Manchester City Council is on course to reach an important milestone this year as part of its drive to become zero-carbon by 2038. By the end of 2023 the Council aims to have installed almost 10,000 new solar panels on its buildings across the city – 9,859 in total. Reducing
London Councils has responded to the government’s announcement on building new homes and the Secretary of State’s speech on reforming the planning system and regenerating urban areas. Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, said: “Boroughs are ready and willing to help deliver the homes
The first phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme is set to get underway with £25 million in funding announced by the City of London Corporation. The funding was approved by the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee to develop elements of a long-term masterplan, undertake further consultation, and deliver early
Proposals for a project to bring around 1,000 new homes to Hull city centre have today been approved by Cabinet. Schemes on three city centre brownfield sites will now move a step further to preparing and marketing the sites for developer interest. One site, known as East Bank Urban Village
Commenting on the Government’s announcement of an expansion of permitted development rights, Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association said; “There is no doubt that we need more homes as well as to reinvigorate our high streets and town centres. However, premises such as offices, barns, and shops
COMMITTING its future to regional improvement, leading independent multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to a new framework deal with Leicester City Council. Operating on an initial two-year term, with options to extend for a further two, the framework will see Pick Everard flex its broad range of consultancy services, working closely with the council’s
MWJV has published its annual report for year four of Cornwall Council’s BEPS Framework: 2022/2023A Cornish construction and professional services consultancy has generated an added social and economic value of £59.5 million as a result of its work with Cornwall Council over the past four years. Mace Ward Williams Joint
A new research-led report has revealed where public funding is urgently needed to kick-start town centre regeneration and support the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda by stimulating investment in the most neglected areas of the country. National law firm Shakespeare Martineau and planning and design consultancy Marrons have analysed data from
The first phase of a regeneration programme in the London borough of Kingston-upon-Thames is getting underway with inspection support and structural warranty cover from LABC Warranty. A joint venture between Kingston Council and Countryside Partnerships will see the Cambridge Road Estate area revitalised with 2,170 new homes in total, across
GRAHAM, the construction and civil engineering specialist firm, has announced its completion of the new £16m Marsh Barton Railway Station in Exeter for Devon County Council, with the station to open to the public on Tuesday, July 4. The project, which was delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and train
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Manchester City Council is on course to reach an important milestone this year as part of its drive to become zero-carbon by 2038. By the end of 2023 the Council aims to have installed almost 10,000 new solar panels on its buildings across the city – 9,859 in total. Reducing carbon emissions from council buildings by using renewable energy and energy efficiency measures is a key part of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2020-25. Since 2022 a total of 6,897 panels have been installed across City Council-run sites, this includes Hough End Leisure Centre, the Wythenshawe Forum and Moss Side Leisure Centre. An additional 2,962 panels have been commissioned or are in the pipeline to be delivered this year at locations such as Didsbury Library, and the Manchester Aquatic Centre. As part of this project work has taken place at the National Cycling Centre in a bid to turn pedal power into solar power. As part of the Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester project, The Council, working in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult and the European Regional Development Fund recently completed a £2.9m project to install solar car ports at the site. These car ports will provide shelter for vehicles, whilst generating power from solar panels installed on top. As one of the most energy-dependent buildings within the Council’s estate, working to reduce the building’s overall consumption forms an important pillar of the Council’s overall carbon reduction plan. It is estimated that the 1,005 m2 site – equivalent to around the size of four tennis courts – will generate roughly 172MWh of electricity annually. In the eight weeks since the solar panels at the Velodrome went live, they have generated more than 47MWh of electricity, saving an estimated nine tonnes of carbon. Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport said: “This work shows that tangible progress is being made as the Council works to become a zero-carbon organisation. “Renewables such as solar power, even in rainy Manchester, provide a viable and unlimited source of energy for buildings across the city. “Looking at the National Cycling Centre, we have shown that we are able to seamlessly incorporate the use of renewable energy into the existing infrastructure, setting a clear example of how this approach can be replicated across the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Councils has responded to the government’s announcement on building new homes and the Secretary of State’s speech on reforming the planning system and regenerating urban areas. Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, said: “Boroughs are ready and willing to help deliver the homes our communities need, but this requires more local powers and resources for housebuilding. “Despite massive challenges, boroughs are working hard to accelerate housebuilding and have made solid progress in recent years. London saw more council-built homes started in 2022 than any year since the 1970s. “There are at least 143,000 potential new homes we could begin building immediately in London if the funding was in place, and we would welcome the prospect of enhanced government support for housing development and regeneration. We are calling for reform of Right to Buy receipts, increased grant allocations, and investment in new infrastructure so that we can truly turbocharge affordable housebuilding. “The chronic shortage of affordable housing is the critical factor behind London’s skyrocketing homelessness figures. The situation is utterly unsustainable. There are 166,000 homeless Londoners living in temporary accommodation, including on average at least one homeless child in every London classroom. “The focus must be on boosting delivery of affordable, high-quality homes. The government’s pledge to expand permitted development rights does not guarantee this will happen – in fact it brings serious risks. Boroughs must retain the ability to ensure housing is built to the right standards, in suitable locations, and with the necessary local infrastructure such as GP surgeries and transport connections.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme is set to get underway with £25 million in funding announced by the City of London Corporation. The funding was approved by the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee to develop elements of a long-term masterplan, undertake further consultation, and deliver early systems and infrastructure work to boost the arts centre’s operational and environmental performance over the next two years. The Renewal Programme will transform underused spaces within the centre for new creative use, whilst also investing in its existing venues and public spaces, and improving the welcome, wayfinding and technical capabilities at the site. It comes after the City Corporation launched its Destination City programme to build a seven-day-a-week leisure destination for UK and international visitors, workers, and residents. Recognised globally as an icon of Brutalist style, the Barbican Centre is one of the UK’s greatest post-war buildings, attracting almost two million visitors annually. It showcases the most exciting performers and artists in music, theatre, dance, the visual arts, and cinema, as well as supporting emerging talent, shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives. The City Corporation is the Barbican Centre’s founder and principal funder. The overarching vision for the Barbican Renewal Programme is to care for and invest in the Barbican Centre building, celebrating its radical vision, and design heritage, while responding to the creative opportunities and challenges of the future. Major improvements will be made to the building’s environmental performance under the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits it to achieving net zero carbon status in its own operations by 2027. The project will sensitively preserve the complex, respecting its Grade II listed status, and the original architectural vision of the arts centre, which is now more than 40 years old. Since the appointment of an award-winning design team in 2022 – led by Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio and Buro Happold – the Barbican Renewal Programme team has been consulting widely to understand what audiences, artists, local communities, and the wider public want from the scheme. City Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “A world-renowned arts and learning organisation, the Barbican Centre showcases the most exciting performers and artists from around the world. “It is a cultural cornerstone of our Destination City programme, enhancing our already unrivalled arts and culture offer, and elevating our attractiveness as a global visitor destination.” Chair of the City Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board Tom Sleigh said: “The Barbican is creatively buzzing and enthralling audiences as it contributes to the cultural and economic life of the City, the capital and beyond. “This initial investment, as part of the larger Renewal project, will start to reshape the arts centre to enable it to continue to deliver unforgettable experiences to millions. “The Board recognises the need to care for this world-famous listed asset, and sympathetically intervene in the built environment, making it more open, inclusive and sustainable.” Claire Spencer, Chief Executive Officer at the Barbican Centre said: “We are delighted with this vote of confidence in the Barbican Renewal Programme from the City Corporation. Our role is to spark creative possibilities and transformation for artists, audiences, and communities – to inspire, connect and provoke debate. Fundamental to this is the renewal of our brilliant Barbican building. “We now have a great opportunity to conserve the extraordinary architectural heritage of the Barbican, while reconsidering what an arts centre can and should be in the twenty-first century, and making sure we are open and welcoming to all. I am looking forward to continuing to work with our accomplished design team, current and future users of our building, and the community to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.” The Barbican Renewal Programme will ensure that the Barbican Centre maintains its status as London’s creative catalyst for arts, curiosity and enterprise – an internationally significant cultural and events venue rooted in its community. Following the £25 million funding from the City Corporation the Barbican Centre will be seeking a range of additional funding sources for subsequent phases of the programme. The City Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proposals for a project to bring around 1,000 new homes to Hull city centre have today been approved by Cabinet. Schemes on three city centre brownfield sites will now move a step further to preparing and marketing the sites for developer interest. One site, known as East Bank Urban Village will see up to 850 new homes, with another 200 properties at a second site at St Stephen’s Place. It is anticipated these sites would offer the potential for high-quality apartments providing social rooftop areas and spaces for families, outdoor play and integrated green spaces, as well as private gardens and sports provisions. Myton City Gateway is expected to be of mixed commercial use and, given its prominence and proximity to the A63 Castle Street improvements, could deliver an impressive entrance to the city centre with opportunities for retail, commercial and leisure developments. The overall ambition of the projects is to offer new, inclusive neighbourhoods where people choose to live, work and play, all whilst developing unused brownfield land in the city centre. This would combine Hull’s unique features to create highly sustainable mixed-use urban developments, as well as balanced and diverse high-quality living which respects and reflects the history of each site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting on the Government’s announcement of an expansion of permitted development rights, Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association said; “There is no doubt that we need more homes as well as to reinvigorate our high streets and town centres. However, premises such as offices, barns, and shops are not always suitable for housing. “Further expanding permitted development rights risks creating poor quality residential environments that negatively impact people’s health and wellbeing, as well as a lack of affordable housing or suitable infrastructure. “It is disappointing that the Government have ignored their own commissioned research that concluded that homes converted through a planning application process deliver higher quality homes than those converted via permitted development rights. The proposals are also at odds with their ambitions to give local communities greater control over developments where they live. “Building the homes the country needs should be delivered through a locally-led planning system, and in the right places supported by the right infrastructure. Only this ensures a mix of high-quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of local communities, while also giving those communities the opportunity to shape and define the area they live in.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
COMMITTING its future to regional improvement, leading independent multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to a new framework deal with Leicester City Council. Operating on an initial two-year term, with options to extend for a further two, the framework will see Pick Everard flex its broad range of consultancy services, working closely with the council’s Estates and Building Services (EBS) department to drive city-wide improvement programmes. Pick Everard will lead ‘Lot A’ on the Project Construction Professional Services Framework, providing multi-disciplinary consultancy across the entirety of the council’s estate, including schools and education, transport, art galleries and museums, leased premises, public and office buildings, and housing. Matt Hall, national director at Pick Everard, said: “This appointment marks a significant period for our business and Leicester City Council, which like all local authorities across the country is working hard to deliver and maintain a building stock fit for current and future sustainability standards. “As sole multi-disciplinary supplier, our aim is to deliver real value to the city, building on our previous work across a broad and varied estate, that will deliver the best possible outcomes, with high quality assets that will positively impact this generation and the next.” Pick Everard will cover a range of projects under the framework agreement, including new builds, extensions, refurbishments and housing builds. In total, it will provide more than 30 multi-disciplinary services, tying into a council-led vision to provide Leicester with a high quality, efficient, effective, and sustainable built environment. Alastair Hamilton, partner at Pick Everard, said: “Our philosophy at Pick Everard is to deliver better together, and with this major appointment, we look to the next phase of enhancing the city we have so rightly called home since 1866. “It is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through a programme of works that combines industry leading expertise under one central collaborative relationship. “We’re proud to continue our ongoing work with Leicester City Council and to partner them in this onward journey.” Matt