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Confidence returns to the development process

~~Confidence returns to the development process

Ian Tew, partner, Knight Frank Project and Building Consultancy says this year has been busy with schemes being brought forward. “After the years of recession there is no doubt that some confidence has returned with developments such as MK Partnership’s redevelopment of the former Jesmond Picture House site and British Engine’s St Peter’s complex redevelopment and refurbishment, including proposals for the Spillers Mill site, Newcastle Quayside, being good examples where we are involved,” says Mr. Tew.

Knight Frank are involved in projects across the region, with the most recent public announcements for the Jesmond and Quayside projects.

“Both are entirely different. The Jesmond Picture House site is in the middle of a residential suburb and the entire site footprint will be developed. Our role has been to interpret the Client’s objectives to ensure that all members of the team, consultants and contractors alike work collaboratively to create and deliver a high quality building that will replace the old cinema with something also beneficial to the community and attract a modern quality occupier.”

“Similarly the outcome for the British Engines’ proposal presently before Newcastle City Council will also be superb but in this instance the team is very much there to deliver specific industrial based requirements needs as we are effectively the property facilitator for a business process of a world-class company,” says Mr. Tew.

Whereas the Jesmond project will deliver a ground floor Sainsbury’s supermarket and two floors of offices, the Quayside project will deliver a major oil and gas technology centre.

However after the years of recession and a supply chain for the construction sector badly affected as a consequence, the sudden amelioration of conditions has brought its own problems. “The supply of building materials is a major issue with simple traditional elements such as bricks being in many cases on over a one year lead in. It has proved impossible for some suppliers to simply switch back to an abundance of materials, which is causing a problem for the industry and will impact on costs and deliverability unless considered early in the process” adds Mr. Tew.

Ends

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Knight Frank .