Regeneration West Midlands 2022

A 24 PAGE SUPPLEMENT HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THEMAJOR PROJECTS, HOMESAND TRANSPORT SCHEMES TRANSFORMING OURREGION

Jessup marks33years of progress

At Jessup,weare passionateabout delivering well designed andwell builthomes forpeopleat affordable prices.

Acting as developerand builder wecan help to producehomesat best value.

By continuallyimproving our business methodswemakethe buildprocessmoreefficientwhilst maintainingthe highestquality via ourindependentlycertified quality management system

This enablesustostreamline theway weworkand deliverhomes quickerand at lowercostatthe same time applying the same stringent qualitystandards to architectural design,tosatisfy familylifetime needs andthe generalenhancement of thebuiltenvironment

We workclosely with councils in Birmingham,Dudley, Wolver hampton, Walsall, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshireand many registered providersofaffordablehousing.We have also developedastrong rela tionship with localsub-contractors andsuppliers in theregions where we work to make sure that thelocal economybenefits financiallyand that young people have apprentice ship opportunitieswhere they live

Our‘local first’ approach also

leadstoshortertraveltimes andreduced impact on theenvironment

Many of thesesuppliers have grown alongsideJessupover thepast33 yearsand arenow handed over to second andthirdgenerations

Typical of theseprojectsisour recently completedCleveland Road projectwhich wasmadepossibleby HomesEngland theGovernment Agency buying theformerbus de potsiteinCleveland Road enabling

thesitetoberedeveloped as akey gatewaytoWolverhampton City Centre.Thissuccess wasfollowed by Jessup winningthe land bidfor theadjacentsiteofthe former Royal Hospital amuch-lovedlandmark building in thecity.

Winningbothprojectspresents Jessup with auniqueopportunity to create an integrated environment to allowthe former Royal Hospital to become amajor feature

againwithconsent to refurbishthe building into 38 elderlyperson flats with suitable communal facilities Jessup have nowsecured consent to refurbishthe existing surrounding land to be developed with 154new buildapartmentsand houses

Awardwinning homes

In 2016 Jessup gained Dudley Council’sagreement to providenew buildhousing construction andad-

visory services to theborough.This wassosuccessfulthatthe agreement wasextendedto2024and Jessupand thecouncil agreed to work together to establishastandard house design at apre-agreed cost This allowedthe council to reduce itsprocurement costsand achieve better valuefor money. Dudley Council hasrecentlywon amajor national awardfor itshouse buildingprogramme

Making

Better

AtJessupweunlockregenerationsitesacrosstheMidlandregiontoprovide

AffordableHousing,ElderlyCareFacilities,CommunityProjects,Commercial DevelopmentsandPrivateHousing.Weunderstandthedemographicsof theregiontomaximisedevelopmentopportunities.Backedbyexpertland acquisition,planning,designandconstructionservices.

Howthe former hospitalsitewill linktothe Cleveland Road project

Dudley Counci andJessupreceivethe

Homebuilderofthe Year Award

Pace of regeneration settobestepped up

TheWestMidlands is seeing anew waveofmajor investment

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Theongoing regenera tion of cities andtowns in theWestMidlands looksset to step up to an even higher pace during 2022.

In this 24-pagesupplementwe detail many of theexcitingschemes that arealready underway –orin thepipeline– to contribute to this dramatic transformation.

Despite theproblemsthrownup by thecoronavirus pandemic many bigprojectslikethe MidlandMetro extensions, theSandwellAquatics Centre in Smethwickfor this summer’sCommonwealth Gamesand Dudley’s £18million newDuncan EdwardsLeisure Centre,which opened yesterday, have pressed ahead.

TheGovernment’sLevelling Up agenda is also beginningtodeliver in theBlack Country.

Ambitious

Ambitiousplans to regenerate town centresacrossthe West Midlandshavenow received millionsof pounds from theTowns Fund In Wolverhamptonthe £55mil lion Westside development finally lookstobebackontrack

Bringing apremier hoteltoWol verhamptonisthe number onepri orityinthe projectwithasiteiden tified at thejunctionofRingRoad St Marksand School Street

This year will also seethe re openingofthe city’s CivicHalls and work has just started to pedes trianise thecitycentre’sVictoria Street,creatingatraffic-free link

betweenthe city’s shopsand West side

TheWestsidedevelopment is seen as essentialifWolverhamptonisto turn itscitycentre into a‘destination’.

TheMerry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill is also to seefresh investmentthatwill also encourage peopletocome forleisure activities as well as retail

Acrossthe region developers are also deliveringprojectstoprovide

thehighquality newhomesthatare so importantlyneeded Newjobsare also beingcreated with companiesinvestinginnew factoriesand warehouses or up gradingtheir existing premises as theeconomy is on course to contin ue itsrecovery Hopefully2022isgoing to be the year in whichthe tide turnsfor theWestMidlandswhich will also be showcased worldwidewhenthe Commonwealth Gamesopens.

Step into Springfield

Discover world-class education on your doorstep in Europe’s largest specialist Architecture and the Built Environment campus.

Home to the National Brownfield Institute –advising the industry on brownfield land regeneration.

Access brand new state-of-the-art facilities including industrial laboratories.

Explore innovative business support for the construction sector

Benefit from industry standard software and leading edge research.

Find out more: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/university-life/our-campus/springfield-campus Email: engage@wlv.ac.uk

Wolverhampton city centreisseeing afresh wave of majorinvestment

Newcanalside developmentto deliver homes

A£65 million 366-home canalside developmentistobebuilt in one of Wolverhampton’smostdeprived areas, Derelict former industrial land alongWolverhampton’scanalside is to be used for1,200 luxury new homes.

Plansfor thethe firstphase were approvedlastyear.

ThesiteatLower HorseleyFields will form part of thenew Canalside Southproject that involves restor ingaseriesofempty factoryunits wherethe Wyrley andEssington Canalmeets theBirminghamCanalNavigations main line

It will take in more than five acresofbrownfieldlandjustoutside thecitycentre

Thenew properties on thesite will be amix of townhouses and apartments

Theapplication hadcome from Manchester-basedPlacefirst,one of theUK’sleading built-to-rent prop erty developers

Itstransformationalschemeis duetoget offthe ground laterthis year

ThePlacefirstschemewill also generate around 150jobsand boost thecity’seconomicrecovery from Covid-19.

Darran Lawless, thedevelopment director forPlacefirst, said that the newcanalside homesdevelopment wouldbecreatinganexciting, sus tainable newneighbourhood for Wolverhampton.

EnTRESs helps firmstostepinto sustainability

Moving yourbusinesstowards net zero canseemlikeadauntingpros pect, especially in such uncertain times, buthelpisathandthrough theEnvironmental Technologies andResourceEfficiency Support Serviceatthe University of Wolver hampton.

Providingfullyfundedsupport throughthe European Regional DevelopmentFundtoeligiblesmall andmedium-sizedenterprises with in theBlack Countryand Stoke-onTrent&Staffordshire LEPregions, EnTRESSdraws on apoolofaca demicknowledge andresearch from acrossthe university

Team specialisms includeenergy efficiency,the circular economy, carbon footprintreduction plus dedicated researchand analysis into avariety of areas.

Supportcan includecarbonfootprintassessment, sustainablemar keting, energy audits or assistance with theadoptionofcircularecono my/net zero practicesall targeted at improvingyourbottomline.

Thereare free webinars and events across arange of sustaina blethemesfromchallenge events bringing localbusinesses to work together to resolveasustainability problemthrough to topical subjects that affect everyone such as plastic reduction.

To find outmoreabout start ingasustainable journey, e-mail: ENTRESS@wlv.ac.ukorvisit wlv. ac.uk/EnTRESS

248jobscomingaswarehouseplans approved

Amajor development to create warehouse-style unitsthatwill bringalmost250 newjobstoWol verhamptonhas been given the greenlight

Delightedregenerationbosses said theproposal by Schroder UK Real Estate Fund to buildfourindustrial unitsonthe existing Tata Steelsite, whichitowns, offSteel park Way, will help “relight” the city WolverhamptonCouncil plan ners hasapprovedthe application, whichwas submitted last year

Thebrownfieldlandhas pre viouslybeenusedfor ‘openair’ storagebut thecompany said the

redevelopmentwould create more than19,100sqmetresofcommercial floorspace that would create 248new jobs.

Planning agents UMCArchi tectssaid: “The development of this site will resultinawelldesigned,highquality scheme that

is an assettothe area,and will provideadesirable development.It is anticipated that theschemewill actasa catalyst fornew jobsand bringwelcome investment to the localcommunity

“The development representsan investmenttothe area andwill help to promote andsupport employment growth andstimulate economicregeneration to thearea, cohesive with regional andlocal aspirations.”

Councillor StephenSimkins, deputy leader andcabinet member forcityeconomy,said: “Thisdevel opment will deliver majorindustrial unitsinour city andinturnnew jobsand opportunities.”

£12.5m contract to extend a pioneering school is awarded

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

MorganSindall Construction has been awardeda£12.5 million contracttoexpandThomasTelford University TechnicalCollege in Wolverhamptonbythe Department forEducation andthe Thomas Telford Multi-Academy Trustwhich operates theUTC

Fundingfor theUTC is from the DfEwithacontributionfromthe WolverhamptonCityCouncil.

Basedatthe University of Wolverhampton’sSpringfieldsite–Eu rope’s largestconstructioneduca tion campus –the expanded UTC will be builtalongside theinstitu tion’s School of Architecture and theBuilt Environmentand the newNationalBrownfieldInstitute whichiscurrently beingdeveloped

Designed by AssociatedArchi tects, the4,500 sq metresextension comprisesathree-storeyteaching building andaseparatesportshall facility with areconfiguredand en hanced external socialspace and multi-usegames area. Thedesign

is sympathetictothe Springfield conservationareaand features a profiledmetal cladding system with asawtoothpitched roof.

Theworkwillenablethe school to increase itsintakeby450 addition al pupils taking thetotal capacity to1,050,while supporting at least 50 additional rolesfor teachingand supportstaff

Theexpandedsportsand activity spaceswillfacilitate thedeliveryof afull secondaryacademicsyllabus, allowing pupils aged 11-18years old to be taught at theUTC.Crucially, students will also studyarange of technicaloptions in thebuiltenvironment, includingarchitecture, design andinnovation.

Theprincipal of Thomas Telford

University TechnicalCollege,Av Gill said:‘We areextremely excited by this opportunitytobring agold standard in educationtoWolverhamptonand areveryhappy to be working alongsideMorganSindall Construction as ourchosencon tractor.”

Construction workisnderway andexpected to completeinAugust.

Carbon neutralschoolisunderconstructiononold powerstation site

Anew school settobebuiltonthe former RugeleyPower Stationsite will be one of the firstinthe UK to be carbon neutralwhenitopens in 2023

Construction of theall through school hasstarted on thekey brownfieldsite.

It is part of theredevelopment of land previously occupiedbythe powerstation,which is nowear

marked formorethan2,000 new homes as well as 12.3 acresofemployment space. Once fullyopenthe Rugeley JohnTaylorSchoolwill providea 52-place nursery, twoformentry primaryschoolaccommodatingup to 472pupils, a five form entrysec ondary school with 950spacesand post-16 sixthformprovision forup to 200students

Up to 107full time equivalent staffwill workthere

Detailed plansfor theschool, as well as asportshall, tennis courts, all-weatherpitches anda grass football pitch, have been approved by LichfieldDistrictCouncil’s planning committee

Committeemembershad raised concerns aboutparkingprovision forparents drivingtheir children

to andfromschool, in lightofStaffordshireCountyCouncil’s policy not to providepick-up anddrop-off points on sites.

JamesBonnerfromRugeley PowerLtd,said: “The school will be oneofthe firstinthe UK to achievenet zero carbon operation.”

Thereisa targeted openingbefore September 2023 forthe new school

Apioneeringschoolat theforefront of provid ingyoung people with auniquecombination of excellentacademic achievements alongside firstclass preparation forfuturecareers in Telford is settobeextended afteradealwas signed.

Thomas TelfordUniversityTechnicalCollege in Wolverhampton is receiving a£12.5 million extension

Acomputergeneratedimage of howthe newwarehouse units will look

Lord builds on 40 yearsofsuccess

Commercial heatingand ventilationspecialists

Lord Combustion Servicesislooking forward to furthergrowthasit celebrates its40thanniversaryasaBlack Countrysuccess story.

Launched in 1982,Lordprovides high qualitycommercialheating, hotwater andcoolair supportfor more than 1,000 sitesacrossthe Midlands,including landmark buildingssuchasEdgbaston cricket ground,schools andhealthcare sites.

Having made apositive differ ence by supporting NHSworkers andother keystaff,aswellaspatients andcarehome residents during thepandemic,Lordrecent ly landed threeleading business awards in onenight in recognition of theirhigh standards. TheOld bury-basedcompany scoopedtwo leadingawardsatthe BlackCountryChamber of Commerce Awards, theservice business of theyear prizealong with Emma Tibbetts winningdirectorofthe year,aswell as thesustainability trophyatthe West Midlands Business Masters Awards

Managing director Stuart Smith andthe team at Lord Combustion

Services were recognisedfor their achievements during theCovid-19 pandemic andsuccessivelock downs.

Lord ledapubliccampaignon building safety over therisksof legionella afterlockdownand have invested in apprenticesand young stafffor thefuture. With astrong communityconscience, Lord fund raise for local good causes

They have achieved growth in

revenue andprofits, with keyap pointments madetosecurethe fu ture successofthe business includ ingappointingnew directorsfrom within andbringinginadditional talent with experience of othersec tors

Lord hasgrown over thepast 40 yearstonow employ closeto50 staff. Since1982, Lordhas worked with localauthoritiesand even fitted heatinginthe studyat10

DowningStreet.MrSmith said the 40-yearlandmarkwas achanceto reflectonthe success achieved by thecompany since1982.

“LordCombustionServices hasgrown areputationfor ahigh standard of serviceand customer care,which will continue to grow as we nowgointoour fifthdecade of trading.Lordhas always worked hard to make apositive impact in ourregionsoitisfantastic to have

ourworkrecognisedwiththe re cent awards.Wewanttocontinue to grow as abusiness, moving into newtechnologyaroundsustainability andreducingenvironmental impact so that we lead theway in thefuture.”

“Weare ateamwho pull together in good timesand bad, as we showed during theCovid-19pandemicsoI look forwardtomanymoreyears of success ahead,”saidMrSmith

Commercial Heating Specialists West Midlands

&INSTALLATION

Director Mark Chapman,Edgbaston’s ScottElstone andMDStuart Smith

OneofLord’scompletedjobsatStreetsbrook Academy in Solihull

Hippodrome set to be replaced

PlanstoteardownDudleyHippo drome forauniversitycampusare settogoahead afteranattempt to save it wasrejected by Government chiefs

Dudley Councilhas ruledthatthe historic ArtDecotheatre should be knockeddownand replaced with a campus specialising in nursingand healthcare courses.

Butthe proposal wasstill subject to approval from MichaelGove, SecretaryofState forLevelling Up, Communitiesand Housing,who could“call in”and review thedeci sion

Nowithas been revealed theMr Gove’s department hasdeclinedto intervenetosavethe Hippodrome andthe adjacent land andbuildings in Castle Hill–asitcited the decision wasfor thecouncil to de termine.

A finalattempt to save Dudley Hippodrome by having thebuilding listed wasalsodenied.

MIPIMreturns afterabreak

Theglobaldeelopmentshowcase

MIPIMwill return in March for the firsttimesince 2019

It is once againtakingplace in Cannes, on theFrenchRiviera, from March 15 to March 18

The2020and 2021 events were called offdue to theCov id-19outbreak.

Developers andlocal authorities from acrossthe UK use the eventtomeetpotential investors andpartners from across theworld

Amongthe UK authorities that aresofar duetoberep resented is Dudley.WestMid landsMayor Andy Streetwill be amongthe speakers

TheUK Pavilion will feature theDepartment forInterna tional Trade, theDepartment forLevelling Up,Housing and Communitiesand Homes England

Industrial land is sellingfor more

Atenfold increase in container shipping costsand Chinacontinu ingtoincreaseits prices forgoods is driving asea change in land usage in theWestMidlands.

CommercialpropertyagentsSid dall Jones arereportingthatthe priceofindustriallandisexceeding residential values in some partsof theWestMidlands.

Asurge in reshoring– bringing the manufacturingofgoods back to theUK–isalso helpingtodrive re cord industrial land prices

Managing director Ed Siddall-Jones said:“We recently sold ahalf-acre site fronting Mucklow Hill in Halesowentoadeveloper for well in excess of theguide priceof £500,000 –and they plan to use the site forindustrialuse.Wehaveseen demandfor industrial land and buildingssoarover recent months butthere is asevereshortage of smalltomediumsites andbuild ings to satisfydemandfromSMEs.”

Brownfieldsitetobedeveloped

Aderelictsiteinthe BlackCountryinone of threeinthe Midlands to be namedaspartofamajor brownfieldregenerationscheme.

TheWestMidlandsCombined Authorityhas confirmed the multi-million-pound investment packagetokickstart thedevel opment of nearly 400homesand newcommercialpremises at threesites

CulwellStreetinWolverhamptonisone of thesites beingdevelopedwith300 homesbeing constructedin the firstphase of theBrewers Yard regeneration project, alongsideother developmentsinCoventryand Nuneaton Furtherbenefits of theschemes includethe development of af fordable housing forlocal people andsupport forconstructionjobs.

Town factorysitetobenew homes

Aformerfactory site near to Staf ford town centre is settobetrans formed into anew housing estate forthe county town Stafford BoroughCouncil’s plan ning committee hasgranted permissionfor developerStModwento buildup to 365homesonthe land offLichfieldRoadthatwas previ ouslyoccupiedbyGeneral Electric andAlstom.

St Modwen is aiming to regener-

atethe brownfieldsiteassoonas possible

Thedevelopment is settodeliver 365 houses

Former factorybuildingsonthe site have alreadybeendemolished.

Localresidents hadraised concerns aboutthe safety of the proposed access to thedevelop ment,and theimpactitwould have on localservicessuchasschools and parking.

MerryHill’s £50m investment will take threeyears to finish

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Thereisa£50 million investment programmecurrently underway at theBrierleyHill shopscomplex Centre managerJon Poolesaysit will become “a fantasticretailand leisuredestination”overthe next threeyears

Part of thestrategy is to buildup theleisure offerinthe centre and Mr Poolesaysthisfresh investment will bringmorejobs.

Thestrategy is that having more leisureattractions will also bring more people to thecentre andencouragethemtostayfor longer

Effortstobring in newretailers arecontinuingand thereare also proposalstomovesome of theshops around in thecentre to create bettersynergy

Mr Poole, whohas come to the BlackCountry from managing the LibertyCentre in Romford, believes the£50minvestmentunderwayat theBrierleyHill centre,already tradingahead of Birmingham’s Bullring, canmove MerryHillup from seventhfor itssizeofshopping centre in theUKtothe topspot.

The five-yearimprovement plan forMerry Hillincludesbettersig nage aimedat improvingthe link up betweenthe shoppingcentre and

thesurrounding bars andrestaurantsat TheWaterfrontand new ‘districts’dedicated to entertainment,fashion andhealthand well being.

Themajor raft of improvements forMerry Hillwereannounced in July last year andare designed to attract more leisureattractions and restaurantstoMerry Hillby2025.

Mr Poole, centre manageratMer ry Hill, said:“Though we will soon have anew look,the iconic Merry Hillnameeveryonehas come to know andlove sincethe centre first opened in 1986 will remain the same.”

