Sainsbury’s has put forward plans to build a new store in Arborfield Green as part of a development plan for the Berkshire village. The proposal has been made as part of the development of the new district centre in Arborfield Green. The supermarket has said it plans to open a
Manchester City Council is to refresh regeneration proposals for the former Central Retail Park. A report updating on the strategic redevelopment of the former Central Retail Park site will be heard on 14 December requesting approval for a new consultation to start in the New Year. The Council has refreshed
Caddick Construction has completed the £8.2m Tawd Valley Centre retail outlet in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, as part of the wider regeneration plans for the town centre. Major retail brands Lidl, B&M Bargains and Poundstretcher are already trading on the scheme with the area adjacent to the retail park also enjoying
Customers in Stoke-on-Trent have been trying out their newly upgraded Sainsbury’s supermarket recently following a six month programme to refresh and refurbish the store. Sainsbury’s Stoke on Trent Superstore Store Manager Ann Greenall said: “We’ve worked really hard in the last few months to revitalise our store and I’m very
Wates Construction has completed work on the £27 million the Sands Centre redevelopment in Carlisle. Local dignitaries – including the Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson and the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson – were joined by Chair of Sport England, Chris Boardman and partners. “I’m delighted
Caddick Construction has announced that it has reached the end of its work on the £8.2 million Tawd Valley Centre retail outlet in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire. Part of the wider regeneration plans for the town centre, the outlet plays an important role in the revival of the local community. “Caddick
Luxury retailer Nest appoints award winning contractors to carry out refit Refurbishment works at the former Scottish Queen public house are now underway, with new owner Nest appointing award-winning contractors from across Yorkshire to turn the site into a luxury furniture and lighting retail destination. A landmark building at the
Plans for the multi-million pound transformation of Stretford town centre have been approved by councillors. Aiming to boost businesses and create a ‘thriving high street environment’, the project includes a high street, improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a new town centre. The plans, developed
Work began last Thursday on a major development by Strawberry Star in Harlow town centre. Demolition commenced on site to make way for the first Star Living building, which will bring an initial 163 new apartments to the area once occupied by the underused Little Walk shopping parade and the
Pound’s Park in Sheffield city centre is quickly taking shape with the installation of a new children’s play area this month. Heralded as the flagship green space in Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City development scheme, Pound’s Park will be located on the former fire station site between Rockingham
Sainsbury’s has put forward plans to build a new store in Arborfield Green as part of a development plan for the Berkshire village. The proposal has been made as part of the development of the new district centre in Arborfield Green. The supermarket has said it plans to open a ‘neighbourhood hub’ store, which would be a larger version of its convenience stores. It will create 40 jobs in the area and offer a click-and-collect service for customers. “The store would form part of the district centre off Nine Mile Ride Extension, which we’ve awarded outline planning permission and are now awaiting a more detailed submission from developer Crest Nicholson. The development is required to include this, which we imposed to ensure residents are served by high-quality infrastructure alongside new housing which the Government requires us to take,” said the Wokingham Borough Council. “We welcome Sainsbury’s news as it shows the financial uncertainty caused by coronavirus and Brexit, which is why the district centre has been delayed, is improving. Further details will come through a separate planning application.” Crest Nicholson exhibited revised plans for Arborfield Green’s district centre and is now seeking people’s feedback before it submits a planning application to the council. The plans include a supermarket, smaller shops, a square, a community centre, a pub and green space and allotments. Since the plans were first put forward the developer has proposed a different layout and new pedestrian areas. The plan is running behind schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic. The council has apologised to residents for the delay. It said: “We know there’s been frustration at how long this has taken, so we’ve met Crest to discuss these delays and will be pressing them to move as quickly as possible. This project fell behind schedule, in part, due to reasons beyond the developer’s control. The coronavirus pandemic made retailers reluctant to open stores so it was very hard to attract interest from supermarkets. “Without an ‘anchor’ tenant to attract others, which was also partly down to Brexit, the scheme was unviable for a while. Government guidelines require us to be fair so we didn’t take any further action. However, as time moves on and the national situation improves, we’ll stay in touch with Crest to ensure there are no unnecessary delays.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council is to refresh regeneration proposals for the former Central Retail Park. A report updating on the strategic redevelopment of the former Central Retail Park site will be heard on 14 December requesting approval for a new consultation to start in the New Year. The Council has refreshed a Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the former retail site that was previously agreed by the Council in 2020. The commitment remains to develop a flagship, highly sustainable commercial district that can attract new business and talent to the city, that will also promote social value and well-being. The Government Property Agency (GPA) is exploring options for delivering office solutions in Manchester, to meet the needs of various civil servant departments, which supports the Government’s commitment to locate more civil servants outside of London and support levelling up. Therefore, the new framework also responds to potential interest from the GPA to locate government offices on the site. “The former Central Retail Park is a key site and one of the final pieces of the puzzle in the long-term regeneration story of New Islington, which has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in the city. For decades the site has created a physical barrier between Great Ancoats Street and the growing community around New Islington Marina. Developing this site will create a new public link through to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and create a green space at the heart of the low-carbon commercial district,” said Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council. “We have a real opportunity to create a flagship, highly sustainable development of renown – and we would encourage people to take part in the consultation. A six-week consultation will begin in early January and we invite feedback around the proposals for site.” The overall vision of the refreshed Former Central Retail SRF is: • Create a high-quality, sustainable office district to bring the currently vacant former retail park back into use. • Create a range of new employment opportunities, including through the construction phase of the development project. Thousands of jobs are expected to be located at the site, many of which will be new employment opportunities to the city. • A new high-quality, green public space will be at the heart of the former retail site, creating a link between Great Ancoats Street to Cottonfield Park and the growing New Islington community behind. • New connections and routes will be created through the site from adjacent neighbourhoods. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has completed the £8.2m Tawd Valley Centre retail outlet in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, as part of the wider regeneration plans for the town centre. Major retail brands Lidl, B&M Bargains and Poundstretcher are already trading on the scheme with the area adjacent to the retail park also enjoying an upgrade to include a new play area in Tawd Valley Park. A new high street has been provided to link West Lancashire College with the rest of the town centre. Improvements are also being made to the public areas outside Skelmersdale Library to make them more attractive spaces for residents to enjoy. Ian Threadgold, North West Managing Director of Caddick Construction said: “Caddick is delighted to have completed on this important scheme that is already having a transformative effect on Skelmersdale town centre and the local communities. “Investment and vision are important if we want to see local town centres revitalised and attract new retailers in with the right location and premises. It’s great to see Tawd Valley Centre is already delivering for Skelmersdale.” Councillor Yvonne Gagen, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, added: “The new town centre development will bring economic and social benefits for the Borough’s communities long into the future and will greatly enhance the Borough’s appeal as a great place to live, work and invest, providing increased opportunities for many. “This development is a significant step towards a future where everyone in West Lancashire will be able to take advantage of a positive economic outlook and vastly improved health and wellbeing outcomes. The people of West Lancashire deserve this and I’m delighted we have delivered it.” The town centre redevelopment scheme is a partnership between the Borough Council and developer St. Modwen and is supported by the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership and Growth Deal Funding. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Customers in Stoke-on-Trent have been trying out their newly upgraded Sainsbury’s supermarket recently following a six month programme to refresh and refurbish the store. Sainsbury’s Stoke on Trent Superstore Store Manager Ann Greenall said: “We’ve worked really hard in the last few months to revitalise our store and I’m very proud of the way my team has stepped up to support our customers during the transition. I’m delighted by the response we have had from customers so far and I’m looking forward to hearing more feedback in the following months.” Sainsbury’s Property Director Patrick Dunne said: “We’re constantly investing in our store estate to help ensure we provide the best offer we can to the communities we serve, supporting our commitment to helping everyone eat better. I hope our customers in Stoke enjoy their new look store and once again I’d like to thank them for bearing with us while we completed this extensive project.” Sainsbury’s has invested in the supermarket to bring customers a bright, fresh new instore shopping experience that is more enjoyable and convenient. The upgrades have also been focused on making the store more energy efficient to run as part of Sainsbury’s wider sustainability plans and ambitions. The upgraded features that customers will find within the store include: The enhanced offer also includes a brand new Starbucks® café as part of a wider expansion plan between Sainsbury’s and Starbucks across the UK, with over forty cafés now open inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets. The works to upgrade the store even extend beyond the shop floor – for example improvements have been made to colleague-only areas to help foster a more interactive and inspiring workplace. As well as investing in stores, Sainsbury’s is also committed to supporting its colleagues and customers with the rising cost of living. Earlier in October the retailer announced a £25 million investment in a wide-ranging support package for hourly paid colleagues, as well as launching its biggest ever September value offer for customers that will see it spend £65 million across the business to keep prices low. This latest investment is part of Sainsbury’s commitment to spend £500 million by March 2023 in keeping Sainsbury’s high quality, great value products affordable for customers.
Wates Construction has completed work on the £27 million the Sands Centre redevelopment in Carlisle. Local dignitaries – including the Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson and the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson – were joined by Chair of Sport England, Chris Boardman and partners. “I’m delighted that work has been completed on The Sands Centre redevelopment and would like to pass on my thanks to our project team, partners and contractors. Massive improvements have been made to the site and it will provide huge benefits for the wellbeing of our communities. The project has had to overcome lots of challenges, but the benefits will last for many generations to come,” said Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson. The new Sands Centre building, funded by Carlisle City Council with support from a £2.2 million Sport England grant, is set across two storeys and accessed by a bespoke, internal street, the new build extension adds 40,000 sq ft to the existing building, with the redeveloped centre offering state-of-the-art facilities including a 25m main pool and a 20m learner pool complete with an innovative moveable floor. There is a four-court sports hall with a spectator gallery, full equipped gym, and a spinning studio and dance studios. It also boasts a café and bar areas to be provided by Hickory’s. The improved facilities also include a range of sustainable features which will support Carlisle City Council’s plans for reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and providing sustainable, healthy transport options. “Sport England’s mission is to make sure that everyone – regardless of background, bank balance, gender or where they live – has the opportunity to get active. And fantastic spaces like the Sands Centre can play a huge part in that. We’re delighted to have supported the Centre to give local people more opportunities to enjoy the physical, mental and social rewards of an active lifestyle,” added Chris Boardman MBE, Chair of Sport England. The project also consolidates the existing arrangements with the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) Musculoskeletal (MSK) team. The MSK team already provide treatment services at The Sands Centre but will be able to expand their services and develop new joint/collective treatment and rehabilitation activities with GLL and other partners. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has announced that it has reached the end of its work on the £8.2 million Tawd Valley Centre retail outlet in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire. Part of the wider regeneration plans for the town centre, the outlet plays an important role in the revival of the local community. “Caddick is delighted to have completed on this important scheme that is already having a transformative effect on Skelmersdale town centre and the local communities. Investment and vision are important if we want to see local town centres revitalised and attract new retailers in with the right location and premises. It’s great to see Tawd Valley Centre is already delivering for Skelmersdale,” said Ian Threadgold, North West Managing Director of Caddick Construction. Trading on the scheme already are major retails brands, such as Lidl, B&M Bargains and Poundstretcher, with the area adjacent to the retail park also enjoying an upgrade to include a new play area in Tawd Valley Park. A new high street has been provided to link West Lancashire College with the rest of the town centre, while improvements are also being made to the public areas outside Skelmersdale Library to make them more attractive spaces for residents to enjoy. “The new town centre development will bring economic and social benefits for the Borough’s communities long into the future and will greatly enhance the Borough’s appeal as a great place to live, work and invest, providing increased opportunities for many. This development is a significant step towards a future where everyone in West Lancashire will be able to take advantage of a positive economic outlook and vastly improved health and wellbeing outcomes. The people of West Lancashire deserve this and I’m delighted we have delivered it,” added Councillor Yvonne Gagen, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council. The town centre redevelopment scheme is a partnership between the Borough Council and developer St. Modwen and is supported by the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership and Growth Deal Funding. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Luxury retailer Nest appoints award winning contractors to carry out refit Refurbishment works at the former Scottish Queen public house are now underway, with new owner Nest appointing award-winning contractors from across Yorkshire to turn the site into a luxury furniture and lighting retail destination. A landmark building at the heart of Phase 1 of the award-winning Park Hill redevelopment which once housed one of the four original onsite pubs, the Scottish Queen spans an impressive 3,500 sq. ft and includes a basement and terraces to both sides. Nest’s CEO and founder, Christian Hawley, is overseeing the project, with contractors including Sheffield’s Maquina Architects, Pontefract-based flooring specialist, Milestone Group and South Yorkshire heating and ventilation firm Airmaster Air Conditioning amongst the companies delivering on the works. Commenting on the ‘carefully collated team of contractors’, Christian said he was confident that they would be able to replicate Nest’s ethos and aesthetic within the new space, delivering a ‘unique design destination’ that will attract residential and commercial clients from across the country. The interior concept for the new showroom, visualised by the internationally acclaimed interior designer Harriet Paterson, explores the concept of Urban Spaces, with the layout consisting of ‘intimate room vignettes’. When asked about the visual inspiration behind the concept, this being “Verdant Brutalism”, Harriet explains: “The drama of the Barbican conservatory meets the elegance of the Ricardo Bofill’s Spanish cement factory conversion, La Fabrica, combined with bold monochrome statement signage”. Green living and plant life will also be a strong feature within the aesthetic, bringing the outdoors in. The design incorporates a purpose-built staircase, sympathetic to the space with an industrial style, perforated folded steel softened with natural oak treads, supplied by Stoke-on-Trent’s Metal Staircase Company. For staff and customers, a sleek and compact open-plan kitchen area, supplied courtesy of fellow Sheffield Business, Concept Interiors Ltd, also features. Other Sheffield suppliers and contractors working to deliver the project includes electrician New Phase LED, IDAQ Networks, Steven Slack Joinery Services, and Croft Security. Blackburn-based commercial lighting supplier Tyson Lighting are contracted to supply the track lighting throughout the space with spot lights and a linear fitting for the office area. Tom Crookes, Commercial Manager at Tyson Lighting commented on the project: “TYSON were delighted to be invited to assist Nest in finding a dynamic lighting solution for their new Park Hill showroom. “The brief was to provide a system that would allow for all the lighting needs of a retail show-room with a simple, clean aesthetic that allowed for adaptation as the needs of the space evolve. We love a technical challenge, and we cannot wait to see the finished showroom beautifully lit.” Wakefield-based Quadrant Inspections and Pontefract’s Milestone Group are also supporting with the build, with the flooring expected to be fitted in October. Nest is partnering with Sheffield business, Concept Interiors Ltd, to design and fit the design destination’s kitchen space. The chosen spec accentuates the urban style of Park Hill, consisting of stylish units from both the Zerox light and dark Concreto range and Cosentino Dekton worktops. The partnership, based on a referral agreement between both party showrooms, aligns with Nest’s commitment/belief to support fellow businesses in the North. Commenting on the project Nest’s CEO and Founder, Christian Hawley, said: “The Park Hill development is Europe’s largest Grade II listed building. The industrial interior of the Scottish Queen perfectly encapsulates Sheffield’s history, while the breath-taking’ views over the city centre provides the business with excellent display and photoshoot opportunities. “It is very important to us that we make the most of the space, and complement it with the design of the interior, and so we have invested a lot of time into perfecting the group of contractors that will help us to deliver on this project. “Now that work is underway, we anticipate it will take around two-three months to complete, opening at the end of November. We are very much looking forward to seeing the space transformed, and to welcoming clients from across the country to our new design destination.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for the multi-million pound transformation of Stretford town centre have been approved by councillors. Aiming to boost businesses and create a ‘thriving high street environment’, the project includes a high street, improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a new town centre. The plans, developed by Bruntwood and Trafford Council, include huge investment to create a new King Street Square that will provide outdoor seating areas, market stalls and spaces to host events, along with transforming the existing multi-storey car park to make it more secure. Moreover, a home for retailers, eateries and bar areas to boost the local evening economy will be built, spilling out into a new south-facing community space, which will feature a covered shopping area aimed at local independent businesses. “This first phase of development is another milestone in the redevelopment of Stretford for the local community. It’s brilliant to work closely with Bruntwood towards a shared goal, and equally so to have the community involved in the decision-making process,” said Trafford Council Leader Councillor Andrew Western. “The extensive development of King Street and the wider Stretford area will significantly increase connectivity by introducing green and open spaces where people can come together and interact. With King Street playing a large role in the plans, the wider masterplan will enhance the quality of life for Stretford residents while injecting a surge of businesses into the community to boost the local ecosystem.” The Stretford town centre development will also see a quiet service street adjacent to the mall repurposed to create the new ‘Little King Street’. This new street will create a safe and welcoming place for activities to spill into and become a destination for a variety of food and beverage offerings. Preparatory works for the transformation of King Street have begun, with development works set to start in early 2023, with completion set for Summer 2024. Meanwhile, plans for up to 800 new homes, substantial new green public open space, and a new canal-side neighbourhood are due to be submitted later this year. The King Street plans are one of the projects to receive funding from the Government’s £830million Future High Streets Fund (FHSF). Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work began last Thursday on a major development by Strawberry Star in Harlow town centre. Demolition commenced on site to make way for the first Star Living building, which will bring an initial 163 new apartments to the area once occupied by the underused Little Walk shopping parade and the Gate House office building. The second phase – Harlow Quarter – which will see a further 578 apartments in a series of buildings, including two landmark 16-storey towers, plus flexible retail space and improved public realm, was given the go-ahead by planners at Harlow Council last month, subject to a Section 106 agreement. The commencement of work on site was witnessed by special guests, including Deputy Leader of Harlow Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Councillor Dan Swords, who joined senior members of Strawberry Star – Development Director Simon Taylor, Head of Construction Delivery Caroline Heraghty and Senior Director Global Sales, Marketing & CRM Cauvery Nanaiah for the event. Simon Taylor said: “It’s exciting to see the bulldozers this morning and know that we are moving forward with this project to bring new life back into the heart of Harlow town centre. This project is not just about new homes, although they are desperately needed, it’s about creating an economic benefit for the whole community. During the construction phase, we anticipate around 80 new jobs will be created, and the benefits will continue long after the builders have left. We ultimately expect more than 1,000 people will make their home in Harlow Quarter, spending their wages in the local economy and supporting shops, businesses and leisure activities to the tune of £8.9 million a year.” The scheme has been designed to create a high standard of accommodation in attractive, well-designed buildings. This first phase of the development has been designed by sustainable architecture specialist HLM Architects, while the second phase of Harlow Quarter was created by award-winning architect Flanagan Lawrence, with towers intended to fit in with the town’s 1950s design legacy. When the latest phase was approved, planning officers praised the scheme: “The proposals would dramatically change and revitalise an underused and somewhat ‘run-down’ part of the town centre. General economic, environmental and visual regeneration changes are therefore very positive. The evolution of the proposals has resulted in a form of development that can contribute much to the overall regeneration of Harlow Town Centre.” Councillor Dan Swords added: “Today is a hugely significant day for the future of Harlow. The regeneration of the town centre starts in earnest with Harlow Quarter which not only signals massive investment into our town centre, but will truly transform the area with high-quality apartments, architecture, and facilities. I am delighted to be on site today to witness the first steps being taken in the future of Harlow’s town centre.” For more information about Harlow Quarter, please contact Strawberry Star on 0127 989 9060 or visit www.strawberrystar.co.uk/hq. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pound’s Park in Sheffield city centre is quickly taking shape with the installation of a new children’s play area this month. Heralded as the flagship green space in Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City development scheme, Pound’s Park will be located on the former fire station site between Rockingham Street, Wellington Street and Carver Street. The park will provide an attractive, safe and fully accessible destination that adds a mix of experiences for playing, relaxing and socialising. To help attract more families into the city centre and encourage them to stay for longer periods of time, a high-quality playground is located at the heart of the plans. It will feature two large pyramid towers – with the tallest standing at 11 metres, stainless steel slides, climbing structures, playhouses, seesaw, wheelchair-accessible play equipment and much, much more. A long water channel dotted with multiple dams and interactive play elements will also flow between the Pyramid Towers and across the site. The playground will offer fully inclusive play, with a sand-play platform for wheelchair users, accessible points for children to engage with the water pumps, and various touch and sound sensory items to be explored. Sympathetically designed to complement the city centre’s other key outdoor spaces, the playground is handcrafted predominantly using Mountain Larch – a durable wood that can withstand decades of harsh climates. Working alongside the Council’s landscape architects and Henry Boot Construction, Sheffield-based playground specialists, Timberplay, are carrying out the installation work throughout October. The family-run firm has over 20 years of experience, having installed the celebrated Princess Diana Memorial Playground in London, as well as local projects at Meadowhall Shopping Centre and Heeley People’s Park. Paul Collings, Owner and Managing Director of Timberplay, said: “Everyone at Timberplay is extremely proud to be involved in such a landmark project for Sheffield City Centre and one that is very important to us all, as a local company. It is amazing to see Sheffield City Council invest in creating such an incredible green space that uses high-quality, sustainable and natural materials throughout. “Working alongside the Council and Henry Boot Construction has been a pleasure from design through to the current installation. We would like to commend Sheffield City Council for their innovative thinking on reimagining our city centre in these rapidly changing times, with shopping habits and living choices in such a state of flux. We cannot wait to see the park open and see children having fun in what we believe will be a world-class facility for the people of Sheffield.” Pound’s Park will also boast an impressive three-by-eight-metre climbing boulder, which was installed earlier this year and continues the space’s emphasis on public play and interaction. Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, Sheffield City Council, said: “We are continuing to develop truly unique and high-quality public and green spaces in the city centre, bringing The Outdoor City ethos right into the heart of Sheffield. “It’s exciting to see the large play park going up. We know how hugely popular the Peace Gardens are and Pound’s Park will provide us with another world class focal point for families to enjoy. It will also prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, increase biodiversity and help support the physical and mental wellbeing of city centre visitors, workers and residents.” Tony Shaw, Managing Director at Henry Boot Construction – the park’s overarching construction contractor, added: “With more people choosing to live and work in the city centre, we understand the importance that public spaces and green landscaping play in enhancing people’s experiences and wellbeing. This is especially true for families with young children. So, as a local company ourselves, it’s been great to work with Timberplay and see their exciting playground design come to life.” Named after Sheffield’s first Chief Fire Officer, Superintendent John Charles Pound, Pound’s Park is being funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority through the Government’s Getting Building Fund. Work on the park is expected to complete early in 2023.
