Commercial : Private Sector News

Modernisation milestones achieved at UK Antarctic Research Station

Modernisation milestones achieved at UK Antarctic Research Station

Restoration of a 32-year-old Antarctic runway and significant construction milestones on the new Science and Operations building, mark the end of the austral summer season for British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). Modernisation of Rothera Research Station, the UK’s polar science hub, is nearing the finish line,

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BDC 321 : Oct 2024

Commercial : Private Sector News

Liverpool’s Littlewoods Building Set for Major Transformation into Film and TV Hub

Liverpool’s Littlewoods Building Set for Major Transformation into Film and TV Hub

Plans to transform Liverpool’s iconic former Littlewoods building into a world-class film and TV campus have been given the green light by the city’s Planning Committee. The ambitious project, led by social impact developers Capital&Centric, will revitalise the 1930s Edge Lane site, creating a vibrant hub for the UK’s creative industries. The approved plans include restoring and repurposing the much-loved Littlewoods building, with the development featuring two state-of-the-art 20,000 sq.ft studios designed for big-budget film and TV productions. Alongside these, the site will house offices, workshops, support facilities, and an educational centre aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative talent. This marks a significant milestone for the £17 million project, which is backed by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. With enabling works already completed, the approval now paves the way for full restoration work to begin, subject to the final funding agreements. One of the standout features of the project will be the transformation of the building’s former canteen, housed in a barrel-vaulted hangar, into a multi-purpose cultural space. This will include five boutique cinema screens, an outdoor performance area, and a permanent food hall. The space will serve as a resource for on-site tenants but will also open to the public after hours, becoming a new cultural destination for Liverpool residents and visitors alike. John Moffat, Joint Managing Director of Capital&Centric, hailed the approval as a landmark moment for the project and the city. He said: “This is a huge moment for Littlewoods and for Liverpool. The green light allows us to move forward with creating the ‘Hollywood of the North’. Liverpool already enjoys a global reputation as a filming hotspot, and this project will build on that, providing much-needed studio space and creating jobs for future generations. For local people, including myself, seeing this iconic building come back to life is truly special.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, echoed the excitement, saying: “The Littlewoods Project is a game-changer for the region. It preserves a key part of our heritage while driving economic growth and creating thousands of jobs in the creative sector. It cements our growing reputation as a hub for high-end productions and places us firmly on the international stage.” Liverpool City Councillor Nick Small added: “The Littlewoods Project is set to transform Liverpool’s TV and film industry. With the approval now secured, we’re ready to work closely with Capital&Centric to ensure this scheme delivers on its full potential and takes a leading role in the city’s creative future.” The construction of the new sound stages is expected to take around a year to complete, while the renovation of the main building will take longer due to the complexity of restoring the historic structure. When fully operational, the Littlewoods campus is anticipated to create around 4,000 full-time jobs within the region’s creative industries, further solidifying Liverpool’s status as a key player in the UK’s film and TV production landscape. The project’s design is being overseen by renowned architects shedkm, with planners Avison Young also involved. Capital&Centric has a proven track record of restoring historic buildings across the UK, including high-profile projects such as Crusader in Manchester, Weir Mill in Stockport, and Eyewitness Works in Sheffield. As Liverpool gears up to welcome this new creative hub, the Littlewoods Project promises to be a landmark development for both the city and the wider UK film and TV industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£10bn Boost for UK Economy: Blackstone Invests in Major AI Data Centre in Northumberland

£10bn Boost for UK Economy: Blackstone Invests in Major AI Data Centre in Northumberland

