Much needed new accommodation for Manchester’s growing student community developed by Alumno has reached the landmark topping out stage on schedule with the structure of the building now complete. Built on a site south of the city centre previously occupied by the disused Church Inn public house and close to
In a move that will enable the delivery of c.450 new homes, 40,000 sq ft of commercial space and enhanced passenger facilities, LCR and Network Rail have commenced on the sale of a 7.4-acre site adjacent to Hemel Hempstead railway station. The site’s proximity to the station gives it unrivalled
MORE than 250 jobs could be created under plans to expand Tyne Tunnel Trading estate to create additional high-spec industrial and retail facilities. UK Land Estates, the largest commercial property and investment company in the North East, has submitted plans to North Tyneside Council which aim to transform the 5
GMI Construction Group PLC has announced the key appointment of Andrew Hurcomb as Divisional Managing Director (DMD) for Yorkshire. He succeeds Lee Powell, recently promoted to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer, who is tasked with delivering sustained growth across its four core regions of Yorkshire, the North
Trimble announced today an innovative mixed-reality solution for construction layout with the introduction of the FieldLink MR app. Built on the powerful Trimble Connect® collaboration platform, Trimble FieldLink MR offers a completely new way to perform construction layout, enabling professionals to quickly navigate to tasks on the jobsite—getting more done in less
The comprehensive redevelopment of Montagu Industrial Estate in Edmonton is continuing apace, with the completion of the first phase of its transformation into modern, sustainable industrial and logistics scheme, Workstown. The £150 million joint venture is replacing dilapidated, out-of-date buildings with modern, more energy efficient spaces for local small to medium
BCEGI has been appointed as preferred construction partner to deliver phase three of Scarborough Group International’s £1 billion mixed-use development Middlewood Locks, in Salford at the gateway to Manchester City Centre. BCEGI has already completed phases one and two at the award-winning scheme which is one of the largest regeneration
New research buildings will meet innovation needs of the future Oxford University Development (OUD) today confirms reserved matters planning consent has been granted for the first phase of its Begbroke Science Park expansion, which comprises two new state-of-the-art research buildings. This first phase of the scheme will bring forward new
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics property, has acquired an additional building at its highly successful logistics park in Coventry, further strengthening its holdings in a core location. The 56,000 sq. ft. building, which is let to UK Flooring Direct until 2025, has been acquired for a
Construction technology is a large investment that businesses are usually willing to make to improve operations. However, the construction industry rarely invests in a warranty or service plan to protect new equipment. Here Lisa Cheshire, Inside Sales Specialist at SITECH® UK & Ireland, A Trimble Authorised Dealer, discusses how construction
Much needed new accommodation for Manchester’s growing student community developed by Alumno has reached the landmark topping out stage on schedule with the structure of the building now complete. Built on a site south of the city centre previously occupied by the disused Church Inn public house and close to major arterial road The Mancunian Way, the nine-storey building will consist of 62 studio apartments, along with a communal area, rooftop terrace, office and storage space for 16 bikes. Landscaping will also be carried out to highlight the history of the site, with the reclaimed facade bricks being used to create a bespoke seating area outside the development. The location is close to a range of facilities and departments of Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester School of Art, Manchester Business School and the University of Manchester. Built by the GMI Construction Group, the development supports two key ambitions of Manchester City Council. First, to prioritise purpose-built student accommodation to protect family homes from conversion to multiple occupation properties. Second, to achieve a zero-carbon target for Manchester by establishing student accommodation close to educational establishments, reducing the need for travel and minimising emissions. Scheduled for completion for the start of the 2022 academic year, the development has been designed by Carson & Partners to enhance and complement the local area. It will also directly benefit the adjacent community, with Alumno partnering charity One Manchester to secure a £50,000 fund for local community projects. “We are also working to provide pioneering navigation aids using GPS wayfinding technology to help visually impaired students, and will install CCTV surveillance equipment to ensure the site is safe and secure, and deter anti-social behaviour,” explained Alumno Managing Director David Campbell. “I’m delighted we have reached this landmark stage on schedule, and as usual with our student residences, look forward to commissioning new public art to further enhance the public space around the building.” Commenting on the development, Iain Carson from Carson & Partners said: “It’s exciting to see another of our projects with Alumno that will rejuvenate and enhance the local area reach the topping out stage.” Marc Banks of GMI added: “Getting to this stage is a real team effort, and we’re all looking forward to going full steam ahead to ensure students can benefit from the building in 2022.”
