FORMATION DESIGN & BUILD LIMITED’s Post

With over 542 existing Mill buildings in Greater Manchester alone, and viable acquisitions for new build schemes becoming ever more difficult (with land costs still not reflective of increasing tender price inflation (forecasts 2024 @ 2.57% / 2025 @ 2.91% / 2026 @ 3%), recent building regulations (circa £5,000 - £7,000 per unit) and building safety act requirements (circa £2.5/ft2 excluding programme implications); there is a key opportunity to repurpose these buildings into both residential / commercial developments whilst maintaining their heritage and cultural significance. There is a sustainability benefit in the form of less carbon emissions (as generally the target would be to utilise as much of the existing frame where possible) albeit it is difficult/costly to obtain high EPC ratings. Grant funding opportunities will also be higher. Each existing Mill will carry different risks, however with experience delivering over £100m of such developments (including Talbot Mill below); we have included some key lessons learnt: #DueDiligence before purchase: It is key that you undertake as much investigation works as possible to understand structural conditions/contamination/constraints. Some buildings may have been looked after over the years (and even these will require repairs/upgrades), however there is a chance that some will be in need of significant structural remedial works that simply are not viable. #RealisticBudget: We would recommend that a proper detailed cost plan is carried out from an early stage with a risk register so all clients can understand the relevant risks with a clear plan to manage, mitigate, or transfer. This will enable clients to run different appraisal scenarios. #Realisticprogramme: Unfortunately in a lot of cases, Mill refurbishments are not a simple fit out, and will require timely investigation works, enabling works and shell remedial works along with tight constraints in city centres. Programmes need to be realistic from day one. We have found undertaking enabling works early helps get a higher quality contractor on board as the scheme become de-risked. #Other: Planning/listed status/party wall requirements should be carefully reviewed in relevant locations. All can become very costly, for example in Manchester where anodised aluminium is a general requirement, will be 15-30% more expensive (depending upon type) than metallic PPC which might be acceptable in Salford / Sheffield etc. This needs to be priced accordingly. #Procurement: It is critical that the right parties are appointed with capability/experience delivering schemes of this nature or else it will potentially lead to significant cost over runs (as they don't understand the construction detail), programme delays or in some cases insolvencies. If you need any support/advice delivering schemes of this nature please get in touch. Zerum #costmanagement #existingmills #repurposing

• St William has received full planning permission to redevelop the Stratford Gasworks site in East London. • The 2.2-acre brownfield site will be transformed into a mixed-tenure neighborhood featuring 245 homes, located near West Ham and Stratford Stations. • The development design, created with Cowen + Partners and LDA Design, honors the area's Victorian industrial heritage. • Facades will incorporate handmade bricks and detailing inspired by nearby historic landmarks, including the Grade II* Listed Abbey Mills Pumping Station and Sir Joseph Bazalgette-designed 19th-century houses. • Before construction begins, the project requires Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator. • Dean Summers, Managing Director of St William, praised the London Legacy Development Corporation and London Borough of Newham for quickly finalising the section 106 agreement within five weeks of planning committee approval. • This project supports Berkeley Group's strategy to progress more sites into delivery, aligning with the Government’s pro-homebuilding agenda.

Planned Investment works for the commercial unit buildings at Sutton Estate are set to begin in January 2025, but preparation is already well underway. For ebrik, being a considerate builder means more than just minimising disruption — it’s about proactive communication and providing information upfront. That’s why, ahead of the works starting in January, we’re ensuring that commercial tenants are fully informed about every step of the process. Scaffold will be installed on two buildings, which will impact shop visibility, and outdoor seating space. But by providing early notice, we aim to work together with commercial tenants to make adjustments where possible. Warren Ellis, Project Manager for Wates Group, has been meticulously planning this process for months — down to the detail of creating 3D drawings for each shop to visualise the impact. His thoughtful approach is a great example of how Wates, Grange Property Management, and Clarion Housing Group are committed to considerate construction. We’re also excited to announce the launch of this new platform, giving commercial tenants access to a personal area where they can view important information like work schedules, payment details, and private updates specific to their unit. Watch the walk-through with Warren for a step-by-step look at what’s coming. This is the new platform for Chelsea Commercial: https://lnkd.in/dFTWxGBe #refurbishment #plannedinvestment #transparencyinconstruction #ebrik

Downing Construction falls to loss despite 140% jump in turnover: Student and coliving developer made £13m provision for building safety #ukhousing #housing

Construction News: Barratt London and Places for London have exchanged contracts on a major development site in High Barnet. http://dlvr.it/TGWzFQ #Barratt #London #PlacesforLondon

New residential buildings in England that are 18 metres or more in height will require second staircases as of 30 September 2026. How should developers proceed with projects already underway, or previously approved, with a single staircase? Click below to download our Commentary, which provides information developers may find useful. Richard Adams Greg Barden John Crowley #realestate #construction #firesafety

This shows the structural value of using SIPs, being able to optimize internal space effectively and efficiently.

Our commentary on the new Second Staircase Requirement - a really helpful quick digest on this.

Our brief (and hopefully helpful!) commentary on the new second staircase requirement for tall residential buildings in England.

YIMBY's Q2 2024 Construction Report Counts More Than 1,000 New Building Filings in New York from April Through June Contact me to discuss the latest scoop in real estate! #newyorkrealestate #newyorkrealestateagent #newyorkrealestatebroker #longislandrealestate #nyrealestate #realestatenyc #realestateny #newyorkrealtor #nycbuildings #housingmarket