THE bioscience phase of The Island Quarter is one of just a handful of projects from the Midlands being showcased as part of the government’s Global Investment Summit held on Monday at Hampton Court Palace. The 51,000m2 Discovery Park on the 36-acre Nottingham site is set to feature as one of the Midlands Engine’s flagship projects at the event, which will be attended by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and more than 200 global CEOs. The landmark event will see the launch of the Universities as Drivers of Trade and Investment pilot, which has been developed by Midlands Innovation and Midlands Engine Universities (MEU). As part of the launch, the Discovery Park at The Island Quarter will be highlighted as a key hub for innovation and growth, with the aim of attracting foreign direct investment to the region. The Conygar Investment Company received detailed planning consent for the first phase of the Discovery Park in June 2023, with the second phase currently in design stage. When complete, the first phase will provide high quality, flexible research and laboratory space, further enhancing the city’s reputation as the bioscience capital of the UK. With more than 200 bioscience businesses in the city already, the proposed facility will act as an incubator for new and growing companies, in what is a strategically important sector within Nottingham. Christopher Ware, property director at The Conygar Investment Company PLC, said: “The Global Investment Summit is a brilliant place to showcase the opportunities at The Island Quarter, particularly those in the field of biosciences. Nottingham has long been a leading light in terms of science and discovery, be that the invention of the MRI scanner or the creation of ibuprofen, and the Discovery Park that forms part of the wider development at The Island Quarter is a logical next step in that journey of innovation.” Roger Mendonca, chief executive of Midlands Engine, said: “Investment in The Island Quarter’s Discovery Park clearly demonstrates the leading role the biosciences sector plays in the Midlands, as well as the power of collaboration between local and regional partners.” Having been given outline planning permission in 2019, The Island Quarter has regenerated a significant area of brownfield land in Nottingham city centre, and is now home to bars and restaurants, as well as a student living scheme set to open in 2024. Christopher said: “With the first phase having already been granted planning consent and more to come as part of the regeneration of the wider area, The Island Quarter provides unrivalled opportunities – not just with the bioscience space, but also with places for workers to live and spend quality time. “This latest step is just a part of the momentum building on site, and we’re excited to continue bringing forward a scheme that will be transformational not just for Nottingham, but for the region as a whole.” For more information on The Island Quarter, visit theislandquarter.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

FLEET STREET QUARTER’S ERA OF CHANGE A radical new place-making and public realm vision has today been revealed by the Fleet Street Quarter BID, representing over 350 businesses across a 43 hectare footprint of the western part of the City. The proposed strategy could be the biggest transformation that this part of the City has seen since Bazalgette Embankment 150 years ago. This estimated £80 million strategic vision could see the public realm transform over the next decade to meet increasing demands from businesses, occupiers, residents, and visitors. An investment which would mirror the area’s extensive development pipeline totalling £5 billion, which includes ground-breaking schemes including the City of London’s new Justice Quarter at Salisbury Square. The proposed vision seeks to maximise the potential for Fleet Street in line with the area’s new designation in the City of London’s ‘Local Plan’ as a Key Area of Change.  For 2000 years, the Fleet Street Quarter area has shown an extraordinary capacity for re-invention, with this next period of evolution set to be the most radical yet. The proposed 10 year public realm vision identifies 34 public realm opportunities that could be seen across the 43 hectare area. The Fleet Street Quarter BID commissioned global architecture, design, and planning firm Gensler, Norman Rourke Pryme and UP Projects to develop this new vision for the area, in consultation with the City of London and other key stakeholders and businesses. The strategy titled ‘Fleet Street Quarter’s Era of Change’, was launched today at an event to over 100 business and stakeholders from across the Fleet Street Quarter area. A key commitment in its BID Proposal, the proposed vision aims to deliver an attractive and sustainable community for workers, visitors and residents, supporting local business growth in the area over the next ten years. The 34 identified opportunities will result in improvements to reconnect the area, enhance movement and walkability, address issues of legibility, and provide green spaces and amenities for people to enjoy. The ambitious vision targets a more unified and improved experience for the Fleet Street Quarter area. The Fleet Street Quarter Era of Change vision highlights the following improvements: The proposed public realm vision is intended to support the re-positioning of the Fleet Street Quarter area as a key contributor to the City of London’s economy. Green shoots are already emerging in the Fleet Street Quarter area, as it looks to develop its support of the local economy. Since 2018, the total number of jobs in the area has grown by 5.9%, with GVA per worker increasing by 13% in the same period. The Fleet Street Quarter Era of Change Strategy targets an improved experience for retail and leisure, discovery and work, a blend identified by Gensler’s recent City Pulse Index Findings as criteria for a great Central Business District (CBD) experience. The proposed widening of the pavements on Fleet Street and the Holborn Forest scheme would improve the streetscape and offer green spaces where residents and visitors can relax in nature – both key physical improvements desired by respondents in the City Pulse Index Findings. This ambition to re-invigorate this area and transform it into a thriving retail and leisure destination is further amplified in the City of London’s City Plan, where it highlights the need for the creation of more distinct retail and leisure mix, using heritage assets, meanwhile uses and development opportunities to enliven the area and create more continuous active frontages. The first design ideas were revealed today and are subject to further development and consultation with City of London Corporation, Transport for London and key stakeholders and businesses in the area. Key locations for hero opportunities: Fleet Street – Major transformation project to widen the pedestrian footpath, plant new trees and introduce new greening and seating. Holborn Circus – Creating an urban forest and increased public accessibility. Providing pop-up facilities and introducing art installations. Increase the variety of seating areas for workers, visitors and local residents to enjoy. Holborn Viaduct – Creating a new gateway to the area from Farringdon Station and the new Museum of London with the creation of art installations and an infographic that celebrates the history of the Fleet River. Ludgate Circus – Improving pedestrian accessibility across Ludgate Circus through the introduction of a diagonal crossing and widened footpaths. Enhancement to pedestrian experience by creating new seating, planting new greenery and improve wayfinding. Blackfriars Gateway – Transforming the existing underpass and traffic islands to allow for additional planting, seating and introducing art installations to improve the gateway experience Following the adoption by the Fleet Street Quarter BID and its members, the strategy will also be used to start discussions and facilitate decision making with stakeholders in the area including City of London, Transport for London, developers, businesses, residents, institutions, and community groups. Improved public realm will support the local economy by creating opportunities for events, markets and cultural activities, drawing visitors to the area. The activation of the Fleet Street Quarter area’s alleys, squares and public spaces is already underway. Through an activated programme of seasonal marketing campaigns including an area wide lighting scheme for Christmas due to launch this year to animate the spaces and attract new audiences to the area. The overall mission of the ‘Fleet Street Quarter Era of Change’ strategy is to develop a vision and framework to support the development pipeline over the next decade To drive further growth in the area the City of London in its new ‘Local Plan’ identifies the area as a Key Area of Change and the Fleet Valley as an area for tall buildings. The report runs alongside the City of London’s draft Fleet Street Healthy Streets Plan, which maps out an integrated approach to improving the public realm and managing traffic and to support the delivery of the City of London’s new Transport Strategy outcomes in the area. In collaboration with VuCity, the Fleet Street Quarter BID also unveiled 3D modelling showcasing how buildings, street furniture and roads could develop

St Helier’s Waterfront ‘Horizon’ development is now completed. The development comprises 280 apartments and 12 commercial units. Completion was reached when the third and final building, ‘Horizon West’ was handed over to its new apartment owners at the end of October. The three Horizon development buildings (West, South and East) are situated on the last remaining marina plot alongside the Radisson Hotel and Castle Quay residential development. The 280 one, two and three bedroom residential apartments have been successfully delivered by Jersey Development Company (JDC) the Government of Jersey’s regeneration arm and joint venture partner Groupe Legendre . The concept and design were created by one of the world’s leading international architecture firms, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP (SOM). Horizon has also created new areas of public realm, including two new pedestrian streets that help enhance vibrancy and connectivity to the Waterfront promenades, Elizabeth Marina and new alfresco dining areas which form part of new landscaped areas. 76 apartments have been purchased by first-time buyers. Of those, 72 were able to secure their first home using JDC’s First-Time Buyer monthly deposit payment plan. The payment plan offered first-time buyers the opportunity to secure an apartment with an initial £2,000 reservation fee, and the balance of the 10% deposit paid in monthly instalments over the build programme enabling locally qualified purchasers the ability to secure their home, while renting or still living with parents. To date, the scheme has helped 117 buyers purchase their first home. Lee Henry, CEO of Jersey Development Company said: “We are delighted Horizon is now completed and we are in the enviable position of having secured legally binding pre-sales on 98% of the residential units with only six remaining available to purchase. The 280 new homes, retail and hospitality space, plus new areas of generous public realm will provide further footfall and vibrancy to the Waterfront area. We’ve received some fantastic testimonials from home owners, in particular first-time buyers who are delighted to have secured their first home and pleased with the exceptional quality of the development, the size of their home and the finishes and fixtures. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Joint Venture partner Groupe Legendre for their unwavering commitment throughout this challenging journey which entailed navigating a series of unforeseen events leading to various delays that had to be overcome.” Luc Richard, Director of Groupe Legendre’s Jersey office said: “Horizon marks a significant milestone on St Helier’s Waterfront, and we are thrilled to see the completion of this ambitious development. The collaboration between Jersey Development Company and Groupe Legendre has resulted in the successful delivery of 280 exceptional homes and vibrant commercial spaces. We are proud to have played a role in shaping the dynamic and vibrant community that the Waterfront has become. As the ground-level commercial spaces are now ready for occupation, we eagerly anticipate Horizon evolving into Jersey’s newest and most exciting lifestyle hub, solidifying its place as a testament to growth and innovation in the heart of St Helier.” The ground-level commercial spaces within Horizon are now ready for occupation. The commercial space offers 12 food, beverage and retail establishments with four units having the benefit of alfresco dining areas. Five of these units have either been secured or are currently under negotiations with potential tenants. JDC is delighted to announce that furniture and home accessories company TLC Home has been confirmed as the inaugural commercial tenant to occupy one of the spaces at Horizon South. This reflects a strong belief in the Waterfront area’s potential as a dynamic and vibrant community, making it poised to become Jersey’s newest and exciting lifestyle hub. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

WORK progresses on what will be one of Manchester’s tallest buildings as the above ground works take shape on the major 55-storey Tower D2 at Trinity Island scheme.   Having secured funding to support the progress, the concrete frame has now started to rise above ground level, signifying the start of the superstructure phase.   Greater Manchester Combined Authority appointed national real estate consultancy Naismiths to provide project monitoring services for the scheme. Naismiths and GMCA have worked together on several occasions but it’s the first time Naismiths has worked with developer Renaker.  Once completed, the tower will boast 483 apartments, commercial opportunities and extensive amenity provision including a landscaped outdoor area opening up a public footpath, which will serve to improve pedestrian accessibility in the area.   John Crompton, associate director of project monitoring at Naismiths, said: “We are delighted to be working as project monitoring surveyors for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on such a significant development delivered by Renaker.   “The concrete frame currently being constructed will continue to expand vertically until the structure becomes one of the tallest buildings on the Manchester skyline – something our team will be proud to have played a role in helping to achieve.  “We have extensive experience monitoring significant and highly complex projects and we look forward to seeing this tower progress to successful completion.”  Tower D2 at Trinity Island, Manchester will be one of four towers that will be constructed in the city as part of an overall development known as Vista River Gardens. Enabling works started in 2022 followed by formation of the basement levels. The concrete core and frame rising above ground marks a significant step for the project, which is on track to complete in 2026.   John added: “Furthermore, through public and private sector collaboration, we’re supporting the local authority in reaching its goal to deliver 36,000 new homes by 2032 in line with the region’s needs.”  For more information visit www.naismiths.com and follow www.linkedin.com/company/naismiths-ltd/    Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Over 2,500 new homes, two parks, restored canal basin and high street proposed for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on brownfield site Ballymore and Sainsbury’s have submitted a planning application for a major canalside neighbourhood in Ladbroke Grove. The proposed new neighbourhood has been designed to deliver 2,519 new homes, of which at least 500 will be affordable, plus two parks and a local high street with a reinstated, historic canal basin at its heart. Plans also include over 90,000 sq ft of high street shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a new Sainsbury’s Supermarket (130,000 sq ft) – with no day of trading to be lost between the transition from the current store to the new. The proposed neighbourhood would deliver much-needed new homes for London on a brownfield site already allocated for development by RBKC and the GLA / Mayor of London. The 19-acre site is one of the largest remaining brownfield sites in RBKC, and a large