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Knight Property Group appoints Muir Construction as the main contractor at the first two phases of Belgrave Logistics Park

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Construction begins on new £50 million speculative development in Bellshill Knight Property Group has appointed Fife-based Muir Construction as the main contractor on the first two phases of it’s speculative development at Belgrave Logistics Park, in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. Planning consent was granted in September and works have commenced at

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LCR, Peter Hawthorne – Levelling Up White Paper Reaction

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

LCR delivered the regeneration of Kings Cross and is currently working to deliver regeneration in Sheffield, one of the 20 beneficiaries of the Levelling Up Fund. Peter says that it’s crucial the Fund is used to realise the untapped potential of brownfield land around railway stations. Peter Hawthorne, CEO, LCR

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BIGGER IS BETTER FOR FAMILIES AT BEAUCHAMP PARK

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Bigger, as the saying goes, is better and this is true when it comes to describing the new four bedroom detached family properties that have been released for sale at L&Q’s Beauchamp Park development off Gallows Hill in Warwick. All private sale four bedroom detached homes come with a single

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Redeveloped industrial estate welcomes new tenants

Kenneth Booth February 1, 2022

The comprehensive redevelopment of Montagu Industrial Estate in Edmonton is continuing apace, with the completion of the first phase of its transformation into modern, sustainable industrial and logistics scheme, Workstown. The £150 million joint venture is replacing dilapidated, out-of-date buildings with modern, more energy efficient spaces for local small to medium

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BCEGI appointed to build Phase three at Middlewood Locks

Kenneth Booth January 31, 2022

BCEGI has been appointed as preferred construction partner to deliver phase three of Scarborough Group International’s £1 billion mixed-use development Middlewood Locks, in Salford at the gateway to Manchester City Centre. BCEGI has already completed phases one and two at the award-winning scheme which is one of the largest regeneration

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PIC INVESTS IN £130 MILLION CORNERSTONE PROJECT FOR UK’S LARGEST URBAN REGENERATION PROJECT

Kenneth Booth January 31, 2022

Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, has completed a £130 million investment in Wirral Waters One (“WWO”), the cornerstone residential scheme for the broader development of Peel L&P’s Wirral Waters, a 500-acre brownfield site and former dockland. Regeneration specialists Peel L&P has launched

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Latest Issue
Issue 331 : Aug 2025

development

Knight Property Group appoints Muir Construction as the main contractor at the first two phases of Belgrave Logistics Park

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Construction begins on new £50 million speculative development in Bellshill Knight Property Group has appointed Fife-based Muir Construction as the main contractor on the first two phases of it’s speculative development at Belgrave Logistics Park, in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. Planning consent was granted in September and works have commenced at the brand new £50 million development on the 14-arce site of the former Devro manufacturing facility. The first two phases will comprise four high-quality units of 19,191 sq ft, 29,272 sq ft, 34,290 sq ft, and 48,405 sq ft respectively. A final fifth unit of 126,795 sq ft will follow in phase three to reach circa 245,000 sq ft in total for the park. Each unit will have an EPC rating of ‘A’ and will be BREEAM accredited. Further green credentials include electric car charging points, solar photovoltaics panels to the roof, all electric heat recovery / air conditioning to offices, electricity for the units will come from a 100% renewable source and water management flow restriction is provided to conserve water use. The construction process for phases one and two started in January and are due for completion in quarter three this year. Howard Crawshaw, Managing Director of Knight Property Group said: “We are pleased to see Muir Construction commence works at this exciting new logistics park. As well as having a host of sustainability features, this development has the potential to bring much-needed business and employment opportunities to the area.” “We are confident that it will generate strong interest, as there remains significant demand in the market for this type of property and occupier requirements remain strong, particularly around Scotland’s ‘golden triangle’ where the development is located.” Patrick Reel, Joint Managing Director of Muir Construction added: “Having worked with Knight Property Group over a number of years, we are delighted to be appointed again and look forward to successfully delivering the first two phases at Belgrave later this year. “We currently have 30 personnel on site, including 25 ground and plant operators, plus five from the management team. The works currently being carried out are principally ground works, foundations and drainage, in preparation for the first of the steel being delivered next week.” Belgrave Logistics Park will be situated within the popular Bellshill Industrial Estate with excellent transport links and quick access to the A725 dual carriageway which provides direct access to the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh and also the M74 which is Scotland’s main road link south. Glasgow international airport is only 25 minutes drive west via the M8 motorway and Edinburgh International airport is only 40 minutes drive east. Alan Gilkison, Partner at letting agent Ryden said: “This development provides much-needed logistics and distribution space in the central belt of Scotland. We have already noted positive Interest from a range of potential occupiers seeking high-quality, well-located space.” Ryden is the letting agent for Knight Property Group at Belgrave Logistics Park. Further information on can be found HERE

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LCR, Peter Hawthorne – Levelling Up White Paper Reaction

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

LCR delivered the regeneration of Kings Cross and is currently working to deliver regeneration in Sheffield, one of the 20 beneficiaries of the Levelling Up Fund. Peter says that it’s crucial the Fund is used to realise the untapped potential of brownfield land around railway stations. Peter Hawthorne, CEO, LCR said: “The recognition of the vast untapped potential of the under-used land surrounding our railway stations is exciting, because this is so crucial to unlocking the regeneration of place that is a cornerstone of this Levelling Up strategy. “We’ve seen this potential realised at Kings Cross, as Michael Gove has mentioned before. And will soon see it in cities like Sheffield, where the Levelling Up Fund’s investment into maximising the potential of reduced rail travel times to London will help to bring forward the Sheffield Midland and Sheaf Valley Regeneration Framework, which we have worked on alongside our partners in the city and the wider region.   “While funding is one part of the puzzle and no doubt the focus of much of the feedback on today’s announcement, the other critical element is collaboration between devolved authorities, councils, transport executives, government agencies and landowners. This strategy provides the framework and impetus for this to take place.”

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BIGGER IS BETTER FOR FAMILIES AT BEAUCHAMP PARK

Kenneth Booth February 3, 2022

Bigger, as the saying goes, is better and this is true when it comes to describing the new four bedroom detached family properties that have been released for sale at L&Q’s Beauchamp Park development off Gallows Hill in Warwick. All private sale four bedroom detached homes come with a single garage and a high-quality ‘premium’ specification as standard – at no extra cost. Kitchens are equipped with AEG appliances including a washer dryer, fully-fitted bathrooms feature a ceiling-mounted waterfall showerhead and stylish chrome/stainless steel fixtures, there’s lighting and flooring throughout plus turf and paving to the south-facing rear garden. Depending on the stage of the build, buyers can also style the interior from a choice of three colour palettes to ensure their home is just as they want it before they move in. Residents at Beauchamp Park will enjoy the variety of beautiful, scenic public open spaces, footpaths, cycleways and children’s play areas within the development. There’s also a choice of independent and state schools nearby which between them can provide families with an education from primary through to sixth form. This combined with access to a host of bars and eateries, shopping facilities, parks, open spaces and entertainment venues in Warwick, means the development is the ideal choice for buyers with children. Claire Brenlund, L&Q’s Sales Director, said: “Beauchamp Park enjoys an enviable setting in one of the country’s most desirable locations. It has been carefully planned with families in mind and is the ideal choice for buyers who are looking for a property they can grow into in years to come.” The Penrith, a four bedroom detached property, is an ideal family home that features a thoughtfully designed layout with plenty of flexible living accommodation and a single garage. It includes a stunning kitchen/dining room with French doors that open onto the south-facing rear garden, a spacious living room, handy study and cloakroom. Upstairs there are four spacious bedrooms, with an en suite and built-in storage to the master, and a shared family bathroom. Four bedroom homes are currently priced from £525,000 – £530,000. For more information call the Beauchamp Park sales team on 01789 430 165 or visit lqhomes.com/beauchamppark.

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Major land purchase in city centre for council’s regeneration plans

Kenneth Booth February 2, 2022

The former Tricorn site in City Centre North has been purchased by Portsmouth City Council, supporting regeneration of the area. Real estate investment and development advisor, Delancey previously owned a long lease for the site but now the council have full land ownership. The site will continue as an NCP managed car park until required for development. This is the second major land purchase in the city centre that the council has completed within twelve months; the first being the former Sainsbury’s site on Commercial Road in March 2021. Cllr Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said, “Listening to people’s views on the city centre through the Local Plan, the Imagine 2040 City Vision, and other council-led engagement, we have been working to a strategy that will protect its future. We know more needs to be done to improve the high street in the core area and we also know that there are opportunities to make significant improvements in City Centre North and City Centre South. I’m delighted to say that we are going to make those improvements and this significant land purchase is more evidence of that.” Since the demolition of the Tricorn Centre in 2004, there has been much discussion and debate over what should replace it. However, full ownership of this site further enables the council to deliver its long-term regeneration plans for City Centre North, as announced in November of last year. The creation of a large, public park is at the heart of those plans, alongside the development of around 2000 new homes. Cllr Vernon-Jackson continued, “We will be delivering a major regeneration scheme in this part of the city centre that considers a wide range of factors, from our current housing targets and current road infrastructure to the need for more sustainable travel, and more green space. We are currently working through the planning process and aim to submit a planning application before this summer. People have already told us what they need and want to see in the city centre through the Local Plan surveys but there will be an opportunity to comment on this specific regeneration project in more detail at a public consultation planned for the summer.” Anyone who has a property interest in this area should contact: CityCentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

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Prologis UK makes three strategic hires to enrich its skillset in a dynamic market.

Kenneth Booth February 2, 2022

Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics property, has confirmed three strategic hires to kickstart the New Year, as it seeks to enrich its skill set and further strengthen its platform for growth in a dynamic logistics property market. Caroline Musker is joining Prologis from Lichfields, where she gained more than 17 years’ experience from a number of roles, including her latest position as senior director. She has been involved in a number of Prologis’ projects during this time. As a Director at Prologis, she will be taking the newly-created role of Head of Planning, helping to get projects off to a good start and exploring ways to add value for the customer and the business. She will also be helping to assess potential acquisition and investment opportunities. Gillian Scarth joins Prologis as a director in the Capital Deployment and Leasing team, after 15 years’ experience as a senior development manager at Kier Property. Gill has an impressive professional network and extensive experience of managing diverse customer portfolios offering a mix of uses in multiple sectors. She will primarily be focused on driving growth and supporting the delivery of new and existing projects in London and the South East. Simon Perks is joining the Capital Deployment and Leasing team at Prologis UK as a director, with a specific brief to look for opportunities to further strengthen the company’s asset portfolio in London and the South East. In his former role as senior development manager at The Crown Estate, he gained considerable experience in developing and adding value to a unique land and property portfolio, which includes 10 million sq. ft. of assets in areas of central London. Paul Weston, Prologis UK regional head, added: “We are delighted to be making these strategic hires at the start of the year to help drive our growth. There has been a significant increase in demand for logistics property during the pandemic and finding land and property to develop, in the right locations is a key focus. By enriching our skill set and hiring talented people, we aim to boost our competitiveness and unlock more opportunities in the year ahead.”

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LCR AND NETWORK RAIL BRING £150M MIXED-USE SITE IN HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TO MARKET

Kenneth Booth February 1, 2022

In a move that will enable the delivery of c.450 new homes, 40,000 sq ft of commercial space and enhanced passenger facilities, LCR and Network Rail have commenced on the sale of a 7.4-acre site adjacent to Hemel Hempstead railway station. The site’s proximity to the station gives it unrivalled connectivity and transport links, and it sits close to key local amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants and cafés, leisure facilities, schools and nurseries.  It also backs onto Blackbirds Moor, a popular walking destination, part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and home to the Box Moor Cricket Club. Andrew Ferguson, regional director at LCR, said: “After much hard work over the past 24 months, we’re excited to have reached this next key project milestone as we implement our masterplan and bring the site to market. Coupling easy access to London with open green spaces and high-quality community assets, this site represents an unmissable opportunity to unlock new homes, commercial space and public value”. JLL has been instructed to support the selection of a development partner. Sajaad Ahmad, director at JLL, said: “We are delighted to bring such an exciting opportunity to the market and are seeking for a partner who shares LCR and Network Rail’s vision and ambition for creating a new vibrant residential community in Hemel Hempstead.” LCR and Network Rail formed a partnership in 2018 to identify opportunities to free up underutilised land for residential development at and around stations across the rail network. The two organisations will work alongside landowners to pool or acquire the critical mass of land required for new development at every station, before securing planning and bringing opportunities to market alongside other key government agencies, including Homes England. The partnership recognises the importance of a collaborative process in creating new, market-ready opportunities. Bringing together the unique and complementary skillsets of the public, private, rail and real estate sectors is key to unlocking development across these often-complex brownfield sites.

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UK Land Estates looks to help create jobs with Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate expansion plans

Kenneth Booth February 1, 2022

MORE than 250 jobs could be created under plans to expand Tyne Tunnel Trading estate to create additional high-spec industrial and retail facilities. UK Land Estates, the largest commercial property and investment company in the North East, has submitted plans to North Tyneside Council which aim to transform the 5 hectare site of the former Corning’s glass works on the Tyne Tunnel Estate into more than 14,000 sq m of industrial-led units. The site, which is part of the 2 million sq ft Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Tyneside, will be developed into a mix of industrial and trade units, along with two drive-through outlets providing much-needed amenities on the estate.  On completion, the development is expected to create up to 270 jobs. The £12.5m expansion would also support an extra 45 jobs in its construction phase and could help create more than £2.8m worth of extra economic value for the area every year. With direct access to the A193 linking to the A19 – which forms part of the National Strategic Highway Network – the estate is easily accessible with good transport links. Keith Taylor, managing director at UK Land Estates, said: “This is an exciting development that we’re hoping will bring future investment and create jobs in several industries. “It is a strategic site with excellent connectivity to the north and south thanks to massive investment made in the local road network over the last five years removing bottleneck junctions on the A19 and providing an upgrade to the Tyne Tunnel. It is situated perfectly to serve businesses in North and South Tyneside and Newcastle areas as well as markets to the north and south of the region. “With the site being derelict for decades, it’s an exciting opportunity to develop the land into an attractive site which will provide ambitious businesses with best-in-class units to grow and expand. “This would expand our footprint on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate and add another set of high-quality, easily accessible industrial units to our portfolio.” The development will be built in phases with a first phase of the road infrastructure works and the two drive thru units, which will then be followed by the development of the industrial units in response to demand with units varying in size from 1,820m2 to 7,030m2. Occupiers would also benefit from their close proximity to local amenities such as Silverlink Shopping Park and Tesco Extra. Research by leading property agency Knight Frank, indicates that supply chain disruptions, depleted stock levels and the impetus for greater resilience is driving demand from companies for industrial and logistics property. In addition, a number of online retailers continue to have requirements for facilities to accommodate increased sales volumes and, due to falling vacancy rates, options are extremely limited. Mark Proudlock, Partner at Knight Frank, said: “Rarely have we experienced this level of demand with such little stock to offer. “This development of new units designed to meet the needs of companies seeking to expand, as well as new companies looking to invest in North Tyneside, would be extremely welcome.”

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Redeveloped industrial estate welcomes new tenants

Kenneth Booth February 1, 2022

The comprehensive redevelopment of Montagu Industrial Estate in Edmonton is continuing apace, with the completion of the first phase of its transformation into modern, sustainable industrial and logistics scheme, Workstown. The £150 million joint venture is replacing dilapidated, out-of-date buildings with modern, more energy efficient spaces for local small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Enfield Council’s Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan and the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, Cllr Mary Maguire, met council officers who have worked on the project and a team from property developer HBD, the council’s joint-venture partner. They joined a tour of the scheme on Monday 24 January to view the completed first phase, which comprises nine industrial units totalling 60,000 sq. ft. of new space. Two thirds of the completed phase is already let or under offer. One of the new tenants, Hived, (pictured) is the first mass-market, zero emission parcel delivery provider, offering greener and cheaper solutions from warehouses directly to customers. Cllr Maguire said: “Montagu Industrial Estate is transforming into a modern, fit-for-purpose and accessible site welcoming businesses that are at the forefront of manufacturing and logistics. The development will also have a significant impact on the local community, helping with the creation of a variety of high-quality jobs within the borough and new opportunities for innovative businesses. I am also extremely happy to see that as well as providing new homes for existing and expanding local companies, we are also welcoming new businesses such as Hived to the area.” Adrian Schofield, Senior Director and Head of Region at HBD, said: “We have seen strong interest in Workstown from a wide-range of businesses, from start-ups through to larger companies –  70 per cent of the scheme was under offer before completion, which reflects the quality of the development. It is a fantastic regeneration project and we look forward to bringing forward the further phases of the redevelopment.” Located just north of the A406, the 29-acre scheme is being redeveloped in phases to create more than 350,000 sq. ft. of employment space. The transformation is part of the Council’s ongoing and wider regeneration of the Edmonton area to create new opportunities, support employment and establish a new business community. The revamp of the estate is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, a significant boost for Edmonton. The estate, which housed some units from the 1950s has suffered from anti-social behaviour and unauthorised activities on the site, which has had a detrimental impact on surrounding residential areas. The next phases and compulsory purchase order are scheduled to be discussed at March’s Cabinet meeting. An overall masterplan will show how the remaining phases will be delivered.

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BCEGI appointed to build Phase three at Middlewood Locks

Kenneth Booth January 31, 2022

BCEGI has been appointed as preferred construction partner to deliver phase three of Scarborough Group International’s £1 billion mixed-use development Middlewood Locks, in Salford at the gateway to Manchester City Centre. BCEGI has already completed phases one and two at the award-winning scheme which is one of the largest regeneration projects in the North-West and the UK. The first phase of 571 homes completed in September 2018 and phase two of 546 homes completed in November 2021. Phase two was purchased by award-winning PRS operator Get Living for its first PRS venture outside of London. Both phases are sold out and a new community of over 1,000 residents now live at Middlewood Locks where iconic brewery brand Seven Bro7hers has opened its first beer house alongside Co-op Food and 92 Degrees coffee shop. Phase three which has been named ‘Railings’ features 189 new homes which includes 176 one to three -bedroom apartments in two blocks, one of 10 storeys and the other 12 storeys, on the northern side of the canal opposite Phase 1. There will also be 7 canalside three to four-bedroom townhouses along with 6 mews houses to support family living. The Railings will provide further high-quality accommodation incorporating first class amenity space, balconies and private gardens that blend seamlessly into the public realm areas of previous phases. The project will also feature 5,150 sq ft of ground floor commercial and retail accommodation with an additional 5,000 sq ft of offices. When completed, the 25-acre neighbourhood will provide a total of 2,215 new homes and 900,000 sq ft of commercial space, including offices, hotel, shops and restaurants. Work on The Railings is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2022 with completion in 2024. Dongwen YU, Lead Director at BCEGI, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed to deliver The Railings for Scarborough Group International, following our successful partnership in completing phases one and two. “The recent completion of phase two is a significant moment for Middlewood Locks as well as a great achievement for BCEGI in what has been an extremely challenging time for the construction industry. We are thrilled to be, once again, an integral part of what is one of Greater Manchester’s most significant projects.” Kevin McCabe, Chairman of Scarborough Group International, commented: “Our relationship with BCEGI stretches back over seven years, having first met with Senior Directors at their Beijing headquarters before getting to know key personnel at their UK-base office in Manchester. “Our mutual respect, admiration and commitment to excellence in developing inspiring communities for people to live, work and enjoy made BCEGI the obvious construction partner for Middlewood Locks and has culminated in the completion and occupation of 1,117 new homes and 10,000 SqFt of commercial space over the last five years. “This appointment is an important step in continuing the delivery of our vision for Middlewood Locks and we look forward to furthering our partnership with Mr Yu and his team in the years ahead, not only encompassing the future phases of Middlewood Locks but also the Group’s wider development portfolio.”

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PIC INVESTS IN £130 MILLION CORNERSTONE PROJECT FOR UK’S LARGEST URBAN REGENERATION PROJECT

Kenneth Booth January 31, 2022

Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, has completed a £130 million investment in Wirral Waters One (“WWO”), the cornerstone residential scheme for the broader development of Peel L&P’s Wirral Waters, a 500-acre brownfield site and former dockland. Regeneration specialists Peel L&P has launched a 30-year strategy which will see the site become the largest regeneration project in the UK, creating up to 20,000 permanent jobs. Wirral Waters is supported by central Government as a key part of its levelling up strategy.   Working in close partnership with Peel L&P and Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council (“WMBC”), PIC is the sole investor for the development of a Build-to-Rent scheme, comprising 500 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with an affordable housing component of 100 homes. Rents on the affordable units will be a maximum of 80% of open market value, delivering significant social impact.    The project will transform the brownfield site into a sustainable location for local and international businesses, creating more than 20,000 permanent jobs for the Liverpool City region, as well as offering a breadth of new housing opportunities. Wirral Waters was designated Enterprise Zone status in 2011 and has been supported by Homes England.  The Build-to-Rent development will use a long-term, regeneration lease structure, providing funding for WMBC which would not have been available from traditional structures, whilst generating the secure long-term cashflows which allow PIC to match its pension payments decades into the future.   WWO brings together an ideal partnership of a long-term investor, a highly experienced developer, and a forward-thinking local authority to generate considerable social value, including:   One in five apartments to be designated as affordable housing units, with rents set at a maximum of 80% of open market value.  All buildings across the Wirral Waters regeneration project are targeting BREEAM Excellent, including WWO, as well as significant bio-diversity improvements with the planting of more than 1,600 trees so far.   WWO will use a range of energy efficiency and low carbon technologies to reduce carbon emissions, including solar power systems, air source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points.  The Peel L&P delivery team will continue to engage with the Wirral Met College’s construction students for site visits, seminars, work experience and apprenticeships, enabling the students to benefit from experience on the project as we seek to create the construction workforce of the future.   Sustainable Urban Drainage to manage surface water from the site into the Docks through the provision of rain gardens, climate tolerant planting and tree pits designed to accommodate a 1 in 100-year storm.   James Whitaker, Executive Director of Development at Peel L&P, said: “This project is a great example of partnership working that will not only deliver this development but will act as a model for other schemes in the future. The combination of an experienced regeneration company, a long-term investor, and a progressive local authority will deliver real value for all our collective stakeholders.”  Hayley Rees, Head of Investment Strategy at Pension Insurance Corporation, said: “Our investment in WWO is another step in the development of our purposeful investment strategy and ultimately is a model for how long-term investors can play a key role in the levelling up agenda. We need secure long-term cashflows to back the pensions of our 300,000 policyholders and so seek to invest in assets with a high degree of social value, because what makes sense for society helps us achieve our purpose over decades.”   Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Development Committee, said: “Already this year with this announcement we are seeing another major step forward for Wirral’s Left Bank with the delivery of this latest significant development.   “The council has worked closely with both Peel L&P and PIC to bring forward this project which will be delivering jobs and affordable housing for people in Wirral.   “With Peel L&P taking the occupational and delivery risks, this Build to Rent development will be able to provide a long term revenue income stream to the local authority which could support wider service delivery and future investment. It is also another key moment in the continuing wider regeneration in the borough, tying in with the work well underway in Birkenhead to drive forward the town’s renaissance and showing the increasing confidence of investors in the plans for Wirral’s future.” 

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