New research buildings will meet innovation needs of the future Oxford University Development (OUD) today confirms reserved matters planning consent has been granted for the first phase of its Begbroke Science Park expansion, which comprises two new state-of-the-art research buildings. This first phase of the scheme will bring forward new
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics property, has acquired an additional building at its highly successful logistics park in Coventry, further strengthening its holdings in a core location. The 56,000 sq. ft. building, which is let to UK Flooring Direct until 2025, has been acquired for a
BakerHicks, the multi-disciplinary design and engineering company, have completed their part in the successful design and construction of the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s (NHSGGC) new Clydebank Health and Care Centre. The new facility, situated in the health quarter of Queens Quay and in the shadow of the area’s famous
Plans have been submitted to regenerate a brownfield site in the centre of Hemel Hempstead with 56 new homes and a purpose-built headquarters for homeless charity, DENS. On behalf of Dacorum Borough Council, multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p has designed and submitted plans for a complete redevelopment of the Paradise Depot
Lee Marley Brickwork (LMB) is one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone sub-contractors. With premises already in Reading, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Nottingham, the company are delighted to announce the opening of their new London Head Office conveniently located in Notting Hill. Easily accessible with good transport links,
Scottish, family-run housebuilder Muir Homes, part of the Muir Group, launches the final phase of luxury homes at its exclusive development at Castlebank next week. Treetopsis the final phase to be released at this highly sought after private development in Inverclyde which will provide 17 luxury new homes. The development
Leading UK placemaker, United Living New Homes, has been awarded a Premier Guarantee Quality Recognition Award for its innovative eco-friendly housing development at Shaldon Road, Bristol. The award recognises outstanding developments that have consistently delivered quality workmanship and displayed exceptional site management. Throughout the year, only 100 developments from across
Following the recent news that Winvic Construction Ltd has been appointed to construct two industrial facilities at Castlewood Business Park for Clowes Developments, the leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has now also won the contract to deliver two
Vonder, the global living and lifestyle brand, has announced the latest additions to its London portfolio with five new properties called The Dome, comprising over 21,000 sq ft of residential space in three locations across London. Formely owned and operated by the co-living brand The Collective, the lease of the
Chancerygate has submitted plans to speculatively build 72,140 sq ft of industrial and warehousing space in Bredbury, near Stockport. Called Cromwell Park, the proposed scheme will be located on a four-acre site in Bredbury Park Industrial Estate and comprise 10 Grade A leasehold units ranging from 1,927 sq ft to
New research buildings will meet innovation needs of the future Oxford University Development (OUD) today confirms reserved matters planning consent has been granted for the first phase of its Begbroke Science Park expansion, which comprises two new state-of-the-art research buildings. This first phase of the scheme will bring forward new research facilities for the University’s Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences departments and associated groups, as well as providing space to incubate spin-out companies. The two buildings, totalling 12,500 sq. m., will house both academic and commercial research at the Science Park, north of Oxford. The development will also deliver improvements to sustainable transport infrastructure, as well as soft and hard landscaping and public art integrated into the landscape. Anna Strongman, CEO, Oxford University Development, said: “This first phase of our vision to progress the design and development standards of Begbroke Science Park is one step closer to realisation thanks to the consent granted today. These new research facilities will be fit for the future needs of our research community, by providing high quality spaces for innovative work and collaboration.” OUD is a property development company set up under the £4bn joint venture between the University of Oxford and Legal & General Capital. Bolstering its long-term pension commitments by creating real assets which provide new jobs, housing, productivity and wage growth. Legal & General has invested over £30bn in levelling-up regional economies throughout the UK. This includes forming major partnerships with local and central governments, universities and local businesses in place such as Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle, as well as Oxford. OUD is collaborating with Bruntwood SciTech as Development Manager for the first phase.
Prologis, the UK’s leading developer and owner of logistics property, has acquired an additional building at its highly successful logistics park in Coventry, further strengthening its holdings in a core location. The 56,000 sq. ft. building, which is let to UK Flooring Direct until 2025, has been acquired for a consideration of £8 million from a UK fund. Prologis now owns and manages 1.86m sq. ft. of prime logistics space at the park, with potential for further expansion in the future. Built by Prologis in 2003 as a design-and-build project, the building has been bought back to help meet existing and future demand for logistics space in the area. From its location within the logistics ‘golden triangle’, at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, Prologis Park Coventry is less than 2 miles from Junction 3 of the M6. The site is currently fully-let and along with UK Flooring, customers include household names such as Bridgestone, DHL, Royal Mail and Co-Op. James Hemstock, Director in the Capital Deployment & Leasing team at Prologis UK, said: “This is a purchase which signals our commitment to strengthening our asset base at Prologis Park Coventry – an excellent location that continues to meet the needs of our customers in a core Midlands market. We hope that we will soon be in a position to extend the site further, so we can continue to meet demand for much-needed warehouse and logistics space within the logistics ‘golden triangle’.” Prologis was advised on the property acquisition by Acre Capital.
BakerHicks, the multi-disciplinary design and engineering company, have completed their part in the successful design and construction of the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s (NHSGGC) new Clydebank Health and Care Centre. The new facility, situated in the health quarter of Queens Quay and in the shadow of the area’s famous Titan crane, consolidates a number of local GP and social care practices, as well as podiatry and physiotherapy, within a sustainable and fully accessible three-storey building. Appointed by hub West Scotland, BakerHicks provided the civil and structural design for the new £19 million building, which was constructed by BAM Construction. The design incorporates a steel frame, long-span beams and the use of curtain walling and extensive glazing to create a light and open feel in the atrium and beyond. It also features an impressive cantilever above the main entrance. Working closely with architects, Anderson Bell Christie, and the landscape architects, Harrison Stevens, BakerHicks’ knowledge, and expertise were also used to help highlight the industrial past of the site, with the use of corten steel elements throughout. Queen’s Quay Clydebank is one of Scotland’s key waterfront regeneration projects. The once thriving industrial site was famous for building the QE2 and Queen Mary. The plan now is to transform the 24-hectare site into a vibrant, mixed-use community. With the new facility being located on a brownfield site, it posed a number of civil engineering challenges, including contaminated soil, buried tracks and foundations. To overcome this, BakerHicks’ civil engineers devised a thorough land remediation strategy. Thick layers of made ground due to the site’s industrial past also required ground improvement measures with the use of Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC) to accommodate foundation loads. The tidally influenced river Clyde, plus surface water flooding from surrounding areas, meant the site levels had to be carefully designed to mitigate the risk of flooding. BakerHicks set the building level so as to prevent flooding from the river and designed an overland flow path through the site to allow the surface water to dissipate. Laura James, Head of Scotland at BakerHicks, says the new facility in Clydebank is another example of the company’s expertise in delivering health and care design: “We have now been involved in the design of five separate facilities in the Greater Glasgow area that will genuinely deliver a step change in the provision of health and care in Scotland. Providing a central base for local health services, it will improve primary care services, giving the local community improved access to health services in the most up-to-date, high quality facilities. “Our teams worked closely with the architects and wider design team to ensure the building honours the culture and past of the area, as well as brining the modern values of the town to the new development.” Tom Steele, NHSGGC’s Director of Estates and Facilities said: “I am personally very proud of this development, which stands in this most historic location. “This stunning development is the sixth Health and Care Centre NHSGGC has built in recent years, delivering state-of-the-art facilities for their local communities. Very soon it will be home to six GP practices and community health and care services including Speech and Language Therapy, Mental Health Services, Physiotherapy, Antenatal Clinics, Community Paediatric Clinics, Podiatry and Sexual Health. “I have every confidence that the people of Clydebank will be equally pleased with the result when it opens in a few weeks.” Iain Marley, CEO of hub West Scotland, commented: “The completion of this landmark facility is a hugely significant milestone in the development of the Queen’s Quay Masterplan, and we are immensely grateful to everyone who has contributed to achieve this brilliant outcome. “The design of the new facility benefits from the team’s experience gained from the delivery of multiple tremendously successful health and care centres for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.” BakerHicks also provided civil and structural engineering services on Eastwood, Gorbals, Greenock and Woodside Health and Care Centres, all of which follow the same design principles as Clydebank.
Plans have been submitted to regenerate a brownfield site in the centre of Hemel Hempstead with 56 new homes and a purpose-built headquarters for homeless charity, DENS. On behalf of Dacorum Borough Council, multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p has designed and submitted plans for a complete redevelopment of the Paradise Depot site, which is located off St Albans Road, east of the town centre. Currently occupied by the DENS office and foodbank as well as other commercial/industrial premises, the intention is for the site to become an asset for the town. “Paradise Depot occupies a central location within Hemel Hempstead; there are plenty of amenities nearby, it’s easily accessible by public transport and is bordered by a public park so is entirely suited for a modern, mixed-use development,” explains Grant Giblett, the project’s lead and rg+p’s director. “Our design has sought to create a real sense of place, not just somewhere to live and work, but an attractive, sustainable environment that will wholly benefit the community.” rg+p’s design proposes a two-storey building to better serve DENS’ needs, comprising ground floor foodbank and bike workshop together with first floor community café, office space, kitchen and multi-functional meeting rooms. A shared surface unites this building with a new apartment block of 56 one and two bedroom homes. Cycle and scooter storage, car parking, residents’ garden and additional landscaping is also incorporated into the overall design. Each apartment has a private balcony and a proportion will be built to accessible standards. Hemel Hempstead’s distinctive local vernacular has heavily influenced the proposed material palette. The concept for the apartment building references the Old Townscape’s Tudor heritage and will feature a blend of red and dark brickwork with hit and miss detailing and a rusticated plinth. Contrastingly, the new DENS centre will have a predominantly darker appearance with black frame windows and rainscreen cladding. However, the foodbank entrance is designed as a focal point and will feature decorative tiling inspired by Hertfordshire Puddingstone. Unique to the area, Puddingstone traditionally has a subtle and muted exterior but when cut, it has vibrant orange, brown and blue hues, meaning this façade will look both striking and individual. Grant added: “The local architecture has offered plenty of inspiration and we’re confident these new buildings will complement the townscape. More importantly, they will deliver essential homes and services for some of the most vulnerable people in the community. Having worked with Dacorum Borough Council for several years, we fully understand their ambitions, especially regarding repurposing brownfield sites and avoiding greenbelt development. “We extensively modelled Paradise Depot to maximise the number of new homes, which I’m pleased to say delivers beyond the original expectation without compromising on space standards for residents. We understand a formal consultation process is due to begin shortly and are hopeful a positive outcome from this application will follow,” concluded Grant. Cllr. Margaret Griffiths, portfolio holder for housing at Dacorum Borough Council added: “We are delighted to be working with rg+p again, this time on the design of 56 new homes that will be available for social rent through our housing register. Having worked with them on other local developments, we are confident that the design will integrate well with the existing neighbouring architecture and provide apartments that our residents will be proud to call home. Alongside this, they have also developed plans for a new centre for DENS, which will provide the charity with a modern space to continue to deliver essential community services, such as the food bank. “The new homes, being developed on a brownfield site, will help us reach our target to build 350 new council homes by 2026. Being located close to the town, residents will also benefit from being within walking distance of amenities, open spaces and excellent transport links.” Paradise Depot is rg+p’s third affordable housing scheme for Dacorum Borough Council in Hemel Hempstead, following the award-winning Kylna Court and Magenta Court. Two further sites, also in the town, are currently in development.
Lee Marley Brickwork (LMB) is one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone sub-contractors. With premises already in Reading, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Nottingham, the company are delighted to announce the opening of their new London Head Office conveniently located in Notting Hill. Easily accessible with good transport links, Notting Hill is one of London’s most vibrant and iconic neighbourhoods. The new headquarters operates as the ideal professional space for visiting clients and suppliers, as an effective working & training environment for graduates, and as a head office for key staff. The 3500 square foot premises offer a modern, personable environment with ample space for visiting clients and suppliers to meet with the team and where any problems can be dealt with quickly and efficiently, face to face. The business continues to grow nationally and over the last five years has tripled in size. Director Lee Marley comments: “With much of the company’s business based in London and the Southeast, Notting Hill is an ideal location not just for managers and graduates, but also for visiting customers and suppliers. We’ve created a professional base and the response from clients so far has been glowing. I am also proud that we are an accredited Investors in People business and firmly believe in the ethos of putting our staff first. I want all of our workforce to believe in a future with Lee Marley and the opening of our new graduate hub is a part of that investment in our team.” Tim McKenna, Managing Director at Dorsey Construction Materials Ltd. says: “I recently visited Lee Marley’s new offices in Notting Hill, and I immediately thought, this is a great location. I was really impressed with how light and airy the whole place was with many workstations around the central area. The conference room was very well equipped and spacious – ideal for CPD presentations etc. Then beyond that there was a chill zone for light refreshment. I am in and out of lots of offices and this recently refurbished office is easily the best I’ve been to. This office is certainly a breath of fresh air and is most definitely the way forward”. The state-of-the-art office is ideal for showcasing the company’s work and achievements with a large proportion of the space being made up of glass, brick, and stone, reflective of the very work the company is renowned for. The building has a large boardroom, several informal meeting areas, and plenty of workstations ideal for hot desking or for when graduates and apprentices are office based for inductions and training. Training Manager Christian Hatherall-Good operates the Graduate and Apprenticeship Schemes, organising the rotation and managing the courses. The new London office is used by by students for theory training with small groups of 3-4 students visiting weekly. Graduate Estimator Ben Spyvee comments: “Since joining LMB, I have gained valuable experience from working on live construction jobs and within the estimating department. This has allowed me to build valuable skills and become an important member of the team. Over the 18-month period I have worked for the company I have witnessed a large amount of investment and growth in key areas that have created an improved working environment, most notably being the opening of the new office in Notting Hill. This has provided a more enjoyable and efficient working environment for all involved. The large open spaces, meeting spots and a host of other features has formed a great hub for the company, opening opportunities to host important meetings with clients, colleagues, and suppliers. I am looking forward to the future and hopefully building on all the positives that have already been introduced.” Michael Tame MRICS, Commercial Director at Lee Marley Brickwork says: “As we see natural growth within our business operation it was important to us to create an environment that allows our employees to achieve their full potential. A key passion of ours is our Graduate and Apprenticeship Schemes which promote young talent. The opening of our Notting Hill office will promote a friendly hub for our graduates to base themselves from. The office provides collaborative workspaces, offices and a large boardroom with state-of-the-art conference and presentation software, ideal for online and in-person training. Our clients are key to the strength of our business, and it is our intention to use this new workspace to invite our clients to and display some of our work, of which we are extremely proud of. We are excited to enter 2022 in such a fortunate position.” For more information, please visit: www.leemarley.com. Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd, currently offers both brickwork and scaffolding apprenticeships and are investing in the next generation of tradesmen into the construction industry.
Scottish, family-run housebuilder Muir Homes, part of the Muir Group, launches the final phase of luxury homes at its exclusive development at Castlebank next week. Treetopsis the final phase to be released at this highly sought after private development in Inverclyde which will provide 17 luxury new homes. The development offers a mix of high specification two, three and four bedroom detached and semi-detached homes on a stunning hilltop location with unparalleled views across the Clyde Estuary, Loch Gare and Loch Long. Among the house styles available at the Treetops is the Wemyss, a beautifully designed four bedroom detached home with a spacious lounge overlooking the generous garden area. There is also the three bedroom semi detached Kinkell style with its open plan kitchen and dining room – providing the perfect centre-piece for family life – and French doors connecting to the garden at the back of the property. All properties have a master bedroom with an en-suite and electric vehicle charging points are available on site. Castlebank, the Tree Tops is superbly located and benefits from quick access to the M8 motorway. Glasgow International Airport, Braehead shopping centre and a range of supermarkets are only a 10-minute drive from the development. There are also various preschools and primary schools in the area making it the perfect choice for growing families as well as first time buyers and downsizers. The final phase of the development is due to officially launch this weekend. Ash Sheikh, Sales and Marketing Director for Muir Homes said: “We are delighted to be launching the final phase of luxury homes at our Castlebank development following the remarkable sales success at the development to date. These thoughtfully designed homes are spacious and with their second to none hilltop location and accessible commuter links to Glasgow, we anticipate huge demand from homebuyers at Treetops.” The new homes are designed by multi-award winning EMA Architects. To find out more about Tree Tops, visit www.muirhomes.co.uk or call the sales team on 01475 742149.
Leading UK placemaker, United Living New Homes, has been awarded a Premier Guarantee Quality Recognition Award for its innovative eco-friendly housing development at Shaldon Road, Bristol. The award recognises outstanding developments that have consistently delivered quality workmanship and displayed exceptional site management. Throughout the year, only 100 developments from across the UK are expected to receive this prestigious award – about 4% of the total number of sites inspected by Premier Guarantee. The Shaldon Road development captured the judge’s attention for the high quality of the new homes and the excellent standard of site management, craftsmanship, health & safety performance, site tidiness and general cooperation with the inspectors. As a winner of the Quality Recognition Award, United Living New Homes will be considered for this year’s National Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards, scheduled to take place in the summer. On behalf of leading social housing provider, Brighter Places – and supported by Bristol City Council, Bristol Community Land Trust and Homes England – the £10 million eco-friendly scheme has seen land south of Morris Road, transformed into a carefully designed sustainable community. Built to ‘PassiveHaus’ principles, the energy-efficient properties will provide a high level of tenant comfort, while using very little energy for heating and cooling and minimising each home’s carbon footprint. The development will include two, three, and four bedrooms houses with a mixed tenancy of shared ownership and affordable rent. Solar PV panels will also feature at the development, further reducing costs and a green transport plan which includes electric car charging points, a car share scheme and improved pedestrian and cycle access. Communal green space around the homes is also being created with a dedicated and protected green corridor to enhance biodiversity by providing a safe space for wildlife. The ultra-green project is expected to be completed in early 2022. Jason Ivens, Project Manager, United Living New Homes, said: “We are delighted and honoured to receive this Quality Recognition Award for our Shaldon Road development. It is testament to the dedication, efforts and care of the entire team working on the project. “These eco-friendly properties are a reflection of our company’s wider commitment to deliver high quality, sustainable new homes that suit the needs of the local communities in which we build”. Ian Granger, Account Manager, Premier Guarantee, said: “What a great team effort from Jason and his colleagues, achieving a fantastic product on a challenging site using new and innovative solutions. They are worthy Quality Recognition Award winners”.
Following the recent news that Winvic Construction Ltd has been appointed to construct two industrial facilities at Castlewood Business Park for Clowes Developments, the leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has now also won the contract to deliver two more industrial warehouses at East Midlands Distribution Centre (EMDC). The industrial facilities located at Castle Donington are part of the landmark deal between Clowes Developments and NFU Mutual, a transaction to develop six logistics facilities throughout the UK worth in the region of £100 million. The two large scale industrial warehouses will be located adjacently on the central plot of land running through the middle of the wider business park. The units will be directly opposite the enormous one million sq ft M&S distribution centre which spans the length of a half mile long road. EMDC190 is a 190,000 sq ft unit with over 10,000 sq ft of office space over two floors, comprising a 15m haunch height, 18 loading bays and associated welfare facilities for staff. EMDC280, also 15m in height, is 280,000 sq ft and has 17,000sq ft of two-storey office space and 26 loading bays. Both properties will have their own secure compound and parking spaces including electric charging points. Winvic Construction Director, Ben Shearman, said: “Having just announced our appointment by Clowes Developments for the construction of two warehouse units at Castlewood Business Park, this second ground-breaking ceremony within a matter of days illustrates how robust our long-term partnership is with the Clowes team. We’re delighted they have every confidence in us to deliver two further high-quality industrial spaces safely and quickly at the East Midlands Development Centre site in Derbyshire, and now it’s up to us to once again exceed expectations.” Paul Shanley, Consultant at Clowes Developments, commented: “Since our ownership of EMDC began we have continually bought world class businesses to the development. Thousands of jobs have been generated on the former power station site and we endeavour to deliver further regeneration with the remaining plots at the site. The addition of two brand-new units for NFU Mutual – which will be delivered by long-term construction partner Winvic – will bring a new dimension to the site and we are confident the new occupiers will benefit from all that EMDC and its locality has to offer.” Winvic is also constructing two industrial units in Corby for Clowes Developments and is delivering the first phase of groundworks, highways and utility infrastructure works at Fairham, a new £800 million sustainable neighbourhood in Nottingham, which Clowes is delivering in partnership with Homes England. Visit https://fairhamlife.co.uk/vision/ to see the latest 360 aerial progress on site. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.
Vonder, the global living and lifestyle brand, has announced the latest additions to its London portfolio with five new properties called The Dome, comprising over 21,000 sq ft of residential space in three locations across London. Formely owned and operated by the co-living brand The Collective, the lease of the portfolio bolsters Vonder’s extensive collection of urban living spaces around London. The Dome consists of 111 fully-furnished and equipped studios and one bedroom apartments in Notting Hill, Hyde Park and Sloane Square, all key locations in the capital. The latter also offers a communal area and conference room for hybrid working. With The Dome coming under the Vonder Plus membership, the apartments provide a great living solution for young renters looking to make a home in the centre of London. The Dome locations include high quality furniture, one all-inclusive bill, cleaning services and access to the Vonder App, enabling them to be part of Vonder’s exclusive global community and Rewards platform, as well as a digital support team. The Dome tenants will be able to attend events and book amenities in other Vonder locations such as Vonder Wembley, which opened in October 2021. Tomer Bercoviz, CEO and Co-founder of Vonder, commented: “The addition of The Dome properties to our portfolio is a key milestone in Vonder’s growth strategy in the capital, increasing our supply of great urban accommodation in central areas that suit a wide range of our target audience’s needs.” “As momentum builds in London again. It is important people have comfortable, inspiring and hassle-free living spaces to come home to, with The Dome properties embodying this in every way possible. By providing a community feeling and an exclusive Rewards scheme with value-added services through our Vonder App, we are offering our members not only a well-designed living space, but a whole new way of living.” The Dome portfolio joins Vonder’s existing London schemes such as the flagship development, Vonder Wembley, which opened late last year. Vonder continues to strengthen the growth of its international portfolio of over 30 locations spread across London, Berlin, Munich, Warsaw and Dubai, with Leeds coming up next. The company is also in active negotiations to increase its portfolio in the US and continental Europe as it rolls out its ‘all-in-one living’ concept.
Chancerygate has submitted plans to speculatively build 72,140 sq ft of industrial and warehousing space in Bredbury, near Stockport. Called Cromwell Park, the proposed scheme will be located on a four-acre site in Bredbury Park Industrial Estate and comprise 10 Grade A leasehold units ranging from 1,927 sq ft to 22,001 sq ft. The projected gross development value is around £16m. The development site benefits from excellent access to the town centre and is less than one mile from junction 25 of the M60. Neighbouring occupiers include leading national bakery Allied Bakeries, international courier delivery services company TNT, carpet wholesaler Hadfields and chain manufacturer Renold Chains. Chancerygate development manager, Chris Brown, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to build on one of the last remaining undeveloped sites allocated for employment in the Stockport borough. “Our plans for Cromwell Park aim to meet the significant demand for high-quality, new-build industrial space that there is from businesses operating in and around Stockport and the wider North West. With planning now submitted, we are looking forward to working with Stockport Council to bring a much-needed, high specification industrial and warehousing development to Bredbury.” Agents for Cromwell Park are Williams Sillitoe and Cushman & Wakefield. You can learn more about Chancerygate’s live projects across the country here.
