Bellway submits plans for a new 334-home neighbourhood in Tamworth

Bellway submits plans for a new 334-home neighbourhood in Tamworth

Bellway has submitteddetailedplans to create a sustainable new community of around 334 new homes in Tamworth. The proposals, designed by Bellway Strategic Land, are to build 242 private properties and 92 affordable homes at Windmill Farm, off Coton Lane to the north of the town. There would be large areas of green space which would be open to the wider community. The development would feature a range of one-bedroom apartments and two to five-bedroom houses on the 35-acre site. All homes would be heated by all-electric heat pumps, and will have electric vehicle charging points. The new neighbourhood would also feature a park, a children’s play area and new pedestrian crossings on Coton Lane and through to The Rawlett School opposite the site. The parcel of land lies across the boundary between Lichfield District Council and Tamworth Borough Council and planning applications have been submitted to both local authorities. Chris O’Hanlon, Senior Planning Manager for Bellway, said: “There is a recognised need for new housing in the north of Tamworth and we believe that this site provides the ideal location for a neighbourhood of 334 new homes. “Our proposed development features a wide range of properties for the private market, with more than a quarter of the homes being provided as affordable housing for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership. “Our design has been submitted after a period of public consultation during which local residents were invited to view the proposals and then have their say. We used the feedback from this process to help finalise our plans which have now been submitted to the relevant local authorities for approval. “This is a sustainable development designed to promote greener forms of transport by featuring a network of cycleways and footpaths, as well as providing safer new crossing points across Coton Lane and Comberford Road. There would be extensive public open space including a new park, a play area, a meadow, a pond and a kickabout space. “The landscape design is set to deliver a net biodiversity gain for the site by retaining trees and hedgerows wherever possible, and delivering a new planting programme which would create protective and nurturing habitats for local wildlife.” The plans for the site have been developed by Bellway’s Strategic Land team, while the planning application has been submitted by Bellway’s West Midlands division, which will build the homes, subject to planning approval. For more information about the work of Bellway’s Strategic Land team, which oversees early-stage, long-term developments, visit https://www.bellwaystrategicland.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Betts Associates appoints new member of the board to solidify year of restructure

Betts Associates appoints new member of the board to solidify year of restructure

Betts Associates, a Deeside based civil and structural engineering consultancy, has appointed to its board Laila Morris, who will bring her a wealth of knowledge from 20 years at the company, not to mention a strong dose of girl power as the only female board member. The appointment comes as Betts’ financial director, Amanda Jackson, helps Laila learn the ropes in her new role before departing from the company. Now taking up the role of practice director, Laila began working for Betts as a receptionist, before becoming a PA to the financial director, then accounts manager, and then practice manager. Laila says: “I’ve seen a lot in my 20 years at Betts Associates. We’ve been through recessions and the pandemic which hit the sector hard, but we got through it and have continued to grow. It’s been so satisfying seeing relationships with clients flourish over the years and I’ve got to know them well. This will certainly be useful in my new position on the board. “I’m confident that I’ll bring new ideas and a different perspective. The team feel comfortable speaking to me, and I will ensure that they are well represented. Our engineers and technicians are at the business’ front of house, and it’s key that we adapt ideas to make it right for them.” It has already been an eventful year for Betts Associates, which has restructured its board. Co-founder Mel Frimston has taken on the role of chairman, while longstanding employees Rob Ankers and Richard Nicholas have been appointed to the roles of managing director and director respectively. Laila’s promotion is another element of Betts Associates’ focus on reinforcing existing services, with the view to achieve growth.   Betts Associates’ portfolio spans Structural, Civil, Geo-Environmental, and Hydro engineering, serving clients across major residential developments, industrial projects, commercial ventures, and leisure facilities. https://www.betts-associates.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
The Benefits Of PCP Finance For Construction Businesses

The Benefits Of PCP Finance For Construction Businesses

Running a construction business isn’t just about managing projects and people. You also need reliable vehicles and machinery to keep everything moving on site and between jobs. Yet, buying new vehicles outright can be expensive and limit your available cash for other operations. That’s where PCP finance comes in. It offers a flexible and affordable way to access the vehicles your business needs without large upfront costs. Keep reading to see how PCP finance can support growth and stability in your construction company. How PCP Finance Works Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is a flexible finance agreement that lets you spread the cost of a vehicle over a set term, usually between two and six years. You’ll pay fixed monthly installments that cover part of the car’s value, followed by a final optional payment known as a balloon payment if you decide to keep the vehicle. At the end of the term, you’ve got three choices: return the vehicle, pay the balloon amount to own it, or trade it in for a newer model under a new PCP deal. For construction businesses that rely on a dependable fleet, this flexibility makes budgeting simpler and long-term planning easier. Why Construction Companies Prefer PCP Finance Construction work often involves several vehicles, from vans and pickups to site cars, all essential for daily operations. Using pcp car finance means you can access newer, more efficient models without tying up significant capital. Instead of spending large amounts upfront, you make smaller regular payments that are easier to manage alongside other business expenses. It’s also beneficial for cash flow. Construction companies frequently deal with fluctuating income depending on projects and payment cycles. PCP helps maintain liquidity so you can handle wages, materials, and unexpected costs without financial strain. Access To Reliable, Modern Vehicles Vehicle reliability is vital on construction sites where delays can be costly. PCP finance allows you to upgrade to newer vehicles more often, reducing the risks of breakdowns and maintenance issues. Many lenders offer maintenance packages within the agreement, making it even easier to plan your running costs. Newer vehicles also mean better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, which supports your company’s environmental responsibilities. With construction firms increasingly expected to meet sustainability goals, switching to modern models through PCP can help you meet those standards while keeping operating costs down. Flexible End-Of-Term Options Another major advantage of PCP finance is the flexibility at the end of your contract. If your vehicle needs to change, say your business expands, or your site demands increase, you can upgrade to a more suitable model under a new PCP deal. Alternatively, if you’ve maintained the vehicle well and it still meets your needs, you can make the final payment and keep it. Or, if you prefer not to own it, simply return it and walk away without any further financial commitment. This adaptability helps construction companies stay efficient and competitive, adjusting to market conditions without taking unnecessary risks. Strengthening Business Planning Because PCP agreements are fixed-term with predictable monthly payments, they simplify financial forecasting. You’ll know exactly how much to allocate for your vehicle costs each month, making it easier to plan ahead. Unlike outright purchase, PCP also avoids tying up funds in depreciating assets. This gives construction businesses more freedom to invest in growth areas such as new tools, marketing, or hiring additional staff. Building A Smarter Financial Future For construction businesses aiming to stay competitive while keeping finances stable, PCP finance provides a balanced solution. It supports cash flow, allows regular access to reliable vehicles, and offers flexibility that traditional ownership doesn’t. By managing your vehicles through a well-structured PCP plan, you can focus your resources on what truly drives success, which is delivering quality projects on time and within budget.

Read More »
A Fresh Chapter for Lewisham: Landsec Wins Approval for Major Town Centre Transformation

A Fresh Chapter for Lewisham: Landsec Wins Approval for Major Town Centre Transformation

Landsec has been given the go-ahead for its ambitious plans to redevelop Lewisham Shopping Centre in South London, paving the way for one of the area’s most significant regeneration projects in decades. The mixed-use scheme will be delivered in phases and aims to revitalise the heart of the town with a blend of new homes, cultural venues, and green public spaces. Among the highlights of the approved plans are a permanent home for Lewisham’s much-loved Model Market, a 500-capacity venue for culture, music and the arts, and extensive landscaped areas designed to provide more accessible, welcoming spaces for the local community. The redevelopment will also introduce over 1,700 new homes, alongside 660 student beds and 445 co-living residences. Landsec’s approach has been carefully planned to retain key parts of the existing shopping centre throughout the process, helping to minimise disruption for residents, visitors and retail partners, while ensuring that community benefits are delivered early in the project’s timeline. Mike Hood, chief operating officer of Landsec, described the approval as an important step forward: “This is an exciting moment for the future of Lewisham’s town centre. These plans provide much-needed homes, community spaces and facilities that will enhance urban life for generations, while delivering sustainable returns that support our ambition for long-term growth.” Once complete, the redevelopment promises to reimagine Lewisham’s retail and cultural core, creating a vibrant new destination that blends living, leisure, and local life in the heart of South London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Prime 101,000 sq ft Glasgow office launches to the market following practical completion

Prime 101,000 sq ft Glasgow office launches to the market following practical completion

