NEWS

The latest property stories coming out of the Thames Valley

09/17/2018

How public views changed over Manydown

The team behind the Manydown development in Basingstoke revealed how community engagement has brought the public onside. Speaking in a debate on How to Make a Garden Town Grow at TvPropFest on September 13, Andrew Reynolds, project director of the scheme, explained a host of challenges his team faced including working for two landlords (Basingstoke & Deane borough and Hampshire county councils), there were diverse objectives. Although both Basingstoke & Deane’s emphasis was on affordable
09/17/2018

Complacency - 'the biggest threat to Berkshire's productivity'

A unique opportunity to help maintain Berkshire’s high levels of productivity was identified at TvPropFest on September 13, but complacency was named its biggest threat. Speaking in a debate on the Local Industrial Strategy, chaired by Thames Valley Berkshire LEP Tim Smith, Jim Reay, global head of R&D infrastructure for agri-tech provider Syngenta, told delegates his firm was drawn to this region as one of the few with ‘a multitude of world class universities’. He said: “I think we need to
09/17/2018

Traffic concerns from denser working

More intense usage of office space is causing knock on effects to transport and parking. Rupert Batho, commercial director at Frasers Property, which owns Winnersh Triangle, told guests at TvPropFest on September 13, the modern way of working also affects the way Frasers designs new buildings. Mr Batho was speaking in the debate on The Elemental Workplace, chaired by Vail Williams partner Kevin Cook. Mr Cook said the average take up had reduced from 22,000 sq ft to 15,500 sq ft but Mr Batho
09/17/2018

Businesses's chance to get smart

Businesses in the Thames Valley will have a chance to say what smart solutions would benefit their community. Peter Brett Associates partner Scott Witchalls told TvPropFest on September 13, the LEP-funded Thames Valley Smart City Cluster project will be asking businesses to tell them how technology might help. Local authorities and other public bodies have already given views about how technology can help areas such as healthcare, transport, education and social care. Next a workshop for
09/17/2018

'Half UK's retail parks will go'

Half the country’s out-of-town retail parks could be lost due to the changing behaviour of shoppers, according to data analyst Matthew Hopkinson. Mr Hopkinson, co-founder of data business Didobi, told 185 guests at the Thames Valley Property Festival (TvPropFest) on September 13, out-of-town developments don’t appeal to the young. The keynote speaker in the Retail Therapy session, Mr Hopkinson told the conference: “I believe 50 per cent of retail parks – that’s about 750 of them - will be
09/14/2018

'Chuffed', 'amazed' and 'staggered': Winners react to their awards

Winners at the first TvPropFest voiced their delight at being voted the Thames Valley’s best by friends, rivals and colleagues within their own industry. Awards night was the climax to the September 13 event and the winners – all voted for through an online system on the day – were: Tomorrow’s Leader Award (aged 35 or under) – sponsored by Morgan Lovell Winner - Zahra Waters, senior planner, Lichfields Runner-up - Alice Hilliard, associate, Campbell Gordon TV Networker of the Year Award –
09/13/2018

Last chance to comment on Swindon Science Park proposals

The public has had its first glimpse of proposals for a new 59,190 sq m science park at Swindon - and there is a few days left for comments. Wasdell Group, which makes packaging and logistics for the pharmaceutical industry, has drawn up plans for new premises for its own manufacturing base (Wasdell Packaging) along with further units for other high-tech manufacturers. It will be known as Swindon Science Park. The proposed site is 40.3-hectare Inlands Farm, Wanborough, between The Marsh and
09/12/2018

Oxford to Cambridge Expressway route announced

The Government has announced the chosen route for the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway - the new road to join the two university cities. Corridor B, (shown in purple in diagram) which will run alongside the East West Rail link, is the preferred choice in the announcement on Wednesday, September 12, by roads minister Jesse Norman. He said the link, which could pass either east or west of Oxford, would outperform other options by providing better links to jobs, education, leisure and health

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Independent Property
NEWS & VIEWS

Reporting daily from the Thames Valley tvproperty.co.uk

News

How public views changed over Manydown

Complacency - 'the biggest threat to Berkshire's productivity'

Traffic concerns from denser working

Businesses's chance to get smart

'Half UK's retail parks will go'

'Chuffed', 'amazed' and 'staggered': Winners react to their awards

Last chance to comment on Swindon Science Park proposals

Oxford to Cambridge Expressway route announced