Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has further strengthened its credentials after being selected to revitalise an historic crossing ahead of the structure’s 200th anniversary year. Spencer Group, which has carried out maintenance and repair works on some of the UK’s most iconic bridges, has been awarded a series of contracts
NATIONAL engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask has continued its regional growth strategy with the opening of a new office in Liverpool – the practice’s first location in the North West and its fifth nationally. Based in Horton House business centre in Exchange Flags, the location offers a prime central spot for the practice which
A retirement development on Cooke Street in Bentley, Doncaster that is using a modern method of construction, where the homes are produced off-site, has marked a major milestone. The development of 20 affordable retirement bungalows and apartments is being constructed on the site of former council offices and a depot. Designed by
Property management in the United States grew by more than 4% in the last few years. It’s a service that bridges the gap between investors and renters, whether you’re dealing with residential or commercial properties. As an investor, you’ll be able to get a return on investment (ROI) from a
A new border control facility has been completed at one of the UK’s major ports, Harwich International Port in Essex. Operated by Hutchison Port, the facility will enable the smooth and secure inspection of goods entering the UK under the latest post-Brexit regulations. Cambridge-based property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood
Market analysis from Total Landlord Insurance has revealed that despite the Government’s best efforts, the number of landlords within the British rental market has climbed by 2.4 per cent since 2016/17. Total Landlord Insurance analysed the current estimated number of landlords with income generated via property and how this has changed over
Buying and installing an air conditioner can be costly, and sometimes you may want to cut some corners in installation to reduce the costs. Unfortunately, cutting corners may cost you more in the long run than it would have if you had done it right in the first place. So,
Real estate investors are often restricted by the hefty property costs, primarily for commercial and rental assets. As the industry continues to evolve, so are the investment schemes in the real estate sector. These days, capitalists who can’t afford to purchase commercial properties on their own can turn to real
A leading housing association has signed a £100m+ contract to accelerate the number of low-carbon, factory-built homes it builds every year. Bromford has sealed a four-year contract with MMC developers ilke Homes Ltd and Hadley Group to provide hundreds of new homes across the West Midlands and West of England.
A brand new distribution centre developed and owned by Prologis UK has achieved the highest sustainability rating of any project in its category. Completed recently, the 233,860 sq. ft. building – known as DC3a – achieved a BREEAM rating of 88.8% (Outstanding). This is the highest rating recorded for a
Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has further strengthened its credentials after being selected to revitalise an historic crossing ahead of the structure’s 200th anniversary year. Spencer Group, which has carried out maintenance and repair works on some of the UK’s most iconic bridges, has been awarded a series of contracts for further major refurbishment works on the Menai Suspension Bridge as it approaches its bicentenary in 2026. The Grade I listed structure is the second oldest operational vehicular suspension bridge in the world. Opened in 1826, it crosses the Menai Strait between the island of Anglesey and mainland North Wales. The primary focus of the work includes a £1.5m restoration project to repaint the entire main span underdeck of the 417m-long bridge. Working on behalf of client UK Highways A55 Ltd, Hull-based Spencer Group has designed bespoke moving gantry platforms to enable its team to access the currently unreachable main span underdeck in order to shotblast, inspect and repaint the area. The works will begin once designs are complete and environmental approvals have been granted, as the Menai Strait is protected as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a wetland area of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. In addition, Spencer Group has been appointed to strengthen the handrails of the pedestrian walkways on the approach spans to both sides of the bridge. Early designs and trials are underway as the team works with heritage organisations to ensure designs meet requirements in keeping with a Grade I listed structure. The works are targeted to be complete by late 2022. A further project will see Spencer Group replace the majority of the vertical road deck hangers, which suspend the deck from the main chains of the bridge. Due to run throughout summer 2023, the project is in the early design stages as the Spencer Group team assesses various methods for hanger replacement and off-site manufacture of specialist components. A fourth project will involve Spencer Group upgrading and improving the bridge’s street and decorative lighting, installing a more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly LED system. Survey work for the scheme was completed earlier this year and Spencer Group trialled illuminating the Anglesey arch of the bridge, with UK Highways A55 Ltd inviting key stakeholders and members of the local community to view the