Orion Capital Managers is pleased to announce the practical completion of Lucent Glasgow. Lucent, developed on behalf of Orion European Real Estate Fund V, represents a 101, 406 sq ft, Grade A office development situated at the eastern end of Glasgow’s iconic Bothwell Street in the heart of the city.   Lucent completes at a crucial time for the Glasgow office market as businesses are increasingly seeking high-quality office space in the city. Best-in-class space is now facing a critical supply shortage in Glasgow – JLL data from Q2 2025 shows the Grade A vacancy rate to have moved down to 2% for the first time since 2022.   The development features best-in-class sustainability credentials in line with evolving occupier demands for prime office space, utilising natural or recycled materials throughout the design and construction process. The building’s typically expansive floorplates of 16,300 sq ft offer a unique proposition to corporate occupiers looking to expand or relocate to Glasgow city centre. Lucent is fully operationally carbon Net Zero, features WiredScore Platinum connectivity, and EPC ‘A’ rating.   It also boasts 5,000 sq ft of ground floor amenity space dedicated to staff interaction and wellbeing including breakout areas, an AV suite, tenant lounge, artisan café, and yoga studio.   Richard Low, Orion Capital Managers, said:   “With industry leading amenity offerings and suitability credentials, Lucent is set to play an important role in satisfying the increasing corporate occupier demand for top-quality, well located space in Glasgow city centre. Our extensive redevelopment of the asset was initiated with this in mind and has successfully created a state-of-the-art office building while paying homage to the site’s unique architectural character.”    “The redevelopment of Lucent aligns with Orion’s wider strategy to gain exposure to leasing risk in best-in-class offices in some of the most supply constrained locations across Europe.”  The name Lucent was chosen for the development to reflect the buildings’ access to natural light on all sides, as well as its central light-filling atrium and multiple upper roof terraces offering unrivalled views of Glasgow city centre.    The building was originally built between 1892-1900 and has been meticulously redeveloped and restored by Orion into an asset that adheres to the expected standards of modern-day prime office space. As part of the redevelopment, Orion retained the elegant sandstone façade which was a striking feature of the original building.   Other notable office investments made by Orion Capital Managers include:   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Surveying Sector Faces Critical Skills Gap but Shows Optimism for a Digital Future

Surveying Sector Faces Critical Skills Gap but Shows Optimism for a Digital Future

A new report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has revealed that the surveying profession is grappling with significant and widening skills shortages, particularly within the construction sector. According to the survey, around 90% of professionals believe their area of work is being affected by a lack of appropriately skilled colleagues. Nearly one-third describe the shortfall as ‘critical’, warning that it is already hindering project delivery and productivity. A further two-thirds view the shortage as ‘moderate’ but caution that it could escalate without urgent action. The most acute challenges were reported in building surveying and quantity surveying, with respondents pointing to an ageing workforce and high retirement rates as major contributing factors. Many noted that new entrants are not joining the profession quickly enough to replace those leaving. More than half of surveyors said that workforce shortages are reducing capacity and output, while two-fifths reported rising costs and over a quarter observed a slowdown in innovation across the built environment. Despite these pressures, the survey highlights growing optimism around technological transformation. Around 60% of respondents expressed positive views on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency. Concerns about job security or being displaced by technology were minimal, particularly among younger professionals — two-thirds of surveyors aged 17 to 34 said they were confident about the industry’s digital future. A separate RICS report on AI in construction recently found that while enthusiasm is high, actual adoption of AI tools remains relatively low. Nonetheless, survey respondents were united in calling for greater digitalisation and identifying advanced digital skills, data analytics and big data management as key priorities for future training. Decarbonisation and financial management also featured prominently on the list of essential capabilities for the years ahead. When asked how to close the skills gap, surveyors proposed a mix of practical and strategic solutions, including:• expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities• promoting surveying careers more effectively• upskilling existing professionals• fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry. RICS acting president Nick Maclean said: “The results speak for themselves – there is an enormous demand for surveyors, and the profession is swiftly advancing with the pace of technological change. These are immense opportunities for both a new generation of surveyors and for existing professionals to upskill across the exciting landscape of technological change. “Closing the skills gap is a crucial part of delivering the 1.5 million new homes target, as well as the essential infrastructure improvements that the government has committed to in its ten-year strategy. RICS continues to listen and act on the advice of its members, leading the profession into the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »