The Government is planning to extend the Birmipngham city centre Enterrise Zone to cover the whole of the development zone around the HS2 scheme.

The extension would be a huge boost for the region and a key enabler of the plan to further drive local growth, create new jobs and boost economic prosperity.

Since the launch of the national Enterprise Zone (EZ) initiative in 2011, the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), in partnership with Birmingham City Council, has been pioneering approaches to unlocking development, stimulating investment and delivering jobs.

This proactive approach to enabling development has seen 938 jobs, 60,700 sq metres of floorspace and £203m of private sector investment attracted to the EZ since 2011.

A further 2,000 jobs and 70,000 sq metres of floorspace will come forward in 2015/16. Major long term development schemes are also being boosted as a direct result of the EZ with work on the £500m Paradise development, which will see 10,000 jobs and 170,000 sq metres of floorspace, commencing in 2015.

Public transport improvements are also being targeted as part of the EZ Investment Plan, with the £37.95m extension of the Midland Metro tram system to Centenary Square and the £30m city centre public realm improvement programme.

With the EZ extension in place exciting new regeneration and development schemes will be triggered. The location of the EZ extension, to include the Birmingham Curzon development zone, will provide a catalyst to unlocking development, attracting significant inward investment and generating additional jobs.

By extending the EZ to cover the Birmingham Curzon area, further commitments will be made to delivering major investments in local infrastructure which could see more than 50,000 jobs and £1.7bn of private investment attracted to the region.

Liz Peace CBE, chair of the Birmingham Curzon Regeneration Company Shadow Board, said: “The extension of the Enterprise Zone in terms of both time and geographical coverage will be hugely valuable for us in enabling investment in infrastructure and unlocking growth in the Curzon area.

“We will be able to make long term plans that will support further local investment across a much wider area – and that will be really important as we seek to maximise the local economic benefits from High Speed 2.”

Property developer Patrizia has revealed plans for a private rental scheme in Manchester’s First Street regeneration area that will create new jobs and boost economic growth.

The site has capacity for the development of up to 1 million sq ft of office space and approximately 500 new apartments.

The development will be a Grade A BREEAM ‘Excellent’ building with a Weighted Average Lease Term of nine years and is let to high quality occupiers such as Ford, Auto Trader and Jacobs Engineering.

A key cultural, sporting and business hub, Manchester is one of the most sought-after cities in the UK for property investment.

There is particular appetite for PRS development, driven by a lack of good quality private rental accommodation, a thriving employment market, and a city council focused on the benefits of regeneration.

James Muir, Managing Director of Patrizia UK, said: “We have been carefully implementing our strategy of investing in high-growth locations across the UK.

“With this investment, our property assets under management in the UK now amount to more than a billion pounds. Driven by attractive economic and demographic fundamentals in Manchester, and the growing trend for urbanisation, we are anticipating strong demand for this centrally located, high-quality accommodation which will be tailored to the private rental sector.

“Together with the new commercial buildings we expect to create an attractive investment opportunity for institutional investors. We see this project as an ideal first investment for our planned Patrizia UK PRS Fund.”

Construction work is due to start next month on a new £11.5 million research centre for Durham University, designed by the architect behind the redevelopment of New York’s World Trade Center.

The new Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics will house two research institutes that are world leaders in their field – the Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC) and the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP).

It is a top priority because of the Institutes’ rapid growth and academic success, enabling them to maintain their leading global positions in the decades ahead.

Durham University selected the renowned international architect, Daniel Libeskind, of Studio Daniel Libeskind (SDL), who produced the master plan for Ground Zero, New York, to design the building.

The project has been made possible thanks to a generous donation of £3.35 million from The Ogden Trust, whose Chairman is Durham Physics alumnus and entrepreneur Sir Peter Ogden, and a further £1.5 million from the Wolfson Foundation.

The new centre will be built next to the University’s Department of Physics. Work will begin in early June and the building is expected to be completed by Autumn 2016.

Professor Tom Ward, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Durham University, said: “The University is excited to be embarking upon the next phase of this project to develop an iconic new building that reflects the high international standing of the Institute for Computational Cosmology and the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology.

“The new centre will enable both institutes to remain at the forefront of research as they seek to advance our understanding of particle physics and the structure and evolution of the Universe.

“Its unique design will also make an important contribution to the architectural heritage of the University and Durham City.”

As the election results are paving the way for the newly elected Government, we present you with the verdict from Willmott Dixon‘s Energy Managing Director, Rob Lambe, on the Coalitions ‘green’ record in the last 5 years.

1. Rate the Coalition government’s record on sustainability out of 10, and explain why you’ve chosen this number.

I’d give this Government a 5/10 on the basis that progress has been hampered by a lack of joined up policy and mixed messages to the markets preventing investment.

