Kenneth Booth

HBD’s Wyvern Park takes shape with enabling works underway

Development of a major new employment scheme in Skipton is beginning to take shape, with enabling works now well underway and progressing quickly. Wyvern Park is a 58-acre scheme being brought forward by property developer HBD, providing 250,000 sq. ft. of industrial and office space, 188 new homes and creating

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PAGABO ANNOUNCES AWARDS FOR NEW £47BN DEVELOPER-LED FRAMEWORK

PAGABO has announced the awards for its £47 billion, five and a half-year developer-led framework, which goes live today (Tuesday 15 December). Acting on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, national framework provider Pagabo has established a framework of 29 development companies capable of providing developer-led

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CIPS launches the FREE Construction Procurement Competence Tool.

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, the global professional body for supply chain management has launched the new Construction Procurement Competence Tool after the development of a national suite of procurement competence standards following the Grenfell enquiry. In response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Building a Safer Future report, it

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Net Zero Construction Solutions

The planet is warming, and governments around the world are recognising the need more for energy efficiency in the long term. This concern has resulted in net-zero targets that are affecting the way architects design homes and how they are built. From the outset, there need to be careful design

Read More »

Why Is Turkey the Best Place for Hair Transplantation?

Turkey has emerged as one of the world’s capital when it comes to hair transplant clinics. To get an idea of just how true this is, think about this for a moment; around 5,000 patients arrive in Turkey each month to visit a hair transplant clinic.   Reasonable Prices for

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True Dangers of a Tire Blowout

The summer, at all times when the temperatures tend to rise, is associated with the greatest number of tire blowouts. This seems to be related to the fact that during those months people tend to drive longer and faster, and also when their vehicles tend to be carrying heavier loads.

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720,000 SQ FT INTERCHANGE PARK LAUNCHED TO MARKET

Stretton Property Group secures outline planning consent Stretton Property Group has successfully secured outline planning consent for over 720,000 sq ft of prime industrial opportunities at Interchange Park, J1 of the M18 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The development has the capacity to create over 1,000 regional jobs. The planning consent

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

HBD’s Wyvern Park takes shape with enabling works underway

Development of a major new employment scheme in Skipton is beginning to take shape, with enabling works now well underway and progressing quickly. Wyvern Park is a 58-acre scheme being brought forward by property developer HBD, providing 250,000 sq. ft. of industrial and office space, 188 new homes and creating up to 800 new jobs. Units will range from 1,180 – 50,000 sq. ft., providing a wide range of options for SMEs and each designed to suit occupier requirements. Esh Construction is completing the enabling works on behalf of HBD, which includes a new crossing connecting Carleton Road with the A629 Skipton bypass. A new roundabout on the A629, providing access to Wyvern Park, is already nearing completion, while landscaping and new open green space – including a new play area – will also complete in the coming months. New access roads will allow Bellway to begin construction on the new homes. Andrew Milne, Senior Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “Wyvern Park is an important scheme for Skipton, providing much-needed employment space for businesses looking to grow – we’ve seen a lot of interest from local companies as well as new firms considering relocating to Skipton, which is really positive. “We’re on track to complete the infrastructure works by Spring 2021 and development of the new employment units will begin shortly afterwards.” The agents on the scheme are Richard Harris of JLL and Mike Atkinson of Atkinson Associates.

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PAGABO ANNOUNCES AWARDS FOR NEW £47BN DEVELOPER-LED FRAMEWORK

PAGABO has announced the awards for its £47 billion, five and a half-year developer-led framework, which goes live today (Tuesday 15 December). Acting on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, national framework provider Pagabo has established a framework of 29 development companies capable of providing developer-led schemes within the UK for the UK public sector. The framework features nine lots covering three contract structures: Property Development via Joint Venture and Special Purpose Vehicle, Long Income Lease and Lease Back, and Property Development Single Site by Development Agreement. These lots cover a huge variety of development sectors, covering single and multi-occupancy residential and student accommodation, commercial buildings, transport infrastructure and car parks, prisons and high security buildings, education, healthcare, care homes and extra care buildings, and mixed-use schemes. Each contract structure is separated into three value bands as well as on a sector and regional basis to make sure the relevant developers are available to clients for the right size of project. The value bands are split into three increments and cover developments of up to and above £100 million. In order to provide greater choice for clients, Pagabo allowed up to six core companies for each development sector under each lot in every geographical region. In addition to these core companies, three reserve companies have been named to supplement the procurement process in each segment.   The 29 development companies that have been awarded a place on the new framework (in alphabetical order) are: Argon Property Development Solutions Ltd Bruntwood Capital and Centric Community Development Partnerships EDAROTH ENGIE Regeneration Equitix Geoffrey Osborne Godwin Developments Goldbeck HBD Heron Bros Ion Developments GRAHAM Cityheart Kajima Genr8 Kier Property Developments Lindum Group LinkCity McGoff Construction Morgan Sindall Consortium Prime Queensberry Real Estate Seddon Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Summerhill VINCI UK Developments Vistry Partnerships Willmott Dixon Yondr Group Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “We have been blown away by the phenomenal interest to this new framework from the industry, which speaks to its uniqueness and potential. It will not only save time and effort when procuring a developer but will also save developers a lot of money on opportunity bidding as well – which for some larger development schemes can be more than £1 million. “It’s been clear from recent months that government sees the construction industry as really important to our ‘return to normal’ recovery – particularly when it comes to complex development projects. This new framework will allow developers the ability to procure works through a compliant and simple to use framework, and to support the public sector with vital expansion plans, and to create a more robust sector all round.” The framework, which launches today, will run for four years with the option to extend for a further 16 months, and is Pagabo’s first framework dedicated to developers. It is available to all public sector bodies including schools, universities, local authorities, police and emergency services, NHS organisations, health and social care providers, and housing associations, as well as central government departments and the Ministry of Defence. Jonathan Parker, framework manager at Pagabo, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be bringing this new developer-led framework to market, which will give Pagabo a unique procurement route for clients to the development market. As with all of our frameworks, the developer-led procurement option is rooted in compliance, giving our clients complete peace of mind and security, as well as the simplicity of process, speed and support we are known for. “A unique element of this framework is the implementation of legal documents. All too often in the development market, ensuring the compliance and accuracy of documentation can significantly complicate process and make things take longer, so we have worked closely with a leading legal practice to create standard documents for clients to use as a basis to help further speed up the process. “A great deal of our procurement success is down to our client-focussed approach. With all our frameworks we aim to simplify the whole process, ensure flexibility and provide greater choice for clients, all packaged up with OJEU compliance – and this new framework is no different in that respect. It will form another crucial part of our Pagabo’s overall portfolio, and it’s clear from the highly competitive process that our collaborative approach and market engagement has resonated with developers. This is an excellent way to round out the year, and we very much look forward to progressing the first projects via the framework over the coming months.” In order to be considered for the framework, providers were required to go through a rigorous OJEU compliant tender process, prove financial suitability and relevant experience. As well as this, providers on Pagabo frameworks are required to share the company’s passion for social value and technology. This framework launch rounds off a successful 2020 for Pagabo, with the framework provider recently surpassing £3 billion in social value enabled via its suite of frameworks, and the launch of the second iterations of its highly successful Major Works and Professional Services frameworks earlier in the year. For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/

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CIPS launches the FREE Construction Procurement Competence Tool.

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, the global professional body for supply chain management has launched the new Construction Procurement Competence Tool after the development of a national suite of procurement competence standards following the Grenfell enquiry. In response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Building a Safer Future report, it was recognised that poor procurement practices can lead to decisions that compromise all aspects of building and life safety, and across the sector there was a desire to improve the competence of people involved in procurement activities so that better decisions are taken at all levels of the construction supply chain. The free tool allows users to benchmark themselves and other individuals against the recommended competency framework to understand the level of competency or additional training and skills required to meet these more rigorous standards. Users select their job role, such as building safety manager, principle contractor, or procurement leader followed by job competencies set against RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) stages 0-7 with the required level indicated against each stage. The stages cover definition, capabilities and knowledge which are matched to levels in the CIPS global framework highlighting skills and capabilities required in various job roles. The user then receives a summary of skills and competencies and where there are gaps for improvement. The tool is designed for use by individual contractors and construction professionals, companies and project managers. CIPS chaired Working Group 11, one of the 13 groups appointed as part of the Competency Steering Group (CSG) following the Hackitt report. The CSG was tasked with the development of a national suite of procurement competence standards required not just amongst builders but associated professions such as architects and surveyors when working on higher risk buildings. Organisations can map what procurement competency levels are required at each stage of a build, identifying key roles and levels of understanding to support enhanced safety aims. Whole teams can go through the process of assessment. Duncan Brock CIPS Group Director and chair of the procurement working group, said, “The free tool is a result of a collaborative project to help support the construction sector to combat its common challenges and reach a balanced approach as the pressures of price, margin and safety remain. We hope it will give the sector more confidence and knowledge about procurement and build a better future for residents of higher risk buildings. “The Grenfell tragedy will stick in our minds for many years to come and CIPS is proud to have been part of the work to improve standards to increase competence and ultimately ensure the safety of citizens in their homes.” More information about the tool.

