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Green works at Black Country logistics hub

2025-05-20 09:10:45 By

Improvement works on a logistics hub in the Black Country have been completed.

Masterfreight is leading the scheme on AMK House, in West Bromwich Street, Oldbury, which is aiming to improve the green credentials of the company's operations there.

The work comprises new insulated cladding and improving roof height to aid in the fitting of solar panels.

Masterfreight specialises in the import and export of cargo as well as offering warehousing facilities.

Its services include HM Customs clearance from major ports, transport to and from all seaports, airports and rail terminals, container unloading and warehouse storage.

The family-run business has been trading for more than 20 years and employs more than 25 people, with new roles expected to be created in the coming months.

Director Kishore Balu runs the business alongside his wife Surinder and children Alisha and Tony.

He said: "The improvements we have made to AMK House support many of our long-term business goals around efficiency and climate."

The work by Masterfreight was supported by a £2.74 million funding package from NatWest and the bank's asset finance partner Lombard.

David Humphreys, senior relationship manager at NatWest, added: "We are proud to be supporting Masterfreight as it pushes forward with its business growth plans and climate efficiency strategy.

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Commercial Property

Trio of lease deals at Birmingham office block

2025-05-20 09:10:45

A trio of new lettings have been secured at Birmingham city centre office building. Dutch software company Total Specific Solutions has agreed a three-year lease for a suite in The White House, New Street, marking the company's second office in Birmingham. The new location will house its mergers and acquisitions team which focuses on sourcing software acquisitions and will also serve as a collaborative hub for remote employees. The firm said it planned to create additional jobs in Birmingham this year as part of its ongoing expansion. Corporate development lead Fraser Burns said: "We chose to make the move to a more private and spacious office with a professional feel where we can invite customers and software business owners alike. "Our future ambition includes growing the team and using Birmingham as a base for employees to visit and work from, whether they are based in the city or elsewhere." Also moving to the building are commercial law firm Glaisyers ETL, which has signed a five-year lease for a first floor office, and Baron Davenport's Charity which has secured a ten-year lease and is set to take occupation in February. The seven-storey building is owned by Birmingham-based property group Hortons. Asset manager Harry Young said: "The White House continues to attract a diverse range of high-profile tenants, thanks to its prominent location and historic charm.

Commercial Property

Owner of Boringdon Hall snaps up Cornwall spa and golf hotel

2025-05-20 09:10:45

The owner of Devon's five-star Boringdon Hall Hotel has acquired a Cornish spa and golf resort for an undisclosed sum. Family-run Philema Hospitality Management has taken over the Budock Vean Hotel in Falmouth in a move it described as a "significant milestone". The group's portfolio also includes the four-star adult-only Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa and the family friendly Esplanade Hotel, overlooking surfing beach Fistral in Newquay. Budock Vean is based on the banks of the Helford River, with facilities including a golf course, spa, and award-winning restaurant. Philema said it would "preserve the hotel’s legacy" following the deal, while "enhancing" the guest experience. "We are thrilled to welcome Budock Vean to the Philema family," said Laura Cameron, managing director of Philema Hospitality Management. Budock Vean is a truly unique property with a deep-rooted history in Cornwall’s hospitality landscape. We look forward to honouring its legacy while bringing new innovations that will elevate its charm and appeal for today’s discerning travellers. "Our vision is to create unforgettable guest experiences that celebrate Cornwall’s heritage and natural beauty, and Budock Vean aligns perfectly with this mission."

Commercial Property

Homes and care farm plan for grounds of historic stately home

2025-05-20 09:10:45

The grounds of a landmark hall may be set for a transformative redevelopment, new plans lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council show. The proposal envisions repurposing outbuildings at Churton Hall Farm into 10 new domestic residences around a courtyard, with dedicated office spaces crafted from an old hayloft to facilitate home working. Furthermore, the project includes establishing a care farm aimed at offering support to individuals facing physical or mental challenges, operating under a not-for-profit CIC structure for community and educational benefits. Recently, the council approved a separate proposal to divide the Grade II listed Churton Hall, in the village of Churton, into two distinct dwellings, enhancing the site which features a blend of Elizabethan and Victorian architecture. Additionally, the development is intended to house an office for Barnston Estate, stewarding over 1,800 acres and responsible for Churton Hall Farm. Ed Barnston, Estate Manager, commented: "We have a responsibility to protect historic Churton Hall Farm for future generations. The site contains listed buildings and doing nothing is not an option." "Churton Hall itself is the oldest house on the Estate and parts of it have been dated to the 15th Century. We have consulted with parish councillors and the village closely on our plans over the last couple of years and we believe they offer an exciting future for the site and one that ensures that it continues to be of huge importance to people living and working in Churton, Farndon and other neighbouring villages." "We are particularly excited by the plans to create a care farm which would include a restored walled garden, grow house and an educational and community hub. We're also planning to introduce British Longhorn Cattle on to the land. It would provide opportunities for different groups, such as schoolchildren and those in respite care, to spend time outdoors, learning about the land, growing organic produce, caring for livestock and getting their hands dirty.", reports Cheshire Live. "Our hope is that it would become a place that supports mental and physical wellbeing. Care farming is increasingly recognised by health, specialist education and social care commissioners for delivering a professional, quality service to a range of service user groups. We are passionate about the plans that have been submitted and success will depend on a true partnership approach including the local authority, Historic England and others." The Barnston Estate, in collaboration with Chester-based firms Raise Architects and Land Studio, has developed plans for a new access off Chester Road. The proposal includes regenerative landscape design and management plans to boost existing biodiversity, diversifying flora to attract more wildlife. Nature-led strategies will be implemented to provide nesting spaces for birds and bat roosts within the converted farm buildings and their surrounding landscape.

Commercial Property

Cosy Club opening its first restaurant in Swansea

2025-05-20 09:10:45

Cosy Club is to open its first venue in Swansea. The restaurant brand , part of hospitality group Loungers, has agreed a long-term lease for its latest venue at the historic Exchange Building at the city’s Maritime Quarter. Located on the building’s ground floor, Cosy Club is aiming to start trading in the first half of 2025. It will be its third restaurant in Wales alongside two existing venues in Cardiff. It has entered into a 20-year lease for 8,000 sq ft of space. The rent per sq ft has not been disclosed. As part of a wider development of the building and the adjoining Post House, it will also become the latest project in the city from hotels group, The Morgans Collection, with plans for a 80 plus bedroom boutique hotel. The Morgans Collection forms part of investment company Swansea.com, whose interests range from hotels to business parks, as well as holding a small equity stake in Swansea City FC. Swansea.com acquired the 40,000 sq ft Exchange Building and the adjoining 25,000 sq ft Post House in 2009. Managing director of Swansea.com, Jacob Hughes,, said: “I am delighted to announce that we have exchanged contracts with Cosy Club, part of Loungers plc. "Cosy Club is a fantastic with only 36 sites in the UK. We are happy to be involved in bringing the brand to Swansea. They are looking to open in the middle of 2025 after both landlord and tenant undertake a substantial investment into the building." Glanmor Chartered Surveyors acted for Swansea.com on the letting deal. Loungers’ other brands include Lounge and Brightside. Across its brands it has more than 270 venues in the UK.

Commercial Property

Glencar wins brief for new Birmingham industrial units

2025-05-20 09:10:45

Construction contractor Glencar has won the brief to build a new warehousing and logistics complex in Birmingham. Aviva Investors has appointed the St Albans-based company to build four units ranging from 22,500 sq ft to 64,250 sq ft on Catalyst Industrial Park, in Washwood Heath. Midlands managing director Pete Goodman said: "Logistics and industrial is at the heart of what we do and we look forward to working with Aviva Investors and the full project team to deliver this outstanding scheme which features leading-edge environmental, social and governance credentials which are becoming standard in this sector." James Stevens, head of real estate investment at Aviva Investors, added: "We are pleased to partner with Glencar at Catalyst Industrial Park which we think is an exciting new development project in a strategically important logistics location.

Commercial Property

Second co-living tower with 97 homes planned in Salford as part of 'landmark' scheme

2025-05-20 09:10:45

A 'landmark' ten-storey co-living tower comprising 97 homes is in the pipeline for Salford. Developer CCL Media City Ltd has lodged a planning application for the proposed structure at the junction of South Langworthy Road and Eccles New Road, by the Langworthy Metrolink stop. The site is presently occupied by the vacant Hollywood office building, which would be razed to make way for the new development if it gets the green light. This application comes on the heels of a previous proposal for the wider site that was rejected by the council in August 2023 for lacking 'acceptable' levels of amenities and for 'failing to respect the character of the local area' with the design. The developer now says these concerns have been rectified in the revised submission. According to the planning documents, the co-living concept targets students or young professionals aged 18 to 30, offering private apartments with communal living and dining areas on each floor. Despite Salford Council approving its first co-living tower in September, some councillors voiced scepticism about the lifestyle, equating it to "more George Orwell than living." Salford is grappling with significant housing challenges and a surging demand for accommodation, exacerbated by a burgeoning student body at Salford University, currently numbering around 30,000 and expected to rise in the coming years, reports the Manchester Evening News. In an attempt to tackle its housing issues, Salford council has embarked on a strategy of constructing more social housing and devising regeneration plans for the city. This includes the ambitious £2.5 billion Salford Crescent masterplan, which aims to deliver thousands of new homes.

Commercial Property

Offices of former Tory MP Sir Jake Berry to be turned into minicab call centre

2025-05-20 09:10:45

The former office of ex-Lancashire MP Jake Berry in Darwen is set to become a minicab booking hub after receiving the go-ahead from planners. The premises at 7A Railway Road, previously used by Sir Jake until his defeat to Labour's Andy MacNae on July 4 by 5,628 votes, will be converted into a taxi booking office without public access, following applicant Waseem Hussain's successful proposal. The building, which has been vacant since serving as the constituency office for the former Rossendale and Darwen MP, received planning approval with two conditions attached. A planning officer's report endorsing the decision noted: "The host building is a single-storey, stone-built, property. It adjoins a three-storey building that forms part of the terrace fronting the west side of Railway Road. "The property is set back from the adjoining terrace and has a flagged forecourt in front. The site is bounded to the south by the service road for the adjacent Darwen Market premises. The building is currently vacant, having last been occupied as a constituency office for the local MP." The planning submission has revealed that the proposed taxi office will not be open to the public. No changes to the exterior of the building are planned, reports Lancs Live. The site is situated in a predominantly commercial area within the defined Darwen Town Centre and falls within the Darwen Town Centre conservation area. The report continues: "Given this factor, and the nature of the proposed use that does not include access for members of the general public, there appears little prospect for the proposal to erode the amenity of surrounding uses. It is also noted that the property has previously operated as a taxi booking office for more than a decade without any identified conflict with the amenity of the locality." The taxi office is expected to employ one full-time staff member and will cater exclusively to online bookings .The report clarifies that due to the absence of public access, there is "no realistic prospect" of taxis collecting customers directly from the street outside the premises.

Commercial Property

Closure prompts interior design team to launch new firm

2025-05-20 09:10:45

A new interior design firm has been launched by staff from a previous company which closed down last year. Chapter 9 Design in Redditch has been born out of Claude Hooper which ceased trading following the retirement of its eponymous founder. It has set up shop on the Moons Moat industrial estate after agreeing a six-year lease on a 1,756 sq ft office in Croft House. Senior interior designer Sarah Clements said: "After the retirement of Claude Hooper, we decided that we wanted to use our experienced team and bring fresh ideas and creativity to our clients. "Our stylish and attractive designs can play a big role in highlighting the strengths of a new home. "We took our proposal to a leading local businessman, Stephen Lomas, and he agreed to back us and come on board as the managing director. "With his support and our experience, we are now securing work all over the country so being based in Redditch at the heart of the UK motorway system is hugely useful and gives us national reach." James Haynes, apprentice surveyor at Redditch property agency John Truslove, worked with the firm on sourcing a new office. He said: "It is great to see such a talented and committed team of people creating their own new business and we are delighted to have been able to help them find the right premises.

Commercial Property

Plans to move Merthyr Tydfil's indoor market to new location

2025-05-20 09:10:45

Merthyr Tydfil's indoor market is set to move, the council has announced. It will relocate to the ground floor of the former Wilko premises in St Tydfil's Shopping Centre. A concept plan has been drawn up for a more multifaceted, modern marketplace, with traditional elements. The space will also feature a sensory area, a separate performance area and an exhibition space. It will feature a produce market, a market academy for future traders and improved facilities. The move follows a consultation which was held with stallholders and the wider public and the hope is it will be up and running by Christmas. Councillor Jamie Scriven, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: "I am delighted as the new cabinet member to be taking this project forward with my dedicated team of officers. The town centre's development moving forward is incredibly important to me and I want to ensure that we get this right for the people of Merthyr Tydfil. "During the Merthyr Tydfil Placemaking Plan consultation, we listened to the community's suggestions about relocating the current indoor market, and the plans we have in place now reflect that feedback. The new market will feature a produce market, a market academy to nurture future traders, and improved facilities for our tenants. "It will also offer opportunities for pop-up stands, making it easier for people to explore a career in market trading. We've shared these plans with our current tenants and are now working closely with specialist architects to bring this vision to life.

Commercial Property

Holiday Inn proposes major redesign for Hull property

2025-05-20 09:10:45

Holiday Inn has lodged plans for a revamp of their hotel at Hull Marina. The proposals, submitted to Hull City Council, outline changes to several areas of the hotel, including the bar and restaurant area, conference facilities, and parts of the building's exterior. The aim is to enhance the visual appeal of the approach to the 100-room hotel. The modifications are planned in conjunction with the A63 improvement works, due for completion in May 2025. Due to these changes, the Eastern approach to the hotel has been eliminated, meaning vehicles will now only be able to access the hotel from the West. However, pedestrians can still reach the hotel from the East and city centre via the Princes Quay Bridge. Upgrades will be made to the existing outdoor seating and furnishings, parasols, and glazed screens along the boundary line with planters to match dockside architecture. The plans also reveal the hotel's intentions to remove the fitness suite and meeting room provision and replace the current glazed balconies. Major improvements are also planned for the reception and walkway into the hotel. The hotel's courtyard is also set for a makeover, including enhanced lighting and landscaping, and the installation of a decked terrace, reports Hull Live.