Prologis UK has appointed two new customer-facing staff to focus on maintaining and developing customer relationships as demand for logistics property continues to grow. Will Cassar and Milena Blair will be drawing on their experience in the property and logistics sector to support customers in securing logistics facilities in the
The McGoff Group has received planning approval for its eagerly anticipated Market 41 food hall development on the corner of Railway Road and Greenfield Avenue in the centre of Urmston, Greater Manchester. The decision was made at Trafford Council’s planning committee meeting with committee members voting in favour of the
Joseph Mews Property Group offering residential developments to buyers launches this week A new property investment group has this week been launched in the Midlands, which will target both investors and landlords. The Joseph Mews Property Group has been set up by former SevenCapital director Andy Foote – who formerly
Hull City Council has today published a decision record that confirms that Royal HaskoningDHV has been appointed to provide planning consultancy support for the delivery of the Cruise Hull Yorkshire terminal project. The appointment of the specialist international firm comes following an open tender process in which bids were assessed
Scheme will deliver further 109,250 sq. ft industrial space along with 200 jobs Network Space has appointed Caddick Construction to deliver the £9.5m Phase Two of its Tunstall Arrow scheme after securing unanimous planning approval in the summer. The second phase of the Tunstall Arrow development will provide an additional
Living Space Housing – in conjunction with social housing provider Stonewater – has submitted a Full Planning Application to Malvern Hills District Council for 79 new homes on a 2.7Ha (6.7-acre) complex brownfield site located off Bath Road, south of Worcester. The proposal is for a mixed-tenure housing solution, to
Ibstock plc, a leading UK manufacturer of clay bricks and concrete products, is pleased to announce ambitious new carbon reduction commitments, including a target for the business to be net zero by 2040. Having substantially achieved their existing goal of a 15% reduction in CO2 per tonne of production, the
A team of Tenancy Gurus at Housing 21 have helped residents save a combined total of over £700k during 2021 as part of the organisation’s Helping Hands initiative. The savings have been made through giving advice across a range of services, including how to access the correct pension and housing
The latest research from Warwick Estates, has revealed where the new-build sector made the biggest impact on the property market in 2021 based on transaction levels and the total value of new homes sold. The research shows that to date, 8,714 new homes were sold across England and Wales in
A unique residential Pocket Living development recently completed in Barking features highly effective thermal performance and an attractive appearance thanks to an integrated package of insulation and exterior façade products provided by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus fixings and Sto Resin Brick Slip
Prologis UK has appointed two new customer-facing staff to focus on maintaining and developing customer relationships as demand for logistics property continues to grow. Will Cassar and Milena Blair will be drawing on their experience in the property and logistics sector to support customers in securing logistics facilities in the locations they need and ensuring their transition to a new property is as seamless and hassle-free as possible. They will be working with a variety of customers, large and small, including many household names such as Royal Mail, boohoo, Dunelm, Eddie Stobart and Tesco. Both Will and Milena will be responsible for working closely with customers at all 22 Prologis Parks in the UK to deliver successful outcomes, help navigate market conditions, solve problems and provide flexibility, and support for bids and pitches. They will also be responsible for engaging with customers around initiatives such as PARKLife, training programmes and green transport schemes. Will Cassar is joining Prologis’ Capital Deployment team and will focus on helping to grow the company’s Customer Led Development business. In his previous role at CBRE he acted for some existing Prologis’ customers, such as Dunelm, and also has experience of working with real estate teams at Geodis, LG Electronics, General Electric, and leading online retailers. Phil Oakley, vice president, Customer Led Development at Prologis UK, said: “Will brings a great deal of experience to support us in expanding our Customer Led Development business across the UK. Having worked with Prologis and some our customers previously, he has first-hand knowledge of our high standards when building and maintaining customer relationships. I look forward to working with Will and I am convinced that he will be an asset to the UK team and the wider business.” Formerly at ADP, Milena Blair joined Prologis in November 2021 as of Real Estate and Customer Experience manager for London and the Southeast. Her role focuses on developing and strengthening customer relationships within the region, the development of Prologis Essentials business lines, and helping to build the PARKLife experience for the benefit of customers in the region. She has a particular focus on community outreach, social responsibility and sustainability. Stuart Davies, real estate and customer experience lead at Prologis UK, said: “Milena is an important addition to our team, and she brings a wealth of experience in areas such as client management, customer care and supporting the introduction of new business lines. These attributes are already proving to be important assets and we are delighted to have Milena onboard.”