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Net Zero Construction Solutions

The planet is warming, and governments around the world are recognising the need more for energy efficiency in the long term. This concern has resulted in net-zero targets that are affecting the way architects design homes and how they are built. From the outset, there need to be careful design considerations, not only to construct the best possible net-zero building today, but to allow future innovations to be easily applicable.  Energy-Efficient Design  The construction industry is rightly concerned about creating a net-zero standard. It is not only beneficial for the planet and a requirement of governments, consumers are ready to invest in these progressive capabilities. Some technologies for developing energy-efficient designs are already being deployed in new builds, such as carbon-neutral structures; others are emerging and still require specialised techniques to implement. Although architects and designers are awaiting these progressive technologies there is much that can be done with today’s capabilities. The design stage is crucial. Making the right choices means the project is well-planned and capable of contributing to the net-zero ambitions. This means using better insulating materials and developing structures capable of onboarding energy-saving technologies in the future.  Green Construction Technology Net-zero construction must implement the latest in green technologies to be successful. To design a building for the future architects and designers, such as peter blacker & associates need to model the building carefully in the planning stage and assess the needs and possibilities of the construction. This modelling technique allows designers to visualize the building and make strong decisions. These might involve using prefabricated construction technology to create more energy-efficient homes.  Some buildings may call for different materials and structures to fit with budgets and still meet net-zero targets. The modelling software can effectively assess what is required for a highly energy-efficient home and what materials or devices will work with the project. For instance, the modelling software can efficiently analyse different pumps, and heat pump and an air pump, then tell the builders which is more energy-efficient.  Net-Zero Insulation Methods   One of the most effective and cost-efficient ways of achieving net-zero emissions is to construct buildings with excellent insulation. The process of super-sealing refers to the practice of air-sealing building to prevent excessive heat loss. More and more, super-sealing is being used in modern construction as a way to make building more efficient and achieve government targets. Super-sealing allows buildings to store the heat generated for longer and improves their energy rating.  There are various types of insulation that can be used such as SIP panels which are excellent for sealing a building. Even so, super sealing can still be used to further insulate the building. A super seal is applied continuously throughout the building and is very effective for reducing energy consumption. A super sealed building does not only prevent heat loss, it also provides optimal cooling within the building during hot dry spells.  The Power of Renewable Energy To create the net-zero home of the future architects and designers will not only consider the material structure of the buildings, but they will also have to think about the type of energy used to heat homes. Solar power was once the best and most viable option for clean energy, although it is somewhat impractical. Today there are several clean energy options. Some are more efficient than others, but it’s likely a combination of sources is needed.  Homes built today with net-zero aspirations will use insulation, solar power, wind power, and possibly new technologies such as geothermal heating. Geothermal heating involves boring a hole deep into the earth where the temperature is a constant 45 degrees. This heat can be tapped and used for the home indefinitely, and without emitting harmful carbon into the atmosphere.  Energy-Efficient Systems and Appliances Architects and designers can work tirelessly to create the perfect net-zero home, but sometimes efforts also need to be made by those living in the buildings. What use is insulation if doors and windows are left open so the heat escapes? Similarly, what good is solar power if the building is still using fossil fuels? The long-term success of net-zero homes will require a collaboration between builders and owners.  As technology improves and new possibilities open up, building owners need to be willing to upgrade as necessary. Heat pumps, water pumps, and geothermal systems might be expensive to install at first, but they also present huge benefits and excellent savings to homeowners. Once installed these new technologies will make a noticeable difference in temperature and offer significant annual savings over the long term. 

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Why Is Turkey the Best Place for Hair Transplantation?

Turkey has emerged as one of the world’s capital when it comes to hair transplant clinics. To get an idea of just how true this is, think about this for a moment; around 5,000 patients arrive in Turkey each month to visit a hair transplant clinic.   Reasonable Prices for the Surgery Perhaps the most well-known thing about hair transplant in Turkey is the low cost compared to other countries where the procedure costs an arm and a leg. While a hair transplant’s price is about anything from $4,000 to $15,000 in most developed countries, the same procedure done in Turkey using the same technology and equipment costs a fraction of that amount! When you have hair transplant services in Turkey, you are sure to stay within your budget. You can get the best hair transplant services depending on the amount of hair to be transplanted. It will cost you a minimal fee of from $1,500 to $4,000, giving you extra cash to use on other things. The cost includes many other things related to the surgery, such as hotel, transfer fee, the doctor, and the nurse fee. Look keenly at the clinic’s package; you can get the best value for money. Bundling is not a strong suit for other hair transplant destinations. Many Hair Transplant High-class Facilities There is a saying that competition breeds quality. Well, Turkey and in particular Istanbul has many world-class facilities where any patients in need of a hair transplant can go to and get their hair restored. That far gives a person more choice if they choose to have a hair transplant in Turkey rather than any other country. The choice means you can negotiate on many things that you feel are necessary before the hair transplant. It also means you do not have to use a service provider that you do not like. Do your research and make a choice. An Abundance of Hair Transplant Surgeons What would so many hair transplant clinics be to you if you were not receiving the best service? If you choose to be in turkey, you can bank on the high number of professionals in hair transplant to know that you are enjoying the best services not only in Turkey but the world. Because of the high number of physicians, Turkey is regarded as the hair transplant leader, as the US is considered the leader in cosmetic surgery. Every hair graft procedure is a team operation, and turkey has many doctors and nurses specializing in hair transplant. You can only expect the best service from the thousands of doctors and nurses in the country. With their large numbers, they have more seminars to improve skills and techniques. Travel to this beautiful country and experience the best hair grafting can offer. There will be no more waiting lines due to insufficient doctors. Advanced Medical Technology You have to contend that hair transplant is not a walk in the park, and only the best facilities can assure permanent natural-looking hair. Luckily, Turkey has advanced in medical technology regarding hair transplant to ensure no regrets after medical surgery. You will have experts at all hair transplant technologies like FUE, FUT, and DHI (https://cosmeticium.com/dhi-hair-transplant/). The doctor will take you through all possible hair remedies like Laser light therapy, Hair replacement surgery, FUE, FUT, and DHI, and some prescription drugs like Propecia and Minoxidil so you can choose with all the fact on the table. Whatever choice you make, you are assured that doctor will do the treatment from Turkey with local facilities. Some countries promise heaven only to outsource everything. Government Support of Medical Tourism Turkey is among an elite group of countries that support medical tourism. The hair transplant industry has brought this great nation; it is no wonder it is part of the government plans. You can get a facility supported by the government, so they don strain on resources hence the low price. Because of the government support for medical tourism, Hair transplant clinics can help organize your travel at a lower cost the flight tickets. Once you are in Turkey, you can also consider visiting many historic and scenic sites. In Conclusion; Turkey is the undisputed capital of hair transplants; anyone who needs the best hair transplant services at a reasonable cost should put Turkey first on their list. Cosmeticium’s hair transplant in turkey is the best for all kind of cosmetic treatments. However, one must do proper research to get an accredited clinic with accredited doctors to make the most out of a hair transplant experience.

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True Dangers of a Tire Blowout

The summer, at all times when the temperatures tend to rise, is associated with the greatest number of tire blowouts. This seems to be related to the fact that during those months people tend to drive longer and faster, and also when their vehicles tend to be carrying heavier loads. Add to the mix tires that are not necessarily new, and you have the potential of a tire blowout. Other factors contributing to these accidents are insufficient air pressure and impacting obstacles on the road. Which are the main culprits of tire blowouts? Tires that are worn and in bad condition cause serious problems with: Drivability Braking Control of the vehicle What are the problems tires present as they wear down? Worn tires are really dangerous. That is why there are many different issues that can arise from tires that have seen better days, such as: Punctures The tread in tires protects the casing from being punctured. If it is worn down it is much easier for a sharp object to penetrate the tire. If this happens and you get a sudden blowout, you may lose control of the steering wheel and impact other vehicles around you. Hydroplaning When you drive over water such as when it’s raining or through potholes you can feel confident that your car will respond well because your tires have a nice tread that can grip the water and keep you straight on the road. If, on the other hand, your tires are worn, you may feel as if your car is sliding across the water in a phenomenon known as hydroplaning. And, as you are sliding, you may end up hitting other vehicles. Heat Buildup You should know that heat is a major enemy of rubber and an important factor in tire failure. This is because, when the tires wear down, there is less space for air to pass between the grooves of the tread to allow for the tires to cool and they end up heating up to the point where they become dangerous. Leaking Air As tires’ tread gets worn down, they are much more likely to lose air pressure through leaking air. This not only ends up affecting fuel economy, but it makes steering more difficult as well as braking. Is there anything you can do to ensure your tires are safe for driving and have a longer life? Disregarding your tires when it comes to car maintenance may have grave and unintended consequences. That is why it is so important for you to always place them in your to-do list when it comes to car maintenance. Keep these points in mind: Do not Drive with Underinflated Tires Air, after all, is what allows a tire to carry the weight of the vehicle and its cargo. If your tires do not have adequate tire pressure, the components that make up the tire flex beyond their defined limits. Without going into too many specific details, suffice it to say that they would react the same way as a wire hanger that has been bent out of shape too many times. The tires would eventually become so weak that they would end up failing. There is no need for you to be a tire expert to know how much air your tires need. The driver’s door usually shows you that exact information. Some new models even give you an alert when a tire is severely underinflated. If your car does not, please get in the habit of checking your tires’ pressure. Also, if for some reason you have to drive a long distance and realize you did so with an underinflated tire, have a professional take it off and check it before you drive again and tell you how much damage it suffered. It may be necessary for you to buy a new one. Beware of Potholes Potholes are a big enemy of tires, particularly those ultralow-profile ones. If you hit it hard enough, the internals of your tire can be cut or frayed. If the pothole manages to cut all the way through to the inside of the tire, you will have no other option but to buy a new tire. Don’t Overload Your Car Just because your vehicle has the capacity to carry stuff, it does not mean that the tires can do so. Carrying extra heavy loads and having underinflated tires is never a good combination. There is a number molded into the tire that informs you of the maximum weight it can carry, providing it is inflated to the maximum pressure. A Deadly Combination One of your tires might have hit a pothole with no immediate bad results, but an undetected slow leak might be doing its job on it. You may have noticed your car leaning towards one side and done nothing about it or it may take you by surprise. But if you mix that situation with a car that is overloaded and carrying your children and a couple of friends, you may have a tire blowout in the middle of the highway to your destination. This and many other frightening scenarios can be associated with tires that blow out. Maybe your teenager borrowed the car and forgot to tell you about hitting a pothole or it could be that you forget to periodically check the tires’ pressure. Whatever the case, if you have a blowout on the road and can still control your steering wheel, try to maintain the car in your lane while pressing gently on the brake until the car almost stops. Then, gently move towards the shoulder and hopefully, you can stop there. Have you been in an accident where there was a tire blowout involved? If you need legal help because of an accident involving a tire blowout you should know that 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. They have the legal professionals you need and will match you with a truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere

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MANCTOPIA’S CAPITAL&CENTRIC TO DELIVER £50M COMMUNITY IN FARNWORTH TOWN CENTRE

Bolton Council has agreed a deal with social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC – the stars of BBC2 documentary Manctopia – to redevelop the former market precinct in Farnworth town centre. The plans will see the site transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use community based on the developer’s neighbourhood housing concept. It will include over 200 modern homes centred around a new public square for artisan markets, live events and more. The plans also include a new flexible space for community uses and events, with a village hall feel, which could host vintage fairs, art galleries, and pop up gin bars. It will also see a linear park and spaces for café-bars, delis, a mini-cinema, gym and co-working. Located on King Street in the heart of the town centre, the site is a short walk from the train station with easy access into Bolton and Manchester, and on the doorstep of the refurbished bus-station, making it an ideal location for commuters. Tim Heatley, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said: “This is about rebooting and modernising the market town. By creating 200 new homes around the square, we’re bringing life, and spending power, back to the town centre, so it’ll have its own ecosystem. We’re looking to attract the region’s best artists, makers and indie operators to set up home here.   “If you jump on a train you can be in Manchester in less than 20 minutes, so we see this rivalling the city centre with the same quality homes but affordable to more people from young professionals to downsizers. All surrounded by an incredible public square, plenty of trees and loads of places to hang out.” Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox, added: “It’s great to see such exciting development plans for Farnworth town centre. Capital & Centric have a fantastic track record of not just creating buildings but communities for people to live, work and socialise in, which is what is needed to transform Farnworth town centre and make it more vibrant, attractive for visitors and fit for the future.” Chair of the Farnworth steering group, Cllr Paul Sanders, said: “This is real progress and what we’ve been waiting for. The delivery of the key development proposals in the masterplan is vital for Farnworth and the plans proposed by Capital & Centric are welcomed. Our ambition is to rejuvenate the town centre and bring in new community facilities for our residents. We are looking forward to sharing the plans with Farnworthians, Kearsleyites and our partners.” Bolton Council has purchased the Market Precinct from St Modwen and entered into an agreement with CAPITAL&CENTRIC to progress the long-awaited redevelopment of this major site. CAPITAL&CENTRIC is planning to launch a public consultation on the plans, which are being designed by architects BDP, in the new year. This is CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s first project in Bolton, following other town centre schemes in Stockport and Rochdale being announced earlier this year. The developer is famed for its high quality and bold designs and focus on creating a positive social impact. Farnworth reached the second phase of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, a multi-million pound pot of cash set up to make high streets fit for the future. ‪ The council submitted a business case in June 2020 and is waiting to hear whether the £19m bid has been successful. The additional funds would help in the delivery of a number of key development projects identified in the Farnworth town centre masterplan. Farnworth is also one of Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham’s Town Centre challenge areas.

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STERLING CAPITOL AND PLP AGREE TO DELIVER A PRIME LEEDS LOGISTICS SITE

Two of the most active commercial property companies in the north of England, Sterling Capitol and PLP, have entered into an agreement to deliver a 100-acre development in south Leeds. The development, which will be an extension of Sterling Capitol’s Capitol Park Leeds, by Junction 28 of the M62, has the capacity to create 2,000 new and sustainable jobs. An outline planning application for the site is scheduled to be submitted to Leeds City Council next month. Mike Heydecke, director of Leeds-based Sterling Capitol, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with such an accomplished company as PLP. Their reputation for delivering high-quality and award-winning logistics developments is fully deserved and they are the ideal partner for high-profile projects. “Our joint skills as developers complement each other perfectly. We have worked hard to prepare the Leeds site for planning and PLP will drive the development forward, building high-spec industrial and logistics units which will attract quality occupiers. We are also looking forward to working with PLP on future projects across the north. “The Capitol Park site is a crucially important development for south Leeds, creating much-needed jobs and providing a timely boost to the area’s economy. The success of Capitol Park Leeds, adjacent to this new site, has proved that the location, just by the M62 and close to Yorkshire’s excellent motorway network, is a winner.” Keith Wilson, Development Director of PLP commented “We are delighted to have entered into an agreement with Sterling Capitol. They have a fantastic reputation for delivering large-scale developments and this partnership approach will give us the opportunity to help bring forward some of the best sites in the region. “We now look forward to developing out new prime industrial and logistics facilities at Capitol Park Leeds and in keeping with PLP’s sustainability commitment, all new speculative buildings here will be delivered to Carbon Net Zero standard which is already proving a key attraction for occupiers,” he added. Capitol Park Leeds is arguably the leading out-of-town business park in Leeds with premium occupiers including Barratt Homes, Hermes and NHS Shared Business Services. Sterling Capitol have also developed Capitol Park Barnsley and Capitol Park Goole, creating over 3,500 jobs. The company is also working with Strata Homes on the Barnsley West residential and commercial development by Junction 37 of the M1, which will create another 3,000 jobs. Meanwhile PLP, which was established in 2015, is a specialist UK logistics and industrial property business. The company acquires land and builds out prime industrial and logistics facilities, either speculatively or pre-let to blue-chip occupiers. It is extremely well-funded with a national remit and has recently made significant investments in the Yorkshire region where it is already developing and investing in four locations, either constructing or having completed six units in the last 12 months, ranging in sizes from 45,000 sq ft to over 500,000 sq ft, including the award-winning Bessemer Park development in Sheffield.

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Robertson Appointed to Build £31.5million New Assembly Hall for Babcock at Rosyth

Robertson Construction has been appointed by Babcock, the Aerospace and Defence company, to deliver its new Assembly Hall at Rosyth. The £31.5 million facility will initially be used for Babcock’s Type 31 Programme for the delivery of the five General Purpose Type 31 Frigates and has been designed to enable two vessels to be assembled side by side.  The 147m x 62m x 42m Assembly Hall will provide Babcock with productivity gains through improved access, digital connectivity, and protection from weather disruption. David Cairns, regional managing director, Robertson Construction – Central West, said: “This contract award further illustrates our capabilities in the Defence sector, and we are delighted to be working with Babcock. “Enabling works commenced in April and the main contract began in September.  Phase one of piling is complete which enabled the steel structure to commence in mid-November, the facility will be completed in summer 2021 in order that Ship Assembly can commence. Throughout the Assembly Hall build we will be seeking to support local employment and spend where possible. We have already committed significant orders to local Scottish suppliers and created five new full-time roles which have been filled by members of the local community.” The facility will provide open space to enable Babcock effective and efficient work practices and interior gantry stair access will remove the need for scaffolding inside the building, enabling personnel to safely access the vessels without having to leave the building.  Cairns, continues: “Babcock has cleverly applied lean thinking to the building which not only provides them with best value, but enables future proofing of the Assembly Hall.” Access to both the North and South of the facility for the clear flow of materials and ship sections is being accommodated through four Mega Doors which are 30m high and 25m wide with a demountable centre piece to create one large door if required.  Two 125T gantry cranes will also be installed inside to assist with ship assembly, providing cover to the entire internal area. Derek Jones, Chief Executive, Babcock Marine Sector said: “It is great to see the progress being made across the programme as we put in place new infrastructure and technologies to support the build phase of these fantastic new frigates. I know the team are looking forward to working closely with Robertson Construction on the development of the new Assembly Hall. “The Type 31 programme is re-energising the UKs’ maritime capability through innovative, next generation, UK ship design and build. The infrastructure investment underway at Rosyth, builds on our exceptional heritage, experience and engineering insight, delivering a very real step change in capacity and capability for modern UK Shipbuilding.”

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720,000 SQ FT INTERCHANGE PARK LAUNCHED TO MARKET

Stretton Property Group secures outline planning consent Stretton Property Group has successfully secured outline planning consent for over 720,000 sq ft of prime industrial opportunities at Interchange Park, J1 of the M18 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The development has the capacity to create over 1,000 regional jobs. The planning consent granted to Stretton Property Group from Rotherham Council will bring forward a new logistics warehouse development to address chronic regional shortages of prime, Grade A industrial accommodation to meet the continued high levels of demand across the sector. Stretton has appointed the industrial agency teams at CBRE and M1 to market the scheme.  The 40 acre site, located strategically at the tip of the M1/M18 triangle, has outline planning consent to deliver up to 720,000 sq ft of B2, B8 and E(g) employment space. The scheme can accommodate a range of Grade A industrial warehouse unit sizes, suitable to a variety of occupiers. The units will be designed to incorporate office accommodation and extensive parking. This development comes at a time where there is an acute lack of supply across the region and as a result, the scheme is expected to attract a mix of regional and national occupiers looking to be strategically located within Yorkshire. Mike Baugh, Senior Director of Industrial Agency at CBRE, said; “It’s fantastic news that Stretton Property Group has secured outline planning for Interchange Park. Yorkshire will represent around 30% of all the UK logistics take-up this year due to its appeal to a wide range of occupiers. As a result, we are experiencing severe shortages of big box supply in the region and Interchange Park is hitting the market at the right time to satisfy occupier demand. The site’s key location and the potential range of accommodation opportunities make the development an excellent choice for a wide variety of occupiers.” Edward Chantler, Group CEO at Stretton Property Group, said; “We are delighted to have secured consent to unlock this strategic, job creating site and to facilitate the delivery of much needed stock for the Yorkshire industrial market. The regional logistics sector continues to go from strength to strength and we are pleased to bring Interchange Park to the market to deliver a range of opportunities for occupiers in South Yorkshire.”

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