Chris Johns And Gaynor Carpenter Appointed As Directors Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has announced the expansion of its Board with the appointment of two new directors, Chris Johns and Gaynor Carpenter. The new appointments come as Keyland prepares for
Leading UPS manufacturer, CENTIEL UK, has been named as a finalist for the Tomorrow’s FM Awards 2022. The awards, which have been running for more than a decade, recognise the finest solutions and products the industry has to offer. CENTIEL has been nominated for its complete containerised UPS solution which
A £1.5bn home building fund offering loans to SMEs to help them deliver 42,000 new houses across the country has received a lukewarm response from the construction industry. The National Federation of Builders, NFB, has said the loan scheme would only be of any use if smaller housebuilders could borrow
In a move that will enable the delivery of c.450 new homes, 40,000 sq ft of commercial space and enhanced passenger facilities, LCR and Network Rail have commenced on the sale of a 7.4-acre site adjacent to Hemel Hempstead railway station. The site’s proximity to the station gives it unrivalled
Flexible workspaces to consume 44% of landlords’ portfolios by 2026, up 11% New research among more than 200 UK commercial landlords has revealed how many are struggling to secure tenants for their office buildings as demands shift during the pandemic. It found: 62% of UK commercial landlords are struggling to
Prime Secure’s Fire Safety division, the Waking Watch Initiative, has launched the UK’s first affordable, wireless common fire alarm system, V-Fire*, which removes the need for expensive waking watch fire marshals in high-rise buildings with flammable cladding. In the wake of the Grenfell disaster, thousands of leaseholders across the UK
MORE than 250 jobs could be created under plans to expand Tyne Tunnel Trading estate to create additional high-spec industrial and retail facilities. UK Land Estates, the largest commercial property and investment company in the North East, has submitted plans to North Tyneside Council which aim to transform the 5
Unlike some ideas, hydrogen fuels provide an opportunity to safeguard jobs and industry whilst reducing our carbon footprint says GMB Union GMB has hailed plans for a Humberside hydrogen plant as a ‘massive step forward’ to secure jobs and a green future for the gas industry. The union welcomed the submission
NOTTINGHAM’S city within a city, The Island Quarter development, has strengthened its project delivery team with the appointment of Steve Thornton as project manager. Bringing more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry with him, Steve is set to add impetus to the development team, ensuring each phase is
Kawneer UK has successfully carried out a dynamic opening force test (anti-slam) on their AA®720 open-out door fitted with the Dorma TS93G G-N closer. Essentially, the test applies a load to simulate a severe gust of wind forcing the door open. It assesses the ability of the G-N closer to prevent
Chris Johns And Gaynor Carpenter Appointed As Directors Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has announced the expansion of its Board with the appointment of two new directors, Chris Johns and Gaynor Carpenter. The new appointments come as Keyland prepares for a busy year ahead following the launch of its UK-first Valuation Tool and its innovative Six Capitals approach to development, which aims to change the way that developments are delivered across the Yorkshire region with sustainability at its core. Chris Johns joins the Board alongside his current role as Chief Financial Officer at Yorkshire Water. Chris joined Yorkshire Water in 2021 from his former role as Finance Director of Northumbrian Water Limited. Also strengthening the Board is Gaynor Carpenter who joins alongside her current role as Head of Land & Property at Yorkshire Water. Chris and Gaynor will sit alongside existing members Liz Barber, who is Chair and Chief Executive of Kelda Group, Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland and Luke Axe, who took his place on the Board last year following his promotion to Land and Planning Director for Keyland. Liz Barber said; “We are delighted to welcome Chris and Gaynor to the Board, who both bring a wide amount of experience with them in their roles providing strategic and practical leadership to a number of businesses. These latest appointments are designed to strengthen the Keyland Board as we look to expand the business beyond our traditional residential and industrial sectors and build on our Six Capitals approach to development, which now sees us promoting more than 9,000 residential units and 4.5 million square feet of commercial development.”
Leading UPS manufacturer, CENTIEL UK, has been named as a finalist for the Tomorrow’s FM Awards 2022. The awards, which have been running for more than a decade, recognise the finest solutions and products the industry has to offer. CENTIEL has been nominated for its complete containerised UPS solution which can be used both inside and outside buildings to deploy self-contained mini datacentres rapidly. Louis McGarry, sales and marketing director, CENTIEL UK confirms: “It is a great honour for the containerised UPS solution we offer to be named as a finalist for these prestigious awards. Instead of incurring the significant cost of a new building, uniquely, we can convert a 20-foot shipping container and supply this as a secure UPS plant room. No planning permission is necessary, and installation can occur quickly: in around a month, but in less than a week if necessary. A containerised UPS offers a pay-as-you-grow approach and containers can be used like Lego blocks to expand as required. “The containerised UPS solution can be equipped with Centiel’s industry leading true modular UPS CumulusPowerTM known for its industry leading availability of 99.9999999%. Centiel’s modular UPS takes full advantage of floor to ceiling space and also allows the inclusion of an input terminal to accept cables from above via steel wire armored (SWA) to utilize every inch of space. Bespoke battery rack design also ensures ease of access and maintenance. Where space is a premium, a purpose-built shipping container can provide a complete, customised, rapid and cost-effective solution to power protection needs.” “The final winners will be decided by public vote, so we’d like to invite everyone to support CENTIEL’s nomination for our containerised UPS solution, by casting your vote by 14 March 2022: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GBWF6Z5” CENTIEL is a Swiss-based technology company designing, manufacturing, and delivering industry-leading power protection solutions for critical facilities. Its three-phase true modular UPS, CumulusPowerTM known for its 99.9999999% (nine, nines) availability has now been installed in datacenters and comms rooms in over 60 countries across five continents. More than 50 MW of critical power loads are now protected with CumulusPowerTM in locations across the world including: the UK, Singapore, Australia, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, and the Channel Islands. For further information please see: www.centiel.co.uk
A £1.5bn home building fund offering loans to SMEs to help them deliver 42,000 new houses across the country has received a lukewarm response from the construction industry. The National Federation of Builders, NFB, has said the loan scheme would only be of any use if smaller housebuilders could borrow prior to gaining planning permission. NFB housing and planning policy head Rico Wojtulewicz said: “The government has promised this level of funding previously but as it has not understood the planning and lending process, so the money has not gone in the right places such as the southeast where there are more barriers to gaining planning permission despite acute housing shortage need.” The new fund is part of the government’s initiative to rebalance the economy more equally outside London outlined in its Levelling Up white paper to be released next week. Levelling up secretary Michael Gove said: “We are on a mission to regenerate the nation, transforming derelict areas in our towns and cities into thriving places people are proud to live and work in.” Former industrial revolution hotspots to benefit Wolverhampton and Sheffield are among 20 places to benefit from the government’s £1.5bn brownfield fund to transform derelict sites in town and city centres. Homes England will spearhead the £4.8 bn levelling up fund partnering with local leaders, the private sector and community groups to deliver new housing and associated infrastructure. Homes England chair Peter Freeman said: “Our expanded mandate will allow us to further support ambitious local leaders in delivering placemaking and regeneration alongside a wide range of public and private sector partners.” Seven mayoral combined authorities in the North and Midlands are to receive £120m to deliver 7,800 homes on disused brownfield land. The councils receiving the funds are the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Liverpool, South Yorkshire, North of Tyne and Tees Valley. A further £30m is to go to Greater Manchester, Tees Valley and West Midlands combined authorities to regenerate disused brownfield land. And £8m from the brownfield land release fund will go to 13 councils to release land for a further 898 homes. Property finance brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said investment to make derelict land easier to build on with sites earmarked for SME housebuilders would be welcomed by development finance lenders.
In a move that will enable the delivery of c.450 new homes, 40,000 sq ft of commercial space and enhanced passenger facilities, LCR and Network Rail have commenced on the sale of a 7.4-acre site adjacent to Hemel Hempstead railway station. The site’s proximity to the station gives it unrivalled connectivity and transport links, and it sits close to key local amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants and cafés, leisure facilities, schools and nurseries. It also backs onto Blackbirds Moor, a popular walking destination, part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and home to the Box Moor Cricket Club. Andrew Ferguson, regional director at LCR, said: “After much hard work over the past 24 months, we’re excited to have reached this next key project milestone as we implement our masterplan and bring the site to market. Coupling easy access to London with open green spaces and high-quality community assets, this site represents an unmissable opportunity to unlock new homes, commercial space and public value”. JLL has been instructed to support the selection of a development partner. Sajaad Ahmad, director at JLL, said: “We are delighted to bring such an exciting opportunity to the market and are seeking for a partner who shares LCR and Network Rail’s vision and ambition for creating a new vibrant residential community in Hemel Hempstead.” LCR and Network Rail formed a partnership in 2018 to identify opportunities to free up underutilised land for residential development at and around stations across the rail network. The two organisations will work alongside landowners to pool or acquire the critical mass of land required for new development at every station, before securing planning and bringing opportunities to market alongside other key government agencies, including Homes England. The partnership recognises the importance of a collaborative process in creating new, market-ready opportunities. Bringing together the unique and complementary skillsets of the public, private, rail and real estate sectors is key to unlocking development across these often-complex brownfield sites.
Flexible workspaces to consume 44% of landlords’ portfolios by 2026, up 11% New research among more than 200 UK commercial landlords has revealed how many are struggling to secure tenants for their office buildings as demands shift during the pandemic. It found: 62% of UK commercial landlords are struggling to attract prospective tenants to fill their traditional office spaces at present 64% have seen a “notable shift” in tenants’ demands during the pandemic At present, landlords dedicate an average of 33% to flexible and co-working spaces – by 2026, this will rise 11% to 44% More than three fifths of the UK’s commercial landlords are struggling to attract tenants to traditional offices as businesses’ workspace demands have changed rapidly during the pandemic, new research by infinitSpace has revealed. The European flexible workspace provider has commissioned an independent survey among 204 UK commercial landlords, all of whom own one or more office buildings in the UK. It found that 62% are currently struggling to attract prospective tenants to fill their traditional office spaces. Almost two thirds (64%) reported having seen a “notable shift” in tenants’ demands during the pandemic, including terms and use of space. As a result, seven in ten (71%) office landlords plan to increase their flexible workspace offering in the coming five years. infinitSpace’s research found that UK commercial landlords currently dedicate an average of 33% of their office portfolio to some form of flexible or co-working spaces. By 2026, this is forecast to rise 11% to 44%. Since the start of 2020, 59% of office landlords have begun offering shorter and more flexible leases. Over half (52%) added new facilities to allow tenants to collaborate when inside the building, such as meeting rooms or breakout areas, while 63% have added facilities to improve the wellbeing of tenants, such as a gym or relaxation space. Wybo Wijnbergen, CEO of infinitSpace, said: “What businesses want and need from their office has been steadily evolving over the past decade, but the pandemic has kicked the pace of change into overdrive. Our research shows that, as hybrid working becomes commonplace and businesses look for more collaborative and engaging workspaces, many landlords are struggling to attract tenants if they don’t have flexible offerings. “Encouragingly, most office landlords are responding to this challenge. From the terms of the leases and the facilities on offer, to the ways their workspaces foster innovation and offer a great tenant experience – commercial landlords are evidently looking to transform their buildings to fit the ‘new normal’. “Our data shows that many traditional offices will be converted into flexible workspaces in the coming years. In many instances, this will involve the landlord themselves entering into a long-term, inflexible lease with an operator, which then runs the flexible workspace in their building. But instead, office landlords should feel empowered to manage their own brands. This will lead to a more diverse and dynamic commercial real estate market.” Founded in late 2020, infinitSpace works with landlords to transform traditional office space into modern, flexible and inspiring workspaces. With its software and app, infinitSpace also ensures maximum traction with tenants as businesses’ demands evolve.
Prime Secure’s Fire Safety division, the Waking Watch Initiative, has launched the UK’s first affordable, wireless common fire alarm system, V-Fire*, which removes the need for expensive waking watch fire marshals in high-rise buildings with flammable cladding. In the wake of the Grenfell disaster, thousands of leaseholders across the UK have shouldered the financial burden of either a wired alarm solution, or a waking watch fire marshal, which could cost more than £340,000** a year for a medium-sized 6-storey block of 34 flats. With experience across construction, corporate and property sectors, Prime Secure has utilised its wireless technology expertise from its CCTV systems, to develop the solution – a fully compliant common fire alarm system – costing just over £61,000 a year for a same sized property. Currently, waking watch fire marshals maintain a presence on each floor of buildings identified as having dangerous cladding; continually patrolling the interior and exterior 24/7, in order to detect a fire, raise the alarm, and carry out the role of evacuation management. Rented rather than bought outright, the alarm system negates the need for these expensive marshals, a requirement for more than 460 buildings across the UK, which the company estimates will constitute an average leaseholder saving of 82%. The announcement follows the closing of the Government’s Waking Watch Relief Fund, a £30 million fund for the costs of installing an alarm system in buildings in England with unsafe cladding, with only a third (179) of the 460 buildings identified as at risk were successful in applications. The Government’s own findings suggest the interim measure of waking watch fire marshals can cost between £12,000 and £45,000 per week per building, depending on the number of individuals and hours covered. As the financial burden will now be shouldered by residents, Prime Secure says a cost-saving tech solution is now more important than ever. According to the company, the pre-configured V-Fire solution is quick and easy to install, without any impact on existing fire compartmentalisation, with its high-tech nerve centre capable of monitoring and controlling any number of BS EN54 certified heat detectors. On every deployment, Prime Secure provides each high-rise development with a personal client liaison manager. Prime Secure’s Duncan Cromb said: “The updated guidance, in the event of fire in buildings with flammable cladding, is to simultaneously evacuate all residents. In buildings with unsafe cladding, thousands of residents across the UK have had to pay for the deployment of cost-prohibitive waking watch marshals to adhere to this. “However, common fire alarm systems can do the same job a lot quicker and more cost-effectively. Our solution is specifically designed for this use and can be cheaply and easily converted to a permanent simultaneous evacuation alert system for exclusive use by the fire brigade, and in line with a stay-put evacuation policy, if and when the flammable cladding has been replaced. “Wireless technology has helped to revolutionise security in the construction industry – with CCTV towers replacing security guards, delivering massive cost savings, and increasing effectiveness – and now it is the waking watch market’s turn. The V-Fire common fire alarm system is rented at an affordable monthly cost per apartment, with the option to either remove or convert the system to a common fire alarm in the future, should building regulations change, as is widely expected. “We actively engage with the site and with teams to give property owners and residents the peace of mind they deserve. Currently, no other system offers this range of features, which makes the launch an industry first and a really exciting venture for Prime Secure.” The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), in conjunction with ARMA; Fire Protection Association; Fire Industry Association; OPTIVO; and Institution of Fire Engineers, recently stated: “Building owners should move to install common fire alarms as quickly as possible to reduce or remove the dependence on waking watches. “This is the clear expectation for buildings where remediation cannot be undertaken in the ‘short term’. This approach should, in almost all circumstances, reduce the financial burden on residents where they are funding the waking watches.” Find out more out Prime Secure’s V-Fire here: www.waking-watch-initiative.co.uk/v-fire
MORE than 250 jobs could be created under plans to expand Tyne Tunnel Trading estate to create additional high-spec industrial and retail facilities. UK Land Estates, the largest commercial property and investment company in the North East, has submitted plans to North Tyneside Council which aim to transform the 5 hectare site of the former Corning’s glass works on the Tyne Tunnel Estate into more than 14,000 sq m of industrial-led units. The site, which is part of the 2 million sq ft Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Tyneside, will be developed into a mix of industrial and trade units, along with two drive-through outlets providing much-needed amenities on the estate. On completion, the development is expected to create up to 270 jobs. The £12.5m expansion would also support an extra 45 jobs in its construction phase and could help create more than £2.8m worth of extra economic value for the area every year. With direct access to the A193 linking to the A19 – which forms part of the National Strategic Highway Network – the estate is easily accessible with good transport links. Keith Taylor, managing director at UK Land Estates, said: “This is an exciting development that we’re hoping will bring future investment and create jobs in several industries. “It is a strategic site with excellent connectivity to the north and south thanks to massive investment made in the local road network over the last five years removing bottleneck junctions on the A19 and providing an upgrade to the Tyne Tunnel. It is situated perfectly to serve businesses in North and South Tyneside and Newcastle areas as well as markets to the north and south of the region. “With the site being derelict for decades, it’s an exciting opportunity to develop the land into an attractive site which will provide ambitious businesses with best-in-class units to grow and expand. “This would expand our footprint on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate and add another set of high-quality, easily accessible industrial units to our portfolio.” The development will be built in phases with a first phase of the road infrastructure works and the two drive thru units, which will then be followed by the development of the industrial units in response to demand with units varying in size from 1,820m2 to 7,030m2. Occupiers would also benefit from their close proximity to local amenities such as Silverlink Shopping Park and Tesco Extra. Research by leading property agency Knight Frank, indicates that supply chain disruptions, depleted stock levels and the impetus for greater resilience is driving demand from companies for industrial and logistics property. In addition, a number of online retailers continue to have requirements for facilities to accommodate increased sales volumes and, due to falling vacancy rates, options are extremely limited. Mark Proudlock, Partner at Knight Frank, said: “Rarely have we experienced this level of demand with such little stock to offer. “This development of new units designed to meet the needs of companies seeking to expand, as well as new companies looking to invest in North Tyneside, would be extremely welcome.”
Unlike some ideas, hydrogen fuels provide an opportunity to safeguard jobs and industry whilst reducing our carbon footprint says GMB Union GMB has hailed plans for a Humberside hydrogen plant as a ‘massive step forward’ to secure jobs and a green future for the gas industry. The union welcomed the submission by Norwegian firm Equinor to build the plant, which has been backed by six potential users including British Gas owner Centrica and chemical giant Inneos. If given the green light, the project could provide up to 600MW of hydrogen with the potential to triple production, as well as creating more than 2,000 jobs in the region. Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “Unlike some ideas being mooted, hydrogen fuels provide an opportunity to safeguard jobs and industry whilst reducing our carbon footprint. “This development not only ensures heavy industry gets the power it needs but helps secure a future for our gas grid. “This is vital as it could use the current gas network whist protecting well paid, unionised gas jobs in the industry. “Britain can become a market leader in this technology, which could become a major exporting industry if we can lead the way. “GMB fights constantly to secure decent jobs whilst managing the just transition to a carbon neutral future. “Developments like this provide real confidence it can be done.”
NOTTINGHAM’S city within a city, The Island Quarter development, has strengthened its project delivery team with the appointment of Steve Thornton as project manager. Bringing more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry with him, Steve is set to add impetus to the development team, ensuring each phase is completed on schedule. Steve stepped into the role in October 2021 and is responsible for assisting the wider team with the planning for each phase of the development. Having worked in the industry since 1987, he has been brought on to The Island Quarter due to his extensive build experience and additional involvement in civils projects. Steve said: “I’m delighted to be a part of the team delivering The Island Quarter to Nottingham. Developments of this scale and significance don’t come along very often so it’s a once in a career opportunity. For me, it is particularly remarkable to play a role in bringing it to fruition as I’ve lived in Nottingham for almost 30 years, it’s the place I call home, and I’m excited to create a space the city will benefit from for generations to come.” Prior to this role, Steve worked on a range of developments across the country, from the Canary Wharf Project in London to his recent work on the local Lace Market Point. Steve pairs his strong built environment knowledge with his further experience in civils, which lends itself to the demands of the The Island Quarter site, where a mixture of both is required. Robert Ware, chief executive of the Conygar Investment Company, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Steve’s expertise to The Island Quarter. He’s already making an impact on the efficient running of the site, having hit the ground running earlier this year. As work on site is rapidly progressing, and phase 1A is set to open in Spring 2022, Steve will play a pivotal role in pushing the plans forward, on time, working with the relevant parties to do so. “We are continuing to develop our plans for the later stages of the site, at the same time as delivering the initial ones. Steve’s role will ensure the pre-construction procedures are in place and that progress is monitored once work begins, a position that will be vital as we advance through to completion at each phase.” The Island Quarter will open its doors to Canal Turn, the first phase, in spring 2022. Meanwhile, planning approval is expected within the next few weeks for phase 1B, which includes a hotel, 247 apartments and extensive food and beverage outlets. To find out more about The Island Quarter and Canal Turn, please visit: theislandquarter.com
Kawneer UK has successfully carried out a dynamic opening force test (anti-slam) on their AA®720 open-out door fitted with the Dorma TS93G G-N closer. Essentially, the test applies a load to simulate a severe gust of wind forcing the door open. It assesses the ability of the G-N closer to prevent the door from opening violently and slamming against adjacent walls. The leaf size tested was 1080(W) x 2718(H), equating to 2.9sqm door area. The Dorma TS93G (EN 2-5) closer has an ‘active backcheck’ and G-N slide channel featuring a cushioned limit stay. The closer is fitted to a drop plate and secured to the door leaf with rivnuts and machine screws. Successfully tested, at Wintech, to a simulated wind load of 1.4 Pa, the AA®720 door opened to a 90 degrees restriction set by the limit stay. Anti-slam capability is becoming a more common requirement, typically for medium/high rise balcony applications. Kawneer UK produces high performance aluminium curtain wall and unitised systems, commercial entrance doors, framing systems, windows and sliding solutions, at its purpose-built manufacturing facility in Runcorn, Cheshire. Find out more about AA®720 Series Door Systems: View Here