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
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
Cable management specialist, HellermannTyton, has completed a multi-million-pound expansion to its Plymouth factory with an official opening due to take place in July. Based at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford, HellermannTyton has doubled the size of its current factory by adding a new 3,439 m2 production
A new housing scheme at Herbert Avenue led by BCP Council and delivered by AJC group has won an affordable housing award. It received the Affordable Housing Development of the Year accolade at the Insider South West Property Awards. When complete the scheme will deliver 24 energy efficient apartments for
Works to excavate 22-acres of the Liverpool Festival Gardens site are nearing completion after two years. The derelict land had not been touched in 25 years before remediation work began on the area. More than 380,000 cubic metres of soil and waste has been removed as part of the project,
Sheffield City Council has announced a £117 million investment package for the city’s leisure and entertainment facilities. The plans include rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres, improvements to Sheffield Arena and the City Hall. Springs, Concord and Hillsborough Leisure Centres have all been selected for rebuilds.
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
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
Cable management specialist, HellermannTyton, has completed a multi-million-pound expansion to its Plymouth factory with an official opening due to take place in July. Based at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford, HellermannTyton has doubled the size of its current factory by adding a new 3,439 m2 production facility. The new site expansion will support recent developments across a variety of sectors including rail, automotive and defence, which has caused a 60% growth in business at the site. The expansion features a bespoke extrusion hall, high-speed extrusion lines and state-of-the-art feed systems which have allowed HellermannTyton to increase its manufacturing capacity. The new site also gives the company the ideal combination of production space, warehouse storage, access to shipping docks, as well as innovative machinery. Barry Phelps, Commercial Sales Manager for HellermannTyton, comments: “We are delighted to announce that our new Plymouth site will be opening in July. This expansion has been made possible by the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team and we are keen to see the amazing work and solutions that will be created at our state-of-the-art new facility. “The expansion is also part of our decade-long plan to reinforce our status as the leading supplier of cable management solutions, and with this, comes our commitment to preparing the next generation of manufacturers,” said Barry. “The new investment means we can flourish as a local employer; creating nearly 100 new jobs and providing a training academy and research and development labs to give a boost to both the local economy and the future of cable management solutions.” As a global manufacturer that offers high-performance fastening, connecting, protecting, and identifying cable solutions, HellermannTyton works with a diverse range of industries and key manufacturing processes at the factory have been implemented to create solutions for a multitude of industries such as aerospace, solar and electrical. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new housing scheme at Herbert Avenue led by BCP Council and delivered by AJC group has won an affordable housing award. It received the Affordable Housing Development of the Year accolade at the Insider South West Property Awards. When complete the scheme will deliver 24 energy efficient apartments for people who are currently homeless and require a stepping-stone between hostels and independent living. The project aims to reduce dependency on temporary Bed and Breakfast accommodation, instead providing an alternative solution through the mix of 1,2- and 3-bedroom self-contained units. The development includes a number of green features, which led it to achieve Passivehaus certification. The plans also include bat and bird boxes which aim to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The development was also shortlisted in the Sustainable Development of the Year category in early June’s South Coast Property Awards. Commenting on the project, Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “This new development is so important to help towards our long-term vision of ending homelessness across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Helping people off the streets and into a safe place that they can call home, is something we’re all very passionate about. “To be recognised in these industry awards for the social impact of the scheme alongside the green credentials highlights our responsibility to our declared climate and ecological emergency alongside our commitment to reducing and ultimately ending homelessness, and I’m looking forward to seeing this accommodation in use once the development is complete.” Reflecting on their involvement, David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “We are delighted to have won the Insider South East Affordable Housing Development of the Year as well as being shortlisted for the Sustainable Development of the Year at the South Coast Property Awards, as Herbert Avenue is a shining example of what partnership working can deliver. This trailblazing development for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been designed locally, and is being constructed by our local supply chain. And, as soon as the new homes are handed over, they will be occupied by local people. “With Poole and Sandbanks being such a tourist hotspot, the need for ‘move on’ accommodation might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. However, the high cost of living here is why this scheme on Herbert Avenue is so vital. As a specialist in affordable housing, this eco-focused scheme is central to our core social values of building communities and delivering lasting change. We are very proud to be working on a project that will make a real difference to local people and the local economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works to excavate 22-acres of the Liverpool Festival Gardens site are nearing completion after two years. The derelict land had not been touched in 25 years before remediation work began on the area. More than 380,000 cubic metres of soil and waste has been removed as part of the project, with 95% of the material being recycled. Liverpool City Council is now seeking to appoint multidisciplinary consultant team to assist the Council in preparing a development brief for the residential-led redevelopment of Festival Gardens. The appointed partner will work with the council to create a development brief which will then be advertised on the market for various contractors to bid for. The Liverpool Festival Gardens site is situated three miles south of the city centre. It is split into three different zones. A 28 acre development zone, 25 acres of oriental gardens and the southern grasslands – 37 acres of former Festival Gardens land that has self-seeded. The Development Zone, part of which was a former landfill site, once formed part of the International Garden Festival celebrations launched by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984. Commenting on the project, Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, Councillor Nick Small, said: “This is a major step forward in transforming this iconic location and bringing to life our vision of creating a brand new community, with a range of housing types and tenures, ancillary facilities and a high-quality, desirable public realm area. “The work undertaken to date to reach this milestone should not be underestimated, but our focus has been on getting everything right as we need to future-proof this land and make sure it’s fit for purpose for generations to come. “We look forward to moving on to the next phase and taking a step closer to this game-changing development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sheffield City Council has announced a £117 million investment package for the city’s leisure and entertainment facilities. The plans include rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres, improvements to Sheffield Arena and the City Hall. Springs, Concord and Hillsborough Leisure Centres have all been selected for rebuilds. In addition to investment for the Woodburn Road FC. A procurement process for the new projects will be put in place in 2024 when the existing agreements for the management of the various sites is due to end. The procurement process will be split into three packages. Each bidder will have the opportunity to tender for the packages that best suit their experience. The packages consist of Services for Sport and Leisure (including golf facilities), entertainment facilities at the town hall and entertainment facilities at the arena. Commenting on the plans, Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is renowned for sport, leisure and entertainment with our venues hosting many elite events and high-profile shows. We’re proud of this but we know that many of our facilities need significant investment. Our plans will ensure there are modern, accessible leisure facilities across the city and they will ensure Sheffield has the venues to compete on the national and international stage. “Listening to our residents, we know that many people can find it hard to be active and incorporate healthy habits into daily life. That’s why we’re working with our partners to deliver excellent, low-cost facilities across the city. We want to ensure people across Sheffield can access facilities that support wellbeing, physical and mental health, that are aspirational for children and young people and are places to socialise and have fun. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’ve developed a long-term vision that will protect and enhance our much-loved venues. Across the country we’ve seen pool and leisure centres close but Sheffield is bucking the trend by investing in our facilities.” Reflecting on the potential impact of the scheme, Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks, and Leisure policy committee, said: “To look after ourselves, we need facilities and open spaces that are fit for purpose, places that people want to visit and enjoy. “Health and wellbeing matter now more than ever. A walk in the park, a swim at your local pool, or a 30-minute class in the gym does wonders for minds and bodies and it’s important that local people have the choices to do it their way. “Sheffield is one of only three cities in the UK to host a National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine. A significant part of our success lies in working closely with our partners such as the NHS, the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Working together to deliver the city’s Move More strategy enables us to ensure Sheffield residents have the facilities they need to live happy, healthier lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