proportion of the site has been closed off to the public for over 40 years as a former gasworks site. In addition to the current Sainsbury’s Ladbroke Grove Supermarket, the site has most recently been occupied by industrial uses, including a scrap metal processing facility and commercial storage. Bordering the Grand Union Canal to the north and railway tracks to the south, the site is part of the Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area, identified in the Mayor’s London Plan. The masterplan, by FaulknerBrowns Architects, has been shaped over the last three years, in close consultation with the local community, local councillors, planning officers and the GLA, to create a place that meets the area’s current and future needs. These contributions have been invaluable in guiding the design process. The architectural approach takes its inspiration from local Regency and Victorian design, as well as its setting close to Kensal Green Cemetery, the Grand Union Canal and the wider area’s rich cultural mix.  Two public parks and inclusive play spaces, designed by landscape architecture and design practice, Spacehub, form part of the proposals, as well as diverse natural habitats and interventions to support urban wildlife and biodiversity net gain. This includes grassland, woodland, wetland and canal basin habitats. In total, the neighbourhood will offer over 8.5 acres of high quality, publicly accessible open space. Situated around 15 minutes’ walk from four tube stations (Kensal Green, Kensal Rise, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park), the plans encourage sustainable travel with new bus stops, pedestrian links and cycle routes and improved access to the canalside path. In response to Transport for London’s focus on active travel and pedestrian and cyclist safety as a priority, signalised junctions will be introduced on Ladbroke Grove and Kensal Road. A comprehensive sustainability strategy aims to maximise renewable generation and green infrastructure to produce zero emissions on site.. Heating and cooling will be provided by air source heat pumps and the development will feature solar panels and sustainable urban drainage systems. The scheme has been based on sustainable design and construction practices, adopting circular economy principles by considering the lifecycle of materials and minimising waste. John Mulryan, Group Managing Director, Ballymore, said: “Kensal Canalside is one of the last remaining major brownfield sites to be developed in London and the largest in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.  The scale and location of the site – in one of London’s 48 Opportunity Areas – presents a real opportunity to create a thoughtfully designed, accessible and sustainable canalside neighbourhood with strong transport links. “There are over 3,000 households on RBKC’s housing waiting list. Our proposals will make a positive and significant contribution towards reducing that figure. Kensal Canalside will provide a significant number of much-needed homes, plus a variety of retail spaces as well as open green spaces and a community leisure and amenity space that our residents and the local people can enjoy.” Patrick Dunne, Group Property and Procurement Director, Sainsbury’s, adds:  “The development of the Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area will revitalise a key brownfield site in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, delivering places for people to live, work, shop and relax, and providing a significant boost to the local economy.  “The plans will allow us to deliver a brand-new, state-of-the-art Sainsbury’s supermarket for the local community to enjoy, and we’re proud that we are providing continuity to our customers by keeping our existing store open until the new one arrives. The larger, more modern and more spacious superstore will stock a wider range of our great value, high-quality food and non-food products and will build on our track record of offering fantastic service to our customers in Ladbroke Grove.” Ben Sykes, Partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects, said: “The masterplan is inspired by its characterful setting, where Ladbroke Grove meets the sweeping Grand Union Canal and the open space at Kensal Green. In response, our design has been built around public spaces, including a restored canal basin, play spaces and adding gardens and groves to the borough, to create a series of smaller neighbourhoods with a rich mix of uses and a strong sense of personality and place. “We are delighted to see the proposals submitted, after working with local residents, the local council, Ballymore, Sainsbury’s and the entire project team for almost four years, to research, design and develop the masterplan.” The development will create a minimum of 2,000 permanent long-term jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economy, amounting to approximately £37 million annually. The scheme will also deliver funding for social infrastructure within the local community such as healthcare and schools. The Notting Hill Carnival, which launches from the site, will be preserved as a close and long-term partner, and plans to create a new family friendly Carnival experience are being explored. If planning is successful, the 11-year construction programme is estimated to start in 2025. The first homes will be delivered in 2030, along with the new Sainsbury’s store and the neighbourhood centre around the restored canal basin. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice