Spring is in the air in the Scottish residential property market and, after a winter which both dampened and at times froze growth, activity and interest is burgeoning again, raising hopes of a bountiful and fruitful summer. We are in quite a different place from a year ago, when the
As part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, sustainable construction company Stanhope plc is joining the Planet Mark community to reduce its corporate carbon footprint and increase its social value while engaging with all stakeholders. Its membership aligns with Stanhope’s commitment to undertake initiatives which acknowledge the climate emergency by responding with
Work to deliver the £170m of infrastructure which will make the £6bn Meridian Water project a reality took a huge step forward on Tuesday 16 March with the appointment of the first contractors. Enfield Council was awarded the money by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government last year
THERE is a big focus in the Construction Playbook on procuring for value and harnessing the power of SMEs within the industry. Chief executive at Pagabo, Simon Toplass, discusses how our approach to SME relationships and treatment, and the procurement planning process will deliver on several of the core principles
Are you embarking on a construction project? Then, as the builder, you could be liable for the construction risks that come with it. Depending on the contract, your liability can be from day one, right up to the time you hand over the finished building to your client. It’s crucial
Concern about global carbon emissions has never been higher. The Paris Agreement commits the signatories to reducing global average temperature to below two degrees above pre-industrial levels. This is critical to combatting climate change, but it’ll only happen if practices change. And among the most important contributors to the effort
Panattoni, the largest industrial developer in Europe, is set to start work on the second phase of its 1.6 million sq ft industrial park in Northampton. Panattoni Park Northampton is already the home to three former Panattoni buildings and will see further units delivered at 250,000 sq ft, 380,000 sq
Vonder, a global co-living brand, has announced that Wembley will be the next location to join its London portfolio. Vonder will operate a long-term master lease on 313 apartments as a triple-net tenant across 14,000 sqm of residential space. The company will take on all operational and marketing costs, as
Specialist contractor North Piling is celebrating the successful completion of a 248-pile design, supply and installation project on behalf of sustainable developers Citu at its award-winning Climate Innovation District, Leeds. North Piling used a Junttan PM20 driven piling rig to install the 300sq & 250sq pre-cast concrete piles, overseen by
The development situated less than 200 yards away from the Manchester Metropolitan University campus, will consist of the construction of 62 studio apartments. GMI Construction has commenced works on a new nine-storey Student Accommodation development, for client Alumno Group, at a site near the Manchester Metropolitan University campus in Manchester
Spring is in the air in the Scottish residential property market and, after a winter which both dampened and at times froze growth, activity and interest is burgeoning again, raising hopes of a bountiful and fruitful summer. We are in quite a different place from a year ago, when the storm clouds were just beginning to gather on the horizon. Now, cautious optimism is permeating not just the housing arena, but many other sectors of the economy as well. It is not hard to see why. After 12 months in the doldrums, there is a widespread sense that restrictions may be beginning to lift at last – with less of a threat that the cell door will slam shut again. Schools are heading back, the vaccine rollout continues to be a spectacular success and people are drifting back to work. Spring and summer promise to be periods of frenzied activity, comparable to July and August last year when lockdown was first eased. Then, the market bubbled away nicely until the brakes were hastily applied again on Boxing Day and activity dropped down several gears in January and February. Now that we are back on the road, agents are reporting that they have a cornucopia of stock lined up on their books just waiting for the sellers to press the start button. There is a feeling that people are champing at the bit to get on with their lives. But unlike last year, when we had to cram a completely lost Spring market into a frenetic Summer market, this year promises a more measured market, which should allow the pent-up demand to come through in a controlled manner, rather than as a dam burst. And there is no doubt that aspects of the market are irrevocably changed. While in pre-Covid times aspirational moves tended to be price-driven, the new, fluid job market in which the majority of people are now operating has focused attention on other attributes. An increasingly dominant factor on the wish list now is more space – a most understandable imperative for families in which both parents are hot desking in the kitchen while trying to maintain some educational stability in their children’s home schooling. Gardens, views, countryside and local amenities have assumed a much greater importance for people whose lives have been confined for a year and, as a consequence, peripheral markets have done very well of late. As well as offering a different lifestyle, they have the added attraction of being significantly cheaper. Of course, Glasgow and Edinburgh will always be vibrant, but buyers in this more comprehensively interconnected period are also looking further afield – in the case of the former to Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, and in the latter to Fife, the Borders and East Lothian. The North East has always been a distinctive market in its own right, still dominated by the hydrocarbons industry, and the North West has seen a surge in demand, with our offices in Oban, Elgin and Inverness reporting huge interest in lifestyle opportunities. We can have little to complain about in a year where official statistics report average prices across Scotland rising by 8.4% and the number of sales rising by over 30%, but there has to be a degree of disappointment that the extension of the stamp duty holiday in England until June, with tapered relief until September, has not been matched in Scotland. The rationale in Holyrood for stopping the limited concessions in Land and Buildings Transaction Tax at the end of this month (March) appears to be that the market is active, the stimulus has done its job and therefore it is no longer necessary. It has to be remembered, however, that the property market is always a major economic driver and there surely also has to be an argument, as seems to have been recognised by the UK Chancellor, for keeping it stimulated as we claw our way to post-Covid recovery. And that recovery, when it comes, could well be a rollercoaster ride. The Bank of England note that significant amounts of money have been accumulating in people’s pockets over lockdown – in December the estimate was over £100 billion – and, when it is unleashed, we could be heading for a new Roaring Twenties. Scotland has great choice and diversity in its housing, as well as affordability, and there is no reason why we should not also forge ahead. But perhaps, by the end of the summer, a more desirable state might be a steady but unspectacular market with stable price growth. John McHugh is Managing Partner of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.
As part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, sustainable construction company Stanhope plc is joining the Planet Mark community to reduce its corporate carbon footprint and increase its social value while engaging with all stakeholders. Its membership aligns with Stanhope’s commitment to undertake initiatives which acknowledge the climate emergency by responding with pioneering action through responsible delivery and operation. Stanhope’s total carbon footprint for its direct business in the year ending March 2020 was 87.8 tCO2e and the relative carbon footprint was 1.5 tCO2e per employee. Its total social value was £98,051. The company’s total carbon footprint is currently the equivalent of 77 return flights from London to New York. ESG is integrated into every aspect of Stanhope’s business including its assets, investments and developments, and it works closely with its clients, partners and peer groups to align ESG objectives. The company sets delivery targets for every asset and project tailored to the specific project context, and its Planet Mark membership will enable Stanhope to enhance its action plans by measuring its carbon emissions and social value; and ultimately making carbon reductions for its headquarters in London. Adam Smith, head of sustainability at Stanhope plc, says, “A key focus in 2021 is to set out our policies on ESG, climate change and stewardship that will enable us to meet our WGBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. By joining the global Planet Mark community, we are aligning our ESG objectives with clear decarbonisation and social value goals to put us at the forefront of urgent, immediate and ambitious climate action.” Steve Malkin, founder and CEO of Planet Mark, adds, “I’m delighted that Stanhope plc is joining our engaged member community at Planet Mark. Its strong commitment to development, asset management and corporate sustainability will ensure it plays a leading role in contributing to reduction in carbon emissions in the property and construction industry. Through its diligent policies and stewardship the company is well on its way to achieving its Net Zero goals. I applaud its urgent and immediate actions in tackling the climate crisis in this Decade of Action.”
