Building Design and Construction Magazine

North East construction firm lands Vaux housing deal

ONE OF the North East’s most ambitious residential developments is set to begin, with Tolent appointed to commence work.  Sunderland City Council has signed a deal that will see North East based Tolent take on the construction of 135 ultra-modern homes that will form the new Vaux neighbourhood at Riverside

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Final development in trio of new housing projects gets underway

hub South West Scotland and Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group, have started work on a third affordable housing development in Avon Road in Larkhall on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council.  This is the third new housing development in a series of new developments that Cruden, as hub South

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Roof Worker Height Safety: Tips from the Experts

Without the correct safety measures in place, working at height can be hugely dangerous. In fact, accidents from height are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries1. Critical safety experts Reece Safety, who have recently introduced a new typical inclined roof structure into their critical training centre,

Read More »

DROP-IN CLINIC LAUNCHED TO DEMYSTIFY NEC CONTRACTS

LEADING contract management software provider Sypro is seeking to demystify the usage of NEC contracts within the construction industry through a series of free online drop-in sessions hosted by Dr Stuart Kings. Dr Kings is one of the drafters of NEC4 and co-author of NEC3 and NEC4 Practical Solutions. He

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CITRUS SECURES £75M FUNDING FOR INTEGRA 61 DURHAM

Work Starts On Speculative Development Of Circa 650,000 Sq Ft in Five New Industrial Units Citrus Durham (“Citrus”) has secured £75M funding to enable the speculative development of circa 650,000 sq ft of new industrial space, to be known as Connect, at the Integra 61 mixed-use project at J61 of

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TOPPING OUT FOR KANGAROO WORKS IN SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE

Construction on Kangaroo Works, Sheffield City Centre’s new 14-storey residential development, reached an important milestone this week with Henry Boot Construction completing the highest point of the structure. The Kangaroo Works development on Trafalgar Street, which forms part of Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City programme, has been gathering

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Latest Issue
Issue 338 : Mar 2026

Building Design and Construction Magazine

North East construction firm lands Vaux housing deal

ONE OF the North East’s most ambitious residential developments is set to begin, with Tolent appointed to commence work.  Sunderland City Council has signed a deal that will see North East based Tolent take on the construction of 135 ultra-modern homes that will form the new Vaux neighbourhood at Riverside Sunderland, the first of 1,000 homes planned for the area as part of ambitious plans to double the number of people living in the city centre. The £40m project will see Tolent construct the stunning sustainable houses using modern methods of construction, renewable energy and smart technology to reduce the carbon footprint of the development, producing high quality, low carbon properties in the heart of the city. The homes will stand alongside The Beam and City Hall – the latest development to rise from the ground at Riverside Sunderland.  One of four new communities that will take shape at Riverside, construction work on the scheme is expected to commence within weeks, forming the first of the new distinct neighbourhoods that will create city centre housing for up to 2,500 residents.  The homes will provide a future living offer that will attract new and existing Sunderland residents to live in the vibrant city centre, with the homes sitting alongside the orchards and allotments of Kingsley Gardens and nearby Riverside Park, which is continuing on its journey towards an accessible, attractive and ecologically diverse parkland. The Vaux neighbourhood will be the site of the Expo Sunderland in 2024 which will showcase the new homes and the aspirational lifestyle offer that Sunderland will provide. Included in the scheme will be a cluster of award-winning dwellings, that were selected as the best in the national Homes of 2030 Design Competition – which explored how homes will look and function in the future.  The properties are based on the winning designs in the Homes of 2030 competition, which was launched in March 2020, and managed by the Royal Institute of British Architects, to encourage the design of environmentally-friendly homes that support people in leading independent, fulfilling lives as society ages.  +Home designed byigloo Regeneration with Useful Projects, Expedition Engineers and Mawson Kerr andConnector Housing designed by Openstudio with Hoare Lea, LDA Design and Gardiner & Theobald were the joint winners of the competition, and it is their designs that will stand proudly on the site if approved, shining a spotlight on future living and showcasing the ambitious plans the council has to make Sunderland a world-class place to live, work and play. Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have taken this final step to get work started on our flagship residential scheme at Riverside Sunderland. The housing developments on Riverside Sunderland will be world-class, and Tolent is an ideal partner to deliver them, based locally and capable of building these aspirational homes. “We’re innovating with this scheme, using modern methods of construction, renewable energy and smart technology that align to our low carbon and smart city ambitions, and that will also allow the next generation to learn how to build the homes of the future, as we also push ahead with the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), an important part of the housing ecosystem we’re trying to create in Sunderland.” HICSA is backed by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and will create a state of the art learning space at Sheepfolds, where – in partnership with Sunderland College and the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE) – the council will ensure that the city’s residents are trained up in modern construction methods that will enable them to build many of the 1,000 homes set to be developed on Riverside Sunderland, as well as elsewhere in the city.  As HICSA prepares to take shape, Tolent – a firm that will deliver significant social value – will ensure that the first new homes deliver the maximum local advantage, with a range of commitments to work with local people and support the local supply chain, as well as voluntary and community organisations across Sunderland. In all, over £17m of social value activity – including supporting local jobs for a range of people including apprenticeships and placements, a commitment to spend in the local area through the growth of regional supply chains and a variety of schemes to engage with local community groups – will be delivered during the construction phase of the project. Paul Webster, chief executive officer of Tolent, said: “Vaux neighbourhood is an amazing project that showcases the strides being taken in Sunderland to modernise the city centre. The world-class houses being built will provide a community fit for the future and an archetype for sustainable housing. As a truly local business, we are proud to be involved in the project and to showcase our ability to meet and exceed the capabilities of national contractors on a local level. The project will complement a number of local landmarks that we have constructed including The Beam, Beacon of Light and Echo Building. We have been working closely with the entire team since being appointed preferred bidder back in September and we can’t wait to get started!” Construction work on the development is due to commence during the summer and the first tranche of homes will be completed by the end of 2023. The housing is part of an ambitious and exciting masterplan for Riverside Sunderland that will include residential, commercial and leisure developments. It is part of a programme of development projects in the Riverside Sunderland area that, taken together, aim to double the residential population in the city centre and increase employment by 50 per cent and also fits with the city’s housing strategy, which will see 7,000 new homes build by 2030.  To stay up to date with Riverside Sunderland developments, visit www.riversidesunderland.com or follow @RiversideSund on social media.

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Final development in trio of new housing projects gets underway

hub South West Scotland and Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group, have started work on a third affordable housing development in Avon Road in Larkhall on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council.  This is the third new housing development in a series of new developments that Cruden, as hub South West Scotland’s construction partner, is building in South Lanarkshire to support the local housing strategy.  The latest £6.5m project, designed by MAST Architects, will see 38 new homes developed at the former site of Craigbank Primary School on the edge of Morgan Glen. This modern housing development will consist of several house types, ranging from one bedroom cottage flats to four-bedroom semi-detached properties. All of the homes are equipped with a number of energy-efficient features including photovoltaic (solar) panels.  Work on this latest development comes as hub South West Scotland and Cruden have successfully completed two new housing developments for South Lanarkshire Council, supported by grant funding from the Scottish Government – Auldkirk, a £7.4m 48-unit development in Cambuslang, and Glengonnar, a £3.48m 20-unit housing development in Larkhall. Councillor David McLachlan, Chair of Housing and Technical Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “I’m delighted that the Council is continuing its commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing across South Lanarkshire. By working with a range of partners, the council aims to ensure the needs of tenants continue to be met and the quality and type of available housing is improved.”  Michael Ross, Chief Executive of hub South West Scotland, added: “We are excited that construction is underway on the Avon Road housing development in Larkhall.  This is our fifth social housing project as development partner of South Lanarkshire Council and our third social housing project with Cruden Building as our construction partner. With all these projects, we have been able to see the valuable impact of enhancing the local housing strategy along with the benefits to the local community and economy in using the hub South West partnership model.  Gordon Lee, Partnering and Procurement Director of Cruden Building said: “This is an important milestone as we start work building this third modern and sustainable housing development for hub South West Scotland and South Lanarkshire Council. Not only will this trio of housing developments make a huge difference to the lives of residents, but the wide range of benefits to the local community will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.” 

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Legal & General acquires 6.2-acre Horsham site for multi million pound industrial scheme

Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM Real Assets) has acquired a 6.2-acre freehold estate in Horsham, West Sussex on behalf of its Industrial Property Investment Fund (“IPIF”). LGIM Real Assets and its development partner, Graftongate, plan to speculatively develop a prime multi-unit industrial/logistics scheme on the site of Wilberforce House in Southwater, south of Horsham town centre. The proposed scheme would see the development of seven new warehouse units totaling almost 100,000 sq ft, including integral office space. The scheme will target EPC A+, BREEAM Excellent and operational net zero carbon. Wilberforce House is currently let in its entirety to the RSPCA, which is relocating to smaller premises. LGIM Real Assets and Graftongate plan to develop the scheme on receipt of vacant possession in Q1 2023. Jonathan Holland, senior fund manager for LGIM Real Assets, said: “The purchase presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a development site to provide Grade A industrial stock in a supply constrained market and a sector where occupational demand is booming, and rental growth is set to follow. On expiry of the lease, this will be one of the most strategic development sites in West Sussex.” Alex Thomason, development manager at Graftongate, said: “The redevelopment of the Wilberforce House estate offers an excellent opportunity to deliver high quality industrial/logistics accommodation in an established commercial location. The property occupies a prime position on Wilberforce Way and benefits from excellent transport links, being easily accessible via the A24 dual carriageway. We expect the scheme to generate significant interest from prospective occupiers.” Savills and Clay Street acted on behalf of LGIM Real Assets and Graftongate, the vendor was represented by Carter Jonas.

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Roof Worker Height Safety: Tips from the Experts

Without the correct safety measures in place, working at height can be hugely dangerous. In fact, accidents from height are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries1. Critical safety experts Reece Safety, who have recently introduced a new typical inclined roof structure into their critical training centre, have provided some top safety tips for those working at height. Plan Effectively It’s vital that correct plans have been put in place for any at-height work, including roof work. Before work is completed, thorough risk assessments should take place, identifying potential area and personnel risks. Always consider measures that protect everyone who is at risk (collective protection) along with measures that protect only the individual (personal protection). Current laws state that the following should also be taken into consideration by employers before allowing any work at height: Take account of weather conditions that could compromise worker safety, and check the location every time before work takes place.  Take suitable and sufficient measures to make sure no one can be injured, for example using exclusion zones to keep people away or mesh on scaffold to stop materials such as bricks falling Store materials and objects safely so they won’t cause injury Plan for emergencies and rescue, including setting a procedure for evacuation. Ensure employees know the emergency procedures thoroughly before undertaking work. Correct Training Employers should always ensure that those with sufficient skills, experience and knowledge are employed to perform any task at height. Where necessary the correct training should be provided and revisited at required times to ensure continued knowledge and adherence to safety regulations. “It’s vital that those working at height get the relevant experience and training before undertaking real world work, to ensure safety of themselves, and those around them.” Andy Graham, Managing Director at Reece Safety had to say. “At Reece Safety we have recently launched a new roof working training rig which is a great solution to those needing a practical training course and will meet the needs of people needing to work safely at height on similar clad roof areas found on industrial and retail units, domestic structures, schools and hospitals.” Correct and Well-Maintained Equipment Employers are required to provide the correct equipment appropriate for the task at hand, along with training of correct implementation and use. Equipment, such as scaffolding, should be assembled or installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in keeping with industry guidelines. It should also not be used until it has been inspected by a qualified and competent person who has the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to manage health and safety. Any equipment exposed to conditions that may cause it to deteriorate and result in a dangerous situation should be inspected at suitable intervals appropriate to the environment and use. Supervision Working at height can be an evolving situation, so it’s vital that the equipment and workers are monitored as the work is carried out. This will help reduce the chances of accidents occurring from distractions or equipment deterioration. Any changes in the surroundings should be reported and acted on immediately.

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Signify calls for an accelerated transition to energy-efficient LED lighting to mitigate the energy crisis

In light of the current energy crisis, Signify calls on the leaders and businesses in the UK&I region to accelerate the transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting to help households and businesses mitigate the energy crisis. The move will also ensure quick wins in the UK’s Race to Zero. Business leaders in the United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&I) region should focus on making changes that deliver results quickly and impact both the professional and consumer lighting markets The switch to LED lighting can help the average British household save upto £250 per year, helping millions of households pushed into fuel poverty due to the change price cap in April’ 2022 In the UK’s Race to Zero, a green switch to LED lighting in the professional market could mean eliminating 3.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and saving a total of EUR 3.8 billion per year London – With the recent change in price cap introduced in April 2022, millions of households have been pushed into fuel poverty and several businesses are now facing added volatility due to its impact. In light of this, Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, advocates an accelerated transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting to help households and businesses while positively impacting the UK’s Race to Zero. With energy prices around the globe reaching all-time highs and global emissions rising at unprecedented levels, it is now more urgent than ever that businesses in UK&I lead by example and take quick action to tackle climate change. More than a decade after Signify’s call to phase out the incandescent light bulb worldwide, it now calls for the transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting as the new standard of ‘general lighting’1. The move will help meet the goals the UK’s ten point plan and other commitments that nations have made around the world in line with the Paris Agreement. Impact for Businesses According to Signify’s findings, switching to LED lighting in the professional lighting market could reduce CO2 emissions by 3.9 million tonnes in the UK&I region, the same amount of CO2 that 175 million trees could sequester in a year. Making the switch would also save 16.1 TWh of electricity, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of more than 4.3 million households. This would result in a saving of EUR 3.8 billion on electricity costs2. Upgrading to connected LED lighting3 can offer enhanced controls for better energy consumption management. Impact for households Research from the Energy Saving Trust4 indicates that lighting takes up about 11% of the average UK household electricity consumption. Our data5 suggests that after the change in the energy price cap introduced in April, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting can help the average British household save £15-£18 per light bulb, which equates to a saving of £2506 per year. Given that there are likely more lamps to replace in homes hit by fuel poverty, the positive impact would be more significant there. The switch to smart LED lighting will also pay a huge role in reducing CO2 emissions, furthering the UK&I’s progress to a greener future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) echoes Signify’s call to action. Nicholas Howarth, Senior Analyst at the International Energy Agency said “The world is facing the most significant energy crisis in recent history and energy efficiency is a solution to many of its most urgent challenges. Highlighting its importance, in June at the IEA Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, 27 governments from around the world issued the Sønderburg Action Plan calling for energy efficiency and demand side action to play a much greater role protecting households, businesses and the economy from high energy prices.  This is vital for addressing the energy crisis, rising inflation and greenhouse gas emissions.” Stronger policy packages covering regulations, information and incentives will play a key role accelerating energy efficiency and related measures. This includes the deployment of smart, efficient lighting, upgrading homes with better insulation, improving the fuel efficiency of cars, as well fostering investment in new industrial machinery. Efficient lighting is a proven technology to reduce electricity demand, fast. This will also help create extra electricity capacity needed for electric heat pumps and vehicles which put upwards pressure on power demand’’ Climate Group, an international non-profit working with businesses and governments around the world to drive climate action, also aligns with Signify’s ambition.Morgan, Senior Manager, Built Environment, Climate Group, said“Climate Group is proud to work in partnership with Signify to raise awareness of the multiple benefits of energy efficient LED lighting for businesses and cities. LEDs play a key role in decarbonisation as we strive to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero carbon buildings by 2050.” “The unprecedented energy savings from LEDs compared to traditional lighting presents compelling urgency to raise the priority of global LED adoption. The drive towards smart, connected LEDs can also serve as a digital platform for smart building and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, opening up a myriad of options for businesses.” Stephen Rouatt, CEO, Signify UK&I said: “Households in the UK are now in one of the most difficult situations as they see their energy bills rise by 54%, while businesses continue to struggle as well. We understand the urgency created by the energy crisis to help families and businesses under pressure. Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting guarantees quick wins in saving money on energy bills and responding to the urgent action needed to tackle the climate crisis. After the change in the energy price cap  introduced in April, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting can help the average British household save upto £250 per year (£15-£18 per light bulb). Accelerating the transition to LED lighting is one of the quickest renovations that can dramatically cut CO2 – it does not require large capital investments, has a short payback time, and can positively impact the challenge posed by the UK’s built environment and its carbon footprint.” “As leaders in the lighting sector, we have a firm commitment to transformative action and there is no better opportunity than London Climate

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DROP-IN CLINIC LAUNCHED TO DEMYSTIFY NEC CONTRACTS

LEADING contract management software provider Sypro is seeking to demystify the usage of NEC contracts within the construction industry through a series of free online drop-in sessions hosted by Dr Stuart Kings. Dr Kings is one of the drafters of NEC4 and co-author of NEC3 and NEC4 Practical Solutions. He holds more than 20 years’ experience within the healthcare and construction sectors, having provided NEC consultancy services on some of the UK’s biggest schemes.  The series of online sessions have been designed to give attendees an insight into the NEC contract that is not available anywhere else. They are free to attend and open to clients, contractors and consultants from across the industry and will provide top tips, best practice and answers to the most current questions associated with the NEC engineering and construction contract. Dr Kings said: “The NEC contract itself has been around for three decades, outlining not just purely contractual procedures, but focusing on good project management principles and modern practice. Several iterations have been released over the years, and indeed the move from NEC3 to NEC4 was seen as an ‘evolution, not a revolution’ – building on and improving what was already in place. “NEC covers every procurement exercise around and embodies those principles of good project management, which is why it’s the dominant contract within the construction industry. That being said, making sure project teams are making the most of the contract still requires much understanding and nuance, which is exactly why we’ve set up these sessions to help people across the industry get the most out of NEC4. “Whether it’s running through secondary options and how to use them, how to assess compensation events, or how to successfully close out a project, each session aims to provide attendees with practical knowledge to take away and apply to their own projects.” Each session will have a key area of focus, identifying key terminology and related clauses from the contract, along with discussing any common pitfalls and how to avoid them. They will also conclude with a live question and answer session, allowing attendees to put their specific queries to Dr Kings directly. Sypro’s Contract Manager has a track record of delivering projects across the globe with a combined value of more than £30 billion and has created software solutions developed to help organisations perform better every day. The next session will take place on 7 July at 11am, focusing on new quality amendments in ECC4 and understanding the defects date and the defect correction period. To register for any of the upcoming sessions, please visit https://sypro.co.uk/webinars/.  

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AQUASPIRA DELIVERS SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SOLUTION FOR FLAGSHIP HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN SUFFOLK

Aquaspira has successfully designed and delivered a sustainable solution to attenuate 910 cubic metres of storm water at a new 241-home development in Beccles, Suffolk. Aquaspira was handpicked by Hopkins Homes, the largest housing developer in East Anglia, to design and install a multi-leg tank, small and large diameter pipes under the roads with associated access units. The 500 metres of composite steel reinforced pipes will attenuate storm water and mitigate flood risk. Mark Wilkinson, Head of Technical from Hopkins Homes, said: “Aquaspira has worked with us on four or five developments and we asked our consulting engineers to specify Aquaspira at Barsham Vale because it would provide a lower carbon solution, minimise land take and reduce programme time. “An accredited and adoptable solution is vital and Aquaspira provides this, the added benefit is that the three metre sections of pipe help with the ease of installation.” The Barsham Vale development is in the picturesque market town of Beccles on the sought-after Suffolk and Norfolk border, just 10 miles from the Suffolk Heritage Coast. The development comprises of two, three and four-bedroomed homes, bungalows and apartments. The team was keen to minimise the impact of the construction on the existing local community. Due to the lightweight nature of the product, transport movements were halved compared to a traditional concrete solution. This, along with the reduced excavation, decreases vehicle emissions, helping to enhance construction site sustainability. Jonny Johnson from Aquaspira said: “This is an adoptable private housing project within Anglian Water. We were able to deliver the ideal solution, including a space saving multi-leg water attenuation tank, access points and a range of diameter pipes for under the road network. “We used composite steel reinforced pipes, including large diameter pipes, which along with the multi-leg tank can hold a vast amount of storm water under the new estate roads. This minimised the land take required for the SUDs and the safety issues associated with surface level storage. “As our products are far lighter weight than traditional concrete this more than halved the number of transport movements and depth required for installation. “We reviewed the soil conditions, depth and flotation to ensure the ground conditions were suitable. As part of the service we provide we produced loading calculations to BS 9295:2020 which confirmed that the products were suitable and adoptable for this application.” Dan West, director from Ingent Consulting Engineers, said: “Hopkins Homes requested Aquaspira was specified and I’ve been very impressed with the product and installation time. Lightweight and strong, the pipes can be handled more swiftly and safely, with much smaller machines and need about a quarter less excavation as well. “As a result, the Aquaspira solution has helped us to optimise the design, safety and installation efficiency of the development, as well as achieving minimal disruption for the local community. The installation ran smoothly and the environmental benefits offered by the products helped to ensure this was the perfect solution for this exclusive development.” The products used included: Under Road Drainage – 675mmØ, 750mmØ, 1200mmØ & 1800mmØ Pipes with 1200mm & 1800mm Access Units POS Attenuation Tank – 3-leg 1800mmØ Tank

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CITRUS SECURES £75M FUNDING FOR INTEGRA 61 DURHAM

Work Starts On Speculative Development Of Circa 650,000 Sq Ft in Five New Industrial Units Citrus Durham (“Citrus”) has secured £75M funding to enable the speculative development of circa 650,000 sq ft of new industrial space, to be known as Connect, at the Integra 61 mixed-use project at J61 of the A1(M), Durham.  Avison Young and Colliers acted for Citrus Durham on the funding. Connect will comprise a 342,000 sq ft industrial/logistics development of four high quality units ranging from 43,000 to 152,000 sq ft. In addition, a 298,000 sq ft stand-alone, 15 metre high bay industrial/warehouse unit will be delivered on an adjacent plot. Connect 298 will be the largest speculatively developed industrial/warehouse unit in the North East for over a decade and will fill a crucial void in the regional supply pipeline. Avison Young and CBRE will be marketing the new units to potential occupiers, helping to meet the demand for high quality new build industrial/warehouse accommodation in the region. GMI Construction has been appointed as contractor for the build and work has started on site with the Connect units ready for occupation in summer next year. The acute shortages of high-quality modern logistics/industrial supply in the North East have been analysed by the Citrus team and the units have been sized to satisfy the growing regional demand for units in this range. Integra 61 is one of the North East’s most significant regeneration projects with outline consent in place for over 3 million sq ft of employment space with the potential to create some 4,000 jobs.  Already home to Amazon’s 2m sq ft Fulfilment Centre, occupiers can choose design and build packages for units to meet their specific requirements, and this speculative phase of development will satisfy those companies looking for space that is already under construction. David Cullingford, Project Lead for Integra 61 and Citrus, said; “The funding will accelerate delivery of the next phase of development at Integra 61. 2022 is proving to be an exciting year with lots of activity on-site and we are looking forward to delivering these new speculative units as quickly as possible. We have a real opportunity here to make a significant contribution to the regional pipeline for industrial/logistics accommodation and to ease the well-documented shortages in the North East. This is a thriving region with a superb workforce and businesses and we hope to bring more jobs and opportunities with this next multi-million pound investment at Integra 61.” Located at J61 of the A1(M), Integra 61 is just 4 miles away from the City of Durham and will also include circa 270 new homes, 70-bed hotel, family pub/restaurant, nursery, drive-thrus and a number of trade counter/roadside units all adding to the diverse offering.

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Caddick Construction completes 180,000 sq ft. regional commercial hub at Mirfield

Caddick Construction, on behalf of Caddick Group and AAA Property Group, has completed 180,000 sq ft of commercial space at Moor Park 25, Mirfield, West Yorkshire. The second phase of this industrial and logistics development includes five new buildings ranging from 19,000-59,000 sq ft. The development at Moor Park 25, located in close proximity to Junction 25 of the M62, started in 2019. Phase 1 completed in 2020 and was immediately let to Incora, the aeronautics supply chain specialist. Caddick Developments subsequently ‘forward sold’ this next phase of five units to AAA Property Group, which also purchased the Phase 1 building as part of its expansion into the industrial and logistics sector. Identified as one of 10 Enterprise Zones across Leeds City Region, it is set to inject a cash boost of up to £12.5million to the local economy. All five new units are in advanced negotiations. Caddick Construction, with support from KPP Architects, was retained for both phases and worked alongside structural and engineering consultancy Dudleys, engaged specifically to support Phase 2. Chris Wilson, Commercial Development Director, of Caddick Construction said: “It’s great to see such demand for the units resulting in the scheme being fully let well before completion. The quality of the build, its facilities and prime connectivity to the M62 corridor are all particularly sought after in the north, in a very competitive market.” Myles Hartley, managing director of Caddick Development said:“With demand for light industrial and logistics floorspace continuing to grow a-pace, we’re delighted to be delivering what growing local and regional businesses want. It’s great seeing the project come to completion, and we look forward to the benefits it will bring to the region’s economy and growth.” Anil Chima, director of AAA Property Group added:“We are delighted to have been able to work with fellow Yorkshire-based Caddick, and be able to bring forward a scheme that will contribute so positively to the local areas – particularly in light of the need for Covid-19 economic recovery. The investment into the project will provide many jobs as well as provide much-needed industrial space in the region.” The project has involved working closely with both Kirklees Council, and the Leeds City Region (LEP) in their role overseeing key strategic enterprise zones. Joint agents on the project are Avison Young and Dove Haigh Philips.

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TOPPING OUT FOR KANGAROO WORKS IN SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE

Construction on Kangaroo Works, Sheffield City Centre’s new 14-storey residential development, reached an important milestone this week with Henry Boot Construction completing the highest point of the structure. The Kangaroo Works development on Trafalgar Street, which forms part of Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City programme, has been gathering momentum in recent months and now the building’s concrete frame has reached its highest point – 46 metres from the ground. A joint venture from US investor Angelo Gordon and real estate experts Ridgeback Group, Kangaroo Works will see an injection of 365 high-quality homes into the city centre. A mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with five commercial units included on the ground floor, the block’s design features a distinctive brick façade that nods to the site’s former industrial heritage. The stylish urban development is complemented by a landscaped central courtyard and rain garden. To celebrate the scheme’s latest milestone, the project’s Sheffield-based contractor, Henry Boot Construction, welcomed key representatives from Sheffield City Council, Ridgeback Group, David Ashley Construction, Whittam Cox Architects and Sweco on 28 June for a tour of the site and an official topping-out ceremony.  Tony Shaw, Managing Director for Henry Boot Construction, commented:  “This has been a challenging city centre site so we’re absolutely delighted to reach the highest point of the build on track. It’s been a great achievement by the team and today was a nice opportunity to showcase the progress we’ve made to date. Kangaroo Works is one of the largest residential schemes in South Yorkshire and, as a local business, we’re proud to be involved.” Christopher Allen, Senior Development Manager for Ridgeback Group, added: “This part of Sheffield of undergoing rapid change and it is exciting to be involved in the delivery of one of the key sites within Heart of the City. Topping out is always a significant milestone and we hope that most of the site complexities are now behind us. We are looking forward to launching 365 rental apartments later this year and welcoming new residents in 2023.” Kangaroo Works is due to be completed in the first half of 2023. The development sits alongside other key Henry Boot Construction projects within Heart of the City, including Pound’s Park, Elshaw House and Cambridge Street Collective.

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