Bellway submits outline plans for up to 125 new homes in Bishop’s Tachbrook
Plans have been submittedfor a new developmentwhich wouldbring up to 125 new homes, 15 acres of public open space and improvements to a key road junction in Bishop’s Tachbrook. Bellway Strategic Land has lodged an outline planning application with Warwick District Council for the scheme after carrying out a public consultation on its proposals at the end of last year. It is seeking permission to develop a 24-acre site on land south of Mallory Road at the western edge of the village, with large areas of public open space – including a community orchard and children’s play area – to be provided alongside the new homes. The development would also deliver improvements to the junction of Mallory Road and Banbury Road, which have been added to the plans following feedback from local residents during the consultation process. Christy McLean, Strategic Land Manager for Bellway’s Central region, said: “Our plans for the Mallory Road site are the result of extensive consultation with Warwick District Council and the wider community, enabling us to design a scheme which responds to the priorities of local people. “We have made a number of key changes to our plans following the public consultation, including relocating the community orchard within the site and allowing more space for an attenuation basin to improve its appearance. We are now also proposing to create a dedicated left-turn facility onto Banbury Road from Mallory Road to increase capacity at this junction, after this was highlighted as a particular priority by residents.” Bellway’s outline plans propose that 40 per cent of properties will be provided as affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership, and five per cent as self or custom-build plots. The homes would feature a range of energy efficiency measures and low carbon technologies including air source heat pumps and solar PV panels. It is estimated that the development would create 45 new jobs and add £11 million to the region’s economy over the anticipated three-year construction period, as well as generating £2 million in local household retail spending and £310,000 in council tax payments per year. Christy said: “If approved, the development would provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits for Bishop’s Tachbrook and the wider district. Up to 50 homes would be provided as affordable housing for local people unable to buy on the open market, while at least five per cent of properties would be bungalows to meet the needs of older residents. “The 15 acres of public open space proposed far exceeds the four acres required for a development of this size and would include a community orchard, wildflower meadow and hedgerow planting, providing new habitats to increase biodiversity. Improvements to walking and cycling routes – another priority highlighted in the consultation responses – will also be delivered, with the enhancement of the existing footpath and a new pedestrian route providing access to the bus stops on Mallory Road and amenities in the village.” Warwick District Council will make a decision on Bellway’s outline planning application. For more information on how Bellway Strategic Land plans sustainable communities, see https://www.bellwaystrategicland.co.uk/. To find out more about Bellway’s developments in Warwickshire, go to https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work starts at Glasgow transformation project set to create more than 170 new jobs
Work on the latest phase of a transformative regeneration programme to connect Sighthill with the heart of Glasgow is set to create more than 170 new jobs. Driven by top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, the latest phase at the site now dubbed ‘NorthBridge’ will create 246 new homes at the site of former tower blocks on Pinkston Road, with 41 homes designated for social rent for Wheatley Homes Glasgow, part of Wheatley Group. The significant regeneration project will deliver more than 1,000 homes at completion and has already created 86 new jobs for local people – contributing thousands of pounds to the local Glasgow economy. Alongside the £59.5 million investment in private and affordable homes, the latest phase of the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area (TRA), Keepmoat will also generate at least £180,000 in community benefits value. Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland, comments: “At Keepmoat we’re committed to building communities and transforming lives. Creating jobs for local people and investing in the economy of Glasgow is also at the heart of what we do. “From supporting local suppliers and contractors to opening up employment and apprenticeship opportunities across the region, our work brings real, lasting benefits to people and our community. “This development is a major step forward – not only in boosting economic growth, but in delivering more than 1,000 much-needed, high-quality new homes for local people.” The development will create a multi-tenure community and is set to be completed by 2028. Frank McCafferty, Group Director of Assets and Development at Wheatley Group, said: “We’re proud to be bringing forward the next phase of the NorthBridge development in Sighthill and helping support jobs for the city, with our Partners Keepmoat and Glasgow City Council. “As the UK’s biggest builder of social homes, Wheatley is committed to investing in energy-efficient, accessible homes that people can be proud to live in.” Supported by grant funding from Glasgow City Council and Scottish Government, the 41 homes for social rent will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats, and 25 houses with between two and four bedrooms. Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, added: “The regeneration of Sighthill has already brought hundreds of new high-quality homes, a new schools campus, a landmark pedestrian and cyclist bridge, and a beautiful park to a neighbourhood on the edges of the city centre. “We can now look forward to the delivery of the next phase of the project and these new homes – including more than 40 homes for social rent – being delivered as quickly as possible.” To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com/northbridge Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ark Fire Protection and Bowmer + Kirkland Unite to Shine a Light on Mental Health in Construction
Ark Fire Protection has announced a collaboration with leading contractor Bowmer + Kirkland to tackle one of the construction industry’s most pressing issues: mental health and suicide prevention. Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, Ark Fire Protection rolled out high-visibility jackets across its sites featuring powerful messages such as “Struggling doesn’t make you weak”. The initiative highlights the importance of creating open conversations around mental health and serves as a visual reminder that behind the tools are real people with real struggles. The construction industry faces a mental health crisis, with statistics showing that men in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. Ark Fire Protection and Bowmer + Kirkland are determined to break the silence, reduce stigma, and encourage workers to seek help. “This campaign is about reminding people that awareness shouldn’t just be for one day a year, it should be every day,” said Howard Hudson, Managing Director at Ark Fire Protection. “By making our sites more open to openness, by asking our mates ‘How are you? … Really?’, and by recognising that mental health is a site safety issue too, we can help create a safer, healthier industry.” The initiative also supports the Lighthouse Charity, which provides vital emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. Ark Fire Protection confirmed that this marks just the first step in its collaboration with Bowmer + Kirkland, with a larger initiative planned for winter 2025. More details will be announced in the coming months. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you are not alone.📞 Call the Lighthouse Charity Helpline on 0345 605 1956 for free and confidential support. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oscrete announces Cemcotec customer integration as part of strategic growth
Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has acquired the customers of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) specialists Cemcotec. The successful integration of Cemcotec’s customer base into Oscrete’s expanding operations, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing growth strategy and is announced just weeks after Oscrete acquired structural waterproofing specialists, PUDLO, further expanding its portfolio of expertise and services. The move further strengthens Oscrete’s position as a leading provider of innovative concrete solutions and reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and technical expertise across the construction industry. Cemcotec founder and GRC specialist Graham T Gilbert continues to provide consultancy to GRC manufacturers while Cemcotec customers will now benefit from the wider Oscrete team’s expertise and services. Oscrete Director Scott Wilson said: “As part of the transition, we are incredibly proud to continue our collaboration with Graham, a globally respected consultant with over 50 years of experience in GRC. Graham will continue to offer technical consultancy services, supporting Oscrete and our customers with his unparalleled knowledge and insight gained from decades of work on GRC projects around the world. “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Cemcotec’s customers into the Oscrete family in a merger which not only strengthens our business but also enhances the level of service and technical support we can offer.” Commenting on the merger, Graham added: “Having spent more than 50 years in the sector covering all aspects of GRC from research and development to its global roll out and then establishing of Cemcotec in 2005, I wanted a company which could build on these milestones and achievements and provide my customers with additional benefits and expertise. “Oscrete meets these requirements with their range of concrete additives, full warehousing and logistics network plus excellent laboratory facilities for mix evaluations and comprehensive support services. Having worked with Oscrete for many years, I am delighted to be placing my customers in such safe hands and to announce the start of an exciting new chapter for our customers and for the GRC industry itself.” Oscrete is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in concrete admixtures for precast, ready-mix concrete and mortars. The company was established in 1983 and is known for its innovative construction products which enhance the performance and durability of concrete applications, offering a range of bespoke solutions for the built environment. This latest development is a key part of Oscrete’s broader strategy to expand its technical capabilities and customer reach, particularly in the specialist GRC sector. Scott added: “With a growing team of expert consultants and our strong focus on innovation, Oscrete is well-positioned to lead the way in concrete technology and customer service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spindles redevelopment hailed for most innovative offices in the North
Oldham Council and the team behind the ‘ground-breaking’ Spindles renovation have been presented with the British Council of Offices’ (BCO) northern Innovation Award. The presentation in the new office space saw representatives from construction company Willmott Dixon, architects AEW, project management lead Hive, quantity surveyor Gleeds, and interior designers SpaceInvader, present the trophy to Leader of Oldham Council Cllr Arooj Shah, and Chief Executive Shelley Kipling. Recognised as a benchmark for innovation in reimagining town centre spaces, when Spindles is officially fully open, the 450,000 square foot development will also be home to a new indoor market and food hall, flexible offices, event space and heritage archive. BCO judges recognised the building’s ‘ground-breaking, adaptive reuse of a building that has transformed a struggling 1990s shopping centre’. They commented: “Oldham Spindles is an innovative project that reimagines urban regeneration, proving that underutilised retail spaces can be repurposed for modern office environments. “It sets a bold precedent for repurposing failing retail assets into thriving workspaces. A combination of architectural ingenuity, sustainability, and social impact makes it a worthy recipient of the BCO Innovation Award, showcasing a transformative model for urban regeneration.” Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This recognition for Spindles is a huge moment of pride for Oldham. The Spindles redevelopment is just one part of our wider regeneration Building a Better Oldham programme, including the creation of 2,000 new homes, the restoration of the Old Library building, Oldham Coliseum, and the groundbreaking Northern Roots project. “Oldham is a town on the up and our time is now, investing in our existing buildings while creating modern spaces that will increase jobs, and drive people into the town centre. This award belongs to the whole town, and it shows the confidence others are starting to share in Oldham’s future.” Shelley Kipling, Chief Executive of Oldham Council, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the ambition we have for Oldham. It shows that our bold vision for the town centre is not only working but is being recognised as some of the best across the North. The Spindles redevelopment demonstrates how we can take underused spaces and turn them into something innovative and useful. “Alongside projects like the JR Clynes Building, the new market, the new event space, and the hugely successful Egyptian Room, it’s another step in creating a town centre we can all be proud of – a place where more people want to live, work, and visit.” Creating opportunities for local people has been at the heart of the Spindles regeneration. Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners have delivered 271 weeks of apprenticeship training and 117 weeks of work experience as well as creating seven T-level student placements for local young people from Oldham College. Chris Baker, Operations Manager at Willmott Dixon, commented: “As an Oldham-based company, we are really proud to play our part in shaping the future of the town centre alongside Oldham Council. “This award recognises the real team effort of local businesses that have come together to ensure Oldham is leading the way when it comes to reimagining town centres.” A delegation from the council will now travel to London on October 7th for the national BCO Awards. Phil Hepworth, Director at AEW Architects, said: “To have been selected for the Innovation Award against the entire pool of finalists is a fantastic achievement. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts behind the project and the whole team’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the workplace.” Paul Mann, North England Regional Director at Gleeds, comments: “Spindles, the latest high street repurposing in the conversion of Spindles Shopping Centre is the next progressive step to making the town centre a place to live, work and play. It follows the completion of the Metrolink Extension from Manchester in 2014 and the investment in a new leisure facility, repurposing the Old Town hall in in 2016. “It’s been a great 4-year journey of involvement with this transformational project, which will have an untold impact on the town and people of Oldham. This award is very much deserved for the innovative approaches that were central to the project’s success. Gleeds enjoyed being part of the collaborative team that delivered Spindles and look forward to seeing it become a thriving hub for the local community for many years to come.” John Williams, SpaceInvader Director & Founder, said: “Spindles is a perfect example of how high street assets can be reimagined with innovation and purpose. By blending contemporary workspace with community-centric design, this project breathes new life into the heart of Oldham. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a forward-thinking council, truly committed to creating spaces that serve both people and place. The recognition from the BCO is testament to the ambition and impact of a regeneration project designed to directly benefit the Oldham community.” Natalie Palframan, Procure Partnerships Framework’s Key Account Manager (North) added: “The Spindles redevelopment has transformed Oldham’s town centre and stands as a fantastic example of regeneration that delivers real social value for the local community. We are delighted to see this project recognised with such a prestigious award, which is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Creative ITC launches Virtual Cloud Desktop Pod to tackle AEC industry’s most demanding workloads
The new virtual desktops, purpose-built for architects, support graphics-intensive applications such as Enscape, TwinMotion and 3ds Max Creative ITC, the leading global cloud services provider for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, has announced the launch of its Virtual Cloud Desktop Pod (VCDPod) that is purpose-built for resource-intensive design and visualisation applications, simulations, 3D rendering and modelling. The new solution has been designed to overcome challenges that architects typically face when working with CPU-intensive applications including Enscape, Rhino, Lumion, TwinMotion, Maya, CREO, and 3ds Max. These powerful tools can put a heavy strain on IT infrastructure, requiring frequent upgrades to expensive traditional CAD workstations and making scaling virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) cost-prohibitive. In contrast, VCDPod provides a flexible, scalable and secure solution that delivers the full power of a high-end in-office workstation to architects, wherever they are working. Professionals use a dedicated laptop, thin client or iPad to login into a virtual cloud desktop that offers single tenant access to high-end, dedicated computing resources. This delivers higher clock speeds for even the most demanding workloads and offers multi-screen capabilities with no image degradation. John Dawson, Director, Creative ITC, said, “With competition in RFPs fiercer than ever and client expectations continuing to rise, architecture firms are under pressure to deliver more innovative, immersive designs – faster and more efficiently. VCDPod is a direct response to that market demand, offering next-level performance for the most graphics-intensive workflows. And to help architecture firms stay focused on higher value work, we’re also removing the burden of managing complex IT environments. It’s about empowering architects to do what they do best – design and innovate.” VCDPod complements Creative ITC’s existing fully managed VDI solution, VDIPod, giving architecture practices the ultimate flexibility to create a tailored, hybrid solution designed to scale with them. VCDPod has been purpose-built for the AEC industry specifically for AEC professionals. Key features include: For more information about VCDPod, visit: https://info.creative-itc.com/en-gb/vcdpod-virtual-desktop Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals