Property round-up: Morgan Sindall; Concert Homes; Arnold Greenwood Estate Agents

Morgan Sindall Construction’s North West team has started building the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) new Veterinary School.

The project, which entails the partial refurbishment of a current building and the creation of the four-storey structure on UCLan’s Preston Campus, will support the education of students from diverse backgrounds to excel in the study and practice of veterinary medicine and animal science courses.

When complete, the nearly 50,000 sq ft school will provide a state-of-the-art centre of learning for students studying a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the veterinary and animal sciences.

The new building, which is being built to universal accessibility standards to ensure that students with a range of learning needs are supported, will include several purpose-built training amenities, including high specification anatomical skills laboratories, simulated operating theatres, diagnostic suites and pharmacies, microscopy labs, dental rooms and immersive teaching facilities.

As part of the project, elements of the already existing Greenbank Building will be refurbished to include a dedicated area for kennels, the installation of new simulated consultation rooms and a physiotherapy suite.

Incorporating the school’s strong ‘one health’ ethos and integration of sustainability goals, the new development aims to qualify for a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Morgan Sindall has collaborated with expert supply chain partners to embrace innovative Modern Methods of Construction, notably the use of delta beams within the new-build structural frame. This solution will significantly reduce embodied carbon within the building and accelerate the project timeline to ensure the timely opening of the school.

It is the latest collaboration between the university and Morgan Sindall following the JB Firth Building, completed in 2011.

Richard Potts, area director, Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re incredibly pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with UCLan through the new Veterinary School project. Our team has been working collaboratively with UCLan through the preconstruction stage to develop Intelligent Solutions that will enhance the learning environment and enable the university to be more sustainable.”

Prof Graham Baldwin, UCLan Vice-Chancellor, said: “It is fantastic to see spades in the ground and building work start on creating our technologically advanced School of Veterinary Medicine. As Lancashire’s only Vet School, it will play a major role in developing the veterinary practitioners and leaders of the future and supporting economic growth in the north.”

It is anticipated the project will be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

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Work gets under way at Deane Golf Club

Concert Homes has started the build of 14 executive detached four- and five-bedroom homes on land purchased from Deane Golf Club in the highly regarded area of Deane.

The firm marked the beginning of the development with a sod-cutting ceremony. In attendance were Concert Homes managing director Laurie Lane, and contracts manager Paul Holt, as well as chairman Geoff Fogden, vice chairmain Gavin Gawthra, and board member, Jacqueline De-Rose.

Laurie Lane said: “We look forward to continuing our good relationship with the excellent team at Deane Golf Club and building new relationships with the local community, as we deliver our fantastic new homes over the coming months.”

The Fairways is located close to a considerable number of local amenities, as well as easy access to Bolton which is only a 10-minute drive away.

Malcolm Woodward, chairman of directors at Deane Golf Club, said: “Thanks to Concert Homes, our new neighbours, we have been able to take the opportunity to make a significant investment allowing us to upgrade our golf course making it both more challenging and enjoyable to play as well as a major upgrade to the clubhouse.

“We are also keen to work with Concert Homes to develop and improve our links with the local community and schools close by.”

Concert Homes is working with BTB Architects as well as Civils and Construction Solutions, who have made a start on the enabling works.

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From left: Lee Hughes, Keeley Finlayson-Smith, Shirley Evans, Dan Woolf, Danielle McNerney, Sophie Bainbridge

Kendal’s Arnold Greenwood Estate Agents has expanded with the launch of a new south Cumbria branch.

Estate agency services at the new office in Grange-over-Sands are provided by the established Arnold Greenwood team of manager Dan Woolf and valuer Keeley Finlayson-Smith alongside Sophie Bainbridge, who joins the team as sales negotiator.

Dan said: “The new estate agency branch in Grange has got off to a great start. We had four properties on the books on the day we opened and we have had a steady flow of enquiries and visitors to the office ever since. We’re very happy to have the new branch up and running.”

The launch of the new branch was made possible by the merger of parent company Arnold Greenwood Solicitors with the Grange-over-Sands practice of solicitor Shirley M. Evans.

Shirley, who has practiced in Grange since 1994, said: “It’s very exciting to have started this new chapter for the practice. I’m still here ready to help my clients in the way I always have, but I am now able to call on additional expertise to offer a wider range of services and help more people than ever before.”

Established in Kendal in 1871, Arnold Greenwood covers a wide range of legal areas, including family and relationships, business and commercial property.

Partner, Lee Hughes, said: “Shirley’s track record of high quality and personal service is outstanding, and we feel very fortunate to have welcomed her to the Arnold Greenwood team. The addition of our new estate agency in the Grange office gives us the opportunity to offer an additional service that builds on Shirley’s excellent work and reputation.”