Work to deliver the £170m of infrastructure which will make the £6bn Meridian Water project a reality took a huge step forward on Tuesday 16 March with the appointment of the first contractors. Enfield Council was awarded the money by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government last year (2020) from its Housing Infrastructure Fund. It will be used to build the roads, bridges, cycle lanes and parkland, as well as the water, gas and communications networks required to deliver the flagship 10,000 home, 6,000 job Meridian Water scheme. Today, Tuesday 16 March, Enfield Council can announce that it has entered into a Framework Agreement with Vinci Taylor Woodrow, BamNuttall and VolkerFitzpatrick to support the delivery of £90million of the works following a competitive procurement process. Furthermore, the Council has today appointed Vinci Taylor Woodrow, as the first ranked framework contractor, to provide pre-construction services. Construction works are due to start on site later this year. The scheme is expected to generate 150 jobs that last for a year or more, with at least 30 of those roles going to local people, and supporting 10 skilled apprenticeships. In addition, there will be an anticipated boost to Enfield’s construction sector, with at least £4 million of contracts with Enfield construction companies, supporting further local jobs. The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “This is a major step forward for Meridian Water, the delivery of infrastructure on the site will pave the way for the 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs we will be creating in this development. “Successfully delivering the infrastructure on the site will be a major step forward in what will be a transformational plan for the area, providing homes, jobas and parkland for the lasting benefit of our borough’s residents. “We are proceeding with pace on this ambitious programme which transform the face of Enfield and play a major role in tackling the housing crisis locally and providing a new, state of the art development which will provide the good quality jobs and homes our residents need.” Enfield Council has made major strides forward in the delivery of Meridian Water, a brand new £46million station was funded by the local authority to improve transport links to the site and the first homes – on the first phase of the development – which will provide circa 950 homes – are due to achieve first completions in 2022. In terms of job creation, the Council has struck a deal with Troubadour Theatres that will provide jobs and increase skills to build film and television studios at its £6bn Meridian Water development. The complex will be known as Troubadour Meridian Water Studios and will assist with the economic regeneration of the Edmonton and Enfield. Work on converting the former VOSA building on the Meridian Water development, to create workspace for Building BloQs to provide to thousands of freelance designers, makers and small businesses, started in December last year. The new workshop will provide 30,000sq feet of workspace and support up to 1,000 makers and creators across a range of departments – engineering, wood, metal, digital and additive technology, paint finishing, and a fashion studio for many years to come. For more information contact Andrew Golder, Press and New Media Manager, Enfield Council. Tel: 020 8379 5147. Email: Andrew.golder@enfield.gov.uk
THERE is a big focus in the Construction Playbook on procuring for value and harnessing the power of SMEs within the industry. Chief executive at Pagabo, Simon Toplass, discusses how our approach to SME relationships and treatment, and the procurement planning process will deliver on several of the core principles outlined in the playbook. Programme versus project With social value to consider as well as physical delivery costs, there is a huge education process that needs to happen led by framework providers, contractors, and consultants to help identify what best value and whole life value actually is. Framework providers like ourselves need to work with public sector organisations to define this, looking at whole programmes rather than on a project-by-project basis. We have an important role, especially as many clients seek to use frameworks to ensure they get the best possible outcomes. This outcome-based approach is another key focus within the playbook, and it is where the creation of a gold standard for frameworks would benefit absolutely everyone working in procurement. For example, frameworks will vary in commercial offerings, so transparency of cost will be important, to ensure contracting authorities aren’t caught out by hidden extras. In the same way that the public sector needs to consider the suitability of a consultant or contractor, it also must choose a framework provider equally as carefully. This means providers must provide simple, affordable and accessible solutions, but more than this they must be transparent about their costs and compliance as well. An excellent example of the action of looking at outcome-based approaches of a programme of work is our recently launched developer-led framework. The projects procured via this framework will be many, and lasting for many years, so all parties must work together to examine the best value – not just simple, monetary cost – beyond the construction phase and across the whole lifecycle. This whole life approach to best value enables us to embed all the key elements we need to be considering for the built environment moving forwards, from delivering true social impact on a local basis, to working towards the government’s goals for net zero carbon. This can all be outlined and embedded into the procurement process, and even within the contracts themselves as KPIs too, particularly within the NEC4 suite of contracts. Preparation is key One of the earliest lessons of my career was that the biggest enemy of good procurement is lack of time, and that rushing the preparation should be avoided at all costs. This is something that has stuck with me throughout several decades of working in procurement, and feeds into our focus on excellent, expertise-led procurement services at Pagabo. What has really resonated with us about the Construction Playbook is that ten of the 14 key policies outlined fall within the first of the five phases of procurement – i.e., within the preparation and planning phase. This section alone is half of the entire 83-page playbook, so it demonstrates the old saying ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’. A huge focus must be placed on getting the preparation spot on to make sure that project success is not threatened, and the best outcomes can be achieved for all parties involved. SMEs are the future of construction The Construction Playbook ultimately aims to deliver a better and fairer industry, including prompt and fair payments – something that is really important to focus on in the conversation around SME engagement. It’s clear that