Civil engineering tender prices increased by an average of 1% in the final quarter of 2024, according to a panel newly established by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). The BCIS Civil Engineering TPI panel has been formed to advise on the latest movement in tender prices, i.e. prices agreed
Local housebuilder Dandara has received quality excellence from Premier Guarantee for two of its developments in Buckinghamshire, The Muse and The Aces, and its development in Bedfordshire, Saxon Park. All three developments received a ‘Quality Recognition Award’ from the warranty provider after meeting top standards in site management, workmanship, health
Alliance Homes has appointed Jon McMahon as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), as the organisation continues to focus on building much-needed new affordable housing across the West of England, while investing in existing homes and communities. Jon brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience and a wealth
Specialist lab and office space at Nexus University of Leeds and York Biotech campus available CBRE’s Office Agency team in Leeds has been appointed on two leading Life Sciences hubs in Yorkshire. The team has been instructed by Nexus University of Leeds and the York Biotech campus to market specialist
The UK construction industry saw a 15% increase in contract awards in 2024, reaching £79.5 billion, according to Barbour ABI. The biggest regional gain was seen in the East of England at 52% whilst the North East fell the most by 20%. However, the surge in spending was driven largely
THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making
The Met Office’s ‘danger to life’ red warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn in the UK is another reminder of the importance of constructing roofs which can withstand extreme weather conditions, says insulation specialist Actis. Warnings that wind gusts of up to 100mph could see roofs blown off
Technical Director of Promat Nigel Morrey has been recognised with a lifetime award for his commitment to fire safety at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection Awards. Recognising over three decades of commitment to improving standards in passive fire protection and raising awareness of the importance of this in protecting
Milton Park, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community for science and technology, is poised to support thousands of new jobs sustainably. The news follows the adoption of a refreshed LDO enabled by the completion of an innovative Section 106 (S106) planning agreement, which focuses on green travel. The LDO, which
Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team is celebrating a highly successful first year, having transacted over 1 million square feet of commercial space across key UK cities. The team’s achievements include a standout deal for Auto Trader, securing their new headquarters in Manchester. Formed in January 2024, the Occupier Advisory Team, led
Civil engineering tender prices increased by an average of 1% in the final quarter of 2024, according to a panel newly established by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). The BCIS Civil Engineering TPI panel has been formed to advise on the latest movement in tender prices, i.e. prices agreed between client and constructor at commit to construct, and to inform quarterly updates to the BCIS Civil Engineering Tender Price Index. Comprised of cost consultants from firms involved in multiple civil engineering tenders in the UK, the panel will also provide commentary on conditions affecting pricing levels on civil engineering projects. At its first meeting, panellists also agreed on a 4.7% average increase in civil engineering tender prices in the year to 4Q2024. Dr David Crosthwaite, BCIS chief economist, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Civil Engineering TPI panel up and running. From our UK building TPI panel and our Scottish tender price assessment and contractor panels, we know just how valuable the insights are that we get from experts working on multiple tenders. “They really help us to understand the context of what we see in the data and how different the tendering experience might be dependent on location, procurement route and sub-sector.” The panel described a generally positive pipeline of work for the next 12 months, though some projects remain at the mercy of government policy, for example the Lower Thames Crossing scheme, and in some cases are reliant on direct public sector expenditure. Panellists described a ‘wait and see’ approach in the market, with the results of phase 2 of the government’s spending review and the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline due to be published later this year. Dr Crosthwaite added: “As is always the case, the sector needs clarity and commitment to schemes to properly plan and to give confidence to the supply chain. “When asked about contractors’ appetite to tender, the civil engineering TPI panellists described a similar profile to the building TPI panel, with risk aversion among contractors meaning suitable tenderers are found after searching, but they’re not seeing very eager contractors. This was particularly the