Work is set to begin on a transformational regeneration of the former Ford manufacturing plant in Dagenham, London. The regeneration project, brought forward by major developers Countryside Properties and L&Q Group, will see the 29-hectare site revitalised into a thriving new community. It’ll take until 2030 to completely deliver the new project, with plans for: […]
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£1bn regeneration set to get underway May 27, 2019
“We need your help” May 19, 2019
As hosts of the leading built environment networking events, we are always looking at ways we can improve and modernise to ensure we are providing everyone with an outstanding experience. We have recently partnered with Constructing Rainbows to look at ways we can encourage a more diverse audience to our events. We know that by […]
Read moreThe moment social value was born May 15, 2019
It is 40 years since the British gangster movie, The Long Good Friday, was released and there have been numerous documentaries to mark the cinematic milestone. In the film, the main character Harold Shand (played by Bob Hoskins) gives a stellar speech aboard his luxury yacht moored on the banks of the Thames, presenting a […]
Read moreLondon Festival of Architecture and Architecture LGBT+ launch competition for Architectural Pride float May 14, 2019
The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) and Architecture LGBT+ have announced a design competition for a float to represent architecture and LGBT+ architects at Pride in London and Manchester Pride. Now in its second year, the project celebrates the diversity of the architecture sector, and offers opportunities for architecture students, recent graduates, emerging practices as […]
Read moreProtecting the environment the key long-term challenge facing UK ports May 11, 2019
Aside from Brexit the environment is the key long-term challenge facing shipping, the UK Chamber of Shipping’s Bob Sanguinetti has said. “As far as protecting the environment, gone are the days when shipping was perceived as a dirty industry: shipping has opportunity to show its true colours,” he said at our Ports Development Conference, highlighting […]
Read morePorts need improved infrastructure to drive development and tackle road congestion May 11, 2019
Inadequate infrastructure connecting UK ports and the wider UK is putting a brake on the development and expansion of ports, our Port Development Conference has heard. Poor transport access to the south of England’s ports could result in freight being diverted to less congested part of the country. Ports in the north of England aspire […]
Read moreQuicker planning process needed for UK ports May 11, 2019
The growth of UK ports are often held back by a planning system that moves too slowly for the fast-changing needs of the sector, our Ports Development Conference has heard. Speaking at the event DP World’s Estate Manager Nick Orbell said: “Ports don’t like lag time. If a response is needed, it needs to be […]
Read moreUK ports ongoing and future major development projects May 11, 2019
A shift in demand for sector services across UK ports, and an over capacity in the UK market, is changing the trading landscape and the new developments and regeneration happening at each port. Our Ports Development Conference heard about the ongoing major projects and future plans – including the biggest port project currently in the […]
Read morePort bosses warn Brexit may cause traffic chaos, but also opportunities May 11, 2019
The road network of the south east of England could become choked due to congestion at Dover if there is a hard Brexit, our Ports Development Conference has heard. Tim Morris, Chief Executive of UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) – which represents nine of the largest port operators across the UK – pointed out the […]
Read moreOvercoming challenges in restoring heritage buildings May 10, 2019
David Hills, Partner at Purcell, recently presented details of his work as lead architect on the incredible Battersea Power Station regeneration project. Speaking at our National Partner CIOB’s event focused on exploring quality and standards in the heritage architecture sector he delves into the impressive examples of hertiage restoration projects across the UK. As an […]
Read moreMarks & Spencer signs lease for new Maidstone store Apr 30, 2019
Marks & Spencer has signed a lease with Gallagher Properties Ltd for a new Marks & Spencer store at Eclipse Park, near Junction 7 of the M20 in Maidstone. Construction of the 7,808m2 (84,044 ft2) store is underway, with its doors planned to open in the summer of 2020. The store will sell Clothing and […]
Read moreHousing association and council in modular homes joint-venture talks Apr 25, 2019
A major housing association is exploring establishing a modular housing venture with a local authority – which will discussed in detail at our Offsite Manufacture Conference in June. Geoff Pearce, Executive Director for Regeneration and Development at Swan Housing Group, told our Thames Estuary Development Conference that the Essex-based association is in discussions with an […]
Read moreEssex borough challenges Lower Thames Crossing Apr 25, 2019
Plans for the new Lower Thames Crossing are being resisted by the Essex authority where the tunnel will emerge, our event heard. The new crossing, which will carry 14.5 miles of dual to three lane expressway in the UK’s longest road tunnel, is due to emerge on the north bank of the Thames in the […]
Read moreEast London borough reveals plans for new rail line Apr 25, 2019
Havering Council is working up plans for a fixed rail link in a bid to improve north-south links in the east London borough. Andrew Blake-Herbert, Chief Executive of the authority, told delegates at our event that Havering will benefit from three new stations on the new Crossrail line, more than any other borough, when it […]
Read moreEbbsfleet garden city housing picks up pace Apr 25, 2019
Delivery of new homes has speeded up at Ebbsfleet garden city, according to the head of the body overseeing the project to build the first new garden city in a century. Ian Piper, Chief Executive Officer of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, told delegates at our Thames Estuary Development Conference that 600 dwellings have been completed […]
Read moreLocal players urged to take lead of Thames Estuary growth Apr 25, 2019
Local authorities and other key players in the Thames Estuary should not wait on central Government to give a lead on the area’s development, Thurrock Council’s Chief Executive has urged. Lyn Carpenter said that the new strategic board, which the Government has backed in its response to Sir John Armitt’s Estuary Growth Commission Report, must […]
Read moreEstuary council’s temporary homes use outstrips entire North’s Apr 25, 2019
More households are living in temporary accommodation in one east London borough than in the whole of the north of England, our event has heard. Rokhsana Fiaz, who was elected mayor of Newham last May, said during the opening keynote that the housing crisis facing the country is ‘particularly acute’ in London.
Read moreReal estate companies told to get closer to customers Apr 17, 2019
The property company of the future will have to get more hands on with its assets, KPMG’s Head of UK Real Estate has predicted. Average lease lengths are continuing to fall, partly because accounting standard IFRS 17 means all liabilities must be places on the balance sheet, and in addition occupiers want greater flexibility in […]
Read morePost Brexit economy to ‘hold up well’ Apr 17, 2019
Brexit may hit UK economic growth, but it will hold up well compared to other advanced economies, investment bank Berenberg’s UK economist has predicted. Delivering a keynote during our most recent London event Kallum Pickering forecasted that a hit on growth will be most limited in the event of the UK adopting a so called […]
Read moreLondon commuting patterns will flip, Chief Executive predicts Apr 17, 2019
London’s commuting patterns will change as the lines between where people live and work increasingly blur, Croydon’s Chief Executive has predicted, which will have implications for single use developments, like residential blocks. Jo Negrini told delegates: “Cities change, and we know people will use them very differently in the future. The premise that people come […]
Read moreBrexit boon for domestic property investors Apr 17, 2019
Domestic property investors have been able to land cut price assets following the withdrawal of overseas competitors from the UK during the run up to Brexit according to Legal and General Investment Management’s Head of Real Assets. Speaking at our event in London Bill Hughes said that uncertainty surrounding the UK’s withdrawal had created opportunities […]
Read moreWeston Group invests £20m to create new £40m HQ & serviced office complex as part of ongoing expansion Apr 10, 2019
Leading volume housebuilder Weston Group is investing £20 million in order to build a new circa £40 million (GDV) expanded headquarters and serviced office complex in Stansted which, once complete in 2021, will provide 95,000 sqft of Grade-A office space in two twin buildings. The multi-million project is the result of Weston Group’s ongoing expansion, […]
Read moreNew strategy aims to increase supply of housing that’s affordable to live in… Apr 05, 2019
A new strategy to tackle South Cambridgeshire’s housing challenges has been approved by the District Council – with an emphasis on providing homes that are affordable for local workers to live in. The Council’s Cabinet yesterday (Wednesday 3 April) approved the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy. This is a joined-up document with Cambridge City Council that […]
Read moreAcorn Property Group completes on land for 55 unit residential scheme in Wedmore, Somerset Apr 04, 2019
Acorn Property Group’s Bristol office has completed on the purchase of a 5.5 acre site in the exclusive village of Wedmore, Somerset, where it has been granted full planning consent for a fifty-five unit residential scheme.
Read moreExclusive Q&A: Sustainability and growth within the Thames Estuary corridor Mar 28, 2019
Ahead of the Thames Estuary Development Conference next week, we hear exclusively from Anusha Shah, Chair of the Thames Estuary Partnership, on their role in the Thames 2050 Vision… Your vision is to make the Thames the most sustainably managed estuary in the world. Tell us a little about the Thames Estuary Partnership and […]
Read moreContractor appointed for global software company’s new HQ Mar 26, 2019
Stoford Developments has appointed the main contractor for the new £26.7m headquarters for a world-class communications software company in London. McLaren Construction will build the 66,000 sq ft office building for Metaswitch on a one-acre site in Genotin Road, Enfield, North London, on behalf of the leading property developer. Work is expected to start on […]
Read moreExclusive; development and investment opportunities in Barking & Dagenham Mar 23, 2019
The Thames Estuary Corridor offers a unique opportunity – and the global river is set to support unprecedented growth over the coming years, generating an additional £190bn GVA and 1.3m new jobs by 2050. It’s set to see regions transformed, and one of those is the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Ahead of their […]
Read moreLondon Luton Airport set for expansion Feb 27, 2019
Council owned London Luton Airport have revealed plans to expand the airport – delivering a second terminal. The plans, which would increase passenger numbers from 18m to 32m per annum, will be a focus of the Airport Cities Development Conference – where the Airport are set to speak. The announcement comes as the airport continues […]
Read morePagabo and Built Environment Networking announce new partnership Feb 23, 2019
Pagabo and Built Environment Networking – the UK’s leading provider of construction and networking events – are pleased to announce their new partnership which will allow Pagabo to continue connecting valued clients to the very best the construction industry offers – Simply Better Procurement. Pagabo support public sector organisations across the UK by providing a […]
Read moreWeston Homes & Tesco preparing proposals to redevelop Goodmayes site Feb 23, 2019
Weston Homes and partner Tesco have been in dialogue for some time to redevelop the Tesco store and carpark at 822 High Road in Goodmayes into a new mixed use development. The 10.4 acre site is located next to Goodmayes Railway Station and is opposite Barley Lane Park. Weston Homes, who’re set to speak at […]
Read more£200m Port of Tilbury project given go-ahead Feb 20, 2019
A huge scheme has today been given the green light which could see 12,000 jobs created within the next 10-15 years. The multimillion pound port terminal development, known as Tilbury2, was given the thumbs up by the Secretary of State for Transport after Forth Ports submitted their plans. Forth Ports – owner of The Port […]
Read morePartnerships still on agenda post PFI – Government Property Chief Feb 18, 2019
Whitehall is still keen to pursue partnerships with the property industry despite the ‘unravelling’ of the HMRC’s STEPS property private finance initiative deal, the Chair of the Government Property Unit (GPU) has said. Liz Peace told delegates at our London event that the STEPS deal struck nearly 20 years ago with property company Mapeley, and […]
Read moreBank to maintain gilt holdings post QE Feb 18, 2019
The Bank of England will continue to hold large quantities of gilts even if it stops the quantitative easing policy of bond buying, the Bank of England’s Agent for London has said. Speaking at our London event Rob Elder said that QE remains a tool that the UK’s central bank uses to support the economy, […]
Read morePlanning in London ‘never more difficult’ – Madelin Feb 18, 2019
The planning system in London has ‘never been more difficult’, veteran developer Roger Madelin told delegates at our London Property Club event. Madelin, who heads the Canada Water development at British Land, said that he could not remember a more difficult time for development since he started out in the industry: “Planning in London has […]
Read moreThurrock Council make infrastructure pledge Feb 01, 2019
Thurrock Council have promised to ensure that crucial infrastructure is in place to help support and maximise major regeneration projects set to happen across the region. Thurrock Council, who’ll be speaking at the Thames Estuary Development Conference in April, are working in partnerships with a variety of firms across six massive growth areas – which […]
Read moreBarking & Dagenham Council business park purchase moves digital hub plans forward Jan 23, 2019
The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham have acquired Londoneast-UK Business & Technical Park today as they drive forward their plans to regenerate the area. The purchase, which currently holds 42 SME firms employing around 500 staff, is said to be a ‘major milestone’ in the Council’s ambitions to transform the area – with an […]
Read moreExclusive Q&A; Developing cities to be smart – Siemens Jan 15, 2019
Sarah Handley, Carbon Neutral Programme Manager at Siemens, is set to speak at the Smart Cities Development Conference on the 6th February. Ahead of the event we hear exclusively from Sarah on the exceptional work Siemens is doing within the market as one of the leading smart city providers. Siemens is at the forefront […]
Read moreDevelopment around Euston ‘should be on a bigger scale’ Jan 15, 2019
The development around the new HS2 station at Euston should be on a bigger scale than currently envisaged. That’s the message that came from our London focused session at the HS2 Economic Growth Conference where the local planning authority’s Development Director spoke. Camden Council is due to publish its planning blueprint for the redevelopment of […]
Read moreMorgan Sindall; the hallmarks of world-class frameworks Jan 08, 2019
Early contractor involvement, multiple procurement routes, and open communication: the hallmarks of world-class frameworks – by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure What are the hallmarks of a world-class framework? What has driven their proliferation over the past decade? And how can innovation shape the framework model moving forward? These were questions put to senior […]
Read moreConference to drive smart and sustainable development and regeneration Jan 06, 2019
On the 6th February, prominent business and public-sector leaders will come together in Oxford for the inaugural Smart Cities Development Conference – the largest business conference of the year focused on driving and unlocking smart regeneration and development across the UK. The conference, hosted by Built Environment Networking, will see some of the biggest names […]
Read moreUK Construction & Property Events Worth Attending in 2019 Jan 01, 2019
The construction and property industry is in a fascinating place. On one side there is major disruption and uncertainty with skills, housing, BREXIT and more creating massive challenges which need to be overcome. On the other hand innovative smart solutions are offering ways to combat barriers, whilst ambitious infrastructure projects including HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail […]
Read moreNew year, new construction solution as unique multi-regional framework set for UK launch Dec 27, 2018
From 1st January 2019, the public sector will have access to a gold standard service in a unique framework that offers the very best in standards at a local level – a bundle never before assembled on such a scale to SME construction organisations across the UK. Pagabo, the construction procurement specialists, will launch and […]
Read moreDigesting the Construction Frameworks Conference Dec 26, 2018
Construction frameworks were under the spotlight at a conference held in Sheffield on December 13th in Sheffield by Built Environment Network. Maria Claude Hemming, Director of External Affairs at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), used a keynote presentation at the Construction Frameworks Conference to outline the results of its recent research on frameworks. This […]
Read moreBritish Ports Association call for review of Government’s freight strategy Dec 22, 2018
Ahead of the UK Ports Development Conference the British Ports Association (BPA) have called on Government to review its freight strategy whilst prioritising port connectivity initiatives to drive economic growth with the UK. Responding to the National Infrastructure Commission’s interim report into the ‘Future of Freight’ BPA’s Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne welcomed the focus on […]
Read moreReport shows need to tackle carbon and congestion caused by ever-greater demands for deliveries Dec 21, 2018
Whitehall and Town Halls should offer greater support to efforts to meet people’s growing demands for fast deliveries while also reducing congestion and carbon emissions, the National Infrastructure Commission warns today. As more and more consumers are looking to get next-day deliveries on their last-minute Christmas shopping this weekend, chairman Sir John Armitt argued the […]
Read morePlanning for a post-car future Dec 19, 2018
Barry Jessup, Director at First Base, will join us in February for the Smart Cities Development Conference – and we hear from him around smart tech merging with development: Much has been said about the major disruptive elements facing the real estate industry, namely increased government intervention, a changing retail environment and intervention from […]
Read moreBuilt Environment Networking continue recruitment drive Dec 17, 2018
Leeds-based construction and property events company Built Environment Networking are continuing their recruitment drive – with the announcement of three new appointments. The company, which has recently relocated to larger premises at Thorpe Park in Leeds, have this year doubled its team as their events business continues to grow. Newly appointed Partnerships Director Lee Cooper […]
Read moreNew partnership programme will ”help cities to plan for the future” Dec 15, 2018
The National Infrastructure Commission today launched a partnership programme for cities and city regions across the country, to help local leaders develop long-term strategies that link transport, housing and job opportunities. Chairman Sir John Armitt said the programme would help cities “from the North East to the South West” to share knowledge and expertise as […]
Read moreLondon boroughs pilot NHS staff housing initiative Dec 11, 2018
Five London boroughs have been chosen to roll out a pilot programme for helping to remedy the capital’s health staffing crisis by building new homes on surplus NHS land. Angela Harrowing, Deputy Director of Housing & Public Estate Disposals at the Office of Government Property, revealed at our Blue Light Estates Conference that the ‘NHS […]
Read moreThe rise and rise of frameworks in construction Dec 11, 2018
Andy Parker, Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure: With the number of providers only increasing, it’s important to take stock and ask, what are the hallmarks of a best-in-class framework? What’s driven their proliferation? And what value do they provide both customers, and the wider community? If frameworks are to continue to thrive and provide the […]
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