68% of hardwood plywood and 20% of softwood plywood. TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “The first ten months of 2022 proved interesting, with traditional import patterns shifting as the year progressed. “Against a backdrop of generally low softwood volumes, Irish imports have proved an exception, with Irish spruce proving a cost-effective option for many merchants. “The hardwood trade has outperformed all other wood sectors in the first ten months of 2022 with volumes growing across the category. “The pallet and packaging trade is driving much of the growth in Latvian hardwoods, with these lower-priced, more temperate species substituting typically used softwood. “There are several reasons for increasing Chinese volumes in the Plywood sector, however high South American freight costs earlier in the year and Russian sanctions starting in March 2022 are largely responsible. “These varying trade patterns highlight the resilience and adaptability of the timber trade, with alternative sources being found to satisfy demand at the most cost-effective market rate.” Members can read the full statistics report here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Firethorn Trust, a leading commercial real estate investor and developer, has announced the successful leasing of two of its three industrial units at Peterborough South. The development, which is located just six minutes from Junction 17 of the A1(M) and adjacent to Fletton Parkway, is set to achieve practical completion in the first quarter of 2023. The largest warehouse at the site, measuring 240,830 square feet, has been leased on a 10-year tenancy to a publicly-listed UK housebuilding company, while FreshLinc, a specialist in the transport and supply chain management of fresh, chilled, and horticultural products, has taken a 139,915 square foot space on a 15-year lease. Constructed to meet net-zero carbon standards and rated BREEAM “Excellent,” the development at Peterborough South is a standout example of sustainability in the industrial sector. The property also features PrimX jointless concrete floors, which are designed to increase safety, reduce costs, and improve high-load resistance over time. Chris Beer, Senior Associate at Firethorn Trust, commented on the milestone achieved at Peterborough South: “These tenancies mark an important milestone at Peterborough South, not only as the development is now two-thirds towards full occupation, but it is also the first in the UK to feature PrimX jointless concrete floors, which are designed to save money, enhance safety and increase high-load resistance over time. “Both companies are leaders in their respective industries, and their moves to Peterborough South is demonstrative of our commitment to providing occupiers with the best facilities for their specific needs, whilst investing in best-in-class products and market-leading innovations.” Paul McCarthy, Operation Director at FreshLinc Group, added: “Our strategically located sites mean that we can offer a variety of distribution services, regardless of destination, volume and lead time. It has been a pleasure working with Firethorn, and we are delighted to be growing our presence within the UK network from this new Peterborough hub which will operate under our FLX Ambient Division.” Savills and Lambert Smith Hampton acted on behalf of Firethorn Trust during the leasing process, while Knight Frank represented the listed housebuilding company. FreshLinc was unrepresented. The development at Peterborough South still has one remaining unit, measuring 94,225 square feet, which is available for leasing. More information about the development can be found at www.peterboroughsouth.co.uk. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals