Housebuilder The Hill Group and the Shearer Property Group (SGP) have commenced archaeological works ahead of the first phase of development of City Centre South, a £450 million regeneration scheme that will transform Coventry city centre. These essential preliminary works will ensure the heritage of the site is understood, recorded,
MOMENTOUS plans to transform part of the East Lincolnshire coast have taken an important step forward, following unilateral approval of the 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness. The news, delivered Wednesday 20 March at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle, means the town is on
Development on America Street, SE1 will see the renovation and redevelopment of four railway arches into new repurposed spaces suitable for a range of uses. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has confirmed that it has been appointed by new customer
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed to develop a landmark mixed-use scheme in the heart of the City of London, and a permanent home for London’s Migration Museum, worth a construction contract value of over £100 million. The 65 Crutched Friars development, due to be completed in Summer 2027, will
South Gloucestershire Council has approved proposals for the revised masterplan for Brabazon, a new neighbourhood for South Gloucestershire and Bristol being built by YTL Developments on the historic former Filton Airfield. As the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel, home to over 100 years of aviation history, the former Filton
South Gloucestershire Council has passed a resolution to grant planning approval for the revised masterplan for Brabazon, the thriving new neighbourhood for South Gloucestershire and Bristol being built by YTL Developments on the historic former Filton Airfield. As the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel, home to over 100 years
MANCHESTER City Council has granted planning permission for the redevelopment of ten derelict railway arches on Corporation Street in Manchester. Located on one of the key links between the city centre and the Victoria North regeneration area, the Corporation Street arches will be transformed by The Arch Company, following multi-disciplinary
A STATE-OF-THE-ART leisure, enterprise and education centre being developed by leading multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is one step closer to realisation, following council approval. The Five Acres site in Berry Hill, Coleford, is set to undergo transformation via Pick Everard and contractor BAM Construction Limited, after unilateral agreement on plans
Developers leading Gloucester’s transformational regeneration at The Forum yesterday confirmed strong interest from occupiers looking to take space, with almost three quarters of available space already taken up. The Forum will be completed and open for occupiers in 2024, and the year has started positively in terms of interest expressed
Leading developer Elevate Property Group started 2024 in style with the completion of £90m of regeneration projects, delivering hundreds of new homes in the Midlands. Trent Bridge Quays – a four-year city centre riverside scheme – sees 150 homes and 5,000 sq ft of commercial space created in Nottingham. Whilst
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Housebuilder The Hill Group and the Shearer Property Group (SGP) have commenced archaeological works ahead of the first phase of development of City Centre South, a £450 million regeneration scheme that will transform Coventry city centre. These essential preliminary works will ensure the heritage of the site is understood, recorded, and preserved before the start of construction. A team of archaeologists from Cotswold Archaeology has begun a survey of the site with trenches taking place in various locations, starting in the Barracks car park before moving to Bull Yard and Shelton Square. The works are estimated to take seven to eight weeks to complete, and disruption to businesses and visitors will be kept to a minimum. The task will include the excavation of 23 trial trenches of varying sizes and depths, seeking to locate the line of the historic city wall as well as identify any other archaeological remains. Items of significance found during the works will be logged, protected, and covered for further investigation until the site has been cleared. Hill and SGP are working closely with Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police to ensure that emergency protocols are in place should the trenching unearth any unexploded ordnance that remains as a result of the city’s bombing during the Second World War. Andy Fancy, Managing Director at The Hill Group commented: “We are committed to carrying out the archaeological investigation works at City Centre South both safely and sensitively to protect any historical findings before the start of construction. These works are a routine part of the development process and essential due to the development’s location at the heart of Coventry’s historic centre.” Almost a thousand homes have been given the green light in this first phase of City Centre South, including 200 affordable homes, along with space for shops, businesses, and public open space in a pedestrian-friendly quarter. The new development, designed by acclaimed architecture firm Allies and Morrison, introduces a contemporary style that takes its inspiration from Coventry’s heritage. Conveniently located within a five-minute walk of Coventry train station, the development forms a major element of the wider masterplan for the regeneration of the city. Construction at City Centre South is scheduled to start in the autumn, with the first homes expected to be completed in early 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MOMENTOUS plans to transform part of the East Lincolnshire coast have taken an important step forward, following unilateral approval of the 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness. The news, delivered Wednesday 20 March at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle, means the town is on the cusp of receiving more than £300 million in economic benefits, delivering hundreds of local jobs. Projections undertaken by the Gateway team showcase the scheme will deliver employment benefits of £289.7 million, £20.5 million and £16 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) measurability for commercial, industrial and retail sector jobs. The proposed Local Development Order is seeking to expedite the delivery of up to 1000 new homes and more than 49 acres of combined business, industrial and community space. Situated to the west of the town, on land principally owned by Croftmarsh, with additional areas owned by the Scarbrough family, the Skegness Gateway scheme is set to breathe new life into an area of the Lincolnshire coast that drastically needs change in order to secure its future, boosting the local economy and providing the education and jobs for local people that will encourage them to stay in the area. Sue Bowser of Croftmarsh, said: “This is a milestone moment for the people of Skegness and an important step in revitalising our town and community. It is a pathway for people to carve a real future in the town, with employment, skills and learning opportunities all situated within one site, connected by an ambition to restore Skegness at the heart of East Midlands economic investment. “Having farmed the land at Croftmarsh for 30 years, it was always hoped that it could eventually be used for development. Now, it’s a chance for prospective consultants, developers and investors to look more closely at our plans and be a part of transforming Skegness’ future. It will become a new home for thousands of families, a place of ambition and prosperity, with a lasting legacy for generations to come.” As part of the proposals, the Skegness Gateway site also includes provision for a new crematorium, 78 acres of green open space, supported living options and a new local centre. The scheme has garnered wide stakeholder and public support since its launch three years ago, following a series of engagement sessions and appearances at local community events. Last November, it was described by Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness as a catalyst to ‘allow people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want.’ The scheme was also mentioned in the House of Commons as offering a ‘significant boon to local NHS services.’ Enabling works on the new Skegness TEC college, which is situated on the Skegness Gateway site, is already underway, following planning permission being granted in February last year. Adrian Clarke, group vice principal for corporate services at TEC Partnership, said: “The new campus will provide fantastic opportunities for the local community to undertake courses in further and higher education and develop the skills the area needs for its future.” Chris Baron, chair at Connected Coast, said: “We are seeing unprecedented investment in Skegness which is supporting the delivery of aspirational and transformational projects. “The Skegness Gateway represents a further and significant opportunity to create much-needed facilities for the area and enhance Skegness for people who live and visit here. “Together the opportunities, interventions, and investment – which includes the Towns Fund and the recently announced Long Term Plan for Towns – will bring long-term, sustainable benefits for Skegness which will be felt for generations to come.” Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for coastal economy, said: “I am delighted to see another positive step taken towards delivering this transformational piece of investment to Skegness and East Lindsey as a whole. “By supporting these plans, we are helping to create new jobs, new education and skills development options, new homes and new opportunities for businesses and the local economy. This is yet another example that shows Skegness is a great place to live, work, play and invest. “Alongside our ongoing Towns Fund and Levelling Up projects, the positive impact of these developments will be felt for generations to come, and I look forward to continuing to see them become a reality in the months and years ahead.” For more information on the Skegness Gateway, visit https://skegnessgateway.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Development on America Street, SE1 will see the renovation and redevelopment of four railway arches into new repurposed spaces suitable for a range of uses. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has confirmed that it has been appointed by new customer The Arch Company –to redevelop four railway arches situated on America Street, SE1. The project will see the renovation and revitalisation of the existing arches into space designed for businesses to thrive. The scope of works encompasses demolition, groundworks, fire rated façade installation, waterproofing, a new substation and extensive sustainable fit-out. The investment will breathe new life into neglected spaces and provide a blank canvas for restaurants, cafes, bars, and other leisure businesses looking to contribute to the local community and economy. The redevelopment is part of The Arch Company’s £200m development plan, Project 1000, which aims to bring a thousand empty or derelict spaces into use across England and Wales by 2030. Works onsite commenced during February and are expected to be completed by the summer. Commenting on the appointment, Glencar CEO Eddie McGillycuddy said: “We are very happy to be working for The Arch Company for the first time and to be working on the revitalisation of these historic viaduct structures into repurposed spaces for business to develop and thrive. In restoring these arches, a key priority set out in the project scope was to deliver a development that meets today’s ever increasing high sustainability standards. Energy efficient elements of the restoration will also include the re-lining of all arch spaces, new insulated floor slabs suitable for restaurant use and the installation of new LED lighting and glazed front infills” We look forward to working closely with the full project team and once again seeing our special projects team at work”. Craig McWilliam, CEO at The Arch Company, said: “We’re investing £2.5m into these spaces to provide much needed additional commercial space suitable for leisure use. Repurposing these arches is part of our ongoing programme to create fit for purpose spaces in which businesses can thrive. Glencar’s special project division comes with a significant pedigree and we look forward to seeing them in action”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed to develop a landmark mixed-use scheme in the heart of the City of London, and a permanent home for London’s Migration Museum, worth a construction contract value of over £100 million. The 65 Crutched Friars development, due to be completed in Summer 2027, will include new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), to provide over 700 student homes in a 21-storey building. The student units will be complemented by green spaces open to the public, such as a new pocket park and public roof terrace, for the local community. Located on the eastern edge of the City of London, the scheme has been designed to be sustainable in both construction and operation, targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating as well as utilising offsite manufacturing, including prefabricated bathroom pods, a precast and unitised façade and both blue and green biodiverse roofs. While demolition works have commenced, the major transformation of the former office block is due to begin in Spring 2024 with the accommodation ready for the 2027/28 student intake. Enhancing student living in London, Crutched Friars will help to meet the growing need for student accommodation within the City with an abundance of social and study spaces, including private dining rooms, gym and wellness zones, a TV lounge and entertainment spaces. The development also secures the future of London’s Migration Museum with a purpose-built, three-floor 30,000 sq ft space, free-to-enter thanks to a 60-year lease granted by the Ahluwalia family, with no rent or service charge payable, alongside a new pocket park. Mark Diamond, Senior Director, McAleer & Rushe said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering this prominent mixed-use scheme in the City of London as Construction Partner with Dominus. Our decade-long collaboration, involving several successful projects throughout the UK, is rooted in shared values and a commitment to delivering positive social value impact and community outreach. Crutched Friars is a prime example of our early engagement approach in action and with our experienced teams behind us, we are looking forward to working on this landmark visionary scheme with all stakeholders involved.” Designed by Danish architectural studio 3XN, the student residences will feature a mix of Premium Studios, Studios, Twodios, Threedios and affordable Cluster bedrooms and contain generous communal spaces, private study areas, a gym, laundry facilities and external rooftop terraces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Gloucestershire Council has approved proposals for the revised masterplan for Brabazon, a new neighbourhood for South Gloucestershire and Bristol being built by YTL Developments on the historic former Filton Airfield. As the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel, home to over 100 years of aviation history, the former Filton Airfield is known worldwide for a community that changed the world. Under the plans, Brabazon will become a new urban destination that lives up to that legacy. The new place aims to provide every generation with the space, connectivity and opportunity to continue to shape the future of South Gloucestershire and North Bristol. It will provide new homes, and new jobs and renew the fabric of the community, driving local prosperity for the next century. Once YTL Developments, South Gloucestershire Council and National Highways have signed the Section 106 Agreement, Brabazon is forecast to create over £5 billion of added economic value for the local area. The approved plans should see Brabazon grow to over 6,000 new homes of every type and tenure and for every generation, from rental apartments to flats for first-time buyers, open-market houses and properties for retirement living. There will be up to 2,000 beds for student accommodation, while high-quality affordable homes will make up 26.5 per cent of properties, equating to over 1,700 architect-designed houses and apartments. The plans are based on a flexible framework so that development is phased alongside improved transport links. Three review stages are built into the approval to ensure that the number of homes built at Brabazon can only increase in line with the additional transport connections and community facilities needed to support those homes. The plans – developed by a consortium of world-renowned architects and planners – also include up to 3 million sq ft of commercial space: enough to support 30,000 jobs. The local area is already home to Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN. The top 25 employers alone have over 45,000 staff working within a few miles of Brabazon, many in high-skilled engineering, aerospace and technology roles. Yet recently this world-leading commercial cluster has lacked the space to grow. With three new schools and plans for a higher education or research campus alongside creative office spaces, laboratories and advanced manufacturing facilities, Brabazon will meet this need. It will act as a centre of learning and a launchpad for every type of business, from leading global firms to local start-ups shaping the latest technologies. Brabazon will also be a hub for culture, creativity and entertainment. You’ll be able to wander around independent stores, discover new cafes and restaurants or relax in over 86 acres of public space, from leafy squares to Brabazon Park: the largest new public park in the southwest for 50 years. At its heart will be the supersonic new YTL Arena Bristol, with a capacity of over 17,000. Finally, Brabazon will be connected to Bristol city centre and beyond over £100m is already being invested in the local transport network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Gloucestershire Council has passed a resolution to grant planning approval for the revised masterplan for Brabazon, the thriving new neighbourhood for South Gloucestershire and Bristol being built by YTL Developments on the historic former Filton Airfield. As the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel, home to over 100 years of aviation history, the former Filton Airfield is known worldwide for a community that changed the world. Under the plans, Brabazon will become a new urban destination that lives up to that legacy. This pioneering new place aims to provide every generation with the space, connectivity and opportunity to continue to shape the future of South Gloucestershire and North Bristol. It will provide new homes, new jobs and renew the fabric of the community, driving local prosperity for the next century. Once YTL Developments, South Gloucestershire Council and National Highways have signed the Section 106 Agreement, Brabazon is forecast to create over £5billion of added economic value for the local area. The approved plans should see Brabazon grow to over 6,000 new homes of every type and tenure and for every generation, from rental apartments to flats for first-time-buyers, open-market houses and properties for retirement living. There will be up to 2,000 beds for student accommodation, while high-quality affordable homes will make up 26.5% of properties, equating to over 1,700 architect-designed houses and apartments. Crucially, the plans are based on a flexible framework so that development is phased alongside improved transport links. Three reviews stages are built into the approval to ensure that the number of homes built at Brabazon can only increase in line with the additional transport connections and community facilities needed to support those homes. The plans – developed by a consortium of world-renowned architects and planners including JRDV Urban International (US), alongside Bath-based Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (UK), SWA Group(US), Grant Associates(UK) and YTL Construction Design Group (Mal)– also include up to 3 million sq ft of commercial space: enough to support 30,000 jobs. The local area is already home to Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN. The top 25 employers alone have over 45,000 staff working within a few miles of Brabazon, many in high-skilled engineering, aerospace and technology roles. Yet recently this world-leading commercial cluster has lacked the space to grow. With three new schools and plans for a higher education or research campus alongside creative office spaces, laboratories and advanced manufacturing facilities, Brabazon will meet this need. It will act as a centre of learning and a launchpad for every type of business, from leading global firms local start-ups shaping the latest technologies. Brabazon will also be a hub for culture, creativity and entertainment. You’ll be able to wander around independent stores, discover new cafes and restaurants or relax in over 86 acres of public space, from leafy squares to Brabazon Park: the largest new public park in the south west for 50 years. And at its heart will be the supersonic new YTL Arena Bristol, with a capacity of over 17,000. Finally, Brabazon will be connected to Bristol city centre and beyond: over £100m is already being invested in the local transport network. A new rail station will connect the neighbourhood to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes. Three MetroBus stops will link Brabazon with Bristol Parkway mainline train terminus, with the shops and restaurants at the South West’s largest retail centre Cribbs Causeway, and with the University of the West of England. And we will be creating 3 Kms of new segregated walking routes and cycle paths. Seb Loyn, Planning & Development Director for YTL Developments, says: “The approval of the new Masterplan for Brabazon is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It will transform not just North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, but the entirety of the West of England. “The region desperately needs more homes. Brabazon will deliver 6,500, with over 1,700 being affordable. “Local businesses need space to grow and expand: Brabazon will provide over 3 million sq ft of commercial space. That means that the local cluster of world-leading engineering, aerospace and technology firms can provide new opportunities for young talent. “But if we are to tackle the climate crisis, we need to build more sustainable homes in the right places. Brabazon is on brownfield land along existing public transport corridors. Maximising its potential will ease pressure on the greenbelt. “This decision paves the way for YTL Developments to build the new homes, offices, schools and community facilities we all need, and to do so in a way that is environmentally and economically sustainable.” Councillor Chris Willmore, Cabinet member responsible for planning at South Gloucestershire Council, says: “This is a historic place-shaping decision by the council for a major sustainable community with the necessary infrastructure to create a truly outstanding place. The plans for Brabazon will create a major new community for South Gloucestershire and a new quarter for the wider Bristol area, built on brownfield land. “We have been working positively with YTL Developments and National Highways to ensure the right infrastructure will be in place. As well as delivering 6,500 high quality homes, 1,724 of these will be affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership, and there will be office and industrial floor space, which in conjunction with the construction work has the potential to create over 30,000 jobs.“The development will help reduce reliance on car travel with metrobus and local buses serving the area along with the train station which already has secured planning permission. A community hub and health care facility will also be provided, along with parks, lakes and open spaces, with over 3,500 trees planted on the site.” YTL Developments is already making good progress on delivering Brabazon. At present: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MANCHESTER City Council has granted planning permission for the redevelopment of ten derelict railway arches on Corporation Street in Manchester. Located on one of the key links between the city centre and the Victoria North regeneration area, the Corporation Street arches will be transformed by The Arch Company, following multi-disciplinary services provided on-site by property, infrastructure and construction consultancy Pick Everard. The railway arches are to become new destinations for food and drink, leisure and retail businesses to occupy. This will include new glazed frontages, new services and drainage and internal lining to make the accommodation dry and ready for new businesses to occupy. The design incorporates high-quality materials that will restore an attractive appearance to the elevations on Corporation Street, creating a ‘street’ of arches that will appeal to potential tenants in the current marketplace. Pick Everard provided structural, civil, mechanical and electrical services on the site, working in close collaboration with partners such as Stephen George + Partners. Santosh Patel, strategic account director at Pick Everard, said:“Manchester is famously proud of its industrial heritage, and this project not only maintains and celebrates that history, but rejuvenates it in an exciting and innovative way to bring added social value to the city’s modern landscape and its residents. “Seeing this project to completion will bring a new offering to Manchester, further regenerating its town centre in a way that makes sense within its larger community. The new spaces present a great opportunity for independent retail, restaurant, and other leisure businesses to develop in an area that will grow and thrive with them.” The design of the new arches has sought to overcome a number of technical, environmental and planning constraints that are inherent within existing urban infrastructure of this type. There are, for example, substantial level differences from the front to the rear of many of the units, which have required both the creation of new slab levels and ramps to ensure full accessibility. As the rear of the units back onto the River Irk, their layout has required clever design to orient them to the front, with elevations to include fire door escape and flexibility for mechanical system and ventilation provision via louvred or knock-out panels in the frame. Alan Soper, studio director at SGP, said: “By any standards, arches are not a ‘normal’ building type and each can differ considerably in height, depth and shape; realising the potential of these previously overlooked spaces takes experience and good technical know-how if we are to refurbish them to modern occupancy standards. “Our previous experience with old, historic or Listed properties, and the ability to work within the existing building fabric, has proved invaluable in realising some of these schemes, as too has our technical knowledge of building regulations, particularly in relation to ventilation and fire security.” Corporation Street is the latest arch scheme in Greater Manchester on which SGP has been working with The Arch Company. It joins previously approved plans to turn ten neglected railway arches in Norton Street, Salford, into a thriving hub of bars, restaurants and cafes. The arches are located in Greengate, an area of the city currently experiencing a period of intensive development activity and growth. Both the Manchester and the Salford projects form part of Project 1000, The Arch Company’s £200m plan to bring a thousand empty or derelict spaces into use across England and Wales by 2030. Corporation Street and Norton Street are just two of over ten such projects for which SGP has been commissioned to develop designs. In London, four of SGP’s schemes have already received consent – Witan Street, America Street, Salamanca Street and Crucifix Lane. Alan added: “We are delighted to be working with The Arch Company on their ambitious programme, bringing these derelict arches back to life so that they can be appreciated and used by a new generation. “If refurbished correctly, they present a long-term, sustainable solution to the economic vitality of our towns and cities, where a diverse mix of businesses can thrive, local employment is boosted and communities are transformed.” For more information on Pick Everard, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A STATE-OF-THE-ART leisure, enterprise and education centre being developed by leading multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is one step closer to realisation, following council approval. The Five Acres site in Berry Hill, Coleford, is set to undergo transformation via Pick Everard and contractor BAM Construction Limited, after unilateral agreement on plans submitted by Forest of Dean District Council. The work, which will commence after the Easter holidays, will be completed in phases. The first of these will focus on repurposing classrooms at an existing educational building – Speedwell House – to create new office and community spaces, alongside a cafe and outreach space for Hartpury University’s Aspiration Centre. The new building will connect Speedwell through a glazed atrium and include the construction of a new multi-purpose four-court sports hall, small performance space, party rooms/dressing rooms and internal changing rooms. Outside there will be a separate external changing block, a secure cycle hub and a new car parking layout, which will introduce 12 electric vehicle charging spaces on the site for the first time. The project, accelerated through the SCAPE Consultancy direct award framework, designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings on construction projects, will be delivered by Pick Everard, operating through Perfect Circle to provide a wide range of services, including project management, cost management, health and safety, and sustainability consultancy. Guy Rossiter, principal project manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is a significant milestone in a journey to bring a host of benefits to the community of Berry Hill and further afield. It is a fully encompassing project, that reflects a shift in the way we view and design our local hubs – bringing, leisure, education and business opportunities all under one roof, helping drive future prosperity from one generation to the next. “With planning approved, we look forward to the next phase of this development, collaborating closely with the project team and the council to bring its vision to fruition.” The planning application for the Five Acres site was submitted in November 2023, following community outreach on the proposed redevelopment plans. It is part of the UK government’s wider Levelling Up Fund, with 52 Levelling Up Together grants awarded across the Gloucestershire region in recent months. Councillor Johnathan Lane, cabinet member for economy at Forest of Dean District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that planning permission has been granted to refurbish the Speedwell building and support the new building designs at Five Acres. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the hard-working council staff and partners, including demolition experts Armac, architects AHR, project and cost consultants Pick Everard and leading construction and property developer BAM, who have all helped make Five Acres a reality. I’d also like thank all our residents for their comments and suggestions, which have allowed us to shape Five Acres into a project that the whole community can be proud of. “The regeneration of Five Acres is hugely important for the community of Berry Hill and the Forest of Dean as a whole. Once completed it will provide leading sport and education facilities, and I can’t wait to see it starting to take shape once construction has begun.” Full details for the Five Acres site redevelopment, as well as documents including designs and comments and questions from previous public forum events can be found here: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/planning-and-building/regeneration/five-acres-redevelopment-site/ To learn more about Pick Everard and its range of services, visit here: https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developers leading Gloucester’s transformational regeneration at The Forum yesterday confirmed strong interest from occupiers looking to take space, with almost three quarters of available space already taken up. The Forum will be completed and open for occupiers in 2024, and the year has started positively in terms of interest expressed in remaining available space, Reef Group’s development director Peter Langly Smith confirmed. Across the various uses including a 4* hotel, offices, retail and café spaces, fitness space and car parking, around 70% of the space is already taken up. And Reef, who are bringing forward the development with partners Gloucester City Council, expects to confirm more new deals very soon. “It’s an incredibly positive start to an important year for The Forum,” said Mr Langly-Smith. “Companies have committed to being part of The Forum before construction completion. This is testament to the quality of this future-ready place and demonstrates the confidence these parties have in Gloucester’s future as an exceptional place to work, live and visit. “With our partners at the city council, our commitment to sustainability and low occupational costs has encouraged early agreements and driven high levels of tenant interest. The Forum will offer cost savings for fit out and running costs for tenants, achieved via market leading design. We understand that the way we work has changed since the pandemic, and The Forum provides high quality space that speaks to innovative businesses and projects. “The year has started with a high number of enquires, which have quickly progressed to detailed and advanced negotiations for the space. We hope to be able to make some further announcements in the coming months”. Strong interest in The Forum To date, the space already taken on The Forum includes: Gloucester City Council leader councillor Richard Cook added: “The huge investment into Gloucester’s city centre is setting the city in good stead for a bright future. To see such confidence from businesses in The Forum before construction completes is most welcome. “As we move towards a Gloucester that is focusing on leisure and business excellence, we are thrilled that The Forum is paving the way for its future, with appropriate office space to put Gloucester on the map.” This news comes as the commercial property market is predicted to rally in 2024, with experts * saying that occupiers are focusing more on spaces with sound environmental and sustainability credentials and strong energy efficiency. A sustainable, connected place The Forum will provide the city’s cutting-edge hub for business, innovation and technology. The site is due for completion later this year – and has already secured strong interest from businesses. Designed with connectivity and sustainability in mind, The Forum will be built to a BREEAM rating of Excellent and will be net-zero carbon in operation. It has been built to comfortably last 150-200 years. Thanks to smart building technologies, the space will provide flexibility for companies to adapt their work environment as teams grow. To promote sustainable travel, The Forum is situated adjacent to the Gloucester transport hub, including the £6.4m new bus station and the train station, as well as providing bicycle parking on-site. The 398-space car park, operated by Q-Park, will include 39 spaces with electric vehicle charging points. The building is part of Gloucester’s £200m regeneration project, which includes the University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus development on Kings Square and Kings Square itself. Bruton Knowles and JLL are the letting agents for the office space and are working with partners to bring new occupiers to Gloucester’s flagship development. Dorian Wragg, a partner at Burton Knowles, said: “The office elements of the scheme, 1 and 2 Cathedral Walk are flying up. Now the distinctive external cladding is being installed and the shape of the buildings is much easier to see, we are getting lots of calls about the availability of desk space. We hope to announce a significant letting shortly.” For further information about The Forum, visit www.forumdigital.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading developer Elevate Property Group started 2024 in style with the completion of £90m of regeneration projects, delivering hundreds of new homes in the Midlands. Trent Bridge Quays – a four-year city centre riverside scheme – sees 150 homes and 5,000 sq ft of commercial space created in Nottingham. Whilst Elevate’s £40m scheme in Solihull has redeveloped a landmark town centre site, offering much-needed new homes close to a new HS2 hub once complete. James Costello, Elevate’s managing director, said the company was proud to be handing over developments which have transformed brownfield sites, bringing them back into productive use. “The £50m Trent Bridge Quays scheme has been a catalyst for the redevelopment of the western end of the Waterside Regeneration Zone in the city. “The development stands on the site of a former dairy plant, so there have been challenges along the way, but this is the first project for us in the East Midlands and it’s been fantastic to work on.” The scheme has delivered 98 homes as part of the first phase flanking the River Trent and 58 homes on the second phase, designed by Leamington Spa-based Rickett Architects’ and constructed by Leicester based Bode Contracting, on the nearby Muller’s Yard. Elevate’s Princes Gate scheme in Solihull started in 2019 and completed with the final phase of redevelopment of Imperial House, next to the former HMRC offices, into 150 luxury homes. Imperial House was designed by Birmingham-based architect firm Corstophine & Wright and built by Kavannagh Construction. James continued: “The Princes Gate development is a great addition to the Solihull landscape and has regenerated a site close to the town centre, as well as providing much-needed housing in the area. “I’d like to thank Kavannagh Construction, as well as our partners and suppliers, who have all put a great team effort into creating this stunning development. “This is one of several regeneration schemes we have completed in the West Midlands. As a Birmingham-based developer, we are passionate about bringing urban areas back to life by creating homes and, importantly, communities.” Kavannagh Construction’s Aiden O’Gara added his support: “This is the second time we have worked with Elevate and follows the construction of 56 stunning properties at Camden Street in the Jewellery Quarter. “Imperial House has strengthened the relationship even further and it has been very rewarding being part of a fantastic project that has successfully regenerated an important part of Solihull.” Elevate Property Group is also currently redeveloping several Birmingham city centre sites as well as the Silk Yard in Derby, where it is developing 258 apartments, with the first phase planned for completion in summer 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
