Commercial : Industrial News
Barberry £20 million warehouse development gets underway

Barberry £20 million warehouse development gets underway

Construction of a £20 million speculatively developed industrial and logistics unit at one of the West Midlands’ leading business parks has started, commercial property developer and investor Barberry Industrial announced today. Barberry has appointed Bromsgrove-based main contractor Benniman to deliver the development at Junction 15 of the M40 at Tournament

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ROCKWOOL secures initial approval for West Midlands manufacturing facility

ROCKWOOL secures initial approval for West Midlands manufacturing facility

ROCKWOOL has secured approval for its first planning submission for a new manufacturing facility that would support hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands. The leading global non-combustible insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL submitted a Section 73 application to Birmingham City Council requesting permission to vary some of the details in the

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Caddick Gears Up for Growth with New Leeds Logistics Hub

Caddick Gears Up for Growth with New Leeds Logistics Hub

Caddick Construction has broken ground on a major urban logistics development in Leeds, after being appointed by developer Chancerygate as main contractor for its £46.5 million T45 scheme. Situated just off junction 45 of the M1 motorway, the 11.1-acre site will deliver 23 high-specification commercial units ranging in size from

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Latest Issue
Issue 329 : Jun 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

McLaren Construction Midlands and North to deliver Plot 4 of landmark industrial hub in Bristol

McLaren Construction Midlands and North to deliver Plot 4 of landmark industrial hub in Bristol

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has been appointed to deliver Plot 4 of the transformative Matrix 49 industrial scheme in Avonmouth, Bristol, on behalf of Equation Properties Ltd. Works on Plot 4 commenced in February this year, with a forecasted programme of 66 weeks to deliver completion by April 2026. Early works are set to include ground improvements and piling works, alongside the installation of a new foul pumping station, and the programme will see the design and construction of a 596,000 sq. ft speculative warehouse unit, accompanied by office space, transport hubs, a link bridge, and a gatehouse. The project also includes external works, underground drainage, utility connections, and landscaping, contributing further to the site’s evolution into a prime logistics and industrial hub. Aligning with McLaren Construction’s commitment to sustainability, the scheme is aiming to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and will adhere to the Considerate Constructors Scheme and Smart Waste BRE standards. Once complete, the development will provide new employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits to the local community. McLaren’s partnership with Equation Properties has been instrumental in driving the phased transformation of Matrix 49, Plot 3, a £21.6 million development spanning 13 acres. Plot 3 is currently on track to deliver a 219,660 sq. ft warehouse and 11,365 sq. ft of office space. Nearing completion, the phase showcases McLaren’s capability to manage complex site conditions, including rhine diversions and ground level improvements, while protecting local ecology. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Our continued work with Equation Properties reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality, sustainable industrial spaces. Plot 4 builds upon the success of Plot 3, contributing further to the development of this strategic site in Avonmouth. This phase presents exciting opportunities to enhance local employment while meeting the evolving needs of future tenants striving towards net zero targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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1.2million sq ft logistics site sold for speculative development to progress in Leicestershire

1.2million sq ft logistics site sold for speculative development to progress in Leicestershire

The Drummond Estate and Inverock have agreed a sale of an 82-acre site adjacent to the M1 and M69 in Leicester. Together they secured outline planning permission for circa 106,500 sq m of advanced warehouse and distribution space at the site, known as Enderby Logistics Hub, in September 2024. Royal London Asset Management Property, partnering with Canmoor, plans to speculatively develop 1.2 million sq ft of prime logistics space with an estimated GDV of £300m. Strategically located in the heart of the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle,’ the site sits at junction 21 of the M1 and junction 3 of the M69 on the outskirts of Leicester. The development will also feature a flagship 500,000 sq ft unit to address strong occupational demand. Ultimately, Enderby Logistics Hub will help to meet the region’s pressing need for employment space and would create some 2,000 new jobs, boosting the local economy. Martin Ward, on behalf of The Drummond Estate, said: “The site offers an exceptional location, adjacent to the M1 and at the heart of the UK’s logistics golden triangle. We had an extremely high level of interest as expected and following a competitive tender process have selected Royal London Asset Management Property and Canmoor, both of which have extensive track records of high-quality developments around the country.” Mather Jamie and Cushman & Wakefield acted for the vendors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans Submitted for £1bn Northern Gateway to Supercharge North West Economy

Plans Submitted for £1bn Northern Gateway to Supercharge North West Economy

A planning application has been submitted for the first phase of the transformative £1 billion Northern Gateway development, one of the largest employment-led projects ever proposed in the North of England. The scheme is being delivered by the Northern Gateway Development Vehicle – a partnership between Harworth Group and Russell LDP – and represents a major milestone in the regeneration of Greater Manchester. Spanning approximately 500 acres, the first phase alone proposes up to 6.5 million sq ft of employment space, targeting advanced manufacturing, logistics, robotics, AI, and research and development. The ambitious development is strategically located at the junction of the M60, M62 and M66 motorways and falls within the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone. Once fully built, the wider Northern Gateway site has the capacity to support up to 20,000 jobs and contribute an estimated £630 million annually in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the regional economy. The outline proposals submitted to Bury and Rochdale councils include flexible employment units, as well as plans for a hotel, leisure and retail facilities, green open spaces, and a connected network of walking and cycling routes. These features are designed to support a sustainable and inclusive employment hub that attracts both domestic and international investment. The site also benefits from long-term strategic planning, having been designated within Greater Manchester’s “Places for Everyone” spatial development plan. A supplementary planning document has already been approved, helping to shape a masterplan focused on innovation, sustainability and connectivity. Helen Hartley, planning associate director at Russell LDP, said: “This is a major milestone in delivering a nationally important employment destination in the North West. Northern Gateway is a transformative opportunity that will create thousands of jobs and bring long-term benefits to the region through high-quality workspace and integrated infrastructure.” Lynda Shillaw, chief executive of Harworth Group, added: “Northern Gateway will act as a catalyst for growth in the North West. By focusing on emerging sectors and high-quality industrial space, we’re creating a platform for regional expansion and global investment.” Further plans for residential development adjacent to the employment zone are also being prepared and will be subject to future public consultation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Barberry £20 million warehouse development gets underway

Barberry £20 million warehouse development gets underway

Construction of a £20 million speculatively developed industrial and logistics unit at one of the West Midlands’ leading business parks has started, commercial property developer and investor Barberry Industrial announced today. Barberry has appointed Bromsgrove-based main contractor Benniman to deliver the development at Junction 15 of the M40 at Tournament Fields Business Park in Warwick, which is expected to generate further investment in the region and create dozens of new jobs. Barberry acquired the last remaining plot at the front of the highly sought-after business park last year and has secured reserved matters planning permission from Warwick District Council for a 92,246 sq ft Grade A ‘best in class’ distribution and logistics unit on the site. Jonathan Robinson, Barberry development director, said the development, known as Barberry Midbox 92, is expected to reach completion in Q4 2025 and is available to lease or purchase. “We are excited to announce that construction of our latest speculatively developed prime mid-box industrial and logistics building is now underway at Tournament Fields. Once again, we will be working alongside our trusted construction partner Benniman who expect to reach practical completion towards the end of this year,” said Jonathan. “The development of a best-in-class unit will help to address the ongoing shortage of new, high quality industrial accommodation in the West Midlands. New buildings such as this help to create the quality accommodation that local, regional and national businesses need to expand their operations within the Midlands. “Our speculatively developed buildings are designed to be flexible space that can be adapted to suit a wide range of occupier specific requirements while promoting sustainability, staff wellness and a high-quality environment to attract and retain staff while also appealing to occupiers to reduce their carbon footprint and deliver financial savings across their operation.” He added: “This high-quality development demonstrates Barberry’s continued commitment to the mid-box industrial logistics sector and capability in the UK market.” Christian Smith, director of Savills, said: “It’s great working on another scheme with Barberry who have the foresight to speculatively develop in this location where there are no other available opportunities for occupiers. Barberry develops market leading buildings designed to the highest standards, built with flexibility in mind to cater for occupier specific requirements. “We can also offer occupiers a unique freehold opportunity or leasehold options. We anticipate significant interest from a market starved of high quality, mid-box warehouse and production facilities on the M40 and M42 corridors.” It is described as a unique opportunity to join a number of international businesses who have made Tournament Fields their home, including Scholastic Publications, Gallagher Security, Semcon, Sodick and most recently, Hansgrohe, who took occupation of their 36,000 sq ft facility in the spring of 2023. Wareing & Company and Savills have been retained as agents. This highly visible and accessible site has the perfect combination of immediate motorway access off Junction 15 of the M40, providing a logistically superb location coupled with the prominence suitable for a HQ-style operator or customer facing business. The building will focus on sustainability and will be built to exceptional ESG standards, targeting EPC A + and BREEAM Excellent accreditation including electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, green initiatives, outdoor gym equipment and staff welfare. One of the UK’s leading developers of mid-box industrial units, Barberry simultaneously exchanged and completed the purchase of the Warwick site within 10 working days of instructing solicitors. It was bought for an undisclosed sum from Sackville Developments (Warwick) Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd. Barberry last year revealed exciting plans to develop two other high quality warehouse units in the West Midlands, demonstrating its commitment to investment in the region. In Birmingham, it plans to build a £17 million 77,000 sq ft Grade A warehouse after acquiring a high-quality site in an off-market deal at Quinton Business Park, Birmingham. The company also plans to develop an advanced manufacturing unit with a value of £11 million in Ansty, Coventry, at one of the most successful business technology parks in the UK. It will deliver a 50,750 sq ft advanced manufacturing unit at Ansty Park after completing the acquisition of the Viggen Way site from Homes England. Barberry has a 2.6 million sq ft industrial/logistics development pipeline with a Gross Development Value of more than £430 million and a growing income-producing commercial portfolio, delivering sustainable returns. The company also has 520 acres of strategically located residential and employment development land, capable of delivering 3,500 new homes including a 288 build-to-rent (BTR) apartment scheme in the heart of Coventry city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Rail completion marks latest major milestone at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton

Rail completion marks latest major milestone at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton

SEGRO has completed the 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at its state-of-the-art multimodal development SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, enabling freight trains to access the site ahead of the launch of regular services later in the year. Maritime Transport agreed terms to operate the terminal in June 2022. The completion follows a 54-hour rail possession over the Easter period, during which SEGRO and its contractor Winvic, along with Network Rail delivered all critical elements of the scheme, including the commissioning of the main line and intermodal signalling. The rail terminal connects to the West Coast Mainline via the Northampton Loop Line and is expected to play a pivotal role in shifting freight movement from road to rail, reducing emissions and congestion. Kate Bedson, Senior Director, National Markets at SEGRO, said: “We’re excited to see real momentum at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, with the completion of the rail freight terminal infrastructure and strong progress on Yusen Logistics’ new facility – the first warehouse on the park to be constructed. “Each freight train can remove up to 76 HGVs from the road with a consequential reduction in carbon emissions, making this a crucial step towards more sustainable logistics. With rail freight contributing £1.7 billion to the economy, this milestone is not only a shot in the arm for growth, also it supports a greener, more efficient supply chain.” The rail terminal is part of SEGRO’s wider £200 million investment in local infrastructure around Northampton, delivered in partnership with National Highways, Network Rail and local authorities. The development has consent for 5 million sq ft of logistics and warehousing space and can accommodate units starting from 100,000 sq ft. The development is expected to create around 7,500 new jobs and will provide over 80 acres of parkland and amenity grassland, 18 kilometres of footpaths, 20 kilometres of hedgerows, and 60,000 newly planted trees — enhancing biodiversity and improving community access to green space. Other improvements completed over the last year include upgrades to M1 Junction 15, the A508, and the A45, significantly enhancing access and traffic flow. Final landscaping and perimeter works are set to be completed soon.   Located adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1, just four miles from Northampton, the park is one of the UK’s premier multi-modal logistics hubs. Notes to editors:  SEGRO has incorporated a successful intermodal SRFI, operated my Maritime Transport, at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway near Castle Donnington. It can accommodate up to 16 freight trains a day and provides direct access to the UK’s SRFI network, as well as major UK ports such as Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and the Channel Tunnel. About SEGRO SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, and is a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property. It owns or manages 10.3 million square metres of space (111 million square feet) valued at £20.3 billion at 31 December 2024 serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in seven other European countries. For over 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution hubs, to urban warehousing (including data centres) located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive. A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO’s purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing Low-Carbon Growth, Investing in Local Communities and Environments and Nurturing Talent.  Striving for the highest standards of innovation, sustainable business practices and enabling economic and societal prosperity underpins SEGRO’s ambition to be the best property company. See www.SEGRO.com for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ROCKWOOL secures initial approval for West Midlands manufacturing facility

ROCKWOOL secures initial approval for West Midlands manufacturing facility

ROCKWOOL has secured approval for its first planning submission for a new manufacturing facility that would support hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands. The leading global non-combustible insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL submitted a Section 73 application to Birmingham City Council requesting permission to vary some of the details in the current planning permission for the Peddimore site, north east of Birmingham. Now approval has been secured, ROCKWOOL plans to submit a more detailed Reserved Matters application later in 2025 or early 2026, which will provide specifics about the design of the facility. If the Reserved Matters application is approved, construction could begin later in 2026 with the facility becoming operational in 2029. ROCKWOOL, which has operated from South Wales since 1979, has strong foundations in the UK and the Peddimore facility would be the company’s second local site, supporting hundreds of construction jobs and creating new, long-term skilled roles. The proposed state-of-the-art insulation manufacturing facility would boost supply capacity for UK and Republic of Ireland customers, whilst also supporting the company’s ambitious global sustainability plans. Engaging with the local community Since plans for the new facility were announced in November 2024, ROCKWOOL has carried out the first phase of a community engagement programme to share initial information and listen to feedback.  ROCKWOOL plans to carry out a second phase of engagement once more detailed plans and designs have been developed. Information about the plans is available to view at www.rockwool.com/uk/peddimore and will be updated as the proposal develops. Nick Wilson, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK & Ireland, said: “We are very pleased to have received approval for our Section 73 application and look forward to developing the plans further and sharing them with the community in the months ahead. “We are grateful to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on our initial plans, which we will be considering as we progress. The West Midlands has a skilled, local workforce, a strong manufacturing tradition, and excellent transport links, so we believe the Peddimore site is an ideal location for us to expand our business and bolster our service to customers across the UK and Ireland.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Caddick Gears Up for Growth with New Leeds Logistics Hub

Caddick Gears Up for Growth with New Leeds Logistics Hub

Caddick Construction has broken ground on a major urban logistics development in Leeds, after being appointed by developer Chancerygate as main contractor for its £46.5 million T45 scheme. Situated just off junction 45 of the M1 motorway, the 11.1-acre site will deliver 23 high-specification commercial units ranging in size from 4,450 sq ft to 34,000 sq ft. In total, the development will add 223,000 sq ft of new logistics and industrial space to the region, with completion expected in early 2026. The project marks the fourth collaboration between Chancerygate and Caddick, following successful developments in Carlisle, Aintree, and Knutsford. With sustained demand for logistics and manufacturing space across the UK, Caddick has significantly expanded its regional footprint. The company is also delivering a £42 million manufacturing facility for Schneider Electric in North Yorkshire, while nearing completion of a £28 million site in Howden for Yara International — soon to be home to the UK’s largest specialist fertiliser plant. T45 is expected to attract a broad range of occupiers and contribute to the ongoing regeneration and economic development of the Leeds area. Its strategic location, just minutes from the national motorway network, makes it an ideal site for logistics and light industrial businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Era for Longbridge: £30m Industrial Hub Set to Create Hundreds of Jobs

New Era for Longbridge: £30m Industrial Hub Set to Create Hundreds of Jobs

Industrial property developer Indurent has submitted a planning application for the final phase of development at Indurent Park Longbridge West, marking a significant step in the ongoing transformation of the former MG Rover site. The proposed £30 million scheme includes over 339,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space, alongside high-quality ancillary office facilities, spread across 13 individual units. Located 12 kilometres southwest of Birmingham city centre, the site was once home to the iconic MG Rover car manufacturing plant, which ceased operations in 2005. Now, nearly two decades later, it is set to be reborn as a modern business hub. Once completed, the development is expected to generate approximately 590 full-time jobs, in addition to 280 roles during the construction phase. Jessica Evans, Senior Planning Manager at Indurent, said:“This planning application marks a major milestone for Indurent and the wider regeneration of Longbridge. The development will deliver modern, high-quality employment space—attracting investment, driving job creation, and boosting the local economy. As we approach 20 years since the closure of the MG Rover plant, this site is starting a new chapter as a centre for business and innovation. We look forward to working closely with the local authority and community to bring these plans to life and ensure they deliver lasting benefits for Longbridge.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SEGRO unveils nine new sustainable units at Slough Trading Estate amid strong demand

SEGRO unveils nine new sustainable units at Slough Trading Estate amid strong demand

