Construction firm Wates has been appointed by This City, a housing development company owned by the Manchester City Council, to develop 128 new low carbon homes in the heart of Ancoats. Building work has started on site and the project aims to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing
National youth charity, OnSide has received planning approval for a new Youth Zone in Preston. The state-of-the-art youth centre will provide young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Expected to open
This weekend, award-winning estate agency and property group, Beresfords, is launching Hanningfield Park in Chelmsford, one of the UK’s most innovative sustainable new housing developments, comprising ninety two 2 3,4, 5 and 6-bedroom homes – with prices starting from £435,000. Nestled among the mature landscape surrounding Hanningfield nature reserve, Hanningfield
A £400 million landmark development spearheaded by Gary Neville has officially launched in Manchester. The mixed-use scheme, a collaboration between Relentless Developments, KKR, Salboy, and Manchester City Council, is set to bring a fresh perspective to the market. No.1 St Michael’s, the flagship development within the project, is aimed to
Top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat has announced it has become the latest strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands. Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites
Granite and quartz kitchen worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has launched a brand-new consumer brand, Roann at Home, to offer their award-winning kitchen worktops, at the best price, to homes across the UK. Roann Limited has experienced significant growth in recent years and in 2022, reported record-breaking revenue and an annual
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Miller Developments have announced a partnership with Martin Murray ThinkFAST academy, to provide support and development for young people through the discipline and ethos of boxing. Donating a total of £30,000 to the St. Helens-based Martin Murray Academy, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and
Network Rail has reached the next phase of upgrades to the Transpennine route at Morley. Network Rail engineers completed nine days of round the clock work from 17 to 25 June at Morley train station. Works carried out included the creation of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition,
Calderdale Council has launched a tender scheme for its proposed new business park in Clifton. The council had been seeking funds to develop the site, but was unable to secure funding through the UK Government’s levelling up scheme. The council has now launched a search for a suitable developer to
Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded Willmott Dixon a £30 million contract to develop Darlington train station’s entrance. The work will consist of the creation of a new multi-storey car park that will be incorporated into the station’s new wider entrance. The project is part of Network Rail’s £140m masterplan
Construction firm Wates has been appointed by This City, a housing development company owned by the Manchester City Council, to develop 128 new low carbon homes in the heart of Ancoats. Building work has started on site and the project aims to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing in the area. This City is bringing long-term brownfield land at Rodney Street back into use, allowing residents to walk, cycle and use nearby public transport to access local services and employment. The 128 new homes will be built with a low carbon footprint, incorporating eco-friendly design elements and energy-efficient technologies. Each of the town houses will include off-street parking with electric vehicle (EV) parking and private gardens to the rear. Seven disabled parking spaces within the development site will also each have an EV charging point. The Mobility Hub is a new concept in urban design, which centralises car parking for multiple new developments, minimising on-site parking (other than disabled parking) and reduces traffic across the local area. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director for Construction North at Wates, said: “Rodney Street represents a pioneering shift in development approach for Manchester City Council and we’re proud to support them in their ambitions. We’ve worked closely with our project partners and the Council since the scheme’s inception to carefully plan out how we can ensure Rodney Street delivers its sustainability goals, as well as provides lasting benefit to the wider Ancoats community through Social Value initiatives. “We have a long history working with councils across the North and beyond on similar residential schemes and the positive impact that considered, sustainable provision of new affordable homes has on an area cannot be underplayed. I applaud Manchester City Council and This City for bringing this development to life and now we’re underway with construction, I and all our teams, look forward to delivering the next milestone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National youth charity, OnSide has received planning approval for a new Youth Zone in Preston. The state-of-the-art youth centre will provide young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Expected to open in 2025, the Youth Zone will be located in the town centre on the corner of Crooked Lane and Tithebarn Street. Preston Youth Zone will be open to young people aged 8-19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, 7 days a week. For just £5 annual membership, plus 50p per visit, young people will have access to world class facilities including a four-court sports hall, rooftop 3G outdoor kick pitch, gym and boxing and martial arts room for sports, as well as a music room with a built-in recording studio, arts and crafts area, climbing wall, dance studio, sensory room, and mentoring kitchen. The Youth Zone will deliver skills and employability workshops in a dedicated enterprise and employability suite, as well as a wide range of programmes, services and activities. Hot, nutritious meals will be available for just £1 from the Youth Zone’s café. In addition to the incredible facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available 7 days a week to offer guidance and support to help Preston’s young people to thrive. It will create a number of full and part-time jobs and many volunteering opportunities. Preston Youth Zone is being delivered by OnSide, in partnership with Preston City Council and Preston Towns Fund Board who will be contributing towards the building and running costs. In March it was confirmed that the Youth Zone will receive a grant from the DCMS’ Youth Investment Fund which means all of the building costs have now been secured and focus will turn to raising the remainder of the running costs which will come from private sector and philanthropic donations. It will join the OnSide network of 14 similar Youth Zones supporting over 50,000 young people with locations in Bolton, Blackburn, Carlisle, Wigan, Manchester, Oldham, Wolverhampton, Wirral, Chorley, Warrington, Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Croydon and East Manchester. While OnSide will develop and oversee the build of the Youth Zone, once open it will be run as an independent, local charity with a private-sector-led board. Guy Topping, Preston Youth Zone Chair said: “This is an important milestone in the Preston Youth Zone journey and exciting news for young people living in Preston and beyond. Preston Youth Zone is a local, inspirational charity that will provide thousands of young people with access to activities, opportunities, and support from trusted youth workers. So much hard work has gone into getting us to this point and I want to thank everybody who has helped make this dream a reality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This weekend, award-winning estate agency and property group, Beresfords, is launching Hanningfield Park in Chelmsford, one of the UK’s most innovative sustainable new housing developments, comprising ninety two 2 3,4, 5 and 6-bedroom homes – with prices starting from £435,000. Nestled among the mature landscape surrounding Hanningfield nature reserve, Hanningfield Park boasts an all-electric set-up eliminating carbon emissions and creating long term sustainability solutions giving homeowners the ability to spend as little as *£296 a year on energy bills, a saving of 88% compared to conventional gas households. The all-electric technological advancements include rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps, EV charging and battery storage, provided by leading brands including Trina Solar, JA Solar and Samsung. To further maximise cost savings, homeowners will also have the option to use the GivEnergy app, which will allow them to easily manage their energy usage from the moment they move in. While sustainability is at the forefront of the development, quality design and luxury living remain high on the agenda. Internally, all of the homes feature bespoke contemporary kitchen and bathroom design with underfloor heating installed across all floors. Externally, plot size at Hanningfield Park is exceptionally apportioned, garden space is bountiful and an additional four acres of green space will soon offer homeowners a place for recreation, mindfulness and community living. Aaron Breakwell, Director of New Homes at Beresfords, said: “Hanningfield Park is one of the most innovative developments in the country right now and we’re delighted to be involved, working with Randall Watts Construction, to attract like-minded people who care about their impact on the planet and want to immerse themselves in natural surroundings. “The site strikes the perfect balance between city and rural life. While London is only a 35-minute train journey away, forest walks and the nature reserve sit right on your doorstep.” Dan Jones of Randall Watts Construction, said: “This development began life as a beautiful offering of new homes in an enviable location, but we quickly saw an opportunity to create even more than that with a collection of technologically advanced sustainable homes that will positively change the way people live. “Interest from the community has been incredibly positive and we’ve had tremendous support from both the local council and our installation providers, including The Green Shield Group, who have expertly guided us every step of the way in our sustainability endeavours for Hanningfield Park.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £400 million landmark development spearheaded by Gary Neville has officially launched in Manchester. The mixed-use scheme, a collaboration between Relentless Developments, KKR, Salboy, and Manchester City Council, is set to bring a fresh perspective to the market. No.1 St Michael’s, the flagship development within the project, is aimed to become the city’s first fully Net Zero Carbon commercial development, both in operation and delivery. Construction of the 41-storey tower is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Once complete, the tower will boast a 162-bed 5-star international hotel brand and 217 luxury residences. Relentless Developments is in the final stages of securing a deal with a global hotel operator, which will be announced in the autumn. St Michael’s aims to set new benchmarks in quality, aesthetics, and experiences, positioning itself as a prominent destination for food, drink, and entertainment. The roof terrace will be home to the iconic Nikkei restaurant brand, Chotto Matte, while a refurbished public square will retain the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub, preserving the site’s heritage as the former home of Manchester City Police headquarters. The scheme, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Hodder & Partners, aims to transform the underused area while respecting its historical significance. The interiors, created in collaboration with SOM, complement the building’s high-quality external design. The Manchester development is divided into two distinct phases. Phase one, branded as No.1 St Michael’s, comprises nine floors of top-tier office space designed to achieve world-leading standards in sustainability and well-being. The Chotto Matte rooftop restaurant and two food and beverage outlets bookend the building. No.2 St Michael’s encompasses the tower, which includes the hotel, apartments, and an additional 75,000 sq ft of office space. Delivery of No.1 began in January 2022, led by Bowmer and Kirkland, with completion expected in 2024. No.2, managed by Salboy’s exclusive build partner Domis, will break ground in the coming weeks, and the entire scheme is set to reach completion in early 2027. Gary Neville, Director at Relentless Developments, said: “This is an extraordinary scheme that has been no less than 15 years in the making and we believe it to be the most sustainable commercial space in the city. I’d like to thank all our partners who have been with me on this journey and remained committed to the vision to transform this pivotal area of the city into a global landmark. “We’ve worked so hard to create a development that is distinctive in both its imaginative design and heritage as well as its location connecting the city’s business district with the historic civic quarter. Signing a deal with two of the world’s most reputable law firms and setting a new headline rent as we launch is testament to that. “Progress is now beginning to accelerate as we approach the latter stages of No.1 and we set our sights on the world-class leisure and residential elements that will be delivered for No.2.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 homebuilder Keepmoat has announced it has become the latest strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to build 4,000 additional new homes in the West Midlands. Keepmoat has also committed to aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions when building on brownfield sites and to increase their housebuilding by 50% across the West Midlands. As a strategic partner, Keepmoat will build a range of homes across different tenure types in the West Midlands, creating hundreds of new jobs for local people and generating at least 250 new apprenticeships. At least 70% of the workforce needed to deliver the homes will be employed from within a 30-mile radius, while building supplies and materials will be purchased from West Midlands-based businesses wherever possible. The memorandum of understanding between Keepmoat and WMCA also supports the Combined Authority’s wider aim of creating a fairer, greener and more prosperous West Midlands. In March, a ground-breaking Deeper Devolution Deal was secured between WMCA and Central Government, giving WMCA wide-ranging new powers and additional funding in excess of £1.5bn to level up the West Midlands. Charlotte Goode, Divisional Chair for Keepmoat West Midlands & East Midlands, commented: “We are delighted that we have been named as a strategic partner of the WMCA and that our work in the region continues to go from strength to strength. As part of our development work with WMCA, we’re already building a minimum of 1,000 new homes at price points that are accessible to people including first-time buyers. “Building sustainable communities is also a core value at Keepmoat. Working as a strategic partner of WMCA, we are actively pursuing net zero carbon developments, with schemes incorporating climate adaptation measures that respond to the short and long-term impact of climate change. These zero carbon standards go above and beyond the 2025 Future Homes Standards and help contribute to WM2041.” Keepmoat’s £360m Spirit Quarters development has so far delivered 979 new homes, with 275 of these allocated for first-time buyers. Supported by WMCA’s £1 million investment of devolved funding, this scheme continues to transform the former Wood End estate in Coventry, putting regeneration and place-making at the heart of a local community. The homebuilder’s investment into the West Midlands will support the West Midlands target of delivering 215,000 new homes by 2031. In December last year, WMCA announced that the number of new homes being built in the region had surpassed pre-Covid levels, with 16,730 new additional homes delivered in the 12 months to March 2022 – 203 more than in the year up to March 2020. The latest Strategic Partner MoU also bolsters the West Midlands’ Plan for Growth – a roadmap to develop eight specific industrial clusters where the region already has a competitive advantage. Manufacturing of future housing is one of the West Midlands clusters, reflecting the expertise arising from millions of pounds of public investment in brownfield regeneration across the region, which is also home to the National Brownfield Institute in Wolverhampton. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “The West Midlands has been incredibly successful in recent years at regenerating old brownfield sites to build new, affordable homes – so much so that we are currently on track to meet our ambitious 2031 housing target. “However now is the time to double down on our success – not ease off – and so I am delighted we have been able to sign this deal with Keepmoat that will see even more homes, jobs, and investment come to the region. “Working together with Keepmoat we will breathe life into derelict brownfield sites, helping to protect our precious greenbelt while providing affordable, energy efficient, good quality homes and jobs for local people.” Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for housing and land and leader of Solihull Council, added: “Keepmoat is the latest Strategic Partner who we have signed an MoU with – progressive developers and investors who share our vision of a more sustainable West Midlands where people have the opportunity of a decent job and a good quality, affordable home. “The commitment to use derelict industrial sites for eco-friendly, energy efficient housing is exactly the sort of future-looking approach our region needs. Not only does this help protect our precious greenbelt while creating high quality and sustainable communities, it also boosts the local economy and supports the wellbeing of residents.” WMCA was founded in 2016 and is made up of 17 local councils to deliver an ambitious plan to drive inclusive economic growth across the West Midlands. Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70% of its current developments are on brownfield sites and over 70% of its customers are first-time buyers. In the last survey year, Keepmoat achieved HBF five star builder status, receiving a rating of at least 90% in the National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Granite and quartz kitchen worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has launched a brand-new consumer brand, Roann at Home, to offer their award-winning kitchen worktops, at the best price, to homes across the UK. Roann Limited has experienced significant growth in recent years and in 2022, reported record-breaking revenue and an annual sales figure totalling over £8.3 million. This business growth, partnered with increased demand and consumer interest, created an opening in the market, thus the launch of Roann at Home. This new brand will allow Roann Limited’s commercial sales team to focus strictly on high volume projects with developers and housebuilders, whilst passing the B2C enquiries over to a dedicated team at Roann at Home. Roann at Home will benefit from Roann Limited’s 30 plus years’ experience in manufacturing, supplying, and installing high-quality granite and quartz worktops. With plans in place to grow the product offering, Roann at Home is starting by offering the Silestone DHX range, which offers a wide range of colours and price points, to suit every budget. The range is categorised into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, to allow options for everyone. For the first six months, Roann at Home is projected to turnover £30k per month in sales and after this initial period, turnover will be revisited and new goals set. Scott Wharton, Operations & Technical Director, comments “This has been a long time coming and we’re thrilled to launch Roann at Home. We have had a lot of consumer interest and enquiries, especially over the past year, as Roann Limited continued to grow – so we’re delighted to finally see the brand come together. We’re excited for the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Miller Developments have announced a partnership with Martin Murray ThinkFAST academy, to provide support and development for young people through the discipline and ethos of boxing. Donating a total of £30,000 to the St. Helens-based Martin Murray Academy, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Miller Developments have joined forces to help hard-to-reach young people with high quality social support and development through the academy’s ThinkFAST programme. The six-week programme, which is supported by schools and parents, involves offering guidance to students of the academy through the teaching of coping mechanisms, keep fit and boxing. The ThinkFAST student benefits include working alongside boxing coaches as strong and inspiring role models, where they are taught fitness, teamwork, anger management and discipline skills, alongside how to improve concentration and confidence through positive engagement and empowerment. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has a long-standing relationship with Martin Murray and he has supported the contractor with past charitable events such as the Broughton project, which in partnership with British Land, engaged in a successful initiative to help ex-offenders back into employment. Miller Developments and McLaren have collaborated previously to deliver a joint venture project at OMEGA Warrington and through introductions, the partnership and opportunity to support the Martin Murray academy was formed. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are incredibly proud to be supporting Martin and the boxing community at the academy with their exceptional hard work and dedication to this fantastic programme. “Enriching so many lives in the St. Helens and Warrington community, the ThinkFAST programme really inspires and supports young people, shaping lives for the better by introducing skillsets to nurture and grow confidence. We look forward to continuing our support to ThinkFAST with future events and initiatives.” David Milloy, managing director of Miller Developments, said: “We are delighted to assist ThinkFAST in continuing the superb work they do to support and encourage vulnerable young people, to ensure that they have a better future.” Martin Murray, founder of the Think Fast Academy, said: “We would like to thank Gary Cramp and the excellent teams at McLaren Construction and Miller Developments for all of their help and support with Think FAST Academy. “The money that they have kindly donated will help us to continue to be able to deliver our crime prevention programmes to the young people of Merseyside and Cheshire. As well as working closely with the Youth Justice Service, we have also worked with the majority of high schools in both boroughs. This has meant that we have managed to help over 300 young vulnerable young people so far. “Our vision is to continue to run as many programmes as possible in order to make the future brighter for our young people and in order to do this we need financial support, so we would like to thank you again for your faith and belief in our Academy.” McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) and Miller Developments are planning to further support the academy with a future charity event and details will be released in due course. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has reached the next phase of upgrades to the Transpennine route at Morley. Network Rail engineers completed nine days of round the clock work from 17 to 25 June at Morley train station. Works carried out included the creation of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition, a full signalling recontrol to Network Rail’s York Rail Operating Centre and the installation of a brand-new footbridge. The railway was closed for the duration of the scheme, this allowed further work to be carried out in Batley where a new footbridge was completed and opened to the public. It replaces the existing Lady Anne level crossing. The works at Morley station are part of a wider project by Network Rail to fully electrify train routes across the North of England as well as improving stations along the way. Commenting on the works, Sarah Thompson, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade said, “I want to say a big thank you to passengers for bearing with us over the last nine days as our engineers completed these major upgrades at Morley station. “We understand that there is no right time to complete work that impacts rail travel, so really appreciate the patience and support of passengers while it has taken place. “Despite the very warm weather, our engineers have made great progress and we’re really excited to officially open the station later this year.” Reflecting on the impact of the project, Tony Baxter, Regional Director for the East at Northern, said: “We’re really grateful for the patience of all of our customers over the past nine days whilst work has been taking place to rebuild Morley station. We know that this work has been disruptive, but we’re delighted to be able to welcome our customers back on board our trains. “Though it’s been a case of some ‘short term pain for long term gain’, when the new station opens fully later this year, the improved accessibility it will deliver will be absolutely transformational for our customers and the wider community “Once complete, the upgrades at Morley Station will not only enhance the overall aesthetics but also improve passenger experience. The extended platforms will allow longer trains with more seats to stop at the station, while the new lifts and footbridge will provide increased accessibility for everybody.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Calderdale Council has launched a tender scheme for its proposed new business park in Clifton. The council had been seeking funds to develop the site, but was unable to secure funding through the UK Government’s levelling up scheme. The council has now launched a search for a suitable developer to work alongside them to provide funding, planning, construction and marketing of the project. The site already holds planning permission and the council remains confident in its ability to develop the site. Members within the council feel the site’s proximity to the M62 as well as the nearby town of Brighouse would make it an attractive prospect for developers. Additionally, they believe there are a sufficient amount of businesses that would be willing to move to the site once work is complete. The tender process is expected to take place throughout the remainder of this year with reports about the next steps for the scheme set to be discussed by the council in early 2024. Commenting on the plans, Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “We want people to feel pride in the place where they live and do business, and a key part of this is the Council’s commitment to support all parts of Calderdale to thrive. We also want to build on our borough’s strong contribution to the wider West Yorkshire economy. “The proposed Clifton Business Park – a major regeneration project – aims to do just that. It’s an example of our ambition for Calderdale, and our aim to make things happen in line with our Vision 2024 for Calderdale and the Local Plan. “The site has the potential to create 1,300 high-quality new jobs for Calderdale and West Yorkshire, attract significant investment and new businesses into Brighouse, support our inclusive economic recovery through sustainable development, and add to local climate action through new walking and cycling routes, trees and plants. “So, we’re being bold and saying Clifton is worth investing in. We’re determined to make the Business Park a reality through an enterprising new route, exploring the option of bringing in an external partner with expertise in moving sites like this forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded Willmott Dixon a £30 million contract to develop Darlington train station’s entrance. The work will consist of the creation of a new multi-storey car park that will be incorporated into the station’s new wider entrance. The project is part of Network Rail’s £140m masterplan to deliver extra train capacity and better passenger facilities at the station. This will include work to build two additional platforms at the site. The scheme is set to be complete by 2025 in time for the Stockton and Darlington Railway bicentennial celebrations. Commenting on the project, Nick Corrigan, North East director for Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re proud to say that, as well as creating a vibrant and transformative new gateway into Darlington, the station development really will be changing lives and creating opportunities for local people. In addition to new local jobs, apprenticeships and training weeks, in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority, we are creating employment opportunities for local people facing barriers to work through our dedicated Building Lives Academy programme. “Over the coming months, we will be working with the likes of Darlington Borough Council’s Youth Employment Initiative and Aycliffe Secure Centre, to deliver Building Lives Academies for local young people who are not in education, employment or training. This is a project for the people of Darlington, built by the people of Darlington and we’re committed to spending £12m with local supply chain businesses.” Reflecting on the potential impact of the development, Tees Valley Mayor Mayor Houchen said: “With hundreds of Government jobs coming to Darlington, the town and its people deserve a modern and vibrant station to provide a gateway to the rest of the great developments on their way. This is another significant milestone and I’m thrilled the station project is steaming ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