case with larger projects, where there needs to be agreement about who carries the risk.” For more information about BCIS, please visit: www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Dandara has received quality excellence from Premier Guarantee for two of its developments in Buckinghamshire, The Muse and The Aces, and its development in Bedfordshire, Saxon Park. All three developments received a ‘Quality Recognition Award’ from the warranty provider after meeting top standards in site management, workmanship, health and safety, site tidiness and general cooperation. The Muse is now 80% sold and Saxon Park is 90% sold, whilst prospective buyers can purchase their new home from plan at The Acres. Gary Williams, Construction Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties comments: “It is fantastic that the teams have been recognised for their hard and consistent work across the site. The fact that three Dandara developments have received Premier Guarantee Awards just shows the high standards that the construction team maintain across all sites, which is reflected through the high-quality homes that are eventually built.” Rachel Lindop, Head of Sales at Dandara Northern Home Counties, added: “It is a great achievement to be awarded for our high standards across not one but three developments in Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire! It really does reflect the hard working team that we have building new Dandara homes and their attitude to maintaining excellence on site.” Currently at The Acres, in Milton Keynes, Dandara is selling a selection of three, four and five bedroom homes from plan, with prices starting from £435,000. At The Muse, in Milton Keynes, there is one final three bedroom home remaining, priced from £378,000. Dandara is also selling a range of three, four and five bedroom homes at its Saxon Park development in Biddenham, with prices starting from £400,000 for a three bedroom home. At Saxon Park and The Acres, Dandara is currently offering six months free shopping with a £500 Waitrose or John Lewis voucher per month when buyers reserve select homes. For more information about the homes Dandara Northern Home Counties is currently selling, visit www.dandara.com/new-home-counties. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Alliance Homes has appointed Jon McMahon as its new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), as the organisation continues to focus on building much-needed new affordable housing across the West of England, while investing in existing homes and communities. Jon brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience and a wealth of expertise in the property development sector. As Finance Director at PG Group, he played a key role in delivering landmark regeneration and new build projects, including the Carriage Works development in Bristol, working closely with Homes England to secure funding. Louise Swain, Chief Executive of Alliance Homes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jon to our Strategic Leadership team. His extensive experience in finance and property development will be instrumental in helping us deliver our strategic priorities – investing in our existing homes and neighbourhoods and delivering new affordable homes. “Jon’s leadership will ensure we continue to be a financially responsible organisation that provides good quality affordable housing and great services for our customers.” Jon McMahon, Chief Finance Officer at Alliance Homes, said: “I’m excited to join an organisation that exists to provide safe, affordable homes for people who need them most. Alliance Homes already has strong financial foundations and trusted partnerships in place, and I’m looking forward to building on that success.“This is a particularly challenging time for social landlords, with many competing pressures on our finances. That’s why I’m focused on making sure we continue to make sound financial decisions that support our ambitious plans to invest in our homes, build new affordable housing, and provide great services for our customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist lab and office space at Nexus University of Leeds and York Biotech campus available CBRE’s Office Agency team in Leeds has been appointed on two leading Life Sciences hubs in Yorkshire. The team has been instructed by Nexus University of Leeds and the York Biotech campus to market specialist laboratory and office space aimed at innovative and entrepreneurial businesses in the high growth Life Sciences sector. Nexus is located on Discovery Way in Leeds and offers flexible workspace for a vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs that want to turn their big ideas into reality. Life Sciences occupiers can access a range of office space spanning 11,821 sq ft accommodating from 4-75 desks; 8,752 sq ft labs and office space including a 2nd floor 828 sq ft lab; 2,341sq ft lab space, as well as meeting rooms, co-working space, event space, a business lounge and a café. The Nexus community of innovators benefit from access to the University’s campus facilities and thriving academic environments, where innovative research takes place across a wide range of themes from digital health to robotics. As well as access to the ecosystem in West Yorkshire, residents also have full support from specialist collaboration and community teams who back businesses in developing new products, accessing funding and growing their ventures. Businesses can also be connected to key industry sectors and relevant academic, clinical expertise and research to help elevate their brand and credibility with potential investors and partnerships. Nexus celebrated its 5th anniversary this year with its community of entrepreneurial students, business start-ups, advisory partners and funding networks turning bright ideas into world-changing innovations, including Atlas Endoscopy, who are creating one of the most advanced robotic colonoscopy systems in the world and Itecho Health, who are using digital health to help patients with chronic conditions. The company’s first tenant, Vet-AI has achieved extraordinary growth offering rapid access to veterinary professionals via its innovative Joii Pet Care application and now boasts more than 100 employees serving over 300,000 online customers. The York Biotech campus which sits on 80-acre parkland at Sand Hutton in York is just 8 miles from the city centre and offers 260,000 sq ft of world class laboratory space, as well as flexible office accommodation to support and enable scientific discovery, innovation and application for businesses in the bioscience industry from start-ups to established businesses. It boasts a raft of facilities and amenities including a restaurant, fitness centre, on site nursery, co-working space, 250-seat auditorium, cycle storage, warehouse space, communal space, networking and collaboration opportunities, as well as 550 car parking spaces. York Biotech also has the first fully flow through field scale mescocosm facility in Europe, 54 growing houses, 1.2m honey bees in on-site apiaries, 82 controlled environment rooms, an insect research laboratory, quarantine facility and has one of the largest mass spectrometry suites in the UK. Alex Hailey, Senior Director, CBRE Leeds said: “This instruction is testament to our growing Life Sciences expertise in a sector which has seen rapid growth in the last decade which has led to increased demand for specialist labatory and office space across the country. Leeds has become a hotspot for Life Sciences and technology and businesses are recognising the opportunities both the city and county has to offer, such as great transport links and a pipeline of fresh talent from world-class universities. York Biotech is a leading destination for science research, innovation and discovery with first class facilities.” Jonny Lowe, CBRE’s Head of Science and Technology for the North said: “The UK Life Sciences sector is being transformed by the rise of AI, digital health, and data-driven healthcare, driving demand for advanced facilities and collaborative ecosystems. Yorkshire is at the heart of this shift, with hubs like Nexus and York BioTech Campus nurturing AI-led health innovations which have direct access into NHS England, responsible for digital, data and tech platforms, providing an anchor to the region as a leader in data-driven healthcare. With VC funding and M&A activity into the sector on the rise across the board during the last quarter, there is increased optimism this year with a number of schemes shaping up for delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction industry saw a 15% increase in contract awards in 2024, reaching £79.5 billion, according to Barbour ABI. The biggest regional gain was seen in the East of England at 52% whilst the North East fell the most by 20%. However, the surge in spending was driven largely by infrastructure projects, particularly green energy initiatives, which grew an impressive 56%. Barbour ABI analysts warned that this growth may be masking broader industry challenges. Housing activity remained stagnant, with just 1% growth, despite efforts by the Labour government to boost the sector, while industrial spending declined by 12%. Planning approvals were also down 8%, dropping below £100bn for the first time since 2022 despite the new government’s efforts to kick start activity since the election in July. Barbour ABI Head of Business and Client Analytics, Ed Griffiths commented, “Despite the headline growth, not all is as it seems. Infrastructure has been carrying the rest of the industry on its back in 2024. Without these projects, growth would be in the single digits. “Rising costs, market uncertainty, and skilled labour shortages continue to plague the industry. Insolvencies, including the collapse of major contractors like ISG, have delayed key projects and created ripple effects across the sector. High interest rates have further discouraged investment, reducing demand for new homes and stalling large developments.” Lack of underlying confidence in applications Applications once again remained under £100bn and dipped a further 5% on an already poor performing 2023, reflecting how industry confidence remains stubbornly low. For the second year running housing applications were down by 6%, following a 15% fall in 2023. “Labour’s planning reforms offer hope to housebuilders, but the industry is holding its breath to see if these changes will lead to a rise in applications for new builds in 2025,” added Griffiths. “In the meantime, we’re looking to emerging sectors like data centres, spurred by Keir Starmer’s recent AI investment announcements, to carry growth in the year ahead.” Construction Industry Snapshot Report | Barbour ABI Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making it one of Southampton’s largest gyms – alongside four fitness studios, an indoor cycling studio, and dedicated climbing and bouldering wall for all abilities. Together with three new squash courts, the new dry side offering seamlessly integrates with the existing wet leisure space, which includes a six-lane pool. Designed in the aftermath of the UK’s Covid-19 pandemic, the new Jubilee Centre represents an important shift in the way leisure facilities can support the wider ambitions of higher educational facilities. The expansion recognised the opportunity to integrate the requirements of the wider local community into a campus facility. The design team worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the final building met not only the diverse needs of the student population – including numerous sports and athletics teams, gym, and social users – but of the wider community too. This robust understanding of user-requirements not only influenced the final building design, but it also supported operator and client aims as they reviewed opening hours, multifunctioning spaces, and identified potential additional revenue streams. Kieran McFarlane, associate architectural technologist at GT3, said: “We designed this centre with people in mind and, while it’s a key part of the university campus, it’s there for the whole community. Every decision has been made with the goal of making sure that anyone – regardless of age, ability or background – can benefit from what the centre has to offer. “Everything reflects a strive to include and welcome a much wider range of users, seeking to support diversity within the average UK student population. Unisex changing areas, adaptive sports equipment, and the option of quiet and private space or louder public spaces have been integrated throughout the facility mix, ensuring visitors of all abilities and preferences can access, train, compete and enjoy everything the centre has to offer. “It was also a priority to ensure the building feels open, inviting and connected to the spaces around it, including Valley Gardens and University Road. The considered design all comes together to create a really vibrant and accessible space designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of all. The state-of-the-art fitness experience embodies this ethos and positions the Jubilee Sports Centre as the central hub for physical activity and community in the area.” A final priority for the university was for the facility to support wellbeing as much as physical fitness, providing safe, welcoming, social-orientated spaces for the student population. Clear sight lines into external green spaces are integrated along primary circulation routes, with visual and physical access to all facilities facilitated through large windows and glazed entry points into the building. The social café opens onto a wide veranda overlooking the adjacent yoga garden, and access to the nearby public park and fitness trails. Consistent communication with the client team through a multitude of channels ensured that every aspect of the scheme was carefully considered to align with project and team ambitions, culminating in a product of enhanced architectural, inclusive, and BREEAM credentials. This collaborative effort across the delivery team assisted in foreplaning for potential complexities in the enhancement works within a live student area, maintaining a fully operational pool facility throughout the construction phase. The tight site required a compact and well-thought-out solution to avoid splitting leisure services across the campus, reinforcing the ethos of accessibility, and providing cohesiveness across the leisure offering. Kieran added: “Getting the connection between the old and new building to be seamless was critical for the user experience, but we also needed to consider how the expanded Jubilee Sports Centre sits within the wider campus landscape. The way we approached the massing of the building works to reflect that of the campus itself, with a stepped down approach to lower-rise residential buildings at one end of the campus – avoiding the sports centre becoming overbearing in its setting.” Designed to meet BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard, the building features passive design elements such as natural ventilation and light, with an improved airtightness of 3.5m³/h/m², lowering operational carbon outputs, and constructed with lower embodied carbon in mind, it also aligns the finished scheme with the RIBA 2030 Climate challenge. Mark Craig, Managing Director for Construction South at Wates, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our teams’ work delivering this exceptional facility. Collaborating with such innovators as GT3 has ensured the design was sustainable and considerate at all stages, helping us all support the University’s net zero ambitions. “Our purpose at Wates is to create thriving places for communities, providing opportunities for all to feel included and invested in. We believe this new sports centre is testament to this, helping to improve wellbeing in the local community while delivering a positive social impact throughout the course of its build through extensive Social Value initiatives.” Trudi Vout, director of residences, sport & community at the University of Southampton, said: “The new Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre stands as an example of our commitment to enhancing the student experience and promoting a culture of inclusivity and wellness through sports and active participation. “The building design embodies the shared vision of sustainability, seamlessly integrating green spaces into the building through expansive windows that invite natural light and lawns that foster connection to nature. “The harmonious integration with our existing structure is a testament to the thoughtful planning and collaboration with our architects, GT3 Architects, whose vision, creativity and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this design to life.” The project team for the expansion of the Jubilee Sports Centre also included Wates Group, Ramboll A/S, Method Consulting, and Studio Loci. For further information, please visit www.gt3architects.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Met Office’s ‘danger to life’ red warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn in the UK is another reminder of the importance of constructing roofs which can withstand extreme weather conditions, says insulation specialist Actis. Warnings that wind gusts of up to 100mph could see roofs blown off buildings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, and amber and yellow warnings issued for other parts of the UK underline the need to comply with roof construction building regulations. Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper explained: “That building standard – snappily titled BS5534:2014 slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding code of practice specifying criteria – addresses every component of the construction of a standard roof, including underlays, mortar bedding, battens, flashings and structural sheathing fixings. “And with not all underlays being suitable for use across all five regions of the UK, roofs in areas prone to being hit by strong winds need to choose membranes which are deemed suitable for use in these zones. Our insulating breather membrane Boost R Hybrid Roof is BRE-approved for use in even the windiest parts of the British Isles, including those affected by Storm Eowyn. “It’s worth noting that some underlays are only suitable for use in zones one to three.” Boost R Hybrid Roof has passed the BRE’s all-important wind uplift resistance test, with appropriate package labelling ensuring that roofers and builders can easily identify the correct underlay for the geographical region in which they are working, something particularly relevant for contractors working in wind-affected areas. Using Boost R Hybrid Roof means builders can minimise the ‘ballooning effect’ which sees the underlay force tiles and slates off the roof in high winds. Underlay is not allowed to balloon more than 35mm. The wind uplift pressure achieved by Boost ‘R Hybrid during the tests was way more effective than that required under the building standard, which calls for a minimum wind uplift resistance of 1600 Pa for a 345mm batten gauged roof covering, rising to 2350Pa for roofs with no ceiling and a permanent dominant opening. Boost R Hybrid Roof managed an impressive average of 3054Pa when used with taped lap alone and 5748Pa with the addition of a 38mm counter batten. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Technical Director of Promat Nigel Morrey has been recognised with a lifetime award for his commitment to fire safety at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection Awards. Recognising over three decades of commitment to improving standards in passive fire protection and raising awareness of the importance of this in protecting buildings and the occupants within, the ASFP presented Nigel with the Lifetime Contribution Award at the 2024 awards. As Technical Director at passive fire protection manufacturer Promat, Nigel has taken a leading role in the development and testing of passive fire protection systems over the past 22 years with Etex, including supporting the drive for improved standards in built-in fire safety. A passionate advocate for improved fire safety, Nigel has served as both Chair and Vice-Chair of the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), as well as being a member of their Council and Strategy Groups. He has also represented the organisation on Expert Panel D, Passive Fire Protection at the Loss Prevention Council Board (LPCB). Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, he was invited to chair the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Fire Safety Group, and was a director of the Finishes and Interiors Sector for a number of crucial years in the industry. In his role at Promat, Nigel has led a drive to improve and demonstrate competency across all aspects of the company to highlight the importance of knowledge and experience in supporting accurate specification and installation of passive fire protection. This has included introducing training initiatives for all staff and ensuring all customer facing staff have passed, or are working towards, the IFE Level 3 qualification in passive fire protection. In presenting Nigel with the Lifetime Contribution Award, the ASFP highlighted his commitment to improving fire protection standards ASFP managing director Mike Ward said: “Innovation and promoting the highest standards in fire safety are integral to everything the ASFP stands for and Nigel Morrey truly embodies that. “He has shown commitment to both pushing for higher standards across the fire safety industry as a whole but also to raising awareness of fire safety – and building that into construction and the supply chain. This award is richly deserved for Nigel’s tireless commitment to keeping fire safety at the top of the agenda.” Nigel said: “Receiving this award is a real privilege in an industry, and an organisation, that works so hard to ensure that fire safety is a priority in all construction. “The ASFP does a fantastic job of promoting the work of the passive fire protection industry and it has been an honour to be able to work so closely with the organisation over the last two decades. “Amid great tragedy the industry has recently seen major change and it is vital that we continue to ensure that life-saving fire protection systems are subject to the tightest standards – and that the awareness is there of the need for passive fire protection and the correct specification and installation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Milton Park, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community for science and technology, is poised to support thousands of new jobs sustainably. The news follows the adoption of a refreshed LDO enabled by the completion of an innovative Section 106 (S106) planning agreement, which focuses on green travel. The LDO, which has now been adopted by the Vale of White Horse District Council, will enable the delivery of flexible laboratories, offices and amenities. Now formally adopted, it permits Milton Park to grow to a total of 4.2 million sq ft and can fast-track planning approvals to just ten days, supporting its long-term strategic 2040 Vision to become a 24/7 hub for innovation and aligning with the period of the new Joint Local Plan. The LDO makes the planning process nearly nine times faster for Milton Park’s occupiers to capitalise on growth opportunities, with the agreement believed to be the UK’s first data-driven, green travel-focussed S106. Under the refreshed LDO, S106 highway infrastructure commitments are triggered by the objective measurement of vehicular traffic levels entering the Park, rather than the level of occupied floorspace. As part of their shared ambition to continue to encourage green travel, Oxfordshire County Council, and Milton Park have installed VivaCity AI-powered computer vision sensors to monitor traffic flows, providing real-time anonymised data on movement patterns. The LDO will incentivise greener methods of travel, with contributions towards public investment in bus services in support of the ongoing partnership with Thames Travel, alongside new cycle and walking pathways, healthcare services and road upgrades. As well as enabling Milton Park to provide more options for renewable energy, a range of local green infrastructure projects will also be explored. Under the S106, and subject to feasibility, Milton Park will provide over £2m of funding to enable Oxfordshire County Council to bring forward a new cycle path to Steventon, which will bypass the Milton Interchange, and a cycle link between Sutton Courtenay and Abingdon (Cycle Route 5). The refreshed LDO will minimise the carbon footprint of future development by prioritising the retrofitting, reimagining and repurposing of existing buildings and incorporating low or zero carbon energy technology. It will encourage biodiversity net gain (BNG) initiatives through ecological strategies and include provisions for electric vehicle charging points and eco-friendly infrastructure. The previous Milton Park (2012) LDO facilitated circa 1,000 jobs and enabled the delivery of 734k sq ft of development across 80 predevelopment notifications. This equates to an estimated 1,000 days of planning over a decade, which would have taken 8,900 days without the agreement in place. Councillor Neil Fawcett, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Workplace and IT, said: “Our Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan sets out plans for 20,000 new jobs in the area by 2031 and this LDO will help us achieve that. “I’m delighted to see that the plans also include improvements to cycle and pedestrian routes. Promoting active travel to employment sites from nearby developments means we can reduce our carbon emissions and reduce congestion while also attracting high quality employers.” Philip Campbell, Commercial Director at MEPC Milton Park, said: “Simplifying planning and section 106 agreements is hugely complicated, but it’s been a real privilege to work with both councils to update the LDO. The agreement