Hollywood Bowl has commenced fit-out works for its latest venue at Hammerson’s The Oracle in Reading, with an official opening slated for this summer. The £4.5 million investment will deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment hub featuring 24 bowling lanes, an extensive amusement arcade, and a vibrant themed bar and diner. The
Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the exciting new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a key part of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park. The Northern Roots project
Affordable housing provider SO Resi (part of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing) has launched its third Rent to Buy and second London Living Rent scheme in two years, SO Flexi Southall. The development will be available through its dedicated ‘SO Flexi’ brand, which offers a host of affordable rental schemes and
RSK has successfully supported Heidelberg Materials UK in achieving planning permission for the company’s Padeswood carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in North Wales – the first carbon capture enabled cement works in the UK – representing a groundbreaking project for the cement industry. Planning permission was received from the
The UK construction industry is set to benefit from a significant pipeline of work, as the government pushes forward with a £2.3 billion prison expansion programme aimed at creating 14,000 new prison places by 2031. According to industry analysts Glenigan, the Ministry of Justice’s Prison Capacity Strategy offers substantial secured
4.7 acre Bromley-by-Bow industrial park is the biggest industrial site within three miles of the City Global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson announces that it has acquired Bromley-by-Bow Industrial Park, a strategically located East London development site with planning consent for the creation of a highly sustainable, best in
SevenCitiesLdn, a new property investment, development and asset management venture based in central London, has launched with the backing of leading UK property development and investment group SevenCapital. Backed by £100million in capital, the new business is dedicated to acquiring and repositioning value-add real estate opportunities across London, the South
The global delivery consultants and construction experts, Mace have been appointed by JP Morgan Asset Management to deliver 65 Gresham Street – one of the largest building reuse projects in the City of London – with over 36,800m² of Grade A office, retail and ancillary spaces. Prioritising a reuse first
Manchester City Council has approved a planning application submitted by Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, to develop the second phase of its Viadux scheme in central Manchester. Phase Two of the Viadux will see the construction of two new towers: A 76-storey tower will house a 160-bedroom
Plans to create a brand-new state-of-the-art Acoustics building as part of Crescent Salford’s innovation zone have been accepted by Salford City Council. The University of Salford submitted the plans to create a world-class facility to house the research, commercial and teaching activities of its globally recognised acoustics group at the
Hollywood Bowl has commenced fit-out works for its latest venue at Hammerson’s The Oracle in Reading, with an official opening slated for this summer. The £4.5 million investment will deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment hub featuring 24 bowling lanes, an extensive amusement arcade, and a vibrant themed bar and diner. The new Hollywood Bowl will complement the existing leisure and food & beverage offering at The Oracle, joining a dynamic mix of restaurants, bars, cafés, and a cinema. This opening forms part of Hammerson’s broader strategy to reposition The Oracle, which includes transforming a former department store into modern, mixed-use space. In total, approximately 40% of the centre—around 320,000 square feet—is undergoing redevelopment, marking it as Hammerson’s most ambitious transformation project to date. Rita-Rose Gagné, CEO of Hammerson, commented:“We are proud to be partnering with Hollywood Bowl and are thrilled by their commitment and scale of investment. It’s a significant endorsement of The Oracle’s strength, its catchment, and the demand we’ve cultivated over the years. The venue will further establish The Oracle as a vibrant, all-day destination.” Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl Group, added:“We’re excited to announce the opening of our newest centre at The Oracle in Reading—a significant milestone in our strategic UK expansion. This venue underlines our commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences, catering to families, friends, and corporate groups alike in the heart of Reading.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the exciting new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a key part of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park. The Northern Roots project is part of the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority. The council has secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this transformative next phase. The work marks the next stage of the council project, which has been developed in close partnership with the Northern Roots charity and has already gained regional and national recognition. Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities. Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications. In 2023 Northern Roots established the first phase of the Urban Farm. Over the last two years, the current site has created 80 volunteering opportunities, delivered activities for more than 600 children and young people, and engaged around 6,000 local residents through cultural and environmental activities. And to date, there have been 2,000 trees planted, six ponds created to support local wildlife, and the establishment of a community garden and wildflower meadow. The Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Looking ahead, future plans for the site include a solar array, play areas, wild play and mountain biking facilities, and additional community growing spaces. Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: “Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together. “Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation. “The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It’s a win-win for our borough.” The Northern Roots project demonstrates Oldham Council’s commitment to regeneration, sustainability, and community enrichment. With the construction underway, residents will soon see this Council initiative take shape. Northern Roots CEO, Anna da Silva, added: “This is a really exciting moment in the development of Northern Roots and a key step in unlocking the potential of the site. We are incredibly grateful to all the partners who have supported the vision for Northern Roots and helped bring the project to this stage, particularly Oldham Council, our local communities, and our funders. “Northern Roots is pioneering a new, sustainable approach to harnessing and nurturing urban greenspace that we hope will become a model for future generations.” Construction is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026. Willmott Dixon’s team are now on site. Once the compound is set up, the first stage of works will be preparing the site to allow main works to start. Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, said: “As an Oldham-based business we are really excited to be playing our part in shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. “In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience. “We will continue to work with local schools and colleges through site visits, industry workshops and employability sessions. To date, our project team have also volunteered more than 115 hours supporting Oldham people, including with The Salvation Army and the Northern Roots charity.” While the work takes place, the Northern Roots site remains open to visitors all year round. To find out more about the regeneration work taking place in Oldham, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/regen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Affordable housing provider SO Resi (part of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing) has launched its third Rent to Buy and second London Living Rent scheme in two years, SO Flexi Southall. The development will be available through its dedicated ‘SO Flexi’ brand, which offers a host of affordable rental schemes and operates as an offshoot of SO Resi, which acts as MTVH’s existing Shared Ownership arm. SO Flexi Southall is a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments nestled in the established residential area of Beaconsfield Road and within a five-minute walk of Southall railway station. All brand-new apartments at SO Flexi Southall will be available through the London Living Rent scheme for those who live and work in the London Borough of Ealing. Residents will have access to landscaped communal outdoor space, their own private balconies or terraces and a car club membership for three years. According to Yahoo Finance!, average rents in London are predicted to be 2.4% higher than in 2024, with a record monthly high of £2,695 per month, compared with the UK average of £1,341[1]. SO Flexi Southall offers rents at a discount of approximately one third of the local median household income on a three-year contract, with rents starting at £956 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and £1,062 for a two-bedroom apartment. Tenants will be encouraged to use the savings from the discounted rent to save up for a deposit and purchase the property using Shared Ownership at the end of the rental term, with the view that all homes will be sold in ten years. To qualify for SO Flexi Southall and London Living Rent, residents must live and work in the London Borough of Ealing, have a formal rental tenancy in place, or live in an informal arrangement with family or friends as a result of struggling with housing costs, not own a home or be able to buy a home on the open market, and have a household income below £67,000. Kevin Sims, Director of SO Resi, comments: “London will always hold an attraction for people and at SO Resi, we don’t believe that anyone should miss out in living in their dream location due to affordability issues or soaring private rental costs. Our third SO Flexi development reinforces that London Living Rent and Rent to Buy remains a core part of SO Resi, and as such we are investing heavily in this scheme and rolling out homes in key locations across the capital. “Ealing Borough Council has confirmed that they will need almost 28,000 affordable new homes over the next 15 years, and 70% of these should be available at social or affordable rent[2]. Last year, we also delivered 52 apartments at SO Flexi Acton in the borough and so far at SO Flexi Southall, we have seen unprecedented demand with over 540 enquiries to date. This demand signifies the need for affordable rent in the capital and the SO Flexi scheme offers a solution for people unable to save alongside costly rental prices.” Southall offers a host of amenities for a range of buyers including young professionals and families. From a plethora of cafés and restaurants to Hanwell Zoo, Southall offers an endless list of South Asian restaurants, a vibrant market selling food and handmade jewellery and a range of green open spaces. SO Flexi Southall is also within a five minute walk from Southall railway station offering services along the Elizabeth Line with access to Paddington in 20 minutes and Heathrow Airport in nine minutes. By road, Southall offers quick access to the M4 for journeys to the west of the UK. Currently available at SO Flexi Southall is a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments, available from just £956 per month. All applicants to SO Flexi Southall must live and work in the London Borough of Ealing, have a formal rental tenancy in place, or live in an informal arrangement with family or friends as a result of struggling with housing costs, not own a home or be able to buy a home on the open market, and have a household income below £67,000. To find out more, visit www.soflexi.co.uk call 020 8607 0550. [1] https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/uk-rent-prices-average-london-rightmove-060001786.html [2] https://www.ealing.gov.uk/news/article/2224/new_plans_for_tackling_housing_shortage Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RSK has successfully supported Heidelberg Materials UK in achieving planning permission for the company’s Padeswood carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in North Wales – the first carbon capture enabled cement works in the UK – representing a groundbreaking project for the cement industry. Planning permission was received from the Welsh Government on 4 April 2025 – five months ahead of schedule. Padeswood carbon capture and storage project, which will connect to the HyNet North West project, aims to be the first net zero cement facility in the UK and a global exemplar for the deployment of carbon capture technology at an existing cement works site. Once operational, it will capture and store approximately 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum, capturing up to 95% of CO2 emissions from the existing Padeswood cement kiln. RSK Environment Principal Environmental Consultant Harry Cross said the project is the furthest advanced carbon capture project at an operational cement works in the UK by some distance. He said: “We are proud to have achieved planning permission for this important and rewarding project that demonstrates the UK leading the way on deploying CCS in the cement industry. “Our work here saw RSK Environment acting as environment, consents and permitting lead, including coordinating the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and project managing the development of national significance (DNS) application. We were also able to draw on the skills and experience of 12 additional RSK Group businesses, including Joanna Berlyn from Stephenson Halliday as planning lead and Copper Consultancy as communications lead for the programme of community engagement and consultation.” It is estimated that the project will create up to 500 additional jobs during the construction phase and will also create around 50 direct, long-term operational employment opportunities. The project also proposes the creation of four new ponds, nine hibernacula and 17 refugia (places where amphibians can rest during the day and escape from predators and the sun and, in winter, where they will hibernate). It is envisaged that the planting of mixed deciduous woodland and the enhancement of grassland will cover an area of around 10.13 ha and will improve its value for great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) foraging and offer wider biodiversity benefits for other protected species. Harry said the project is an impressive example of how RSK can draw on its broad range of multidisciplinary skills to achieve a major infrastructure planning application. The combined RSK team compiled and submitted more than 100 documents as part of its contribution to the planning submission. The 13 businesses involved in the DNS application were: He said that throughout the programme, RSK Environment worked closely with the project front end engineering design (FEED) team, advising on design requirements for planning. Harry said that RSK Environment collaborated with other RSK Group businesses to prepare and submit the EIA scoping report in late 2022. A scoping direction from Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) was received in April 2023. He said: “Our collaboration continued as the EIA evolved and work on the environmental statement began in 2023 through to 2024. Nine environmental factor assessments were undertaken, including landscape and visual, biodiversity, climate and noise and vibration, to understand the impact of the project on the environment and propose mitigation and enhancements to offset the impacts. Findings were reported in the environmental statement. “Alongside this, Copper Consultancy coordinated a programme of community engagement and consultation and organised two pre-consultation events in 2022, a further three online and six non-statutory and statutory pre-application consultation events at local venues in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The planning application was submitted on 27 September 2024.” Heidelberg Materials UK Chief Executive Officer Simon Willis said: “This is fantastic news and a brings our plans to create the UK’s first net zero cement works a step closer. “Cement is essential to the UK’s transition to net zero. It is fundamental to the development of everything from new offshore wind farms to nuclear power stations, to low carbon infrastructure, and the thousands of green jobs these projects will create. “Our Padeswood CCS project will bring significant inward investment and opportunity to the region, boosting the North Wales economy and securing the future of hundreds of skilled jobs. “Once operational, it will also provide net zero building materials for major projects across the country and will act as an exemplar for sustainable cement production in the UK and across the globe.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction industry is set to benefit from a significant pipeline of work, as the government pushes forward with a £2.3 billion prison expansion programme aimed at creating 14,000 new prison places by 2031. According to industry analysts Glenigan, the Ministry of Justice’s Prison Capacity Strategy offers substantial secured opportunities for contractors across the country. The ambitious strategy will see four new prisons constructed over the next seven years, delivering 6,500 new places for offenders. In addition to the new builds, a further 6,400 places will be created via new blocks within existing prison estates. An extra 1,000 places are planned through the installation of rapid deployment cells, while over 1,000 existing cells will undergo refurbishment. To support the long-term functionality of the prison system, the government has also allocated an additional £500 million for maintenance across the prison and probation estates. Fast-Tracking Delivery In a move to avoid the planning delays that have previously hindered prison developments, the government will reclassify prisons as ‘sites of national importance’. This change is designed to accelerate the planning process. Additional land acquisitions are also planned to accommodate future expansion. Sector Growth Backed by Data Recent data highlights a notable surge in prison-related construction activity. Glenigan reports that the value of prison project starts rose to £164 million in the three months to January 2024—almost fourteen times the value recorded a year prior. These projects represented approximately 38% of all construction activity within the communities and amenities sector during that period. A major driver of this increase was the £101.5 million refurbishment of a detention centre in Gosport, alongside several other Ministry of Justice projects currently at various stages of development. Key Projects Across the UK Among the most prominent schemes is a £116 million development at HMP Lancaster Farms, due to begin this summer. The project includes new houseblocks, workshops, and storage facilities over nearly 5,000 sq m, with Kier Construction appointed as the main contractor for the 17-month build. Elsewhere in the North West, HMP Hindley near Wigan is undergoing a £93 million expansion. The 40-month project, led by Wates Smartspace, involves constructing two accommodation blocks and support facilities totalling nearly 25,000 sq m. Work is scheduled to commence this spring. In the South of England, a substantial £300 million new-build prison is planned at HMP Grendon Springhill near Aylesbury, spanning up to 67,000 sq m. Further south, a £75 million development is planned at HM Ford Open Prison in West Sussex. The scheme will include seven three-storey houseblocks and various supporting facilities over 17,000 sq m, with work expected to begin later this year, though a main contractor has yet to be appointed. Additional developments in the south include projects at HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire and HMP Standford Hill in Kent, both currently in the pre-tender phase. Opportunities in Smaller Schemes The expansion programme also includes a range of smaller projects. For example, at HMP Foston Hall in Derbyshire, a £3.52 million scheme involving two two-storey houseblocks and associated facilities has received detailed planning approval. Construction is due to start this spring and run for 12 months. Looking ahead, one of the most significant projects in the pipeline is the £236.4 million HMP Wymott 2 development in Chorley, Lancashire. Outline planning permission has been granted and tenders submitted. The project will deliver nearly 75,000 sq m of new facilities adjacent to two existing prisons, with construction set to begin next summer and span two years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
4.7 acre Bromley-by-Bow industrial park is the biggest industrial site within three miles of the City Global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson announces that it has acquired Bromley-by-Bow Industrial Park, a strategically located East London development site with planning consent for the creation of a highly sustainable, best in class ultra urban industrial scheme with a GDV of circa £100 million, from Fabrix. Located on a 4.7 acre area, the site was assembled and master planned by Fabrix following a series of land purchases which took place over several years. It subsequently achieved planning consent for the regeneration of the site in September 2024, doubling the current space for a scheme which will deliver 135,000 square feet of highly desirable and sustainable industrial space. Situated within only three miles of the City of London in a prime distribution location, the site benefits from fast access to Central London, a critical consideration for many high-value industrial occupiers, and the rest of the city by virtue of its excellent access to key arterial roads. As one of only two Strategic Industrial Locations in Tower Hamlets, Fabrix designed the redevelopment to set a new standard for how industrial space can be sensitively integrated within the urban fabric and be a positive neighbour to both adjacent industrial estates and residential communities, with a design that significantly improves the appearance, efficiency and sustainability of the site. It was this approach that helped to unlock the regeneration of the most centrally located, undeveloped large-scale industrial site in London, in an area where much of the existing stock of industrial space is being lost to other uses. The site proposals comprise a new-build central block of industrial units arranged in two linear terraces around a central yard (consisting of 10 units of varying sizes from 600 square metres – 1800 square metres), and a re-purposed small brick MOT warehouse building, positioned at the west entrance, designated for use as the Affordable Workspace & a Circular Economy Hub, totaling 11,976 square metres (GIA) of floorspace. The scheme, which will be developed by Kennedy Wilson to EPC ‘A’, and BREEAM ‘Excellent’, is expected to be attractive to a range of future occupiers, but particularly those operating in ‘last mile’ delivery. Fabrix will retain a role as a consultant for Kennedy Wilson during the initial stages of development to drive forward ESG and community initiatives through the partnerships it has generated with local organisations. This latest acquisition expands Kennedy Wilson’s UK industrial platform, which totals nearly 9 million square feet and represents circa $1.6 billion of AUM. “This transaction represented a rare opportunity to acquire a highly desirable industrial scheme in a location with strong underlying fundamentals,” said Mike Pegler, President, Kennedy Wilson Europe. “We are always looking for opportunities to invest capital into industrial assets in thriving urban locations and this is particularly attractive where schemes, such as Bromley-by-Bow, will offer leading sustainability credentials to its future occupants.” Louis Duffield, Partner and Head of Investment at Fabrix said: “Fabrix’s consented scheme for the regeneration of Bromley-by-Bow Industrial Park is a project that will deliver super prime-quality space for ultra urban industrial and logistics uses, and secure genuine benefits for the community in Tower Hamlets. Kennedy Wilson’s purchase of the site will not only realise the value created by this vision, but also means that Fabrix can advance with our plan to rationalise our activity around the living and office sectors, marking an exciting new phase of work. Fabrix developed this project over many years of relationship building with the community and stakeholders, and we look forward to collaborating with Kennedy Wilson in a consultant role to drive forward ESG and community initiatives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SevenCitiesLdn, a new property investment, development and asset management venture based in central London, has launched with the backing of leading UK property development and investment group SevenCapital. Backed by £100million in capital, the new business is dedicated to acquiring and repositioning value-add real estate opportunities across London, the South East and key regional cities. It will initially target assets between £5m and £30m, across multiple sectors, including commercial, residential, student accommodation, retail, hospitality and leisure. SevenCitiesLdn is led by Giles Hoare and Cameron Mitchell, both RICS qualified and former Thackeray Group directors, who together have a combined 25 years’ experience and over £500m worth of real estate transactions across multiple sectors. The newly formed team at SevenCitiesLdn will have a clear mandate to identify and execute deals that unlock value through strategic asset management, repositioning and development, capitalising on evolving market conditions and shifting occupier demands. Damien Siviter, Group Managing Director at SevenCapital Group said: “At SevenCapital, we pride ourselves on our ability to both identify and nurture new investment, development and business opportunities. Embracing modern advances in technology, new ways of working, and employing emerging industry talent are key ingredients to the future success of our business, the property market and indeed the urban landscapes within which we operate. “SevenCitiesLdn is an exciting new venture, with an enterprising vision and approach to transforming the built environment that both aligns with our values and adds a new dynamic to the SevenCapital Group. I look forward to supporting and developing the business as it establishes itself and grows over the coming months and years.” Giles Hoare, Director at SevenCitiesLdn, added: “The UK real estate market continues to offer compelling opportunities for those with the vision and agility to act decisively. With the backing of SevenCapital, we have the firepower and platform to make a meaningful impact. We look forward to collaborating with investors, occupiers, and stakeholders to deliver transformative projects.” Cameron Mitchell, Director at SevenCitiesLdn, added: “SevenCitiesLdn brings a fresh and ambitious approach to real estate investment and development. We are combining SevenCapital’s established expertise with a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial mindset to identify and unlock value in the market. With significant capital available, we are dedicated to acquiring and developing real estate that caters to the evolving urban landscape and needs of modern business and communities.” Prior to forming SevenCitiesLdn, Giles Hoare worked as Investment Director at Thackeray Group, which he joined in 2018. He previously worked for London & Cambridge Properties Ltd and Cushman & Wakefield. Cameron Mitchell leaves his role as Development Director at Thackeray Group, having joined in 2019, prior to which he worked as a surveyor for CBRE. SevenCitiesLdn is actively sourcing opportunities in London and key cities across the UK and welcomes discussions with agents, brokers, investors and joint venture partners across the sector. To get in touch email: enquiries@sevencitiesldn.com or visit our website: sevencitiesldn.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The global delivery consultants and construction experts, Mace have been appointed by JP Morgan Asset Management to deliver 65 Gresham Street – one of the largest building reuse projects in the City of London – with over 36,800m² of Grade A office, retail and ancillary spaces. Prioritising a reuse first approach, the project will retain more than 70% of the existing building’s structure, with 95% of materials recycled or reused on-site, targeting a 66% reduction in whole-life carbon. Fossil fuel free during construction and operation, the building will incorporate air source heat pumps for heating, cooling and hot water generation. The redevelopment will feature four new lightweight floors added to the existing eight-storey structure, external terraces and inset balconies will provide outdoor space on every floor, while expanded entrances and relocated retail space will activate the streetscape. Extensive greening initiatives will increase biodiversity net gain by over 100%. Ged Simmonds, Managing Director Private Sector, Mace Construct: ‘’This ambitious retrofit project exemplifies Mace’s commitment to sustainable construction, showcasing innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and set the standard for the next generation of sustainable offices. “In the past five years we’ve seen a growing trend in the City of London for sustainability-driven, reuse focussed office developments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council has approved a planning application submitted by Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, to develop the second phase of its Viadux scheme in central Manchester. Phase Two of the Viadux will see the construction of two new towers: A 76-storey tower will house a 160-bedroom hotel, restaurant and 452 branded residences, delivered in partnership with luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality, to help meet growing demand for high-quality accommodation for the international city’s residents and visitors. These branded residences mark Nobu Hospitality’s debut in the UK’s luxury real estate market. Like the adjacent 40-storey tower built during Viadux’s first phase, the 76-storey tower is hugely architecturally ambitious. To be known as Nobu Manchester, the tower will be elevated above ground with its foundations built under a retained Victorian archway. Standing at 246 metres, the tower will become the UK’s tallest building outside of London. A second (yet to be named) building on Great Bridgewater Street, will stand at 23-storeys tall and will create 133 new apartments aimed at the affordable homes market in a hugely well-connected and desirable part of Manchester. Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “We are delighted with the Council’s decision to approve our plans to complete the Viadux masterplan. Viadux promises to deliver a neighbourhood of high-quality, design-led homes that meet Manchester’s substantial need for accommodation at a range of price points and tenure types, while bringing to the Manchester cityscape a truly crowning feature. “Once completed, the Viadux scheme will have entirely regenerated an 80,000 sq ft brownfield site, in easy walking distance of all of Manchester’s central business, retail and leisure districts, and added almost 1,000 brand new homes to a coveted and popular location for the city’s professional population. “Manchester is a fast-expanding city that is quickly and emphatically achieving its ambitions to become a global leader in business, sport, leisure and academia. It’s a belief that we’ve long held that Manchester deserves to be home to architectural and engineering feats that before now have been the preserve of other global cities. “As the location of not just the tallest tower outside London but a large number of high quality affordable homes, Viadux has the potential to become a symbol of this city’s aspirations and confidence in itself. Viadux now promises to shape not only Manchester’s skyline for years to come, but the city’s sense of identity on the global stage.” Since plans were first drawn up in 2017, the full Viadux scheme has been designed by Manchester-born architects, SimpsonHaugh, with culturally and historically sensitive regeneration always front of mind. Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality: “We’re thrilled to see the Viadux 2 development move forward with planning approval. Manchester is a vibrant, world-class city, and we’re proud to be part of a project that will bring the Nobu experience to this destination through a truly exceptional mixed-use project. Alongside our signature Nobu Hotel and Restaurant, the Nobu Residences will offer a unique opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle. Viadux 2 represents the kind of visionary development we seek—integrated, design-led, and rooted in cultural and community connection.” Ian Simpson, Co-Founder, SimpsonHaugh: “Viadux’s phased development has required vision, a pioneering approach, and innovation to bring life back to an urban area in Manchester City Centre on a challenging site that incorporates the restoration of a Grade II listed brick viaduct. Viadux Phase 2 will see the development of a beautiful and elegant mixed-use building that will define the Manchester skyline, providing high-quality private and affordable homes and an amazing world-class hotel.” Viadux’s first phase – a 40-storey tower comprising 370 apartments and a wealth of quality resident amenities – was completed on time, on budget and fully sold out. This tower is now known as Viadux. Salboy’s construction partner Domis expects to commence work on the site this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to create a brand-new state-of-the-art Acoustics building as part of Crescent Salford’s innovation zone have been accepted by Salford City Council. The University of Salford submitted the plans to create a world-class facility to house the research, commercial and teaching activities of its globally recognised acoustics group at the start of the year. Today Salford City Council announced that plans for the 1,300m2 building have been accepted and it is expected work will begin on site this summer, taking around 18 months to complete. The site is a key part of the University of Salford’s multi-million pound Campus Connectivity Plan, which is the most ambitious redevelopment of research, teaching and public spaces that the University has ever undertaken. The new facility represents an investment into acoustics of international scale, drawing together an impressive range of testing equipment of the highest technical specification to underpin the most rigorous acoustic measurements. Each space in the new building will enable active research by one of the largest acoustics groups in the world, supported by the hands-on expertise of specialist technical staff. The University of Salford has been delivering world-leading research in acoustics for over six decades, working with some of the biggest brands in manufacturing to ensure their products emit acceptable levels of noise. Salford’s research has fed into the development of products that companies make and sell worldwide, as well as regulations and standards used in the UK and internationally. Most recently, Salford’s experts have worked on projects to manage drone noise, develop e-scooter alarm noises and make forklift trucks safer in a work environment. The new centre will see an increase in the research, innovation and development that the University of Salford Acoustics team will be able to offer. The Acoustics building will also sit in Crescent Innovation, which forms part of the wider £2.5bn, 240-acre Crescent Salford masterplan being delivered by the Crescent Partnership, comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF – a joint partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse. The 29-acre Crescent Innovation area lies north of the University’s Peel Park campus and the building will be located on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street. It will build on existing research and development capabilities to drive further economic growth in Salford and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research and business. The Acoustics building marks the next step in the creation of Crescent Innovation, after work began on Salford Rise last September. Morgan Sindall Construction is working on the building, having previously collaborated with the University on the creation of multiple new learning environments including the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, which is also within Crescent Innovation. Director of the National Institute of Airborne Acoustic Metrology at the University of Salford, Claire Lomax said: “The whole acoustics team at Salford are thrilled planning consent has been granted for this globally unique building. Every person on earth is affected by what they can or cannot hear, which is why acoustics as a science is so significant. “To have this facility in Salford shows the University’s commitment to innovation to enrich lives – in this case through pioneering research, impacting policy and industry standards, and shaping products sold worldwide.” In line with the latest sustainability standards, the all-electric building will target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and utilise low-energy and low-carbon technologies to minimise energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the building. Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF, said: “With plans now approved for the Acoustics building, we’re looking forward to this state-of-the-art facility coming to life and bringing world-class research potential to Crescent Innovation. “The highly sustainable building will function as a training hub for the next generation of acoustics experts, offering cutting-edge research facilities aimed at enhancing quality of life by reducing the harm caused by noise. Bringing industry and education together, it will further cement Salford as a leader in this field. “With Salford Rise on site and work on Willohaus set to complete next year, the approval of plans for the Acoustics building marks an exciting next step in the creation of the Crescent Salford masterplan. As momentum builds, the vision is becoming a reality.” Steven Gregory, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for the North West said: “We’re very proud to be part of the team that will deliver another world-class facility for Salford University and the wider Crescent Salford innovation zone. We can’t wait to get started in the summer. “In our delivery of other projects on campus, we have developed a close, collaborative working relationship with the University. On this latest scheme, we will again ensure our presence brings wider benefits to the University’s students as well as the wider Salford community.” Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “This state-of-the-art Acoustics building will be an incredible addition to the growing Crescent Innovation zone, building on the completed North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and Salford Rise, which is due to complete next year. This new development will reinforce our city’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and development and aligns perfectly with the Council’s Corporate Plan objectives, by driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for skills development. By investing in world-class facilities like this, the University are not only supporting our local economy, but contributing to global advancements in acoustics, that will improve lives for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