“Ithas been allchangeatMerry Hillthissummer andIwould like to extend thewarmest of welcomes

to themanynew retailerswho have takenspace at thecentre in recent months

“Iwould also liketothank the thousandsofshopperswho visit MerryHilleachand everyday,especially thosewho took part in our biggestpiece of customerresearch in over adecadeaswepreparedfor thefuture.

Sunbeam’stransformationisnow back on track

Thestalled transformationofa landmark former motorcycle factory in Wolverhamptonintohomes should finallybe finished thanks to amulti-million pounddeal.

ThefamousformerSunbeam factory, offthe Penn Road island, hasalready been partiallycon verted into apartments.But the future of theproject wasplunged into doubt threeyears agowith theproject ground to ahaltthree yearsago,withonly35ofthe 117 flatscompleted,whendevelopers QEDwentintoadministration.It left only 35 outof117 flatscomplet ed,withthe administrators team ingupwithcommercialproperty

expertsin2019inabid to help find anew developer.

Nowworkistoresumeonthe site afteritwas snappedupby city-basedsocialand public sector housing specialists ParagonLiving Spacefor £7.5 million Robbie Hubball, from Paragon, said:“We’reexcited that we’ve been able purchasethissitethat hasbeenstalled forsolong. There arealready some greatproperties completedinthe site andwe’re lookingforward to updating the plansand creating arealcommu nity forthe area.”

Theapproveddevelopmentalso hasacentralcourtyard,land-

scaped community huband games room forresidents, alongside112 parking spaces

SimonCampbell, managing di rector of administrators Quantu ma,said: “Wewerenever in doubt anew developercould be found. We’repleased that soonthe uncertainty of thepastfew yearswillbe resolved forthose alreadylivingon site.”

The150,000sq ft building had stood derelict fortwo decadesbefore it wasboughtbypropertydeveloperLiamWordley from regenerationcompany UrbanSplashin 2013.Workgot underway “imme diately” afterconsent wasgranted

Theleisure offeratthe MerryHillshoppingcen treisbeing increasedin anew wave of invest ment.

Howthe newhealth and wellbeing districtthatisplannedwithin

theMerryHillshopping centrewill look

Theold factoryinthe city centre

Bespokespecialiseininterior fit-out

Incorporated in 1999, Bespoke Construction is an award-winningcon structionservicescompany with an intrinsic specialism in interior fit-outand associated construction services.

Over theyears, the firm has workedwithclients of allshapes andsizes,oftenonapartnership basistoprovide abespoke, tailored construction service. This approach hasled to thedevelopment of a strong industry reputation,aseries of long-lasting partnerships,a broaderrange of work capabilities andconsiderable growth

Akey facetofpresent dayBespokeConstruction’sservice comes from thecontrolitactuallyhas over theprovision of service. Although many contractorswill professthat they offeracompleterange of ser vices, thedegreetowhich these are offeredin-housewill vary consider ably.While BespokeConstruction does workwithspecialistsupply chainmemberstosupport thede liveryofastrongservice,the vast majority of construction services areprovidedwhollyin-house with substantial controlover keyareas such as qualityworkmanship,safe on-siteconduct,environmental be

haviours, flexibility to emerging challenges andgeneral profession alism.

ArranSummerfield, business developmentmanager,said: “In itiallyour primaryfocus wasde liveringhighquality fitout and refurbishmentservices, this gradu ally evolved(mainly throughclient demand) whilst maintaining our position as an interiors specialist, we have broadenedour manage

ment teaminfrastructure through continualplanned growth of our business.Today we successfully deliverbothconstructionand inte riorsprojectsinparallel, with the ability to offerour customers syner gy betweenthe twoservices, which would otherwise be separately procured.

“Asa‘design andbuild contrac tor’ we cantakethe ultimate con trolover designspecification and

from ourin-depthknowledge of fit-outweknow what methodsand finishes will work, look goodand fit thebudget.

“We’ve recently been awarded ‘preferred bidderstatus’ to devel op theSunbeam Building in Wol verhampton. It’s areallyexciting scheme forustobeinvolvedwith as an iconic building that everyone sees dailyastheydrive in andout of thecitycentre.Welookforward to

working with the‘client team’tode sign anddevelop theschemetopro vide 167livingunits over thenext threemonthswithananticipated startonsitein April.

“Toensurethe firm’s ability to de liver such acomprehensive service, we have naturallyhas hadtotackle thechallenges of thesector-wide ageing workforce andskillsgap.To do so we’veactivelytaken on traineesfromcolleges/universities.”

delivers high quality

BroadoaksinSolihull whereoffices have been convertedto173 apartments

Bespokedelivered the fit-outofnew offices for Kuehne +Nagel in Derby

NewHowardEvans Roofing eradawns

Howard EvansRoofing –a name that hasbecome synonymouswithquality and service.

Having been establishedfor more than 30 yearsand with afantastic reputation within both theroofingin dustry andthe Midlands,2022willsee thecompany take on freshnew era and direction.

Whilst continuing to deliver large andsmall scaleroofing projects within theindustrial, commercialand retail sectors, this year will seeanew lead ership teamheadedupbythe original founderHowardEvans Howardissupported by anumberof newkey staffincluding hisdaughter Kate Whatleyand contractsmanager Jack Chapman.

Quality

Focusing on deliveringthose key qualitiesthathavemadethe brandand companywellknown over theyears, the keyfocus forthe coming years remainsthatofquality andservice Both of whichhavealwaysresultedin exceptionallyhighrepeatbusinessand customerloyalty

With afully skilled andtrained workforce, the company will focus on builtupfeltroofing, mastic asphalt andliquidwaterproofing projects and isactively focusing on expandingthe currentclientbase.

Howard Evans andKateWhatley

Apprenticesare akey focusfor the business with 10 percentofthe current HowardEvans Roofing workforce currentlyonanapprenticeship.

It is incredibly importantfor How ardEvans Roofing to pass down the skillsofits experiencedoperativesand supportand developthe next genera tion of roofers.

HowardEvans Roofing is nowaim ingtoinspire andservice anew generation.

Connectcelebrating 15 successful years

Halesowen basedconstructionand fitout firm ConnectServicesBuilding SolutionsLtd is celebratingits 15th year of busi ness in 2022.

Managing Director BradleyAdams andhis team have grownthe company into asuccessfulturnkey provider acrossconstruction, fitout,refurbish ment andmaintenance.Enjoyinga record year in 2021,Connect Services hasgainednew projectsfrombothits loyalcustomerbaseand newclients

It hasbeenaprivilege to workwith some amazing clients on many interesting andnotable projects. ForHere ford andWorcester Fire Services they completeda‘firstofits kind’Incident CommandTrainingCentre.Thiswill enable theFireService to progress theirtrainingonpreparationfor major incidents.The workwas to averyhigh specification andincludedthe replica tion of theinsideofanincidentcom mand vehiclewithina trainingroom. This ground-breakingapproachwill be itsbenchmark goingforward.

ConnectServicesregularly undertake arange of school projectsduring thesummer break, andlastyearwas no different. It simultaneously completedthree largerefurbishmentsfor Dudley andWorcester Councils.Uti lising itsexperiencedteam, it worked with schoolstoensureworks were

completedtoits usualhighstandards in thetight timescales required.Stu dents nowenjoy thebenefitofnew facilities withoutany disruption to learning

Theinclusion of anew direct ground works andcivilsteamhas given Connect continuedgrowthand expanded itscustomerbase. With many projects alreadysecured,Bradley is excitedto expand thecompany furtherand build on thesuccesses alreadyachieved.

OneofConnect’s projects in progress

TRAMSforming West Midlands lives

Transportfor West Midlandscontinues to deliv er an ambitiousplanto improve public transport across theregion.

Theexpansion of theWestMid landsMetro networkinWolver hampton, Sandwell, Dudley and both theeastand west of Birminghamcitycentre isamajor part of the£1.3billion infrastructure plan TheMidland Metro Alliance,which is deliveringtramway extensions on behalf of TfWM,brought togeth er acollectionofconstructionand design specialiststocarry outthe worktotransform theregionin 2016

Thelastyearsaw considerable activity on allfouractiveprojects andpassenger services will launch on twoofthe newroutesearly in 2022

Butitwas thetramway extension to Digbeth whichreceivedbothlocaland internationalinterestin 2021 as theBirmingham Eastside Metroextension scoopedthe coveted OutstandingEngineering Award at theGlobalLight RailAwards.

Theaccoladerecognisedthe complexity of thedesignand delivery of aDelta Junction in LowerBull Street whichwill allowtrams to travel in sixdifferent directions

The£227million Birmingham

Eastside Metro extension, will run from Bull StreettoDigbeth,adding four newstops to theMetro network. Morethanhalfofthe 1.7km routeisplanned to be free of over head wires, similartothe extension from GrandCentraltoCentenary Square.

Theproject will also revive Birmingham’s ‘creative quarter’ throughthe creation of public spac es andthe centralfocus pointofthe

West Midlands Metro routeintothe city centre

MichaelAnderson, Metro programme director at TfWM,said: “One of thereasons we areexcit ed about theroute is theaccess it will providefor much of theBlack Countrytoreallyget themostout of high-speed rail at theforthcomingCurzonStreetStation.”

Akey aimofthe expansion projectistoboostregeneration

through linkingthe region with the associatedemploymentand supply chainbenefits, helpingtorecharge theregion’seconomy.

It’s an approach that MMAacts on with some authoritywithalmost adozen apprenticesstartingtheir construction careerswithinthe last sixmonthsalone.StuartFowkes, from CradleyHeath, atrackoperativewas oneofthe firstapprentic es to complete an award-winning

apprenticeship schemeinlight rail that theMMA helped to create.He said:“It wasafantastic opportunity to be working towardsaqualifica tion andlearningthe differentaspectsinvolvedinbuilding atramway. It helped me to take my career in this industry even further.”

Forfurther informationonthe workofthe MidlandMetro Alliance, includingregular projectupdates, visit: www.metroalliance.co.uk

Go east, let MMA takeyou there...

There’sopportunities to be part of our team delivering the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension.

Check out our current job offers at: www.metroalliance.co.uk/careers

Thecomplexdeltajunction for theMetro at LowerBullStreet, BirminghamTramswillcallatCurzonStreet

Stationfor interchange with high-speed rail

ThetransformationofDudleyis taking shapeas keyprojectsadvance rapidly

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Regenerating Dudley borough-It’sour time, to build, connectand grow

Dudley town centre’s skylineis settotransform overthe next coupleofyears.Thispaves theway for a£27 millionHigherEducation building at Castle Hill, supported by asuccessful£25mTowns Fund bid.

Thenew university building will be situated next to thenew Very LightRailNationalInnovation Centre andrecently opened Black Countryand Marches Instituteof Technology

WEDNESBURY TO BRIERLEYHILL METROEXTENSION

Construction workfor theMetro ex tensionwill continue acrossDudley town centre over thenextcoupleof years, andconstructionwill begin this year in Brierley Hill.

Passengerservicesare anticipated to commence in 2024

ARTTRACK:METRO ARTPROGRAMME

ArtTrack: Metro ArtProgramme is aone-yearpilot projecttocreate aprogramme of designsfor public artcommissions andpublicengagement activities forthe newWednesbury to Brierley HillMetro extension

Theprogramme will seethe crea tion of artist commissioned designs andproject proposals fora series of permanentand temporaryart in stallationsfor Metro stationstops, plazas,infrastructure, public open spaces, pocket parks, community settings andtrackside sitesofthe Metro line

This newenvironmental trans port routewill connectDudleyand Sandwell with Wolverhampton, Birmingham andthe widerregionand will be alinearcatalystfor artisticresponsestoenhance Dudley’s high-quality publicrealm interven tionsassociatedwiththe Metro Designs forartworks andprojects will be on view to thepublicinan exhibitioncalledDudleyFutures in May2022.

VERYLIGHT RAIL NATIONAL INNOVATION CENTRE (VLRNIC)

Work continuesonthe newNational Innovation Centre whichwill sit alongsidethe newHigherEducation complexonCastleHill in Dudley Thecentre,which is duetobe complete in spring 2022,will boast atriple-heightengineering hall,research laboratories,conferenceand seminarrooms andofficesfor 45 people.There will also be public ar eas, includingexhibitionspacesand an auditorium

Councillor PatrickHarley, lead er of Dudley Councilsaid: “Dudley town centre is goingfromstrength to strength, with £600m planned investmentinthe town,which is part of a£1billion borough-wide regeneration programme, we are continuing to forgeanexcitingand bright future”

“The newfacility andthe VLR test trackwill placeDudleyat the forefrontofground-breakingengineeringworks,thatwill benefitthe national andlocal economyas well as theenvironment.”

BLACKCOUNTRYAND MARCHES INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

TheBlack Countryand Marches InstituteofTechnologyopenedin 2021,offeringavariety of technical trainingopportunitiesincluding higher levelapprenticeships,degree levelprogrammesand shortcourses designed forpeopleinwork.

DUNCAN EDWARDSLEISURECENTRE

Areyou ready? LeisureinDud leyborough is about to get better Thenew Duncan Edwardsleisure centre,ConstitutionHill,Dudley opened to thepublicyesterday

Visitors to thenew centre,inCon stitutionHill, canexpecta25-me tre,eight-lane swimming pooland ateachingpoolwithspectator area

Therewillbea four-court sports hall suitable forindoorfootball, badminton andmore.

Thecomplex will also includea 100-stationgym and fitnesssuite, twogroup exercise studiosoffering awiderange of programmes includ inga state-of-the-artimmersive cyclestudio– the firstinthe Black Country.

People canalso usethe newpow er-assistedgym equipment,which will be particularly beneficialfor people recovering from injury,those living with long-termhealthcondi tionsorpeoplewithlimitedmobil ity. There’salsoa soft play area, café,party roomand sauna

Refurbishmentworks have also been completedatCrystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge andphase oneisnow open at HalesowenLei sure Centre whichoffersanew re ceptionarea, gym, wellness suite, soft play andmore. Phasetwo we will seeanew pool area openinglat er on in theyear.

Keep up-to-dateatdbleisure co.uk

BLACKCOUNTRYLIVINGMUSEUM FORGINGAHEAD

TheMuseumcontinues to forge aheadwithits planstocreatea majornew historic 1940s to 1960s development,new learning spaces anda brand-newvisitor centre.The newvisitor centre will open in mid2022,alongside ahistoricre-creation of Wolverhampton’sElephant &Castlepub,withthe remainderof thedevelopmentbeing readytowel come visitors from mid-2023

Amajor part of this projectisthe Woodside Librarybuilding, which wasopenedin1894, andwhich has been translocatedbrick by brickto themuseum to form part of thenew development.Woodside Library will be setinthe early1960s when it opensin2023at itsnew home at themuseum

BCLM is lookingfor storiesabout Woodside Libraryduringthe 1960s andisparticularlykeentohear from people whohavechildhood memories of theLibrary from this era.

DUDLEY TRANSPORTINTERCHANGE

Work is duetobegin on this world classmulti-modal facility next spring whichwill includeimproved waitingand interchangefacilities with enhanced real-timepassenger information.

BRIERLEY HILL

As well as construction workcom

mencingfor theWednesburyto Brierley HillMetro extension, Brierley Hillisalso settosee significant improvements to thetown centre thanks to thecontinued workofthe High StreetHeritage Action Zone

Thetownisbenefitting from £2.2moffunding whichhas so far seen improvements made to the WarMemorialonChurchStreet, with furtherplans includingaseries of building projects andpublic realmimprovements

Afurther £10m hasalso been awardedfromaFutureHigh Streets Fund bid,which will fi nancekey transformationworks includingimproving public realm andpedestrianconnectivityand a newpublicspace around theMetro terminus Therefurbishment to the libraryand reopeningofthe public toiletswill be completed this year

Therewillbedisruptionaswe bringforward these exciting projects

With worktakingplace across theborough forthese exciting projects, travel disruption must be ex pected andsoresidents areurged to plan ahead, checking before you travel. Youcan sign up to receive traveland projectupdates by email at regeneratingdudley.org.uk

Youcan also keep track of the latest updatesonTwitter:@WM Network–for thelatestbus, train or tramupdates @WMRoads -for thelatesttraffic updates.

Councillor SimonPhipps, cabinet memberfor regeneration andenter prise said:

“The role andpurpose of town centresisconstantlychangingover time,aprocess whichstarted with thehugeboomin online shopping andwhich wasexacerbated by the coronaviruspandemic

“Butwefeelour town centresstill have acriticaland crucialroleto play in ourborough.Wehaveexcit ingregenerationplans with ahost of innovativeprojects, and2022is settobeanexcitingyear.”

Youcan view a flythrough video of theprojectsand find more infor mation online at regeneratingdudley.org.uk

Insidethe Thnewleisurecentre enew Duncan EdwardsLeisureCentreopenedtothe publicyesterdayThe Metro will soon be coming into serviceinDudleytowncentre

Progressisbeing madeonthe new Very LightRailNational Innovation CentreinDudleytowncentre

GOOD OR OUTSTANDING

THE WAYYOU LIVE, WORK AND TRAVEL

EMPLOYERS URGED TO HELP

CITY’S YOUNG PEOPLE

City of Wolverhampton Council is asking local employers to join the fight in helping the city’syoung people aged 18-24 into work.

Wolverhampton currently has the highest unemployment rate for 18 24 year olds in the country–asituation which has been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic.

However,the situation is not for the lack of effortbythe council, its partners, businesses and other organisations. The city’score ‘Wolves at Work’ programme has helped around 6,735 local people into jobs.

Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Weall need to do our bit to tackle youth unemployment, or we risk presiding over a‘lost generation’ of young people without hope or aspiration, stockpiling issues that will be harder to solve with the march of time.

“Weneed to shake things up to plug thedisconnect in our city –we have high unemployment, but employers are reporting record job vacancy numbers.

“The council has an essential role to play and is coordinating a‘one city’ approach to tackle the issue, but we need the supportofour fantastic city employers andour partners.

“We’re asking employers to tell us how they can help the city and pledge their support.”

The council has carved out an initial war chest of £3million forthe Wolves at Work 18-24 project, to help coordinate the ‘one city’ approach and to develop interventions to supportyoung people.

LOCAL BUSINESSES PLEDGE SUPPORT

Family business AFBlakemore and Son based in Wolverhampton is one of the largest family-owned businesses in the UK, entailing retail, wholesale distribution, food service, logistics, specialist food and shop fitting divisions.

The company has 6,500 employees and has pledgedto ensure the correct support mechanisms are in place for young people who join the organisation. Caoire Blakemore, Responsible Business Director, said: “The challenge is often not to getyoung people into the companybut to get them to stay in the role, and so we’re putting the right support networks in placefor new employees, to understand their career paths and build their skills.”

needed. Thenew partnership will supportteacher professional development and raise engagement and achievement in STEM subjects, especially those from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.

The partnership will provide access to CPD, free resources, immersion in industryoruniversity through teacher placements, STEM Ambassadors and enrichment activities.

Grant schemes supportindependent retailers andlow carbon initiatives

City of WolverhamptonCouncil has expanded its Relight Business Programme grant to support independent retailers and help businesses invest in low carbon and other environmental measures.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for independent retailers to invest in their premises to make them moreattractive to customers ahead of expected increased footfall from major 2022city events, including the Commonwealth Games cycling time trial. Retailers could include charity shops, restaurants, cafes, bars,

takeaways, hair and beautysalons and professional services.

Businesses in all sectors operating from commercial premises in Wolverhampton who arelooking to improve resource efficiency or implement new processes that help the business move towards net zerocarbon,can also apply for grants up to the same amount.

Moreinformation on all available grants and details on how to apply can be found at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/ wolvesinbusiness

Collins Aerospace helps design, create and deliver the most advanced and diverse range of aerospace and defence solutions on the market. The company whose Wolverhampton site employs over 1,200 people, has pledged to deliver partnerships to 4,000 local young people over the next two years. They will do this through their new ENTHUSE partnership to make apositive and long-termimpact to STEM education where it is most

Oliver Herrmann, UK Early Careers Lead from Collins Aerospace, said: “Our education programmesare about connecting students from all backgrounds with quality STEM delivery–working in partnership withteachers by investing in their professional development as well as utilising our industryexperts to unlock potential and inspire young people about the possibilities ahead of them.

“ENTHUSE allows Collins Aerospace to actively invest in the skills of young people within our communities and work towards ensuring that all students have equal access to quality STEM delivery. Collins Aerospace has anumber of innovative STEM products and we look forward to delivering them in our partnered schools over the next 2years.”

(l-r): Jobchange administrator,Aman

Toor (24), Actor with Gazebo Theatre, Mo Aldube (22), City of Wolverhampton Council Leader,Councillor Ian Brookfield, and Kevin Davis, Chief Executive Officer at The Vine Trust Group at the City Summit event in November where the ‘Tackling Youth Unemployment Together’ initiative was launched.

Pictured is Sharndeep Hanspal at Collins Aerospace, who have pledged to deliver partnerships to 4,000 local young people over the next two years.

Businesses whowould like to makeaWolves at Work pledge, or whowould like to discuss the contribution they canmake, are urged to contact recruitment@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Jack Briscoe (Warehouse Despatch Clerk) secured employment with AF Blakemore and Son after joining the business as an apprentice.

Readyfor action as Sandwell allset to welcomethe Commonwealth Games

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

arecomingthissummer.

Sandwell is proudtohavethe only venue builtespeciallyfor the Games, hostingthe diving,swimming andparaswimmingevents. At theSandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick, thecompetition and diving poolsare fullytiled,and stepshavebeenaddedtothe 10m dive tower. Soon permanentseating will be installed, andthe pools filled forthe firsttime, readyfor interna tional athletes to take theirmarks

Sandwell AquaticsCentre will be in usefor thefull 11 days of the competition– andits legacy will last fordecades,aslocal people and visitors enjoy thehealthand social benefits of having world-class facili ties in Sandwell

Furthertransformations through theTowns Fund

Sandwell AquaticsCentre is one of many exciting things happening in Sandwell.In2019, thegovern ment announced the‘TownsFund’ programmetosupport localeco nomicgrowthacrossEngland.West Bromwich,Smethwick andRowley Regiswereamong 101placesinvit ed to submit proposals–and they were successful.

Subjecttoapprovaloffull busi ness cases, Sandwell is to receive £67.5million forregenerationpro jectsinWestBromwich(£25m), Smethwick(£23.5m) andRowley Regis(£19m). Thesespaneduca tion,transportation, digitalskills andhousing andwill bringimprove mentstoparks,canal routes and localenvironment.In2020, each of the101 places received ‘accelerated funding’ forprojectswithimmediateimpact, helpingthembuild back better from thepandemic.

Thanks to this,Sandwellisalreadybenefitting from improved walkingand cyclingroutes, and upgrades to Rowley Regisparks

In West Bromwich,outdoor market stalls with solarpanelsare nowgeneratingtheir ownelectricity. Smethwickhas anew two-way cyclelane; the firstphase of apro gramme to boostconnectivitybetweenSmethwick Galton Bridge andthe newhousing development at Grove Lane

West Bromwich Towns Fund

Having received approval from itscabinet,Sandwell Councilisnow seekinggovernment go-ahead on threeprojects:

l ADigital Den, ledbyGreets GreenCommunity Enterprises, will offerdigital trainingand lo calaccess to online resourcesand education, boosting theskillsof Sandwell residents whilereducing digitalexclusion

l TheSandwell Civiland Me chanical EngineeringCentre will

be anew technical campus for Sandwell College, bringing learning opportunitiesand apprenticeships in engineering, advanced manufacturing,civil engineering, construc tion andhybridelectricvehiclesfor young people andadults, including thosecurrently unemployed

l TheUrban Greening Project seekstocreatea‘greenlink’ from thetowncentre to DartmouthPark, with street trees,green spaces, play spaces, seating, lighting,vegetable planters, flower boxesand wildflow er areas. Aculturalprogramme will encouragepeopletoengageingreen workshops andhands-onactivities.

Sandwell Counciland partners arepreparing full business cases forthe West Bromwich Town Hall QuarterProject,consistingofthe internal andexternalrefurbish ment of West Bromwich Town Hall andthe internal refurbishment of CentralLibrary.Theyare also working on proposalsfor a‘Retail Diversification Project’,which will

deliverhigh-qualityhousing and help meet demand fortowncentre living.Meanwhile,the Walkingand CyclingInfrastructureProject in West Bromwich will increase peo ple’soptions forsustainable travel.

SmethwickTowns Fund

In Smethwick, Sandwell Council is proposinganew MidlandMetro politanLearningCampusadjacent to thenew hospital,in collaboration with Sandwelland West BirminghamNHS Trust, Sandwell College, theUniversity of Wolverhampton andAston University.The campus will offertrainingatall levels in healthcare andrelated professions, enabling localpeopletoaccess employmentinthe newhospitaland beyond.Itwill deliver universi ty-levellearninginSandwell forthe firsttime. Thereare planstoextend Smethwick’sRon DavisCentre,expandingonthe services it already offers, andgivinglocal people ac

cess to modern learning facilities

TheSmethwick Walkingand Cy clingInfrastructureProject will boostaccess andconnectivitywithin Smethwick, improvingsafetyfor pedestriansand cyclists.Currently, Sandwell does nothaveenoughsites to meet thedemandfor newhomes. TwoSmethwick schemeswill seek to addressthis:

l RolfeStreet CanalsideRegen erationProject (which will seethe demolition of theSmethwick En terprise Centre,and remediationof thesitefor development).

l TheGrove Lane Regeneration Projectnearthe MidlandMetropolitan University Hospital

Rowley RegisTowns Fund

Sandwell Collegehas planstodevelopaSatellite EducationHub in CradleyHeath whereadult learnerscan gain newskillsand take advantageoflocal employment

opportunities. Thehub will also be availablefor communitygroups andactivities. To encouragewalkingand cyclingand better connec tions, theCanal NetworkConnectivity Projectproposesaround7km of resurfacingfor canaltowpaths alongsidethe Dudley No 2in Old Hilland theOld Main Line in Old bury.Sandwell Councilalsoseeks better accessibility andimproved walkingroutesthroughoutCradleyHeath, Blackheath andOldbury through theRowleyRegis Walking andCycling Infrastructure Project. In Blackheath, majorimprovements areplanned to BritanniaPark, bringing newchangingrooms,car parking, upgraded play and fitness equipment (including askate park), allotments andacontemplation garden.Finally, thetowncentre will be enhanced with anew bus interchange,pedestrianspace and redesigned Market Place, underthe Blackheath BusInterchange Project

West Bromwich HighStreet will be seeing improvements

Thenew SandwellAquaticsCentreatLondonderryLane, Smethwick, will be thescene of BrGamescompetition

itanniaPark in Rowley Regis

Theaquaticscentre will be readyfor this summer’s Commonwealth Games

Growingcityis allset to flourish

Theheadofregenerationatproperty company JLLinBirmingham says Wolverhamptonhas allthe es sentialingredients it needsto flour ish.

IanCornock said thecitywas al readyone of thebest-connectedareasinthe West Midlands

“Combinedwithstrong,local leadership,infrastructureinvest ment,and an undeniablesense of place, it’s no wonder that eyes are increasinglyturning to the‘city of opportunity’

“Withthe Ministry of Housing, Communitiesand Local Govern ment (MHCLG) moving into i9,the newmulti-million-pound commer cialdistrictistruly taking shape. Othercitiesare renowned forshout ingfromthe rooftops abouttheir unique qualities, andWolverhamp tonisincreasinglyfollowing suit Investorsare amplifying this noise on thecity’sbehalf,”explained Mr Cornock.

Brum property outlook bright

Birmingham’s commercial property renaissance continued throughout 2021 with upward rentsinbothoffice andindus trialsectors driven by high de mand,lackofsupplyand work placetransformation.

Property consultancyVail Williamshas produced itsBir mingham Property Market Re port

It believes thecitywill go on boomingasthe likes of theCom monwealth Gamesand HS2 thrust it into thespotlight in 2022 with more inward invest ment

Thereportbyregionalman agingpartnerCaroleTaylor and associate CharlotteFullard,re viewscommercialpropertyactivity in theUK’ssecondlargest city from JanuarytoOctober andlooks at likelytrendsfor this year

Newmanaging partnerfor firm

Birmingham-headquartered Pat rick Parsons,providerofmulti-dis ciplinary engineeringconsultancy services to commercial, industrial andresidential developers, haspro motedformerchief operatingofficer Neil Hobbstomanagingpartner

He takesoverleadershipofthe business from Gail Bamforth, who completedthe successfulimple mentationofatwo-and-a-halfyear strategy to reshapethe business forfuturesustainable growth.She takesonthe role of non-executive director andadviser to thebusi ness

PatrickParsons focusses on helpingclients assess, design,and overcome themostcomplex of engi neeringchallenges across arange of sectors.

Thecompany hasalso recruited eightnew engineersinthe final quarterof2021sothatitcan ser vice growingworklevelsfromboth existing andnew clients.

Town centre factoryistobereplacedbyhomes

Planstoteardowna derelictfac tory site in Walsalltowncentre to make wayfor morethan200 apart mentsare goingahead

Proposalsweresubmitted to knockdownthe “eyesore”Saddlers Quay,nearthe NewArt Gallery, andmakeway for222 flatsand 90 parkingspaces.