fulfills a shared vision to deliver the UK’s first green-travel-focused simplified planning agreement, renewing our commitment to ongoing investment in the Oxfordshire bus network through our partnership with Thames Travel. It’s a prime example of what can be achieved through effective public-private sector collaboration. “Our mission is to continue to support organisations whatever their size within the region, to facilitate innovation and boost the economy. Coupled with our single ownership model and plentiful power provision, the new LDO will allow us to continue to do this and drive greener growth for decades to come.” MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, said: “Milton Park is critical to the economy of Didcot and Wantage constituency. It is important that, with this new agreement, Milton Park continues its excellent work to date as a good neighbour to local communities. “To that end, I am especially pleased that Milton Park is continuing its commitment to public transport and active travel. We are particularly excited about the funding towards the proposed cycle routes between Milton Park and Steventon, and Sutton Courtenay and Abingdon, which will be hugely beneficial to both Milton Park employees and local residents. “I will continue to use my voice in Parliament to ensure that central government supports our business and high-tech sectors”. Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Oxfordshire is at the heart of the UK innovation sector and Milton Park is a key part of that. So, we are delighted to have been able to support The Vale of White Horse District Council in updating their Local Development Order, which will speed up the planning process and make it easier for businesses to find a home here in Oxfordshire. “We are also proud to be working with Milton Park to incentivise green methods of transport and we look forward to seeing the impact the VivaCity sensors have on travel to and from the site.” Advisors involved in the delivery of the LDO process include: Pro Vision (planning), Meeting Place (PR and marketing), Perkins & Will (masterplanning), Ensafe (air quality, noise and lighting), Ramboll (drainage and utilities), RPS (heritage), ASA Landscapes (landscape), Tyler Grange (biodiversity) and Systra (transport). For more information on Milton Park and the new Local Development Order (LDO), please visit: www.miltonpark.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team is celebrating a highly successful first year, having transacted over 1 million square feet of commercial space across key UK cities. The team’s achievements include a standout deal for Auto Trader, securing their new headquarters in Manchester. Formed in January 2024, the Occupier Advisory Team, led by Director Stephen Downey, has quickly made its mark in the industry by supporting clients with strategic advice and tailored real estate solutions. “We’ve had an incredibly successful first year, surpassing all expectations,” said Stephen Downey. “Our occupier-only approach has been central to our success. By acting exclusively in the interests of tenants, we’re able to offer independent, conflict-free advice that delivers optimal results for our clients. This year, we’ve successfully supported clients with several significant acquisitions, and we look forward to continuing that momentum into 2025. A key highlight of the team’s first year is its work with Auto Trader, securing a new, state-of-the-art headquarters at No. 3 Circle Square in Manchester. The 130,000 sq ft space spans seven floors, featuring a private rooftop terrace, and is set to be completed in April 2025. The building will be a model of sustainability, achieving net-zero carbon in construction, BREEAM Excellent, NABERS 5-star accreditation, and an EPC A rating. The headquarters will accommodate Auto Trader’s HQ function and reflect the company’s commitment to both sustainability and employee well-being. “We are delighted to have advised Auto Trader in this landmark deal for Auto Trader. The relocation is part of a broader trend we’re seeing, where businesses are prioritising high-quality office environments to attract and retain top talent. Today’s office isn’t just a place to work; it’s an essential part of driving business growth and employee satisfaction.” Stephen Downey, Director, Newsteer Occupier Advisory The Auto Trader deal is one of the largest regional office transactions in the North West, underscoring the team’s expertise in the regional market. Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team offers a full range of services, including portfolio strategy, confidential property searches, site selection, lease negotiations, re-gears, and both freehold and leasehold disposals. Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory team is one of a range of specialist services provided by Newsteer, which celebrated five years of successful operations in 2024. Newsteer’s emphasis on building strong relationships and delivering truly independent advice has supported the company’s rapid growth, with Occupier Advisory being the latest branch of the company to showcase its success. For more information, please visit www.newsteer.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