2. What do you think was the Coalition’s single biggest achievement in sustainability, and what single thing has it failed to do?

The coalition deserves credit for continuing to support the Climate Change Act and tackling the UK’s emissions target. The biggest disappointment was cutting the Energy Company Obligation. It was a populist move designed to address concerns about rising energy prices, but actually it just resulted in many more people continuing to live in fuel poverty, and making the market for home energy efficiency significantly less attractive.

3. What green initiatives would you like to see kept or revived by the new government?

I’d be keen to see the new government retain departmental carbon budgets – it’s an important way of ensuring that climate change is kept front of mind for all central government departments, and is playing a significant role in helping us meet our emissions targets.

4. What would you hope to see from the next government on sustainability?

Simple – make energy efficiency an infrastructure priority. Improving the existing housing stock would yield £1.27 in tax revenue, increase GDP by around £3.20 for every £1 invested and create around 108,000 new jobs – and that’s not to mention the social benefits.

5. What would you like to see from the construction industry to improve its sustainability record?

I think our industry needs to engage better with clients. We often hear them say sustainability isn’t a priority – but if you start talking about reduced energy bills or lower running costs, then of course they’re interested. We just need to frame the issues differently.

First Base has today announced it will partner with Cordea Savills to deliver a £70 million residential-led development in Earlsfield, South West London.

First Base and Cordea Savills, on behalf of its second London Residential Development Fund, are working up plans to transform the Haslemere Industrial Estate, located minutes from Earlsfield station and overlooking the River Wandle, into a mix of apartments, family homes and employment space.

The partnership has acquired the freehold interest in the site. First Base will lead on the development, with a planning application expected to be submitted to Merton Council later this year.

Barry Jessup, Director at First Base, said: “This project is an opportunity for us to apply our design and place-making principles in a more suburban setting, outside of Zone 2.

“The London landscape is constantly evolving, with employment growth the biggest driver in where people are choosing to live.

“The re-emergence of South Bank as a business location and the scale of commercial development proposed at Waterloo makes Earlsfield, just a 12 minute train journey away, an attractive location for us. We have been looking for the right project to partner with Cordea Savills and are excited to have been able to secure this strategic site.”

James Whidborne, Cordea Savills, said: “This transaction highlights our ability to identify robust investment opportunities in areas of strong growth potential and with high calibre partners such as First Base.

“There is already a shortage of new housing supply in Earlsfield and this is expected to continue. This transaction is perfectly placed to take advantage of that market dynamic”

Mace has been appointed to two of the £5 million + regional lots of the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), each worth between an estimated £1.5-2.5bn which will boost the trades and create new jobs.

The tender process was led by Hampshire County Council in association with the London Borough of Haringey and Devon County Council.

The new generation framework is available to any council, university, hospital, cultural institution and the emergency services to procure construction services over the next four years.

Mace was previously appointed to the iESE framework and the SECE framework, which the Southern Construction Framework now replaces, continuing an eight year relationship through the frameworks.

Business Unit Director at Mace, Terry Spraggett, said: “I am delighted that we have been appointed to the new Southern Construction Framework. Mace has a strong track record of delivery through the previous generations of the framework and the team will be able to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the new projects.”

Mace has been appointed to Lot 2, which covers the seven South East councils of Surrey, Sussex, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway and Brighton and Hove, with an anticipated turnover of £1.5-2bn.

The other appointment is to Lot 3, which covers all London boroughs with an anticipated turnover over the next four years of £2-2.5bn. All work through the Southern Construction Framework will be procured under a 2-stage open book collaborative approach.

Chair of the Southern Construction Framework Board, David Corcoran, said: “The authorities in our partnership have considerable experience in construction frameworks, and the design of the SCF brings all our previous successes together.

“The new framework goes beyond its predecessors, with a faster contractor selection process, and other new features – for example, standard primary and secondary school products will be priced by all contractors, ensuring competitive pricing.

“I’m very pleased to have found the 11 contractors who fit best with our ambitions – we’re all committed to making public sector construction projects more beneficial to our local economy, faster, and more cost-efficient for taxpayers. The SCF is on track to do just that.”

Morgan Sindall has marked a key stage in the construction of a landmark student accommodation development, Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) Halls – All Saints Green, with a traditional topping out ceremony.

The scheme is set to achieve a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) rating of Very Good, with aspirations for Excellent, and is due to complete in summer 2015.

The project team includes project managers DBK Group, architect Carson & Partners, structural engineer Conisbee, services engineer Silock Dawson & Partners, and CDM Co-ordinator Trevor Christmas.

The event, which was held on the ninth floor of the building on Thursday 30 April, heralded the start of the final stage of work on the £10 million design and build project that Morgan Sindall is delivering for Alumno Developments.

The scheme involves the construction of a new nine-storey building next to Norwich bus station. The project also comprises the refurbishment and renovation of the adjacent building, 50 All Saints Green, which is Grade II listed.

David Campbell, managing director of Alumno Developments, said: “Alumno is delighted to be working in partnership with Norwich University of the Arts and Morgan Sindall, in delivering this significant and major new development in the city.”

Gavin Napper, Morgan Sindall area director, said: “It’s great to be joining Alumno, our guests and our project team to mark this key milestone in the construction of this significant development.

“There is a pressing need for quality student accommodation in Norwich and this is a well thought out scheme which will revitalise the surrounding area and help to address this need. We look forward to delivering a great building in time for the start of the academic year.”

The Welsh Government announced today almost £6 million investment boost for the Cylch Caron project in Tregaron – with construction work expected to continue until 2018.

The funding will enable the £8 million project to move to the full business case stage and enable the partners involved to engage a registered social landlord to take part in the final design stage of the development.

The project is being lead by Ceredigion Local Service Board and the plans for Cylch Caron include a range of services, from a GP surgery, community pharmacy, outpatient clinics, community nursing services to long-term nursing care and day care.

Plans include 34 flats for people who require extra care and support to remain in their own homes and six integrated health and social care places for people who no longer need to stay in hospital but require more support before they return home.

The Cylch Caron development, which will bring together health, housing and social services, will replace the existing Tregaron Community Hospital, Bryntirion nursing home and GP surgery.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Cylch Caron will bring health, social care and housing services together under one roof, closer to the people who need them. All these services will be focused on helping people to stay well and live independently and will be flexible to the needs of people locally.

“We know that the population of Wales is getting older and many people, especially older people, will rely on these services.

“Working together, these services will put prevention and early intervention at the heart of everything they do – preventing dependence and helping people to retain their independence. Cylch Caron will offer a new way of providing these services to people who live in Ceredigion.”

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, said:“I am delighted the Welsh Government has invested almost £6m in this excellent facility, which will enable tenants to lead active, independent lives, while receiving all the help and support they need.

“As people across Wales live healthier, longer lives, housing and other preventative measures play an increasingly important role in supporting our health service. Facilities such as this one, alongside the work of our Care & Repair agencies and our Supporting People programme help ease the demand on social care. I am keen to see this good work continue.”

Wates Construction has been appointed to deliver a £76 million apartment scheme at Greenwich Peninsula on behalf of Knight Dragon.

The building, designed by architects Pilbrow & Partners, will comprise a 32-storey tower with a seven-storey podium at its base containing 269 private and affordable social apartments. It is due for completion in spring 2017.

Located on plot 104, the new apartments form part of phase two of a major programme of works to deliver 10,000 new residential units on the Greenwich Peninsula – one of the largest regeneration schemes in Europe.

The appointment sees Wates build on its role in the ambitious development, which currently includes plots 114 and 115 – 201 and 144 apartments respectively. Wates also reached completion of the Greenwich Peninsula marketing hub in September 2014.

Mark Tant, Managing Director, Wates Construction, London Residential, said: “We’re pleased to announce our appointment to this latest stage of construction work on the Greenwich Peninsula and our continued partnership with developer, Knight Dragon.

“This contract marks another milestone reached in this ambitious regeneration scheme and demonstrates our ability to deliver large-scale high-rise residential projects that add to the changing landscape of the capital.”

Richard Margree, Chief Executive of Knight Dragon, added: “This is a vital site for London to provide homes for people who want to live and work in the capital. Knight Dragon has invested £500m so far and is committed to delivering a vibrant and viable development.

“We already have 1,300 homes under construction, with 500 to be completed in the next few months.”

Willmott Dixon has been given a £25 million programme to deliver community healthcare hub facilities for the North East London NHS Foundation Trust.

The first project will create the £12 million Waltham Forest Central Hub, a new flagship facility that will accommodate community recovery teams, the early intervention in psychosis team and space for community clinics, respiratory, diabetes and podiatry services. It will be completed by mid-2017.

Two further projects will see a Children’s Hub at Redbridge, providing facilities for Community Paediatricians, Occupational Therapy and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, plus a new Service Hub at Thurrock to accommodate GPs, practice nurses, community health clinics and a base for community health and social care teams.

NELFT provides an extensive range of integrated community and mental health services for people living in the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest and community health services in south west Essex across Brentwood, Basildon and Thurrock.

Anastasia Chrysafi, P21+ framework manager for Willmott Dixon, who will work with the team to deliver these projects: “We’re delighted to be working with this forward thinking NHS Trust; the scope very much fits our skill-sets of strategic planning and working in live environments.

“We’re looking forward to using our healthcare experience to support the Trust’s strategy of rationalising its estate, providing more accessible services in the local community and an improved quality of service for both service users and patients.”