The McGoff Group has received planning approval for its eagerly anticipated Market 41 food hall development on the corner of Railway Road and Greenfield Avenue in the centre of Urmston, Greater Manchester. The decision was made at Trafford Council’s planning committee meeting with committee members voting in favour of the development to enhance the existing market site and contribute to the future vitality of Urmston town centre. The next step for Altrincham-based McGoff Group is to secure funding for the multi million pound private development and the company is in advanced conversations with potential funding institutions. The company will also be refreshing contact with the many food and beverage operators who had initially expressed an interest in trading from the new development to see if they are still keen to be involved. They will also be inviting fresh applications from potential new traders, ensuring the best blend and appropriate mix of operators are selected for a successful project. Director at the McGoff Group, Chris McGoff, commented: “We are delighted to finally receive approval for Market 41 and are looking forward to getting the business planning and funding discussions underway once more. The last couple of years have presented unforeseen operational challenges across all sectors, including hospitality, forcing us to re-think how Market 41 would function in a post-pandemic world. We are confident that the concept has been sufficiently future-proofed to reduce operational risk for all involved and are pleased to back on track with a project that will be of economic value to Urmston and economically viable for all involved whatever the future holds.” The approved plans for Market 41 comprise a three-storey scheme with a food hall and communal dining area at its heart. Modular units will provide a clear distinction between individual operators and there will be more outdoor space along with a retractable roof to promote the constant flow of fresh air. In addition to an exciting mix of cafes, restaurants and bars located on the ground and first floors, Market 41 will benefit from dedicated areas for flexible working, lifestyle pop-ups, artisan markets, plus private dining and events. The second floor will feature a 32-room contactless ‘hands free’ hotel and stunning rooftop event area. McGoff continues: “We understand that there has been a lot of interest regarding Market 41; over the next couple of months we aim to reconnect with interested operators and make contact with new ones, finalise the operating model and secure the funding needed to deliver a fantastic market that Urmston can be really proud of.” It is hoped that construction will start on site in summer 2022. For further information on Market 41 please contact Paul Danks on paul.danks@mcgoffgroup.com or visit www.market41.com.
Joseph Mews Property Group offering residential developments to buyers launches this week A new property investment group has this week been launched in the Midlands, which will target both investors and landlords. The Joseph Mews Property Group has been set up by former SevenCapital director Andy Foote – who formerly led the distribution side of that business as SevenInvest – and already has three new UK residential developments on its books. The developments will be announced later this month by the group alongside the four new developers they will be working with. Joseph Mews will assist these developers in bringing these new developments to market across some of the most exciting investment locations in the country. Andy is well known within the Midlands, having led SevenCapital’s global distribution team through more than £900 million in sales for the past eight years. Now, he is expanding that distribution team, SevenInvest, into the Joseph Mews Property Group. Joseph Mews Property Group will sit within his existing group of companies, including Alexander Daniels, The Brain Tumour Charity, BMS Ltd and Nub & Ho Properties. With a focus on helping clients to build wealth through property, the business will also provide industry-leading market research, in-depth investment consultancy and outstanding customer service that Andy has successfully led teams to deliver over the past few years. Andy said: “Myself and the team are incredibly excited to be taking on this new challenge, which will allow us to extend our reach to new audiences and partners around the globe while providing an outstanding standard of care and exceptional investment opportunities for clients. “Our focus will be on delivering quality developments alongside quality developers, working closely with capable and trusted partners to bring the most exciting projects to our investors.” Based in the Jewellery Quarter, Joseph Mews Property Group was named after Andy’s son who passed away in 2007 to a brain tumour aged just nine-years-old. For more details about Joseph Mews email Sales@Joseph-Mews.com or visit www.joseph-mews.com.
Hull City Council has today published a decision record that confirms that Royal HaskoningDHV has been appointed to provide planning consultancy support for the delivery of the Cruise Hull Yorkshire terminal project. The appointment of the specialist international firm comes following an open tender process in which bids were assessed on a ‘best value’ basis combining both price and quality. As a result of this process, the council will now be able to progress the project in completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA), and subsequently submit a planning application in 2022 for the Sammy’s Point site. Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council said: “Hull needs a dedicated cruise facility in the heart of the Old Town so that we can greet cruise passengers with a five-star welcome and an immediate experience of Hull, in addition to the region’s world class visitor attractions. “This could also be a carbon reduction measure, reducing the need for journey to south coast ports. “A new cruise facility would be a huge boost to our plans to increase tourism and create new jobs, therefore this appointment is welcomed.” The proposed design includes Shore-Side Electricity as a carbon reduction measure which allows cruise ship operators to turn off ship engines while in port and rely on more efficient power systems to reduce overall emissions. Work will begin immediately to progress the scheme at a total cost of £ 182,185, running until 2025.
Scheme will deliver further 109,250 sq. ft industrial space along with 200 jobs Network Space has appointed Caddick Construction to deliver the £9.5m Phase Two of its Tunstall Arrow scheme after securing unanimous planning approval in the summer. The second phase of the Tunstall Arrow development will provide an additional 109,250 sq. ft of industrial workspace on the 8-acre plot, bringing an additional 200 jobs to the area. The buildings will be ready for occupation in Autumn 2022. Acquired by Network Space in 2013, the Tunstall Arrow site is a 28-acre former colliery site adjoining the A527 (James Brindley Way) in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent. The scheme is close to the A500, with access to Junction 16 of the M6 only minutes away. Phase Two comprises of five detached, self-contained, units ranging from 13,000 up to 30,000 sq. ft, bringing the long-term brownfield site back into productive employment use. The transformation will also include significant remediation to address historic coal workings and disused mine shafts. Caddick Construction started on site in November 2021 and will deliver the high-specification business premises for industrial or logistic uses. This follows quickly on from the demand seen for Phase One which opened early in 2019. It is currently fully let to a host of international tenants such as: the Dutch tool and equipment hire company Boels Rental, German global delivery service DHL Express, Australian fleet management company SG Fleet Group. Tunstall Arrow is a priority development for one of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, being one of the six sites in the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone.. The CVEZ is one of 48 enterprise zones across the UK with the potential to create up to 6,700 jobs. The zone covers 3.3 million sq. ft of commercial space across six key sites along the A500 corridor. Simon Peters, Development Director at Network Space, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Caddick Construction and to see work start on site . Phase Two will build on the success of Tunstall Arrow Phase One which has enjoyed full occupancy since opening. It has been particularly popular with international companies seeking a prime business location in the North West. “Logistics and industrial demand continues to be extremely strong across the North West,” he added. “Tunstall Arrow will attract further inward investment and secure hundreds of new jobs for the Stoke-on-Trent.” Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction (North West) said: “We are delighted to be working again with Network Space on another exciting scheme that brings so many economic benefits to the North West. The team are keen to bring this brownfield site back to life, particularly with the additional challenges posed by the former colliery workings.” Caddick Construction is currently working with Network Space on the £15m Spitfire Court, Triumph Business Park, Speke, which is delivering 12 Grade A industrial units ranging in size from 3,000 to 34,000 sq. ft. This project is due to complete by early 2022. Network Space has been providing industrial workspace and warehousing for almost 40 years and intends to deliver 2.5 million sq. ft of industrial property over the next five years. Tunstall Arrow Phase Two is expected to be completed in Autumn 2022.