SEGRO has completed the development of nine new speculatively-built industrial units at Slough Trading Estate, providing highly sustainable space to meet demand from a diverse range of businesses The redevelopment scheme at 136 Edinburgh Avenue has transformed the former single-building into over 107,000 sq ft of high-quality warehouse space. The units have been purposefully designed in a range of sizes, from 2,000 to 10,000 sq ft, to support smaller and growing enterprises, as well as larger units of 32,000 and 45,000 sq ft. SEGRO has seen strong interest in the units, reflecting high demand and limited supply of highly sustainable industrial space in the Thames Valley. Demonstrating SEGRO’s commitment to Championing low-carbon growth, the units boast excellent sustainability credentials, achieving BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ ratings. Features include air source heat pumps, smart building sensors and controls and over 21,000 sq ft of PV panels generating energy savings of over 350 kWh/Yr and carbon savings of over 42,000 Kg/Co2/Yr. In addition, 20% of parking spaces are equipped with EV charging points and the development offers ample secure bike storage with electric bike chargers to encourage active travel.  Anna Bond, Head of Western Corridor at SEGRO, said: “This development demonstrates our commitment to evolving the Slough Trading Estate in line with the needs of modern businesses.  “We are already seeing strong demand from occupiers for several units at the development, reinforcing the attractiveness of Slough Trading Estate as a prime business location. The high level of interest before completion underlines the confidence of customers in the quality of our spaces as well as the advantages of being part of a thriving business community.” Slough Trading Estate is the largest privately-owned business park in single ownership in Europe. Over one third of the estate is less than 10 years old. Local amenities including a high street bank, restaurants, shops, fitness facilities and healthcare centres are all within easy reach on the estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HelloParks to Deliver Two New Warehouse Halls North and West of Budapest – Expanding Domestic Supply by 88,000 sqm

HelloParks to Deliver Two New Warehouse Halls North and West of Budapest – Expanding Domestic Supply by 88,000 sqm

HelloParks has commenced construction of two new sustainable industrial and logistics facilities in Fót and Páty (North and West of Budapest), adding over 88,000 sqm of space to its domestic development pipeline. Upon completion, the company will operate a total of 11 buildings across its megapark network by the end of the year. These developments directly respond to robust market demand, with warehouses at both sites operating near full capacity. The new buildings are designed to meet the highest sustainability standards—complying with the Outstanding rating criteria under the BREEAM New Construction certification and the stringent requirements of the EU Taxonomy. Construction has begun on the fourth facility (PT5) in the Páty HelloParks Budapest West megapark. The structural works are complete, and concrete flooring will soon be poured. Completion is scheduled for Q3 2025. Once finished, this 42,000 sqm BigBox warehouse will bring the total completed industrial space in Páty to 184,000 sqm. Existing facilities in the park currently enjoy an 84% occupancy rate, with tenants including prominent global logistics and transportation providers such as dm-Drogerie Markt, DHL, Gebrüder Weiss, and Transdanubia. Strategically situated in the western agglomeration of Budapest, the 87-hectare HelloParks Páty lies adjacent to the M1 motorway and close to the M0 and M7 junctions—making it an ideal hub for local, national, and international logistics. Meanwhile, work is advancing on the FT3 warehouse in Fót, HelloParks North, with groundwork underway and structural columns to be installed shortly. This 46,000 sqm BigBox facility is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, expanding the Fót megapark to four buildings totalling 164,000 sqm. Existing warehouses here are almost entirely let, with notable tenants including BYD and Samsung. Located in the northern vicinity of Budapest, adjacent to the M0 and M3 motorways, the 57-hectare Fót HelloParks Budapest North offers capacity for up to 254,000 sqm of industrial space. Notably, every building in the park has received EU Taxonomy certification—a unique achievement in Hungary. With the addition of these two new facilities, HelloParks will operate 11 buildings across its megaparks by year-end, spanning North, West, South and East of Budapest (Fót, Páty, Alsónémedi, and Maglód). All properties are constructed in alignment with BREEAM sustainability standards and EU Taxonomy criteria, offering tenants environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and future-proof spaces. Only 3% of buildings worldwide achieve BREEAM’s Outstanding rating. HelloParks is the sole developer in Hungary that consistently meets these rigorous benchmarks. Five of its buildings have received the Outstanding certificate, with two more achieving the Excellent rating. As regulatory pressures increase, sustainable facilities are increasingly crucial to occupiers in meeting their ESG objectives. “Our development pace is dictated by market demand. Occupancy rates clearly show the continued strong interest in well-located, modern industrial properties. We aim to respond swiftly and strategically while ensuring that every new building meets the strictest sustainability standards. It’s not enough to simply add capacity – we’re committed to creating spaces where our partners can operate long-term under optimal, energy-efficient conditions,” said Rudolf Nemes, CEO of HelloParks. Both warehouses under construction will feature heat pump-based heating and cooling systems and rooftop solar panels that can reduce office areas’ primary grid energy consumption to zero. Each facility will be equipped with advanced building management systems (BMS) that optimise heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical and water infrastructure capable of detecting and preventing leaks. Tenants will also benefit from HelloParks’ proprietary mobile application, which integrates with the parks’ building control systems, enabling remote management of rented areas. Users can adjust heating, ventilation, and lighting settings, monitor utility usage, and access detailed technical data for their leased units. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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