Euramax demonstrates how modular construction can help the country build back greener Following UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of £350 million in funding to help cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in industry, construction and transport, Yorkshire based windows and doors manufacturer Euramax explains how modular construction could help the
Parcel company takes 10 year lease on second warehouse at huge distribution park just north of East Midlands Airport Global logistics operator DHL has taken a second big unit at the vast SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway being built on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border. The parcel company has taken a
IP Investment Management (“IPIM”), a Hong Kong-based boutique real estate investment manager and Maven Capital Partners (“Maven”), a leading UK property and private equity manager, have partnered to build Manchester’s first Hampton by Hilton hotel. The venture is Maven’s first hotel collaboration with IPIM, having already worked together on eight
Four Tech trends transforming the way we work The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact across UK business and industry and we’re already witnessing a rapid and forced evolution in the way we work. For UK the construction industry, this is as much on site as it is at
FRESH plans to bring much needed social housing to Nottingham and breathe life back into a historic pub, that has laid empty for a number of years, are now being considered thanks to a joint venture between Bmor and Carlton Street Trading. The Grove, located on Castle Boulevard, Nottingham, was built in 1886
Passing the Civil iteration of the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is a vital step for any professional who wants to take their career forward and unlock the most promising opportunities. Thousands of individuals go through this process every year, and it is something which you will likely
Gyms have been growing in popularity in recent years with an increasing number opening. No one could have imagined how terrible 2020 would be for them. As the ongoing pandemic continues to affect our lives, gyms in the UK have had a stop-start year with several closures forced on them.
Winning a lottery prize of £1 million is a thrilling experience. But have you thought about what to do if you win the lottery? If not, then you have come to the right place. Here, we will tell you an investment strategy that can give you remarkable returns in 2020.
Build to rent specialist Moda Living has got the green light to transform Great Charles Street in Birmingham into a high-rise residential-led neighbourhood. The developer is presently in negotiations with several contractors to build the £260m Jewellery Quarter high-rise building complex, which will provide 722 homes for rent. The site
Work has begun on a 482,000ft2 warehouse for contract logistics provider DHL Supply Chain at DP World London Gateway. In a joint enterprise, DHL says it will construct a brand-new bespoke facility at the London Gateway’s Logistics Park. Work to prepare the plot is underway, with the main facility build
Euramax demonstrates how modular construction can help the country build back greener Following UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of £350 million in funding to help cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in industry, construction and transport, Yorkshire based windows and doors manufacturer Euramax explains how modular construction could help the country build back greener, as well as better. The funding, part of the “Build Back Better” campaign, is designed to help combat CO2 emissions and restore the economy’s position following the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments include support for materials innovation, including research into steel sustainability, and £26 million to support advanced building techniques. As well as boosting the construction industry’s productivity, it’s vital that the government’s funding positively impacts its environmental status. Currently, 39 per cent of global CO2 emissions are attributed to building and construction. Broken down, 28 per cent comes from the energy used to heat, cool and light buildings, while the remaining eleven per cent is from the materials and construction processes used. Just under half of the £350 million investment is being used to fund the use of innovative materials to cut emissions in the sector. Modular construction, the process of manufacturing parts of a building, known as modules, offsite and transporting them to site for assembly will significantly support all of the environmental focuses outlined by the government. “Apart from being cheaper and quicker to build, modular construction methods also have less environmental impact compared to traditionally constructed buildings”, said Nick Cowley, managing director at Euramax. “As modular builds can be completed 50 per cent faster, fewer resources are required, which also produces 90 per cent less waste. “Although glass, steel and concrete are fundamental materials in building and construction, their production is highly energy intensive, whereas 94 per cent of the materials used to construct a modular build are recyclable. All of these benefits point to a solution that is less harmful to the environment, further supporting the reduction of emissions across the sector”, added Cowley. Euramax, which supplies its windows and doors to a number of modular construction projects, has formed close relationships with modular home manufacturers Ilke Homes, for which Euramax is supplying the windows and doors for over 2,000 of its modular homes. “Modular builds are also environmentally friendlier to run because they are incredibly airtight. Energy efficiency is crucial in modular builds, and our products, which are rated A for their energy efficiency by the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC), are perfect modular components. Higher energy efficiency means less power is required to heat a build, which could reduce overall emissions of the built environment.” “To “build back better”, we must actively do as much to build back greener, and investing in modular construction for this purpose is certainly a step in the right direction”. For more information about how Euramax supports modular construction go to www.euramaxuk.com.
Parcel company takes 10 year lease on second warehouse at huge distribution park just north of East Midlands Airport Global logistics operator DHL has taken a second big unit at the vast SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway being built on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border. The parcel company has taken a 10 year lease on a 192,000 sq ft facility at the huge distribution park next to the M1, just north of East Midlands Airport. It takes the total space pre-let to DHL there close to 900,000 sq ft. Back in August, planning permission was granted for a 670,000 sq ft building for DHL on the warehouse park – covering an area the size of about 80 football pitches and likely to provide employment space for hundreds of people. East Midlands Gateway – which is served by its own rail freight interchange – is already home to a number of big warehouse buildings occupied by Amazon, Very, XPO Logistics and Kuehne and Nagel. Once complete, it will provide six million sq ft of space and create an estimated 7,000 jobs. DHL also has a significant base at the nearby airport. BusinessLive recently revealed how East Midlands Airport’s freight operations and the logistics firms around it were creating more new jobs right now than any other part of the region. The airport has seen a 20 per cent growth in the amount of freight going through it, after increasing demand for dedicated express freight operators such as DHL, UPS and FedEx and an increase in people shopping more online. Andrew Pilsworth, SEGRO’s business unit director for national logistics, said: “The latest addition with DHL at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway continues to highlight the demand for modern, sustainable space that is supremely well located. “We have now contracted over half the available space, securing inward investment and creating jobs across the region. “There’s a vibrant atmosphere on site and it’s good to see the high levels of activity of our customers during these uncertain times.” He said the on-site rail terminal, operated by Maritime, was now operational with trains transporting goods across the UK linking other strategic rail freight interchanges and ports such as Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and the Channel Tunnel. Mr Pilsworth said that since construction began on site in 2017, SEGRO had spent £100 million on earthworks, upgrading transport and road infrastructure, including building a new by-pass around the village of Kegworth. The site is seen as geographically significant because of its central England location, and proximity to the cities of Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.
IP Investment Management (“IPIM”), a Hong Kong-based boutique real estate investment manager and Maven Capital Partners (“Maven”), a leading UK property and private equity manager, have partnered to build Manchester’s first Hampton by Hilton hotel. The venture is Maven’s first hotel collaboration with IPIM, having already worked together on eight purpose-built UK student accommodation (“PBSA”) developments. Hampton by Hilton, Manchester, is Maven’s eighth UK hotel development and expands a hotel portfolio which includes brands such as hotel Indigo, Ibis Styles and Travelodge. The £24.6 million newly built hotel was designed by Tim Groom Architects, with Create Construction as the main contractor, alongside its sister company Create Developments, both part of north-west development experts, Create Group. The 221-room, nine storey hotel is the latest to join Hampton by Hilton’s growing portfolio, which includes 31 existing properties in the UK. Hampton by Hilton is one of the fastest growing global hotel brands, offering a consistent hotel experience at a competitive price point to business and leisure travellers alike. There are over 2,500 Hampton by Hilton hotels in 29 countries worldwide. The hotel is operating under a Franchise Agreement with Hilton, one of the largest hotel companies in the world with nearly one million rooms in 6,300 hotels worldwide, and a Hotel Management Agreement with RBH, a leading independent hotel management and services company operating a diverse collection of branded and private label hotel properties across the UK. RBH currently manages more than 45 hotels across the UK, including three on behalf of Maven. Located at 41 Rochdale Road, the property is well-situated to serve business and leisure travellers staying in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, which features colourful street art, independent record shops and some of the city’s most iconic cultural venues. Manchester’s popular Arndale Shopping Centre is a seven-minute walk away. The AO Arena (formerly The Manchester Arena) is a 12-minute walk from the hotel, which has the highest seating capacity of any indoor venue in the UK. Furthermore, the National Football Museum is located nearby, the Etihad Stadium is located 1.5 miles to the east and Manchester United Football Club is located 3.5 miles to the southwest. The Printworks, which is home to restaurants, bars, nightclubs, a cinema and a gym, are located 0.5 miles to the south. Colin Anderson, Partner at Maven, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with IPIM and are thrilled to add Hilton to our brand stable for what is our first development in Manchester. The new Hampton by Hilton is situated in a superb location with a host of attractions close by, and it will cater for the rising number of visitors coming to the area for leisure and business, as well as assist with the further enhancement of the city’s vibrant Northern Quarter.” Selina Williams, Executive Director, IP Investment Management, added: “I am very pleased to be furthering our relationship with Maven by partnering with them on our first hotel development. Despite opening in the midst of what is one of the most challenging years on record for the hospitality sector, we are optimistic about the future. Manchester is undoubtedly the UK’s second city with a bright future as part of the UKs northern powerhouse.” Graham Dodd, Managing Director of UK and Ireland Development at Hilton said: “It is a pleasure to see Manchester’s first Hampton by Hilton property completed and one step closer to welcoming its first guests. The city’s Northern Quarter is thriving and the addition of this hotel will further boost the area’s growing economy. We’re confident the high-quality accommodation, value-added amenities and thoughtful service the Hampton brand is known for will prove popular with locals and visitors alike.” Adrian Tottey, Managing Director of Create Construction commented: “Congratulations to all involved for completing this outstanding hotel project. The Covid-19 pandemic created a challenging environment during the build and it is a credit to the professionalism and expertise of the team that the hotel has been finished to such a high standard.”
Four Tech trends transforming the way we work The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact across UK business and industry and we’re already witnessing a rapid and forced evolution in the way we work. For UK the construction industry, this is as much on site as it is at head office. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for contractors to ‘Get Digital’, adopting game-changing new tech-backed systems and products to help improve the way work is delivered. So, what are the emerging and existing innovations to watch out for over the remainder of the year and beyond? With so many to choose from, it can all become a bit confusing. For this article, I will focus my attention on four technologies which I believe will help improve processes and procedure in construction, encouraging it to become more efficient, more productive and safer. Think big Big data is a term used to describe extremely large data sets, used to uncover hidden trends, patterns in behaviour and highlight unknown correlations to make more informed business decisions and serve as the basis for artificial intelligence and automation systems. Big data can be used in a number of ways. One important example is historic data, which can be analysed to pick out past risks and errors, identifying corrections and informing future decisions, to avoid potential pitfalls. This can also apply to weather, traffic, community and business activities to determine optimal phasing of construction activity. The design process is already seeing huge benefits from the power of big data, especially when it comes to planning and modelling. Collected data can be fed back into BIM systems at every stage of the construction journey to schedule future maintenance activity, a vital process as we aim for the elusive ‘Golden Thread of Information’. Hi Robot! It’s no secret construction is one of the least automated industries, where intensive, manual labour remains the norm. Currently, a key obstacle to AI playing a more significant role on construction sites is that robots require a controlled environment. Tasks need to be repetitive and non-variable. However, as we are now seeing modern construction methods increasingly using standardised designs and components, there is more potential to introduce AI-backed solutions to carry out certain tasks. It’s hugely advantageous to site managers who can gain efficiencies and save money through the delegate of repetitive tasks to this digital workforce. For example, robots could be employed to undertake activities such as pouring concrete, brick laying or welding, freeing up workers to concentrate on more complex aspects of the build. Taking over these highly repetitive tasks could significantly improve productivity and increase safety, whilst addressing the industry’s shortfall of labour. Furthermore, Machine Learning (ML) presents the opportunity to explore different variations of a solution and create design alternatives, taking into consideration the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems (MEP) and ensuring the routes for MEP systems do not clash with the building architecture. Drone On The use of drones is becoming more commonplace within construction. This technology is instrumental in helping to survey site suitability and monitoring progress of the build. They can also help observe or access hard to reach or elevated areas. This is particularly useful when surveying HVAC and wiring in plant construction as well as many other civil engineering tasks. The technology in this field is developing fast, no doubt, it won’t be long before we see the drones conducting precision-heavy repairs by remote control. Drones can also be used to improve safety, monitoring the site and, with the use of cameras, identify any danger areas. This gives the construction manager a quick view of the location without him having to physically survey it. The logistical potential of drones has already been well explored, especially by organisations like Amazon. It’s no different for construction and there are plenty of opportunities for drones to deliver materials to site, particularly to make up any shortfall of smaller components needed urgently. This will reduce the number of vehicles required on site, improving the carbon footprint. 5G to support tech delivery To ensure all this exciting technology can be supported, 5G will be vital. Fundamentally, it will provide the strong, reliable connectivity required to effectively operate these high-tech systems, especially with the increasing reliance on big data. Significantly, 5G will boast faster speeds, better traffic handling and less network congestion. When used in conjunction with Wi-Fi 6, the newest standard in Wi-Fi technology, 5G will enable users to communicate faster and more effectively, share large scale drawings, and run resource heavy applications without compromising on speed and performance. Importantly, it will allow devices to perform faster data modelling and will allow faster computing on the cloud edge, delivering significant efficiencies during the construction journey. It’s a game changer and will, no doubt, accelerate digital adoption within the construction sector. However, there’s still some way to go and a certain degree of apprehension exists. What’s key is that we encourage the sector to make the investment now to secure the long term interests of the industry. It might seem like a large upfront cost, but it will be worth the effort when we deliver a more efficient, smarter and safer construction landscape. PJ Farr, Managing Director, UK Connect Ltd
