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NETWORK SPACE FORWARD SELLS TUNSTALL ARROW PHASE TWO 

Kenneth Booth June 24, 2022

Network Space Developments (NSD) has exchanged contracts to sell  the second phase of its popular Tunstall Arrow scheme in Stoke-on-Trent, to 4th Industrial for an undisclosed sum ahead of its completion. Construction work is progressing well on the 2nd phase of this successful scheme which will provide an additional 111,000

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Kitchen Radiator Trends in 2022

Nick Child June 24, 2022

 The function of the radiator is to heat our home space. For decades the radiator design has stayed the same, with almost any changes made to its design. But nowadays, we are often seeing radiator brands that have decided to review their style and make it more elegant and sophisticated

Read More »

NETWORK SPACE SECURES PLANNING PERMISSION FOR BROADHEATH NETWORKCENTRE IN ALTRINCHAM

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

Network Space has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Broadheath Networkcentre will include a mixture of high-quality refurbished space alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site designed to attract a variety of businesses. The development will

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CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON MAJOR MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN WAKEFIELD

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

Multi-disciplinary construction company, Harris CM, has started work on a £10 million contract building a major new mixed-use development at Wakefield’s City Fields development. The 110,000 sq ft development, by DeVeer Estates, which is the commercial arm of Berkeley DeVeer, is located on Neil Fox Way and will be known

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130 new affordable homes for Greendykes

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

The latest phase of the Council-led regeneration of Greendykes is set to move ahead following a funding boost of just over £620,000. Secured from this year’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme, the funding will enable the Council to clean a site in the area of contamination and improve ground

Read More »

The Secrets of Casino Design: An Inside Look

BDC News Team June 23, 2022

Casinos are entertainment hubs, from the non-stop games to the shopping, restaurants, bars, hotels, swimming pools, and live music shows. There is nothing that the best casinos can’t offer. How do these places keep us engaged and wandering around for hours? Well, of course, everything we just listed has a

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Building Design and Construction Magazine

Topping out at Millwrights Place and Coopers Court sees second phase at Finzels Reach hit milestone moment

Kenneth Booth June 24, 2022

Construction at Millwrights Place and Coopers Court, Finzels Reach, Bristol, has reached a major milestone with ‘topping out’ being achieved. The projects form the second Cubex/Grainger Build to Rent scheme in the city, providing high-quality rental homes and much needed affordable new homes for Abri. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing, Delivery and Homes at Bristol City Council, laid the final piece of concrete at Millwrights Place alongside representatives from the respective owners of the two schemes, namely housing provider Abri and Build to Rent Landlord Grainger plc. Millwrights Place, developed by Cubex for Grainger plc, who will own and operate the scheme when complete, will provide 231 ‘Build to Rent’ homes created specifically for renters.  All new homes will be professionally managed by Grainger’s dedicated onsite Resident Services team and in addition to offering high quality homes there will be a strong emphasis on shared resident amenity spaces, including roof top terraces, residents’ lounge, gym, co-working space and shared entertainment spaces.  At ground level there will be co-working spaces custom-made for those working independently or running their own business. Grainger, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord and a FTSE-250 listed business has over 100 years’ experience as a residential landlord and is a leader in the UK private rental market, leading the way in the emerging Build to Rent sector and raising the bar in the rental market by providing high quality, mid-market rental homes for young professionals, key workers and families on regular incomes. Coopers Court, developed by Cubex for the social housing provider Abri, will deliver 66 affordable homes consisting of 48 homes for the social rented market and 18 for shared ownership. The energy-efficient building includes a bio-diversity roof amenity space, 94 cycling spaces and only four car parking spaces in line with the city’s drive to help tackle the environmental crisis. Together, Coopers Court and Millwrights Place will help to address the housing crisis in Bristol by providing social housing, an opportunity for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder and high-quality rental accommodation all of which is much needed in the city. Both buildings have been designed to have strong identities and a sense of place, whilst ensuring they integrate well with the surrounding area. Significant investment in improvements to the area around the buildings, including new landscaping, traffic management, pedestrian and cycle routes, will help create a more attractive area and foster a sense of community. As part of a £2.4m investment in improvements around the site, there will be new ‘pocket parks’ with seating and soft landscaping to create relaxing spaces the whole community can enjoy. As well as Coopers Court and Millwrights Place, the second phase of Cubex’s mixed-use Finzels Reach development on the former fire station site, incorporates a landmark, sustainable 116,000 sq. ft office building named Halo, with notable tenants confirmed including international legal firm Osborne Clarke and accountancy firm Deloitte. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “Demand for housing in Bristol far outstrips the number of homes available and it’s vitally important that we deliver a mixture of different types of housing to meet our city’s need. These new developments at Finzels Reach, offering affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership, and managed homes for rent, demonstrate that by working together we can deliver good quality homes for all. “We’ve got Bristol building since 2016, with over 9,000 new homes delivered for Bristolians. These new homes in central Bristol will add another 297 to that total – including 66 new affordable homes.” Peter Walford, managing director at Cubex, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this important milestone on Coopers Court and Millwrights Place, an integral part of Finzels Reach phase two. Thanks to a successful partnership approach with both housing provider Abri and professional landlords Grainger, plus our construction partner Wilmott Dixon, this once-derelict city centre site is fast being transformed into much-needed, high quality affordable accommodation to add to the 440 homes we have already delivered at Finzels Reach.  Neal Stephens, managing director from Wilmott Dixon Wales and West, said: “Together, Millwrights Place and Coopers Court are the fourth project that we have worked on alongside Cubex and as part of this long standing and collaborative partnership we are delighted to have the opportunity to deliver this regenerative development.  Millwrights Place and Coopers Court will provide much needed high-quality housing in Bristol, and we at Wilmott Dixon are proud to be part of the team that has delivered this landmark scheme.” Helen Gordon, Chief Executive at Grainger plc, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone for our Millwrights Place development – a great addition to our Bristol portfolio and delivering much needed new homes in one of our key target cities. We look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming months in the lead up to our launch – providing high quality homes, a commitment to excellent customer service and establishing a thriving new community for renters in Bristol.” Michelle Hyde, head of land and planning at Abri, commented: “It’s great to be a step closer to providing affordable homes in such a central location in Bristol and to be helping to transform a former derelict site into a place of real value for the community. “On our part, Abri is committed to delivering 12,500 new homes by 2030 and Coopers Court is a great example of how working with our partners we’re collectively helping to tackle the unmet housing need.” Cubex bought the former fire station site in summer 2018 on behalf of Fiera Real Estate Opportunity Fund IV (UK), a programmatic joint venture by FRE UK that is exclusive to clients of CBRE Global Investment Partners (CBRE GIP).  Award-winning Finzels Reach is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the South West. The first phase, which is complete, includes 440 new apartments, 240,000 sq.ft of office space including two Grade A office buildings, a 168-bedroom Premier Inn, plus a host of

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NETWORK SPACE FORWARD SELLS TUNSTALL ARROW PHASE TWO 

Kenneth Booth June 24, 2022

Network Space Developments (NSD) has exchanged contracts to sell  the second phase of its popular Tunstall Arrow scheme in Stoke-on-Trent, to 4th Industrial for an undisclosed sum ahead of its completion. Construction work is progressing well on the 2nd phase of this successful scheme which will provide an additional 111,000 sq. ft of industrial and logistics workspace on a 7.3 acre site. Caddick Construction started on site in November 2021, and are just over halfway through the build, with completion anticipated in Autumn 2022. Phase Two will deliver five high-specification highly sustainable business premises for industrial or logistics uses, ranging from 13,400 sq ft to 31,000 sq ft. Phase One of Tunstall Arrow, which opened in 2018, was sold by Network Space to 4th Industrial in February 2021.  The scheme proved extremely popular being fully let prior to completion to a host of international tenants including – DHL Express, Boels Rental, Q-railing, Pramac Generac and SG Fleet. Other major occupiers in the area include Churchill China and JCB. Acquired by NSD in 2013, the Tunstall Arrow scheme covers 28 acres of a former colliery site adjoining the A527 (James Brindley Way) in Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent. The scheme is close to the A500 with access to Junction 16 of the M6 only minutes away. Simon Peters, Development Director at NSD, said: “The Tunstall Arrow development has been a huge success story in terms of delivering sustainable employment and inward investment benefits for Stoke on Trent. “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts for the sale of Phase Two to 4th Industrial. This is the third scheme they have acquired from us and follows Tunstall Arrow Phase One and Ashroyd in Barnsley. Demand for well-located urban logistics and industrial space is extremely high and interest in Tunstall is strong. ” B8RE Investment Director Simon Wood added: “Following on from the sale of Phase 1 it has been fantastic to have been involved in the forward sale of Phase 2. Not only has it been really encouraging to see continued strong investor appetite for high quality schemes such as this but also Tunstall emerging as a really strong and recognised industrial location for investors and occupiers alike.  Congratulations to both Network Space Developments and 4th Industrial on another successful deal.” 4th Industrial Managing Director, Derek Heathwood, said: “We are delighted to have agreed another deal with NSD providing real scale at this prime location. The acquisition of Tunstall phase 2 continues our investment theme of purchasing high quality, multi let industrial estates with strong ESG credentials in key target UK sub-markets. There is already significant interest in the units and we look forward to completing this purchase when the development is at practical completion.” Tunstall Arrow is a priority development for Stoke on Trent City Council, being one of the six sites in the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. The CVEZ has potential to create up to 6,700 jobs and deliver 3.3 million sq ft of commercial space across six sites along the A500 corridor.

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Kitchen Radiator Trends in 2022

Nick Child June 24, 2022

 The function of the radiator is to heat our home space. For decades the radiator design has stayed the same, with almost any changes made to its design. But nowadays, we are often seeing radiator brands that have decided to review their style and make it more elegant and sophisticated looking to fit with every interior style. Radiators are now stylish and come in many designs, sizes, and shapes. Whether freestanding or mounted on a wall, they are now real design objects and play a big part in every interior. Today we will talk about the kitchen radiator trends in 2022. Mirror, mirror on the wall Yes, the mirror you see on that wall is not just a mirror but a mirror radiator. Mirror radiators are radiators with a built-in mirror and give you the two-in-one effect of heating your home and decorating it. This genius idea allows the radiator to dissipate the light, optically make your space bigger and heat it simultaneously. They have a sleek design and can be found as a mirror only or a mirror with a metal tube on the side and can be placed vertically and horizontally. Mirror radiators can be used in all types of spaces and are perfect for placing in smaller spaces such as corridors, bathrooms, and kitchens, especially in small and dark kitchens.  Since this type of radiator is very discreet and minimal, it will look great in clean interior designs such as Scandinavian and Minimalist, but of course, it can also be implemented in other interior designs. We love the Trade Radiators kitchen radiator selection, and we are sure you will love it too, so make sure to check the link below. Browse Kitchen Radiators here. Cast Iron Radiator Cast iron radiators, usually called traditional or classic radiators, are beautiful, often decorated with detailed ornaments. They come in many different styles, such as Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian and are often vintage, traditional and old-fashioned. These beautiful radiators can create the perfect statement piece in your home and elevate its interior. They match best with more opulent and luscious interior designs, such as Vintage, Traditional, French Country, Shabby Chick, Bohemian and even Transitional. They never go out of style and will look good and fashionable even after decades. Is this a picture? Picture radiators or art radiators look like a work of art. They look like a picture, and when you see them for the first time, you might be like the many others who got fooled. These radiators can be energy efficient infra-red or ‘wet central heating. Both options can offer a stunning focal point and add life and colour to your home, making it look more stylish. You can also get a customised radiator and pick a picture that will best match your style. Why not go for a picture of someone you love or a painting of your favourite artist? Or another idea is to put it in the dining area of your kitchen instead of a picture. We think they can look great in every room and interior style and allow you to experiment and play with your imagination. Sculpture Radiators Art radiators or sculpture radiators are a big thing right now. They are out of the ordinary, modern, artistic, and even futuristic. There are so many shapes, colours, and sizes. You can even find designs that look like a piece of actual wooden furniture which can look great in your kitchen. Some can even be placed on a table and fool for a real decoration. The most popular shapes are ladder shapes, clothes hangers, towel warmers, clothing racks, screen separators, benches, mirrors and sculptures. You will find great choices for the kid’s room, modern bathroom, kitchens, and all around the home. These choices are perfect for the modern loft – wall-hung radiators fit nicely with cement walls. If you’re considering a designer radiator for your home, look no further, this is the best choice you can make. To put it in a nutshell, As you can see, radiators have become much more than just a heating body. They are now a work of art, a fashion statement for your home and even an easy way to refresh your interior and add something unique to your home decor. Nowadays, we have so much choice, which allows us to play with our imagination and sense of style. We are far behind the boring rules that state every room should have a matching interior, so you don’t have to stick to just one radiator style for your home. You can use something different in every room. We hope you found our blog interesting and useful.

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Spencer Group appointed to major construction programme by ports operator ABP

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

Leading civil engineering and construction contractor Spencer Group has been appointed by Associated British Ports (ABP) to be part of a major national investment programme. Spencer Group has been appointed to the Industrial Buildings Framework Contract to build large-scale industrial buildings for ABP in four out of five regions across the UK where the port owner operates – South East and North West England, Scotland and Wales. ABP is the UK’s leading ports group and its network of 21 ports supports 119,000 jobs and handles about a quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade, worth £150bn annually. The framework will run for five years, with scope to extend to a further two years. ABP plans to invest a significant value across the four regions with specific projects determined by port requirements in each location. The success for Spencer Group’s industrial division follows an extensive competitive tendering selection process involving both regional and national contractors across the UK. Spencer Group Off Site Construction Director Richard Green-Morgan, who leads the industrial division of the business, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed to this framework. This is a very significant contract for us and a positive continuation of our strong working relationship with ABP. “Being appointed by ABP in each of these regions is further evidence of our excellent reputation as a leading provider of multi-disciplinary engineering and construction projects across the UK. “It will also strengthen our presence and position these locations, undoubtedly creating opportunities to work with new partners and SMEs to jointly support ABP’s ambitious plans for the future. “We’re looking forward to getting started and working with ABP on these important projects.” Spencer Group has undertaken a number of schemes over the past year providing consultancy and construction services to develop and support a variety of capital projects in various ports. Spencer Group Managing Director Gary Thornton said: “Our appointment to the Industrial Buildings Frameworks Contract is very positive news for Spencer Group. “The framework is yet another example of our developing relationship with ABP, which started over 30 years ago. Our ability to provide technical support, design and delivery capabilities to provide new and enhanced existing assets and infrastructure mean we are able to support ABP’s investment decisions and meet their customer demands. “We’re proud of the faith shown in us by ABP and are looking forward to starting work under this new framework to deliver exceptional value to ABP and their customers.” Spencer Group delivers innovative engineering and construction solutions in the transport, infrastructure, materials handling, energy and industrial sectors. To find out more about the company’s work, visit www.thespencergroup.co.uk.

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NETWORK SPACE SECURES PLANNING PERMISSION FOR BROADHEATH NETWORKCENTRE IN ALTRINCHAM

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

Network Space has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Broadheath Networkcentre will include a mixture of high-quality refurbished space alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site designed to attract a variety of businesses. The development will deliver 205,000 sq ft of accommodation across 25 units, with workspace available from 2,100 sq ft to 39,500 sq ft.   A highly sustainable development, Network Space will reuse and recycle existing steel and concrete structures on site, resulting in a significant reduction in embodied carbon in the development. The units are also designed to accommodate photovoltaic panels for renewable energy provision and electric vehicle charging on all units. Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager at Network Space Developments, said: “With planning permission now secured, we can fully commence our development of this well-located and highly popular site which will appeal to local businesses, trade occupiers and last mile urban logistics firms. “We have already received very strong interest in the scheme from a range of businesses and with demolition already well underway, we hope to have units ready for occupation in early 2023. The scheme aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver high quality, highly sustainable developments in key urban ‘last mile’ locations.  We look forward to working closely with Trafford Council to deliver a scheme the borough can be truly proud of.” Network Space commenced the demolition in early May and are aiming for practical completion in early 2023.The scheme is set to revitalise the site, creating upwards of 400 new jobs and providing much needed speculative workspace in the region. Once complete, the scheme will have an estimated GDV of £45m. Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre. The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying, AEW architects and Spawforths is the planning advisor.

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CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON MAJOR MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN WAKEFIELD

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

Multi-disciplinary construction company, Harris CM, has started work on a £10 million contract building a major new mixed-use development at Wakefield’s City Fields development. The 110,000 sq ft development, by DeVeer Estates, which is the commercial arm of Berkeley DeVeer, is located on Neil Fox Way and will be known as the City Fields District Centre. It will consist of eight retail units including a 24,500 sq ft supermarket, a children’s nursery, a management suite and 14 apartments. City Fields is a substantial 375-hectare new development that is creating a new community of over 2,500 homes, a new primary school, parkland and other public realm, connected via the new Wakefield East Relief Road. Harris CM is also currently building 77 houses at City Fields on behalf of Rula Homes. Jason Adlam, CEO at Harris CM, said: “It’s great to be starting work on another major development that will contribute towards the continued regeneration of our hometown of Wakefield. We are also thoroughly enjoying working on City Fields District Centre alongside several other Wakefield based companies including architects, The Harris Partnership and HJ Consulting Engineers. “When work completes in May 2023, this development will provide a focal point for City Fields and benefit both the development’s new residents and Wakefield as a whole, thanks to the new road connections to the city.” Jason added: “This continues to be an exciting time for Harris CM and City Fields is an important contribution to our strong pipeline of work for the next 18 months, which puts us on track to hit £70 million turnover in 2022.” Harris CM is a privately owned construction company that provides new-build and refurbishment property solutions throughout the UK, with over 50 employees in 2022.

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PERMAROOF COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCES EXPONENTIAL GROWTH FOLLOWING MAJOR CONTRACT WINS

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

BUILDING on the success of the past 18 months, PermaRoof Commercial, part of PermaGroup, has grown tenfold after making several key hires in response to demand. Since its inception in December 2020, PermaRoof Commercial has gone from strength to strength, completing a total of 62 projects, equalling approximately 21,000m2 of roofs laid across the country – the equivalent of more than 80 tennis courts. Among its extensive list of completed projects are contributions to several significant developments, including Hull ICU, Leeds University and The Leys in Surrey. Sunny Lotay, national commercial manager, said: “I’m incredibly proud of how far PermaRoof Commercial has come since its inception, and the fact that we’ve been able to attract so many talented individuals is a testament to the division’s success. We’ve welcomed new recruits within sales, logistics and commercial areas of the business, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the needs of our customers, while also growing our capabilities and cementing our expertise throughout the industry.” Some of the department’s recent key hires include: Paul Stapleton – commercial logistics manager; Rob Hunt – senior technical manager; Neiah Slater – commercial sales support; Scott Roberts – commercial logistics manager; and, Blake Clay – rooflights specifier. The external sales team has also grown, with the appointment of further experienced sales managers, Ian McKenzie, Tony Pitts, Paul Mullen and Simon Nicholls, who are responsible for delivering PermaRoof Commercial’s services across the country. So far, they have secured several unique projects, including Scottish Business Park, St. Andrews in Northampton, Churchill Medical Centre, and many more. Adrian Buttress, managing director, said: “I’m thrilled to see PermaRoof Commercial continue to forge ahead and deliver consistently strong projects. The calibre of tenders we are securing is thanks to Sunny’s hard work and commitment to establishing the foundations of the division, and we’re delighted to bring our new hires into the company as PermaRoof Commercial continues to grow and develop.” Sunny added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for us, as we’re currently working on 25 active projects and have tenders for a further 89 in the pipeline. We have great ambitions for the next 12 months as we continue to strengthen the commercial team with more new additions, both internally and externally, while simultaneously nurturing the existing team. “We have no intention of resting on our laurels either, as we also want to maintain this momentum and continue our winning streak by securing more supply chain tenders and doubling the number of installers within our PermaRoof Registered Installer (PRI) network. “Our ever-growing team is going to be fundamental to realising our goals and I’m incredibly excited to see where the next 18 months take us as we enter an exciting new chapter.” For more information on PermaRoof Commercial, please visit permaroofcommercial.co.uk or call 01773 608839.

