company news
January 2012
Work to start on £20m Friar Gate Square
Work will start next month on a multi-million-pound office development in Derby.
Developer Lowbridge has said that it will begin building the first phase of the £20 million Friar Gate Square scheme, creating about 250 jobs, on February 13.
Sited on the corner of Agard Street and Ford Street, it will be the first speculative office development to be built in Derby for 20 years.
Derby City Council is providing an undisclosed amount of cash from its £10 million Regeneration Fund, which was set up to stimulate office developments in the city centre, to help with construction costs.
Friar Gate Square will be a two-phase development.
The first phase, which is due for completion in January next year, will provide 32,000 sq ft of office space over six storeys.
Work on the second phase will begin once all the offices in the first phase have been let. Innes England and CBRE have been appointed as the letting agents.
It is believed the development could create 700 jobs when both phases have been completed.
City council leader Philip Hickson said: "This project will deliver major regeneration benefits and provide an enormous boost for the city.
"The council has an ongoing commitment to stimulating the economy in Derby and the purpose of the regeneration fund is to help kick-start schemes which otherwise might not start because of the economic climate.
"If we encourage developers to start work on new schemes, they will become a catalyst for others to follow and the city will benefit from the major inward investment that is generated."
At present, Derby has about a million square feet of city centre office projects waiting to be built.
But because of a lack of confidence in the market, developers are struggling to attract investment for projects where a tenant is not already in place.
City council chief executive Adam Wilkinson said: "There has been considerable work to get to this point and this will be the first major scheme to start with the assistance of the Regeneration Fund.
"With this first scheme coming out of the ground, we are encouraged that other developers will see the benefits of investing in Derby with everything our vibrant and attractive city has to offer."
Roger Shine, chairman of Lowbridge, said: "I'm delighted that our further investment in Derby, together with funding from the city council's Regeneration Fund will bring to fruition this exciting development.
"These new office buildings will help to re-establish this historic quarter as the premier location for businesses in Derby."
Friar Gate Square, Derby
Derby City Council and Lowbridge (Derby) Limited have completed legal documents which will enable the first phase of prestigious grade A offices to be delivered within the Friar Gate Conservation Area. The scheme will also be the first office scheme facilitated by the Derby Regeneration Fund.
Thomas Lister were appointed by Derby City Council in October 2010 to implement and manage a £10 million Regeneration Fund set up to assist in the creation of a new high quality office market in the City centre through partnership with the private sector.
Thomas Lister have worked closely with both the Council and Lowbridge (Derby) Limited to identify the appropriate investment mechanism and amount of funding required to facilitate delivery of the project.
Thomas Lister also prepared the appraisal documentation and Report & Valuation to obtain approval from the Council. Services provided also included negotiations on the legal documentation between the parties.
Investment in the scheme will be by way of a loan of £3.5 million towards construction costs and 200,000 euros de minimus funding towards design and environmental enhancements to the building.
Friar Gate Square is the first scheme to come forward for delivery under the Fund and will provide 3,147 sq.m. (33,000 sq.ft.) flexible office accommodation over six storeys. The offices are designed to BREEAM “excellent” standards and include car parking, major public realm enhancements and linkages to the wider City area.
The scheme will be the first speculative grade A offices delivered in the City in the last 20 years, which will assist in changing the profile of the City centre office market along with significant economic and environmental benefits including around 250 jobs.
Gallan Developments Selected for Canning Town Retail Park Scheme
The Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) have now selected Gallan Developments as preferred developer for the proposed redevelopment of the existing Manor Road Retail Park adjacent to the Canning Town roundabout on the A13.
The scheme comprises the redevelopment of a first generation retail park following the expiry of existing leases to Wickes and Carpetright.
The proposed scheme will create over 70,000 sq.ft. of high quality retail accommodation which will complement other proposals in the area including the new Canning Town Centre scheme by Buoygues Developments Limited (Area 7) and the residential led Rathbone Market scheme by English Cities Fund.
Thomas Lister advised the HCA on the developer selection and Chris Thomas of Thomas Lister commented;
“We are delighted to confirm the selection of Gallan Developments who have come forward with high quality and innovative proposals which will support the ongoing regeneration of the Canning Town area providing much needed jobs and investment to support the ongoing transformation of this key area.”
A detailed planning application is due to be submitted to Newham BC in Spring 2012 with a start on site in early 2013. Good levels of tenant interest in the scheme have been identified and negotiation of the tenant line-up ongoing.
Thomas Lister Complete Black Country Local Brownfield Strategy
Thomas Lister have now completed a Local Brownfield Strategy covering the whole of the Black Country on behalf of the HCA and the Black Country Consortium.
The Strategy considers the most appropriate ways to support vacant brownfield sites being brought back into economic use. The Strategy included the more detailed consideration of a sample of 92 sites covering 570 acres (gross) where more detailed site evaluations were undertaken.
The Strategy considers key issues in bringing forward brownfield sites including, market demand, financial viability and the availability of financial support from a variety of sources.
Chris Thomas of Thomas Lister commented;
“Brownfield sites are a key resource to the Black Country and the reuse of brownfield sites will improve confidence and potentially the wider environment. It is recognised that brownfield sites present issues of costs associated with the treatment of the legacy of previous uses – however may provide an important contribution to the regeneration of the area.”
Thomas Lister have also been appointed to undertake Local Brownfield Strategies on behalf of Corby, Darlington and Durham Councils.
CPP Announces Proposals for Major Expansion at Lyons Park, Coventry
Coventry based CPP (Manufacturing) have announced proposals for the consolidation and expansion of their existing Coventry operations onto a 23 acre site at Lyons Park – part of the former Jaguar Browns Lane Plant.
CPP undertake the manufacture and conversion of prestige vehicles with existing clients including Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Bentley and JLR.
The proposals will eventually provide for up to 1,000 new high quality engineering jobs over a 4-5 year period.
CPP have secured an Option to acquire the 23 acre site from the Homes & Communities Agency and have now submitted a Reserved Matters planning application for a first phase scheme of 120,000 sq.ft..
Thomas Lister advised CPP in relation to the scheme and Chris Thomas of Thomas Lister commented;
“We are delighted to see proposals moving forward which will result in the return of prestige car production to the Browns Lane site in Coventry and provide an important boost to the local economy through a phased major investment project which will also support the local supply chain.”
Current proposals provide for the commencement of the first phase scheme in early 2013 with 3 other phases proposed to create a total scheme of around 400,000 sq.ft. including research and development and headquarters offices.
November 2011 - First Letting, Sapphire Court, Bromsgrove
The first unit at Sapphire Court has now been leased to CTL Eurofoods Limited. Legal completion occurred on 18th November 2011 and keys were handed over late in the afternoon.
Sapphire Court comprises a brand new development of 13 high quality industrial units, available for lease or sale, located within Bromsgrove Technology Park.
The scheme has been recently delivered by PxP West Midlands a private-public partnership between Langtree and the Homes & Communities Agency.
For information regarding the remaining units, please contact Andy Croot on 01527 871 640.
October 2011 - Successful Completion of First Burslem Building Improvement Scheme at Wycliffe Hall, Burslem
Thomas Lister working on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Burslem Regeneration Company have successfully completed the appraisal of the first project in the Burslem Building Improvement Scheme (BBIS).
Major renovation works are proposed to convert this historic building into a community leisure facility including a climbing wall, which will be the first facility of its kind in this area.
The scheme is being undertaken by Kilnworx and funding has been sought from the BBIS to assist in meeting the cost of renovation.
Approval of BBIS funding means the acquisition of the building can now complete and works commence early in the New Year.
Funding for the BBIS scheme is provided by the European Development Agency (ERDF) and Stoke on Trent City Council.
Fusion Building Consultancy worked alongside Thomas Lister to undertake the cost appraisal.
