North Somerset Council has allocated an additional £11.9 million of funding for the Banwell bypass. Despite setting aside £7.6m in scheme’s original budget to protect the bypass from changing construction costs, the four years since funding was initially secured from Homes England have seen unprecedented price increases caused by the
Property company British Land has unveiled plans to redevelop London’s Euston Tower into a life sciences and innovation hub. The company has entered into discussions with Camden Council about plans to transform the building into a net zero workspace, using a combination of retention, re-use and a new ultra-low carbon
Muse has been chosen by Oldham Council to develop a town centre regeneration. The partnership will involve the creation of 2,000 new homes, including a range of different types and sizes. The homes will be built on the site of the civil centre as well as at the sites of
A £400 million landmark development spearheaded by Gary Neville has officially launched in Manchester. The mixed-use scheme, a collaboration between Relentless Developments, KKR, Salboy, and Manchester City Council, is set to bring a fresh perspective to the market. No.1 St Michael’s, the flagship development within the project, is aimed to
Network Rail has reached the next phase of upgrades to the Transpennine route at Morley. Network Rail engineers completed nine days of round the clock work from 17 to 25 June at Morley train station. Works carried out included the creation of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition,
Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded Willmott Dixon a £30 million contract to develop Darlington train station’s entrance. The work will consist of the creation of a new multi-storey car park that will be incorporated into the station’s new wider entrance. The project is part of Network Rail’s £140m masterplan
A new housing scheme at Herbert Avenue led by BCP Council and delivered by AJC group has won an affordable housing award. It received the Affordable Housing Development of the Year accolade at the Insider South West Property Awards. When complete the scheme will deliver 24 energy efficient apartments for
Works to excavate 22-acres of the Liverpool Festival Gardens site are nearing completion after two years. The derelict land had not been touched in 25 years before remediation work began on the area. More than 380,000 cubic metres of soil and waste has been removed as part of the project,
Network Rail has launched its masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard, East London, which will see the regeneration of over 30 acres of brownfield land. The site is the final parcel of land to be developed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games legacy. The site is
Nottingham City Council has announced that Nottingham Castle will reopen on 26 June, following redevelopment work. The redevelopment includes a new visitor centre and cafe at the castle’s entrance. It will also include a new adventure playground in the moat in addition to modernised internal galleries and exhibition spaces. The
North Somerset Council has allocated an additional £11.9 million of funding for the Banwell bypass. Despite setting aside £7.6m in scheme’s original budget to protect the bypass from changing construction costs, the four years since funding was initially secured from Homes England have seen unprecedented price increases caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The agreed £11.9m funding, which comes from Community Infrastructure Levy, Section 106 monies and reallocated capital reserves, will help tackle these inflationary pressures and meet globally increased costs of fuel, construction material and labour. Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: “Banwell bypass is a landmark project for us, one that will cut congestion through Banwell, making it a safer, cleaner place, as well as delivering a range of other local improvements such as miles of new walking, cycling and horse-riding routes. “In agreeing additional funding, we are demonstrating our continued commitment to delivering the project and the benefits it is set to bring to North Somerset. For every pound we spend, the completed scheme is expected to return £2.27 in value, making it a vital component in unlocking regional growth for our communities. “We are also continuing positive conversations with Homes England and are seeking further financial contribution from them, as well as working with contractors to ensure we are getting the best value for money before we begin construction.” The additional £11.9m is subject the remainder of the additional costs being met by Homes England and the outcome of the public inquiry into Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) needed to build the bypass. The inquiry is being held at the Grand Pier and is expected to last until Friday 28 July. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property company British Land has unveiled plans to redevelop London’s Euston Tower into a life sciences and innovation hub. The company has entered into discussions with Camden Council about plans to transform the building into a net zero workspace, using a combination of retention, re-use and a new ultra-low carbon structure. The design work for the project is being led by Danish architects 3XN with support from the London-based architecture studio DSDHA. Both companies worked with British Land on Broadgate’s 2FA. The proposed design would retain a number of Euston Tower’s key features such as the foundations, basement and core. The scheme will aim to reduce its carbon emissions throughout construction by retaining, re-using and re-cycling existing material, utilising low-carbon and recycled materials where new material is required and only using certified carbon offsets as a last resort. Commenting on the project, David Lockyer, Head of Development, British Land, said: “This is a unique opportunity to transform a London landmark desperately in need of revival, ensuring it is fit for the future by adopting cutting-edge sustainability practices and attracting leading life sciences and innovation occupiers where it currently lies vacant. “We’re committed to a comprehensive and transparent approach to sustainability, working closely with the London Borough of Camden and other key stakeholders to reimagine this office tower. The desire to retain, re-use and recycle as much of the building fabric as possible while creating high quality, flexible and sustainable workspaces is a blueprint for other projects facing similar challenges.” Reflecting on