Commercial : Industrial News
First and second phases complete at Horizon 29

First and second phases complete at Horizon 29

Phase 1A and 1B of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire are now finished. Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, and once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight

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Construction of units starts at Dorset Innovation Park

Construction of units starts at Dorset Innovation Park

Spetisbury Construction has started building work on six new industrial units at Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith Newburgh, near Wool. Dorset Council recently appointed local Dorset firm Spetisbury Construction to build six industrial units, ranging from 200m2 to 600m2, funded by £4.4m from the Council’s capital budget. The Dorset Innovation

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Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

McLaren Construction surpasses Net Zero Targets at Landmark Leeds Logistics Hub

McLaren Construction surpasses Net Zero Targets at Landmark Leeds Logistics Hub

A pivotal logistics warehouse scheme now completed in Leeds has met and surpassed its net zero carbon construction targets, delivered by McLaren Midlands and North. Successfully achieving an embodied carbon target to practical completion lower than first proposed, ensuring a more sustainable build and reducing the carbon offset payment, McLaren Construction Midlands and North completed works on Sherburn42 – a 660,000 sq. ft. logistics warehousing space located in Sherburn-in-Elmet at the end of November, appointed by commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust. The 37-acre Sherburn42 scheme sits adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds and comprises the construction of four Grade-A industrial units ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq. ft., with industrial warehouse and office space to support core building services. The design concentrated on helping occupiers reach operational sustainability targets and the project will be accredited net-zero carbon in construction by the UK Green Building Council. Set to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the logistical hub features EV charging, full PV coverage and LED office lighting, alongside 4MvApower. The Engineering Services Consultancy Ltd (ESC) was appointed by McLaren Construction Midlands and North to undertake a Whole Life Embodied Carbon assessment of the build at as-built RIBA Stage 5. The subsequent report showed that the contractor surpassed its project target of 550 kgCO2e/m2, achieving 458.32 kgCO2e/m2. Net Zero Carbon in construction is a term that refers to the energy used during the manufacturing of materials, combined with the emissions generated throughout the building’s construction, these are then offset through an internationally recognised carbon credit scheme. This was achieved following initial reductions in the embodied carbon, through a focus on material specification. At present, there is no mandatory requirement to report on Whole Life Carbon outside of London. However, the UK Government is committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “We’re proud to announce that our team has surpassed net zero carbon targets for this pivotal Leeds scheme. “Our project team worked hard to ensure the most sustainable materials were specified, liaising closely with our supply chain. While championing sustainability for the build through the reduction of embodied carbon in the project, we’ve also managed to ensure the offset payment is as low as possible for our client, Firethorn, of which we have a fantastic relationship. “Now complete, Sherburn42 will provide incredible opportunities for the region’s workforce, allowing occupiers of all sizes – from multi-national distributors to small and medium-sized enterprises, an attractive, fit-for-purpose, sustainable workspace, providing a head start on achieving their own net zero targets.” Rhiannon Butcher, Sustainability Manager of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Firethorn was the first industrial and logistics project in McLaren Construction, to achieve net zero carbon in construction. We were able to reduce the embodied carbon in construction and meet the client’s target in part through a high use of cement replacement. “The project team worked hard to collate all of the data required for this assessment, and it has been a learning process for us. As-built assessments will become more commonplace, especially as McLaren Construction works towards its own net zero carbon in construction goals – of net zero carbon for Scopes 1 & 2 by 2025 and Scope 3 by 2045. “We are creating baseline carbon assessments in this sector to provide ourselves and our clients with more robust estimates of embodied carbon from the early RIBA stages.” Hugo Briars, Development Manager at Firethorn Trust, commented: “It has been a pleasure working in close collaboration with McLaren Construction, whose team clearly shares our passion for sustainability. Their knowledge, professionalism and commitment to quality and innovation has enabled us to exceed our environmental aspirations for Sherburn42, which we have developed on behalf of the site owner, Cain International.” James Sanders, Associate Director at Firethorn Trust, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing this state-of-the-art net-zero scheme into a market that continues to witness an erosion of committed development pipeline. “Sherburn42 benefits from an excellent road network alongside an immediate and plentiful supply of labour. Coupled with its ultra-modern specification, the scheme is ideally positioned for occupiers seeking to upgrade and expand their operations, whilst benefitting from significantly reduced running costs. We’re encouraged by recent levels of occupational demand and look forward to announcing new occupier relationships as we head into the new year!” Sherburn42’s close proximity to junction 42 A1 (M) provides direct connections to Leeds, the M1, M62 and coastal ports of Hull and Grimsby, as well as a number of regional rail stations and airports. For leasing enquiries, please contact the scheme agents, Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton or Carter Towler. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Brackley Property Developments gains approval for light industrial scheme in Leicester

Brackley Property Developments gains approval for light industrial scheme in Leicester

Planners have granted consent for a new scheme in Leicester that will deliver c.30,400 sq ft of light industrial accommodation. Commercial developer, Brackley Property Developments (BPD), will redevelop a brownfield site off Blackbird Road near Leicester city centre, on behalf of Leicester City Council. The redevelopment of the Ian Marlow Centre, a former council depot, aims to meet local demand for commercial employment workspace by delivering 21 small units for start-ups and growing businesses. BPD has completed the clearance of vacant office, workshop and storage buildings on site, with construction of the new units set to begin this month. The developer won the remit from Leicester City Council to deliver the project following a competitive tendering process. The project is being supported by funding from the government’s Levelling Up Fund. Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD, said: “We are very pleased to have gained planning consent to redevelop the vacant former Ian Marlow Centre. We have cleared the site in readiness for construction of much-needed small business units for local occupiers. “The scheme will contribute to the Council’s efforts to attract and retain high-tech industries in Leicester, with the potential to support new jobs and business growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Allsee Technologies seeks planning approval for landmark facility at St. Modwen’s Longbridge Business Park

Allsee Technologies seeks planning approval for landmark facility at St. Modwen’s Longbridge Business Park

Plans have been submitted by Allsee Technologies to build an 80,000 sq ft landmark office headquarters and digital technology centre at St. Modwen’s Longbridge Business Park. After a £20m investment, the new building will support the creation of over 150 skilled jobs. Allsee Technologies is a global leader in Digital Advertising Display Manufacturingwith an impressive Blue Chip client portfolio. They already have offices in the UK, Europe, China, the US and Africa and the move will bring another industry-leading manufacturer to the region, across 2.3 acres on Longbridge Business Park. As St. Modwen continues the £300m regeneration of the former West Works site, the area is rapidly gaining recognition for being a specialist centre for science, technology, medicine, precision engineering and R&D. The arrival of Allsee Technologies further enhances this burgeoning reputation. A growing number of businesses are helping to support and strengthen the local economy and enhance Longbridge’s reputation as a destination for market-leading companies. These leading companies include the recently completed IVC Evidensia veterinary hospital, Blaise Referrals, Waters Corporation’s precision manufacturing centre, plus new investment from Sterling Pharmaceuticals and more. Subject to the planning permission being granted, construction work is due to start in summer 2024 with an opening scheduled for late 2025. When complete, the new Allsee headquarters will provide a world-class centre developing high-value digital display technologies and offering its reseller partners industry-leading signage expertise. Speaking of the project, Baoli Zhao, Managing Director at Allsee, said: “We’re incredibly proud and excited to contribute to Longbridge Business Park’s growth story. With a deep appreciation for the area’s rich history in technology and manufacturing, we are thrilled to be part of Longbridge’s growing reputation as a hub for science, technology, precision engineering, and R&D. We also want to share a heartfelt commendation to St. Modwen for their dedication to the area’s regeneration. As we embark on this exciting journey, we look forward to fostering growth, collaboration, and creating more job opportunities within Birmingham and the wider West Midlands area. Here’s to the next chapter of prosperity and partnership!” Rob Flavell, Senior Director at St. Modwen, said: “Once again we are seeing that leading global companies want to have a base at Longbridge.  This exciting new digital technology manufacturing facility for Allsee will bring yet more specialist expertise to the area. This is good news for the local and regional economies and will ensure that the work undertaken by St. Modwen in recent years will benefit the area for many years to come.” Longbridge Business Park has benefitted from infrastructure investment in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and will create up to 5,000 new jobs upon completion. Longbridge Business Park offers exceptional local, regional and national connectivity and is a sustainable addition to the wider £1bn Longbridge masterplan. In addition to the business park, the investment is delivering an attractive residential neighbourhood of 350 homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Midlands and North contractor completes first phase of Yorkshire logistics hub

Midlands and North contractor completes first phase of Yorkshire logistics hub

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has delivered phase one of Konect 62 – a speculative industrial and logistics development located in Knottingley, West Yorkshire. Comprising three sustainable units across the 60-acre first phase which are now available to let, the contractor worked together with C4 architects to complete the first phase for joint venture partners, Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse. With a capability of providing over 1,500 jobs, phase one units include 161,000, 151,000 and 61,000 sq. ft options alongside a 30-acre service plot, which was delivered with utilities and access to accommodate several Build-to-Suit options. The entire Konect 62 development, which will include multiple phases, will be adopting low carbon building design and technology to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. McLaren Construction Midlands and North inducted 1,350 people during the delivery of the first phase, and a combined total of 138,200 work hours were required for the build. The Konect 62 site is located on the previous site of Kellingley Colliery, the last deep mine in the UK which opened in 1959 and closed in 2015. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re pleased to have delivered phase one of this landmark industrial and logistics hub, for joint venture partners Henderson Park and Cole Waterhouse, of which we’ve received excellent feedback. “Our dedicated team and subcontractors worked exceptionally hard to ensure the quality, sustainability and timeliness of the phase, which was completed in 12 months, using predominantly local labour from the surrounding community. The scheme will provide essential jobs and opportunities for the sector in a prime location.” David Nuttall, Managing Director of Industrial & Logistics at Cole Waterhouse, said: “McLaren has delivered an excellent first phase at Konect 62, exactly 12 months from signing the build contract. The three units and 30-acre plot set the tone for the remainder of the site and firmly establish Konect 62 as a genuine business location. A year ago, the site was featureless, and all traces of the former mine had been cleared. The change today is dramatic, and it is now a first-rate logistics park offering a variety of existing units and Build-to-Suit opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Barberry Group's Triumph in West Midlands: Pioneering Advanced Manufacturing and Commercial Excellence

Barberry Group’s Triumph in West Midlands: Pioneering Advanced Manufacturing and Commercial Excellence

Barberry Group, a prominent commercial property developer, has recently secured a significant land deal for the development of a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing unit in Ansty, Coventry. The £10.4 million project is set to bring a 50,750 sq ft industrial unit to life at Ansty Park, a renowned hub for research, development, and high-tech manufacturing. The acquisition of the Viggen Way site from Homes England marks a strategic move by Barberry to contribute to the region’s demand for advanced manufacturing facilities. The proposed industrial unit is a testament to Barberry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. With detailed planning consent obtained, the company plans to construct a ‘Best in Class’ manufacturing warehouse, adhering to exceptional ESG standards and targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent certifications. Ansty Park’s prime location, situated at the heart of the UK’s advanced manufacturing and logistics Centre, ensures convenient access to the motorway network, with major airports like Coventry, Birmingham, and East Midlands within a 40-minute drive. Jon Robinson, Development Director at Barberry, expressed excitement about the acquisition, emphasising the site’s potential to provide a substantial 1 MVA of power. The project aims to deliver an outstanding advanced manufacturing unit, available for built-to-suit occupier requirements on either a freehold or leasehold basis. Barberry 50, as the project is known, is anticipated to be completed within 12 months of terms agreement with an occupier. The development will be built to market-leading specifications, ideal for research and development or advanced manufacturing businesses, with a keen focus on sustainability, including BREEAM Excellent and EPC A standards. Barberry’s significant investment in Ansty Park underscores its ongoing commitment to addressing the shortage of new, high-quality manufacturing accommodation in the West Midlands. The company’s extensive portfolio in delivering advanced manufacturing facilities, coupled with its strategic land holdings and growing commercial and residential portfolio, solidifies Barberry’s position as a key player in shaping the region’s economic landscape. Barberry Wins Commercial Development of the Year at the West Midlands Property Awards In a remarkable achievement, Barberry Group has clinched the coveted Commercial Development of the Year award at the West Midlands Property Awards. The prestigious accolade, presented by Insider Media on 23rd November, was in recognition of Barberry’s exemplary speculative development, Wolf Pack, situated in Hilton Cross Business Park, Wolverhampton. Wolf Pack, consisting of three self-contained detached buildings, is a high-profile prime manufacturing and logistics development designed to market-leading specifications. The project holds planning permission for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution uses. The success of Wolf Pack was lauded at the awards ceremony for its exceptional performance in areas such as ESG, economic outputs, job creation, and delivery speed, including securing two pre-lettings. The West Midlands Property Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in the built environment, acknowledging individuals, businesses, and organisations that have made significant contributions to the region’s development. Barberry’s recognition for Commercial Development of the Year further solidifies its position as an industry leader, showcasing its commitment to excellence and innovation in the West Midlands’ property sector. Further details can be found here: wolfpack-j1m54.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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First and second phases complete at Horizon 29

