Work has begun on the UK’s first mobility hub in Ancoats, Manchester, part of Manchester City Council’s regeneration and net zero plans. The mobility hub is a new concept which aims to prioritise green investment, public space, sustainable and active travel, and individual building design over space for car parking
Spitfire Homes has been granted planning permission to develop 48 new homes in Wolston, Warwickshire. Spitfire Homes acquired the 5.44 acre site to develop 34 two- to four-bedroom homes, and an additional 14 properties which will be part of the Government’s First Homes scheme. Named Rosedale, the homes will feature
Construction and engineering firm John Sisk & Son has been appointed by Sheffield City Council to carry out £25m-worth of city centre landscaping work. Sisk started work last month on a makeover for the Fargate area of Sheffield city centre. More than 2,500 sq of pocket parks will be created
Wiltshire Council has approved plans to refurbish and remodel the Grade II listed Town Hall in Trowbridge. This paves the way for the Town Hall to become a major creative and community hub for Trowbridge, comprising custom designed performance and activity spaces, recording studios and a licenced café bar with
Network Rail has started work to renovate the roof at Waterloo Station in London. Engineers have begun work on this two-year project to refurbish the 100-year-old station roof which overlooks the main concourse and was rebuilt just after the First World War in 1922. Work is needed to replace the
Manchester City Council has announced next steps for the once in a generation transformation of Collyhurst Village. This comes as the joint venture between Manchester City Council and Far East Consortium has now appointed a masterplanning team for future phases of development. Collyhurst is one of the first areas to
Liverpool City Council has approved plans, submitted by build to rent provider Placefirst, for the final phase of its Welsh Streets neighbourhood. This comes shortly after The Welsh Streets was named as Housing Development of the Year at the Insider North West Residential Property Awards in January. The development will
The UK Government is to release the final £16.5 million of the £23.7m Town Deal funding awarded to Camborne, after it approved four projects to revamp and revitalise Camborne town centre as part of the Camborne Town Deal programme. The plans include community facilities and green spaces, new shared workspace,
Plans have been submitted for the second phase to restore Oldham’s Old Library. Digital modelling from the architect shows a modern interior that opens the building back up to the public, makes use of the space and preserves many of its original features. “This building has been special to many
Work is to commence on the Kingsgate development in Huddersfield. Supported by Kirklees Council, developer WD Kingsgate will make major changes to the centre bringing cinema and engaging leisure activities to the offering, alongside the existing shops. Work to redevelop the 90,000 square foot, former House of Fraser store will
Work has begun on the UK’s first mobility hub in Ancoats, Manchester, part of Manchester City Council’s regeneration and net zero plans. The mobility hub is a new concept which aims to prioritise green investment, public space, sustainable and active travel, and individual building design over space for car parking and vehicles. Vehicle movements around Ancoats will be further reduced by the Hub’s delivery centre, which will receive parcels and other deliveries, which will either be collected by residents or transferred to buildings via small electric vans and cargo bikes. The hub will include 150 secure bike parking spaces and changing facilities, 102 Electronic vehicle charging points and up to 30 spaces for car club/car share schemes. There will also be 406 parking spaces for visitors and residents. The building has been designed by Buttress Architects LTD and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Commenting on the project Leader of the Council Bev Craig, said: “The redevelopment of Ancoats over the last two decades is an exemplar in urban renewal. And rightly so – the neighbourhood is internationally renowned and has been named one of the best places to live globally. “This next phase of regeneration gives us an opportunity to think differently about how our residents occupy and interact with the space they live in. The Mobility Hub is a key part of this – helping to put the pedestrian, active travel and green public space as the focus of the neighbourhood, rather than the car. “Upcoming development will deliver 1,500 new homes and the transformation of the local park in this part of our city centre and the Hub ensures that Ancoats will be not just renowned for regeneration, but for its sustainability – creating a low carbon, green neighbourhood that should be a model for future city centre investment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spitfire Homes has been granted planning permission to develop 48 new homes in Wolston, Warwickshire. Spitfire Homes acquired the 5.44 acre site to develop 34 two- to four-bedroom homes, and an additional 14 properties which will be part of the Government’s First Homes scheme. Named Rosedale, the homes will feature a varied palette of external materials comprising a mixture of red brick and chalky white render, paired with a combination of red and grey roof tiles. Within each property, layouts will be carefully considered and appointed with a stylish internal specification. Rosedale will feature Spitfire Homes’ signature design-led properties, bringing modern, quality features to suit a variety of lifestyles aimed at first-time buyers, individuals, couples, families and downsizers alike. The 14 properties due to be delivered as part of the First Homes scheme will be available exclusively for first-time buyers at a reduced rate of the market value. The homes will be the first of their kind delivered by Spitfire marking part of an ongoing commitment to enable a range of buyers to get on the property ladder. The energy-efficient new homes will all have heating and hot water supplied courtesy of air-source heat pumps and will feature electric car charging points as standard. This aligns with the priorities of buyers and Spitfire’s commitment to its Sustainable Futures strategy, which outlines a number of sustainability targets to be achieved by the homebuilder by 2030. Ben Leather, Managing Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Wolston is a desirable village location with a growing requirement for new homes – the commuter links and countryside setting make it the ideal location for these homes to meet this rising demand for high-quality, future-proofed homes designed to suit modern lifestyles. “The homes at Rosedale are a further example of Spitfire’s investment into the Midlands region alongside following recent collections in Royal Leamington Spa, Northampton, and Daventry. “We look forward to working with the Parish to deliver both the new homes and the allotments for the local community, ensuring these properties support our ongoing commitment to providing energy-efficient and sustainable homes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction and engineering firm John Sisk & Son has been appointed by Sheffield City Council to carry out £25m-worth of city centre landscaping work. Sisk started work last month on a makeover for the Fargate area of Sheffield city centre. More than 2,500 sq of pocket parks will be created that will catch, store, absorb and clear rainwater and run-off from roads and pavements. Parts of the greenery will also be for children’ play areas. The events area next to Leopold Street will be enlarged, with added features such as public water points and bespoke seating. Trade waste bins will be removed from the street and replaced by ‘buried bins’ accessible to delivery vehicles only at specific times via an automated rise and fall bollard system. The streetworks are designed to support Sheffield City Council’s plan to have more flats and offices in the upper floors of Fargate buildings. Known as the ‘Front Door Scheme’, separate front door entrances will be installed to buildings, enabling easier access to previously hidden parts of Fargate. The project is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority through the £50m Transforming Cities Fund. Completion is expected in summer 2024. Sisk’s UK Civils managing director Dominic Hodges said: “Sisk is delighted that we’ve reached this important milestone and that funding has now been secured to construct the scheme. We’ll be working closely with local businesses and residents throughout construction to ensure this work causes minimum disruption.” “We’re pleased to be working with Sheffield County Council on this scheme which will enhance Fargate and help to make the high street more sustainable.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wiltshire Council has approved plans to refurbish and remodel the Grade II listed Town Hall in Trowbridge. This paves the way for the Town Hall to become a major creative and community hub for Trowbridge, comprising custom designed performance and activity spaces, recording studios and a licenced café bar with refurbished spaces for a wide range of community activities from yoga classes to toddler groups. Listed Building Consent was also granted on the same day ensuring the status of the Town Hall as a local historic landmark in the heart of the town. “Securing these planning permissions are vital milestones in this project which forms part of the £16 million investment in Trowbridge town centre through the government’s Future High Streets Fund. We are delighted that we can now start to move from planning to the exciting stage of delivery with works starting later this year,” said Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council. “One of the key aims in our Business Plan is making sure our towns are resilient, ensuring our communities are able to grow sustainably with access to leisure, arts, heritage and culture. The refurbishment of Trowbridge Town Hall is central to developing a unique cultural offer in the town, encouraging increased footfall into the town centre and helping to revive Trowbridge’s poor evening economy. We are looking forward to these plans being realised in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has started work to renovate the roof at Waterloo Station in London. Engineers have begun work on this two-year project to refurbish the 100-year-old station roof which overlooks the main concourse and was rebuilt just after the First World War in 1922. Work is needed to replace the existing glazing and support structures which will bring the roof back to its former glory. Approximately 10,000 new glazed panels will be installed across 12,000 square metres of roof – an area almost twice the size of the pitch at Wembley Stadium. The panels will be made from a polycarbonate glazing material which is around 50% lighter in weight, reducing stress on the structure and future proofing it for decades to come. A range of other work to improve the overall customer experience at the station is also being carried out where teams plan to make huge improvements to the station’s retail offering which will see new brands and food outlets coming to the station, as well as giving some existing shops a makeover. Station teams have also listened to customer feedback and are adding additional sustainable wooden seats to keep people comfortable when waiting for trains which will add to the 480 seats, plus 120 seats on platforms. Work also started earlier this year to refurbish the toilets, adding a gender-neutral facility as well as more female facilities to bring them in line with what is available for males, plus extra baby changing areas. This is part of the wider Improving London Waterloo station programme of work planned over the next few years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council has announced next steps for the once in a generation transformation of Collyhurst Village. This comes as the joint venture between Manchester City Council and Far East Consortium has now appointed a masterplanning team for future phases of development. Collyhurst is one of the first areas to be developed as part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme being delivered by the joint venture, which will see 15,000 new homes built across seven new and emerging neighbourhoods in north Manchester over the next two decades. With site works having begun to deliver 274 new low carbon homes – including 130 homes for social rent – alongside a new community park and commercial space, the JV is turning its attention to delivering the longer-term vision for both neighbourhoods. Outlined in an update to the Collyhurst regeneration plan, the JV intends to work with a masterplanning team to develop a street-by-street plan that builds on the vision set out in the 2019 Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Victoria North. The masterplanning team includes Mæ (lead architect), Turner.Works (meanwhile use), Schulze+Grassov (landscape and public realm) and IF_DO (community engagement). The team is expected to work with existing local residents to shape the design of potential new homes, streets and parks, with a programme of public engagement due to begin in the coming months. This will include a range of interactive events and activities, which will be inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. The community engagement programme is likely to involve workshops and consultation events to gather the views of local residents and get their feedback, a series of community design sessions involving residents, exhibitions and online engagement. Initial modelling undertaken as part of the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Victoria North indicates the potential for up to 3,000 new homes The 2019 SRF for Victoria North sets out the potential for up to 3,000 new homes – with a key focus on affordability – to be built in Collyhurst through a process of long-term and phased estate remodelling. Future housing investment would be delivered alongside new local services and amenities, public realm and transport infrastructure, including investment in active travel. Any future development would build on meaningful community engagement and consultation to ensure local people remain at the heart of the investment proposals. The joint venture will also retain its commitment to support current residents to remain in Collyhurst – as a single move to a newly built property – so they can benefit from the investment in the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool City Council has approved plans, submitted by build to rent provider Placefirst, for the final phase of its Welsh Streets neighbourhood. This comes shortly after The Welsh Streets was named as Housing Development of the Year at the Insider North West Residential Property Awards in January. The development will deliver a terrace of 13 new homes, including a mix of three-bedroom family homes and apartments. Three of the properties will be designed to be fully wheelchair accessible and the scheme will also include a new community hub where Placefirst’s dedicated resident services manager will be based. Designed by MBED Architects, Phase 6 will create a traditional terrace that has been carefully considered to be in-keeping with the existing street scene and character of the surrounding area, adding to the high-quality, energy efficient homes Placefirst has created to date. Other members of the team include Curtins (engineers) and WSP (on planning). Placefirst worked closely with Liverpool City Council on the plans to bring the Welsh Streets land situated between High Park Street, Wynnstay Street and Kelvin Grove forward. The new accessible community hub will allow Placefirst to continue its focus on community engagement initiatives, with a strong on site presence. With Phase 6, the Welsh Streets neighbourhood will total just under 300 single-family BTR homes, a mix of refurbished and new build. Placefirst has invested over £40m into the project to date, with residents contributing an annual £1.7m spend to the local economy. Construction on the final phase will commence later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK Government is to release the final £16.5 million of the £23.7m Town Deal funding awarded to Camborne, after it approved four projects to revamp and revitalise Camborne town centre as part of the Camborne Town Deal programme. The plans include community facilities and green spaces, new shared workspace, a theatre and a youth café. The funds will be awarded to Cornwall Council at the end of March. The announcement follows the review by Government of the plans for the Town Centre Regeneration programme, which include: Basset Centre and White House The adjoining Basset Centre and White House on Basset Road will be redeveloped by Camborne Town Council, into a state-of-the-art facility that includes high quality communal spaces, a youth café, exciting heritage interpretation and an updated library and resource centre. There will also be a flexible performance space for a range of entertainment and community purposes. Co-working space The project will bring a long-term disused building back into use as a modern