Panattoni expands at Horizon 120 with 10-acre acquisition to deliver next phase of Panattoni Park Braintree
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has acquired an additional plot at Horizon 120 Business Park in Braintree, Essex, as it continues to expand its footprint in the South East logistics market. Braintree is a well-connected town in Essex, approximately 15 miles from Stansted Airport. The area provides direct access to the A120 and A131, linking swiftly to the M11 and M25 motorways, and benefits from mainline rail services to London Liverpool Street and a strong local and regional workforce. The newly 10-acre acquired site will form the next phase of Panattoni Park Braintree 1.0, to be known as Panattoni Park Braintree 2.0. The purchase follows 12 months after the launch of the initial phase, which comprises four units, one of which is already under construction. The new phase will deliver an additional 164,000 sq ft across six units, all built speculatively in response to sustained occupier demand in the South East of England. With an estimated Gross Development Value of £50 million, the project underlines Panattoni’s continued investment and long-term commitment to the UK logistics market. Offering a competitive alternative to units within the M25, the scheme is expected to attract a diverse range of occupiers seeking modern, sustainable accommodation with excellent connectivity and value. Full detailed planning consent has already been secured, enabling construction to commence in late 2025, with practical completion expected in late 2026. James Watson, Head of Development – Southern England & London at Panattoni, said: “This acquisition represents an important next step in our long-term commitment to Braintree and the wider Essex logistics market. The area remains significantly undersupplied, particularly for occupiers seeking high-quality, sustainable accommodation within close proximity of Stansted Airport and the M25. Panattoni Park Braintree 2.0 will enable us to deliver additional capacity to meet that demand, continuing the successful rollout of our speculative development strategy.” Panattoni Park Braintree 2.0 will deliver six new mid-box units designed to meet the needs of regional and national occupiers, including those in the aviation, parcel distribution, and local last-mile sectors. The buildings will be constructed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ standards, with flexibility for semi-detached units to be combined into larger configurations if required. Panattoni has appointed CBRE and Coke Gearing as leasing agents. For more information, please visit: https://panattoni.co.uk/our-properties/braintree2 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blackpool’s Silicon Sands Prepares for First Sustainable Data Centre
Plans are moving forward for the first data centre at Blackpool’s landmark Silicon Sands digital infrastructure site, marking a major milestone in the town’s ambition to become a leading hub for sustainable technology and data innovation. An application for planning permission is due to be submitted before Christmas for a 6MW carbon-friendly data centre alongside 20,000 sq ft of office and research space. The development has already attracted strong interest from private sector investors keen to be part of the Fylde Coast’s emerging digital economy. Located next to Blackpool Airport, the Silicon Sands project builds on the arrival of the transatlantic Aquacomms cable, which connects the UK to North America and Europe. The initiative is designed to position the region as a strategic location for high-capacity, energy-efficient data infrastructure. The proposed data centre will be powered entirely by renewable energy and will feature advanced liquid immersion cooling to maximise efficiency. Waste heat generated by the facility will also be captured and reused to provide energy for nearby properties — a key element of its sustainable design. Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said the project could be transformative for the area. “Silicon Sands is a transformational opportunity for Blackpool. It can create thousands of well-paid jobs, attract investment, and put us at the forefront of sustainable digital development. That vision is proven by the significant interest we have had from the private sector already. Silicon Sands is about so much more than just data centres though. We are carefully managing the programme so that we can create data centres which are carbon friendly and can even supply waste heat back to local communities.” The first phase of development will be located on the former fire station and engineering yard at Blackpool Airport, which was demolished in 2023, as well as the old administration offices and security point. If approved, the project will signal the start of an ambitious new chapter for Blackpool, establishing Silicon Sands as a pioneering example of how digital infrastructure and sustainability can work hand in hand to drive regional growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Retail Parks: The Winning Format
By Matthew Reed – Head of Asset Management (Retail Parks) at British Land What’s driving retail parks to outperform? It’s the combination of affordability, accessibility, and adaptability – a strategy that attracts leading brands, welcomes new formats, and keeps our parks thriving. When it comes to the future of retail, our Head of Retail Parks, Matt Reed, is clear: retail parks are winning. Backed by fresh leasing data and real-world insight, he reveals why these destinations are outpacing the competition – boasting high footfall, strong rental growth, and record-low vacancy. Accessibility, affordability, and adaptability are the three pillars pushing retail parks ahead. We’re seeing retailers gravitate to parks because they tick every box for today’s omni-channel world.” Why Are Retail Parks so accessible? Let’s start with location. Retail Parks tend to be strategically placed on major arterial roads, making them easy to access. It’s simple. People want convenience, and with free, abundant parking right outside the door retail parks play in to the consumers need for convenience But it’s not just about access. For example, at our retail park in Teesside, our centre team collaborated with the local bus operators to boost public transport links, ensuring everyone, including staff and shoppers, can access the park easily. It’s a win for everyone but especially for our customers bottom lines. Affordability drives growth Affordability is a major draw for retailers. Compared to high streets and shopping centres, total occupational costs at retail parks are highly competitive. This has attracted a diverse mix of tenants, especially in the wake of Brexit and COVID. As a result, this has opened the door for a wave of new retailers, from value food brands to innovative new retail formats eager to take advantage of the cost-effective space. As a result, we are seeing strong rental growth and exceptionally low vacancy rates across our portfolio – a clear sign the model is working. Are Retail Parks built for modern retailers? Adaptability is at the heart of a retail park. Our units are essentially blank canvases – big tin sheds we can cut, carve, and combine to suit any need. Need a click-and-collect hub? No problem. Want to launch a new format store. We can do it. We’ve seen a huge acceleration in omni-channel features from click-and-collect to return hubs and drive-to convenience. Retailers love it because it supports both in-store and online sales. Who’s leading the charge? Value food retailers like Aldi and Lidl have been the darlings of the market. Their presence drives regular footfall, which benefits every occupier on the park. It’s a halo effect – if someone’s coming for groceries, they’re likely to pop next door for fashion or homeware. But it’s not just food. We’ve repositioned units to attract everything from medical diagnostics centres to dentists and vets. At Crown Point, Denton, we combined two smaller units for InHealth to create a mini medical centre. That’s diversification in action, catering to a wider demographic. Asset management in retail property is unique – you get to shape real, tangible places and build lasting relationships. We work closely with our retailers all year round, understanding their needs. It’s a dynamic, social career where every project is a chance to make a visible, meaningful impact. That’s what makes it so rewarding.” How does smart leasing shape the future? Smart leasing is about more than just filling units. It’s about curating a vibrant, relevant mix that keeps our parks ahead of the curve. We’re always looking for ways to adapt spaces for new entrants, whether that means carving out smaller units for coffee shops and bakeries or combining spaces for larger occupiers. This flexibility ensures our parks stay dynamic and attractive to both retailers and the communities they serve. “At Denton, we turned a standard unit into a modern dental hub – so now, alongside brands like JD Sports and M&S, you’ll find essential services right on the park. That’s what sets retail parks apart: we’re creating places that are diverse, dynamic, and truly community focused.” At British Land, our strategy is clear: we’re setting the standard for modern retail by championing affordability, accessibility, and adaptability across our retail parks. By creating spaces that are easy to reach, cost-effective for retailers, and flexible enough to welcome new concepts, we are not just responding to change, we are helping drive it. Our approach ensures our parks remain vibrant, resilient, and ahead of the curve, delivering value for our occupiers, our communities and our investors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Country’s first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre prepares to open to first patients
The country’s first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), based in Nottinghamshire, will soon open its doors to patients, heralding the beginning of a new era for rehabilitation. The NRC is a 70-bed, state-of-the-art specialist rehabilitation centre for NHS patients who have experienced a life-changing illness or injury and is run and staffed by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). NUH has developed the transformative clinical model to be able to deliver more intensive treatments and rehabilitation earlier in a patient’s journey, and has created a bespoke workforce and relevant training to support this. The brand-new facility is co-located with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate (SHRE) near Loughborough. The concept of establishing Defence and National Rehabilitation centres on a single site was that of the late 6th Duke of Westminster back in 2009 and he purchased the SHRE for the purpose. At the same time the Black Stork Charity was specifically created to achieve the overall concept – not least by means of a successful funding campaign to raise the necessary £300m to create the Defence establishment and enable the National one. Capital funding for the construction of the NRC was provided by the government’s New Hospitals Programme, and the building is the NHS’s first operationally carbon neutral building, featuring solar panels on the roof of the NRC and four air source heat pumps in the adjacent energy centre. NHS patients at the NRC will benefit from: The NRC will primarily receive patients from across the East Midlands, many of them anticipated to come through the East Midland’s Major Trauma Centre – the busiest in the UK and based at NUH. The national aspect to the NRC is that it will lead rehabilitation research and innovation, as well as providing training and education through an NRC Academy, all in collaboration with a consortium of 26 Universities throughout England. Patients at the NRC will have the opportunity to take part in research during their stay, with the aim of significantly reducing the time between identifying effective new treatments and them benefitting patients. Clinical staff will also all be encouraged to take part in research and educational activity. What happens at the NRC is anticipated to be of international significance too – the research, innovation and evolution in rehabilitation technology and treatment is anticipated to be global in its impact and future potential. The long-term ambition for the NRC is to be the national ‘hub’ in a future ‘hub and spoke’ model, or a single model multi-site service, with regional rehabilitation units (‘spokes’) established across the country to widen impact and benefit as many patients as possible. Anthony May, Chief Executive of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are proud to be at the point of preparing to open the doors of this pioneering facility to our first patients. The difference the NRC will make to patients and families cannot be underestimated.” “The NRC has been 15 years in the making. I should like to thank all those who have been involved for their perseverance, dedication and determination to make it a reality. I should like to pay a particular tribute to the Black Stork Charity for their considerable and unwavering support since the vision for the Centre was first conceived.” “This is a significant moment for NUH, for rehabilitation medicine in this Country, and for the many NHS patients whose lives will be changed and restored in this groundbreaking facility, set in a unique location. “Moreover, the innovation, research and knowledge generated from the NRC will help develop rehabilitation nationally and internationally.” Miriam Duffy, NRC Director and physiotherapist, said: “I am delighted that we are on the verge of opening the first NHS NRC and beginning the journey of transforming the way we provide rehabilitation in this country. “The impact of timely and effective rehabilitation lasts a lifetime and can be the difference to enable someone returning to the home, work, family and hobbies that they love. “By taking inspiration and learning from other rehabilitation centres across the globe, we are confident that we have delivered the very best rehabilitation facility where our dedicated and motivating staff will work with researchers and innovators to give our patients back their independence and the best quality of life possible. “However, this is just the beginning, and the NRC is much more than just a building. Our aim is to revolutionise rehabilitation across the country so that every NHS patient who suffers a life-changing illness or injury receives the best rehabilitation possible and the best chance to return to living an independent and fulfilling life.” Mark Preston, Chairman of The Black Stork Charity said: “Fifteen years ago, the 6th Duke of Westminster decided to improve the rehabilitation facilities for members of the Armed Forces and, at the request of the Defence Secretary, to extend such provision to the nation as well. His action is why the new National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) building is about to take patients – and that is a very good outcome and NUH has done well to get to this point. “I think we can all be sure that the NRC will bring huge benefits – in this case for the East Midlands region. It promises to return many people to work and life in a way which is currently not the case, bringing in its wake improvements to the national workforce and the economy. “This approach is novel and will need proving in the next couple of years and, if proven, Government should look to such provision across the country in the ‘hub and spoke’ way that is common in the NHS. The Charity and NUH will, together, do all in our power to ensure that this is the case.” Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth said: “This brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, backed by £105 million of government money, will transform care for patients who need specialist rehabilitation support. “The National Rehabilitation Centre embodies the future of the NHS: community-based care, digital innovation,
Eric Wright Construction hands over first care home to Wrightcare
Eric Wright Construction has completed the first care home, Castlewood in Clitheroe, for client Wrightcare. The £14m development comprises 68 en-suite bedrooms with shared living spaces including lounges, dining and kitchen facilities, a café and bar area, hair salon and multiple wellness and activity spaces, supported by integrated technologies to enhance resident care and safety. James Eager, director of Eric Wright Construction commented “We are proud to handover Castlewood to our client, Wrightcare, on time and on budget. As this is a full turnkey project, our team has ensured that every aspect has been delivered to the highest standards to provide a high-quality, comfortable and safe environment for residents and employees. “Working collaboratively with our consultants, supply chain partners, sub-contractors, and the client team, we successfully addressed a range of technical challenges, turning them into opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement. The valuable experience gained will further strengthen our approach as we also start to move forward with the construction of Wrightcare’s second care home in Lancashire.” Gill Chadwick, managing director for Wrightcare added “This is a significant milestone for Wrightcare, as we celebrate the handover of our first care home, Castlewood. “This is the beginning of creating a community founded on compassion, dignity and the very best person-centred care. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead and to welcoming our first residents.” Castlewood has been designed with a focus on maximising the outdoor spaces including a village green entrance to the property, with greenhouses and raised beds for residents who want to enjoy gardening and private patios to the ground floor apartments. Wrightcare, which is also part of the Eric Wright Group, plans to build, retain and operate a number of new care homes across the North West in the near future and the construction team is due to start on site with the second care home Brindlewood, Grimsargh near Preston. This second development will encompass a 72-bedroom care home, along with 48 bungalows that are being delivered by Applethwaite, also part of the Eric Wright Group. The project team included: Planning – Steve Abbott Associates, Lead Designer / Architect – Cassidy & Ashton, Civil & Structural – JP Structures, Landscape Architect – TEL Landscapes, MEP – TACE, Fire Engineering – Hoare Lea, Acoustics – Cundalls, Transport – Mode, Environmental – Envirotech, Building Control – Sweco. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sisk completes Farrans Construction acquisition
John Sisk & Son (Sisk) has completed all legal and regulatory requirement for the acquisition of Farrans Construction, following Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) approval last month. As announced in September, Sisk reached an agreement to acquire Farrans, a leading Northern Ireland based, building and civil engineering contractor, with over 600 employees, delivering world-class projects in core sectors including aviation, water and renewable energy in Ireland and the UK. The Farrans business will continue to trade under its own brand, and all project operations will continue as normal. The consideration will not be disclosed.Sisk is Ireland’s largest construction and civil engineering company, operating across Ireland, the UK and Europe. The coming together of these two successful contracting businesses will unlock new opportunities for delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland. Sisk acquired Farrans from the building materials provider CRH. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals