Our clients are blue-chip, multi-disciplinary property consultancies, with well established Regional, National & International Residential Teams. We have several vacancies for Residential Valuation Surveyors across Senior, Associate and/or Director level, for the whole of the North West region.

These are exciting opportunities to join and lead one of the largest residential teams in the North. Our clients’ teams provide a comprehensive residential offering to their clients, including but not limited to Agency, Valuation, Viability, Consultancy, Student Accommodation and Private Rented Sector, and the team continues to advise on some of the most exciting and advanced residential transactions throughout the North/North West.

Role Profile:

• To work within and/or lead the Residential Valuation team in providing professional residential advice and services throughout the North West market.
• Provide and/or lead on the provision of a full range of residential consultancy and valuation advice to a wide range of key existing clients in support of instructions managed by the Surveyors, Associate Directors and Directors.
• Working alongside the Development Consultancy and Planning teams in the North West office.
• Manage and contribute to team fees, billing and profit targets

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the team plan to develop the clients’ portfolio
• Prime client interface on projects i.e. update clients on progress, respond to queries, provide strategic advice
• Continue and enhance the team profile throughout the market
• Overlook and assist Associate Directors & Directors by contributing to client presentations, bids and pitches
• Identifies key technical issues/ problems in transactions and offers appropriate solutions
• Oversee and support delivery of client assignments, i.e. in the preparation and processing of technical/valuation information
• Work collaboratively with the team to generate new instructions and pool expertise within the team
• Proactively identify new business and revenue opportunities with new and existing clients
• Manage & liaise with internal teams and external consultants to provide a full client service
• Gather and act on client feedback
• Identifies opportunities to cross-sell when discussing a client’s requirements
• Manage team budgets and billing
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships
• Seek to exceed team turnover target
• Engage with team members and understand what other teams engage in and maintain

Knowledge & Experience:

• General Practice background for either a Corporate, Public Sector or Private practice
• Experience of working in a large practice and/or corporate environment
• Possess a strong contact base
• Experience of managing and successfully leading team
• Rounded experience of residential surveying consultancy and viability skills
• An understanding of business development and client relationship management
• Experience in networking and building relationships internally and externally
• A level of experience selling successfully to clients
• Demonstrable technical competence in areas relevant to role such as Circle / Argus, residual analysis planning viability analysis and PRS
• Demonstrable understanding of market and local knowledge
• Knowledge of the wider residential sector
• Financial awareness of yields, band rates, mortgage rates and availability of mortgages
• Business and report writing experience
• Detailed knowledge of current legislation and case law relevant to role
• IT skills (MS Word Advanced, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet)
• IT industry specific packages (i.e. Circle / Argus, Developer, Grail, etc)

Skills & Personal Qualities:

• Excellent command of written / verbal English
• Team player & Team leader
• Selling, negotiation, presentation and marketing skills
• Commercial awareness skills
• Coaching skills
• Good communicator
• Time management

Qualifications:

• Relevant degree level qualification
• MRICS/FRICS qualification

My client offers real scope for career development for a dedicated, professional and enthusiastic individual with a strong work ethic who wants to join one of the true international market leaders.

To apply for this position, then please email your CV to andrew@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk or call Andrew Kingsley on 07879 413 765 for further information.

The post MRICS Residential Valuation Surveyors – Senior up to Director/Partner appeared first on Place North West.

Cheshire East’s Southern planning committee met on 30 August to debate the applications in a nearly six-hour meeting. The largest of the projects on the agenda were the three mentioned. Read on to learn more about each.

Land off Sydney Road in Crewe

Application reference number: 22/1412N

Councillors spent more than an hour debating Anwyl Partnership’s application for 45 affordable homes on 2.5 acres of former pastureland situated off Sydney Road in Crewe.

Ultimately, they voted to reject the application, stating that the benefits of the project did not outweigh the harm it would have on the open countryside because of the scheme’s cramped form, layout, and design.

This is the second time an affordable housing development has been rejected on this site. Anwyl had issued an earlier application that was refused in 2019. This newer application had sought to address the concerns of the committee, by offering more smaller units, bungalows, and a children’s play area.

In total, Anwyl was proposing to build three bungalows, 16 one-bedroom apartments, 14 two-bedroom homes, and 12 three-bedroom residences. The project would have been 100% affordable rented homes.

Anwyl’s plans had been recommended for approval by the council’s planning officers, however, the application faced opposition from 14 neighbours and Crewe Town Council. The objections described the scheme as overdevelopment and said the accommodation was contrary to Nationally Described Space Standards.

Ascerta was the landscape architect for the scheme, which was designed by JDA Architects. Stantec was the planning consultant.

Acanthus Darbyshire Architects drew up the plans for the care home for Crown Care Group. Credit: via planning documents

The Limes in Sandbach

Application reference number: 21/4635C

Crown Care Group’s plans for a 57-bed care home got the green light from the committee, despite concerns over the amount of parking provided. The decision was in line with officer recommendation.

The care home will be built on the site of the former The Limes Public House, which has been closed for more than two years. It will provide accommodation for a mixture of care needs, including those with dementia.

Only 23 car parking spaces are provided, which is less than the 27 that is policy standard.

Acanthus Darbyshire Architects designed the care home, which will keep the Limes Bowling Green for use by the area’s bowling team. The project team also includes ITransport Planning, The Home Engineers, Pennine Ecological, and arboriculture consultant Iain Tavendale.

Cheshire East councillors did not agree with BLOK’s argument that its office park would not harm the open countryside. Credit: C4 Projects via planning documents

Land north of Alvaston roundabout in Nantwich

Application reference number: 22/0720N

Councillors agreed with their planning officers when it came to BLOK’s application to construct six office blocks totalling 60,600 sq ft on a nearly three-acre site north of Avlaston roundabout in Nantwich. The plot in question sits next to Alvaston Business Park.

Officers had recommended the rejection of the application because of the development’s size and the site’s location within open countryside. The officers stated that BLOK had not adequately justified the need to build employment space on the site when there was other land provided in the local plan.

This is the second time an office development has been proposed on the site. An earlier application was rejected in 2021 for similar reasons. In BLOK’s application, submitted by Gartner Town Planning, the company argued that these reasons for refusal were not valid, stating that the project would integrate well into the landscape and was well contained.

The project team included Mode Transport Planning, marketing commentator Legat Owen, landscape and visual appraisal reporter Enplan, flood risk and drainage consultant Tier Consult, and ecologist ERAP. C4 Projects designed the offices for BLOK.

The post Cheshire East rejects 45 affordable homes appeared first on Place North West.

Trebor Developments and Hillwood Investment Properties bought the 345,000 sq ft Crewe industrial complex in an off-market deal. The purchase price was not disclosed. 

The site comprises 13 acres and benefits from having already secured detailed planning consent for a single 335,000 sq ft logistics unit, which will start on site in Q1 2024. 

Demolition of the former Bargain Booze facility will begin this autumn. 

Greg Dalton, development director for Trebor, said: “We have long held an interest in acquiring this site for redevelopment and are delighted to have reached an agreement with AEW that satisfies both parties aspirations. 

“The deal is an example of our proactive approach to acquiring new opportunities, even against the challenging market conditions of the past 12 months, and we look forward to investing in new logistics space for the area and greatly improving on what is available on site today.” 

Knight Frank acted on behalf of Trebor and Hillwood on the acquisition and will be retained as joint letting agents alongside Avison Young.  

TT&G Partners acted on behalf of AEW UK Core Plus Property Fund. 

The post Trebor, Hillwood acquire 345,000 sq ft Crewe shed appeared first on Place North West.

The housing provider has appointed Forshaw Construction to build the remaining 70 homes in Hartford, with works including highways and lighting.

Previously being delivered by Lane End Developments Construction, the scheme was stalled in April as the contractor entered into administration having handed over just 38 homes.

Located on land previously occupied by Mid Cheshire College’s Hartford campus, Manor Gardens will provide a total of 108 homes when completed.

JDA Architects designed the scheme, which features a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses, as well as two-bedroom bungalows.

Lorraine Donnelly, development director at Your Housing Group, said: “Your Housing Group has always remained fully committed to completing the construction and when work stopped we immediately set about the process of finding and appointing a new-build partner.

“It was really important that our new partner understood the importance of completing Manor Gardens to both Your Housing Group and our residents.”

Lyndon Forshaw, group managing director of Forshaw Construction, added: “I’ve been impressed with the effort and speed with which Your Housing Group moved forward with the Forshaw team to ensure Manor Gardens now gets completed to the high standard it deserves.”

Stantec is the scheme’s planning consultant. The project team also includes Ellis Williams Architects, Bureau Veritas, Cundall, Urban Green, and Croft.

Work is expected to complete on the final homes in early 2025.

To find out more about the plans, search for application number 19/00203/FUL on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning portal.

The post Forshaw Construction picks up stalled Hartford resi appeared first on Place North West.

AHR will now dig through stakeholder feedback and consult with CWAC to craft a design that not only improves the sustainability credentials of the building but also provides a business start-up space, children’s play area, and flexible event space – as well as areas for marker traders to hawk their wares.

AHR’s ultimate design will also see improvements to the building’s accessibility, with the inclusion of Changing Place standard toilets.

A planning statement outlining the council’s proposals is due in autumn.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration, and digital transformation, shared the council’s goal for the market.

“The council is working on creating a new shopping and leisure experience, informed by public opinion, that celebrates the proud shipping history of Ellesmere Port as part of a more contemporary design,” he said.

The revamp of Ellesmere Port Market is part of the council’s broader £15m Ellesmere Port rejig, which seeks to improve the town centre by creating an active travel route between the train station, market, and two plots allocated for low-carbon homes. Those sites are the soon-to-be-demolished former civic offices and the junction of McGarva Way and Coronation Road.

Funding for the Ellesmere Port transformation comes mostly from the council’s £13.4m award from the government’s Levelling Up Fund. CWAC has committed a further £1.4m to the project.

This is not the first time AHR has worked with CWAC. The architect also designed the council’s Chester Northgate scheme, which opened last year.

AHR director Dominic Manfredi said his team was “delighted” to be chosen for the market project.

“We look forward to working closely with the local community and key project stakeholders to turn this vision into a reality,” he said.

The post AHR lands Ellesmere Port Market redesign appeared first on Place North West.

Our clients are blue-chip, multi-disciplinary property consultancies, with well established Regional, National & International Residential Teams. We have several vacancies for Residential Valuation Surveyors across Senior, Associate and/or Director level, for the whole of the North West region.

These are exciting opportunities to join and lead one of the largest residential teams in the North. Our clients’ teams provide a comprehensive residential offering to their clients, including but not limited to Agency, Valuation, Viability, Consultancy, Student Accommodation and Private Rented Sector, and the team continues to advise on some of the most exciting and advanced residential transactions throughout the North/North West.

Role Profile:

• To work within and/or lead the Residential Valuation team in providing professional residential advice and services throughout the North West market.
• Provide and/or lead on the provision of a full range of residential consultancy and valuation advice to a wide range of key existing clients in support of instructions managed by the Surveyors, Associate Directors and Directors.
• Working alongside the Development Consultancy and Planning teams in the North West office.
• Manage and contribute to team fees, billing and profit targets

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the team plan to develop the clients’ portfolio
• Prime client interface on projects i.e. update clients on progress, respond to queries, provide strategic advice
• Continue and enhance the team profile throughout the market
• Overlook and assist Associate Directors & Directors by contributing to client presentations, bids and pitches
• Identifies key technical issues/ problems in transactions and offers appropriate solutions
• Oversee and support delivery of client assignments, i.e. in the preparation and processing of technical/valuation information
• Work collaboratively with the team to generate new instructions and pool expertise within the team
• Proactively identify new business and revenue opportunities with new and existing clients
• Manage & liaise with internal teams and external consultants to provide a full client service
• Gather and act on client feedback
• Identifies opportunities to cross-sell when discussing a client’s requirements
• Manage team budgets and billing
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships
• Seek to exceed team turnover target
• Engage with team members and understand what other teams engage in and maintain

Knowledge & Experience:

• General Practice background for either a Corporate, Public Sector or Private practice
• Experience of working in a large practice and/or corporate environment
• Possess a strong contact base
• Experience of managing and successfully leading team
• Rounded experience of residential surveying consultancy and viability skills
• An understanding of business development and client relationship management
• Experience in networking and building relationships internally and externally
• A level of experience selling successfully to clients
• Demonstrable technical competence in areas relevant to role such as Circle / Argus, residual analysis planning viability analysis and PRS
• Demonstrable understanding of market and local knowledge
• Knowledge of the wider residential sector
• Financial awareness of yields, band rates, mortgage rates and availability of mortgages
• Business and report writing experience
• Detailed knowledge of current legislation and case law relevant to role
• IT skills (MS Word Advanced, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet)
• IT industry specific packages (i.e. Circle / Argus, Developer, Grail, etc)

Skills & Personal Qualities:

• Excellent command of written / verbal English
• Team player & Team leader
• Selling, negotiation, presentation and marketing skills
• Commercial awareness skills
• Coaching skills
• Good communicator
• Time management

Qualifications:

• Relevant degree level qualification
• MRICS/FRICS qualification

My client offers real scope for career development for a dedicated, professional and enthusiastic individual with a strong work ethic who wants to join one of the true international market leaders.

To apply for this position, then please email your CV to andrew@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk or call Andrew Kingsley on 07879 413 765 for further information.

The post MRICS Residential Valuation Surveyors – Senior up to Director/Partner appeared first on Place North West.

Countryside Partnerships has agreed to sell the affordable properties to the housing association, with the handover expected next March.

These properties will feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as two- to four-bedroom houses.

There will be 26 homes made available for affordable rent, while the remaining 36 properties will be available for shared ownership.

Stephen Heverin, growth and regeneration director at Onward, said: “These modern homes will meet an identified need for affordable housing in the Macclesfield area, as well as helping local people to put down roots through our shared ownership tenure.

“We are excited to be working with Countryside and Vistry for the first time, improving the quality and choice of affordable housing in our North West communities, and look forward to seeing the new homes take shape.”

The affordable properties are part of a wider scheme that will see Vistry Group, which owns Countryside, deliver 306 homes on the 57-acre site.

Cheshire East Council granted Vistry planning permission for the project last July.

Joe Turner, managing director of Countryside, said: “Bollin Grange is a strategically important development, not only for us but also for the broader Vistry Group, as we strive to establish a sustainable community in Macclesfield.

“The partnership with Onward will ensure a diverse range of homes that will help address local housing demand.”

To find out more about the wider project, search for application number 21/0966M on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.

Learn more about affordable housing within the wider sector. Book your Place RESI ticket.

The post Countryside hands over 62 affordable homes appeared first on Place North West.

SP Energy Network has constructed a series of electricity substations by five service stations in Cheshire. These substations connect to the existing grid network through underground cables. Together these electricity substations can enable the delivery of around 350 rapid vehicle charging points.

The service stations that SP Energy Network’s upgrades help are Burtonwood, Chester, Knutsford, Lymm, and Sandbach.

“The work we have completed across the five motorway service sites will help make low-carbon travel a reality for more and more people, supporting them to make the switch to electric transport and do their bit on the journey to net zero,” said SP Energy Networks’ chief operating office, Guy Jefferson.

He continued: “To make that a reality, we need to ensure we have the necessary capacity on the network, so what we’ve delivered is a real game-changer for the region, and will allow people to make that switch with confidence and support service providers in ensuring there is a reliable and resilient charging network available.”

SP Energy’s upgrades were praised by the chief executive of Moto Ken McMeikan, who described the work as “pivotal” in helping support a more sustainable future for drivers.

McMeikan said: “Increased electrical capacity for ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging points at Moto Lymm and Moto Knutsford services will help us provide EV commuters up and down the country with the capacity, reliability, simplicity and charging speeds they require to travel longer distances throughout the North West and beyond.”

The Cheshire network upgrades are part of SP Energy’s £61m Green Recovery Investment Project.

The post SP Energy upgrades Cheshire electricity network for EVs appeared first on Place North West.

Riverside Group’s application to build 134 homes at Palace Fields was also approved at that meeting. Read more about that project.

Sandymoor South Phase Two

• Application reference number: 22/00543/OUTEIA

With outline planning permission in hand, Homes England’s plans for up to 250 homes on 43 acres of greenfield can move forward – despite 160 objections from local residents.

Sandymoor South Phase Two is the last part of Halton Council’s original Sandymoor masterplan, which was established in 2009 and crafted by Barton Willmore, now Stantec. This masterplan has so far led to the delivery of more than 1,500 homes in the area.

Homes England’s plans include 24 acres of public open space. Around 20% of the homes built would also be designated affordable, with a mix of tenure including affordable rent, shared ownership, and first homes.

When complete, the houses would be accessed via Windmill Hill Avenue East.

Hive Land & Planning is the planning consultant for the scheme.

Hive director Justin Cove said: “We are really pleased to have achieved this significant milestone and the granting of planning permission will pave the way for the final phase of the Sandymoor neighbourhood to be delivered. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with partners to drive this project forward.”

Keepmoat Homes will deliver the project for Homes England.

Buro Happold, Stantec, Turner & Townsend, TEP, Hawk Heritage, and Thomson Environmental Consultants round out the project team.

Falconer Chester Hall is the architect behind the Woodfalls Farm project. Credit: via planning documents

Land at Woodfalls Farm

• Application reference number: 22/00462/FUL

Sovini Group and Gormac Developments are all set to progress their plans to construct 59 affordable homes on Woodfalls Farm.

Situated on more than six acres off Stockham Lane in Halton Lea, the project also includes a large public green space – in part, due to necessity. The housing site is bisected by an ethylene pipeline from United Utilities, which requires part of the site to be a no-build zone.

The scheme was designed by Falconer Chester Hall and includes a provision for 86 cars to park. These vehicles would access the finished neighbourhood from Brookvale Avenue North.

Enable is the planning consultant for the project, while Layer Studio is the landscape architect.

The project team also includes Redmore Environmental, Hann Tucker, Cornerstone, Vectos, Tyler Grange, and Clancy.

The post PLANNING | Homes England nets approval for 250 Runcorn homes appeared first on Place North West.

Riverside Group can now proceed with its ambitions to demolish 26 homes and a local centre at Palace Fields in Halton Lea to make way for 134 affordable homes, including extra care provision and accommodation for veterans.

The local centre will also be replaced, with the new edition having commercial space and a community café.

• Read more about the plans

“The approval for the local centre is another major step forward in our ambitions to transform Runcorn and provide much needed high-quality affordable homes and spaces for local people to come together,” said Riverside director of development and growth Nick Jones.

“Having listened to residents’ views ahead of planning submission, we are confident this new local centre will be a welcome addition to the area, especially as it had always been an ask since we began consultation,” he continued.

Other aspects of Riverside’s plans include an improved community garden, new play area, and additional habitats to promote biodiversity. Riverside is also closing the current subway to enable a safer walking and cycling route to connect the area.

Work is set to begin on the Palace Fields scheme next winter.

The Palace Fields initiative is just half of Riverside’s £60m plans for Halton Lea. A planning application for the other half, focusing on the Uplands area, is due for submission in September.

That application will include provision for 247 homes, comprising a mixture of bungalows, houses, and apartments. Four-bedroom properties are on the agenda as well, to meet the community’s housing needs.

A taste of what Riverside has planned for the Uplands. Credit: via Riverside Group

“As with the proposals for Palace Fields Local Centre, we’ve continued to heavily involve the community in helping us identify ways to develop the Uplands area,” Jones said.

“Once again, feedback has been very positive and useful in shaping what we hope to do, leading to facilities that local people want and need, such as an increased number of three-bedroom bungalows and improved car parking,” he added.

“We’ll soon be inviting residents across the community to a series of engagement events scheduled for this autumn, where they will be able to discuss next steps and meet the teams involved in regenerating the area. We hope you’ll be able to join us.”

Riverside’s project team for Halton Lea comprises developer Compendium Living, main contractor Lovell Partnerships, DK-Architects, landscape architect Planit-IE, planner Lichfields, and employers agent Markhams.

Also on the team: Sutcliffe Engineers, Redmore Environmental, E3P, Vectos, and Amenity Tree Care.

Learn more about the proposal by searching 23/00128/FUL on the Halton Council planning portal.

The post Path cleared for Riverside’s 134-home Runcorn regen appeared first on Place North West.

Cheshire East Council approved the care scheme at its southern planning committee meeting last Wednesday. The decision was made in line with officer recommendations.

Designed by JDA Architects, the scheme will see the demolition of the existing storage buildings on site to make way for the three-storey complex aimed at the provision of those aged over 65.

Plans include 36 one- and 11 two-bedroom apartments, all of which will be affordable and available at a social rent.

Residents will have access to a 1,000 sq ft communal lounge and a 300 sq ft mobility scooter store.

There will be 28 car parking spaces provided, including three disabled bays.

The majority of the site is brownfield land, however plans slightly spread into the adjacent greenfield plot. This plot will feature an area of communal open space.

Hourigan Planning is the scheme’s planning consultant. Other members of the project team include Trevor Bridge Architects, PGLA Landscape Architects, Vectos Transport, and Topping Engineers.

To find out more about the plans, search for application number 22/4698N on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.

The post Cheshire East approves affordable care apartments appeared first on Place North West.

The site in question is 26 acres of greenfield located west of Manchester Road, just north of Knutsford.

Barton Willmore secured outline planning permission for the project on behalf of the Crown Estate in 2020 from Cheshire East Council. The site is set for the building of the aforementioned homes, of which 30% will be affordable, as well as a link road and a roundabout. The outline permission also includes a provision for a business park, but this aspect of the application is not part of the Crown Estate’s net zero pilot.

The Crown Estate is looking to find partners to trial different models of project delivery to see if they can meet the low embodied carbon goal.

“Tackling housing supply and climate change are critical issues facing the UK,” said Rob Chesworth, head of regional residential at the Crown Estate.

“At The Crown Estate, we want to see how best we can be part of the solution by looking at the way we address these challenges through our regional portfolio,” he continued

“By being bold and pushing existing industry standards through these pilot projects and sharing our learning, we hope to demonstrate that high-quality, net zero carbon homes are deliverable at scale and can form the cornerstone of vibrant, sustainable communities.”

Chesworth also described the ideal partner for the project.

“We want to work with aligned SMEs and entrepreneurs who are putting innovation and sustainability at the forefront of housebuilding and community-focused development to raise industry standards and galvanise momentum to meet the sector’s decarbonisation challenge,” he said.

Savills is managing the partner selection process for the Crown Estate. Those who wish to share their interest should email TCEdemoprojects@savills.com.

The Cheshire project is one of two trials proposed by the Crown Estate. The other is in Bedford and comprises 50 homes.

The post Crown Estate seeks SME partners for net zero homes pilot appeared first on Place North West.

Our client requires a self-motivated and enthusiastic candidate, with a passion for customer service. You should be a highly organised and results driven candidate, who enjoys working within a busy and dynamic environment. Above all else, you must be passionate about property!

You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of flats, looking after the block management together with the individual residential units and all associated tenants. This is a fast-paced challenging role which is ideal for someone who thrives upon working in an ever changing environment as no two days will be the same!

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Being the first point of contact for all landlord and tenant queries
• Arranging maintenance with contractors
• Organising and obtaining relevant safety certification
• Meeting with contractors on site
• Assessing contractor work
• Carrying out Health and Safety assessments
• Conducing inspections
• Issuing section notices
• Negotiating and revising costs
• Rent renewals
• Property inspections
• Ensuring full legislative compliance
• Providing an exceptional level of customer service

Our client is offering a generous basic salary of up to £25,000 plus commission and bonus scheme as well as fantastic opportunities for progression.

Working hours are full-time Monday – Friday, however you will also work 1 in every 2 Saturdays (10-4), followed by a 4 day week the week after. (6 day week, followed by a 4 days week).

If you like the sound of this exciting property management opportunity on the Wirral, contact me today for details. To apply for this position, please send your CV to Rachael Gray.

Clifton Gray is a specialist property recruitment company. We specialise in placing property professionals within architecture, residential property, and commercial property, from entry level through to senior appointments.

If you are currently working within the property sector, and you would like to hear more about how Clifton Gray can guide you through your next career move, please get in touch.

The post Property Manager appeared first on Place North West.

The sustainability improvements are part of the Department for Education’s £18.6m decarbonisation pilot.

Improving energy efficiency in schools and universities would aid the UK public sector in achieving its net zero carbon goals – with educational facilities representing 36% of total public sector building emissions, according to a Department for Education policy paper.

It would also help save money. That same paper stated that schools spent around £630m per year on energy in 2019 – a figure the department estimates to be much higher this year.

Accordingly, the DfE’s decarbonisation pilot programme has been rolled out to seven schools across the country. In the North West, the schools chosen are run by the North West Academies Trust.

The Department for Education utilised two Fusion21 frameworks for the project: the Merseyside-based company’s £750m decarbonisation framework and its heating & renewables framework.

The work to Calveley Primary Academy is valued at £1.8m, while the Acton CofE Primary Academy is valued at £2m.

GRAHAM is one of three companies to work on the decarbonisation pilot. The other two are Kensa Contracting and Dodd Group, which will be handling projects in Yorkshire and the South, respectively.

Fusion21 head of category Oliver Mooney commented: “It is fantastic to have been involved in such an important Department for Education project and to support the schools who used our framework to appoint the contractors for these transformational, multi-million-pound improvement works which will vastly improve the buildings, bring huge energy savings and carbon emission reductions and ensure pupils, teachers, and parents are playing an important role in decarbonisation and net zero ambitions”.

The post Cheshire schools chosen for £18.6m decarbonisation pilot appeared first on Place North West.

Halton Council is due to decide on housing association Riverside Group’s plans on Monday at its development management committee meeting.