In a move that will enable the delivery of c.450 new homes, 40,000 sq ft of commercial space and enhanced passenger facilities, LCR and Network Rail have commenced on the sale of a 7.4-acre site adjacent to Hemel Hempstead railway station. The site’s proximity to the station gives it unrivalled connectivity and transport links, and it sits close to key local amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants and cafés, leisure facilities, schools and nurseries. It also backs onto Blackbirds Moor, a popular walking destination, part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and home to the Box Moor Cricket Club. Andrew Ferguson, regional director at LCR, said: “After much hard work over the past 24 months, we’re excited to have reached this next key project milestone as we implement our masterplan and bring the site to market. Coupling easy access to London with open green spaces and high-quality community assets, this site represents an unmissable opportunity to unlock new homes, commercial space and public value”. JLL has been instructed to support the selection of a development partner. Sajaad Ahmad, director at JLL, said: “We are delighted to bring such an exciting opportunity to the market and are seeking for a partner who shares LCR and Network Rail’s vision and ambition for creating a new vibrant residential community in Hemel Hempstead.” LCR and Network Rail formed a partnership in 2018 to identify opportunities to free up underutilised land for residential development at and around stations across the rail network. The two organisations will work alongside landowners to pool or acquire the critical mass of land required for new development at every station, before securing planning and bringing opportunities to market alongside other key government agencies, including Homes England. The partnership recognises the importance of a collaborative process in creating new, market-ready opportunities. Bringing together the unique and complementary skillsets of the public, private, rail and real estate sectors is key to unlocking development across these often-complex brownfield sites.
MORE than 250 jobs could be created under plans to expand Tyne Tunnel Trading estate to create additional high-spec industrial and retail facilities. UK Land Estates, the largest commercial property and investment company in the North East, has submitted plans to North Tyneside Council which aim to transform the 5 hectare site of the former Corning’s glass works on the Tyne Tunnel Estate into more than 14,000 sq m of industrial-led units. The site, which is part of the 2 million sq ft Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Tyneside, will be developed into a mix of industrial and trade units, along with two drive-through outlets providing much-needed amenities on the estate. On completion, the development is expected to create up to 270 jobs. The £12.5m expansion would also support an extra 45 jobs in its construction phase and could help create more than £2.8m worth of extra economic value for the area every year. With direct access to the A193 linking to the A19 – which forms part of the National Strategic Highway Network – the estate is easily accessible with good transport links. Keith Taylor, managing director at UK Land Estates, said: “This is an exciting development that we’re hoping will bring future investment and create jobs in several industries. “It is a strategic site with excellent connectivity to the north and south thanks to massive investment made in the local road network over the last five years removing bottleneck junctions on the A19 and providing an upgrade to the Tyne Tunnel. It is situated perfectly to serve businesses in North and South Tyneside and Newcastle areas as well as markets to the north and south of the region. “With the site being derelict for decades, it’s an exciting opportunity to develop the land into an attractive site which will provide ambitious businesses with best-in-class units to grow and expand. “This would expand our footprint on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate and add another set of high-quality, easily accessible industrial units to our portfolio.” The development will be built in phases with a first phase of the road infrastructure works and the two drive thru units, which will then be followed by the development of the industrial units in response to demand with units varying in size from 1,820m2 to 7,030m2. Occupiers would also benefit from their close proximity to local amenities such as Silverlink Shopping Park and Tesco Extra. Research by leading property agency Knight Frank, indicates that supply chain disruptions, depleted stock levels and the impetus for greater resilience is driving demand from companies for industrial and logistics property. In addition, a number of online retailers continue to have requirements for facilities to accommodate increased sales volumes and, due to falling vacancy rates, options are extremely limited. Mark Proudlock, Partner at Knight Frank, said: “Rarely have we experienced this level of demand with such little stock to offer. “This development of new units designed to meet the needs of companies seeking to expand, as well as new companies looking to invest in North Tyneside, would be extremely welcome.”
GMI Construction Group PLC has announced the key appointment of Andrew Hurcomb as Divisional Managing Director (DMD) for Yorkshire. He succeeds Lee Powell, recently promoted to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer, who is tasked with delivering sustained growth across its four core regions of Yorkshire, the North West, Midlands and North East. Hurcomb’s arrival represents a real coup for GMI, given his outstanding track record at Willmott Dixon where he spent five years as Operations Director. There he oversaw the company’s growth across Yorkshire and the North and was responsible for delivering several high-profile projects. With more than 30 years’ experience within the construction industry, he has gained skills and practical experience at every level. Originally from Dewsbury, he studied at Huddersfield Technical College, Leeds College of Building, and Leeds Becket University. He began his career in 1984 with M.Harrison & Co before moving to Miller Construction in Yorkshire in 1989, gaining experience in a variety of roles from Site Engineer to Senior Project Manager before progressing to Regional Technical Director for the North of England. When Galliford Try acquired Miller in 2014 Andrew took up the position of Operations Director for Yorkshire, before moving to Willmott Dixon in 2017. Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group PLC, said: “Following my appointment as CEO, we required someone with the right skills, dedication and drive to fulfil this key role within the business. “His knowledge and experience of the Yorkshire construction market is second to none. He is highly respected in the region, making him an exceptional appointment and someone who can build upon GMI’s first rate reputation and its success in delivering major developments across three decades. “He has GMI values at heart and the business acumen to make a real impact by taking our Yorkshire business portfolio to an even greater level. I’m delighted to welcome him onboard.” Andrew Hurcomb, Divisional Managing Director – Yorkshire, said: “I’m extremely proud to join a forward-thinking company like GMI, which is a business that is going places. It’s my intention to continue the excellent work Lee has already achieved as DMD in the region. “I will spearhead GMI Construction Group’s ongoing expansion in Yorkshire as part of its UK strategy to levelling up in key regions. This follows several high-profile projects wins this year and next. “We are onsite currently with a workbook of 11 live projects across Yorkshire, with a further 4 projects due to commence in Q1 2022 with a combined total value of more than £250M, and we’re looking to expand that significantly in the coming 12 months. I’m relishing the opportunity and the hard work starts now.” One of the UK’s largest independent construction companies in the North of England and The Midlands, with offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and Teesside, GMI Construction Group PLC is forecasting an annual turnover in excess of £350m for 2022 and has already secured £300m worth of opportunities.
Trimble announced today an innovative mixed-reality solution for construction layout with the introduction of the FieldLink MR app. Built on the powerful Trimble Connect® collaboration platform, Trimble FieldLink MR offers a completely new way to perform construction layout, enabling professionals to quickly navigate to tasks on the jobsite—getting more done in less time. The app runs on the Trimble® XR10 with HoloLens 2, a hardhat-integrated mixed-reality device. With Trimble FieldLink MR, field crews can easily visualize construction data without relying on a handheld controller for step-by-step navigation to locate each point. Visual cues presented through the mixed-reality hardhat naturally lead workers directly to each point for them to physically lay out pertinent information on the construction site. Attracting and retaining skilled workers remains a key challenge for many contractors, reducing the complexity of layout in the field will be essential to enable less experienced staff to deliver quality work the first time. “Trimble’s FieldLink solution enables users to precisely position digital construction information in the physical world. FieldLink MR is an extension of this application, which seamlessly integrates cutting edge mixed-reality technology to help construction professionals be more effective on site. This integration offers more efficient and intuitive workflows by making the layout process more natural and contextual,” said Martin Holmgren, general manager for Trimble’s Building Construction Field Solutions Division. Trimble’s layout and mixed-reality solutions are part of the Trimble Connected Construction ecosystem, leveraging the Trimble Connect collaboration platform. Contractors from different trades and in all phases of the construction lifecycle can work together to enable more automated layout and fabrication. Field productivity solutions are driven directly by constructible data, reducing the need for data conversions and the potential for error. Using constructible data and real-time collaboration, project stakeholders can work together seamlessly, optimizing the design, build and operate lifecycle. AvailabilityTrimble FieldLink MR is expected to be available in the first half of 2022 from Trimble and BuildingPoint™ distribution partners and will be downloadable through the Microsoft Store. For more information, visit: fieldtech.trimble.com/en/products/layout. The Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2 is available through Trimble and BuildingPoint distribution partners.