ThesiteincludesGreatrex House, William Houseand the former Argyle Works. Theapart mentswillbea mixofone and two-bedroom, planners say.

WalsallCouncil bosses said theproject will progress after developers satisfied anumberof pre-demolition conditions setby

theauthority.The issues related to construction management,haz ardousmaterials andthe breeding of birdsand bats

Ademolitionnoticehas also been approvedbythe building con trolservice

Councillor Adrian Andrew,dep utyleaderofthe authority, said: “I’vebeenworking on this project foranumberofyears andit’sgreat to seesome real concrete progress

“Thisisanother piece of thejig sawofregeneratingour borough andanother positive example of putting derelictsites into use.”

Thecouncil says thescheme supports thevisionofthe Walsall

town centre master plan,working towardsamoremixed usethat combines retail with leisureand town-centre living

Thesiteoccupiesaprime loca tion foraresidential use, situated within easy walkingdistanceof thecity’smajor cultural andcom mercialcentresand thecentralbus andtrain stations

Theproposals will supportand enhancethe ongoing regeneration of thewaterfrontareaand thecouncil’s aspirationstoestab lish this as agatewaylocationby removing existing derelict struc turesand transformingacurrent ly neglected site

High-techheadquartersgiven £5minvestmentfromWMCA

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

SandvikCoromant’s newUKheadquarters in Halesowenisdue to open late this year.

Thenew building on thesiteoff Manor Wayhas been helped by a £5 million investment by theWest Midlands Combined Authority.

Theproject will also create anew, high-techinnovationhub formetal cutting

SandvikCoromantemployees, currentlybased inanold office and warehouselocated elsewhereonthe company’sexistingsiteinManor Way, will transferoverthe to the new18,000 sq ft,sustainable head quarters once it is completedbyde veloperStoford

Theold buildingswill then be demolished andthe land,subject to planning permission,redeveloped forhousing

Swedish ownedSandvik Coro mant hasbeenbased in Manor Way since1958

Work on thenew headquarters startedin July

Theinvestmentisthe latest from WMCA’s devolvedhousing andre generation programmewhich is providingnew homes, jobs andcom mercial floorspace acrossthe West Midlands,helping theregion’seco nomicrecoveryfromCovid-19.

West Midlands MayorAndy Street said:“SandvikCoromant hasarichhistory basedinthe BlackCountry,and Iamreally

pleasedthatthe WMCA hasbeen able to putits cash on thetable to help that storycontinue.

“Not only is this anotherbrilliant exampleofhow theWMCAprioritisesbrownfieldlandfor regenera tion to create newlocal jobs,but it also showshow seriousweare about tackling theclimate emergencyand reaching our#WM2041goal.

“Sustainable developmentsare keytomakingthishappen, and with itssolar panels,EVcharging points,and rainwater harvesting technology,Sandvik Coromant’s newheadquartersisexactly the kind of sustainable design we need.”

Thenew building will providea comfortableand high-techworking space forthe employees.Itwill have

flexible,hot deskingspace for100 office workers. Keyfeaturesinclude theinstallationofsolar panels and 26 electric vehicle charging points

DavidHarbon, UK salesdirec toratSandvik Coromant.“While we foundour currentspace was no longer suitable forour needs, thisnew facility will be fullyfu ture-proofed.”

FormerWestBromHQisbeing transformedintoluxuryapartments

Work hasstarted on transforming the former West Bromwich Build ingSocietyheadquartersintolux uryapartments.

ThelandmarkSociety Housein High Street,WestBromwich, is be ingdeveloped by Empire Property

TheArt Decobuildingwill eventually contain105 oneand two-bedroomapartments.

Morethan70per cent have been

pre-sold by LH1London whoare themasteragent forthe development.

Thesix-storeybuilding hadbeen emptysince thebuildingsociety movedtoits newheadquartersat Providence Placein 2017.Itwas bought by Empire in April2018.

Thetransformationproject is duetobecompleted in the final quarterof2022.

Theregenerationhas been welcomedbylocal councillors whoare keen to meet theincreased demand forhousing duetorisingnumbers of people moving to thearea.

SocietyHouse hasapproximate ly 44,263 squarefeetofaccommo dation space on offerand property prices in West Bromwich are50per cent lowerthaninBirmingham Empire Property managing di

rector Paul Rothwell said:“We believethe developmentofSociety House will bringapositiveresi dentialelement to an area where therehas been asurge in demand forhousing

“Thisacquisition wasour first in theMidlandsafterpurchasing properties in Yorkshire, Lancashireand theNorth East andhas agreat deal of potential.”

Acomputergenerated image of theSandvik

Cormorant headquarters being builtoff Manor WayinHalesowen

Howthe newapartmentswilllook

An attractive district forinvestment

SouthStaffordshire remainsan attractive destinationfor major investment duetoits location andaccesstoa skilledworkforce.

Severalambitiousdevelopments arecomingforward,creatingopportunitiesfor residentsand local businesses

I54WESTERN EXTENSION

In apartnership betweenStaffordshireCountyCouncil, SouthStaffordshireCouncil andCityofWol verhamptonCouncil,the western extensionati54 will deliver up to afurther 100,000 sq metresofdevelopment platformsfor advanced manufacturing, creating up to 1,700jobs.

Work to preparethe site fordevelopment continuedthrough the Covid-19 pandemic andoccupiers couldbeonsiteas earlyasthisyear, creating employment opportunities forlocal residents andaddingtothe circa2,500 jobs on theexistingi54 business park

INTERCHANGE

TheWestMidlandsInterchange will be thelargestrailservedlogis tics development in theUKand one of thelargestinEurope, providing

up to 8million sq ft of flexible pre mium logisticsfacilities to support thechangingneedsofthe logistics sector

WMIwilldeliver world leading logisticswarehousing within a strategicrailfreightinterchange Creating 8,500jobs, supporting thelocal communitywithtwo new County Parkscovering109 acres, andproviding sustainablefoundationsfor thefutureofthe logistics sector by replacingroadfreight for rail,producing70per cent less carbondioxide

Construction of WMIwill startin 2022 andoncecompleteitisexpectedtogeneratearound£430million of localeconomicactivityeachyear, andover£900mofwider national economic activity each year

ROF FEATHERSTONE

The60-acre former RoyalOrdnance Survey site in Featherstone will ac commodateB1, B2 andB8usesfor a rangeofbusinessuses includingindustrial, storageand distribution, creatingupto1,700 jobs

Aplanned newlinkroadwill

provideaccesstothe strategicemployment site from theA449, link ingtoJunction2ofthe M54. Phase 1could be readyfor occupation in 2023 with finalphase expected to be completed in 2024

COLLABORATING

Keytothe success of SouthStaffordshire’sregenerationplans is the strong partnershipsand collaboration with public andprivate sector partners

Thecouncil hasrecentlyset out itsCovid-19EconomicRecovery

Plan whichdetails thecouncil’s fo cusfor theshorterand longer-term recovery of theSouth Staffordshire economy. Theimmediate priority is to buildits intelligenceonthe economicimpactofthe pandemic,sup port business ownerresilienceand providebusiness-friendly, flexible councilservices.

In addition to providingsuffi cientlandand premises suitable forinvestmentand growth, the 10-point plan focuses on building trusting relationshipswithlocal businesses to supporteconomic growth, raise aspirationsand skills amongyoung people,builda part nershipapproachtoreducethe district’scarbonfootprint,and seize opportunitiestoconnect people, skillsand opportunity.

With this in mind,the council launched theSouth Staffordshire Business PlacePartnership to bring together businesses andpublicand privatesectorpartnerstoworkeffectivelyinidentifyingissues, seekingsolutions andproviding effective interventionstosupport business es.The SSBPP is creating abusiness networktoshare best practice, contacts andbusinessnewsand the innovativeapproachinsupporting communities hasbeenhighlighted by theLocal GovernmentAssocia tion as acasestudy to supportother localauthorities.

To findout moreabout

An aerial view of howthe completedWestMidlands Interchange at Four Ashes, north of Wolverhampton,willlook

Creating wonderful homesinthe region

Wonderful Homesseek to buyland, with or with outplanningpermission, across theWestMidlands andsurroundingareas.

If youare alandowner,anagent, or you know someone that owns land or property that couldhaveresiden tial development potentialWonderful Homeswould love to hear from you generous fees arepaidfor successful introductions

WonderfulHome is an award-winning family-ownedbusinesswitha passionfor creating wonderfulplaces to live –hence thename. Landowners andagentscan rest assured that Wonderful Homeshas theknowledge,experience,and financialresourcestosuc cessfullydeliver sitesthatittakes on.

WonderfulHomeshas particular expertise in dealingwithtechnically challengingsites.The Solihull-based business,formedin2013, builds be spokeexclusive housingdevelopments andprimarily specialises in thedesign &build of affordable housingdevelop mentsfor housing associations.

Ownerand managing director Andy Evanssaid: “Weare lookingtobuy sitesacrossthe wholeofthe Black Countryand thewider area including Staffordshireand Worcestershireof circa2 to 10 acres. Suitable sitesincludevacantlandorbrownfieldland and premises that couldbedeveloped

forhousing.Wehavedelivered many projects acrossthe region includingat theformerBushburyArmssitein Wolverhampton whereaderelict, locally listed,formerpub wasretainedaspart of theregenerationproject that created 38 newaffordablehomes. Right now, we arebuilding81new affordablehomesona technically challenging site in Telford.”

Contact0845652 0151 or e-mail land@wonderfulhomes.co.uk

Chamberishelping deliverbrightfuture

As thesuccessor agency to regional business supportspanningtwo centuries,wethought that we hadseenitall yet, in recent years, as abusinesscom munity we have faced significant dis ruptionunlikeanythingexperienced in generations.

What makesthe BlackCountry truly special though is thepragmatism andresiliencedemonstratedbythe business communityand ourpeopleas they rise to meet anychallenge whilst, allthe whilewithone eyelooking firm ly to thefutureastheyponderwhat next?

As thenatural partnerfor many duringBrexit andCovid-19, ourcampaigningand lobbying activities helped keep supply chains moving,our businesses operatingas thebenefits ourmembers enjoy enabledthemtoraise theirpro file,makeconnections andtacklethe issues limitinggrowthand productivi ty whilst working with stakeholdersto ensure that thespotlight stays firmly focusedonthe region

TheChamber is lookingforward to thenextfew years. They aregoing to be exciting times forthe BlackCountry.

Throughout,we’ll be campaigning hardtoensure ourbusinessesare able to secure localcontracts, supporting everybusinessfromstart-ups to larger firmscompete andworking with part ners to ensurethatour people have the skillsneeded so we canall maximise from this exciting,brightfuture.

TheBlack CountryChamberofCommerceisthe only organisation with a national reputation and reachwhilstpossessing theability to deliverhyper-localsupport to businesses of allscale andsector.

WonderfulHomes is looking forland

TheBlack CountryChamber team

Howellsaidsmansion refurbishment

Untilrecently,Doxford HouseinSunderland wasaderelictGeorgian mansion, listedonthe 2009 Heritage at Risk Register.

Nowinprivate ownershipthe property hasbeenrestoredtoa singleresidence, undergoingsig nificant remodelling andrefurbish ment

Patent glazingspecialist Howells wasselected to manufactureand installa newrooffor the‘Winter Garden’, alarge conservatoryand part of theformalentranceonto Warden LawLane.

“I wassearching the internet foranappropriate rafter glazing system,and Ifound Howells,”says Gary Lax, DoxfordHouse site man ager.“Iwas impressedbytheir skill andcapability,and experience with period buildings.”

Sadly, theoriginalstructure of thewintergarden wasbeyondrepair andhas been rebuiltusing C24 gradeconstructiontimberwhich is capableofwithstandinghigh loadsand wide spans.New Accoya timber windowswereinstalled on sandstonedwarf walls. Howells’s HGR1 aluminiumrafterbar system waschosenasasympathetic yet high-performance solution forthe newconservatoryroof.

Glazed with 11.5mm clearlami natedand toughenedshapedglass, theroofrequired additional sup port to complywithbuilding regu lations. To accommodatethe weight of theglass,the reinstated C24 timber rafterswerelaminated to a steelsubframe, determined by steel calculations.The HGR1aluminium rafterbarsthen fitseamlesslyatop thenew timbers.

Foracohesiveand complementa

ry finish, thealuminium rafterbars were powdercoated in anthracite grey (RAL 9023). Theroofwas com pleted with bespokepressed metal in thehipsand ridges “Howells were apleasuretowork with.Theywerefast, reliable and efficient. We areverypleased with thequality andoverallaesthetic of theconservatoryroof. It hashelped re-establishsome of thelong-lost grandeur,” addedMrLax

l Howellsalso supplied patent glazingaspartofthe £38million Foss Barrierupgrade in York

In December 2015 severe floods hitthe City of York.Flood waters rosetothe highestrecordedonthe RiverFoss. Waterentered themain controlbuilding of theFossBarri er putting it outofaction. Within threemonthsworkhad begun on a multi-million-pound improvement scheme,upgrading the Foss Barri

er to achievebetter flood protection forhomesand businesses

TheEnvironment Agency ap pointed JBABentley as main con tractor

JBABentley appointed Howells to supply andinstall newand re placementglazing forthe extended bridge.Howells manufactured roof andverticalpatentglazing usingits HG2and HG3self-supported glaz ingbars.

SAYGOODBYE TO THE DARK AGES WITH AHPG ROOF LIGHT

ONLINE FITTING WORKSHOP

FITTINGWORKSHOPAVAILABLE

Thenew roof of theWinterGardenconservatory at DoxfordHouse

Howellshas provided replacementglazing for theFossBarrier in York

Collegeis filling skills gapfor wholeregion

City of Wolverhampton Collegeisplaying amajor role in theregenerationof theregion.

It is meetingthe recruitmentneeds of employers by offering free training coursestogive localpeoplethe skills they need to workinprioritysectors

Thecollege runs four sector-based workacademy programmes (SWAPs) –developed in conjunctionwithWest Midlands Combined Authorityand a rangeofleading industry partners offering traininginconstructionplant operations andgroundworks,electric vehicleand greentechnologies, laying andmaintenance of rail track, and plastering andskimming.

Thecoursesare runatthe college’s WellingtonRoadcampusinBilston, whichboastsindustry-standard trainingfacilities including40metresof railwaytrack andarange of lead ing-edgemaintenance andinstallation equipment,agroundworks area equipped with mini excavators, dump er trucks andrideonrollers,adedicat ed electrical vehicleworkshopand a plasteringcentre

In addition,the collegeoffersfree sector gatewaycourses (SGCs) to en able people whoare registered as un employed to gain theskillsneededto workinroles in adultsocialcare, retail andcustomerservice,security, and warehousing.

AllSWAPS andSGCslastbetween twoand sixweeks andinclude pre-employment training, workexperience andaguaranteed interviewwithan industry employer,orhelpwithan employer’srecruitment process, at the endofthe training.

Louise Fall,deputyprincipal at the college, said:“With theconstruction of HS2, majorconstructionprojects andlarge scalehousing developments acrossthe region,coupledwithbusinesses’Covid-19recoveryplans,there will be an increasing demand for trained staffinarange of sectorsand we areproud to be playingour part in theregenerationofthe region by equippinglocal people with theskills that employersare lookingfor.”

l Formoreinformation aboutthe courses contact thecollege’s em ployabilityteamon01902 317710 or 07825054261.

Helpingrecruitment in fast growingcity

“PersonallyIhavelivedin Wolver hamptonmywhole lifeand I’mproud that Wolverhamptonis aplace whichis ambitious forthe future

“It’sbeengreat to seethatduring such adifficult andunpredictable time during Covidstill thereis alot of positivitywithinthe construction and building services sector in thearea with many companiesverybusywith newprojectswhilst creating jobs for localpeople,”heexplained.

Advanced Recruitis basedinWol verhampton city centre andplaced morethan100 construction workers in workin2021tolocal businesses

“Addedtothiswehaveseenarise in young people getting on apprentice shipsand getting opportunitiesatcon structioncompanies,withlocal trainingproviders helpingworkseekers gain qualificationstoget them work ready.

“There have been some real chal

lenges forcompanies in theareawith supply chainissuesduringthe pandemic, butit’sbeengreat to seesome of these companiesreallyhit this head on in theareaand thrive during this time

“Some of thesectors Ihavefound busy arethe refurbishmentand commercialsector,”added Mr Williams. If you want assistance recruiting for yourbusinessorare lookingfor work contactChris on 01902239008.

ChrisWilliamshas been in therecruitment industry for12years andhas run hisown recruitmentbusiness Advanced Recruitfor coming up to three years, placinglocal people into localjobsinthe Black Countryand surrounding areas.

Thelaunch of theRailTraining Centre

ChrisWilliamsownsAdvanced Recruit

Creating your career in construction

Theconstructionindus tryisone of thelargest within theUKeconomy, employingapproximate ly threemillion people.

Thereare ahugerange of jobs availablewithinthe sector.Careers canbegrouped into architecture, building control, surveying,civil engineering, estate management, facilities management,quantity surveying, property management andstructuralengineering

Butwhichever career path you choose,expectworkwithinthe constructionsectortobefastpaced with strict deadlines.

Starting salaries within thesec torrange from £23,000 to £30,00 with theaverage salary fora construction workerreported at £41,052per year in theUK.

TheFederationofMasterBuild ershas reported that construction companieshavebeenstrugglingto recruitskilled tradespeoplesuchas bricklayers,carpenters,plumbers andelectricians.Asaresultofthis skillsgap,wages arerisingsharply forthese skilledtrades.

If you arethinkingabout acareer within theconstructionindustry nowisa greattime, especially with lotsofregenerationhappening right here within theWestMidlands.

Joinacourse at yourlocal col-

lege (Tamworth, Torc,Cannock or Rodbaston) starting this month and#CreateYourCareer in thecon structionindustry.

Whichever collegelocationyou choose to studyat, you’lllearn in state-of the-artconstructionworkshops. You’ll also be taught by ex pert tutors

School leaverscan join bricklaying,carpentry andjoinery and electrical installation coursesstart

ingthisJanuary.Aspartofyour course,you’llget to do lots of relevant andhands-onpractical and relevant work experience

Starting this January, adults can studyshortcourses in benchjoinery, bricklaying, CSCS Health and Safety Awarenessand operatives test,inspectionand testing, envi ronmentalsustainability,certifi cate in welding, level 4award in the design andverification of electrical

systemsand afoundationdegreein engineering. If you’d liketo find out more or to make an online application,pleasevisit southstaffs.ac.uk/ january.

If you’d liketohavea chat with ourfriendlyand helpfultutors about anyofthe coursesmentioned above,why not visitusatour open dayonSaturday, January29. Book yourplacenow by visitingsouth staffs.ac.uk/open-days/

Be part of the regeneration Get aconstruction trade and be ready!

Notquite readytostart acourse this January? Don’tworry,wehave full-timeand part-timecourses starting throughout theyearin plumbing,construction, gas, carpentry andmore.

If you’reanemployer lookingto hireyournextapprentice, whynot speaktothe apprenticeship team at SouthStaffordshireCollege To find outmoree-mailappren ticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk

SouthStaffordshire

Collegeoffersstate-of-theart workshops for studentsAnexperttutor

passing on skillstoSouth Staffordshire Collegestudents

Fundingisgiven to town centres

TheWestMidlandshas been given £46.3million pounds to regenerate twotowncentresasapartofa ma jorGovernmentscheme.

Bloxwich andDudleywillbegiv en themoneytoimprove theirhigh streets, strengthen transport links, andcreatejobsfor localpeople

This brings thetotal investment from theTowns Fund Deals in the West Midlands to £327.5m, to fund importantlevelling up work.

Morethan£20mwill be given to improve localemploymentand construction skills training forresidents in Bloxwich

And£25 million is goingtoDud ley’sUniversity Centre project, whichinvolvesthe construction of anew higher educationcentre in Dudley at Castle Hill, with the University of Worcesterdeliver ingdegreeand post-graduatepro grammes. Theproject hasbeendesigned to grow thehealthand life sciences sector in Dudley

Specialist joins consultancy

Aleading Birmingham property consultancyhas welcomedan office property specialistwith more than 25 years’ experience of workingacrossthe Midlands andbeyond, to assist clients navigate thechangingmarket CharlesWarrack hasjoined Fisher German’s Birmingham office as an associate director

He specialisesinthe sale,let ting andacquisition of offices, andhas workedatsome of the UK’s leadingpropertyconsultancies, acting on behalf of a wide rangeofclients including property companies, financial institutions, pensionfunds,localauthorities andprivate high networth investors.

Mr Warrackjoins Fisher German’s commercialagency department,further strength eningthe team’s knowledgeand expertise

Newdirectorset to focusonBTR

Graham Haydon-Whitehas joined leadingdevelopmentand invest ment companyUrban VillageGroup as developmentsdirector.

Thehighlyexperienced property professional will focusondelivering Birmingham-basedUrban Village Group’slarge-scale build-to-rent developments across theUK.

Theseinclude phasetwo of Equi pointinBirmingham,where afur ther 105apartmentsare beingbuilt

He said:“Iamdelightedtobe joiningthe UrbanVillageGroup team at this exciting stageofthe company’sgrowthand look forward to working with theteamtobring forwardand delivermajor development projectsacrossthe UK.”

Chiefexecutive Nick Sellman said:“Graham’s arrivalatUrban VillageGroup clearlydemonstrates how ambitious we aretostrategi callyexpandour business,and our determination to deliver developmentsofthe veryhighestquality.”

Master plan forvillage on course

Sandwell Council wantstobuild more than 500homes, aschool andaparkonthe oldBrandhall Golf Course in Oldbury,which closedinMay 2020

Theproposals form part of the BrandhallVillagemasterplan.

They have sparked acampaign to save the37-hectaresite.

Theauthority last year carried outapublicconsultationonfour

potentialoptions forredevelop ment,which it says will see8.5 hectares of open space keptfor residentsand newareas forwildlife

Thecouncil is stillinthe early stages of developing themaster plan andthe purpose of thecon sultationwas to shareits ambi tions, draftvisionand options andtohearlocal residents views.

Freightterminalwilldeliver aboost

Thearrival of amajor rail freight terminaland logisticshub closeto Wolverhamptonisexpected to de liverahugeboost to theregional economy.

The734-acre West Midlands In terchange at Four Ashesisdue to become operationalin2023, with 8,500full-timejobs.

Oxford Properties andLogistics

CapitalPartnershaveformeda jointventure to deliverthe project

whichinvolves£1billion initialinvestment.

Theeightmillion square-foot logisticsparkwill be thebiggest in theUK.

It is expected that another8,000 jobs will be createdthrough the distribution chainand in localbusinesses contributing to theproject

Theparkand theconstruction will also benefitbusinesses in sur rounding towns.

Civilengineer goes forgrowth aftermulti-million refinancing

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Specialist business advi sory firm FRPhas sup ported Walsall-based infrastructure firm Barhale in securingan £11 millionrefinancetofund future growth plans.

The£140m turnover civilengineeringspecialist, whichboastsa customerbaseincluding Network Rail, Thames Water, AnglianWater, Transportfor London and YorkshireWater,has agreed anew three-year revolvingcreditfacility with asset-basedlending specialist IndependentGrowthFinance

Thedealmorethandoubles the working capitalavailable to Barh alefromits previous lender

Thecontractor employsmore than 700peopleand hasmorethan 40 years’ experience working in the water,transport,builtenvironment andenergysectors,witha particularspecialism in tunnelling

Julian Ripley,the chief finance officeratBarhale,said: “Along side ourdirectdelivery modeland extensivetrack record delivering some of theUK’slargestcivil projects, we nowhaveasolid platform andadditionalcapacitytofuelsus tainable growth

“There ismorethan£650billion of privateand publicinfrastructure investmentplanned in theUKover thenextdecade, whichpresentsa huge opportunityfor Barhale.”

Keydevelopmentsitehas gotgrant funding

St FrancisGroup hassecured grantfunding from theBlack CountryLocal Enterprise Part nershiptodeliver anew,specula tive 113,000 sq ft warehouse/logistics schemeata site in Walsall.

ThesiteatDarlaston Road, brandedasParallel113,sitswithin theBlack CountryEnterprise Zone andwill create ahigh-qual itywarehouse/logistics unit,with construction settostart in March

JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

Thedevelopment will remediate abrownfieldsiteofjustover2.5 hectares closetoJunction10of theM6which is currentlyunder goinga£78 million enhancement by Highways Englandtoincrease capacityand reduce congestion

Thedevelopmenthad already

beengiven thegreen lightbyWal sall Council’s planning committee in autumn 2020.Whenoccupied theschemewill provideupto200 newjobs.

St FrancisGroup development director Gareth Williamssaid: “Weare very happytobeableto announcetheaward of this multi-million-pound fundingwhich movesconstructionofthe Parallel 113schemea stagecloser.”

Redevelopment plannedfor Birmingham’sNEC

TheNEC Grouphas launched a newmasterplanfor Birmingham’s National ExhibitionCentre campus.

Theredevelopmentplanwill transformmorethan27hectares of surfacelevel carparking and surplusland, to create newresidential,office,leisure andcommu nity spaces.

Thesiteiscurrently home to the UK’s largestexhibitionvenue –includingthe NEC, theVox Confer ence Venue, ResortsWorld Arena, ResortsWorld Birmingham,The Bear Grylls Adventureand anum berofhotels.

Overall, theplans areset to

create 5,000homes, an estimated 3,500jobs, 35,000 sq metresof commercialspace,14,000 sq me tresofnew outdooreventspace,a newhotel,restaurants andcafes andaprimary school

It also involvescreatinga greener andmoresustainable environment on thecampus.

Thenew 5,000 homeswill form anew urbanvillagelocated in the north of thesite, andare settoestablishacommunity formorethan 11,000 people.The villagewill in cludea mixofhomesand include arange of new services andamenities.

As oneofthe nation’s largest

brownfieldresidential develop ment opportunities, thesitewill make amajor contribution to meetinghousing needs

In addition to theurban village will be anew grandplaza andurbanboulevard

Theplaza will redefine thearea surrounding theNEC’satrium halls. Connecting the site with ArdenCrossand theHighSpeed 2Interchange,the urbanboule vard will extend an inspirational pedestrian focusedpublicrealm fromthe NECPiazzatoanew bridge link over theM42.The ur banboulevard will host aseriesof commercialbuildings.

Pedestrianareas arepartofplans

Howthe Parallell 113warehousing andlogisitics scheme in Darlaston Road will look onceitisconstructed

United Living –Shaping communities

OurUnitedLivingProperty Serviceteams are expertsatworking in oc cupiedpropertiestosupport theregenerationof communities, improving living standardsfor residents by renewing ex isting housingstock and helpingour customers on theirjourney towards zero-carbonhousing.

We deliver plannedand respon sive maintenance, compliance, fire safety andrefurbishment services, improvingbuildings acrossthe UK. We partnerand collaborateclosely with housingassociations, localauthoritiesand theeducation sector to deliver thebestpossibleservice

By tailoringour serviceoffer,we meet thestrategicneedsofindividual customers, focusing on the areasthatmattermosttothemto deliver valuefor moneyand exceptional customerservice.Our scale allows us to accept significant chal lenges andbuild mutually benefi cialpartnershipswhilst thinking locally, working with ourcustomers to deliver projects successfully, on time andwithinbudget.

Ourmarket-leadingservice is de liveredbya dedicatedteamofhigh

ly trained individualsfromtechnicalexperts to localResidentLiaison Officers.Theybring awealthof knowledge andexpertise to ensure thatthe needs of each residentare at theheart of everything we do

We applyaspecial type of re generation to allour development schemes. Lookingbeyondbricks andmortar, we focusonsupporting thebroader long-termdevelopment of communitiesbyplacing social

valueand sustainability frontand centre

Committedtoleaving apositive legacy,wesupport thesocio-eco nomic footprintofeachcommunity throughlocal procurement,the in troductionoflocal trainingand employment opportunitiesand invest inginlocal charitable organisations andcommunity groups.

United Living andWolverhamp tonHomeshavebeenworking in

partnershipfor over 14 yearstoupgradethe City of Wolverhampton council’s housingstock.Through aStrategic Construction Partnership,United Living is deliveringapproximately£15 million perannum of home improvements andnew builddevelopmentsacrossthe city

As part of thewider Strategic DevelopmentPartnership,United Living andother partners aredeliveringa£120million packageof

regeneration worksatHeath Town, oneofthe mostchallenging areasof Wolverhampton.

Thelarge-scale regeneration in cludes:estate-wide infrastructure improvementprogramme,inter naland external refurbishmentof housing,thermal cladding,additional andreplacement carparking, play areas, fire safety works,energy efficiency turn-key solutionsand extensivelandscaping

United Living Group is at the heart of your community.

SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

We take pride in helping our clients build communities people enjoy being part of. Delivering essential services, we employ more than 1,100 people nationally and have asupplychain network of over 2,000 colleagues supporting our projects.

The work we deliver in Property Services revives homes and communities through the regeneration of living spaces, whilst Infrastructure Services ensures the safe and reliable operation of utility assets to the community. Our New Homes services create vibrant communities and exemplar homes.

NATIONAL REACH INNOVATIVE SOCIAL VALUE

An Easter eventwas organisedbyUnitedLiving for theHeath Town estate

£120 million of regeneration worksare being deliveredatHeath Town