Public Sector : Local Authority News
Topping out ceremony marks milestone in Hayes Town Centre Regeneration

Topping out ceremony marks milestone in Hayes Town Centre Regeneration

A significant milestone has been reached in the regeneration of Hayes Town Centre, where a topping out ceremony was held to celebrate the highest structural point of construction in the first phase of two major developments. Delivered by Higgins Partnerships in collaboration with Hillingdon Council, these developments are set to

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Protecting Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Protecting Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

A robust management plan to continue to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in the Capital will be considered for approval by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Committee next Wednesday (13 November). Shaped by an extensive programme of public and stakeholder

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Bouygues UK partners with local suppliers to help transform former Debenhams store into Carmarthen's health and wellbeing HWB

Bouygues UK partners with local suppliers to help transform former Debenhams store into Carmarthen’s health and wellbeing HWB

Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council have committed to working with a team of local suppliers and subcontractors to transform an old retail store into a state-of-the-art health, wellbeing, education and leisure hwb. The major contractor and Carmarthenshire County Council, in collaboration with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the

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£56M Treasury Greenlight for Major Brownfield Regeneration at Liverpool Waters

£56M Treasury Greenlight for Major Brownfield Regeneration at Liverpool Waters

HM Treasury has approved a £56 million investment from Homes England to jumpstart the regeneration of a vast brownfield site in Liverpool Waters, bringing new life to the city’s historic northern docklands. The funding will support extensive infrastructure developments in the Central Docks neighbourhood, preparing the area to accommodate approximately

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Affordable housing and Right to Buy reform: LGA statement

Affordable housing and Right to Buy reform: LGA statement

Responding to the Government’s housing announcements, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “We are pleased the Government has acted on our call to increase Affordable Homes Programme funding. We have made the case for councils to be empowered to build more affordable, good quality homes quickly

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Construction works to commence at Wigan’s former Galleries shopping centre site following agreement signing

Construction works to commence at Wigan’s former Galleries shopping centre site following agreement signing

Developer, Cityheart and Wigan Council have signed agreements allowing Principal Contractor Galliford Try to deliver the first phases of construction work at the former Galleries site in Wigan Town Centre. Galliford Try will start work in mid-October 2024, following directly on from the large-scale demolition and site investigation works already

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Public Sector : Local Authority News

Topping out ceremony marks milestone in Hayes Town Centre Regeneration

Topping out ceremony marks milestone in Hayes Town Centre Regeneration

A significant milestone has been reached in the regeneration of Hayes Town Centre, where a topping out ceremony was held to celebrate the highest structural point of construction in the first phase of two major developments. Delivered by Higgins Partnerships in collaboration with Hillingdon Council, these developments are set to transform the heart of Hayes Town Centre and Avondale Drive, delivering much-needed housing and public spaces to the community. The first phase includes 110 new homes, with 80 homes located at Hayes Town Centre and an additional 30 properties at Avondale Drive. Once fully completed, the two developments will provide a minimum of 740 new homes across social rent, shared ownership and private sale tenures. The delivery of affordable homes has been prioritised in the programme, helping to address local housing needs promptly. Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Higgins Group said, “We are delighted to reach this important milestone at Hayes Town Centre. This achievement brings us closer to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes, along with high-quality public spaces that will enhance the lives of residents and create a thriving, inclusive community.” Both Hayes Town Centre and Avondale Drive developments will feature new high-quality public open spaces, improved pedestrian and cycle routes, secure car parking, landscaping and children’s play areas. At Hayes Town Centre Estate a new community centre will also replace the existing one, providing enhanced facilities for residents. Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing said: “Our priority was to ensure that the affordable homes for local people were included in the first phases of development.  “Council properties are in high demand, and creating new homes is a key part of our strategy to create safe and strong communities and prevent homelessness, so I’m delighted to see these works progress.”  In line with its commitment to social value, Higgins Partnerships has actively engaged with the local community through its Community Charters, creating apprenticeship and training opportunities for residents. It has also partnered with organisations such as Minet Nursery and Primary School, Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge College and Austin Sewing Club to deliver meaningful community support and opportunities for skill development. The masterplans for both estates were approved by Hillingdon Council’s planning committee in March 2022 after extensive consultation with residents on the designs. In a ballot held in May 2021, residents strongly supported the redevelopment, with 94 per cent in favour at Avondale Drive, and 79 per cent in favour at Hayes Town Centre Estate. The redevelopment of the two Estates is expected to take approximately seven to nine years to accommodate decant and phased construction strategy, allowing as many residents as possible to stay on-site with minimal disruption. For further information about Higgins Partnerships please visit www.higginspartnerships.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Transforming Solihull: Council and Muse Sign Agreement for Mell Square Revamp

