Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has exchanged conditional contracts for the acquisition of approximately 36 acres of land for a new build homes development in Trannack near Penzance, Cornwall. The West Cornwall site is located close to the A30 where c 300 architecturally-designed homes are planned for this
Network Space has acquired a high profile 4.8 acre (1.92ha) site in Warrington for an undisclosed sum. The site on Winwick Road, approximately 1 mile from junction 9 of the M62, was sold by National Grid and offers a prime redevelopment opportunity within easy reach of Warrington and the motorway
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has resolved to grant Outline Planning Permission to strategic land specialist Terra for the second phase of a £115m ‘canal village’ in Hawkesbury, Warwickshire. The site encompasses a total of 72-acres (29.1Ha). The 39-acre (15.85Ha) phase two development will include 176 homes, landscaped Public Open
Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has submitted a planning application for one of the largest speculative logistics facilities in South Yorkshire. The application is for a 417,570 sq ft facility, called Panattoni Doncaster 420, next to Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Panattoni acquired the 18.4-acre site with outline
Ground has been broken on the development being marketed as Parallel 113 with the Grade A specification warehouse logistics unit expected to be complete and available by January 2023. St Francis Group a leading UK-based property development and investment group, and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration, today announced
One of Europe’s largest new logistics development sites, West Midlands Interchange (WMI), the 734 acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at M6 Junction 12, has appointed Winvic Construction Ltd as its design stage delivery partner. The £1bn project will offer over 8m sq ft of commercial space, with state of
New homes are starting to take shape at the ambitious Neighbourhood development being built on brownfield land in Salford that has stood empty for more than a decade. Housing association Salix Homes and partner developer Step Places are building 157 new homes on two parcels of vacant land off Kara
WORK on a three-storey, specialist training facility for those in the healthcare sector has now been completed at Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Clifton Campus. The renovation of existing NTU buildings and the completion of a new building will serve as a base for the Institute of Health & Allied Professions,
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics parks, has completed the construction of the UK’s first logistics property to go beyond net zero carbon in its construction and operation – delivering a net benefit for the environment over its lifetime. Located on Prologis Apex Park, near Daventry, Prologis
Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has exchanged conditional contracts for the acquisition of approximately 36 acres of land for a new build homes development in Trannack near Penzance, Cornwall. The West Cornwall site is located close to the A30 where c 300 architecturally-designed homes are planned for this scheme. Devonshire Homes will seek to obtain detailed planning consent for the development which will offer a mix of one and two bedroom flats and two, three, four and five bedroom homes with spectacular views. The land at Trannack is one of the major sites allocated for housing under Cornwall Council’s Local Plan for Penzance to support strategic growth in West Cornwall. With amazing elevated views from the site across to St Michael’s Mount, Devonshire Homes will bring forward a scheme to deliver a new access road from the A30 and a range of homes which sit well within the topography of the site, maximising the stunning outlook and views. The award-winning house builder, which currently has active sites in St. Austell, Crediton, Bovey Tracey, Kingsbridge and Bideford, will submit a reserved matters application later this year with an aim for construction to start following planning consent. Angus Cook, Managing Director at Devonshire Homes, commented: “We are pleased to have exchanged contracts on land at Trannack for a forthcoming Devonshire Homes development. This is the first of several we have in solicitors hands, to further build the land pipeline for the business. The Trannack development will be one of our ‘anchor’ sites. “Work will now start on submitting a detailed planning application for a range of new homes on this allocated development. We are looking forward to engaging with residents, community stakeholders and councils as we finalise our plans to deliver much-needed new homes that mean prospective buyers from varying stages of the property ladder will be able to find a suitable home here.” The acquisition of land at Trannack is an important strategic milestone for South West based Devonshire Homes as the 30-year old residential home developer builds its land bank and drives its ambitious five-year growth plan forward. The Devonshire Homes team has decades of experience in building new communities across the West Country with current developments including: Tarka View, Crediton; Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey; Applegate Park, Kingsbridge; Gwallon Keas, St. Austell and The Grange, Bideford. To find out more about Devonshire Homes, visit www.devonshirehomes.co.uk. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Network Space has acquired a high profile 4.8 acre (1.92ha) site in Warrington for an undisclosed sum. The site on Winwick Road, approximately 1 mile from junction 9 of the M62, was sold by National Grid and offers a prime redevelopment opportunity within easy reach of Warrington and the motorway network. Network Space is now underway with preparing a planning submission to deliver a high quality, multi-let industrial development of circa 100,000 sq ft. Designed to appeal to a range of businesses and with sustainability a priority, Network Space hopes to start on site next year, providing much-needed, modern workspace in the region with the potential to accommodate up to 200 jobs. Joe Burnett, Development Director at Network Space, said: “The acquisition provides a great opportunity to deliver a variety of multi-let, new build space. With a shortage of light industrial space in the area, it will appeal a range of local, regional and national occupiers seeking small and mid-box urban logistics, alongside traditional multi-let users.” The acquisition follows hot on the heels of Network Space’s purchase of the former Manchester College site at Welcomb Street, Openshaw. Joe added: “This development, and that proposed at Openshaw, will continue to grow our industrial and logistics portfolio. We are also bringing forward other new schemes, close to urban areas in the region, such as Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham and the 28-acre former Sovereign Distillery in Huyton.” The Winwick Road site fronts the A49, midway between Warrington town centre to the south and junction 9 of the M62 to the north. It lies close to a variety of well-known retail parks and trade outlets including Network Space’s very successful Gateway 49 Trade Park, which was delivered between 2005 and 2009. B8RE acted for Network Space, Savills acted for National Grid. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more than 3,250 apartments, has become the latest Wembley Park building to put residents’ wellbeing first. Designed with notable mid-century modern influences, the homes are all about inner calm – about achieving balance between heart and mind, according to interior designers Fossey Arora. “Madison is all about looking into yourself – about health, wellbeing and protection. About fresh air and inner calm. This is delivered through clean, simple design, with timeless, mid-century modern influences that embody clutter-free living. There’s a sense of calm and precision that flows throughout the building.” Fossey Arora With a super gym and children’s nursery beneath it, the iconic National Stadium on one side and vibrant parkland of Union Park on the other, Madison is certainly well positioned to deliver on the wellbeing front. The importance of health and family are felt throughout the building. As residents step into the super lobby, the atmosphere at Madison immediately feels clean and clear. It’s a sense that arises the moment you enter, contributed to by the bright, circular ceiling lights, black and white chequered floor, deep blue lava stone tiles and gleaming golden post boxes. This classic, 1950s feel pervades Madison, with dark wood panelling, leather sofas, herringbone timber and a host of other textures playing into that mid-century advertising firm vibe that Mad Men encapsulated so perfectly. Set in New York, with the firm based on Madison Avenue, Mad Men became as renowned for its sense of style and fashion as it did for its engaging plotlines, and this same feeling of iconic design can be felt within Quintain Living’s Madison. Shared spaces within the building are both welcoming and functional – comfortable but uncluttered. The comfortable seating in the lobby’s welcome area draws residents into the space, while above it sits the residents’ lounge. A seating/breakout area overlooks the lobby, with the broken plan design facilitating a range of uses. The outlook over the greenery of the new Union Park, the first new park in the area for 100 years, delivers an immediate sense of connection with nature, while the circular lights have the feeling of skylights, inviting residents to work, relax and catch up with friends over coffee in a space that feels snug and calm. On Madison’s upper floor, residents can enjoy a lounge with zones for work or relaxation, with access to the sky lounge and lawned rooftop area, with the iconic Wembley Stadium arch right in front of them. The rooftop has been designed to cater to residents’ wellbeing in multiple ways, serving as the perfect spot for everything from yoga sessions to popup rooftop movie showings. For those looking for calm, there are planted archways to stroll beneath, with tunnels of greenery delivering a sense of protection, enclosure and peace. A smaller roof terrace, meanwhile, uses a simple design to create an open space, packed with greenery, for residents to sit and relax. The use of nature to add to the sense of calm is reflected in the design of Madison’s podium garden. Plants are used to divide up a series of enclosed areas, where