Local housebuilder Harron Homes has donated 30 pairs of high-quality wellies to the children of Staveley Primary Junior School in Staveley, Chesterfield, close to Harron Homes’ Thorpe Meadows development. Staveley Junior School is part of the Outdoor Play And Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, which aims to encourage creative outdoor play
Dorset Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee members have voted strongly to support plans by Dorset-based Wyatt Homes on land northeast of Blandford Forum. This comes after extensive consultation and engagement with the community. The new plans sought full planning consent for 150 new family homes and outline planning permission for
Cadogan has completed a landmark £235 million development located at the heart of London’s King’s Road, as part of its continued community-led placemaking and investment. The Gaumont will comprise a rooftop bar with panoramic views from Big Ben to Battersea, a 600-seat cinema, enhanced Waitrose, flagship retail, creative space, office
A new Moston Lane Development Framework is set to be agreed by Manchester City Council following positive feedback from the local community. The consultation undertaken over the summer presented proposals for future investment in Moston Lane that aims to support the area to meet its potential over the next decade
GMI Construction has scooped contract with Olympian Homes to build a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York. Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq foot site will feature a four
Beard has started construction work on the state-of-the-art STEM centre for Richmond upon Thames College. The Guildford office of award-winning contractor Beard has begun work on a state-of-the-art STEM centre (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) at Richmond upon Thames College. Awarded through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the £10 million project
NI construction firm Farrans has been selected to deliver Phase 1 of the regeneration of Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). LBA has announced an investment of over £100 million, and the construction firm has been appointed to build the terminal extension. Approved by Leeds City Council, the work is set to
Construction work has started on the London Chiswick Travelodge. The 113-room hotel will feature the group’s on-site restaurant and is located next to the Chiswick Roundabout, one of London’s best known road junctions. London Chiswick Travelodge is the company’s fourth hotel currently under construction in London. The other three sites
If you’re one of the many people who dream of owning a house in London one day, but don’t think you can afford it, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality. Here are eight tips to improve your house in London and get the most
Charles Church – the sister brand of Persimmon Homes – has secured planning permission for the development of 70 new high quality homes in Lydney. The developer should begin construction on the Bishops Mead site in the new year, investing over £2.1m in local infrastructure, economic development, and public services
Local housebuilder Harron Homes has donated 30 pairs of high-quality wellies to the children of Staveley Primary Junior School in Staveley, Chesterfield, close to Harron Homes’ Thorpe Meadows development. Staveley Junior School is part of the Outdoor Play And Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, which aims to encourage creative outdoor play in schools, leading to increased focus in the classroom and the ability for children to regulate their behaviours. In fact, schools applying OPAL’s play-focused approach have seen a reduction of recorded behavioural incidents by around 80%. Staveley Junior School is a school of 146 children serving the community of Staveley, which aims to provide an excellent education while providing pupils with life experiences they might not be able to access at home, including opportunities to play, be creative, and learn outdoors. In light of this, Staveley Primary School is on a mission to develop its outdoor space while implementing the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) scheme over the next 18 months. A core part of this project is ensuring the pupils have suitable outdoor attire for rainy days and during the colder seasons. Harron Homes’ generous donation of wellies constitutes a significant contribution toward this need, equipping the children with comfortable, durable wellies for fun and educational outdoor activities. Sue Parkes, Headteacher at Staveley Junior School, said, “The children are delighted with the wellies. They’ve already started learning outdoors, but this will allow them to continue to do so through-out the upcoming winter months so that they can get the benefits of outdoor learning throughout the year. “Many of our families would not be able to equip their children with outdoor attire of their own – particularly at this time of rising costs across the board. Harron Homes’ donation of these high-quality wellies is therefore a huge help, and we would like to extend our gratitude towards everyone at the company.” Natalie Griffiths, Sales and Marketing Director for Harron Homes North Midlands, said: “Harron Homes is a housebuilder with community at its heart. We are dedicated to the communities where we build and make it a priority to support schools local to our developments. Last year we donated hi-vis jackets to the pupils of Inkersall Primary Academy in Chesterfield to help them during Walk to School Month, and it’s great to be able to help out another school this year. “All children deserve the opportunity to learn in a creative and dynamic way, and we’re excited to see how Staveley Primary School develops its outdoor play offering for these bright young minds.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dorset Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee members have voted strongly to support plans by Dorset-based Wyatt Homes on land northeast of Blandford Forum. This comes after extensive consultation and engagement with the community. The new plans sought full planning consent for 150 new family homes and outline planning permission for a further 340 on a site adjoining the A354 and A350. The project will also provide new pedestrian and cycle connections and 30% of the homes will be affordable. The housebuilder also plans to plant over 2,000 new trees throughout the site and more than 40 acres of public open space will make up nearly 50% of the development. The new homes will prioritise energy efficiency and use advanced technologies to minimise CO2 emissions. This includes high levels of insulation, top-tier glazing, solar PV panels, wastewater heat recovery and heat pumps. Furthermore, this development will set aside land for a potential future school, allotments, a community hall, shops, and play facilities. It will also establish new cycling and pedestrian pathways and improve bus infrastructure, with upgraded stops and the possibility of extending existing routes. Speaking at the Dorset Council’s Northern Planning Committee, David Wyatt, CEO of Wyatt Homes said, “We are proud of the places we create and committed to building well-designed, high-quality homes using local materials and locally based contractors. “We will do our utmost to make this an exceptional development that not only Wyatt Homes is proud of, but the local community is proud of too.” Tim Hoskinson, Planning Director for Wyatt Homes said, “We are delighted with this strong positive endorsement by the planning committee, these plans are the largest zero carbon ready application that has come before the planning committee, will deliver much needed new homes including vital affordable homes in Dorset. “We would like to thank those who commented on the plans during the extensive public consultation over several years, as well as Dorset councillors, those on the Planning Committee and Council Officers. This is a complex application and the comprehensive level of scrutiny by officers and detailed consideration by members shows the planning system working at its best.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cadogan has completed a landmark £235 million development located at the heart of London’s King’s Road, as part of its continued community-led placemaking and investment. The Gaumont will comprise a rooftop bar with panoramic views from Big Ben to Battersea, a 600-seat cinema, enhanced Waitrose, flagship retail, creative space, office accommodation and 47 residential apartments, as well as an extraordinary art installation by renowned London-based artist Shezad Dawood. Designed by leading architects PDP Studio, with construction undertaken by UK firm Wates Group, the scheme celebrates the community, heritage and architecture of the area. Located at 196-222 King’s Road, it is named‘The Gaumont in honour of its cinematic and theatrical past as the original 1930’s Gaumont Palace Theatre building*, and as tribute to William Friese-Greene, creator of the first moving image whose studio was based nearby in the 19th century. In recognition of the cultural significance of the Gaumont Palace building, the grandeur of its façade has been sensitively renovated, preserving unique Art Deco details and embellishments. Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, said: “The purpose of this project has always been to reinvigorate the King’s Road’s distinct character and contribute to its rich legacy, whilst seeing it enter a new era – from the independent ‘creative cluster’, cinema, major new public art commission to the beautifully restored façade. There are many other plans underway such as finding space for immersive cultural pop-ups, a ‘pub theatre’ and the right new operator to keep institutions like the 151 Club alive. The Gaumont is a major part of a wider revitalisation plan for one of the world’s most famous high streets.” Mark Craig, Regional Director for Wates Construction London said: “We worked closely with Cadogan to implement an innovative solution to support the historic art deco façade of the original Gaumont Theatre building while it was restored by specialists, bringing back to life some of the original features and preserving this iconic London landmark. At the same time, we used modern methods of construction to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency. Through all our work, we look to bring benefit to the local community, and we’re pleased to have donated £83,000 in cash and in-kind donations to local charities, as well as investing 1270 hours volunteering and supporting the local community during the project.” Following a community consultation, which highlighted the resounding call for more independent outlets and spaces focused on the arts, music and literature, a cluster of small spaces in The Gaumont will be home to independent creatives to strengthen and encourage King’s Road position at the epicentre of London’s art, fashion, design and music scene. This follows a local consultation by Cadogan in 2015 which led to the creation of Pavilion Road as an artisan food ‘village’ with extensive outdoor seating and full pedestrianisation. A new addition to the building is the commission of a significant new piece of public art. Selected by a local cultural panel including members of the Chelsea Arts Club, V&A and Royal Society of Sculptors, the internationally acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood has been commissioned to create an artwork for the façade of the building. Two panels, each 6m x 2.9m, will occupy the positions of the historic panelling which featured latest film releases. Hand-sculpted from ceramic tiles with beautiful multicoloured glazes, the work pays homage to the heritage and memory of the site for local residents and communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new Moston Lane Development Framework is set to be agreed by Manchester City Council following positive feedback from the local community. The consultation undertaken over the summer presented proposals for future investment in Moston Lane that aims to support the area to meet its potential over the next decade and more, including a new public square, improved green spaces and affordable housing. The proposals set out a vision for Moston Lane as a ‘vibrant centre where families, community and culture mix along rejuvenated street and new community focused spaces.’ Around 500 responses were received through the consultation process with the headline proposals positively received. The key themes fed back from the community included: Following consultation, the updated development plan includes seven opportunities for change on Moston Lane – building on the area’s strengths and identifying investment: The Council has also already been awarded £5million through the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) to invest and improve district centres across Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction has scooped contract with Olympian Homes to build a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York. Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq foot site will feature a four storey building comprising of 275 beds and facilities including a gym yoga studio, games room, co-working and group dining areas. In recognition of the location’s history the scheme will feature a cinema. Other facilities will include integrated cycle parking and landscaped courtyards. This is the latest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development to be delivered by Olympian Homes, which is also active in hotel, Build to Rent, co-living and affordable housing sectors. This project is being delivered in partnership with funder Cain International. GMI has worked closely with Olympian Homes and its professional team throughout the Pre-Construction Services Agreement period to develop a buildable, cost-effective and sustainable design. Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, following the completion of archaeological works. The site is located within an area of archaeological importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area. An open day displaying any finds will be held at the site once the archaeological works are complete. Olympian Homes’ scheme will be named Rialto House, recognising the famous cinema that once stood on the site. Opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, the cinema played host to many famous performances, including The Beatles who performed there four times in 1963. GMI, which will utilise a predominantly local supply chain on the project, is highly active in the PBSA market, with this new development brining the number of student beds it is building in York to almost 600. This includes 303-beds at a scheme in James Street on behalf of York-based S Harrison Developments, which is currently under construction. Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction’s Regional Director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Olympian Homes, which is allowing us to continue to contribute to the creation of much needed purpose-built student accommodation in York. Rialto House is a great location, close to the city centre and the university campuses and will support the city in attracting students who want to study in this beautiful and historic city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard has started construction work on the state-of-the-art STEM centre for Richmond upon Thames College. The Guildford office of award-winning contractor Beard has begun work on a state-of-the-art STEM centre (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) at Richmond upon Thames College. Awarded through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the £10 million project will see the construction of the new three-storey building, combining specialist classrooms and training spaces for science, engineering and construction, forensic sciences, computing and robotics. It will also consist of cutting-edge workshops, laboratories and even a laboratory for crime scene science. Each floor of the steel-frame building will be 1,300 square metres and will be fitted with an external cladding system to complement the existing college campus. To support biodiversity, the STEM centre will feature a wildflower roof and photovoltaic solar panels. Beard, along with architect 3BM and structural engineers HDR, have started work at the college’s brownfield site, following demolition of the existing building. Despite work taking place during term time, the active site is independent from the rest of the campus. Nonetheless, Beard has worked closely with the college to minimise disruption and ensure safety, implementing designated walkways and hoardings, as well as utilising traffic marshals and multiple entrances. The project, which is set to complete in the summer of 2024, is part of a wider whole site redevelopment of the college. The STEM centre marks phase two of works and follows the merger of Harrow, Richmond upon Thames and Uxbridge colleges (HRUC). Tom Jenkinson, director for Guildford, said: “Beard is well known within the education sector for building outstanding spaces for teaching and learning. We are delighted to be chosen by the college to deliver this modern addition to its campus. We have been working closely with the college and all our partners to ensure that the centre truly is state-of-the-art and provides the necessary spaces to meet the bespoke needs of each subject and specialist discipline. “With work now underway, we look forward to showcasing our expertise in the sector and delivering a sophisticated facility that will support today’s STEM learners and future cohorts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NI construction firm Farrans has been selected to deliver Phase 1 of the regeneration of Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). LBA has announced an investment of over £100 million, and the construction firm has been appointed to build the terminal extension. Approved by Leeds City Council, the work is set to commence in autumn 2023 and is expected to complete in 2026. The regeneration will see a 9,500 sq. mt., three storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of the current terminal building. Passengers will benefit from the creation of additional aircraft stands, more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, and a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall, as well as improved access for passengers with restricted mobility. By 2030, the regeneration has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at LBA and 4,000 new indirect jobs, as well as contribute a total of £940 million to the local economy*. The regeneration will also help LBA to further decarbonise its operations, as outlined in the airport’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, with the installation of new heating, lighting and machinery, including new baggage belts. It is expected that airlines attracted by the regeneration will accelerate the deployment of their newest, quietest and most efficient aircraft at the airport. Cathal Montague, Regional Director at Farrans Construction, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport has played an integral role in the ambitious growth of the city of Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region, supporting connectivity to some of the world’s best destinations for business and tourism. We are looking forward to bringing the vision for its next stage to life through the extension and modernisation of the terminal. This project will be a major boost to the construction industry with jobs created through apprenticeships, direct labour and supply chain. “We have had a strong connection to Leeds for many years, having delivered a number of important transport and infrastructure projects in the area. Farrans opened a new office in the city centre last year and we are in the final stages of the delivery of a 20-storey student accommodation project on Belgrave Street, Live Oasis St Alban’s Place. We will continue to engage closely with community groups, charities and schools to create local employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities to deliver a positive lasting impact while delivering Leeds Bradford Airport.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work has started on the London Chiswick Travelodge. The 113-room hotel will feature the group’s on-site restaurant and is located next to the Chiswick Roundabout, one of London’s best known road junctions. London Chiswick Travelodge is the company’s fourth hotel currently under construction in London. The other three sites include the group’s 600th Travelodge, a 95-room hotel at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground (in partnership with Surrey County Cricket Club). A 73-room hotel in Bermondsey and a 72-room hotel in Beckenham are also being constructed. With the opening of these four hotels, Travelodge will operate 84 hotels in London, making it one of the Capital’s biggest hotel chains. Travelodge secured forward funding in November 2022 for the development of the hotel. The funding partner, RTP Global Real Estate Investments, purchased the site and committed to fund the development for £19.4m and retain Travelodge as the development manager for the scheme. Barnes Construction, which has a long-standing partnership with Travelodge and recently constructed Travelodge’s London Wimbledon Central hotel in 2022, has been appointed as contractor for the new, six storey Chiswick development. The hotel is expected to be completed in Q1 2025 and will be let to Travelodge on a new 35-year lease, with five -yearly, index-linked rent reviews with caps and collars. London Chiswick Travelodge is being developed to the group’s new, premium look and feel design specification and will be built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards and with an EPC rating of ‘A’. The new Travelodge hotel design has been created in response to the feedback from the Company’s largest consumer study – which surveyed around 5,000 UK business and leisure travellers to find the psychographics of the modern budget traveller. Steve Bennett, Travelodge, Chief Property & Development Officer, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our London hotel network with the construction of our first hotel in Chiswick. The new Travelodge will be in a fantastic location on Chiswick High Road, 400m from Gunnersbury underground and railway line, 450m from Chiswick Business Park and within easy walking distance of the Gtech Community Stadium, home of Brentford FC; so a great place for business and leisure customers to stay, either visiting the local area, or Central London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
If you’re one of the many people who dream of owning a house in London one day, but don’t think you can afford it, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality. Here are eight tips to improve your house in London and get the most out of your investment. House Refurbishment If you are looking to give your house a fresh new look, consider undertaking a house refurbishment project. This can range from small updates such as painting the walls or replacing old fixtures, to larger renovations like remodeling the kitchen or adding on an extra room. In particular, also consider adding a Shaftless Stair Lift to enhance accessibility for family members or visitors with limited mobility. Before starting any major changes, it is important to create a plan and budget for the project. It may also be necessary to hire contractors or architect London to assist with the renovations. A house refurbishment can greatly increase the value and enjoyment of your home. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your space into your dream house. Don’t hesitate to start making improvements and giving your house a well-deserved upgrade. 2.House Renovation Are you ready to take on a bigger challenge and completely renovate your house? This extensive project involves tearing down walls, reconstructing rooms, and possibly even adding on new sections of the house. Like with a refurbishment, it is important to plan out the renovations and budget for any necessary materials and hiring contractors. However, a renovation may also require building permits and adhere to certain regulations. A successful house renovation can completely modernize your living space and potentially increase the value of your home. It can be a daunting undertaking, but the end result will surely be worth it. Start planning now and bring your dream house to life. 3.House Extension If your family is growing or you simply want more space, consider building an extension to your house. This can involve constructing a new room or even an entire floor. Before starting the project, consult with architects and contractors to ensure that the extension will match the existing structure of your house and adhere to any regulations. It is also important to budget for materials and hiring workers. With a successful house extension, you can have extra space for all your needs without having to move to a new home. Start making plans and expand your living space today. 