Work on the UK’s longest railway bridge ramped up this week as HS2 began production of 1,000 enormous concrete segments that will form the deck of the Colne Valley Viaduct. Stretching for 2.1 miles (3.4km) across a series of lakes and waterways just outside London, the viaduct will carry high-speed
Construction work is about to start on a new development in Ely which will deliver more than 250 new homes and a new cricket pitch and pavilion in the city. Linden Homes, part of the Vistry Group, is preparing to build 258 properties at its new Willow Woods development, off
The event, being hosted at the iconic Villa Park stadium on February 15 will be the first in person event for nearly two years after the event was put on hold due to the pandemic. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it will attending a major Meet the
Project constitutes the final phase of PLP’s prime employment park development at Basford West in Crewe. Glencar, a construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been awarded a project by specialist developer, manager and owner of UK logistics and industrial
Goodman completes 500,000 sq ft Crossways Commercial Park, Dartford M25-adjacent location places 10.4 million consumers within a 60-minute HGV drive-time, with a purchasing power of £268.1 billion* One of Goodman’s most sustainable UK developments and the first to feature full rooftop solar PV Properties available for immediate occupation To meet
A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to
Harmony Energy Signs 40 Year Lease Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, has agreed a 40 year lease to Harmony Energy for the construction of a battery storage facility at a five acre site adjacent to Creyke Beck substation in Cottingham
HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on SCAPE’s new student accommodation scheme in Leeds which will top 100m high and provide 693 bedrooms for local students. The Merrion Street development will be Scape’s first student accommodation scheme in Leeds and HG Construction’s first development in the city.
Joseph Mews Property Group announces appointment by Consortia Developments Birmingham property investment group Joseph Mews has been appointed by London-based property development company Consortia Developments. The newly formed group, which is based within the Jewellery Quarter, is to work with Consortia Developments to bring the new Lockside Wharf apartments in
Much needed new accommodation for Manchester’s growing student community developed by Alumno has reached the landmark topping out stage on schedule with the structure of the building now complete. Built on a site south of the city centre previously occupied by the disused Church Inn public house and close to
Work on the UK’s longest railway bridge ramped up this week as HS2 began production of 1,000 enormous concrete segments that will form the deck of the Colne Valley Viaduct. Stretching for 2.1 miles (3.4km) across a series of lakes and waterways just outside London, the viaduct will carry high-speed trains as part of the HS2 project, designed to improve rail links between London, Birmingham and North, boost the economy and provide a low carbon alternative to car and air travel. The huge deck segments – which weigh up to 140 tonnes – are being made on site at a temporary factory built specifically for the project. The mammoth 100m long building, which is visible from the M25, has an internal volume of 105,000 cubic metres – making it larger than the Royal Albert Hall. HS2 Project Client, David Emms said: “We’re already making strong progress on the Colne Valley Viaduct – sinking the foundations, building the first piers, and now starting production at the new modular viaduct factory. Once complete, this iconic structure will carry trains at up to 200mph – improving connections across the UK, freeing up rail capacity and offering passengers low carbon travel options. “It’s great to see how much progress has been made and I look forward to seeing work on assembling the deck structure later this year.” Every segment will be a slightly different shape depending on where it fits into the viaduct and the modular approach was chosen to ensure quality, safety and efficiency in production and to avoid bringing them in by road. At the peak of construction, around 12 segments – each the size of a double-decker bus – will be cast every week using a ‘match-casting’ technique. This approach – where each segment is poured against the previous one – will ensure the whole arch fits perfectly when reassembled on site. The huge project is being led by engineers from HS2’s main works contractor Align JV – a team made up of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick. Once construction is complete, the factory and surrounding buildings will be removed and the whole area between the viaduct and the Chiltern tunnel will be transformed into an area of chalk grassland and woodland as part of HS2’s ‘green corridor’ project. Daniel Altier, Align Project Director “Seeing the first deck segments being cast in the factory marks a significant milestone for the project. The design of the viaduct is such that each segment will be unique, delivering a structure which I have no doubt will be one of the most striking elements of HS2 once complete. “I would like to thank all the Align team and our supply chain partners that have enabled us to get to where we are today and in particular VSL, Danny Sullivan, Sendin and Tarmac.” The design of the Colne Valley Viaduct was inspired by the flight of a stone skipping across the water, with a series of elegant spans, some up to 80m long, carrying the railway around 10m above the surface of the lakes, River Colne and Grand Union Canal. Set low into the landscape, wider spans will carry the viaduct crosses the lakes, with narrower spans for the approaches. This design was chosen to enable views across the landscape, minimise the viaduct’s footprint on the lakes and help complement views across the natural surroundings. Work has also begun on the 56 giant piers that will support the viaduct, working from north to south. Weighing in at around 370 tonnes, the first 6m tall reinforced concrete pier was cast on site by a team of engineers who used a specially-designed formwork to create the shape of the structure. This was then removed after 4 days to reveal the final product. Each pier is designed to support the full weight of the deck above and rests on a set of concrete piles going up to 55m into the ground. This foundation work began earlier this year and will require the construction of 292 piles and 56 pile caps across the whole length of the viaduct. Once complete, the team will then use a specialised ‘launching girder’ resting on top of the piers to lift the deck segments into position. In another visible sign of progress on the project, the team have also completed the construction of the first two of four jetties across the lakes to get equipment into position to support the construction thereby taking construction vehicles off local roads. Where the viaduct crosses the lakes, the piles are being bored directly into the lakebed, using a cofferdam to hold back the water while the pier is constructed.
Construction work is about to start on a new development in Ely which will deliver more than 250 new homes and a new cricket pitch and pavilion in the city. Linden Homes, part of the Vistry Group, is preparing to build 258 properties at its new Willow Woods development, off Lynn Road. The site forms part of the wider Orchards Green scheme, which is set to bring 1,200 new homes and a range of community facilities to North Ely over the coming years. Linden Homes will deliver 212 private homes and 46 affordable properties available for local people through rent or shared ownership at Willow Woods. The development will comprise a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom houses and apartments. As part of the planning agreement for the development, Linden Homes will also be providing a new ECB-approved cricket pitch and pavilion. Laura Thomas, sales manager at Willow Woods, said: “We are looking forward to the first bricks being laid at our new Willow Woods development as work gets underway on bringing these much-needed new homes to the north of the city. “Our range of one to five-bedroom houses and apartments, which have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the historic nature of Ely, means there is something for housebuyers at all stages of the property ladder. “As the development forms part of the new Orchards Green scheme, residents at Willow Woods will have access to a wealth of new facilities and will benefit from a country park, trim trail facilities and an off-site cycleway.” Willow Woods is named after the timber used to make cricket bats, chosen to link with the cricket pitch and pavilion Linden Homes is also providing at the site. With work set to start imminently, the developer intends to release the first homes for sale at Willow Woods this spring. Linden Homes is currently building new homes near Ely at its Laithwaite Gardens development in Sutton. For more information, visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk/eastmidlands
The event, being hosted at the iconic Villa Park stadium on February 15 will be the first in person event for nearly two years after the event was put on hold due to the pandemic. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it will attending a major Meet the Buyer event in Birmingham later this month. The event being held at Villa Park on February 15 will be the first in-person Meet the Buyer evet for nearly two years after the programme was put on hold by the pandemic. It offers an opportunity for GMI to connect with a host of subcontractors, suppliers and public sector authorities from across the Midlands. GMI will also have the opportunity to discuss the many contracts and projects it is working on currently in the region which include construction of a 95 unit stand out residential development for HBD in Birmingham’s Iconic Jewellery Quarter; a 155,000 sq ft net zero in carbon operation logistics/industrial unit for St Modwen Logistics in Longbridge and the construction of a new build residential block containing 259 apartments over 11 storeys for SJS in Derby as part of regeneration of the Becketwell area. Speaking about the event Andy Bruce, Divisional Marketing Director GMI Construction Group said: “GMI are deeply invested in Birmingham and The Midlands and events like this are very important to us as we look to engage with the local construction supply chain and invest in the development of the communities in which we operate. We’re committed to sourcing materials as best we can from the local region together with creating opportunities for apprentices and a locally recruited workforce. As we continue to expand our operations throughout The Midlands we are keen to develop long-term and mutually beneficial relationships that share our growth objectives and business philosophy. The Midlands is benefitting massively from the levelling up agenda with a great deal of development and regeneration taking place which GMI is keen to be at the centre of to create a new industrial and economic legacy” Also commenting, organisers Constructionline Managing Director, Stefano Mattiello, said: “Over 500 like-minded businesses from the construction industry will be in attendance, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect, gain insight, build knowledge and grow your business. “The event will allow buyers and SMEs to come together for their mutual benefit, it’s a fantastic chance to discuss upcoming work contracts and build long-lasting working relations.” The Birmingham Meet the Buyer event 2022 takes place on the 15th February at Villa Park In Birmingham. Further information can be found here : https://www2.constructionline.co.uk/Birmingham-registration-page.html?utm_source=website&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=birmingham
Project constitutes the final phase of PLP’s prime employment park development at Basford West in Crewe. Glencar, a construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has been awarded a project by specialist developer, manager and owner of UK logistics and industrial properties PLP to construct a new 456,736 sq ft (Crewe 460) speculative big box logistics unit at a prime development site at Basford West in Crewe. The project constitutes the final phase of PLP’s development on the prime employment park with construction work expected to start imminently and completion scheduled for December this year. It is Glencar’s third scheme for PLP, following the successful completion of the first phase at Crewe in 2020 and a further development at Ellesmere Port. Crewe 460 is being constructed to be a ‘best-in-class’ warehouse and logistics facility featuring 15M clear internal height, 72M deep service yard, three-story external offices of over 30,000 sq ft together with a separately accessed car park with 442 spaces. As with all PLP speculatively developed units, Crewe 460 will be constructed in accordance with the UK Green Building Council Carbon Net Zero standard. The design has been developed to minimise embodied carbon during construction. It also includes numerous measures to enable the end occupier to transition easily and affordably to carbon net zero operation including solar photovoltaics, air source heating and cooling, LED lighting and electric car charging points. Further, the building is designed for the occupier’s future flexibility such as a strengthened roof to enable full coverage of solar photovoltaics and underground infrastructure to allow 100% of all car and HGV parking spaces to have electric charging points. Talking about the contract award, Peter Goodman Glencar Managing Director Midlands and North said: “At Glencar we place great emphasis on long term customer relationships, and we are delighted to be working with the PLP team again to deliver this high quality big box development. Our recently opened Manchester office is now working on a growing number of projects across the North West and we continue to capitalise on the opportunities being driven by the levelling up agenda and the growth of the Northern Powerhouse.” Phase 1 of PLP Crewe, comprising of two units of 92,500 sq ft and 43,000 sq ft also constructed by Glencar, was completed in 2020 and let immediately to Likewize (formerly Brightstar), the world’s leading provider of integrated solutions for the mobile and financial industries.
Goodman completes 500,000 sq ft Crossways Commercial Park, Dartford M25-adjacent location places 10.4 million consumers within a 60-minute HGV drive-time, with a purchasing power of £268.1 billion* One of Goodman’s most sustainable UK developments and the first to feature full rooftop solar PV Properties available for immediate occupation To meet rising demand for sustainable logistics space with easy access to consumer markets, Goodman has launched a 500,000 sq ft site in M25 e-commerce hotspot, Dartford. This is the first of its UK portfolio to feature full rooftops of solar PV as it accelerates its commitment to low carbon technologies. Available for immediate occupation and comprising three high-specification units of 240,884 sq ft, 138,062 sq ft and 101,659 sq ft, Crossways Commercial Park offers state-of-the-art facilities for customers across retail, e-commerce and logistics. With direct access to Junction 1a of the M25, the site’s fast connections to London and the national motorway network place 10.4 million consumers within a 60-minute HGV drive-time with a purchasing power of £268.1 billion*. Kent’s excellent freight links to the Channel Tunnel, Port of Dover and London Thamesport also make the facilities ideal for businesses serving UK, European and international markets. Crossways Commercial Park is among Goodman’s most sustainable UK developments and is the first to feature a full rooftop array of solar photovoltaics (PV) across each building. The 2.2MW system will generate a combined annual power output of almost two million kWh – equivalent to removing 435 tons of carbon from the atmosphere or planting 20,727 trees. Designed to support customers decarbonise their operations, Crossways Commercial Park features solar thermal hot water, solar heating for office areas and other sustainable features including electric vehicle (EV) charging points, infrastructure for EV fleets, rainwater harvesting and smart metering, to help monitor and reduce energy consumption. Delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and achieving an A+ energy rating, each building also features a carbon neutral cladding system, designed to meet ‘chill-store’ and ambient product storage requirements. George Glennie, Development Director at Goodman, said: “Crossways Commercial Park is a prime example of Goodman’s global focus on delivering sustainable properties that utilise the latest innovations in design, construction and energy generation. “Not only is it our most sustainable property in the UK, but it sets a standard for future properties we will be developing. Its strategic location is also set to drive supply chain efficiencies for our customers, placing them closer to consumers which in turn drives down transport emissions.” The launch of Crossways Commercial Park also follows Goodman UK achieving a 5 Star Rating in the Development benchmark by GRESB, a leading sustainability assessment for the real estate sector. Glennie added: “Through developments such as Crossways Commercial Park, we are realising our ambition to deliver properties that can meet our customers’ needs now and into the future.” Crossways Commercial Park adds to Dartford’s reputation as a thriving distribution and supply chain destination, with more than 4,000 people employed in logistics and e-commerce**. Part of an established business park spanning 300-acres, the development offers customers excellent on-site amenities in an attractive, landscaped setting. Employees will also benefit from a range of dedicated public transport options, helping to support recruitment and staff retention. Gavin Cleary, CEO at Locate in Kent, said, “We welcome this outstanding new facility in Dartford. Goodman is not only meeting the demand for high quality, well connected space in Kent, but is also responding to the very strong desire from international companies to have sustainable, environmentally-conscious and future-facing facilities in the UK. “This investment once again demonstrates why Kent is perfectly placed for logistics and distribution companies wishing to expand operations and maximise their potential.” For further information and to enquire about Crossways 102, 138 and 241, please visit: https://uk.goodman.com/properties-for-lease/crossways-commercial-park.
A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to live in safe, secure homes and no longer living on the streets. Planning permission was granted by Basildon Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 26 January for the former ITEC site in Burnt Mills Road, Basildon. The new development will act as follow-on accommodation specifically for Basildon residents who have found themselves experiencing periods of homelessness. Residents will live in the homes for a maximum of three years and some will stay for a minimum of six months on an assured shorthold tenancy. The scheme, which will have office space for support workers, council staff and supporting agencies, has been funded through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Program (RSAP) from the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities). The six modular units, known as SoloHaus, have been gifted by The Hill Group as part of their commitment to providing 200 homes over the next five years. They will provide safe, comfortable, sustainable homes for single people experiencing periods of homelessness. The 10 one-bed homes inside the building will be managed by the housing association, Peabody South East, in partnership with Basildon Council. Andy Hill, Chief Executive, The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with Basildon Council on this scheme which once complete will change peoples’ lives for the better. It is excellent news that planning has now been approved, and we are looking forward to working with all of the teams to deliver SoloHaus in Essex.” Chairman of the Housing and Estate Renewal Committee Councillor Andrew Schrader said: “The scheme aims to provide our residents affected by homelessness with a home. Receiving support, vocational training and the skills required to be able to move on and sustain their own tenancy, they will get the opportunity to turn their lives around.” For more details on SoloHaus, please visit www.solohaus.co.uk.
Harmony Energy Signs 40 Year Lease Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, has agreed a 40 year lease to Harmony Energy for the construction of a battery storage facility at a five acre site adjacent to Creyke Beck substation in Cottingham near Hull. When constructed it will be one of the largest battery storage facilities in Europe. Harmony Energy has secured planning consent from East Riding of Yorkshire Council for a total of 100MW of battery storage. The development will enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released when customers need power most, helping the UK transition to net zero. Yorkshire-based Harmony Energy develops, builds, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy assets across the UK. The new facility will have the capacity to store up to 200MWh of power to feed directly back onto the network via the adjacent Creyke Beck substation, making the site’s location ideal for this development. Peter Garrett, Managing Director at Keyland Developments, said: “We’re very pleased to get this deal across the line; the energy sector represents an exciting new business area for us to explore and we look forward to sourcing further opportunities from within Kelda Group’s extensive landholding.” Keyland Developments was advised by Carter Jonas’ Infrastructure and Energy team. Carter Jonas’ energy specialist Simon Currie said: ”We are delighted to have advised Keyland on the development and promotion of this significant energy development site. The project is a prime example of the opportunity that presents itself to landowners and developers with sites adjacent to major grid substations, given the increasing demand for energy storage and frequency management on the grid.” Keyland Developments Ltd is the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water. Keyland has been operating across Yorkshire for over 20 years, regenerating Yorkshire Water’s redundant sites. In addition to its work transforming former Yorkshire Water land, the team also works alongside independent landowners, corporates or regulated bodies to overcome obstacles to development on strategic sites in order to facilitate regeneration by securing planning consent for future use.
HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on SCAPE’s new student accommodation scheme in Leeds which will top 100m high and provide 693 bedrooms for local students. The Merrion Street development will be Scape’s first student accommodation scheme in Leeds and HG Construction’s first development in the city. The scheme, which will be built on the site of the former Santander building, comprises purpose-built student accommodation including shared amenity spaces built across two blocks, with two retail units on the ground floors. The tallest of the two blocks will be 32 storeys, making it HG Construction’s tallest development to date and amongst the tallest buildings in Leeds. The second block will be 11 storeys high. The new scheme is set to make an impressive addition to the Leeds skyline, with striking unitized glass facades on the high-rise building. Shared facilities will include a cinema, communal kitchens, gym, study and breakout spaces, a fourth-floor terrace with outside space, and cycle storage at ground level. SCAPE is one of the UK’s leading student accommodation providers, focusing on the quality of the student experience and their personal well-being. The Leeds scheme will be the 10th scheme that HG Construction has delivered for SCAPE. The company is currently building a 774-bed student accommodation led scheme for SCAPE in Canada Street, London and has recently finished a student accommodation and co-living scheme with 500 beds in Guilford. Adam Quinn, Managing Director, HG Construction said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SCAPE to deliver this iconic new student accommodation scheme in Leeds. SCAPE has an excellent reputation for developing high quality, innovative student accommodation schemes which provide an exceptional living experience for students across the UK. We are proud to be involved in this significant new development in Leeds, our first project in the city, and we look forward to working with SCAPE and the wider team to bring this scheme to life.” Adam Brockley, Global CDO, SCAPE said: “We look forward to continuing our partnership with HG Construction to bring to life our vision for a new student accommodation scheme at this landmark site in Leeds. HG Construction has earned an impeccable reputation for its forward-thinking design and innovative developments that go above and beyond anybody’s expectations. We are proud to be bringing our high-quality accommodation to a city so well-known for its vibrant student life as we continue with our ambitious plans to develop the global Scape offering.”
Joseph Mews Property Group announces appointment by Consortia Developments Birmingham property investment group Joseph Mews has been appointed by London-based property development company Consortia Developments. The newly formed group, which is based within the Jewellery Quarter, is to work with Consortia Developments to bring the new Lockside Wharf apartments in Birmingham City Centre, to market. The canal-side development, based on Scotland Street, was formerly an office building. Work has already begun to convert it into 16, one-bedroom and two bedroom duplex apartments. There will also be roof extensions, which will house four penthouse-style apartments, and a new building on the adjacent car park, creating an additional 45 homes, three of which will be affordable. Olly Clayton, Partner at Consortia, said: “Lockside Wharf is one of the most exciting new developments for Birmingham city-centre. This is why we’ve partnered with Joseph Mews to help bring it to market. “Aside from their extensive past performance in the city’s development sector, they understand what it takes to help deliver a high-end project such as Lockside Wharf in an increasingly competitive central Birmingham market. “With Lockside Wharf covering nearly 45,000 sq.ft of waterfront space minutes from the highly desirable Jewellery Quarter and Brindleyplace, it represents a truly thoughtful restoration – a unique addition to the local market composed of beautiful warehouse-style apartments. We can’t wait to see Lockside Wharf take shape and how Joseph Mews will help bring this stunning new development to an entirely new audience.” The Joseph Mews Property Group, which officially launched at the start of the year, was set up by former SevenCapital sales director Andy Foote Andy said: “We are really proud to be working alongside such a well established company, and on such a great scheme right in the heart of the city we love so much. Consortia Developments are really creating a fantastic addition to the city with Lockside Wharf being redeveloped, and we are looking forward to working with them to bring such incredible homes to market.” Lockside Wharf is expected to complete in the second quarter of next year. For more details about Joseph Mews email Sales@Joseph-Mews.com or visit www.joseph-mews.com.
Much needed new accommodation for Manchester’s growing student community developed by Alumno has reached the landmark topping out stage on schedule with the structure of the building now complete. Built on a site south of the city centre previously occupied by the disused Church Inn public house and close to major arterial road The Mancunian Way, the nine-storey building will consist of 62 studio apartments, along with a communal area, rooftop terrace, office and storage space for 16 bikes. Landscaping will also be carried out to highlight the history of the site, with the reclaimed facade bricks being used to create a bespoke seating area outside the development. The location is close to a range of facilities and departments of Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester School of Art, Manchester Business School and the University of Manchester. Built by the GMI Construction Group, the development supports two key ambitions of Manchester City Council. First, to prioritise purpose-built student accommodation to protect family homes from conversion to multiple occupation properties. Second, to achieve a zero-carbon target for Manchester by establishing student accommodation close to educational establishments, reducing the need for travel and minimising emissions. Scheduled for completion for the start of the 2022 academic year, the development has been designed by Carson & Partners to enhance and complement the local area. It will also directly benefit the adjacent community, with Alumno partnering charity One Manchester to secure a £50,000 fund for local community projects. “We are also working to provide pioneering navigation aids using GPS wayfinding technology to help visually impaired students, and will install CCTV surveillance equipment to ensure the site is safe and secure, and deter anti-social behaviour,” explained Alumno Managing Director David Campbell. “I’m delighted we have reached this landmark stage on schedule, and as usual with our student residences, look forward to commissioning new public art to further enhance the public space around the building.” Commenting on the development, Iain Carson from Carson & Partners said: “It’s exciting to see another of our projects with Alumno that will rejuvenate and enhance the local area reach the topping out stage.” Marc Banks of GMI added: “Getting to this stage is a real team effort, and we’re all looking forward to going full steam ahead to ensure students can benefit from the building in 2022.”