The comprehensive redevelopment of Montagu Industrial Estate in Edmonton is continuing apace, with the completion of the first phase of its transformation into modern, sustainable industrial and logistics scheme, Workstown. The £150 million joint venture is replacing dilapidated, out-of-date buildings with modern, more energy efficient spaces for local small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Enfield Council’s Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan and the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, Cllr Mary Maguire, met council officers who have worked on the project and a team from property developer HBD, the council’s joint-venture partner. They joined a tour of the scheme on Monday 24 January to view the completed first phase, which comprises nine industrial units totalling 60,000 sq. ft. of new space. Two thirds of the completed phase is already let or under offer. One of the new tenants, Hived, (pictured) is the first mass-market, zero emission parcel delivery provider, offering greener and cheaper solutions from warehouses directly to customers. Cllr Maguire said: “Montagu Industrial Estate is transforming into a modern, fit-for-purpose and accessible site welcoming businesses that are at the forefront of manufacturing and logistics. The development will also have a significant impact on the local community, helping with the creation of a variety of high-quality jobs within the borough and new opportunities for innovative businesses. I am also extremely happy to see that as well as providing new homes for existing and expanding local companies, we are also welcoming new businesses such as Hived to the area.” Adrian Schofield, Senior Director and Head of Region at HBD, said: “We have seen strong interest in Workstown from a wide-range of businesses, from start-ups through to larger companies – 70 per cent of the scheme was under offer before completion, which reflects the quality of the development. It is a fantastic regeneration project and we look forward to bringing forward the further phases of the redevelopment.” Located just north of the A406, the 29-acre scheme is being redeveloped in phases to create more than 350,000 sq. ft. of employment space. The transformation is part of the Council’s ongoing and wider regeneration of the Edmonton area to create new opportunities, support employment and establish a new business community. The revamp of the estate is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, a significant boost for Edmonton. The estate, which housed some units from the 1950s has suffered from anti-social behaviour and unauthorised activities on the site, which has had a detrimental impact on surrounding residential areas. The next phases and compulsory purchase order are scheduled to be discussed at March’s Cabinet meeting. An overall masterplan will show how the remaining phases will be delivered.
BCEGI has been appointed as preferred construction partner to deliver phase three of Scarborough Group International’s £1 billion mixed-use development Middlewood Locks, in Salford at the gateway to Manchester City Centre. BCEGI has already completed phases one and two at the award-winning scheme which is one of the largest regeneration projects in the North-West and the UK. The first phase of 571 homes completed in September 2018 and phase two of 546 homes completed in November 2021. Phase two was purchased by award-winning PRS operator Get Living for its first PRS venture outside of London. Both phases are sold out and a new community of over 1,000 residents now live at Middlewood Locks where iconic brewery brand Seven Bro7hers has opened its first beer house alongside Co-op Food and 92 Degrees coffee shop. Phase three which has been named ‘Railings’ features 189 new homes which includes 176 one to three -bedroom apartments in two blocks, one of 10 storeys and the other 12 storeys, on the northern side of the canal opposite Phase 1. There will also be 7 canalside three to four-bedroom townhouses along with 6 mews houses to support family living. The Railings will provide further high-quality accommodation incorporating first class amenity space, balconies and private gardens that blend seamlessly into the public realm areas of previous phases. The project will also feature 5,150 sq ft of ground floor commercial and retail accommodation with an additional 5,000 sq ft of offices. When completed, the 25-acre neighbourhood will provide a total of 2,215 new homes and 900,000 sq ft of commercial space, including offices, hotel, shops and restaurants. Work on The Railings is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2022 with completion in 2024. Dongwen YU, Lead Director at BCEGI, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed to deliver The Railings for Scarborough Group International, following our successful partnership in completing phases one and two. “The recent completion of phase two is a significant moment for Middlewood Locks as well as a great achievement for BCEGI in what has been an extremely challenging time for the construction industry. We are thrilled to be, once again, an integral part of what is one of Greater Manchester’s most significant projects.” Kevin McCabe, Chairman of Scarborough Group International, commented: “Our relationship with BCEGI stretches back over seven years, having first met with Senior Directors at their Beijing headquarters before getting to know key personnel at their UK-base office in Manchester. “Our mutual respect, admiration and commitment to excellence in developing inspiring communities for people to live, work and enjoy made BCEGI the obvious construction partner for Middlewood Locks and has culminated in the completion and occupation of 1,117 new homes and 10,000 SqFt of commercial space over the last five years. “This appointment is an important step in continuing the delivery of our vision for Middlewood Locks and we look forward to furthering our partnership with Mr Yu and his team in the years ahead, not only encompassing the future phases of Middlewood Locks but also the Group’s wider development portfolio.”
New research buildings will meet innovation needs of the future Oxford University Development (OUD) today confirms reserved matters planning consent has been granted for the first phase of its Begbroke Science Park expansion, which comprises two new state-of-the-art research buildings. This first phase of the scheme will bring forward new research facilities for the University’s Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences departments and associated groups, as well as providing space to incubate spin-out companies. The two buildings, totalling 12,500 sq. m., will house both academic and commercial research at the Science Park, north of Oxford. The development will also deliver improvements to sustainable transport infrastructure, as well as soft and hard landscaping and public art integrated into the landscape. Anna Strongman, CEO, Oxford University Development, said: “This first phase of our vision to progress the design and development standards of Begbroke Science Park is one step closer to realisation thanks to the consent granted today. These new research facilities will be fit for the future needs of our research community, by providing high quality spaces for innovative work and collaboration.” OUD is a property development company set up under the £4bn joint venture between the University of Oxford and Legal & General Capital. Bolstering its long-term pension commitments by creating real assets which provide new jobs, housing, productivity and wage growth. Legal & General has invested over £30bn in levelling-up regional economies throughout the UK. This includes forming major partnerships with local and central governments, universities and local businesses in place such as Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle, as well as Oxford. OUD is collaborating with Bruntwood SciTech as Development Manager for the first phase.
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics property, has acquired an additional building at its highly successful logistics park in Coventry, further strengthening its holdings in a core location. The 56,000 sq. ft. building, which is let to UK Flooring Direct until 2025, has been acquired for a consideration of £8 million from a UK fund. Prologis now owns and manages 1.86m sq. ft. of prime logistics space at the park, with potential for further expansion in the future. Built by Prologis in 2003 as a design-and-build project, the building has been bought back to help meet existing and future demand for logistics space in the area. From its location within the logistics ‘golden triangle’, at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, Prologis Park Coventry is less than 2 miles from Junction 3 of the M6. The site is currently fully-let and along with UK Flooring, customers include household names such as Bridgestone, DHL, Royal Mail and Co-Op. James Hemstock, Director in the Capital Deployment & Leasing team at Prologis UK, said: “This is a purchase which signals our commitment to strengthening our asset base at Prologis Park Coventry – an excellent location that continues to meet the needs of our customers in a core Midlands market. We hope that we will soon be in a position to extend the site further, so we can continue to meet demand for much-needed warehouse and logistics space within the logistics ‘golden triangle’.” Prologis was advised on the property acquisition by Acre Capital.
Construction technology is a large investment that businesses are usually willing to make to improve operations. However, the construction industry rarely invests in a warranty or service plan to protect new equipment. Here Lisa Cheshire, Inside Sales Specialist at SITECH® UK & Ireland, A Trimble Authorised Dealer, discusses how construction customer Galtec chose to go from no warranty, to a fully protected fleet to help reduce costs. Galtec provides civil engineering and groundworks for the housing industry throughout south-west England. Protecting their assets and maximising uptime has always been high on Galtec’s agenda but they had not yet invested in a warranty. With expert, money saving guidance from the team at SITECH, they decided to invest in a four-year Trimble Protection Plan on all 14 of their Trimble kits. In doing this Galtec have minimised the risk of unexpected, costly call outs and covered the cost of routine recalibration and replacements. Businesses typically protect their fleet in different ways, depending on the age of their technology. Newer products remain under factory warranty for set periods of time. Further protection can be taken out as warranties end, ensuring that they are always fully protected. There is flexibility to choose how long components are protected for and protection can cover selected set periods. For instance, if a construction business has a large job that is running for a year, they can take protection out on the equipment just for that period. Galtec chose to invest in protecting its technology fleet on an ongoing basis by opting for a four-year plan, meaning they will not have to renew their plan during this time. “Our fleet protection plan has given us the peace of mind that we won’t have any unexpected bills to pay if machines break down in the middle of a job for the next four years,” explained Jim Swift, GPS Manager at Galtec. “When a part needs to be taken off site and repaired, SITECH quickly turns the part round, so we have as little downtime as possible.” “Galtec immediately understood the value that the Trimble Protection Plan would give” Carl Parsons, Regional Sales Manager at SITECH UK & Ireland explained. “The cheapest technology part to replace typically costs more than an entire year’s warranty, so Galtec will quickly see a return on investment as its parts are recalibrated, serviced and replaced over time.” Compared to the costs of a construction machine, investing the small cost to fully protect a fleet from any eventuality and get access to experienced technology professionals will provide clear return on investment. To find out more about reducing downtime on your construction site, visit the website http://www.sitechukandireland.com/products or call Lisa Cheshire to start the discussion about your Trimble Protection Plan options on 07736631988.
