Construction
The benefits of using quartz worktops in residential developments

The benefits of using quartz worktops in residential developments

Known for their durability, versatility and timeless beauty, quartz worktops offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for any residential development. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternative materials, the long-term benefits and the value added to any property make quartz worktops a

Read More »
Thomas Sinden to deliver Rotherhithe housing development

Thomas Sinden to deliver Rotherhithe housing development

Thomas Sinden has been awarded an £18 million contract for the delivery of an ‘all-affordable-home project’ on behalf of not-for-profit housing association, Peabody. Thomas Sinden will transform the site of a former workhouse, infirmary and hospital dating back to 1746 into 62 sustainable and affordable new homes. Peabody generated more

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Soho Wharf development in Birmingham complete

Soho Wharf development in Birmingham complete

Heimstaden Bostad, the owner of Soho Wharf, has announced the completion of a landmark project, in partnership with development partners, The Galliard Apsley Partnership. Soho Wharf, a leading-edge development in Birmingham, consists of 752 exceptional build-to-rent homes. This includes 650 designed apartments and 102 charming townhouses, all offered at affordable

Read More »
Morgan Sindall to decarbonise schools in England

Morgan Sindall to decarbonise schools in England

Morgan Sindall Construction and other partners in the construction industry, has been selected by LocatED and the Department for Education (DfE) to work on a new feasibly study to decarbonise education estates in England. As part of the study, the Morgan Sindall team will undertake a series of feasibility studies

Read More »
Stepnell starts construction on Coalville forest school

Stepnell starts construction on Coalville forest school

Contractor Stepnell has commenced construction work on a new state-of-the-art forest school in Coalville, Leicestershire. Helping to deliver the tailored school design is construction consultancy Bentley, who are acting as employer’s agent and quantity surveyors for the project. Stepnell is leading the construction works of the two-form entry school which

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Beard Construction to build Cheltenham Construction Centre

Beard Construction to build Cheltenham Construction Centre

Beard Construction has been named as the chosen contractor by Gloucestershire College for its £5 million sustainable construction centre in Cheltenham. The project, which is set to begin this month, will see the construction of the 14,000 square-foot facility and will feature 10 plumbing bays, 12 electrical bays and 20

Read More »
The Hill Group submits plans for Bristol homes

The Hill Group submits plans for Bristol homes

Housebuilder The Hill Group has submitted plans for the Amerind Grove site on Raleigh Road in Bristol, which was once the site of the Wills Tobacco Factory, to develop over 100 high-quality, sustainable new homes. Hill will deliver three, four, and five-bedroom family houses, as well as one and two-bedroom

Read More »
Everton Stadium south stand visible for the first time

Everton Stadium south stand visible for the first time

The jaw-dropping scale of the steep-tiered south stand at Everton Stadium is visible for the first time following the installation of terracing. Virtually all of the double-stepped concrete terracing units are now in place in the stand, which will eventually house over 13,000 Evertonians. The next major visual change will

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Plans for new homes at Blandford Forum approved

Plans for new homes at Blandford Forum approved

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

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Cadogan completes £235m King’s Road development

