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UK to prepare for no deal says PM
16 October 2020Boris Johnson has said that unless there is a fundamental change in direction by the EU, it would be unlikely for a deal to be reached. He had been pushing for a "Canadian" style deal but is now considering a more limited "Australian" style deal as an alternative.
EU's Brexit negotiator Michael Barnier is due in London for further negotiations next week.
Office workers set for mixed working style, according to BCO survey
6 October 2020The survey of 2,000 office workers shows 46% expect to split time between home and office in the next six months, while 30% said they are expecting a full five-day week return to office. 15% are planning to work solely from home.
A majority of the respondents felt that interactions enabled in the office environment is beneficial. 71% said that working in the office helps with learning and developing networks; 71% said that it helps form connections with colleagues and 65% said that the relationships formed in the office has helped their careers.
Quadrant and AIMCo acquire office building at Nine Elms Park
30 September 2020The 12-storey, 140,000 sq ft office building is one of eight development plots on Royal Mail's Nine Elms Park site, opposite the Battersea Power Station development. The deal is expected to close in December.
Covid restrictions tighten
25 September 2020Amidst the rise of Covid cases, the government is once again encouraging those who can work from home to do so while other places of business face stricter rules to make their premises Covid-secure.
Replacement for furlough scheme announced
23 September 2020Under the Job Support Scheme the government will top up salaries for staff who work no less than 33% of their normal hours. This is to help employees keep their jobs while earning no less than two-thirds their pay. Wages for the hours worked will be paid by the employer, and the rest will comprise a contributions of up to £697.92 per employee per month by the goverment and employer.
The scheme will run from 1 November 2020 for six months. Read more here >
** M3 BUSINESS CONTINUITY ADVICE - Update 21 September 2020**
21 September 2020Dear All
This is an update to the previous advice regarding our business response to COVID-19.
In the six months since the pandemic began to impact on business, we have been very fortunate that none of our staff has been significantly unwell and we have remained fully operational throughout.
Read more >Construction continues recovery according to ONS
15 September 2020The monthly output increased by 17.6% in July 2020, with growth in all construction sectors. This reflects the third consecutive month of growth following a decline of 40.2% in April 2020.
Levels of output remain 11.6% down from February 2020, where Infrastructure is the only sector to fully recover since.
Homes England announces joint venture with Invest & Fund
9 September 2020The seven-year partnership will create a £25m revolving fund to support small builders by offerin construction loans of between £400K to £2.5m, at up to 80% loan to cost.
M3 Consulting announces three senior promotions
3 September 2020PRESS RELEASE
M3 Consulting announces three senior promotions
London-based development and project manager M3 Consulting has announced three senior positions within the firm, fortifying the leadership team and highlighting the success within the business. The promotions of Jennifer Wilkinson, William Connolly and Alex Groot reflects M3 Consulting’s strong growth ambitions and pipeline of opportunities for future projects.
Read more >House prices recover
2 September 2020According to Nationwide, houseprices in August have recorded a 2% rise, the highest monthly rise in 16 years. The increase reversed the fall in prices in May and June, with the average of £224,123 a new high. The annual house price growth is now at 3.7%.
Factors contirbuting to the recovery include pent up demand, stamp duty holiday and reassessment of housing needs following the lockdown. Read more here >
RIBA and ARB announce post-Grenfell reform plans
28 August 2020The ARB has launched research and survey to review the competencies and standards required in order to register as an architect. Read more here >
The RIBA plans to introduce four new mandatory competencies: health and life safety including fire safety, climate literacy, ethics and social purpose, and research literacy. The reforms also propose five-yearly reregistration, career role training, formalisation of specialisms, and education themes and values. Read more here >
Legal challenge raised against permitted development rights
27 August 2020Campaign group Rights:Community:Action (RCA) has issued a pre-action letter against the government's plans for permitted development rights (PDR) announced in July which allow for residential extensions and conversion to residential without planning permission. The grounds of the challenge are failure to carry out an environmental assessment, breach of public sector duty and failure to undertake consultation processes.
Crossrail opening delayed to 2022
21 August 2020Originally scheduled for opening in December 2018, Crossrail will need to extend the anticipated openining date in 2021 to the first half of 2022. It will require a further £1.1bn to complete, bringing the total cost to more than £19bn.
London City Airport expansion on hold
18 August 2020London City Airport has put its £500m expansion programme on hold, due to significant fall in passenger numbers in the pandemic and concerns about the pace of recovery. The airport says that a number of vital infrastructure projects and passenger facilities will have been completed by end of 202, and the intention is to complete the terminal extensiom and new east pier when demand returns.
Suburban Task Force kicks off call for evidence
17 August 2020The government formed the Suburban Task Force in March 2020, to investigate issues and opportunities facing UK suburbs, starting with Greater London, to inform recommendations for policy initiatives.
The initial call for evidence focuses on "The Nature of Suburbs", "The Suburban Experience", and "The Policy Framework".
UK economy in recession
12 August 2020The UK's economy has shrunk by 20% in Q2 2020 amidst the pandemic. Following a 2.2% decline in Q1 2020, UK enters technical recession for the first time since 2009 despite signs of recovery in June.
Construction was most affected over the quarter, but bounced back by 23.5% in June.
Planning White Paper published
7 August 2020Proposals include categorising land into land for growth, land for renewal and land for protection; replacing S106 and CIL with a "nationally set, value-based flat rate charge"; focus on design and sustainability; and move towards a data and digitally based planning system.
Two month extension to complete Help to Buy schemes
3 August 2020The government has confirmed that the deadline for practical completion of help to buy homes will be extended from 31 December 2020 to 28 February 2021, due to the impacts of coronavirus. At present, the deadline for completion of sales remains at 31 March 2021, when the current scheme expires and is replaced with a more restricted version.
Homes England to include diversity criteria in next Delivery Partner Panel
3 August 2020Following its first annual Equality, Inclusion and Diversity report, Homes England has announced that it is reviewing the criteria for joining the next iteration of DPP, scheduled to launch next year, to support greater diversity. It is also reviewing ways to better reflect its diverse communities, and promote inclusive, equal access to its services.
Government report reveals PD has produced lower quality housing
22 July 2020While the government is supporting permitted development for commercial to residential conversions, a government commissioned independent research report has concluded that residential units delivered via PD versus planning permissionn tend to provide lower standards in terms of space, daylighting, and access to amenity space.
Factors that are comparable include external appearance, energy standards, and access to amenities.
Draft Building Safety Bill published
22 July 2020A draft Building Safety Bill has been published containing measures for increased safety in homes. These include the requirement for an Accountable Person in residential highrises above 18m, and a new national regulator, who will oversee safety and standards particularly of high risk buildings.
A new set of rules will be introduced for the design, construction, and management of buildings, including a clear party responsible for managing potential risks.
More than 750,000 furloughed in construction industry
17 July 2020According to HMRC figures to 30 June 2020, the construction industry has seen furlough claims for 752,400 emplyments in the construction industry, reflecting 59% of those eligible through c. 75% of the employers in the industry. This reflects the third highest take up rate behind accommodation and food services (73%) and arts, entertainment, recreation and other services (66%). London accounts for 1,291,000 furloughed employments, but the rates are broadly consistent across the regions.
BD Architects of the Year shortlist announced
13 July 2020As well as recognition for body of work for each sector, this year's awards features the new Social Impact Awards, the shortlist for which includes Atkins, HTA Design, JTP, Mikhail Riches, Pollard Thomas Edwards, RCKa, Squire and Partners and Turner Works.
RICS to close six UK offices permanently
13 July 2020The announcement comes as part of its effort to provide its services on-line including assessments, which has proven success over the course of the lockdown. According to the RICS more than 1,000 assessments has been completed on line.
The remaining offices in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh is due to reopen in September.
Apprenticeships, stamp duty and infrastructure among Sunak's Plan for Jobs
9 July 2020The Chanceller's stummer statement outlined a three-pronged plan to create jobs. The first focuses on incentivising employees to protect jobs for furloughed works and hire young people and apprecentices and funding Department for Work and Pensions. The second elaborates on funding for capital projects, introducing Green Homes Grant and temporarily raising the threshold for stamp duty to £500,000. The third part encourages spending primarily in the leisure and tourism industry through a series of VAT cuts and subsidies.
Affordable Housing Programme extended to 2023
7 July 2020Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has extended the scheme by a year to address delays on projects due to the pandemic. The £9bn scheme had originally required works on site to commence by March 2022.
A new £12bn Affordable Homes Programme is due to commence next year to support the delivery of 180,000 new affordable homes.
PM announces Build, Build, Build
30 June 2020Boris Johnson has announced plans for planning reforms that include removing the need for planning approval for conversion of relevant commercial premises to residential or other selected use classes. A policy paper is expected in July, with view to go into effect by September.
The plans are announced along side measures to support home building, including a £12bn affordable homes programme and an additional £450m to the Home Builders Fund. Read more here>
PM announces £1bn for 50 major school projects
29 June 2020The projects wll be announced later in the year, and will start in September 2021. A further £560 million has been promised for school repairs and a further £200m has been earmarked for further education colleagues. This forms part of a 10-year plan, details for which are expected 29 June.
Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill becomes law
26 June 2020The Act includes both temporary and permanent measures that aim to allow "breathing space" for struggling busineses to survive. These include a moratorium from creditor action of 20 business days - extendable to 40 with court documents filed - to restructure or seek new investment and new restructuring procedures. Retoractive temporary measures include restrictions on statutory demands and winding up petitions as a result of Covid-19, withholding supplies to businesses entering insolvency or restructuring (with exceptions), and personal liability to directors for wrongful tradings. Filing deadlines at Companies House have also been extended.
1FA shortlisted for AJ100 Building of the year award
16 June 20201 FA has been shortlisted alongside Murrays’ Mills by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios; Brunel Building by Fletcher Priest; English National Ballet by Glenn Howells Architects; The Standard, London by Orms; Leeds Playhouse by Page\Park; Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by Populous; Hounslow House by Sheppard Robson; and Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology by WilkinsonEyre.
Construction output falls by 40% in April
16 June 2020The Office of National Statistics has reported 40% fall in construction output in April, amidst the Covid-19 lockdown, with a 41% fall in new work and 38% fall in repair and maintenance work. This follows an 18% fall in the three months leading upto April.
TfL to restart projects in phases
11 June 2020TfL is preparing to restart major projects including the Northern Line Extension, Bank Station upgrade and Old Street roundabout.
Deadlines for furlough scheme announced
1 June 2020Businesses already using the scheme will need to register employees by 10 June, while new entrants to the scheme must be registerd by 30 June.
Employers will be responsible for national insurance and pension contributions by August and contribute to 10% of the 80% salary (up to £2,500) in September.
Code of conduct for commercial rent to be published
1 June 2020Working with industy bodies including the British Property Federation, Revo and UKHopsitality, the government's code of practice will provide gudiance promoting transparent discussions between landlord and tenant. The code is underpinned by the principles that tenants should pay rent if they are able, and landlords should help struggling businesses if they are able.
Property agencies prepare phased return to work
27 May 2020Several major commercial agencies have announced plans to return to work at limited capacities in adherence to government guidelines. These include Savills, JLL and CBRE.
AHMM remodels Broadgate for Generation Z
15 April 2020Have a look at the building study for the refurbishment of the Grade II listed 1FA, Broadgate by AHMM in the Architect's Journal >
Government ploughs on with projects - HS2 and Homes England
15 April 2020HS2 has been given the go ahead to issue the Notice to Proceed to four major civils works contractors.
Read Building, 16 April 2020 >
Homes England buys 19 sites
Jenrick announces fire safety measures
3 April 2020Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has published new fire safety measures as a response to the Building a Safer Future consultation. The measures include mandatory sprinklers systems and consistent wayfinding signage in residential blocks of more than 11 meters, as well as appointing David Hancock to review the progress of ACM removal. A roundatable with mortgage lenders is expected to agree mortgage valuations for buildings under 18 m.
Business secretary's open letter to construction industry
1 April 2020Sharma thanks the construction industry for continuing work amidst calls for closure, citing advice from Chief Medical Officer.
Sir Robert McAlpine and other contractors shut down sites
25 March 2020Amidst the wider debate as to whether construction sites should stop, Sir Robert McAlpine has announced it will pause operations as it is difficult to maintain the 2m social distancing rule. Read more here>
Other contractors that have also closed sites include Mulitplex, Barratt Homes and Galliard. Leadlease has halted operations on site for 48 hours to assess activities that can be safely carried out, while Balfour Beatty continues to work on sites where it is able to maintain social distancing. Read more here >
Measures to support businesses published
24 March 2020These include deferring VAT and Income Tax payments, Statutory Sick Pay relief, business rates holidays and Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Read more here >
The Government has also announced a ban on evictions for businesses if rent payment is missed in the next three months. Read more here >
Emergency legislation halts evictions
19 March 2020The goverhnment has introduced measures to help tenants and landlords affected by the coronavirus outbreaks. The measures will see a ban on evictions proceedings and offer of landlord mortgage holidays for at least a three month period. Interest payment holidays are also extended to Help to Buy equity loans.
Bank of England cuts interest rates
19 March 2020The Bank of England has cut interest rates a further 15 basis points to 0.1% and increased its holdings of UK government and corporate holding bonds by £200bn, as part of futher measures to buffer the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This follows rate cuts and bond holdings already introduced earlier in the month, along with the new Term Funding Scheme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
Government publishes Planning for the Future
13 March 2020The Minstry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published wide ranging plans to stimulate housing and improve the planning system. These include funding to infrastructure, reforming planning fees to fund local authority resources, and facilitating compulsive purchase orders. It also sets out intent to address climate change, improve home ownership and renters' rights and building safety. Plans will be set out in a series of documents includin gPlanning White Paper, Social Housing White Paper, revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework.
Government plans for stimulus in Budget
12 March 2020Chancellor Rishi Runak's first Budget includes for £30bn to stem the impacts of the coronavirus, including additional funds for the NHS, suspending rates for retail and leisure venues with rateable value below £51,000, and temporaray loan scheme for small and medium sized business. In relation to property and construction, the Budget has allocated £50bn to stimulate housebuilding by housing associations, green transport solutions, roads and flood protection. A further £1bn has been pledged towards a Buidling Safety Fund and £640m to protect natural habitats. The additional spending will be paid for an additional £96.6bn in borrowing. Read more here >
MIPIM 2020 rescheduled for June
2 March 2020Amidst the growing concern for the spread of coronavirus, organisers Reed MIDEM has postponed the annual international property event to 2-5 June. The event was originally scheduled for 10-13 March.
Southwark Council Leader Peter John steps down
28 February 2020Council Leader since 2010, pro-development John was active in regeneration and building programmes in the borough. Under his tenure, major schemes including Elephant and Castle, Old Kent Road and Canada Water were green lit, leading to significant delivery of housing, office, and leisure in the borough.
His successor will be elected later in March.
Court of appeals rules against Heathrow third runway
28 February 2020The Court of Appeals determined that the plans did not comply with the current UK legislation for net zero carbon by 2050. The judges ruled that the government had not taken into account the Paris Agreement.
Read a summary of the judgments here >
Developers for the airport intends to appeal. The government however has said it would not fight the decision.
100 Liverpool Street signs six retailers and a gym
24 February 2020The retailers include the UK's first JOHN REED gym, Tommy Hilfiger, L'Occitane, and Dune London. Only two retail units remain to be let ahead of the completion of the 520,000 sq ft commercial office building this summer.
Points based immigration plan published
19 February 2020The point system favours highly-skilled migrants, students and academics, and treats EU applicants on the same footing as the rest of the world. No route is proposed for low-skilled labour or self-employment. The salary threshold has been reduced from £30,000 to £25,600.
British Land’s 1 Triton Square Shows the Commercial Value of Circular Economy Leadership
14 February 2020The 313,000 sq ft refurbishment project provides a car savings of 56% over a typical new build and 43% operational savings over a typical commercial building.
National audit office recommends review of commercial investment by local councils
14 February 2020The NAO has published its review of the prudential framework that has enabled £6.6bn of investment in commercial property by local councils, in efforts to generate income and local regeneration following reductions in funding since 2010-11. The report considered the management of risks and has recommended that the government reviews how risks are evaluated and reported, framework compliance is measured and interventions are arranged.
New cabinet, new housing minister
14 February 2020The cabinet reshuffle has led to the appointment of Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, as housing minister, 10th in the last 10 years. He replaces Esther McVey, who took on the post in July 2019. Robert Jenrick remains in his post as the secretary for housing, communities and local government.
The most high profiles departure is former Chancellor Sajid Javid, to be replaced by Rishik Sunak, while George Eustace is the new environment secretary. Alok Sharma and Grant Shapps remain as the business and transport secretaries, respectively. Read more here >
Boris Johnson announces green light for HS2
12 February 2020The long delayed railway project provides high speed links between London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. The project, costing more than £106bn, is expected to be delivered as three projects and fully operational by 2040.
Migration Advisory Committee recommends mixed post-Brexit immigration system
28 January 2020The MAC has recommended retaining the existing system for Tier 2 (General) work visa for those entering the UK with a job offer, but modifiying the points-based system for Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) to reflect promise rather than track record. It has also recommended reducing the general salary thresholds to £24,600 rather than £30,000 per annum, further reducing that for new entrants, and enabling different thresholds for different occupations.
Housing secretary recommends combustibles ban
24 January 2020Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has announced a number of proposals relating to fire safety, including a ban on Aluminum Composite Material with polyethelene core on buildings of any height and reducing the threshold for sprinklers and combustibles from 18 to 11m.
Mayor issues Intend to Publish London Plan
19 December 2019The document has taken on board a number of recommendations by the Inspector's report, including targets for new housing delivery, but has retained on issues like restrictions on Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land and fracking. The draft is with the Communities Secretary to comment or approve.
Read the responses to the Panel's recommendations here > and the Intend to Publish version here >
Conservatives retain power with largest majority since 1987
13 December 2019The Conservatives have secured a majority of at least 76, with 364 seats. This is the largest majority since 1987. Meanwhile, Labour suffered its worse results since 1935, with 203 seats.
The Scottish National Party won 48 out of 59 seats - a gain of 13 over the 2017 general elections This could lead to a second referendum on independence. Liberal Democrats leader Jo Swinson lost her seat for Dunbartonshire East to SNP and has announced her resignation as party leader.
Number of high court cases increases
9 December 2019The Technology and Construction court has heard 397 in 2018/19, slighlty higher than the previous year. This follows and spike up from 311 in 2015/16, following the collapse of Carillion.
British Property Federation publishes Accelerated Planning Manifesto
6 December 2019Following its general elections manifesto, the BPF has launched its more specific manifesto for reforming the planning system. These include better resourced local authority planning departments, more effective intervention by Planning Inspectorate, and publishing good practice guidance for use of Planning Performance Agreements.
British Property Federation publishes manifesto
29 November 2019The manifesto outlines the policy changes the BPF would like to see following the general elections, including reducing o removing VAT on refurbishment, investing in local authorities to help speed up planning processes, and using business rates to incentivise investment in green technologies.
Parties pledge investment for housing and construction
25 November 2019The Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have published their manifesto, each pledging investment to address housing, infrastructure, and sustainability issues.
Here is a summary from Building >
Here are the published party manifestos in full:
Read more >Confidence in overseas inward investment falters
18 November 2019The autum 2019 London Development Barometer survey reveals that only 42% of the respondents believe the level of investment will increase or remain the same, compared to 64% just six months ago.
Read the Property Week article here >
Click here for the press release and summary of results
Crossrail delay to "as soon as practically possible in 2021"
8 November 2019Otherwise known as Elizabeth Line, Crossrail was originally intended to open in December 2018. The latest announcement pushes the operational date back from the previous projection of Q4 2020- Q2 2020.
The projected costs has also increased to over £18bn, well in excess of the £17.6bn agreed among the Mayor, the Government and Transport for London. TfL is in talks with the Department for Transport to discuss how the additional costs will be funded.
No Starter Homes built under 2014 government pledge
6 November 2019The National Audit Office has published a report on its Investigations into Starter Homes, revealing that no starter homes have yet been delivered despite having earmarked £2.3bn in the November 2015 Spending Review. An estimated £250m has been spent buying land and preparing sites. However no legislation or planning guidance has been passed to support the programme. Policy shifts has also meant that funds allocated to Starter Homes have been expended more generally on housing delivery.
Mandatory registration for drones
6 November 2019Drone operators are required to register drones between 250 gram and 20kg with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), set to become law 30 November 2019.
The new regulations required drone operators to pass an online test to obtain a flyer ID, register for an operator ID, and register any drones or model aircraft for which the oeprator is responsible. Children must also pass the online test to fly a drone.
Members of five model aircraft associations are exempt. Read more here >
MPs vote for 12 December general elections
30 October 2019Following EU's agreement to extend the Brexit deadline to 31 January, Parliament has voted to hold general elections 438-20. More than 100 Labour MPs did not vote.
This is the first December general elections since 1923.
Private purpose-built student accommodation to surpass university beds in 2020
23 October 2019According to StuRent's Annual UK Student Accommodation Report 2019, more than 34,000 private beds will be added in 2019, with more than 120,000 beds approved or awaiting a decision.
Government response to housing committee report regarding building safety reforms
22 October 2019The Government has stated that making changes will take time, but cites actions undertaken and underway. These include the conclusion of consultations for ‘Building a Safer Future: proposals for reform of the building safety regulatory
system’ in July 2019; consultations on building height thresholds for sprinklers closing at the end of November, and funding for private building owners to replace ACM cladding systems.
Queen's speech outlines 22 bills
15 October 2019A number of bills revolve around crime, NHS and Brexit, including the EU bill itself and bills on trade, agriculture, fishing and immigration.
The speech sets out the intention to bring forward a National Infrastructure Strategy covering digital, transport and energy infrastructure; a white paper to "unleashing regional potential in England", building safety standards and an Environmental Bill.
Read the Queen's speech here >
Goldsmith Street wins Stirling Prize
10 October 2019The 100-home energy efficient council housing scheme for Norwich City Council was selected over London Bridge Station by Grimshaw; Cork House by Matthew Barnett Howland with Dido Milne and Oliver Wilton; the Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience by RSHP, Nevill Holt Opera by Witherford Watson Mann Architects and The Weston, Yorkshire Sculpture Pak by Feilden Clegg Bradley.
The scheme was the winner of a numer of 2019 RIBA awards, inlcuding the RIBA East Award, RIBA East Sustainability Award and the Neave Brown Award for Housing. Read more here >
Supreme Court has ruled that suspension of Parliament was unlawful
24 September 2019The Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the Prime Minister's advice to the Queen to prorogue Parliament from week of 9th September until 14 October was unlawful, void, and of no effect, on the basis that:
- The Court has the juridiction to rule on the existence and limits of prerogative power
- The advice to the Queen to prorogue if it prevents Parliament to conduct its duties without reasonable justification is unlawful
- Justifications for the "extreme effect" of the prorogation has not been put forward
Parliament is expected to reconvene 25th September. Read president of the court Lady Hale's statement here >
Bank of Montreal takes 60,000 sq ft at 100 Liverpool Street
18 September 2019Furthermore SMBC has committed to a further 22,000 sq ft, taking 184,000 sq ft in total at 100 Liverpool Street.
Parliament passes law to prevent no-deal Brexit
8 September 2019In the run up to the prorogation, Parliament has passed a law to require a deal or parliamentary for no deal by 19 October. Otherwise, the prime minister must request a further extension to 31 January.
Opposition parties have also rejected the call for a general election before 31 October.