In a landmark investment deal, US-based investment giant Blackstone has committed £10bn to the construction of one of Europe’s largest AI data centres in Blyth, Northumberland. The project is set to provide a significant boost to the UK economy, creating over 4,000 jobs, with 1,200 roles specifically tied to the construction phase. This ambitious development will occupy the site originally planned for the BritishVolt battery plant, repurposing the space to house a state-of-the-art data centre critical to the burgeoning artificial intelligence sector. The facility will play a key role in managing the vast data sets required for AI operations, reinforcing the UK’s status as a global leader in AI technology and digital infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin next year, alongside a £110m investment by Blackstone into a local fund to support skills training and upgrade transportation infrastructure in Blyth. The initiative aims to create lasting benefits for the local community while enhancing the region’s appeal as a tech and innovation hub. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has heralded the investment as a crucial step in driving economic growth, saying: “The number one mission of my government is to grow our economy so that hardworking British people reap the benefits – and foreign investment is a key part of that plan.” This announcement follows Labour’s recent move to designate data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering secure environments for large-scale technological developments. By prioritising these projects, the UK seeks to position itself at the forefront of digital innovation and attract further global investment. Jon Gray, President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, highlighted the UK’s investment appeal: “The UK is a top investment market for Blackstone due to its rich combination of talent and innovation, supported by a highly transparent legal system. This £10bn investment reaffirms our commitment to the UK, contributing to critical digital infrastructure and supporting the transition to a digital economy.” This agreement also serves to strengthen the UK-US trading relationship, which is already valued at over £340bn annually. With more global investments on the horizon, Starmer emphasised the importance of securing foreign partnerships: “Britain is back as a major player on the global stage, and we are open for business.” As the UK prepares to host the International Investment Summit next month, the Blackstone deal is a clear indicator of the country’s growing appeal to foreign investors. The new AI data centre will not only contribute to the UK’s digital and economic future but also solidify its position as a global hub for AI and technology innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Mission Street and BGO get go-ahead for 23-acre central Cambridge science district

Mission Street and BGO get go-ahead for 23-acre central Cambridge science district

In a significant step forward for the UK’s aspirations to be a ‘science superpower’, specialist investor, developer and operator for the science and innovation sector Mission Street and BGO, a leading global real estate investment manager, received planning consent to deliver a world-class 23-acre urban science district in central Cambridge. Approved by Cambridge City Council’s planning committee subject to Section 106 and Conditions, the district will be just 10 minutes’ cycle from the central railway station and will be developed on a site that has been unused for decades. The district, which is one of the largest new urban science district developments in the UK, will facilitate a variety of research and development uses, catering to companies throughout their growth journey, from start-up to large multinational, within a single location. Innovative companies that have previously been forced to relocate or fragment their businesses will have the space to scale within the ecosystem, with the advantage of being part of a major science and technology cluster in a central location. Totaling 1,000,000 sq ft of GIA across 7 buildings, the scheme’s design has been led by master planners Hawkins Brown in collaboration with other leading design practices. Anchored by a central square, the fully pedestrianised masterplan – open to the public – will create a destination for all ages, including units suitable for local businesses, fitness infrastructure, a threefold increase of play space for children, a diverse food and beverage offering and community events space. Provision has also been made for an active programme of events such as Public Art including an Artist in Residence, and a STEM-based educational outreach partnership with the Cambridge Science Centre that is already being implementing in local schools. “Since our first consultation with local stakeholders and the Cherry Hinton community, we’ve said that this is about breaking down the barriers prevalent with traditional science parks, creating an open and inviting innovation district, and putting the science on show. This project embodies the principle that it is entirely possible to blend R&D space for world-leading innovators with community amenities that everyone can enjoy,” said Artem Korolev, CEO, Mission Street. “We look forward to engaging further with planning officers, the community and other statutory consultees, as we deliver a globally significant science destination that current and future generations will be proud of.” According to market data tracked by Mission Street, there is demand for over six hundred thousand square feet of lab space in Cambridge, with a highly constrained active pipeline that cannot adequately meet growing demand levels. Demand is particularly high for inner-city R&D space – a relatively new concept to the UK that is well-established in the US. During construction, the project is expected to create over 800 jobs and £7 million of local expenditure, as well as apprenticeship and training programmes. Once complete, it will create nearly 4,000 high-skill jobs, with a mandated Cambridge Living Wage. Mission Street and BGO’s partnership has a development pipeline of over 1.5 million square feet of lab and office space in key strategic locations including Cambridge, Oxford, and Bristol. Recent projects include Fabrica and Inventa, which total 180,000 square feet of flexible R&D space in central Oxford, and The Press, Foxton, providing c. 100,000 square feet of multi-tenanted laboratory and office floorplate in the Cambridge Southern Biomedical Cluster. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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AWS plans to invest £8 billion in the UK, supporting 14,000 jobs annually in local businesses

AWS plans to invest £8 billion in the UK, supporting 14,000 jobs annually in local businesses

