The City of Edinburgh Council is once again asking tenants to give their feedback on rent proposals and the financial pressures they face. With one month to go until this year’s consultation closes on 17 December, tenants across the capital are being reminded to share views on the rates rent could
Plans have been approved by Oxford City Council to create a new landmark timber cycle pavilion in the heart of Oxford North to provide secure long-stay and short-stay spaces for phase 1a of Oxford’s new £700 million innovation district. Designed by the project’s masterplanners Fletcher Priest Architects on behalf of
WJ Group has successfully secured a place on Barnet Council’s Highways Maintenance Works Framework Agreement (HMWFA). The road safety and marking specialist has been announced as the sole supplier for Lot 9, which covers road studs and markings, further cementing WJ’s position as a key delivery partner to local authorities
Bouygues UK has welcomed representatives of Swansea Council, the UK Government and other project partners on site at 71/72 The Kingsway to mark the official ‘topping out’ for the major five-storey office development in Swansea city centre. Located at the former Oceana nightclub site, when finished the building will house
Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments have submitted a full planning application to Derby City Council for the redevelopment of one of the final plots of vacant land within Derby’s newly revitalised Cathedral Quarter. 186 one- and two-bedroom apartments are proposed for ‘Cathedral One’ within a u-shaped finely detailed red
Bristol City Council’s Bedminster Green regeneration plans took a further step forward today with a topping out ceremony at Dandara Living’s new Stafford Yard development in Bristol. Situated on a former brownfield site within the Bedminster Green Framework Area, Stafford Yard occupies a prime location within this rapidly developing neighbourhood,
A planning application has been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council for the second phase of development at Trinity Academy, a secondary school set within the Victoria Park conservation area in the north of the city. The project builds upon the award-winning phase one – a new-build sports and outdoor
Boroughs in the capital will need to make over £500m of savings next year to balance their budgets, new analysis from London Councils reveals. Based on its latest survey of council finances, the cross-party group warns that nine in ten London boroughs expect to overspend on their budgets this year
A report to the Council’s Cabinet next Tuesday (17 October) is recommending the adoption of a Tall Buildings Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will be used to shape development in a proactive and positive manner. The guidance within the SPD will ensure that all tall building proposals make a positive
Regeneration proposals for MediaCity and The Quays have been unveiled. Following approval for consultation by Salford City Council’s Cabinet, a public consultation is set to commence, which outlines an ambitious vision for MediaCity and Quayside. Spanning 23.30 ha (hectares), it has the potential to bring over 3,000 new homes, more
The City of Edinburgh Council is once again asking tenants to give their feedback on rent proposals and the financial pressures they face. With one month to go until this year’s consultation closes on 17 December, tenants across the capital are being reminded to share views on the rates rent could be set at next year and how this money should be invested to create more and better housing. The full scale of the city’s housing challenge was highlighted earlier this month when the council officially declared a Housing Emergency in Edinburgh. This followed news that up to 5,000 households a night are now living in temporary accommodation due to homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing. A budget strategy report published last month also reveals the gap between the amount of funding Edinburgh needs to improve housing and the budget available to achieve this, which is primarily funded by tenants paying rent and government grants. By raising rent levels, the council could ensure homes meet statutory energy efficiency standards set by the Scottish Government, build hundreds of new affordable homes to help people who are currently homeless and improve the landlord service it provides. Up to 80% of tenants in Edinburgh receive assistance with their rent, with costs covered by housing benefits or Universal Credit. The council intends to extend its Tenant Hardship Fund to support households who aren’t entitled to this support to access funding if they struggle to afford an increase in rent. Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Providing a better service to our tenants, improving their homes, and building more places for people to live is at heart of our housing budget strategy. “We recognise that this year will be particularly challenging for all residents with rising inflation, spiralling prices, and the wider cost-of-living crisis. These price hikes are affecting us too and we’re seeing the cost of running our housing services increase, at a time when we desperately need to invest in new and better homes and tackle rising homelessness. That’s why we have declared a Housing Emergency, so we can work with partners to help everyone who needs a safe place to call home. “In our last consultation tenants told us they want us to invest in homes to make them more energy efficient and that they need more affordable homes. So, we are looking forward to hearing from our tenants again and hope this consultation allows them the opportunity to have their voices heard.” Alongside charging a higher rent for newly built homes and newly modernised homes, the council is considering three possible rent increase options. No decisions on rents or how the council spends the Housing Revenue Account in the next financial year will be made until February 2024, when the council sets a housing revenue budget as part of a wider budget setting process. Find our more and share views here at the consultation hub. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been approved by Oxford City Council to create a new landmark timber cycle pavilion in the heart of Oxford North to provide secure long-stay and short-stay spaces for phase 1a of Oxford’s new £700 million innovation district. Designed by the project’s masterplanners Fletcher Priest Architects on behalf of Oxford North Ventures, the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope, the prominent two-storey radial building, which was inspired by wheel spokes, will be located in the new market square alongside the Red Hall and central park. The new pavilion will provide 191 first-floor secure long-stay cycle spaces dedicated to people working in the Red Hall and Building 1 & 2. It will include a power gully on the stairs to assist in carrying bicycles, along with ground-floor short-stay spaces and a bike repair station. End-of-trip facilities will be in the basement of the adjacent Red Hall with 16 showers and changing facilities and an accessible provision at ground level. These cycle spaces will be in addition to the dedicated 444 spaces with showering facilities which will be provided in each of phase 2’s recently approved Plot A, B and C laboratory buildings. The pavilion’s radial structure timber frame will significantly reduce its embodied carbon and have low energy usage in operation. The design has been based on timber’s construction characteristics which will reduce the need and carbon intensity of an additional structural material for stability. Simple vertical timber battens will enclose the upper storey and provide views across the market square and a translucency which will create a warm ‘lantern’ effect in the evening to enliven the surrounding area. In addition to the architectural design, the project team has included sustainability, accessibility and inclusive design consultants and lighting, fire and security engineers. David Camp, chief executive officer, Stanhope said: “This decision is great news for cyclists! Our project is focused on transforming local travel habits and making cycling more convenient and sustainable for those working and visiting in the future. “We have positioned the pavilion in a key location at the masterplan’s heart to celebrate the bicycle as a mode of sustainable transport. The circular timber structure will act as a focal point, adjacent to the recently consented, enhanced and expanded Red Hall, the central landscape and market square. The pavilion will provide secure long and short-stay spaces and repair facilities serving our three first-phase buildings that are currently under construction.” Philip Pryke, senior associate, Fletcher Priest Architects added: “We are thrilled that our designs for Oxford North’s new timber cycle pavilion have been given the green light. With Oxford one of the UK’s leading cycling cities, it will give bicycle use the prominence it deserves within the new urban district being created. “Our two-storey approach reduces the building’s footprint and the main enclosed body of the pavilion being raised off the ground will deliver views across the market square. It is about ensuring the building is visible and accessible from all sides meaning that, along with the A40 and A44 cycle improvements, the decision to cycle to and from Oxford North will be as easy as possible.” Oxford North’s Phase 1a is targeting practical completion in Q2 2025. Acting on behalf of Oxford North Ventures for the cycle pavilion were Fletcher Priest Architects, Savills, AKT II, Hoare Lea, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Pritchard Themis, Turner & Townend Alinea, OFR Consultants, People Friendly Design, Gardiner & Theobald, and QCIC. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WJ Group has successfully secured a place on Barnet Council’s Highways Maintenance Works Framework Agreement (HMWFA). The road safety and marking specialist has been announced as the sole supplier for Lot 9, which covers road studs and markings, further cementing WJ’s position as a key delivery partner to local authorities across the UK. This latest success increases the number of contracts WJ holds with local authorities to 68. The four-year framework will enable Barnet Council to effectively provide business resilience that supports the management and maintenance of its highways network. It will be used for works covering both carriageway and footway maintenance, drainage, signs and markings, and traffic safety. Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Well-maintained roads and pavements are safer for everyone. That’s why we have agreed to invest an additional £8 million in our highways over the next two years. “We’re delighted to have agreed the Highways Maintenance Works Framework Agreement as part of our commitment to maintaining the quality of our roads and footways and tackling potholes and other issues for our residents. We care for people, our places and the planet, and we will continue investing towards our longer-term plans of making Barnet a safer and more sustainable place for all.” WJ’s appointment to the framework aligns with its continued commitment to evolve its road marking and studs provision. The company recently unveiled Weatherline Ultra at Highways UK as a new addition to its award-winning Weatherline product portfolio. Weatherline Ultra offers even greater levels of performance and durability, achieving over 500 mcd/m²/lx (> R5) and 75 mcd/m²/lx (RW4), and has been designed to ensure visibility in any weather thanks to its dotted profile, raising the marking above surface water for enhanced wet night visibility. Earlier this year, the company also invested over £500,000 to install its Accelerated Product Tester. An advanced piece of equipment, the technology assesses the durability and performance of its highway maintenance and improvement products. The system is the first of its kind in Europe to be able to test road studs, enabling the rapid testing of road studs without the need for extensive and lengthy road trials to assess initial results. Dave Clarke, General Manager (Croydon & Braintree) at WJ Group, said: “Our appointment to Barnet Council’s HMWFA is further evidence that we are a trusted supplier for local authorities. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that we can provide the very best support to local authorities, like Barnet Council, to achieve a better and safer road network, and we look forward to developing our partnership.” For more information, please visit www.wj.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has welcomed representatives of Swansea Council, the UK Government and other project partners on site at 71/72 The Kingsway to mark the official ‘topping out’ for the major five-storey office development in Swansea city centre. Located at the former Oceana nightclub site, when finished the building will house up to 600 workers, will be operationally carbon zero and is worth £32.6 million a year to Swansea’s economy. Bouygues UK’s Operations Director for Wales and the South West, Stephen Davies showed the client delegation which included Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales James Davies and Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, around the construction site, where five floors and two basement levels have now been completed. Swansea Council is developing the project and it is being built by Bouygues UK. It is part-funded by the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal. The scheme, earmarked for completion in early 2024, will include 114,000 square feet of commercial floor space with flexible co-working and office opportunities for businesses in sectors like tech, digital and the creative industries. Other features of the new development include a roof terrace, a new link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street, and balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay. The building will include solar panels on top of the building, as well as heat recovery systems to minimise energy use. It will also include 69 bike spaces and electric bike charging as well as extensive shower and changing facilities. Stephen Davies said: “Bouygues UK is very proud to be working with Swansea Council on this landmark project for the city. It was a pleasure to welcome to the site so they could see the brilliant progress that is being made. “Sustainability is hugely important to Bouygues UK and it’s wonderful to work on such an innovative and environmentally-friendly building. The fact that the building, when finished, will operate at net zero is very important to us as a business, as it’s our ambition to achieve this on all of our sites and builds. “71/72 The Kingsway is a key part of the history and infrastructure of the city centre, and this landmark building certainly fills the need for high quality office accommodation. The mix of commercial and office space is going to be a great asset to Swansea, along with the other ongoing regeneration projects.” Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The topping-out event marks another milestone for the construction of this landmark scheme, which is needed due to the limited amount of high-quality office accommodation in Swansea. Visiting the site has enabled us not just to see for ourselves the progress that’s already been made, but also to learn from our main scheme contractor Bouygues UK about some of the exciting digital tools soon to be used as part of the project as the development gathers even more pace. “Once complete, this scheme will offer the kind of modern, flexible office space we know our businesses need to thrive, particularly in the digital, tech and creative industry sectors where an agile workspace with networking opportunities and high-quality digital connectivity is so important. The scheme has attracted significant attention from potential tenants, and it will also benefit other city centre businesses by generating more footfall and spending.” Wales Office Minister James Davies said: “I was delighted to attend this exciting milestone in the construction of 71/72 Kingsway in Swansea. The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal which, along with our partners, has built this brilliant new facility for the city. “The UK Government is focused on creating jobs and spreading prosperity in Wales and this development will do exactly that by providing space for 600 jobs in growing sectors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments have submitted a full planning application to Derby City Council for the redevelopment of one of the final plots of vacant land within Derby’s newly revitalised Cathedral Quarter. 186 one- and two-bedroom apartments are proposed for ‘Cathedral One’ within a u-shaped finely detailed red brick building that rises to nine storeys. The 0.2Ha site is bounded by Full Street to the west and the River Derwent to the east. Measuring approximately 50m wide by 50m long, the site was previously occupied by a police station, which was constructed in the 1960s and demolished in 2013. Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development was completed in 2016. It includes the refurbishment of the Riverside Chambers office complex, delivery of 46 new apartments at Number One Cathedral Green, and a Premier Inn hotel. The remaining parcel of land had been earmarked for an office development of up to 100,000 sq ft, but it will now be brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for an apartment scheme, benefiting from a vibrant waterside location, with views of the 16th Century Derby Cathedral and its 212ft tower. Also lying adjacent to the site is the Museum of Making at the restored Derby Silk Mill, which re-opened to the public in 2021. The Cathedral One residential development proposals are designed to complete the jigsaw of this prime Derby city centre site by providing dual aspect landscaped public realm over Cathedral Green, whilst enhancing the activity along Full Street. Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects has drawn up plans for a red brick apartment building, inspired by the traditional architecture and heritage assets within the vicinity. In addition to the apartments, 2,000 sq ft of mixed-use space has been accommodated at ground floor level to overlook Cathedral Green and Full Street, providing an active frontage. A range of uses are earmarked for this space, including a new café and high-quality residential facilities such as a gymnasium, co-working zone, and concierge point. James Dickens, Managing Director of Birmingham-based Wavensmere Homes, said: “This challenging brownfield site occupies one of the best locations within Derby city centre and benefits from rich views of the Cathedral Quarter and the River Derwent. It has been vacant for 10 years and the opportunity to create an exemplary development, reflective of the prime gateway location is exciting. “The plans we have submitted for Cathedral One would help towards Derby City Council’s target to provide a minimum of 11,000 new homes throughout the city over the coming decade. By appropriately densifying this derelict brownfield site within such a prized and popular city location, we will create highly energy-efficient homes for well over 250 people who will then spend their time and disposable income locally. We look forward to continuing to work with Derby City Council’s Officers, Councillors, and wider stakeholders, as this planning application is considered.” The Cathedral One plans include two communal staircases, courtyard car parking provision and secure bicycle spaces. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into the design for the new homes, to enable a high EPC rating to be targeted, whilst exceeding the new Part L building regulations. Cathedral One will promote sustainable development through the use of low carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation via a vast amount of roof mounted solar PV panels. Matthew Branton, Managing Director of Franklin Ellis Architects, said: “Whilst designing Cathedral One, our team at Franklin Ellis were conscious of the need for this proposed development to carefully close the wider urban block and positively front Full Street, Cathedral Green and the waterside, improving the safety, attractiveness, and animation of the adjacent public areas. “We have taken a context led approach to a layered facade design, incorporating quality detailing and a refined material palette whilst paying homage to the surrounding architecture and heritage assets, ensuring the Cathedral is always the star of the show. We have spent many months refining the design and generating these comprehensive plans, which reflect feedback from the recent public consultation, together with the Council’s Design and Heritage Review Panels – creating Derby’s most sought-after apartment development.” Derby’s array of city centre shops, amenities and attractions are located within moments of the site on Full Street, with Derby Train Station being one mile away, and reachable by foot and public transport in under 10 minutes. Regular services to London St Pancras take less than 90 minutes, while trains to Birmingham city centre take 34 minutes. Wavensmere Homes has become one of Derby’s most prominent residential developers, with the £175m multi-award-winning Nightingale Quarter becoming one of the finest regeneration and restoration assets in the region. The former Derby Royal Infirmary on London Road – which had laid derelict for a decade – has been transformed into a vibrant new community, including over 900 houses and apartments. The company has also submitted plans for the 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in central Derby, which could be transformed into 276 houses and apartments, and over 110,000sq ft of commercial space. Wavensmere Homes is currently constructing two other major urban regeneration schemes, located in central Birmingham and Ipswich, and has further projects across middle England in the immediate pipeline. The Edgbaston-headquartered housebuilder has around 3,500 new homes either under construction or in planning. To view the plans and read more about the project, please visit: www.fullstreetderby.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bristol City Council’s Bedminster Green regeneration plans took a further step forward today with a topping out ceremony at Dandara Living’s new Stafford Yard development in Bristol. Situated on a former brownfield site within the Bedminster Green Framework Area, Stafford Yard occupies a prime location within this rapidly developing neighbourhood, just south of the city centre and Temple Meads train station. Representatives of Bristol City Council and invited guests from local businesses and community groups, joined Dandara Living’s CEO Jim Davies to commemorate the topping out of the development. Featuring 295 new apartments, resident amenities including, private balconies, roof terraces with vegetable beds, a gym, lounge, retail space as well as courtyard gardens, Stafford Yard will also deliver 21 affordable homes and is the first of three sites Dandara Living is developing in Bristol. This includes a current application for 339 residential homes adjacent to Stafford Yard on Malago Road/Hereford Street/Clarke Street known as Plot 5 Bedminster Green, and a further site with prominent frontage onto Clarence Road and Temple Gate where Dandara Living has submitted planning for a sustainable mixed-use development opposite Temple Meads station with 432 much needed high-quality homes, resident amenity and retail space. Jim Davies, CEO, Dandara Living said: “Build to rent is already very popular with young professionals who want to live and work in vibrant city centres like Bristol. However, we are also seeing increasing interest and demand from retirees and families for whom the security of tenure, professional management and sense of community that developments like Stafford Yard provide, is very appealing. “Bristol is a vibrant, ambitious city and like many others is experiencing a period of change as people reassess what they want from our cities. Build to rent still makes up a relatively small percentage of the UK’s overall housing sector, however it plays a vital role in maintaining overall housing supply and attracting inward investment. Bristol City Council has demonstrated its recognition and support for built to rent and I hope that our investment in Stafford Yard, Bedminster Green and Clarence Road, demonstrates our confidence and commitment to the city’s bright future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A planning application has been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council for the second phase of development at Trinity Academy, a secondary school set within the Victoria Park conservation area in the north of the city. The project builds upon the award-winning phase one – a new-build sports and outdoor centre that serves the local community as well as Trinity’s pupils – which opened in summer 2022. Both phases were designed by Holmes Miller, who have a strong track record of designing Edinburgh schools such as Frogston, Canaan Lane and Victoria Primary Schools. During consultations on the redevelopment, staff, pupils and community felt strongly that the school’s original red sandstone Victorian building on Craighall Road, dating back to 1894, should be retained, refurbished and incorporated into the new design. If plans are approved, several newer existing school buildings which are no longer fit for purpose will be demolished to make way for a new four-storey extension to the historic building, which will offer modern learning facilities for the school’s 1200 pupils. The school will remain open during the build and refurbishment process, with detailed plans in place for phasing and decanting to temporary accommodation on site, to minimise disruption to staff and pupils. Inside the new extension, classroom accommodation will be arranged around a social and dining ‘heart’ which will provide a central point where the school can come together to socialise, learn and collaborate, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. A timber-clad ‘learning stair’ will also connect the school’s main reception space to the ‘heart’. The original Victorian building will link directly to this central space, bringing both buildings together. Designed to meet Passivhaus standards, the extension will aim to reduce energy demand for space heating or cooling, driving down running costs and carbon emissions. It will also meet the Council’s city-wide aspirations for the curriculum to be inclusive, and to meet all digital and outdoor learning requirements. A carefully considered landscape plan for the school grounds will maximise potential for outdoor learning, encourage sustainability and open up opportunities to support local groups. Features will include an ‘arrival plaza’ with seating and social spaces, an outdoor amphitheatre, a growing space, an outdoor gym and a wellbeing hub garden. The landscape design creates the opportunity for connections to Trinity Primary, creating a campus with the secondary school helping integrate both schools. The landscape also incorporates cycle storage and electric vehicle charging in both secure and public areas, encouraging active travel and the 20-Minute Neighbourhood. Ryan Holmes, Director at Holmes Miller said: “City of Edinburgh Council asked us to create a design that would ensure Trinity Academy’s facilities were fit for the 21st Century and that would provide an inspirational learning environment for pupils. Alongside the existing Victorian building, the new extension will do just that, while creating a strong civic presence that is sensitive to the surrounding Victoria Park conservation area. The combination of new extension and refurbishment of the existing building represents a significant investment in the community and promotes inclusive growth through key investment.” John Burns, Associate at Holmes Miller added: “Building on the successful completion of Trinity Academy’s Sports Campus last year, these new plans offer a modern, exciting, and energy-efficient facility for pupils, staff and the wider community around Trinity. Building on this existing relationship with the school and community through ongoing engagement offers a unique opportunity to create a sense of place and new identity, which is an exciting prospect. All users of the building will benefit greatly from this next phase of redevelopment, which will create a school they can be proud of and will positively engage with.” Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “These are really exciting times for the Trinity Academy school community after the opening of their new sports and outdoor learning centre last year. The plans for the new extension, and refurbishment of the original Victorian red sandstone main school building, have been designed following consultation with the staff, pupils and local community. “Another key feature of the new extension is the Passivhaus elements which significantly reduce the amount of energy used and support us in our goal of decarbonising our building stock. In August we opened our first fully Passivhaus classroom extension at Sciennes Primary School and construction work has already started on a replacement Currie High School which will be one of the first Passivhaus high schools in the country. These new buildings will significantly reduce heating costs, improve user comfort and the learning environment as we set the standard for how we build low carbon schools.” Design team: Client: City of Edinburgh Council Project Manager: Atkins Realis MEP Engineers: Rybka Structural Engineers: Etive Landscape Architect: Wardell Armstrong Passivhaus Advisor: Architype Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boroughs in the capital will need to make over £500m of savings next year to balance their budgets, new analysis from London Councils reveals. Based on its latest survey of council finances, the cross-party group warns that nine in ten London boroughs expect to overspend on their budgets this year – estimated at over £400m in total across the capital [1]. London Councils says boroughs face a perfect storm of prolonged high inflation, fast-increasing demand for services, and insufficient government funding – leading to a growing risk of financial and service failures. Pressures on adult and children’s social care, as well as the capital’s worsening homelessness crisis, are the biggest drivers of boroughs’ overspends. London Councils estimates that almost 170,000 Londoners – equivalent to one in 50 residents of the capital – are currently homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local authority. Boroughs expect to overspend on temporary accommodation by £90m this year. Ahead of the government’s Autumn Statement in November, where the Chancellor will set out his future spending plans, boroughs are calling for urgent action to boost support for local services and stabilise council finances. London Councils has launched its key priorities for the Autumn Statement, which include: Cllr Claire Holland, Acting Chair of London Councils, said: “Borough finances are on a knife edge – with grim implications for the future of local services in the capital. “The combination of higher costs due to spiralling inflation, skyrocketing demand for services, and insufficient levels of government funding leaves boroughs in an extremely precarious position. The pressure is relentless – we face a £400m shortfall this year, which rises to £500m next year unless the government provides more support. “Councils play a vital role in their communities providing essential services and in tackling so many major challenges, such as addressing homelessness, unlocking economic growth, and making faster progress towards net zero. “The government must use the Autumn Statement to bolster council finances. This will be crucial for helping boroughs stabilise budgets and sustain London’s local services.” London boroughs’ resources remain almost a fifth (18%) lower than in 2010, despite there now being almost 800,000 more Londoners – broadly equivalent to a city the size of Leeds. This has been exacerbated by over £1bn in unfunded or underfunded new burdens over that period, such as the government transferring responsibility to local authorities for financing Council Tax Support and a host of other measures. London Councils also highlights a recent report from the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank that found London local government funding is 17% lower than its estimated relative need – by far the largest gap of any region in England. London Councils key priorities for Autumn Statement 2023 Download Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A report to the Council’s Cabinet next Tuesday (17 October) is recommending the adoption of a Tall Buildings Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will be used to shape development in a proactive and positive manner. The guidance within the SPD will ensure that all tall building proposals make a positive contribution to Liverpool’s skyline, distinctiveness and image, the city’s growth and the delivery of high quality and sustainable places. On adoption of the document, which has been informed by significant public engagement, it will be used in the decision-making process for all future planning applications for proposed tall buildings. The new guidance, which sets out in detail what the Council considers to be appropriate in terms of height, design and location, will supplement Liverpool’s Local Plan and will help guide the Council’s forthcoming new waterfront strategy. As well as providing design guidance that complements the National Design Guide, this SPD ensures that future tall buildings will also protect the city’s historic character, heritage assets and city’s unique and world renowned image. Five locations in and around the city centre have been identified where clusters of taller buildings could be appropriate. They are: The Tall Buildings SPD has also mapped current developments and sets out guidelines for appropriate heights for new planning applications in these clusters. It also provides guidance based on nine core principles covering issues such as quality, sustainability, environment and economic growth. The policy also states that schemes will need to pass four tests by demonstrating: Reaction Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Economy and Development, said: “Liverpool’s skyline is world famous and its development needs to be sensitively handled. We need to ensure its historic character and charm are maintained, whilst allowing for economic growth and job creation. “This a very timely document as it will help guide and shape our new waterfront strategy and set a clear path as to how developments can provide growth for the future, without impacting on climate change and net-zero ambitions. “Maintaining that balance between environment and regeneration runs throughout the heart of this policy and it has set out clear principles around design, quality and sustainability and what the city expects from developers to meet those standards. “We want to ensure our next generation of tall buildings will have a long-term purpose and can instil pride when we look up at them – both for how they look – and what they offer. “The Spine in Paddington Village is a prime example and shows we can deliver world-class buildings fit for the 21st century and I’m confident the city can curate and foster many more in the years ahead.” Samantha Campbell, Liverpool City Council’s Director of Planning and Building Control, said: “This Tall Buildings SPD sets out a framework, with a clear objective to guide the development of tall buildings in a positive and proactive manner. “Tall buildings can play an essential part of Liverpool’s growth and regeneration. Indeed, Liverpool has a great tradition of building tall, notably with the Liver Building on the Waterfront and sky scraper construction used at Oriel Chambers, Water Street. “The SPD is part of a suite of placemaking documents, including the recently adopted Local Plan, which seek to secure the best possible development in terms of location, quality and design to further enhance the very special and unique character of Liverpool.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regeneration proposals for MediaCity and The Quays have been unveiled. Following approval for consultation by Salford City Council’s Cabinet, a public consultation is set to commence, which outlines an ambitious vision for MediaCity and Quayside. Spanning 23.30 ha (hectares), it has the potential to bring over 3,000 new homes, more business opportunities across circa 75,000 sq metres as well as unparalleled access to employment, retail, leisure and recreation. The regeneration framework builds on the ‘Salford Quays 2030 Vision’ and outlines four key aspirations for the area: creating a vibrant and convenient town centre offering, developing more commercial office space, delivering high quality and affordable homes within attractively landscaped neighbourhoods and enhancing the current waterfront and public realm areas while creating new green spaces. The vast scale of the proposed regeneration project will stretch from MediaCity’s current footprint doubling its size including the area around Quayside and will be defined by four distinct quarters each characterised by a specific purpose. The Media Quarter includes the current cluster of creative, tech and digital companies positioned around the main Piazza and along the Manchester Ship Canal. The Waterfront and Gateway zone will maximise MediaCity and Quayside’s unique waterfront setting. As the historic gateway to the site, new flexible structures and pavilions are proposed to enable the space to be activated in all weathers. Proposals also include a new pedestrian link bridge from MediaCity to The Lowry and Quayside as well as plans to activate North Bay. The Living Hub presents a new opportunity for the destination featuring new, highly sustainable homes, businesses and convenience retail. This zone will incorporate striking architecture, leafy boulevards and tranquil courtyards. The Culture and Community Hub centred in and around Quayside and The Lowry Arts Centre is the vibrant cultural, leisure and retail heart of the destination which residents and visitors from across the region can access and enjoy Stephen Wild, MediaCity’s Managing Director said: “This proposed Regeneration Framework for MediaCity and Quayside is a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of this dynamic area to reach its full potential over the next 10 to 15 years. “In partnership with Salford City Council, we want to deliver an unrivalled destination which will provide more quality homes, employment opportunities, community facilities, a rich cultural and leisure scene while making the most of The Quays greatest assets – the waterfront. We’re creating a place for the people of Salford to be proud of which is why feedback on the proposed framework from our local community is so important. “We’ve already started to bring forward improvements to Quayside in line with Salford City Council’s 2030 vision for the area, with the £3.5 million investment in Central Bay – the new independent food and drink destination. However, we still have a way to go to improve the town centre amenity but through working in partnership with other agencies and Salford City Council we can accelerate these improvements which will be a crucial element of the agreed planning strategy going forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