residents can encapsulate themselves away from the world and take time to relax. There’s a lawn for pets (welcome in every Quintain Living home) and a play area with sustainable timber play equipment for younger residents. The cleverly designed BBQ area, meanwhile, has zones that allow residents to be as private or as connected as they wish while using the space. And at the heart of the garden is the circular lawn, which invites families to enjoy the space while feeling a sense of togetherness. “There’s a real sense of serenity to the design of Madison. It’s uncluttered and simple – the perfect space for residents to focus on their health and wellbeing, away from the fast pace of London life. That sense flows through both the internal and external spaces. At the same time, the building is perfectly located for those looking to get the best out of their leisure time, the moment they set foot outside the door and into the Wembley Park neighbourhood.” Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living The apartments themselves are equally restful and are available in two colour palettes – a lighter, sage/beige theme and a darker palette of warm browns and rich blues – while furnishings are curated and provided by John Lewis & Partners. The overall feel is one of warmth and homeliness, with the homes delivering a sense of protection and retreat. At the same time, playfulness is delivered through texture and the creative use of controlled, precise lines that add interest to the space – such as the vertical tiles that lead up to the horizontal storage shelf below the kitchen cupboards. Madison’s bathrooms invite relaxation and harmony. The circular mirror and sink speak to a sense of togetherness, with smooth edges set against the black and white chequered floor delivering a lovely simplicity. Available for occupancy now, Madison provides 381 studios and apartments to rent, ranging from one to three bedrooms. For more information on Quintain Living or to book a viewing, visit www.quintainliving.com, @quintainliving on Instagram or call 020 3151 1927. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has resolved to grant Outline Planning Permission to strategic land specialist Terra for the second phase of a £115m ‘canal village’ in Hawkesbury, Warwickshire. The site encompasses a total of 72-acres (29.1Ha). The 39-acre (15.85Ha) phase two development will include 176 homes, landscaped Public Open Space and park provision, a new bridge over the Coventry Canal connecting Bedworth with Coventry, additional cycle and pedestrian routes, and extensive infrastructure works. The entire length of the development area is bounded by the Canal, with vehicular access provided from Stockley Road and Sephton Drive – both off Blackhorse Road. The site lies just north of Hawkesbury village, which is served by regular bus routes, schooling and local amenities. Solihull-based Terra purchased the land unconditionally and secured its allocation for 380 residential units, infrastructure and community facilities in the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan, which was adopted in 2019. Detailed Planning Approval for the first phase was granted in 2021, and construction work is well underway by Terra’s sister company Living Space and Vistry Group, who are delivering the first 204 high quality dwellings. The initial tranche of community facilities are nearing completion, including a circa 2,000 sq ft community building with a dedicated car park, allotments, orchard, Public Open Space and a children’s play area, a BMX track, cycle and pedestrian routes – including a new Sustrans link – habitat enhancement, landscaping and associated highway works. James O’Shea, Managing Director of Terra said: “Having purchased this 72-acre site unconditionally and then secured the allocation for residential development in Nuneaton and Bedworth’s Borough Plan, we are very pleased to receive a resolution to grant Outline Planning consent for the second phase. This ‘canal village’ is creating a vibrant new community, which is only a five-mile canalside walk or cycle ride into Coventry city centre. The scheme will have a transformative effect on the local area and provide significant community benefits, as well as a total of 380 quality new homes for north Warwickshire.” The 153 open market properties and 51 affordable homes in the first phase will consist of one-bedroom maisonettes, two-bedroom apartments and bungalows, and two-, three- and four-bedroom family houses. A striking mixture of red brick and render will feature in the external elevations of the phase one homes. There are four ponds/pools across the site, including Hawkesbury Farm Pool, which will all be retained and will form a key part of the ecology strategy for the scheme. The site is traversed by three public footpaths, which provide links with Hawkesbury Village to the south; Bayton Road Industrial Estate and Bedworth town centre to the west; and along Coventry Canal and beyond to Coventry Way to the north and south. The development will retain these footpaths, with new links to be created north-south and east-west through the centre of the site. The masterplan for the whole 72-acres has been carried out by Hampshire-based Thrive Architects. Terra is an experienced residential land specialist, which enters into agreements with landowners and then pursues, funds and secures an agreeable planning permission. It also has the financial resources to secure land with or without residential planning consent to assist landowners looking for a quick sale process. Terra has a national reach, having recently secured residential land in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Terra currently controls 21 sites, with circa 830 acres of residential land that is capable of delivering 4,300 new homes. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has submitted a planning application for one of the largest speculative logistics facilities in South Yorkshire. The application is for a 417,570 sq ft facility, called Panattoni Doncaster 420, next to Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Panattoni acquired the 18.4-acre site with outline planning consent from Peel L&P in March. Panattoni Doncaster 420 will be built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings with many sustainability features, such as electric vehicle charging points and 15% roof lights. It also will benefit from 15m clear internal height, 34 dock doors, three level access doors, a 50m yard with parking for 74 HGVs and up to 1.5 MVa of power. Panattoni is aiming to start construction later this year with completion in the third quarter of 2023. Connecting the motorway network, air cargo, and multi-modal rail freight via iPort nearby, Panattoni Doncaster 420 will provide access to both consumer and industrial markets across the UK and the world. Doncaster Sheffield Airport is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports, expanding by 13% over the past five years and connecting to 36 destinations in 15 countries. Dan Burn, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “This is a superb logistics site with direct access to local, regional and global markets. Our planning application has been submitted just six weeks after we acquired the site, which reflects our desire and ability to bring much needed speculative development forward as quickly as possible”. CPP and Colliers International have been appointed as letting agents alongside Burbage Realty.
Ground has been broken on the development being marketed as Parallel 113 with the Grade A specification warehouse logistics unit expected to be complete and available by January 2023. St Francis Group a leading UK-based property development and investment group, and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration, today announced that it has broken ground and commenced construction of a new 113,000 sq ft unit – branded as Parallel 113 – being developed speculatively in Walsall. Parallel 113 will create a high-quality warehouse/logistics unit which will be available for occupation from January 2023. The development will remediate a brownfield site of just over 2.5 hectares close to Junction 10 of the M6 which is currently undergoing a £78 million enhancement by Highways England to increase capacity and reduce congestion. When occupied the scheme will provide up to 200 new jobs. MCS Construction has been appointed as the main building contractor. St Francis Group also acknowledges the support of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council in bringing this development forward. Speaking about the start of construction St Francis Group Development Director Gareth Williams said: “We are delighted to be on site with the construction of another high-quality unit, and to be developing in such a prominent location adjoining the M6 motorway. There remains a distinct shortage of warehouse/industrial space across the Midlands and now that we have started on site, we expect a high level of interest from potential occupiers. The new unit will be extremely well connected being just under a mile from junction 9 of the M6, offering unrivalled connectivity and built to a high specification. We look forward to watching construction as it happens and seeing the progress on site” Also Speaking about the project, MCS Group Managing Director, Keir Edmonds said: “MCS are pleased to continue their partnership with St Francis Group to deliver premium industrial space in the West Midlands. The project demonstrates how brownfield sites can be remediated utilising ground improvement techniques and put back into use, whilst retaining and enhancing the local environment and ecology.” For further information visit: www.parallel113.co.uk Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
One of Europe’s largest new logistics development sites, West Midlands Interchange (WMI), the 734 acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at M6 Junction 12, has appointed Winvic Construction Ltd as its design stage delivery partner. The £1bn project will offer over 8m sq ft of commercial space, with state of the art units ranging from 200,000 to 1.2m sq ft, all supported by its own dedicated rail hub enabling multi-modal movement of goods around the UK. The Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) role is the first of four phases of the development programme, followed by early enabling works, infrastructure works and vertical unit delivery. The site is one of a number of new SRFIs around the UK designed to enable occupiers to move increasing volumes of freight off our roads onto the rail network, with one rail freight carriage capable of replacing 44 to 72 HGV, and generating up to 70% less carbon. The site also boasts a range of other sustainability credentials, including providing 109 acres of country park to protect and promote biodiversity, and a wide range of renewable energy features, as well as providing 8,500 new jobs for the region during its development, construction and operation. The project is being financed and delivered by Oxford Properties, the property arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS, in partnership with European developer Logistics Capital Partners (LCP), who are already working on a 15 acre scheme at Heathrow together. They acquired the WMI site in July 2021. Andy Busby, UK Construction Director at LCP commented on this key milestone for the project; “We are pleased to welcome Winvic to the delivery team. They bring extensive experience of constructing large-scale complex logistics projects like this, and demonstrated a clear understanding of the leading approach we want to take to sustainable design, cutting edge automation, and lasting economic and social impact for the region. James Boadle, Head of Logistics and Residential, Europe at Oxford Properties, commented; It’s an important milestone for the project as we begin delivery in earnest, having spent Q3 and Q4 of 2021 preparing the site and building a collaborative approach with key partners including the local community, South Staffordshire District Council and Staffordshire County Council. With huge demand in the logistics market, we are keen to have a first offering ready in 2023.” Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure added; “We’re thrilled that Oxford Properties and LCP values Winvic’s sustainability credentials and experience in designing and constructing similar schemes, as well as our commitment to community and stakeholder collaboration. As the leading main contractor in the UK for delivering complex Strategic Rail freight Interchange (SRFI) projects, we’re able to draw on our extensive project knowledge and assemble a skilful team to meet requirements, find innovative efficiencies and ultimately deliver the design stage output in a considered and forward-thinking way.” For more information on the project visit www.westmidlandsinterchange.co.uk Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
New homes are starting to take shape at the ambitious Neighbourhood development being built on brownfield land in Salford that has stood empty for more than a decade. Housing association Salix Homes and partner developer Step Places are building 157 new homes on two parcels of vacant land off Kara Street and Liverpool Street in Seedley South. The eco-friendly development, comprising social housing, homes for affordable rent and properties for shared ownership and outright sale, is on track for completion in summer 2023. Terry McBride, development manager at Salix Homes, said: “Neighbourhood will bring a new era of housing to Salford and complement the wider regeneration taking place in the area, so it’s great to see these new homes starting to take shape. “This brownfield land has stood empty for over a decade and we’re very proud to see our long-awaited vision to breathe new life into the area and deliver much needed housing, start to become reality. “With housing in such short supply, we’re confident that Neighbourhood will deliver more of the right types of homes that people need in Salford, including social and affordable housing, creating a vibrant, sustainable and aspirational community of modern, high-quality and energy efficient homes.” The community-focussed development is a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes and one and two-bedroom apartments, and Salix Homes is working with Salford-based contractor Watson Homes to deliver its part of the scheme. The housing association has secured funding from Homes England to help finance the multi-million-pound project. Manchester poet Tony Walsh marked the start of work at Neighbourhood last year, when he penned a new poem – Salford Keys – to honour the spirit of Salford and commemorate a new era of housing and regeneration in the city. The honorary Salfordian, also known as Longfella, has a close affinity to the area, having previously worked in the Seedley and Langworthy communities as a regeneration manager. Speaking at the development launch last year, he said: “I have an association with Salford going back 40-years and know every back alley of this area in particular. Having worked on the regeneration project 15 years ago, it’s great to see what was planned back then finally come to fruition and the new Neighbourhood development will be central to the regeneration of the area.” The innovative design of Neighbourhood is a modern take on the traditional terrace house, complete with raised terrace gardens for some of the properties. There will be a public green space at the heart of the development, 86 trees planted, and all houses will have cycle storage and electric car charging points. Harinder Dhaliwal, managing director of Step Places, added: “It’s a great scheme of mixed tenures and innovative house types with sustainability high on the agenda. In the current climate of rising energy prices, the air source heat pumps and highly insulated homes will be a real benefit for occupiers” In total, 91 of the properties at Neighbourhood will be shared ownership, affordable rent or social housing, while 66 will be available for market sale, with Help to Buy support available. Salford Council is purchasing 25 of the homes for social rent, while a further five properties will go to Inspiring Housing Community Land Trust for a community-led housing model, which aims to support affordable homes for local people. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is fantastic to see this vacant site being brought back to life and it is very positive news this new development is eco-friendly. I look forward to joining the celebrations when the site is finished next year and people can move in. “These homes are provided against a backdrop of a national housing crisis with people on our housing lists that are desperate for affordable homes. We need to continue to work together to provide many more affordable homes in the city that local people can live in.” The 32 affordable rent homes will be allocated via Salford Home Search, while the remaining properties will be available via Salix Homes’ affordable home ownership brand – Willo Homes. The first phase of 47 homes at Neighbourhood, have already been reserved, with a further 20 homes released this month. Properties available as part of the Shared Ownership scheme are due to be released this summer, and people are urged to register their interest with Willo Homes now. For more information about homes available, email neighbourhood@salixhomes.co.uk or visit Neighbourhood Salford. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
WORK on a three-storey, specialist training facility for those in the healthcare sector has now been completed at Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Clifton Campus. The renovation of existing NTU buildings and the completion of a new building will serve as a base for the Institute of Health & Allied Professions, which offers a range of specialist courses such as adult and mental health nursing and paramedic science. The whole facility is focused on equipping the healthcare providers of the future with the knowledge and hands-on skills required for modern healthcare. Leading independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard provided architecture, interior design and principal design services from concept to completion, working with main contractor Henry Brothers during the construction period. Devika Parmar, director of architecture at Pick Everard, said: “We are delighted to have provided services for such an important scheme for the university and its healthcare students. We won this project via a competition under the NTU consultancy framework, where we put forward our concept proposals to create a gateway building to the campus that would be visually striking, functional and inspirational for anyone hoping for a career within health services. We’re thrilled that the completed building aligns very closely with our original concept sketch. “Blending our healthcare and HE knowledge, we designed a building that caters to nursing, paramedical, and other healthcare professionals. It accommodates a variety of clinical simulation spaces that support teaching, assessments, and learning opportunities. “Underpinning our design approach was a modular grid and a simplicity in design to create flexibility and standardisation in space planning and construction delivery. Working closely with university stakeholders, we meticulously planned the building to meet user requirements and allow for new educational technologies to support the evolving learning demands.” With flexibility of use in mind, multi-use spaces have the potential to provide students with fully immersive experiences. The new building also provides a welcoming gateway building to the campus with the external façade treatment and quality materials providing aesthetic interest. One floor of the new development is dedicated to realistic simulated healthcare environments for the training of healthcare students. This includes hospital wards, consultations and counselling rooms and a mock flat for home and emergency care scenarios. Meanwhile, a further two floors provide office and flexible teaching space to accommodate creative learning approaches. David Shaw, national design director at Pick Everard, said: “The architecture of the new development has been designed for maximum visual impact on arrival to the campus. We wanted to ensure this new addition to an evolving campus would be complimentary but also distinctive both externally and internally. “The whole consultant team worked closely to deliver this project to ensure the architecture, interior design and engineering has been holistically considered. We were intent on combining the existing building into the project, with the atrium space connecting the refurbished and new accommodations to bring people together in a central collaboration space. “With such unique requirements for its end use, this development provided room for a number of innovations to be adopted. This included the inclusion of virtual reality training spaces that completely immerse students into situational experiences, which is an incredibly valuable experience for their training. “The pandemic has reaffirmed the need for training facilities like this to make sure that the healthcare professionals now and tomorrow have the best quality teaching experience possible. We very much look forward to seeing the building fully occupied by students and professionals and seeing them make the most of their new teaching spaces.” Dr Anne Felton, head of the Institute of Health & Allied Professions at NTU’s School of Social Sciences, said: “We’re incredibly excited that our new teaching centre is now open. The courses we’re providing will directly increase the supply of professional qualified staff into the NHS and related services, as well as providing a dedicated facility to allow greater opportunities for Continuing Professional Development for existing health practitioners within the local area. “The virtual reality training facilities that will provide students with fully immersive situational experiences are a demonstration of NTU’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the learning experience, while the audio-visual recording equipment installed within the simulation suites will enable feedback and reflection on students’ performances, creating a truly modern learning experience.” Ian Taylor, managing director at Henry Brothers Midlands, the contractor for the development, said: “It’s great to see this project reach completion and I look forward to seeing it full of students. Despite being a challenging project delivered during difficult times, I’m really pleased with how the whole team came together to deliver a great looking building for the university’s students and staff.” For more information about Pick Everard, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics parks, has completed the construction of the UK’s first logistics property to go beyond net zero carbon in its construction and operation – delivering a net benefit for the environment over its lifetime. Located on Prologis Apex Park, near Daventry, Prologis has delivered a brand new 435,000 sq ft unit, which will act as UK Logistics Centre for an American multinational. In a first for the world of industrial logistics property, Prologis have delivered an industrial unit which pushes the boundaries of sustainable construction. The building includes the installation of bespoke energy saving technology. In addition to the standard sustainability measures provided by Prologis, including rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a 1.4MW rooftop solar system has also been installed, resulting in a building which will return more energy to the grid than it uses. The surplus energy it generates will help to power other homes and businesses. The new unit at Apex Park is BREEAM rated ‘Outstanding’ – placing it in the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings. When certified at Post Construction stage by BREEAM, the building scored 88.2%, which was the highest “Industrial 2018 Shell & Core” score so far achieved. Martin Cooper, vice president, development management at Prologis UK, said: “This is a milestone for Prologis and shows what can be achieved when like-minded businesses work together to realise their vision for a building that delivers a net benefit for the environment. All our new warehouses in the UK have been net zero carbon in construction for the past 14 years, but this building at Apex Park takes carbon reduction to a new level. “The dialogue around net zero is progressing rapidly and businesses are beginning to look beyond ‘operational carbon’ to find other ways to make their buildings more sustainable. Reducing the embodied carbon of new buildings requires intense collaboration across the supply chain, from engineers and architects to material and product suppliers, plant hire firms and contractors. Moving as a country towards being net zero by 2050, we look forward to seeing many more logistics projects that are net-positive for the environment, and we’re extremely proud to be leading the way.” Additionally, the new unit is also the first development of its type to achieve an EPC rating of A+, meeting the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Framework Definition of Net Zero Carbon for both embodied & operational carbon. It’s predicted that the unit will generate more energy than it uses, avoiding 105 tCO2e per year and feeding unused energy back in the grid. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable construction Prologis ensures that each new logistics property can achieve a net environmental benefit, starting by designing out carbon emissions wherever possible – for example by offering customers rooftop solar power systems. The whole life carbon footprint is then measured, and unavoidable embodied carbon emissions are mitigated by protecting rainforest. Through Prologis’ partnership with climate change charity, Cool Earth, 310 acres of Papua New Guinea rainforest were protected based on a whole lifetime assessment of the Apex Park building’s carbon impact. In November 2021, Prologis were awarded the Terra Carta seal, which recognises companies who are building a sustainable future and have made a serious commitment to put nature, people & the planet at the heart of the economy. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