Living Space Housing – in conjunction with social housing provider Stonewater – has submitted a Full Planning Application to Malvern Hills District Council for 79 new homes on a 2.7Ha (6.7-acre) complex brownfield site located off Bath Road, south of Worcester. The proposal is for a mixed-tenure housing solution, to meet the needs for affordable housing within the burgeoning cathedral city. Located in Broomhill, on the outskirts of central Worcester, and north of the traditional village of Kempsey, the site – which is the former Aston Coaches depot – is positioned between an access road off Bath Road and the banks of the River Severn. Since the coach and minibus specialist’s move to a more suitable location in Earl’s Croome, the brownfield land is considered suitable for redevelopment. Living Space proposes to demolish a range of buildings to make way for a high-quality residential scheme. The site is within the Worcester South Urban Extension Area and was granted consent for residential use in April 2018. Living Space and Stonewater’s detailed development plans propose terraced and semi-detached two- three- and four-bedroom houses, two-bedroom bungalows, and one-bedroom apartments, catering for single occupancy, couples, and families of varying sizes. The plans also include provision for a minimum 30% of the available land to be dedicated to Public Open Space, creating net biodiversity gains. Chris Loizou, Land and Partnerships Director for Living Space Housing said: “We are very pleased to submit plans for this strategic site in conjunction with Stonewater. This scheme marks our third project with Stonewater in as many years, following on from our mutual successful developments in Malvern and Kidderminster. And, with 79 affordable homes, this project will become Living Space’s largest development to date. “As can be the case with brownfield sites, there are a number of technical complexities to overcome with this type of redevelopment project, which our plans fully address. There is also a public right of way across the land, which will be safeguarded, while the scenic riverside setting will be significantly enhanced. Our project team is looking forward to working alongside Planning Officers, Councillors, and additional consultees while the planning application is being considered.” The site is enclosed to the east and south by established trees and vegetation. A bus stop with three routes to Upton upon Severn and Hanley Castle is located on Bath Road, opposite the site. Approximately 0.3 miles south of the site entrance – a five-minute walk away – is another bus stop, with regular services running to Worcester city centre, ensuring this is a highly sustainable location to develop new affordable housing. Matt Crucefix, Director of Development (West and South) for Stonewater said: “There is a chronic shortage of the range of homes that we are proposing, and so this scheme is important to enhance the provision of varying types of affordable housing in Worcester. Whilst working towards our vision of giving everyone the opportunity to have a place that they can call home, as with all our new developments, we’ll also be looking to enhance the public realm and convey a distinctive narrative of place, uncovering histories and nuances of the area, for the whole community to enjoy. “Upon completion, the homes at Bath Road will provide an affordable option for families and individuals looking to rent, or take their first step on the property ladder, helping to meet Worcester’s housing demands.” The public right of way across the site will be unchanged by the new residential development. A green corridor will be created, opening up the land for the enjoyment of the new residents and wider local community. Sustainable urban drainage and new attractive landscape features will have the potential to support a biodiversity of invertebrates, insects, amphibians, birds and small mammals. Designed by Worcester-based DJD Architects, the scheme design is tenure-blind, with local materials proposed to replicate nearby traditional dwellings. A contrast of varying red and buff bricks with grey and terracotta roof tiles defines the design principles. The houses are arranged into pairs of semi-detached homes and small terraces, addressing the new street layout, and creating secure rear gardens. There will also be continuous enclosed active street frontages with good natural surveillance. The house designs are all two storeys high, while the apartments will be situated in blocks of three-storeys. The bungalows are designed to be both accessible and adaptable, to cater for the future residents’ specific needs. A total of 152 parking spaces will be provided for across the scheme, to cater for residents’ use and for visitor parking.
Ibstock plc, a leading UK manufacturer of clay bricks and concrete products, is pleased to announce ambitious new carbon reduction commitments, including a target for the business to be net zero by 2040. Having substantially achieved their existing goal of a 15% reduction in CO2 per tonne of production, the Group has established new, more stretching targets to achieve a 40% reduction by 2030, and a commitment to become net carbon zero by 2040. This ambitious new net zero commitment will cover scope 1 & 2 emissions – including investment in more efficient production processes and in high quality environmental projects to offset residual carbon. A strategy to reduce indirect Scope 3 carbon emissions, which contribute less than 40% of the business impact, will be developed in 2022. These new targets build on the Group’s existing sustainability roadmap commitments, creating a framework of targets and critical milestones at the centre of a new 2030 sustainability strategy. Full details of the new sustainability strategy and net zero journey will be published in March 2022, as part of the Group’s 2021 results announcement. Pledging net zero by 2040 is yet another bold commitment from the Group – following significant announcements throughout 2021 – further demonstrating the Group’s active progress to address climate change and move the business into the low carbon economy. Just some of the 2021 announcements include: The launch of ‘Ibstock Futures’ a new business unit, directly addressing a number of exciting future growth markets – with sustainability and the industrialisation of traditional construction processes gathering pace Investment of over £115m committed to construct two state of the art, net zero factories within the existing footprint at Ibstock’s Atlas and Nostell sites Procurement of 100% of electricity from renewable sources The Group are also proud to have received multiple sustainability awards in reflection of both leadership and progress – following investment in new production capacity at multiple plants across the network over the last 20 years, reducing carbon intensity of the manufacturing process. Joe Hudson, Chief Executive Officer of Ibstock PLC, commented: “Whilst we know we have much more to do, I am delighted that we are making progress on our commitments and are able to announce further carbon reduction targets in such an ambitious timeframe. These new carbon commitments, including our pledge to be net zero by 2040, represent a bold step on our journey to address climate change and move the business into the low carbon economy. I am proud of our colleagues across the business who are driving forward our sustainability agenda and securing its place at the core of our purpose as a business and I look forward to presenting further details on our ambitions and targets in March 2022.’’
A team of Tenancy Gurus at Housing 21 have helped residents save a combined total of over £700k during 2021 as part of the organisation’s Helping Hands initiative. The savings have been made through giving advice across a range of services, including how to access the correct pension and housing benefit, to savings in broadband and helping with warm home discount claims. The ‘Helping Hands’ initiative involves colleagues working across the organisation to have open conversations with residents about money and how to help prevent arrears. As part of this, Housing 21 has recruited network of 45 ‘Tenancy Gurus’ and embedded them across the organisation in Retirement Living and Extra Care. The gurus all have a passion for tenancy sustainment and financial wellbeing, support colleagues, and can run sustainment-based activities for residents. Spearheaded by the Tenancy Gurus, a series of Make a Difference Days, or ‘MAD Days’ held throughout the year have proven successful in saving residents a combined total of over £700k and supported residents in having frank and honest conversations about financial wellbeing. Activities on ‘MAD Days’ include running a benefits awareness session, partnership working to resolve issues or helping residents with a benefits application. Nikki Dipper, Business Improvement Officer at Housing 21, said: “The gurus have received additional training and coaching around how to talk about money in a positive way and have those difficult conversations, as well as on benefits and budgeting specifically for older people. “Some amazing amounts of money in backdated claims have been passed on to residents. One colleague helped a resident apply for a private pension which will provide them with a total of £36,000 but it’s also the seemingly small things too, like supporting with setting up internet for a resident, which meant that £80 for a call out charge from their provider has been saved.” In 2021 colleagues have secured benefits residents were missing out on, applied to the National Lottery for funding for garden furniture, as well as making numerous agreements to help get people out of arrears and reduce anxiety around money. Simon, a resident at Denis Wilson Court in Cambridge said: “The services provided to me by the Tenancy Gurus here have been exemplary and courteous at all times. “They are on hand to answer and help with queries from any residents and the responses are always positive and swift. I often think they have large spoonfuls of patience stirred into their cups of tea. Truly a five star team and they add something special to the experience of living here.” Samantha Oliver is a Scheme Manager at Denis Wilson Court and a Tenancy Guru. Samantha commented: “Since starting the Tenancy Guru project I have helped many residents at my own scheme and neighbouring schemes, to ensure they are all getting what they are entitled to. “The role involves everything from arranging volunteers, to helping people access grants to improve their financial situation and benefits they didn’t believe they were entitled to – and helping my colleagues do the same at their schemes. “At a time when so many are struggling, being a Tenancy Guru means I really make a difference to people’s lives and give me job satisfaction.” For more information about Housing 21, visit www.housing21.org.uk.