4.Loft Conversion Are you looking for a way to add more room to your house without undertaking major renovations? Consider converting your attic or loft into another living space. This project may involve adding stairs and improving insulation, as well as decorating the new room to your taste. It is important to consult with professionals and ensure that the conversion will not impact the structural integrity of your home. A loft conversion can be a cost-effective solution for gaining extra space in your house. Start planning now and make use of all the potential in your attic. Invest in a Key Lockbox One way to ensure that your property remains secure while allowing for easy access for tenants or repair people is to invest in a key lockbox. This small device attaches to your door and allows you to store a spare key inside, granting access to anyone with the designated combination or unique code. Not only does this eliminate the need for making copies of keys or meeting someone at the property, it also reduces the risk of lost or stolen keys. Choose a high-quality lockbox from a reputable brand for added security and peace of mind. Spend Time in the Space Before starting any renovation or refurbishment project, take the time to spend some time in the space and determine what updates are truly necessary. Are there certain areas that feel outdated or worn down? Are there functional issues that need to be addressed, such as a leaking roof or faulty appliances? Making a list of priorities can help you focus your efforts and budget on the most important updates first. And don’t forget about aesthetics – adding a fresh coat of paint or new furniture can make all the difference in improving the look and feel of your property. Keep these factors in mind as you plan for renovations. Be Realistic About Your Timeline It can be tempting to rush into a renovation project and try to complete it as quickly as possible. However, it is important to be realistic about the time and resources needed for a successful renovation. Factor in potential delays, such as ordering materials or scheduling contractors. Take the necessary steps to ensure all necessary permits are obtained. And don’t underestimate the amount of cleaning and organizing that may need to be done after the renovations are completed. By approaching your timeline realistically and planning accordingly, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a successful renovation project. Expect the Unexpected No matter how much planning and preparation goes into a renovation project, it is important to expect the unexpected. Unexpected issues may arise, such as structural damage or faulty appliances. It is wise to budget for these potential setbacks and have a contingency plan in place in case they occur. Keeping a positive attitude and remaining flexible can also help you navigate any roadblocks that come your way during the renovation process. Renovations can be challenging, but by expecting the unexpected and being prepared for bumps in the road, you can ensure a successful outcome. Interview Multiple Contractors Before hiring a contractor for your renovation project, it is important to interview multiple options. Get quotes and ask for references from past clients. Be sure to clarify all the details of the job, including the timeline, budget, and expected materials and techniques. It can also be helpful to have a clear contract in place before work begins. Taking the time to carefully choose a reliable and experienced contractor can save you headaches and potential issues
Charles Church – the sister brand of Persimmon Homes – has secured planning permission for the development of 70 new high quality homes in Lydney. The developer should begin construction on the Bishops Mead site in the new year, investing over £2.1m in local infrastructure, economic development, and public services in the process. This is the third phase of Persimmon’s wider development in Lydney, and will see 28 properties transferred to a local housing association partner, representing a significant 40 per cent of all dwellings – ranging from one-bed apartments to four-bed homes – helping to dent the Forest of Dean’s 2,130-strong housing waiting list. Environmental and placemaking features for the site include a parkland setting, public green open spaces, mature planting, bird nesting and bat roosting sites, and prospective wildlife buffer zones. All homes granted permission will be around 30 per cent more energy efficient than existing housing stock. Further community benefits at Bishops Mead include £100,000 for the District Council to spend on the Severn Estuary and new health centre in Lydney and around £500,000 for Gloucestershire County Council to fund primary education, libraries, and the local travel plan. A future pedestrian link is to be delivered across Naas Lane while highways, verges, and footpaths will be offered for adoption to the County Council as the Local Highways Authority when completed. The land was allocated for housing in the District Council’s local plan. Commenting, East Wales Land Director Adam Ryan said: “We’re delighted to have secured a resolution to grant full planning permission for our new phase at Bishops Mead in Lydney, as we continue to provide much needed, high quality homes for local people. “Alongside the delivery of housing at Bishops Mead, we are proud to be investing over £2.1m in the area – including funding for a health centre, primary education, and transport provision – leaving a positive and lasting legacy for the community. “The benefits of the scheme are also present in the employment opportunities created in construction, the council tax bills that will generate revenue for local services, and the environmental enhancements we have ensured across the site. “We look forward to getting on site to start work on our exciting plans for this Charles Church phase which will deliver significant investment in the area and quality new homes for local people. We’d like to thank Forest of Dean Council and key stakeholders for their positive engagement and cooperation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
