Green light for Smithfield Riverside’s new public park
Shropshire Council’s Planning Committee has voted to approve the first stage of the Smithfield Riverside regeneration project in Shrewsbury, enabling the delivery of a landmark new public park. Led by Shropshire Council and its development manager, RivingtonHark, Smithfield Riverside is the ambitious regeneration project set to transform the area between the River Severn, the Darwin Centre, Roushill and Raven Meadows in Shrewsbury town centre. This vote of confidence relates to the scheme’s first planning application, which was submitted in December 2023. Financed from the pot of almost £19 million of Levelling Up money Shropshire Council secured from the UK Government, this preparatory work will see the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre and former Riverside medical practice, paving the way for key enabling works on site for future phases of the scheme. It also permits the delivery of a landmark new public park adjacent to Roushill, helping to breathe new life and vibrancy into the area, as well as improving biodiversity in the town centre. The attractive green park will feature play equipment, facilities for visitors of all ages, and a dedicated events and performance area. The Smithfield Riverside project team are looking to appoint a demolition contractor in the coming months, with demolition work getting underway this Summer. Construction of the new park is expected to get underway before the end of 2024. Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of today’s committee meeting. The plans for the park on Roushill received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public and local businesses, so it’s great to now be able to make a start in turning the plans into a reality. “Today’s decision means we’re able to capitalise on the Levelling Up money we secured last year, ensuring that every penny is used to the benefit of Shropshire. It will help us to create a more vibrant and dynamic Shrewsbury town centre. “The Smithfield Riverside masterplan is a cornerstone project in our ambition to attract new visitors, residents, businesses and jobs into Shrewsbury, and help grow the county’s economy. This is just the beginning of the long-term vision but it’s truly exciting to get the ball rolling.” Spencer Winter, Project Director at RivingtonHark, added: “Today is a key moment in shaping the future of Shrewsbury town centre. “The plans that were approved are all about deliverability and laying the ideal foundations to build something truly transformational. Not only do we get to make the most of the Levelling Up capital and deliver a world class public park in the here and now, but the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre will create the perfect, clean-slate conditions that we’re confident will attract the private investment needed to deliver future parts of the scheme. This will include our evolving and upcoming plans for game-changing leisure, residential and office developments.” The project team is now set to turn their attention to future phases of the masterplan. Following the completion of the most recent public consultation, a second planning application will be submitted this Spring, introducing ‘outline’ plans to the develop three plots located between Smithfield Road, Raven Meadows and the new park. A third application, anticipated this Summer, proposes a new leisure-led destination at Pride Hill. Plans would see the existing Pride Hill shopping centre partly demolished, with the retention of the existing service yard platform and its embodied carbon helping to reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint. A stylish series of new buildings and connected courtyards will be developed to accommodate new restaurants, cafes, a cinema and some complementary retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regeneration approval: 216 homes to be built on Worthing’s empty town centre site
Work will begin this year on ‘Union Gardens’, a sustainable residential development in the town centre following planning approval in February 2024. In a collaborative venture with Worthing Borough Council, local developers Roffey Homes will deliver 216 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across four buildings at the ‘Union Place’ site, which was once home to Worthing’s police station but has been derelict for years. The guiding principle of the new development is sustainability, with each home featuring superior thermal fabric to boost insulation, eco-friendly heating systems with underfloor heating, efficient water usage and biodiverse roofs. Residents of Union Gardens will therefore benefit from lower bills, a much-needed factor amid the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. Roffey Homes Managing Director Ben Cheal says, “This will be one of the largest and most sustainable residential schemes Worthing has ever seen. And will revitalise an area of the town that has the potential to re-establish Union Place as an important part of the high street.” Standout features of Union Gardens include three secluded, landscaped gardens for residents of this unique community to enjoy, 700 square metres of commercial space, six ‘work/live’ apartments, and access to a new 236-space car park and cycle parking for residents and visitors, supporting the Connaught Theatre and Cinema and other businesses in the town. In an ingenious use of space typical of Roffey Homes’ developments, the new car park will sit underneath the gardens. The gardens (accessed via Union Place and for the use of the residents only) will be at first-floor level – ensuring the development offers both practicality and aesthetic appeal and a place for the community to meet. Ben Cheal continues, “As a company whose roots are firmly embedded in Worthing, ensuring our developments fit the needs of the local community has always been what guides us. Our design beautifully compliments St Paul’s church, reflecting the past buildings of Worthing in a more contemporary way and showing that Worthing recognises its past but also is looking forward with ambition and sense of purpose – hopefully a project the community can be proud of.” Preparations will begin onsite in summer this year working with local contractor Westbrooke Developments. Construction starts in December 2024 and Roffey Homes will be prioritising working with other local companies and labour. The first completions are expected in 2027. For more information, contact Max Harbron via max@roffeyhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Masterplan approval granted for Brabazon: the most exciting new city district in the South West
South Gloucestershire Council has passed a resolution to grant planning approval for the revised masterplan for Brabazon, the thriving new neighbourhood for South Gloucestershire and Bristol being built by YTL Developments on the historic former Filton Airfield. As the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel, home to over 100 years of aviation history, the former Filton Airfield is known worldwide for a community that changed the world. Under the plans, Brabazon will become a new urban destination that lives up to that legacy. This pioneering new place aims to provide every generation with the space, connectivity and opportunity to continue to shape the future of South Gloucestershire and North Bristol. It will provide new homes, new jobs and renew the fabric of the community, driving local prosperity for the next century. Once YTL Developments, South Gloucestershire Council and National Highways have signed the Section 106 Agreement, Brabazon is forecast to create over £5billion of added economic value for the local area. The approved plans should see Brabazon grow to over 6,000 new homes of every type and tenure and for every generation, from rental apartments to flats for first-time-buyers, open-market houses and properties for retirement living. There will be up to 2,000 beds for student accommodation, while high-quality affordable homes will make up 26.5% of properties, equating to over 1,700 architect-designed houses and apartments. Crucially, the plans are based on a flexible framework so that development is phased alongside improved transport links. Three reviews stages are built into the approval to ensure that the number of homes built at Brabazon can only increase in line with the additional transport connections and community facilities needed to support those homes. The plans – developed by a consortium of world-renowned architects and planners including JRDV Urban International (US), alongside Bath-based Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (UK), SWA Group(US), Grant Associates(UK) and YTL Construction Design Group (Mal)– also include up to 3 million sq ft of commercial space: enough to support 30,000 jobs. The local area is already home to Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN. The top 25 employers alone have over 45,000 staff working within a few miles of Brabazon, many in high-skilled engineering, aerospace and technology roles. Yet recently this world-leading commercial cluster has lacked the space to grow. With three new schools and plans for a higher education or research campus alongside creative office spaces, laboratories and advanced manufacturing facilities, Brabazon will meet this need. It will act as a centre of learning and a launchpad for every type of business, from leading global firms local start-ups shaping the latest technologies. Brabazon will also be a hub for culture, creativity and entertainment. You’ll be able to wander around independent stores, discover new cafes and restaurants or relax in over 86 acres of public space, from leafy squares to Brabazon Park: the largest new public park in the south west for 50 years. And at its heart will be the supersonic new YTL Arena Bristol, with a capacity of over 17,000. Finally, Brabazon will be connected to Bristol city centre and beyond: over £100m is already being invested in the local transport network. A new rail station will connect the neighbourhood to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes. Three MetroBus stops will link Brabazon with Bristol Parkway mainline train terminus, with the shops and restaurants at the South West’s largest retail centre Cribbs Causeway, and with the University of the West of England. And we will be creating 3 Kms of new segregated walking routes and cycle paths. Seb Loyn, Planning & Development Director for YTL Developments, says: “The approval of the new Masterplan for Brabazon is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It will transform not just North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, but the entirety of the West of England. “The region desperately needs more homes. Brabazon will deliver 6,500, with over 1,700 being affordable. “Local businesses need space to grow and expand: Brabazon will provide over 3 million sq ft of commercial space. That means that the local cluster of world-leading engineering, aerospace and technology firms can provide new opportunities for young talent. “But if we are to tackle the climate crisis, we need to build more sustainable homes in the right places. Brabazon is on brownfield land along existing public transport corridors. Maximising its potential will ease pressure on the greenbelt. “This decision paves the way for YTL Developments to build the new homes, offices, schools and community facilities