September 2011 - The Gates Close on the A1 Trading Estate
The acquisition of the final occupier of the A1 Trading Estate, Smethwick was completed this month paving the way for the next stage of the £40million redevelopment project. Thomas Lister, acting on behalf of PxP West Midlands. has successfully negotiated the acquisition of over 30 separate interests on the site in advance of a Compulsory Purchase Order.
The next stage of development will see the demolition, clearance and remediation of the site completed to provide a platform for the construction of nearly 200 brand new, high quality family homes next year.
Thomas Lister previously secured in excess of £8m of Housing Gap Funding through the Homes and Communities Agency and Urban Living to enable PxP to deliver this important regeneration project.
For further information call Tony on 01527 889222
or email: tony.haddock@thomaslister.com
August 2011 - Quality Starts at Home
Thomas Lister has recently renewed its internationally recognised ISO9001 & ISO 14001 accreditations.
An independent assessment, conducted by a leading Certification Body, demonstrates Thomas Lister’s commitment to customer service and quality in delivery.
ISO 9001 was first introduced in 1987 and requires organisations to demonstrate that they do what they say they do and that they have a quality management system in place to ensure consistency and improvement; leading to high levels of performance and customer satisfaction. Thomas Lister as a certified organisation is committed to continuous improvement and is assessed annually to ensure progress is being maintained.
ISO 14001:2004 was first introduced 1996 as a British Standard and requires organisations to have an environmental policy and action plan to manage their impact on their environment. Thomas Lister as a certified organisation, is evidenced to be committed to continuous improvement and is assessed annually to ensure progress is being maintained.
September 2010 - Brindley Village Development Takes Another Step Forward
The acquisition of a further four interests at Brindley Village, Smethwick is seen as another vital step in bringing forward the £40 million project being undertaken by PxP West Midlands. As well as providing development funding advice on the project, Thomas Lister has been directly involved in negotiating acquisition across the site, which now total 26.
PxP is a joint venture company set up between Advantage West Midlands and Langtree Group.
September 2010
The latest phase of the Camp Hill regeneration project finally begins to take shape as the development by Barratt Mercia is formerly opened and renamed as the Bluebell. The 820 home development will provide high quality properties in an area previously blighted by bad design, dereliction and economic inactivity.
Thomas Lister are delighted to have been able to help Pride in Camp Hill in securing funding from Advantage West Midlands and the Homes & Communities Agency necessary to make the scheme deliverable and to have been a part of the team negotiating the appointment of Barratt Mercia as preferred developer.
August 2010 – ISO 14001
Thomas Lister are pleased to confirm that they have retained their ISO 14001 accreditation subsequent to an external Environmental audit undertaken earlier this month. The Audit identified no Non Conformities and confirmed our Environmental Management System to be ‘well managed and documented’.
July 2010 – HCA Multi-Disciplinary Panel
Thomas Lister can confirm that they are included within consortia represented within both the Lot 1 & Lot 2 Multi-Disciplinary Panels of the Homes and Communities Agency. Lot 1 is for the exclusive use of the HCA and Lot 2 is open for use by the HCA and their partners.
July 2010 - Matcon UK Limited
With the assistance of Thomas Lister through the grant application process, we are happy to announce the successful grant of £99,000 being secured for Matcon UK Limited through Grant for Business Investment funding from Advantage West Midlands. This funding will enable the company to relocate to Evesham in order to support their sustainable growth.
May 2010 – ISO 9001
Thomas Lister have been able to demonstrate that their Quality Management Systems are in compliance with ISO 9001 standards having been accredited by the British Accreditation Bureau.
February 2010 - CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)
Thomas Lister are pleased to be able to confirm that they have been accredited within the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme as having satisfactorily demonstrated compliance with and sound management of current Health and Safety Legislation.
January 2010 - HCA National Property Panel
It has been confirmed that Thomas Lister have been successful in renewing their position within the National Property Panel of the Homes and Communities Agency. Thomas Lister are represented within the Lot 2 Panel which is open for use by the HCA and their partners including Local Authorities.