The City of London Corporation has approved plans from Landsec to transform Hill House, EC4 into a sustainable workspace and new rooftop restaurant. The news follows planning approval being granted at the end of 2023 for the redevelopment of 55 Old Broad Street, EC2. Combined, the developments will deliver over
Three Chamberlain Square, the next highly sustainable commercial building at Paradise Birmingham, has achieved a key landmark moment for itself and the city as its terracotta façade units make progress across the building. More than 8,000 bespoke facade panels are being installed on 3,000 windows across Three Chamberlain Square, starting
Homes England and Network Rail Property have signed a development agreement with McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, solidifying their partnership as strategic developers for York Central. The agreement will lead to the transformation of one of the largest brownfield sites in England alongside other partners the City of York
Salford City Council has approved regeneration plans to transform MediaCity and The Quays into an iconic waterfront destination. Inspired by design-led waterfronts such as Oslo in Norway and Australia’s Darling Harbour the revised regeneration proposals also include around 3,000 new homes and approximately 800,000 sq ft of additional commercial space
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
The City of London Corporation has approved plans from Landsec to transform Hill House, EC4 into a sustainable workspace and new rooftop restaurant. The news follows planning approval being granted at the end of 2023 for the redevelopment of 55 Old Broad Street, EC2. Combined, the developments will deliver over 660,000 sq ft of best-in-class office space in the City of London. Hill House is adjacent to Landsec’s New Street Square cluster and has been designed to respond to market demand for sustainable, well-connected workplaces supported by great local amenities. It will enhance the Square Mile’s cultural and leisure appeal by combining 380,000 sq ft of high-quality office space with a rooftop club room and terrace, restaurant, cultural events space and a new ground floor home for the much-loved Shoe Lane Library. Hill House will be net zero in both construction and operation. Nearly 60% of the existing structure will be retained and materials from the building will be recovered and re-used where possible. The all-electric building will be powered by air source heat pumps and procure 100% renewable electricity to help businesses meet their ESG targets and respond to employees’ growing sustainability expectations. Oliver Knight, Head of Workplace at Landsec, said: “Businesses are looking for sustainable workspaces in the best connected and most vibrant locations to attract staff into the office and support employee wellbeing. The market for best-in-class space remains robust and, with an increasingly constrained supply pipeline across London, will continue to grow. “Not only will Hill House provide modern, energy efficient workspace, with a new rooftop clubroom and terrace, skyline restaurant and cultural space, it’s set to become a truly seven day a week destination.” The design for Hill House includes extensive access to nature. Alongside landscaped public realm, accessible terraces feature on every level and an external ‘vertical forest’ will cascade down from the top of the building. Hill House was designed by Apt architects. BH2 are leasing agents for Landsec on the development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three Chamberlain Square, the next highly sustainable commercial building at Paradise Birmingham, has achieved a key landmark moment for itself and the city as its terracotta façade units make progress across the building. More than 8,000 bespoke facade panels are being installed on 3,000 windows across Three Chamberlain Square, starting with the building’s Paradise Street elevations. The panels give the building its unique and appealing terracotta finish as well as its characteristic ogee arches, with the terracotta manufactured by a traditional supplier in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. The amount of terracotta used in the building adds up to more than a kilometre in length, equal to the length of 20 West Midlands Metro trams end to end. The building is currently at its eighth floor level in terms of construction progress, out of ten overall floors, and will top out later this year. Scheduled to open in 2025, main contractor Sir Rober McAlpine (SRM) began work on site in the spring of 2023. Three Chamberlain Square forms an integral part of the overall Paradise masterplan which is bringing up to 2 million sq ft of commercial space, including 370 residential units and 120,000 sq ft of leisure space, to the city. At 189,000 sq ft, Three Chamberlain Square also helps ensure a continued supply of Grade A office space for the city with an emphasis on sustainability and low energy and low carbon design as part of the global drive to net zero. The unitised façade is manufactured and assembled off site by specialist contractor Inasus, with Palagio in Italy contributing the profiled terracotta fins. Palagio has been in business for fifty years supplying terracotta materials around the world. The façade has excellent thermal insulation properties which will improve the energy efficiency of the building. It is fully demountable, meaning its component parts can be refurbished and recycled in the future, rather than demolished. The terracotta is also unglazed, reducing the embodied carbon further, and once installed requires little maintenance. Gently aging as time goes by, terracotta also helps give buildings a uniquely organic look and feel, and at Three Chamberlain Square this process is a key part of the building’s appeal and identity as a highly sustainable space. Designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS), Three Chamberlain Square is a radical statement of sustainability for the city and aims to be one of the greenest commercial buildings built in the UK to date. With BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5* at design stage ratings already in place, it is already proving to be a first for Birmingham in terms of environmental standards. Ross Fittall, commercial development director at Paradise Birmingham developer MEPC, said: “The façade panels are a key part of the design of Three Chamberlain Square and bring a new architectural aesthetic to Paradise, one that complements the adjacent Grade I listed Town Hall and pays homage to the Victorian terracotta buildings found throughout the city. “As well as being an organic and beautiful material, terracotta is also robust and stands the test of time. It is completely fitting to be used here on Three Chamberlain Square, the most sustainable commercial building in Birmingham, situated in the civic heart of the city centre.” Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor John Cotton, joined representatives from MEPC and SRM at the installation of the terracotta panels. He said: “Three Chamberlain Square is a really good example of the tremendous transformation of Birmingham. “We’re seeing record levels of investment in the city and that is about new jobs, new opportunities and bringing new businesses here. This shows how we are working together to change the city for the better so everyone can live, work and thrive in this great city of ours.” As an important contributor to regional growth, Paradise is committed to creating high quality, new pedestrian streets and squares for everyone to enjoy, as well as improving wider pedestrian and public transport links across the city. Early work on the access and transport links around Paradise were supported by Greater Birmingham Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP). Paradise has already completed phase one of the development with One Chamberlain Square wholly occupied by PwC and Two Chamberlain Square providing some of the best views in Birmingham, with stunning vistas across Chamberlain Square itself and of the city’s impressive Classical and Victorian civic architecture. Leisure operators include Dishoom, Rosa’s Thai Café, Albert’s Schloss, F1® Arcade and Yorks Café. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homes England and Network Rail Property have signed a development agreement with McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, solidifying their partnership as strategic developers for York Central. The agreement will lead to the transformation of one of the largest brownfield sites in England alongside other partners the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum. The mixed-use development will build 2,500 new homes (20% of which will be affordable) and create up to one million sq ft of office, retail and hospitality space, along with improvements to the York Railway Station and an enhanced National Railway Museum. York Central has the potential to generate up to 6,500 jobs and will help to grow York’s future economy by 20%, by adding £1.1bn GVA to the city. The one million square feet of new offices, retail and leisure uses, to the rear of York station, will create a major new employment hub for northern England. York Central will include a new 17-acre urban park, with 50% of the rejuvenated site set to be green space, along with vibrant public squares that will connect the new development to the surrounding neighbourhoods and the adjacent York City Centre. Work is already underway on site, preparing it for development, with £135m of infrastructure works currently underway delivering 2km of new roads including bus lanes, segregated footpaths and cycleways, along with two new bridges. McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate have been undertaking initial community and stakeholder engagement and will continue to work closely with the local community on plans for York Central ahead of submitting plans later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford City Council has approved regeneration plans to transform MediaCity and The Quays into an iconic waterfront destination. Inspired by design-led waterfronts such as Oslo in Norway and Australia’s Darling Harbour the revised regeneration proposals also include around 3,000 new homes and approximately 800,000 sq ft of additional commercial space across 60 acres. The approval comes following an extensive consultation period and input from the local community. A new artist’s impression has been released to illustrate the new vision for the waterfront at MediaCity and the Quays – the focal point of the regeneration plan’s waterfront and Gateway quarter – forming one of four zones. The aspirational vision for the waterfront will bring new and flexible, all-weather glass-fronted structures and pavilions. This includes a new pedestrian link bridge from MediaCity to The Lowry and Quayside as well as plans to activate North Bay. A new boardwalk and link bridge along the MediaCity waterfront will feature more, quality nature and green space, innovative art installations, and places for people to eat, drink or enjoy the tranquil views from new, design-led fixed outdoor furniture. The giant Piazza will also be reimagined with moveable structures which can house a variety of brand activations all year round. The backdrop to the waterfront is the media quarter – home to the current cluster of 250 creative, tech and digital companies including ITV, BBC and dock10 studios positioned around MediaCity’s main Piazza. The Living Hub will bring a new opportunity for the destination featuring new, highly sustainable homes, businesses and convenience retail interspersed with pockets of green space and boulevards. While, the Culture and Community Hub centred in and around Quayside and The Lowry aims to be the cultural, leisure and retail heart of the destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
