New images have been revealed of Hull’s exciting and transformative £96m Albion Square development. The large development in Hull city centre will feature a mixture of residential, office and retail space, as well as a large urban park. The proposals, designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects and landscape architects Gillespies, will also
A brand new Morrisons Superstore has already opened as part of the wider revamp of the town centre recently completed by Knowsley Council and GMI that has also seen new restaurants opened and a cinema scheme progressing. GMI Construction Group PLC has heralded the completion of a significant package of
TODAY the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the UK’s largest membership organisation for private landlords, announces that it has agreed a new commercial partnership with leading online electricals retailer, AO. This new partnership means that AO is now a supplier of a range of Major Domestic Appliances (MDA), including fridge-freezers,
National property developer Godwin Developments has secured leases with leading British bakery chain Greggs and electric vehicle charging company The EV Network at its drive-thru retail development in Stoke-on-Trent, construction of which is currently under way and due for completion in Q4 of this year. The scheme, which is now
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has granted approval for Urbanest student residential-led mixed-use scheme designed by Apt, consisting of three towers of 28, 36 and 46 storeys providing 1,672 student beds and 80 residential apartments, 41,000 sqft commercial office space, including workspace for local business start-ups and small enterprises,
McDonald’s is to recruit 20,000 more people and open 50 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland, it has announced. The fast food chain will look to employ additional staff and set up new franchises across the country over the next 12 months. It comes in anticipation of increased crew
Caddick Construction has recently completed the construction of a new £5m Porsche centre, complete with workshops, MOT testing facility and offices, just off Junction 35 of the M6. Appointed by Porsche franchise holders Parker & Parker Limited, work has been completed on schedule on the state-of-the-art Porsche Centre South Lakes
Pizza franchise Papa John’s has opened six new stores in locations across the UK in the past month and aims to keep adding to the momentum as the summer heats up. Swinton in Manchester, Daventry, Market Harborough, Bradford, Brighouse in Yorkshire, and Totton in Hampshire are the latest towns to
Wendy’s is opening five restaurants in the UK, including in London and Reading. American burger restaurant Wendy’s is set to reopen in the UK, two decades after it closed down. The fast food chain is known for its iconic square burgers and is still going strong in the US, but
Proposals for the £50m regeneration of the former Debenhams store on Princes Street, Edinburgh have received unanimous approval at a City of Edinburgh Council planning committee meeting. The proposals, which repurpose 108,000 sq ft of vacant, obsolete retail space, were described as ‘setting the tone’ for the future regeneration of
New images have been revealed of Hull’s exciting and transformative £96m Albion Square development. The large development in Hull city centre will feature a mixture of residential, office and retail space, as well as a large urban park. The proposals, designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects and landscape architects Gillespies, will also use rewilding to create a new and natural green space, both for residents and the city. The project is being delivered by Hull City Council’s construction partner, VINCI Construction UK. Throughout the development, new buildings will complement the existing architecture, history and colour of this part of the city centre. Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council and portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This development, just like our Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project, has Hull’s history and heritage at its heart. “The iconic mural will be the face of what will transform the city centre, creating first-class housing, retail units and office space, along with a unique and stunning urban woodland. “This important development will compliment and add to the incredible investment and regeneration we have already seen on the Marina and in the Old Town. Albion Square is a vital part of our exciting vision for the city centre.” Alan Boyson’s Three Ships Mural will be incorporated and made a key component of the new development, alongside retail space facing Albion Square, adding to the retail offer of Jameson Street and King Edward Street. Modern apartments will also be created at this part of the development, which will have access to stepped rooftop gardens. The rear of the development will feature retail units, as well as housing sensitive and complimentary to the existing Georgian architecture on Albion Street. This will include family homes and apartments, some of which will have private gardens. At the centre of the site, a new urban woodland will reconnect communities with city centre green space, allowing nature back into our urban areas through rewilding. Adam Greatrix, associate partner at Gillespies, said: “The Urban park represents far more than just a new park, this water based, biodiverse space is a statement of Hull City Council’s commitment and response to the climate emergency, to create a more sustainable and climate resilient city for its community.” The urban park will be an example of how we can live with water, showcasing how rainwater can be stored, filtered, drained sustainably, and become an amenity, even play opportunity, for its inhabitants rather than relying on traditional underground drainage networks. The result will be a dynamic and ever-changing park where water levels can rise and fall depending on weather conditions, to create either parkland or urban wetland. Niall Durney, associate partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects, said: “Albion Square will bring new activity and life to Hull city centre and provide the type of green space that is essential to sustainable, post-covid cities. “Our design focuses on repairing the urban grain of this part of the city, by re-instating historic streetscapes and framing an important piece of public art. The new buildings are all centred around the urban park, allowing both residents and the wider city to enjoy accessible, natural green space.” The design of the park draws inspiration from Hull’s dramatic estuary landscape and the biodiverse and ecological-rich river banks. Bridges and decks will guide people through the park which will feature water, lush green spaces, seating areas and artistic elements. The plans for Albion Square also include a bike hub where cyclists will be able to store bikes. The development will also include solar panels, EV charging points and other sustainable features. The plans will go to Hull City Council’s planning committee for final approval in early 2022. Construction of the site is scheduled to begin in 2023.
A brand new Morrisons Superstore has already opened as part of the wider revamp of the town centre recently completed by Knowsley Council and GMI that has also seen new restaurants opened and a cinema scheme progressing. GMI Construction Group PLC has heralded the completion of a significant package of works it has been undertaking since January 2020 when the announcement was made concerning its appointment to deliver Knowsley Council’s multi-million redevelopment of Kirkby town centre. Working on behalf of Knowsley Council GMI has created a 45,000 sq ft Morrisons superstore, a petrol station, car park, a 20,000 sq ft Home Bargains and Taco Bell and KFC drive-thru restaurants as part of the retail-led development in the town centre. Knowsley Council bought the town centre just two years ago after deciding to take control of the plans and speed up the delivery of the retail development and wider regeneration of the area. Talking about the new Kirkby Town Centre development, Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved in such a short space of time. In less than two years since we took ownership, residents and visitors to Kirkby can now enjoy a new Morrisons superstore, petrol filling station and drive thru KFC and Taco Bell restaurants. Plus a larger Home Bargains will be opening in the new year. It’s amazing what has been achieved, particularly as the pandemic came just a few months into the construction. “Not only is this scheme about physical improvements in the town, but it has also created almost 400 new jobs for local people, with more opportunities soon to be advertised, and will boost the local economy by over £15m per year. “This is just the start as our plans also include a multi-screen cinema with food and drink outlets and we will also be welcoming more businesses into Kirkby over the coming months. Keep a look-out on www.knowsleynews.co.uk for the latest Kirkby news.” Also commenting on the development and GMI Construction Group PLC’s achievement, Divisional Director Marc Banks said : “This multi-million pound redevelopment breathes new life into Kirkby and is set to rejuvenate the town. We are proud to have played a leading role in that the new Morrisons supermarket is a really great addition to the town’s skyline. This was a multi-faceted development involving the construction of several elements. We would like to pay testament and thanks for the full project team involved here who once again have delivered an outstanding solution.”
TODAY the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the UK’s largest membership organisation for private landlords, announces that it has agreed a new commercial partnership with leading online electricals retailer, AO. This new partnership means that AO is now a supplier of a range of Major Domestic Appliances (MDA), including fridge-freezers, dishwashers, ovens, hobs and washing machines, to the NRLA’s membership. Following the launch, NRLA members will be able to access this service using a dedicated telephone line which is open during AO’s office opening hours. This service will be offered to NRLA members through a dedicated Account Manager at AO, who will ensure they can access selected appliances for their rental properties at highly competitive, trade member rates. With over 1.5 million square feet of warehousing and completing premier installations across the UK every week, AO can minimise supply chain disruption, by holding over three months’ worth of stock at any time, meaning the products are always available for next day delivery and installation, offering a fantastic service for members. Anthony Sant, MD of AO Business, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the NRLA to our growing B2B partnerships. Our aim with this national partnership is to bring AO’s exceptional customer service to the NRLA’s network, which will also include guaranteed market-leading appliance supply and installation. With over 20 years’ experience as an electricals retailer and strong relationships with global manufacturers, AO Business is able to offer NRLA members a unique, competitive proposition.” Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “We are delighted to partner with AO, which will provide our members with a great range of modern domestic appliances at fantastic rates. “NRLA members will benefit from AO’s brilliant customer service as well as their market leading supply and installation – meaning appliances can be sourced and installed quickly, easily and cheaply.
National property developer Godwin Developments has secured leases with leading British bakery chain Greggs and electric vehicle charging company The EV Network at its drive-thru retail development in Stoke-on-Trent, construction of which is currently under way and due for completion in Q4 of this year. The scheme, which is now fully let, is situated off the busy A50 Baths Road in Longton near the Phoenix Retail Park. The development is eight minutes’ drive from the city centre and is also adjacent to a Tesco Extra supermarket and a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant. With the lease of the drive-thru unit agreed with Costa Coffee earlier this year, Greggs has now committed to occupying the second unit at the site, which is a drive-to. The Greggs unit will contain 16 indoor seats as well as some external seating. Ketan Patel, senior development manager at Godwin Developments, said: “We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with national bakery giant Greggs at our roadside retail scheme in Stoke-on-Trent. The new store will provide a quick and convenient food-to-go offering to 60,000+ vehicles passing the site daily as well as the approximately 55,000 residents living within a 10-minute drive of the new outlet. Securing a popular operator like Greggs is a welcome addition to our scheme and will bring further custom to the site from the A50 and the Longton area.” Francesca Michie, regional property manager from Greggs, added: “We are delighted to be growing our presence in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. We are looking forward to opening the store and envisage this will be very popular amongst local residents as well as commuters on the A50. We would like to thank the team at Godwin Developments for their highly professional and flexible approach in helping us create the unit that best fits our requirements.” As well as signing Greggs for the development, Godwin has agreed a lease with independent charging provider The EV Network. The company will provide six charging bays that will be available alongside the site’s other 35 car parking spaces. Ketan added: “The proportion of electric vehicles on our roads is rising – with electric vehicles now expected to account for more than one in six new cars acquired in 2021. We therefore recognise the importance of making quick and rapid EV charging points available at the site. These will provide additional facilities to consumers as well as ensure the scheme’s longevity and sustainability.” Matthew Guest, acquisition manager at The EV Network, said: “The development represents a fantastic opportunity to bring ultra-fast, 300kW EV charging hardware to Stoke-on-Trent, enabling all electric vehicles to be charged in the shortest possible time. We are delighted to have worked with Godwin on this scheme and look forward to seeing the scheme in operation.” Stuart Pratt, director and co-founder at Godwin Developments, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Greggs again, providing the nation’s favourite bakery chain with an opportunity to grow its market share and customer reach at this prominent high traffic location in Stoke-on-Trent. It is also fantastic to be partnering with the EV Network for this development who have been excellent throughout. “Godwin Developments is a business with a significant experience with roadside retail schemes – including land acquisition, planning and build out – and we continue to seek additional sites across the country to support our customers expansion plans. “We are also pleased to be working on this occasion with local firm Intium Construction Ltd, providing additional income and employment into the area.” For more information about Godwin Developments, visit www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has granted approval for Urbanest student residential-led mixed-use scheme designed by Apt, consisting of three towers of 28, 36 and 46 storeys providing 1,672 student beds and 80 residential apartments, 41,000 sqft commercial office space, including workspace for local business start-ups and small enterprises, as well as ancillary residential, indoor soft play-space for children and retail. The development will transform the vacant and important gateway site at 2 Trafalgar Way, on the edge of Canary Wharf, and deliver a significant economic and social boost for the borough and local community, with hundreds of new jobs created and an estimated £10.5m spent in the borough each year by students, residents and staff. The proposals have been supported by University College London. “Our vision for 2 Trafalgar Way was to create a vertical campus, where living, studying, and working successfully co-exist, serving to create an enriching environment which will extend into the ground floor public realm and beyond. We’re thrilled that Tower Hamlets have approved the proposal and we look forward to working with Urbanest through the next stages of the project,” said James Ewen, project leader at Apt. In addition to providing high-quality accommodation, the project aims to achieve exemplar sustainability credentials, targeting BREEAM Outstanding and Passivhaus certification, which once achieved, will make it the largest Passivhaus development in Europe. The proposals also focus on sustainable transport, with approximately 1,500 cycle spaces provided across the site, which, together with much-improved public realm and better connections to the local cycle network, will ensure that the site becomes more integrated and accessible to local communities. “We’re delighted that Tower Hamlet’s Strategic Development Committee has granted approval to our scheme. We have worked extremely hard over the past few years to create something exceptional that not only responds to the resilient demand we are seeing but is also a beautifully designed collection of buildings,” said Anthony Mellalieu, Development Director, on behalf of Urbanest. “We’re obviously very excited about the scheme’s sustainability credentials. Delivering the largest Passivhaus certified student accommodation building globally is a massive undertaking and a testament to our commitment to creating the sort of places and spaces future generations want to live and work in. “This is an excellently located site for students, with lots on in the local area and only a short walk or Cycle to Canary Wharf, and a quick tube into central London. We look forward to starting construction and proposed opening in time for the 2025/26 academic year.” Work on site is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2022.
McDonald’s is to recruit 20,000 more people and open 50 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland, it has announced. The fast food chain will look to employ additional staff and set up new franchises across the country over the next 12 months. It comes in anticipation of increased crew capacity as part of changing Government coronavirus guidelines. The firm said the additions are not to replace the jobs lost throughout the pandemic, and are instead to prepare for the additional restaurants. Paul Pomroy, CEO, of McDonald’s UK & Ireland said: “It’s fantastic to be able to offer an additional 20,000 people an opportunity to work with us. “Our 1,400 restaurants are run by 200 local franchisees which means we have a personal stake in every one of our communities. “It’s a big responsibility, and the moves we’ve announced today reflect our commitment to continue to innovate and invest in the local communities and economies we serve.”
Caddick Construction has recently completed the construction of a new £5m Porsche centre, complete with workshops, MOT testing facility and offices, just off Junction 35 of the M6. Appointed by Porsche franchise holders Parker & Parker Limited, work has been completed on schedule on the state-of-the-art Porsche Centre South Lakes site, Electric Drive, Carnforth, the new home for Porsche Centre Kendal. The address name was chosen specifically to mirror Porsche’s public commitment to building all electric cars. The new showroom and facilities covering 1,618²m in total and will have the capacity to display the full range of the luxury car brand including the newly launched all electric Taycan. The centre also includes a luxurious handover lounge, meeting rooms and employee facilities as well as ample parking and attractive, landscaped, outdoor space. The multi-million-pound project signals the long-term commitment and strengthening position of the German luxury sports car brand in the North West which is still seeing high levels of demand and interest as the UK moves slowly out of lockdown measures. Caddick Construction North West Managing Director Ian Threadgold said: “This has been an exciting and very rewarding contract to be involved with. Porsche is one of the most desirable and respected brands in the world and we are delighted to be able to deliver an exceptional dealership and showroom in a such a stunning location.” Ian Parker, Director of Porsche Centre South Lakes, added: “All the team are delighted with the Centre which looks amazing, both the interior fit out and external facade. Anticipation has been growing over recent months and it is living up to all our expectations. We are now working hard towards our official opening in July so we can really showcase the fitting new home of Porsche for Cumbria and North Lancashire.” Architect and Principal Designer for the project is Axis 3 Design Limited with structural engineering provided by Cumbrian-based R G Parkins & Partners Limited.
Pizza franchise Papa John’s has opened six new stores in locations across the UK in the past month and aims to keep adding to the momentum as the summer heats up. Swinton in Manchester, Daventry, Market Harborough, Bradford, Brighouse in Yorkshire, and Totton in Hampshire are the latest towns to join its portfolio. Justin Gilbert, senior operations director at Papa John’s UK, said: “Our goal is to offer Papa John’s in more and more locations across the UK so our valued customers can enjoy their favourite pizza with family and friends, where and when suits them. Despite the challenges of the past year, sales for the new outlets are already strong and it seems we are set for a sizzling summer ahead. “The brand-new stores are all run by different multi-unit franchisees who are hungry to expand their portfolio of sites with our help and support. It’s a team effort to develop these new retail outlets and each new successful opening is the result of close collaboration between our franchisees and dedicated teams responsible for acquisition, construction, planning and marketing.” Mr Gilbert said the chain is expecting to open “multiple” outlets over the next couple of months, too. “As well as launching in high street locations, we are working on innovative initiatives to partner with a range of leading leisure venues, sports stadiums and holiday parks, looking to add a quality food proposition through a leading global brand. “Introducing Papa John’s is the chance to compliment an existing offering and add a further valuable revenue stream. Franchise options are flexible, from investing in a full Papa John’s store which can deliver to both venue visitors plus local community residents, to adding branded mobile delivery units serving customers at several sites on a resort.”
Wendy’s is opening five restaurants in the UK, including in London and Reading. American burger restaurant Wendy’s is set to reopen in the UK, two decades after it closed down. The fast food chain is known for its iconic square burgers and is still going strong in the US, but hasn’t been here since 1999. Just as life is starting to return to normal after the pandemic, the company plans to open up to 400 outlets nationwide. The plans will roll out over the next few years and are expected to create at least 12,000 jobs. And it’s good news for any Wendy’s fans living around Reading, as the first new restaurant will open up in the city next month. Full list of Wendy’s opening in the UK While there are big plans to open hundreds of restaurants up and down the country, these are the only confirmed locations so far: Reading (opened June 2) Stratford (opening in the second half of 2021) Oxford (opening in the second half of 2021) There are also two more restaurants opening in the UK this year, but the locations have not been confirmed. Steven Derwoed, Vice President, Global Design and Construction for Wendy’s, said: “We’re very proud of our restaurant design in Reading, and I’m confident that we’ve built a place that our customers will love to go and our employees will love to work. “The interior has a cool vibe with a focus on natural wood, dark contrasts, comfortable seating and fun art making it feel fresh and current. “Creating a frictionless and convenient experience for our customers is at the heart of our design, whether a customer places their order via mobile before they set foot in the restaurant, at a kiosk once they arrive or at a traditional front counter with one of our friendly team members. “We’ve even incorporated an exterior walk-up window to create speedy access for delivery providers so customers can get their Wendy’s food even faster. We look forward to serving customers soon!” Wendy’s bosses first revealed the firm was returning to the UK in late 2019, with the chain currently running 6,700 outlets across 30 countries.
Proposals for the £50m regeneration of the former Debenhams store on Princes Street, Edinburgh have received unanimous approval at a City of Edinburgh Council planning committee meeting. The proposals, which repurpose 108,000 sq ft of vacant, obsolete retail space, were described as ‘setting the tone’ for the future regeneration of Edinburgh city centre. The redevelopment, spanning three separate listed properties at 109 to 112 Princes Street, creates a new hospitality hub and boutique hotel on the famous street. Plans include a 207-room upscale boutique hotel and publicly accessible restaurant, lounge, spa and rooftop bar. The proposals will create a new pedestrian link between Princes Street and Rose Street and new shopping, dining, hospitality, leisure and public event space. The rooftop bar will look directly on to Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. Legal & General is delivering some of the UK’s most strategically important regeneration schemes that are fast transforming and reshaping Britain’s landscape, bringing jobs and services back into the centre of cities and better utilising existing infrastructure. The company’s responsible investment strategy, long-term view and ability to own and operate trading assets, make it uniquely positioned to maximise the Princes Street development’s social, environmental and economic contribution. Bill Hughes, Head of Real Assets for Legal & General Investment Management, said: “The UK needs urban centres that are fit for purpose and support growth. We continue to work hard investing in centres and creatively repurposing real estate to ensure the vitality of urban areas that need to evolve. Our long- term view and operational strategy mean we can adapt and innovate the Princes Street site to harness the full potential of these historic buildings, ensure they support economic growth and bring the widest possible benefit to the city.” Nida Rehman, Senior Development Manager for Legal & General Investment Management, said: “We have worked collaboratively with the City of Edinburgh Council to understand their aspirations for the future of Princes Street and create a financially, environmentally and socially sustainable development. The scheme will provide an exceptional anchor for the community and deliver best-in-class local services to support the post Covid recovery.” The project has ambitions to be one of the most sustainable developments in the city by targeting BREEAM Excellent and a carbon reduction Gold standard. The proposals also ensure the careful preservation of historically significant parts of the buildings, which have been past homes to both the city’s Conservative and Liberal Party Clubs, securing them for the future. The original properties were built in 1869 and the department store was developed in 1978. The scheme’s planning consultant is Montagu Evans, the architect is ICA, project manager is Gardiner & Theobald and townscape and heritage advisor is Turley. Construction work is expected to begin in 2022 with the new boutique hotel scheduled to open in 2024.