AWS’s planned investments are estimated to contribute £14 billion to the UK’s total GDP over the next five years. Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest £8 billion over the next five years (2024-2028) building, operating, and maintaining data centres in the UK. This investment is part of the company’s long-term commitment to supporting growth and productivity across the country, and is estimated to contribute £14 billion to the UK’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through to 2028, and support an average of more than 14,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs on an annual basis at local UK businesses. These positions all form part of the AWS data centre supply chain, ranging from construction, facility maintenance, engineering, telecommunications, and other jobs within the broader local economy. Increasing investment in the UK AWS first launched an AWS Region in the UK in December 2016, and over the last few years, the company has continued to expand the Region to include three Availability Zones (AZ), two WaveLength Zones, two Edge Locations, and a Regional Edge Cache. In fact, since the start of the decade (2020-2023), AWS has invested over £3 billion in the UK to help meet the growing needs of its customers. This investment is estimated to have supported an average of more than 6,000 FTE jobs at local businesses. Combined with today’s announcement, this will bring AWS’s total planned investment in the UK from 2020-2028 to more than £11 billion. Today, organisations of all sizes and across all industries are using AWS – from the fastest growing startups, to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the largest enterprises, public sector organisations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Customers like AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK, Deliveroo, easyJet, EDF, Genomics England, Just Eat, Monzo, Natural History Museum, NatWest Group, Sainsbury’s, Swindon Borough Council, The Very Group, UK Biobank, and Zilch are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “This £8 billion Amazon Web Services investment marks the start of the economic revival and shows Britain is a place to do business. I welcome the announcement as part of the Government’s mission to boost growth, unlock investment and make every part of Britain better off.” Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “Today’s announcement reflects the growing strength of the UK’s digital economy with a key player like Amazon Web Services committing to growing and expanding on our shores. As Technology Secretary, I am committed to supporting digital advancement so that it can improve lives and livelihoods for the better. From increasing compute power to providing access to AI – it is vital that innovators have the infrastructure they need to grow our digital economy and drive breakthroughs.” Tanuja Randery, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) at AWS, said: “The next few years could be among the most pivotal for the UK’s digital and economic future, as organisations of all sizes across the country increasingly embrace technologies like cloud computing and AI to help them accelerate innovation, increase productivity, and compete on the global stage. We’re proud to announce our plans to invest £8 billion in digital and AI infrastructure over the next five years to help meet the growing needs of our customers and partners, and support the transformation of the UK’s digital economy.” Helping the UK take full advantage of the growing benefits of cloud computing and artificial intelligence The total economic impact of cloud computing in the UK accounted for over £42 billion in 2023, according to independent analysis by Telecom Advisory Services. That’s equivalent to 1.6% of GDP, or larger than the UK’s automotive manufacturing sector. To better understand the current and potential impact of cloud computing and AI in the UK, AWS commissioned independent consultancy, Public First, to undertake new quantitative research on how UK businesses are using – and plan to use – cloud computing. As part of this, Public First polled over 2,000 senior business decision-makers and constructed new economic modelling on the connections between digital technology and business productivity. Cloud computing is an important enabling technology for UK growth Cloud computing has enabled startups, small businesses and public sector bodies to have access to the same technologies as the largest enterprises, which has helped them to drive innovation faster, reduce costs, and compete on a global stage. According to Public First’s polling, 84% of respondents who are AWS customers think that their business has saved money as a result of investing in cloud infrastructure, with an average cost saving of 28% compared to using on-premises infrastructure. On average, respondents said that using AWS reduces the time it takes to deploy new software by over a quarter (27%). In addition, 82% of AWS customers think that cloud computing has made it possible for them to take their business global, while 85% agree that the use of cloud computing has made it easier to compete with larger companies. Cloud computing has not only reduced costs and increased innovation, it also helps businesses and the public sector to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability too. The polling revealed that more than three quarters (78%) of AWS users say they have reduced their energy consumption and improved their sustainability as a result of using the cloud. How technology can bring more value to the UK economy As part of the research, Public First gave each company who responded a digital intensity score based on the extent to which they were using and benefiting from cloud computing and other digital technologies. There was a clear correlation between companies’ overall level of digital intensity and their average revenue growth last year. Digital Leaders – companies in the top 20% of digital intensity – were four times more likely to have seen strong revenue growth above 5% in the last year. To help the UK take full advantage of the growing economic benefits of technologies including cloud computing and AI, more companies will need to adopt these tools – not just

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The global Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) purchases Towngate-owned property in Leeds for ‘megachurch’ transformation

The global Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) purchases Towngate-owned property in Leeds for ‘megachurch’ transformation

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Church City of Mercy, has successfully acquired the office building at 11 New Princess Street, Holbeck, Leeds, from property experts Towngate Plc. The purchase, which was completed for an undisclosed sum, follows the recent award of Planning Permission to convert the space into a vibrant new place of worship. The newly acquired property, previously occupied by ICT service provider GCI (now Nasstar), features 4,338 sq ft of self-contained accommodation spread across the ground and first floor levels, as well as generous ceiling heights on the first floor, ample parking facilities, and a private car park to the rear. The building’s strategic location on the southern edge of Leeds City Centre, situated next to the M621 motorway, offers excellent transport links to support access for the community. The RCCG plans to utilise the ground floor space for administrative functions related to the church’s operations, while the first floor will be modified to accommodate a larger room for congregational worship. The church anticipates a large assembly of people, with Sunday services scheduled from 9:30am to 11:30am, and will also be available via online broadcast. Badmus Olanrewajuat, pastor at the RCCG, commented: “We are thrilled to have finalised this purchase and are eager to start transforming the space. This new location will significantly enhance our ability to serve and engage with the community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new home and expanding our outreach efforts.” The RCCG is a holiness Pentecostal megachurch and denomination headquartered in Nigeria. Founded in 1952, RCCG operates globally — including in the UK, India, the United States, and Canada — with a mission to spread the message of Jesus Christ and support communities worldwide. The church already has several locations in Leeds, including Mabgate Mills, Walter Street, and Meanwood Road. Tom Lamb, property manager at Towngate Plc, said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist the RCCG in their plight to acquire the perfect building for their latest church. The building’s prime location and modern features will provide a significant boost to its transformation efforts, offering a substantial ‘step up’ in their ability to serve and engage with the community. We wish them every success and hope they will be welcoming their new congregation soon.” Richard Fraser of Carter Towler, who represented Towngate Plc, added: “The successful acquisition of this prominent property represents the growing demand for significant community spaces in Leeds and surrounding areas. The location’s visibility and accessibility will enhance RCCG’s outreach efforts, and we are proud to have played a role in facilitating this important project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Carter Jonas Achieves Planning Consent for two new buildings at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus

Carter Jonas Achieves Planning Consent for two new buildings at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus

National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured planning consent on behalf of Harwell Science and Innovation Limited Partnership to create new employment floorspace and the potential to accommodate over 300 new jobs at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. The additional employment opportunities will make a considerable contribution to the Vale of White Horse Council’s employment growth strategy. Consent was awarded on 26 June 2024. The 192,523 sq ft (17, 886 sqm) of new employment floorspace will be located in two new buildings, Quad Three and Co:LABSs. Co:LABSis the first phase of an exciting new innovation quarter, which will deliver circa 35,000 sqm of new employment floorspace. Quad Three adds to the existing and extremely successful ‘Quad’. Both new and existing users of the leading science and innovation campus will benefit from extensive landscaping. The Section 106 Agreement delivers measures to optimise bus travel, reducing the use of the private car. Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, which lies approximately five miles south west of Didcot and 16 miles south of Oxford is a world renowned UK Science and Technology Campus. It benefits from over £3bn of science infrastructure, including the UK’s national synchrotron facility the Diamond Light Source and ISIS Neutron facility. Approximately 7,000 research and support staff work across some 250 organisations operating at the campus. Steven Roberts, Associate Partner at Carter Jonas in Oxford commented, “Carter Jonas is proud to have assisted Harwell Campus Partnership in securing planning permission for new facility. Harwell Campus is an extremely important, internationally recognised science and technology cluster where many scientific breakthroughs have occurred in recent years. We very much value our ongoing relationship with the Campus Partnership and are proud to be part of the professional team that is shaping its future.” Stuart Grant, CEO of Harwell Campus added, “We’re delighted to have secured planning permission for Co:LABS and Quad Three as part of our wider plan to triple the amount of available space at Harwell over the coming years. “Given that Oxford University is spinning out more companies than anywhere else in the UK and other local universities like Cranfield are closing fast, we need to ensure we can offer the right space, environment, and home for these exciting companies to start-up, scale-up and have truly global impact.” Carter Jonas has advised the client from the inception of the project, leading a multi-discipline consultant team through the planning process and will continue to advise on all planning matters through to completion at the end of 2025. In achieving planning success, Carter Jonas worked alongside Allies and Morrison, Hawkins Brown, Exterior Architecture Landscape, Baynham Meikle, RPS, Hoare Lea and BSP. We have also worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council, the Vale of White Horse District Council and National Highways. Construction is due to commence on site in August and the scheme is anticipated to complete in end of 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Development and Fund Duo Sign Steelwork as Winvic Progresses its first Life Sciences Sector Scheme in Cambridge

Development and Fund Duo Sign Steelwork as Winvic Progresses its first Life Sciences Sector Scheme in Cambridge

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has welcomed leaders from new client Aitchison Developments and funders Savills Investment Management to the Bourn Quarter site in Cambridge to mark the steel frame erection with a signing ceremony. Winvic is progressing its first Life Sciences project at pace and the nine facilities, targeting Net Zero Carbon in construction, will be constructed by the end of this year. People from each of the organisations signed a steel member which will be installed in Unit 16, the largest building on the 4.66 Ha site. Bourn Quarter is a best-in-class Life Sciences, Research and Development, production and storage development offering space for a broad spectrum of businesses, and Winvic is delivering nine facilities in six buildings within Phase 2, totalling 144,330 sq ft. Three industrial units – 17,800 sq ft, 16,010 sq ft and 21,400 sq ft – are detached and the remaining six facilities will be constructed in adjoining pairs. The connected buildings range from 6,880 sq ft to 11,630 sq ft. The scheme will achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and EPC A+ and Winvic is delivering the project in line with the clients’ aspirations to achieve Net Zero Carbon in construction. Each facility comprises a single-storey office space – ranging from 1,870 sq ft to 5,360 sq ft – which Winvic will fit out to CAT A standard. Winvic’s contract also comprises all associated service installations and the construction of on-site roads, yards and car parks. The facilities will be complete by December 2024. However, the scheme will reach practical completion in the Spring when Winvic will have finished the extensive planting scheme; a total of 351 trees alongside shrubs and multiple insect blocks, significantly enhancing Biodiversity on the site. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, said: “We were delighted to welcome partners from Bourn Quarter’s funders and developer, and they were delighted with our construction progress. The start of a steel frame erection programme is always an exciting milestone, and the signing of the steel member is a meaningful way to mark that progress. Entering the Life Sciences sector marks another significant enhancement to Winvic’s project portfolio. “I’d like to thank new client Aitchison Developments for putting their trust in Winvic to deliver Phase 2 of Bourn Quarter, a ‘small-box’ development primed for Life Sciences and Research and Development companies. And also, to the Winvic team for once again bringing their sustainability expertise, passion for quality delivery and commitment to safe but swift delivery.” Harry Aitchison, Development Manager, Aitchison Developments commented: “Following the successful letting of Phase 1 we are delighted to be working with Winvic to deliver Phase 2 at Bourn Quarter to provide much-needed high-quality space to the Cambridge market. It has been great working with Winvic to try and improve on every aspect of the scheme from our Net Zero Carbon aspirations to the quality and finish of the buildings. The speed at which Winvic are attacking the programme is impressive and the team on site have been very considerate to our Phase 1 tenants throughout.” Tom Bird, Director from Savills added: “Following lots of hard work from the team through planning and procurement, its brilliant to see Winvic continuing to push the project forward through the construction stage. The drive and can-do attitude of the Winvic team gives us confidence that works will be completed to allow occupation from Q1 2025. Savills Project Management are delighted to be leading another project on behalf of Aitchison Developments and Savills Investment Management whilst adding more experience to our proven track record within the life sciences/mid tech sector.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Modernisation milestones achieved at UK Antarctic Research Station

Modernisation milestones achieved at UK Antarctic Research Station

Restoration of a 32-year-old Antarctic runway and significant construction milestones on the new Science and Operations building, mark the end of the austral summer season for British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). Modernisation of Rothera Research Station, the UK’s polar science hub, is nearing the finish line, which BAS and programme partners, BAM, Ramboll and Sweco and their teams have been meticulously planning and delivering since 2017. The transformation will ensure BAS continues to enable the UK to remain at the forefront of climate, biodiversity, and ocean research in the Antarctic.  Restoring Rothera’s Runway. Critical to the continued effective operations of Rothera is its runway. At 32-year-old the extreme weather had taken its toll. This season, the planned Ramboll design and carefully sequenced resurfacing and restoration of the runway to its original length was completed by BAM amid challenging weather conditions. The new runway incorporates existing local rock materials from the previous wharf project, aligning with BAS’s commitment to sustainability. The team installed new and improved energy-efficient runway lighting to maintain safe flying operations in the station. The works also included upgraded drainage and a new aircraft turning pad as part of the overall modernisation programme. Penultimate construction year for new science and operations building. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the Discovery Building, a state-of-the-art facility for scientific support and operations, with its high degree of insulation took shape internally, with interior partitioning for offices, the medical centre, plant room and storage areas. Externally, glazing and solar panel installations, which will support the station’s energy needs have been completed. Mechanical and electrical, work was also undertaken with four other buildings on the station having new energy-efficient heating systems installed. Designed by Hugh Broughton Architects, internally the building will use colour, light and space to create an environment intended to foster well-being. Elen Jones, Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme Director, BAS, said: “At the end of a long, productive and challenging season, these strides forward would not have been possible without our incredibly collaborative team. We have progressed to such an extent that we’re looking forward to completing next season’s work, which will see the Discovery Building being handed over and brought into operational use” For the first time, AIMP team members working on construction joined the existing on-site winterers who operate the station under extreme conditions and prolonged darkness. These ‘overwintering’ efforts see joiners and electricians focus on the interior fit-out of the Discovery Building, preparing the facility for the next austral summer construction phase beginning in November. “Thank you to everyone involved for their commitment this season and good luck to all our winterers who make a huge contribution in an extraordinary environment,” Elen continued. Huw Jones, Executive Director, BAM, said: “Upgrading the runway to ensure access to Antarctica for the international science community in one of the world’s harshest and most remote locations is an incredibly complex operation. Our success this season is a result of the collective effort of our team, partners, and suppliers.  We’re proud to be part of a project that aligns perfectly with our own values of building a sustainable tomorrow and that will enable important climate research to continue in the region.” Natalie Wathen, Framework Manager at Ramboll, said: “It is incredible what the team has achieved this season, it has once again all been down to the collaboration across our partnership. Working to deliver a more sustainable and long-lasting future for Rothera has been extremely rewarding for us all”. About the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) is a long-term investment in the Polar Regions, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research in Antarctica. The programme is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, GA Barnies and Hugh Broughton Architects. Since 2017, BAS has utilised the expertise and knowledge of the partnership and its wider value chain to ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering solutions in the world’s harshest environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GMI Construction Group completes topping out of innovative lab and workspace, Citylabs 4.0

GMI Construction Group completes topping out of innovative lab and workspace, Citylabs 4.0

GMI Construction Group has completed the topping out of the £42m innovative lab and workspace offering Citylabs 4.0, located within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s (MFT) Oxford Road Campus. To celebrate the milestone, Bruntwood SciTech, a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, hosted a morning interactive session with patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, followed by the official afternoon ceremony with local partners. Citylabs 4.0 is expected to achieve net zero carbon in construction and operation in its shared spaces and will be 100% electric. As a highly energy efficient building, it is targeted to be EPC A and include 208m2 of solar panels, enough to charge an average electric car approximately 1235 times. The building’s cladding system will be made from 75% recycled end-of-life aluminium (post-consumer scrap), meaning its content will have one of the smallest carbon dioxide footprints worldwide; seven times less than the global average for aluminium production. It is expected to be complete in Spring 2025.  Once complete, the 125,000 sq ft, seven storey lab and workspace will offer world-leading, highly specialist space specifically designed to support companies working in precision medicine, including those in diagnostic, genomics, biotech, medtech, health-related AI and digital health. It will also bolster the existing Citylabs cluster, strengthening the internationally significant health innovation campus – a joint venture partnership between Bruntwood SciTech and MFT.  GMI Construction Group is leading the build of the Sheppard Robson-designed development and local teams also working on the development include Arup, Hilson Moran, Gardiner and Theobald, and Layers. The development of Citylabs 4.0 is supported by a £32m senior loan from the North West Evergreen Fund, managed by CBRE’s Investment Advisory team, part of CBRE Capital Advisors. Citylabs 4.0, the third phase in the Citylabs masterplan, already home to more than 20 life science and healthcare businesses, and takes the campus from 192,000 sq. ft to 327,000 sq. ft, The topping out ceremony began at Citylabs 1.0, with guests walking through the MFT campus to the Citylabs 4.0 site, to get a true understanding of the scale and vibrancy of the existing cluster which sits at the heart of the largest clinical academic campus in Europe. Bruntwood SciTech also worked with Manchester Foundation Trust Charity to host a ‘skills sharing’ session with their Youth Zone situated within Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital which neighbours both Citylabs 2.0 and 4.0. Children and young people between 11 and 25, were given the opportunity to learn about the Citylabs campus and what a career in science or construction could look like.  Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “To date, the Citylabs campus has helped to support hundreds of specialist healthcare businesses that are changing the face of medical science across the UK and beyond. By creating a cluster of like-minded businesses all centred around one of the country’s most eminent teaching hospital Trusts, we have seen first-hand how the ability to collaborate and knowledge-share will drive forward innovations in medicine and healthcare.”  Citylabs 4.0 incorporates infrastructure to accommodate containment level 2 (CL2) biology and chemistry labs and specialist equipment, including increased floor loading, enhanced cooling systems and ventilation provisions, and a large platform lift. Businesses that locate here will also benefit from 100GB superfast connectivity, shared breakout spaces, an internally secure cycle storage with showers and kit drying room and have access to the campus’ 150-person event space, multiple meeting rooms, cafes and supermarket. Anthony Judge, GMI Construction Group’s Regional Director, North West, said: “The topping out of Citylabs 4.0 marks a significant achievement for GMI and our delivery partners. This state-of-the-art facility is set to become a hub for innovation in precision medicine and life sciences and we are extremely proud to be part of a project that will drive advancements in healthcare diagnostics and treatments and foster collaboration between businesses and leading research institutions. “GMI has a considerable track record in delivering much needed workspace for the research, science and technology sectors throughout the North and the Midlands and Citylabs 4.0 demonstrates our ability to deliver these in-demand developments.” Mark Cubbon, MFT Group Chief Executive, said: “Today’s ceremony marks a significant milestone in the Citylabs 4.0 development which will present new and *exciting opportunities for us to co-design the future of healthcare with industry partners and transform scientific breakthroughs into a reality for our patients across Greater Manchester and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Carter Jonas Achieves Planning Consent for Advanced Research Clusters in Oxford

Carter Jonas Achieves Planning Consent for Advanced Research Clusters in Oxford

National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured a resolution to grant planning permission from Oxford City Council on behalf of Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) to create a modern and highly energy-efficient life sciences building, known as ‘Ascent’, at its ARC Oxford campus in Cowley. Ascent will provide approximately 105,000 sq ft of lab-enabled office space alongside supporting facilities. This will include a rooftop lounge, wellness spaces, a gym and ‘end-of-trip’ facilities. The new building will be delivered alongside enhancements to the wider landscape, including improvements to an adjacent footpath. The 1.3-hectare (3.2 acre) site was previously occupied by several office buildings which are being replaced by a new building that delivers a step change to the architectural quality of the Campus in alignment with ARC’s strategic vision for ARC Oxford. Steven Sensecall, Partner at Carter Jonas in Oxford commented, “This fantastic new building will make a major contribution to the supply of life science buildings in Oxfordshire. “This is the first of many exciting proposals we are helping ARC bring forward at ARC Oxford, which will enable the transformation of the site into an innovation campus, reflecting its position as an internationally, nationally and regionally important anchor site.” Dan Williams, ARC Oxford’s Director of Asset Management, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning permission for Ascent. This transformational project will provide a new home for businesses of all types including leading science and tech organisations. This latest development at ARC Oxford further supports our mission in attracting world class talent, driving economic growth, and fostering continuous support for the innovation ecosystem in the City.” Construction is due to commence on site in July 2024 and the scheme is anticipated to be completed in early 2026. In addition to providing planning consultancy services on the project Carter Jonas’ Planning & Development team also provided an economic statement and coordinated the public engagement. Additionally, Carter Jonas’ Sustainability team provided advice on the preparation of a Social Value Strategy. In achieving planning success, Carter Jonas worked alongside Spratley & Partners (architects) and Macregor Smith (landscape architects). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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