Landmark Port Hamilton building redesign to become one of Capital’s largest ever pre-letting deals  Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to transform its Port Hamilton building in Edinburgh city centre into a state-of-the-art innovation hub as part of a £200 million redesign led by Drum Property Group. In what will be one of Edinburgh’s largest ever pre-letting deals, the complex will become Lloyds Banking Group’s main base in Scotland following completion of the works in 2027. Lying at the heart of the city’s financial district, the 282,000 sq. ft. Port Hamilton building has been home to Scottish Widows for almost 30 years. It is one of Edinburgh’s landmark office buildings, reaching up to eight storeys with a distinctive curved roof. In an innovative deal structure, Drum will assume control of the property and take responsibility for redeveloping the building as part of a forward funding agreement. Port Hamilton will remain the head office for the pensions and investments business as Drum has also concluded a pre-letting agreement with Lloyds Banking Group which will see the firm enter a 21-year lease after the transformation works are expected to be completed in 2027.  Welcoming the redevelopment deal, Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director, Drum Property Group, said: “The £200m redevelopment of Port Hamilton presents an exceptional opportunity for Lloyds Banking Group to upgrade and enhance one of Edinburgh’s landmark buildings and deliver an exceptional working environment for Lloyds colleagues in an unrivalled city centre location. We are particularly proud of securing one of Edinburgh’s largest ever office pre-letting deals. The level of investment, structure and net-zero objectives of the Port Hamilton redevelopment sends out a very strong message for the future of the city centre office market. It also marks another exciting addition to our proven track record in delivering major office facilities for both corporate and government occupiers.” As the UK’s largest digital bank, Lloyds Banking Group employs around 10,000 people in Edinburgh across a range of different parts of the company, including customer-facing, finance and technology roles from software engineering and data science to cyber security. The Port Hamilton redevelopment is part of Lloyds Banking Group’s wider drive to create a more sustainable office footprint across the UK and contribute to its net zero goal. It follows the full refurbishment of its Bristol office in 2022 and a move to the most energy-efficient office building in Leeds last year. Chira Barua, CEO of Scottish Widows, said:“The fintech scene in Scotland is buzzing and we’re committed to staying right in the centre of it. We’ve made huge progress in connecting customers with their financial futures and we’re starting to see how powerful digital engagement and gamification will be in the future. There’s huge potential to help make a real difference for our customers’ lives and we’re right out in front building all the parts we need to innovate in a massive way.” Sharon Doherty, Chief People & Places Officer, Lloyds Banking Group, said:“We want to create a more modern and sustainable workspace in Edinburgh where our colleagues enjoy working so that we’re in the best place to serve our 27 million customers in more ways with the things that matter to them.” HSBC Asset Management advised the building owners on the transaction, noting they weredelighted to conclude the agreements to enable this significant redevelopment project. In concluding the Port Hamilton transaction, Knight Frank acted as commercial property agents for Hamilton Prop Co. Ltd. whilst CBRE acted for Lloyds Banking Group.  Drum’s legal advisors were Morton Fraser and MacRoberts, Pinset Masons represented Lloyds Banking Group and Brodies acted for Hamilton Prop Co. Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

New phase promises high-tech growth for Oxfordshire innovation hub Albion Land’s flagship technology park, Catalyst Bicester, is set for significant expansion following Cherwell District Council’s approval of the next phase of development. The green light paves the way for an additional 128,000 sq ft of premium employment space across three state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings along the A41. Planning permission for the project, part of Phase 4 of the Catalyst masterplan, was granted at a council meeting on Thursday, 16 January. With eight buildings already completed and fully let to advanced manufacturing, research and development (R&D), and design companies—including notable names such as Evolito, Tesla, and Yasa—Catalyst Bicester continues to establish itself as a hub for innovation and technology. The development also benefits from nearby amenities such as the Holiday Inn Express and David Lloyd Leisure, enhancing the appeal of the park for employees and businesses alike. Simon Parsons, Director of Albion Land, said:“This is fantastic news for Bicester, Oxfordshire, and the high-skills technology and engineering sectors in the region. These bespoke new buildings will provide exceptional workspace for companies eager to join the Catalyst Bicester success story and benefit from our efforts to strengthen Bicester’s tech ecosystem. We’re thrilled with the planning approval and are eager to move forward to meet the strong demand from occupiers.” Construction of Phase 3 is planned for 2025, delivering a further 110,000 sq ft across five buildings. Phase 4 will follow unless accelerated by tenant demand. Phase 4 represents a £55 million investment and could create around 500 additional jobs, depending on the eventual occupiers of the new space. Catalyst Bicester’s development began in 2021, with Phases 1 and 2 now fully built out and leased. The most recent addition, Unit 8 (38,710 sq ft), was completed last autumn and is already home to an international advanced-engineering and design business. Demand for space at Catalyst Bicester is driven by the growth of Oxfordshire’s innovation and technology sectors, as well as the park’s strategic location, high-quality amenities, and integration within the region’s tech and engineering ecosystem. The three new Phase 4 buildings will occupy a prime site fronting the A41, directly opposite the Holiday Inn Express. The site is designated in the Cherwell Local Plan for knowledge-based employment development. Albion Land was supported in the planning process by Quod (planning consultants) and Cornish (architects). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., supported by LS Estates, have appointed construction services organisation Morgan Sindall Construction (Morgan Sindall) to be the lead contractor for the new life science development at 17 Columbus Courtyard (17CC), Canary Wharf. Morgan Sindall will begin work on site in January 2025 to oversee the transformation of the existing building into a new state-of-the-art life science and technology hub, catering to the evolving needs of current and future occupants from across the sector. Completion of the building is planned for Q3 2026, and marketing will commence early this year with a focus on a balanced mix of younger fast growing startups/scaleups and more established life science corporates. Designed by architects Scott Brownrigg and benefitting from direct connections to the Elizabeth Line, the high quality research facility will provide 190,000 sq ft of flexible laboratory and office space spanning nine upper floors, while the ground floor will feature a new communal amenity area with café, co-working space, and shared high-spec meeting rooms and conference facilities. Occupiers at 17CC will benefit from a dedicated on-site manager responsible for developing the facility’s research ecosystem and enhancing tenants’ experience. Rowan Jenkins, Managing Director – Development at LS Estates, said: “Morgan Sindall’s appointment as lead contractor for 17CC marks a significant milestone in the building’s transformation to becoming a cutting-edge life science and technology facility for Canary Wharf. “17CC has been designed to provide a collaborative environment throughout, with flexible floorspace and specification options available for a range of different occupiers, from late-stage start-ups to more established companies.” Mark Swetman, CEO at LS Estates, said: “Working in partnership with Morgan Sindall is a positive step towards the redevelopment of 17CC. We look forward to seeing the successful completion of this state-of-the-art research facility, which will form an integral part of the emerging Canary Wharf life science cluster.” 17CC will minimise both embodied and operational carbon, embracing the principles of a circular economy by retaining, repurposing and upgrading as much of the existing building as possible. This approach will minimise raw material usage, limiting the upfront embodied carbon for the project to just 337 kgCO2e/m2 and will divert at least 95 per cent of construction waste from landfill. Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Area Director for London, said: “17CC will exemplify how existing buildings can be repurposed and adapted to accommodate the changing nature of the workplace, assisting occupants in meeting their sustainability objectives. “We’re looking forward to working alongside LS Estates to realise the potential 17CC has to offer for innovators working across the life science and technology sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, have celebrated the groundbreaking of the UK’s first vertiport testbed. The vertiport, which is a key output of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, an Innovate UK Future Flight Challenge project, is under construction on a plot of 0.42 acres (0.17 hectares) which will include a compact 160 sq m passenger terminal. Once complete, it will be a critical facility for testing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight operations, ground infrastructure, and air traffic management and will play a significant role in enabling the next generation of electric, low noise aviation in the UK. The vertiport is being constructed adjacent to Bicester Motion’s existing general aviation grass runways and is due to be completed in early 2025. The facility will launch with an inauguration event at which Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium partners will test and demonstrate key outputs and findings from the project which will include demonstration flights by Vertical Aerospace. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer, Bicester Motion said: “It’s great to see Skyports’ vertiport being built right here in Bicester. Once complete, it will support vertical take-off and landing aircraft testing as part of advanced air mobility innovation. We’re proud to support this vertiport testbed as part of our strategic vision to integrate both traditional and vertical aviation operations from our airfield and boost pioneering future mobility discovery.” Duncan Walker, chief executive officer, Skyports added: “With spades in ground and the site beginning to take shape, today we are one step closer to delivering our vertiport at Bicester Motion. Our thanks to the project and construction teams for their work so far and we look forward to opening the facility in a few months’ time to continue our efforts to develop and scale electric air taxi services.” Michael Cervenka, chief commercial and strategy officer, Vertical Aerospace added: “As a proud partner of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, Vertical Aerospace is excited to see this state-of-the-art vertiport come to life. Facilities like this are essential for enabling the seamless integration of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft into our airspace and helping people better understand the benefits they will bring. We look forward to supporting this effort with demonstration flights next year and together advancing the future of aviation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now finished ready to welcome the public. The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday 15th November. Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, and procured through SCAPE, one the UK’s leading procurement specialists. Using the SCAPE Venture framework, client Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, supported by Ashfield District Council, accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson – driving collaboration, time efficiency and cost savings. The landmark scheme which completed this month involved the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a visitor attraction, and education centre for the general public, schools and group visits, breathing new life into the historic building which now features an exhibition hall, meeting room and café, alongside the cutting-edge planetarium. Works included building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space, maintaining original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, while evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building. Designed to inspire interest and careers and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with a wraparound experience, the facility will also help to increase annual footfall to the location. G F Tomlinson concentrated on supporting the local community during construction, and multiple educational and employment opportunities were provided through a dedicated Social Value Working Group (SVWG). 76% of local spend took place within 20 miles of the construction site and 77% of labour was sourced within the same radius. Over 2,000 tonnes of excavated sand from the site were donated to two separate golf clubs close to the observatory at a value of £20,000. The contractor delivered 2,100 hours of educational value through school talks, visits, mock interviews and career fairs with local schools and colleges, and 10 work experience placements were also provided alongside six apprenticeships which totalled 30 weeks of onsite experience. T level students spent time weekly on site with the design management team, and the contractor also organised mental health visits with the Lighthouse Charity and two ‘Women in Construction’ events. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have completed works to this unique and significant Nottinghamshire landmark scheme – providing a world-class immersive facility for all ages in the heart of the Midlands. The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space. “We’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed working alongside the Sherwood Observatory team, Ashfield District Council and other stakeholders who helped in bringing this incredible project to life.” Dr Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager said “Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork.  The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible.  We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.” Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE said: “The Sherwood Observatory planetarium has been an excellent project to be a part of. Procured via the SCAPE Venture framework, we worked closely with our partner, G F Tomlinson to support greater efficiency, deliver cost savings and help embed social values initiatives. “Now open, the planetarium provides a one-of-a-kind attraction not only for the local community but for visitors from further afield. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and astronomers that the planetarium inspires.” Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It really is spectacular, and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also further afield. “It has been incredible to see the building through the various stages of construction and to see the vision really come to life. I am proud to have been some small part of the process. “The immersive shows really are incredible and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the Planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will see more visitors coming to Ashfield as they are transported through space. “It truly is an educational experience like no other and hopefully will see more young people develop an interest in learning more about space.” One of 16 projects being funded by the £62.6million Towns Deal which was secured by the council from the Government in 2021, the project benefitted from Levelling Up funding and grants from the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund.  Solar panels at the scheme were sponsored by Mansfield Building Society and the Changing Places toilet by East Midlands Rail Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cambridge Business Park is set to contribute to a new innovation ecosystem in Northeast Cambridge, providing a variety of office and lab spaces for start-ups and established businesses, alongside a residential, leisure and cultural offer for the wider community. It will greatly support the UK’s science, innovation, and technology ambitions.  Led by The Crown Estate, the mixed-use regeneration project worth £1.5bn will support the Government’s focus on keeping the UK at the forefront of global innovation. This builds further on The Crown Estate’s recent partnerships with Great British Energy to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, and with Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprise to deliver a new 100,000sq ft life sciences, technology and innovation space in the heart of Oxford.   As a major national landowner, The Crown Estate has a proven track record of enabling innovation and generating long-term social value, and is driven by its remit to create economic, social, and environmental value for the nation. Through redeveloping Cambridge Business Park, it intends to create an inclusive destination; connecting ideas, people, and industries that facilitate important science innovations with tangible social impact.   This is part of The Crown Estate’s wider long-term ambition to invest up to £1.5 billion in the science, technology, and innovation sectors nationally over the next 15 years. Supported by the creation of a globally significant Innovation District in Northeast Cambridge, the proposals will nurture homegrown skills and enable businesses to scale up in the UK and attract investment.  Cambridge is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth and support investment in innovation. Today it is firmly established as Europe’s largest technology cluster, with more than 60,000 people employed by around 5,300 knowledge intensive businesses in the area. With a raft of science and R&D-focused spaces within Cambridge, the curation of a national, innovation focused ecosystem will help to contribute to this growth and create further opportunities for Cambridge, the wider region, and the UK. The Crown Estate aims to deliver a scheme that will fulfil a wider mission-led purpose, fuelling meaningful social, environmental and economic change for the public good that connects top talent, research and funding to address urgent global challenges. The Crown Estate is well-positioned to play a key role in UK innovation through its unique combination of assets, customers, and partners which it intends to leverage for the benefit of the sector.   Initial proposals for the transformation of Cambridge Business Park will be shared as part of public consultation, due to commence later this month.   Dan Labbad, CEO at The Crown Estate, comments: “The Crown Estate is investing where it can have the most meaningful impact in addressing areas of national need, meeting local challenges and realising opportunities. Our vision for Cambridge Business Park is to create an inclusive and connected place that is industry leading in terms of sustainable and innovative workspace.  “Working with government and our partners, we intend to contribute to the UK’s science, technology and innovation sectors’ success on the global stage, acting as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth, while delivering a community of socially-conscious and environmentally-focused business leaders.  “We are confident Cambridge Business Park will play a pivotal role not only in enabling SMEs to scale up, but also in connecting and convening the brightest minds and organisations to innovate with impact, and support our wider aims of improving planetary health.”    The Crown Estate has a diverse national footprint, proven ability to bring together the public and private sectors, and a unique structure compelling it to act in the long-term national interest. It has identified science, technology and innovation as key sectors where it can have a meaningful impact to support regional economic growth.   The redevelopment of Cambridge Business Park is still in its infancy, with the new masterplan in very early stages of design and a wider public consultation planned for later this month to inform proposals. The site currently comprises 12 buildings across 20 acres, providing in the region of 325,000 sq ft of commercial office space only. The developing masterplan intends to create a thriving and biodiverse innovation-led destination comprising a mix of retail and leisure spaces, a brand-new high street, ‘science on show’ focused lab buildings and office space and homes. Central to proposals will be a ‘no borders’ ethos through the opening up of the site, creating improved accessibility and connectivity to Cambridge North station and surrounding science parks, as well as opportunities for young people and the local community to enjoy the facilities and access STEM focused educational opportunities.   Subject to planning, construction at Cambridge Business Park is anticipated to begin in 2026 through a phased approach, with the new destination open and operational by 2030.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Kadans Science Partner is excited to today announce the official opening of their new state-of-the-art laboratory building MAYDE, 5-10 Brandon Road.   Located in King’s Cross, London, MAYDE is the most recent high-specification office and laboratory building to join the world-famous Knowledge Quarter. This new laboratory scheme of 114,000 sq ft includes high-quality good-manufacturing-practices (GMP) pilot plant facilities and is the only space in London offering GMP manufacturing facilities alongside R&D and office space. This includes one floor of fully fitted lab and office space ready to occupy immediately.   The building was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours for guests, and speeches from Steve Bates, CEO BioIndustry Association (BIA) and James Sheppard, International Head of Asset Management at Kadans Science Partner.   Will Fogden, Senior Development Manager at Kadans said:  “We are thrilled to announce the official launch celebration of MAYDE, 5-10 Brandon Road. The space offers a unique opportunity for tenants to expand from R&D into commercialisation all under one roof with GMP manufacturing facilities alongside R&D and office space. It has been an exciting journey to reach this stage from inception all the way through to completion and we look forward to welcoming in new tenants.  MAYDE is the first of four buildings within Kadan’s ownership at Tileyard, in King’s Cross providing over 350,000 sq ft of science innovation space. We are excited to continue our expansion and building on this already vibrant Science and Innovation ecosystem.”  Construction began in 2022 with the intention of creating a space that boasted a high technical specification.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ENHANCING science education, work on the UK’s newest planetarium for more than a decade is progressing rapidly at its Nottinghamshire site, with the £6.8 million project set to complete by the end of November. Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, the Foyle Foundation and numerous other donors, the new planetarium forms part of the Sherwood Observatory, which is being transformed into a leading regional education and exhibition space off Coxmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield. The internal fit-out is now well underway, with equipment including a ten-metre diameter hemispherical screen and projectors being installed that will show tours of the solar system and beyond. The planetarium will feature 59 seats and will be disability accessible. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the scheme, delivering project and cost management services. Nick Hanson, associate cost manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is an exciting project that is contributing positively to the local area with a world leading science and education facility. “The Sherwood Observatory is of huge historical significance and draws on our expertise of delivering high quality visitor attractions, with protected elements sensitively treated and managed through robust stakeholder management plans. “Our team is fully invested in helping deliver this unique undertaking, which will have a transformative impact on regional tourism and economy drives.” Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the construction works for the multi-million pound planetarium – completing pre-construction design and planning through SCAPE’s Beyond the Public Sector Framework. Jason Ainsworth, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to be part of such an exciting and unique project in the region, and once finished, the state-of-the-art centre promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational hub. “Alongside attracting thousands of visitors to the region and raising awareness of the local area and history of the site, it also provides opportunities for STEM careers for future generations to come. This was made possible due to our early involvement and collaborative working with the client team and consultants, facilitated through the SCAPE Beyond the Public sector Framework”. The new planetarium design incorporates the existing Victorian subterranean reservoir, which will see its original features, such as the intricate brick arches, kept to preserve the history of the building. The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration, growth and local planning at Ashfield District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see construction of the new planetarium and science centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved. “It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups as well as individuals and families to come and see shows about space and science. We know this will light the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area. “It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of seeing this move from an initial pitched idea while walking around the dark Victoria water tank, to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility. I could not be more excited to see my first show in the finished planetarium. “This really will be an incredible asset for the district and broader region and will inspire so many people with the wonders of space and inspire many onto new and exciting careers.” Steve Wallace, planetarium project manager and chairman at Sherwood Observatory, said: “This is going to be a cutting-edge facility and it has been fascinating to work on. We are now moving to the next stage where a specialist planetarium creator is on site transforming the dome. “It is a very unique bit of software that offers theatrical shows and give visitors an immersive tour of the solar system where they can go from planet to planet and then out into the wider Milky Way and Universe.” The planetarium at Sherwood Observatory is the latest development Pick Everard has worked on in the region, following the recent opening of a new ‘Green Heart’ space as part of the £2 billion Broad Marsh regeneration project in Nottingham city centre. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals