Family-run developer, Muir Construction, has officially completed a state-of-the-art innovation hub for Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in Inverness, which was opened this week by HRH The Princess Royal The all-newRural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) is located at the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Inverness Campus – which forms the heart
Hartwell Plc, the automotive and property development company, has unveiled emerging designs to deliver new carbon efficient lab and workspace buildings for small and medium sized science and technology companies and amenities at Wootton Science Park to the south-west of Oxford. Hartwell has owned the park since 1975 and built
YASA, the wholly owned Mercedes-Benz subsidiary electric motor specialist, has agreed to pre-let three landmark connected buildings for its UK HQ in the new Innovation Quarter at Bicester Motion, the 444-acre estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, home to mobility businesses past, present and future to help pioneer a sustainable mobility future.
As part of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the runway at Rothera Research Station has successfully been resurfaced by construction company BAM, and the design completed by Ramboll. The station is a major hub for international science in Antarctica, and this significant achievement is a
WITH the sale of the BT Tower in London being announced this week, the opportunity to re-imagine the UK’s most iconic buildings is back in the zeitgeist. Bill Webb, co-founder and director at Able Partners highlights the importance of repurposing buildings around the UK to extend their lifespan into the
A joint venture partnership between Asset Capital and Prescient Capital, has secured funding to enable the redevelopment of a pair of vacant landmark buildings opposite the Town Hall in Leeds city centre. Established senior debt facilitator BLG Development Finance has committed funds for the redevelopment of 26 Great George Street,
A scheme which protects the quality of privately rented homes in parts of Scarborough is to continue for another five years. North Yorkshire Council approved the selective licensing designation for parts of the Castle, Northstead and Falsgrave divisions in the seaside town. Selective licensing allows councils to designate areas where
Scott Brownrigg’s design for a new life sciences campus on a 15 acre site on the outer edge of Cambridge have received planning approval. Designed for BioMed Realty, the new park provides over 500,000 sq ft flexible laboratory and office space, aimed at life sciences, biotechnology and traditional office occupiers.
Construction has begun in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialists arriving at Rothera Research Station to progress several projects to secure the future of polar operations and research. In a first for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), some of the construction team along with BAS team
Detailed designs for seven new, prestigious HQ buildings which total 212,030 sq ft (19,698 sq m) and will be built at Bicester Motion’s new Innovation Quarter have been given the green light by Cherwell District Council. Bicester Motion is a 444-acre former RAF site acquired in 2013 in the heart
BDC 321 : Oct 2024
Family-run developer, Muir Construction, has officially completed a state-of-the-art innovation hub for Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in Inverness, which was opened this week by HRH The Princess Royal The all-newRural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) is located at the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Inverness Campus – which forms the heart of the Scottish Highlands’ thriving bioscience sector. The building was designed by Threesixty Architecture, Narro Associates and Rybka, and project managed by Currie & Brown, assisted by cost consultants Thomson Gray, who all collaborated closely with Muir Construction throughout the delivery of the project. Enhancing energy-efficiency, Muir Construction worked closely with the centre’s designers and structural engineers to incorporate a number of passive design measures throughout. The structure has been designed using hybrid mass timber and steel frame, with bespoke insulated timber components with fire protective qualities manufactured by Muir Construction’s sister company – Muir Timber Systems – exceeding strict building standards and complementing the raw, natural feel of the building’s interior. The new facility provides a modern knowledge cauldron to enhance collaborative learning and development. This offers an exciting and inspiring space in which academia, business and research and development can come together to drive forward the latest industry innovations. This also supports the growth of Scotland’s life sciences sector on a global scale. SRUC teams based in Inverness, including consultants, researchers and members of Vet Services, will all be located at the facility with a key focus on animal health, infectious disease control and zoonotic disease research. It will also build key connections in human health through close collaboration with NHS Highland and University of the Highlands and Islands. The centre is also set to bring a number of economic benefits to the wider community, using technology and big data expertise to create new jobs and support new and existing businesses in the industry. With distinctive cladding around its exterior, the building’s one-of-a-kind 11,450 square foot design is centred around a vibrant atrium. This brings all aspects of the facility together to encourage social interaction, and focuses on the use of height, colour and natural materials. Full height glazing maximises daylight and creates a welcoming environment for visitors. The building comprises superb new lecture, workshop and community events spaces. These are designed to enhance knowledge sharing by facilitating industry talks, presentations and showcasing of the latest innovations. A necropsy suite for wildlife, main office areas and high-quality laboratory spaces located in “The Blue Jewel” – recognised through its rich colour and spacious surroundings – have also been incorporated to support the development of new products and services, as well as industry-focused research. Martin Smith, CEO of Muir Group, said: “We’re thrilled to have played a key role in bringing this new, exciting bioscience facility to Scotland. The project had an extremely unique brief and we’re delighted to have gone above and beyond to exceed our client’s expectations. Seeing HRH The Princess Royal open this facility demonstrates just how important this new building will be for the Highlands. Patrick Reel, Managing Director of Muir Construction, said: “The requirements for the centre provided a great opportunity to bring several of our divisions at Muir together, to not only build the exceptional facility, but also create bespoke high performance timber panelling that creates a distinctive feature throughout. “Using building materials with lower embodied carbon and working with the design team to create a space that uses less energy, we have created a building that is truly sustainable. “This exciting building will play a major role in bringing local organisations together. It provides a high quality facility which will make a great impact across the country’s science industry for years to come.” SRUC Principal and Chief Executive Wayne Powell said: “We are delighted with our state-of-the-art Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre, which will enable us to build new links between science and industry to help address planetary health challenges and grow the natural economy. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and was central to the building’s design, reflecting SRUC’s commitment to preserving natural resources.” Richard Scott, Project Architect at Threesixty Architecture, said: “High sustainability targets and our people first approach, combined with strong concepts informed the design of this project to successfully create an all-encompassing space in which academia, research and development can thrive together. “Working collaboratively with Muir Construction, Muir Timber Systems, SRUC and all our partners, we’re excited to see this ambitious vision come to life and we’re confident it provides a dynamic collaborative space for everyone to enjoy. Collaborating with both Muir Construction and Muir Timber Systems was a key factor in creating such a truly unique building that will play a significant role in SRUC’s future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hartwell Plc, the automotive and property development company, has unveiled emerging designs to deliver new carbon efficient lab and workspace buildings for small and medium sized science and technology companies and amenities at Wootton Science Park to the south-west of Oxford. Hartwell has owned the park since 1975 and built the first office building in 2005. It has recently practically completed Origin, a two-storey CL2 laboratory building. The proposed £35 million Scott Brownrigg-designed masterplan will deliver circa 106,233 sq ft (9,869 sq m) across five new commercial buildings along with connected amenities and facilities for future employees and the surrounding community, which will include high quality landscaped areas, secure bike storage, a bistro and gym. The landscape architecture and ecology designs have included carefully planned green spaces, sustainable features, and intentional coexistence with the surrounding natural environment. Cycle storage and car parking will be provided in accordance with the highway’s authority. James Hilton, property director, Hartwell Plc said: “With an unprecedented increase in the University of Oxford’s spinout companies involved in life sciences, quantum, AI, sustainability and more, we believe that the park’s future lies in answering the demand for high-quality grow-on lab and workspace and providing amenities to not only support those working here in their innovation and discovery, but also the wider community. “Our masterplanning work has focused on creating a well-rounded environment that caters to both physical and social needs, enhancing the working environment, and promoting wellbeing for all those who work here and visit. “The masterplan in both the construction and occupation phases will deliver jobs while fostering innovation and creating a new place for the whole community. We encourage the community to find out more about our plans and to have their say.” The public consultation opens online on Monday 18 March 2024 until Thursday 18 April 2024. An in-person public consultation event is to be held on Thursday 21 March 2024 from 4pm to 8pm in Origin at Wootton Science Park. Wootton Science Park is accessed by the A420 or A34 and is well located for Oxford, the county’s many science and business parks. The consultant team is Scott Brownrigg, Gerald Eve, IMA, Macfarlane and Associates, Aspect Ecology and Hoare Lea. View the exhibition boards and have your say: www.wootton.science/haveyoursay Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
YASA, the wholly owned Mercedes-Benz subsidiary electric motor specialist, has agreed to pre-let three landmark connected buildings for its UK HQ in the new Innovation Quarter at Bicester Motion, the 444-acre estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, home to mobility businesses past, present and future to help pioneer a sustainable mobility future. Bicester Motion’s new Innovation Quarter is a £60 million investment to boost pioneering future mobility discovery and will deliver seven prestigious HQ buildings with views across the airfield and will total 215,000 sq ft (19,698 sq m). YASA has taken a 15 year lease for the first phase across three interconnected buildings which total 88,000 sq ft (8,220 sq m). A reserved matters application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council with bespoke detailed designs, layout and landscaping to enable YASA to continue its pioneering R&D and growth strategy. Construction is due to start on-site in summer 2024 and practical completion is targeted for spring 2025. The carbon-efficient buildings will target BREEAM Excellent certification and EPC A rating. They will be prepared for solar PV technology creation and include dedicated ecology and biodiversity areas, green space amenities for staff health and wellbeing, and bicycle parking spaces. YASA was founded in 2009, a spin out from the University of Oxford, by the founder and chief technology officer, Dr Tim Woolmer. In 2021, YASA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, pioneering new electric drive technology for the whole Mercedes-Benz Group. The company is leading the way in the electric propulsion evolution with its axial flux Technology, a more compact, lightweight, powerful and efficient alternative to the standard radial electric motors used in most EVs today. YASA employs over 400 people across several sites in Oxfordshire, and includes teams in innovation, engineering, prototyping, operations, and business support functions. Many of these teams will be due to relocate to Bicester Motion in January 2026 upon completion of their new headquarters premises. Markus Keicher, chief executive officer, YASA said: “Having grown out of an Oxford University PhD in 2009, YASA’s home has always been in Oxfordshire. It is important for the company and staff that YASA maintains a strong foothold in the area, which is seen as a heartland of automotive technology in the UK. In order to meet the next stage of YASA’s growth, we need a new facility that matches our ambition and Bicester Motion is the right place for this and we are excited for the next stage of our journey as part of Mercedes-Benz.” Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “This is significant news for not just Bicester Motion but also the town, Oxfordshire and UK PLC that pioneering electric motor specialist YASA has chosen Bicester Motion for their new HQ as they continue accelerating their business. Their new headquarters will form a focal point for our latest phase of construction to showcase their impressive sustainable advanced technology innovation and secure local training and jobs. “By joining us, YASA’s new headquarters will enhance our already established and thriving community of 50+ companies as well as Bicester and Oxfordshire’s important role as the home to world leading automotive technology and mobility brands. “This significant pre-let is also a catalyst for our wider masterplan vision and delivery to include hotels and the Experience Quarter.” Bicester Motion has also committed to significant infrastructure improvements including cycle and connectivity to Bicester North station and the surrounding area. It is anticipated that more than 500 construction jobs will be created as result of the Innovation Quarter which will enhance GVA to the local economy. Adalta Real represented Bicester Motion. Adalta Real and Bidwells are the commercial leasing agents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the runway at Rothera Research Station has successfully been resurfaced by construction company BAM, and the design completed by Ramboll. The station is a major hub for international science in Antarctica, and this significant achievement is a pivotal moment for BAS and the UK’s future polar research capabilities. Originally constructed in 1990, the runway is important infrastructure that enables the delivery of science in the deep-field of Antarctica. The newly resurfaced runway and new runway lighting delivers improved safety features for aircraft using the infrastructure with the project being completed over the course of two Antarctic seasons. This is a result of collaborative planning between the AIMP partnership and BAS’ Operations teams to manage the associated impact and enable its successful delivery within the planned timescales. In support of effective ongoing operations and maintenance at Rothera, measures were introduced to improve drainage performance along the runway. A turning circle has been created at the South end to improve overall efficiency. In keeping with BAS’ longer-term net zero and sustainability aims, the runway was resurfaced using existing materials, preventing the need to import materials and their associated carbon impact. It has since been used to facilitate trials of pilotless planes in support of scientific research and exploration, which will contribute to a future reduction in carbon emissions. Elen Jones, AIMP Programme Director, British Antarctic Survey, said: “The completion of the runway resurfacing and lighting project at Rothera Research Station is an important milestone in the delivery of AIMP and is testament to the dedication and expertise of our collective teams across two seasons in Antarctica. The enhancements delivered will greatly support our strategic aim to provide and operate world-leading research infrastructure enabling scientists from the UK, and colleagues from other nations, to work safely and effectively in the polar regions.” Natalie Wathen, Framework Manager at Ramboll, said: “Congratulations to the team for completing such a milestone project at Rothera. The upgrades to the runway’s surface and lighting will be greatly beneficial to how Rothera operates going forward. Through the increased drainage, the new surface will reduce the risk of floods and ice build-up. This will in turn lessen the time to clear the runway surface in preparation to accept aircraft.” Graham Hopper, Project Director, BAM, said: “The benefits of the project have a wider impact than operations; safety has been enhanced on the runway for precision landing approaches. The energy efficient end lighting will clearly define the runway location in relation to sea ice, which will increase assistance to pilots. We have also built in additional ducting capacity beneath the runway for future infrastructure requirements where a runway crossing may be required such as for the Rothera Renewable Energy Project, part of our strategy towards net zero carbon.” The AIMP is a long-term programme to support the UK’s polar research capabilities. Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), AIMP will enable the UK to continue to deliver cutting-edge climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation in Antarctica. AIMP is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll and Sweco. Together with the commissioning of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, AIMP represents the largest Government investment in polar science infrastructure since the 1980s. Find out more: https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/antarctic-infrastructure-projects/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WITH the sale of the BT Tower in London being announced this week, the opportunity to re-imagine the UK’s most iconic buildings is back in the zeitgeist. Bill Webb, co-founder and director at Able Partners highlights the importance of repurposing buildings around the UK to extend their lifespan into the future and manage embodied carbon – all while protecting much-loved buildings and providing opportunity for architects to stretch their creative muscles outside of client work. As well as being an iconic part of the London skyline since the 1960s, the BT Tower contains a huge amount of embodied carbon. That’s two very good reasons for not demolishing the structure, even though its original use is now facing obsolescence as communication becomes digital. That opens a wealth of opportunity to re-imagine the space and make better use of it into the future. The reality will see a hotel developed in the 177m high tower for new owner MCR Hotels, and with the nature of the Grade II listed structure, the industry will be looking forward to seeing the designs from Heatherwick Studio. The architects of the world especially, knowing it’s bound to be a rewarding and interesting design process ahead. The protective nature of repurposing This change of use reminds us of the importance of evaluating space – is it still serving its purpose, or has it served its successful lifespan? If the answer is no, then the possibilities are endless, but the benefits are clear. We all know the important role the built environment has to play in a more sustainable world. Most of the building that will make a difference to meeting net zero already exist, but the solution isn’t to simply knock down old buildings and start afresh. Not only would this need a great deal of consideration and management when it comes to embodied carbon, it creates a great deal of work that isn’t necessary. Lots of buildings hold potential as varied as the BT Tower within them, and it’s all about unlocking what works into the future for an owner or occupier. Not only this, but the UK’s buildings also – especially older ones – have a great deal of heritage and often hold a place in people’s hearts. Simply put, it’s not always the most practical solution, but to knock them down would in many people’s eyes be close to sacrilege – especially when we can create something really special with unique character that also suits future requirements. For architects, these buildings provide a fun, creative and challenging approach to making better, more sustainable use of what we have. Any existing building holds potential to be reworked into something extraordinary, but historic buildings have another level of potential bringing up to modern standards, protecting against release of embodied carbon and erasure from our current streetscapes. Whether it’s a hugely iconic London building, or a particularly well-loved town centre building – demolition is not the answer, and repurposing not only protects, but enhances what any building has to offer. At Able, we’re passionate about spreading this mentality to wider assets and all projects that pass through our doors – as well as re-imagining our most iconic and much-loved buildings to extend their lifespans into the future. Research and development Many architects focus on simply producing their client work, but a great deal of enjoyment lies in an architectural challenge – even one outside of client work. Dedicating time to designing simply to design is a fantastic creative development opportunity for architects, and one we focus on here at Able. Indeed, the BT Tower has captured our own imagination for many years, especially being just around the corner from our base in Fitzrovia. It’s one of the buildings we have produced our own visualisations of in the past alongside WSP – and the difference between what we came up with and what is now in the works with MCR Hotels and Heatherwick Studio shows the wide scope of opportunities that lie in these buildings. To give the building a new lease of life, we leaned into using the building’s unique structure and height, stripping away the telecoms functions that are no longer needed, placing these elements into new casing and reusing as much existing material as possible. By replacing them with demountable, modular structures, as well as circular water strategies and PVs, our goal was to ensure the circularity of the building well into the future. Our ideas begin with a safe but exciting route up the structure for those ‘Instagram moments’. This provides plenty of opportunity to maximise the views up its 177m height from co-working, office and hotel spaces – the possibilities are endless. A series of indoor and outdoor galleries would provide 360 views of the London skyline via raked seating, along with a restaurant space – adding a new spot to the capital’s ‘must-see’ sights. A final note Ultimately, the re-imagining of any building is an exciting prospect, providing so many different avenues to take it forward into a new chapter of its life, even if – like with the BT Tower – its original use is no longer needed. And with sustainability and meeting net zero targets front of mind, it doubles the importance of making what we have much better. There are so many great buildings out there that are not quite attractive enough for the modern tenant, or simply no long serving a purpose. What we can do as architects is make them fantastic again – creating more sustainable developments and making sure they don’t disappear from our streetscapes and skylines. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A joint venture partnership between Asset Capital and Prescient Capital, has secured funding to enable the redevelopment of a pair of vacant landmark buildings opposite the Town Hall in Leeds city centre. Established senior debt facilitator BLG Development Finance has committed funds for the redevelopment of 26 Great George Street, the Grade II listed former Victoria Commercial & Family Hotel and adjacent Shenanigans pub which closed at the start of the pandemic. Built in 1865 The Victoria Hotel was a well-regarded ale house with 28 bedrooms situated above, whilst the latter Shenanigans pub occupied the former Masonic Hall and Central Tower. Last month Stirling Prescient secured full planning consent from Leeds City Council to redevelop the site into purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) on the upper levels whilst retaining the ground floor pub and leisure provision. The team behind Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock’s Ale House have pledged to restore the pub to its former glory, whilst the partnership will deliver 54 studio student bedrooms with modern facilities including a concierge, communal lounges, a gym, bin store, TV room and laundry. The redevelopment involves partial demolition of the existing buildings with a rear extension rising four storeys. The impressive Victorian exterior façade will be sensitively restored, protecting heritage value, and enhancing aspects that contribute positively to the sites significant setting. Daniel Newett of Asset Capital, said: “We are delighted to partner with BLG to bring forward this important regeneration and conservation project. Our plans will help to preserve this historic pub for future generations to enjoy whilst also making best use of the wider plot for much needed new student accommodation. The JV team is local to the area with considerable understanding and expertise in the long-term viability of commercial estate development and an extensive portfolio of successful student led schemes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A scheme which protects the quality of privately rented homes in parts of Scarborough is to continue for another five years. North Yorkshire Council approved the selective licensing designation for parts of the Castle, Northstead and Falsgrave divisions in the seaside town. Selective licensing allows councils to designate areas where there is a high concentration of privately rented housing, and where there may be issues of poor property conditions and management within those properties, plus associated issues such as high levels of deprivation or anti-social behaviour. Executive member for culture, arts and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “Selective licensing is one of the ways we can tackle the problems of poor quality and poorly managed accommodation in the private rented sector as well as address anti-social behaviour. “The private rented sector within the designated area equates to just over 50 per cent of all the homes there so it is vital we look after the interests of the people who rent them as poor housing can have a big impact on health and social care. We have many good landlords and this scheme aims to help both them and their tenants. “Under the Scarborough scheme, which comes into force on 01 June and lasts five years, all privately rented properties within the designated area will have to be licensed by us.” The period of designation will last for five years and include conditions aimed at ensuring licensed properties are safe, meet basic standards and are managed in a satisfactory way. The landlord licence fee is £695 per single-household property to cover the five-year period of the designation. This will be used for the running cost of the scheme. Extra charges will apply for multiple-household properties. Discounts may be available for landlords applying early or if they are a member of a recognised landlord association. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scott Brownrigg’s design for a new life sciences campus on a 15 acre site on the outer edge of Cambridge have received planning approval. Designed for BioMed Realty, the new park provides over 500,000 sq ft flexible laboratory and office space, aimed at life sciences, biotechnology and traditional office occupiers. Buildings on the new park will be energy efficient, and speculatively designed to suit the diverse range of end user needs within the Cambridge market with potential for multi or single occupation. Occupants will enjoy access to an onsite gym, café and array of outdoor amenity and open space. A series of fully accessible landscaped terraces, platforms and gardens include covered outdoor collaborative workspaces, providing tenants with ultimate flexibility in where they work while helping to bring the indoors out. Located next to Peterhouse Technology Park – home to the Scott Brownrigg designed headquarters for technology company Arm – the new park will be an exemplar science hub in Southern Cambridge; helping to meet local demand for quality life science space and reinforce the region’s status as a world-leading centre for research and development. Ed Hayden, Director and Head of Life Sciences, said: “Creating this new park is a really exciting opportunity to build upon the successful history of the technology in Cambridge, and we are really thrilled to be designing the next generation of state of the art workplaces to support the growth of world leading creativity in Cambridge.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has begun in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialists arriving at Rothera Research Station to progress several projects to secure the future of polar operations and research. In a first for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), some of the construction team along with BAS team members will be working through the Austral or Antarctic winter, known as ‘wintering’. This will see eight construction team members stationed at Rothera for seven months during Antarctica’s winter season from May through to November, in which some periods are spent in 24-hour darkness, with harsh polar weather. The season will see the team take further steps towards completion of Rothera’s science and operations facility – the Discovery Building – as much of the mechanical and electrical installation and internal fit-out is delivered. Across the next six months, teams will also be installing windows, completing flashings and finalising most of the cross-site utility works. During the upcoming season, teams will commence the critical work to resurface Rothera’s runway, which has been in operation for over 30 years. The runway resurfacing work will maintain safe flying operations in and out of Rothera to guarantee field science operations for UK and international scientists, and is expected to be completed by Spring 2024. There are over 100 construction specialists working on the project this season, with around a third of the team returning from previous years. The team consists of civil and structural engineers, as well as mechanical and electrical trades for the internal fit-out of the new building. BAS has commissioned a team of its scientists to conduct a comprehensive pre-construction environmental baselining survey for an infrastructure project. The findings from this survey will become an important part of informing future work in the region as the AIMP team and BAS scientists continue to work together to deliver solutions. The programme forms part of the UK Government’s long-term investment in the Polar Regions, enabling the UK to continue to lead climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation in the southernmost continent of the globe. The programme is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll and Sweco. Since 2017, BAS has utilised the expertise and knowledge of the partners, and their extended supply chains, to ensure the success of delivering complex engineering solutions in the world’s harshest environment. Elen Jones, Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme Director at the British Antarctic Survey, said: “Following last season’s success, we’re gearing up for another important construction season for BAS and the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme. We are continually upgrading and improving our infrastructure at Rothera to make sure that the valuable and vital scientific research and support in this critical region can continue for the next generation. For the first time during the modernisation programme, some members of our team will be wintering at Rothera; experiencing something that very few people in the world can say that they have done. We’re immensely proud of their commitment and are excited to see us approaching the final stages of the Discovery Building as well as progressing key elements of our other projects.” Graham Hopper, Project Director at BAM, said: “The start of the new season brings a whole host of new challenges and an exciting next chapter in the development of Rothera. Planning and preparing for work like this requires a monumental effort from all the partners. We’ve been fortunate to work as a partnership for a number of years now, and the excellent progress we’ve made during that time is a testament to each of the partners. We look forward to another successful season of delivery.” Bruce Wulff, Framework Director at Ramboll, said: “Our team is fortunate to be a partner of AIMP and to have the opportunity to upgrade one of the most exciting workplaces anywhere in the world. There’s a lot of work to be done, which is critical to the site’s continued operation, and we’re delighted to be a part of it once again. We wish the team on site luck for this exciting season ahead!” Stewart Craigie, Technical Director at Sweco, said: “We are looking forward to achieving many more milestones this year as a result of our collaborative approach and partnership to design and construction and the technical skill and knowledge of a committed team, working together to transform polar science through innovative solutions and engineering in one of the most remote parts of the planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Detailed designs for seven new, prestigious HQ buildings which total 212,030 sq ft (19,698 sq m) and will be built at Bicester Motion’s new Innovation Quarter have been given the green light by Cherwell District Council. Bicester Motion is a 444-acre former RAF site acquired in 2013 in the heart of Motorsport Valley in Oxfordshire and home to more than 50 industry-leading businesses in all forms of mobility technology, past, present and future. Companies include NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, Motorsport UK, the governing body of British Motorsport, PhysicsX, Polestar’s UK HQ, and record-breaking synthetic fuel manufacturer Zero. Bicester Motion’s masterplan has been adopted and supported by Cherwell District Council with consent for one million sq ft (92,903 sq m) across its Heritage, Innovation, Experience and Wilderness Quarters and hotel. Bicester Motion submitted the detailed designs for its Innovation Quarter which will see a £50 million investment to deliver seven new HQ buildings which will be suitable for R&D technology, light assembly and product showcase and will range from 7,500 sq ft (697 sq m) to 60,000 sq ft (5,574 sq m). Phase 1 will deliver the first two HQ buildings and construction is due to start in Spring 2024 and target practice completion in Q1 2025. The carbon-efficient buildings will target BREEAM Excellent certification and EPC A rating. They will be prepared for solar PV technology creation and include dedicated ecology and biodiversity areas, green space amenities for staff health and wellbeing, and more than 100 bicycle parking spaces. Bicester Motion has also committed to significant infrastructure improvements including cycle and connectivity to Bicester North station and the surrounding area. Future occupiers will have access to Bicester Motion’s annual programme of events, and vehicle tracks and active airfield for both testing and demonstration. Dan Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “We acquired the abandoned former WW2 RAF base in 2013 and since then have been creating the pre-eminent destination to experience the full breadth of automotive and aviation engineering, events, culture, design, research, and manufacture. “Now home to more than 500 highly skilled jobs, from engineers carefully restoring the classics in our workshops to acclaimed national headquarters at the cutting edge of innovation, together with our amenities, track and aerodrome facilities, not to mention our regular fun-fuelled events with footfall of 200,000+ visitors per year, we’re a unique and thriving community. “Since 2013 our purpose has been to create a place unlike any other to promote the development of pioneering technology especially, as you would expect, mobility and transportation. This sector is booming, with both start-ups and mainstream manufacturers racing to develop new technologies and transportation options. “Today’s planning news is a significant milestone in our evolution to invest in and deliver our new Innovation Quarter. We are resolute in our focus to deliver a unique home and space for future innovating mobility pioneers, putting Bicester on the technology map, and boosting the economy in creating jobs both through construction and specifically within the future companies which join our thriving estate.” Sebastian Johnson, head of innovation and inward investment, OxLEP said: “Bicester Motion is a nationally and internationally significant centre for future mobility innovation and emerging technologies. OxLEP supports and recognises the talent and expertise and research capabilities at Bicester Motion and the opportunities to grow the cluster of companies and the innovation that will impact on net zero and sustainability in future mobility. Alongside the innovation is an impressive and well-developed skills offer for young and emerging talent and an amazing visitor experience attracting people nationally and internationally.” George Brown, associate, Bidwells added: “Bicester Motion’s firm commitment to deliver this new Innovation Quarter and specifically the first two high spec HQ buildings is welcome news for the market and those pioneering future mobility companies needing stand-out space in an unrivalled motorsport-focused place. Bicester Motion should be credited for raising the bar in Oxfordshire through their innovative masterplanning and building design and investing and delivering to meet occupier demand.” Acting on behalf of Bicester Motion are 3D Reid, IKS Consulting Ltd, Hydrock, Mcgregor Smith, Ecology Solutions, Edgars, Worlledge Associates, and MODE. Commercial leasing agents are Adalta Real and Bidwells. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