their involvement, Audun Opdal, Senior Partner and Head of Design, 3XN, said: “We are proud to work on this highly progressive project and feel our proposals will transform the disused Euston Tower into a beautifully designed, sustainable new building, delivering workspaces for the future and accessible and inclusive spaces for neighbouring communities. “Working with our innovation unit GXN, we will reuse and recycle materials throughout the development, and ultimately reach net zero at completion and in operation. As such, we have developed a guiding hierarchy for how we find the best place for any elements that are removed from the existing structure. Where we cannot retain materials in situ we are developing innovative methodologies for recycling and upcycling, working closely with research institutes to further this. Architecturally this will be a new breed of tall building, one that minimises operational energy use through passive design, reducing solar gain with less glazing and increased façade depth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Muse has been chosen by Oldham Council to develop a town centre regeneration. The partnership will involve the creation of 2,000 new homes, including a range of different types and sizes. The homes will be built on the site of the civil centre as well as at the sites of several former leisure centres. The scheme will also include the development of a new town centre park. The project is the latest phase of wider improvements to Oldham including the new Spindles shopping centre and offices; a new home for Tommyfield market, a new theatre, new space for businesses, and and a restored Old Library with cultural, civic and community spaces. The new partnership could last as long as 25 years. Muse were chosen after an in-depth procurement process. They have been responsible for developing similar projects such as the Stockport Exchange, Salford Central and Lewisham Gateway schemes. Commenting on the new partnership, Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. I’m delighted that, today, we can announce that together, we and Muse will be creating a new town centre for not just the people who live here now, but for generations to come. “These new homes will create new communities right in the heart of Oldham; which is a brilliant opportunity not just for the Oldhamers who will get the chance to live there, but also for people across the borough who can enjoy greener, more attractive, and more enjoyable places to shop, eat, drink and spend their leisure time. “I know today’s announcement will also be welcomed by our fantastic local businesses, who will soon be seeing more and more people spending time in our town centre throughout the day and into the evenings, as new communities move in, settle, and raise their families. “I’m so pleased to be leading on these exciting, ambitious, and truly game-changing plans – and I’m also truly excited that we’ve secured a partner from Oldham, who knows Oldham so well, and is just as passionate as me to make our borough a better place for all of us who call Oldham home.” Reflecting on their involvement, Phil Mayall, Managing Director – North West at Muse, said: “We’re proud to have been selected by the council to deliver its ambitious vision for regeneration in the town and we’re excited to get started. “As a business, we’re all about placemaking. We create kinder places in our towns and cities that focus on quality, community and sustainability. It’s regeneration with people at its heart; that will celebrate the proud town of Oldham, its rich heritage, along with its aspirations for the future. “We’re at the start of our journey with the council and we’re very much looking forward to getting out in the community as soon as we’re able, as we build a brighter future for Oldham, together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £400 million landmark development spearheaded by Gary Neville has officially launched in Manchester. The mixed-use scheme, a collaboration between Relentless Developments, KKR, Salboy, and Manchester City Council, is set to bring a fresh perspective to the market. No.1 St Michael’s, the flagship development within the project, is aimed to become the city’s first fully Net Zero Carbon commercial development, both in operation and delivery. Construction of the 41-storey tower is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Once complete, the tower will boast a 162-bed 5-star international hotel brand and 217 luxury residences. Relentless Developments is in the final stages of securing a deal with a global hotel operator, which will be announced in the autumn. St Michael’s aims to set new benchmarks in quality, aesthetics, and experiences, positioning itself as a prominent destination for food, drink, and entertainment. The roof terrace will be home to the iconic Nikkei restaurant brand, Chotto Matte, while a refurbished public square will retain the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub, preserving the site’s heritage as the former home of Manchester City Police headquarters. The scheme, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Hodder & Partners, aims to transform the underused area while respecting its historical significance. The interiors, created in collaboration with SOM, complement the building’s high-quality external design. The Manchester development is divided into two distinct phases. Phase one, branded as No.1 St Michael’s, comprises nine floors of top-tier office space designed to achieve world-leading standards in sustainability and well-being. The Chotto Matte rooftop restaurant and two food and beverage outlets bookend the building. No.2 St Michael’s encompasses the tower, which includes the hotel, apartments, and an additional 75,000 sq ft of office space. Delivery of No.1 began in January 2022, led by Bowmer and Kirkland, with completion expected in 2024. No.2, managed by Salboy’s exclusive build partner Domis, will break ground in the coming weeks, and the entire scheme is set to reach completion in early 2027. Gary Neville, Director at Relentless Developments, said: “This is an extraordinary scheme that has been no less than 15 years in the making and we believe it to be the most sustainable commercial space in the city. I’d like to thank all our partners who have been with me on this journey and remained committed to the vision to transform this pivotal area of the city into a global landmark. “We’ve worked so hard to create a development that is distinctive in both its imaginative design and heritage as well as its location connecting the city’s business district with the historic civic quarter. Signing a deal with two of the world’s most reputable law firms and setting a new headline rent as we launch is testament to that. “Progress is now beginning to accelerate as we approach the latter stages of No.1 and we set our sights on the world-class leisure and residential elements that will be delivered for No.2.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has reached the next phase of upgrades to the Transpennine route at Morley. Network Rail engineers completed nine days of round the clock work from 17 to 25 June at Morley train station. Works carried out included the creation of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition, a full signalling recontrol to Network Rail’s York Rail Operating Centre and the installation of a brand-new footbridge. The railway was closed for the duration of the scheme, this allowed further work to be carried out in Batley where a new footbridge was completed and opened to the public. It replaces the existing Lady Anne level crossing. The works at Morley station are part of a wider project by Network Rail to fully electrify train routes across the North of England as well as improving stations along the way. Commenting on the works, Sarah Thompson, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade said, “I want to say a big thank you to passengers for bearing with us over the last nine days as our engineers completed these major upgrades at Morley station. “We understand that there is no right time to complete work that impacts rail travel, so really appreciate the patience and support of passengers while it has taken place. “Despite the very warm weather, our engineers have made great progress and we’re really excited to officially open the station later this year.” Reflecting on the impact of the project, Tony Baxter, Regional Director for the East at Northern, said: “We’re really grateful for the patience of all of our customers over the past nine days whilst work has been taking place to rebuild Morley station. We know that this work has been disruptive, but we’re delighted to be able to welcome our customers back on board our trains. “Though it’s been a case of some ‘short term pain for long term gain’, when the new station opens fully later this year, the improved accessibility it will deliver will be absolutely transformational for our customers and the wider community “Once complete, the upgrades at Morley Station will not only enhance the overall aesthetics but also improve passenger experience. The extended platforms will allow longer trains with more seats to stop at the station, while the new lifts and footbridge will provide increased accessibility for everybody.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded Willmott Dixon a £30 million contract to develop Darlington train station’s entrance. The work will consist of the creation of a new multi-storey car park that will be incorporated into the station’s new wider entrance. The project is part of Network Rail’s £140m masterplan to deliver extra train capacity and better passenger facilities at the station. This will include work to build two additional platforms at the site. The scheme is set to be complete by 2025 in time for the Stockton and Darlington Railway bicentennial celebrations. Commenting on the project, Nick Corrigan, North East director for Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re proud to say that, as well as creating a vibrant and transformative new gateway into Darlington, the station development really will be changing lives and creating opportunities for local people. In addition to new local jobs, apprenticeships and training weeks, in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority, we are creating employment opportunities for local people facing barriers to work through our dedicated Building Lives Academy programme. “Over the coming months, we will be working with the likes of Darlington Borough Council’s Youth Employment Initiative and Aycliffe Secure Centre, to deliver Building Lives Academies for local young people who are not in education, employment or training. This is a project for the people of Darlington, built by the people of Darlington and we’re committed to spending £12m with local supply chain businesses.” Reflecting on the potential impact of the development, Tees Valley Mayor Mayor Houchen said: “With hundreds of Government jobs coming to Darlington, the town and its people deserve a modern and vibrant station to provide a gateway to the rest of the great developments on their way. This is another significant milestone and I’m thrilled the station project is steaming ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new housing scheme at Herbert Avenue led by BCP Council and delivered by AJC group has won an affordable housing award. It received the Affordable Housing Development of the Year accolade at the Insider South West Property Awards. When complete the scheme will deliver 24 energy efficient apartments for people who are currently homeless and require a stepping-stone between hostels and independent living. The project aims to reduce dependency on temporary Bed and Breakfast accommodation, instead providing an alternative solution through the mix of 1,2- and 3-bedroom self-contained units. The development includes a number of green features, which led it to achieve Passivehaus certification. The plans also include bat and bird boxes which aim to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The development was also shortlisted in the Sustainable Development of the Year category in early June’s South Coast Property Awards. Commenting on the project, Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “This new development is so important to help towards our long-term vision of ending homelessness across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Helping people off the streets and into a safe place that they can call home, is something we’re all very passionate about. “To be recognised in these industry awards for the social impact of the scheme alongside the green credentials highlights our responsibility to our declared climate and ecological emergency alongside our commitment to reducing and ultimately ending homelessness, and I’m looking forward to seeing this accommodation in use once the development is complete.” Reflecting on their involvement, David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “We are delighted to have won the Insider South East Affordable Housing Development of the Year as well as being shortlisted for the Sustainable Development of the Year at the South Coast Property Awards, as Herbert Avenue is a shining example of what partnership working can deliver. This trailblazing development for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been designed locally, and is being constructed by our local supply chain. And, as soon as the new homes are handed over, they will be occupied by local people. “With Poole and Sandbanks being such a tourist hotspot, the need for ‘move on’ accommodation might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. However, the high cost of living here is why this scheme on Herbert Avenue is so vital. As a specialist in affordable housing, this eco-focused scheme is central to our core social values of building communities and delivering lasting change. We are very proud to be working on a project that will make a real difference to local people and the local economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works to excavate 22-acres of the Liverpool Festival Gardens site are nearing completion after two years. The derelict land had not been touched in 25 years before remediation work began on the area. More than 380,000 cubic metres of soil and waste has been removed as part of the project, with 95% of the material being recycled. Liverpool City Council is now seeking to appoint multidisciplinary consultant team to assist the Council in preparing a development brief for the residential-led redevelopment of Festival Gardens. The appointed partner will work with the council to create a development brief which will then be advertised on the market for various contractors to bid for. The Liverpool Festival Gardens site is situated three miles south of the city centre. It is split into three different zones. A 28 acre development zone, 25 acres of oriental gardens and the southern grasslands – 37 acres of former Festival Gardens land that has self-seeded. The Development Zone, part of which was a former landfill site, once formed part of the International Garden Festival celebrations launched by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984. Commenting on the project, Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, Councillor Nick Small, said: “This is a major step forward in transforming this iconic location and bringing to life our vision of creating a brand new community, with a range of housing types and tenures, ancillary facilities and a high-quality, desirable public realm area. “The work undertaken to date to reach this milestone should not be underestimated, but our focus has been on getting everything right as we need to future-proof this land and make sure it’s fit for purpose for generations to come. “We look forward to moving on to the next phase and taking a step closer to this game-changing development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has launched its masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard, East London, which will see the regeneration of over 30 acres of brownfield land. The site is the final parcel of land to be developed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games legacy. The site is situated close to the A12, and is currently home to several heavy freight uses. Network Rail will work with Maccreanor Lavington Architects to develop a vision for the site’s redevelopment. Possible options for the area include, a new neighbourhood of homes, a logistics and freight hub as well as a new business campus. Commenting on the project, Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail said: “As the last part of the regeneration story for the Olympic Park, Bow Goods Yard is strategically connected by both road and rail. The development has the potential to create London’s largest state-of-the-art freight and last mile logistics hub to serve Greater London, alongside delivering homes, a workspace campus and open space connecting to the surrounding neighbourhoods. “The regeneration of this strategic site demonstrates the huge importance rail infrastructure plays in unlocking the development of brownfield sites and to deliver on London’s sustainability agenda. We look forward to working closely with both communities and key stakeholders on this opportunity.” Reflecting on their involvement, Blazej Czuba, Associate Urban Designer with Maccreanor Lavington said: “We have been developing unique approaches to London’s employment locations for many years and we are thrilled to have been selected to apply them on this unique site. Bow Goods Yard has the potential to be London’s most industrious sites – it is also about its newest park and the evolving residential neighbourhoods around it. “This project needs care and sensitivity in its design, with a fair amount of innovation. The team understands the complexity of London: its communities, its spatial character, its uses, and the mix that will create a new neighbourhood here for the people of Newham and Tower Hamlets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham City Council has announced that Nottingham Castle will reopen on 26 June, following redevelopment work. The redevelopment includes a new visitor centre and cafe at the castle’s entrance. It will also include a new adventure playground in the moat in addition to modernised internal galleries and exhibition spaces. The City Council was handed back the site following the liquidation of Nottingham Castle Trust last November. A decision was taken by the Council’s Executive Board on 21 March 2023 to work towards reopening the whole site in June managed directly by Nottingham City Council as part of its Museums and Galleries service. Commenting on the reopening Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that Nottingham Castle will open again on Monday 26th June. Nottingham without its castle is like Robin Hood without his merry men, so it’s going to be fantastic to have it back at the heart of our city’s life. “We’ve already seen with the Coronation events and the sold-out Eurovision event that people are eager to return to the site – and we’re very keen to welcome them back. With the final chance for a grounds only sneak preview with the new ‘Medieval Legends’ open day, visitors of all ages can discover the grounds of the Castle during the bank holiday at the end of May ahead of the full reopening of the site. “We hope this announcement will come as welcome news, as we have endeavoured to listen to what visitors didn’t like about the Trust’s admission arrangements, and I believe the simpler pricing and exceptional value we are announcing will help to encourage visitors, near and far, to come back again and again.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
