Placefirst, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent providers, has submitted plans to develop over 120 apartments in Halifax town centre. The plans for the £16 million development at Cow Green will see the former multi-storey car park site transformed into high-quality homes for rent and, if approved, it will deliver
The construction of new apartments in Birmingham is being supported by a funding deal worth £21 million. The new capital has been received by Cedar Invest, who will use the funding to support its project to build 140 new apartments in Digbeth. The five-storey development, named The Forge, consists of a
Apartments complete with floor-to-ceiling glazing, stunning views and luxury resident facilities including a swimming pool and cinema, have sold in London. Riverlight occupies a prime central London location directly fronting the River Thames and comprises a group of six pavilions ranging from 12 to 20 storeys in height. As part
A key milestone has been reached by a Manchester apartment scheme ahead of its opening next month. Contractor McGoff marked the completion of Phase Two’s concrete frame with a topping out ceremony at Downtown on Woden Street. When complete, Downtown will provide 374 apartments with high end facilities and hotel-style
Cameron Butcher has been awarded a unique house build project to create 33 luxury homes in the centre of the West Midlands. The developments is modern and highly individualised, mixing six different traditional design features with all the contemporary conveniences one would expect in homes of this calibre. Sizeable aluminium framed
Birmingham’s latest apartment development, The Bank, has had its second tower topped out. Contractor Wates has begun work to fit out the interior of the building, located between Broad Street and Brindleyplace, following the completion of the structure. “This topping out ceremony is the latest proof that Birmingham is a
Planning consent has been granted by Liverpool City Council to a revised scheme for the stalled Baltic House project in Liverpool. The revised scheme, designed by architect Brock Carmichael, was submitted by Crossfield Exclusive Developments, after purchasing the Norfolk Street site out of liquidation late last year. Now under the name
A new housing development in Edenbridge is set to throw open its showhome’s doors to home-hunters in the area. The Aldwych showhome at Bellway’s Oakley Park development, off St Johns Way, is being unveiled to the public on Saturday, February 2. This outstanding four-bedroom property will showcase all that’s best
A new hotel-led development in East London has received planning permission. Developed by Rockwell Property, the 30-storey landmark building located at 82 West India Dock Road in Westferry includes a 400-key hotel with a ground floor restaurant, cafe and bar. The site will also house 66 new one, two and
Leading UK manufacturer Kawneer had its full range of architectural glazing systems specified for a stunning residential development at Cardiff marina. The Kawneer systems were selected for Phase One of Bayscape Ltd’s £40 million mixed-use development, which has been shortlisted for an award. “We specified Kawneer because of the need
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Placefirst, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent providers, has submitted plans to develop over 120 apartments in Halifax town centre. The plans for the £16 million development at Cow Green will see the former multi-storey car park site transformed into high-quality homes for rent and, if approved, it will deliver a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments with bike storage and electric car charging points. Designed as a nine-storey building by JM Architects, the development takes inspiration from the town’s rich heritage and will integrate with the Council’s wider Cow Green highway improvements through attractive landscape features and public realm. Placefirst is working collaboratively with West Yorkshire Combined Authority on the delivery of the scheme, while pre-application advice has been sought from Calderdale Council and a public consultation. “We are excited to submit our plans to regenerate this area in the centre of Halifax with our most sustainable scheme to date. We have worked closely with the Combined Authority and Calderdale Council to ensure the scheme delivers the shared objectives of all partners and sets the standard for high quality build-to-rent in Halifax. We hope that the proposals are well received and look forward to starting work next summer to create new homes for residents,” said James Litherland, planning and development manager at Placefirst. Plans for Cow Green represent Placefirst’s most sustainable project to date as it transitions towards ‘net zero’. A fabric first approach has been taken to maximise the thermal performance of the building in addition to renewable and efficient technologies including photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and wastewater heat recovery. This will deliver a superior EPC rating which will limit energy consumption and allow for lower bills for residents. The proposal links closely to Calderdale’s vision for Halifax as a vibrant place to live, work and visit, and plans dovetail with current and future ‘Calderdale The Next Chapter’ proposals for the town centre such as the refurbishment of the bus station and the train station gateway. Placefirst is well known for creating quality, well-maintained rental neighbourhoods in multiple regions across the UK, and this scheme in Halifax would follow in the footsteps of its other successful developments including ‘Elevate’, 53 high-spec apartments near Manchester city centre, and ‘Skye Edge’, a thriving family community of 113 new build homes with incredible hilltop views across Sheffield. Once each neighbourhood is complete, Placefirst also maintain a presence on site and manage their neighbourhoods with skilled, friendly in-house teams, and dedicated resident services managers. If approved, work is expected to start in mid-2023 and would be completed by 2025. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction of new apartments in Birmingham is being supported by a funding deal worth £21 million. The new capital has been received by Cedar Invest, who will use the funding to support its project to build 140 new apartments in Digbeth. The five-storey development, named The Forge, consists of a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and a 42-space car park and is set for completion by the end of 2020. Providing new homes for more than 226 residents, Cedar Invest said it had already sold 107 of the 140 homes at the site in Bradford Street. “The Forge Digbeth is set to be a transformative development in the city, regenerating a currently underutilised piece of land to provide a range of luxury new homes. By securing backing from Frontier Development Capital and Coutts, we have been able to get spades into the ground – a significant milestone for Cedar but also Birmingham as we contribute to its ongoing growth,” said John Whateley, director at Cedar Invest. The new investment comprises a £17.5 million loan from Coutts and £3.5 million from Frontier Development Capital, with Cedar Invest investing £6 million. The funding has allowed construction to commence at the previously disused ‘Park Works’ brownfield site, supporting more than 300 jobs in the construction phase. “This investment in Cedar Invest will be crucial in allowing the developer to deliver this flagship development, a strong platform from which it can bring forward more schemes across the Midlands and wider UK. The volume and quality of residential development in Birmingham is on the rise, driven by developers like Cedar Invest. We look forward to working with the team as this scheme takes shape and delivers much-needed homes in the city,” added Nick Oakley, head of property investments at Frontier Development Capital. Working alongside Cedar Invest on the regeneraion project are GJL Property Developers and BJD.
Apartments complete with floor-to-ceiling glazing, stunning views and luxury resident facilities including a swimming pool and cinema, have sold in London. Riverlight occupies a prime central London location directly fronting the River Thames and comprises a group of six pavilions ranging from 12 to 20 storeys in height. As part of the multi-million pound project, air distribution products were supplied by expert manufacturers, Waterloo Air Products plc. Each building featured bespoke glazing and inverted balconies to increase daylight and maximise views of the river. To create the perfect living environment for new owners, Waterloo’s air terminal devices were fitted inside five of the six buildings. Waterloo delivered aesthetically-pleasing linear bar grilles which were integrated at a high level in every room. The APM plasterline grille was chosen so that the surrounding frame could be plastered into the wall with only the central core visible. Special clip fixings were developed so that the frame could be installed first. After the room was decorated, the core was then fitted. Diffusers were fed via thermally-lined plenums which were sized to give good throw patterns at various fan coil air volumes. Before the installation of any products, Waterloo created working mock-ups in the test lab to ensure perfect air performance and specified noise levels could be achieved. Waterloo’s variable ventilation controllers deliver the exact amount of air flow to enhance the luxurious feel of each of the residential and retail blocks. Once Phase One was completed, the same format was created through to the other blocks. Over the course of several months, hundreds of apartments were installed with a state-of-the-art air distribution system. As well as this, other onsite facilities, which included restaurants, a gym and virtual golf, all needed specialist air distribution. Maximising space and ensuring each grille was finished to a high specification was of paramount importance to Waterloo. Consideration had to be given to each of the separate apartment blocks and, in a bid to minimise disruption, work was carried out in organised phases. Waterloo staggered manufacture and delivery to the London site to facilitate the needs of the developer. Speaking about the project, Andrew Mildon, sales office manager at Air Systems (SW), said he enjoyed being involved. He says: “This project was really exciting. Our aim was to deliver excellent air conditioning and air distribution throughout each apartment. When one block was complete, we literally moved on to the next.” From initial design stages, developers were keen to create something truly unique within this area of London. Considering the central location, it was paramount to conjure up a unique flagship development. And it seems buyers could not wait to invest.
A key milestone has been reached by a Manchester apartment scheme ahead of its opening next month. Contractor McGoff marked the completion of Phase Two’s concrete frame with a topping out ceremony at Downtown on Woden Street. When complete, Downtown will provide 374 apartments with high end facilities and hotel-style services including lobby with 24 hour concierge, gymnasium, spa, media room, postal room, dry and chilled storage, private dining, business centre as well as landscaped grounds and roof terraces. The first residents are due to arrive at the new development in May 2019. “The collaboration between McGoff Construction, Heyrod Construction, Alliance Investments, our legal team, architect and Wellesley has been incredible. Developing this bespoke partnership has enabled us to take advantage of Downtown impressive sales success and start build of Phase II two much earlier than planned,” said Chris McGoff, director at the McGoff Group. “As we near the end of construction at Downtown, and reflect on its success, we can safely say that our collaboration was a truly unique and refreshing way to work in the construction industry. With all apartments selling quickly off-plan, the McGoff Construction team was agile with regards to the build programme, fully supported by Heyrod Construction, which not only saved money but also allowed us to accelerate the build of Phase II without the need to negotiate based on better than envisaged sales. With such a solid partnership in place, and the results to prove it, Wellesley was happy to adapt and release funds for Phase II early. It really has been a success story with regards to both sales and construction on site,” he added.
Cameron Butcher has been awarded a unique house build project to create 33 luxury homes in the centre of the West Midlands. The developments is modern and highly individualised, mixing six different traditional design features with all the contemporary conveniences one would expect in homes of this calibre. Sizeable aluminium framed windows allow natural light to pour into the living areas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many other premium internal features are also included, such as stylish carpets; an integrated alarm and CCTV system that can be controlled via an App; tile and wood laminate flooring; underfloor heating throughout; tailored wardrobes; procelanosa kitchens with Krion worktops; NEFF appliances; and automated heating, lighting and blinds that can be remotely controlled with an App. “Our desire to build homes that will stand the test of time and still look fantastic for years to come stems from our guiding principle. A principle that emphasises exceptional design and superior craftsmanship, all the while ensuring each home ticks boxes for value and location,” said Gulraiz Sidique of Architecture and Interior Design. Cameron Butcher are devoted and reliable house builders, bringing with them over 30 years of experience working on house building projects of varying sizes and complexities. Project manager Shaun Bergan oversees all matters and is responsible for maintaining a high standard of quality across each of the luxury homes. Shaun is aided by site manager Jon Taylor and site assistant Carmen Bolea – two staff members who are dedicated to their client’s needs and committed to creating homes that elevate their owner’s quality of life, providing an unparalleled living experience in the West Midlands in the process. “We believe that quality should never be compromised and as house builders undertake stringent control checks and monitor the entire building process; from the moment we break ground right up until the final piece is put in place,” commented Steven Butcher MD of Cameron Butcher.
