Major contractor Bouygues UK, which is building zone 1 of Llanelli’s Pentre Awel development known as ‘Canolfan’, has worked with sub-contractors and its supply chain during the course of the 24-month build to achieve net zero on the construction project. This includes over 90% reduction on direct emissions of all
Tenpin is bringing its signature mix of bowling and entertainment to Redditch, with a brand-new venue set to open at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre this summer. Spanning 28,500 sq ft, the new site will take over the former B&M and Wilko units on the lower level of the centre. The
Proptech-driven agency Property Sense has unveiled a new software to increase leasing capabilities in the BTR market. The Stockport-based firm has launched a self-serving new software that aids BTR developers, operators and agencies in securing pre-qualified residents before construction has begun. This solutions-driven technology pulls all of Property Sense’s existing
Leading housing association Bromford has made a strong start to the year, securing land for 179 new homes across three sites so far, as part of its commitment to delivering much-needed affordable housing. These new developments will be built in Brierley Hill, Dudley (50 homes), Highnam, Tewkesbury (95 homes), and
Local MP, Max Wilkinson, met Midlands Connect and rail bosses to hear about the plans for nearly 300 trains a week extra going through Cheltenham due to the £1.75 billion Midlands Rail Hub project. This would deliver around 4 million extra seats each year for passengers on the key railway
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis group, has appointed Gemma Prior as director and head of cost management for its London office, supporting the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Gemma brings over two decades of experience in the construction sector to the firm, having held senior
Façade specialist Alsecco has been named as winner of the Judges Choice Architectural Design – High Rise award at this year’s INCA Awards, in addition to taking the title for Refurbishment High Rise. Judges at the awards, which recognise excellence in the external wall insulation sector, made a unanimous decision
Whitbread PLC, the parent company of the UK’s largest hotel brand Premier Inn, has added more than 1,000 new guest bedrooms to its growing UK network since March 2024 and the start of its FY24/25 financial year. The 137-bedroom Premier Inn at London Waterloo (North Lambeth) in Central London took
Barratt London and Places for London have secured planning approval for the next phase of its Bollo Lane site, following a unanimous decision by Ealing London Borough Council’s planning committee. The site, which sits between Bollo Lane and the Piccadilly railway lines by Acton Town Station, was the first development
gs8, the RIBA Award-winning UK housebuilder specialising in Planet Positive homes and neighbourhoods, has begun construction on 113 new homes in Thornwood, Essex. The development, Carpenter’s Yard, marks the UK’s largest ‘Zero Bill’s development, in partnership with Octopus Energy. The first homes will be launched in April, with the first
Major contractor Bouygues UK, which is building zone 1 of Llanelli’s Pentre Awel development known as ‘Canolfan’, has worked with sub-contractors and its supply chain during the course of the 24-month build to achieve net zero on the construction project. This includes over 90% reduction on direct emissions of all fuels on the site as well as a 10% reduction in waste production, and energy and water consumption. Since the start of the project over 450 tonnes of carbon emissions have been saved thanks to this initiative. By implementing energy, waste and resource-saving initiatives, including adopting sustainably-certified hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel, as well as sourcing recycled and green materials, the project has reached this pivotal milestone of being net zero. Due to the reduction in emissions from the use of HVO at Pentre Awel, Bouygues UK has made the commitment that all of its building sites across the UK will be powered by HVO. Its procured HVO fuel has received ISCC certification due to its traceable and deforestation-free supply chain. Partners include Green4Wales, Watson Fuels, New Era and CSS. The Canolfan Pentre Awel project team has worked tirelessly during the nearly two years on site, to put carbon reduction at the heart of the development. It has targeted 24 specific initiatives to help reduce emissions, waste and energy on the project. Early into the development, solar-powered site offices and cabins were installed on site, and when not powered by the sun, those buildings were run by a HVO-powered generator. The site’s CCTV cameras were also powered by solar. Such was the success of the HVO generator, that early into the project the whole site was converted to HVO. Other initiatives such as working closely with its supply chain to source recycled building materials has also contributed to the project’s wider net zero journey. Such materials include using reinforced bars for the buildings’ foundations that are comprised of 98% recycling content, while the structural steel contained 80% recycled content. When excavating to lay the foundations, soil from the surface of the site was also taken to a local recycling facility where the material was segregated, treated and reused – reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. The team have partnered with Gaia, a Carmarthenshire-based company that helps to identify, monitor and reduce power consumption, using AI and a range of sensors. To date, the energy savings from using GAIA are around 47.9%. The project also benefits from a carbon consultant who advises on identifying low carbon solutions throughout the construction phase and monitors carbon, waste, deliveries as well as upskilling of the workforce on climate and environmental topics. Canolfan Pentre Awel is an innovative, multi-million-pound development which will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million) and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales. Peter Sharpe, Project Director at Pentre Awel, said of achieving net zero: “We are immensely proud of this achievement. As well as building a state of the art, top quality facility, as a project team we set our minds to reducing as much of our carbon emissions as possible. We set out a plan and I’m so pleased to say that we have achieved it. “This would not have happened had it not been for the determination and support of not only the Bouygues UK staff here at Pentre Awel, but also our amazing sub-contractors and supply chain partners who came with us on this net zero journey.” Phillipe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, said: “I commend the project team’s efforts in significantly reducing carbon emissions at the Pentre Awel project. This achievement shows that sustainable construction can be achieved. “We are very proud that due to the success achieved with the use of HVO at Pentre Awel, we are now mandating the use of sustainably-certified HVO at all our sites across the UK.” Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans added: “The Council is deeply committed to tackling climate change, and we acknowledge that we are responsible for reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging Carmarthenshire residents to be conscious of their own carbon footprint. It is encouraging to see that this Council development is tackling carbon emissions head on and leading by example for future developments to prioritise our environment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Bouygues UK for their commitment as we pass this monumental milestone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tenpin is bringing its signature mix of bowling and entertainment to Redditch, with a brand-new venue set to open at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre this summer. Spanning 28,500 sq ft, the new site will take over the former B&M and Wilko units on the lower level of the centre. The venue will feature 22 bowling lanes alongside a range of additional attractions, including three escape rooms, laser tag, karaoke rooms, interactive darts, and pool tables. Adding to the experience, a 140-seat bar will offer food, drinks, and live sports, creating a vibrant space for visitors to relax and socialise. A spokesperson for Kingfisher Shopping Centre said: “Tenpin will further enhance our leisure offer, boosting Redditch’s appeal and providing exciting new experiences for both residents and visitors.” Sue Clews, regional manager at Tenpin, added: “We’re thrilled to be opening a new venue in Redditch. With a fantastic range of activities for all ages and occasions, we can’t wait to welcome our first guests through the doors.” KLM Real Estate acted as leasing consultants on behalf of The Gluck Group, owners of Kingfisher Shopping Centre, while Portland Leisure Advisers represented Tenpin. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proptech-driven agency Property Sense has unveiled a new software to increase leasing capabilities in the BTR market. The Stockport-based firm has launched a self-serving new software that aids BTR developers, operators and agencies in securing pre-qualified residents before construction has begun. This solutions-driven technology pulls all of Property Sense’s existing technology into a single, user-friendly platform that operators and potential residents can access anywhere. The innovative system creates a seamless user experience, allowing leasing agents to assist developers of any size with rapid lease-up periods, pre- and post-construction. This unique middleware provides agents with a modern, engaging solution to begin sourcing tenants immediately after development plans have been approved. This negates the need to wait for developments to be signed off by building regulators before showcasing of the units can begin. The technology will be available in modular form, lending itself to a range of applications and system integrations. Users can benefit from immersive CGI walkthroughs embedded within a live availability system, integrated tenant referencing, credit checks, online viewing bookings and instant online unit reservations. As much or as little of the modular system can be used to tailor the technology to suit existing systems and operations. Property Sense can also provide access to a live database of BTR applicants across most of the UK’s major cities, leading to much faster lease-up on new developments of any size. The software is currently in the minimum viable product phase of development, with a full commercial roll-out scheduled for May. Following the launch, Property Sense will recruit its first-ever Chief Technology Officer amid its growing involvement in the Proptech space. The role will oversee the development phase of the Middleware post-launch, as the business looks to enhance it proprietary solution further in the coming months. Mike Haywood, CEO of Property Sense, said: “The Middleware fills a huge gap in the market, offering an exceptional proptech solution that supports developers, lettings agents and management operators across the entire BTR space. At present, there is too much focus on sourcing tenants’ post-construction, but better access to pioneering technology will change this. “With the software, agents can reach out to their databases of potential tenants before a single brick has been laid. This prevents delays and allows agencies to capitalise on the excitement surrounding a new development during the build process. “In the current booming market, where BTR developers want results faster than ever, the importance of letting agencies offering this capability cannot be overestimated. We’re excited to roll it out far and wide this spring to drive impressive lease-up results across the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading housing association Bromford has made a strong start to the year, securing land for 179 new homes across three sites so far, as part of its commitment to delivering much-needed affordable housing. These new developments will be built in Brierley Hill, Dudley (50 homes), Highnam, Tewkesbury (95 homes), and Hopwood, near Bromsgrove (34 homes). These homes will be a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership, ensuring a mix of tenure options to support a range of housing needs. Beyond these secured sites, Bromford is also progressing contracts to acquire land for over 1,000 additional homes across multiple locations, aiming to complete agreements by the end of March 2025.These future developments will support the housing association’s long-term strategy to increase the scale of its housebuilding programme and deliver more affordable homes to meet growing demand. A significant proportion of these homes will be for social rent, reinforcing Bromford’s position as England’s largest builder of social rent homes. These land purchases form part of Bromford’s ambitious goal to build 11,000 homes across the West Midlands and West of England over the next seven years, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality homes at scale. Lyndon Parkes, Head of Land at Bromford, said: “This year has started strongly, with a number of land deals completed and even more in the pipeline. With more than 1.2 million households currently waiting for a social home in England1, the need for high-quality, affordable housing has never been greater. “Our latest acquisitions mark another step forward in our efforts to deliver much-needed homes, and with demand continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever that we build at scale. Securing land is a vital part of this strategy, allowing us to play a leading role in tackling the housing crisis. As we look ahead, our focus remains on identifying and securing land opportunities that align with our mission to support and uplift the communities we serve, helping them to thrive.” As part of Bromford’s ongoing efforts to deliver homes more efficiently and sustainably, Bromford is also set to build some of its future developments using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). This approach will see key structural elements manufactured offsite before being assembled on location, reducing onsite waste and improving overall efficiency. Bromford continues to explore ways to lessen environmental impact while accelerating the delivery of new homes. Bromford is actively seeking new land opportunities to further its development ambitions. To learn more about how the housing association acquires land or to discuss potential opportunities, visit Bromford’s land acquisition page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local MP, Max Wilkinson, met Midlands Connect and rail bosses to hear about the plans for nearly 300 trains a week extra going through Cheltenham due to the £1.75 billion Midlands Rail Hub project. This would deliver around 4 million extra seats each year for passengers on the key railway route between Cheltenham and Birmingham. This would be through an extra four trains on the route each hour, two in each direction. At the meeting, Midlands Connect and Max Wilkinson MP, were also joined by West Midlands Rail Executive. The project will also deliver a jobs boost, with more than 12,750 roles are expected to result from the Midlands Rail Hub programme with construction expected to run from 2025 to 2033. In 2023, the previous Government committed to ‘full’ delivery of the Midlands Rail Hub, and in February last year, an additional £123m was allocated towards the project, to progress the detailed engineering designs. MP, Max Wilkinson, said: “Cheltenham’s rail connections are very important for our local economy. Improved links are vital for our town – primarily for business travellers, but also for leisure trips. Whether it’s to the Midlands, towards Bristol, the North or London, we’ll benefit from easier access to and from our town. I’m interested to hear more about the positive opportunities offered by the Midlands Rail Hub and other future Improvements too.” Paul Butters, Director of Communications at Midlands Connect, said: “It was great to meet Max, brief him on the plans and explain how the Midlands Rail Hub could deliver a massive transport boost for the town. Delivering faster and more frequent trains to Cheltenham would make a massive difference and we are working hard to deliver it. “I look forward to working with Max in the months and years ahead to deliver this vital scheme for the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis group, has appointed Gemma Prior as director and head of cost management for its London office, supporting the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Gemma brings over two decades of experience in the construction sector to the firm, having held senior positions at AECOM and Currie & Brown. Most recently, she spent almost five years at Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), where she progressed to partner and was responsible for leading the public sector cost management division in London. At RLB, she also held the role of national deputy head of education and contributed to winning several of the UK’s largest university and public sector frameworks. In her new role, Gemma will focus on expanding Thomas & Adamson’s presence in the UK capital’s construction and property market, with an emphasis on several sectors, including residential build-to-rent and commercial office workplace and conversion. She will also seek to diversify into other areas, such as the public sector and life sciences. Key projects already on Gemma’s agenda include a prestigious high-end residential development, cutting-edge laboratories, and large-scale façade remediation framework for a UK-wide housebuilder. An advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sector, Gemma is an active member of The Circle Partnership, a mentoring network that supports women in construction by partnering senior professionals with the next generation of female leaders to support career development. Gemma’s appointment follows the recent hiring of associate Stephen Hart to lead the London office’s newly established building surveying team, working alongside Gary Wait, who heads up project management for London, enabling the firm to offer a full suite of services to clients in the capital. Founded in 1935, Thomas & Adamson has a team of over 100 staff across the UK delivering cost management, project management, building surveying, and construction safety services. The firm was acquired by global architectural, advisory, construction engineering and mobility services firm Egis last year, bringing a wider range of services to clients, including decarbonisation and sustainability consultancy. John McGuire, director and head of cost management at Thomas & Adamson, said: “Gemma’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for our London office and underscores our commitment to strengthening our capabilities in the capital. Gemma’s energy and expertise in cost management will help us to capitalise on emerging opportunities across key sectors. Offering the full suite of construction services means we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients and deliver market-leading projects.” Gemma added: “Joining Thomas & Adamson at this pivotal time is a fantastic opportunity. The firm’s integration with Egis has created a strong platform for growth, and I’m excited to be part of the next chapter. In particular, I’m looking forward to helping develop the firm’s multi-disciplinary approach, while also working alongside Egis’s equality, diversity, and inclusion lead to foster positive change in the industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Façade specialist Alsecco has been named as winner of the Judges Choice Architectural Design – High Rise award at this year’s INCA Awards, in addition to taking the title for Refurbishment High Rise. Judges at the awards, which recognise excellence in the external wall insulation sector, made a unanimous decision in naming the Victoria House development, in Manchester, as Judges Choice Architectural Design – High Rise, describing the building as ‘an architectural masterpiece with great angles and complex detailing making it a worthy winner’. Alsecco supplied its Ecomin 400 cladding system with Meldorfer lightweight brick slips to complete the exterior of the building, providing external wall insulation and a brick-effect finish. The use of brick slips supported efficient construction of the 25-storey residential development by main contractor Domis, recreating a traditional gault brick appearance. Alsecco was also named as winner in the ‘Refurbishment High Rise’ category for its work on the colourful exterior on The Boardwalk development, in Eastbourne Harbour. The upgrade saw Alsecco’s Ecomin 300 external insulated render system used to ensure the exterior of the building was suited to the challenges of a marine environment. The project was praised for the ‘all round quality coupled with such a strikingly vibrant yellow and white finish that enhanced the building’s visual appeal’. Dean Broughton, Managing Director of Alsecco, said: “It is fantastic to see these two projects recognised at the INCA awards, which celebrate the very best projects in the external wall insulation industry. “Being involved in a project with the ambition and scale of Victoria House was a real privilege. The development, right in the heart of Manchester, showcases exactly what can be achieved with high quality brick slips, both in terms of efficiency, but also aesthetics. “To see this ambitious project awarded the judges choice in its category is testament to the commitment across the board that went into making this vision a reality. “Likewise, the Boardwalk upgrade shows what can be achieved through a high-quality external wall insulation system. While performance underpins external wall insulation applications, it is great to be involved in design-led projects that deliver a striking finish such as this. Thanks to INCA for helping to showcase excellence in the industry.” Run by the Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA), the awards recognise the highest standards in external wall insulation (EWI), with submissions across a variety of categories to highlight excellence in a range of building projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread PLC, the parent company of the UK’s largest hotel brand Premier Inn, has added more than 1,000 new guest bedrooms to its growing UK network since March 2024 and the start of its FY24/25 financial year. The 137-bedroom Premier Inn at London Waterloo (North Lambeth) in Central London took the business over the 1,000 new room milestone earlier this month, marking the third new hotel Premier Inn to open in the capital since spring last year. In total, Whitbread has opened seven new Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels in the past eleven months including new locations in Central London, Cambridge, Bristol, York, and Torquay, reflecting the company’s objective of expanding its estate in popular destinations across the UK. Whitbread currently offers its UK customers a choice of more than 85,500 hotel rooms and believes there is the potential for 125,000 rooms in the United Kingdom and Ireland as it takes advantage of a favourable supply backdrop and the continued decline of independent hotels and guest houses. Alex Flach, UK & Ireland Development Director, commented: “The seven new Premier Inn hotels we have opened this financial year showcase Whitbread’s commitment to expanding our presence in desirable, high-demand locations across the UK and Ireland. “All of these new openings, completed since March 2024, are leasehold developments – a testament to the strength and appeal of the Whitbread covenant among our development partners. Notably, three of these hotels were created through the conversion of vacant office buildings, a process that not only revitalises unused spaces but also prevents tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere during construction. “As hotel development becomes ever more complex, Whitbread’s collaborative and flexible approach to identifying and delivering new development opportunities is more critical than ever. Growing our estate across the UK and Ireland remains a top priority for the business, and my team and I are eager to connect with potential partners to secure and deliver the next generation of Premier Inn hotels.” The new hotels opened in Whitbread’s FY24/25 financial year so far include: Whitbread has a detailed network plan for the UK and Ireland of locations where Premier Inn is either unrepresented or where there is potential to increase the brand’s presence. These include 40 target locations within the M25 – a strategically important growth market for the brand – as well as thirteen target locations in Ireland. At time of publishing its FY24/25 half-year results (October 2024), Whitbread offered its customers a choice of more than 85,500 Premier Inn rooms from 855 locations across the UK & Ireland. Beyond the UK, the business is growing strongly in Germany where it has built a network of more than 10,000 Premier Inn rooms across the country and is aiming to be the no.1 hotel operator in the country. Find more on the target locations for Premier Inn in the UK and Ireland here: www.whitbread.com/property. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt London and Places for London have secured planning approval for the next phase of its Bollo Lane site, following a unanimous decision by Ealing London Borough Council’s planning committee. The site, which sits between Bollo Lane and the Piccadilly railway lines by Acton Town Station, was the first development to be announced as part of the West London Partnership, an industry-leading collaboration that will unlock more than 4,000 new homes over the next decade. The Bollo Lane project will be delivered in four phases and will provide up to 900 new homes once complete. Each residential phase will deliver 50% affordable housing to rent or buy. Construction works are due to begin this spring, with the first phase comprising 195 one, two and three-bedroom homes for private and affordable rent. The second phase that will be unlocked by the committee approval will deliver 455 new homes for affordable and private sale over the next five years. In addition to delivering much-needed new homes, the project will create an entirely new street frontage along the western edge of Bollo Lane, providing extensive areas of new public realm alongside 20,000 sq ft of commercial and retail spaces. Residents will benefit from two new podium gardens, whilst the wider community will enjoy biodiverse green spaces through the creation of a new public square and community garden on land that was previously inaccessible to the public. The scheme has been designed to promote healthy and active travel methods, with new pedestrian and cycle routes linking Acton Town and Chiswick. Biodiversity and sustainability have been carefully considered at every stage of scheme design. The proposals for Phase 2 are set to achieve a biodiversity net gain of 126%, with an urban greening factor of 0.47. There will be 250 new trees planted across the development, whilst highly efficient buildings will use sustainable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and generate lower energy bills for residents. Section 106 contributions agreed with Ealing London Borough Council will see more than £3m contributed to Education, Healthcare, Transport and other improvements in the Borough. In addition, the project will create up to 500 new jobs over the course of the development, and 20 new apprenticeships will be made available thanks to the West London Partnership. Craig Carson, Managing Director at Barratt West London, comments: “We are pleased to receive the unanimous approval of Ealing’s Planning Committee for our updated Bollo Lane proposals, on what is a key strategic site for the West London Partnership. Since Places for London appointed us as their formal development partner for the site two years ago, we have worked closely on our shared vision to bring plans forward and ensure we deliver a site to be truly proud of. Our partnership at Bollo Lane will unlock nearly 900 new homes, and with half of these affordable, we are working in tandem with Places for London and Ealing London Borough Council to meet the housing needs in the borough.” Jonathan Cornelius, Head of Property Development at Places for London, comments: “It is fantastic news to get the go ahead for our plans at Bollo Lane in Acton Town. This milestone is a significant step in our plans to deliver around 900 homes here – our largest development to date. “Our plans have been designed to reflect the area’s heritage and context, such as the Grade II-listed station next to it, and will bring hundreds of the homes that London urgently needs. “The scheme will benefit the local community with welcoming green spaces, improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities and new commercial opportunities for local businesses.” To find out more about Barratt London visit www.barrattlondon.com or for further details on Places for London visit www.placesforlondon.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
gs8, the RIBA Award-winning UK housebuilder specialising in Planet Positive homes and neighbourhoods, has begun construction on 113 new homes in Thornwood, Essex. The development, Carpenter’s Yard, marks the UK’s largest ‘Zero Bill’s development, in partnership with Octopus Energy. The first homes will be launched in April, with the first completions expected in late 2025. The site will be developed in line with gs8’s Planet Positive Framework and Zero Waste Charter, which means all non-contaminated waste on site is reused wherever possible and recycled as a secondary solution. The carbon stored in the homes and the landscaping exceeds the embodied carbon needed to build and maintain them. The innovative scheme will feature centralised battery storage, allowing the significant on-site energy to be seamlessly shared between properties, creating a market-leading energy-efficient and low carbon ‘Zero Bills’ community. The scheme’s ground-breaking community microgrid will be the first in the world to offer ‘Zero Bills’ through gs8’s partnership with Octopus Energy. Launched in 2022, Octopus’ ‘Zero Bills’ tariff enables customers to move into homes that are fully kitted out with state-of-the-art green tech – including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels – with no energy bills guaranteed for 5-10 years. Carpenter’s Yard will be tenure-blind, with all homes, including its 35 affordable dwellings, built to the same sustainability credentials. Of the affordable homes, 20 are for affordable rent and 15 will be shared ownership. Josh Gordon, Co-Founder, gs8, comments: “This is a landmark development for us as a business, building on the groundbreaking regenerative housing approach we’ve been committed to for the past six plus years. “We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Octopus Energy, a pioneering business, that shares our vision and values, seeking to create homes built for the future and developments that bring positive lasting impacts to local communities.” Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director, Octopus Energy, comments: “’Zero Bills’ is not just about eliminating energy bills – it’s about creating a sustainable future. “Our partnership with gs8 to deliver a microgrid community is all about delivering a truly transformative project that sets a new standard for affordable, eco-friendly living.” Plans feature several new public spaces, including a proposed community café and grocery concept and a permanent office for North Weald Bassett Parish Council, reflecting gs8’s ethos of community building, with the design of the scheme influenced by, and created for, the local community. Residents will have use of a shared DIY and reuse centre, enabling them to swap infrequently used items including tools and equipment. Residents will also have access to an on-site fitness centre and a pop-up space that can be booked out. Carpenter’s Yard provides multiple designated play areas for children, hidden within the trail garden, and on the pedestrianised ‘play street’ intertwined with a natural landscape featuring logs from felled trees on site, seating, new mature trees, edible planting and habitat creation and enhancement to encourage greater biodiversity. Each home, which will be designed with young families in mind, featuring designated home working spaces. Through gs8’s partnership with Nissan and Volt, electric car club vehicles and electric bicycles will be available for residents to use. An on-site concierge will also provide a number of services, including a shuttle service to Epping Underground Station to encourage sustainable methods of transport and reduced car usage. As with all gs8 developments, the landscape has been designed to be self-sustainable within two years, with the majority of existing trees and hedgerows along the border of the site retained. The former pond on the site will be reinstated and enhanced, with additional wetland and aquatic planting to increase biodiversity, with a dipping deck and seating installed. This results in a biodiversity net gain achieved on-site of over 40%. The scheme has been designed by Boehm Lynas, with whom gs8 were jointly awarded a RIBA National Award plus two RIBA London Awards in 2024 for their Planet Positive project, The Arbour, a collection of 10 homes in Walthamstow, East London. For more information on the homes at Carpenters Yard in Thornwood and to register your interest, please visit: https://www.carpentersyard.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
