Cadogan has completed a landmark £235 million development located at the heart of London’s King’s Road, as part of its continued community-led placemaking and investment. The Gaumont will comprise a rooftop bar with panoramic views from Big Ben to Battersea, a 600-seat cinema, enhanced Waitrose, flagship retail, creative space, office
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
Artisan Real Estate to Progress Plans for 289 New Homes, Commercial Space and Riverside Park Ambitious proposals to demolish a vacant office complex on the edge of the Salts Mill World Heritage Site in Saltaire, Shipley and replace it with a vibrant and sustainable residential quarter and riverside park have been
A new Moston Lane Development Framework is set to be agreed by Manchester City Council following positive feedback from the local community. The consultation undertaken over the summer presented proposals for future investment in Moston Lane that aims to support the area to meet its potential over the next decade
Unbranded Finance, the UK based non-bank real estate lender, has recently closed a new revolving credit facility with Escapade Silverstone to assist with the completion of their flagship £90m development located in the heart of the Silverstone Circuit. The development, which is set to open in Spring 2024, and is
Contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a new 964-space Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) at North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH). The firm has delivered £36.5 million of enabling works ahead of the wider rebuilding of the estate, including temporary car parking, asbestos removal, demolition and the new-build MSCP and Cycle Hub.
Grosvenor has today published a report setting out Liverpool ONE’s role in the physical, economic, and social renaissance of Liverpool. Opened in 2008, the 42-acre retail and entertainment destination transformed Liverpool city centre, connecting the city back to its waterfront and acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration activity. Over
St James Quarter has announced that the latest phase of the development will reach completion this November as W Edinburgh is set to open its doors at the new lifestyle district in Scotland’s capital. Located in the eastern part of Edinburgh’s city centre, St James Quarter first opened to the
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its appointment to deliver the £31m redevelopment of 55 Pall Mall, to be carried out by its dedicated London team. RED Construction London will oversee the creation of a new office development located on Pall Mall in St James’s, London, spanning
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has announced that work has commenced on the former site of the Boddingtons Brewery, a renowned 52,700 sq ft site on the northern edge of central Manchester whose regeneration has been long-awaited. DOMIS, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, has mobilised on site
Cadogan has completed a landmark £235 million development located at the heart of London’s King’s Road, as part of its continued community-led placemaking and investment. The Gaumont will comprise a rooftop bar with panoramic views from Big Ben to Battersea, a 600-seat cinema, enhanced Waitrose, flagship retail, creative space, office accommodation and 47 residential apartments, as well as an extraordinary art installation by renowned London-based artist Shezad Dawood. Designed by leading architects PDP Studio, with construction undertaken by UK firm Wates Group, the scheme celebrates the community, heritage and architecture of the area. Located at 196-222 King’s Road, it is named‘The Gaumont in honour of its cinematic and theatrical past as the original 1930’s Gaumont Palace Theatre building*, and as tribute to William Friese-Greene, creator of the first moving image whose studio was based nearby in the 19th century. In recognition of the cultural significance of the Gaumont Palace building, the grandeur of its façade has been sensitively renovated, preserving unique Art Deco details and embellishments. Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, said: “The purpose of this project has always been to reinvigorate the King’s Road’s distinct character and contribute to its rich legacy, whilst seeing it enter a new era – from the independent ‘creative cluster’, cinema, major new public art commission to the beautifully restored façade. There are many other plans underway such as finding space for immersive cultural pop-ups, a ‘pub theatre’ and the right new operator to keep institutions like the 151 Club alive. The Gaumont is a major part of a wider revitalisation plan for one of the world’s most famous high streets.” Mark Craig, Regional Director for Wates Construction London said: “We worked closely with Cadogan to implement an innovative solution to support the historic art deco façade of the original Gaumont Theatre building while it was restored by specialists, bringing back to life some of the original features and preserving this iconic London landmark. At the same time, we used modern methods of construction to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency. Through all our work, we look to bring benefit to the local community, and we’re pleased to have donated £83,000 in cash and in-kind donations to local charities, as well as investing 1270 hours volunteering and supporting the local community during the project.” Following a community consultation, which highlighted the resounding call for more independent outlets and spaces focused on the arts, music and literature, a cluster of small spaces in The Gaumont will be home to independent creatives to strengthen and encourage King’s Road position at the epicentre of London’s art, fashion, design and music scene. This follows a local consultation by Cadogan in 2015 which led to the creation of Pavilion Road as an artisan food ‘village’ with extensive outdoor seating and full pedestrianisation. A new addition to the building is the commission of a significant new piece of public art. Selected by a local cultural panel including members of the Chelsea Arts Club, V&A and Royal Society of Sculptors, the internationally acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood has been commissioned to create an artwork for the façade of the building. Two panels, each 6m x 2.9m, will occupy the positions of the historic panelling which featured latest film releases. Hand-sculpted from ceramic tiles with beautiful multicoloured glazes, the work pays homage to the heritage and memory of the site for local residents and communities. 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
Artisan Real Estate to Progress Plans for 289 New Homes, Commercial Space and Riverside Park Ambitious proposals to demolish a vacant office complex on the edge of the Salts Mill World Heritage Site in Saltaire, Shipley and replace it with a vibrant and sustainable residential quarter and riverside park have been given the go-ahead by Bradford Council in late September. Urban regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate will now progress with its ‘transformational’ redevelopment of the 11-acre site, sandwiched between the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which was formerly home to an HMRC office block that closed in October 2021. Artisan’s plans for the new ‘Saltaire Riverside’ development include the provision of 289 new homes, more than 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial office space designed for flexible working and a café facing on to a new ‘pocket’ park and piazza. A sizeable riverside park will seamlessly link the development to the River Aire, providing woodland, grasslands and lawns to act as a natural flood water storage area whilst pedestrian links will provide direct access to Saltaire Rail Station and the canal towpath. Welcoming the planning approval, James Bulmer, Development Director for Leeds-based Artisan North said: “We are naturally delighted that our transformational vision for this vacant site next to an UNESCO world heritage site is now set to become a reality. This is a hugely exciting development that will spectacularly open up a large riverside area that has effectively been closed to the public since the 1970s when the HMRC complex was built. Our proposals will bring interest and investment to the area and provide a natural, contemporary extension to the existing Saltaire footprint. Our completed development will become a modern interpretation of the neighbouring Saltaire village, bringing much needed sustainable family housing in an accessible, well connected and environmentally responsible setting.” He added: “Progressing such a large development on the very edge of a UNESCO World Heritage site brings its own set of challenges and responsibilities, and we have taken time to understand and reflect the unique historical contexts of the Salts Mill location. Our final proposal, developed in partnership with Yorkshire-based architects Axis Architecture, is the result of a more than 18-months of design and architectural planning. This has been supported by a comprehensive and broadly very positive public consultation programme – including two design workshops with local stakeholders and three major public events.” Artisan’s scheme will demolish the existing seven-storey HMRC building which consists of two large hexagonal office blocks, with a construction start on site forecast for early 2024. The niche developer has a strong track record in delivering complex residential and mixed-use regeneration projects in sensitive urban and city-centre environments – including the award-winning New Waverley in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the refurbishment of the historic Everard’s Printworks in Bristol’s Old City and the transformation of Glasgow’s 19th century Custom House into a vibrant hotel quarter overlooking the River Clyde. Mr Bulmer added: “Our proposals for Saltaire Riverside herald another significant addition to Artisan’s enviable list of sensitive regeneration projects, in highly desirable and historic regional locations across the UK. “From our regional office bases, we are creating dynamic investment platforms to deliver transformational and sustainable development to the benefit of our towns and cities – and the people who live, visit and work in them. With these pioneering projects and investment, Artisan has the opportunity to turn the development spotlight firmly on high-quality and sustainable city centre regional development across the UK.” Prior to the HMRC development, the Saltaire Riverside was used as occasional storage shed area, allotments and grazing land for canal ponies. Saltaire Village is named after Sir Titus Salt who built a textile mill known as Salts Mill and the supporting village overlooking the River Aire in the second half of the 19th century. Designed by architects, Lockwood and Mawson, Saltaire followed in the footsteps of other model settlements in providing a relatively healthy environment for workers to reside and work. Saltaire has beautiful Italianate architecture and a rich history and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.The village is considered an outstanding example of mid-19th century philanthropic paternalism and had a profound influence on developments in industrial social welfare and urban planning in the United Kingdom and beyond. For more information about Artisan’s Saltaire Riverside development, visit: www.saltaireriverside.co.uk. For more information on Artisan Real Estate visit www.artisanrealestate.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new Moston Lane Development Framework is set to be agreed by Manchester City Council following positive feedback from the local community. The consultation undertaken over the summer presented proposals for future investment in Moston Lane that aims to support the area to meet its potential over the next decade and more, including a new public square, improved green spaces and affordable housing. The proposals set out a vision for Moston Lane as a ‘vibrant centre where families, community and culture mix along rejuvenated street and new community focused spaces.’ Around 500 responses were received through the consultation process with the headline proposals positively received. The key themes fed back from the community included: Following consultation, the updated development plan includes seven opportunities for change on Moston Lane – building on the area’s strengths and identifying investment: The Council has also already been awarded £5million through the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) to invest and improve district centres across Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Unbranded Finance, the UK based non-bank real estate lender, has recently closed a new revolving credit facility with Escapade Silverstone to assist with the completion of their flagship £90m development located in the heart of the Silverstone Circuit. The development, which is set to open in Spring 2024, and is already over 85% sold, comprises 60 Residences and a trackside Clubhouse. It includes a swimming pool, sauna, driver-focused gym, restaurant and roof terrace. Escapade was advised in the transaction by London based residential and hospitality financing experts, RCP Finance, who were also responsible for arranging the construction financing for another recently completed development at Silverstone. Escapade Silverstone provides the opportunity for individuals and corporates to own a piece of the world-famous Silverstone venue, home of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix. Two-, three- and four-bedroom residences are available for purchase, all sitting within the 14-acre Escapade Silverstone site. Located just 12 metres from the edge of the track and next to Silverstone’s fastest and most beloved series of corners, the Clubhouse and Trackside Residences have far-reaching views across much of the Silverstone estate. Owners will be able to uniquely benefit from the hospitality returns generated from the 1.2 million+ visitors that are attracted to Silverstone each year, the 7 million visitors that head to nearby Bicester Village, and a central UK location which ensures 50% of the population are within a 90-minute drive. It will also offer a private space to stay and entertain, owners will have year-round access to the Clubhouse and all its amenities, even when not staying overnight, as well as priority access to the legendary tarmac and tickets to all events. Unbranded co-founder, Oliver Holt, said: “Escapade Silverstone is an ambitious, creative and original concept which has proven to be highly successful. With construction now 70% completed, and only a few properties remaining, it demonstrates the huge demand for this motorsport centric ownership and investment opportunity. We were immediately impressed with Will Tindall and the wider Escapade team’s vision and execution of this exciting project. Unbranded remains committed to providing funding for best-in-class borrowers with high quality property assets like Escapade Silverstone. Will Tindall, Founder and CEO of Escapade, said: “The Unbranded team have personal interests in motorsport, deep knowledge of the hospitality sector, and a strong understanding of the project requirements. They have proven to be a highly flexible partner, quick to respond, and a pleasure to deal with at each stage. We have now sold over 85% of the properties and are nearing construction completion. We’re looking forward opening in Spring 2024 and being able to work with Unbranded on our future projects”. Christopher Khoi, Managing Director of RCP Finance, said: “I’m thrilled to have teamed up with the Unbranded team and the dynamic Will Tindall at Escapade to put together this financing solution. We can proudly announce that this is our second successful transaction at the racetrack. We are looking forward to closing more hospitality and lifestyle related financing transactions across the UK, Europe and overseas”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a new 964-space Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) at North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH). The firm has delivered £36.5 million of enabling works ahead of the wider rebuilding of the estate, including temporary car parking, asbestos removal, demolition and the new-build MSCP and Cycle Hub. The MSCP is now open to NMGH staff and will be fully open to the public in the coming months following Morgan Sindall’s completion of further external hard landscaping, including the installation of 36 electric vehicle charging points. NMGH – located in Crumpsall, 3.5 miles outside Manchester city centre – is one of the hospitals to receive funding through the Government’s New Hospital Programme, backed by an initial £3.7bn to deliver 40 new hospitals across the country by 2030. NMGH is at the heart of an exciting vision to improve health and wellbeing for local people over the next 10 to 15 years. Alongside health and care services fit for the 21st century, the redevelopment will provide the employment, housing and economic opportunities that are key to generating long term growth and prosperity for North Manchester. The project, led by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust with Manchester City Council and the GM Integrated Care Board, will not only provide essential redevelopment to an estate in critical need of investment, but also serve as a catalyst for the wider economic regeneration of North Manchester. In delivering this project, Morgan Sindall deployed its Intelligent Solutions approach to ensure minimal disruption to the hospital estate, ensuring departments could provide continuity in vital healthcare services for all patients and staff within the live hospital environment. Morgan Sindall also delivered a comprehensive social value plan that has provided a significant return on investment into the local community. The plan, as well as addressing the specific local requirements of North Manchester communities, has also supported the Greater Manchester Living with Covid Resilience Plan. This included the creation of a Knowledge Quad on site – a multi-purpose training and learning facility located within a live construction environment. It delivers value by undertaking activities focusing on the four key areas of skills, education, employment, and discovery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grosvenor has today published a report setting out Liverpool ONE’s role in the physical, economic, and social renaissance of Liverpool. Opened in 2008, the 42-acre retail and entertainment destination transformed Liverpool city centre, connecting the city back to its waterfront and acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration activity. Over the last 15 years, Liverpool ONE has: Source: Grosvenor management data and economic impact analysis conducted by Deloitte An early example of Levelling Up in action, Liverpool ONE was developed by Grosvenor in partnership with Liverpool City Council. Designed to revive the city’s fortunes by creating 2.5 million sq. ft. of retail and other uses, it is one of the largest city centre regeneration schemes of this century. Thanks to a shared vision and an effective public private partnership between Liverpool City Council and Grosvenor, the complex project was completed within an ambitious timetable to coincide with the city’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008. Its opening reactivated the centre of the city, re-establishing Liverpool’s status as a pre-eminent retail destination, propelling the city from the UK’s 17th most popular retail destination to fifth. Over the last 15 years, Grosvenor’s management of Liverpool ONE has seen it become one of the UK’s leading retail and entertainment destinations, with average spend per head increasing by 89%, sales increasing by 195% and the catchment area increasing by 77%. The destination has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract brands to open their first stores outside London, or to choose Liverpool ONE as the home of their portfolio flagship. In the last five years alone, Grosvenor has signed, renewed or regeared almost 70 brands. These include international leaders like Inditex, with Liverpool ONE the only destination outside London to have Zara, Bershka, Pull&Bear and Stradivarius. The destination is also home to the largest JD Sports in the world and the £10m Gravity MAX, which represents the pinnacle of the entertainment experience brand’s portfolio of locations. Alongside the considerable economic impact, the destination has played an important role in the community, with the Liverpool ONE Foundation donating £3m to support young people and promote positive mental health and wellbeing. It has also been a willing partner in supporting the city in hosting global events including Eurovision 2023 where a full programme of free events took place across Liverpool ONE’s streets and green spaces. Rachel Dickie, Executive Director of Investment at Grosvenor, commented: “Whilst today marks 15 years of Liverpool ONE, Grosvenor’s commitment to the city, first as developer, now as co-owner and manager of Liverpool ONE dates back nearly 25 years to the inception of the project in 1999.” “From the outset, we were committed to creating a new city centre to an exceptional level of quality. This, combined with a focus on contemporary urban design, place shaping and sensitivity to local identity has underpinned Liverpool ONE’s attractiveness to occupiers and visitors for almost a generation.” “A willingness to invest for the long-term and build effective partnerships are vital to the success of the UK’s towns and cities. This report shows the positives that can come from bold and creative regeneration. And, despite the increasing constraints on the public and private sectors, we need to learn the lessons from success stories like Liverpool ONE to drive future growth and meet the challenges faced by communities across the UK.” Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson, said: “Liverpool ONE is a phenomenal asset for our city. Its design didn’t just reshape our city centre, it reimagined it. Its offer didn’t just reinvigorate our retail offer, it reinvented it. Its appeal didn’t just stay within the city, it reached out across the UK and beyond. In many ways Liverpool ONE redefined this city’s potential. It realised a new city centre where our amazing waterfront no longer felt disconnected. As a destination, an employer, and a partner, it’s been a hallmark of excellence these past 15 years and shows every sign of continuing to be so. Here’s to everyone who helped it on its journey and here’s to another 15 years of success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
St James Quarter has announced that the latest phase of the development will reach completion this November as W Edinburgh is set to open its doors at the new lifestyle district in Scotland’s capital. Located in the eastern part of Edinburgh’s city centre, St James Quarter first opened to the public in 2021 and is being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate. The 1.7 million sq foot development is a masterplan in urban placemaking and comprises of world-class retail, dining and leisure destinations as well as 152 New Eidyn residential apartments by Native Land; in addition to delivering nine new public squares and 1,600 car parking spaces. The launch of W Edinburgh marks an important milestone for the development as it is the centrepiece of St James Quarter and will complete the renewal of this eastern part of Edinburgh’s city centre. W Edinburgh encompasses three buildings including the Ribbon Building, James Craig Walk and the Quarter House. Each of its 199 rooms and 45 suites, many with outdoor terraces, offer a new perspective on the city. The hotel’s top floors will bring energy and flair to Edinburgh’s lively social scene. Highlights include W Lounge, SUSHISAMBA restaurant, Joao’s Place cocktail bar and terrace, chef’s table and outdoor terrace. The unique rooftop W deck also offers the finest unfettered 360-degree views of Edinburgh and beyond. Ed Webb, Director of Development Management at Nuveen, said: “We are excited for the launch of W Edinburgh at St James Quarter as it is the centrepiece of the development and completes the renewal of this eastern part of the city centre. “W Edinburgh will be the second hotel to open at St James Quarter and will add to a number of fantastic retail, dining and leisure destinations already on offer. The addition of SUSHISAMBA within the hotel will also further enhance the experience for all who visit. “We’re proud to be a part of the city’s growth and look forward to seeing W Edinburgh become a vibrant hub for both visitors and locals alike.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals About St James Quarter St James Quarter is Edinburgh’s largest development in a generation – a new 1.7 million sq ft masterplan in urban placemaking. Comprising 850,000 sq ft of retail space, St James Quarter complements the city centre’s retail circuit with John Lewis, Zara, & Other Stories, LEGO, H Beauty, and Kurt Geiger to name a few, it is also home to an enticing mix of new restaurants, cafés and bars including Duck & Waffle and Gordon Ramsay Street Burger. St James Quarter also includes a boutique five-screen Everyman Cinema, a luxury aparthotel brand Roomzzz, comprising 75-rooms; and 152 New Eidyn residential apartments by Native Land; in addition to delivering nine new public squares and 1,600 car parking spaces.
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its appointment to deliver the £31m redevelopment of 55 Pall Mall, to be carried out by its dedicated London team. RED Construction London will oversee the creation of a new office development located on Pall Mall in St James’s, London, spanning a Net Internal Area of 3,271 sq m. The existing buildings are set to be demolished down to basement level to make way for the new high-quality building, incorporating retail units and office accommodation. The Pall Mall façade will be retained and renovated, with sections being carefully dismantled from site to be cleaned and stored before reinstallation, while the massing and façade materials are designed to blend into the surrounding context. The development will see the construction of a new building comprising of basement, ground, and seven storeys, with terraces at fifth, sixth and seventh-floor levels. The existing foundations and basement are reused to reduce embodied carbon, while the new construction uses Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor slabs, evidence of a clear focus on sustainable materials throughout. As a result, the upfront embodied carbon is expected to be below 550kg CO2e/m2, comfortably meeting the LETI/GLA 2030 target of 600 CO2e/m2. A very low level of operating energy is also targeted. The focus on sustainability is further emphasised by the targeting of BREEAM Outstanding and an EPC A rating, while a rating of WiredScore Platinum is also included. Tony O’Farrell, Operations Director at RED Construction London, commented: “This key project at the heart of London’s Pall Mall is a prime example of RED Construction London’s expertise in reimagining iconic historical buildings for modern-day commercial use. The development of 55-58 Pall Mall and 1-4 Crown Passage will call on our team’s experience in the retention and restoration of heritage features, as we reinstate the building’s impressive façade. We are delighted to have been appointed and look forward to working with the brilliant team across this project.” Edward Sneddon, Partner at Simten Developments, Development Managers for the project, added: “This is a hugely exciting project that seeks to deliver a cutting-edge building of the highest quality but in an extremely sustainable way. RED Construction London’s track record speaks volumes, and we are proud to be working alongside the team on this scheme.” The appointment follows the news that RED Construction Group has announced a trio of project wins totalling £20m across London and the South East, to be delivered by its dedicated Special Projects team, whilst RED Construction London is currently delivering Barwood Capital’s £15.1m redevelopment of Explore, the office building in Richmond, south west London, formerly known as Eton House. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has announced that work has commenced on the former site of the Boddingtons Brewery, a renowned 52,700 sq ft site on the northern edge of central Manchester whose regeneration has been long-awaited. DOMIS, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, has mobilised on site with groundworks under way. Construction is scheduled for completion in Q2 2026. The original 2018 planning application was made by Assael Architecture; the scheme was later revised and modernised by Architect Studio Power. After the Boddingtons Brewery ceased operations in 2005, proposed schemes for the site became known as Old Brewery Gardens. Salboy has renamed the scheme Waterhouse Gardens, paying homage to Alfred Waterhouse (1830-1905), one of the most successful Victorian architects whose work included Manchester Town Hall and Manchester’s Strangeways Gaol, many ‘red-brick’ universities, as well as the Natural History Museum in London. The Waterhouse Gardens scheme will incorporate red brick in its designs, reflecting Waterhouse’s generous use of terracotta and enthusiasm for the Victorian Gothic revival style. The scheme celebrates its local environment too. Each of Waterhouse Garden’s five principal buildings will be named after local waterways, and their interior design and landscaping will be inspired by the location’s past as a brewery. Simon Ismail, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Right on target, work has commenced on our hugely exciting new scheme on one of Manchester’s largest and last-remaining regeneration sites. As is always the way with Salboy schemes, we only start the sales process once we are live on site. With boots now on the ground, from September buyers will be able to purchase with confidence in this scheme, which is fully funded and their deposits are protected. ” Salboy acquired the site in December 2022 with the intention to develop a mixed-used scheme (£195m GDV) across five buildings, including a 20-storey tower, and a landscaped public realm. Located adjacent to Manchester College’s new city campus and only a short walk from the city’s Northern Quarter, Waterhouse Gardens will provide 556 new city centre homes likely to appeal to students and young people. The scheme will include 31,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, as well as exclusive access for residents to their own onsite ‘Clubhouse’ that offers them swimming pools, squash and basketball courts, lounges and games rooms, private dining, cinema room, meeting rooms and work spaces and a private landscaped garden.Ismail concludes: “Waterhouse Gardens will be a residential-led mixed use regeneration project that pays close attention to creating an appealing landscaped environment where young people buy and rent their homes, as well as study, begin or progress their careers and socialise, all within easy reach of Manchester’s vibrant city centre. We’ve specifically and painstakingly designed a new local neighbourhood that’ll suit anyone – renters and owners alike – who’s seeking a vibrant, convenient, city central lifestyle where what they need and want is available on site at a consistently high quality and easy access.” Sales for the fully funded scheme will commence in September. Graham + Sibbald is advising Salboy on the commercial space within Waterhouse Gardens. Director Conor Mulloy comments: “We are delighted to be involved in such an exciting project upon one of Manchester’s most landmark locations, and it’s great to see the works now starting on site. The design of the development together with the attention to detail on items such as the landscaping will ensure this brand new neighbourhood will be hugely attractive to both residents and commercial operators alike. “With over 31,000 sqft of quality commercial space being created with an abundance of well designed and landscaped external seating areas, particularly along Central Avenue, Waterhouse Gardens will be an exciting opportunity for bars and restaurants seeking space within the city. These new operators will not only benefit from the rapidly growing residential population but also the immediately adjacent AO Arena. In turn they will bring vibrancy and activity to the area which will enhance the neighbourhood and local environment even further.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
