Brighton requires its own mass transit transport system, the city council’s environment chief has said. Nick Hibberd, the south coast authority’s Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture said that buses and trams could help to reduce the city’s congestion because they require less road space: “We need to move toward more sustainable modes of […]
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Countryside Properties building new timber panel factory Jul 10, 2019
Countryside Properties is building its own timber panel manufacturing site to remedy shortfalls in its supply chain. Andrew Taylor, Head of Planning at Countryside Properties, told delegates at the Oxford Cambridge Arc Development Conference that the housebuilder has purchased a site for manufacturing timber panels which its plans to roll out over the next year. […]
Read moreArc university development to focus on new institutions Jul 10, 2019
The next phase of university development in the Oxford to Cambridge Arc is likely to be focused on new institutions rather than the expansion of existing facilities, our event has heard. Both Peterborough and Milton Keynes, currently the largest population centres in England that lack their own universities, are keen to set up their own […]
Read moreFailure to electrify mooted Oxford Cambridge rail line branded a “disaster” Jul 10, 2019
Using diesel instead of electric trains on the proposed line between Oxford and Cambridge has been branded a “disaster” for the development of the surrounding Arc, one of the area’s most eminent planners has said. The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust’s Jane Hamilton told the infrastructure panel session at Ox-Cams conference, that “backsliding” on […]
Read moreCouncil Chief downplays role of Ministerial Arc Champion Jul 10, 2019
Progress on the development of Oxford to Cambridge Arc should not be held up by the delayed appointment of a Ministerial Champion, one of the area’s leading local government chiefs has said. The government made a commitment last year to appoint a ministerial champion for the Ox-Cams Arc but has yet to fill the role. […]
Read more“Disappointment” aired due to lack of emphasis on “blue and green infrastructure” in major UK infrastructure project Jul 10, 2019
Jane Hamilton, Chair of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, has told our event that she is “disappointed” about the lack of emphasis on “blue and green” infrastructure, like waterways and parks, in the Arc’s plans. Speaking at our Oxford Cambridge Arc Development Conference she said: “We’ve heard a lot about the Expressway and […]
Read moreOxford Cambridge Arc’s provision of full fibre broadband and wet labs lagging Jul 10, 2019
The Oxford Cambridge Arc lacks enough of the full fibre broadband or wet lab space that its growth industries require – a Local Enterprise Partner (LEP) boss has warned. Ahmed Goga, Director of Strategy and Programmes at OXLEP, said the rate of full-fibre connectivity in the Arc is “seven to eight per cent” but while […]
Read moreNeed for review on permitted development rights around airports Jun 24, 2019
Gatwick Airport’s Director of Planning, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Tim Norwood has hit out at how permitted development rights have allowed offices close to the West Sussex airport to be converted into homes. Speaking at our Airport Cities Development Conference in Manchester, Mr Norwood said: “We have to ask whether the government has kept it’s […]
Read moreConference to set out regeneration and development opportunities and major plans within Brighton and Sussex Jun 23, 2019
On the 2nd July, prominent business leaders within the construction and property industry will come together for the Brighton & Sussex Development Plans Conference – one of the region’s largest business events of the year within the construction sector.
Read moreVideo gaming helping to innovate the construction industry Jun 21, 2019
Offsite manufacturers are hiring talent and adopting techniques from the video gaming industry to help design innovative new buildings, the firm behind the delivery of Dublin Airport’s €22m new passenger facility has said. Wayne Yeomans, Head of Business Development at The McAvoy Group, which delivered the new building at Dublin Airport using offsite manufacturing said: […]
Read moreUncertainty over UK’s property market leads major developer to rethink plans May 24, 2019
Uncertainty in the UK’s property market, especially in retail, has also led to developer Whitehill and Bordon (W&B) to rethink some of its own development plans, including the make-up of the town centre element of its vast Prince Philip Park scheme. Speaking at our Southampton Development Plans event Chris Knott, Director at W&B Regeneration Company, which […]
Read moreImpressive 15-acre lagoon park planned for Bournemouth May 23, 2019
Impressive plans have been revealed for a new £35m ‘waterpark’ in Bournemouth – titled the Lagoon Project. The vision for the 15-acre park is to create a tourist destination to attract visitors, families and surfers – with accommodation units and watersports.
Read moreUniversity looks to develop PRS homes for staff and post-graduates May 21, 2019
The University of Hertfordshire is considering building homes for staff and post-graduates because homes in the local area are too expensive. Speaking at our event in Hertfordshire the Director of Estates at the university – Ian Grimes – said the faculty was looking to address the consequences of unaffordable homes in the region. He said: […]
Read more“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 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 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 moreGallagher Ltd helping deliver Leicester City’s new world-class football training centre Apr 30, 2019
Gallagher Ltd has been successful in securing the groundworks and reinforced concrete superstructures package for Leicester City Football Club’s new world-class football training centre, for principal contractor McLaren. The main building is an impressive structure that moulds into the landscape. Surrounding the building will be 11 full-size outdoor pitches, eight smaller pitches, five training grids […]
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 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 moreWSP appointed for Oxford Station upgrade Mar 23, 2019
The East West Railway Company appoints WSP to examine infrastructure and capacity requirements at Oxford Station. Engineering and professional services consultancy, WSP, has been appointed by the East West Railway Company to study the infrastructure required for an increased train service in and out of Oxford station.
Read moreNew funding unlocks hundreds of homes in Basildon Mar 18, 2019
Government housing agency Homes England have announced £30m worth of funding for a new housing scheme in Basildon – which will bring almost 800 new homes to the town. The development will not only deliver housing, but will also bring additional development to the site to transform the area – all of which will be […]
Read moreGlobal giant Netflix to set up UK base in Kent Mar 14, 2019
The deserted former Ashford Railway Works site in Kent may soon become the home of online video streaming giant Netflix – with a major regeneration project planned for the site. Quinn Estates – who’re set to speak about their future developments at the Thames Estuary Development Conference – are currently preparing a planning application for […]
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 moreHow optimised collaboration in construction improves the Cambridge-Oxford-Arc project Feb 23, 2019
An exclusive editorial from Newforma – our Partner for the up and coming Cambridgeshire Future Development Plans Conference: Humanity as such is only as efficient and successful as its ability to collaborate. Without it, we would be right at where we have started as a species.
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 moreCaledonian Modular successful in two educational builds Feb 20, 2019
Caledonian have announced that they’ve successfully bid for two new school projects in England – as they continue to drive forward their modular offering to educational institutions across the UK. The projects, valued at £38m, have been named as the Haygrove School in Somerset and The Sir Frederick Gibberd College in Essex. Caledonian, who’ll be […]
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 moreRoute unveiled for major new road and junction at Black Cat Feb 19, 2019
The preferred route for a new 10 mile dual carriageway road set to form part of the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor Expressway has been announced – which will help ease growing congestion and hold-ups on the A1, A428 and A421 – stretching from the Black Cat junction to the Caxton Gibbet roundabout. The announcement comes ahead of […]
Read morePlanning application submitted for 750 new homes in Ashford Feb 12, 2019
A planning application has been submitted for a new 750-home scheme in Ashford by major developer Quinn Estates. The development will now be looking into by Ashford Borough Council, with a view of starting work on the scheme in late 2019 if the thumbs up are given. Quinn Estates, who’ll be speaking at the Thames […]
Read moreGatwick Airport’s railways station set for major upgrade Feb 08, 2019
A transformational development to Gatwick Airport’s railway station is set to be given the thumbs up – with council chiefs at Crawley Borough Council set to give the scheme their approval. The development plans, which have been brought forward by Network Rail, Gatwick Airport, Coast to Capital LEP and the Department for Transport, have been […]
Read moreFurther funding for major Thames Enterprise Park development Feb 06, 2019
Additional funding has been secured to unlock the phenomenal opportunities the Thames Enterprise Park is set to bring to the region. The site, being transformed by iSec and Greenergy, will create upwards of 4,500 new jobs as the strategically placed 415-acre brownfield site is regenerated into a thriving new employment zone.
Read moreAmbitious 1,600 residential scheme to transform Southend Feb 05, 2019
Swan Housing Association are set to enter into a joint venture with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council to deliver a massive residential led project delivering around 1,600 new homes. The announcement that Swan have been recommended to enter the collaborative partnership with the council is an exciting step forward for the development which will help transform the […]
Read morePlacemarque; Smart thinking in smart cities Feb 03, 2019
Placemarque are proud to be badge sponsors of Built Environment Networking’s upcoming Smart Cities Development Conference. It comes at a time when we’re considering the evolution of our wayfinding services in light of digital, virtual and mixed reality technologies and big data. Furthermore, as Placemarque developed the street signage in the centre of Oxford (the […]
Read moreStrategic transport body prepares spending review bid Jan 31, 2019
The Oxford-Cambridge corridor’s transport body will present the Treasury with an investment prospectus, its Chief Officer has revealed. Martin Tugwell, Programme Director of the England’s Economic Heartland (EEH) partnership of businesses and councils, told the delegates at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Development conference that the prospectus is designed to make the case for funds in […]
Read moreMajor upgrade planned for Milton Keynes Station Square Jan 31, 2019
The sprawling square in front of Milton Keynes Central railway station is being eyed up for a major upgrade. Speaking at our Oxford Cambridge Corridor Development Conference Maria Curran, Placemaking Executive at the Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP), said that Station Square has been identified as a ‘priority project’. Whilst the square already contains a […]
Read moreCaMKOx Corridor: Academic moots high speed inter varsity rail tunnel Jan 31, 2019
The Chinese would solve the Oxford to Cambridge corridor’s transport problems by building a new high-speed railway tunnel between the two varsity cities, the Vice Chancellor at the University of Northampton has said. Speaking at our Oxford Cambridge Corridor Development Conference Nick Petford said that he was ‘struck by the 20th century approach’ that characterises […]
Read morePBA; Reviewing The CaMKOx Conference… Jan 31, 2019
Nigel Fern (Associate) and Warren Cull (Associate) of PBA – now part of Stantec – share an overview of the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Development Conference:
Read moreRegeneration around UK Ports needs big commitment to training, says infrastructure specialist dtl Jan 25, 2019
Ahead of the UK Ports Development Conference we hear from Develop Training Ltd – the UK’s leading accredited provide of compliance, technical and safety training. Develop Training Limited (DTL) is the UK’s leading accredited provider of compliance, technical, and safety training, supporting thousands of firms with their training needs. Clients include some of the […]
Read moreCaMKOx catalysts: shaping the vision Jan 17, 2019
Ahead of the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Development Conference we hear exclusively from Gemma Goddard, Senior Associate at Birketts LLP, on maximising the huge potential the proposed Oxford-Cambridge infrastructure presents to the region: The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has a vision: creating the UK’s own ’Silicon Valley’ in the form of a seamlessly connected hi-tech […]
Read morePlans launched for 900 new homes in Milton Keynes Jan 16, 2019
A major new residential development in Milton Keynes is set to be officially launched this week, which could house more than 900 new homes. The 45 hectare site, once earmarked as a potential training ground for Milton Keynes Dons FC, will now officially go out to the public for consultation to showcase the proposed plans.
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 moreWSP on the Oxford Cambridge Arc Corridor – strategic priorities, delivery mechanisms and more Jan 15, 2019
Adrian Hames, Director & Head of Transport Planning at WSP: The Oxford to Cambridge Arc continues to be a ‘hot’ topic, with many parties discussing the region’s growth potential. Bringing partners together is a must if we are to tackle the challenges and enable delivery, so we’re excited to help drive the conversation at the […]
Read moreExclusive Developer Q&A: Ed Ellerington, Packaged Living Jan 15, 2019
Packaged Living, backed by Palmer Capital, are a bespoke Build to Rent (B2R) developer and operator at the forefront of the Private Rented Sector (PRS). Having formed last year they’re now looking to develop across the UK – with their first major project at the heart of the proposed Oxford-Cambridge Corridor in Milton Keynes. Ahead […]
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