lighting and share their feedback. Spencer Group is now working with UK Highways A55 Ltd to develop and agree the final specification for the lighting project, which will begin later this year. While a completion date has yet to be agreed, the light installation phase will begin in 2023. The latest contract wins come after Spencer Group successfully completed a project to remove, replace and then resurface the footway panels on the approach spans on both sides of the bridge. Luke Fisher, Sector Lead for Bridges and Structures at Spencer Group, said: “We’re delighted to play a significant part in preparing the Menai Suspension Bridge for its 200th anniversary, supporting UK Highways A55 Ltd and their client, the Welsh Government, to ensure this remarkable structure looks its best for its bicentenary year and beyond. “UK Highways A55 Ltd identified that the bridge is suffering from corrosion and needs repainting. For the underdeck painting scheme, we designed the moving gantry platforms, which are unique to this project, and our industry-leading capabilities in this sector formed a significant part of the bid. “We’re proud to have been awarded these contracts and to be given the opportunity to further demonstrate our ability to find innovative solutions to complex challenges of this nature. “We’re also supporting the Menai Heritage Museum in Anglesey to raise awareness of both bridges over the Menai Strait, as well as the importance of civil engineering among local school pupils and college students. We’re giving talks and leading bridge walks to inspire the next generation.” Spencer Group also facilitated a successful visit from Ed McCann, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and Deborah Sims, former President of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), to the Menai Suspension Bridge in July, enabling positive discussions about the current projects and the history of the bridge. Kerry Evans, Operations Manager for UK Highways A55 Ltd, said: “As we prepare for the 200th anniversary of this magnificent structure, a series of major maintenance projects are in development. “UK Highways A55 Ltd is looking forward to working with the team at Spencer Group again as we embark on the underdeck painting works and the replacement hanger project.” To find out more about Spencer Group’s bridges expertise visit www.thespencergroup.co.uk/our-work/bridges/
NATIONAL engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask has continued its regional growth strategy with the opening of a new office in Liverpool – the practice’s first location in the North West and its fifth nationally. Based in Horton House business centre in Exchange Flags, the location offers a prime central spot for the practice which was first established in a single office in Derby in 1984 and now offers structural, civil, geo-environmental and transport planning services across a range of sectors nationwide. The office will be headed up by divisional director Chris Pollett, who was influential in the successful opening and establishment of Rodgers Leask’s Nottingham office in 2021. He said: “Having worked in Liverpool earlier in my career, I’m proud and excited to be leading our latest expansion. I feel that there is a gap in the market that will allow us to offer something different for developers, contractors and architects, although we already have many existing relationships that we’re looking forward to reigniting in this great city. “Among the range of sectors we work in, industrial and logistics is particularly buoyant in the North West and there is a busy housing market – both of which are increasing client demand for our support and expertise. We’re situated in a prominent location in the centre of Liverpool and our experts will be contributing to projects in close proximity as well as in the surrounding areas.” Joining Chris in the Liverpool-based team is principal engineer Gavin Briscoe, senior engineer Daniel Cahill and technician Abbie Butler. The practice – which also has offices in Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham and Bristol – expects the regional team to grow quickly and become a go-to local business for the next generation of talented engineers. There is currently more than 90 staff working for Rodgers Leak nationally, though a number of vacancies are currently open which will enable the business to grow. Paul Spencer, managing director at Rodgers Leask, said: “It’s very promising times for the business. Having a base in Liverpool will allow us to provide our new and existing clients with an even better service – a growth approach that has worked for us elsewhere in the country. “It’s important to us that we choose the right locations for expansion and in Liverpool we’re confident it has the right credentials. For example, strong local universities offering good engineering degrees give us a platform to support and attract graduates in entering the industry. While the ongoing regeneration agenda and increasing investment gives us confidence that improvement to important elements of the city, like transport links, can be replicated in other areas of infrastructure.” Established contacts of Rodgers Leask already operating in the region include St Modwen, Vistry and Sytner Group, as well as Warrington Borough Council. These relationships and many more have led to significant projects over the years, including residential developments such as Vulcan Works in Newton-Le-Willows and Chapelford Urban Village, and commercial schemes including the Kirkby town centre regeneration. For more information on Rodgers Leask, please visit https://rodgersleask.com/.
