Works commence on Vivere Cornbrook as landmark tower rises at Manchester Waters
Construction has officially commenced on VIVERE Residences at Cornbrook, a landmark £64.2 million mixed-use development by Forshaw Land & Property Group marking a major milestone in the continued transformation of the Manchester Waters neighbourhood. With enabling works now underway and DOMIS appointed as main contractor, the scheme will deliver 237 luxury apartments, an 88-key VIVERE aparthotel, ground floor commercial space and a range of resident amenities on a prominent gateway site adjacent to Cornbrook Metrolink station. The development will also become the tallest tower delivered to date within Peel Waters’ Manchester Waters masterplan, creating a striking new addition to Manchester’s skyline and reinforcing Cornbrook’s position as an emerging residential and commercial destination between the city centre and Trafford. Through a complex land assembly process, Peel Waters unlocked the opportunity to transform the site at Cornbrook, a key neighbourhood within their wider emerging ‘Manchester Waters’ district, one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects. VIVERE Residences forms part of the wider Manchester Waters vision. The development occupies a strategically important site at the entrance to Pomona Island, the largest neighbourhood within the Manchester Waters masterplan, where Peel Waters is creating a new waterside community featuring new homes, extensive public realm and more than 10 acres of green space. The start on site follows the recent securing of Building Safety Act Gateway 2 approval, together with a £64.2 million development finance facility from Maslow Capital, providing the platform for construction to commence. The scheme will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments alongside five panoramic penthouses, designed to meet growing demand for city-centre living. Residents will have access to a comprehensive amenity offering including a 24-hour concierge, gym, co-working lounge, games room, meeting rooms, private dining facilities, cinema and coffee bar. The accompanying VIVERE aparthotel will form part of Forshaw Group’s new VIVERE hospitality brand, supporting Manchester’s growing visitor economy with high-quality short-stay accommodation in a highly connected location. Lyndon Forshaw, CEO of Forshaw Land & Property Group, said: “Breaking ground at VIVERE Cornbrook is a hugely exciting milestone for us and marks the start of our largest residential development to date. This scheme represents a significant investment in Manchester and reflects our confidence in the city’s continued growth and appeal. “Working alongside Peel Waters and DOMIS, we’re bringing forward a landmark development that will deliver high-quality homes, a premium new aparthotel offering and exceptional resident amenities in one of Manchester’s most exciting emerging neighbourhoods. From thoughtfully designed apartments and penthouses to amenity spaces including wellness, co-working and hospitality facilities, our ambition is to create a destination that sets a new standard for living and staying at Manchester Waters.” James Whittaker, Managing Director at Peel Waters, said: “VIVERE Cornbrook is a landmark project in every sense. As the tallest tower delivered within Manchester Waters to date, it will stand as a powerful statement of confidence in the future of this neighbourhood and Manchester as a whole. “What was once underused brownfield land is being transformed into a vibrant waterfront district that will support thousands of homes, jobs and opportunities over the coming years. The start of construction marks another significant step in turning that long-term vision into reality. “Working alongside Forshaw Land & Property Group and DOMIS, we’re creating more than a building; we’re helping to establish a new destination at the gateway to Pomona Island and continuing the evolution of Manchester Waters into one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects.” Kingsley Thornton, Managing Director of DOMIS added: “VIVERE Cornbrook represents a considerable milestone in the wider Manchester Waters masterplan and the continuation of our strong relationship with Forshaw Land & Property Group. “This is a challenging build on a compact city-centre site, but these are exactly the kind of complex projects DOMIS is known for delivering. Our focus is on bringing the scheme forward safely, efficiently and to the highest possible standard, while maintaining the quality and pace required for a development of this scale. “We’re proud to be working alongside Forshaw and Peel Waters to deliver what will become the tallest tower within the masterplan to date, and a landmark development that will make a lasting contribution to Manchester Waters.” Construction of VIVERE Residencies Manchester is expected to be completed by Winter 2028 To find out more about VIVERE Residencies visit: Vivere Residences – VIVERE Residences | Manchester Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Esh completes key Riverside Sunderland regeneration projects
Esh Construction has completed two major projects for Sunderland City Council, marking significant milestones in the ongoing Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme. Delivered in partnership with Sunderland City Council, the schemes have transformed key areas of the city’s riverside environment, improving connectivity, enhancing public spaces and supporting the long-term vision for Sunderland’s continued growth. At Sheepfolds, Esh has completed a public realm scheme surrounding the Stadium of Light and Sheepfolds Stables, creating high-quality pedestrian infrastructure and strengthening connections between the city centre, the Stadium of Light and the wider Sheepfolds development area. Esh has also completed its work at Riverside Park – a major new green space being delivered as part of the wider Riverside Sunderland masterplan – where the Southern Gateway and Kingsley Gardens have been transformed. The Southern Gateway public realm connects the Farringdon Row neighbourhood and Riverside multi-storey car park, with the new Sunderland Strategic Eye hospital, Vaux housing development, and central business district. Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “The completion of both the Sheepfolds public realm scheme and our Riverside Park work represents another proud milestone for Esh in Sunderland and reinforces our long-term commitment to supporting the city’s regeneration ambitions. “While the projects are very different in nature, they share a common goal of creating high-quality places that enhance connectivity, celebrate local heritage and provide lasting benefits for the community. Together, they demonstrate how investment in public realm and green infrastructure can support wider regeneration and help attract people to live, work and spend time in the city.” A central feature of the Sheepfolds project is a new pedestrian overpass constructed above the site’s historic cobbled wagonway. The works have included the restoration of the former industrial route while integrating it into a modern, accessible thoroughfare, providing a direct link between the Stadium of Light, Sheepfolds Stables and Keel Square, with onward access to the city centre. Alongside the overpass, the project has delivered enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes through the installation of natural stone paving, new trees and landscaping, and critical infrastructure including sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) to support future phases of development. The Sheepfolds site was temporarily opened during the summer to help facilitate crowds attending the 2026 Women’s Rugby World Cup, providing an early opportunity for visitors to experience the improved public realm. Just a few minutes’ walk over the River Wear from Sheepfolds, situated between the Riverside multi-storey car park and new Sunderland Strategic Eye Hospital, the Southern Gateway includes a new park entrance, attractive landscaped spaces, ponds, and social areas designed to increase biodiversity and encourage public use. Kingsley Gardens has been developed as a community growing space, providing opportunities for healthy living and social interaction. With both sites handed back to Sunderland City Council, work is now focused on readying the new spaces for public use in the coming weeks. Cllr James Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see work complete on the next phase of Riverside Sunderland, which will see the opening of the first phase of our stunning new city park and further enhance the area around Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light. “Over the coming months and years, Riverside Sunderland is set to see hundreds of new homes, the national esports arena and new retail and leisure units rise from the ground and the completion of these critical infrastructure projects mark the latest milestone in the ongoing transformation of the city.” Across the projects, Esh has reinvested £2.5 million into the local economy through supply chain spending and generated additional social value through local employment, apprentice opportunities and community initiatives. Two Sunderland apprentices worked across the projects, while the team additionally supported a Council-led Riverside clean-up initiative. Esh also provided donations of £2000, £750 and £250 to Expo Sunderland, Hopewood Park and children’s charity Love, Amelia respectively. The completion of these projects further strengthens Sunderland’s growing reputation as a destination for investment, leisure and recreation while supporting the wider regeneration of the riverside for future generations. To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Principle expands into the North West with new Manchester office opening
One of the UK’s fastest-growing property management specialists has opened a new base in central Manchester, marking its concerted expansion into the region. Principle, which employs 115 people across the UK and at existing locations in Birmingham and London, has invested more than £300,000 into its 111 Piccadilly office and the recruitment of four sector specialists to spearhead its roll-out. This includes the high-profile appointment of Matt Kirk as Property Director for the North West, who brings twenty years of residential property management experience to the role. Previously responsible for building Rendall & Rittner’s Northern operation from the ground up, his focus will be on establishing a strong local team and Manchester portfolio that will see it manage over 5000 homes by 2028. Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director at Principle, commented: “Manchester boasts outstanding buildings, a growing residential market and real opportunities to make a difference to both clients and residents. “We know from working in Birmingham and London how important it is to have a local presence on the ground, so the decision to open a dedicated offer in the North West was a natural one to make. “Taking office space in central Manchester puts us right at the heart of life in the city and we have ambitious targets to grow revenue in the region to £2.5m within three years.” Principle provides comprehensive property management services to developers, freeholders, RMC directors, for block management and open spaces. Founded in 2018 with the mission to deliver ‘property management, properly done’, the company has grown to over £9m annual revenues, looking after more than 26,000 units, including high-profile schemes at York and Nottingham Terrace, Charlesworth House and Portman Towers in London. Whilst the focus is on residential contacts, there has also been several wins in the commercial space recently, such as 12 St George Street in Mayfair. Matt Kirk, Property Director for the North West, continued: “I’m really excited about this new opportunity with Principle and we are already gaining traction in the region, with a new instruction on Urban Splash’s Albert Mill conversion in the heart of Manchester. “We are really pleased with this early show of faith and look forward to working with the residents to positively impact their homes and their community and, in doing so, grow our reputation locally”. Brett Williams, Managing Director of Principle, concluded: “This office is an important milestone for our business. We’ve taken the time to find the right person to lead our growth in the North West, and now we have the right base to support him and the team he’s quickly building. “The Piccadilly office will manage a growing portfolio of residential and mixed-use developments across Manchester and the wider region, with the company continuing to win new contracts through its existing offices in Birmingham and central London. “We understand that the landscape of property management is ever changing. Our role has never been about bricks and mortar but about the people in the communities we service and the positive impact we can have on their everyday lives. This is the vision and commitment we are bringing to Manchester and beyond.” For further information, please visit www.principleestate.co.uk or follow the company Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Octopus Capital opens first affordable homes in Scotland, reaching 1,000-home milestone
Octopus Capital, a leading UK specialist real estate investor, has officially opened its first Scottish affordable housing investment at The Pines, Wallyford, East Lothian. This news marks two significant milestones: its first development in Scotland, and its 1,000th affordable home delivered through the Octopus Affordable Housing Fund (OAHF). The opening ceremony at The Pines, EH21 8TN, was attended by representatives from Octopus Capital, developer Dandara, and investor Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) and sector representative body Homes for Scotland. The development represents OAHF’s first deployment into Scotland, extending its mission to deliver high-quality, affordable homes beyond England and Wales. The investment has been made through the Octopus Affordable Housing Fund, which deploys long-term capital to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes across the UK. Octopus Capital is among a small number of UK investors to reach the 1,000-home milestone, underlining the scale and pace of its commitment to addressing the UK’s housing gap. The Pines is a development in the town of Wallyford in East Lothian, approximately 6 miles to the east of Edinburgh. The development comprises 87 homes in total, with Octopus Capital providing 28 two, three, four and five bedroomed mid-market rented homes, all let within the Local Housing Allowance rental levels. The homes have been delivered by Dandara, one of Scotland’s leading housebuilders, and the development has been supported by the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB), which invests long term, patient capital, for a fairer more sustainable economy. Its Place mission supports stronger communities and better local economies across Scotland. The development provides well-connected homes, forming part of a thriving community, and supported by excellent local amenities and strong transport links. Jack Burnham, Head of Affordable Housing at Octopus Capital, said: “Reaching 1,000 homes is a landmark moment for the Octopus Affordable Housing Fund and Octopus Capital, and we’re delighted it coincides with the handover of our first homes in East Lothian just 15 minutes from Edinburgh. The Pines is our first development in Scotland, and a demonstration that our model — deploying long-term capital in partnership with great developers, investors and property managers — can provide high-quality affordable housing for communities across all of the UK. We’re proud to be among the first group of investors to pass the 1,000 home milestone, and we’re looking forward to building on this foundation in Edinburgh and beyond.” Lee Ogg, Managing Director of Dandara Scotland, said: “It’s a real privilege for Dandara to become the first housebuilder in Scotland to support Octopus Capital’s ambition to help address the significant shortage of high-quality new-build rental homes across the country, and to mark this important milestone alongside them. Working closely with our Partnerships team, we have focused on creating a flagship development that showcases what can be achieved when the private and public sectors work together. These well-connected homes will form part of a thriving community, supported by excellent local amenities and strong transport links.” Mark Munro, Chief Investment Officer, The Scottish National Investment Bank, said: “Delivering the first home in Scotland is an important milestone and the start of bringing intermediate rent at scale into the market. Alongside the fund reaching 1,000 homes, it highlights how patient, long-term capital can support the delivery of high-quality, energy-efficient affordable housing. “As a commercial investor focused on long-term impact, we are delighted to have played a part in supporting a development that contributes to a stronger and more sustainable housing market.” Jane Wood, Chief Executive of sector body Homes for Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Octopus Capital into the Scottish market and to see the Scottish National Investment Bank’s increasing role in unlocking much-needed housing delivering concrete results. As the country’s housing emergency continues, The Pines will make an important contribution to delivering the high-quality, affordable and sustainable homes of all tenures that Scotland urgently requires.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
elasticStage selects Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead for its advanced manufacturing operations
Prologis has completed a 15-year lease agreement with UK on-demand vinyl platform, elasticStage, for the 53,787 sq ft DC8 unit at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. The facility will support elasticStage’s continued expansion, enabling the business to scale manufacturing capacity for its UK site to +15 million vinyl records per year. Strategically located, DC8 will provide elasticStage with strong connectivity to London, while also supporting access to other key UK and European markets. The location will underpin the business’ next day delivery offering and facilitate continued growth across its European customer base. Given the highly technical nature of elasticStage’s process, Prologis had to meet highly specific requirements, and careful consideration was given to acoustics, vibration control and temperature regulation to ensure optimal operating conditions. Prologis was able to accommodate all requirements and support the advanced vinyl manufacturing methods. Aligning with elasticStage’s sustainable approach to vinyl production, DC8 is net zero in both its construction and operation and meets Prologis’ BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ targets. The unit has been equipped with a solar PV roof array estimated to generate 107,000 kWh per year, smart LED lighting, with 12 EV charging points onsite. In addition to a 3,864 sq ft office space, DC8 also includes a 7,988 sq ft mezzanine floor, providing room for flexibility and maximising floor space on site. This leasing mirrors Prologis’ recent Logistics Rent Index findings, which found that properties in the South East market remain in high demand, due to their ability to service London effectively, while also reaching wider markets in a cost-effective way. Vail Williams acted for elasticStage and Brasier Freeth for Prologis. Simon Perks, Director, Capital Deployment, Prologis UK, said: “This leasing is a perfect example of the strength held in our South East portfolio and at Hemel Hempstead specifically. As demand for Prologis space continues to grow, we are delighted to have completed this agreement and look forward to welcoming elasticStage to this prime location. As the business looks to scale up global operations, DC8 is the ideal space, offering a strategic location, flexibility, high quality specification and strong sustainability credentials.” Steve Rhodes, CEO, elasticStage, said: “Our new space at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead marks a major moment for elasticStage. We’re growing at pace and need somewhere that can both accommodate our expansion plans and meet our advanced manufacturing requirements. It’s safe to say that the unit’s quality build and sustainability credentials were instantly attractive to us and played a very large role in our final decision. “We are all about providing a bespoke service to our customers and it is great to find a logistics provider that shares this value. We look forward to seeing where this space takes us and what growth is in store for the business.” Cllr Adrian England, Portfolio Holder for Place, Dacorum Borough Council, said: “Prologis Park heralds Hemel Hempstead arrival from the east-side/M1 and is a key asset to our community. As businesses move in, not only is the development creating hundreds of skilled and meaningful jobs, but its recent expansion has enabled more and more innovators to choose Hemel Hempstead as their base for operations. “We welcome elasticStage to the borough and look forward to seeing the development of this truly unique business.” Two further units are available for leasing at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead: 66,419 sq ft DC10 and 60,065 sq ft DC12. Contact Prologis UK for enquiries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
5 Top-Rated Heavy Equipment Dealers With Customization
Sourcing specialized heavy equipment that meets your exact operational requirements can be challenging. This becomes particularly difficult when your projects demand custom configurations. The right dealer should offer both extensive inventory and in-house customization capabilities. Here are five top-rated heavy equipment sales and customization dealers with proven expertise across multiple industries. 1. Custom Truck Custom Truck is a comprehensive provider of heavy equipment sales and customization services across North America. Operating as a true single-source solution, the company handles specialized truck and heavy equipment needs from start to finish. Its offerings span rental fleets, new and used equipment sales, aftermarket parts and responsive service. Custom Truck also provides in-house manufacturing capabilities. Customers can access multiple services through one provider for streamlined project management. With an integrated network of locations nationwide, Custom Truck delivers expedited lead times across the United States and Canada. Meanwhile, its in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities allow for tailored equipment configurations. The company serves the utility, telecommunications, rail, forestry, construction and infrastructure sectors. Additionally, Custom Truck offers financing solutions and asset-disposal services to support complete life cycle management of equipment. Key Features 2. L&M Truck Sales L&M Truck Sales brings five decades of experience to the Northwest heavy equipment market. Specializing in custom-designed construction equipment, the company demonstrates particular expertise in truck-mounted cranes and specialized handling systems. As an authorized dealer for multiple leading manufacturers, L&M represents Manitex, Elliott, Palfinger