Construction work on Colchester Borough Council’s multi-million pound Sports Park, located at Colchester Northern Gateway off junction 28 of the A12 in Colchester, has now completed. The brand-new 76-acre sports and leisure facility features a fully floodlit one-mile closed cycle track, a learn to ride facility and cycle pump track
REVISED plans to create four new retail units on the former Ram Jam Inn site in Greetham, Rutland, were given the green light yesterday (22 December) by Rutland County Council’s planning committee. Godwin Developments, the UK residential and commercial property developer, submitted alternative proposals for the prominent roadside location earlier this year
Bolton Council has agreed a deal with social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC – the stars of BBC2 documentary Manctopia – to redevelop the former market precinct in Farnworth town centre. The plans will see the site transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use community based on the developer’s neighbourhood housing concept. It will
Work starts on site for £1.1M store at Handforth Dean Retail Park Castlehouse Construction has been appointed by CPG Group to deliver a £1.1M new build Pets at Home store at Handforth Dean Retail Park near Wilmslow in Cheshire. Castlehouse, which has offices in Leeds and Manchester, has now started
NATIONAL specialists in the construction of food and drink manufacturing facilities Clegg Food Projects has completed a new state-of-the-art HQ for Wells & Co – an independent, family-owned business with a 190-strong portfolio of award-winning pubs. Clegg Food Projects, as the principal contractor, was responsible for delivering the multi-million-pound purpose-built headquarters
Many local high streets were struggling to retain shops even before the coronavirus pandemic struck, however a shopping and eating destination in South Yorkshire reports that it is at full capacity with all its units currently occupied. The Onyx Retail Park, built by Onward Holdings Ltd on the former Manvers
Bluestone National Park Resort has secured the green light for a restaurant development proposal and outlined plans for a £15 million investment into new lodges. A change of use application has been approved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Planning Authority, paving the way for Bluestone to restore Black Pool Mill
Choosing the right loft ladder is extremely important. It should be solid and durable so that you can safely get to the top floor of the house. How to choose the right loft ladder? Some investors decide to put cheap wooden stairs or standard ladders in their homes to get
Prydis and Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) have sealed a deal to turn a former House of Fraser outlet In Exeter into a new Hotel Indigo. Prydis announced its acquisition of the 70,000 sq ft city centre building, which overlooks Exeter Cathedral, earlier this year. “Exeter has the perfect mix
The purchase of the Pleasure Island theme park site in Cleethorpes has been completed, allowing for the £57 million redevelopment plans to move forward. YPG Fab 2, owned by Adrian Smith and Ming Yeung, is now set to submit a planning application for the project within weeks. “The vision is
Construction work on Colchester Borough Council’s multi-million pound Sports Park, located at Colchester Northern Gateway off junction 28 of the A12 in Colchester, has now completed. The brand-new 76-acre sports and leisure facility features a fully floodlit one-mile closed cycle track, a learn to ride facility and cycle pump track alongside two latest generation 4G pitches and seven traditional grass rugby pitches. The sports centre building provides a five-court sports hall with facilities for a variety of sports including badminton, futsal and indoor cricket. The building also houses a fully equipped fitness suite, exercise and dance studios, an interactive velo studio, meeting rooms and a café. A stunning new state-of-the-art clubhouse has also been built overlooking the 4G and grass pitches which will become the new home of Colchester Rugby Football Club, whilst an archery range and clubhouse has been constructed to the south of the site which will become home to the Colchester and District Archery Club The whole facility is set within acres of green open spaces where to date over 500 trees and almost 120,000 hedgerow plants, shrubs, perennials and grasses have been planted for people’s future enjoyment, with further extensive planting planned. Colchester Borough Council funded the £28.8 million development which was project managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd. It has been supported by significant funding from groups including British Cycling, Sport England, and from England and Wales Cricket Club. Work was carried out by East Anglia’s leading construction firm, R G Carter, who have now handed over the development to Colchester Borough Council. James Wilson, Director at R G Carter, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Colchester Amphora on a forward-thinking and unique project. Supporting the borough’s vision for providing the local community with a first-class sports hub, this new facility will encourage sport participation for many years to come.” Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council said: “The completion of this inspiring facility marks a huge milestone towards our vision to give all of our residents new and wide-ranging opportunities to play sport, be healthy and enjoy our outdoor spaces. Importantly for me, the Sports Park will be accessible for all, offering activities for all abilities and those with disabilities. “My thanks to R G Carter for their expertise and commitment to deliver this project in what has been a challenging year. The result is an exceptional Sports Park that will enable people both locally and from across the wider region to get involved, get active and make the most of the remarkable facilities Colchester can offer. When things return to normal after Covid, this will be a facility Colchester can be proud of.” Property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle was appointed by Colchester Borough Council to provide a full suite of consultancy services for the complex, including project management and cost management. The delivery partners were procured through SCAPE consultancy which facilitated a direct award framework designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings. Galvin Tarling, regional partner for the East of England at Perfect Circle, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in Colchester’s Northern Gateway Sports Park, a project that will enrich the community it serves, provide a focal point for the local area, and offer a sustainable first-class social and leisure facility for all to enjoy for decades to come. “We provided more than 20 service elements under a single delivery agreement – speeding up the procurement process and offering an efficient and cost-effective route to market for Colchester Borough Council’s complex, community-focused new facility. Engaging Perfect Circle via SCAPE also gave the council access to our extensive supply chain. “Due to the council utilising Perfect Circle’s unique delivery model via SCAPE, together with the whole delivery team showing a true belief in collaboration, the project exceeded all expectations in providing a lasting legacy for the local community and Colchester Rugby Club.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, added: “Delivering impactful and lasting social value is central to the government’s plans to build back better, faster and greener, and projects like this new state-of-the-art sports park typifies what needs to be delivered to achieve those plans. “Together, R G Carter, Perfect Circle and Colchester Borough Council have delivered a facility that will continue to enrich the community now and long into the future, creating lasting value for future generations.” The new sports and leisure park, part of the wider Colchester Northern Gateway development, is due to open in Spring 2021 under the operation of Leisure World Colchester. Anyone interested in finding out more about hiring the new sport facilities, can complete an expression of interest form by visiting colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/northerngatewaysportspark.
REVISED plans to create four new retail units on the former Ram Jam Inn site in Greetham, Rutland, were given the green light yesterday (22 December) by Rutland County Council’s planning committee. Godwin Developments, the UK residential and commercial property developer, submitted alternative proposals for the prominent roadside location earlier this year after designs were revised to incorporate feedback from local stakeholders and be more in keeping with the character of the area. Following on from last month’s deferral, the development secured go-ahead after two-way vehicle access plan for the site – from the A1 and B668 – was voted in by councillors during yesterday’s meeting. The scheme, which consists of two new drive-thru units, two drive-to units and 72 car parking spaces – including five disabled spaces – will see the currently disused land regenerated for roadside retail use, benefitting both commuters and local residents. The 1.67-acre site is located off the A1, the main arterial route between Peterborough and Grantham, and when complete would be accessed by both north- and southbound traffic as well as the local community. Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments, said: ‘We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the site of the former Ram Jam Inn – our new plans will breathe life back into this historically significant roadside location, which has been vacant for seven years. “The development will benefit both commuters and local residents and will enhance the retail offer within the region, delivering choice and convenience. With limited roadside offerings within the area, it is also ideally positioned for retail brands to capture the 25,000 commuters travelling past this busy location.” Matt added: “We would like to thank residents who actively engaged with us to offer both positive and constructive feedback. By working closely with them, Nicol Thomas architects, Rutland County Council and key stakeholders from the community, we have put forward a scheme that is in keeping with the local vernacular. “Our thanks also go to Rutland County Council’s planning committee and all statutory consultees who worked closely with us to create a scheme that enabled the planning approval gained today.” The available units on site, which range from 754 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft. in size, will be marketed by commercial property agents Rapleys in conjunction with property consultants FHP. The Greetham site is the latest project in the Godwin Developments portfolio which already contains a diverse range of commercial, residential, and mixed-use property assets in key regional locations. These include Godwin’s recent completion of a Lidl supermarket in Birmingham, and an investment sale deal in Rushden, Northamptonshire. The development will support the creation of up to a number of temporary jobs within the construction phase and permanent roles also once the development is complete and fully occupied. For further information on Godwin Developments visit https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/.
Bolton Council has agreed a deal with social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC – the stars of BBC2 documentary Manctopia – to redevelop the former market precinct in Farnworth town centre. The plans will see the site transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use community based on the developer’s neighbourhood housing concept. It will include over 200 modern homes centred around a new public square for artisan markets, live events and more. The plans also include a new flexible space for community uses and events, with a village hall feel, which could host vintage fairs, art galleries, and pop up gin bars. It will also see a linear park and spaces for café-bars, delis, a mini-cinema, gym and co-working. Located on King Street in the heart of the town centre, the site is a short walk from the train station with easy access into Bolton and Manchester, and on the doorstep of the refurbished bus-station, making it an ideal location for commuters. Tim Heatley, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said: “This is about rebooting and modernising the market town. By creating 200 new homes around the square, we’re bringing life, and spending power, back to the town centre, so it’ll have its own ecosystem. We’re looking to attract the region’s best artists, makers and indie operators to set up home here. “If you jump on a train you can be in Manchester in less than 20 minutes, so we see this rivalling the city centre with the same quality homes but affordable to more people from young professionals to downsizers. All surrounded by an incredible public square, plenty of trees and loads of places to hang out.” Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox, added: “It’s great to see such exciting development plans for Farnworth town centre. Capital & Centric have a fantastic track record of not just creating buildings but communities for people to live, work and socialise in, which is what is needed to transform Farnworth town centre and make it more vibrant, attractive for visitors and fit for the future.” Chair of the Farnworth steering group, Cllr Paul Sanders, said: “This is real progress and what we’ve been waiting for. The delivery of the key development proposals in the masterplan is vital for Farnworth and the plans proposed by Capital & Centric are welcomed. Our ambition is to rejuvenate the town centre and bring in new community facilities for our residents. We are looking forward to sharing the plans with Farnworthians, Kearsleyites and our partners.” Bolton Council has purchased the Market Precinct from St Modwen and entered into an agreement with CAPITAL&CENTRIC to progress the long-awaited redevelopment of this major site. CAPITAL&CENTRIC is planning to launch a public consultation on the plans, which are being designed by architects BDP, in the new year. This is CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s first project in Bolton, following other town centre schemes in Stockport and Rochdale being announced earlier this year. The developer is famed for its high quality and bold designs and focus on creating a positive social impact. Farnworth reached the second phase of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, a multi-million pound pot of cash set up to make high streets fit for the future. The council submitted a business case in June 2020 and is waiting to hear whether the £19m bid has been successful. The additional funds would help in the delivery of a number of key development projects identified in the Farnworth town centre masterplan. Farnworth is also one of Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham’s Town Centre challenge areas.
Work starts on site for £1.1M store at Handforth Dean Retail Park Castlehouse Construction has been appointed by CPG Group to deliver a £1.1M new build Pets at Home store at Handforth Dean Retail Park near Wilmslow in Cheshire. Castlehouse, which has offices in Leeds and Manchester, has now started works on the new 10,000 sq ft building for the UK’s leading specialist pet care business with completion earmarked for Spring 2021. Handforth Dean Retail Park is situated in the heart of Cheshire’s stockbroker belt. Located just off the A34 bypass, close to the A555 between Wilmslow, Heald Green and Styal, the 40 acre park includes retailers such as M&S, Tesco Extra and Boots and Next. Pets at Home takes the lead in the business of pet care and this new store forms part of the retail group’s continued expansion strategy, with more than 451 stores currently operating across the country, largely based on retail parks. Frank Kofler, Managing Director, Castlehouse Construction commented: “We are delighted to start work on the new Pets at Home store for CPG. Whilst this is our first pet care store new build, we have a strong track record in the retail sector, delivering stores for the likes of Lidl, Aldi, Iceland, Home Bargains and more. When completed the store will be a huge asset for pet owners visiting the Retail Park and a popular shopping destination for thousands of people across the region.” Martin Ridgway, Group Managing Director of CPG said: “The Handforth Dean retail area is one of the most popular in the region due to the strength of the catchment population and great accessibility. The new flagship Pets at Home store will build on the success of the Next at Home store completed a few years ago. We are pleased to be working with Castlehouse Construction and look forward to completion in Spring 2021.” Wayne Kemp, Pets at Home Store Development Director said: “We’re delighted to be working with CPG and Castlehouse Construction on this project and to be opening a store in such a great location with the added benefit of it being just around the corner from our Support Office. We’re bringing the very best of Pets at Home to this location and we’re confident that pet owners will be impressed with the finished store.” Warrington Martin is project manager on the new build.
NATIONAL specialists in the construction of food and drink manufacturing facilities Clegg Food Projects has completed a new state-of-the-art HQ for Wells & Co – an independent, family-owned business with a 190-strong portfolio of award-winning pubs. Clegg Food Projects, as the principal contractor, was responsible for delivering the multi-million-pound purpose-built headquarters – named Brewpoint – for Wells & Co. The project started on site in summer 2019 and continued to progress throughout lockdown. The 20,000 sq ft Bedfordshire-based facility brings Wells & Co’s new home together under one roof, focusing on the creation of exceptional beer together with a pub-restaurant, retail shop, coffee roastery, offices, and a visitor centre that will offer guided tours. While trading restrictions imposed on the hospitality sector mean Brewpoint’s full launch must wait until Spring 2021, Wells & Co. opened ‘A Taste of Brewpoint’ on 8 November to the public, a pop-up outside bar that ensures customers can get a flavour of its offering. The construction of the site and installation of its brewing facilities has meant that the business has been able to launch its online shop, allowing beer lovers the chance to order and collect Brewpoint’s brand-new beer and merchandise offering. “Being involved in all aspects of project– from the site’s electric through to the fitting of specialist brewing equipment – has been something that the whole team has been proud to be a part of and we couldn’t be more pleased to now see the project come to life.” The main brewing plant has been designed with solar cells on the roof, solar shading, air source heating and cooling, will be capable of producing 30,000 hectolitres of beer each year equivalent to five million pints. Brewpoint also hosts a smaller 100 litre brewing facility, which will provide a continual stream of new beers to try at the site’s bar every week. Peter Wells, managing director at Wells & Co., commented: “After 143 years and five generations of family involvement, we didn’t embark on this lightly, but Brewpoint embodies the change of direction we have taken as a business and we couldn’t be happier with the businesses’ new home. It’s expertly designed and allows us to produce a range of beer styles that we would not have dreamed of ten years ago.” Clegg Food Projects – part of the Clegg Group – has more than 40 years’ experience in the food and drink sector. Headquartered in Nottingham, the firm works nationally and internationally with household brands to deliver top quality manufacturing facilities. For further information visit www.cleggfoodprojects.co.uk or follow @CleggFoodP on Twitter.
Many local high streets were struggling to retain shops even before the coronavirus pandemic struck, however a shopping and eating destination in South Yorkshire reports that it is at full capacity with all its units currently occupied. The Onyx Retail Park, built by Onward Holdings Ltd on the former Manvers colliery at Wath-Upon-Deane, is prime retail space within easy reach of the 94,000 local residents living within a 10-minute journey from the site. This shopping hot spot has attracted a cross-section of retail businesses, including SPAR convenience store, and famous fast food chains such as Costa Coffee, Domino Pizzas, Greggs the Baker, Subway and KFC. The excellent choice of successful restaurants and eateries is complemented by Coffee Street, Holy Cow Burger Co, Thai Garden and Onyx Fish Bar and Grill. Other retailers currently located at Onyx are: Online designer babywear business Forever Sewing, which recently snapped up the remaining vacant unit on the site, Vape HQ Manvers, Beauty at Heart, and Barnardo’s. Promoter of the site, Andrew Miller Chartered Surveyors of Sheffield, said: “Now that lockdown restrictions are being relaxed, full capacity at Onyx Retail Park is a reflection of the confidence retailers have in this bustling shopping complex and the opportunities for them to prosper.” Onyx sits adjacent to a new development of 1,100 homes, while an average of 18,000 vehicles pass the site each weekday, according to figures provided by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The footfall created from this high volume of passing trade provides a strong customer base to the site, making it an ideal location for a wide variety of retail outlets. In addition to Onyx Retail Park, Onward Holdings also offers a range of logistics options to suit most budgets, together with additional value-added warehouse services. The different facilities that the company can supply will help businesses gain a vital foothold in the northern supply chain.
Bluestone National Park Resort has secured the green light for a restaurant development proposal and outlined plans for a £15 million investment into new lodges. A change of use application has been approved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Planning Authority, paving the way for Bluestone to restore Black Pool Mill into a heritage restaurant and creating a cafe and exhibition space in the adjacent former cottage and forge building. The Black Pool Mill heritage restaurant will be open to locals and visitors to the county, as well as Bluestone resort guests, serving lunches, cream teas, and dinner throughout the year. The upscale restaurant will be able to accommodate around 160 diners, creating over 35 year-round jobs and showcasing produce from local suppliers. Bluestone has also launched a pre-application consultation to build 80 new lodges at the resort. The proposed lodge development will be set within Bluestone’s 500-acre site. It will provide an additional 80 environmentally sensitive, self-catered lodges. Bluestone will be investing £15m into the development, which will create and support more than 250 jobs in the construction phase as well as nearly 90 operational jobs on-site following the completion of the works. Bluestone said the new lodges were expected to increase spending in the surrounding area by up to £1m per year. “We are really pleased to have the application approved and are truly excited about our plans for Black Pool Mill. We will shortly begin work to restore the building, to be enjoyed once again by local people and visitors to the county. The Mill is a unique historic building that sits in a beautiful position on the Cleddau River. We are committed to breathing new life into the Mill whilst preserving and restoring its historic past,” said Liz Weedon, head of projects. “We are also really excited about our proposed development – which cements Bluestone’s firm commitment to further investment, job creation, and supporting the wider regional economy. It has been a very challenging year for everyone; we proud and privileged to be based in Pembrokeshire and see real potential for the county to significantly benefit from staycation demand in the future,” Liz added. The Narberth holiday resort employs more than 700 people and welcomed almost 155,000 visitors in 2019.
Choosing the right loft ladder is extremely important. It should be solid and durable so that you can safely get to the top floor of the house. How to choose the right loft ladder? Some investors decide to put cheap wooden stairs or standard ladders in their homes to get to the attic. However, such a solution is not particularly safe. It is worth investing in a solid loft ladder, which will ensure proper comfort of use and safety. Loft ladders – which material to choose? Choosing the right loft ladders depends mainly on the frequency of use. Both metal and wooden loft ladders are available on the market, and the choice depends on individual preferences. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Metal stairs are much more popular and are characterized by greater stability and strength. However, if you plan to enter the attic occasionally, a wooden loft ladder will be a sufficient option. Size of the loft ladder One of the most important things you need to pay attention to when buying a loft ladder is to choose the right size. First, check precisely how big the area under the stairs is. This will significantly simplify the selection of a loft ladder. You also have to decide whether you need a three- or four-section loft ladder. Pay attention also to the difficulty of installation. Choose loft ladders of the highest quality construction ‒ thanks to that the installation will not be complicated or particularly expensive. Additional features of the loft ladder – choose wisely! When choosing a loft ladder, opt for safe models that feature non-slip steps and mortise locks. This will ensure that your loft ladder will be stable and properly secured until the lock is released. It is best to opt for a loft ladder with a factory-assembled handrail, which helps when climbing and descending from the attic and minimizes the risk of an unfortunate fall. Many people do not take energy efficiency into account when choosing a loft ladder. However, this is very important because, as research shows, as much as 25% of heat loss in the house is related to the attic. Therefore, on the market search for a loft ladder with high energy efficiency, which will reduce the costs associated with heating the house. Loft ladders ‒ summary Choosing the right loft ladder is not an easy task. It all depends on your individual preferences, and the type of building you live in. If you follow our instructions regarding the choice of a loft ladder, you will certainly find a good and safe solution that will serve in your house for many years. When choosing a loft ladder, pay attention to the way it opens and check if it is insulated to limit the loss of heat from the house.
Prydis and Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) have sealed a deal to turn a former House of Fraser outlet In Exeter into a new Hotel Indigo. Prydis announced its acquisition of the 70,000 sq ft city centre building, which overlooks Exeter Cathedral, earlier this year. “Exeter has the perfect mix of heritage and innovation. We want to raise the profile and set the standard for the region. Hotel Indigo is without a doubt the perfect brand for this iconic building. We are looking beyond the pandemic and can see a future of conversational commerce, shoppertainment and customer experience as king. A Hotel Indigo flagship development in the heart of the city is the crown to help us achieve our vision,” said Joe Priday, managing director of Prydis. “The layout of the site is being constructed with a clear purpose. The design will reflect the changing needs of the retailer, the high street and the consumer. We are providing something that does not yet exist in the city and a beacon for the region that will become a hive of activity,” Joe continued. “We are excited to bring Hotel Indigo to Exeter. Boutique hotels are as popular as ever in the UK, with guests looking to stay in something unique when they travel. Just as no two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are designed alike – each is inspired by its unique neighbourhood story yet marries the certainty of quality and comfort with local style and flavour – making it the perfect brand choice for Exeter. The redevelopment has been planned to make the most of the beauty of the nearby cathedral, the city centre and the surrounding area,” Anna Corkill, director of development in the UK and Ireland for IHG, added.
The purchase of the Pleasure Island theme park site in Cleethorpes has been completed, allowing for the £57 million redevelopment plans to move forward. YPG Fab 2, owned by Adrian Smith and Ming Yeung, is now set to submit a planning application for the project within weeks. “The vision is for a spectacular development with all-weather facilities which will offer year-round appeal to attract thousands of visitors and bring hundreds of jobs. We estimate it will attract £13.2m of new visitor expenditure per annum,” commented Adrian Smith. “As people who have spent all our lives in Grimsby we are dedicated to improving the area. We have a strong track record of regenerating key local sites and we have already committed millions of pounds to this project even before submitting the planning application.” The proposed Pleasure Island development would comprise 250 holiday lodges in lakeside and beachfront locations, a 146-bed hotel, restaurants and leisure facilities including a family gaming centre. Smith led the conversion of a former brewery into apartments at The Cooperage and the renovation of The Imperial Hotel. Yeung was behind the redevelopment of the former Birds Eye Wall’s site in Ladysmith Road to provide 250 new homes as well as multimillion-pound regeneration projects in Liverpool, including the Hilton Garden Hotel, Russell Hotel and Magistrates Boutique Hotel as well as a series of stylish dockside residential developments. The investors are partners in a specialist leisure sector business Seaside Getaways Ltd, which is based in Liverpool. National planning and development consultancy Lichfields has previously been appointed to progress the plans.