Construction and engineering firm John Sisk & Son has been appointed by Sheffield City Council to carry out £25m-worth of city centre landscaping work. Sisk started work last month on a makeover for the Fargate area of Sheffield city centre. More than 2,500 sq of pocket parks will be created
Developer Watkin Jones has secured funds managed by KKR to build a 819-bed purpose-built student housing (PBSA) scheme in Bristol. The consideration will be payable to Watkin Jones over the course of the development located in Dalby Avenue, Bedminster, which is due for completion in August 2024. It includes an
Plans submitted by Compendium Living for the next phase of the Castleward development in Derby have been approved. Phase four of the long-term regeneration scheme will provide a further 112 new homes in Derby city centre. Castleward is a £100 million development and one of the city’s largest housing projects.
Work to renovate the Beverley Station 130-year-old footbridge which closed due to its rotting wooden canopy has begun ahead of its reopening later this year. Engineers began work to strengthen the cast iron structure of the footbridge at Beverley Station, following its closure in September. Network Rail’s North and East
Following the completion of a brand-new national fulfilment centre for leading British pet supplies retailer, Pets at Home by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, the company is now relocating employees from its current Stoke and Northampton facilities. The site, which is centrally located at Stafford North Business Park on the
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has announced that it has been recertified with its three ISO accreditations following a five-day audit. The accreditations are for ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS) – a recognised world leading standard, ISO 14001:2015 – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the
Amethyst Homes has been granted planning permission for an additional 48 new houses in South East Northumberland, following the success of the developer’s Sleekburn View development. The Pastures, located in close proximity to Sleekburn View, will offer a mix of seven different house styles including two, three and four bedroomed
Plans have been approved for a new bioscience facility in Nottingham. The facility will create more than 245,000 sq ft of laboratory, office and meeting space designed by CPMG Architects. Forming the latest phase of work to the northern edge of The Island Quarter in the heart of Nottingham city
Mark Burley, Regional Social Value and Partnerships Manager at top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat, has been recognised for his work to help build a brighter future for prisoners at HMP Hull with the High Sheriff Award. The High Sheriff Award, officially presented by the High Sheriff for the East Riding of
The owners of one of the first Build-to-Rent (BTR) properties in Edinburgh is embarking on a major drive to improve energy performance across its flagship development as it looks to enhance its sustainability credentials while reducing energy bills for residents. Kingsford Group has secured a dedicated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Construction and engineering firm John Sisk & Son has been appointed by Sheffield City Council to carry out £25m-worth of city centre landscaping work. Sisk started work last month on a makeover for the Fargate area of Sheffield city centre. More than 2,500 sq of pocket parks will be created that will catch, store, absorb and clear rainwater and run-off from roads and pavements. Parts of the greenery will also be for children’ play areas. The events area next to Leopold Street will be enlarged, with added features such as public water points and bespoke seating. Trade waste bins will be removed from the street and replaced by ‘buried bins’ accessible to delivery vehicles only at specific times via an automated rise and fall bollard system. The streetworks are designed to support Sheffield City Council’s plan to have more flats and offices in the upper floors of Fargate buildings. Known as the ‘Front Door Scheme’, separate front door entrances will be installed to buildings, enabling easier access to previously hidden parts of Fargate. The project is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority through the £50m Transforming Cities Fund. Completion is expected in summer 2024. Sisk’s UK Civils managing director Dominic Hodges said: “Sisk is delighted that we’ve reached this important milestone and that funding has now been secured to construct the scheme. We’ll be working closely with local businesses and residents throughout construction to ensure this work causes minimum disruption.” “We’re pleased to be working with Sheffield County Council on this scheme which will enhance Fargate and help to make the high street more sustainable.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Watkin Jones has secured funds managed by KKR to build a 819-bed purpose-built student housing (PBSA) scheme in Bristol. The consideration will be payable to Watkin Jones over the course of the development located in Dalby Avenue, Bedminster, which is due for completion in August 2024. It includes an initial net cash receipt for Watkin Jones of around £25 million. KKR is making the investment through its European Core Plus Real Estate strategy, which focuses on thematic investments in high-quality, substantially stabilised assets with long-term growth potential. Upon completion, the 819-bed scheme will be fully leased to The University of Bristol on a long-term basis. The development will deliver a mix of 5-12 bed cluster flats together with around 15,000 sq.ft. of internal amenity space and considerable external amenity space including a private terrace, courtyard, and gardens. The site has transport links to the University campuses and is located close to Bedminster train station and within walking distance to Bristol’s city centre. With two established universities in the city, Bristol continues to be a leading destination of choice for students in higher education. However, accommodation in the UK’s eighth largest city is stretched across both the build-to-rent (BtR) and PBSA markets. The creation of the new major PBSA development in Bedminster is important in helping the city to address the on-going and increasing demand for student accommodation. The PBSA scheme is located in one of the five key sites identified in Bristol City Council’s Bedminster Green Framework as a priority for redevelopment. Alex Pease, Chief Investment Officer, Watkin Jones, said: “We are delighted to have secured our second deal with KKR, and would like to thank them for their efforts and partnership approach in reaching this agreement. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a key area of regeneration in the Bedminster area of Bristol for the ever-growing student needs in the city. “The sale is further evidence of the attractive investment and operational fundamentals of both PBSA as a sector and Bristol as a city and a good sign of investment markets re-opening. “Watkin Jones has a strong track record of developing PBSA schemes in Bristol as rising demand continues, including work recently completed at Wilder Street and Unity Street last year, in addition to work currently underway on a PBSA site on Gas Lane. “We are really excited as Bristol is widely regarded as one of the UK’s top university towns for education but also it represents one of the most vibrant and inclusive cities for students to live. Offering a wide range of bars, shops, and restaurants, it is a city for students to enjoy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans submitted by Compendium Living for the next phase of the Castleward development in Derby have been approved. Phase four of the long-term regeneration scheme will provide a further 112 new homes in Derby city centre. Castleward is a £100 million development and one of the city’s largest housing projects. We are redeveloping the area, which sits between Derbion shopping centre and Derby Midland Station, over 15-20 years. The project also includes green space and 35,000 square feet of commercial retail space. The fourth phase of Castleward, split over two sites, will consist of a further 112 high quality new homes. It will include two, three and four-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments. There will be 34 affordable homes for housing association Riverside, and 78 properties will be available through open market sale. On the other phases, Lovell Partnerships will carry out the building works. Work is expected to start in 2024, after completion of Phase 3 which is currently under construction. Bruce Lister, Managing Director at Compendium Living, said: “We are very proud to have received planning permission to bring another 112 brand-new homes to Derby. This continues our successful regeneration of Castleward with Derby City Council, furthering our investment in the city. “The fourth phase will meet the needs of local people by providing employment opportunities, economic benefits and high-quality homes. We put placemaking at the heart of our what we do. We are committed to transforming Castleward into a vibrant, sustainable new community that residents can feel proud to call home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work to renovate the Beverley Station 130-year-old footbridge which closed due to its rotting wooden canopy has begun ahead of its reopening later this year. Engineers began work to strengthen the cast iron structure of the footbridge at Beverley Station, following its closure in September. Network Rail’s North and East Route Director Matt Rice said the works were vital to refurbish the footbridge which dates from the 1880s while keeping passengers safe. A Network Rail spokesperson told LDRS the newly restored footbridge is set to open in November once the works are finished. It comes after East Riding Council’s Planning Committee first approved plans to remove the footbridge’s wooden canopy last July. Councillors heard the Grade II-listed structure could no longer withstand the effects of wind and the weight of passengers, with no viable options to preserve it. There were concerns that parts of the weakened canopy could start falling onto the tracks below. But objectors at the time claimed it had become run down because of a lack of maintenance after standing for 130 years without issue. The cast iron part of the footbridge was among a series of ‘Type Ones’ installed on North Eastern Railway (NER) lines in the late 19th Century. It is one of the few surviving footbridges of its kind left on the Hull to Scarborough railway line. The wooden canopy is thought to be a later addition after the bridge was first installed in 1889. Network Rail works are set to see the cast iron base of the bridge cleaned, repaired and repainted and its flooring strengthened so it can remain. The iron bridge parapets are set to be replaced with steel replicas, infilled with mesh panels. Passengers will continue to be diverted along Armstrong Way while the works take place. Mr Rice said he was pleased the works were now getting underway. Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said: “I’m pleased that work is getting underway to fully restore this historic footbridge at Beverley station. It is an important piece of history that dates back to the 1880s, so it’s vital that we refurbish it sympathetically whilst ensuring it remains safe for passengers. “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience whilst we push ahead with this project, and I look forward to the bridge opening later in the year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the completion of a brand-new national fulfilment centre for leading British pet supplies retailer, Pets at Home by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, the company is now relocating employees from its current Stoke and Northampton facilities. The site, which is centrally located at Stafford North Business Park on the A34, is the new main fulfilment centre for the UK retailer, and the transition of employees from the current Stoke and Northampton facilities is ongoing and will complete in early 2024. Once the site is fully operational, the national fulfilment centre will be able to house 600 employees per shift, with three shifts running per day. This is the first time McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division has completed a landmark build for client, Pets at Home, working alongside Stoford to deliver groundworks including the cut and fill of the greenfield site, which was previously disused farmland. The contractor completed the base build before constructing the 670,000 sq. ft. steel framed warehouse, complete with roof cladding, a photovoltaic roof, associated dock levellers, level access doors, two hub offices, a three-storey main office and category B works. A concrete service yard, recycling store and tote store were also constructed independently, alongside a prefabricated gatehouse and 592-space car park. Catering to future business expansion, the site can also facilitate a 10,000 sq. ft extension to the main warehouse, should the need arise in the future. Rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’, with the environment at the core of its design, cladding colours for the fulfilment centre were chosen to blend in with the natural surroundings, and the car park was built as a floating feature on gravel, to prevent flooding to the area when it rains. The entire build took 72 weeks to complete, during which time the construction team had regular consultations with the local neighbourhood and sent monthly newsletters and information bulletins to residents. Andrew Howard, Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are delighted to have delivered this landmark national fulfilment centre for such a renowned client, alongside Stoford. “The new site will facilitate the next phase of growth for the British pet supplies retailer, with increased capacity for employees and a base for further expansion of the site. It is ideally placed on the A34 by Stafford, with close links to the M6.” Daniel Gallagher, Stoford Joint Managing Director, said: “We have worked closely with Pets at Home, Tesco Pension Fund and McLaren to develop this exciting new scheme that will sustain local jobs in Staffordshire. We have delivered a modern national storage and distribution centre, with a first-class design that has sustainability at its core.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has announced that it has been recertified with its three ISO accreditations following a five-day audit. The accreditations are for ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS) – a recognised world leading standard, ISO 14001:2015 – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the most widely used EMS in the world, and ISO 45001:2018 – an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. Obtaining these recertifications involved significant effort from the Fortis Vision team and included a – a site audit, a remote audit and three days at the office and warehouse. The team worked collaboratively to ensure management systems conformed to the requirements of the audit standard, providing procedure and policy documentations, as well as statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. Organisation was also key to the effective implementation of the planned management system and making sure the system was meeting its specified objectives. The recertifications are every three years and verify the quality of work as well as the financial, administrative, operational and health and safety practices carried out by the company. David Borthwick, managing director at Fortis Vision, said: “This a huge achievement for Fortis Vision and our three ISO Certifications place us in a very select group of companies that prioritise best practice. “Quality and assurance have always played a vital part in the delivery of our work, which is all about continual improvement and driving innovation. Not only do these awards showcase the hard work of our team and our quality and sound practices, but they can inspire confidence in our existing and new clients as we continue to grow.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Amethyst Homes has been granted planning permission for an additional 48 new houses in South East Northumberland, following the success of the developer’s Sleekburn View development. The Pastures, located in close proximity to Sleekburn View, will offer a mix of seven different house styles including two, three and four bedroomed attached and detached properties, with five available for affordable sale. All homes will be built to high specification and design standards, meeting – and where possible exceeding – the regulatory requirements around sustainability and energy efficiency. Work is anticipated to start on site in the Summer of 2023, with the first residents moving in during the Spring of 2024. Completion of the project is expected to be towards the end of 2025. Richard Bass, Development Director at Amethyst Homes, said: “It is rewarding for our team to secure approval for The Pastures, which we are confident will prove as popular and successful as Sleekburn View. South East Northumberland – and in particular Blyth – has benefitted from significant investment in recent years and buyers are keen to be part of the area’s transformation. “The introduction of the new rail network in 2024 between Ashington and Newcastle Central Station, which will stop at Blyth, and the sites access to the A189 (Spine Road) and coastal routes make it a popular choice for house hunters. “With this project coming on stream and a number of other potential developments in the pipeline, we are confident we can achieve our ambition of becoming a 200 home a year developer by 2025.” As part of the development, Amethyst Homes will be installing new footpaths linking to the bus stops on Brock Lane. Established in 2013, Amethyst Homes has built its business around its customers, with a strong emphasis on providing quality, sustainable homes in the communities in which people choose to live and work. To date it has delivered over 450 properties in the North East. Currently operating across four live sites including at South East Northumberland, Consett and Stillington, to the North West of Stockton-on-Tees, Amethyst specialises in a wide range of housing from starter homes to family properties and affordable bungalows. In addition to its home building successes, since the beginning of the year, Amethyst has recruited eight new members of staff, trained two apprentices, and invested over £3m into local jobs, training, and the supply chain. Both Regents Park (Consett) and The Meadows (Stillington) won Premier Guarantee, Quality Recognition Awards in 2021-2022, for the high standard of homes delivered. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been approved for a new bioscience facility in Nottingham. The facility will create more than 245,000 sq ft of laboratory, office and meeting space designed by CPMG Architects. Forming the latest phase of work to the northern edge of The Island Quarter in the heart of Nottingham city centre – led by developer The Conygar Investment Company PLC – the two buildings of the new development will be connected at the upper levels by a glazed link. To create a sleek and modern appearance, a materials palette of grey brickwork and off-white terracotta façade modules will be highlighted with gold metal plant screens and entrance surrounds. Meanwhile, clear glazing will be used for circulation spaces and ceramic-backed spandrels for fixed desks and laboratory benching. CPMG Architects served as the delivery architect for Phase 1A of work for The Island Quarter, including the now-iconic building housing hospitality venues Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake, which completed in September 2022. Nick Gregory, director at CPMG Architects, said: “We have optimised the use of glazing influenced by the anticipated internal arrangements of the new bioscience’s facility, and to reflect the usage of the buildings. We have incorporated a DNA sequencing pattern into the brick detailing and on specific elevations, these sections of brickwork will also be up-lit by lighting positioned within the landscaping. “The designs also serve to break down any divide and give a natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces through the inclusion of bi-fold doors that enable large sections of the ground floor to open into the wider landscaped plaza. “With the designs now approved by the city council, it takes Nottingham’s exciting overall story forward, helping to position the city as a leader in biosciences and large-scale development. It also, of course, marks another significant step in The Island Quarter’s progress and we look forward to continuing our relationship with The Conygar Investment Company PLC and the wider project delivery team to make the vision a reality.” External landscaping has been designed by Studio Egret West to echo the vision for the overall site, incorporating rainwater gardens and medicinal planting along with an ecology-focused street linking this latest phase of work with the rest of The Island Quarter. The planning permission for the Nottingham bioscience facility was announced during a joint presentation by The Conygar Investment Company PLC and Nottingham City Council at UKREiiF, in a session that also revealed updates to the overall masterplan for the 36-acre site. The scheme was submitted by Axis PED on behalf of The Conygar Investment Company PLC, with support from WES, Quartz Project Services, Studio Egret West, Tier Consult and Chord Consult. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mark Burley, Regional Social Value and Partnerships Manager at top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat, has been recognised for his work to help build a brighter future for prisoners at HMP Hull with the High Sheriff Award. The High Sheriff Award, officially presented by the High Sheriff for the East Riding of Yorkshire, Jacky Bowes, was bestowed after community champion Mark set up a scheme to support prisoners at HMP Hull, offering them opportunities to engage in activities which benefit communities, enhance their employability and work skills, and in turn have a positive impact on their self esteem. The scheme, coordinated by Keepmoat, in partnership with Hull City Council and Hull Citywide Consortium, aims to reduce site waste by providing old pallets to be upcycled into planters so prisoners can grow food for the local community. Mark was the driving force behind the scheme, the first of its kind in the area, and his innovative approach was noted by the High Sheriff. On receipt of the award, Mark said: “It’s an honour that my community work has been recognised with such a prestigious accolade. Supporting local communities and people’s employability skills is a key part of my role at Keepmoat and with the Citywide Partnership. “The project is life changing for prisoners and aims to boost their confidence and employability when they’re looking to re-enter the jobs market, especially in the construction industry. It also provides them with a sense of achievement when they see local people receiving the planters they make.” Following involvement from the prisoners, the planters are donated to EMS, a local charity in Hull that works with residents, community groups and local businesses to alleviate food and fuel poverty. The charity sets up community vegetable gardens that aim to promote a healthy lifestyle, allowing residents and families without a garden or allotment to grow their own produce. Thomas Leech, Industries Manager at HMP Hull, added: “At HMP Hull, we’re committed to providing prisoners with meaningful employment opportunities whilst in custody, along with relevant skills and training that they will be able to use on release. “Prisoners are learning new skills and working hard to produce planters from items that would have essentially gone to landfill. These planters are then given to people in the local community that have earned them through community credits doing things such as litter picking in the local area. The fact that prisoners are giving something back to the community creates a sense of pride and a real sense of purpose.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The owners of one of the first Build-to-Rent (BTR) properties in Edinburgh is embarking on a major drive to improve energy performance across its flagship development as it looks to enhance its sustainability credentials while reducing energy bills for residents. Kingsford Group has secured a dedicated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Improvement Loan from Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C across a number of luxury apartments at its historic Kingsford Residence. The Edwardian building, which was converted into 74 luxury apartments in 2017, boasts a gym, roof garden and co-working business space. Following the sharp rise in energy costs and a desire to protect residents, Kingsford Group commissioned an EPC assessment to establish the measures that would need to be introduced in order to raise energy performance of the building. The EPC Improvement Loan from Secure Trust Bank will fund the installation of secondary glazing in collaboration with Perth-based Glaze & Save, specialists in bespoke magnetic secondary glazing for listed buildings. Once upgraded to an EPC C-rating, further measures will be introduced such as solar panels, community battery and heat pump technology. The partnership between STB and Kingsford Estates dates back to 2018, with STB Head of Origination, Matthew-Blaine Young and Kingsford Group’s CEO, Alex Watts agreeing the 12-month EPC loan off the back of a strong working relationship. A testament to the like-mindedness of the pair, the deal took just two weeks to complete, with the wheels already in motion on retrofitting the upgrades to the property. Alex Watts, CEO of Kingsford Group, said: “The loan we’ve agreed from Secure Trust Bank is essential to our ambitions to transform the energy performance of The Kingsford Residence towards fully renewable net-zero operation. As a landlord you have the ability to make a difference. Fundamentally, our team and clients care about the future of the planet and this means exceeding minimum standards wherever possible. “Matthew at Secure Trust Bank understood my desire to make the right decisions for people and the planet, which is why there was no doubt in my mind that the EPC Improvement Loan was the best option. Not only do we want to continue leading the way in the Scottish BTR market, we want to do it in an environmentally positive way – changing the industry through changing opinions on the value of eco-friendly development.” Secure Trust Bank’s EPC Improvement Loan, which is available to the bank’s existing customers, is designed to help residential landlords remediate their property portfolios with energy-saving solutions. The new product is an extension (top-up) to existing loans, providing fixed sums of £6,500 and £13,000 for EPC D and EPC E-rated assets respectively. Matthew-Blaine Young, Head of Origination at Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance, added: “Given anticipated regulatory changes and pressure on residents’ living costs, we want to help landlords prepare and overcome associated challenges. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is why we were one of the first banks to offer an EPC-specific product, and Alex epitomises the kind of property developer we love to work with in every way.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
