Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland has begun construction work has begun on a new £45.8 million performance venue in Derby. The 3,500 capacity entertainment centre will be built on the site of the former Pennine Hotel, Laurie House offices, multi-storey car park, Pink Coconut nightclub in Colyear Street and Padley House
Later living provider Inspired Villages has acquired a 27-acre site in Edenbridge, Kent. The deal is part of a joint venture with NatWest Pension Group Fund and Legal & General. The site has planning permission for 184,000 square feet of accommodation including a 100-unit Integrated Retirement Community. Inspired will now
Work has begun on the UK’s first mobility hub in Ancoats, Manchester, part of Manchester City Council’s regeneration and net zero plans. The mobility hub is a new concept which aims to prioritise green investment, public space, sustainable and active travel, and individual building design over space for car parking
Work has been completed on a new 66-home affordable development in Doncaster. The work was undertaken by a partnership between ESH Construction, Together Housing Group and Housing 21. The site, located in Askern, includes a mix of general housing and retirement living housing. Residents are now moving into 56 two,
The University of Manchester has unveiled the next phase of plans to provide additional student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus. The major redevelopment will include Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall. The University is progressing an outline planning application which would replace existing bedspaces with up to 3,300 new
The Government has been given the go ahead for a new railway station to be built in Cambridge. Work has already begun on the 4-platform, fully accessible station based at Cambridge Biomedical Campus in the south of the city. The Government has earmarked £200 million worth of funding for the
Top 10 UK homebuilder Keepmoat, has announced the appointment of Tristin Willis as Regional Managing Director (MD) to head up the East Midlands arm of the business. Tristin brings significant experience of growing and scaling business operations, securing land, and building partnerships to Keepmoat. Over the next three years, Tristin
Wyatt Homes is proud to announce that its Charminster Farm development, in Charminster, has received its first Quality Recognition Award. The award, which is ascribed by Premier Guarantee, recognises the exceptional craftmanship provided by the development team, including Site Managers Rod Dunford and Arron Zaple. A presentation ceremony was held
Essex based property Beresfords has recently been appointed to market the stunning Woodlands Park development, built by prestigious award-winning house builder Wickford Development. Located in Great Dunmow, Essex, the development currently includes five, four and three-bedroom high-quality family homes – with prices starting at £455,000. The homes are being built
Construction work has commenced on a new Coastal Activity Hub in Redcar. British Triathlon, British Rowing and British Cycling – the National Governing Bodies for their respective sports – have all endorsed the project with a vision of bringing community activities and local, regional, and national competitions to the hub,
Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland has begun construction work has begun on a new £45.8 million performance venue in Derby. The 3,500 capacity entertainment centre will be built on the site of the former Pennine Hotel, Laurie House offices, multi-storey car park, Pink Coconut nightclub in Colyear Street and Padley House in Becket Street. It will be owned by Derby City Council and leased to and operated by ASM Global. Bowmer + Kirkland took over the site on 5 June and the project is expected to be complete by January 2025 after which it will be handed over to ASM Global. When complete the space will be capable of holding events such as stand-up comedy and concerts. It is hoped to bring an additional 250,000 visitors a year to Derby as well as creating over 200 jobs. Commenting on the development Christian Parnell, Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director,said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been appointed to build Derby’s exciting new entertainment and events venue. 2023 marks Bowmer + Kirkland’s first 100 years and it is fitting that we are beginning work on a major scheme which will bring life back to a once vibrant and prominent area of the city. “We are looking forward to working with St James Securities, Derby City Council and ASM Global to deliver this landmark venue for the people of Derby and Derbyshire.” Reflecting on the contract, Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council said:”This is an important step forward in finally delivering the new venue Derby needs, which will deliver real, tangible benefits for businesses, residents and visitors. “Creating a city centre for all is one of our priorities and this new and flexible space is a key part of bringing vibrancy and pride back to our city centre.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Later living provider Inspired Villages has acquired a 27-acre site in Edenbridge, Kent. The deal is part of a joint venture with NatWest Pension Group Fund and Legal & General. The site has planning permission for 184,000 square feet of accommodation including a 100-unit Integrated Retirement Community. Inspired will now seek to amend current permission to include additional facilities such as a restaurant and wellness suite. The site is a former golf course situated just outside Edenbridge, and is a 15-minute walk from the town centre. Commenting on the acquisition Neal Dale, Chief Development & Property Officer for Inspired Villages said: “We welcome the addition of Edenbridge to our portfolio of sites and are excited by its potential in a popular and thriving location for us. “We are keen to start progressing plans for the village here whilst raising awareness and gaining support from the local community. The provision of this type of age-appropriate accommodation is of wider benefit as it naturally frees up housing stock throughout every element of the property ladder. “The sense of holistic wellbeing and community we seek to create within our villages also proves beneficial to the surrounding areas where we are currently operating. Our Inspired Friendships programme is already well-established in Kent and seeks to reduce loneliness and isolation of those not just living with a village, but the wider community also. “Edenbridge is part of our wider business vision to open 34 sites as we embark on a mission to become the leading retirement community operator in the UK, with communities that are flourishing and residents living the best years of their lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has begun on the UK’s first mobility hub in Ancoats, Manchester, part of Manchester City Council’s regeneration and net zero plans. The mobility hub is a new concept which aims to prioritise green investment, public space, sustainable and active travel, and individual building design over space for car parking and vehicles. Vehicle movements around Ancoats will be further reduced by the Hub’s delivery centre, which will receive parcels and other deliveries, which will either be collected by residents or transferred to buildings via small electric vans and cargo bikes. The hub will include 150 secure bike parking spaces and changing facilities, 102 Electronic vehicle charging points and up to 30 spaces for car club/car share schemes. There will also be 406 parking spaces for visitors and residents. The building has been designed by Buttress Architects LTD and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Commenting on the project Leader of the Council Bev Craig, said: “The redevelopment of Ancoats over the last two decades is an exemplar in urban renewal. And rightly so – the neighbourhood is internationally renowned and has been named one of the best places to live globally. “This next phase of regeneration gives us an opportunity to think differently about how our residents occupy and interact with the space they live in. The Mobility Hub is a key part of this – helping to put the pedestrian, active travel and green public space as the focus of the neighbourhood, rather than the car. “Upcoming development will deliver 1,500 new homes and the transformation of the local park in this part of our city centre and the Hub ensures that Ancoats will be not just renowned for regeneration, but for its sustainability – creating a low carbon, green neighbourhood that should be a model for future city centre investment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has been completed on a new 66-home affordable development in Doncaster. The work was undertaken by a partnership between ESH Construction, Together Housing Group and Housing 21. The site, located in Askern, includes a mix of general housing and retirement living housing. Residents are now moving into 56 two, three and four-bedroom homes and 10 two-bedroom bungalows which have been delivered for Together Housing. All properties include front and rear gardens as well as parking facilities. Commenting on the completed works, Simon Woodward, Operations Director at ESH Construction, said: “Askern is a land led scheme which has been long in the making. It was jointly developed by ESH alongside two clients to meet identified housing needs in the area and create a community which fosters inter-generational living. “As a local contractor, we have maximised the benefits of our local supply chain by re-investing more than £7.4 million into the Yorkshire region throughout the overall scheme. We are delighted to reach completion and handover these new homes to Together Housing.” Reflecting on the project, Kevin Ruth, Together Housing Group Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to see these new homes in Askern, which will help to meet the need for affordable housing in the area. From the bungalows to the four-bedroom houses, these high-quality homes offer attractive housing options for a wide-variety of residents. “I’d like to thank everyone involved from the early stages who have helped to bring this project to fruition. As a Group, we’re committed to working with partners to invest in homes and communities.” The development in Doncaster has been positively received by the local council. Praising the work, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio holder for Housing and Business at City of Doncaster Council, Cllr Glyn Jones said: “A further 66 new affordable homes is another welcome boost to Doncaster. Being able to afford a home in an area with close proximity to essential facilities will be an attractive proposition to many of our residents and I am delighted that so many will now be able to make this a realistic possibility.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Manchester has unveiled the next phase of plans to provide additional student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus. The major redevelopment will include Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall. The University is progressing an outline planning application which would replace existing bedspaces with up to 3,300 new bedspaces. The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases and includes the demolition of Owens Park Tower which has been closed for several years. The work does not affect students currently living in halls at the Fallowfield campus and prospective students can continue to apply for existing halls as normal. The University has launched an accompanying public consultation to gauge the opinions of students, staff and local residents. The public consultation will close on the 30 June, prior to the submission of the outline planning application to Manchester City Council. Commenting on the plans, Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester said: “The proposals for the redevelopment of this area of the Fallowfield campus will strengthen the University’s ability to offer a world-class, supportive student experience in well-located, good value, quality accommodation. This redevelopment provides an opportunity to widen the choice and supply of student bedrooms whilst ensuring they are fulfilling the requirements of future students studying at the University. “Through creating these welcoming and inclusive spaces, it helps create a positive sense of place for our students as they live, learn and thrive within the surrounding community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Government has been given the go ahead for a new railway station to be built in Cambridge. Work has already begun on the 4-platform, fully accessible station based at Cambridge Biomedical Campus in the south of the city. The Government has earmarked £200 million worth of funding for the project which is due to be completed in 2025. The construction of the station is expected to create 300 new jobs and when completed, will provide links to Stansted Airport and the Eurostar. It’s expected to receive 1.8 million passengers a year. Unveiling the plans, Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “This brand-new station will not only benefit local passengers but deliver a major boost to the entire city, improving connectivity to a world-leading academic hub while unlocking local business and growth opportunities across the region. “This is just another step in our efforts to create a thriving, well-connected, passenger-focused rail network to support communities for generations to come.” Reacting to the announcement, Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “It’s an exciting time for the railway in Cambridgeshire with a green light to deliver a new station that will serve the vitally important and growing biomedical campus. “Rail continues to be an environmentally sustainable form of transport and I know the minister’s announcement will be welcomed by the customers and communities we serve across Cambridgeshire and beyond.” One of the main beneficiaries of the project, Kristin-Anne Rutter, Executive Director at Cambridge Biomedical Campus Limited, said: “We are delighted that the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is to get its own railway station in less than 2 years’ time. Better public transport links will be critical in fulfilling our vision of a more sustainable campus. “Currently, there are around 5 times as many visits to the site as there are car parking spaces. We have to find ways of making it easier for the thousands of staff, NHS patients and visitors arriving daily to get here without needing to use a car. “This is a campus dedicated to improving human health, so anything that has the potential to cut air pollution and take pressure off our local roads is also very welcome. Coupled with the recent approval of the East-West Rail route directly linking Oxford with the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, we believe we can create a successful yet sustainable health and life sciences cluster that can both grow the economy and save lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK homebuilder Keepmoat, has announced the appointment of Tristin Willis as Regional Managing Director (MD) to head up the East Midlands arm of the business. Tristin brings significant experience of growing and scaling business operations, securing land, and building partnerships to Keepmoat. Over the next three years, Tristin will focus on expanding Keepmoat, East Midlands to an output of at least 650 homes per year. This will involve identifying and securing suitable land and ensuring the senior management team and wider regional business are aligned. Tristin brings more than 20 year’s experience in the construction industry across a series of senior roles to Keepmoat. Most recently he was Executive Director (Construction) at ilke Homes where he led operations across the UK with a team of over 200 people, and also spent seven years at Crest Nicholson, playing an instrumental part in the successful re-launch of the Chiltern and Midlands regional offices. Commenting on his appointment, Tristin said: “I am very excited to be part of Keepmoat and to head up its East Midlands region. At a time of significant change across the industry, the business is well placed to work with longstanding and new strategic partners to achieve our aims and objectives. Since moving into the housebuilding space in 2007, I’ve developed a passion for driving growth, developing teams and achieving exceptional results. I am looking forward to deploying the experience I have gained to grow the East Midlands region over the coming years”. Keepmoat East Midlands has eight operational sites covering Derbyshire to Lincolnshire. Flagship partnerships are ongoing with a range of key organisations including Gedling Borough Council, Homes England, Leicester City Council, Derby City Council and Bolsover District Council to support Keepmoat’s partnership model which has led to the homebuilder becoming one of Homes England’s largest strategic partners. Tim Beale, Group CEO at Keepmoat, added: “I’m really pleased to see the East Midlands business strengthening its team with Tristin’s appointment. Tristin will play a key role in developing our East Midlands business and his significant experience will be crucial in enabling us to continue to build on our success”. Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities. With around 70% of Keepmoat’s homes being affordable, the homebuilder is working to deliver high-quality, multi-tenure, new homes nationally. Keepmoat has achieved five star builder status in the National Home Builders Federation Award, receiving a rating of at least 90% in the National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wyatt Homes is proud to announce that its Charminster Farm development, in Charminster, has received its first Quality Recognition Award. The award, which is ascribed by Premier Guarantee, recognises the exceptional craftmanship provided by the development team, including Site Managers Rod Dunford and Arron Zaple. A presentation ceremony was held recently at Charminster Farm, where representatives from Wyatt Homes and Premier Guarantee were in attendance to celebrate this achievement. The Quality Recognition Award is scored during each inspection visit and is based on the following categories: the standard of site management, the standard of workmanship, health and safety, site tidiness, and general cooperation. Tara Kelly, Sales Director at Wyatt Homes said, “We are thrilled to achieve this Quality Recognition Award for Charminster Farm. “Our team has worked incredibly hard to ensure that every aspect of the development, from the design of the homes to the landscaping of surrounding areas, meets our exact standards. This award is a reflection of the commitment and expertise of our team, and we are proud to see their effort recognised in this way.” Aaron and Rod, site managers at Charminster Farm, have been instrumental in ensuring the development meets the high standards required for the Quality Recognition Award. Their attention to detail and ability to manage the complex logistics of a large-scale development has been critical to the project’s success. Rod, Site Manager at Charminster Farm said, “We are delighted to have played a part in securing the Quality Recognition Award. “Charminster Farm has been a truly rewarding project, and we are proud to see it as a leader in quality and craftmanship.” Aaron, Site Manager at Charminster Farm said, “We would like to thank the entire development team for their hard work and dedication, as well as our partners and suppliers for their support throughout this project.” Charminster Farm is a development of beautiful two, three, four and five bedroom homes located in Charminster, Dorchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Essex based property Beresfords has recently been appointed to market the stunning Woodlands Park development, built by prestigious award-winning house builder Wickford Development. Located in Great Dunmow, Essex, the development currently includes five, four and three-bedroom high-quality family homes – with prices starting at £455,000. The homes are being built using traditional construction techniques, with more than 80 house types available that are aesthetically different to other large residential developments. Traditionally built with high-quality brick and concrete block materials, there are numerous external finishes that have been employed across the varying house types, to give each plot a distinctive feel. To further enhance the character of the estate, rendered finished have been strategically chosen and selected house types include sparse use of Eternit weatherboarding to complement the finishes and colours. The thoughtful architectural designs add to the palette and tapestry of each house, giving Woodlands Park its own unique identity and sense of place. The properties include either sliding sash or casement windows to suit to the style of the house and some have been fitted with bi-fold doors. All the plots have a laid patio and turfed lawn, with planting to the front garden, brindle block paviours laid in the driveways, parking courts and raised road platforms. Beautiful, landscaped gardens are included around and across the development and Wickford Development has planted and nurtured hundreds of trees across the site, to ensure the ambience of the estate is enjoyed by those living and visiting Woodlands Park. As part of its marketing efforts, Beresfords has also designed new branding for Woodlands Park which includes a refreshed logo and updated colour scheme as well as new banners and sales boards across the park. Joe Waller, new homes manager at Beresfords, said: “We’re delighted to be representing Woodlands Park in Great Dunmow, working with Wickford – who we have a long-standing relationship with. “Wickford are passionate about providing excellence in building high-quality homes across its sites. Acting as the agent on behalf of the company and marketing these exceptional, award-winning homes is something we that we are extremely proud of. We look forward to meeting prospective buyers as they look to purchase their dream home in Essex.” Wickford Development prides itself on providing quality from start to finish, and over the last 50 years its top-class team have collectively won more than 41 individual NHBC Pride in the Job awards – including 12 times regional winner and UK finalist. Stephen Hammond, managing director of Wickford said: “Following on our success at Woodlands Meadow, Wickford are delighted to be working with Beresfords at Woodlands Park, Great Dunmow. We keenly anticipate selling our NHBC award winning homes via Beresfords knowing they will provide an excellent service to Wickford and to the new home purchaser.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work has commenced on a new Coastal Activity Hub in Redcar. British Triathlon, British Rowing and British Cycling – the National Governing Bodies for their respective sports – have all endorsed the project with a vision of bringing community activities and local, regional, and national competitions to the hub, including the Go Tri series. Local Active Partnership Tees Valley Sport has also offered its support – recognising the role that facilities play in driving participation. The hub could offer the opportunity for local organisations to host a range of other exciting activities, sports and events such as beach volleyball, land yachting and running events, with local sports clubs and community groups already showing interest. The Coastal Activity Hub will be located in a unique shipping container village that can be used as a meeting place and an informal base for clubs, school groups, activity leaders, families, or groups of friends. Coatham beach and the surrounding area is currently used for a wide variety of coastal activities and the hub will provide a base for these existing groups and individuals. Facilities for the Coastal Activity Hub will include a range of indoor and outdoor multi-use spaces, public toilet facilities, showers, lockers, an equipment store, changing facilities and parking. An accompanying catering offer will enhance the experience for visitors. The external space adjacent to the container village will form a flexible event area that could be used for a range of outdoor activities, such as exercise classes, sports, and demonstrations. It could also provide space for an event village, from which competitions could start and finish, including running festivals and triathlons. All attempts will be made to keep disruption to a minimum on site as the site is already cordoned off for other works on Coatham, including the development of Play Park and the Adventure Golf Course. This is part of the Coatham seafront masterplan, which aims to regenerate the seafront along Majuba Road to create a leisure-based destination. The new 100-space car park, which was recently built on the former Coatham Bowl site, will help mitigate demands for parking. The total project cost of the project is £880,000 with £855,000 being met by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and £25,000 via the Redcar Town Deal. The Redcar Town Deal is led by a group of industry experts, business leaders, and community representatives, who have volunteered to support the regeneration of Redcar. Alongside the Council, they have helped develop large-scale regeneration plans on how to make Redcar a vibrant, sustainable town. Construction will take approximately six months, with a completion date set for November this year. An operator is currently being sought for the Coastal Activity Hub, which includes two provisionally licenced Food and Beverage units. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