co-working space; which will encourage further footfall to the town centre; as well as support our local entrepreneurs to thrive. Camborne Renew Cornwall Council will deliver improvements to the town centre’s streets and public spaces to create a more accessible, sustainable and appealing place to live, work, shop and visit. Kerrier Way The Town Council will lead on the enhancement and landscaping of a brownfield site near Tesco to create a community green space for all to benefit from and enjoy. This will create a green gateway to the town centre and provide community space for local residents. These projects complement the seven other Town Deal funded projects announced last September, which will enable the full delivery of the vision set out in the Town Investment Plan, of increasing the vitality of Camborne while celebrating its rich heritage. Following agreement of the funding allocation by Government, these transformational projects are now focussed on putting the necessary agreements in place to enable funding drawdown and project delivery. Across the town, projects follow different delivery timelines, with some expected to finish next year while others will complete at the end of the programme in March 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted for the second phase to restore Oldham’s Old Library. Digital modelling from the architect shows a modern interior that opens the building back up to the public, makes use of the space and preserves many of its original features. “This building has been special to many hundreds and possibly thousands of Oldhamers and it is yet another exciting milestone in its restoration to see the architects’ drawings as part of the planning submission. The visuals show a building that retains features of a hugely important part of our history along with providing a modern, useful and sustainable place for everyone in the town to make good use of,” said Council Leader Cllr Amanda Chadderton. “This restoration goes way beyond the fondness many of us have for the Old Library and it’s a vital part of our Oldham Town Centre regeneration – we’re creating a town centre for the future where people will want to live, work, visit and socialise. The way in which the project has been done is key too – local young people have increased access to training and employment, around 80 per cent of the spend on the project has been with local businesses, and volunteering and other initiatives have been a feature.” The grade II listed building will be home to meetings rooms, a gallery, and a theatre, as well the Council chamber – all while sensitively incorporating many of the building’s historic features and being equipped with state-of-the-art technology and energy efficient systems. “We are delighted to be working on this fabulous restoration project for Oldham Council. We recognise the importance of the Old Library building to the local community and understand that it has a special place in the hearts of many local residents,” commented Dominic Williams, Director at Ellis Williams Architects. “With that in mind, the newly refurbished building will celebrate Oldham’s cultural heritage whilst providing a range of exciting new community facilities including theatre workshops, meeting rooms, gallery and democratic function spaces arranged around the original Victorian atrium space with historic displays. “As well as celebrating the building’s Victorian past, the scheme also looks positively to the future with new digital infrastructure and low energy systems providing long-term sustainability for this important community asset.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is to commence on the Kingsgate development in Huddersfield. Supported by Kirklees Council, developer WD Kingsgate will make major changes to the centre bringing cinema and engaging leisure activities to the offering, alongside the existing shops. Work to redevelop the 90,000 square foot, former House of Fraser store will begin in early March, with a target opening date for the complex of September 2024. “We are committed to helping businesses thrive in Kirklees and I am delighted that the council has worked very closely with WD Kingsgate to help them to deliver this scheme. Kingsgate is a key destination within the town centre, and the redevelopment will complement the existing shops and become an important family-friendly leisure destination. The developer’s vision for the project is in line with our own Blueprint ambitions for the town centre and will help create the perfect mix of retail, culture and leisure,” said Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration. The Kingsgate Centre is a key focus of Huddersfield’s town centre offer and is in a prime location next to the council’s planned Cultural Heart project. These complementary projects will transform the leisure offering in the town centre and improve the experience for residents and visitors alike. The cinema and leisure proposition will be operated by The Light, who already operate 12 other venues across the country with another opening in Surrey this year. The Light will offer six state of the art cinema screens, ten bowling lanes, alongside a variety of other leisure activities and food offerings which will be revealed in the lead up to the opening. “I am grateful for the council’s support in delivering this scheme. We are excited about bringing a high-quality cinema in to Huddersfield town centre alongside a variety of other food and leisure outlets. Our redeveloped centre will create a new destination within the town centre that gives the opportunity to shop, eat and see the latest films all within a stone’s throw of the other planned town centre developments,” added Peter Everest of WD Kingsgate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
