Plans for The Mere Golf Resort & Spa to significantly expand its operations, in a move which will create jobs and help boost the area’s economic prosperity, have been backed. A range of enhancements are proposed, the main aspects being 64 new bedroom suites, the enlargement of the conference and
More details have been unveiled about Sheffield’s Heart of the City II with the council set to move a number of elements of the project forward. A number of high-profile international occupiers have already been attracted to the area, including HSBC, CMS and Radisson Blu, plus Swedish fashion brands, Weekday
Construction firms are to have the chance to develop a ground-breaking building designed to attract tech and creative businesses to Swansea city centre. Tender documents for the multi million-pound project have been published for the construction of a glazed building rising six storeys on the site of The Kingsway’s former
The Forge Island development has received planning permission, and it is set to bring a new cinema, food outlets and hotel to Rotherham. Muse Developments, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s development partner for the Forge Island scheme, submitted a hybrid application earlier this year with the council’s Planning Committee voting to
A disused site in Dorset is set to have fresh life breathed into it with a new commercial property development. Penton Motor Group is building four units on the former Boyland Joinery site in Stony Lane, Christchurch, to create a trading hub for businesses. The hub is to be known
Cushman & Wakefield has launched Indego, a new white label service for office landlords and investors looking to create bespoke flexible workspaces in the UK. Indego is a customisable service that encompasses design & build, marketing, sales and on-site operations offered under a management agreement with Cushman & Wakefield. The
Regional contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed as a partner for the Pagabo Major Works Framework, which is due to launch this week on 19 April. In its second iteration, the Major Works Framework is open to all public and private sector organisations and will see the delivery of projects
Construction work on the huge new tower in the city centre is continuing despite the coronavirus lockdown Work on the soon-to-be tallest building in Newcastle is continuing despite the Covid-19 outbreak. The Hadrian’s Tower development, a 27-storey tower which looms over the city centre, is due to be completed later this
GMI Construction Group has today announced that it has secured projects valued at in excess of £95 million across the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands. The projects awarded to GMI by a combination of new and existing clients come from across a range of high profile industrial/warehouse, retail, office
Construction work on the long-awaited Tower Gardens Pavilion is now complete, bringing new inclusive community facilities to Skegness. Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the design and construction of the building via the Scape Regional Construction framework, for Skegness Town Council. Works to transform the disused site began in May
Plans for The Mere Golf Resort & Spa to significantly expand its operations, in a move which will create jobs and help boost the area’s economic prosperity, have been backed. A range of enhancements are proposed, the main aspects being 64 new bedroom suites, the enlargement of the conference and banqueting facilities, and the remodelling of the reception areas. “This is a momentous leap for us that will allow us to meet evolving market demands and encourage guests on both a national and international scale to experience Cheshire and the North West of England. We are confident that this will help improve the local economy and job creation for the surrounding areas and we look forward to seeing our vision come to life,” said Gary Johnson, general manager of The Mere Golf Resort & Spa. The amenities are geared towards increasing capacity to 950 guests. Also lined up are improvements to restaurants, external terraces and additions to the hotel spa, all of which will be carried out within the resort’s Green Belt setting. “This is a reflection of the excellent standing and reputation which The Mere Golf Resort & Spa enjoys in Cheshire, the careful design of these significant new buildings which are a key part of its future growth ambitions and the strong economic need case that underpinned the proposals,” added Gary Halman, principal at Avison Young, who promoted the planning application for The Mere. Avison Young led a multi-disciplinary team which included Leach Rhodes Walker, the designer and masterplanner of the project.
More details have been unveiled about Sheffield’s Heart of the City II with the council set to move a number of elements of the project forward. A number of high-profile international occupiers have already been attracted to the area, including HSBC, CMS and Radisson Blu, plus Swedish fashion brands, Weekday and Monki, alongside local companies such as Marmadukes and New World Trading Company. Conversations with John Lewis & Partners were said to be ongoing and the council is seeking authority from cabinet next week to restructure the lease on its Barker’s Pool shop, which would facilitate its refurbishment. Cabinet will also be asked to authorise the release of Block G – the former South Yorkshire Fire Authority Headquarters site and now the Wellington Street surface level car park – to the private sector. Investors or developers will be asked to come forward with ideas for schemes that fit with the updated Heart of the City II masterplan. This move follows the model of Block F, where American investor Angelo Gordon is leading the development of Kangaroo Works, a residential scheme of 364 build-to-rent apartments. “Our investment in Heart of the City II has established the opportunity for Sheffield to become a thriving commercial centre and to create jobs. The ongoing success of the scheme has built up the confidence of the private sector to invest in Sheffield,” said Cllr Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment at Sheffield City Council. “As a result, we have made the decision to release Block G of the wider masterplan to the market. This will reduce our borrowing requirements for the scheme from £470m to around £370m, which lowers the financial risk to the council – a prudent approach during the current climate – while maintaining the ambitions of the scheme. “We are also restating our commitments in the two key areas of carbon reduction and fair pay. This is all part of building a city centre that is fit for the future and supports our communities and environment to thrive.”
Construction firms are to have the chance to develop a ground-breaking building designed to attract tech and creative businesses to Swansea city centre. Tender documents for the multi million-pound project have been published for the construction of a glazed building rising six storeys on the site of The Kingsway’s former Oceana nightclub. It aims to bring new vitality to the city centre. More than 600 people could work in what aims to be a digitally-enabled and flexible work space for a wide variety of companies, educational institutions and individuals. Plans for 71 and 72 Kingsway were approved this summer. The project will be procured via a mini tender against the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework. The building will be high-tech, eco-friendly and have flexible open-plan work spaces including the balconies overlooking the city centre. The scheme includes a new link from Oxford Street onto The Kingsway. Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said 71 and 72 Kingsway was a key to unlock the regeneration potential of the city centre. “71 and 72 Kingsway is a prestige development that will help further transform our city centre, creating high-tech, high-value jobs and offering 21st century business space to innovative and creative industries,” said Stewart. “We’re confident it’s the kind of development construction firms will want to be part of. Any visitor to the city centre recently will have seen things changing at pace. The steel framework for the £135m Swansea arena scheme is clear to see and the £12m makeover of the Kingsway area is nearly there.” It’s anticipated that construction of 71 and 72 Kingsway could start early next year, with the building opening in late 2022.
The Forge Island development has received planning permission, and it is set to bring a new cinema, food outlets and hotel to Rotherham. Muse Developments, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s development partner for the Forge Island scheme, submitted a hybrid application earlier this year with the council’s Planning Committee voting to approve the plans. Forge Island is located on the edge of Rotherham town centre on a peninsula formed by the River Don and the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal. The development is set to create a new leisure quarter for the town centre including a cinema, restaurants, hotel, car parking, and residential units and new public realm. Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “It’s testament to the hard work of all partners that we’ve now received unanimous approval from the council to deliver Forge Island. “It’s the next stage on our journey to deliver this truly special scheme, which will be completed safely and in line with government guidance. “At Muse, we’re working closely with our public-sector partners to support them in the delivery of place-changing regeneration schemes that will drive economic and social prosperity when it’s needed most. “Forge Island represents what can be achieved when the best of the public and private sector come together with the same vision, drive and goal in mind.” Cllr Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, added: “It’s fantastic to see the plans for Forge Island approved by the planning board which is particularly important as the town centre begins to find its feet again as lockdown eases a little. “We know residents are keen to see the area develop and this is an important milestone towards delivering a scheme which is a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the rest of the town centre.” Phase One of the scheme will comprise a podium level accommodating the main built development. This would feature an eight-screen cinema, four restaurants, a 69-bed hotel and café. Associated car parking, public realm and a new pedestrian bridge over the River Don are also included. Phase Two would comprise two six-storey buildings featuring up to 50 apartments, with a further 70 apartments in a six-storey building planned for Phase Three. Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd has already started work on a multimillion-pound programme of works on Forge Island, including flood defence and enabling work on the site which includes retaining walls, terrace seating and high-quality public spaces.
