Plans to create a version of New York’s High Line park as part of an ambitious regeneration project in a North London borough have been given the green light. Camden council’s planning committee has unanimously approved the first phase of the ‘Camden Highline’ scheme in a move that’s set to
Funding has been secured through the Levelling Up fund for eco-friendly projects in Oldham; including a learning centre at Northern Roots; a new “Green Shoots” business centre, and an “Oldham Greenway” to link areas together by bike or on foot. The bid, for £20m in funding, was one of only
The Leader of Barnet Council, Cllr Barry Rawlings, has welcomed the Government’s announcement yesterday to award £29.5m of Levelling Up funding for the redevelopment of Colindale Tube station. Colindale is one of London’s most deprived areas and the redevelopment of the Tube station will be central to enabling the building
BarNET ZERO, the new borough-wide campaign to help Barnet become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs is launching on 16 Jan. The campaign has been designed to bring residents, communities, and businesses on the borough’s journey to Net Zero, through advice, information and support. The initial five-week campaign will look
In partnership with the leading environmental charity Changeworks, the City of Edinburgh Council is helping homeowners transform the energy efficiency of their homes. Making 166 homes in Oxgangs warmer and fit for the future by improving external wall insulation, more than 50 properties have already received major improvements with over
The Actis specification team is looking forward to taking part in a face-to-face technical roadshow with LABC later this month – which will provide delegates with three and a half hours of CPD training. The event, aimed at builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the central region, takes
A public consultation has launched over proposals outlining investment plans in and around Gorton District Centre. Manchester City Council has developed an initial strategy for the areas in Gorton and Belle Vue that highlights potential new public spaces, homes and employment opportunities. It is these early ideas that are open
The project team behind One City Park – a state-of-the-art new office in Bradford – gathered on site to celebrate the building reaching its highest point and on track to complete in Summer 2023. The event had a festive twist with an official light switch on for a 15ft Christmas
Pave Aways, a successful privately owned construction business with a dedicated team of construction professionals, has announced it is to start construction work on a new Staffordshire History Centre in January. The £5.4 million centre will be formed by extending the existing Staffordshire Record Office on Eastgate Street in Stafford
Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has partnered with Hounslow Council to decarbonise schools and public buildings. After acquiring Asset+ – a specialist provider of energy reduction and zero-carbon measures for the UK public sector – in May this year, Johnson Controls will help Hounslow
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Plans to create a version of New York’s High Line park as part of an ambitious regeneration project in a North London borough have been given the green light. Camden council’s planning committee has unanimously approved the first phase of the ‘Camden Highline’ scheme in a move that’s set to transform a 260m section of viaduct between Camden Gardens and the crossroad between Royal College Street and Camden Road into a public park. The ‘Camden Highline’ route will run eight metres above the ground, providing a biodiversity boost for one of London’s most popular tourism centres as it weaves its way through local communities and housing estates, connecting 20,000 people to new green space. Gardens and walkways, seating areas, cafes, arts and crafts stalls, children’s play areas and space for charitable activities are all set to feature in a ground-breaking design, which is inspired by woodlands, meadows, hedgerows and gardens to ‘celebrate and amplify the unique characteristics of the railway viaduct’. Alongside delivering health and social benefits, the developers and architects vPPR are working with urban space reimaginers Street Space to ensure the local community plays a central role in project design and has a voice in decision-making. The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has previously backed the scheme, which he says epitomises London’s creativity and ingenuity. An expected two million people a year could visit and use the Highline, pumping an additional £16m in tourism revenue into the local economy annually. Upwards of 200 jobs could also be delivered during construction operations, while land and property values will see a strong uplift with almost £100m worth of existing and future development anticipated. Planning approval for Phase 1 has been secured by planning and development consultancy Lichfields. Senior director Michael Lowndes and planner Sophie Bisby said the project will revitalise a vitally important part of London. Michael Lowndes added: “Planning approval is great news and will bring benefits to local people and the thousands of visitors who come to the area every year. It reflects a fresh approach to rejuvenating urban public spaces that deliver long term, impactful and sustainable benefits for local communities. We have drawn extensively on our experience and expertise to deliver a solution to secure planning permission. “Camden Highline will undoubtedly have a big impact and contribute to a positive change to this part of North London. The design is intended to celebrate and amplify the unique characteristics of the railway viaduct, dramatising movement and discovery, set within a sequence of woodlands, meadows, and gardens.” Camden Highline, the charity behind the project, is currently focused on fundraising for construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Funding has been secured through the Levelling Up fund for eco-friendly projects in Oldham; including a learning centre at Northern Roots; a new “Green Shoots” business centre, and an “Oldham Greenway” to link areas together by bike or on foot. The bid, for £20m in funding, was one of only three successful bids from across Greater Manchester. The aim of the funding is to boost opportunities for residents and businesses through better connectivity, sustainability, culture, innovation and job opportunities. Oldham Council Leader Amanda Chadderton said: “Oldham has so much potential and as a Council we continue to do everything in our power to help our communities and our borough thrive. “We welcome the £20 million we’ve secured for our Greener Oldham projects in the borough. This proves Government has confidence in our regeneration plans and the work we are doing throughout our Creating a Better Place programme – creating an town where people want to live, work and visit. “Towns like ours have been hit hardest by austerity, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. But despite this we remain one of the most entrepreneurial towns in the UK. “We have a clear direction for Oldham and have worked with partners to identify exciting projects as part of our Levelling Up bids, which will help us to build a better borough and future. So much work has gone into this successful bid, and it’s great to see that our ambition has been recognised and invested in.” The successful bid was for the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency and includes three key project areas to help us build back greener. It also backs our Greener Oldham commitment to being carbon neutral as a borough by 2030, as part of Oldham’s Green New Deal. The three projects are: The Levelling Up bids follow Oldham Council’s successful applications to secure Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund grants of £24.4m and £10.75m respectively. A second bid to the Levelling Up fund for a Creative Improvement District in Oldham West and Royton was unfortunately unsuccessful. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Leader of Barnet Council, Cllr Barry Rawlings, has welcomed the Government’s announcement yesterday to award £29.5m of Levelling Up funding for the redevelopment of Colindale Tube station. Colindale is one of London’s most deprived areas and the redevelopment of the Tube station will be central to enabling the building of 11,400 quality new homes for locals. Since 2011, Colindale’s population has grown by 70%, making the area around the station the second-fastest growing ward in London after the Stratford Olympic Park in Newham. In its current state, the 1960s built station will reach passenger capacity by 2026. The redevelopment will increase the number of people the station can cope with and create step-free access, which will speed up journey times. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt used his Autumn Statement to reference the £2.1bn Levelling Up Fund earmarked for priority local infrastructure projects. The Colindale station bid has been led by the Greater London Authority and has received broad cross-party support. Cllr Barry Rawlings said it will benefit tens of thousands of people: “The awarding of the £29.5m Levelling Up funding is a welcome New Year present for those living at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis. The Colindale Tube station redevelopment scheme is precisely the kind of project Levelling Up should support, supporting house building and spreading opportunity for so many living in one of the capital’s most deprived areas. Better transport links means better jobs and better pay.” Lucinda Turner, Assistant Director of Planning at the GLA and Director of Spatial Planning at TfL, said: “Making our transport network more accessible and inclusive is a top priority, as we know that a more accessible public transport network benefits everyone. These schemes are also key to supporting sustainable growth in these areas and help unlock the delivery of thousands of new homes. “We’re delighted that, by working hand in hand with the boroughs, the joint bid with City Hall to fund making Colindale and Leyton Tube stations step-free has been successful. We look forward to working with the Government and local boroughs on these projects, as well as other successful bids in London that will enable increased walking, cycling and public transport.” Barnet Council is now working with TfL to ensure that construction on the station improvements can begin as quickly as possible this year.