Submitted in March, the planning application calls for the demolition of the current local centre at Palace Fields, 26 homes, and part of the Tricorn Public House on more than nine acres.

Aerial view showcasing Riverside’s plans for Palace Fields. Credit: via Riverside Group

In their place, Riverside would construct 134 homes for social rent.

Of the 134 homes that would be built, 63 would be situated within a four-storey extra care senior living facility. This building would also have ground-floor retail space and there would be two extra care bungalows nearby.

Triton Public House, which resides in the grade two star-listed Hallwood Hall and grade two-listed stables, would be converted into 10 apartments.

There would also be a replacement local centre built containing a new home for Bethesda Church.

Walking and cycling routes would be introduced, and the current subway would be filled to make the crossing point level with the busway.

View of the local centre. Credit: via planning documents

These plans, submitted by Lichfields on Riverside’s behalf, are the result of three years of consultation.

DK Architects worked with landscape architect Planit-IE on crafting the design for Riverside’s regeneration project. Sutcliffe Engineers, Redmore Environmental, E3P, Vectos, and Amenity Tree Care are also on the project team.

If the project is approved by the council, Lovel Partnerships is lined up to be the main contractor.

Compendium Living is set to be Riverside’s delivery partner, with Markhams as the employers agent.

The historic Hallwood Hall buildings could become apartments. Credit: via planning documents

Riverside owns more than 2,700 homes in Halton. Its Palace Fields scheme is just part of a wider £60m regeneration scheme, which will ultimately see the construction of 400 homes in Halton Lea. The entire project is expected to take 10 years to complete.

Learn more about the proposal by searching 23/00128/FUL on the Halton Council planning portal.

The post Riverside’s 134-home Runcorn regen poised for success appeared first on Place North West.

Rula Developments, which acquired the site from Build&Thrive – a partnership between Cheshire West and Chester Council and PSP – has submitted a planning application for a 225,000 sq ft scheme featuring 213,000 sq ft of industrial space and 12,000 sq ft of offices. 

The shed would be located off Junction 18 of the M6 and developed speculatively in response to the region’s shortage of large industrial accommodation. 

The development has the capacity for 275 full-time jobs and Rula is aiming for EPC A and BREEAM excellent ratings. 

Subject to planning consent, construction could begin next March and complete the following September. 

Anthony Clitheroe, development director at Rula Developments, said: “With infrastructure already in place, we can offer fully serviced plots for immediate development.  

“Opportunities are available on freehold or leasehold terms, for new build units, ranging from 1,500 sq ft up to 225,000 sq ft supporting industrial manufacturing, distribution and roadside amenity uses.” 

Corstorphine & Wright is the architect and ID Planning is advising Rula on planning matters.

The scheme is the latest Rula has brought forward at Winsford. In May, the developer submitted proposals to speculatively deliver two smaller industrial units offering 74,508 sq ft and 27,728 sq ft of accommodation. 

Rula has previously delivered a 168,000 sq ft factory for Tiger Trailers at Winsford Gateway and more recently completed a 1.6-acre roadside petrol filling station with retail amenity for The Kay Group as well as a new 60,000 sq ft storage facility.  

PSP and Cheshire West & Chester Council have been working in partnership on the redevelopment of Winsford industrial estate since 2017.   

In 2020, the JV appointed Rula as development partner for the next phase of the scheme. 

Legat Owen and CBRE are the agents for Winsford Gateway.

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Fronting onto Exchange Square, the future Picturehouse Cinema will occupy a prominent spot at the council’s Chester Northgate project, which has seen the creation of an 800-space multi-storey car park, 10,000 sq ft of offices, and a new indoor market over its £70m first phase.

The first phase of Northgate opened last year.

Picturehouse has been the confirmed operator of Northgate’s cinema since 2016. The movie theatre will show a variety of arthouse and blockbuster films.

Cheshire West and Chester Council Leader Cllr Louise Gittins welcomed the news of Picturehouse’s opening date.

“The opening of the Picturehouse cinema at Northgate will be a major milestone achieved for the council; to bring a multi-screen cinema back to the city centre and complement the existing and planned attractions within Chester Northgate,” she said.

The announcement of Picturehouse’s autumn opening comes days after the cinema’s parent company, Cineworld Group, officially filed for administration – a decision that had been expected for several months in the wake of financial uncertainty from the company.

Despite this, a Cineworld spokesperson said that the group’s administration status would not impact its subsidiaries and that these companies, which include Regal and Picturehouse, would operate as usual.

Regarding the opening Clare Binns, managing director of Picturehouse Cinemas, said: “Picturehouse is so delighted to become part of the Chester community this autumn. We can’t wait to bring the Picturehouse experience, and a host of great films from around the world, to Chester.”

Picturehouse is celebrating its upcoming opening by hosting free film screenings at Chester Market on Tuesdays starting on 8 August. The cinema chain is also encouraging customers to sign up for its Chester Picturehouse Founder Memberships, which provides a series of free tickets each month.

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Anwyl Homes has lodged reserved matters plans with Cheshire East Council to build 119 homes, to be accessed off a new priority-controlled junction off the Radnor Park roundabout.

APD Architecture designed the scheme, which would create 10 one-, 21 two-, 33 three-, and 55 four-bedroom houses, including 21 affordable properties.

Proposals also include 1.5 acres of open space, featuring new footpaths and a play area.

As part of the Section 106 agreement linked to the outline planning application, Anwyl will contribute around £1.9m towards the £90m Congleton Link Road.

Anwyl does not yet own the 13-acre parcel of land, which comprises two fields and is allocated for housing in the Cheshire East Local Plan.

Phil Dolan, managing director of Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, said: “Local market data and feedback from our consultation events showed a strong demand for high-quality new homes in Congleton, especially more energy-efficient new builds.

“All our homes will feature either air source heat pumps or PV solar panels to provide heating and hot water, replacing traditional gas boilers”, he continued.

“They will also have excellent levels of insulation and air tightness to ensure reduced heat loss.”

Asteer Planning is the planning consultant for the scheme. The project team also includes landscape architect TPM Landscape, environmental consultant Ascerta, and transport consultant Eddisons.

Plans form phase two of a wider project. Outline permission was granted for around 245 homes and 313,000 sq ft of employment land on the larger 60-acre plot in 2018.

The wider development is being delivered in two phases. Stewart Milne Homes is already on site constructing the first phase of the development to build 128 homes.

More about the plans for phase two can be found by searching for application number 23/2713C on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.

Outline plans for the wider scheme can be found by searching for application number 16/1824M.

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The firm, which recycles plastic and ships it to the Far East, will invest £7m at its 43,000 sq ft new Winsford facility. The complex could create 30 jobs. 

Nolan Redshaw advised 99P.  

Paul Nolan, director at Nolan Redshaw, who advised 99P, said: “99P has committed to a new state-of-the-art low density polyethylene film recycling plant in Winsford to enable large quantities to be recycled in the UK and reused.”  

JLL and Legat Owen acted for landlord Pitalia and project manager Harlex. 

Pitalia purchased the 250,000 sq ft at Winsford Industrial Estate from Henkel UK Operations in late 2021. 

Of that, 80,000 sq ft was leased back to Henkel on a five-year deal and 43,000 sq ft will now be occupied by 99P. 

Last year, Pitalia acquired another 71,000 sq ft at the estate from Renray on a £3.85m sale and leaseback agreement. 

Matt Pochin, director at Legat Owen, added: “Winsford Industrial Estate is attracting major manufacturers and distribution businesses that see Winsford as an excellent alternative to more costly locations.  

“The low-density site and sizeable yard has attracted occupiers, like 99P, who are struggling to find good external areas. We have also had a high level of interest in the last remaining unit, which is reflecting the continued pressure on stock levels for quality industrial space.” 

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Redrow Homes was granted outline consent to develop the scheme, which includes a local shop and a primary school on a 260-acre site off Ledsham Road in Ellesmere Port, in 2015.

The latest plans lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council would see Redrow deliver 650 houses, apartments, and bungalows across a 99-acre plot, with access off Ledsham Road and Green Lane.

There would be a total of eight one-, 155 two-, 244 three-, 192 four-, and five five-bedroom properties provided, including 156 affordable homes.

Parking would be provided through a mix of shared driveways and on-street spaces.

The project team includes landscape architect Trevor Bridge Associates and environmental consultant The Environment Partnership.

Approval for the scheme would bring the total number of homes in the wider development to 1,647.

Redrow has already built or is on-site with hundreds of these homes. Planning permission was granted for phase one in 2015, with phases two through four following in 2020.

Plans for phase five – 168 homes – are currently awaiting the council’s decision.

To find out more about the plans for phases six to 11, search for application number 23/02279/REM on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning portal.

Outline plans can be found by searching for application number 12/02091/OUT.

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