AS PART of a £250 million regeneration plan, a new 10 storey, 250 room hotel complex is starting to take shape in Leicester – with completion expected in late 2019. Two national hotel operators – Novotel Hotels and Adagio – have already signed up to operate the 252 bed hotels,
A £15 million mixed use local centre has been designed and delivered by the leading architectural practice Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP). The centre will be located in the heart if the 3,300 homes residential extension of Didcot Great Western Park in Oxfordshire. The client, Henry Davidson Developments, was
Connect38 on the Ashford Commercial Quarter site has been officially opened by Quinn Estate, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the town’s story as the economic powerhouse of Kent. Connect38, designed by Canterbury based Clague Architects, is the largest office block to be built in Kent for
Caddick Construction has been appointed by Williams Group for the development of its £41 million flagship Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and Mini Automotive Retail Centre near Manchester Trafford Centre. The construction work is underway and the project will include a three-storey BMW showroom, two-storey Jaguar Land Rover showroom and a
Barking and Dagenham Council has ambitious plans to deliver a £1 billion town centre rebuild and is looking for a select list of builders capable of delivering it. Entirely owned by the council, the urban regeneration company Be First aims to create a panel of contractors to deliver over 40
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) has completed the first phase of the £210 million Exeter Skypark development – the Number One Tiger Moth Road, a 1,790 m2 speculative Grade A office building. The firm worked together with its client, St. Modwen, and created three storeys of energy efficient office
A luxury development of townhouses and apartments in the West End of Glasgow has officially sold out. The Botanics, from David Wilson Homes, launched in 2015 and has proven hugely popular with househunters looking for modern and spacious accommodation in the heart of one of the city’s most prestigious areas.
DEVELOPER KMRE and contractor Hollycroft Construction have started work on-site for a multi-million-pound residential development in popular Kirkstall Road, Leeds. The high-end scheme of 111 apartments has now been sold to Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) for £17.25 million Kam Mogul, MD of Leeds-based KMRE Group, said: “This is popular area
Gary Singleton is an ex-student from Framwellgate School in County Durham, who was also part of the team at McCarrick Construction that worked on the new £2.5 million sports hall at the school. “When I left Framwellgate School in Durham in 1996 to start my journey apprenticeship with McCarrick Construction,
Kier Construction has been selected to deliver the first stage of the Citizens Theatre’s £19.4 million redevelopment project in Glasgow. During this comprehensive redevelopment of the Victorian building, the theatre will be closed starting with the summer and will reopen in late 2020. “This appointment marks the next phase in
AS PART of a £250 million regeneration plan, a new 10 storey, 250 room hotel complex is starting to take shape in Leicester – with completion expected in late 2019. Two national hotel operators – Novotel Hotels and Adagio – have already signed up to operate the 252 bed hotels, which are being delivered by Charles Street Buildings Group (CSB), with national property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard delivering mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E), structural engineering and quantity surveying (QS) services for the project. Graeme Milligan, national director at Pick Everard said: “Pick Everard has been delivering projects in Leicester for more than 150 years, so this is a project we’re particularly invested in. “We’re working to quite a tight, complex site so the plans – as well as the delivery itself – has had its challenges. We managed to negotiate this by an organised road closure, with a significant level of traffic management in place and the installation of tower cranes. “It has been important to consider how the development would fit into the local area so we’ve been working closely with the architects – Leach Rhodes Walker and Stephen George Partnership – to make sure that the look and feel of the city remains but is suitably enhanced and the public realm is improved upon. “Energy efficiency has been considered as being of paramount importance for new hotels. The lifecycle of the buildings has been taken into account, with future maintenance and running costs factoring into the designs to ensure that it makes as little environmental impact as possible – while remaining aesthetically pleasing. “From an M&E perspective, the designs included thermal modelling, which benefitted from the concrete mass of the building. Daylight analysis was also used throughout which influenced the final façade treatment. “We also had to factor in the acoustic elements of the individual rooms and conference facilities, which all have stringent planned noise and straight noise levels to ensure that the guests’ experience is the best it can be. The ground floors of each building really do have the ‘wow factor’, creating a strong first impression upon guests and feature creative uses of lighting and architectural features. “As a multi-disciplinary practice, with considerable experience in the hotel and leisure sectors, we’ve saved time and money through efficiencies gained by integrated working practices that are very specialist and not widely used in the industry. “We’re incredibly proud to be involved with this project and look forward to seeing the new hotels in use next year, bringing more tourism and business into the city.”
A £15 million mixed use local centre has been designed and delivered by the leading architectural practice Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP). The centre will be located in the heart if the 3,300 homes residential extension of Didcot Great Western Park in Oxfordshire. The client, Henry Davidson Developments, was keen to balance commercial aspirations and community aspirations. SGP’s local centre consists of an 11,000 sq ft Asda anchor and 9,400 sq ft of ancillary retail, with 20 apartments and engaging public realm, providing high quality facilities and a focus on the local community. “The design centred around providing a first class local centre with first class facilities. We’ve taken on board the views of the local community to create an attractive, inclusive scheme, integrated into its surroundings, which people will want to visit and enjoy. With a strong sense of identity, the development will feed and sustain a growing local economy now and in the future,” said Stuart Hancox, Director at SGP. Taking inspiration from the surrounding area, the design incorporated material elements from vernacular and landmark buildings, while retaining a modern feel to reflect the youthful population and the scientific technologies prevalent in local workplaces. The balconied apartments are spacious and offer high levels of natural light via the generous glazing. Traditional red brick signifies the residential entrance, whilst the crisp white render gives a modern feel. Lightly coloured glass balconies enrich the facade and form a vibrant focus and backdrop to the newly created public square. In order to provide maximum flexibility for the developer, the design concept accommodated a variety of construction methodologies, including the eventual use of a timber frame for the apartment buildings. The apartment and retail elements form part of a wider SGP Master Plan delivered by Henry Davidson Developments, including a care home, public house, and nursery.
Connect38 on the Ashford Commercial Quarter site has been officially opened by Quinn Estate, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the town’s story as the economic powerhouse of Kent. Connect38, designed by Canterbury based Clague Architects, is the largest office block to be built in Kent for 20 years with 75% of the building let. The new building delivers 80,500 sq ft of office, restaurant and retail space with the creation of around 481 full-time jobs. Its first tenants have already arrived, with infrastructure consultants, Peter Brett, accountancy firm Wilkins Kennedy, and dental practice Pennypot Dental welcoming their new homes. “This project is one of my proudest achievements to date. Connect38 and Ashford Commercial Quarter is going to mark a new chapter for Ashford and sets the standard for office space in the South East,” said Mark Quinn, CEO at Quinn Estates. “Connect38 represents an extraordinary opportunity for businesses looking to relocate locally, or from London and further afield. The international train station is almost adjacent to the development site, making this an ideal commuting location.” Delivered by Quinn Estates in partnership with George Wilson Developments, the scheme was also backed by Ashford Borough Council, which sees it as pivotal to the town’s future economic success. To support the development, the council has underwritten the cost of two floors of the office block. “This building, and Ashford Commercial Quarter as a larger site, makes an important statement about the borough’s economic position, our can-do attitude as an authority, our sharp commercial focus and the confidence that key businesses and developers have in the town,” said Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council. “This borough has a rich heritage, but we are also embracing growth with ambitious plans for the future. Ashford Commercial Quarter marks a significant project within our ‘Big 8′ developments -major projects emphasising this ambition. These developments illustrate our intention to unlock major opportunities, while delivering new jobs, housing, retail and cultural facilities,” he concluded.
Caddick Construction has been appointed by Williams Group for the development of its £41 million flagship Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and Mini Automotive Retail Centre near Manchester Trafford Centre. The construction work is underway and the project will include a three-storey BMW showroom, two-storey Jaguar Land Rover showroom and a single-storey MINI showroom. The dealerships will occupy a 14.3-acre site opposite Event City and next to John Lewis at the Intu Trafford Centre. Designed by Wilmslow-based architects Taylor Design, the development is scheduled for completion in late summer 2019. “Our vision includes a striking range of contemporary showrooms including the new Jaguar land Rover ARCH concept featuring a dual-branded showroom and service drive through for Jaguar and Land Rover,” said Nick Cook. Williams Group managing director. “Our stunning new flagship retail centre at this premium site will provide the perfect platform to display our range of prestige vehicles.” Alongside the showroom space, Caddick Construction will also deliver workshops, including service drive through for both centres, valet and car washing facilities together with roads and drainage works with the development. Part of the wider TraffordCity redevelopment by Peel Land and Property, the scheme will create a further 3.4 million sq ft of retail, leisure and commercial space around Intu Trafford Centre. “We have built an extensive portfolio of car showrooms and dealerships, which demonstrates the strength and capability of our teams working in partnership with clients in the automotive sector,” said Ian Threadgold, North West construction manager at Caddick Construction. “We are extremely proud of our long association with Manchester, where we are currently working on the landmark 34-storey Angel Gardens project in the city centre.” “Undertaking this major development enables us to continue contributing to its future prosperity by engaging with local suppliers, as well as creating local job opportunities,” concluded Ian Threadgold.
Barking and Dagenham Council has ambitious plans to deliver a £1 billion town centre rebuild and is looking for a select list of builders capable of delivering it. Entirely owned by the council, the urban regeneration company Be First aims to create a panel of contractors to deliver over 40 projects. Architects West Williamson + Partners have drawn up the town centre regeneration plans, which have at its heart the existing listed station building. 2,200 new homes will be built, together with new commercial and social infrastructure, all connected by over two hectares of new clean, green, accessible open spaces. Moreover, the masterplan also includes significant over-track development, which will create a series of urban quarters linked by a reinvigorated high street and capillary routes. The construction framework will be divided into two lots – one covering projects worth up to £20 million and the other projects valued at over £10 million. Lot one has an estimated value of £250 million over the next four years, while Be First expects Lot two to account for up to £750 million worth of projects. Firms interested in the scheme have until the 9th of July to complete proqual documents, available on the e-sourcing site: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Barking:-Construction-work./SY8JJ34E6T. Be First has already confirmed the appointment of architects to deliver the next phase of the Gascoigne Estate East rebuild, known as Weavers Quarter. White Arkitekter will deliver the detailed design for phase two, while HTA Architects will deliver phase three of the scheme which involves over 500 homes. In total the estate renewal will see over 1,575 new homes being built, along with the new primary and secondary schools, an energy centre, community centre, play areas and retail space. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2024.
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) has completed the first phase of the £210 million Exeter Skypark development – the Number One Tiger Moth Road, a 1,790 m2 speculative Grade A office building. The firm worked together with its client, St. Modwen, and created three storeys of energy efficient office space, designed to be divided into three sub-let units, one of which is already let. One of the South West’s most significant business park developments, Exeter Skypark is a cutting-edge Business Park Development and the cornerstone of the Exeter and East Devon New Growth Point. Number One Tiger Moth Road creates the gateway into the core office quarter and anchors the southern edge of enterprise Square, a vibrant landscaped area with water features and communal areas for employees to meet and relax. “Number One Tiger Moth Road sets the benchmark for development across the park and establishes the vision for a high quality public realm and built form. The overall proportions of the building are particularly successful in creating a balanced, lightweight, contemporary form which merges masonry with the crisp aesthetic of glass and aluminium,” said Ian Yallop, chairman of SGP. The Skypark’s design demonstrated an integrated approach to sustainability, with SGP taking a holistic three stage approach for its first phase. It utilises the building orientation and fabric to reduce energy, then it uses smart technology such as BMS and intelligent LED lighting systems to further reduce energy use and lastly, it installed a side wide district heating system that serves the entire development. As a result, Number One Tiger Moth Road achieved both BREEAM Excellent and is EPC A rated. The scheme aims to create a business park environment that provides space for a wide range of businesses, benefiting the local economy and business community. Its first commercial sub-let was finalised within three months of build completion, bringing 40 jobs to the area and proving its success. In total, Skypark will create a new business community of up to 7,500 employees which will be served by the on-site carbon neutral district heating system and set within a landscaped environment of more than 100 acres.
A luxury development of townhouses and apartments in the West End of Glasgow has officially sold out. The Botanics, from David Wilson Homes, launched in 2015 and has proven hugely popular with househunters looking for modern and spacious accommodation in the heart of one of the city’s most prestigious areas. And while the development is fully sold out, potential buyers should not be disheartened with plans for a new development in the sought-after southside of the city. David Wilson Homes’ sister company, Barratt Homes, has recently started work on the Riverside @ Cathcart. Located on the grounds of the former Scottish Power headquarters, the development will feature a range of two, three and four bedroom homes. Estelle Sykes, Sales Director, David Wilson Homes said: “The sales success that we have experienced at The Botanics further reinforces the demand for high quality homes within Glasgow. “I am positive that the Barratt Homes development at Riverside @ Cathcart will prove just as popular with househunters because of its prime location and selection of quality homes.” The site, located on Spean Street, has an assortment of apartments, townhouses, semi-detached and detached homes and are likely to appeal to both first time buyers and those looking to take a step up the property ladder. Riverside @ Cathcart benefits is within walking distance of a number of amenities, including several parks, train stations, bars and restaurants . For further information on Riverside @ Cathcart please visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/glasgow-city/H719201-Riverside-@-Cathcart/
DEVELOPER KMRE and contractor Hollycroft Construction have started work on-site for a multi-million-pound residential development in popular Kirkstall Road, Leeds. The high-end scheme of 111 apartments has now been sold to Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) for £17.25 million Kam Mogul, MD of Leeds-based KMRE Group, said: “This is popular area in the city and is in walking distance to the business district. KMRE saw a big opportunity and acted quickly to develop the scheme. These are stylish, yet affordable rental apartments which are ideally suited to professionals. “We are also delighted to have appointed Hollycroft Construction as the contractor for this significant development. Hollycroft has delivered a number of schemes for us and has continued to work on our ever-expanding portfolio of high-end schemes across the UK. “Kirkstall Road is a rapidly changing part of the city. Considering Kirkstall’s close proximity to Leeds city centre and the wide range of public transport options on offer, this is a popular area of Leeds. Each apartment is designed to be generously sized, to encourage long term tenancies in a great location with a range of amenities.” The residential scheme – which will complete in spring 2019 -will be made up of superior one, two and three-bedroom rental apartments close to Leeds city centre. “Considering the likelihood of significant investment in the area due to its convenient location, and high-speed poised to bring further investment, there was an excellent chance for investors to benefit from high levels of capital appreciation and ASI saw that opportunity,” Kam added. Ed Crockett, fund manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “This deal reinforces our long-standing commitment to the private rented sector in the UK, where we continue to target high quality stock in key cities. “The market is currently worth more than £1 trillion and is set to grow with an anticipated 24% increase in private renting by 2022. With its secure long-term rental streams, residential is a compelling opportunity for investors. But product is key. Our experience in Europe, shows that what really counts is being able to create communities that people want to live in for decades. We identified this development by KMRE as a major opportunity.” KMRE Group is a leading developer with schemes throughout Yorkshire and the UK. It is working on a number of schemes in the area including Mabgate Gateway, Leeds which is also on site and offers 92 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two buildings and is located five minutes from the city centre. Toby Nicholson, head of build to rent at Colliers International, represented Aberdeen Standard Investments during the transaction. For more information, visit www.kmregroup.co.uk.
Gary Singleton is an ex-student from Framwellgate School in County Durham, who was also part of the team at McCarrick Construction that worked on the new £2.5 million sports hall at the school. “When I left Framwellgate School in Durham in 1996 to start my journey apprenticeship with McCarrick Construction, I didn’t think I would be returning to the school decades later to coordinate a project like this,” explained Gary Singleton. The project aimed to create a modern building equipped with all the necessities that a varied sporting curriculum requires. The biggest challenge for Gary and the team was that the building was scheduled to be completed within the grounds of the academy, within a live school environment, which presented both safety concerns and logistical challenges. Moreover, the old sports hall was being used daily by the school throughout the construction work. The new sports hall was set to be four times larger than the previous facility and it spans now 1,000 sq. m. of space. It features an 8 metre high climbing wall, basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, indoor football, hockey and archery facilities, as well as a gym and two teaching suites for the new PE courses. Gary mentioned that these types of projects are rarely straightforward. “Once we were established on site, we discovered a pumped foul main drain from the school running right through the proposed new build, which was not identified on any drawings. Our task was to divert it without closing the school and to allow construction to begin.” Due to a few changes in design, notable the addition of a huge MUGA (multi-use games area), the programme changed; therefore the team found themselves in the middle of the exam period trying to keep the noise at a minimum. Furthermore, the team had to work alongside ecologists throughout the project, as the school campus had been discovered to be a hibernation ground for great crested newts. “I found myself back to school in more ways than one – I have grown professionally as a result. I am using my experience as part of my professional review in the hope of being recognised as MCIOB by the end of the year,” concluded Gary.
Kier Construction has been selected to deliver the first stage of the Citizens Theatre’s £19.4 million redevelopment project in Glasgow. During this comprehensive redevelopment of the Victorian building, the theatre will be closed starting with the summer and will reopen in late 2020. “This appointment marks the next phase in our Redevelopment Project. Kier has a wealth of experience in delivering theatre and heritage projects and it’s hugely exciting to be welcoming them to the team, led by architects Bennetts Associates, to realise our vision for the Citizens Theatre,” commented Judith Kilvington, executive director of Citizens Theatre. “Our new building has been redesigned to create level access for staff, participants and audiences members. When we reopen to the public they will easily be able to visit and view some of the best examples of theatre heritage in Europe.” For the project, Kier will work alongside the Theatre and its Design Team to make sure the Second Stage is achieved. Then, the company will carry out the construction work to transform the Victorian building. It will also contribute to the local community by providing employment and training opportunities. “We’re delighted to restore, improve and protect the iconic Citizens Theatre. This builds on our solid record of working on major heritage projects, including The Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, Aberdeen Music Hall and most recently, The Burrell Collection,” said Brian McQuade, Kier Construction Scotland and North East managing director. Owned by Glasgow City Council, the Category B listed building has been leased to the Citizens Theatre Company for more than 70 years. Over the next two years, the company will keep producing shows at Tramway, Scotland Street School Museum and other venues throughout the country. The redevelopment project has already secured £17.8 million from Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, the Scottish Government, The Robertson Trust and other trusts and individuals. Those wishing to contribute to the remaining £1.6 million can do so through the theatre’s ‘We Are Citizens’ public fundraising campaign.