First and second phases complete at Horizon 29

Phase 1A and 1B of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire are now finished. Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, and once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North). Phase 1A comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses (units 1 and 2) and sustainable features including solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. The units have been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. Phase 1A comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses (units 1 and 2) and sustainable features including solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. The units have been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. Phase 1B, involved the construction of units 4 and 5, alongside all subsequent mechanical and electrical works, office fit outs and external works to ongoing conference laboratory car parks. The contractor also delivered earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works for both Phase 1A and 1B are finally complete. “Once all phases are finished, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south. “We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the second phase of this landmark scheme.” Dick Smallman, Equation Properties, said: “Despite a challenging site and weather, we are very impressed with the superb quality of the units and works that McLaren Construction has delivered to date. “The speed with which they’ve carried out particular elements of the work, the seamless design which blends into the countryside and the innovative techniques used have been fantastic.” McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction of units starts at Dorset Innovation Park

Construction of units starts at Dorset Innovation Park

Spetisbury Construction has started building work on six new industrial units at Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith Newburgh, near Wool. Dorset Council recently appointed local Dorset firm Spetisbury Construction to build six industrial units, ranging from 200m2 to 600m2, funded by £4.4m from the Council’s capital budget. The Dorset Innovation Park is Dorset’s only economic development site with Enterprise Zone status. The Park is developing as an advanced engineering cluster of excellence for the Southwest, building on its strengths in marine, defence, energy, and cyber-security. It offers office space, workshop facilities and fully serviced commercial employment land with benefits such as simplified planning, and full fibre accessibility. The park is home to a range of innovative businesses, including Qinetiq, Atlas, and Norco, plus the Ministry of Defence who have a presence at the Defence Battlelab situated on site. The new units provide an opportunity for further business to relocate to the park. Dorset Council has seen the number of businesses and employees on site grow over the last few years and has now invested in these units to support local business development. The units are due to completed in December 2024. Justin Ives, Managing Director of Spetisbury Construction, said: “Spetisbury Construction have worked alongside Dorset Council on numerous projects over the last 20 years and has been great to be involved in this most recent and exciting project. Our close work with the project team starting over a year ago has resulted in the development of the initial concept to a fully considered design. “The project has evolved and changed shape on several occasions to meet the needs of the target market however it is now great to be on site and into the construction phase. We look forward to delivering this project later in the year and on to future projects with the council’s team. Spetisbury Construction are a regional Chartered Building Company and are proud to be part of the Dorset Council Framework.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Mountpark Baldonnell achieves highest BREEAM accreditation score in Ireland

Mountpark Baldonnell achieves highest BREEAM accreditation score in Ireland

Units F and G in Baldonnell have achieved a BREEAM rating of Outstanding Mountpark has achieved the highest BREEAM accreditation scores in Ireland on two units at Mountpark Baldonnell. The units, located at Baldonnell Business Park, were assessed under the BREEAM International New Construction V6 and at the time of certification Unit G achieved 92.5%, the highest percentage of any building in Ireland, with Unit F achieving the second highest of 91.5%. Mountpark and the design team originally set out to deliver BREEAM Excellent, but through hard work, achieved the highest rating of Outstanding. This ambitious approach from the team has paid off, with the certification being awarded based on assessment in several different areas. These areas include management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use and innovation. Mountpark looks to develop its buildings to create desirable workplaces, and to minimise the impact on the environment, by considering the wellbeing of the people who will occupy the spaces and taking steps to develop the ecological environment with local flora and fauna. Julie-Ann Lambert, Construction Director UK & Ireland at Mountpark said: “It is a testament to the hard work of the design team and the high standards that we hold ourselves to at Mountpark that we have been able to achieve these ratings for Unit G and Unit F. We are constantly learning and looking to improve, and we continue to push design and construct developments that demonstrate this sustainably. I would like to extend my thanks to our supply chain and our design team for striving for the very best and helping us achieve these fantastic ratings.” Mountpark Baldonnell is a state-of-the-art logistics development for the Dublin market. Unit F of 72,646 sq ft and Unit G of 96,930 sq ft make up the final phase of the development and are both occupied. If you are interested in learning more about Mountpark’s sustainable practices click here, or for its portfolio please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Logicor acquires 500,000 sq ft prime logistics site in the East Midlands