the government is keen to involve SMEs, and ensure their early engagement in programmes, but it’s crucial that this involvement is fair – including proper and prompt payment. This is highlighted even further when we examine the impact of the pandemic on these businesses. Insolvency practitioner Real Business Rescue recently released its Business Distress Index for Q4 2020, with the data revealing that the number of UK SMEs in significant financial distress is now 620,000. If this isn’t startling enough, that figure had risen by 14 per cent from the previous quarter. Construction is second only to fishing as one of the least innovative sectors in the UK, which means we have a real opportunity to make a huge stride forward in how we do things – and SMEs are central to this. They serve as the engine room of our industry, being best placed to bring forth the new ideas, products, services and tech adoption and will help us move out of this comfortable zone where we keep to ‘this is the way we’ve always done it’. The industry has been banging the SMEs and innovation drum for years, but the important thing is to put words into action. At Pagabo, 70 per cent of the suppliers across our ten frameworks are SMEs, and during the latest episode of our ‘Building Blocks’ podcast it was great to hear from Peter Masonbrook at Faithful+Gould that 83 per cent of its supply chain are SMEs. Willmott Dixon’s national account manager Andrew Brookes also joined the podcast discussion. He shared the various innovations taking place within the main contractor organisation, from the small pockets that are constantly happening across its live sites and offices, to larger, business-led approaches such as investment in products for standardisation and digitisation – another two key areas covered by the playbook. Pagabo’s relationship with industry SMEs goes beyond simply appointing them to our frameworks. We have a set of robust KPIs in place which ensure our suppliers are working with local supply chains on every project they undertake. By putting this process in place we’re able to track both the spend on and engagement each supplier has with local SMEs. Another example of this is our work with health tech brand Moodbeam. We’re currently undertaking a series of trials to understand how to best integrate its wearable wellbeing device into our on-site health, safety and wellbeing strategies in the construction sector. Simply put, we cannot afford to lose SMEs within our industry. They will be central to building
Are you embarking on a construction project? Then, as the builder, you could be liable for the construction risks that come with it. Depending on the contract, your liability can be from day one, right up to the time you hand over the finished building to your client. It’s crucial that you understand the risks involved in construction projects. A few risks to consider when starting new construction projects will be discussed below. 1. Property Damage Building property is a risky business. From the moment you start a construction project, you’re liable until you hand over the keys to the building. Liability can come in different forms, like dumping concrete where it’s not supposed to be or accidentally reversing your construction vehicle into someone’s car. Before you begin a construction project, you have to consider different risks and come up with ways of avoiding the liabilities. One way to avoid the risk of property damage is to make sure that your building site is clearly marked and demarcated. Also, ensuring that all safety precautions have been taken care of might save you from liabilities associated with property damage. Taking a Builder’s Risk insurance policy could also help you mitigate the financial consequences of property damage. 2. Worker Injuries Like in most other workplaces, construction isn’t spared from the risk of worker injuries. Working with power tools could actually increase such risks. The construction industry is also exposed to hazardous materials and situations that could harm construction workers. These include working with blocks of cement and adhesives as well as working at dangerous heights or trenches. To avoid worker injuries, you have to ensure that your construction site is safe by observing all safety protocols. This includes proper signage and markings, as well as proper lighting where it’s necessary. Helmets and other safety gear are also something worth considering to avoid worker injuries. 3. Labor Violations While it may seem obvious that working hours should be observed, sometimes it’s easier said than done. You have to make sure that you’re up-to-date with any possible laws and regulations governing labor issues. Violating labor regulations could get you into trouble with the authorities and quite possibly cost you some money. To avoid labor violations, you have to do things by the book. Pay your workers on time, and keep a good record of their working hours all the time. All agreements have to be on paper and explicitly spelled out. An open communication channel between you and your workers is also vital to avoid any possible conflicts and misunderstandings. 4. Bad Contractors The construction industry is one of the sectors which has a high movement of contract workers. There’s a high risk of hiring bad contractors if you don’t do the due diligence of checking their references. Employing inexperienced contractors could cost you time and money. If a job isn’t properly done, you could be liable and would need to fix the damage. Above all, you might mess up your reputation. Bad contractors can be an enormous liability. To avoid working with bad contractors, always make sure you do background checks, assess the work they claim to be good, and assess their mistakes Working with people you’ve worked with before can also reduce the risk of such liability. 5. Contract Violations Contract violations are also a major liability risk. Breaching a contract with either a contractor or your client could expose you to financial liability. Always read your contracts carefully and understand them before you put your signature. Possible areas of conflict could include due dates and deliverables. To avoid contract violations, always try to deliver on time. Also, communicate constantly with your clients to know if they have a problem. Avoid making verbal agreements and make sure that any agreement has to be in black and white. This way, you can always refer back to the contract if there’s a disagreement. Conclusion Construction projects can be hard work. They’re usually costly, rigorous, and prone to liability. From the smallest construction project to the biggest, builders aren’t immune to liability. Should you find yourself in a situation that leaves you liable? You’ll need to be prepared to deal with any problems along the way. Insurance companies now offer liability builder’s insurance, which generally covers most of the risks discussed. It’s always better safe than sorry when managing construction projects.
Concern about global carbon emissions has never been higher. The Paris Agreement commits the signatories to reducing global average temperature to below two degrees above pre-industrial levels. This is critical to combatting climate change, but it’ll only happen if practices change. And among the most important contributors to the effort will be those whose job it is to design and build houses. The British government continues to implement ‘green schemes’ to help achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The house of the future is one that can be built and maintained in a sustainable way. In an ideal world, they’d be perfectly self-sufficient when it comes to their energy needs. The construction industry is pushing itself toward that goal through a series of incremental improvements in efficiency. These are coming as a result of new technologies, architectural methods, and increasingly stringent building regulations. The Importance of Windows Among the more notorious points of weakness in any building, when it comes to heat retention, are the windows. Energy Efficiency Windows have a big say in whether a given space is energy-efficient. A single pane of glass will transmit heat quickly from one side to the other. Two panes of glass, with a layer of vacuum or inert gas in between, will transmit heat that much more slowly. It’s this principle that makes double-glazing the standard choice. Efficiency is rated using a lettered system, which provides the scale for the development of energy efficient and sustainable housing. Natural Light Among the most important functions of a window is to increase the amount of natural light in a property and to reduce reliance on artificial light sources – and windows can serve this function in a number of ways. VELUX windows, skylights and sun tunnels provide a source of natural light, even in the more secluded parts of the house, where exterior windows are not practical. Natural light confers a number of health benefits, which means that homes which score well here are likely to be desirable, even if we discount the environmental upsides. Solar Gain But windows can also be a point where energy is gained. If windows are positioned in such a way as to benefit from the incoming sunlight, then they’ll draw in as much energy as they lose, even during winter. In the northern hemisphere, a south-facing window will benefit more from heat gain than a north-facing one. Blinds and Curtains The effectiveness of a window when it comes to thermal performance will depend on the quality of curtains and blinds installed. Heavy curtains will form a barrier, preventing warm air in the room from mixing with the cold air by the window. This only applies if the curtains have been drawn, however – which is why automatically-drawn curtains and blinds might be a boon, particularly in larger spaces and office buildings.
Panattoni, the largest industrial developer in Europe, is set to start work on the second phase of its 1.6 million sq ft industrial park in Northampton. Panattoni Park Northampton is already the home to three former Panattoni buildings and will see further units delivered at 250,000 sq ft, 380,000 sq ft and 430,000 sq ft, totalling over another 1 million sq ft at the park. The second phase of development at the Park comes after Panattoni successfully speculatively developed and let 625,000 sq ft of space to Eddie Stobart Logistics. Winvic Construction Ltd have begun construction on the three new spec units will be developed over two phases, the first being units 250,000 sq ft and 430,000 sq ft with steels emerging in the coming weeks. Finally, the 380,000 sq ft which will commence later in 2021. Each will benefit from the same prominent location based on junction 16 of the M1 motorway, which will see tens of thousands of cars pass the occupiers’ logos each day. All three units will be built to 15m clear internal height and benefit from 50m yards. Northampton sits in the so-called ‘logistics golden triangle’, considered to be the UK’s most strategically important location for distribution. Panattoni Park Northampton is only 20 miles from the M6 and A14. The completed buildings will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and have an ‘A+’ EPC rating. Local services have been improved on site as part of the development, with the Red Lion Truck Stop parking area being expanded to accommodate more vehicles, as well as an HGV filling station being added to the existing set of pumps. The section 278 road that leads to the truck stop and main development has also been improved to give better access to the motorway. Once fully occupied, the development could support over 1000 jobs. Oliver Bertram, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing the development of 1 million sq ft in Northampton, after only recently completing the three units for Eddie Stobart. This shows that Panattoni has the confidence to deliver speculatively, knowing that the market needs more space. “This park gives businesses an ideal base to serve key markets across the UK, with direct access to the country’s major motorways. Market interest remains high in this area and we are committed to providing the right spaces for businesses to expand their operations. The new units at Panattoni Park Northampton will do just that.” Matthew Byrom, Managing Director at Panattoni, added: “This next phase of development in Northampton demonstrates the success of our high-level business strategy in the UK and the speed and scale at which we work. There are limited opportunities in the UK that will deliver a 1 million sq ft spec option and it’s an important build for industry as a whole and one that we anticipate will soon be let quickly.” Danny Nelson, Director of Winvic Construction Ltd said: “Panattoni Park in Northampton is a scheme that is dear to us. Not only is it close to our head office, we’ve also been on site since 2018, shaping the space with civils and infrastructure works and we then successfully constructed three units simultaneously for Phase 1. “We’re pleased that Panattoni has selected us to deliver more industrial warehouses and that they know Phase 2 is in a safe pair of hands. The challenge is now ours to surpass their expectations once again.” For more details on Panattoni Park Northampton please click this link.
Vonder, a global co-living brand, has announced that Wembley will be the next location to join its London portfolio. Vonder will operate a long-term master lease on 313 apartments as a triple-net tenant across 14,000 sqm of residential space. The company will take on all operational and marketing costs, as well as full property management for the new scheme. Vonder Wembley follows the announcement of the brand’s latest co-living project, Vonder Skies, which recently opened in Brentford. Due to launch in May 2021, Vonder Wembley is located at 1 Olympic Way, right next to Wembley Park tube station and just a few minutes’ walk to the renowned stadium. The complex spans over 15 floors, and offers 174 studios, 121 one-bedroom apartments, and 18 three-bedroom apartments. All 313 apartments come fully furnished with contemporary stylish design for Vonder members – Vonderers – to enjoy. Taking co-living to a whole new level, Vonder Wembley will also offer a private and exclusive member lounge on the 15th floor, hosting community and cultural events with spectacular panoramic views of the capital. Similar to Vonder’s other branded projects across the globe, Vonder Wembley will provide a hassle-free, all-inclusive approach to renting in the capital. With consumers wants and needs at the heart of their business, this site will provide access to 1,000 sqm state-of-the-art ground floor amenities including co-working spaces with conference rooms, a gym, yoga room, private cinema, café, lounge with shared kitchens and a games room. Commenting on the scheme for Vonder Wembley, Tomer Bercoviz, CEO of Vonder, said: “Wembley is one of the most iconic and desirable areas to live in London. We are very excited to bring our evolved concept to the market here. This is a top-notch co-living product which is unprecedented in London. Vonder Wembley offers beautiful apartments, quality furniture and world-class amenities to cover all members’ needs, not to mention the one-of-a-kind rooftop lounge with outstanding views. This is the largest project that we will launch to date in the UK – and we have many more exciting developments in the pipeline.” Wembley sits in zone 4 and is situated just 10 miles from the heart of the capital. With great proximity and easy access to its three rail stations, it has been a prime spot for developers and investors in North-West London and has benefited from huge regeneration projects over the years. Wembley Park Tube provides direct access to the Jubilee Line (only 15 minutes from Bond Street and Oxford Circus) or the Metropolitan Line (Baker Street is accessible within 10 minutes). Other easy access routes include Wembley Central for the Bakerloo Line and overground lines, and Wembley Stadium which has rail services to Marylebone. This flagship development, Vonder Wembley, will join the brand’s existing London property schemes including, Vonder Skies, Vonder Hill, Vonder Shoreditch, Vonder Village and many more, and will continue to strengthen the growth of Vonder’s international portfolio of over 30 locations spread across London, Berlin, Warsaw and Dublin.