Birmingham’s latest apartment development, The Bank, has had its second tower topped out. Contractor Wates has begun work to fit out the interior of the building, located between Broad Street and Brindleyplace, following the completion of the structure. “This topping out ceremony is the latest proof that Birmingham is a city quite literally on the up. Our city skyline is being transformed and The Bank is one of the exciting developments helping to make Birmingham an even better place to live, work and invest,” commented Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, Brigid Jones. Owned by Aprirose, The Bank is being developed by Regal Property Group, funded by Aprirose and designed by architect Glancy Nicholls. It consists of two residential towers that contain a total of 406 apartments. The first tower comprises 189 studio, one and two-bedroom properties, reaching 22-storeys, and is now 96% sold. It was completed in summer 2018. Meanwhile, the second tower at The Bank is 33-storeys high and will comprise 217 luxury apartments, including one, two and three-bedroom homes. It will be one of only two residential skyscrapers to measure over 100 metres tall in the city and is expected to complete by the end of 2019. “The topping out of the second tower at The Bank is a significant milestone in the regeneration of this important part of the city and my thanks go to our project team for the hard work and unrelenting commitment to ensure the rapid progress and excellent quality of this development,” commented John Carlin, Managing Director, Wates Construction Midlands. Moreover, tenants will also have access to a private gym, residents lounge and coffee bar, a private kitchen and dining room, on-site cycle storage and secure and private outdoor green space. “As Birmingham continues to thrive as the UK’s second City, schemes such as The Bank are integral to providing quality housing as the business scene continues to bloom and attract talent to the city centre. As The Bank development nears completion we look forward to it becoming not only an iconic addition to the skyline but a part of the fabric of Birmingham. The scheme represents not only a strong investment for Aprirose into a key business destination but a mark of our commitment to Birmingham’s continued growth,” concluded Manish Gudka, CEO, Aprirose.
Planning consent has been granted by Liverpool City Council to a revised scheme for the stalled Baltic House project in Liverpool. The revised scheme, designed by architect Brock Carmichael, was submitted by Crossfield Exclusive Developments, after purchasing the Norfolk Street site out of liquidation late last year. Now under the name of Baltic View, the development will comprise 129 apartments with associated communal space and courtyard. It will also feature nine office units totaling 1,174 sqm on the ground and first floors to accommodate businesses in the digital and creative sectors, complemented by storage space for up to 100 bicycles. “We have worked closely with Liverpool City Council over many months and we are pleased that the planning committee shares our vision for the transformative potential of this site. Baltic View will be a new dawn for the site and our local, experienced team is committed to creating a development that provides a positive, enduring addition to the area,” said David Cain, director at Crossfield Group. The plans received approval by Liverpool City Council last week and Crossfield Construction is already on site to begin work on the scheme. Approximately ten new full-time jobs are expected to be created during construction, in addition to as many as 400 workers on site through a local supply chain. “We are really pleased to see the stalled development site back on track. It’s been a painful daily reminder of failed developments over the past few years,” said Liam Kelly, chair of the Baltic Triangle area company. “It’s really encouraging to see the site now being developed by Crossfield Group, who share in the area’s vision and have engaged with the stakeholders right from the start. This is an example of how the area can retain its identity and continue to see positive growth over the coming years, with everyone working together.”
A new housing development in Edenbridge is set to throw open its showhome’s doors to home-hunters in the area. The Aldwych showhome at Bellway’s Oakley Park development, off St Johns Way, is being unveiled to the public on Saturday, February 2. This outstanding four-bedroom property will showcase all that’s best about the spectacular mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses as well as one and two-bedroom apartments at the development. Work on Bellway’s landmark site began in late 2017 and will be made up of 300 homes. The development will also feature public open space featuring a children’s play area, walkways and wildlife areas. Mark Harrop, Sales Director for Bellway’s Kent division, said: “We are very excited to be opening our new showhome at Oakley Park on February 2. “It will give people seeking their dream home an excellent insight into the beautiful properties we are building here. “It looks set to be very busy on the launch day because there has been such intense interest in Oakley Park from people keen to move into the area and we’re gearing up to meet high demand. “Our development offers a wide range of homes to suit everyone from first-time buyers looking to get on to the property ladder to families who’d like more room and those looking for the ideal place to downsize. “Our properties at Oakley Park have already been going down well so I’d urge anyone interested in making this their home to come along and view our showhome so that they don’t miss out.” Bellway will be ploughing almost £1.5 million into local infrastructure and facilities as part of the Oakley Park planning agreement. There is currently a range of two-bedroom apartments and three, four and five-bedroom houses available to buy. Prices for two-bedroom apartments start at £264,995. More information on the homes being built at Oakley Park can be found at bellway.co.uk.
A new hotel-led development in East London has received planning permission. Developed by Rockwell Property, the 30-storey landmark building located at 82 West India Dock Road in Westferry includes a 400-key hotel with a ground floor restaurant, cafe and bar. The site will also house 66 new one, two and three bedroom apartments. “Our vision for 82 West India Dock Road will breathe new life into a neglected site that has been derelict for many years. This inspiring new building includes a hotel that will bring new jobs and business to the local area, in addition to much needed new homes for the local community in an inspiring new building. We are dedicated to delivering this exciting, high-quality development and look forward to turning this site into a place that locals can be proud of,” said Donal Mulryan, Founder of Rockwell. Designed by UK architects SimpsonHaugh & Partners, the development includes: ground floor retail or community space, activating the street and providing a local amenity; extensive public realm and landscaping works, both on site and in the surrounding area to significantly improve place-making and provide a more connected, safe, cohesive and green environment; half an acre of gardens and 48 additional trees including the introduction of an urban arboretum, residents’ garden and over 220m of children’s play space; and over £7 million in Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy to fund local infrastructure improvements, training programmes for local residents and support for local recruitment. “We have worked closely with Rockwell Property to design a high quality, mixed-use scheme that will improve connections across West India Dock Road, providing new homes, employment and training opportunities, whilst creating a safer and more secure public realm environment for the community,” added Mark Savage, Partner, SimpsonHaugh. Construction work is due to start on the site in Summer 2019 and once completed, 250 jobs are expected to be created in the hospitality sector.
Leading UK manufacturer Kawneer had its full range of architectural glazing systems specified for a stunning residential development at Cardiff marina. The Kawneer systems were selected for Phase One of Bayscape Ltd’s £40 million mixed-use development, which has been shortlisted for an award. “We specified Kawneer because of the need for a high-quality and trusted product. Crisp detailing was important in the overall design concept and aluminium was essential for the marine environment,” said Andrew Baker, Director of Rio, award-winning architects who have used Kawneer systems on numerous projects. The two blocks of luxury apartments – Whitewater House and Waterford House – both used Kawneer’s AA®100 mullion-drained curtain walling with 50mm sightlines, thermally superior AA®720 tilturn and side-hung casement windows, and AA®545 open-out swing doors. Whitewater House, so named because it also overlooks Cardiff International White Water Centre, was first to complete, offering 56 generously-proportioned one, two and three- bedroom apartments including two penthouses. Meanwhile, Bayscape offers a total of 115 apartments, with optional private moorings, across seven and eight-storeys of apartments which are joined by an elevated garden podium. The ground floors feature a coffee shop, waterside bar and restaurant, commercial/retail units and marina management facility. The luxury apartments, which all feature private balconies or terraces, start at £175,000 and range from up to 624 ft2 for a one-bed, 990 ft2 for two bedrooms and 1,119 ft2 for a typical three-bedroom. Residents also benefit from undercroft parking, a concierge service and lift access to all floors. The impressive floor to ceiling double glazing in every apartment ensures they are light and airy and residents can enjoy the stunning views. The Kawneer systems were installed over five months by a team of up to eight operatives from approved dealer Dudley’s Aluminium for main contractor BECT Building Contractors. Dudley’s, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, also worked with Kawneer and BECT on another Cardiff project – One Canal Parade. Bayscape was shortlisted for residential development of the year in the 2018 Wales Insider Property Awards.
