Commercial : Specialist Facilities News
Raithwaite Village Elevates Holiday Home Living

Raithwaite Village Elevates Holiday Home Living

Planning to elevate holiday home living to the highest level, Raithwaite Village by Maritime Capital is a completely unique luxury holiday home development, spread across 98 acres of North Yorkshire’s wild and dramatic coastline. The perfect holiday home investment, whether to buy or to let, Raithwaite Village comprises an exclusive collection

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY EVENT GOES VIRTUAL FOR FIRST TIME

THE ANNUAL in-depth review of the commercial property market across the East Midlands – published and presented by commercial property expert Innes England – will be going digital this year, for the first time ever in its 14-year history. The Innes England Market Insite report has been monitoring the regional property market

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MTC PROJECTS SHORTLISTED IN PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Collaborative projects being undertaken at the Manufacturing Technology Centre have been shortlisted for the prestigious Collaborate to Innovate awards. The awards, organised by The Engineer, celebrate UK-led engineering projects with genuine innovation at their core. MTC projects have been shortlisted in several categories including Aerospace and Defence, Manufacturing Technology and

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Double Contract Win for Winvic at Edgbaston Stadium

PATRIZIA (UK) and Warwickshire County Cricket Club Appoint Contractor for Infrastructure Works and BTR Scheme Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by two new clients for concurrent works at Edgbaston Stadium in

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BARINGS SECURES GRANT THORNTON AT LANDMARK, MANCHESTER

Barings Real Estate, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has agreed a 15 year lease to global professional services firm Grant Thornton for 13,219 sq ft at its Landmark office development at St Peter’s Square in Manchester City Centre. Grant Thornton’s 350-strong Manchester team is relocating

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PICK EVERARD ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS CONSORTIUM FOR DEVELOPER FRAMEWORK WIN

COMMUNITY Development Partnerships is a brand-new consortium – led by national independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard – that has gained supplier status on Pagabo’s new national developer-led framework, worth an estimated £47 billion. The Pick Everard-led consortium comprises Watkin Jones PLC, Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd, Trebor

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Glasgow’s Met Tower £100m refurb gets green light

Plans to transform the city’s iconic college tower, dubbed the Met, into a hotel with leisure and grade A office space are set to become a reality. Glasgow city council has granted developers Osborne & Co detailed planning permission to convert the 11-storey tower into a 260-bed hotel with grade

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Qualis Commercial submits planning applications for Bakers Lane Car Park and Cottis Lane sites

Following extensive public consultation with Epping Forest residents, businesses, local Councillors and interested organisations, Qualis Commercial has submitted planning applications for its Bakers Lane Car Park and Cottis Lane sites.  Feedback and comments have been taken into consideration throughout the consultation, with the evolution of the two schemes clearly demonstrating

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Commercial : Specialist Facilities News

Raithwaite Village Elevates Holiday Home Living

Raithwaite Village Elevates Holiday Home Living

Planning to elevate holiday home living to the highest level, Raithwaite Village by Maritime Capital is a completely unique luxury holiday home development, spread across 98 acres of North Yorkshire’s wild and dramatic coastline. The perfect holiday home investment, whether to buy or to let, Raithwaite Village comprises an exclusive collection of sustainable lodges, cottages and coastal villas in the sought-after area of Sandsend, North Yorkshire.  “Our vision is to build properties in which to create memories with loved ones, relax, and enjoy the slower pace of life surrounded by nature. Our sustainable designs are made to last, so that properties can be passed down through the generations, in turn creating a new historic village within its own right,” said Toby Hunter CEO of Maritime Capital.  The development is located in Sandsend, known for its wide sandy beach that is perfect for families and surfers alike. Sandsend is also the gateway to so many of Yorkshire’s most beautiful sites, from the North York Moors and The Yorkshire Dales providing a range of thrilling adventures such as hiking and biking as well as culture in the nearby seaside town of Whitby, with its bustling quayside, pretty fishermen’s cottages and ruined abbey. In addition some of Yorkshire’s finest market towns including Malton and Helmsley as well as the historic city of York, are all just under an hour’s drive away. In total planning has been approved for 190-second homes, which will be developed in four phases and completed over a four-year period. This landmark development will also include a village square that will be the bustling heart of the development, hosting Parisian style cafés, artisan shops, a bakery, and galleries that showcase the very best of Yorkshire artistic talent. The first phase commences in January 2021, unveiling three property types – Coastal Villas, Lodges and Cottages, each with their own distinctive architectural style. There is a property to suit all design tastes, from the three contemporary Coastal Villas set back, offering unparalleled views of the coastline whilst simultaneously blending seamlessly into the landscape, to the four woodland lodges, built on stilts in order to carefully preserve the land. Plus 14 individual cottages, built in traditional Yorkshire stone that are located close to both the Raithwaite Village square and with easy access to Sandsend beach.  Designed by the esteemed Holder Mathias Architects and the interiors are by leading British design experts and interiors retailer Neptune. Each property bought will come with a highly desirable Neptune kitchen, bathroom vanity unit and interiors scheme inspired by the developments unique location which draws on the colours and textures of the beach, coast and moors. As an added bonus, every property sale also includes a £10,000 Neptune voucher to spend on additional decoration and furnishings, to kick-start kitting out your holiday home in style. Custom design and build scope is available including movement of walls and a choice of one of three Neptune kitchen designs plus a beach, moor or coast interior design scheme. The level of customisation for buyers is dependent on what stage of the build, that their property is at, at the point of purchase.  Sustainability as well as respecting and protecting the environment is at the heart of the ethos behind the design and build of Raithwaite Village. Maritime Capital has partnered with construction consultants to establish robust, transparent sustainability measures that are in place and monitored throughout the construction process, ensuring owners and investors know they are buying a genuinely environmentally-friendly property which, with its beautiful natural surroundings, will stand the test of time for generations to come. Sustainable elements will include green roofs for biodiversity, construction using sustainably sourced materials, and use of renewable energies. Raithwaite Village’s elegant lodges, cottages and villas are set within a vast estate, which also includes Raithwaite Sandsend, a chic yet relaxed coastal hotel. Facilities at Raithwaite Sandsend include a spa and swimming pool, as well as surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and beach yoga. The hotel can also organise boat excursions to catch your own lobster for dinner as well as offer the opportunity to spot local sea life including seals and dolphins. The hotel is also home to an outstanding brasserie serving delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce as well as a new bar.  In addition Raithwaite Village’s dedicated on-site Concierge team will help owners look after their property and assist them with as much or as little as they need. From property maintenance and top-level housekeeping, including everything from a ‘chocolate-on-pillow’ turn down service to arranging for a ‘Deliveroo style meal’ from the Brasserie at Raithwaite Sandsend to be delivered straight to your door.  An in-house team of experts is on hand to advise throughout the buying process, while owners have a range of options to help them let, manage and maintain their properties. Investing in a relaxing rural, coastal lifestyle couldn’t be easier.

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Aberdeen’s newest collaborative workspace is launched by Moorfield Group at Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks

A new collaborative workspace is set to open at the Enterprise Centre on Moorfield Group’s Energy & Innovation Parks in Bridge of Don. Co-Lab will offer workstations, as either a flexible hot desk or dedicated desk. Both options come with reception services, kitchen facilities, free car parking, access to meeting rooms and super fast broadband as standard. The parks also have a cafe and day nursery, which is ideal for those working on-site. Cherry Paton, Parks Manager said: “We are excited to introduce Co-Lab as an alternative office solution. The Co-lab has been designed to cater to start-up businesses that are looking to increase their available office space and have a touchdown base. “It is ideal for businesses looking to move up a gear with an Aberdeen office address within a bright and vibrant environment. Terms are extremely flexible, from as little as three months, with an affordable monthly cost from just £125.” The launch of Co-Lab coincides with the most significant shift in office working patterns in living memory. Throughout the pandemic there have been extensive debates about the future of offices, with many industry experts now predicting that the role of the office is likely to become even more vital once lockdown restrictions have been lifted. Whilst working from home has brought many advantages, many businesses and office workers are simply missing face-to-face interaction and the ability to collaborate with colleagues. Many are now looking to actively move away from full-time working from home into a more blended approach. Co-Lab offers a completely flexible approach which will match well with new post-Covid work practices. Watch our new video at ABERDEEN COLAB or speak with Cherry Paton on 01224 933004 to find out more.

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY EVENT GOES VIRTUAL FOR FIRST TIME

THE ANNUAL in-depth review of the commercial property market across the East Midlands – published and presented by commercial property expert Innes England – will be going digital this year, for the first time ever in its 14-year history. The Innes England Market Insite report has been monitoring the regional property market for more than a decade – providing individual focuses on Nottingham, Derby and Leicester and an insight into activity across a range of sectors including office, industrial, retail and investment markets. The event – which will take place on Thursday 11 February as a webinar including industry insights from the firm’s property experts as well as a live Q&A session – will examine the latest developments, property trends and the opportunities presented during a remarkable 12 months and consider ‘what next’ for the regional property market into 2021. Matthew Hannah, managing director at Innes England, said: “The last ten months have challenged us all to think differently and to innovate – and we are embracing that as we move to deliver our very first online Market Insite event. Our annual events are attended by some 400 people across the region so we are very much looking forward to delivering it in a digital format this year, with an engaging and interesting webinar – something that we have never done before. “We were determined to go ahead with the event and continue to deliver and present our annual review, despite the circumstances and challenges of not being able to hold a physical event. We hope that attendees will find Market Insite a useful reference point when considering market opportunities within the East Midlands and we are confident that people will really enjoy the webinar. “We will still be providing our well-respected market commentary that attendees can expect from Market Insite and people will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the key speakers, as they normally would – albeit without the traditional coffee and bacon sandwich. “As we all know, it has been a very challenging year for everyone, one of the most unpredictable years of many peoples’ lives – and the property sector has been no different. Flexibility has been a key theme as we move into 2021 and ensuring that people are well equipped with the right technology to deliver their best work has never been more important than it is now.” Key speakers for the Market Insite 2021 webinar from Innes England include director Peter Doleman, who will be discussing industrial and distribution trends, director Craig Straw who will be delivering the report on offices and managing director Matthew Hannah who will be overseeing the investment and retail report. To attend the Innes England Market Insite 2021 webinar, taking place on Thursday 11 February 9.30-10.30am please register here. Find out more at http://www.innes-england.com or join the conversation at @InnesEngland. 

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MTC PROJECTS SHORTLISTED IN PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Collaborative projects being undertaken at the Manufacturing Technology Centre have been shortlisted for the prestigious Collaborate to Innovate awards. The awards, organised by The Engineer, celebrate UK-led engineering projects with genuine innovation at their core. MTC projects have been shortlisted in several categories including Aerospace and Defence, Manufacturing Technology and a wild card entry. Projects shortlisted include the £15 million DRAMA project (Digital Reconfigurable Additive Manufacturing facilities for Aerospace). DRAMA is a supply chain programme to accelerate the uptake of additive manufacturing in the UK aerospace sector, giving supply chain companies access to facilities and know-how that can support the development or their own products, processes and facilities. The programme has supported 22 supply chain companies so far and has expanded the footprint of the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing by building a new open access facility with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure developed with project partners. DRAMA was shortlisted in both the Aerospace and Defence and Manufacturing Technology categories of the Collaborate to Innovate Awards. Also shortlisted in the Manufacturing Technology category, the Concrete Reinforcement of the Future project, undertaken as part of the Construction Innovation Hub, identified opportunities to innovate standard rebar by laser cutting each piece, substantially reducing injury, labour time and costs. This collaborative project, in conjunction with MetLase, shows how even the most traditional process has potential for innovation. Based on current rebar use in the UK, this innovative project has identified potential savings of £1.35bn in labour time and 54,000,000 hours. Also shortlisted is the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing’s PowderCleanse project which demonstrates the benefits of a newly developed sieving and recycling process for metal powder used in additive manufacturing production, particularly with safety critical, high value components. The PowderCleanse process was created in collaboration with Carpenter Technology Corporation, Farleygreene, Malvern Panalytical and Aegleteq and can be integrated into the AM production process. The shortlisted Platform Construction System, also part of the Construction Innovation Hub, is developing a standardised kit of parts that can be deployed in multiple building types and sectors, offering significant benefits in quality, cost, delivery time and whole-life value. Shortlisted in the Wild Card category, the Platform Construction System blurs the boundaries between the once distinct manufacturing and construction sectors and is working collaboratively with more than 40 industry partners to develop solutions which can deployed at scale in the construction sector.  Winning projects will be announced in Collaborate to Innovate Week which runs from February 1 to February 5. The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK. The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers.

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Double Contract Win for Winvic at Edgbaston Stadium

PATRIZIA (UK) and Warwickshire County Cricket Club Appoint Contractor for Infrastructure Works and BTR Scheme Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by two new clients for concurrent works at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The firm will be delivering improvement works for Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC) ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and also constructing a mixed-use scheme for PATRIZIA (UK), which comprises 375 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments. Winvic began the £93 million GDV project this week. The PATRIZIA privately rented sector (PRS) project – The Residences – will not only provide 189 one-bedroom, 169 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom apartments for the people of Birmingham, but also circa 20,000 sq ft of commercial space across five units on the ground floor. Winvic will be constructing the five concrete-framed blocks of five, seven, eight, 13 and 18-storeys in-situ utilising two tower cranes. A landscaped podium deck with undercroft car parking will be created and also a rooftop amenity space for residents to enjoy, which is almost 3,000 sq ft. Full fit-out will also be undertaken by Winvic and the project handover will take place over five phases, facilitating the cricket club, car park, conference facilities and practice nets to remain open throughout the works. Other challenges for Winvic include installing various underground services whilst managing the water and sewage mains that run through the site and working considerately adjacent to residential housing and the junction of two major routes into Birmingham city centre. Edgbaston Road will be realigned and a new opening on Pershore Road will be formed by Winvic as part of the programme, plus an access road through the site will also be constructed. The work is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2023. Initial activity for WCCC on the western side of the stadium will include ground works as well as the demolition a derelict building. This is in preparation for the reconfiguration of the existing car park and creation of new parking areas, resulting in a further 229 spaces than the current provision. A new 56,500 sq ft entrance plaza will also be constructed, which will enhance the main arrival space for visitors as well as help improve accessibility and circulation around the famous cricket stadium. Works will also comprise major drainage attenuation, lighting and landscaping, with circa almost 3,000 trees and shrubs planted. The whole of this project – as well as the landscaping programme for the BTR scheme – will be fully completed in the run up to summer 2022 when the Commonwealth Games Women’s T20 cricket will be held at Edgbaston.    Mark Jones, Winvic’s Director of Multi-room, commented: “The Residences BTR project and redevelopment works for Warwickshire County Cricket Club are both exciting schemes in different ways, and winning these contracts illustrates Winvic’s breadth of experience across the various areas of construction. Winvic is as comfortable delivering 18-storeys of luxury apartments for PATRIZIA and highways works for WCCC as it is creating over 76,000 sq ft of car parking and a large piazza which will be welcoming people to watch the Commonwealth Games in 18 months. We have already built a great relationship with these two new clients and we’re looking forward to exceeding their expectations.” Daniel Williams, Head of Development UK and Ireland at PATRIZIA, said: “With this new development we are building a vibrant community where people will want to live. We are at the same time addressing Birmingham’s acute need for first-rate and affordable rental accommodation aimed at local residents, as well as those visiting Edgbaston Stadium. We have worked closely with both Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Homes England to ensure these plans are right for the local community, as well as for the iconic Edgbaston Stadium, the Club and its visitors. Of course those partnerships now also extend to Winvic, and we are delighted to be working with such a delivery focussed contractor that has a wealth of experience in the build-to-rent sector.” Craig Flindall, Chief Operating Officer at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Despite the barriers created by the COVID pandemic and national lockdowns, we have been able to navigate a way through and are delighted that we can now get this major redevelopment project underway, which will transform our stadium footprint and the surrounding facilities. It has taken great efforts to keep things moving in the current climate, but today’s start by our construction partner Winvic ensures that key elements of the project will be completed ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and everything will be completed by Autumn 2023. In the coming weeks we intend to reveal plans for the third phase of the Edgbaston Masterplan, which will include the next phase of the redevelopment of the stadium”. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.  

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NEXT PHASE OF THE MULTI-MILLION POUND REDEVELOPMENT OF FORMER VESUVIUS WORKS GETS UNDERWAY AT WORKSOP

Property development and investment company, CEG, has appointed Harris CM to deliver the next phase of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Vesuvius site in Worksop. The Yorkshire-based construction company will move onto site this week to deliver the first phase of 46,000 sq ft of industrial and retail space adjacent to the recently opened Asda superstore. Providing three flexible food and beverage units and 16 light industrial units ranging from 1,200 to 5,000 sq ft, subsequent phases will offer larger employment units including speculative as well as pre-let, design and build development. The first pre-let has already been secured to Burger King with a number of other deals well progressed with a variety of occupiers. This first phase will be ready for occupation in summer 2021. Antonia Martin Wright, head of investment at CEG, said: “This first phase of employment units will establish Vesuvius as the prime industrial and business location in Worksop. It will be the largest speculative scheme of this scale and quality in Worksop for many years and demonstrates CEG’s commitment to the town. “We are encouraged by the interest in the site and with such a shortage of supply of well located, flexible accommodation we expect it to swiftly let, particularly as improved road networks and new homes are bringing more inward investing businesses into the area.” In 2018, supported by D2N2, CEG delivered a £5.5million package of works to create a new roundabout and access road opening up the site and remediating it for redevelopment. Asda completed its 70,000 sq ft foodstore and petrol filling station last year creating 200 new retail jobs. CEG has planning permission for more than 200,000 sq ft of employment space on the 47.5 acre site.  D2N2 LEP CEO, Sajeeda Rose said: “The Vesuvius site represents a landmark development for Worksop and the wider area. The major investment provided by D2N2 will have a transformative effect by attracting investors and businesses and unlocking opportunities for new jobs, supporting our collective ambitions to rebuild and grow our economy.” Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We very much welcome this next stage of development which achieves The Council’s long-term ambitions and vision for the former Vesuvius site, Worksop and Bassetlaw as a whole.   “By working with developers like CEG, together we are able to create additional jobs and opportunities for local people, as well as provide extra services. Our strategic involvement in the site also means that there are good transport connections with a bus route that ensures the site is accessible to more people. “We look forward to Harris CM starting work very soon and for this part of Worksop to become a key employment site.” Chris Proctor & Anthony Barrowcliffe from FHP and Fisher German have been appointed to market the site. Chris Proctor, associate director at FHP, said: “This is a fantastic speculative development from CEG offering high quality brand new small trade and industrial units to rent. We already have both national and local occupiers under offer on the scheme, which shows the strength of the location and quality of the proposed new build units. I would encourage businesses to contact myself or Fisher German for more details on this excellent opportunity.” Ben Flint from Fisher German added: “Fisher German is delighted the scheme is moving forward to the next stage. This is an important development for Worksop and its business community, and one which will provide plenty of new jobs within the area. It is very encouraging that we already have a good number of pre lets agreed to well-known national trade and industrial occupiers, and with the new Asda site next door, this is the foremost commercial development within Worksop. With the demand for industrial and trade space remaining strong over the past twelve months, we encourage any potential interested parties to get in touch with Fisher German or FHP as we expect take up to increase further now construction work has started.”

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BARINGS SECURES GRANT THORNTON AT LANDMARK, MANCHESTER

Barings Real Estate, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has agreed a 15 year lease to global professional services firm Grant Thornton for 13,219 sq ft at its Landmark office development at St Peter’s Square in Manchester City Centre. Grant Thornton’s 350-strong Manchester team is relocating from Spinningfields into the eleventh floor of Landmark which benefits from a panoramic roof terrace overlooking St Peter’s Square. The firm will take occupation of the space later this year upon completion of its fit-out. Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of the Grant Thornton network of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms with a global network of some 50,000 people in over 135 countries. For more than 100 years it has helped dynamic organisations realise their strategic ambitions. The firm encourages collaboration and interaction in its workspaces, embracing agility and with sustainability at the heart of its business. The deal announcement follows the recent news that Barings has signed a management agreement with flexible workspace group, Hana, for 32,000 sq ft at Landmark. Hana will design, build and operate the flexible space, called Hana at St Peter’s Square, which isexpected to open in mid-2021. Grant Thornton and Hana will join global property consultancy JLL who moved its Manchester team into the 14,004 sq ft 10th floor last year, representing JLL’s largest commercial office outside of London. The 180,000 sq ft award-winning Landmark development, which completed in 2020, offers 14 floors of BREEAM Excellent and Wired Score Platinum certified, next generation office space in the world-renowned St Peter’s Square district of Manchester City Centre. The development’s sustainability and technological credentials continue to appeal to forward-thinking organisations seeking a well-connected and inspiring workspace. Ian Mayhew, Managing Director at Barings, said; “We are delighted to welcome Grant Thornton to Landmark. To have concluded two significant transactions with global businesses in quick succession during the pandemic is an excellent result.  It is testament to Landmark’s appeal to companies seeking the highest quality offices, with keen attention to its exceptional environmental and well-being credentials along with the building’s excellent service levels and customer experience. We move into 2021 with strong interest in the remainder of the available space which demonstrates both the success of the building and the resilience of the Manchester office market.” Carl Williams, North West Managing Partner at Grant Thornton, said: “We are thrilled to be making this long-term commitment to Manchester and to this brilliant new workspace right at the heart of the city centre, on St Peter’s Square. “At Grant Thornton we recognise that post the COVID-19 pandemic the way people work will change, so the design of our new flagship office at Landmark will reflect our need for a best-in-class space to inspire collaboration, innovative thinking and knowledge sharing among our people, while also ensuring we deliver a great experience to our clients and intermediaries.” Leasing agents on Landmark are CBRE and Colliers International.

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PICK EVERARD ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS CONSORTIUM FOR DEVELOPER FRAMEWORK WIN

COMMUNITY Development Partnerships is a brand-new consortium – led by national independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard – that has gained supplier status on Pagabo’s new national developer-led framework, worth an estimated £47 billion. The Pick Everard-led consortium comprises Watkin Jones PLC, Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd, Trebor Developments LLP, APB (Leicester) LLP, Sowden Group Ltd, and Venture Properties Group Ltd. Acting on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, the Pagabo framework will cover a range of developer-led schemes within the construction industry and is open to all public sector bodies including schools, universities, local authorities, police and emergency services, NHS organisations, health and social care providers and housing associations, as well as central government departments and the Ministry of Defence. Pagabo’s framework – which will run for five and a half years – features nine lots covering three contract structures: Property Development via Joint Venture and Special Purpose Vehicle, Long Income Lease and Lease Back, and Property Development Single Site by Development Agreement. The awards will see Community Development Partnerships working with public sector organisations to offer developer management services – providing them with expertise, creative and viable development solutions, private sector investment and development delivery. Appointments cover single site development agreements valued up to £40m across the North East, North West, East Midlands, West Midlands and South West, as well as agreements valued at more than £40m in these regions, and London, the East of England and the South West. As well as this, the Pick Everard-led consortium has been selected on a direct award basis to cover projects valued between £20m and £40m across the Midlands, delivered through either special purpose vehicles or joint ventures; to cover long lease income and lease back schemes valued up to £40m in the South West, and between £40m and £100m in the Midlands, London and the South and the South West. Alastair Hamilton, partner at Pick Everard and executive lead for Community Development Partnerships, said: “Use of frameworks is central to a lot of our work at Pick Everard, so with this in mind we are really thrilled to be announcing the appointment of Community Development Partnerships to a number of lots and regions on Pagabo’s newest framework. “Procuring and delivering value for the public sector in particular is set to be incredibly important as we look to the future, and both this framework and our consortium are ideally placed to support the public sector in realising its aspirations for regeneration and inward investment. Together, they will be pivotal in helping public sector bodies unlock and realise the enhanced asset value across their property and land portfolios. “Our combined track record of working together to deliver success on projects in a range of sectors, and in creating social value and a sustainable built environment, the group of partners will maximise Community Development Partnerships’ ability to services the requirements of clients via this unique framework – bringing together the best in the market to deliver the best for clients.” Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “With all our frameworks we aim to simplify the whole procurement process, ensure flexibility and provider greater choice for clients, all packaged up with OJEU compliance – our developer-led framework is no different in that respect. It will allow developers the ability to procure works through a compliant and simple to use framework and help the public sector with vital expansion plans, creating an overall more robust sector. “We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response we’ve had in this tender process and are really pleased to be bringing a unique procurement offering to market with such a strong set of companies.” The consortium secured a place on the framework following a rigorous OJEU compliant tender process, covering relevant experience and financial suitability, as well as dedication to delivering social value and implementing the use of technology. Pick Everard employs more than 500 staff across its 13 offices, providing a range of project, cost, and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.

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Glasgow’s Met Tower £100m refurb gets green light

Plans to transform the city’s iconic college tower, dubbed the Met, into a hotel with leisure and grade A office space are set to become a reality. Glasgow city council has granted developers Osborne & Co detailed planning permission to convert the 11-storey tower into a 260-bed hotel with grade A office for up to 1,200 people. The redevelopment of the 1960s B-listed building on North Hanover Street will also offer 25-23,000 sq ft of retail leisure, food and drink space. Osborne & Co development director Will Hean said: “Achieving planning consent comes at a critical time in the real estate market which continues to be challenged because of the coronavirus pandemic. “Despite this, we are committed to investing significantly in Glasgow as we recognise the strength and diversity of the Glasgow economy. Glasgow’s tech sector in particular will be significant as the economy works its way back to strength.” Tower set to be tech magnet The building lies in the city’s innovation district close to the University of Strathclyde’s technology and innovation centre and the Inovo building which have attracted a host of tech firms. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders regarded the area as a business hot spot and were keen to offer funding for refurbishment and new building schemes. Osborne & Co plans to demolish an existing ‘podium’ building facing Cathedral Street to make way for the hotel, which would connect to the Met Tower via a landscaped plaza. A flexible double-height auditorium space is to be created below the plaza which could also suit a market hall, co-working space or suite meeting rooms and theatre-style conferencing facilities. This would link to the reception level of the tower and will have its own separate entrance on North Hanover Street. The project team for the refurbishment of the tower and surrounding developments include architects Cooper Cromar and structural engineering firm Woolgar Hunter.  Environmental design and mechanical & electrical consultants Atelier Ten, planning and property advisors Savills, construction consultants Gardiner & Theobald and quantity surveying consultants Thomas & Adamson are also involved. Glasgow’s College of Building and Printing was opened in 1964 by Labour prime minister Howard Wilson and was designed by Wylie Shanks Architects. LinkedIn Question: How important will the development of regional cities be for kick-starting the UK economy post the pandemic?

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Qualis Commercial submits planning applications for Bakers Lane Car Park and Cottis Lane sites

Following extensive public consultation with Epping Forest residents, businesses, local Councillors and interested organisations, Qualis Commercial has submitted planning applications for its Bakers Lane Car Park and Cottis Lane sites.  Feedback and comments have been taken into consideration throughout the consultation, with the evolution of the two schemes clearly demonstrating that the local community has influenced the final submitted designs.  Proposals for the Bakers Lane Car Park site show a new leisure facility incorporating a six lane pool, gymnasium, studios, a new sports hall and squash courts and a first floor public viewing gallery. The scheme has been designed to ensure no residential neighbours have loss of amenity and a comprehensive landscaping strategy is included to create high quality public and private spaces. This will be a true community facility, not just a leisure centre but an asset to serve numerous uses in the town, a place for people to exercise and also meet and socialise.  A new car park to service the high street with no net loss of spaces is proposed at the Cottis Lane site, providing priority spaces placed at ‘street level’ and all spaces will have the potential for electric vehicle charging. Cinema, retail and offices are also included in the final configuration but Qualis Commercial is committed to a phased approach to development to ensure that any new commercial activity is appropriate and complements the High Street as well as promoting and encouraging travel by environmentally friendly methods.  The vision is that Cottis Lane will form the ‘Yard’, a flexible hub for new and creative business that can connect into the town and use the new courtyard spaces to showcase their work and engage with the community. There will be space for events which will enliven the town, along with a new south facing public square and amenity space, new public toilets, cycle storage and public realm connecting to Bakers Lane and the High Street.   The company’s vision is to develop schemes of high quality in design and material which are sustainable, flexible and serve the best interests of the community.   Both proposals have been designed to reflect and consider the architecture and space of existing buildings, local character and the history of the town, breathing new life into the roads and streets beyond the High Street. 

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