BDC

Search
Linkedin
Commercial : Industrial News

WORKS TO START ON SITE AT BEGBROKE SCIENCE PARK TO DELIVER 135,000 SQFT OF NEW RESEARCH FACILITIES FOR OXFORD UNIVERSITY

Kenneth Booth September 7, 2022

Oxford University Property Development (OUPD), the joint venture bringing together the land, vision and opportunities of Oxford University with the investment and development management skills of Legal & General, has announced today (31 August 2022) that Mace has been appointed to deliver the next phase of development at Begbroke Science

Read More »

FIRETHORN TRUST LAYS THE GROUND FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION WITH CARBON-SAVING AT PETERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT

Kenneth Booth September 6, 2022

FIRETHORN TRUST LAYS THE GROUND FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION WITH CARBON-SAVING AT PETERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT In line with Firethorn’s commitment to be a market leader in sustainable development, the three-unit scheme will feature innovative products and an advanced specification for occupiers, setting the standard for future logistics. As part of its ongoing

Read More »

Border control facility completes at major East Anglian port

Kenneth Booth September 5, 2022

A new border control facility has been completed at one of the UK’s major ports, Harwich International Port in Essex. Operated by Hutchison Port, the facility will enable the smooth and secure inspection of goods entering the UK under the latest post-Brexit regulations. Cambridge-based property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood

Read More »

Stoford secures funding for British Salt warehouse

Kenneth Booth August 18, 2022

Commercial property developer Stoford has secured funding for the construction of a new warehouse for British Salt, the UK’s leading salt manufacturer and part of Tata Chemicals Europe. It has signed a funding agreement with ICG, the global alternative asset manager, for the 184,493 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse in Middlewich,

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

WORKS TO START ON SITE AT BEGBROKE SCIENCE PARK TO DELIVER 135,000 SQFT OF NEW RESEARCH FACILITIES FOR OXFORD UNIVERSITY

Kenneth Booth September 7, 2022

Oxford University Property Development (OUPD), the joint venture bringing together the land, vision and opportunities of Oxford University with the investment and development management skills of Legal & General, has announced today (31 August 2022) that Mace has been appointed to deliver the next phase of development at Begbroke Science Park (BSP). This contract is the first in a package of work representing a £100m investment in expanding the Science Park by the JV and will create a further c 135,000 sq ft of space in total. One building will become a new home for the University’s academics and the other will become a new commercial hub for companies looking to grow and build links with academia.  Practical completion of the buildings, designed by nbbj architects, is targeted for early 2024.  The two buildings are lab enabled, designed by nbbj architects, to perform to high sustainability standards including BREEAM Excellent and WELL Gold Enabled.  The development includes a new cycleway link between Begbroke Science Park and Kidlington as well as a public art piece by the Turner Prize winning practice Assemble. The buildings are an expansion of the current facilities within the boundaries of the existing Begbroke Science Park at Begbroke Hill.  OUPD is also working on plans, in consultation with the local community and Cherwell District Council, to bring forward wider development outside the existing boundaries of the Science Park to deliver homes, additional research and development facilities and commercial space. The building was developed by Oxford University Development (OUD), the delivery arm of OUPD, in conjunction with Oxford University and Bruntwood SciTech.  The contract has been placed by Legal & General who will oversee delivery.  Anna Strongman, CEO of OUD said today: “Begbroke has been a home of innovation for Oxford University for over 20 years, supporting spin-out and scale up businesses, attracting and retaining talent, and generating economic and social benefits. Our partnership will deliver the further space needed to build on that success. These two new buildings will provide further much needed academic and commercial spaces by 2024.” Mike Coplowe, Senior Development Manager, Legal & General “We are extremely proud of our partnership with the University of Oxford, and today marks an exciting milestone in Begbroke Science Parks journey.  The first phase of the scheme will bring forward new research facilities, as well as providing space to incubate spin-out companies. Future phases will also seek to develop 2,000 new homes, with a mix of affordable tenures and subsidised key worker accommodation.  These new facilities will help retain talent in the city, whilst driving essential inward investment and providing opportunities for world-leading innovation, as well as much needed housing for key workers.” Professor Patrick Grant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), from Oxford University, said: “For many years Begbroke has provided a unique environment for the University’s scientists to work alongside colleagues in the private sector. Amongst many innovations, we have created new technologies and products for green and sustainable energy and for precision medicine. The new buildings will accelerate our activity and collaborations, providing flexible facilities for research groups, spinouts and innovative companies of all kinds. They represent the first phase of an ambitious plan to deliver an innovation district at Begbroke, and we are excited to see the work commence.” Terry Spraggett, Managing Director, Construction (PREACH) at Mace said: “Begbroke Science Park is one of the most ambitious science and education projects Mace has ever been appointed to deliver. Working closely with the University of Oxford and L&G, we’ll use our track record and experience in creating the UK’s latest science testing facilities in electronics, satellites, and medical research, to bring new research spaces for this prestigious academic institution. By assembling a multi-disciplinary team, we are delivering the buildings in the science park to the highest sustainability and quality standards.” For more information go to www.oud.co.uk or contact Robert Gordon Clark on 07973 148238 or robert@playgc.co.uk