A disused site in Dorset is set to have fresh life breathed into it with a new commercial property development. Penton Motor Group is building four units on the former Boyland Joinery site in Stony Lane, Christchurch, to create a trading hub for businesses. The hub is to be known as Penton Business Park. Over the past eight years Penton Motor Group has built four new showrooms for its franchised motor business and renovated a further three separate investment buildings. This is a new direction for the long established Wilson family business, which has locations in Christchurch, Poole, Andover and Salisbury, to develop a ground-up commercial investment property other than for its own use. Fellow Christchurch firm John Reid & Sons Ltd (REIDsteel) has designed and manufactured the steel frames, decking, cladding, glazing and doors for the project. An estimated, circa 30 new jobs could be created in a boost for the local economy providing a total of 1,885 sq metres / 20,300 sq ft for trade counter, light industrial, storage and possible gym uses with ample parking for 50 vehicles. Leading national chains have already taken space, with up to 12,000 sq ft remaining available. Simon Boyd, Managing Director at 130-strong REIDsteel, said: “We work across the UK, Europe and the world so it is great to work on a project a little closer to home. “We have been able to provide our design, fabrication and manufacturing expertise for the entire building envelope, including its cladding, glazing and decking requirements. “We are delighted to support the Penton Motor Group to create this high-quality development which will bring significant jobs and economic benefits for the area.” The scheme involves demolition of the former Boyland Joinery building on the site to create up to a five unit split measuring from 4,000 sq ft, to 12,000 sq ft. REIDsteel is due to erect the steel work on site when the coronavirus pandemic eases and regulations allow. It will use 65 tonnes of British Steel as well as British made Tata composite panels for cladding. The development will be wholly owned and managed by the Penton Motor Group. Penton Group Managing Director Robert Wilson said: “This new development demonstrates our confidence in the commercial property sector and the Christchurch area. “With the possible creation of 30 jobs, it represents a significant boost for the local economy and regeneration of a disused brownfield site. “It is an exciting circa £2.5m investment for our business, on which we can use our expertise and experience in showrooms and service centre development to expand further into the commercial property market. Jan Dibden our Financial Director and his team have successfully headed up this project and we have been delighted to work with REIDsteel a local firm. “We all look forward to seeing this development progress as soon as conditions allow.” Penton Motor Group is a 100% family business of 50 years standing in the new and used car market with over 120 staff and turnover of £60 million. It has Vauxhall, Citroen, Peugeot and DS new and used dealerships in towns across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, including Christchurch, Poole, Andover and Salisbury. REIDsteel remains family owned and celebrated its centenary in 2019. It has exported to more than 140 countries to date. The firm specialises in providing entire steel frame and building envelope solutions all under one roof. Thanks to its in-house capabilities and expertise, it is regularly contracted to design, manufacture and supply complete steel structures including the cladding, glazing, louvres and staircases for projects anywhere in the UK, Europe and across the world. They include bridges, hospitals, sports stadia, disaster resilient buildings, defensive structures, churches, schools, industrial & commercial buildings, warehouses and advanced aircraft hangars. Visit www.reidsteel.com for more details and www.pentonmotorgroup.com
Cushman & Wakefield has launched Indego, a new white label service for office landlords and investors looking to create bespoke flexible workspaces in the UK. Indego is a customisable service that encompasses design & build, marketing, sales and on-site operations offered under a management agreement with Cushman & Wakefield. The proposition is new for the office market but follows principles which are already well established in the hotel industry. It will meet the demand from office owners to create a flexible workspace solution without operational complexities. “Indego enables our clients to meet the rapidly growing demand for flexible workspace and the improved returns it offers – on their terms.” – Emma Swinnerton Head of Flexible Workspace EMEA, Cushman & Wakefield Indego lead Indego is led by flexible office sector expert, Emma Swinnerton, who joined Cushman & Wakefield in April 2018 to provide strategic advice to operators, landlords, investors and new entrants on how to respond to the changing dynamics of the flexible office market. Prior to this position, Swinnerton held the role of Global Commercial Director for Spaces & New Formats at serviced office giant, Regus. Swinnerton said: “Cushman & Wakefield has been at the forefront of the evolving office market for many years and our investment in Indego demonstrates where we believe this exciting sector is heading next.”
Regional contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed as a partner for the Pagabo Major Works Framework, which is due to launch this week on 19 April. In its second iteration, the Major Works Framework is open to all public and private sector organisations and will see the delivery of projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, government and leisure. 28 contractors have been appointed to the framework to deliver projects starting from £5million across the UK. G F Tomlinson has been assigned to deliver projects from £5million to £15million across the East and West Midlands and is one of only four SME’s chosen for the framework – as part of Pagabo’s ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs and ensuring access to major projects. In order to be successful, G F Tomlinson’s bid demonstrated strong finances, relevant experience and echoed Pagabo’s passion for social value, supporting SMEs and innovative technology. Ability to provide value for money for clients through quality, timely and on-budget delivery and solid supply chain management was also assessed and rated at the highest standard. G F Tomlinson is also partnered with Pagabo through three other frameworks – the National Framework for Refit and Refurbishment Solutions, the Dynamic Purchasing System for Small Works and the National Framework for Medium Construction Works. Most recently, the contractor delivered the £1.2million Thythorn Hill Community and Sports Centre for Oadby and Wigston Borough Council under Pagabo’s Dynamic Purchasing System framework. Carl Wiltshire, Pagabo Framework Lead at G F Tomlinson said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to the Major Works Framework, our fourth framework agreement with Pagabo and we look forward to working on significant projects in the years to come. “Now, more than ever, it is important that public sector procurement is efficient in bringing together contractors and clients to deliver projects which provide vital services in the region. Pagabo offer clients EU/UK compliant framework agreements to make public sector procurement quicker, simpler and more effective. With our experienced management team, commitment to high-quality project delivery and provision of social, economic, environmental and sustainable benefits for local communities, we are ideally placed to serve public sector clients across the Midlands region on projects between £5million and £15million. “G F Tomlinson has delivered in excess of £500million projects through public sector frameworks to date and we embrace the opportunities this provides in leaving a positive legacy in our local communities. We are looking forward to building on these achievements in the East and West Midlands through this framework to increase the community benefits we provide.” The Pagabo frameworks provide simplicity, transparency, flexibility, support and stability, supporting the public sector to achieve value for money and added social value for local communities. Simon Toplass, chief executive at Pagabo, said: “We were delighted by the quality of the responses to tender last year, and we’re really excited to see the second iteration of our Major Works framework going live. The first iteration of this framework saw the delivery of £833m worth of construction projects for the public sector in 2019 alone, and to date we have enabled the delivery of more than £2.6 billion of social value through works procured via our frameworks. “We’ve made it our mission to simplify procurement process with technology and innovation, and we place social value at the heart of everything we do. We truly believe the framework’s success is down to our customer-focused approach – and we’re pleased to see that this is something that G F Tomlinson has recognised and responded to. We’re looking forward to working with the team over the coming years.”
Construction work on the huge new tower in the city centre is continuing despite the coronavirus lockdown Work on the soon-to-be tallest building in Newcastle is continuing despite the Covid-19 outbreak. The Hadrian’s Tower development, a 27-storey tower which looms over the city centre, is due to be completed later this year. Restrictions on construction projects were not included in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s stark address to the nation last Monday evening announcing the lockdown. Halting work on Hadrian’s Tower would mean an unfinished skyscraper on the city’s skyline which could become a poignant image of a North East stopped in its tracks by the global pandemic. The firm carrying out the building work – Tolent – have confirmed that work is continuing for now but conceded that could change. A spokesperson for Tolent said: “The health and wellbeing of our colleagues and supply chain partners continue to be our number one priority throughout this highly dynamic situation. “All welfare procedures and systems on sites that remain open are fully compliant with the guidelines issued by the Government via the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, to ensure that all teams can and are adhering to the 2m social distancing rule. “We continue to monitor the situation diligently and will adapt accordingly to any subsequent advice from the Government.’
GMI Construction Group has today announced that it has secured projects valued at in excess of £95 million across the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands. The projects awarded to GMI by a combination of new and existing clients come from across a range of high profile industrial/warehouse, retail, office and hotel scheme developments which include: Plot A, Goole 36. A new 238,710 sq. ft. warehouse/industrial unit for new customer Tritax Symmetry pre-let to Croda Europe Ltd. Kirkby Retail Development. A new 94,000 sq. ft. retail park development featuring a new 42,000 sq. ft Morrisons Store and Petrol Station for long standing customer St Modwen. Booths Park, Knutsford. A new two storey 70,676 sq. ft. office building development for repeat customer Bruntwood in Cheshire with the end occupier being Portswigger Web Security. Hampton by Hilton York. A new 143-bedroom hotel in the heart of York City Centre awarded by Avantis Hotels and with a value of £25 million. Harrier Park, Hucknall. A new 195,840 sq. ft. UK headquarters for leading educational resource supplier RM Educational Resources on behalf of Muse Developments and Rolls-Royce within the heart of a 70-acre mixed use site in Hucknall. Park Lane, Leeds. A 188-bed student accommodation scheme on Park Lane, Leeds for Waypoint with a project value of £20 million Speaking about the announcement, Andy Bruce, GMI’s Group Managing Director said: “2019 was a record-breaking year for GMI in all aspects but particularly in terms of new client wins, expansion into new sectors and the growth of our order book. To open things up in the same fashion so early into 2020 is a very encouraging sign, a solid endorsement of our credentials and a strong indication of further growth to come this year. It’s also very encouraging to see GMI securing such high-quality repeat business from several of its most valued and long-standing customers together with picking up new project instructions from new customers including some of the market’s biggest operators. We will continue to strengthen our offering in the sectors we are strongest in together with our unswerving commitment to the highest levels of customer service, quality and innovation. Our expanding divisional operations in the Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and the North East continue to reap strong rewards and fully justify our commitments to grow our capacity in those areas in the face of strong demand” Andy Bruce is GMI’s Group Managing Director responsible for the day to day running of the business and expansion into the Midlands. GMI’s Manchester Office is presided over by Marc Banks in the role of Divisional Managing Director. Marc has worked on many of GMI’s prestigious projects, developing relationships with a number of clients and securing repeat business. GMI’s Yorkshire/North East Office is led by Lee Powell also as Divisional Managing Director. Lee brings 25 years’ service in the construction industry, with a wealth of experience across all industry sectors and a background based in a regional contracting
Construction work on the long-awaited Tower Gardens Pavilion is now complete, bringing new inclusive community facilities to Skegness. Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the design and construction of the building via the Scape Regional Construction framework, for Skegness Town Council. Works to transform the disused site began in May 2019 following the demolition of the existing Tower Gardens Pavilion, most recently occupied as the Inn on the Park public house – which closed in 2007. The original pavilion dates back to 1879, and historically provided the town’s largest dance, party and concert accommodation. Now a mixed-use community building, the development features a multi-purpose function room and event space, a changing places hygiene suite, Council offices and a café. The new facilities will be enjoyed by the local community and tourists alike – as part of the Council’s ambition to transform Skegness into an inclusive environment and workplace, as well as a vibrant place to visit. The £1.6million project led by Skegness Town Council has been supported by the community who have been involved throughout the project. This included the design and naming process, which was chosen by a local resident thanks to a competition organised by the Council. A 100-year time capsule containing modern-day items also lies at the site, provided by G F Tomlinson and buried by local school children during the build. The Council offices will open in the Tower Gardens Pavilion in April, following the setup of the community Café – Café Dansant, which is expected to open to the general public in May. The name ‘Café Dansant’ dates back to the 1920s and has a known history in Skegness, having originally been a café on Tower Esplanade. The name was chosen following a suggestion by a member of the public who presented an interest in its historic origins. Skegness Town Council is currently looking to recruit a café manager and over the coming months will be working to deliver the Council’s Café Business Plan, develop menus, build the café team and develop community engagement. The café will be an intrinsic part of the new Pavilion and gardens, with revenue helping to offset the costs of the new building and maintain the gardens for all to enjoy. Craig Stopper, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re thrilled that works on the Tower Gardens Pavilion are now complete, giving a once neglected space in the heart of Skegness a revival. “Throughout the project, we have seen a positive response from the community who have played a huge part in bringing the site back to life. Now complete, we hope it will provide an enjoyable and inclusive space for both local residents and visitors to the seaside town.” Town clerk Steve Larner said: “It is so exciting to actually have the building and know the Council’s plans are coming to life. For us though, it is where the hard work begins as we have to turn plans and visions into reality. This building is simply a fantastic resource for the community, with the café and hall looking amazing. Everyone here is thrilled to be taking this forward and can’t wait to get the building open later this year.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The way we use public spaces has significantly changed in the recent past. By replacing the derelict Tower Gardens Pavilion, Skegness Town Council is creating a community space that will meet the needs of many and bring investment to the local area. By procuring through the Scape framework the project was effectively delivered with speed, efficiency and socio-economics at its heart.” G F Tomlinson delivered the Tower Gardens Pavilion project alongside Gleeds and Core Architects.
