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Birmingham City Council has given the green light to a proposed 25-storey hotel project in Hill Street, Birmingham.BLOC Grand Central — designed by Glenn Howells Architects — will include 238 rooms, a double height entrance lobby and a cafe restaurant.The building’s design has been ‘commended’ by the national architectural watchdog CABE.Glenn Howells from Glenn Howells Architects said: “We are delighted to be working with fellow Birmingham-based company BLOC Hotels on a bespoke building for the heart of the city.“The building is situated at an important gateway site within Birmingham City Centre and offers the opportunity to define a benchmark for the future regeneration of this part of the city.”
Lendlease has won a £103M contract to build an office project at 245 Hammersmith Road in West London.The 23,000sq m project has been designed by Sheppard Robson and is being developed by Legal & General and Mitsubishi Estate London.The £275M development will involve the construction of a new 12-floor building, which will replace Bechtel House — the former British headquarters of the US construction firm.Lendlease construction business managing director Neil Martin said: “We are really pleased to be working again with Legal & General and Mitsubishi Estate London — both are longstanding clients of ours and the strong relationships between our companies add great value to the development.“Lendlease excels at just this kind of high-end scheme, with a high-specification design, mixed-use element, and a tight urban footprint.”Demolition work on Bechtel House has already started, with construction work expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2019.
Dubai-based developer Nakheel has unveiled luxury residences in Dubai.Ibn Battuta Residences will feature 531 luxury apartments — 395 two-bedroom and 136 three-bedroom apartments — with access to over 400 shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities. The two 48-floor buildings — to be located just off Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Ibn Battuta Mall — will also include a podium-level health and recreation complex, a gym, and four levels of car parking with 900 spaces.The development will be in close proximity to the Dubai Metro, Ibn Battuta Bus Station and Jebel Ali park. Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Ibn Battuta Residences are strategically located at one of the fast-growing areas in Dubai.“The apartments — the highest standard of accommodation available in Jebel Ali — are ideally placed for people who work at the nearby Jebel Ali Freezone or Dubai South, and, being less than an hour by car from Abu Dhabi, offer a convenient address for those who regularly travel to the capital.”The project is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2019.
The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has approved the construction of 10,000 new homes in Barking, UK.The Barking Riverside development — an 180ha brownfield site on the northern banks of the River Thames — will also include shops, restaurants, community and leisure facilities, public squares, schools, a new train station, and a transport interchange, which will connect the area to central London by rail, bus and river.A minimum of 35% of the new homes will be affordable — an increase from the previously-stated 28% — with provisions to rise to 50% over time through additional investment and viability reviews, the mayor has agreed. The mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Barking Riverside has enormous potential to deliver thousands of the much-needed homes Londoners so urgently need.“I’ve made it clear that tackling London’s housing crisis is my number-one priority. Fixing this problem will be a marathon, not a sprint, but developments like this one will play a huge part in our efforts to provide genuinely affordable homes to buy and rent.“Our next task is to ensure this development includes the facilities and infrastructure which will make this a fantastic place to live and to visit, rather than simply a housing development.”Cllr Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “We welcome the Mayor’s approval for Barking Riverside masterplan. This is a key part of the regeneration jigsaw, not just for Barking and Dagenham but for London as a whole.“It will undoubtedly make an enormous contribution to solving part of the capital’s housing crisis and we are determined to create an attractive and prosperous new community there.“This borough has a very exciting and ambitious growth programme, which includes the delivery of over 45,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs over the next ten years. We are committed to ensuring that no-one is left behind. These homes should serve local residents too and therefore providing affordable housing is key.”TFL has recently submitted a Transport and Works Act Order to secure the powers and planning permission for the £262M extension to the existing Gospel Oak to barking London Overground line. An inquiry is scheduled for 18 October 2016.Stage one of the development is under construction.
NT Killingley Ltd has started site enabling works for phase one of the £75M Basin Square project in the UK.The Basin Square project — part of the £320M Chesterfield Waterside scheme — will involve the construction of a hotel, retail units, apartments, a multi-storey car park and offices. The earthwork and landscaping contractor is using its cutting-edge modelling capabilities and GPS controlled excavators and bulldozers to rework the site levels. Peter Swallow, managing director at the project’s developer Bolsterstone Plc, said: “I am delighted that the development is making progress. This is a significant step forward for Chesterfield Waterside, which will allow us to move into the construction phase next year. “Once preparation works are complete and the infrastructure is in place, it will facilitate delivery of development on both Basin Square and The Park, enabling us to progress with the second phase of detailed planning applications for the buildings themselves shortly afterwards.”The works follow the £2.7M Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund (SCRIF) grant award earlier this year. A planning application has also been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council for illustrative proposals, indicating the height and massing for the buildings to be constructed in Basin Square.The project, once completed, is expected to create 300 jobs. Additional progress on the scheme includes the planning permission award to replace the road bridge over the river Rother on the former Laver timber yard site — to serve The Park residential development — and the submission of a planning application for the works required to re-open a stretch of the Chesterfield canal.The first phase of the residential housing at Chesterfield Waterside — comprising 19 new homes — was completed in 2015, with the proprieties now fully occupied.
Chinese developer Greenland Group is set to build an £800M residential tower in London Docklands.The new 67-storey building, named Spire London, is expected to be the tallest tower in Western Europe following its completion in 2020.The tower, designed by architectural firm HoK, will house 861 apartments — most of them for private sale. In addition, the tower will feature a 35th-floor spa with an infinity pool, a clubroom with a cocktail bar, and a cinema.Greenland (UK) Investment managing director Wenhao Qian said: “This important launch reflects the confidence that Greenland Group continues to have in both the London economy and the London property market.“We believe that there is always a demand for best in class property assets that offer a high-quality, bespoke, designed and unique product in a prime location.“In our view Spire London fulfils these criteria, and we believe there will be significant demand for the apartments within this tower from both the UK and overseas.”Above-ground demolition works for the project have been undertaken and piling for the tower is set to start in January 2017. The tower is expected to reach the halfway point in height in mid-2018.
A joint venture of J&P Qatar WLL, Conspel Qatar WLL, J&P‐Avax and J&P (Overseas) has been appointed as the main contractor for the Qatar Foundation World Cup stadium.The project — to be located in Doha’s Education City — was awarded by Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). The stadium will be able to accommodate 40,000 spectators, which will be reduced to 25,000 once the 2022 FIFA World Cup finishes. The main-works contractor will be progressing with the schematic design, finishing the foundation works and securing a substantial portion of the structural steel for the super structure by the end of 2016.SC secretary general Hassan Al Thawadi said: “We are pleased with the progress of Qatar Foundation stadium and are hitting our construction deadlines. With the main contractor now appointed we look forward to watching it grow from foundation level to full completion in 2019.“Over the next four years we’ll be working closely with our new partners to ensure we deliver an outstanding, legacy-orientated stadium at Education City that will serve the community long after the last ball is kicked.”The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2019.
Empire Industries’ subsidiary Dynamic Attractions has signed an agreement with Altair (Shanghai) Space Technology to design, develop, co-own and operate a CAD600M ($465M) theme park in Hangzhou, China.The theme park — named Space Park — will be developed on a site, which is currently owned by the Hangzhou Zhijiang National Tourist Resort, a government-owned organisation. Altair has signed a separate investment framework agreement with the Hangzhou Zhijiang National Tourist Resort to acquire the site — 19.3ha of land — by the end of 2016.Empire Industries’ executive chairman and CEO Guy Nelson said: “Dynamic Attractions has over two decades of experience delivering some of the most popular rides for the world’s top theme parks, thus providing the solid foundation for Space Park to succeed.“The appetite for world-class attractions by the rapidly growing middle class in China, will be uniquely delivered by Space Park with a distinct themed environment and entertainment attraction offering.”Space Park is expected to open in late 2020.
Salford City Council has approved the second phase of the MediaCityUK expansion project in Manchester, UK.Phase two of the £1bn project will include the construction of ten new buildings. It will feature 50,000sq m of business accommodation, over 4,000sq m of live/work units, 1,871 residential units including town houses, over 4,000sq m of retail and leisure space and over 1,800 car parking spaces. Salford City mayor Paul Dennett said: “Back in 2006, Salford City Council granted planning permission for 15.1 hectares of development. Phase one has successfully been completed and now we are moving towards the second phase, which will see MediaCityUK double in size.“This phase will focus on creating welcoming neighbourhoods where people can live and work, socialise and enjoy events. It’s a very exciting development for Salford.“With the University of Salford, Salford City College and the UTC now all based in MediaCityUK and training young people for the media and creative industries, we’re not only growing the buildings, we’re growing the people to work in them and the global digital media and communications industry.“This is all part of a major building boom in Salford which is bringing thousands of new homes and square metres of business accommodation to our city creating further jobs and opportunities on our doorstep for the people of Salford.” MediaCityUK managing director Stephen Wild said: “Phase two will provide a unique opportunity for a new generation of designs to complement what is already a thriving and vibrant destination.“Like any city, we continue to grow in line with the needs of businesses, and our ambition to create more exciting experiences for visitors and residents. The plans approved today show the huge potential for the MediaCityUK of 2026.” Phase one of the development — now complete — provides office and studio space for the BBC and accommodation for the University of Salford and ITV.