A retirement development on Cooke Street in Bentley, Doncaster that is using a modern method of construction, where the homes are produced off-site, has marked a major milestone. The development of 20 affordable retirement bungalows and apartments is being constructed on the site of former council offices and a depot. Designed by Brewster Bye Architects for Housing 21, all the modular units, which were built in Hull by specialist contractor, M-AR, have now been delivered and installed. The brickwork is already up to damp proof course level and the external cladding and landscaping work on the development is due to complete soon. Mark Henderson, from Brewster Bye, said: “This modern method of construction is proving very popular because the units are constructed off-site and delivered completely finished, including electrics, plumbing and interior paintwork, so it’s fast and efficient. “The three-storey apartment building will offer 12, one and two bedroom, apartments, and there will be eight, two bedroom bungalows, which will all be finished with traditional materials including a palette of red brick with light render features, stone effect head and cills, slate effect roof tiles and anthracite grey windows and doors. “The high-quality houses all enjoy spacious plots, generous gardens and parking spaces. The layout of the properties has been carefully designed to create a characterful development with its own attractive identity.” The development sits next to an existing, popular retirement living development also owned and managed by Housing 21 – Minden Court. A spokesperson for Housing 21, said: “There is plenty of demand for quality retirement accommodation in the area, so this was an ideal site for these much-needed homes, and it will appeal to the over 55s market throughout Doncaster. Close to a variety of local shops and an attractive park, where residents can enjoy pleasant walks – it’s a great place to live.” Housing 21 is a leading provider of retirement and extra care living for older people. It is a not-for-profit organisation that operates in over 240 local authority areas. Brewster Bye is one of the UK’s leading architecture practices in the retirement housing sector. Visit: www.housing21.org.uk for more details.
Property management in the United States grew by more than 4% in the last few years. It’s a service that bridges the gap between investors and renters, whether you’re dealing with residential or commercial properties. As an investor, you’ll be able to get a return on investment (ROI) from a property without having to be as hands-on. If you’re a Modesto investor looking to beef up your portfolio, it pays to learn which pros are the best around. We’re happy to help. Keep reading to learn all about the most skilled property management Modesto can offer. G3 Real Estate G3 Real Estate is a family-owned property management business that serves the Modesto area. They have more than five decades of logistics experience, and also specialize in real estate matters of all kinds. The company regularly updates its property listings to help people find the best opportunities on the market. When managing property, they handle matters like office spaces, warehouses, retail, raw land, and agriculture. It’s a customer-focused company that values agility, teamwork, and trustworthiness. Ziprent When you need property management in Modesto, Ziprent is another excellent option. The company was founded in 2018, and already has nearly 2,000 properties that they manage. They are an excellent resource if you’re thinking of getting into rental property investments and need a quality manager. Aside from the fact that they manage property in Modesto, Ziprent also serves more than 230 other cities. Because of this, you can count on their wide range of experience, and the fact that they have seen a little bit of everything that the industry brings. Countryside Property Management This is yet another Modesto property management company that you can lean on. The company has more than a decade of experience serving clients and provides full service to the central valley area. Some of the services that Countryside Property Management provides include: Repair and maintenance for rental properties Advertising vacant rental properties In-depth financial reporting for rentals Inspections for move-ins and move-outs Executing rental agreements and collecting rent They have strong leadership and can provide the branding and presence that you need for your rental properties. Valley Oak Property Management Finally, Valley Oak has some of the best Modesto property managers that you’ll find. This is a company that stresses trust for its client, and they offer a wide range of services that can help you out. They have plenty of experience helping clients in the local area and are skilled, knowledgeable, and available. You can conduct business using their 24-hour online portal and can count on quick replies for all of your needs and concerns. The Best Property Management Modesto Has to Offer If you’re looking into the best property management Modesto can provide, the four above offer an excellent starting point. You’ll feel cared for knowing that you have a top-notch company watching your back, and your tenants will also be in good hands. G3 Real Estate would be happy to hear from you! Use our website to get in touch or call 800-321-8747.
A new border control facility has been completed at one of the UK’s major ports, Harwich International Port in Essex. Operated by Hutchison Port, the facility will enable the smooth and secure inspection of goods entering the UK under the latest post-Brexit regulations. Cambridge-based property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood was appointed by RG Carter on this Design and Build contract to provide Civil and Structural Engineering design services. The project consisted of extensive roads, hardstandings and new buildings to provide a significate increase in customs facilities at the port. The project will facilitate latest Brexit changes which require new border control checks on plant and animal products entering the UK. Mike Miller, Director at Ingleton Wood, said: “We are proud to have provided Civil and Structural Engineering services for the new secure inspection facility at Harwich International Port which will provide the very highest standards of efficiency required at this important checkpoint. “Ingleton Wood has a long-standing relationship with Hutchison Port and R G Carter, and the success of this major project at one of the UK’s busiest ports is testament to our effective collaboration.” The inspection facility took 42 weeks to complete and features state-of-the-art, steel-framed buildings housing temperature-controlled conditions to maintain ambient, chilled or frozen temperatures, dependent on the goods being inspected by DEFRA agencies. Additionally, the facility incorporates a newly constructed port exit road which allows freight to exit directly onto the A120, reducing congestion and allowing for free-flowing traffic. High specification offices and welfare facilities for the Port and DEFRA staff are also located on site. Ingleton Wood is one of the largest property and construction consultancies covering Central England, East Anglia, London and the South East, with offices in Cambridge, Norwich, Colchester, Billericay, London and Oxford. Its services include architecture, building surveying, building services engineering, planning, interior design, civil and structural engineering, quantity surveying, project management and health and safety. For more information about Ingleton Wood, visit www.ingletonwood.co.uk.
Market analysis from Total Landlord Insurance has revealed that despite the Government’s best efforts, the number of landlords within the British rental market has climbed by 2.4 per cent since 2016/17. Total Landlord Insurance analysed the current estimated number of landlords with income generated via property and how this has changed over time. The figures show that across Britain, almost 2.6 million of us make a living as a landlord, a 2.4 per cent increase over the last three years. London is not only home to the most landlords at 463,200, the region has also seen the largest increase since 2016/17 – up by 8.4 per cent. The East of England (4 per cent) and South East (3.4 per cent) have also seen some of the largest uplifts in landlord numbers, while the South East is also home to the second highest number at 459,410. But not every area has seen this figure increase. In Wales, the number of landlords has fallen by -3.9 per cent in the last three years. The South West has seen a decline of -1.5 per cent, with the North East (-0.6 per cent) and Scotland (-0.3 per cent) also seeing a decline, albeit it to a lesser degree. London has also seen some of the largest increases in landlord numbers at local authority level. The City of London has seen a 37 per cent increase in the number of landlords since 2016/17, with Barking and Dagenham home to the second highest increase at 20 per cent. Outside of London, Slough has seen the largest increase, also up 20 per cent. Newham (16 per cent) and Thurrock (16 per cent) also rank within the top five where the largest increase in landlord number is concerned. However, in Pembrokeshire, the number of operational landlords has declined by -13 per cent since 2016/17, along with Allerdare and Gwynedd. Ceredigion (-12 per cent) and Scarborough (-12 per cent) have also endured some of the largest declines in landlord numbers. Steve Barnes, Associate Director at Total Landlord Insurance, commented: “In recent years, the nation’s landlords have been served up an unsavoury cocktail with regard to restrictions to income tax relief, buy-to-let stamp duty increases and changes to capital gains tax. Despite this, the number of landlords has not only remained robust across Britain, but we’ve actually seen an increase which is proof, if it were ever needed, that property remains a very attractive investment. Of course, this hasn’t been the case completely across the board and some areas have seen a notable decline. Unfortunately for tenants in those areas, this decline in rental investment will only limit the options available to them, driving up the cost of renting in the process.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here.
Buying and installing an air conditioner can be costly, and sometimes you may want to cut some corners in installation to reduce the costs. Unfortunately, cutting corners may cost you more in the long run than it would have if you had done it right in the first place. So, if you want to install an AC unit in a new home or replace an old one, you have to ensure you get it right the first time for safety and efficiency reasons. Below are some dangerous air conditioning installation mistakes and how to avoid them. Choosing the Wrong Size AC Installation mistakes start right from choosing the size of your AC. This is often a problem associated with not consulting an expert when buying a unit or using the price as the determining factor of what unit you buy. The size of AC has nothing to do with the dimensions of a unit but everything to do with its output measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). The right size AC depends on the size of the area in your home to be heated or cooled and the region. When the size of your unit is too small, it will result in overworking the unit, which could significantly affect its service life. DIY Installation You probably have studied your old AC unit for years and thought, “I could do this.” DIY AC installation is not a good idea unless you have technical HVAC knowledge. Installing a unit on your own can mean making mistakes that could be hazardous to you and your family. Also, it could mean wasting a lot of material which can mean spending more on materials than you would have had your air conditioning installation done by an HVAC expert. Many more things could go wrong with a DIY installation or having a sloppy technician install your unit. Luckily, air conditioning installation by ARS, a leading HVAC company in the US, can help ensure that you get everything right the first time. Failing to Check For Leakages after Installation The best rule of thumb is checking refrigerant leaks immediately after installation and running a newly installed AC for the first time. The most efficient way of checking leaks is using an electronic leak detector. Leaks in your AC cause two main problems. First, it reduces the efficiency of your system, thus increasing your utility bills. Secondly, coolants can be poisonous when inhaled and lead to health complications in your homestead. Improper Drainage An AC unit produces water as it cools the home. Every unit comes with a condensate pan where this water is collected. With proper installation of the condensate pan, it is highly unlikely that the condensate will leak. Poor installation can mean having the condensate leaking and causing structural damage to your home. While one condensate pan is enough, you could ask the installation technician to install a backup plan if the first one overflows. Improper Electrical Connection Improper electrical connections are common with using inexperienced technicians to install your AC. However, it can also happen even when an experienced technician installs your unit but fails to do a safety check before powering it. At best, sloppy connections can result in spoiled units and electrocutions or fires in worst cases scenarios. To avoid problems with poor electrical connections, ensure you counter check all connections before powering the unit for the first time. Final Words Air conditioning is critical for ensuring that a home feels like a place it is meant to be. Therefore, it is important to get the installation right by avoiding the mistakes that can pose a risk to your homestead or result in hefty utility bills.
Real estate investors are often restricted by the hefty property costs, primarily for commercial and rental assets. As the industry continues to evolve, so are the investment schemes in the real estate sector. These days, capitalists who can’t afford to purchase commercial properties on their own can turn to real estate syndication. As an investor, it pays to do your homework and find out the what, hows, and whys of real estate syndication before diving in. With that being said, we’ve created this article to answer your burning questions. What Is Real Estate Syndication? Real estate syndication is a model where investors pool their resources together to purchase large-scale properties. In essence, it works like crowdfunding, but for real estate projects. If you want to know more about this model, click here for in-depth discussions about real estate syndication. Additionally, this investment scheme has two significant players: the syndicator or sponsor and the investor. A syndicator will perform the heavy lifting, from selecting a potentially lucrative project to identifying potential investors and ensuring that the property stays profitable. Usually, the sponsor likewise hires property managers and establishes smooth investor relations. On the other hand, investors provide the equity and receive specific and predetermined return rates. There’s no one-size-fits-all distribution rate for revenue sharing, but it’s common for investors to receive 75% of the share and syndicators to earn 25% for doing most of the work. Why Invest In Real Estate Syndication By being one of the syndication partners, you can start investing in profitable assets at affordable costs, even if you’re a newbie. These are the most compelling reasons to invest in syndication. Less Capital for Large-Scale Projects In the past, investors couldn’t purchase a commercial asset without owning several million for capital money. However, syndication investors don’t need to shell out this insane amount of cash to start earning. That’s because they can pool their resources alongside other partners. For instance, a five-million-dollar property may accommodate several syndication partners willing to invest USD$50,000 at the minimum. That said, syndication makes it easier for prospects to set aside investment costs for lucrative properties such as malls, hotels, condominiums, and other commercial assets. Enjoy Robust Returns While investments by nature carry certain risks, commercial and rental properties have shown consistently robust performance for many years, driven by huge demand. According to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), current rent growth rates for apartments, industrial and retail spaces are at their highest since the pandemic. Conversely, office rental growth rates have yet to recover from their pre-pandemic levels. While returns from these types of assets vary widely depending on the market movements, property type, and location, industry estimates place investment returns at around 6 to 12% yearly. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that putting your money on commercial real estate properties, whether through syndication or traditional methods, is a wise move. Diversifying Your Portfolio Beginners and seasoned investors must ensure they’re not ‘putting all the eggs in one basket.’ This means investors ought to diversify their portfolios to minimize the risks involved in investing. For instance, if you’ve placed all your money on the stock market and it crashed, there’s nothing to cushion you from the losses. Because you don’t need millions to start investing in syndication, you have other investment opportunities elsewhere. For instance, if you managed to set aside USD$200,000 as capital, you can invest in one commercial asset and look for other similarly profitable opportunities. Additionally, you may consider taking on multiple real estate syndication offers to spread your revenues. It’s A Great Inflation Hedge Commercial real estate investments or CRE is a good hedge against inflation. To the uninitiated, an inflation hedge is an investment that safeguards against a currency’s decreased purchasing power due to inflation. Research done by real estate services company Cushman & Wakefield has revealed that real estate investors’ returns increase by 1.1% for every one percent hike in inflation. Since these property assets are meant to increase or maintain their value over time and typically increase during economic downturns, your syndication investment is protected from losses. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average annual growth rate of the real estate sector has steadied at six percent since 1968, despite several economic disruptions. A Perfect Way To Earn Passive Income Because the sponsor or syndicator does the heavy work, investors don’t have to do anything after signing the syndication agreement. Unlike stock investing, you don’t have to monitor and be updated on the latest market movements and fluctuations in asset values. Of course, this doesn’t relieve potential equity finders of exercising due diligence, such as inspecting the asset, checking the sponsor’s background, and ensuring that the papers are in order before injecting capital. Conclusion Real estate investments are generally considered profitable investments, especially commercial assets. With the current housing and accommodation deficiencies worldwide, rental properties offer the best solution to having a roof on one’s head, resulting in a steady and high demand. As an investor, you can turn to real estate syndication to minimize investment risks while enjoying robust benefits, as discussed above.
A leading housing association has signed a £100m+ contract to accelerate the number of low-carbon, factory-built homes it builds every year. Bromford has sealed a four-year contract with MMC developers ilke Homes Ltd and Hadley Group to provide hundreds of new homes across the West Midlands and West of England. The first homes to be delivered as part of the partnerships will be a 28-home zero carbon development in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire delivered through Bromford’s in-house construction team and ilke Homes. The units are due to be installed in the spring of 2023 over an 8-week period. They will come equipped with air source heat pumps and solar panels that, when combined, will reduce operational emissions – such as those generated from utilities such as heating and electricity – by 100 percent. Plans for the scheme were approved by Cotswold District Council in February. High levels of energy-efficiency – achieved by increased air tightness and the use of low-carbon technologies – will translate into huge cost savings for Bromford’s customers, at a time when the annual energy price cap is predicted to be raised to more than £3,000 in October. Development and asset management innovation lead Mike Craggs said: “Providing affordable homes that are cheaper to run and heat is going to be increasingly important for our customers and these partnerships will allow us to make sure the homes that are provided of the highest, EPC-A standard. We’re thrilled to have signed these contracts with ilke Homes and Hadley Group to become our main providers of MMC homes for the years ahead, and are looking forward to work starting on our first development in Gloucestershire. “Utilising modern methods of construction is key to us delivering the number of affordable, energy efficient homes we are aiming to build during the next five years. Starting with 50 homes in the first year of the contract, we will increase this to up to 200 homes a year by 2025 and are looking forward to getting started on our first site later this year.” Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at ilke Homes, said: “ilke Homes are increasingly becoming a partner of choice for housing associations looking to scale up the delivery of energy-efficient, affordable housing. Much like many councils and housing associations across the country, Bromford and Cotswold District Council understand the role MMC have to play in enhancing the build quality of homes and their ability to speed up construction programmes. We look forward to working closely with all delivery partners to bring this scheme forward.” Ben Towe, group managing director at Hadley Group said: “Hadley Group is delighted to be a Bromford Homes delivery partner for new modular home where better efficiency delivers greater affordability for everyone. The housing crisis is not only about more homes, but also about better performance of those homes so they cost less to heat, light, helping people out of fuel poverty.” Paul Nicoll, director of advanced methods of construction (AMC) added: “Bromford have taken the initiative by selecting Hadley HOME as a delivery partner and we are excited that together we can develop more homes faster than before by embracing modular. Bromford will achieve the highest EPC rating, benefiting both the environment through efficiency and reducing the cost of living for those living and working from home.” In 2021 Bromford was named one of Homes England’s strategic partners, securing £240m to develop new homes, 25% of which have to utilise modern methods of construction. Bromford is one of the biggest builders of affordable housing in the country, completing 1,224 homes in the past financial year. For the past two years it has been the biggest builder of social rent homes* and aims to develop more than 7,000 homes over the next five years.
A brand new distribution centre developed and owned by Prologis UK has achieved the highest sustainability rating of any project in its category. Completed recently, the 233,860 sq. ft. building – known as DC3a – achieved a BREEAM rating of 88.8% (Outstanding). This is the highest rating recorded for a new building assessed under the BREEAM 2018 New Construction Manual (Industrial – Shell and Core). Completed last month, DC3a was built by Prologis UK in partnership with lead contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick. BREEAM has provided a holistic assessment of the development, based on categories focussing on innovation, health & wellbeing, energy, materials, waste, water, transportation, land use & ecology and pollution. The speculative development of DC3a, means that Prologis UK now has more than 770,000 sq. ft. of logistics space at Maylands Business Park. This brings the company’s total development footprint in Hemel Hempstead to more than 1.5m sq. ft. Martin Cooper, Vice President, development management at Prologis UK, said: “We are very proud of this record-breaking BREEAM rating, which underlines the care and commitment that we give to developing buildings that really are best in class and built for the long term. The property has attracted great market interest, not just due to its sustainability credentials, but also due to its excellent location to the east of Hemel Hempstead, close to Junction 8 of the M1, with access to London and the South East.” Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s building division, said: “It is extremely satisfying to know that the efforts made to construct this building in the most sustainable way possible have been recognised. This couldn’t have been achieved without Prologis UK’s sustainability vision, and the commitment of our construction partners right across the supply chain.”