Wallace, director of estates and building services at Leicester City Council, said: “Having undertaken a robust procurement exercise to provide essential construction professional services and support to the council, we are delighted to be working with a successful, Leicester-based company like Pick Everard, that has such a strong and proven track record in local development. “Having access to its supply chain, along with their shared passion for improving the quality of life for people living and working in Leicester, will be invaluable to us as we deliver the council’s vision to sustainably develop the city and support Leicester’s economic growth and future prosperity.” Pick Everard is a major contributor to city-wide improvement programmes, having delivered project management on the £14.5m Leicester Royal Infirmary relocation of East Midland’s Congenital Heart Centre in 2021. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MWJV has published its annual report for year four of Cornwall Council’s BEPS Framework: 2022/2023A Cornish construction and professional services consultancy has generated an added social and economic value of £59.5 million as a result of its work with Cornwall Council over the past four years. Mace Ward Williams Joint Venture (MWJV), which is a joint venture between Mace and Ward Williams Associates (WWA), has released its annual report following its fourth year of work with Cornwall Council on the £650 million construction and infrastructure capital programme of investment within the Built Environment Professional Services (BEPS) Framework. Andy Snapes, Board Member at MWJV and Senior Partner at WWA, said: “We are proud to outline the social value impact of MWJV for this year in line with our ongoing commitment to share and engage on this critical area of business within our built environment and construction sector. “The work of MWJV in partnership with our delivery partners is deeply rooted in how we aim to shape positive impact in our communities and to develop a vibrant future-focused workforce in Cornwall, putting into practice the UK Government vision of the Construction Playbook through innovation, collaboration and delivery, sitting alongside positive social outcomes. “The recognition for this impact nationally has been significant over the last year and saw two of our businesses recognised with the illustrious Queen’s Award for Enterprise status within the Sustainable Development category. “MWJV has been focused on delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals in our work at the local level, directly supporting seven of them as shown in the report, and our team includes three verified B Corporations; companies whose objectives are to truly use ‘business as a force for good’.” As well as the added social and economic value it has achieved to date, the 2023 version of the annual report shares a summary of the company’s work and achievements over the past twelve months. Some of the most impressive results achieved by MWJV are its involvement in creating 202 new jobs, delivering 193 career events, facilitating 3,367 hours of work experience, and providing training and development for 150 people, surpassing its original goal by 215%. The joint venture has now spent £27.6 million on local businesses, with £20.3 million of this being spent with SMEs across the region. Andy continued: “From the headline figures of over £59 million of value to the local economy through new jobs, training and upskilling, community and educational volunteering and local spend, through to the very individual impact we are able to create for young people entering the workforce through structured training programmes such as T Levels and apprenticeships, it is clear that economic growth through construction and positive impact is possible through innovative local partnerships such as MWJV. “We celebrate this impact in our 2023 Social Value Report and look forward to its ongoing evolution and growth.” MWJV works with its wide network of local and national suppliers to bring expert and cost-effective project management, architecture, design, engineering, and surveying support to a range of programmes across Cornwall in sectors including transport, education, infrastructure, town regeneration and housing. Local suppliers include teams across architecture, engineering and wider specialisms based in Cornwall and across the South West. Chris Owen from Truro-based MBA Consulting said of working with MWJV on the Cornwall Council BEPS Framework: “All our staff live and work in Cornwall. The framework has given us additional stability in the face of COVID and the subsequent financial turmoil. It has enabled us to employ new staff over the lifetime of the framework, all of whom also live in the area. “It provides additional satisfaction to all of us at MBA to work on projects that benefit the community around us; a sentiment that has been relayed repeatedly to me in the office throughout the past twelve months. “The working relationships within the MWJV have been exemplary. In particular, the discussions with our fellow engineers have been enjoyable and beneficial.” Projects across the region that MWJV has worked on over the past year include Spaceport Cornwall, Schools Backlog Maintenance, Local Town Deals, and Looe Flood Defence. MWJV has also continued its support of a range of charities which aim to make a difference to local life and the environment, including Children’s Hospice South West, Surfers Against Sewage, and Macmillan Cancer Support. The full annual report is available for download here: https://www.mwjv.net/s/MWJV-Social-Value-Report_V12.pdf Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new research-led report has revealed where public funding is urgently needed to kick-start town centre regeneration and support the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda by stimulating investment in the most neglected areas of the country. National law firm Shakespeare Martineau and planning and design consultancy Marrons have analysed data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Government’s Geospatial Data Commission in order to pinpoint towns where public funding is most needed, and those that are primed for private sector investment. As part of the group’s More Than Stores report, which proposes policy solutions to arrest the decline of town centres across the UK, the Regeneration Index ranks 360 of the UK’s largest market towns* in England and Wales based on housing affordability, job creation potential, population growth and accessibility. The research confirms that there is a clear North/South divide, with towns in the South East of England more resilient and successful in attracting public and private sector investment than those in the North. Their relative success is largely due to a more diversified townscape, supported by stable population growth and local job creation. Regeneration Index – the ‘bottom 50’ Only two towns in the South East are ranked among the ‘bottom 50’ (of the Regeneration Index), which means that they urgently need Government support or other public sector investment to kick-start regeneration activity. By contrast, 37 towns in the ‘bottom 50’ are located in in the North of England – including Derby, Spennymoor (Durham), Barnsley (Yorkshire), Selby (Yorkshire), South Shields (Tyne & Wear) and Grimsby. The remaining 21 are located across the rest of England and Wales. While the ‘bottom 50’ towns have been ranked ‘worst’ in terms of their regeneration readiness, it is hoped that identifying their plight will help to inform future public funding decisions at a local and national level. Regeneration Index – the’ top 50’ Just six towns in the North of England – which is defined as the Midlands and beyond – and four in Wales, are in the ‘top 50’ (of the Regeneration Index), which means they are considered to be among those best placed to grow organically, without requiring urgent Government-backed intervention. The remainder are located primarily in the South of England. The ‘top 50’ towns have been ranked best in terms of their regeneration readiness, which means they are best placed to secure inward investment and grow organically, without the need for urgent Government intervention. The rankings have been published as the Government faces continued criticism over the allocation methodology behind its £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund, with critics claiming its broad reach is not targeted enough to help areas most in need of regeneration. The application process is also said to be onerous and bureaucratic, costing local authorities significant time and money when applying for funds. Analysis from the Labour Party has revealed that London will receive a higher allocation of funding (from the Levelling Up Fund) than Yorkshire and the North East, the latter of which will receive almost half of the amount given to local authorities in the South East. Further research by the Institute for Public Policy Research has found that investment in deprived areas of the North of England is amongst the lowest of the world’s most advanced economies. ‘Bottom 50’ Ranked: towns where public investment is most required, according to the analysis Town Region Derby Midlands Caerphilly Wales Spennymoor North East Barnsley Yorkshire Bridgend Wales Selby Yorkshire South Shields North East Grimsby Midlands Halifax Yorkshire Workington North West ‘Top 50’ Ranked: towns best placed to grow organically, without requiring urgent Government-backed intervention, according to the analysis Town Region Wakefield Yorkshire Tewkesbury South West Cheshunt East of England Paignton South West Chard SouthWest Baldock East of England Boscombe South West Chesham South East Bridgewater South West Aldershot South East Alex Smith, managing director of infrastructure and specialist markets at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Our Regeneration Index takes a magnifying glass to town-level investment and sets out to explain why some market towns urgently need Government intervention, whereas others are showing that they can support themselves. Previous studies have looked at this problem regionally or have placed a significant emphasis on cities. They have also assumed that funding is limitless. Both of these approaches overlook local disparities that only a granular, town-centre analysis can reveal. “From the 360 market towns we have analysed, we’ve ranked the 50 most in need of public funding to kickstart regeneration. We’ve also ranked the 50 that are most ‘resilient’, where private sector investment is already evident and more likely to be forthcoming in the future, “This isn’t determined geographically, but on a range of demographic and social factors, not least employment density, population growth and housing affordability in sustainable communities close to or within town centres.” In a call to central government and local authorities, the report from Shakespeare Martineau and Marrons puts forward a series of policy recommendations to encourage town-centre regeneration. The NHS, planning, housing, and retail are all key areas of focus. The report recommends the introduction of micro-scale ‘health hubs’ to provide treatment for minor complaints and health conditions on the high street – an activity which could also help to alleviate pressure on NHS services. Other recommendations include the creation of Town Centre Priority Zones and Regeneration Panels within local authorities, and a centralised National Brownfield Map. The latter should be supported by a ‘Prove it or Lose it’ policy, where brownfield land is put up for auction if planning consent is not secured within two years of it being advertised. The report comes after another year of decline for high streets across the UK, where more than 50 shops closed each day in 2022, according to the Centre for Retail Research. The total number of retail closures last year was 17,000, 50% higher than in 2021, and the highest in five years. Closures from independent retailers made up 65% of the total. Brian Mullin, head of Marrons, said: “The evidence suggests that our high streets are
The first phase of a regeneration programme in the London borough of Kingston-upon-Thames is getting underway with inspection support and structural warranty cover from LABC Warranty. A joint venture between Kingston Council and Countryside Partnerships will see the Cambridge Road Estate area revitalised with 2,170 new homes in total, across a mix of home types and tenures, including 941 affordable homes and a minimum of 114 additional council homes. Block E on the site of a former community centre will benefit from LABC Warranty’s support. This £55m development within Phase 1 of the regeneration masterplan will create 206 new homes across six core buildings, including a 12-storey structure. The development consists of 134 private homes, 64 homes for social rent and eight for shared ownership, with all buildings joined by a shared green podium space accessible to all residents. LABC Warranty’s London Sales Director Julian Roper said: “In Kingston as in many other London boroughs, a tremendous amount of work is underway to provide new homes and spaces better designed for modern living, as well as more affordable homes so urgently needed. “It is very rewarding to be part of this work and I am delighted LABC Warranty will support Countryside Partnerships and Kingston Council in the construction of this part of the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM, the construction and civil engineering specialist firm, has announced its completion of the new £16m Marsh Barton Railway Station in Exeter for Devon County Council, with the station to open to the public on Tuesday, July 4. The project, which was delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and train operating company Great Western Railway (GWR), delivered a new two-platform station which will provide services for more than 7,000 people employed at Marsh Barton, while also supporting development plans for around 2,500 new homes across the estate. The new Marsh Barton station is located near the ‘Energy from Waste’ plant on the eastern edge of Marsh Barton industrial estate. The scheme involved the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge that will supplement the new station, providing step-free access and improving active travel links between Alphington, Marsh Barton, and the Riverside Valley Park. GRAHAM utilised its vast civil engineering expertise to deliver the bridge in addition to the station, overcoming various planning and design challenges along the way. Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: “We are extremely proud to have delivered this fantastic new station in collaboration with Devon County Council, Network Rail, and GWR. The new Marsh Barton station will reduce road congestion and offer more sustainable travel choices for passengers in the region. With thousands of people using the route for both work and leisure travel, the station will provide a boost to the local economy and reduce the region’s carbon emissions, providing lasting impact to the communities it serves. Andrew added: “This project presented several logistical challenges, but our innovative approach and strong working relationships enabled us to overcome them successfully. We are grateful to our project team and supply chain for their hard work and dedication to delivering this important new station and footbridge.” Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “It’s excellent news that the station has passed all of the necessary checks and that it can now open to passengers on Tuesday 4 July. The station will be a huge asset to this part of Exeter, providing convenient access to Marsh Barton trading estate as well as connecting with active links to access other areas of the city.” GWR Business Development Director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably. Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area.” Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail’s industry programme director for the South West, said:“We are delighted to welcome this brand-new fully accessible station in Marsh Barton onto the rail network. It will unlock better connections to jobs, events, and opportunities for people in Exeter and across the South West.” Marsh Barton station will be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with additional half-hourly services at peak times. The project has been funded by the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund, Devon County Council, Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Exeter City Council, Teignbridge District Council, Network Rail and GWR. For more information about the project, please visit GRAHAM’s website at https://www.graham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