Dubai Holding has unveiled its Jumeirah Central community masterplan in Dubai.Jumeirah Central will be located on Sheikh Zayed Road and will comprise 4M sq m of gross floor area. The project will involve the construction of 11,000 residential units, 93,000sq m of retail space and 743,000sq m of office space. It will also include 7,200 hotel rooms, 40 new entertainment attractions, 37 plazas and 33 parks, as well as 25 points of access and eight modes of transit such as metro, tram, buses and aerial transportation system. Morgan Parker, Jumeirah Central chief operating officer, said: “Dubai Holding’s experience, together with extensive stakeholder consultation and research looking at the most innovative new cities across the world, will ensure we create high-value real estate to stimulate inbound, international institutional investment in the region, adding to the growth of Dubai’s non-oil economy.”The first phase of the development will break ground in 2017, while site clearance and preparation works are already underway.
Property investor Formal Investments has unveiled plans for a new £75M redevelopment in Glasgow, Scotland.Plans include the construction of a new 12-storey block on Bath Street to include 12,000sq m of office space, the remodelling of a second building that previously housed retailer BHS, and upgrades to a third building on Sauchiehall Street. The properties were acquired by Formal Investments last year.Formal Investments’ director Nicholas King said: “This proposal shows a really exciting vision for an important site in Glasgow city centre and will provide the highest quality environments for retailers and businesses large and small.”The project has been designed by Glasgow practice Stallan-Brand.Stallan-Brand associate Patrick Wilson said: “Formal Investment’s proposed redevelopment presents a unique opportunity to revitalise and transform the quality of the urban environment and public realm in this location, through the creation of new public spaces and improved and more appropriate mixed-use activity.”
Farglory Middle East has appointed UAE-based civil construction company Al Fara’a Group as the main contractor for its $1bn Maryah Plaza project in Abu Dhabi.The project, to be located at the waterfront in Al Maryah Island’s new financial free zone, will include the construction of four towers with a mix of residential and commercial space.The first of three 29-storey residential buildings will be complete in 2018, offering a range of homes from one-bedroom apartments to penthouse suites with private swimming pools and terraces.The fourth and largest tower will feature offices, serviced apartments, and a boutique hotel with restaurants, cafes, and shops.Al Fara’a Group president and executive chairman Adel Saleh said: “We are delighted to be working on such a prestigious development on our home turf alongside such dynamic and forward thinking partners.“We understand the importance of Al Maryah Island to the future of the capital and therefore the significance of Maryah Plaza to the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.”The first phase of the development is expected to be complete in 2018, two years later than originally planned, while the remaining phases are scheduled for completion in 2022.
Dubai-based developer Nakheel has unveiled plans for a new AED16bn ($4.4bn) retail project at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, UAE.The scope of the project will include the construction of a 112,000sq m shopping, dining and entertainment hub at Nad Al Sheba master community, where 1,500 villas are currently under construction.Nad Al Sheba Mall will feature 47,000sq m of retail space and about 200 shops, restaurants and entertainment outlets including a supermarket, department stores, a multi-screen cinema, and a medical and fitness centre. Nakheel has chosen AE7 to oversee the design, engineering and construction supervision of the project. A construction contract is anticipated to be awarded in the fourth quarter of 2016.Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Nad Al Sheba Mall is the latest addition to our rapidly-expanding retail project portfolio, which will see the delivery of 1.2Msq m of leasable space in the next three to five years, adding to the 372,000sq m already in operation. “The mall will be the vibrant centrepiece of our Nad Al Sheba community, providing on-the-doorstep facilities for residents and a new shopping, dining and leisure hub for people elsewhere in Dubai.”
UK-based housing developer Lovell is seeking supply chain partners for its £100M residential project in Cardiff.The Mill — being delivered by a partnership of Lovell, Tirion Group and Cadwyn Housing Association — will include the construction of 800 homes through a seven-year construction programme.Lovell is inviting local construction businesses to find out about the project’s job opportunities at an event in the Cardiff City Stadium.Lovell regional director Kate Rees said: “As one of Wales’ largest regeneration programmes, the Mill will create significant work opportunities for local businesses. “Our supply chain partner event on 8 September will enable new and existing members of our supply chain to find out more and meet our project team. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in this exciting project which will bring much-needed high-quality new-build homes to Cardiff.”Construction work is expected to start later this year, creating over 1,000 jobs. Anyone wishing to attend the event should register in advance at eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-lovell-supply-chain-partner-event-tickets-27048092573.
Nine construction companies have been chosen for the £500M Cambridge University framework scheme. The scheme — part of the university’s £600M capital building project — will include the construction of laboratories, academic spaces, catering, accommodation and sports facilities. The framework is broken down into three value bands: the first being for projects up to £5M, the second for works between £5M–£30M, and the third for projects valued at more than £30M.Balfour Beatty, BAM Construct, Bouygues, Kier and Laing O’Rourke have been selected for projects worth more than £30M. Kier, RG Carter and SDC have been chosen for the second band of projects, and SDC, RG Carter, Quinn, Kier and Conamar will deliver projects up to £5M.Paul Sheffield, managing director of Laing O’Rourke’s Engineering Enterprise, said: “It is great to be able to extend our deep and long-standing relationship with the University of Cambridge. There is a wide range of projects available through the framework and we are excited to be given the opportunity to put our expertise to good use and meet the needs of such a prestigious institution.”The framework will last for two years, with the possibility of a three-year extension.
Saudi Arabia and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build 100,000 homes in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency reported.The MoU was signed between Saudi’s minister of housing Majed Al-Huqail and Chinese deputy minister of trade Quian Keming. This followed the visit of deputy crown prince Muhammad Bin Salman to China. A memorandum of cooperation was also signed between Al-Huqail and China’s Ningxia region to develop the Al-Asfar outskirts in Al-Ahsa province. According to Saudi’s minister, Al-Asfar District occupies an area of 54M sq m, and the 100,000 houses to be built will include high-quality villas and apartments with different options. In August, Saudi Arabia announced an $800M social housing project in partnership with the private sector.
The Mall of the World shopping complex in Dubai has been relocated to a site on Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, according to developer Dubai Holding’s statement. In the new location, the company said, “the project’s positive tourism contribution can be fully realized”.Ahmad Bin Byat, vice chairman and managing director of Dubai Holding, said: “Tourism remains a major part of Dubai’s diversification strategy and Mall of the World will be a critical part of that vision. “Dubai Holding is committed to developing Mall of the World, a major retail and leisure destination in the region, and believes that the new location on Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road, will be an outstanding home for the project, as it will allow Dubai Holding to further expand as needed in the future according to market needs.”The shopping and leisure complex will now undergo extensive planning to become a major retail and leisure destination, according to the statement.The project’s — first announced in 2012 and initially planned to be located on a site in Mohammed bin Rashid City — first phase is expected to be complete before Dubai hosts the Expo 2020 exhibition.Mall of the World includes 745,000sq m of shopping space connected to a theme park, 100 hotels, and apartment buildings with 20,000 rooms.
Wanda Group has announced plans to invest RMB63bn ($9.4bn) to build the new Jinan Wanda Culture, Sports and Tourism City in Jinan, China.The 290ha Jinan Wanda City will be Wanda’s 13th culture and tourism project in the country. The project will include a mall, an outdoor theme park, an ice hockey-basketball stadium, a hotel cluster, and a bar street.The ice hockey-basketball stadium, with a seat capacity of 10,000, will serve as a basketball and ice hockey court. It will have the capacity to host key international sporting events and will serve professional clubs.The 42ha outdoor theme park will feature entertainment facilities equipped with advanced technology.The development will also house three resort hotels — one six-star and two five-star hotels. The project is expected to break ground in 2017, commence operation in 2021 and create 20,000 jobs in the region.
PCL Construction Management has reached substantial completion on the new $278M football stadium project in Regina, Canada.Called the Mosaic Stadium, it marks the first landmark project of the $1bn Regina Revitalization Initiative being undertaken by the city in three phases.The facility will serve as the new home of football team Saskatchewan Roughriders and will have the built-in flexibility to host different sports and entertainment events.It will feature a translucent spectator roof and a general admission lounge on its west side. 68% of the stadium’s seats will be located in the sunken lower bowl, offering unobstructed views of the field.PCL Regina district manager Sean Hamelin said: “The talented and dedicated individuals who worked on site and in support of this project should be extremely proud of what they accomplished. “They worked collaboratively, sharing in the success and setbacks, with a common goal of creating something they can be proud of. They have achieved that goal and created a facility the City and Province can be proud of.”
Hochtief Building has been awarded a €138M contract to construct an office tower in downtown Frankfurt, Germany.The contract has been awarded by Perella Weinberg Real Estate Fund II and Pecan Development — the project’s developer.The 155m-high tower, named Marienturm, will feature 38 above-grade stories and three below-grade levels, with a gross floor area of 70,000sq m.The plinth levels up to the fifth floor are expected to include a lunch restaurant, a coffee bar, a gym, a child day care centre and conference areas. The project is aimed to achieve LEED Platinum certification.Holger Neumann, head of Hochtief Building’s Frankfurt branch, said: “We are delighted to have won the contract to plan and construct the Marienturm. Hochtief has once again lived up to its reputation as a high-rise specialist.”The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.
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