The UK’s biggest electricity distributor is opening the way for local residents to join the energy ‘flexibility’ market to help cut the costs of running their electric vehicles (EVs). New ways of smart charging have been successfully tested by UK Power Networks to deliver greener energy at a lower cost
CHESHIRE West and Chester Council, together with its partners, has taken possession of a new transformational £16m public services hub to complete the first phase of redevelopment in Ellesmere Port town centre. The building, named The Portal, was designed by leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. The
Midlands based contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed as an approved partner on the new £750m regional framework by SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities. The four-year framework will invest in the public sector across the Midlands and East of England, helping local authorities and
Work already underway for first major residential scheme of affordable homes in central Bletchley UK property developer Godwin Developments has agreed a forward funding deal with CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) – a fund managed by CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) to deliver 184 affordable homes in central Bletchley,
As part of two major regeneration projects, leading housebuilder Harron Homes has commenced construction of nearly 300 new homes on recently acquired land in Doncaster and Harworth. Both sites are the product of extensive investment schemes led by Harworth Group PLC, one of the UK’s leading land and property regeneration
Firethorn Trust’s 21-acre logistics scheme, Peterborough South, is rapidly taking shape, with structural steelwork now erected across the site. Located at Kingston Park in Hampton, the Grade-A industrial development comprises of three units spanning 94,225 sq ft, 130,015 sq ft and 240,830 sq ft, all of which will be delivered
Building new homes on brownfield land is not the solution to the national housing emergency even if significant government support is forthcoming, claims a report published today by the Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF). According to the Banking on Brownfield report even if every site on council brownfield registers
An awards ceremony, hosted by HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson MP, was held in Parliament today (Monday, 4 July) to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses supporting the construction of Britain’s new railway. Members of Parliament joined Mr Stephenson for the ceremony, which shone a light on those who
Peel L&P and Pension Insurance Corporation plc (‘PIC’) are pleased to announce the commencement of construction of Miller’s Quay, the cornerstone investment in what will become the largest regeneration project in the UK, creating up to 20,000 permanent jobs. Miller’s Quay is a 500 one-and two-bedroom residential scheme which will
75% of Welsh tourism businesses see increase in visitors over May half term Bluestone invests £23 million into 80 ‘Platinum’ lodges Timber certified by forestry-standards organisation PEFC Just weeks until bookings open for Summer 2023 The first sustainable timber frame for 80 new lodges arrived at Bluestone National Park Resort
The UK’s biggest electricity distributor is opening the way for local residents to join the energy ‘flexibility’ market to help cut the costs of running their electric vehicles (EVs). New ways of smart charging have been successfully tested by UK Power Networks to deliver greener energy at a lower cost for customers who charge their EVs at certain periods. With energy prices rising, smart charging enables customers to use electricity not only when it is greenest, but cheapest too. Project Shift, led by UK Power Networks in partnership with Kaluza, Octopus Energy and ev.energy, developed and trialled three different ways to incentivise EV charging outside of peak times, more attractive to EV owners. The world’s largest trial of smart charging incentives has shown that only 19% of the time customers spend plugged in at home, is needed to meet their charging needs. This makes ‘smart charging’ a possibility for people who can shift their charge times to when demand on the electricity network is lower, using cheaper, greener electricity to charge their car ready for the next day. Findings included that 85% of customers were open to smart charging, so long as their mobility requirements were met. EV demand during the evening peak was reduced by an average of 79% due to Smart charging with ongoing financial incentives. The median daily reduction in EV demand between 6-9 pm was 82%. Customers are now charging their car cheaper at certain times on a routine basis and earning rewards for charging, while avoiding the need for local electricity grids to be reinforced. As the distributor of electricity to 8.4 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England, UK Power Networks is a key enabler of the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy and forging a path to Net Zero. Smart EV charging is critical to enabling the lowest cost electrification of transport, especially important as consumers are facing increased cost of living. As more people opt for a low carbon way of life, demand on the electricity grid rises with customers wanting the choice of how and when they charge. Project Shift means people can easily access the benefits of the fast-emerging flexibility market while supporting the increased adoption of EVs. Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “It is great that customers can receive incentives for charging their electric vehicles outside of peak times at home. “Smart charging will ultimately save everyone money and offers new opportunities for domestic households and businesses to contribute to a smarter UK energy system. It is key to helping us deliver Net Zero at the best cost for both customers and the network.” William Goldsmith, head of grid & data services at ev.energy, said: “It’s been fantastic working with UK Power Networks on such world leading innovation and I am delighted that the learnings from Project Shift have already been integrated into UK Power Networks’ first-of-a-kind flexibility tenders. “Charging electric vehicles smartly to unlock grid services is a critical part of delivering a green, affordable energy future. This can only be done by engaging and incentivising EV drivers to take part.”