Transforming Solihull: Council and Muse Sign Agreement for Mell Square Revamp

Solihull Council has joined forces with national developer Muse to lead the transformation of Mell Square, the iconic retail centre at the heart of Solihull. The two parties have formalised a Development Agreement to revitalise Mell Square with new retail options, leisure facilities, public spaces, and up to 1,600 homes. The ambitious plans were unveiled at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May and received Cabinet approval from Councillors last month. This project is a core part of the Solihull Town Centre Masterplan, which sets out a bold vision for growth and investment across the town centre. Muse, known for its high-profile developments like Newcastle Quayside, was selected as the preferred development partner in October 2023. Since then, a series of public consultations have engaged local residents and businesses in shaping the future of Mell Square. The latest round of feedback sessions is underway, offering the community an opportunity to weigh in on the evolving plans. This input will inform a planning application set for submission early next year. Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, remarked, “This partnership marks a crucial step in Mell Square’s transformation. With Muse’s expertise, we’re poised to reinvigorate Solihull’s retail and leisure offerings, support local businesses, and diversify our town centre’s appeal. I’m especially pleased that new housing forms a significant part of the plans, helping us attract more residents and boosting the local economy.” He also highlighted the importance of local input: “Further public engagement sessions are planned this November, giving residents and businesses a direct voice in this exciting redevelopment.” Maggie Grogan, Midlands Managing Director at Muse, added, “Our vision for Mell Square is to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood that will meet the changing demands of Solihull’s town centre. Securing this Development Agreement allows us to move forward with community consultations, and we look forward to sharing our innovative plans with residents.” The Mell Square redevelopment marks a new era for Solihull, promising to create a dynamic urban hub for work, leisure, and community living at the heart of the West Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Protecting Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Protecting Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

A robust management plan to continue to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in the Capital will be considered for approval by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Committee next Wednesday (13 November). Shaped by an extensive programme of public and stakeholder engagement it includes actions to tackle the climate emergency, create a sustainable visitor experience and the conservation and maintenance of buildings and public spaces. The Site is managed by the City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage. The partners work together to ensure that they protect the authenticity and integrity of the World Heritage Site while at the same time making sure it can operate as a thriving city centre. The proposed management plan sits alongside a two-year action plan to ensure improvements continue to be made in the Site going forward. It is a forward-looking strategic document which sets out the framework for the preservation and enhancement of the Site’s cultural heritage. Five key themes which were highlighted during the engagement period are now included in the plan.  These are awareness, appreciation and activity around WHS status; climate emergency; conservation and maintenance of buildings and public spaces; control, guidance, and contribution of new developments to city centre and sustainable visitor management.   Cllr James Dalgleish, Convener of the Planning Committee, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: Edinburgh’s old and new towns are exceptional places to live, have a business and visit. It’s the recognition of this that led to the city’s inscription by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in December 1995. World Heritage Sites must have strong and robust management plans in place to keep their Outstanding Universal Value. This is what makes them of worldwide importance. This must be preserved and enhanced for future generations to come. Like many other internationally renowned cities in Edinburgh we face the challenges of a growing population and the climate emergency and we must balance this with need to preserve our incredible and historic World Heritage Site. Edinburgh has many iconic and historically significant buildings and the Council works hard with partners to make sure any new development is appropriate and fitting with the rest of the site. In doing this a wide range of issues are considered including the needs of residents, tourism, culture and climate change. Edinburgh’s World Heritage site belongs to everyone and so I’d like to thank our partners and everyone who engaged with us on the Plan to get it to this stage. We’re continuing to speak to our partners and other interested groups as we look to  implement it in the coming years. Dr James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: The history and heritage of Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns is internationally significant, and plays an important role in shaping local identity for the people who live and work here, as well as drawing millions of visitors from all over the world each year. This management plan will ensure that this significance will continue to be managed, protected and celebrated over the next decade, and we look forward to working with our partners at City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage, as well as other key stakeholders across the city, to implement the plan. Christina Sinclair, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage site is special – it is a complex, living capital city and its conservation requires considered action, great investment and long-term planning. Through a rolling pipeline of conservation work, engagement, climate emergency and city advice work, EWH preserves, protects and promotes the city’s unique architecture and built environment. The World Heritage Site Management Plan is a vital tool for active conservation, and is fundamentally important to identifying, agreeing and delivering necessary action. We have worked collaboratively with colleagues in CEC and HES to develop the Plan. Throughout, we have invited and incorporated the views of local communities, allowing actions to be shaped by people who live and work in the site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bouygues UK partners with local suppliers to help transform former Debenhams store into Carmarthen's health and wellbeing HWB

Bouygues UK partners with local suppliers to help transform former Debenhams store into Carmarthen’s health and wellbeing HWB

Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council have committed to working with a team of local suppliers and subcontractors to transform an old retail store into a state-of-the-art health, wellbeing, education and leisure hwb. The major contractor and Carmarthenshire County Council, in collaboration with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, is transforming the former Debenhams at St Catherine’s Walk into the Health and Wellbeing Hwb, which will provide a variety of facilities all under one roof. Lead contractor Bouygues UK is committed to using local subcontractors as part of its commitment to provide employment, training and skills opportunities to local people and underrepresented groups. It has already been working closely with sub-contractors from the area on its other prestigious project at Pentre Awel in Llanelli and continues to do so at the Health and Wellbeing Hwb – with a further commitment to upskill all those working in its supply chain on the importance of embedding sustainability into their work. The groundwork was carried out by Cambrensis Civil Engineering, with Shufflebottom Ltd providing the secondary steelwork. Both companies are based in Cross Hands. Castle Scaffolding, from Ammanford, supplied the required scaffolding, and Davies Cranes, located in Carmarthen, handled the steelwork and mechanical & electrical crane lifts. FP Hurley, also from Cross Hands, is managing the MEP (Mechanical, Engineering, and Plumbing) services. Security and cleaning services are being provided by the CSA Service Group, based at Llanelli Gate Business Park. The Gavin Griffiths Group from Swansea is overseeing commercial waste management, and Cwmgwili Recycling Facility in Carmarthen is also working with Bouygues UK. Project Lead Dylan Jones said: “It’s fantastic to see so many local firms working alongside us to help transform the former retail store into an exciting health, wellbeing and leisure hwb for Carmarthenshire. Working with local business is a key part of our commitment to using a local supply chain on projects as well as creating employment opportunities for the neighbouring community.  It’s a truly collaborative approach that is proven to work.” Once complete, Carmarthenshire residents will be able to access community health services at the Health and Wellbeing Hwb that are being provided by Hywel Dda University Health Board. Alongside health and wellbeing services, the remodelled building will partner with Actif Sport and Leisure to facilitate a new 24-hour gym, which will include top of the range equipment, and flexible fitness suites for group and individual workouts. There will also be a high-spec family entertainment centre that will include a range of activities for families, including indoor adventure golf, toy town soft play, E-Go Karting and TAG Active. The entertainment centre will also house party rooms and offer food and beverages. It is expected that once open to the public it will increase footfall for the town centre and drive further economic resilience for local traders and retailers. When the department store closed in May 2021 the knock-on effect on trade in the town centre was significant. It is hoped that the new all-encompassing Hwb – the first of its kind in Carmarthenshire – will encourage more people from the region into the town centre to take advantage of the public and leisure services that will be available under one roof. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented: “I am delighted to see that so many Carmarthenshire sub contractors are being utilised to work on this development. The Health and Wellbeing Hwb will serve as a place that local people can more easily access community health care and County Council Customer Services, as well as having a place to bring their children to the family entertainment zone or even to get healthier by using our gym.  The development will significantly increase footfall in the town centre and encourage people to visit for the day, which will positively impact our other local businesses in and around the town. Thank you to Bouygues UK for their ongoing work within our community.” This project is funded in partnership with £7million from Welsh Government via the Health and Social Care Integration and Rebalancing Capital Fund Programme, as part of the wider West Wales Regional Partnership Board Capital Programme and also funding of £18m from the UK Government. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£56M Treasury Greenlight for Major Brownfield Regeneration at Liverpool Waters

£56M Treasury Greenlight for Major Brownfield Regeneration at Liverpool Waters

HM Treasury has approved a £56 million investment from Homes England to jumpstart the regeneration of a vast brownfield site in Liverpool Waters, bringing new life to the city’s historic northern docklands. The funding will support extensive infrastructure developments in the Central Docks neighbourhood, preparing the area to accommodate approximately 2,350 new homes and a public park in line with the government’s plan to build 1.5 million homes across the UK over the next five years. Owned by Peel Waters, the Liverpool Waters project spans over 60 hectares along the River Mersey, with Central Docks set to attract over £550 million in private investment. Already under way across the Liverpool Waters district are major projects, including the new Everton Stadium, the Mersey Heat energy network, and the Isle of Man’s £70 million ferry terminal, which was completed in June. The newly approved scheme, covering 10.5 hectares, is expected to be a landmark development for Liverpool’s waterfront. It will introduce essential utilities, new roads, cycle lanes, and pedestrian pathways, creating seamless connections between the city centre, Princes Dock, Central Docks, and the Everton stadium at Bramley Moore Dock. Central to this transformation will be a 2.1-hectare public green space, ‘Central Park’, which will blend coastal and woodland landscapes with play spaces and recreational amenities. Liverpool City Council Leader, Councillor Liam Robinson, expressed his enthusiasm, noting the scheme’s potential to transform disused dockland into a vibrant neighbourhood that will set a high standard for modern, sustainable development across the country. Development Director of Liverpool Waters, Chris Capes, commended the collaborative effort behind the project, emphasising that the infrastructure investment from Homes England will leverage further private funding, paving the way for a new, inclusive community that balances residential, commercial, and public spaces. Scheduled to commence in the spring, initial site preparation and design work will begin immediately, with the broader vision of turning Liverpool’s docklands into a thriving, community-oriented destination for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Revitalising York’s Heart: Coney Street Riverside Masterplan Gets Council’s Go-Ahead

Revitalising York’s Heart: Coney Street Riverside Masterplan Gets Council’s Go-Ahead

York’s historic riverside is set for a stunning transformation as Helmsley Group’s ambitious Coney Street Riverside masterplan receives approval from the City of York Council’s planning committee. The masterplan, which will bring new life to a long-overlooked area, was praised by council members, who lauded Helmsley’s commitment to community engagement and revitalisation of York’s iconic waterfront. “This scheme is long overdue and will be a real positive for York,” noted Councillor Jonny Crawshaw, Chair of the planning committee, who highlighted the importance of restoring listed buildings with sensitivity. With nearly unanimous support, the council approved both the masterplan and a separate listed building application. The Coney Street Riverside project will introduce 250,000 square feet of diverse retail, leisure, commercial, and residential spaces, reimagining York’s historic core with a strong focus on community accessibility and sustainable design. The project includes creating a riverside walkway, which will enhance public access to the River Ouse, along with revitalising the historic lanes connecting Coney Street to the river. Notably, the site encompasses a cluster of listed buildings and structures of local significance within York’s Central Conservation Area, offering a unique opportunity to blend heritage with modern development. Among those in support was prominent disability campaigner Flick Williams, who called Helmsley’s inclusive design approach “a breath of fresh air,” and Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, who emphasised the project’s potential to rejuvenate one of York’s most valuable areas. Max Reeves, Development Director at Helmsley Group, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “This project offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to restore historic Coney Street as the social heart of York, reconnecting it with the riverfront.” With over 40 years of local development experience, Helmsley Group has committed to long-term investment in the project and anticipates beginning on-site work by 2026, barring any planning conditions. Pending the Secretary of State’s review on certain listed building elements, the plan is set to proceed with a dedicated team from Helmsley Group, brown + company, O’Neill Associates, and others. This transformative project aims to forge a dynamic and inclusive riverside destination, breathing new life into York’s cherished urban landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Affordable housing and Right to Buy reform: LGA statement

Affordable housing and Right to Buy reform: LGA statement

Responding to the Government’s housing announcements, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “We are pleased the Government has acted on our call to increase Affordable Homes Programme funding. We have made the case for councils to be empowered to build more affordable, good quality homes quickly and at scale and this will boost councils’ ability to build desperately-needed affordable housing for local communities. “It has become increasingly impossible for councils to replace homes as quickly as they’re being sold through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme. The LGA has long-called for reform to RTB and these positive measures will support the replacement of sold homes and to stem the continued loss of existing stock. “A 5-year rent settlement is a step in the right direction in providing certainty for councils on rental income, but to really strengthen and provide stability to Housing Revenue Accounts, a minimum 10-year rent settlement is needed, alongside restoration of lost revenue due to the rent cap and a review of the self-financing settlement of 2012. This would better support long-term business planning to ensure councils can deliver high quality homes and associated support for their tenants. “Councils stand ready to work with the Government to increase affordable housing and help people on council housing waiting lists and record numbers stuck in temporary accommodation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Exciting New Chapter for Sutton: Council Selects Partner for Town Centre Regeneration

Exciting New Chapter for Sutton: Council Selects Partner for Town Centre Regeneration

Sutton Council has appointed Genr8 Kajima Regeneration as its preferred partner to drive the next phase of the town centre’s transformation, focusing on key sites such as the St Nicholas Shopping Centre, civic offices, Gibson Road car park, and the Secombe Theatre. At the heart of the project is the creation of a brand-new civic hub, providing a ‘front door’ for residents to easily access council services. The hub will also include a modern library and flexible community spaces. Scheduled for completion by mid-2029, this development will breathe new life into Sutton’s town centre. Alongside the civic hub, the plans outline the introduction of new retail and leisure spaces to enhance the local experience. These improvements are designed to boost the economy, offering residents and visitors more options while encouraging footfall in the area. A significant highlight of the regeneration is the development of 740 new homes, with 50% set aside as affordable housing, including nearly 300 homes for social rent—a vital contribution to addressing the housing crisis. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Sutton Council, expressed enthusiasm for the project:“This is a key element of our vision for a vibrant and sustainable town centre. Our residents will benefit from a new hub offering improved access to council services, as well as exciting new retail and leisure facilities. Importantly, we are also delivering much-needed social housing for local families.” Councillor Sunita Gordon, lead member for resources, highlighted the council’s forward-thinking approach:“By purchasing the St Nicholas Centre in 2021, we took control of this key site’s future. This project represents a chance to create a smaller, more environmentally efficient civic centre, reducing costs and addressing climate change. Genr8 Kajima Regeneration has the expertise to bring this vision to life.” Mike Smith, partner at Genr8 Kajima Regeneration, shared his excitement:“We are thrilled to collaborate with Sutton Council on this transformative project. Our focus will be on creating a vibrant, sustainable town centre that meets the needs of the community and secures a prosperous future for Sutton.” This ambitious project promises to revitalise Sutton, bringing together new homes, businesses, and community spaces in a development that aims to serve residents for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vistry partners with Solihull Council to deliver 177 sustainable new homes

Vistry partners with Solihull Council to deliver 177 sustainable new homes

Solihull Council has struck a development deal with leading homebuilder Vistry Group PLC to build up to 177 affordable new homes for its residents.  The sustainable new development will be built on the site of the former Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood. This well connected  spot, located between the Chester Road (A452) and the M6, was originally earmarked for housing development in the adopted 2013  Solihull Local Plan.  Following a thorough tender process Vistry has been chosen to deliver the scheme, which will be up to 100% affordable and includes two-, three-, and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes, reflecting local housing need.  The high-quality new homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) reducing the carbon footprint of every property. The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire. Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house and provides maximum energy efficiency helping future residents to cut their fuel bills. Each property will also utilise air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers and will be fitted with integrated solar PV panels to provide additional power. Central to the proposed development will be a focus on creating a distinct sense of place, with exciting plans for a new play area, nature trail and attractive new public spaces. The final scheme will benefit from significant infrastructure investment from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and enjoy cycle lane provision and footpaths connecting residents to local centres and the surrounding Cole Valley landscape. Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “Appointing Vistry as our development partner for this crucial project is a huge step towards utilising the full potential of the former Simon Digby School site. We’ve undertaken a lot of work to set the stage for this and now we can finally crack on with delivering affordable and sustainable homes critical to meeting the borough’s housing needs. “These 177 homes won’t just be a collection of new houses but a thriving, well integrated new community at the heart of Chelmsley Wood, perfectly positioned to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with the arrival of the HS2 interchange and the rest of the UK Central Hub.” Councillor Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Here in Solihull, we’re serious about stepping up to the challenge of building the new homes our residents need while also setting the highest quality threshold for energy efficiency and sustainability. “Mirroring the fantastic work already underway just up the road in Kingshurst, this scheme will help deliver on both our housing targets and climate change commitments.” “Once built, the scheme will deliver a biodiversity net gain through key design features such as green landscaping and a dedicated new nature trail.” James Warrington, Divisional Chair for South Midlands and the North at Vistry said: “We are thrilled to be working with Solihull Council on this development which will help meet the housing shortage in the area with family homes built using environmentally responsible methods.   “We’re excited to be a part of Solihull’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.”   Delivery of the scheme is being supported by a £2.97m contribution from WMCA, via its devolved housing and land funds. Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor, said:“We have to start building more homes that local people can genuinely afford. “Working together, including a £3 million contribution from the WMCA, all 177 houses on this site are planned to be affordable meaning more homes for all communities across the region.  “Schemes like this one that use low carbon, factory-built homes are revolutionising the housing landscape. They are quicker to build and easier and cheaper to heat, which means they can make a big difference in addressing the housing crisis.” Initial feasibility work, concept masterplan development and acquisition of land interests has been managed as part of the council’s UK Central Infrastructure Programme and funded by WMCA. It is one of over twenty projects building upon the investment and regeneration planned for the borough, supporting further sustainable and inclusive growth. Vistry will now take the designs to the next stage and carry out a series of consultation activity before submitting their planning application for the scheme later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction works to commence at Wigan’s former Galleries shopping centre site following agreement signing

Construction works to commence at Wigan’s former Galleries shopping centre site following agreement signing

Developer, Cityheart and Wigan Council have signed agreements allowing Principal Contractor Galliford Try to deliver the first phases of construction work at the former Galleries site in Wigan Town Centre. Galliford Try will start work in mid-October 2024, following directly on from the large-scale demolition and site investigation works already completed by BCEGI and PP O’Connor. The agreement means construction can start immediately for the new 90,000sqft market hall, located in the heart of the town centre. Alongside commencing delivery of the new market hall, Galliford Try will also undertake ground and enabling works across the wider site to progress the next phases of the new mixed-use neighbourhood.  Earlier this year Hampton by Hilton were announced as one of the first occupiers at the development, signing up for a 144-bed hotel. A series of Meet the Buyer events have also been held for local businesses to find out how they can get involved with the project and to ensure that Wigan borough businesses benefit from the contracts and investments that are being made. Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said “The new market hall is at the heart of the project and set to be the first new building to open. Wigan is a traditional market town, receiving its Royal Charter in the 13th century. This development will bring our market into the 21st century, creating a vibrant, modern and thriving space for our traders and visitors to the town, ensuring it has a strong and exciting future with a lot of job opportunities for people both during and after construction.” Darren Jones, Development Director for Cityheart added: “We are delighted to be working with Galliford Try to bring forward the next stage of redevelopment at this transformational  Wigan Galleries site. We are progressing the delivery of the site in various phases in accordance with the planning consents we have secured. Throughout the phased development and once the scheme is complete the focus will be on  community wealth building with job opportunities for local businesses and residents. We’re proud to be part of delivering a destination which will enhance the offer in Wigan town centre and bolster the economy in the borough for many years to come.” The complete scheme is set to create circa 660 full-time jobs generating Gross Value Add (GVA) impacts of £26.5m per year. During the first phase of demolition, jobs apprenticeships and training placements were provided for local people through projects with Wigan Youth Zone and Wigan and Leigh College. Darren Parker, Managing Director for Galliford Try Building North West, commented: “We are pleased to be getting under way with this initial construction phase of the Wigan Galleries project and look forward to working with all the stakeholders involved to deliver social value back into the local community and support Wigan’s investment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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