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130 new affordable homes for Greendykes

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

The latest phase of the Council-led regeneration of Greendykes is set to move ahead following a funding boost of just over £620,000. Secured from this year’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme, the funding will enable the Council to clean a site in the area of contamination and improve ground conditions, while work begins to design new, affordable, net zero carbon homes.   The Council expects to fund the build of around 130 homes on the site. Regeneration expert Urban Union has been appointed to deliver the properties and will progress plans via the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme – an innovative new business model for delivering affordable homes based around greater use of offsite construction. Through collaboration with local and national government, academia and the construction industry, the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme will establish improvements in new affordable housing with a focus on time, cost, quality and carbon reduction. The programme was set up to develop and test a new business model for the construction of affordable homes using offsite construction methods. It has the potential to transform the productivity and performance of affordable housing and enable a move towards homes build to net zero standards.  Planning permission in principle has already been granted as part of an existing masterplan. In the coming months, the Council and Urban Union will engage with local people on home designs and, subject to ground works, it is anticipated that the first properties will be delivered in phases from early-2024 to mid-2025. Councillor Jane Meagher, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:   “Never has our need for better housing been greater as we face a cost-of-living crisis and a climate emergency, so we need to be really ambitious and use the small amount of space we have in our city creatively.   “For years, developers have overlooked this empty piece of land because of how complex it is to unlock. Yet, it’s situated minutes away from the Innocent Railway cycle path and is close to the Royal Infirmary and local employment. The area benefits from countless bus links into the city centre and it is a fantastic place to live.   “I’m thrilled that we’re going to be able to put the green back into Greendykes and we’ll work with local residents as we create these new net zero carbon homes. The funding will help us to transform the land and the local environment, while also providing new affordable and efficient places for people to live in line with our major housebuilding strategy.”  Neil McKay, Managing Director, Urban Union said:  “As a delivery partner for the regeneration of Greendykes, it is our responsibility to ensure that we provide homes that not only create a community but that bring benefits to the occupiers and the wider environment.  “By utilising the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme, the Council is showing its commitment not only to its tenants through the selection of quality homes but to innovation and the city’s pledge to be net zero by 2030.    “We are looking forward to meeting with the local residents to discuss the plans for the new homes and to obtaining their valuable input which will make sure that Greendykes becomes a blueprint for city centre regeneration.” 

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LOW ENERGY HOMES WILL BE IN HIGH DEMAND AT ECO-FRIENDLY SHARED OWNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Kenneth Booth June 23, 2022

Shared ownership provider SO Resi has launched a new development in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, that uses the latest in construction and microgeneration technology to create homes that are greener, warmer and cheaper to run. Unveiled last weekend (Saturday 11th June), SO Resi Hope Green comprises a total of 153 new homes – 138 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and 15 two-bedroom apartments – the vast majority of which will be operationally zero carbon. In a UK-first, four of the homes are guaranteed to have no energy bills. Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment at SO Resi, said: “At a time that many people are struggling with high energy bills, it is pleasing to launch the first and largest operational net zero carbon development in the UK. We put much emphasis on sustainability, and it is rewarding that our focus has resulted in this memorable milestone. Green living often comes at a cost and usually is unattainable for the affordable housing sector. However, as a united development team with our partners, we have shown that it’s both achievable and needn’t compromise on the quality of the houses or the setting.” The homes at SO Resi Hope Green will be built around a significant amount of green open space. To add to the appeal for families, the area will include play areas, nature trails, plus a network of footpaths and cycleways meaning the nearby town is easily accessible for jobs, shops and the train station into London Fenchurch Street. The scheme also includes biodiversity areas and attractive water features to encourage local wildlife and add to the attractiveness of the neighbourhood. SO Resi is working with ilke Homes, a modular housing pioneer that delivers high-quality, energy-efficient homes in half the time of traditional methods, and includes ilke Zero, the UK’s first mainstream zero carbon housing offering. Low-carbon technologies will be supplied by Octopus Energy, which is providing a tariff specifically for Hope Green residents to give free, clean energy around the clock. Funding has been arranged through Gresham House, a specialist alternative asset management group, dedicated to sustainable investments. The new homes come with air source heat pumps, which require just a third of the energy of conventional heating systems, solar panels and battery storage technology fully installed. In addition, the homes will be highly insulation, including airtight windows and doors, feature high-performing building fabric and have low-cost LED lighting throughout. This means, not only will they generate enough energy for each house to be operationally carbon neutral, but also give potential for income from exported electricity. Stanford-le-Hope is a small town that retains a village feel, with the river Hope running through its centre and the 800-year-old St Margaret’s Church providing a beautiful landmark. Thurrock Thameside Nature Reserve is nearby, home to native reptiles and butterflies. A highlight of the visit is the walking the causeway over the lake, which is rich in biodiversity and home to many varieties of birds, including ringed plovers, shelducks, dunlins, black-tailed godwits and redshanks. Alternatively, follow the Thames Estuary Path towards Pitsea, taking in quiet marshland and fields. There are plenty of local shops in Stanford-le-Hope, but the development is ideally situated for more serious retail therapy – Lakeside shopping centre is 20 minutes away by train or car, Basildon’s Eastgate Centre is a 10-minute drive and Bluewater shopping centre is less than half an hour away. There is a good selection of nearby schools to choose from, with several primary schools and a secondary school rated as Good by Ofsted in the town. Prices start from £88,500 for a 30% share in a two-bedroom house with a full market value of £295,000. For more information call 0208 607 0550 or visit www.soresi.co.uk.

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The Secrets of Casino Design: An Inside Look

BDC News Team June 23, 2022

Casinos are entertainment hubs, from the non-stop games to the shopping, restaurants, bars, hotels, swimming pools, and live music shows. There is nothing that the best casinos can’t offer. How do these places keep us engaged and wandering around for hours? Well, of course, everything we just listed has a lot to do with it, but there is also something else at play. Clever layouts, subliminal messaging and positioning of services, and thought-out strategies to keep the public inside the doors and spending money. It’s clever, and you may not have ever considered it, which is the casino designers’ main objective! Brick and mortar casinos are different from online gaming sites like AmazonSlots Casino, where there is unlimited space and games to play. It takes a lot more planning to maximise the entertainment for all customers. Casino Layout If you think about it, the casino invites all types of players, from highrollers to casual players to beginners and those who are only there for the other entertainment. How does the casino keep everyone happy and engaged? The answer is a clever use of game positioning. You will notice the red-roped games for VIPS and highrollers are hidden away from the rest of the games. Easy access with no obstacles such as bars and shops, the casino wants to get these players to the table as quickly as possible, without disruptions. The layout for the other games is a lot more haphazard. This is intentional. You will find different games next to each other, designed to keep players moving from one game to the next. Don’t be surprised to find shops, bars, and eateries dotted around the casino floor. Anything to keep people inside the playing area, spending money, and having fun. Casinos used to cram the games onto the floor, but modern casinos have turned the page making the experience much friendlier. High ceilings, more walking space, and a more “playground” concept over the “maze” design help players feel more welcome and comfortable. Clever Mind Tricks The layout of slot machines is one thing that extends to something that can only be described as “mind games”. The old row layout of classic casinos such as The Golden Nugget was not exactly social. However, the cluster design you now see in modern casinos makes everything and everyone a lot more socially active. It makes it easier for people to wander the floors, watch big wins, and enjoy more of a “togetherness” feeling with other players. Another little trick up the sleeves of casinos is not putting up any clocks or ways to view the time. Combine the absence of clocks with zero windows, and you have no idea what time of the day it is (unless you check your phone, but why would you when you are deep in the excitement of roulette or a winning slot spin!). You could be in there for hours and find yourself walking out a 6am, thinking it was 12am. It’s a sneaky strategy, but it clearly works as people enjoy themselves, and of course, they spend their money to line the casino pockets even more!

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