CHESHIRE West and Chester Council, together with its partners, has taken possession of a new transformational £16m public services hub to complete the first phase of redevelopment in Ellesmere Port town centre. The building, named The Portal, was designed by leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. The three-storey building provides a range of services to the public from several different agencies, as well as providing accommodation that meets the demands of the council’s modern workforce strategy. The new space will be home for 580 staff employed by the council, DWP and other service providers. The scheme also incorporated a new bus facility and extensive public realm works to improve transport links and facilities for the public. Pick Everard – operating under Perfect Circle’s unique collaboration – was appointed to provide architecture, interior design and landscape services through SCAPE’s Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework. Andy Robinson, director at Pick Everard, said: “Cheshire West and Chester Council has a fantastic new facility in the heart of Ellesmere Port. We promised to deliver a scheme that places greater emphasis on the use of the space and The Portal’s 4,000 square metres and surrounding external areas truly accomplish this. “Value for money is essential for our public sector clients and this has been achieved to great effect on this project. Through close collaboration and consultancy, we’ve been able to ensure that the completed scheme represents the priorities identified by the council.” The Portal is a single shared hub that facilitates agile working, therefore reducing the demand for space and enabling the council and other agencies to consolidate their presence into a smaller footprint. As a result of this, money is being saved and carbon emissions are being reduced while also providing a much-improved work environment. With the intention to improve access to public services and bring all the disparate arms and services of local government into a single shared hub, The Portal is a regeneration project that serves its practical purpose and acts as the catalyst for regeneration in the town. Importantly, the building is designed to improve the customer experience enable them to access a wider range of services in one location. This includes employment, skills and learning, welfare and benefits support, advice and information, community safety and prevention, health and well-being and housing support. The building contains public art that is on permanent display. Consultation with the local community during the design stage led to creations that represent the purpose of the space, which has been developed in the interest of the local area and not only those who use the on-site facilities. Civic Way was a critical element of the scheme. Road priorities have changed with Civic Way now only accessible to buses and service vehicles, reducing traffic on a previously busy thoroughfare. The area is now a much more pedestrian friendly environment as a result of the careful public realm design its relationship with the new bus facility. The widening of the street to allow for bus lay-bys and new bus stands enabled the opportunity to relocate the old poor quality bus interchange and create space for The Portal. Public realm improvements did not stop with Civic Way. The Port Arcade entrance from Wellington Road has been made more pedestrian friendly, with accessibility and enjoyment of the space receiving attention due to the high footfall. Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The opening of The Portal is an exciting moment for the community as it is providing a versatile building for a range of stakeholders. “The project team has completed a scheme to be proud of following an important consultation process and we can’t wait to share the newly improved space with the people of Ellesmere Port.” The importance of the project to the local workforce and wider community meant that public engagement was maintained throughout. To create learning opportunities, contractor Vinci Construction engaged with The West Cheshire College to make site visits and construction talks a possibility for students. David Nisbet, partner at Pick Everard, said: “We’re pleased to have supported Cheshire West and Chester Council on the development of The Portal, as it adopts the government’s One Public Estate programme. “The Portal marks another project within our portfolio that has achieved BREEAM Very Good certification, proving the growing opportunity for sustainable solutions in towns likes Ellesmere Port that are undergoing regeneration.” For more information on Pick Everard, visit www.pickeverard.co.uk/
Midlands based contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed as an approved partner on the new £750m regional framework by SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities. The four-year framework will invest in the public sector across the Midlands and East of England, helping local authorities and organisations deliver ambitious, community-focused construction projects. Following a competitive selection process, the Midlands-based construction company is just one of eight contractors chosen to deliver up to £750m of new investment for the public sector, via SCAPE’s Regional Construction framework, with G F Tomlinson being appointed to undertake projects up to £7.5m across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland. G F Tomlinson’s 15-year relationship with SCAPE has seen the company deliver over 500 projects valued at £240m on previous iterations of the framework. Through this ongoing collaboration the company has also provided communities with positive social, economic and environmental impacts including 82% of local spend and 89% of local labour achieved within 40 miles of each project and 98% construction waste recycled and diverted from landfill. With a broader value range of up to £7.5m, more public sector projects can benefit from the range of services provided by G F Tomlinson, including early input on design development, risk management, cost certainty, construction delivery and post completion support. G F Tomlinson has a strong focus on sustainability and social value and the SCAPE framework allows for the delivery of four key areas of investment, including: employment and training, sustainability and environmental protection and support. In particular, inspiring individuals into the construction industry from local schools, apprenticeship opportunities, commitment to local spend and the use of local labour and supply chains and helping public sector clients achieve their decarbonization targets. Chris Flint, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed to the framework, continuing our long association and success with Scape. The framework allows us to continually focus on delivering high quality, value for money projects across the Midlands, ensuring social and sustainable values are considered to support the local communities. “In addition to providing communities with the prospect of job opportunities and apprenticeships, the framework has agreed to a ‘net-zero ready’ lifecycle, assisting communities in achieving their net-zero ambitions as an effective response to the current climate emergency. “We are extremely proud of the work already undertaken within this framework and cannot wait to continue to raise the bar and deliver tangible benefits to our clients and the wider community.” John Simons, group procurement director at SCAPE, said: “The next four years represent a pivotal time for public sector construction across the Midlands and East of England to deliver infrastructure that empowers local communities and generates regional economic growth. “After receiving positive feedback from clients, we’ve enhanced the framework to provide our public sector colleagues with the tools to not only deliver value-driven infrastructure in their areas but support their journey toward a net zero built environment. “Aligned with SCAPE’s 15-year heritage of empowering local authorities to achieve their infrastructure objectives, the direct award framework is designed to achieve value for money, drive sustainability and deliver a local economic impact on every project.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “As we continue to play our part in delivering infrastructure projects across the region that are more sustainable and strengthen local communities, our new framework will help our clients meet their goals and allow local contractors to build long-term relationships to grow their business. “The addition of a new lifecycle contract form as part of the framework’s ‘net zero ready’ offering is testament to SCAPE’s commitment to supporting clients with energy conservation and the operational efficiency and performance of their assets. “The new framework will act as a vehicle for contractors to champion greener infrastructure and upskill their teams to be able to deliver on the sustainability ambitions across the Midlands and East of England.” For full details on SCAPE’s Regional Construction framework, please visit www.scape.co.uk.
Work already underway for first major residential scheme of affordable homes in central Bletchley UK property developer Godwin Developments has agreed a forward funding deal with CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) – a fund managed by CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) to deliver 184 affordable homes in central Bletchley, Milton Keynes. The four-acre scheme, named Bletchley View, will provide a mix of affordable and shared ownership properties, a combination of one and two bed flats as well as 12 three-bedroom houses. CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) invests in affordable housing with the aim to have a significant social impact across the United Kingdom. Bletchley View will cater to the growing demand for affordable homes in the area, especially from young people and families, seeking quality housing within commuting distance to employment opportunities. It will consist of two six and five-storey buildings, a row of townhouses as well as commercial spaces for the benefit of residents and the neighboring communities. Aligning with the sustainability ambitions of AHF and Godwin, air source heat pumps for hot water and a mechanical ventilated heat recovery system will be installed. The scheme is also located close to a train and bus station to help promote the use of public transport. Stuart Pratt, Founder and Director at Godwin Developments said: “With its proximity to Milton Keynes, the UK’s newest and fastest growing city, Bletchley has significant potential to become a modern thriving urban destination as outlined in the plans for its regeneration. “We are therefore thrilled to have partnered with CBRE IM in delivering the first major new residential scheme in the area which will ensure local and new residents have access to a range of quality affordable homes. This scheme aligns perfectly with our strategy for developing a range of residential opportunities across key growth locations nationwide.” Andrew Davey, Head of Liability Aware Strategies at CBRE Investment Management commented: “We are particularly proud of our partnership with Godwin as it demonstrates the commitment we have to providing affordable homes where they are needed most. Our business plan proactively manages the scheme by setting rent levels and shared ownership prices to meet the specific affordability requirements of the local population. “We look forward to working with all our partners on this development and are excited to be delivering affordable, sustainable homes to the community of Bletchley.” Part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment plans for the Buckinghamshire town, famous for its role in World War II code breaking, Bletchley View will also support ambitious local plans for delivering more homes, wider infrastructure upgrades and amenities to the area. Located adjacent to Bletchley station, with connections to London and across Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire as a part of East West Rail, the scheme will be close to a range of existing amenities, with more to be delivered soon as a part of the metropolitan hub. When completed and fully occupied, it will sustain a diverse range of local shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, niche retail and SMEs which are expected to make Central Bletchley a destination in its own right. National business Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on the scheme with work on site already underway and expected to complete in Q2 2024. Godwin was advised by agents CBRE and lawyers Hamlins. Simply Planning were the planning consultant. Advisors to CBRE Investment Management were Penningtons and CS2. Godwin Developments has a fast-growing nationwide portfolio, including nearly 3,000 residential units nationwide some of which are set to begin construction in the second half of 2022. The business operates across the BTR sector covering both multifamily and single-family housing as well as affordable homes with a number of residential developments covering Nottingham, Doncaster, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes and Derby, and many more in the pipeline. The company’s commercial and industrial divisions work includes recent developments in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline.
As part of two major regeneration projects, leading housebuilder Harron Homes has commenced construction of nearly 300 new homes on recently acquired land in Doncaster and Harworth. Both sites are the product of extensive investment schemes led by Harworth Group PLC, one of the UK’s leading land and property regeneration companies. Simpson Park Street Scene Plots 54-57-min… Harron Homes previously worked with Harworth Group at its Thoresby Vale site in Edwinstowe, where Harron has built 143 homes surrounded by beautiful views of Sherwood Forest. As two of the largest sites in Harworth Group’s portfolio, both Simpson Park and Riverdale Park look set to provide valuable opportunities for retail, residential, commercial, employment, leisure and green infrastructure developments. Simpson Park is located on the former Harworth Colliery site in Harworth, Nottinghamshire, where the coal mine operated for over 80 years, before being decommissioned in 2002 and demolished in 2016. The name of the site was chosen to respectfully commemorate the world-famous cyclist, Tom Simpson. Local to the area, Tom Simpson was a champion cyclist who sadly died ascending Mont Ventouz during the 1967 Tour de France. Harron Homes’ area of the development constitutes 13 acres, where they have commenced building 132 of their high-specification properties. There are plans for a nearby primary school to be extended to serve the development, and other amenities will be available on site, such as a family public-house and restaurant and extensive green public open spaces. Within 30 minutes driving distance of Worksop and Doncaster, the area is approximately a mile north of Junction 34 of the A1(M), providing access to the larger motorway network. Riverdale Park, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has been regenerated from the old McCormick tractor factory site. Harron Homes has acquired the plot adjacent to the riverside, where 139 new homes are being positioned along river frontage ideal for delightful waterside living. The area has great commuter access to the M1, A1 and M18 and is under an hour away from Leeds and Rotherham. The development will also benefit from the proposed commercial infrastructure, several amenities of which have already been built. Nick Hague, Land Director of Harron Homes, says: “On these two new sites we are creating a host of new homes in really idyllic locations rich with cultural history. We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with Harworth Group in the past and are excited to be working with them again. The regeneration schemes they’re known for really boost these areas and pave the way for new, vibrant communities to be established. We’re very satisfied with the work we’ve done so far and look forward to developing these two popular housing locations.” Ed Catchpole, Regional Director for Yorkshire & Central at Harworth, says: “Harron Homes is a valued and trusted partner of Harworth, with a track record of high-quality housebuilding. We are delighted to be working with them again at Simpson Park and Riverdale Park, where they will help us to create vibrant and sustainable communities where people want to live and work.” For more information on Harron Homes please visit www.harronhomes.com.
Firethorn Trust’s 21-acre logistics scheme, Peterborough South, is rapidly taking shape, with structural steelwork now erected across the site. Located at Kingston Park in Hampton, the Grade-A industrial development comprises of three units spanning 94,225 sq ft, 130,015 sq ft and 240,830 sq ft, all of which will be delivered as net-zero carbon in construction. Work is well underway at the scheme, which is being delivered by Glencar Construction, and is on track for completion in Q4 2022. Chris Webb, Partner at Firethorn Trust, commented: “Having received the green light on planning earlier this year, we are delighted to have hit this structural milestone and we look forward to seeing the scheme continue to develop at pace over the coming months. “As with all Firethorn developments, we’re committed to creating spaces with a market-leading specification, and Peterborough South’s design will showcase innovative, best-in-class products and technologies that will promote productivity, sustainability and employee wellbeing, now and for years to come.” The development will be delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and will feature more than 40,000 sq. ft. of photovoltaic arrays and 48 electric vehicle charging points, offering potential occupiers a smart and future-proof logistics space. Enquiries for Peterborough South should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents, Savills and Lambert Smith Hampton. For further information, visit www.peterboroughsouth.co.uk.
Building new homes on brownfield land is not the solution to the national housing emergency even if significant government support is forthcoming, claims a report published today by the Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF). According to the Banking on Brownfield report even if every site on council brownfield registers was to be built out in full, brownfield land capacity only equates to just under a third (31%) of the 4.5 million new homes needed over the next 15 years. Undertaken on behalf of the LPDF by planning and development consultancy Lichfields, Banking on Brownfield asks if previously developed land can supply enough homes, of the right type, where they are needed. The answer is a resounding no. The analysis comes in response to the Levelling Up White Paper, 2021 Conservative Party Conference speeches and the £1.5 billion Brownfield housing fund which have all suggested brownfield land as the solution to meeting the country’s housing needs. The report shows: 1.4 million estimated net housing capacity on listed sites in Brownfield Registers (after 58,000 are deducted due to double counting). 23,500 individual site entries on Brownfield Registers (after 1,000 are deducted due to double counting). 31% net brownfield capacity as a proportion of the amount of housing needed over the next 15 years. 48% of potential homes on Brownfield Registers are estimated to be flats, compared with 17% of households likely to live in flats. 1 to 27 – the ratio of one new brownfield house (as opposed to flats) to every 27 households likely to live in houses. 57% of brownfield capacity outside the Greater South-East (GSE) is within the two least viable quintiles (20%) of LPA areas (compared with less than 3% of those in GSE). 68% of the Housing Market Areas (HMAs) with more brownfield capacity (relative to their housing need) are already more affordable than average. There were 132,000 net housing additions built in England in 2001 when ‘brownfield first’ was the dominant national housing supply policy objective (compared with 234,000 p.a. on average over the last three years). According to thereport, brownfield registers suggest that 81% of new homes that could be delivered in 19 urban authorities with uplifted housing requirements will be at apartment densities, rather than family houses. The research also highlights the viability challenges in these areas, assigning 15 out of 19 uplifted authorities to higher viability risk profiles which will also undoubtedly contribute towards their limited delivery of affordable homes. LPDF chairman Paul Brocklehurst said: “If the Government wants to meet its target of building 300,000 homes each year, no source of land can be ‘off the table’. Our analysis in this report shows that there is simply not enough brownfield land in any part of the country to meet housing needs alone. “The re-orientation of housing policy, and Homes England efforts towards brownfield regeneration, may help support the conditions where viable and developable land can come forward, but many of these sites will also require grants to unlock them, at greater expense to the taxpayer. Even with this policy support, greenfield land development will still be needed in every region, to meet current housing need.” He added: “The competition for urban land is ever present, markedly between economic and residential uses. Our research finds the opportunity cost of prioritising brownfield land for housing rather than employment is significant in pricing out industrial and office development to potentially sub-optimal locations.” Matthew Spry, senior director and head of Lichfield’s London office said: “Lichfields is delighted to partner again with the LPDF on this topical research. Our analysis shows that even if all identified brownfield land could be viably developed, we are a long way from being able to rely on it as the supply-side solution to the housing crisis. “And in reality, this theoretical capacity cannot all be delivered: much capacity is tied up in complex estate regeneration projects, or is best suited for continued industrial use, or includes contaminated land, or is in areas where development won’t be viable. Many brownfield sites are also earmarked for apartments, when the overwhelming demand is for houses with gardens. “While brownfield land will form an important part of the mix, the experience of the late 1990s tells us that banking on brownfield will lead to a sharp fall in new house building and undersupply in every region. Local planning authorities should plan positively for brownfield development but accompany this with a realistic supply of land of all types, capable of delivering the right type of homes, and where and when they are most needed.” The report says the current Brownfield Registers have significant shortcomings when evaluating the quantum of developable land overall. This makes them an unreliable basis for policy makers to decide on the number of homes that can be built in different areas. It states: “Significant work is needed on improving data quality if it is to withstand the evidential burden that will be placed upon it if the Government chooses to make brownfield land availability a key part of its new planning reform agenda. A modest assessment of the Brownfield Register finds significant numbers of duplicate records. Our simple test for duplicates removed around 1,000 sites accounting for 58,000 homes.” The research complements another recently published report by the LPDF – An affordable housing emergency: the national failure to provide the homes we need (read full report here). It found that the Government must urgently introduce new policies to end the scandalous shortage of new affordable homes being developed if it wants to tackle the national housing emergency. Both the Affordable Housing Emergency and the Banking on Brownfield Land reports by the LPDF highlight the serious lack of supply of new social homes and how focusing development on brownfield sites in less viable locations across the country is likely to lead to reduced levels of affordable housing provision, further exacerbating the affordable housing emergency. Paul Brocklehurst added: “The Government’s proposals to widen Right to Buy to housing association properties will make
An awards ceremony, hosted by HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson MP, was held in Parliament today (Monday, 4 July) to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses supporting the construction of Britain’s new railway. Members of Parliament joined Mr Stephenson for the ceremony, which shone a light on those who are going the extra mile to ensure that the project raises the bar for equality, diversity and inclusion and leaves a lasting skills legacy. HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson MP said: “With almost 25,000 people across 340 sites now supporting HS2’s construction, today is a chance to reflect on the personal achievements of those who are working hard to ensure that HS2 transforms communities and changes lives. I feel privileged to have held the role of HS2 Minister for the last two and half years, and what inspires me most is seeing the work you are all doing on this landmark project. You inspire me and I know you are inspiring others too.” Shortlisted finalists, in eight award categories, were invited to attend the event and the winners were announced as follows: Community Impact award Three projects, designed to improve outcomes for those who live near to HS2’s construction sites, were shortlisted for the community impact award, with the public voting for the overall winner – Costain Skanska joint venture (CSjv). CSjv saw first-hand the devastating effect of rough sleeping in Euston and eager to help, they formed partnerships to help rehouse, reskill and create pathways to support people into employment. The team worked with local charity St Mungo’s to provide temporary accommodation and established the first ever floating homeless hub, based on a construction site, by transforming an empty building into a shelter with beds, wrap around care, food, toiletries and 24 hour security. A new partnership with Buses 4 Homeless (B4H) who refurbish decommissioned London buses and turn them into spaces for eating, sleeping, cooking and learning, led to a three-month pilot at a HS2 site in Acton, where people were housed and supported. Seven of the guests went on to secure full time employment, including four who secured jobs working on HS2. The team’s support for the local homeless community continues today. Apprentice of the Year award (level 3 and below) 25-year-old Divine Makondele, a tunnelling operative apprentice with TG Tunnelling, was announced as the winner. The judges hailed Divine as an inspiration to other young women and credited her determination to follow her dream and play a part in major infrastructure projects. Divine was inspired by the transformational impact of the London 2012 Olympics and sought to follow a career path which would allow her to transform communities and change lives. Apprentice of the Year award (level 4 and above) 21-year-old Sam Arrowsmith, an associate project management apprentice, impressed the judges with his drive to make a fundamental change to the industry. Sam completed his apprenticeship six months early and scored the highest grade amongst his cohort in his final exams. Sam plays an active role in HS2’s volunteer education programmes, inspiring other young people to consider a career in the sector. He was also recognised for his role in HS2’s Back to Better programme, which sought to ensure the safety of staff working across construction sites during the pandemic. Skills Legacy award HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) scooped the award for the establishment of their Birmingham Skills Academy, which upskills local people ready for employment on HS2 in just 4-6 weeks. BBV’s Skills and Employment team were applauded for the role they have played in bringing together local partners, securing funding and changing the lives of those who have been out of work for an extended period by supporting them into meaningful careers on HS2. STEM Contribution award HS2’s construction partner, Align, received the award for the innovative and original nature of its schools programme, which enables pupils with special educational needs to gain real life experience of working in construction. Align places a strong focus on supporting pupils with disabilities and has developed a close working relationship with the Meadow School in Hillingdon. The judges praised the team behind the project for pushing boundaries and striving to encourage more people with a disability into the sector. Inclusive Leaders award Katherine Grigg, a Construction Manager with HS2’s construction partner Skanska Constrain STRABAG was awarded for her outstanding contribution to inspiring inclusivity. Nominated by her fellow colleagues, Katherine was recognised for the steps she has taken to build a diverse pipeline of talent, ensuring that the unique needs of women and BAME employees are accommodated on site. She was recognised as a person who is striving to inspire change and take the industry forward. Minority-owned Business Champion award SCS Railways was recognised for the role it is playing to build a supply chain that reflects the communities in which they operate. To date, the company has awarded contracts totalling £135m to minority owned businesses in their local area and has placed a strong focus on ensuring small firms have every opportunity to thrive by providing access to free training and business development opportunities. Modern Slavery Prevention award The judges praised VGC Group for their comprehensive and robust approach to addressing the dangers of modern slavery. Chief Operating Officer, Ciara Pryce, has been named one of the top 100 Modern Slavery influencers and the judges felt it was clear from the practices put in place that she is leading the way on this important agenda to tackle hidden labour exploitation.
Peel L&P and Pension Insurance Corporation plc (‘PIC’) are pleased to announce the commencement of construction of Miller’s Quay, the cornerstone investment in what will become the largest regeneration project in the UK, creating up to 20,000 permanent jobs. Miller’s Quay is a 500 one-and two-bedroom residential scheme which will continue the delivery momentum at Peel L&P’s Wirral Waters, a 500-acre brownfield site and former dockland. Wirral Waters is supported by central Government as a key part of its levelling up strategy. The £130 million Miller’s Quay development has been made possible through a special partnership between highly experienced developer and regeneration business, Peel L&P, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council (‘WMBC’) and long-term investor, PIC, who are Peel L&P’s funding partner. Construction company Graham is the contractor for the scheme. The commencement of construction was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony on 11 July with Rob Groves, PIC’s Chief Investment Officer and Hayley Rees, Managing Director of PIC Capital; James Whittaker, Peel L&P’s Executive Director for Development; Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region; and Councillor Jeff Green, The Mayor of Wirral. Hayley Rees, Managing Director of PIC Capital, said: “The development of Miller’s Quay is a model for how long-term investors can play a key role in the levelling up agenda and create considerable social value. The site will provide much needed housing for the Wirral and offers secure long-term cashflows to back the pensions of our 300,000 policyholders, some of whom live in the region. We hope that the regeneration lease structure used to finance Miller’s Quay can be adapted across a range of sectors and projects for other local authorities, as well as housing associations, universities, NHS trusts and other organisations looking to unlock funding for regeneration schemes around the country.” James Whittaker, Executive Director of Development at Peel L&P, said: “This is a truly landmark moment for Wirral Waters with construction on this much anticipated residential scheme now starting. Miller’s Quay is a major scale, catalytic and highly sustainable residential development that we consider to be a great example of brownfield regeneration. This project will pave the way for a number of waterside residential schemes in the new Northbank neighbourhood and it will also deliver considerable social value through comprehensive engagement with both Wirral Met College’s Construction Campus and local supply chains.” Sue Higginson, CEO of Wirral Met College, said: “We are excited about the opportunities that this development offers and look forward to working with Peel and Graham to equip our students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they will need to succeed through on-site experience, learning seminars, and apprenticeships.” Jonathan Hall, Regional Managing Director (Building South) at GRAHAM commented: “Graham are delighted to add this prestigious residential project to the secured pipeline of work in our Liverpool Region. We are very excited to get started on this significant and much anticipated development that will deliver top quality new homes locally. Performing such a key role on one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects is a huge boost for us and will enhance our residential portfolio, a sector for which we are known for our quality and delivery.” Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Jeff Green, said: “This is another key milestone in the story of Wirral’s regeneration. These new homes, on a brownfield site, show that our ambitions for the Left Bank area from Bromborough to New Brighton through Birkenhead, Seacombe and Wirral Waters, are coming to fruition and delivering the developments people want and need. This shows the value of our work with partners including the Government. Miller’s Quay is also a real statement of confidence in the future of Wirral Waters and the whole Left Bank area, one which will provide homes – including 100 affordable homes – for hundreds of people.” About Miller’s Quay Miller’s Quay is a 500 apartment Build-to-Rent residential development and the cornerstone scheme for the broader Wirral Waters development. The project has been made possible through a long-term, regeneration lease structure, providing funding for Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, which would not have been available from traditional structures, while generating the secure long-term cashflows which allow PIC to match its pension payments decades into the future. The project has been designed to deliver social good to the area with a core focus on sustainability, utilising a range of energy efficient and low carbon technologies to reduce carbon emissions: All buildings across the Wirral Waters regeneration project are targeting BREEAM Excellent, including Miller’s Quay, as well as significant bio-diversity improvements with the planting of more than 1,600 trees so far. Miller’s Quay, will use a range of energy efficiency and low carbon technologies to reduce carbon emissions, including solar power systems, and air source heat pumps. Miller’s Quay will be surrounded by parks, green spaces, dockside walkways and cycle routes, with homes having access to cycling storage and electric vehicle charging points. One in five apartments to be designated as affordable housing units, with rents set at a maximum of 80% of open market value. The Peel L&P delivery team will continue to engage with the Wirral Met College’s construction students for site visits, seminars, work experience and apprenticeships, enabling the students to benefit from experience on the project as we seek to create the construction workforce of the future. Sustainable Urban Drainage to manage surface water from the site into the Docks through the provision of rain gardens, climate tolerant planting and tree pits designed to accommodate a 1 in 100-year storm.
75% of Welsh tourism businesses see increase in visitors over May half term Bluestone invests £23 million into 80 ‘Platinum’ lodges Timber certified by forestry-standards organisation PEFC Just weeks until bookings open for Summer 2023 The first sustainable timber frame for 80 new lodges arrived at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire last week as the latest figures show three quarters (75%) of Welsh tourism businesses saw an increase or maintained visitor levels over the May half term. The delivery of the first timber frame is part of a £23 million expansion development at the resort. Like many tourism businesses in Wales, Bluestone is witnessing a significant increase in bookings from pre-pandemic levels with the new development plans catering for a growing demand for luxury lodge accommodation for short breaks in areas of natural beauty. The Wales Tourism Business Barometer also shows visitor numbers were up 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with restaurants, pubs and cafes enjoying a busy Jubilee bank holiday weekend as 38% of hospitality businesses experienced more customers than usual. In further research from the Visit Britain Domestic Sentiment Tracker, 39% of respondents said they are more likely to choose a UK trip than an overseas trip compared to pre-pandemic. The top reasons for this preference being that UK holidays are easier to plan, and long queues at airports or cancelled flights. “We know there’s growing demand for a sustainable luxury tourism product in Wales and we’re confident we can meet the need for an ecologically sound product in natural surroundings,” said Marten Lewis, Head of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort. “Sustainability is a key aspect across all the decisions on the design and build. Along with the promotion of health and wellbeing, sustainability has always formed an integral part of Bluestone’s business operations and will continue to do so as we move forward,” added Marten. Bluestone reported a ‘surge’ in bookings for holidays in August in late June as uncertainty continued over flight cancellations and delays. The holiday resort near Narberth in Pembrokeshire said Thursday 23rd June was the busiest day for August bookings since mid-March. Sales were even ahead of bookings for August 2019, showing that despite international travel having opened up with restrictions lifted, the demand for staycations is still strong. The new lodges will have their own private entrance with virtual check-in and will offer the most luxurious facilities to date at Bluestone. Visitors will be among the first to book the new lodges later this month in readiness of their official opening in the summer of 2023. The new lodges are the fourth phase of expansion plans for the resort near Narberth in Pembrokeshire, which currently has 344 existing lodges, cottages and studio apartments across 500 acres of rolling Pembrokeshire countryside. Timber and other sustainable materials have been used in the design and construction of the ‘Platinum’ lodges which will be heated by air-source heat pumps. Welshpool-based SJ Roberts Construction will be the main contractors during the project, while the timber frames will be manufactured by sister company Lowfield Timber Frames with the remainder of the supply chain being carefully selected to ensure a quality build is guaranteed, while aiming to use as many local suppliers as possible. All of the timber used is certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the world’s largest forest certification organisation – with a full chain of custody.