Read More »

FIRETHORN TRUST LAYS THE GROUND FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION WITH CARBON-SAVING AT PETERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT

Kenneth Booth September 6, 2022

FIRETHORN TRUST LAYS THE GROUND FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION WITH CARBON-SAVING AT PETERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT In line with Firethorn’s commitment to be a market leader in sustainable development, the three-unit scheme will feature innovative products and an advanced specification for occupiers, setting the standard for future logistics. As part of its ongoing investment in research and development, Firethorn identified the short- and long-term advantages of PrimX as an alternative to traditional concrete flooring, becoming the first developer to bring the product to the UK logistics space. Delivering environmental benefits – including a 30% reduction in construction time and a 70% decrease in CO2 emissions – the jointless system is designed to save money, enhance safety and increase high-load resistance over time. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn Trust, said: “We are always striving to innovate and do things differently, working with best-in-class teams to deliver pioneering solutions that will set the standard for occupiers and sustainability. We’re proud to be the very first UK logistics developer to use PrimX flooring, knowing that it will provide substantial environmental benefits, both now and in the future. “The time and investment that we spend exploring these products is what we believe sets Firethorn schemes apart, and is central to our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and improving tenant experiences.  Bringing industry-leading products and build methods to the market means that we stay ahead of the curve and can create future-proofed logistics solutions that meet our own ambitious ESG targets, as well as the evolving needs of our occupiers.” An ultra-high performance concrete, PrimX features a shrinkage control system that makes it possible to cast indoor slabs of unlimited size and geometry. Featuring steel fibre reinforcement, the slab’s design is up to 60% thinner than traditional alternatives, whilst providing a higher load-bearing capability. Paul Martin continued: “This is the first of many innovations that will take the industry forward, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of sustainable development. We are implementing actions to reduce our environmental impact at every level of the business, and at every stage of our projects, and our Peterborough South scheme is a prime example of the Firethorn standard.” The first PrimX pour has now taken place at Peterborough South, which is being delivered by Glencar Construction, with completion due in Q4 2022. The development will be net-zero carbon in construction, with a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification. Its infrastructure will feature more than 40,000 sq. ft. of photovoltaic arrays and 48 electric vehicle charging points. Future occupiers can also benefit from a clear internal height of 15m, up to 52.5m yard depth and an impressive 3MVA of power. The scheme is located just six minutes from Junction 17 of the A1(M) and adjacent to Fletton Parkway, allowing quick and easy access to the motorway network and local labour force. All enquiries for Peterborough South should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents, Savills and Lambert Smith Hampton.

Read More »

Border control facility completes at major East Anglian port

Kenneth Booth September 5, 2022

A new border control facility has been completed at one of the UK’s major ports, Harwich International Port in Essex. Operated by Hutchison Port, the facility will enable the smooth and secure inspection of goods entering the UK under the latest post-Brexit regulations. Cambridge-based property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood was appointed by RG Carter on this Design and Build contract to provide Civil and Structural Engineering design services. The project consisted of extensive roads, hardstandings and new buildings to provide a significate increase in customs facilities at the port. The project will facilitate latest Brexit changes which require new border control checks on plant and animal products entering the UK. Mike Miller, Director at Ingleton Wood, said: “We are proud to have provided Civil and Structural Engineering services for the new secure inspection facility at Harwich International Port which will provide the very highest standards of efficiency required at this important checkpoint. “Ingleton Wood has a long-standing relationship with Hutchison Port and R G Carter, and the success of this major project at one of the UK’s busiest ports is testament to our effective collaboration.” The inspection facility took 42 weeks to complete and features state-of-the-art, steel-framed buildings housing temperature-controlled conditions to maintain ambient, chilled or frozen temperatures, dependent on the goods being inspected by DEFRA agencies. Additionally, the facility incorporates a newly constructed port exit road which allows freight to exit directly onto the A120, reducing congestion and allowing for free-flowing traffic. High specification offices and welfare facilities for the Port and DEFRA staff are also located on site. Ingleton Wood is one of the largest property and construction consultancies covering Central England, East Anglia, London and the South East, with offices in Cambridge, Norwich, Colchester, Billericay, London and Oxford. Its services include architecture, building surveying, building services engineering, planning, interior design, civil and structural engineering, quantity surveying, project management and health and safety. For more information about Ingleton Wood, visit www.ingletonwood.co.uk.

Read More »

Prologis UK’s latest building at Hemel Hempstead is a BREEAM Outstanding record breaker

Kenneth Booth August 31, 2022

A brand new distribution centre developed and owned by Prologis UK has achieved the highest sustainability rating of any project in its category. Completed recently, the 233,860 sq. ft. building – known as DC3a – achieved a BREEAM rating of 88.8% (Outstanding). This is the highest rating recorded for a new building assessed under the BREEAM 2018 New Construction Manual (Industrial – Shell and Core). Completed last month, DC3a was built by Prologis UK in partnership with lead contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick. BREEAM has provided a holistic assessment of the development, based on categories focussing on innovation, health & wellbeing, energy, materials, waste, water, transportation, land use & ecology and pollution. The speculative development of DC3a, means that Prologis UK now has more than 770,000 sq. ft. of logistics space at Maylands Business Park. This brings the company’s total development footprint in Hemel Hempstead to more than 1.5m sq. ft. Martin Cooper, Vice President, development management at Prologis UK, said: “We are very proud of this record-breaking BREEAM rating, which underlines the care and commitment that we give to developing buildings that really are best in class and built for the long term. The property has attracted great market interest, not just due to its sustainability credentials, but also due to its excellent location to the east of Hemel Hempstead, close to Junction 8 of the M1, with access to London and the South East.” Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s building division, said: “It is extremely satisfying to know that the efforts made to construct this building in the most sustainable way possible have been recognised. This couldn’t have been achieved without Prologis UK’s sustainability vision, and the commitment of our construction partners right across the supply chain.”

Read More »

PICK EVERARD SUPPORTING THE UK’S FIRST HVDC CABLE FACTORY IN SCOTLAND

Kenneth Booth August 23, 2022

PLANNING permission has been granted on a new manufacturing facility in Scotland – producing HVDC cables for what will be the world’s longest subsea infrastructure for the Morocco – UK power project. The infrastructure forms part of an ambitious initiative that will power seven million UK homes by 2030. Leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard has been acting as lead consultant on the project, appointed by HVDC subsea cable manufacturer XLCC. The new facility, in Hunterston, North Ayrshire, will produce four 3,800km long cables, connecting solar and wind energy all the way from the Sahara to the UK, as part of the Xlinks project. Once operational, the brownfield site is expected to support up to 900 jobs, with thousands more generated in the wider supply chain. Santosh Patel, director at Pick Everard said: “We’re excited and proud to be involved in creating a new high tech green industry for the UK and supporting the drive towards Net Zero.” “From a manufacturing perspective, it will see undersea cables created to a length not previously seen, while consumers will be able to benefit from a much lower unit cost for their energy once the project is fully implemented. Net zero requires huge expansion of solar and wind to be a success, and XLCC stands to help deliver in this respect.” XLCC’s manufacturing operation in Hunterston will meet the UK’s growing demand for high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) power transmission. Landowners at Hunterston have thrown their support behind the scheme, with work transfer opportunities expected to be provided for local employees, following the decommissioning of Hunterston’s B power nuclear station after 46 years. As well as acting as lead consultant, Pick Everard has provided complete design services, as well as health and safety consultancy, BIM coordination and BREEAM assessments. Now, the firm is expected to continue to act in a technical advisory capacity, with construction on the new factory expected to commence in early 2023. Mark Colby, partner at Pick Everard, said: “We are focused on delivering better together with our cross-industry partners, achieving excellence in everything we do. This particular project sees us – together with the wider project team – delivering a scheme that benefits everyone from the local community through jobs to the whole planet through its sustainable elements.” Project director for XLCC, Alan Mathers, added: “We look forward to delivering a factory of great local and international importance for HVDC subsea cable. The UK will be positioned as a world leader in the green economy, with the site at Hunterston playing a key role in connecting cheap, green energy from renewables projects around the world.” Pick Everard employs more than 600 staff across its 15 offices, providing a range of project, cost, and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk.

Read More »

Stoford secures funding for British Salt warehouse

Kenneth Booth August 18, 2022

Commercial property developer Stoford has secured funding for the construction of a new warehouse for British Salt, the UK’s leading salt manufacturer and part of Tata Chemicals Europe. It has signed a funding agreement with ICG, the global alternative asset manager, for the 184,493 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse in Middlewich, Cheshire, which will enable British Salt and Tata Chemicals Europe to store the high purity salt and sodium bicarbonate products manufactured at its three sites in Cheshire and streamline its packaging and supply chain operations. The funding agreement, the first between Stoford and ICG, comes as Cheshire East Borough Council granted planning permission for the unit, which will be built at the British Salt manufacturing site on Faulkner Drive, Middlewich.  The new warehouse will support Tata Chemicals Europe’s existing operations, storing products destined for the food and pharmaceutical markets and support its future business plans in Cheshire. Edward Peel, Stoford’s Development Manager, said: “Securing funding for this strategically important warehouse for British Salt is great news. The business has ambitious plans to invest in the region it has called home for more than 50 years. Now that funding and planning approval have been agreed, we’re putting plans in place to start construction work as soon as possible and are looking forward to delivering this warehouse.” Building begins in August with a projected completion date by July 2023.  Angus Vause, Sales & Marketing Director of Tata Chemicals Europe, said: “We are delighted that Cheshire East Borough Council has granted planning permission for our new warehouse, which is a key part in the delivery of our future growth plans for the business in Cheshire and will enable British Salt to deliver enhanced customer service and supply chain excellence.” Chad Brown, Managing Director at ICG Real Estate, added:  “We’re pleased to be partnering with Stoford on the forward funding of this well located and mission critical asset. This is an attractive deal for ICG, underpinned by strong real estate fundamentals and favourable lease dynamics, with the firm eager to deploy further capital in the sector across the UK and Europe.” Stoford and British Salt were both advised by DTRE on the sale and Avison Young were the appointed planning consultants.

Read More »

Prologis UK acquires two prime last-mile logistics estates in Greater London

Kenneth Booth August 16, 2022

Prologis, a leading owner and developer of UK logistics real estate, has further strengthened its portfolio in London and the South East, with the acquisition of two prime urban logistics estates in Park Royal and Watford. This transaction continues the company’s strategic focus on Greater London, following recent acquisitions in Croydon and Erith in July.  Comprising more than 360,000 sq. ft. of prime last-mile logistics space, on a total of 17 acres, both estates offer a range of Grade A units and are 100% leased to customers operating in diverse industry sectors including distribution, construction, pharmaceutical and film and television. Located in two densely populated urban markets, Prologis Central Park (Park Royal) and Prologis Imperial Park (Watford) are strong additions to the UK portfolio, with both benefiting from excellent connectivity to London and beyond. Situated at the heart of Park Royal, the capital’s premier industrial and logistics estate, Central Park was built in 2014 to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification. Imperial Park was built in phases from 2000 and is well located less than 5 minutes from Junction 5, M1 in Watford, north west London’s principal commercial district. The purchase of both assets complements Prologis UK’s existing portfolio – expanding holdings at Park Royal and, in the case of Watford, increasing the company’s presence along the southern M1-London corridor. The Watford site in particular adds to a number of successful projects in Hemel Hempstead. Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK: “The purchase of these prime urban logistics estates illustrates our confidence in and appetite to grow our last mile offering servicing London and the South East. We look forward to working with new customers across the two parks, all of whom are welcome additions to our business.” The assets were acquired from Schroders Capital who were advised by Gerald Eve. 

Read More »

KAYFLOW UNVEILS LATEST MACHINERY INVESTMENT TO AID PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Kenneth Booth August 16, 2022

Kayflow continues to demonstrate its commitment to both product development and sustainability by investing in a new injection moulding machine, which is just one element of the company’s ongoing investment programme for 2022. Kayflow’s new Romi – 800T Injection Moulding Machine with Axis Robot will be used for the ongoing production of Kayflow’s underground soil and waste range of mouldings. The machine’s extensive collection of innovative features will aid production as well as helping to reduce the company’s energy consumption. The machine’s ‘Stop and Go’ system is driven by a Servopump for high precision, repeatability, and energy efficiency, whilst the modernised power system will result in a 60 percent reduction in energy usage. Its reduced cycle times will also help to improve machine utilisation and capacity, both of which support a more sustainable operation. In addition to contributing to Kayflow’s energy efficiency objectives, the Romi – 800T also enables consistent production and a superior finish aiding the company’s commitment to providing only the highest quality products on the market. Alan Tunnicliffe, Technical Director at Kayflow, explains: “The Romi – 800T is one of ten new machines we plan to purchase in 2022, following on from our investment in three machines last year. Overall, 70 percent of our machinery has been modernised over the past two years, which has enabled us to maintain our high-quality standards and increase productivity, whilst reducing our energy consumption and carbon footprint. “Quality will always be at the heart of everything we do, but we are constantly aware of the impact our processes have on the environment. This is why we strive to employ systems and procedures that work to mitigate any negative environmental effects and increase our sustainability. “We’re confident that the investments we have made – and continue to make – will have a positive impact on our business processes, both in terms of product quality and energy consumption, for many years to come.” Further information about Kayflow and its product range can be found at www.kayflow.co.uk or by calling 01827 317 269.

