COMPANIES WIN PLACES ON UNIVERSITY’S PARTNER FRAMEWORK

Morgan Sindall Construction is one of seven companies to have won a place on the University of Oxford’s Capital Projects Partner Framework.

Morgan Sindall has been selected for all three of the framework’s lots, through which the university expects to route £150 million of construction work annually over the next decade.

They are Lot 1 (up to £5 million), Lot 2 (£5-£20 million) and Lot 3 (more than £20 million).

The university’s estates strategy aims to build on the institution’s physical heritage while providing world-leading sustainable environments for teaching and research across its seven million sq ft estate.

The other construction companies are EW Beard, Wates, Kingerlee, Willmott Dixon, Midas and BAM. Projects will include a mix of new developments and refurbishment of some of its existing 237 buildings. A quarter of these are listed assets, with 37 per cent built before 1840.

The university also boasts a significant portfolio of state-of-the-art research buildings developed over the past decade.

James York, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “The University of Oxford has an ambitious estates plan, and have made a bold move to change how they operate to get the best from the market.”

Costa Coffee proposals get go-ahead in Stonehouse

Planning permission has been granted for a new coffee shop and more car parking for a major employer at Stonehouse Park near Stroud.

The mixed-use scheme will transform a vacant, triangular plot at the entrance to the business park into a new driv-thru Costa Coffee with 32 customer car spaces, and a separate 42-space car park for neighbouring engineering company Sartorius Stedim.

The planning application was originally turned down by Stroud District Council in August 2018. An appeal to the Secretary of State was granted in July.

Robert Hitchins has developed a range of office and manufacturing facilities at Stonehouse Park for companies including National Nuclear Laboratory, Schenck Process UK, Club Communications Ltd, Green Gourmet and Sartorius Stedim Lab. This is the last phase of the development.

We’re on our way to Brockworth, says Ecclesiastical Insurance

Ecclesiastical Insurance is looking forward to moving into its new HQ after a ground-breaking ceremony at Gloucester Business Park in Brockworth.

The insurer announced plans to relocate from Brunswick Road, Gloucester in October 2018.

Planning permission for the new office was granted in February.

Site owner Arlington has been preparing the site for construction and appointed Kier Construction as main contractor.

Building work is expected to complete in June next year when Arlington will hand over the building to Ecclesiastical for fit-out.

Group CEO Mark Hews joined Group HR Director Caroline Taplin and Ecclesiastical employees to perform the official groundbreaking.

Mark said: “The new site will provide spacious accommodation for our colleagues. This is an exciting moment for us in the delivery of our long-term ambitions.”