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Commercial : Industrial News

Energy-efficient and sustainable vacuum solutions from Atlas Copco provide the final perfect touch for Noelle + von Campe

Kenneth Booth September 23, 2022

The UN has declared 2022 the “International Year of Glass”. This puts even more focus on production conditions in the energy-intensive glass industry, and efficient technologies along the entire value chain are particularly in demand. Vacuum technology also has a major influence on sustainability in glass production – because stable

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Potter Space on course for major £18m expansion in Droitwich

Kenneth Booth September 22, 2022

Potter Space, which owns and operates five business parks across the UK, is on course to achieve its strategic five-year vision of investing £18m to double the size of its Droitwich site, as construction begins at pace on the first phase of the development.  The company had been granted planning

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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

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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

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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

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Issue 344 : Sep 2026

Commercial : Industrial News

Energy-efficient and sustainable vacuum solutions from Atlas Copco provide the final perfect touch for Noelle + von Campe

Kenneth Booth September 23, 2022

The UN has declared 2022 the “International Year of Glass”. This puts even more focus on production conditions in the energy-intensive glass industry, and efficient technologies along the entire value chain are particularly in demand. Vacuum technology also has a major influence on sustainability in glass production – because stable vacuum is needed in many processes. Atlas Copco specializes in providing energy-efficient, intelligent, and sustainable vacuum solutions to manufacturers worldwide. They have supplied the German glass producer Noelle + von Campe with three GHS 4600 VSD+ screw vacuum pumps. The Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ series of vacuum pumps are a range of highly efficient, intelligent vacuum pumps with Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology. Individual glass packaging for bottling companiesNoelle + von Campe produces individual glass packaging for bottling companies. The individualized bottles and jars are given their shape and the final touch using vacuum technology. The final touch includes adding a customer’s logo or name. When shaping the glass, better embossing of the logo or any lettering is achieved if the trapped air between the glass mold and the actual glass has been removed as best as possible. With an output of 650 million jars per year, the right vacuum system is an important element for the efficiency of the entire plant for Noelle + von Campe. Atlas Copco, with its application expertise and experience in supplying vacuum pumps to the glass industry, knows the exact requirements of the market. They have a long history in partnering with glass manufacturers. Their solutions and installations are made to measure for each individual customer. This was one of the reasons Noelle + von Campe chose Atlas Copco’s GHS VSD+ oil-injected screw vacuum pumps for their production facility. Energy savings with Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technologyThe use of vacuum technology alone saves a lot of energy: the same production result could also be achieved with compressed air but would consume more energy. With its innovative motor concept for glass production, the Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ series is one of the most energy-efficient oil-lubricated vacuum pumps on the market: with the VSD variable speed control, the screw pumps can be adapted precisely and quickly to the respective vacuum requirement. Variable speed and the set point control offers optimum vacuum levels. The GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps installed at Noelle + von Campe have saved around 27% in energy costs. Increased stability in the vacuum supplyThe reduced energy consumption isn’t the only advantage of the GHS VSD+ vacuum solution. The entire vacuum supply at Noelle + von Campe is now more stable than before. „When we change tools or adapt our processes, for example, the new central vacuum system continues to reliably supply our entire production“ reports Timo Scherf, the Head of Maintenance Plant 1 at Noelle + von Campe. „This was an important factor for us, because the reliable, uninterrupted vacuum supply in turn has a direct effect on the quality of our end products. And when it comes to the quality of our jars and bottles, neither we nor our customers make any compromises“, Timo Scherf emphasizes. Significantly faster amortizationAccording to Atlas Copco sales engineer Oliver Heitjohann, further cost reductions are generated by the ES central control: „The intelligent system coordinates the use of the vacuum pumps with each other – this saves even more costs, also for maintenance and electricity. A big advantage: the customers also achieve significantly faster amortization“. The ES16 central controller can monitor and control multiple GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps simultaneously. The smart control system balances and optimizes the performance of all machines, reducing the overall energy consumption. Compared to competitor products, the intervals between maintenance are also longer. Other note-worthy features of the GHS 4600 VSD+ vacuum pump is its low noise level, space-saving design and the fact that the pumps are supplied in a single, compact housing. The installation is plug & play and is correspondingly uncomplicated. More for lessThe Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ oil-sealed screw vacuum pump series thus put the finishing touches not only to the products but also to the production process. This is where Atlas Copco’s extensive experience in working with glass manufacturers pays off. That is why Atlas Copco also customized the piping of the vacuum pumps. Atlas Copco is thus, as it were, a one-stop shop for glass manufacturers – from the pump to the connection systems. And so, on balance, Noelle + von Campe gets more for less: more vacuum, more control and more stability for less energy consumption and less effort.

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Potter Space on course for major £18m expansion in Droitwich

Kenneth Booth September 22, 2022

Potter Space, which owns and operates five business parks across the UK, is on course to achieve its strategic five-year vision of investing £18m to double the size of its Droitwich site, as construction begins at pace on the first phase of the development.  The company had been granted planning permission earlier in the year to speculatively build an additional 105,000 sq. ft. of industrial units at Droitwich, to add to the existing 286,000 sq. ft. occupying the 38 acres. With £10m investment committed to this initial phase, construction of the first two units, measuring 28,360 sq. ft. and 21,895 sq. ft., has begun in earnest with completion expected by Spring 2023. Although not a prerequisite of the original planning consent, all the new units will be targeting BREEAM ‘Very Good’ accreditation in order to provide top quality sustainable buildings for its customers and to further enhance the desirability of the site. Potter Space is also placing high importance on enhancing the amenity space on the park to help improve the wellbeing of its customers. This will include extending landscaped areas and creating both dedicated picnic areas and nature walks close to the site. Jason Rockett, managing director at Potter Space, commented: “Our commitment to investing £18m to double the size of Droitwich over the next five years represents a major milestone for Potter Space in the Midlands.  “Although we have had nearly 300,000 sq. ft. of buildings on site, we were close to 100% occupancy and recognised the need to meet demand and the growing number of enquiries we were receiving for high quality warehouse units in the region. We are therefore looking forward to the opportunity to develop the site further and bring new investment and jobs to the area.” Potter Space is now welcoming pre-let enquiries, with  Fisher German and Harris Lamb joint acting agents for this initial phase.  Rob Champion, partner at property agents, Fisher German, said: “As Jason and the team at Potter Space have witnessed, we have seen sustained occupational demand for industrial and warehouse facilities of this calibre in the Midlands and we anticipate interest to be extremely high.” Charles D’Auncey, director for property consultancy Harris Lamb, added: “Expanding the Droitwich site on this scale puts Potter Space in an enviable position at a time when warehouse space is in such short supply nationally, regionally and locally and there is limited competition in the area. “The added benefit is that the company will be creating a real home for business – delivering high quality, sustainable buildings on a well-managed, secure and highly accessible site.” To download a brochure and further information on Potter Space and its Droitwich business park, please visit https://www.potterspace.co.uk/developments/droitwich.

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Boyer achieves Planning Consent for Vibrant mixed-use community on former Tyneside shipyard

Kenneth Booth September 14, 2022

National planning consultancy Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group)has secured a positive resolution to approve planning permission on behalf of Hebburn Riverside Development Ltd for the development of 446 homes, community and commercial space at the former Hawthorne Leslie Shipyard on Ellison Street in Hebburn. This resolution was achieved at South Tyneside’s Planning Committee on Monday 5 September. The development will represent a significant regeneration project, transforming the 3.7ha former dockyard into a vibrant new community with homes, flexible community spaces, shop and restaurant. The new community will be set in an attractively landscaped setting on the banks of the River Tyne. A range of community uses, including ‘pop up’ uses, are envisaged for the new pavilion building, which will also host a permanent exhibition depicting the rich history of the site. The design has been influenced by the site’s shipbuilding heritage: the design of the larger scale apartment buildings pays homage to the ships that were once constructed within the shipyard, with design elements providing subtle references to marine construction. The houses will reflect the Victorian style of architecture found elsewhere in Hebburn. In acknowledgement to the site’s important wartime history, it is proposed that the development is named ‘Kelly’s Yard’ in honour of the World War II K-class destroyer, HMS Kelly, which was built and launched at the site in 1938. HMS Kelly was named after the Admiral of the Fleet, Sir John Kelly. Phillip Allin, Director of planning consultancy Boyer said, ‘We are delighted to have achieved this positive outcome which will lead to the transformation of this brownfield site bringing a vacant and inaccessible section of the riverside back into active use, creating a vibrant and sustainable community though an appropriate mix of much-needed homes and community uses. ‘The new scheme will result in the remediation of this former industrial site, making it safe for future generations. It will ensure the protection of local mudflats and saltmarshes which are of importance ecologically, and reduce the pressure on the Green Belt – a significant consideration in the emerging Local Plan.’ Mark Russell and Barry Holmes of LDA Design conceived and masterplanned the vision for the redevelopment, supported by consultants Design Division, Tetra Tech, Wardell Armstrong, Andy Clay Consulting, UES ecology, GIA, Ollio, Purcell, Turner Townsend, Avison Young and RPS. –

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NETWORK SPACE SECURES FUNDING TO DELIVER BROADHEATH NETWORKCENTRE IN ALTRINCHAM

Kenneth Booth September 13, 2022

The transformation of a brownfield site in Altrincham is being supported with a £23.25 million loan from Trafford Council. Network Space Developments is set to regenerate the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street into a mixture of high-quality refurbished space, alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site designed to attract a variety of businesses. Known as Broadheath Networkcentre, some 205,000 sq ft of accommodation will be delivered across 25 units, with workspace available from 2,100 sq ft to 39,500 sq ft. The development has the capacity to create upwards of 400 new jobs and provide much needed speculative workspace in the region. Regional sub-contractors will be encouraged to become involved in the scheme, as well as local training and employment opportunities being provided during construction. Once complete, the scheme will have an estimated GDV of £45 million. A highly sustainable development, the scheme will target BREEAM Very Good and EPC A ratings. Existing steel and concrete structures on site will be reused and recycled, resulting in a significant reduction in embodied carbon within the development. Individual units are designed to accommodate photovoltaic panels to support renewable energy provision and electric vehicle charging will be provided across the entire scheme. As well as supporting Network Space Developments to bring forward the scheme, the loan from Trafford’s Investment Programme includes a number of conditions to promote environmental efficiency, on-site renewable power, electrical vehicle charging points, space for SME businesses and the use of local sub-contractors and apprentices. Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “The loan fits well with Trafford’s investment strategy and wider council goals, encouraging the creation of high quality employment space in-borough while requiring high environmental standards and social impacts, as well as providing income that can be reinvested in front line services. “The proposed quality of this scheme and the demand for this type of space from a range of businesses that want to move into or stay in Altrincham gives confidence that it will perform exceptionally well.  We are pleased that the developer is re-using a number of existing buildings on site to create modern smaller units that will suit SME occupiers.” Dan Adamson, group finance director for Network Space, said: “We recognised the importance of this site to the local area when we acquired it just over a year ago. Since then, we have worked collaboratively with Trafford Council. This will be a best-in-class scheme and, together, we will maximise the positive impact of the project, delivering high quality employment space, jobs opportunities, inward investment and economic growth. “Planning consent is now in place to repurpose the existing buildings, alongside the delivery of new, energy efficient units. We have already received strong enquiries from a wide range of occupiers ranging from local businesses, trade occupiers to last mile urban logistics firms. “With a prospective occupier already in legals for the largest unit, the strength of the local market is very evident.” Network Space commenced the demolition in early May and is aiming for practical completion in spring 2023. The loan will be repaid in phases post completion. Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre by Network Space. The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying, AEW architects and Spawforths is the planning advisor.

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Two new logistics centres at Prologis RFI DIRFT to increase capacity by nearly one million square feet

Kenneth Booth September 8, 2022

Prologis UK, a leading logistics property company, has announced it will speculatively develop two new logistics centres at Prologis RFI DIRFT in Northamptonshire – a park recognised as the most successful intermodal road-rail hub in the UK. Designed to best-in-class sustainability standards, both buildings – DC327, with a floorspace of 327,044 sq. ft.  and DC628, with a floorspace of 627,707 sq. ft. – will be net zero in construction. They are also  targeting a BREEAM “Excellent” accreditation, an achievement less than 1 percent of  new non-domestic buildings in the UK manage to achieve. In operation, both units will achieve an EPC A rating, including solar PV array installation which can flex to meet customers’ energy needs. Due to complete in summer 2023, the construction of these new logistics centres follows the development of a third rail terminal, linking to the existing DIRFT infrastructure and the West Coast Mainline railway. The site enjoys close proximity to the M1 and M6 motorways and to the A14 and A5 trunk roads. “This building is the exciting next step in our speculative development programme,” said Sally Duggleby, Vice President of Capital Deployment and Leasing, Prologis UK. “Our customers rely on us to provide modern, high-quality facilities in prime locations, and we work hard to anticipate their requirements.” The popularity of rail freight as part of a balanced, sustainable and resilient supply chain has grown over the past decade and today, over 6,500 trains – the equivalent of 200,000 freight containers – pass through the park each year. DIRFT is already home to household brands, such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco, and  Prologis UK has recently built a new landmark facility for Royal Mail site, which serves as the company’s largest parcel hub in the UK.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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