and Terex cranes. This manufacturer diversity allows customers to compare options and select equipment that best matches their operational requirements. L&M offers comprehensive services, including hydraulic crane service, major repairs and certified crane inspections. Its rental fleet features truck-mounted hydraulic cranes ranging from 10 to 40 tons, as well as certified aerial trucks, digger derrick trucks and water trucks. With over 250 select new and used job-ready units available, L&M accommodates various customer requirements and budgets through five purchasing options. Key Features 3. Utility Sales and Service Inc. Utility Sales & Service (USSI) operates as a specialized provider serving the Midwest with custom utility trucks and aerial lift solutions. Focusing on Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, USSI designs and manufactures aerial lifts and work vehicles specifically for organizations that service electrical infrastructure. Its concentrated regional focus allows the company to maintain close customer relationships while providing responsive support. USSI maintains facilities in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Romeoville, Illinois, where it handles design, manufacturing, parts support and repair work. The company offers mobile capabilities and refurbishment programs that provide significant value for fleet managers. Its custom utility trucks feature flexible configurations to maximize functionality for utility, construction and maintenance applications. USSI emphasizes advanced features and high-quality construction materials to ensure durability. Key Features 4. Apex Equipment Apex Equipment specializes in waste, recycling and forestry truck solutions with over 30 years of manufacturing experience. Building custom roll-off, grapple and hooklift trucks designed for demanding operational environments, Apex maintains partnerships with top industry and equipment providers. These partnerships ensure customers receive quality components from established manufacturers. Through its Build Your ApexTruck program, Apex offers complete customization tailored to geographic and task management requirements. The company works with customers to configure units according to operational factors, including terrain, climate conditions, load types and operator requirements. Its engineering team guides the specification process to ensure optimal performance. Apex ships nationwide and serves waste management, construction, municipal and recycling industries with equipment built for maximum durability. Key Features 5. CSTK CSTK delivers diverse specialty truck equipment solutions, backed by notable expertise as a Thermo King dealer for refrigerated transport. Offering extensive capabilities, including forestry truck bodies, rail equipment, snow removal systems and custom vehicle builds, CSTK works with municipalities and large fleets on complex customization projects. Its experience with large-scale clients provides insight into fleet management challenges and operational efficiency requirements. CSTK stocks specialty truck parts and accessories with access to complete product lines from top brands. The company provides Thermo King refrigeration units, connected fleet monitoring solutions and auxiliary power units. Its mobile team operates around the clock to handle equipment repairs wherever customers need support. Additionally, the St. Louis location maintains substantial inventory to execute custom upgrades for service trucks and specialty vehicles across multiple applications. Key Features Methodology These heavy equipment dealers with customization excel in the following areas: Comparative Summary of Equipment Dealers To help you weigh your options, the table below provides an at-a-glance comparison of these leading heavy equipment dealers. Company Primary Specialization Service Area Custom Truck Multi-industry solutions, utility and telecommunications United States and Canada L&M Truck Sales Cranes and specialized construction equipment Northwest United States USSI Aerial lifts and custom utility trucks Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Apex Equipment Waste, recycling and forestry trucks Nationwide CSTK Refrigerated transport and specialty equipment Midwest and regional Frequently Asked Questions Below are some common questions to consider when seeking information about top-rated heavy equipment dealers with customization. Q: What’s the difference between a dealer and a custom upfitter? A: A dealer typically sells equipment from manufacturers and may offer basic modifications. In contrast, a custom upfitter specializes in extensive modifications and builds tailored configurations from the chassis up. Dealers with in-house customization capabilities combine both functions to provide comprehensive solutions. Q: Should you choose a dealer that specializes in a specific industry? A: Industry specialization offers significant advantages when your operations have unique requirements. Specialized dealers understand sector-specific regulations, common configurations and operational challenges. However, multi-industry dealers often offer a broader equipment selection and may offer competitive pricing due to higher volume. Q: How important are after-sales services, like parts and maintenance? A: After-sales support directly impacts equipment uptime and total cost of ownership. Dealers with robust parts inventory, mobile capabilities and round-the-clock support minimize downtime during repairs. These programs become particularly critical for custom equipment, where specialized parts often require dealer-specific sourcing channels. Finding the Right Heavy Equipment Partner Selecting a dealer requires evaluating your specific operational needs against available capabilities. Whether you need top-rated heavy equipment sales for a single purchase or