A four-week planning inquiry has commenced over a controversial proposal to transform Green Belt land south of Marlow—part of the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park—into a £750 million film studio complex. The ambitious development includes 18 sound stages, workshops, office spaces, and a vast backlot. Buckinghamshire Council previously refused planning
The UK’s first fashion manufacturing lab the ‘Work in Progress Pavilion’ for Robotics Living Lab (RoLL) has completed. The pioneering pavilion, designed by Bennetts Associates for Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University, provides fashion designers and manufacturers a base from which to create and produce more sustainable fashion manufacturing
Salford City Council have approved plans for a £250m data centre at Peel Waters’ Halo West site, in Salford, Greater Manchester. Peel Waters had previously secured planning permission to redevelop the six-acre industrial site in July 2024, since the planning was granted, they have worked jointly with Digital Land &
MEPC has announced the completion of its £40 million Nebula development at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community. Comprising seven sustainable research and development (R&D) workspaces totalling nearly 80,000 sq ft, Nebula’s design and build focused on environmentally conscious materials, such as incorporating glue-laminated (glulam) structural
SEGRO, the leading owner and developer of industrial and warehouse space, and St George, a leading mixed-use developer in London and proud member of the Berkeley Group, have completed a new lease at SEGRO V-Park Grand Union to Panmedica Medical Distribution Occupying 1,700 sq ft and on floor five of
Tritax Big Box REIT plc (“Tritax Big Box” or “the Company”) has recently purchased a 74-acre site at Heathrow, London within the Slough Availability Zone, a key FLAP-D prime EMEA data centre location (the “Manor Farm site”). Simultaneously, the Company has acquired a 50% share in a joint venture (“the
Landmark Port Hamilton building redesign to become one of Capital’s largest ever pre-letting deals Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to transform its Port Hamilton building in Edinburgh city centre into a state-of-the-art innovation hub as part of a £200 million redesign led by Drum Property Group. In what will
New phase promises high-tech growth for Oxfordshire innovation hub Albion Land’s flagship technology park, Catalyst Bicester, is set for significant expansion following Cherwell District Council’s approval of the next phase of development. The green light paves the way for an additional 128,000 sq ft of premium employment space across three
Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., supported by LS Estates, have appointed construction services organisation Morgan Sindall Construction (Morgan Sindall) to be the lead contractor for the new life science development at 17 Columbus Courtyard (17CC), Canary Wharf. Morgan Sindall will begin work on site in January 2025 to
Laing O’Rourke has officially handed the Everton FC’s new stadium over to the football club, after three and a half years’ construction work. Wxecutive Chairman Marc Watts and Interim CEO Colin Chong joined Laing O’Rourke Project Director Gareth Jacques for a ceremonial handover of the stadium. Everton will now oversee
A four-week planning inquiry has commenced over a controversial proposal to transform Green Belt land south of Marlow—part of the Little Marlow Lakes Country Park—into a £750 million film studio complex. The ambitious development includes 18 sound stages, workshops, office spaces, and a vast backlot. Buckinghamshire Council previously refused planning permission, citing several key concerns. The rejection was based on the project’s failure to prove the “very special circumstances” required to justify development on protected Green Belt land. Additional objections included the loss of part of the Country Park, potential harm to the Thames Valley landscape and the adjoining Chilterns National Landscape, as well as negative impacts on local residents’ amenities. Furthermore, the Council raised concerns over the project’s impact on the local road network and its failure to promote sustainable transport solutions effectively. The case has now been taken up by the Secretary of State for a final decision. Representing Buckinghamshire Council, the local planning authority, are Simon Bird KC and Esther Drabkin-Reiter, instructed by Laura Lee Briggs of the Council’s Legal Services. Meanwhile, Claire Nevin, instructed by Sophie Rae of PMV Planning, is acting on behalf of two key opposition groups—Little Marlow Parish Council and Save Marlow’s Green Belt. The inquiry’s outcome will be pivotal, shaping the future of both Marlow’s natural landscape and the UK’s expanding film industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s first fashion manufacturing lab the ‘Work in Progress Pavilion’ for Robotics Living Lab (RoLL) has completed. The pioneering pavilion, designed by Bennetts Associates for Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University, provides fashion designers and manufacturers a base from which to create and produce more sustainable fashion manufacturing with the aid of robotic technology. The pavilion design champions UK materials and construction methods that help reduce the upfront embodied carbon of the building in conjunction with passive environmental controls to reduce energy consumption for ventilation and cooling. This includes a UK Douglas fir timber frame, which is a native material, and UK straw insulated wall panels that lock away carbon captured within a much shorter timescale than traditional sequestering materials. The exterior is clad in a larch tree charred timber panelling which protects the straw cassette panels beneath. The simple, elegant pavilion occupies and enlivens an under used courtyard tucked away behind the listed Righton Building in central Manchester. The pavilion’s black shou sugi ban clad form and new landscaping give the previously unassuming courtyard a characterful, new sense of place. The timber frame forms and expressive waffle soffit structure, left exposed, with contrasting light this provides a calm backdrop to the changing roster of research outcomes on display. Bennetts Associates’ approach to the design has resulted in an upfront carbon figure of 468 kgCO2e/m2 GIA (A1-A5), the full breakdown of which is available to download here. A further -340 kgCO2e/m2 GIA biogenic carbon is captured in the building. This is expected to align with the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard new-build Higher Education target up to 2030. The project has now been submitted to the NZCBS Pilot Scheme, and a Post Occupancy Evaluation exercise is now underway. Bennetts Associates has also ensured that many of the materials and components can be reused in the future, adopting principles of the circular economy in line with the University’s Leadership in Sustainability strategy working towards a zero-carbon future, and Greater Manchester’s Zero Carbon Manchester 2038 plan. Adrian Lonsdale, Studio Director at Bennetts Associates, said: “The Work in Progress Pavilion is a pioneering space that not only represents a milestone in resource-conscious design and challenging conventional building techniques, but also marks a significant first for the university and the UK fashion industry. As a practice known for our commitment to sustainability, we are proud to deliver an exemplary project that highlights the potential of biogenic and regenerative low-carbon materials. It’s been fantastic to work with a client whose ambition for a low-carbon future aligns so well with our own. This has enabled us to develop a multifunctional space that is lean, elegant and minimises upfront carbon using low-carbon and biogenic materials.” Susan Postlethwaite, Professor of Fashion Technologies at MFI and Director of RoLL, said: “This launch is the culmination of years of planning, collaboration and research, and I’m delighted to showcase the important work of the lab inside this beautiful structure designed by Bennetts Associates to meet our climate commitments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford City Council have approved plans for a £250m data centre at Peel Waters’ Halo West site, in Salford, Greater Manchester. Peel Waters had previously secured planning permission to redevelop the six-acre industrial site in July 2024, since the planning was granted, they have worked jointly with Digital Land & Development on the planning for the much-needed data centre. The site of the approved data centre is located between Eccles and Irlam, off Liverpool Road, just north of Salford Community Stadium and will directly address the digital infrastructure needs of the UK, making the development ‘critical’ for the country’s future. For the UK to maintain its position as a global leader in technology, the country is now in need of significant levels of new data centre capacity. The buildings have been designated as ‘critical national infrastructure’ by the UK government – the same status given to energy and water systems. Data increasingly underpins every element of modern life as the world undergoes a digital transformation. Data centres work as a physical storage space for online information, used for websites, applications, and digital services. The data centre at Halo West will generate the power to support this as well as being a huge boost for technology in the city. The approved data centre feature 12,000 sq. ft of offices, a 56,000 sq. ft data hall, and 63,500 sq. ft of plant. The streetscape views will also be improved for passersby whilst also helping screen the development from adjacent properties, with a significant green buffer being created with new planting along the boundary as well as creating new habitats for wildlife across the site and improving local biodiversity. The data centre development will ensure it is fit for a low carbon future with the use of sustainable materials, application of energy efficient and circular design principles. Reduced water consumption and sustainable drainage as well as the potential to include heat reclaim and export for future district heating have all been designed into the approved scheme. Prioritising sustainable and active means of travel have also been included, with the provision of secure sheltered cycle parking spaces exceeding Local Authority Standards. The £250m investment from Digital Land & Development will act as a significant catalyst within ‘City Gateway’ which includes Port Salford and the Salford Community Stadium and is an area which both Peel Waters and the council have earmarked for further significant regeneration. Peter Linstead, Development Director for Land and Logistics at Peel Waters said: “We’re really pleased that Salford City Council have recognised the need for this development at our Halo West site. Receiving unanimous approval from the planning committee demonstrates clear alignment between the public and private sector to bring forward innovative growth opportunities and deliver much-needed technological infrastructure within the region. We look forward to now the delivery of this development and the significant investment it will bring with it to the area.” Johnny Conway Director at Digital Land & Development added: “Digital Land & Development are excited to be bringing the site forward for a next generation data centre as one of a number of projects across the UK, which given the increasing pace of data processing is driving the necessary requirement for the data centre facilities that house and support this need. We would like to thank Salford City Council for approving this development which will be crucial for the UK to maintain its position as a global leader in technology.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MEPC has announced the completion of its £40 million Nebula development at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community. Comprising seven sustainable research and development (R&D) workspaces totalling nearly 80,000 sq ft, Nebula’s design and build focused on environmentally conscious materials, such as incorporating glue-laminated (glulam) structural timber beams in place of steel, in what is believed to be a UK-first for a R&D workspace. With construction delivered by Barnwood Limited, Nebula’s use of sustainably sourced and recyclable beams instead of steel has significantly reduced its carbon footprint. The innovative approach has contributed to an upfront embodied carbon saving of 686 tonnes of CO₂ throughout construction, the equivalent of 196 return flights to Hong Kong. Aimed at science, technology or advanced engineering companies, Nebula’s buildings have internal vaulted roof heights of 8m, providing flexibility for occupiers with requirements for large-scale scientific equipment or advanced engineering instruments. Following widespread interest from a wide variety of companies with R&D requirements, MEPC has revealed one of the R&D workspaces has been taken as a pre-let. The completion follows the announcement of a refreshed Local Development Order (LDO) at Milton Park. As the UK’s first data-driven, green-focused planning agreement,the LDO is expected to support thousands of new jobs and permit 4.2m sq ft of development. In the coming years, it will streamline planning decisions for its occupiers to just ten days, bringing forward new flexible laboratories, offices and amenities. It also follows last month’s announcement by the Government of plans to boost infrastructure and attract new investment into the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, to attract up to £78bn into the economy by 2035 and realise its potential as a global centre for science and innovation. Commenting on the completion, Science Minister and Oxford-Cambridge Innovation Champion, Lord Vallance, said: “Modern, high-tech facilities are essential to taking full advantage of rapidly developing science and technology and in fulfilling our ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor to be an economic engine for the whole of the UK. “Nebula’s new development of large-scale innovation space will support a range of growing industries, helping businesses to get off the ground and progress, and in turn supporting this Government’s number one mission of economic growth.” Philip Campbell, commercial director at MEPC Milton Park, said: “Nebula’s completion follows on the heels of the Government’s Oxford to Cambridge announcement and plans to create a “Silicon Corridor” of growth. “Delivered through our streamlined ten-day planning LDO, Nebula has been driven by the project team’s collective ambition to create a new R&D development which seamlessly blends design and sustainability, creating an attractive work environment for future occupiers to innovate. “Following this significant milestone, we’re looking forward to opening the doors and showing new and prospective occupiers around this flagship project for Milton Park.” Nebula’s occupiers will benefit from MEPC’s £7m infrastructure investment to enhance Milton Park’s energy capacity, alongside electric charging provision for up to 32 vehicles. Alongside the development targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A energy efficiency standards, surplus wood from the site was also intercepted and donated to RAW Workshop, an Oxfordshire-based social enterprise, where it was recycled into educational materials and new products, maximising Nebula’s environmental and social impact credentials. Working alongside Milton Park and Barnwood Limited as part of the project team are SRA Architects, ASA Landscape Architects, CBRE (leasing agents), Ridge & Partners LLP (BREEAM, cost management, M&E, principal design, project management), Stantec (civil and structural engineering), Mainer Associates (sustainability consultant), William Downie Associates (utilities) and Cundall (carbon consultant). For more information on Nebula, please visit: www.miltonpark.co.uk/availability/nebula-190-192-park-drive Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO, the leading owner and developer of industrial and warehouse space, and St George, a leading mixed-use developer in London and proud member of the Berkeley Group, have completed a new lease at SEGRO V-Park Grand Union to Panmedica Medical Distribution Occupying 1,700 sq ft and on floor five of the six-storey industrial development, Panmedica Medical Distribution will be the first company from the life sciences sector at the groundbreaking urban logistics park in Alperton, North West London. The development, designed with scalability and flexibility at its core, completed in April last year. SEGRO V-Park Grand Union is an industrial warehousing scheme, designed to maximise space where land is constrained. Delivered as part of a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood comprising 3,350 homes – 35% of which will be affordable – SEGRO V-Park Grand Union provides an innovative demonstration of industrial intensification and co-location of industrial and residential space. Panmedica is the second customer to establish operations onsite since completion, joining the inaugural customer, an automation and robotics company. The development’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure and wide range of modern amenities make it an attractive destination for businesses seeking agility, adaptability and long-term growth opportunities. Terry Glenn, Director, Panmedica Medical Distribution, said: “We are excited to locate at SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, a truly innovative development that aligns with our growth ambitions and operational needs. The combination of modern, flexible facilities, excellent connectivity and a thriving ecosystem of businesses makes it an ideal location for our company.” Ben Gomez-Baldwin, Director, London, SEGRO, said: “SEGRO V-Park Grand Union is an excellent fit for companies in the innovative life sciences sector, offering the flexibility to scale operations, modern facilities, a collaborative environment and a well-connected location that is attractive and easily accessible for employees. We’re pleased to welcome Panmedica Medical Distribution as our second customer at this innovative development helping shape a dynamic business community at the development and proving that the multi-storey industrial concept works across a range of business sectors.” Marcus Blake, Managing Director at St George PLC, said: “Grand Union showcases our commitment to transforming brownfield sites into sustainable, thriving neighbourhoods. Spanning 22 acres, with 50% dedicated to open space and 850m of newly accessible waterside frontage, it is designed to enhance both community and environment. 2025 will be a landmark year, welcoming new businesses such as Panmedica Medical Distribution, adding to the leisure experience which includes the opening of a new soft play café and launching 72 new canalside homes at Peninsula House. Grand Union is rapidly becoming a dynamic place to live, work and enjoy.” SEGRO V-Park Grand Union is located in the London Borough of Brent, one of London’s most sought-after industrial areas, and will front onto the North Circular (A406), providing excellent access into the London market and connectivity to the M1 and M25. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tritax Big Box REIT plc (“Tritax Big Box” or “the Company”) has recently purchased a 74-acre site at Heathrow, London within the Slough Availability Zone, a key FLAP-D prime EMEA data centre location (the “Manor Farm site”). Simultaneously, the Company has acquired a 50% share in a joint venture (“the JV”) with a leading European renewable and low carbon energy power generator (“the JV Partner”). The JV enables accelerated power delivery to the Manor Farm site using pre-existing grid connection agreements. The acquisition of an interest in the JV constitutes a related party transaction for the purposes of the UK Listing Rules, further details of which are set out below. Subject to receiving planning consent, the acquisition of the land and stake in the JV facilitates an accelerated timeline to the potential delivery of up to 147 Megawatts (“MW”) of power to support the development of a major data centre scheme at Manor Farm. In addition, Tritax Management LLP (“Tritax Management” or “the Manager”), working with the JV partner, has created a further pipeline of potential data centre opportunities in key locations within the UK utilising power availability of c.1 gigawatt (“GW”). A prime location for a latest generation data centre of significant scale Targeting exceptional returns and accelerated timeline with 9.3% yield on cost and significant development profits Tritax Management has created a potential data centre pipeline of up to 1 GW An attractive market at a key inflection point, underpinned by long-term demand drivers and scarcity of powered land Contractual arrangementsThe land at Manor Farm is being acquired from Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust (“AIPUT”). The JV stake is being acquired from Tritax Management. All return related figures in this announcement are presented net of the following consideration and fees payable to AIPUT and Tritax Management as outlined below: Aubrey Adams, Chairman of Tritax Big Box, commented“This is a decisive and exciting first step for the Company in the very attractive data centre market which the Manager has unlocked with its power and real estate capabilities. This gives the Company a considerable competitive advantage in capturing the growing demand for data centre infrastructure. The combination of Manor Farm’s prime London location and accelerated access to critical grid connection agreements creates the opportunity to develop quickly one of the UK’s largest data centres and deliver exceptional returns for our shareholders. “Over the past four years, the Manager has independently developed and invested in its power capabilities, securing a joint venture arrangement with one of Europe’s largest major renewable and low-carbon energy generators which the Company is now acquiring at Manor Farm. This provides accelerated access to power in this prime data centre location, where a lack of power has significantly restricted the development of these nationally critical infrastructure projects. Having taken extensive and independent professional advice, the Board of Tritax Big Box has successfully negotiated preferential access and terms for this opportunity, which generates exceptional returns and complements our logistics development pipeline. The Board has also negotiated a right of first refusal with the Manager for all future data centre opportunities with up to c.1 GW of power capacity.” [1] Source: McKinsey & Company [1] AIPUT is an independently owned Jersey Property Unit Trust managed by Tritax Management LLP which, for the avoidance of doubt does not form part of the Manager’s group, and therefore, is not a related party of the Company for the purposes of the UK Listing Rules. The independent unit holders of AIPUT approved the sale of land at Manor Farm to the Company via a vote. [1] AIPUT will receive 30% of the real estate and battery storage related profits equivalent to 21% of total Phase 1 profits. [1] The development management fee is payable by reference to different milestones, with 3.5% payable in quarterly instalments contingent and commencing from the grant of satisfactory planning permission and 1.5% payable following the later of the date of grant of satisfactory planning permission and the date of exchange of an acceptable pre-letting agreement. [1] The Phase 1 profit in respect of the above contingent profit share arrangements is calculated as the fair value of the asset base at the time of completion (as confirmed by an independent valuer) less all associated costs. [1] Subject to a 12 month lock up arrangement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landmark Port Hamilton building redesign to become one of Capital’s largest ever pre-letting deals Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to transform its Port Hamilton building in Edinburgh city centre into a state-of-the-art innovation hub as part of a £200 million redesign led by Drum Property Group. In what will be one of Edinburgh’s largest ever pre-letting deals, the complex will become Lloyds Banking Group’s main base in Scotland following completion of the works in 2027. Lying at the heart of the city’s financial district, the 282,000 sq. ft. Port Hamilton building has been home to Scottish Widows for almost 30 years. It is one of Edinburgh’s landmark office buildings, reaching up to eight storeys with a distinctive curved roof. In an innovative deal structure, Drum will assume control of the property and take responsibility for redeveloping the building as part of a forward funding agreement. Port Hamilton will remain the head office for the pensions and investments business as Drum has also concluded a pre-letting agreement with Lloyds Banking Group which will see the firm enter a 21-year lease after the transformation works are expected to be completed in 2027. Welcoming the redevelopment deal, Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director, Drum Property Group, said: “The £200m redevelopment of Port Hamilton presents an exceptional opportunity for Lloyds Banking Group to upgrade and enhance one of Edinburgh’s landmark buildings and deliver an exceptional working environment for Lloyds colleagues in an unrivalled city centre location. We are particularly proud of securing one of Edinburgh’s largest ever office pre-letting deals. The level of investment, structure and net-zero objectives of the Port Hamilton redevelopment sends out a very strong message for the future of the city centre office market. It also marks another exciting addition to our proven track record in delivering major office facilities for both corporate and government occupiers.” As the UK’s largest digital bank, Lloyds Banking Group employs around 10,000 people in Edinburgh across a range of different parts of the company, including customer-facing, finance and technology roles from software engineering and data science to cyber security. The Port Hamilton redevelopment is part of Lloyds Banking Group’s wider drive to create a more sustainable office footprint across the UK and contribute to its net zero goal. It follows the full refurbishment of its Bristol office in 2022 and a move to the most energy-efficient office building in Leeds last year. Chira Barua, CEO of Scottish Widows, said:“The fintech scene in Scotland is buzzing and we’re committed to staying right in the centre of it. We’ve made huge progress in connecting customers with their financial futures and we’re starting to see how powerful digital engagement and gamification will be in the future. There’s huge potential to help make a real difference for our customers’ lives and we’re right out in front building all the parts we need to innovate in a massive way.” Sharon Doherty, Chief People & Places Officer, Lloyds Banking Group, said:“We want to create a more modern and sustainable workspace in Edinburgh where our colleagues enjoy working so that we’re in the best place to serve our 27 million customers in more ways with the things that matter to them.” HSBC Asset Management advised the building owners on the transaction, noting they weredelighted to conclude the agreements to enable this significant redevelopment project. In concluding the Port Hamilton transaction, Knight Frank acted as commercial property agents for Hamilton Prop Co. Ltd. whilst CBRE acted for Lloyds Banking Group. Drum’s legal advisors were Morton Fraser and MacRoberts, Pinset Masons represented Lloyds Banking Group and Brodies acted for Hamilton Prop Co. Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New phase promises high-tech growth for Oxfordshire innovation hub Albion Land’s flagship technology park, Catalyst Bicester, is set for significant expansion following Cherwell District Council’s approval of the next phase of development. The green light paves the way for an additional 128,000 sq ft of premium employment space across three state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings along the A41. Planning permission for the project, part of Phase 4 of the Catalyst masterplan, was granted at a council meeting on Thursday, 16 January. With eight buildings already completed and fully let to advanced manufacturing, research and development (R&D), and design companies—including notable names such as Evolito, Tesla, and Yasa—Catalyst Bicester continues to establish itself as a hub for innovation and technology. The development also benefits from nearby amenities such as the Holiday Inn Express and David Lloyd Leisure, enhancing the appeal of the park for employees and businesses alike. Simon Parsons, Director of Albion Land, said:“This is fantastic news for Bicester, Oxfordshire, and the high-skills technology and engineering sectors in the region. These bespoke new buildings will provide exceptional workspace for companies eager to join the Catalyst Bicester success story and benefit from our efforts to strengthen Bicester’s tech ecosystem. We’re thrilled with the planning approval and are eager to move forward to meet the strong demand from occupiers.” Construction of Phase 3 is planned for 2025, delivering a further 110,000 sq ft across five buildings. Phase 4 will follow unless accelerated by tenant demand. Phase 4 represents a £55 million investment and could create around 500 additional jobs, depending on the eventual occupiers of the new space. Catalyst Bicester’s development began in 2021, with Phases 1 and 2 now fully built out and leased. The most recent addition, Unit 8 (38,710 sq ft), was completed last autumn and is already home to an international advanced-engineering and design business. Demand for space at Catalyst Bicester is driven by the growth of Oxfordshire’s innovation and technology sectors, as well as the park’s strategic location, high-quality amenities, and integration within the region’s tech and engineering ecosystem. The three new Phase 4 buildings will occupy a prime site fronting the A41, directly opposite the Holiday Inn Express. The site is designated in the Cherwell Local Plan for knowledge-based employment development. Albion Land was supported in the planning process by Quod (planning consultants) and Cornish (architects). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., supported by LS Estates, have appointed construction services organisation Morgan Sindall Construction (Morgan Sindall) to be the lead contractor for the new life science development at 17 Columbus Courtyard (17CC), Canary Wharf. Morgan Sindall will begin work on site in January 2025 to oversee the transformation of the existing building into a new state-of-the-art life science and technology hub, catering to the evolving needs of current and future occupants from across the sector. Completion of the building is planned for Q3 2026, and marketing will commence early this year with a focus on a balanced mix of younger fast growing startups/scaleups and more established life science corporates. Designed by architects Scott Brownrigg and benefitting from direct connections to the Elizabeth Line, the high quality research facility will provide 190,000 sq ft of flexible laboratory and office space spanning nine upper floors, while the ground floor will feature a new communal amenity area with café, co-working space, and shared high-spec meeting rooms and conference facilities. Occupiers at 17CC will benefit from a dedicated on-site manager responsible for developing the facility’s research ecosystem and enhancing tenants’ experience. Rowan Jenkins, Managing Director – Development at LS Estates, said: “Morgan Sindall’s appointment as lead contractor for 17CC marks a significant milestone in the building’s transformation to becoming a cutting-edge life science and technology facility for Canary Wharf. “17CC has been designed to provide a collaborative environment throughout, with flexible floorspace and specification options available for a range of different occupiers, from late-stage start-ups to more established companies.” Mark Swetman, CEO at LS Estates, said: “Working in partnership with Morgan Sindall is a positive step towards the redevelopment of 17CC. We look forward to seeing the successful completion of this state-of-the-art research facility, which will form an integral part of the emerging Canary Wharf life science cluster.” 17CC will minimise both embodied and operational carbon, embracing the principles of a circular economy by retaining, repurposing and upgrading as much of the existing building as possible. This approach will minimise raw material usage, limiting the upfront embodied carbon for the project to just 337 kgCO2e/m2 and will divert at least 95 per cent of construction waste from landfill. Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Area Director for London, said: “17CC will exemplify how existing buildings can be repurposed and adapted to accommodate the changing nature of the workplace, assisting occupants in meeting their sustainability objectives. “We’re looking forward to working alongside LS Estates to realise the potential 17CC has to offer for innovators working across the life science and technology sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Laing O’Rourke has officially handed the Everton FC’s new stadium over to the football club, after three and a half years’ construction work. Wxecutive Chairman Marc Watts and Interim CEO Colin Chong joined Laing O’Rourke Project Director Gareth Jacques for a ceremonial handover of the stadium. Everton will now oversee a six-month fit-out phase, with interior designers, tradespeople, and audio-visual engineers completing the stadium’s bars, restaurants, and other facilities. Laing O’Rourke will maintain a presence at the stadium in the early months of 2025 to ensure quality standards are met. Everton’s Executive Chairman Marc Watts said: “I feel privileged to be here today to be part of the handover of this magnificent stadium in this stunning, unrivalled location. It is an illustrious moment in the history of Everton and marks a new era for the Club on many levels. The stadium will play a key role in supporting our commercial vision for the Club – hosting events and activities all-year round – but first and foremost, I have no doubt that it will be a venue that every Evertonian will be proud to call home.” A series of three test events will take place in 2025 before the Club stages its first competitive fixture at the stadium at the start of the 2025/26 season. More information on how Evertonians can qualify for and access the test events will be released in the New Year. Everton Interim CEO Colin Chong added: “Our thanks go to Laing O’Rourke, their workforce and extensive supply chain, along with the many people who have helped bring our vision to fruition. “Everton’s passionate supporters deserve immense praise for investing fully in this journey, right from the initial consultation phases and throughout the three-and-a-half-year build process. “Construction has not been without its challenges, but we have remained on schedule despite a worldwide pandemic and a war in Ukraine, which threatened to affect the delivery of materials and destabilised financial markets. “That is a testament to everyone involved and I am sure I speak for all our staff and supporters by saying we are absolutely delighted to take control of a site which will soon become one the best football stadiums in world football. “I often describe our new home as Liverpool’s Fourth Grace, and I truly believe this magnificent stadium is one that the whole city can be proud of.” The Club formally took possession of the site on Monday, 26 July 2021, with construction partners Laing O’Rourke immediately working on putting in place welfare facilities for their 12,000 construction staff. Everton Stadium, recognised as the largest single-site private sector development in the country, will contribute an estimated £1.3bn to the UK economy and attract 1.4m visitors to the city of Liverpool, annually. The scheme, which has led to the creation of thousands of jobs and forms part of Peel L&P’s £5bn Liverpool Waters project in the city’s Northern Docks, will act as a catalyst for more than £650m worth of accelerated regeneration directly benefiting the nearby Ten Streets development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
