Metropolitan, the leading independent district energy and multi-utility infrastructure provider, today welcomed the UK Government’s support for district energy and confirmed the company’s plans to grow its substantial involvement in the UK heat market. As the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launches the main scheme of the
Squire & Partners, the architects behind Landmark Manchester (Landmark), a 180,000 sq ft office development, have revealed the key features being implemented in the Grade A, BREEAM Excellent building to ensure that it tops occupiers’ tick lists ahead of its Summer 2019 launch. Currently under construction in Manchester’s central business district
BEESTON in Nottingham is set to benefit from a new mixed-use development which will bring 132 new homes, a cinema and food and drink outlets to the East Midlands town. A two-acre site is now being offered for sale as a freehold development and is expected to reach offers in
A £29.3 million contract for the construction of a new teaching and research building for Leeds Beckett University has been won by Galliford Try. The facility will see a new home created for the Carnegie School of Sport on the University’s Headingley campus. “This £45 million world-class facility will underline
On site work on the £117 million Campbell Wharf development in Milton Keynes has commenced. The residential-led mixed use scheme includes 383 new homes, a narrowboat marina, public house, nursery and a mix of retail units and is set to transform and revitalise a much-underutilised part of Central Milton Keynes.
South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City planning authorities have approved Mace’s plans for a 200,000 sq ft commercial development on the site of one of the UK’s leading science parks. A Section 106 agreement for 1 – 21 Cambridge Science Park was completed on the 17th of August 2018, enabling the
COS has announced the opening of its latest London store this Autumn at the historic Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, an innovative shopping and lifestyle district designed by leading architectural firm, Heatherwick Studio. The Coal Drops Yard store marks an exciting milestone for COS. Having firmly established its legacy
The £3.5 million community facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire, has officially opened. The Kingsmere Community Centre was built by Deeley Construction on behalf of site owners, Countryside Properties; the project was managed by Buro Four, designed by Robothams and mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E) services were provided by Building Services Design
Most hotels want their guests to spend time in them; however, for millennial travellers, the priority is to get out and experience the city. Assembly is a new hotel brand from Criterion Capital, designed to inspire people to make the most out of their trip. Branding agency Ragged Edge partnered
Metropolitan, the leading independent district energy and multi-utility infrastructure provider, today welcomed the UK Government’s support for district energy and confirmed the company’s plans to grow its substantial involvement in the UK heat market. As the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launches the main scheme of the Heat Networks Investment Program (HNIP), making £320M available to fund sector investment in district energy, Metropolitan is reaffirming its confidence in the UK heat network market and is delighted with this recognition of the important and growing contribution that district energy can make to achieving low-carbon, sustainable development. Metropolitan has a strong track record in this field having, for example, delivered low-carbon heat networks for the landmark urban regeneration at King’s Cross in London and at Greenwich Millennium Village. Focussing on district energy and building on its considerable expertise in this field, the company is planning to have more than 50,000 connected customers in ten years’ time. This growth is expected to result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs across the UK in the district energy sector and will be supported by £100M of capital expenditure over the same period. Metropolitan offers developers and housebuilders a unique multi-utility package, combining the provision of district energy networks with the full range of other utilities: gas, electricity, ultrafast fibre, water and wastewater; and thereby delivering time and cost-savings through the procurement and implementation phases of a development. The company is committed to the highest standards of quality, service and customer protection. It was one of the first to register a scheme with the Heat Trust, the industry-led, self-regulatory initiative which recognises best practice and supports the recent decision to introduce regulation to the heat network sector. “We are very excited at the prospects for the growth of district energy in the UK”, commented Jeremy Bungey, managing director of Metropolitan. “Today’s announcement means that the sector has an unprecedented opportunity to lead the way in low-carbon development. The availability of funding through the HNIP, backed by active Government commitment, means that developments will be able to incorporate the most energy-efficient heating systems for the benefit of whole communities. Such district energy systems not only deliver core services but also create jobs.” Claire Perry, Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, said: “The UK has led the world in cutting emissions whilst growing our economy – with clean growth driving incredible innovation and creating hundreds of thousands of high quality jobs. Ten years on from the Climate Change Act, the first ever Green GB week is a time to build on our successes and explain the huge opportunities for business and young people of a cleaner economy. I’m delighted to see how many more businesses and organisations such as BUUK are seizing this multi-billion-pound opportunity to energize their communities to tackle the very serious threat of climate change.” Metropolitan is part of the BUUK Infrastructure Group. BUUK Infrastructure is the leading independent provider of last-mile utility networks, constructing and operating essential utility assets in the UK. BUUK Infrastructure has a unique, integrated approach providing all the essential utilities; gas, electricity, water, wastewater, fibre-to-the-home and district heat networks. Visit www.met-i.co.uk
Squire & Partners, the architects behind Landmark Manchester (Landmark), a 180,000 sq ft office development, have revealed the key features being implemented in the Grade A, BREEAM Excellent building to ensure that it tops occupiers’ tick lists ahead of its Summer 2019 launch. Currently under construction in Manchester’s central business district at St Peter’s Square, Landmark aims to deliver a world-class professional environment to its occupiers. Barings Real Estate along with development manager Castlebrooke Investments, enlisted award-winning architects Squire & Partners to bring the pivotal scheme to life. Meeting the BREEAM Excellent, Grade A, EPC ‘A’ target rating criteria was a natural start and the Platinum WiredScore accreditation and spectrum of connectivity management features that have followed on will ensure that all potential occupiers can move in and start work immediately with ease. “The overall design and finishes at Landmark are about so much more than just meeting set criteria. The double height reception, with approximately 90 ft glazed frontage onto Oxford Street, was influenced by the previous art deco cinema which sat on the site. The double height interior is treated as a contemporary interpretation of the cinema lobbies of the period, emphasising a sense of theatre and drama upon arrival. The whole building is being constructed with an offset core to enable virtually column-free office space across approximately 14,000 sq ft floor plates, unlike any other in the city centre. The offset core will deliver maximum flexibility for occupiers the majority of which will benefit from uninterrupted views towards the south of the city,” explained Murray Levinson, Partner at Squire and Partners. Barings’ Landmark team includes Castlebrooke Investments as development manager, award-winning architects Squire & Partners, acclaimed lead contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, Gardiner and Theobald as project manager and leasing agents CBRE and Colliers International. The Barings Real Estate team offers a broad range of investment opportunities globally across the public and private debt and equity markets. The team invests across all major property sectors with a focus on global relative value and trend-backed preferred strategies.
BEESTON in Nottingham is set to benefit from a new mixed-use development which will bring 132 new homes, a cinema and food and drink outlets to the East Midlands town. A two-acre site is now being offered for sale as a freehold development and is expected to reach offers in excess of £1.5 million. Broxtowe Borough Council – which is acting as the lead developer – is in advanced negotiations with a national cinema operator after unanimously securing full consent and outline planning consent for 79,182 square foot residential and 6,225 square foot of commercial space. Councillor Richard Jackson, Leader of the Council for Broxtowe Borough Council said: “Beeston presents an exciting development opportunity for those who are looking to capitalise on an up-and-coming area of Nottingham, which is fast becoming a destination of choice for many businesses. “This scheme gives the town space to grow further by offering modern and flexible spaces for restaurants, bars and cafes alongside flexible lease commercial opportunities in an already thriving area. We’re working to revitalise Beeston’s night-time economy by driving increased footfall to the town from the local and surrounding communities.” The development offers four commercial units available to lease on flexible lease terms for retail and food and drink tenants. Jackson added: “We’re confident that we will secure a cinema tenant with up to six screens in the coming months and we’re looking forward to taking this project forward. It’s only right that we ensure Beeston takes advantage of the growth opportunities taking place in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands.” The scheme forms the second phase of a £50 million development which involved the refurbishment of the shopping precinct, new and improved public transport connecting the town to the NET tram network, more retailers, cafes and a gym. Work is expected to start next year and will consist of two buildings with surrounding landscaping and additional outdoor space for people to enjoy. The scheme has been developed by Nottingham-based Leonard Design Architects and is being marketed by agents HEB Tel: 0115 950 6611 and JLL Tel: 0115 908 2120. For more information on the scheme and to view the designs, visit https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/for-business/town-centres/beeston/beeston-square/
A £29.3 million contract for the construction of a new teaching and research building for Leeds Beckett University has been won by Galliford Try. The facility will see a new home created for the Carnegie School of Sport on the University’s Headingley campus. “This £45 million world-class facility will underline our global reputation for delivering high-impact sports teaching and research. It is part of a wider £200 million programme of investment across our campuses which will further increase the positive contribution we make to our city region and beyond,” explained Professor Peter Slee, Vice-chancellor of Leeds Beckett University. The new building will feature dedicated research laboratories, hypoxic laboratory, health and wellbeing studio, an indoor rooftop sprint track for performance training and analysis, a roof walking track and terrace, enhanced strength and conditioning space and changing and recovery facilities. In addition, there will also be networking spaces for students, staff and visitors, a café, informal teaching space and learning support that will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing. “We are delighted to be working with Leeds Beckett on such a prestigious project. We have a proven track record in providing high-quality buildings for higher education and we look forward to working with the University to ensure that their students and staff have the world-class sports science facilities they demand,” said Cliff Wheatley, Managing Director for Galliford Try North East and Yorkshire.
On site work on the £117 million Campbell Wharf development in Milton Keynes has commenced. The residential-led mixed use scheme includes 383 new homes, a narrowboat marina, public house, nursery and a mix of retail units and is set to transform and revitalise a much-underutilised part of Central Milton Keynes. Once it approaches completion, the development will deliver 332 one and two-bedroom apartments and 51 three, four and five-bedroom houses. Moreover, 30% of the properties on site have been reserved for shared ownership and affordable housing, in order to meet local housing needs in the community. “We are pleased to have cemented our agreement with the Milton Keynes Development Partnership and look forward to working together on this significant development. Once complete the scheme will provide a new gateway from the Canal to Central Milton Keynes and deliver much needed new homes to the area,” said Scott Black, Managing Director at Crest Nicholson. Located on the eastern edge of Central Milton Keynes with easy access to both Milton Keynes Central Station and the M1, the site is divided into two distinct areas by the Grand Union Canal. The 8.15 ha site will also include a new marina on the Grand Union Canal, providing 111 berths, a canal-side pub, café, restaurant and a new footbridge linking the two sides of the canal. “As our city continues to grow, MKDP is committed to playing its part in helping to create well-designed, vibrant & affordable new communities in partnership with a range of local developers. As part of the Campbell Wharf development, MKDP and the developer Crest Nicholson will be creating 115 affordable new homes, a new 111 berth marina alongside the city’s renowned Grand Union Canal, and importantly, will be contributing towards the cost of upgrading the infrastructure of our city centre,” commented Councillor Rob Middleton, Cabinet Member responsible for Resources and Innovation. The new marina is expected to open in April 2019, while the first residential dwellings on site will be occupied in October 2019. The development is expected to be fully completed by 2023.
South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City planning authorities have approved Mace’s plans for a 200,000 sq ft commercial development on the site of one of the UK’s leading science parks. A Section 106 agreement for 1 – 21 Cambridge Science Park was completed on the 17th of August 2018, enabling the development to proceed. With the aim to help address the lack of high-quality commercial space, the proposed development will support the City’s long-term sustainable economic growth and continue to attract leading national and global companies. “Cambridge Science Park was the UK’s first Science Park. I’m pleased that the Council has recognised the importance of our scheme to strengthen Cambridge’s premier position as a leader in the technology and bio-science sectors,” said David Grover, Mace’s Chief Operating Officer for Development. The development arm of Mace acquired a long leasehold from Trinity College and have created a high quality scheme which will be a fantastic new asset for both the Science Park and the City. The development has been designed by architects, Scott Brownrigg. “The development will play a major role in building on the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon’, bringing together a world-class university, research institutes, and creative science and technology businesses and write a new chapter in the extraordinary success story of the Science Park. Now that planning is secured for the project the development will move into the delivery stage on site, and letting of the space through Savills as our appointed agents,” added David Grover. The site is at the gateway to the Science Park, and benefits from excellent new infrastructure investments including the new Cambridge North train station, the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway running alongside the site, and improvements to the A14.
COS has announced the opening of its latest London store this Autumn at the historic Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, an innovative shopping and lifestyle district designed by leading architectural firm, Heatherwick Studio. The Coal Drops Yard store marks an exciting milestone for COS. Having firmly established its legacy of artist collaborations which celebrate the brand’s influences from the fields of design and architecture, COS will share its inspirations and interests in one hybrid space, unveiling a reimagined store concept, and offering a wholly unique brand experience. The store will act as a multifunctional platform which will host works from established and emerging artists, while integrating independent wellbeing, lifestyle brands and publishing houses alongside handpicked edits from the COS collection. Situated inside the listed section of this transformed former Victorian industrial yard, the space spans across three floors and 577sqm (6210 sq ft). The interior follows the COS aesthetic, whilst respectfully acknowledging the historical details of the original building. Coal Drops Yard is the new shopping and lifestyle district in London’s King’s Cross. Originally established in 1850 to handle the eight million tonnes of coal delivered to the capital each year, and latterly the location of nightclubs Bagley’s and The Cross, the area is now reopening, reinvented by the acclaimed Heatherwick Studio, which has interwoven a contemporary design with the surviving structures, streets and rich ironwork of the original Victorian coal drops that were located on the site. Coal Drops Yard will now be home to over fifty stores, top restaurants and cafés and new public spaces, making it an oasis-like space for visitors to dwell, discover and explore. Special in-store events, workshops, pop-ups and talks will all feature as part of an ongoing programme of activities. The stores themselves will be showcases for some of the world’s most forward-thinking retailers, each an experience and all one-off concepts created using the unique heritage spaces they sit within. With its innovative shopping experience, canalside location in the heart of King’s Cross and state-of-the-art architecture, Coal Drops Yard is set to become a magnet for shoppers and visitors from across London, the UK and further afield when it opens this October.
The £3.5 million community facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire, has officially opened. The Kingsmere Community Centre was built by Deeley Construction on behalf of site owners, Countryside Properties; the project was managed by Buro Four, designed by Robothams and mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E) services were provided by Building Services Design (BSD). “We developed an M&E design that would allow for the building to be used for multiple purposes,” said Joel Sawyer, director at BSD. “This is a building designed to perform different roles for different members of the community so we needed to be flexible with our strategy, while ensuring that we created a functional, contemporary space that was sustainable and long-lasting.” Features include offices spaces, a kitchen, youth centre, activity hall and meeting rooms. The main hall is fitted with a roof mounted natural ventilation strategy, as it lacks openable windows. This solution has saved a lot of money when compared to installing air conditioning units. “The ventilation turrets also have an internal solar powered fan, providing additional ventilation during sunnier conditions, boosting air flow and boasting a zero noise level,” added Joel. “We provided a robust design scheme for the youth centre so that it could withstand considerable use over a longer period of time. The radiators have been covered and we used a more malleable material – mild steel pipework – rather than copper to allow them to withstand any potential impact. The lighting is also impact resistant, as are the fire alarm call points. PV panels were also fitted to the roof to allow for electricity independence,” said Joel. Matthew Keegans, senior project manager at Buro Four, also commented on the project: “Community and place making are essential and we are very passionate about getting right within all of our projects. Working with the BSD team, we were able to incorporate innovative solutions to provide a future proofed and sustainable community hub on time and budget.”
Most hotels want their guests to spend time in them; however, for millennial travellers, the priority is to get out and experience the city. Assembly is a new hotel brand from Criterion Capital, designed to inspire people to make the most out of their trip. Branding agency Ragged Edge partnered with Criterion to define a proposition aimed at young urban travellers, and bring it to life across every touchpoint, from identity right through to the customer experience. The first Assembly hotel opened last month on Charing Cross Road. A single-minded focus In today’s ultra-competitive hotel market, affordable hotel chains must achieve 97% occupancy to succeed. This drives many of them to try to be all things to all people. Criterion saw the market differently, aiming to deliver a compelling offer for a specific audience of experience-hungry travellers with distinctive wants and needs. Out went mini bars, towelling robes and tvs, in favour of the things that really matter – best in class beds, showers, sound-proofing and wi-fi and most importantly, a unmatched location to go and explore the city. Get up and go “Young travellers don’t come to the West End to hang out in a hotel room,” said Max Ottignon, Ragged Edge Co-founder. “So we set out to fuel their sense of adventure. The brand idea – Get Up and Go – reflects Assembly’s disruptive approach, and informed every element of the offer, from identity through to customer service.” An adventurous identity founded on a bespoke typeface The identity was designed as the antidote to the inoffensively bland aesthetic favoured by other millennial-focused hotel brands.It was built around ‘Assembled’, a bespoke typeface designed to reflect the diverse range of experiences on the hotel’s doorstep. The eye-catching letterforms are used playfully throughout the customer experience, scattered across layouts in a visual representation of the brand idea. Bringing the brand to life The agency delivered a full range of assets, from room art, purchased from locals in the area, right through to disruptive takes on the expected suite of hotel collateral. They also designed and wrote a website that aims to capture the energy of the hotel experience, far away from templated feel adopted by much of the category. Built to scale “We’ve created a powerful proposition designed to meet the distinct needs of young, urban travellers. That single-minded focus has allowed us to create a brand that combines an incredible location, affordability and comfort, without compromising on character or excitement. Assembly has already been a resounding success in London, paving the way for planned new sites in some of Europe’s most vibrant cities,” said Asif Aziz, Criterion Capital.