we all need, and to do so in a way that is environmentally and economically sustainable.” Councillor Chris Willmore, Cabinet member responsible for planning at South Gloucestershire Council, says: “This is a historic place-shaping decision by the council for a major sustainable community with the necessary infrastructure to create a truly outstanding place. The plans for Brabazon will create a major new community for South Gloucestershire and a new quarter for the wider Bristol area, built on brownfield land. “We have been working positively with YTL Developments and National Highways to ensure the right infrastructure will be in place. As well as delivering 6,500 high quality homes, 1,724 of these will be affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership, and there will be office and industrial floor space, which in conjunction with the construction work has the potential to create over 30,000 jobs.“The development will help reduce reliance on car travel with metrobus and local buses serving the area along with the train station which already has secured planning permission. A community hub and health care facility will also be provided, along with parks, lakes and open spaces, with over 3,500 trees planted on the site.” YTL Developments is already making good progress on delivering Brabazon. At present: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction experts to be recommended to Cabinet for Strand redevelopment
Sefton Council’s Cabinet will meet on Thursday 7th March to discuss the appointment of a new contractor for Bootle Strand in the latest step towards its much-anticipated redevelopment. The decision to partner with Vinci Construction UK would be another significant milestone in a process that started seven years ago. Sefton Council purchased Bootle Strand in 2017 and laid out plans for a landmark redevelopment that would make it one of the Borough’s key attractions. In the years following, consultations with Sefton residents and work beginning on the Salt and Tar events space helped the redevelopment plan to build steam. The project accelerated in March 2023 with the award of £20 million as part of the government’s Levelling Up fund. With that significant cash injection, the redevelopment is all set to gear up in 2024. The Cabinet will now meet to discuss the exciting next steps on Bootle Strand’s journey. Vinci Construction UK will be proposed as the demolition contractor for the redevelopment after they were identified as the top choice in a rigorous tender process. Their plans include introducing 20 new jobs for local applicants during the demolition phase, plus the introduction of work placements for school leavers and care experienced young people. Vinci also aims to work alongside local groups including Sefton@Work, Hugh Baird College and YKids, in keeping with the Council’s inclusive and ambitious plans for the redevelopment, and making sure the local community are engaged in the demolition programme, particularly those residents most immediately affected by the works. Once completed, a revitalised Strand will re-emerge as the heart of Bootle town centre. It will host a vibrant mix of retail, leisure, education and health facilities, also providing new public spaces and enhanced access to the canalside. Cllr Christine Howard, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “Vinci is a firm with considerable experience and a fantastic track record, and I believe that they are the right choice of contractor for the Strand project. “The interest we received was beyond our expectations and it is testament to Vinci’s qualities that they came through a highly competitive tender process. This shows that the Strand redevelopment is an ambitious and exciting project. “Vinci has strong ties to Sefton and is committed to working with the local community. They place importance on social value and have pledged to listen closely to the input of Bootle residents throughout. “I am excited to see how the work progresses in the coming months and how we follow last year’s successes.” The news comes amid a busy time in and around the Strand. Recent highlights include the unveiling of the Red Rum Club mural, plus announcements of Tom Jones and Status Quo gigs and a Bootle Comedy weekender, as well as collaborations with both Red Rum Club and the Wombles as Music and Environmental Ambassadors respectively to Salt & Tar. Furthermore, planning permission for demolition of parts of the shopping centre has been granted in order to facilitate the early phases of redevelopment and repurposing. A final decision on the appointment of a new contract will take place at next week’s Cabinet. Work is due to begin in spring of this year. The Strand will remain open to the public during the work. Stay up to date with the latest developments on Bootle Strand at www.sefton.gov.uk/BootleStrand Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shropshire construction sector to benefit from billion-pound builds
The multi-billion pound opportunity for the construction sector in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin is the focus for a major event for contractors and the supply chain next month. Project Pipeline, being held on March 22 in Shrewsbury, is expected to attract companies operating across the industry spectrum – from housing developers to sub-contractors and civil engineers to main contractors. Hosted by Shropshire Constructing Excellence, the Constructing Excellence Midlands Shropshire club, the event at Theatre Severn will hear about opportunities to be involved in a range of projects, such as the regeneration of Shrewsbury’s Riverside area and the flagship Station Quarter development in Telford. Mark Barrow, chair of Shropshire Constructing Excellence and executive director of place at Shropshire Council, said: “This is an exciting time for the construction industry across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, and we want our local businesses to get their share of the contracts that will be available over the next decade. “Sometimes, just knowing what’s in the pipeline and when we expect the opportunities to become live, can be the key to getting involved in these major infrastructure projects. We also want to make sure that Shropshire and Telford companies are aware of construction projects being delivered currently and how they and their supply chain can benefit. “There will also be a chance to network with other construction professionals, meet other organisations which can support construction sector companies to grow, and pick up information on business growth, training and skills.” Amy Bould, managing director of Be Bold Media and committee member of SCE, is hosting the event which will hear keynotes from both councils about infrastructure projects which aim to develop the economy and prosperity of the region. Harpreet Rayet, of Cornovii Developments, will give an overview on STAR Housing’s successful retrofit project near Oswestry, sustainability plans and SAP calculations, and Matt Laws from event sponsor Shrewsbury Colleges Group will give a brief update on the latest funded skills and training opportunities available to employers. Andrew Carpenter, from Constructing Excellence Midlands, will also explain how the organisation works together with SCE for the benefit of construction businesses, and the event will wrap up with a networking lunch. The Project Pipeline event is aimed at any business involved in construction (main contractors/sub-contractors), residential and commercial property development, retrofit, supply chain, built environment and masterplanning, low carbon and sustainability, construction skills and training, civil engineering and infrastructure, building and facilities management, material and building design and sector support specialists. Telford is the fastest-growing town in the West Midlands, and the Station Quarter is just one of the major infrastructure projects planned for the next decade. Made up of commercial, residential and education space – including a new campus for Harper Adams University – there is plenty of scope for businesses to get involved. Shropshire Council has bid for a share of the government’s £4.8 billion Levelling Up fund to support three major schemes – the clearance of the Riverside area of Shrewsbury, a new roundabout and railway bridge on the A49 at Craven Arms, and town centre improvements and a new skate park for Oswestry. To register for the Project Pipeline event visit https://www.cemidlands.org/event/project-pipelinethe-multi-billion-pound-opportunity-for-construction-in-shropshire-telford-wreki/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Major Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade to start as part of £23m plan to create ‘unique waterfront destination’
A £8.6m Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade is set to start as part of a major project between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Wirral Council to turn the area into a ‘vibrant and unique waterfront destination’. The upgrade is being made possible by Levelling Up funding from Wirral Council, which is currently consulting on a £23m Masterplan to breathe new life into the area. The terminal is set to reopen from summer 2025 following complex engineering work to install a new landing stage and linkspan bridge. It follows a multi-million-pound modernisation of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, supported by a £7m investment from Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority, which completed in October 2022. The Woodside scheme is part of a wider investment to secure the future of the iconic tourist attraction. In December last year, Mayor Rotheram signed a £26m contract with nearby Birkenhead shipyard Cammell Laird to build the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years. Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “The Woodside Ferry Terminal was constructed in 1985, it’s almost 40 years old and in need of modernisation so we’re able to keep up with the needs of a growing and diverse population. This is a great opportunity for us to improve the area for residents however, it’s also a prime time to start encouraging even more tourists to explore the other side of the water by bringing Mersey Ferries back to the area and restoring the service between Woodside and Pier Head, improving the transport links for residents and visitors alike.” Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “We’re excited about the next stage of plans to develop the Woodside Ferry Terminal. This latest regeneration will include developing the space from Argyle Street/Conway Street roundabout down to the Terminal and include improving the landscaping around the area. It will also create more accessible walking and cycling spaces and better connections between the Central Birkenhead retail area and the Waterfront, for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.“In addition to the plans which are to be delivered over the next couple of years, part of the process in drafting the masterplan has been to generate new ideas to be implemented in the longer term such as the extra-large floating pontoon or a historic ship in the dock as part of a visitor attraction. The consultation, which is open now, is giving everyone to the chance to view these proposals and have their say and we’re encouraging everyone to take part.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals