Appointment central to realising its long-term vision for sustainable growth GMI Construction Group PLC has appointed Lee Powell to the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer to realise its vision of long-term sustainable growth. One of the UK’s largest independent construction companies in the North of England and The
Impressive new 143-bedroom project situated in the castle gateway district with uninterrupted views of the famous Clifford’s Tower. GMI Construction Group has announced the completion of a new 143-bedroom Piccadilly hotel for leading UK hotel specialist Avantis Hotels at a site in the heart of York city centre. The new
Sustainably designed and stylish new 188 bed building sits in a prime location with the Leeds student’s district… GMI Construction Group, has today announced that it has completed construction of a new 188 bed student accommodation block for Maple Grove Developments at a prime site in Leeds. The development known
GMI Construction is making good progress at Thorpe Park Leeds as work continues apace on the new 133,118 sq ft landmark B3 office for Lovell. The project is being undertaken for Scarborough International with whom GMI’s relationship continues to flourish at al levels With GMI’s management team working shoulder to
Scarborough Group International (SGI) has commenced works on site to deliver a significant exemplary office building at Thorpe Park Leeds. The 133,118 sq ft building, which is pre-let to leading credit management company, Lowell, sets a new benchmark in workplace design at the park and has a gross development value
GMI confirms appointment as contractor on new 14-storey, 331 room hotel development on last remaining plot. GMI Construction Group has today announced that is been appointed by property management business Marrico as the contractor for the construction of a new 14-storey high, 331 room hotel development within the high profile
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Appointment central to realising its long-term vision for sustainable growth GMI Construction Group PLC has appointed Lee Powell to the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer to realise its vision of long-term sustainable growth. One of the UK’s largest independent construction companies in the North of England and The Midlands, it is preparing to expand into other regions and sectors and the new CEO will implement a strategy of achieving constant and controlled growth while maintaining its debt free status. The company, which has offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Teesside, is forecasting an annual turnover in excess of £350m for 2022 and has already secured £300m worth of opportunities. Lee, previously the company’s Divisional Managing Director for Yorkshire, has already overseen exceptional growth in Yorkshire, together with its recent expansion into the North East region – establishing an office in Stockton-on-Tees, with a dedicated team of local professionals headed by a newly appointed Operations Director. GMI Construction Group, which provides specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors, is currently involved in a range of high-profile projects, including: £200M development to create a train manufacturing plant, infrastructure and rail supply chain village for Siemens Mobility in Goole, East Yorkshire £30M office building at Thorpe Park, Leeds 437,000 sq. ft fulfilment centre for an online fashion retailer at Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire A new-build residential block comprising 259 apartments over 11 storeys, forming part of the £200M Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby £30M extension to a helicopter manufacturing facility It already counts major companies and significant brands such as Tritax Symmetry, St Modwen, Scarborough Group, Graftongate, St James Securities, The Alumno Group, Opus North, HBD, Peel Land & Property, Muse, Legal & General, and Evans Property Group among its clients. David Shann, Chief Executive of GMI’s parent company Highgrove Group PLC, said: “Lee’s appointment to this newly-created CEO role underlines our commitment to strengthen and grow our presence in the regions where we already operate, as well as looking towards developing new opportunities. “As CEO, we believe Lee has the experience, energy and ability to take GMI to the next level. Equally at home on site or in the boardroom, he has already proven to be a major driver within the business and is responsible for helping create our enviable reputation for delivering quality developments on time and within budget.” Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group, said: “I’m enormously proud to become CEO of GMI Construction Group, a role which is focused on growing our presence in our operating regions and facilitating growth of the business in a controlled and sustainable manner. “As the UK continues to level up across all of its key regions, I want to ensure GMI is right at the heart of that growth and powering forward with our expert team of industry leading professionals who continue to deliver excellence on project after project. “I am however consciously aware that GMI needs to implement that growth byretaining those values that has delivered success to this company and our clients. These include using local suppliers and sub-contractors whenever possible, as well as creating educational opportunities, to bring maximum economic benefit to the communities we are operating in.”
Impressive new 143-bedroom project situated in the castle gateway district with uninterrupted views of the famous Clifford’s Tower. GMI Construction Group has announced the completion of a new 143-bedroom Piccadilly hotel for leading UK hotel specialist Avantis Hotels at a site in the heart of York city centre. The new Hampton by Hilton building is situated in the Castle Gateway district of the city which has been identified by York City Council as an area of major regeneration and development. In addition to its 143 guest bedrooms, the hotel also features eight luxury private residences all enjoying uninterrupted views of Clifford’s Tower. The scheme has been designed to the latest BREEAM standards and boasts cycle parking bays and a number of electric vehicle charging points. A detailed and complimentary landscape design acknowledges the sensitive nature of its surroundings – something guests can enjoy from the hotel’s terrace that overlooks Clifford’s Tower. Talking about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Lee Powell said: “This impressive new Hampton by Hilton hotel serves as the 11th hotel development GMI have completed to date and one of the most impressive developments completed so far We are very pleased to have been appointed by Avantis Hotels on this project and look forward to working together again on further ventures in the near future”. Also commenting Ravi Majithia, Director – Avantis Hotels said: “GMI have delivered a quality asset to Hilton standards during a very challenging time. Avantis, acting as both developer and owner operators were delighted with the finished product. We were eager to develop and test one of the first “new-prototype” Hampton by Hiltons’ – a refreshed, lifestyle product. We hope this development sparks further regeneration of Piccadilly. GMI also delivered the luxurious Piccadilly Riverside Apartments which look fantastic and are now on sale”.
Sustainably designed and stylish new 188 bed building sits in a prime location with the Leeds student’s district… GMI Construction Group, has today announced that it has completed construction of a new 188 bed student accommodation block for Maple Grove Developments at a prime site in Leeds. The development known as Oak House is situated in Park Lane in the Belle Vue district of Leeds’s student district and took 82 weeks to build. It offers a combination of 9 high-spec studio flats, and 30 shared flats for 4 to 8 students. Its impressive communal spaces include a large lounge area with space for private and group study, and a stunning outdoor terrace with seating. Tenants will have free access to the on-site cardio studio and secure bike storage, and rent includes all bills, TV licence and personal possessions insurance. All flats are spacious and modern, with double beds, en-suite bathrooms, and are equipped to a high standard with smart TVs, in flat washer-dryers and super-fast internet (up to 200Mb/s wired and 100Mb/s wireless). Oak House is the ideal place for students wanting high quality, sustainable living in a great city centre location. Talking about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Lee Powell said: “GMI is proud to have been trusted to deliver this superb new student accommodation facility in the historic community of Little Woodhouse in this outstanding part of Leeds. This is a sustainable development which provides a positive impact within the conservation area including improvements to open space and the provision of high-quality student accommodation, with good levels of amenity, in a sustainable location close to the established universities. Getting this project complete and over the line constitutes a great team effort and on behalf of GMI I would like to thank and congratulate all involved. This is the 10th student accommodation development that GMI has completed to date as we continue to build upon our offering and credentials in this sector” Maple Grove Developments’ Managing Director Karen Hirst continued: “This is the latest development we have completed in the PBSA sector, which is showing great resilience and continued interest for funders. Looking ahead, we are currently evaluating future student development schemes.” Tony Vyse, Assistant Chief Executive – Development from Incoming tenant Unipol also commented: “After such a difficult time during the global pandemic and the aftermath of supply chain issues, Unipol and more importantly, the residents, are extremely happy with the finished product that completed on time. Oak House reflects Unipol’s values to provide well-priced accommodation and creates a living environment that encourages socialisation and well-being, which is part of our educational mission. Unipol has now commenced a long-term deal which will provide quality housing for students for the next 25 years. Personally, as an active member of the project team throughout the entire design and build, I’d like to thank all parties involved in what has been a very successful scheme, which ultimately benefits Unipol’s portfolio, students for the next quarter of a century and the community of Little Woodhouse.” The architect on the development was DLA. To take an exclusive tour around the development visit:
GMI Construction is making good progress at Thorpe Park Leeds as work continues apace on the new 133,118 sq ft landmark B3 office for Lovell. The project is being undertaken for Scarborough International with whom GMI’s relationship continues to flourish at al levels With GMI’s management team working shoulder to shoulder with Scarborough to maintain and develop what is a long-term and trusted partnership, GMI’s skilled Project Management team also heavily bought into that collaborative philosophy. Talking about the project Leigh Bennett, GMI Project Manager at B3, said: “We have a really good relationship with the client and it’s one that’s been built over the years. I can see where the business is going and the excellent links we have with clients, such as Scarborough. And that is just on this project. “They (Scarborough’s B3 team) visit our site to see our progress, look at our safety performance, stay in close communication with our team but more than anything they let us get on with the job as that trust is there. It’s a big scheme – the biggest single office building in Leeds out of town history – and we’re delighted to be here delivering it.” Also commenting Lee Powell, GMI Divisional Managing Director, said: “We go back a long way with Scarborough Group International and that partnership has gone from strength to strength over the years. GMI Construction Group has already developed a number of significant schemes on their behalf and I’m proud of that. “I’m also proud of the teamwork out on site and the way we are working to get the desired results. When B3 is finished it will be a real feather in the cap for the region and we will have played a part in that.” Kevin McCabe, founder and Chairman of Scarborough Group International, said: “This year we are celebrating 21 years of development at Thorpe Park, of which GMI Construction has delivered a significant part on our behalf. “The depth of trust forged between our respective teams over that time is such that we now very much see them as an extension of our business. This alignment is what enables us to create thriving spaces for people to live, work and enjoy.” For further information about the development visit: https://thorpeparkleeds.com/
Scarborough Group International (SGI) has commenced works on site to deliver a significant exemplary office building at Thorpe Park Leeds. The 133,118 sq ft building, which is pre-let to leading credit management company, Lowell, sets a new benchmark in workplace design at the park and has a gross development value of £52 million. Representatives from both SGI and Lowell met on site to mark the official ground-breaking with GMI Construction, principal contractor for the project, just a matter of weeks after funding was secured for the project through OakNorth Bank. GMI expects to complete the building by September 2022, ready for the tenant to commence their CAT-B fit-out works before they relocate in 2023. The pre-let to Lowell was announced earlier this year and represents the largest single out of town office deal ever recorded in West Yorkshire and the biggest property transaction in the Northern Powerhouse region over the last twelve months. Lowell has agreed a 15-year lease to occupy the building and will relocate its UK headquarters from two sites at Leeds Valley Park. The building, which will extend over seven floors with two levels of underground podium parking and amenity below, marks the evolution in the design of out of town office space and is being constructed in line with the very latest human health and wellbeing standards. Its location and adjacent landscaped courtyard will create an anchor point for the next development plots that will be largely pedestrianised, providing easy access to The Springs retail and leisure park and new green park. Designed by award-winning architects, Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher, the building is to represent a new benchmark for future development at Thorpe Park Leeds, with an environmental performance target rating of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and principles set out in the WELL Standard to provide an exemplar environment for users. Kevin McCabe, Chairman at SGI, said: “We are pleased to be able to start on site so quickly after securing planning consent, funding and of course concluding the landmark letting with our new neighbours Lowell. The transaction is excellent news for the region and a huge vote of confidence in the existing & future environment at Thorpe Park as well an indicator that the office market remains strong, despite the pandemic. “We continue to engage with businesses seeking to locate at Thorpe Park Leeds, some of which are existing occupiers looking to expand, and we remain committed to our ambition to deliver further phases of office development to ensure that Thorpe Park maintains and advances its position within the Northern Powerhouse as the flagship location for business, employment and quality of life.” Lee Powell, Divisional Managing Director of GMI Construction Group, said: “We are delighted to start on site with our next significant project at Thorpe Park Leeds as we maintain our long-term and trusted partnership with SGI to deliver phase two. The scale of delivery is considerable and as principal contractor we are excited to be working closely with the entire delivery team to build the biggest single office building in Leeds out of town history. It really is exciting to see how Thorpe Park Leeds has excelled in recent years to become a thriving business and leisure destination and we are proud to be a part of it.” Lisa Wragg, Head of Office Services at Lowell said: “This building is the culmination of many months of tireless work by all involved to get it to this stage. We’re really excited to see the construction of our new home finally starting to take shape and look forward to celebrating the next milestone in due course.” In recognition of the hard work that has gone into getting the project to this stage, while simultaneously observing social distancing guidelines in place, SGI staged a virtual ground breaking ‘Pass the Poster’ challenge. The TikTok-style video, which can be viewed here, features a 30-strong team involved in the project, including contractors, engineers, architects, landscape architects, agents, planners, lenders and sustainable transport consultants alongside the SGI and Lowell teams sharing key messages about the HQ building and wider Thorpe Park Leeds development. Thorpe Park Leeds is an already well-established business location, strategically located with its own dedicated access at Junction 46 of the M1. More than 900,000 sq ft of office space is already built supporting over 5,500 jobs and The Springs retail and leisure park sits at the core of the mixed-use business community with a line-up of major high street brands including Next, M&S, ODEON Luxe, Pure Gym, Boots, H&M and TK Maxx along with a growing range of smaller, independent, niche retail and leisure businesses. Further development plans include the delivery of a 113-acre public park with sports and wellbeing facilities for the community of the Leeds City Region and beyond. The phase two development at Thorpe Park Leeds was enabled following a unique investment deal with Legal & General Capital in 2015. Since then a transformational 1.35 million sq ft mixed-use expansion has progressed bringing exceptional new business opportunities to the Leeds City Region. It has also enabled the delivery of the first section of the ‘East Leeds Orbital Route’ (ELOR), a key piece of transport infrastructure connecting north and east Leeds to Junction 46 of the M1. This road also unlocks land for the future construction of over 7,000 new homes on the East Leeds area. The Award-winning development has been chosen for the new railway station ‘East Leeds Parkway’ and associated Park and Ride, connecting directly to Leeds City Centre in less than eight minutes. This forms part of a £270 million infrastructure investment into Leeds by the Department of Transport.
GMI confirms appointment as contractor on new 14-storey, 331 room hotel development on last remaining plot. GMI Construction Group has today announced that is been appointed by property management business Marrico as the contractor for the construction of a new 14-storey high, 331 room hotel development within the high profile Sovereign Square scheme in Leeds. Marrico have submitted a planning application for the new hotel development which sits on the last remaining plot. The scheme once complete will feature a high-profile frontage onto the popular Sovereign Square and offer short and long stay accommodation catering for both business and leisure guests. It will include an on-site gym, meeting facilities, bar, restaurant and coffee shop fronting the square. It has been designed by Leeds-based architectural practice DLA Design, with the façade taking inspiration from the surrounding architecture and Leeds merchandising and textile history. The project will support around 190 construction jobs over the life of the project with the hotel creating 80 full-time jobs upon completion. Talking about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Lee Powell said: “Sovereign Square is one of the most sought-after destinations within Leeds and an extremely high-profile development. GMI are delighted to have been appointed by Marrico to deliver the final phase of this development and bring forward another high-quality hotel development. This project serves as the 12th hotel project that GMI has been entrusted to deliver including 5 in the past 3 years and testament to the strength of our credentials in this growing sector” Also commenting Mark Barnes, partner at Marrico, said: “We are pleased to be able to share plans for a new hotel within the final remaining development site at Sovereign Square. The site is superbly located for hotel use from both business and visitors to the city being adjacent to the station, business core and the vibrant retail and leisure offer Leeds provides.”
