developers

Plans to Replace Social Homes with Private Have Been Rejected

The plans to replace 70 social homes in Kensington and Chelsea with private housing options have been rejected by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Clarion Housing’s project aimed to demolish the William Sutton Estate build to make room for private units for sale. After initially submitting an objection

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Yorkshire Culture and Tourism Projects Funding

Around £7 million of funding is to go to three culture and tourism projects in Yorkshire. £6.9 million have been confirmed by Sheffield City Region to go towards Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Gullivers World and Vulcan to the Sky, which will also see almost 500 new jobs created. The funding for

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Inspired by nature and village life – The new Lincolnshire development marrying modern living with rural beauty

A new 46.7-acre development in the village of Sudbrooke has taken its design inspiration from the surrounding historic woodland and the traditional village setting. Developed by Jackson & Jackson Developments and designed by Stem Architects, The Parklands will be a new residential community of 155 individually designed homes incorporating luxury

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REM AND SELLAR CELEBRATE SHARD PLACE “TOPPING OUT” AS 26-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REACHES ITS HIGHEST POINT

Real Estate Management (UK) Limited (“REM”) and Sellar, the joint development manager, celebrated Shard Place, the third phase of development at Shard Quarter, reaching its highest point with a traditional construction topping out event. The 26-storey residential building stands between The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, and The News Building

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APA Continues Wates Partnership on Leeds Development

APA Facade Systems, Speedclad and Wates Group are continuing their partnership for the newest development in Leeds’ most sought-after business location – 4 Wellington Place. APA’s TB60 and TB60 SG facade system will be installed by Speedclad to 4 Wellington Place, marking the latest installment in this 22-acre office development. The proposed addition to Wellington Place consists

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An accurate current meter in every bedroom and hot water tank.

Prefect Controls have introduced a new feature for their PrefectIrus product – the integration of an accurate current meter that monitors energy use in each room throughout multi-occupancy buildings such as student accommodation. Until now, managers have calculated energy use based on power rating multiplied by length of time a

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Hundreds of New Homes in London

Hundreds of new homes are coming to Waltham Forest in London as residential development receives planning approval. For this project Transport for London has teamed up with Barratt London as part of its Property Partnership Framework. Built on a 1.8 acre site, the Blackhorse Point development will deliver 350 new

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Vital Energi Awarded £2.3m Redrow Energy Scheme

Vital Energi will deliver a £2.3m energy scheme for The West Works, Redrow’s latest development in Southall. Vital will be taking a phased installation approach to grow the solution in line with Redrow’s construction plans. Vital will be providing the design, supply and installation services for the scheme, which consists

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

developers

Plans to Replace Social Homes with Private Have Been Rejected

The plans to replace 70 social homes in Kensington and Chelsea with private housing options have been rejected by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Clarion Housing’s project aimed to demolish the William Sutton Estate build to make room for private units for sale. After initially submitting an objection to planning application submitted by the Sutton Trust to redevelop the Sutton Estate, GMB has welcomed the planning decision. Warren Kenny, GMB Regional Secretary, said: “GMB is very pleased with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s decision to reject the Clarion Group’s appeal for planning permission for proposals that would have led to the loss of nearly one third of the social housing units on the William Sutton Estate in Chelsea. GMB had branded this development a blatant case of asset stripping. “Clarion must not forget the primary reason of a housing association is to provide low cost housing to those on low incomes or those who need extra support. Nor must it forget that the Sutton Dwellings Trust was founded to provide ‘model low-rented dwellings for occupation by the poor of London and other towns and populous places’. “GMB has consistently supported residents fighting for their voices to be heard on proposals for demolition of their estates. We salute the residents of the Sutton Estate in their fight to retain social housing in Chelsea. We are supporters of Demolition Watch London in its campaign for all residents on estates facing demolition to be balloted on redevelopment plans with no loopholes or exceptions. This is the only way to stop asset stripping and the loss of social housing.” Cllr Ian Henderson, Chair of the Chelsea Association of Tenants and Save The Sutton also commented on the news: “I think this is a great day for the residents of Kensington and Chelsea and for all the other housing battles that are taking place across the country. “London needs homes for Londoners, not investment vehicles for international hedge funds. Social housing tenants across the UK can take heart from this decision. Just because your landlord says it needs to be knocked down, it isn’t necessarily so. We call for a halt to the 10 year managed decline of the estate and for Clarion to meaningfully engage with residents and the council, so we can get people out of temporary accommodation and into a home,” he concluded.

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Yorkshire Culture and Tourism Projects Funding

Around £7 million of funding is to go to three culture and tourism projects in Yorkshire. £6.9 million have been confirmed by Sheffield City Region to go towards Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Gullivers World and Vulcan to the Sky, which will also see almost 500 new jobs created. The funding for the projects is part of the Sheffield City Region’s Local Growth Fund (LGF) allocation, funded by the Government. Funding of £5 million was approved for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, £1.5 million for Gullivers Valley, and £400,000 for the Vulcan to the Sky project at a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) meeting. “It’s great to be able to fund such a diverse range of projects, which will create new jobs, boost our visitor economy and complement the existing range of fantastic arts, culture and heritage sites we have here in our region. Not only do cultural attractions enrich our quality of life, but they act as a driver for economic growth. By working together, we can be more than the sum of our parts,” said Mayor Dan Jarvis, who chaired the MCA meeting. Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster will add an additional 150 acres to the current site providing a new entrance, expanded car parking, new animal reserves and a large lake, all due to the funding. There will be also a visitor hub incorporating a 148-bedroom hotel, an events and conference venue, restaurants and shops, with aims to grow to 1.2 million visitors by 2022. The Gullivers Valley project will receive £1.5 million towards the £7.5 million cost of the whole theme park project, which will offer rides and attractions aimed at children aged from two to 13. The resort will also offer family-friendly accommodation, and is expected to create around 250 new jobs. Meanwhile, funding for the Vulcan to the Sky project will help to create a permanent home in Doncaster for the restored Vulcan XH558 bomber. “We are obviously thrilled that the Sheffield City Region has recognised the significance of the region being the permanent home to the Vulcan by the award of a significant grant towards the new hangar. The funding from the Sheffield City Region will be vital in delivering this heritage hangar, ensuring that XH558 is given the home she deserves and that the public can once again visit this iconic aircraft,” commented Dr Robert Pleming, on behalf of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust.

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Inspired by nature and village life – The new Lincolnshire development marrying modern living with rural beauty

A new 46.7-acre development in the village of Sudbrooke has taken its design inspiration from the surrounding historic woodland and the traditional village setting. Developed by Jackson & Jackson Developments and designed by Stem Architects, The Parklands will be a new residential community of 155 individually designed homes incorporating luxury modern living within a village setting. Works started on The Parklands in March of this year and the £30m development is on track for completion in 2020. Once complete, the development will feature an abundance of outdoor open spaces, woodland footpaths, a gastro pub/restaurant, communal gardens, allotments and an outdoor gym. Respect for the woodland site was a driving force in the crafting of the design and it was imperative that the aesthetic of the development reflected a countryside community that was integrated into its surroundings. Nigel Stevenson, director at Stem Architects, said: “The Parklands site is a scenic location and therefore this had to be the main driving force behind the design of the development. “Jackson & Jackson are leaders in creating premium homes in highly desirable locations but further to that, they give the time and investment needed to make the developments sympathetic to the surroundings, adding further features to create a desirable setting. “The inspiration for the look of the development came from the site itself. Preserving the woodland was at the heart of the design and therefore we worked to enhance the rural setting to create a community destination by adding walking trails and allotments, as well as a social place the community can meet in, the gastro pub. “A unique aspect of The Parklands is that we designed every house to be different, which is rare on a residential development of this size. It was essential that the design respected the surrounding woodlands by utilising a broad palette of materials to give individual identity to each property inspired by the eclectic mix which Lincolnshire’s rural vernacular offers.” The Lincoln-based developer and architect carefully considered the site, working hard to create an authentic village that respected and complemented the setting. Housing options will include quaint thatched cottages and spacious family homes and in keeping with tradition, original British red telephone boxes will be positioned throughout the Parklands and used to accommodate defibrillators. To ensure that wildlife is considered and the development remains respectful of the landscape assets, character, condition and ecological significance, 200 new trees and over two hectares of compensation woodland will be planted. The landscape design will also feature 2km of native and ornamental hedgerow planting and a biodiversity area of one hectare. Dominik Jackson, director at Jackson & Jackson Developments, said: “As with all of our developments, we have a clear vision for The Parklands. It’s one thing to create a great home, but it’s key to create a desirable environment where people really want to live. We’ve worked hard for a very long time with Stem Architects to create a vibrant yet peaceful community in Sudbrooke that is in touch with its surroundings. “The design of The Parklands aims to bring people together with spacious grassy areas for families to enjoy and a gastro pub/restaurant for social dining. The scenic woodland paths in the area are perfect for strolls and the smooth lakeside circuit path is ideal for running and cycling. “We are proud of what we are bringing to life just a few miles outside of Lincoln city centre.” Homes are now available at The Parklands through local agent Pygott & Crone.

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Focus Consultants completes role in fire safety improvements at Lincoln hospital

A £1.4m programme of fire safety improvement work in which Focus Consultants undertook the building surveying, design and contract administrator responsibilities has been completed on a ward at Lincoln County Hospital. The third floor Branston Ward (gynaecology) at Lincoln County Hospital has just undergone a major refurbishment, as part of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s (ULHT) ongoing fire safety upgrades. The 18-bed ward has benefited from new ceilings, flooring and patient bathrooms, in addition to a full set of new fire doors and new lighting throughout. The third-floor revamp is part of an extensive programme of work at Lincoln to update and improve the entire maternity wing. Now the building surveying team at Focus Consultants is undertaking a similar role as improvement and refurbishment work gets under way on the ground floor antenatal and community midwife offices at the hospital. The company is also due to be involved when improvements are made to the second floor in due course. Keith Butler, partner at Focus Consultants, which has its headquarters in Nottingham and branches in Leicester, Newark, Boston and London, said: “Focus Consultants has wide experience of working on sensitive sites, such as hospitals, where it is crucial for day-to-day services to continue operating. “These refurbishment schemes at the maternity unit at Lincoln County Hospital are the latest in a number of hospital projects to improve facilities that Focus has been involved in – providing building surveying, design and contract administrator services. We have worked with Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Grantham Hospital and Lincoln County Hospital, helping to improve the surroundings and safety of the patient and staff environment.” The improvements at Lincoln County Hospital are part of a Trust-wide £46m capital investment spanning three financial years (2017/18 – 2019/20), which includes increased staff training and putting in fire prevention systems, including modernising and upgrading fire alarm systems, improving fire doors and enhancing fire barriers around all the hospitals. Focus provides a range of consultancy services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, project management and sustainable development support. For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.com

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REM AND SELLAR CELEBRATE SHARD PLACE “TOPPING OUT” AS 26-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REACHES ITS HIGHEST POINT

Real Estate Management (UK) Limited (“REM”) and Sellar, the joint development manager, celebrated Shard Place, the third phase of development at Shard Quarter, reaching its highest point with a traditional construction topping out event. The 26-storey residential building stands between The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, and The News Building in London Bridge and will comprise of 176 apartments. The topping out event was led by Michael Baker, CEO of REM, and James Sellar, CEO of Sellar. They welcomed representatives from the project team, which includes architect Renzo Piano Building Workshop, construction managers Mace and project engineer WSP, and local dignitaries. To mark the event, a delegation travelled to the very top of the building to fill one final section with concrete using a ceremonial spade. Shard Place is the third phase of the £3.5 billion redevelopment of the estate next to London Bridge station, now known as Shard Quarter. The project team will now turn its attention to completing the cladding, which is in keeping with the aesthetics of The Shard and The News Building. The interior fit out has already commenced with the installation of high-quality fixtures and fittings. When completed in late 2020, Shard Place will provide a choice of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside amenities for the exclusive use of residents including a cinema, spa, and private roof garden. The building will appear to ‘float’ nine metres above ground level providing 13,000 sq ft of public realm and circa 12,000 sq ft of retail space, further reinforcing Shard Quarter as one of London’s most vibrant communities. Residents will benefit from Shard Quarter’s exceptional transport links given its proximity to London Bridge Station. Alongside the onsite amenities, Shard Quarter is next door to world-famous cultural hotspots and historical locations, such as Borough Market, Bermondsey Street and Tower Bridge, making the area an attractive place to live, as well as work and visit. James Sellar, CEO, Sellar said: “In keeping with the now well-established Shard Quarter, this latest phase brings a residential building designed by a world class architectural team. Our joint venture with the State of Qatar is creating a beautiful building with apartments of the highest design standards. As well as creating an integrated lifestyle building with outstanding amenities and spectacular views across London, Shard Place completes our vision for a truly mixed-use development at London Bridge which we commenced development of in 2008. This latest phase reflects Qatar’s commitment to both The Shard Quarter and its confidence in London and the UK, as well as the continuing strength of the relationship between the two countries” Michael Baker, CEO, Real Estate Management (UK) Limited, said: “The vision for Shard Quarter was to create a mixed-use quarter where people could live, work and relax. Shard Place will make this a reality when the first residents move in towards the end of 2020. With London’s population projected to grow rapidly over the next 15 years, we know that there will be strong demand for well-located homes and we have chosen to satisfy the need for high quality apartments. Shard Place will offer its residents an enviable lifestyle with exclusive amenities within the building and one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods on their doorstep all a stone’s throw from a major transportation hub.” Gareth Lewis, Mace’s Chief Operating Officer for Construction, said: “Shard Place will be an iconic addition to the London skyline and a fitting conclusion to delivery of the Shard Quarter. It’s a project that Mace is very proud to be working on, having been involved in the delivery of the Shard Quarter from the very beginning. This topping out reflects a significant milestone on the journey to delivering this complex and challenging construction project.” Joost Moolhuijzen, Architect, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, said: “Topping out is always a great moment, you finally start to see what the building will become.  Some of its secrets get unveiled.  It tells us also that the name “Shard Place” is right: “Shard” as it really feels like an integral part of The Shard. “Place” as it shows that once the hoardings will disappear a great Public Realm will appear connecting the Shard Quarter Piazza with St Thomas Street, opening up a whole new pedestrian route.” REM AND SELLAR CELEBRATE SHARD PLACE “TOPPING OUT” AS 26-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REACHES ITS HIGHEST POINT   Shard Place is a 26-storey residential building owned by the State of Qatar and developed in joint venture with Sellar Comprising 176 well specified apartments, following practical completion in 2020 Shard Place marks the latest phase in a £3.5 billion redevelopment of the Shard Quarter and in conjunction with the team from Renzo Piano Building Workshop adds an iconic residential landmark next to the Shard  

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APA Continues Wates Partnership on Leeds Development

APA Facade Systems, Speedclad and Wates Group are continuing their partnership for the newest development in Leeds’ most sought-after business location – 4 Wellington Place. APA’s TB60 and TB60 SG facade system will be installed by Speedclad to 4 Wellington Place, marking the latest installment in this 22-acre office development. The proposed addition to Wellington Place consists of an eight-storey triangular building, with a sloping roofline from Northern Street to Tower Square, incorporating terraces to all floors facing onto the Lifting Tower. The development frames stunning views across Wellington Place and the wider townscape, reflecting its emerging context through the use of the bronze, stone and glass as seen on 3, 5 and 6 Wellington Place. Described as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of the wider 22-acre development, on account of its unique form, 4 Wellington Place will deliver 131,500ft² nett of grade A office accommodation. It will also include 17,000ft² of ground floor retail and leisure space, in addition to basement car parking and landscape work. When entering the masterplan via the two avenues heading towards Tower Square, the proposed facades intersperse stone and bronze vertical panels with glazing, giving the reflective quality that creates the building’s jewel-like appearance. The gateway approach of 4 Wellington Place and its position sitting at the centre of the current master plan, has led to the development of a building that is distinct whilst borrowing from the architectural language of the surrounding buildings. Having already completed no’s 3 and 5 Wellington Place, APA Facade Systems is currently working on no’s 7 & 8 and is delighted to secure the latest contract in this development.

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FIRST PHASE OF KINGS HALL TRANSFORMATION INTO HEALTH & WELLBEING APPROVED BY BCC

The first phase of plans to transform the Kings Hall heritage site to a Health and Wellbeing Campus has been granted Planning Approval by Belfast City Council. Based in south Belfast, the Kings Hall Health and Wellbeing Park will become the most innovative Health and Wellbeing hub in the UK. TODD Architects and Consarc Design Group are working with healthcare specialist developers Benmore Octopus Healthcare Developments Ltd on the design of an innovative health park masterplan located at the iconic Kings Hall, South Belfast.  The King’s Hall Health and Wellbeing Park is a joint venture between developer Benmore Group and healthcare and property investor Octopus Healthcare. The campus will be the first of its kind, setting a new standard for health care provision in Northern Ireland. It will provide GP services in new accommodation for population south of the city. The vision is to create an integrated healthcare model which will be part of a wider lifestyle, leisure and well-being park. The masterplan scheme of site area 68,424 sqm will offer a range of integrated and onsite health, community and leisure facilities. These include a primary care complex alongside ancillary medical facilities with the ability to accommodate care for over 25,000 patients. The suburban city redevelopment will also include elderly residential care facilities ; consisting of independent living apartments and bespoke homes for the over-55s as well as a hotel and resident’s gym facilities and a multi-storey car park.  Architecturally, the former Kings Hall landmark venue will be sensitively refurbished, with the primary design ambition to preserve the heritage of this iconic and unique 1930’s art deco building. The existing Kings Hall will sit at the heart of the scheme, along with the addition of new, neighbouring medical and accommodation-based facilities masterplanned which to create a village feel.  The architectural team have developed this landmark regeneration masterplan, working closely with the developers and collaborating with Belfast City Council, extensively engaging with various healthcare stakeholders and the local community.  David Burrows of Benmore Octopus said the proposed £100m project will be the “most innovative healthcare and wellbeing hub in the UK”.  “It will create next generation GP care services for the growing population of south Belfast as well as delivering a range of on-site diagnostic facilities alongside housing options for the over 55-plus. We believe the King’s Hall Health and Wellbeing Park will be a beacon of excellence and a standard bearer for integrated healthcare provision in the city and Northern Ireland going forward.” Planning Approval was granted by Belfast City Council at the December Planning Meeting and it is proposed that works will commencing on site in 2019

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An accurate current meter in every bedroom and hot water tank.

Prefect Controls have introduced a new feature for their PrefectIrus product – the integration of an accurate current meter that monitors energy use in each room throughout multi-occupancy buildings such as student accommodation. Until now, managers have calculated energy use based on power rating multiplied by length of time a device is estimated to be active. However, fluctuating voltage and imprecise predictions of ‘on-times’ can make these estimates wildly inaccurate. The new PU3 from Prefect comes with iACM (Integrated Accurate Current Metering) as standard, logging the current only when a heater is operational. This data is then transmitted via the buildings wiring system to the central controller where it is recalled for estimation of seasonal energy usage. As well as monitoring heaters in bedrooms, the feature also notifies managers if there is a problem with hot water tanks. Usually a problem is only evident when both elements fail and water isn’t being heated. With accurate metering, if one element fails, the drop in current immediately identifies the problem – meaning efficiency can be restored. Glen Golding, Prefect Controls MD, said “This development means accurate usage can be calculated so that better purchasing of energy will lead to greater savings for organisations providing multi-occupancy accommodation.” PrefectIrus is currently in more than 20,000 bedrooms and continuous development makes it an invaluable product to ensure efficient use of energy across Britain’s university accommodation estate. For further information contact Glen Golding on  01787 320 604.  

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Hundreds of New Homes in London

Hundreds of new homes are coming to Waltham Forest in London as residential development receives planning approval. For this project Transport for London has teamed up with Barratt London as part of its Property Partnership Framework. Built on a 1.8 acre site, the Blackhorse Point development will deliver 350 new homes across six new buildings. The new homes will provide a mixture of studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom properties. The development is situated opposite Blackhorse Road station, which is serviced by both the Victoria line and London Overground. The site will also make it easier for residents to cycle with 650 cycle parking spaces. “Blackhorse Point is a really exciting development and we are thrilled to be taking it forward with Barratt London. It will have a huge, positive impact on Waltham Forest, supporting the regeneration already taking place. It will be providing the housing that the borough and London desperately need, while generating vital revenue to reinvest back into the transport network,” said Graeme Craig, Director of Commercial Development at Transport for London. Blackhorse Point was designed by RMA Architects and it is a key element of the wider masterplan of the Blackhorse Lane regeneration area, which falls under part of the Greater London Authority’s Blackhorse Road and Northern Olympic Park Housing zone as well as the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s Blackhorse Lane Area Action Plan. It will ensure that those living and working in the area continue to benefit from the changes taking place by improving public amenities – including new public pedestrian links, new trees and new children’s play areas. “The development will enable the local economy to continue to flourish with even better public amenities and new job and local apprenticeship opportunities. The additional retail and work spaces will provide a fantastic offering for those looking to start or expand their businesses in a brilliant location,” added Graeme Craig. Blackhorse Point will deliver 17,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, which will include opportunities for small and independent businesses. This includes a new co-working hub and creative workspaces, which will further support the Blackhorse Lane Creative Enterprise Zone. The construction of the site will create up to 300 jobs and local apprenticeships.

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Vital Energi Awarded £2.3m Redrow Energy Scheme

Vital Energi will deliver a £2.3m energy scheme for The West Works, Redrow’s latest development in Southall. Vital will be taking a phased installation approach to grow the solution in line with Redrow’s construction plans. Vital will be providing the design, supply and installation services for the scheme, which consists of a 185kW CHP engine, three 533kW gas boilers, two 8,000 litre thermal stores, low temperature hot water system and 280m of district heating. Vital will also be responsible for supplying the heat interface units for the development which consists of 313 new homes, alongside commercial units. Vital adapted the design presented by Redrow’s consultants to provide a more financially beneficial and efficient solution. This was achieved by reducing the number of CHP engines from four with a thermal storage of 20m³, to one CHP with a thermal storage of 16m³ which not only reduces the cost of plant and maintenance, but also provides a more accurate size solution for the development’s energy demand. The energy scheme will be installed alongside the development’s construction, with the CHP engine being switched on later in the development process when there is the required demand. The project will also see Vital provide the additional infrastructure to futureproof the network by installing capped pipework to allow for the additional connections. The original intention was to install a capped district heating link from the energy centre to provide the ability to connect to the nearby Southall West Energy Centre in the future. However, this design was reassessed and adapted by Vital to supply the development and the capped link from a single district heating main which reduced the length of pipe required. Rob Callagahan, Regional Director for the South for Vital Energi, commented, “After working with Redrow on previous projects such as their Padcroft and 500 Chiswick Road developments, we are pleased that we have been selected to provide the energy scheme for this new development. We have carried out a detailed design to ensure the most financially beneficial and efficient solution has been provided and look forward to seeing the project implemented.” The West Works development comprises one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments and is due for completion late 2019.

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