Cadogan Completes £235m King’s Road Development

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

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Construction

The benefits of using quartz worktops in residential developments

The benefits of using quartz worktops in residential developments

Known for their durability, versatility and timeless beauty, quartz worktops offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for any residential development. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternative materials, the long-term benefits and the value added to any property make quartz worktops a rewarding choice for house building professionals. Roann Limited, based in Wakefield, is a trusted supplier to some of the UK’s leading house builders and developers, including Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes. The company collaborates with various worktop providers across Europe to offer a range of products and finishes. As specialists in high-volume projects, Roann Limited has transformed the way house builders acquire worktops, by partnering with them to achieve substantial cost reductions on their development and project expenses. Scott Wharton, Operations Director, tells us more about the benefits of using quartz worktops in residential developments. Durability For house building professionals, durability is non-negotiable when selecting materials for new developments. Quartz worktops, which are engineered using a combination of natural quartz crystal and resin, exhibit remarkable resilience. This quality ensures that they can withstand the rigours of daily use, resisting stains, scratches and chips. Over the years, Caesarstone has grown to become a worldwide leader in kitchen worktops with an impressive range of products. Its quartz surfaces are made with up to 90% quartz minerals to give advantages that surpass those in marble, granite and other natural stones. Caesarstone is one of our most popular brands for good reason. It’s available in virtually any colour or pattern, and is incredibly easy to cut, so it can be customised to fit any shape or size – no matter how complicated! We recently completed a new development project in West London, where we installed 202 units of Caesarstone worktop. The end result is a modern, sleek aesthetic, tailored for contemporary living. Easy maintenance Unlike natural stones, quartz worktops are non-porous. This means that they do not absorb liquid or stains, and are resistant to bacteria or other microorganisms from spills. This makes quartz the obvious choice for busy and active households. Generally speaking, soap and water or a mild detergent are all that’s necessary to keep a quartz worktop sparkling clean. Another bonus of installing a quartz worktop is that there is no need for time-consuming and often expensive sealing that some natural stone worktops require. This allows house builders to complete projects efficiently and within budget, which is always a bonus! Aesthetically pleasing Quartz worktops are available in an extensive range of designs, colours and finishes. As the material is manmade, the design can be tailored to suit any interior. The consistency in colour and pattern across the entire surface will ensure a uniform and cohesive look. With the appearance and feel of natural quartz, Compac is a technological quartz that has high heat resistance and remarkable quality. It’s available in an extensive range of colours, designs, sizes, thickness and ornamentations. It’s ideal for kitchen worktops that are subject to extensive use. Sustainability House builders committed to sustainability may choose to install a quartz worktop as many of these surfaces are produced using recycled materials. This aligns with corporate social responsibility practices and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. Manufactured with exclusive and innovative HybriQ technology, Silestone is a more sustainable approach to architectural surfaces. The products contain a minimum of 20% recycled materials, such as glass, along with premium natural materials that provide depth of colour and high performance. Since its creation, Silestone has set major trends in the market, transforming the world of kitchen worktops. Silestone is one of our bestsellers, and was selected as the worktop of choice for our biggest project to date earlier this year, a residential development in Finsbury Park, London. Worth over £676,000, the Woodberry Down project is a sustainable development which features over 5,500 new homes. “We’re extremely happy with Roann Limited’s performance. I’m getting good feedback from the site team and have had a look at some of the worktops myself, and they look great,” said James Riley, Senior Site Manager, Berkeley Group PLC. It’s a project dedicated to the natural environment and is focused on creating a sustainable community, an initiative we are keen to support through our own endeavours. We recently replaced all of our kitchen worktop packaging from single use plastic, to fully recyclable packaging, preventing 140kg of single use plastic going to landfill in 2023, through just one average project, and are committed to reducing our carbon footprint even further in the coming years. Silestone was also chosen as the upgraded worktop option by David Wilson Homes, part of the renowned brand Barratt Homes, on its Penning Ridge development based in Sheffield. “We are excited to be working with Roann Limited for our beautiful development, across our division at Barratt DWH Sheffield. The quality of the workmanship and service levels so far have been incredible,” added Simone Roberts, Sales Manager at David Wilson Homes Adding value The long-term benefits of quartz worktops include adding value to a home, as they are designed to stand the test of time. Using this superior material can enhance the marketability and resale value of homes, a crucial selling point for potential house buyers or investors. If budget is an issue, house builders may consider Fugen, which offers a more cost-effective surface than some of the premium brands – without compromising on quality or style. While there is only a limited range of colours and designs available, Fugen worktops boast all the benefits of other quartz worktops, including durability and easy maintenance. Warranty Many producers also provide warranty with their worktops, including Silestone which provides a 25 year warranty. This assurance of quality and longevity can provide peace of mind to house builders and potential house buyers. Whether house builders are renovating an existing property or developing a new one, quartz should be considered as the surface material of choice due to its attractive and superior qualities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The

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Thomas Sinden to deliver Rotherhithe housing development

Thomas Sinden to deliver Rotherhithe housing development

Thomas Sinden has been awarded an £18 million contract for the delivery of an ‘all-affordable-home project’ on behalf of not-for-profit housing association, Peabody. Thomas Sinden will transform the site of a former workhouse, infirmary and hospital dating back to 1746 into 62 sustainable and affordable new homes. Peabody generated more than £8m for the NHS by purchasing the former St Olave’s Hospital in Rotherhithe in 2018. A traditional groundbreaking event to mark the start of construction saw Southwark Councillor Kath Whittam and the community join with Peabody and Thomas Sinden to celebrate this historic area being brought back to life. The development will bring 14 homes for social rent and 48 for shared ownership, with one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for families close to the greenery of Southwark Park. All the flats will have either a balcony or terrace, and the duplexes will have their own gardens. One of the blocks will have a communal roof terrace, and there will be new outdoor areas and play spaces for residents to enjoy. The project will generate additional social value and community benefits, with Thomas Sinden offering job, training, and apprenticeship opportunities for local people. It will include eleven construction jobs for residents who are currently unemployed.  Local charity Bermondsey Community Kitchen (BCK) joined the event, providing refreshments and accepting a £1,000 donation from Thomas Sinden’s Managing Director to support volunteers’ work locally. BCK is a non-profit training facility, run by volunteers, that provides Level 1 and 2 City and Guilds Professional Cookery qualifications for long-term unemployed 16 to 24-year-olds. Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development at Peabody, said: “The positive impact of new affordable homes cannot be underestimated. Peabody already works closely with many communities in Southwark, and we’re pleased to have started delivering more new homes for people locally. “St Olave’s will give those on Southwark’s housing waiting list the opportunity of living in a new affordable rented home, while providing budding homeowners the chance to get on the property ladder in Zone 2 through shared ownership. Building an entirely affordable scheme is challenging in the current climate and it was fantastic to mark this major milestone with our partners and the council. We look forward to welcoming residents in 2025.”   Councillor Kath Whittam at Southwark Council said: “As a ward councillor I am very glad to see the site go ahead, and it is particularly nice when the scheme is 100 percent affordable. I’d like to thank Peabody and Thomas Sinden for putting such a strong scheme together, which will give our residents the chance of a fabulous new home.” Matt Ayers, Head of Construction at Thomas Sinden, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Peabody on this historic site to create a clean, safe and sustainable development that will make a difference in the community for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Soho Wharf development in Birmingham complete

Soho Wharf development in Birmingham complete

Heimstaden Bostad, the owner of Soho Wharf, has announced the completion of a landmark project, in partnership with development partners, The Galliard Apsley Partnership. Soho Wharf, a leading-edge development in Birmingham, consists of 752 exceptional build-to-rent homes. This includes 650 designed apartments and 102 charming townhouses, all offered at affordable rental rates including 64 homes, offered at a 20% discount to market rent, emphasising affordability alongside quality. The project encompasses 10,000 sq ft of prime commercial space and provides ample parking with 300 parking spaces. The architectural ingenuity extends to the ample green spaces, constituting nearly 40% of the site area. These green areas include vibrant public realms, private communal spaces for residents, and exclusive gardens for townhouse residents. This achievement is marked by an outstanding milestone, with close to 90% of the available units leased within a six-month span, from March to September 2023. The swift uptake stands as a testament to the project’s undeniable appeal, showcasing Soho Wharf as a pioneering residential development that is redefining both the architectural and community landscape of Birmingham. Amit Kumar, Head of Operations – UK at Heimstaden, expressed: “We are tremendously proud to mark the completion of Soho Wharf, a true testament to thoughtful design and community integration. In just six months, seeing 90% of the units become homes for residents speaks volumes about its allure. Our ambition was always to create a lively, cohesive neighbourhood in Birmingham where sustainability meets convenience. The rapid uptake reaffirms our commitment to offering Friendly Homes that not only fit seamlessly into the city’s fabric but also address the modern resident’s desire for connectedness, comfort, and a sustainable way of living.” Gerard Nock, Chairman at The Galliard Apsley Partnership said: “The completion of Soho Wharf stands as proof of our unwavering commitment to reimagining urban spaces. Through innovative design and collaborative partnerships, we have created not just homes but thriving communities, and we’re excited to see Soho Wharf transform Birmingham’s urban landscape for the better.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Morgan Sindall to decarbonise schools in England

Morgan Sindall to decarbonise schools in England

Morgan Sindall Construction and other partners in the construction industry, has been selected by LocatED and the Department for Education (DfE) to work on a new feasibly study to decarbonise education estates in England. As part of the study, the Morgan Sindall team will undertake a series of feasibility studies which have been chosen based on criteria including potential carbon savings, capital/ROI and operational impact. Using our approach to intelligent solutions and inhouse whole life carbon tools such as CarboniCa, the team will utilise their experience to propose decarbonisation solutions for the chosen schools. LocatED announced the start of a feasibility study for its Net Zero Accelerator programme on 9 November – a scheme that aims to facilitate the rapid rollout of decarbonisation initiatives across the education estate. Delivery partners have been selected to take part in a feasibility study that will work with 50 schools from across England to explore the commercial viability of a range of decarbonisation interventions. The concept of the Net Zero Accelerator is to create a ‘one stop shop’ to fund and deliver decarbonisation initiatives across the education estate through a new national service. This will provide responsible bodies, such as local authorities and multi-academy trusts, with a low burden service to address building condition and energy efficiency to help improve their estate including the delivery of decarbonisation interventions. Furthermore, the programme will aim to reduce risk to responsible bodies as well as the time and resources they put into decarbonisation. This will be achieved by requiring no upfront payment; through sharing the risk of delivery with external market partners; and arranging the intervention work and funding for them. Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to create and run the programme, LocatED launched the Net Zero Accelerator in August this year with a market engagement session attracting over 270 participants. With Net Zero a key aim of the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for the education system, the programme aims to help deliver this. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Stepnell starts construction on Coalville forest school

Stepnell starts construction on Coalville forest school

Contractor Stepnell has commenced construction work on a new state-of-the-art forest school in Coalville, Leicestershire. Helping to deliver the tailored school design is construction consultancy Bentley, who are acting as employer’s agent and quantity surveyors for the project. Stepnell is leading the construction works of the two-form entry school which was designed by Lungfish Architects and led by land regeneration company, Harworth Group. The primary school in Swinfen Vale is due to open in September 2024 for the new school year and is the county’s first forest school, a model which endeavors to nurture creativity in line with play and activity to promote education. Lauren Allsop, senior project manager at Bentley spoke on construction starting on site, said: “The groundbreaking ceremony that recently took place was a significant step forward in what is an incredibly exciting project for us at Bentley. This project acts as a change of trajectory for education in the region and we’re proud to be able to use our expertise to see it come to life.” The construction of the school will consist of a series of pavilions, designed to offer a range of flexible teaching spaces including shared and outside areas. These classroom spaces have been designed to ensure optimal lighting and ventilation throughout. Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “The creative and sustainable design of the project aligns well with our complete construction offering at Stepnell. We’re proud of our ability to continuously create quality developments in the education sector and this project will be no exception. “As we continue to grow our strong regional reputation in the East Midlands, we’re excited to be working with Bentley Project Management and partners on what is an incredible project to expand the school offerings for the people of Coalville and the surrounding region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Beard Construction to build Cheltenham Construction Centre

Beard Construction to build Cheltenham Construction Centre

Beard Construction has been named as the chosen contractor by Gloucestershire College for its £5 million sustainable construction centre in Cheltenham. The project, which is set to begin this month, will see the construction of the 14,000 square-foot facility and will feature 10 plumbing bays, 12 electrical bays and 20 bays for carpentry, as well as four classrooms. With sustainability at its core, the training provision will be based on nationally set pathways and will embrace low-carbon energy and associated skills. In total, the construction centre will provide hands-on experience, expert training and key green skills to 164 learners every week. The new construction training centre forms part of the college’s vision to prepare the workforce of the future. It aims to help address the increasing demand for skilled construction workers in the region, which is projected to reach 6,400 annually by 2025. The facility also coincides with the shift towards net-zero carbon technologies in construction. Beard is working closely with the college and all partners to keep both staff and students safe and to minimise disruption. The project is being delivered through Beard’s Swindon office, with the contractor working alongside architects Roberts Limbrick, project managers Ridge and Partners LLP, quantity surveyors Ward Williams Associates and structural engineers Simpson Associates. Jamie Harwood, director at Beard, said: “Gloucestershire College has an exciting vision to not only increase routes into the industry, but to ensure new recruits are skilled to meet the challenges and opportunities of sustainability. These principles are key drivers for us at Beard and we are delighted to be working with the college as its chosen contractor. “For more than 130 years, Beard has built an established reputation in the education sector, whether it’s in primary, secondary, SEND provision or further education. We will utilise this expertise to help Gloucestershire College deliver a cutting-edge teaching and learning space for construction.” Matthew Burgess, principal at Gloucestershire College, added: “Our selection of Beard Construction is rooted in its exceptional reputation and demonstrated commitment to sustainable and high-quality builds. We sought a partner who shares our vision of preparing the talent of tomorrow for the evolving construction landscape. Beard’s proven expertise, coupled with its focus on minimising disruption and maximising collaboration, aligns with our objectives and we look forward to working with them over the coming year.” Across its offices in Swindon, Bristol, Oxford and Guildford, Beard has completed a number of projects within the education sector. In addition to extensive work in further education – including for Oxford University and its colleges, Beard has completed projects in primary, secondary and special education. The training centre marks a return to Cheltenham for Beard following the successful completion of The Quadrangle, a £12 million office refurbishment and extension project in the town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Hill Group submits plans for Bristol homes

The Hill Group submits plans for Bristol homes

Housebuilder The Hill Group has submitted plans for the Amerind Grove site on Raleigh Road in Bristol, which was once the site of the Wills Tobacco Factory, to develop over 100 high-quality, sustainable new homes. Hill will deliver three, four, and five-bedroom family houses, as well as one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom maisonettes, building on its reputation for developing sustainable community-focused residential projects. Approximately one-third (30%) of the homes will be affordable. Hill’s plans will revitalise the 3.5-acre site previously occupied by a care home, significantly increasing housing availability in the popular Southville neighbourhood. Hill has selected a Bristol-based architect to partner with on the design of the homes, drawing on the area’s classic terraced vernacular to create well-appointed, high-quality modern homes. The development will link to the surrounding area by two new tree-lined access roads. Hill has appointed a professional guardian service to provide short-term, affordable accommodation for local people during the planning process. All applicants seeking to be a short-term guardian living at the property will be independently assessed and required to sign a code of conduct. Andy Hill OBE, Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, commented: “There is an acute housing shortage in Bristol, particularly for family homes. We have worked with the local Southville community to ensure our planning application for the Amerind Grove site will help address local housing needs. It will provide a sustainable development of over 100 high-quality, energy-efficient family homes, including over 30 much-needed affordable homes for local people, and we look forward to working with Bristol City Council to successfully progress this application.” Built with sustainability in mind, the homes at Raleigh Road will feature high levels of insulation and airtightness. The properties will exceed energy regulations through the use of low-carbon technology and energy-efficient design, including air-source heat pumps to provide gas-free heating and hot water. Permeable paving, green roofs, rain gardens, and underground water tanks will also be included within the development to minimise surface water run-off; Hill is committed to environmental conservation and aims to achieve over 20% biodiversity net gain on this development. To encourage sustainable transport and reduce the total number of cars, approximately 185 cycle parking spaces will be provided. The construction phase will also provide local residents with employment and training opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Everton Stadium south stand visible for the first time

Everton Stadium south stand visible for the first time

The jaw-dropping scale of the steep-tiered south stand at Everton Stadium is visible for the first time following the installation of terracing. Virtually all of the double-stepped concrete terracing units are now in place in the stand, which will eventually house over 13,000 Evertonians. The next major visual change will see blue seats installed in the upper sections, as part of the ongoing programme which has spread across the north stand – and aims to have them in place across the whole upper tier of the bowl by Christmas. Externally, the south stand is also showing off its new façade following the installation of glazing in the second level concourse. The angled panels, which stretch across the entire face of the stand, have been designed to reflect the water from the adjoining Nelson Dock and help tie the stadium into its maritime surroundings. Meanwhile, the first giant speakers have been positioned into the roof spaces of the north stand. The curved units will hang from all four stands as part of the PA system. This has coincided with the departure from site of the last 600 tonne crawler crane, which was used mainly in the complex construction of the roof. A service tunnel, left open in the east stand to provide vehicular access to the pitch area, can therefore be closed off now in preparation for lower terracing units being installed. Work also continues to finish off the restoration of the historic Hydraulic Tower and Engine House. The buildings, dating back to 1883, have been lovingly renovated using existing and salvaged brickwork, new zinc roofing and the installation of windows sympathetic to the original design. A decorative capstan was this week reinstated at the entrance to the Hydraulic Tower, again as a nod to the building’s huge importance in the dock’s rich maritime history. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans for new homes at Blandford Forum approved

Plans for new homes at Blandford Forum approved

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

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Cadogan completes £235m King’s Road development

Cadogan Completes £235m King’s Road Development

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

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