Logicor acquires 500,000 sq ft prime logistics site in the East Midlands

Logicor, a leading owner, manager and developer of European logistics real estate, has expanded its footprint in the UK by agreeing to forward fund a 500,000 sq ft distribution warehouse on a prime logistics site in Derby. Planning permission has already been secured for the warehouse on Infinity Park Derby.    Located in the logistics hotspot of the East Midlands, the site benefits from direct access to the national motorway network (A50, M1, and M6) and its proximity to East Midlands Airport.   Throughout the construction phase, and when the building is complete, there is the potential to create over 1300 jobs.   The development will be sustainably built and will target EPC A and BREEAM Excellent certification. In addition to solar panels, LED lighting and air source heat pumps, there are plans for extensive landscaping with 112 trees, wetland habitats, bird boxes and bug hotels to improve the levels of local biodiversity at the site.   Employees on the site will have access to nature trails, cycleways and footpaths to promote sustainable travel.   Construction is due to start early 2024.  Charlie Howard, Managing Director, UK at Logicor, said:   “Infinity Park Derby fits perfectly with our strategy of further growing our footprint in areas where we know demand for quality real estate continues to outstrip supply.  “We are looking forward to bringing to the market a highly sustainable, well-designed asset that is in a prime location for the UK.”  Wilson Bowden and Peveril Securities is the development partner and Bowmer and Kirkland is the construction partner for the project. Logicor were advised by Cushman & Wakefield, and the developer were advised by Avison Young.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Towngate PLC continues £6 million development of state-of-the-art business centre in Manchester

Towngate PLC continues £6 million development of state-of-the-art business centre in Manchester

Leading property specialist, Towngate PLC, is gearing up to reveal its latest development — a brand-new row of industrial units, adding approximately 45,695 sq ft to the footprint of Towngate Business Centre at Manchester Road West, Walkden. With the steelwork phase and roof installation now complete, along with the commencement of the installation of the external cladding and PV Solar Panels, the project is on track for practical completion in April 2024, offering businesses an exceptional opportunity to secure modern industrial and warehouse spaces. With its £6 million+ investment, the property specialist has crossed a significant milestone in the revitalisation of the site, once home to the iconic Lucozade factory. The project not only restores the area to full capacity but also contributes to the creation of hundreds of jobs, leaving a lasting legacy. Strategically located just off Lester Road, with easy access to the M61 Motorway and key city centres, the business park is set to become a hub of economic activity. Anticipated to be ready for occupancy in spring, a series of cutting-edge units boast sizes ranging from 5,450 to 45,695 sq. ft., providing firms with an opportunity to operate from a strategically located and technologically advanced environment. Due to demand, two of the largest units are under offer on a pre-let basis, leaving available spaces ranging from 5,450 – 27,855 sq ft. New occupants of the Towngate Business Centre will benefit from a secure 30m yard area, remotely-monitored CCTV, 24-hour security, EV charging points, and ample on-site parking. The development prioritises sustainability with photovoltaic solar panels, thermally efficient cladding, air source heat pump systems, and wellness showers. With a keen focus on achieving a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating, Towngate is committed to fostering environmentally conscious workspaces. Situated in close proximity to Ellesmere Shopping Centre and Walkden Town Centre, the business centre will also provide easy access to essential amenities such as Aldi, Costa Coffee, and independent pubs and restaurants.  Tom Lamb, property director for Towngate PLC, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We are excited to already be seeing several enquiries for the units, and it is wonderful to have two units under offer at such an early stage.  I expect there will be further interest now that they are taking shape. With a range of appealing features, we’re ensuring the units will be suited to assorted industrial sectors.”  Throughout construction, Towngate PLC has been working in collaboration with Ellenby Construction, along with appointed partners, including David Stanway Associates, KPP Architects, Steven Abbott Associates, Adept, and Michael Eyres Partnership. For further information and leasing inquiries, please contact Tom Lamb, property director, or Julia Ford, marketing manager, at Towngate PLC. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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