Specialist contractor North Piling is celebrating the successful completion of a 248-pile design, supply and installation project on behalf of sustainable developers Citu at its award-winning Climate Innovation District, Leeds. North Piling used a Junttan PM20 driven piling rig to install the 300sq & 250sq pre-cast concrete piles, overseen by Director of Operations Gary Weir. The team were onsite a total of 3 weeks. The riverside site, on the edge of Leeds city centre, was not without its challenges with unforeseen ground obstructions and poor weather conditions, including lengthy snow periods, having to be overcome so the final schedule was unaffected. The piles are supporting Citu’s “Aire Lofts”, consisting of 108 mainly one and two-bedroom apartments, with a handful of penthouses, due to complete in 2022. The Climate Innovation District is the largest sustainable development currently underway in the UK with 1,000 homes being built on car-free streets on the former brownfield site which straddles the north and south banks of the River Aire. These are connected by an iconic bridge, installed by Citu, to serve both sides of the community. Citu is an award-winning vertically integrated developer that designs and wholly manages the construction of a range of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes and apartments, based around a Scandinavian model of medium density urban housing. All the homes are uniquely manufactured at Citu’s factory, Citu Works, again reducing the carbon footprint of the overall build. Said North Piling Managing Director Adam Silverwood: “North Piling prides itself on accurate quoting and complete transparency from the outset and throughout the project in order the gain trust, build relationships and allow for effective communication. Feedback from Citu was that they were delighted with the communications throughout the project and our fast response times meant for a streamlined delivery of service. “I am thrilled that North Piling was involved in what is turning into an iconic development for Leeds city centre. It is even more personal to me as this is my home city and where North Piling began its journey,” added Adam. “I am extremely proud of my team for their consistent hard work and dedication in very testing circumstances due to the Pandemic. I pass this site regularly and look forward to watching the site progress and deliver a development that is leading the way in sustainable living.” Leeds-based Citu was set up in 2004 by Chris Thompson, who continues to lead the business today. Citu aims to tackle climate change through developing exemplar and innovative developments that help create a ripple effect in the industry and lead to more widespread adoption of sustainable methodologies. Always brownfield, urban, connected and embodying a sense of community, Citu has been developing a framework of what sustainable development looks like and believes the wider benefits around health and wellbeing, air quality, ecology, fuel poverty, economic development, connectivity and tackling the housing shortage – all mean that the net effect is a very positive one. Chris added: “We were delighted with the work undertaken by the North Piling team which was delivered on time, despite some challenging conditions. The communication was excellent, site inspections were undertaken at very short notice to ensure we could go ahead with the planned date for the piling works, nothing was too much trouble.” Note to Editors: North Piling is a specialist piling company based in Leeds, Yorkshire and operates nationwide offering reliable cost-effective piling solutions. The team has 15 years’ experience in the piling industry, can undertake all methods of piling, offer a personalised and transparent service. North Piling install piled foundations for house extensions to large housing developments, commercial buildings, flood lights, wind turbines and many more. www.northpiling.co.uk Climate Innovation District: Citu is developing over 1,000 new low carbon homes alongside manufacturing, leisure, offices, a primary school, care home and climate resilient public facilities in Leeds. The homes will be a mix of 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments, and 3 and 4 bedroom ‘family’ houses based around a European model of medium density urban housing with high architectural and design standards that create homes that feel light, bright and well designed. Each home will have access to large amounts of outdoor space and the district creates a series of inter-linked pieces of high-quality public realm designed to encourage community interaction.
The development situated less than 200 yards away from the Manchester Metropolitan University campus, will consist of the construction of 62 studio apartments. GMI Construction has commenced works on a new nine-storey Student Accommodation development, for client Alumno Group, at a site near the Manchester Metropolitan University campus in Manchester City Centre. The project valued at £5.5 Million will consist of the construction of 62 self-contained studio apartments that will feature their own kitchenette and bathroom. Each floor will typically feature eight studio apartments together with a communal area for residents. On the ground floor of the development which has been designed by Ben Kelly, the iconic designer of the world-famous Hacienda Nightclub in Manchester facilities will include a reception/concierge and ‘The Wash Bar’, together with a plant room and associated facilities needed to support the buildings operation. There will also be storage allocated for bikes. Construction commenced on site at the beginning of March with the first resident expected to move in by the summer of 2022. Speaking about the project David Campbell, Managing Director of Alumno Group said: “We are absolutely delighted to be on site with the team at GMI. The site is within the Manchester Metropolitan University campus boundary and just a five-minute walk from the University of Manchester. It will be an excellent bespoke and modern student community hub. We have high hopes that this will set a new benchmark in this location and enhance the choice available to students, who continue to make Manchester a major destination for both study and the excellent student experience.” Also commenting about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Marc Banks said: “This project will regenerate a once uninhabited space into a vibrant and contemporary residential hub for students to thrive in and enhance their University Experience and so we are delighted to be working with our valued client Alumno Group and Consultants on this impressive new residential development. With the interior of the development featuring designs by iconic Manchester designer Ben Kelly, the development is set to become a dynamic and creative environment for students to enhance their University Experience. For further information visit: http://alumnogroup.com/projects/