FRESH plans to bring much needed social housing to Nottingham and breathe life back into a historic pub, that has laid empty for a number of years, are now being considered thanks to a joint venture between Bmor and Carlton Street Trading. The Grove, located on Castle Boulevard, Nottingham, was built in 1886 and is included on the list of Local Heritage Assets for its aesthetic and townscape value. The plans, which were submitted last week, include the conversion of the iconic building, as well as the addition of an extension over the current car park, to create 27 one-and two-bedroom social housing apartments for key workers. Nottingham-headquartered Leonard Design has devised the scheme to preserve the existing character of the building while adding contemporary architectural points of interest. For instance, new brick and glazing will sit sympathetically against the traditional Victorian style to add a modern twist to the development. James O’Brien, head of planning at Bmor, said: “A key milestone has been achieved with the planning submission for The Grove and we’re delighted to have reached this stage. “The site is quite challenging in terms of the space available and protecting its heritage. This has meant that the plans have been through many iterations so we’re hopeful that this design will not only get the green light but also provide much needed social housing in Nottingham city centre.” Sam Burt, director at Carlton Street Trading, said: “Developments such as The Grove are prime examples of how we can bring derelict heritage buildings back into use for the benefit of the community. The building has been boarded up for many years with the external facades starting to show signs of decay, so we really hope we’ll soon be able to give it a new lease of life. “The redevelopment is essential to the building’s survival and its regeneration will be an essential part of injecting new life into this part of Nottingham.” Bmor is a privately owned development company with a diverse portfolio of mixed-use, regeneration, and restoration projects. Its joint venture with Carlton Street Trading, a family-owned Nottingham based developer, spans across a number of projects in the Nottinghamshire area. For further information visit www.bmor.co.uk.
Passing the Civil iteration of the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is a vital step for any professional who wants to take their career forward and unlock the most promising opportunities. Thousands of individuals go through this process every year, and it is something which you will likely be looking towards shortly after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam early in your career. Of course pass rates can be perilously low, so there is no guarantee that you will make it through this process unscathed on your first attempt. Thankfully there are a few things you can do to increase your chances and hopefully come out on top when the big day arrives. Here is a look at a handful of strategies that are worth pursuing as you approach your Civil PE exam. Image Source: Pixabay Establish your eligibility Before you can even think about passing this test, you will need to make sure that you meet the criteria that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) sets out for prospective applicants. As well as having already attained a passing grade in the aforementioned FE exam, it is also necessary for you to have worked for at least four years in the engineering discipline of your choosing; in this case, working in civil engineering will clearly be the best option. It is also worth noting that each state has its own engineering licensing board, with these bodies controlling their own registration procedures, which can differ from place to place. Being aware of these ahead of time will give you a greater chance of making a successful application. Take a prep course There are lots of PE prep courses available, as this guide explains. A good course can provide you not only with the information and resources you need to study for successful performance in the exam itself, but also with the structure you need to manage your preparations effectively and make sure that you have done as much as you can in the time you have available before the exam date rolls around. It is also necessary to factor in the points at which the Civil PE exams are held; in general they are twice a year, although certain PE disciplines are tested either more frequently or less often, so it is always sensible to work this out well in advance so you can plan your studies accordingly. A modern prep course will be a multifaceted experience that includes everything from live instruction from expert tutors to the provision of practice questions and even entire mock exams that you can take to gear yourself up for the real thing. Since the exam will last for eight hours and cover a total of 80 questions, it definitely pays to prepare thoroughly and put yourself through this process in realistic conditions, so that you do not find it as daunting or crumple under the pressure. Take a break One of the most important tips for exam success in any context, whether you are aiming to pass the Civil PE test or are facing any other educational hurdle, is to minimize the chances of burnout during the rigors of preparation. There is no doubt that hard work and expert guidance will set you on a course to exam success, but you also need to give yourself breathing room in between, especially if you are still working full time in addition to studying. This is where the merits of early preparation really come into play, as rushing to cram everything into the final days and weeks will rarely work in your favor.
Gyms have been growing in popularity in recent years with an increasing number opening. No one could have imagined how terrible 2020 would be for them. As the ongoing pandemic continues to affect our lives, gyms in the UK have had a stop-start year with several closures forced on them. Lockdown was the last thing that anyone wanted this year. We could see that the pandemic was getting out of hand, but such a drastic course of action has hit us all hard. The days of going to a local gym have been seriously disrupted. Why aren’t gyms allowed to open during a lockdown? Surely keeping fit is an essential part of life. Or is still being able to buy kebabs and fried chicken more essential? Most gyms are large enough for social distancing to easily take place and most gym owners already do all they can to make their venues spotlessly clean. The latter is important as touching gym equipment and then your face could see the virus being transmitted. As in many other areas of life, not everyone is following the rules. Some gym users are still not doing all they can to keep gym equipment clean. Yes, you might come into contact who is infected with the virus but not showing symptoms. But the same can happen when going to the supermarket or on buses where some people aren’t wearing masks. One reason given for the need for gyms to close has come from virologist Professor Jonathan Bell. He believes that vigorous exercise can cause people to “breathe rapidly and quite deeply.” This can lead to droplets being formed that can transmit the virus. Scientific advisory group Sage have stated that closing gyms and leisure centres could cut the R number by 0.1. However, they stressed that this estimation was “very difficult.” With scientific evidence like that, gyms have had no choice to abide by the strict government rules. It’s not good for those who wish to use the gyms, both physically and mentally. They can get some home equipment but would rather be in the gym, that’s what they are used to. People also see their routines changed and that can affect mental health. As for the gyms themselves, there are financial problems to deal with. That steady stream of new members isn’t happening during the pandemic. The Anytime Fitness group are probably regretting that name at present. They don’t agree with the decision to again close gyms. The closures have led to them calling for “comprehensive financial support” to help keep them afloat. With more lockdowns possible, gyms continue to worry about their futures. With the gyms being closed, more focus is now being turned towards home fitness. The amount of home gym equipment being purchased is on the rise. This has seen people seeking out the Best Home Treadmill as they strive to carry on exercising. With so many online sites offering such items, it seems there are still some in the fitness industry that are doing well.
Winning a lottery prize of £1 million is a thrilling experience. But have you thought about what to do if you win the lottery? If not, then you have come to the right place. Here, we will tell you an investment strategy that can give you remarkable returns in 2020. The housing sector is one of the safest and profitable areas to invest your money. This sector has immense potential that has always paid good returns to people. In addition to buying a real estate property, there are several other ways in which you can park your money in the housing market. Let us explore these options. What to do if you win the Lottery Here are some of the ways you can do after you win a hefty amount in the Lottery. 1. Invest In A Property Whether you invest for the first time or an experienced investor who wishes to grow its investment portfolio, real estate investment is lucrative to enhance your potential.You will benefit from the increase in property prices every year and monthly rental income. Looking at the current rental prices, an investment of one million dollars in a rental property can earn you a rental income between 60,000 and 100,000 dollars annually. Along with that, your rental property price will also increase. Thus, it will give you dual benefits. To invest in the housing market, you need to perform a detailed neighborhood analysis to locate a good place to invest in a rental property. You can find several options to rent a property, such as Single-family commercial spaces, and multi-family. Analyze available investment real estate properties for sale to find the best offer. You can even take the help of real estate investment tools to help you find the best property in accordance with your preferred location, growth potential, and budget. 2. Investment In A Land Now the next option can be to buy a terrestrial area. Hold the land for some years and then sell it for massive profits. In a place, you can even buy a home and sell it later when the housing market is at its boom. If you want incredible returns and are in no hurry to make profits, we suggest purchasing land a little far from the major city.Hold it for the long term, i.e., around twenty years or so, and sell it later. Choosing far areas is beneficial because cities have become very populated, and the property price is high there. The place outside the city is growing at a constant rate. Developers and builders will soon be exploring their areas. Many corporations also choose distant locations to set up their units, such as business parks, IT centers, etc. So, if you are thinking about what to do if you win the lottery of £1 million, then buy land of that much worth and keep it for twenty years.The sale of that land would solidify your affluent status. Go for agricultural land that is far from commercial hubs. You can get such places at ten or twenty times lesser than the price. Soon, that place will develop with common amenities and utilities as available in the commercial sector. With a lesser investment, you are going to make a large sum of money in the future. 3. Property Investment Trusts Real estate investment trusts, also called REITs, are indirect ways to invest in residential areas. These specialized firms collect money from interested investors to build, purchase, or manage property assets.They trade in various trusted publicly-traded REITs funds that are into investing in real estate properties. There are a few advantages that this method provides real estate investors: • As you are not directly investing in real estate, it needs less time commitment than what you incur when owning properties. • This method spread your risk across hundreds and thousands of properties. So, a sudden hefty maintenance cost would not break you. • These are highly liquid investments that can easily be purchased or sold in a few minutes. • They invest your money in the housing market via a tax-advantaged retirement account and pays above-average dividend yields than what you would get by investing in house stocks. 4. Crowdfunded Real Estate Crowdfunding is another method to invest in the housing market.There are times when an experienced real estate investor finds a lucrative opportunity but do not have adequate finances to either purchase or renovate it. So, they list the financing opportunity on a crowdfunding portal intending to raise capital from individual investors. In return, they will offer an equity interest in this project. This method involves high risks but can give you high returns. Go for this method only when you have a high-risk tolerance ability, and don’t think much about what to do if you win the lottery. Only those investors should invest in this scheme who do not need money in the near future. 5. Homebuilder Stocks Homebuilders companies engage in buying and selling of housing properties. A few of them also publicly trade on key stock exchanges.You need to note that homebuilders are more economically sensitive than rental properties. So, if any world economic crisis hits, your tenant will keep on paying rent (rental properties) but can lead to a decline in home sales dramatically. It is a highly profitable long-term housing investment strategy but not for short-term yields. Conclusion Investment in the housing market is indeed a smart investment decision in 2020. These are some of the best ways to invest in homebuilders and the real estate sector. Based on your needs and preferences, you can find a perfect investment strategy. You can even choose a combination of strategies to accomplish your investment objective.
Build to rent specialist Moda Living has got the green light to transform Great Charles Street in Birmingham into a high-rise residential-led neighbourhood. The developer is presently in negotiations with several contractors to build the £260m Jewellery Quarter high-rise building complex, which will provide 722 homes for rent. The site has remained undeveloped for over 70 years and has long been identified by Birmingham City Council as an opportunity for regeneration. Moda said it was looking beyond the coronavirus epidemic and was committed to building a second major scheme in the city. As well as a 39-storey building at the corner of Great Charles Street and Livery Street, the complex will offer street-level boutique retail, café-bars and restaurants. Tony Brooks, managing director at Moda Living, said: “Great Charles Street will be a fantastic asset for Birmingham. We are keen to get on site to start delivering this important, sustainable project, create jobs and invest in Birmingham over a long-term horizon.” Richard Jackson, co-founder of funding partner Apache Capital, added: “With compelling market fundamentals such as the youngest population of any major European city, and a growing number of corporate occupiers calling the city home, we are confident to be funding a second scheme in Birmingham, and anticipate strong demand for both Great Charles Street and The Mercian when they complete.” Now that Great Charles Street is approved, Birmingham will be the only city in the UK to host two of Moda’s ‘Next Generation Neighbourhoods.”
Work has begun on a 482,000ft2 warehouse for contract logistics provider DHL Supply Chain at DP World London Gateway. In a joint enterprise, DHL says it will construct a brand-new bespoke facility at the London Gateway’s Logistics Park. Work to prepare the plot is underway, with the main facility build due to commence in early 2021. According to DHL, the 42m high bay warehouse will feature 36m of clear internal eaves height and boast an internal volume equivalent to 645 Olympic swimming pools. Its target is for the facility to meet a BREEAM Outstanding rating and will be fully automated, and ready for operation in early 2023. Oliver Treneman, Park development director at DP World London Gateway, commented, “We are delighted to welcome DHL Supply Chain as our latest customer and the largest warehouse development on the Park to date. The most striking feature of this new letting is DHL’s significant investment in automation that underpins its commitment to this strategic location. “DHL will benefit from the right location, the right infrastructure and the right technology to serve Greater London and the Southeast over the long term.”