Property developer HBD has completed two deals at Airport Business Park Southend (ABPS) totalling £19.3 million. The firm will deliver a £14.3 million building spanning 129,000 sq. ft. for IPECO; its second base at the scheme designed and built by HBD. Work is due to begin on site in May,
A development of new council homes in Lockleaze has taken another step forward as the Bristol City Council seeks to secure ownership of a former pub that needs to be demolished to allow work to begin. The council hopes to build 47 homes on disused land at Branwhite Close in
Significant progress has been made on a new neighbourhood in Daventry after Midlands-based homebuilder Spitfire Homes and Crest Nicolson secured reserved matters approval to build 222 properties on land at Malabar Farm. West Northamptonshire Council’s planning committee has approved current proposals, representing the first phase of the development, which will
A new collection of high-quality family homes in the sought-after village of Felsted have come to market with award-winning property group, Beresfords. Scholars Green is located on a private turning, Watch House Green, and includes three and four-bedroom homes – with prices starting at £560,000. The properties are framed beautifully
Construction work on first phase of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme in Birmingham is now complete. Almost 1,000 new homes are now available for rent or sale on a former university campus in the north of the city. Completion of the new homes was announced at the same time that
Wates Group has started refurbishment work on the second phase of the Derby Market Hall. The Victorian Market Hall on Tennant Street is set to become a vibrant retail and leisure destination, linking the Derbion shopping centre and St Peter’s Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and the Becketwell regeneration scheme.
Galliford Try’s Highways business has been selected to design and to build the new multimillion pound Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR). The new road will connect junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West, providing additional crossings of the River Caldew and River Petteril, and includes the
Glencar has been appointed by Harwell Campus, the world-renowned science and innovation campus, to build a new £150 million Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing the UK public with access to cutting-edge
Caddick Construction has scooped a £23 million contract to deliver Lancaster’s first extra care facility on behalf of Progress Housing Group. Groundwork has now begun on site with completion due in May 2025. Building on Caddick’s existing healthcare portfolio, this development will boost the provision of specialist residential care for
Countryside Partnerships has secured planning approval for the first phase of Haddon Cross, a new development forming part of the Great Haddon sustainable urban extension to the southwest of Peterborough. The first phase will deliver 157 new homes, of which 78 will be for sale on the open market under
Property developer HBD has completed two deals at Airport Business Park Southend (ABPS) totalling £19.3 million. The firm will deliver a £14.3 million building spanning 129,000 sq. ft. for IPECO; its second base at the scheme designed and built by HBD. Work is due to begin on site in May, with the aircraft seating manufacturer expected to take occupation early next year. HBD will also design and develop a £5 million building for CAMA at Airport Business Park Southend. The 27,600 sq. ft. purpose-built warehouse will allow CAMA AssetStore to grow its business; sustainability-focused storage and asset management specialising in the reuse of sets, props and costumes for film and TV. Work will complete in Q4 2023, with CAMA expected to move in early 2024. “ABPS is a hugely successful scheme that has attracted valuable inward investment for Southend and provided the space, resources and ecosystem for businesses like IPECO to deliver on ambitious growth strategies. It’s great to see IPECO expanding further at ABPS and we’ve no doubt that it will prove an equally successful location for CAMA,” said Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director at HBD. ABPS forms part of an ambitious new vision for Southend-on-Sea. The 52-acre development is being delivered in partnership between HBD and Southend-on-Sea City Council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A development of new council homes in Lockleaze has taken another step forward as the Bristol City Council seeks to secure ownership of a former pub that needs to be demolished to allow work to begin. The council hopes to build 47 homes on disused land at Branwhite Close in Lockleaze. In order to get the development site ready, the council has been working to acquire two buildings: the former pub on Gainsborough Square and a privately owned home on Branwhite Close. The site previously had council homes on the land which were demolished some years ago as part of a redevelopment project. Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) have been secured for both sites, and barring any further legal challenges, it is hoped work can start onsite later this year. Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to tackle the housing shortage in the city, and making sure that this affordable council-owned housing scheme, which will provide homes to 47 families, can be delivered. These will add to the 474 affordable homes built in Bristol in 2021/22. “It is not just about the number of new homes we build; we are committed to developing mixed and balanced communities, working hard to make sure any new homes are suitable for the surrounding local area. Lockleaze is going through a big transformation at the moment, and we are working hard to make sure all the developments complement each other, as well as bringing forward additional amenities for community members to use. “As well as enabling the housing development, the demolition of the pub will come as a relief to local people, as it has become an eye sore, and a target for fly tipping and graffiti in recent years. “I look forward to finally being able to break ground on this site, hopefully later this year.” The pub on Gainsborough Square has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair for many years. The owner of the property was recently fined after failing to take care of the site, along with two other buildings in the city that they also own or manage. Several approaches were made to buy the property at full market value. However, the owners were unwilling to sell, so in order to progress, the council made a CPO to acquire the property. The owner objected to the CPO and an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State was asked to consider the objection and decided that the CPO should go ahead. If there are no further legal challenges, the council will be the legal owners of the pub in late August. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Significant progress has been made on a new neighbourhood in Daventry after Midlands-based homebuilder Spitfire Homes and Crest Nicolson secured reserved matters approval to build 222 properties on land at Malabar Farm. West Northamptonshire Council’s planning committee has approved current proposals, representing the first phase of the development, which will comprise a mix of one- to five-bedroom homes, 65 of which will be affordable. The wider scheme will also incorporate more than 20 hectares of public open space, a new primary school, nursery and community centre, alongside food and retail units. Located on the western edge of Daventry, the 50-hectare development already has outline planning permission of the neighbourhood for up to 1,100 new homes, meeting rising demand for homes due to employment growth, investment activity and strong connectivity links in the area. Defined by its West Northamptonshire countryside setting and strategic location at the heart of the national road network, Daventry provides a rare and sought-after balance of urban and rural lifestyles. Ben Leather, Managing Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Daventry is a growing market with house hunters looking for accessible country living and an attractive work-life balance. Strong transport links and employment opportunities in the area make it particularly attractive for new home buyers, so we expect to see a lot of interest in these homes. “We’re committed to meeting the rising demand for new homes across the Midlands region, supporting our vision to deliver high-quality, future-proofed homes fit for modern living. We recently made our debut in Northamptonshire, with work well underway at our nearby development in Kislingbury, so we’re really excited this scheme has also taken a positive step forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new collection of high-quality family homes in the sought-after village of Felsted have come to market with award-winning property group, Beresfords. Scholars Green is located on a private turning, Watch House Green, and includes three and four-bedroom homes – with prices starting at £560,000. The properties are framed beautifully in the exquisite village where Felsted’s beautifully maintained 16th-century buildings and historic independent school founded in 1564 resounds to the knock of willow on leather, and on the other by open fields and ancient farmland. The development’s name acknowledges the heritage of the school and the verdant area. Scholars Green has a broad sense of open space and mature trees and planting, which characterises this collection’s countryside setting. The contemporary design of the family homes nod to a traditional style and across the collection, subtle variations in design and tone feature to give each its own distinctive character, with a much of the design influenced by modern living and working practices adopted in very recent years, including dedicated spaces to accommodate remote working, an open orchard space and local variety fruit trees in each garden. The properties of course have high-spec fittings throughout including bespoke well-designed kitchens fitted with boiling taps, downlighters, high grade appliances and premium granite surfaces. Rated outstanding by Ofsted, Felsted Primary is just a short walk away from the development or Felsted School Prep for the gateway to Felsted public school. Great Leighs Primary and Ford Church of England Primary are just four miles away from the site. A short drive from the A120, M11 and just 13 miles from Stansted Airport, Scholars’ Green is well positioned for commuting further afield. “Scholars’ Green brings a unique opportunity for families to find their dream home, in a peaceful setting next to open farmland, but within a vibrant village location. The exclusive development truly emerges itself within the area’s impressive heritage and the surrounding countryside and I’m sure these homes will attract great interest,” said Aaron Breakwell, director of new homes and land at Beresfords. A Coronation Orchard Planting ceremony will also be taking place at the development, on Thursday 20 April at 3pm, where the developers, the development’s financers, key stakeholders involved, and current residents of Scholars Close are invited to see trees planted at the site. “We’re delighted to be welcoming everyone to the official tree planting ceremony, ahead of King Charles’ Coronation. The ceremony will mark the official completion of Scholars Green and an opportunity to say thank you to those who have helped to get this development on the map! We look forward to seeing you all there,” concluded Alex Woodfield, managing director of Welland Partners Development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work on first phase of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme in Birmingham is now complete. Almost 1,000 new homes are now available for rent or sale on a former university campus in the north of the city. Completion of the new homes was announced at the same time that Lendlease, the principal contractor for the scheme on behalf of Birmingham City Council, revealed the project has beaten a number of targets it was set in order to help support the local economy and bring wider community benefits. More than 650 new jobs have been created for local people throughout the construction, including almost 100 apprenticeships, and more than 1,350 people have been upskilled on the site. Highlights included a Women in Construction course, which promotes opportunities for women in the construction industry across the UK, funded through the Home Builders Federation. Participants received advice and guidance, as well as training in various areas of construction, and two weeks’ work experience. Lendlease also worked with Solihull College to deliver English for Construction courses for people who have English as a second language, a key tool for increasing safety through better communication on a site which at its peak had 26 different nationalities of workers on the project. Participants who completed the course were rewarded with a Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction qualification. Over the course of the £326m contract, £267m has been spent by Lendlease with local businesses, and workers have devoted 2,679 hours to volunteering in the local area – the equivalent of four months of continuous work, and nearly three times the target they were set. This included working with Eden Boys School and Welford Primary School to build and maintain outdoor learning areas, as well as collecting for local food banks. Designs created by students from Birmingham Metropolitan College were exhibited on site hoardings visible near the site to raise awareness of Single Use Plastics (SUP). This was inspired by the SUP Ambassadors programme, a project developed with students from Eden Boys’ School, that aimed to raise awareness of SUP and its impact on the environment, people and wildlife. Lendlease, together with construction partners, also sponsored the production of a new book aimed at educating primary school children on avoiding single use plastics, which was launched at Calshot Primary School, and was distributed to primary schools across Birmingham. The new homes at Perry Barr consist of a mix of homes for rent and sale, surrounded by accessible green space. The tallest building on the scheme tops out at fifteen storeys and the first residents are expected to move in later this year. The scheme is part of a wider £700million-plus regeneration of Perry Barr in the north-west of the city, including improved leisure and community facilities along with upgraded transport infrastructure, all of which is underpinned by the Perry Barr 2040 Masterplan, developed by the Council in partnership with local residents and stakeholders. Lendlease are the Management Contractor for this first phase of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme, working with Kier, Willmott Dixon, PJ Careys and Vinci UK to deliver the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates Group has started refurbishment work on the second phase of the Derby Market Hall. The Victorian Market Hall on Tennant Street is set to become a vibrant retail and leisure destination, linking the Derbion shopping centre and St Peter’s Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and the Becketwell regeneration scheme. When complete, the refurbished Market Hall will pay homage to its heritage while evolving to meet modern needs and consumer demand. A vital part of this next phase is to develop the public space at Osnabruck Square, a key entrance to the Grade II listed building, as well as reinstating the north entrance. The refurbishment is being led by Wates Group, which is working in collaboration with Derby City Council. The project team is made up of specialists operating within the region, including Lathams Architects, structural engineers Rodgers Leask, and M&E consultants Clancy. The Guildhall Yard will also be enhanced to resurface the existing tarmac and the entire courtyard will be re-paved following the demolition of the existing 1980s stair and lift tower. Internal works will focus on the new flexible market hall space featuring free-standing mobile stalls to create an accessible space for events and activities such as food and music festivals. To accommodate a high-quality food and drink offer, the balcony will have a bottle bar and an emphasis will be placed on street food but with the flexibility to adapt to future trends. Further work in this phase includes refurbishments made to the first-floor shops, new durable flooring, improved back-of-house storage, improvements to fire safety, and new WC facilities. A new, grand central staircase is also proposed to the north of the Market Hall, replacing an existing stairwell and removing any potential for anti-social behaviour. The grand staircase will reflect the position and form of the original 1864 stair, connecting to the balcony in a contemporary, light and inviting route. It will feature a glass balustrade designed to contrast with, yet complement, the historic metal balustrade across the balcony. Wates was appointed via SCAPE’s Major Works framework. The second phase of development is set to complete at the end of 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Galliford Try’s Highways business has been selected to design and to build the new multimillion pound Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR). The new road will connect junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West, providing additional crossings of the River Caldew and River Petteril, and includes the construction of four roundabouts, five cycle bridges and four road bridges along an 8km stretch. The new road is vital for the economic growth of Carlisle and will provide supporting infrastructure for the new community at Cuthbert’s Garden Village, bringing significant benefits to the city and the wider county. Commenting on Galliford Try’s appointment to the project, David Lowery, Managing for Galliford Try’s Highways business, said: “We are delighted with this appointment to deliver the new CSLR which strategically aligns to our Sustainable Growth Strategy and builds on our portfolio of high-quality major infrastructure work. “The project will deliver a lasting social impact for the Cumbria community and we look forward to applying our capabilities in innovation, modern methods of construction and, importantly, carbon reduction, working with closely selected local supply chain partners on this much anticipated scheme.” Welcoming the award of contract to Galliford Try, Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s outgoing Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I’m delighted that we have reached this significant milestone in the Carlisle Southern Link Road project. “What once felt like a pipe dream to build this new strategic road, now really feels like it is happening and gathering pace with the appointment of Galliford Try. The benefits the road will bring in connecting East and West Cumbria and unlocking both housing for the new garden village and stimulating economic growth and investment cannot be underestimated.” Work on site is expected to begin in June 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glencar has been appointed by Harwell Campus, the world-renowned science and innovation campus, to build a new £150 million Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing the UK public with access to cutting-edge mRNA vaccines for a wide range of respiratory diseases, pending regulatory assessment and license. The new facility will also include a clinical biomarker laboratory – a prefabricated modular laboratory constructed in Northumberland, which will then be installed on the campus. Construction will begin this year, with the facility expected to become operational in 2025, subject to planning and regulatory approvals. The investment will create hundreds of jobs across Oxfordshire and the UK. It will cement Harwell Campus as a national health tech hub for the pioneering research and development of mRNA and other nucleic acid therapeutics. Commenting on the project, Eddie McGillycuddy, CEO, said: “Having successfully delivered The Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) and established a life science office within the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, we are absolutely delighted to now be delivering this pioneering research and development facility.” “Life science and pharmaceutical projects are complex, controlled environments that require significant design and engineering ability to ensure they are delivered correctly,” McGillycuddy explained. “We have expanded our specialist team within this space to push forward and make these facilities a cornerstone of our continued growth in the coming years. We very much look forward to working with the team at Moderna and Merit to develop this important new facility and further expand the thriving health tech cluster at Harwell.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has scooped a £23 million contract to deliver Lancaster’s first extra care facility on behalf of Progress Housing Group. Groundwork has now begun on site with completion due in May 2025. Building on Caddick’s existing healthcare portfolio, this development will boost the provision of specialist residential care for those aged 55 and over in Lancaster, providing a safe and comfortable space for those requiring varying levels of care. The project will see the construction of a 92-unit extra care scheme incorporating one and two-bedroom apartments, with three of the one-bedroom apartments designed to be wheelchair friendly. Two existing buildings will also be converted into 16 one and two-bedroom general needs flats. Additional features such as assisted bathing, spa bathing, hairdressing facility, a games room, roof terraces and a laundry room will also be incorporated. External work will include alterations and remodelling of the existing and stone boundary wall, landscaping, a car park with EV charging points, restoration of all historial sandstone buildings and the installation of external lighting. Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction for the North West commented: “Extra care facilities such as these are a vital necessity in any community and we’re pleased to be bringing this much needed development to life, on behalf of Progress Housing Group. Caddick’s extensive expertise in the healthcare sector is what has led our specialist team to this development and we’re thrilled to form an integral part of this project.” Rebecca Field, Head of Development at Progress Housing Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with Caddick Construction on our first Extra Care scheme facility and the first in Lancaster. “The scheme will provide homes for people aged 55 and over, with on-site, tailored care and support packages available to help residents live independently. It is hoped that the scheme will be completed by Summer 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Countryside Partnerships has secured planning approval for the first phase of Haddon Cross, a new development forming part of the Great Haddon sustainable urban extension to the southwest of Peterborough. The first phase will deliver 157 new homes, of which 78 will be for sale on the open market under the Countryside Homes brand, and the remaining 79 will be affordable homes that will be owned and managed by Platform Housing Group following a recently signed agreement. 25 affordable homes were required under the planning agreement, with the additional 54 being provided over and above this requirement. Alongside future phases, the scheme will deliver a total of up to 1,499 homes and will include 7.5 hectares of amenity open space, 8.4 hectares of accessible natural green space, three play facilities for children and young people, a 4.5-hectare playing field, a 1-hectare allotment and new water features. This is Countryside’s second scheme within the wider Great Haddon masterplan. It is currently selling homes at Fletton Folly, a development of 347 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. The wider Great Haddon site has outline planning permission for up to 5,350 new homes, a district centre and two neighbourhood centres comprising retail, community and health, leisure, residential and commercial uses. The planning consent also includes provision for education facilities, sport and recreational facilities, strategic open space, landscaping, associated infrastructure and servicing. Infrastructure works are already underway on the site and construction work on the new homes will start in the coming weeks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