The latest research from Warwick Estates, has revealed where the new-build sector made the biggest impact on the property market in 2021 based on transaction levels and the total value of new homes sold. The research shows that to date, 8,714 new homes were sold across England and Wales in 2021, accounting for 1.8% of total market activity. The combined value of these new-build sales currently totals just shy of £3.4bn, 2% of the total value of homes sold across the entire market. London remains the biggest new-build market in the nation where transactions are concerned. So far, 1,469 new homes have been sold across the capital in 2021 totalling 2.8% of all homes sold. The East Midlands also ranks high where new-build transaction volumes are concerned, with new homes accounting for 2.3% of market activity, followed by the South East (1.9%), the South West (1.8%) and the North West (1.7%). Wales has seen the lowest level of new-build market activity, with the sector accounting for just 1.2% of total homes sold in 2021. When it comes to market value, London also ranks top with a huge £935m worth of new-build property sold in 2021 – 2.6% of the total market value across the capital. The East Midlands has also seen new homes account for 2.6% of total market value, followed by the North East (2.5%), the North West (2%0 and the South East (1.9%). The East of England has seen one the lowest values of total transactions come via the new-build market. While £327.1m worth of new homes have been sold in 2021, this equates to just 1.5% of total market value. The £74.25m worth of new homes sold in Wales in 2021 also accounts for just 1.5% of total market value. New-build transaction levels and total sold values sourced from the Gov.uk – Price Paid data records of residential property transactions. Jan 2021 to October 2021 (latest available), excluding properties listed by type as ‘other’.
A unique residential Pocket Living development recently completed in Barking features highly effective thermal performance and an attractive appearance thanks to an integrated package of insulation and exterior façade products provided by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus fixings and Sto Resin Brick Slip façade finish, have all been installed on this town-centre project at Whiting Avenue. The development includes a pair of residential blocks, which are predominantly four-storey, but which rise to six floors at the centre of the site. These were built using off-site prefabrication methods in order to reduce disruption to the surrounding area during construction. “When it came to thermal performance, we wanted an insulation solution that would be non-combustible and compatible with the off-site approach,” comments Matt Watts of Reed Watts architects. “The quality of the system was also critical as the building had to meet a wide range of performance criteria, and the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system was able to satisfy this. “We worked with Sto to refine the texture and colour of the bricks. From a visual perspective this allowed us to tie in the development with neighbouring buildings, including an adjacent Victorian waterworks.” The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system incorporates extremely durable mineral-fibre boards which provide both outstanding thermal insulation and unrivalled fire protection. The boards are protected by a reinforcing mesh which increases their resistance to impact damage. “We installed these using the Sto-Rotofix Plus fixings,” adds Steve Beale of Sto authorized installation specialist, Alpine Finishing. “The off-site nature of the buildings’ construction meant that the boards were applied to a secondary lightweight steel frame, and the Rotofix system was perfectly suited to the task.” These unique Sto spiral fixings are compatible with many different types of substrate and can be adjusted after installation to accommodate any unevenness. This allows the insulation boards to be installed without the need for additional expansion joints, and to create a smooth and even exterior surface ready for finishing. The Sto resin brick slips used on this project are manufactured from synthetic render, and so provide durable, weatherproof protection against the elements, with a simulated but realistic brick appearance. Designed to be fully compatible with Sto external wall insulation systems these lightweight, vapour permeable brick slips offer the architect a virtually unlimited range of design, size and colour options, and are an approved finish in a BBA certificate, as a result of thorough R&D testing. The development has been designed around the Pocket Living concept and now provides 78 affordable one-bedroom flats intended for local, first-time buyers. It incorporates secluded courtyard gardens for residents, an allotment area and other outdoor social spaces. It also features a shared home-working space for use by the residents.