McLaren Living has been selected to regenerate Minster Quarter in Reading town centre. Following a detailed procurement process, Reading Borough Council the company to drive forward and deliver the exciting new £250 million ‘Minster Quarter Central’ scheme, which could include: In line with Reading’s net-zero by 2030 ambitions, McLaren Living’s
Milton Keynes City Council has announced the appointment of construction firm, GRAHAM as the principal contractor for Phase A of the Lakes Estate Renewal Project in Bletchley through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework. This two-stage design and build contract, valued at £70 million, represents a landmark moment in the rejuvenation of
Spetisbury Construction has started building work on six new industrial units at Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith Newburgh, near Wool. Dorset Council recently appointed local Dorset firm Spetisbury Construction to build six industrial units, ranging from 200m2 to 600m2, funded by £4.4m from the Council’s capital budget. The Dorset Innovation
Avant Homes has started construction on a £42 million, 150 new home multi-tenure development in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire. Called Bishop’s Quarter and located off Hodgsons Lane, the 18-acre development will comprise a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom practically designed, energy efficient family homes. In addition, the housebuilder has announced
Plans to transform the museum area and overall visitor experience at Birkenhead Priory have been approved. It is benefitting from investment of more than £350,000 under the Town Deal grants awarded to Birkenhead that will enable significant improvements to be carried out at the historic site, which originally dates back
Castle Green Partnerships is working with ClwydAlyn to deliver 56 energy efficient homes in Mynydd Isa. ClwydAlyn is the third housing association to partner with the St Asaph headquartered business, part of Castle Green Homes. Between the Mynydd Isa scheme, and developments on behalf of Adra and Torus, Castle Green
DPP has submitted plans to build a new North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) in Newcastle. DPP put forward the proposals on behalf of Northumbria University. The proposals are for the construction of a five to seven storey building, including partial re-use of the existing structure, to create
Octavius Infrastructure has signed with Norfolk County Council to build the long-awaited £47M Long Stratton Bypass. The Long Stratton Bypass is a proposed 3.9km single-carriageway highway scheme which will allow drivers to reach the A140 without having to pass through the village. The job includes construction of three new roundabouts,
MCI Developments, a subsidiary of the national top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat, is celebrating after four of its employees were awarded seven coveted construction industry accolades in just 12 months. The team of individuals – who all work as site managers for MCI Developments across the North West – received Quality
Over £12 million has been secured for a new mixed use regeneration scheme in Coventry. An additional £12.24 million has been approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to unlock a ‘strategically important’ housing development. The money will be used to unlock the Coventry City Centre South scheme, and
McLaren Living has been selected to regenerate Minster Quarter in Reading town centre. Following a detailed procurement process, Reading Borough Council the company to drive forward and deliver the exciting new £250 million ‘Minster Quarter Central’ scheme, which could include: In line with Reading’s net-zero by 2030 ambitions, McLaren Living’s vision is for all-electric, energy efficient systems which maximise on-site renewable energy generation. The development promises a net gain in biodiversity and dedicated new pedestrian and cycle routes. Reading’s Minster Quarter is a key and historic part of the town centre and represents a long-standing and major strategic regeneration ambition for Reading Borough Council. The 5.2-acre site, in the heart of Reading and formerly occupied by the Civic Centre, will become a new gateway to and from Russell Street, the Castle Hill Conservation Area and the residential areas of west Reading. The proposals will aim to deliver a thriving mixed-use community, incorporating a positive street scene and places for people to shop, eat and enjoy Reading’s thriving arts and culture. Current plans include re-provision of space for the Charter Market on Hosier Street, and an improvement of its setting with new public realm surrounding the landmark Reading Minster. Proposals also include the regeneration of Dusseldorf Way, creating a key new boulevard with further street trees and places to sit. The development is central to the wider Minster Quarter Regeneration Area, which has the potential to create a comprehensive new mixed-use neighbourhood in the heart of Reading town centre, delivering upwards of 1,200 homes. Over the next decade, neighbouring landowners plan to bring forward a series of schemes. These include the redevelopment of Thames Valley Police Station, Broad Street Mall, Magistrates Court investment and the Council’s own exciting plans to create a cultural campus with the Hexagon Theatre and new studio theatre extension, made possible through Levelling Up Fund funding. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Milton Keynes City Council has announced the appointment of construction firm, GRAHAM as the principal contractor for Phase A of the Lakes Estate Renewal Project in Bletchley through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework. This two-stage design and build contract, valued at £70 million, represents a landmark moment in the rejuvenation of the Lakes Estate, marking one of the first regeneration projects of its kind for Milton Keynes. Originally built in the sixties, the Lakes Estate has played a crucial role in Bletchley’s history but now needs renewal. With planning approval granted in 2022, the Lakes Estate Renewal Project aims to breathe new life into the area, addressing the need for new homes, improved amenities, and healthier living conditions. This phase of the project focuses on the construction of 183 new homes. New community facilities will be also created, including a nursery, a community hub, and two retail units, envisioned as a pharmacy and food takeaway, catering to the needs of residents living on the estate. Rob Joyce, Development Director at GRAHAM, said: “We are proud to have been selected by Milton Keynes City Council to deliver this crucial phase of The Lakes Estate. This renewal project signifies not only a substantial investment in community regeneration but also a commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and vitality of the residents who live there. We are committed to working closely with the council to transform the Lakes Estate into a thriving and sustainable living space for the community.” Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, Cllr Emily Darlington said: “We’re delighted to be delivering this project with GRAHAM which will make a lasting difference for the whole community on the Lakes Estate. The building work is part of a much wider programme to deliver real change for local people and empower them to live healthy and prosperous lives.” Ben Jones, Head of Delivery – South of England at Pagabo, added: “Pagabo is really proud to have supported Milton Keynes City Council (MKCC) on such an important project for the community, and the City. We’ve worked with the project team at MKCC since early 2021 to support and deliver the procurement, via our Major Works 2020 framework. The delivery of social value for MKCC has been vital to this project. We’re really looking forward to seeing GRAHAM deliver that, as part of this flagship project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spetisbury Construction has started building work on six new industrial units at Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith Newburgh, near Wool. Dorset Council recently appointed local Dorset firm Spetisbury Construction to build six industrial units, ranging from 200m2 to 600m2, funded by £4.4m from the Council’s capital budget. The Dorset Innovation Park is Dorset’s only economic development site with Enterprise Zone status. The Park is developing as an advanced engineering cluster of excellence for the Southwest, building on its strengths in marine, defence, energy, and cyber-security. It offers office space, workshop facilities and fully serviced commercial employment land with benefits such as simplified planning, and full fibre accessibility. The park is home to a range of innovative businesses, including Qinetiq, Atlas, and Norco, plus the Ministry of Defence who have a presence at the Defence Battlelab situated on site. The new units provide an opportunity for further business to relocate to the park. Dorset Council has seen the number of businesses and employees on site grow over the last few years and has now invested in these units to support local business development. The units are due to completed in December 2024. Justin Ives, Managing Director of Spetisbury Construction, said: “Spetisbury Construction have worked alongside Dorset Council on numerous projects over the last 20 years and has been great to be involved in this most recent and exciting project. Our close work with the project team starting over a year ago has resulted in the development of the initial concept to a fully considered design. “The project has evolved and changed shape on several occasions to meet the needs of the target market however it is now great to be on site and into the construction phase. We look forward to delivering this project later in the year and on to future projects with the council’s team. Spetisbury Construction are a regional Chartered Building Company and are proud to be part of the Dorset Council Framework.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avant Homes has started construction on a £42 million, 150 new home multi-tenure development in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire. Called Bishop’s Quarter and located off Hodgsons Lane, the 18-acre development will comprise a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom practically designed, energy efficient family homes. In addition, the housebuilder has announced it has sold 15 properties off plan ahead of work starting on site. Bishop’s Quarter features 14 of Avant Homes’ house types. Prices range from £289,995 for a three-bedroom semi-detached property to £549,995 for a five-bedroom detached home. Of the 150 homes being built, 40 per cent have been designated to affordable housing. Avant Homes has also committed to a community contribution of around £625,000 to support local highways, infrastructure, a waste and recycling contribution and a travel plan. A three-bedroom detached Cadeby showhome is due to open in April with the first homes set to be ready for occupation in Summer 2024. Avant Homes North Yorkshire managing director, Matt Oldfield, said: “We always knew Bishop’s Quarter would prove to be extremely popular. Sherburn-in-Elmet is a great place to live with both excellent amenities and straightforward access to Selby, Tadcaster, Leeds and York. “This is demonstrated by us selling 15 multi-tenure homes off plan before work has started on site, and by the significant number of interested prospective buyers who have been in touch with us. “Bishop’s Quarter will be another great example of us delivering on our promises of providing quality new homes for everyone and creating vibrant communities wherever we build.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to transform the museum area and overall visitor experience at Birkenhead Priory have been approved. It is benefitting from investment of more than £350,000 under the Town Deal grants awarded to Birkenhead that will enable significant improvements to be carried out at the historic site, which originally dates back to the year 1150. A key part of this investment will see the transformation of one of the most eye-catching parts of the existing Birkenhead Priory into a much-improved visitor attraction. The revamp of the ‘Undercroft’, which dates back to the 14th century and features an imposing – and intact – vaulted stone ceiling, will make for a much-enhanced visitor experience, enabling residents and visitors to gain an even-greater insight into the history and heritage of this unique attraction. Improvements supported by the Town Deal grant will also include the reinterpretation of displays to exhibit even more artefacts that tell visitors about the former monastery’s fascinating history, some using state-of-the-art museum equipment and technologies. Visitors will be able to get a better view of the historic floor, with a new system to protect it from harm installed. Proposals have also been made to improve access to the Refectory space on the floor above with the installation of a platform lift. Other improvements to the wider site included in the overall investment are repairs to the historic Chapter House chapel and the installation of a new landmark lighting system on the tower of St Mary’s Church, the only remains of the church, which occupied the site between 1819 and 1977. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Castle Green Partnerships is working with ClwydAlyn to deliver 56 energy efficient homes in Mynydd Isa. ClwydAlyn is the third housing association to partner with the St Asaph headquartered business, part of Castle Green Homes. Between the Mynydd Isa scheme, and developments on behalf of Adra and Torus, Castle Green Partnerships is set to deliver more than 900 affordable homes in the next three to four years. Full planning permission for the Mold Road scheme in Mynydd Isa was originally granted to ClwydAlyn in January 2021. Castle Green Partnerships stepped in and submitted an application to amend the house types in July 2023, after a previous contractor withdrew from the scheme. Enabling works started on site in August 2023 and the revised plans were approved in October. Partnerships director Eoin O’Donnell said: “This is the first site that Castle Green Partnerships will deliver for ClwydAlyn. Initially we were contracted for the construction of the roads and sewers and subsequently agreed to build out the full site, cementing our growing relationship with ClwydAlyn. This represents a significant step forward for the Partnerships side of our business and brings the total number of affordable homes we are contracted to deliver to more than 900. “The need for affordable housing has never been greater. We aim to provide well designed, fuel-efficient, high quality affordable homes. The Mynydd Isa scheme will provide a valuable and much-needed contribution to the affordable housing in Flintshire, with a mix of properties for social and and intermediate rent.” Across the development there will be range of homes from one-bedroom apartments, to two and three-bedroom bungalows, to two and three-bedroom houses. Enabling works started on site in August 2023. The first homes will be ready to move into in winter 2024, with the overall development expected to be completed by autumn 2025. The homes in Mynydd Isa are part of ClwydAlyn ambitious development programme to deliver 1,500 new homes in North Wales by 2025, with an overall expected investment of £250 million. The homes will include solar panels and batteries, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points, ensuring that they are energy efficient and cost effective to run. To support the areas surrounding wildlife, a bat barn will be constructed on site to facilitate roosting for local colonies. There will also be 1.5 acres of open space provided as part of the development, including areas of low seeding mix and planting to benefit the microclimate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DPP has submitted plans to build a new North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) in Newcastle. DPP put forward the proposals on behalf of