BarNET ZERO, the new borough-wide campaign to help Barnet become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs is launching on 16 Jan. The campaign has been designed to bring residents, communities, and businesses on the borough’s journey to Net Zero, through advice, information and support. The initial five-week campaign will look at each of these areas, showcasing some of the work already taking place across the borough, and how individuals can take small (or large) steps to become more sustainable. Launching at the same time is the council’s new Sustainability Newsletter which will provide regular updates on progress on the journey as a borough, as well as the opportunity for individuals to make pledges on their own personal journey to Net Zero. In May 2022, the council declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency and set the target of becoming a Net Zero council by 2030 and Net Zero borough no later than 2042, pledging to go further and faster than before. A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “We all need to work together to become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs, and we can only do that if we all play our individual part within it. Everyone can do something, and every small step will take us on the journey to becoming Net Zero. “The individual pledges we can all make are a great first step for those who may not have previously thought about this agenda. “Some of small things we can do include reducing meat consumption, switching to more sustainable transport options like walking and taking the bus instead of getting in the car, getting involved in local volunteering opportunities in the community and supporting local businesses to adopt more eco-friendly practices. “We also know that one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions in Barnet comes from domestic energy use in the home. So, another great option, for those who can, is to insulate homes, install solar panels and other energy saving technology like ground source heat pumps. “We are committed to supporting residents, businesses and communities make sustainable choices wherever they can, and our dedicated BarNET ZERO website provides more information on other steps you can take” In February 2023, Barnet will hold its first-ever Citizens Assembly in parallel with the launch of its Young’s People’s Assembly, tackling the question: Barnet has declared a climate emergency. What more can we do together to make Barnet more sustainable, now and in the future? More information on the progress of these assemblies can be found here: Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change and Biodiversity 2023 | Engage Barnet Working at pace in this ever-changing landscape, the Council has delivered many actions, some of the highlights so far include: We want to hear about the steps you take in becoming more sustainable – share them via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the #barnetzero – we will upload the best ones to our website! To receive the latest sustainability news and events from Barnet Council, including grant funding opportunities and support you can subscribe to the BarNET ZERO newsletter: www.Engage.barnet.gov.uk/net-zero Let’s work together in becoming one of London’s most sustainable boroughs #barnetzero Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In partnership with the leading environmental charity Changeworks, the City of Edinburgh Council is helping homeowners transform the energy efficiency of their homes. Making 166 homes in Oxgangs warmer and fit for the future by improving external wall insulation, more than 50 properties have already received major improvements with over a hundred others to be completed by the Spring. Funding is provided by the Scottish Government through the Energy Efficient Scotland; Area based Scheme (EES:ABS). These area-based schemes are designed and delivered by councils with local delivery partners. They target fuel-poor areas to provide energy efficiency measures to a large number of Scottish homes while delivering emission savings and helping to reduce fuel poverty. The schemes in Oxgangs are helping households make major improvements to their home at a significantly lowered cost. Some households even qualify to have the work done for free, completely removing the financial burden for households at a time when that relief could not be more needed. Installing insulation makes it cheaper and easier to heat the home, meaning householders can expect to save on their heating bills. Oxgangs is an area that does suffer from a higher rate of poverty than other areas of the city and all houses included in the project are in Council Tax bands A to C. This project, with a total funding of £1.9 million, is targeted at reaching those most in need. The EES:ABS scheme is open to private householders and mixed tenure blocks have been targeted too, benefitting both social housing tenants and private householders. The Council is directly funding the works to Council homes. Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Most of the homes in the area are receiving external wall insulation which means their homes will keep more heat in. This is important because it means more Oxgangs residents are going to see their homes stay warmer for longer, at a time when temperatures are low but energy bills are worryingly high. “As people become more conscious of their energy use, these projects will have a real impact – both on the planet and Edinburgh’s net zero goals and on the lives of homeowners and tenants who need this support now, more than ever.” One resident who received the external wall insulation is Catherine Murray, who says she’s “delighted” with the difference it’s made. She said: “My house is warmer, much warmer, it’s really noticeable. I don’t need the heating on as much, I put it on in the morning and then the house is fine until I put it on again at about 7 or 8 until I go to bed. If I’m in the living room, it contains the heat. “We’re on the main road and the people that pass stop and look, it’s amazing. People stop to comment on it. “It really brightens the place up, I don’t get out much anymore but when I do, it makes you feel better when you do come into the area, you can really see the difference between the ones that have been done and the ones that haven’t been done, it’s great. I really appreciate the work that’s been done.” Most of the homes in the area are receiving external wall insulation installed by contractor SERS. Not only does this mean that their homes will keep more heat in, keeping them warmer for longer and requiring less energy to heat, it provides a complete refresh of the outside of the property too. With it being an external insulation measure, there’s no work done inside the house. Alongside the Oxgangs project which is currently underway there are four other retrofit schemes in Edinburgh which form part of the EES:ABS 2022/23 programme. These include an external wall insulation and solar PV scheme in Gilmerton, a fabric improvement programme in Murrayburn and Drumbryden, a citywide internal wall insulation roll out and hard-to-treat cavity and solar PV works across the EH16 and EH17 postcode areas. To register your interest in similar schemes should they become available in your area, fill in this simple online form.
The Actis specification team is looking forward to taking part in a face-to-face technical roadshow with LABC later this month – which will provide delegates with three and a half hours of CPD training. The event, aimed at builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the central region, takes place on Thursday January 26 at Redbourn Golf Club in St Albans, with doors opening at 8am and the event finishing at noon. Actis will present a mini version of its RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L, Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards, while other topics on offer include addressing warranty defects and modern solutions for old issues. The event is the latest of LABC’s monthly informative sessions, which are a mixture of face-to-face and virtual activities. This is the fifth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. The free seminar will also see LABC looking at the latest building regulations news. The roadshows are aimed at helping other industry members gain greater insight into issues affecting the construction sector, with the Actis component focusing on thermal efficiency. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A public consultation has launched over proposals outlining investment plans in and around Gorton District Centre. Manchester City Council has developed an initial strategy for the areas in Gorton and Belle Vue that highlights potential new public spaces, homes and employment opportunities. It is these early ideas that are open to consultation to gather vital feedback from the people who live, work and use the areas daily. “Gorton has seen some really exciting investment in recent years from the Belle Vue Sports Village, the recent opening of the Gorton Hub and the new Coop Academy school that will open soon. We have an opportunity to capitalise on this momentum and develop an ambitious plan for the local area – creating a district centre that can help the area to meet its potential,” said Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development. “This consultation gives local people a general flavour of the kind of investment we want to make in their community – but the feedback we get from local people will help us guide the development as plans progress. As ever, I would urge as many people as possible who live in, work at or shop in the district centre to give us your thoughts. As someone who uses the area daily your insight is invaluable.” What the proposals want to achieve: • Make the centre greener, including quality green space and tree planting Create a more attractive local area that is comfortable and attractive to spend time in • Support new events and activities to attract people to visit in the evenings and weekendsCreate a new heart of the community, delivering a new civic square and public realm • Deliver new mixed tenures homes to match local housing demand (including affordable housing such as Social Rent and Shared Ownership) • Make the centre more accessible by safe walking and cycling • Encourage a broader mix of uses that will attract different communities and age groups. There has been some high-quality investment in the Gorton neighbourhood in recent years and the intention is to ensure that the District Centre is a destination of choice for local people, which is also well-connected to the wider area. • Improve the transport links to fantastic community facilities, including Gorton Hub, Belle Vue Sports Village, Gorton Youth Zone, and the New Co-op Academy • Better walking and cycling routes to local green spaces, including Debdale Park, Gore Brook Valley and Fallowfield Loop. • Focusing on key locations for improvement that cover (from west to east) Belle Vue Station, Gorton Hub, Garratt Way (including market and former library), Wellington Street crossroad and Chapman Street crossroad • Particular focus on Garratt Way as the focal point for the district centre Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The project team behind One City Park – a state-of-the-art new office in Bradford – gathered on site to celebrate the building reaching its highest point and on track to complete in Summer 2023. The event had a festive twist with an official light switch on for a 15ft Christmas tree which now adorns the top of the steel frame to celebrate this major milestone. One City Park, which will create 56,403 sq ft of sustainable office space, is being brought forward by nationwide place maker, Muse, in partnership with Bradford Council. The building is being built by Caddick Construction, with the steel frame supplied and erected by Halifax-based Elland Steel. One City Park will combine high-quality specifications, flexible floor plates and strong sustainability credentials, offering businesses an opportunity to locate at the first new office space in city centre for 20 years. Simon Dew, development director at Muse, said: “The construction programme is being delivered at pace and to be on schedule is testament to the hard work everyone involved. At Muse, we create kinder and inclusive places in partnership that build brighter futures for everyone and our purpose remains the same here at One City Park. “Bradford is a diverse city full of potential and we want to attract the right businesses to One City Park and create a wealth of opportunities for the rich talent within the community. “We know that City Park is a popular place for gatherings and events throughout the holiday season and we wanted to play our part in the celebrations.” One City Park launched to market earlier this year, represented by commercial agents Knight Frank and Colliers. Once complete, the building will feature five floors of exceptional workspaces and a roof terrace, offering flexible floor plans that can adapt to accommodate more agile working practices that promote wellbeing. Designed to suit a range of businesses from home grown starts-up and SMEs, through to larger organisations and multi-nationals – there has been a high volume of enquiries from potential occupiers. Jason Sims, Caddick senior project manager said: “We are delighted with the progress at One City Park to date and it’s always gratifying to see the steelwork completing and topped out as a visible milestone for the city centre. It’s a real boost for the site team but we are also getting positive comments from passers-by who see the progress made day-by-day because it’s such a central and significant development for Bradford.” The building will be complemented by new public spaces around the site including stepped access and attractive seating areas. Surrounded by cultural assets including the Grade I Listed City Hall, St George’s Hall and new music venue, Bradford Live, which is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation, as well as bars, restaurants and cafes – City Park is expected to play a major role in the city’s UK City of Culture celebrations in 2025. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member of Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “One City Park is bringing hundreds of jobs to the city centre throughout its construction and once complete will bring hundreds more. It will be a great complement to the Darley Street Market which is also currently under construction.” One City Park will also feature a range of green design elements including high-performance glazing, photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to make sure the building operates on renewable energy. Every car-parking space features an electric car charging point, coupled with secure cycle storage and changing facilities to encourage workers to take more sustainable and healthier modes of transport. For further information visit www.onecitypark.com. Commercial enquiries to Eamon Fox at Knight Frank (Eamon.fox@knightfrank.com / 0113 297 2433) and Roddy Morrison at Colliers (roddy.morrison@colliers.com / 0113 200 1810).
Pave Aways, a successful privately owned construction business with a dedicated team of construction professionals, has announced it is to start construction work on a new Staffordshire History Centre in January. The £5.4 million centre will be formed by extending the existing Staffordshire Record Office on Eastgate Street in Stafford to incorporate the William Salt Library. A modern glazed entrance will link both buildings, creating exhibition space to showcase museum, archive and library collections with additional strong rooms installed to build space for a further 55 years of collections. “We are very pleased to be working with the council to deliver this flagship building that will play an important role in the preservation and development of Staffordshire’s history. Having previously built a records and archives centre in Mid Wales, we are well placed to meet the stringent conditions that are required to house these historic collections. We can’t wait to get started,” said Managing Director of Pave Aways Steven Owen. The total cost of the project, which includes a four-year programme of activities, is £8,780,239. The project has been made possible thanks to a grant of £4,858,699 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional match funding of £3,921,540 was raised by the partnership, including Staffordshire County Council funding, grants, donations from local organisations and friends and in-kind contributions from volunteers. “We’re justifiably proud of our history and wonderful collections and we want to be able to share them and be able to protect them for future generations to enjoy. We’re all incredibly excited about the project and it’s great to have the start confirmed for the new year. Not only will the project give us a brand-new heritage attraction for the county but it will bring together three amazing collections from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, the County Museum and the William Salt Library,” added Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council. “In addition to the new centre, a dedicated programme of touring exhibitions will also help take the Staffordshire story out into local communities, helping to get more people interested in our fascinating history. We are grateful to National Lottery Players for making this funding possible,” she concluded. Image: PRS Architects Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has partnered with Hounslow Council to decarbonise schools and public buildings. After acquiring Asset+ – a specialist provider of energy reduction and zero-carbon measures for the UK public sector – in May this year, Johnson Controls will help Hounslow Council deliver on the goals of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). Before the project, schools in Hounslow were responsible for 67% of the Council’s carbon footprint across their estate. Legacy infrastructure and gas heating across schools and other public buildings would make it impossible to reach the Council’s net-zero goals by 2030. In 2020, after securing a £19 million grant from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Asset+ began its project to decarbonise buildings and reduce energy consumption in schools and corporate buildings across Hounslow. The scheme was rolled out to 61 properties, including schools and corporate buildings, switching from gas boilers to air source heat pumps, installing solar panels and implementing LED transformation. The technology has been installed at schools such as Heathland School and Rosary School, as well as in leisure centres in Brentford and Isleworth. As a result of the project, carbon emissions across Hounslow’s schools and public buildings dropped by 50%. This reduction in energy use translated to a 50% reduction in cost, with on-site energy production and the use of LEDs able to offset the increase in electricity use. To date, Hounslow saved over 17 million kWh per energy across its corporate and school sites, equating to over 3,000 tonnes of carbon. In addition to helping councils work towards net-zero goals, the scheme works with the local community to provide permanent jobs for local residents and protect public sector organisations from the drastic increase in utility bills. The decarbonisation scheme is delivered on top of an award-winning partnership between Asset+ and Hounslow Council. “Partnering with Asset+, and later Johnson Controls, has brought benefits to our entire public estate,” said Charles Pipe, Energy Manager at Hounslow Council. “With schools representing over two-thirds of our estate’s carbon emissions, cutting these by 50% is a huge step towards our net-zero goals. The electrification of our buildings sets a great example for our local area and we look forward to working together closely until we complete the project.” David Lloyd, Head of Connected Energy Performance UK&I at Johnson Controls commented: “In a sector where every penny counts, supporting energy and cost savings for councils is vital. Squeezed by ever-increasing fuel bills and the rising cost of living, being able to offer a reduction in energy consumption and costs can be a lifeline for councils. Through the use of our technology, we will also continue to educate and inspire the next generation of Hounslow citizens on the importance of protecting our environment. We look forward to moving onto the next phase with Hounslow Council and working with more London boroughs to help them achieve their net-zero goals.” To learn more, visit www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