Read More »

Caddick Construction start on site for Phase 2 of Gateway 36 industrial scheme, Barnsley

Kenneth Booth August 9, 2022

Caddick Construction has started work on Phase 2A of the Gateway 36 industrial scheme near Barnsley after been appointed by Eos Inc Ltd, part of the Harworth Group Plc. The £9.3 million contract initially covers Plots 1-3, as well as external yards, car parking, associated highways and off-site drainage work. Unit 1 consists of two 10,000 sq ft units, Unit 2 is 49,500 sq ft and Unit 3 is 38,500 sq ft. Overall, Phase 2 will be developed over 51 acres to either side of the A6195 Dearne Valley Parkway at Rockingham and provides a range of industrial and logistics units with easy access to Junction 36 of the M1. Building on the success of Phase 1, the overall development comprises of a broad mix of medium to large industrial options together with a number of roadside units including the Greene King Public House. The scheme will accommodate a range of units from 5,000 sq ft up to 462,000 sq ft with a minimum BREEAM rating of “Very Good”. It is already proving popular with logistic and last-mile delivery specialists. Gateway 36, located within the heart of the Sheffield City Region, was established following the long-term remediation of the former Rockingham Colliery. It was developed by Harworth Group from 2014 onwards with the first three speculative industrial units, totalling 65,000 sq ft, completing in 2016. The latest Units 1-3 of Phase 2A are being constructed by Caddick on a speculative basis and are due to complete towards the end of this year. The following Units 5-8 will be offered on a design and build basis. Richard Gaukrodger, Caddick Construction Director, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to deliver this key logistics scheme at Phase 2 Gateway 36. Our construction and design teams are making excellent progress with the structural steelwork and cladding now in progress to all three units and we look forward to continuing the support of our local supply chain partners and local businesses to deliver a successful scheme. Cameron Sanderson, Development Manager from the Harworth Group, added: “Phase 2 continues Harworth’s strategy of increasing our direct development of industrial & logistics space over the next five to seven years. Gateway 36 is extremely well-connected adjacent to Junction 36 of the M1 and our trusted delivery partner Caddick Construction are doing an excellent job in facilitating our ambitions to provide high specification industrial and logistics space. “The development will support continued economic growth and jobs for South Yorkshire with the first three units nearing completion.” For all enquiries contact Knight Frank or Gent Visick.

Read More »

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR PAGABO’S NEW £1BN MEDIUM WORKS FRAMEWORK

Kenneth Booth August 8, 2022

SUPPLIERS have been invited to tender for Pagabo’s latest framework – the second generation of its popular Medium Works framework – for which the tender documents have now been published.  The new generation of the framework will run for four years from January 2023, taking the place of the current iteration, which expires in December. It will provide a compliant and collaborative route to market for public sector clients to procure medium-sized construction projects valued at up to £10 million. With a total value of £1 billion, the framework will be split into four lots, with up to nine contractors allocated to each region under each lot across core and reserve supplier appointments. There are a number of these places reserved for SMEs to ensure fair access for suppliers of all sizes and to promote ample choice for clients, while generating the most positive social impact for communities. Lot 1 – £50k to £500k Lot 2 – £500k to £1m Lot 3 – £1m to £5m Lot 4 – £5m to £10m Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “The current Medium Works framework is one of our most active construction offerings, having seen more than 150 projects procured through it to date. It’s proved a popular option for clients, so we’re pleased to be looking at the next generation and continuing to support public sector bodies to procure the services they need to compliantly deliver their mid-sized schemes. “Over the past three and a half years, some fantastic schemes have been brought to fruition through the framework, including the expansion of Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Coventry, a £5m new teaching block for Horsforth School in Leeds, and Bassetlaw District Council’s first carbon reduction scheme, which saw a significant refurbishment project at Kilton Forest Gold Course’s clubhouse. “The new iteration of the framework is aligned with all of the gold standard principles of procurement laid out by the Construction Playbook, ensuring that all clients and suppliers will be working at the forefront of industry best practice when it comes to their built environment projects. We’re now looking forward to receiving tender submissions from suppliers and working with our wider ecosystem to make this new generation of Medium Works the best it can be, ready to go live in January next year.” The Education Alliance will be the contacting authority for the new agreement, continuing its role from the current iteration of the framework. For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/

Read More »