Northumbria University. The proposals are for the construction of a five to seven storey building, including partial re-use of the existing structure, to create a new facility for world-leading education and research at Northumbria University. The NESST Centre, which will be delivered in partnership with the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin, has been designed by Ryder Architecture and will replace the existing Wynne Jones building, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne. The building will contain spaces for Northumbria University and its commercial partner Lockheed Martin, including satellite manufacturing and testing facilities, Harvard style lecture theatre and mission control centre, NUSTEM engagement spaces, partner offices, electrical and laser communications laboratories, open plan PhD spaces and academic offices, student hub and collaborations spaces. Research and development undertaken in NESST will reinforce the UK and regional space cluster, positioning the UK as a global leader in optical satellite communications, space weather and space-based energy. Economic assessments suggest NESST will deliver 350 net total FTE jobs and generate £264m in net total GVA over 30 years. Helen Marks, Director at DPP, said: “We have really enjoyed working with the University and Ryder Architecture to prepare the planning application submission for this exciting project for the city of Newcastle. The proposals have also benefitted from collaborative working with representatives from the City Council at the pre application stage which has greatly facilitated the process to date.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Octavius Infrastructure has signed with Norfolk County Council to build the long-awaited £47M Long Stratton Bypass. The Long Stratton Bypass is a proposed 3.9km single-carriageway highway scheme which will allow drivers to reach the A140 without having to pass through the village. The job includes construction of three new roundabouts, two new junctions and two overbridges. Plans for the village bypass in Norfolk were first discussed 70 years ago and have had a number of false starts since. In September last year, the long-awaited bypass was finally granted full planning permission by South Norfolk Council. Norfolk County Council secured £26.2M from the Department for Transport (DfT) for the project in summer 2021, but in September 2022 the scheme saw its projected costs rise to £46.2M from the original £37.4M. This 23.5% rise in cost was mainly due to the pandemic and the Ukraine war driving up material and labour prices across the globe. The full business case for the new road has now been submitted to government which estimates the overall cost of delivering the route at £46.9m. Following initial preparation works which will be taking place over the coming months, the target date for the main construction work to start on the bypass is Spring 2024 with the road planned to be open to traffic before the end of 2025 after an 18-month construction period. The project will now be mainly funded with a minimum of 70% from the DfT’s Major Road Network Fund and up to 30% from local contributions made up primarily of developer contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions. The Greater Norwich Growth Board have also agreed arrangements with South Norfolk Council for the forward funding of a £4.5M developer contribution, which is in addition to the £10M CIL supported contribution it has already pledged. Long Stratton residents have campaigned and lobbied government for a bypass for decades as they hope it will cut congestion through the village. As well as the bypass, plans for 1,800 new homes and a new primary school for the area were recently approved by South Norfolk Council. Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport Graham Plant said: “This is another welcome milestone we’ve reached in this vital infrastructure project. The 3.9km road will not only solve the transport issues caused by the bottleneck on the A140 – which is a major local route – but also open-up improvements for cycling and walking in and around the town. “Once in place the scheme will cut congestion, unlock economic growth, and improve journey times across the county.” Octavius Infrastructure managing director for highways Gavin Pritchard, said: “We are delighted to be working with Norfolk County Council on such a key project, bringing significant benefits to the Long Stratton community and the wider transport network. “Our carbon reduction measures, the protection and enhancement of the local environment, and the significant sourcing of local suppliers in this region reflects our strong commitment to our sustainability and social value goals for this project.” Norfolk County Council councillor for Long Stratton Alison Thomas said, “This is great news as seeing this project continue to push forward is very welcome – not only for those who live and work in Long Stratton but also for the thousands of people who use the route and experience first-hand the daily delays and frustrations brought by the current situation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MCI Developments, a subsidiary of the national top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat, is celebrating after four of its employees were awarded seven coveted construction industry accolades in just 12 months. The team of individuals – who all work as site managers for MCI Developments across the North West – received Quality on Site accolades in the Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards, which are handed out each month in recognition of developers who consistently deliver quality workmanship and site management. Award winners Mark King, Dan Cook, Jon Baldwin and Pete McGuinness manage MCI Developments sites in Leigh, Ellesmere Port, Oldham and St. Helens. Mark was presented with three awards, Dan received two and Jon and Pete were awarded one each. The business, which delivers high quality affordable homes, also picked up the ‘Best Affordable Housing Scheme in the UK’ gong in the Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards for its Bridgwater Street site in Leigh, which is managed by Mark King. This award is judged by an independent panel of experts, who assess sites up and down the country. In addition to the award wins, MCI Developments has also recently been shortlisted for a duo of top industry accolades – ‘Best Affordable Housing Site Under £10 million’ in the Insider Housing Awards and ‘Homebuilder of the Year – Independent’ at the Affordable Housing Awards. Commenting on the award wins, Craig Murphy, Regional Managing Director at MCI Developments, said: “I’m extremely proud of the team who have received the ‘Quality on Site’ awards. These accolades recognise the quality, rigorous health and safety regulations and client satisfaction that everyone at MCI Development strives to achieve, day in and day out. The fact that seven awards have been picked up by four employees in just 12 months is a testament to the commitment, tenacity and hard work of our team to deliver the best possible homes for our partners. “We focus on creating high-quality, sustainable homes that our clients are proud of and from which they want to create thriving communities. We are proud to play a part in creating future homes for so many people.’’ MCI Developments is a specialist in land acquisition and has established relationships with strategic organisations including land agents, private landowners and the public sector. Its aim is to deliver affordable, quality, energy-efficient and sustainable housing alongside its partners in the North West to a large range of specifications, from smaller schemes to large, mixed-use projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over £12 million has been secured for a new mixed use regeneration scheme in Coventry. An additional £12.24 million has been approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to unlock a ‘strategically important’ housing development. The money will be used to unlock the Coventry City Centre South scheme, and help transform outdated areas of the city, including Bull Yard, Shelton Square, City Arcade, and Hertford Street. It brings the WMCA’s total funding for City Centre South to £113 million – the biggest investment the combined authority has made to date into a single regeneration scheme. Coventry City Council is contributing £32 million. The development, which covers 6.3 hectares of land within the city centre, includes 1,575 new homes. Of the 1,575 homes, at least 20% will be classified as affordable housing. New retail and leisure spaces, a community health centre and potential for a hotel with 150 rooms in the second phase also make up the regeneration plans. The project, considered a strategically important housing scheme, will start in 2024 and complete in stages, with the first homes expected to be occupied from 2027. The first phase completion is expected to be 2031. Developers The Hill Group and Shearer Property Group are working in partnership with Coventry City Council and the WMCA as the developers for the regeneration project. City Centre South has long been an aspiration of Coventry City Council with the project seen as a ‘strategic priority’ for the WMCA. The project was first conceived in 2015, with the development receiving planning approval from Coventry City Council in January 2022. A further detailed planning consent is anticipated by Spring 2024. The additional £12.24 million is needed due to increased costs resulting from the revised Government Building Regulations and Building Safety Act. The project has previously benefited from a commitment to provide £98.75 million from the WMCA, with £21 million drawn to date which has been used to acquire existing properties, undertake initial demolition work, and fund planning costs. The WMCA has already invested £39.4 million in the regeneration of Coventry railway station and £51.2 million into Friargate, one of the largest mixed-use developments in the Midlands. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, said: “This is an exciting time for Coventry as this brownfield redevelopment represents a landmark investment and significant regeneration opportunity – the likes of which this city has not seen for decades. “The City Centre South scheme is proof that the Deeper Devolution Deal – agreed with Government in March 2023 – is delivering results on the ground by empowering us with the autonomy to align with the local needs of Coventry residents with new apartments and office spaces. “It’s great to see a vibrant new district come to life in this historic part of the city and I’m looking forward to visiting it once completed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
