Brent Cross Town unveils the completed Visitors Pavilion by RED Construction Group
Commercial
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has completed works on the 8,000 sq. ft temporary Visitor Pavilion at Argent Related’s and Barnet Council’s 180-acre, £7bn neighbourhood, Brent Cross Town.
Marking the entrance to a new cluster of shops and restaurants on Claremont Way, the 8,000 sq. ft temporary space was designed by Moxon Architects and specialist engineers Expedition, with the fit-out by Woods Bagot.
Incorporating a new café, alongside an exhibition space designed by dn&co, the visitor centre showcases the vision for the new park town, its homes, workspaces, leisure and community spaces. The local community will be able to experience the future homes of Brent Cross Town in two show apartments on the upper floors, all within the striking cross-laminated-timber-framed building.
Designed with low impact materials, the building includes Glulam beams and RED Construction’s specialism, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) prefabricated panels. All were chosen for their lowered embodied carbon footprint and faster build time, generating less construction waste. Off-site manufacture and energy-efficient operating systems were chosen, and all materials have been considered for reusability or recycling once the structure is dismantled. The Visitor Pavilion embodies Brent Cross Town’s pledge to be net-zero by 2030.
Graham Sturge, Co-founder and Group MD of RED Construction, commented: “This high-profile project is a great example of how alternative materials such as CLT can be used effectively and successfully in construction. We are proud to have worked alongside the teams and applied our in-depth knowledge and expertise to deliver the highly sustainable vision within the Visitor Pavilion. So, this space can be used and enjoyed by the community.”
Nick Searl, Partner of Argent Related, added: “The opening of The Visitor Pavilion and the announcement of exciting new local retailers are very exciting milestones for Brent Cross Town. We are looking forward to welcoming local people into the new space and to the new restaurants, cafés and bakery, which will deliver great food and experiences for the community from the very beginning of the development.”
We are hotel sector specialists
As we near the end of the year, RED Construction Group takes a moment to reflect on past projects. The unique 77-room, four-storey Ruby Lucy Hotel, near Waterloo station, particularly stands out.
RED brought to life the vision of a ‘carnivalesque bolthole’, and the hotel marked the UK debut of the Munich-based brands ‘lean luxury’ concept and philosophy. Taking inspiration from the fairs, markets and theatre performances that historically took place in and around the Southbank area, the designers translated these themes into the bedroom décor and interiors.
The expert team successfully navigated creating a basement space, not an easy task in a central London location, to deliver this creative and technically diverse project. The reinforced concrete frame structure was completed with steel from the fourth level to the roof. At the same time, the striking outer brickwork façade seamlessly integrates with the unique environment of the Lower Marsh area.
RED Construction celebrates The Ruby Lucy Hotel, a hidden gem to discover and admire.
RED Construction South West team expands
RED Construction South West has announced the appointment of two senior directors to establish the business in the region. Grant Millar has joined as Operations Director and James Devey as Commercial Director. They will work alongside Derek Quinn, who launched the business as Managing Director at the beginning of September.
With a combined 50 years’ expertise delivering high-profile and sustainable construction solutions for the region, Grant and James join RED South West to deliver across a wide range of markets in line with regional requirements. These include commercial, residential, education and industrial buildings.
Grant has spent most of his career immersed in the South West construction market. As RED South West’s Operations Director, he oversees the division’s development and high-quality project delivery. James Devey’s civil and structural design construction career has been based mainly in Bristol and the surrounding areas. He brings a wealth of regional market knowledge and complex project delivery experience to the business.
Coinciding with the appointment of Grant and James, RED South West has opened its Bristol office, taking a prime position in the 235,000 sq. ft Print Hall & Unity Street development, which forms part of the 2.4m sq. ft Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. It is one of the UK’s largest urban regeneration projects, comprising commercial, residential, leisure and retail use. In their previous roles, Derek, Grant and James worked together on the Construction Excellence Award-winning Print Hall & Unity Street project.
RED South West Managing Director, Derek Quinn, commented: “RED South West is going to be one of the major contractors in the region, one which excels in not only delivering to the highest quality but also providing outstanding customer service and communication. The strengthening of the team comes at an extremely pivotal time for the new division of RED Construction Group, and it is imperative we build a team with the expertise, reputation and passion for the industry. I have had the pleasure of working with Grant and James for many years and feel very proud to be paving the way in the South West with such a strong and committed team. Being based in an office, within an award-winning development we helped to create and in one of the most historically inventive cities in the UK, makes the beginning of RED South West even more auspicious.”
Grant Millar, Operations Director, RED South West, added: “The RED Construction Group is an open, honest, and accessible company and has made me feel welcome and supported since I joined. With an abundance of ability and high performing individuals who are experienced and passionate about what they do, RED South West is all set and poised to expand in the region. It will be a contractor and partner that reflects the same ethos as the other companies in the wider group; being trustworthy, honest and good people to do business with.”
James Devey, Commercial Director, RED South West, continued: “The South West is a fascinating region on many levels; the market is buoyant, and the appetite for change and new developments is strong. Over the next few years, we want to demonstrate our ability and positive approach to construction, becoming the lead contractor of choice for the area.”
Both appointments follow the recent announcement that RED Construction Group has created a new group structure and two distinct operating companies to facilitate the next stage of the company’s growth, comprising of RED Construction Group, RED Construction London, and the newly formed RED Construction South West.
RED’s fifth anniversary
Five years ago, RED Construction’s journey began. Graham Sturge MCIOB and Ian Hopkinson set out to build a different innovative construction company that represented a new way. Five years on, we are very proud of the reputation we are gaining for being just that. There have been many milestones along the way, from winning our first significant project, Axtell House in London, to come through the pandemic not just with our team and client base intact; we have grown both with the recent announcement of our group structure and the creation of RED London and the newly launched RED South West. Both divisions are going to add significantly to the Group’s growth over the coming months and years. Yet RED’s success is not due to its founders. The company is where it is today and where it goes next, thanks to the inspiration, energy, and commitment of RED’s entire team, clients, suppliers, and partners. Without your significant contribution, individually and collectively, RED would not have grown to be the business it is. Thank you all. So today is a celebration of not just RED’s fifth birthday, but of every client, project, partner, and employee we have worked and collaborated with along our journey. It is also a time to thank the communities we work with for their help leaving a legacy. Today is a very proud day for RED because of you all. Please share our thanks and kudos, and here’s to another fantastic five and more years ahead.
RED Construction Group reveals new structure and regional expansion
RED Construction, the specialist main contractor, has announced a new group structure and two distinct operating companies to facilitate the next stage of the company’s growth. The new structure comprises RED Construction Group, RED London, and the newly formed RED South West.
Founded in 2016, RED Construction Group has fast become an established market leader in the London region. The company has a reputation for working in partnership with clients to deliver complex, high profile landmark projects in the capital. The new group structure creates a series of connected businesses with shared values and operating methodologies. Each is led by respected industry experts, with RED Construction Group’s main board providing strategic input.
Based in Bristol, RED South West offers unparalleled expertise and market knowledge and can deliver across a wide range of markets in line with regional requirements. These include commercial, residential, education and industrial buildings.
The RED South West team is led by Derek Quinn, who has been appointed as managing director. Derek has 35 years of experience, most recently as Executive Director at Bristol-based Midas Construction, where Derek worked closely alongside other key members of the RED team. Derek qualified as a quantity surveyor at John Laing, following which he worked internationally before holding a senior position at an FTSE250 construction company. Born in Bristol and with extensive experience in the South West, Derek brings a detailed understanding of construction solutions specific to the region’s needs and client base.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of RED Construction Group, commented: “Our strong, consistent and considered growth is creating a number of exciting new opportunities for the business in and out of the capital. The creation of the group structure, including the launch of RED South West and the appointment of the highly regarded Derek Quinn as MD, will allow us to continue our expansion, but without over-reaching or compromising on the quality of what we achieve with our clients. Derek and his counterparts in RED London are experts in their fields with unique insight, with the support, innovation and values that drive everything RED Construction does.”
RED South West Managing Director, Derek Quinn, added: “It is fantastic to be joining RED Construction Group to lead RED South West. The new business has been created to respond to the significant need in the region for a main contractor with the depth, breadth and reliability that RED is renowned for from its work in London. I look forward to working with Graham and the board to grow another successful business as part of the Group, drawing on the team’s experience in high-profile projects in the region.”
Graham Sturge continued: “We are very proud of what we have achieved as a team throughout 2021. Our new structure will continue this momentum with the focused operating companies and their highly motivated, client-focused, and effective leadership. There are very exciting times ahead for the business.”
Sitting alongside RED South West in the new structure is RED London, established experts in complex construction in the capital. Current RED London projects include the restoration and redevelopment for Lore Group of 100 High Street in Shoreditch to create a new independent hotel concept, the redevelopment of 80 New Bond Street for Hines to deliver a flagship mixed-use destination in the heart of the West End, and the construction of the Brent Cross Town visitor pavilion for Argent Related and Barnet Council.
RED completes sensitive redevelopment of historic Audiology House
Audiology House, the landmark £8.1m residential conversion and extension project in South West London, has been officially completed by the Farringdon-based specialist contractor RED Construction.
Located in the sought-after conservation area of SW12, the 16,170 sq ft contract for Joseph Edmund included the delivery of 19 sophisticated new-build and conversion apartments, eight of which are set within the original Victorian villa setting. The other 11 luxury residential spaces form part of a dynamically converted factory space with an industrial aesthetic at the rear, linked by an attractive communal landscaped courtyard.
The Audiology House site at 45 Nightingale Lane was initially established in circa 1870 by family engineer George Jennings and was home to a hearing aid factory in the ‘30s and ‘40s.
A range of highly specialist work was required to redevelop Audiology House, including creating two front wings constructed from a steel frame, with precast brick and a Portland stone façade, which have been sympathetically merged with the existing mansion structure. Considered use of glass balustrades on the cantilevered terrace balconies, along with a blend of double-glazed traditional sash and roof glasswork, has maximised natural light throughout the apartments and communal spaces.
Original features have been retained by RED Construction wherever possible, including the distinctive roof trusses. Audiology House’s history as a factory has been honoured with subtle industrial touches such as hand-made brick slips and storey height Velfac windows. Other premium touches include discreet pocket doors, underfloor heating systems, and signature finishes and joinery furniture. The site also features a sustainable living wall, designed and installed by Biotecture, fitted with native evergreen plants to aid biodiversity and enhance air quality.
The sensitive redevelopment of the historic building was led by RED Construction’s recently-appointment Operations Director, David Owen MCIOB, who ensured the development vision came to life innovatively and safely while maintaining the building’s original character.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of RED Construction, commented: “We are particularly proud of the calibre of the Audiology house project and have enjoyed working with an exciting new developer on such a unique London site. The heritage of the building added great complexity to the works, but David and the team handled all challenges with ease. Audiology House now serves as another example of RED’s capability with sensitive regeneration works, showing how a historic structure can be merged with a new design to create an amazing space.”
A spokesperson at Joseph Edmund added: “Our vision for Audiology House has been successfully realised through the work of RED Construction. The unique regeneration project had some difficult and highly technical elements to consider from the outset, all of which were handled with confidence, agility and innovation by the RED team. Audiology House has already been received positively by the public with strong sales conversion, reflecting the brilliant vision and quality behind the scheme.”
Since launching the Audiology House show flat apartment in January 2021, Joseph Edmund has confirmed the sale of seven of the apartments to date.
RED Construction’s David Owen is also overseeing the £17m redevelopment of Townsend House in the heart of London’s Victoria district for Hong Kong-based global developer, ITC Properties. Located at 5 Greycoat Place, the consented 35,500 sq ft, the six-storey project will offer retail space, four levels of workspace and proposed upper duplex apartments, set to be completed by Summer 2022.
For further information, visit www.audiology.house or via Instagram @audiologyhouse.
Constructiononline Gold Membership – RED Construction Group
RED Construction is proud to announce the achievement of two new key industry accreditations, further verifying its standards of excellence as a contractor business.
Gold Membership status has been certified by leading assessor Constructionline, authenticating RED’s credentials and compliance across environment and sustainability management, safety, equality, and anti-corruption adherence.
Alongside its membership, RED Construction has also achieved Acclaim Accreditation for health and safety management, providing approval and assurance for its approach and systems.
James Ferdinando, Compliance & Supply Chain Manager at RED Construction, commented: “These significant certifications bolster RED’s status in the industry and will open up opportunities for RED Construction to procure even more contracts and projects. As a team, we work vigilantly to ensure we maintain the highest standards while projecting our employees, the environment, and the communities in which we work. We are so proud to have these efforts recognised and accredited.
RED Construction selected to deliver flagship West End development
Hines, the international real estate firm, has appointed RED Construction, by way of a pre-construction services agreement, to deliver a new flagship mixed-use retail and office scheme in the heart of London’s West End.
Working collaboratively with Hines and award-winning architecture firm Orms, the Farringdon-based main contractor will be transforming 32,500 sq ft of existing office and retail space, with dual frontage to both 80 New Bond Street and 325 Oxford Street.
Overseeing the project is RED Construction’s newest addition to its senior management team, David Osborne, in what will be his sixth project for Hines. With over 35 years of experience in the London construction market, David joins the team as Operations Director, following his career with Mace, Lendlease and McLaren Group.
Due to completion in Spring 2023, RED Construction has been instructed to carry out the comprehensive refurbishment, including part demolition and removal of the existing top floor and Dering Street wing. The latter wing will then be reconstructed, with two floors on top of the building, totalling seven floors to a Category A fit-out, with two retail units to be created on the ground and first floors.
Designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating with a BIM Level 2, 80 New Bond Street’s structural alterations will include a complete renovation of internal steelwork, with an innovative pre-cast concrete lift core, glass-reinforced concrete façade panels, and pre-cast feature columns to be inserted between the ground and first floor. The scheme will provide a total office area of 31,000 sq ft, with floorplates ranging from 3,000 to 6,500 sq ft, and a large communal roof terrace.
The office entrance will be repositioned onto Dering Street, incorporating a dedicated, spacious reception area.
David Osborne, Operations Director at RED Construction, added: “I am delighted to join the RED team as this landmark project for Hines is secured. The location is amongst the world’s most iconic destinations, and with the Bond Street Crossrail station on its way, it is set to become even more significant and accessible. I look forward to drawing on my existing relationships and extensive experience with the client team to achieve the delivery of this excellent project.”
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of RED Construction, commented: “80 New Bond Street is a momentous project win for the RED Construction team. The elements of this milestone scheme call on many of RED Construction’s technical specialities and capabilities, with its innovative pre-cast concrete features and a strong focus on sustainability measures.”
RED Construction is working with the following project team for 80 New Bond Street:
Client: Hines
Architect: ORMS
PQS: Gardiner & Theobald
Structural Engineers: Price & Myers
MEP Engineers: SWECO
Project Manager: Rise
The announcement follows the news that Hong Kong-based global developer ITC Properties has appointed RED Construction Group to deliver the £17m redevelopment of Townsend House in the heart of London’s Victoria district. The consented 35,500sq ft project will serve a mix of commercial and residential purposes and will be completed by Summer 2022.
RED Construction appointed to deliver new independent hotel concept – ONE HUNDRED SHOREDITCH
The Farringdon-based main contractor, RED Construction Group, was appointed by Lore Group to the restoration and redevelopment project at 100 High Street Shoreditch, with a new independent hotel concept unveiled at the site.
Located in London’s most vibrant and creative districts, the new hotel is set to open in Autumn 2021. It is the second London property from the international hospitality company Lore Group.
Alongside award-winning architects Henley Halebrown, RED Construction will execute the redevelopment of the seven-storey building, which was once home to Ace Hotel London Shoreditch. Works are underway to deliver 258 bedrooms, creating six new restaurants and bars, including a destination cocktail bar, five meeting and event spaces, and an expanded rooftop terrace offering panoramic views across East London.
RED Construction is also carrying out a restoration of the site’s façade, replacing and installing the latest mechanical and electrical plant systems throughout the area, refurbishing the roof of the existing premises, and enhancing the building’s distinctive oriel windows.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director MCIOB of RED Construction, commented on the appointment: “RED Construction’s expertise in thoughtful restorations and central London developments will be brought to the fore in delivering this hotel project. We’re pleased to join a brilliant team of developers and architects to create an exciting new dining and accommodation destination for Londoners and tourists alike at a time when the industry needs it most. Spanning hospitality and accommodation, the project joins RED’s strong hotel project credentials, alongside the recently completed lean-luxury Ruby Lucy London Hotel in South Bank, and the upcoming The Other House flexible-stay hotel scheme in South Kensington.”
David Taylor at Lore Group also commented on the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome RED Construction on board and look forward to revealing this independent new concept to the capital later this year.”
Once launched, One Hundred Shoreditch will offer the widest choice of restaurants and bars within one hotel in the area, including a seafood restaurant and wine bar.
The news follows RED Construction Group’s appointment by The Portfolio Club to transform the former Harrington Hall Hotel into The Other House. This new premium flexible-stay hotel is due for completion in spring 2022.
–
RED Construction is working with the following project team for delivery:
Client: Lore Group
Architect: Henley Halebrown
Professional Quantity Surveyor: Quantem Consulting
PM: Concert
MEP: Flatt Consulting
RED Construction completed the £16m refurbishment of Angel Central
RED Construction is pleased to announce the completion of the £16m refurbishment of Angel Central in Islington, delivered alongside CBRE Global Investors, Haskoll architects, and Queensberry development managers.
The site’s transformation included a reconfiguration of retail and leisure space, redevelopment of a pedestrian link bridge, enhanced public realm, and the innovative elevation of the 12-tonne ‘Angel Wings’ sculpture at the heart of the scheme. It is also required bespoke construction methods such as customised 3D cladding with controlled feature lighting.
The revitalised destination has been officially awarded a certification of Excellent from BREEAM Official to recognise the development’s exceptional environmental, social, and economic sustainability performance. Angel Central has also become one of only three shopping centres globally, and second in the UK, to achieve a 2-star rating in the latest @Fitwel framework, which rates optimisation in buildings for human health well-being.
Angel Central’s high BREEAM certification bolsters the solid and sustainable credentials achieved across RED Construction’s recently delivered projects. These include the £10.5m Ruby Lucy Hotel in Waterloo, which also received an Excellent certification upon completion in January 2020, and the £11m restoration of Axtell House in Soho, which was awarded a rating of Very Good.
Len Morris, Senior Project Manager, RED Construction, commented: “The Angel Central project was an exciting one, and one of our key tasks was to deliver this significant refurbishment to the highest quality with sustainability at the forefront. It was an absolute pleasure to work with the team and to be awarded the BREEAM Excellent certification on such a unique central London redevelopment for RED.”
RED Construction appoints new Learning & Development Head to support team growth
RED Construction Group has announced the appointment of Nikki Treweek as the Head of Learning and Development, the first role of its kind within the Farringdon-based main contractor, to provide dedicated support for the growing team.
This new progression role forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to develop and support new and existing employees to RED Construction and arm them with the necessary knowledge and skills to future proof the company in the fast-growing industry and continue to win and succesfully deliver projects for clients. Nikki is a key appointment for RED Construction as she will also help attract, identify, develop and retain talent at all levels.
Nikki, a chartered Fellow Member and CIPD Graduate, brings 21 years of learning and development experience to RED Construction and has been responsible for the development of individuals across both construction and corporate services sectors. Specialising in designing and facilitating in-house Management & Leadership Development Programmes, in-house Trainee Schemes and Apprenticeship/Graduate Programmes and implementing Learning Management Systems (LMS), Nikki’s priority is to carry out a full ‘Training Needs Analysis’ to identify the needs and priorities of the business in order to build the team for RED Constructions plans for the future.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of Farringdon-based RED Construction, commented: “Our success over the last few years has been the result of our brilliant team and we recognise the importance of retaining and developing talent. With the creation of the role and with Nikki’s expertise, we hope to build and strengthen the skills within RED Construction. This noteworthy appointment marks the beginning of an exciting period for the company and we look forward to welcoming and implementing the necessary initiatives that will help to develop our employees in-line with the business’s controlled growth.”
Nikki Treweek, Head of Learning and Development added: “With an exceptional track record and a vast roster of clients across the capital, RED Construction is certainly one of the most exciting businesses in the industry at the moment in terms of growth and potential. I am thrilled to have joined during the company’s exciting period and am eager to bring my expertise in learning and development to such a fantastic team.”
Nikki will join the recently appointed David Owen MCIOB as Operations Director to the RED Construction management team who has been brought on to oversee two of the firm’s key current projects: the 16,170 sq ft residential conversion and extension at South London’s Audiology House at 45 Nightingale Lane, and the £17m redevelopment of Townsend House in the heart of London’s Victoria district.
RED Construction selected to deliver a flexible stay hotel development in prime London neighbourhood
RED Construction has been officially appointed by The Portfolio Club (TPC), a joint venture between the fifth largest pension delivery organisation globally, APG, and real estate investment advisory, London Central Portfolio (LCP), to deliver the comprehensive transformation of a period building in South Kensington into a premium flexible stay hotel development.
Following an in-depth and collaborative preparatory construction process, the Farringdon-based main contractor will be working with TPC on a complete reconfiguration and refurbishment of the 130,000 sq ft space at 5-25 Harrington Gardens, formally known as the Harrington Hall Hotel.
Due for completion in spring 2022, the first in a programme of new flexible stay residents’ club will feature stylish, beautifully interior designed club flats across nine floors. The new hotel will offer a destination bar and bistro café open to the public, whilst residents and private members will have access to exclusive amenities, such as a fully equipped leisure space with a vitality pool, spa, gym, steam room, sauna, yoga area and treatment rooms. There will also be two private bars: one within a garden courtyard under a newly created atrium providing a light informal environment, the other being a whisky bar located in the vaults with a club-like atmosphere.
Working with TPC for the first time, RED Construction will use its expertise to transform the existing layout to deliver the flexible stay concept with exclusive public and private members areas, in addition to completing various structural alterations, all within a 59-week project timeline. Sustainable elements will be incorporated into the development to receive a BREEAM Excellent certification upon completion, including a living roof, the use of sustainable building materials and technology-enhanced energy efficiency throughout the build.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of Farringdon-based RED Construction, commented: “This is a landmark project for RED Construction and a high-profile partnership with TPC. Having the opportunity to work alongside the joint venture and input into the development of both the building and the new brand is extremely exciting. We pride ourselves on our unique knowledge and ability to work on complex builds whilst fully understanding and integrating our client’s requirements. Utilising our strong relationships and supply chain we are able to deliver on our entry tendered commitments of cost, quality and programme and this development will be no exception.”
Naomi Heaton, CEO at The Portfolio Club, added on behalf of the joint venture: “We wanted a trustworthy and highly skilled construction firm to deliver our vision of apartment-style living for our hotel guests. RED Construction has significant knowledge of prime London neighbourhoods and has completed projects with similar obstacles to overcome. This, and their understanding of our brand, made RED the perfect partner for this development, which marks the first of a series of acquisitions and the launch of our new hospitality concept.
The announcement follows recent news of RED Construction’s appointment to deliver Brent Cross Town’s Visitor Pavilion, as part of the first phase of the £5bn town centre development, as well as the hire of David Owen MCIOB as Operations Director within the management team in line with RED Constructions’ recent and anticipated growth.
About RED Construction
RED Construction Ltd is a Farringdon based main contractor specialising in Central London projects within the £5m to £30m range. RED undertakes both new build and refurbishment projects and across the commercial, hotel, residential, retail and care sectors.
RED Construction is working with the following project team for the Residents Club Project:
Clients – The Portfolio Club
Project Manager – Zeal Projects
Architect – Falconer Chester Hall
Engineer – Arup
Interior Design – Bergman Interiors
Lighting Design – Into Lighting
Services Engineer – Arup
Cost Consultants – Zeal
About APG
Every day APG is busy with something that already concerns millions of Dutch people and one day will concern millions more: pensions. APG strives to provide a good pension in a livable world for all participants, employers and pension funds. Together we work on a sustainable future in which we do not only look at prosperity but also at well-being. Because pensions are about people, life and how we live together. So that we, our parents and our children can enjoy a good income. Today, tomorrow, and beyond.
As the largest pension provider in the Netherlands APG looks after the pensions of 4.7 million participants. APG provides executive consultancy, asset management, pension administration, pension communication and employer services. We work for pension funds and employers in the sectors of education, government, construction, cleaning, housing associations, sheltered employment organizations, medical specialists, and architects. APG manages approximately €573 billion (December 2020) in pension assets. With approximately 3,000 employees we work from Heerlen, Amsterdam, Brussels, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.
About London Central Portfolio
London Central Portfolio (LCP), a leading real estate investment advisory, was established in 1989 by Naomi Heaton as the first full-service asset management house investing in the private rental sector (PRS) in prime central London. Its services include asset identification, project management, interior design and ongoing operational functions to optimise occupancy and proactively manage its assets. LCP specialises in meeting the accommodation needs of the mainstream visitor, who increasingly tend towards aspirational micro-style living with 24/7 access to service. Its real estate capabilities are underpinned by sophisticated financial modelling and robust corporate governance. www.londoncentralportfolio.com
RED Construction Group are supporting the International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day
As an equal opportunities employer, RED Construction Group recognises the importance of breaking down the barriers that discourage so many people from seeking jobs in our sector. We are fully committed to treating our staff, clients, and colleagues across the industry equally and with respect, and hold dear the principles of openness, accessibility, fairness, and transparency.
For this year’s International Women’s Day, we have chosen to share the experiences of some of the women within our company, in the hope that many more will see what is possible and want to follow in their footsteps.
While construction continues to be a male-dominated industry, RED Construction Group understands its role in driving towards fair representation in the workplace, and we restate our commitment to welcoming anyone who has a passion for what we do.
#ChooseToChallenge #IWD #IWD2021
Graham Sturge interviewed by the Buildings Magazine
Nothing is impossible, according to the MD and co-founder of RED Construction, although the ability to travel through time still needs some work
Why did you choose construction as a career?
I had a passion for architecture and the built environment at school. I was also very good with numbers and people – so it felt a natural fit.
What has been your biggest career challenge to date?
Taking a risk by leaving my career and setting up RED Construction. For the first couple of years, it seemed very difficult to gain any traction but progress is now very exciting.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
To engender a less confrontational and contractual approach to project delivery.
What have you worked on that you are most proud of?
The reconfiguring of Wembley Arena was career-defining for me, along with being presented a gold medal at the construction manager of the year awards.
Most helpful advice you were given?
The only bad decision is not to make a decision at all.
What is your favourite building in the world?
For many years I have loved visits to New York and its architecture. As the first ground-breaking steel-framed building in the city, it has to be the Flatiron Building
What single piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out in your profession?
Nothing is impossible no matter how improbable. You just need the right attitude and the right people around you.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
Anyone who is willing to be accountable for their own actions with honesty and integrity.
What famous building do you wish you had worked on?
St Paul’s Cathedral must have been an amazing project to work on – and awe-inspiring to Londoners as it grew and towered over the whole of the City.
Which famous building do you most dislike?
I’m not keen on the work of Erno Goldfinger, in particular, London high-rise residential tower blocks like Trellick Tower and Balfron Tower.
What is it like being you?
I am surrounded by an amazing family, talented colleagues and great friends which fills each minute of every full day. So I would say it feels busy, exciting but mostly grateful.
What do you think your best quality is?
I have been told I am infectiously positive and that this motivates others around me.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself?
I have a tendency to try and fit too much into a day and so ultimately it makes me late for commitments.
And with other people?
Simple: dishonesty.
Do you have a life philosophy?
There isn’t anything I cannot achieve. I just need to find a way to achieve it.
Name three things that you like
Good company, good music and a good drink, preferably altogether.
What is a secret skill we don’t know you have?
I was only the fifth person from England to complete all six world major marathons in a single calendar year in 2019.
What’s your most prized possession?
The Pancreatic Cancer UK vest I wore when I ran the London marathon the morning after my father passed away with the disease.
Early bird or night owl?
My teenage daughter says that my general enthusiasm for life as both early bird and especially night owl leaves her feeling like “an exhausted pigeon”. The youth of today!
What is your favourite food?
A very traditional homemade Sunday roast.
What would your superpower be?
It would probably need to be time travel to allow me to get to more meetings on time.
Published online in the Building Magazine / February 2021
Graham Sturge is managing director and co-founder of RED Construction
RED Construction builds Management Team in line with growth momentum
RED Construction Group has announced the appointment of David Owen MCIOB as Operations Director within its management team, as the Farringdon-based main contractor strategically adapts to its recent and anticipated growth.
The significant new hire occurs in line with the continual and controlled expansion of RED Construction’s client base and scale of projects, following appointment to a number of significant schemes and developments in the capital.
A member of the Chartered Institute of Building and recipient of a Highly Commended award in the Construction Manager of the Year Awards, David Owen brings over 27 years’ experience in building management to RED Construction. David has been responsible for projects across multiple sectors including commercial, residential, retail, educational, industrial and mixed-use, and thrives on building delivery teams with a long-term and collaborative approach.
As Operations Director at RED Construction, David is overseeing two of the firm’s key current projects: the 16,170 sq ft residential conversion and extension at South London’s landmark Audiology House at 45 Nightingale Lane, and the £17m redevelopment of Townsend House in the heart of London’s Victoria district.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director MCIOB at RED Construction commented on the appointment: “We are immensely proud of RED Construction’s reputation and high quality of delivery, which is allowing us to secure more exciting contracts in the capital, and in turn, attract and retain top professional talent such as David Owen. Our successes are entirely down to the hard work and expertise of our steadily growing team, and welcoming David on board as Operations Director will only strengthen this. We look forward to furthering RED’s growth at a careful and controlled rate, to ensure we can continue to provide our clients with exceptional all-round project service.”
David Owen, Operations Director MCIOB at RED Construction added: “RED Construction has quickly established itself as one of the most sought-after contractors for innovative projects in the capital, and it is fantastic to be joining the business at such a pivotal time. I take pride in my work and the service I deliver and am pleased to be joining a firm that shares these values. I look forward to implementing my own expertise and experience to RED’s great scope of projects.”
The key appointment of David Owen as Operations Director follows the news that RED Construction Group has been appointed by Argent Related and Barnet Council to deliver Brent Cross Town’s Visitor Pavilion, the first building to be delivered as part of the £5bn town centre development in North London.
RED Construction appointed to deliver Visitor Pavilion at £5BN Brent Cross Town
Farringdon-based main contractor, RED Construction Group, has been appointed by Argent Related and Barnet Council to deliver Brent Cross Town’s temporary Visitor Pavilion, which is the first building to be delivered as part of the £5bn town centre development in North London.
RED Construction Group commenced work in late December on an 8,000 sq ft , three-storey, temporary visitor centre on Claremont Way in Brent Cross to showcase Brent Cross Town’s masterplan and vision. It is expected to be open to visitors by the end of 2021.
Designed by Moxon Architects, the building will capture and communicate the ambitious scale of Brent Cross Town, which will become a new park town for London and will establish a new standard for large-scale urban regeneration.
The new development uniquely incorporates 50 acres of parks and playing fields which are central to the attraction for people to live, work and visit. Brent Cross Town will deliver 6,700 new homes for sale and for rent, alongside restaurants, sports and leisure facilities, and will be a major new office destination. With 3 million sq ft of office space, it will create a business ecosystem for 25,000 employees. The new neighbourhood has pledged to be a carbon zero town by 2030 at the latest, and will connect to King’s Cross in 12 minutes via the new Brent Cross West station which is under construction and due to be completed by the end of 2022.
The Visitor Pavilion and associated landscaping was consulted on during events held in June and July 2020. The designs incorporate an exhibition space, flexible ground floor commercial space, as well as space available for community use. It will be constructed by RED Construction as a low-carbon, innovative Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) superstructure which eliminates the need for a steel frame and will feature a timber-clad façade. The building will sit alongside a line-up of temporary community uses including the Exploratory Park play area that opened in August this year.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of RED Construction, commented on the appointment: “As RED Construction specialises in London developments, it is brilliant to be appointed to contribute our expertise to a scheme of this scale in the city, with an ambitious and highly sustainable vision. A pivotal space for all involved with Brent Cross Town, the Visitor Pavilion will also demonstrate RED’s in-depth knowledge of CLT, which has been implemented on previous projects such as Axtell House in Soho, London.”
Nick Searl, Partner of Argent Related and Joint-Lead for Brent Cross Town, says: “Delivery of the Visitor Pavilion centre is an important early step in Brent Cross Town’s evolution and will provide a wonderful space in which to share our vision. We look forward to working with RED Construction to bring it to fruition, and for the Visitor Pavilion to begin telling the story of Brent Cross Town, a park town that will support the future of London.”
The news follows the recent announcement of RED Construction Group’s appointment to deliver a six-story mixed-use commercial redevelopment of Townsend House in the heart of London’s Victoria district. In addition, RED Construction is also working on a landmark 16,170 sq ft residential conversion at Audiology House, in London’s SW12 conservation area, as well as a comprehensive Edwardian-inspired refurbishment project at 20-23 Greville Street in Holborn, London – all three projects totalling in excess of £33m.
RED Construction is working with the following project team for the delivery of Brent Cross Town’s Visitor Pavilion:
Client: Brent Cross South Development Managers
Architect: Moxon Architects
Structural Engineers: Expedition
MEP Engineers – Loop Engineering
About RED Construction Group Ltd
RED Construction Group Ltd is a Farringdon based main contractor specialising in Central London and South East projects within the £5m to £30m range. RED Construction undertakes both new build and refurbishment projects and across the commercial, hotel, residential, retail and care sectors.
These often encompass confined or difficult sites, exceptional health and safety requirements for the site and public, tight programmes, rigid budgets, competition for the best trades contractors and the need for excellent community engagement.
About Brent Cross Town
Brent Cross Town is the neighbourhood at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It is a joint venture between Argent Related and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and greenspaces in the area. Early work started on site in early 2020 and construction is also underway on the new Brent Cross West station which will be completed by the end of 2022. Building on the strengths of this diverse part of the city, Brent Cross Town will draw inspiration from the best of London’s long-established neighbourhoods with all their complexity and character. At its heart, will be a focus on sport, play, health and well-being. The new neighbourhood will provide 6,700 homes, state-of-the-art workspace for over 25,000 people, and pedestrian friendly streets and squares with local shops and restaurants that will complement the offer at Brent Cross Shopping Centre. The community will be supported by first-class public transport infrastructure, a new and improved network of walking and cycle routes and a series of new parks and other amenities. www.brentcrosstown.co.uk @brentcrosstown
About Argent Related
Argent Related brings together an extraordinary blend of complementary skills, access to global capital and unrivalled technical and delivery experience. Argent Related generates superior returns for all stakeholders by developing for the long-term. Argent, the respected developer with a track record in creating exemplar new pieces of UK cities including King’s Cross, joined forces in March 2015 with Related, the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States responsible for Hudson Yards. The company has a £5 Bn+ development pipeline in London which includes the delivery of two major regeneration schemes featuring over 7,900 homes, over 3 million sq ft of office space, 50 acres of parks and playing fields, as well as retail, leisure, student accommodation and schools, both highly accessible from new and improved public transport connections. It is currently working in a joint venture with Barnet Council on London’s 180-acre Brent Cross South site, with the London Borough of Haringey for the Tottenham Hale redevelopment and is progressing other opportunities in London including a build-to-rent development in King’s Cross. www.argentrelated.com
RED Construction appointed to £17M redevelopment of Townsend House in Victoria
Hong Kong-based global developer ITC properties has appointed RED Construction Group to the £17m redevelopment of Townsend House in the heart of London’s Victoria district.
Located at 5 Greycoat Place in a prominent junction of the City of Westminster, the consented 35,500 sq ft project will serve a mix of commercial and residential purposes, and is set to be completed by Summer 2022.
In conjunction with architects Squire and Partners, Farringdon-based main contractor RED Construction will deliver the six storey building, including basement space and the creation of retail units along the ground floor. Four floors will be assigned to workspace, while an additional 2,400 sq ft upper floor has been proposed for premium duplex apartments, subject to planning.
Designed to follow the curved line of the street, Townsend House will be fitted with contemporary sandstone as a fascia to the façade with dark bronze spandrels, positioned to define the different uses within the building. Sympathetic to the surrounding Art Deco-inspired architecture and heritage of the previous building at the site, the development will also feature projecting bay windows, and intricate metalwork and scalloped details across the exterior.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of RED Construction, commented on the appointment: “We are looking forward to delivering such a prominent project in central London, which will provide a diverse range of purposes, particularly as the capital starts working towards its recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. Townsend House encompasses all of RED Construction’s specialities, and the scale of the project will really allow us to engage all our capabilities while aligning with our controlled growth strategy. The unique brief will also enable us to draw on our recent experiences in delivering Axtell House and 14 Park Crescent, both of which presented complex logistical challenges and bespoke architectural features.”
Peter Walder, an advisor for ITC Properties, also commented: “Following the professionalism, expertise and confidence shown by RED Construction throughout the tender process for this project, we are very pleased to make this appointment. Townsend House will provide a breadth of opportunities for the Victoria area of London, and it is fantastic to have RED Construction on board to deliver our vision while breathing life back into the capital.”
RED Construction will commence works on the Townsend House redevelopment in January, with demolition already underway at the site.
The announcement follows RED Construction’s recent appointment for the comprehensive Edwardian-inspired mixed-use refurbishment project at 20-23 Greville Street in Holborn, London, set for completion in Summer 2021.
RED Construction is working with the following project team for the delivery of the Townsend House mixed-use development:
Client: ITC Properties
PQS: Potter Raper Ltd
Development Manager: Rockhopper
Architect: Squire & Partners
Structural Engineers: HTS Heyne Tillet Steel
MEP Engineers – Hoare Lea
The project also aligns with the recent delivery of Axtell House, a state-of-the-art commercial office redevelopment project in Soho, London, showcasing RED Construction’s aptitude for considered restoration, delivered to the highest quality with sustainability credentials. Also relevant is RED Construction’s completion of 14 Park Crescent, encompassing the construction and fit-out of nine luxury apartments nearby London’s Regent’s Park, exhibiting authentic Regency architecture.
RED Construction runs London Marathon 2020 in continued support for Pancreatic Cancer UK
RED Construction Group is pleased to announce its latest official fundraising support of Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK), following three team members’ successful completion of the 2020 London Marathon.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director MCIOB, Slawo Urban, Marketing Manager and James Ferdinando, Compliance Manager all accomplished the annual 26.2-mile race on Sunday 4th October on a socially-distanced route around Bedford. In doing so, they raised a further £3,700 for the London-based charity which supports pancreatic cancer patients and funds pioneering research.
The donation marks the Farringdon-based construction specialist’s ongoing support for the PCUK organisation, of which Graham Sturge is an official ambassador.
In 2019, Graham raised over £35,000 for the charity by completing all of the global major marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. He is one of only five people in the UK who has achieved all six international events in one year.
Graham is also chairman of a local running group in Bromham, Bedford, which promotes fitness and wellbeing in the local community. Through dedicated fundraising through this group, more than £20,000 in additional donations this year has also been raised taking the total to nearly £100,000.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director MCIOB at RED Construction, commented: “Support for the wider community and meaningful causes, especially during these unprecedented times, is a keen focus for RED Construction. Both mental and physical wellbeing is key for business, local social communities and ultimately the wider society and we feel it is incumbent upon us to try and assist everyone we interact within all three areas of our lives. It’s a privilege for myself and the team to combine our commitment to others with our passion for running. On behalf of RED, we congratulate all who accomplished the virtual London Marathon, and we look forward to continuing our support for Pancreatic Cancer UK’s important work. Together we can make a difference.”
www.redconstruction.co.uk
www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
#teamred
RED Construction appointed to bring history & heritage to life with landmark £8.1M Nightingale Lane development
Farringdon-based main contractor, RED Construction Group, has secured an £8.1m one-year contract from Joseph Edmund to deliver a 16,170 sq ft residential conversion and extension at South London’s landmark Audiology House at 45 Nightingale Lane. Situated within the SW12 conservation area, Audiology House was established in the early 1900s and owned by famous engineer George Jennings. The major new development will see the Victorian villa sensitively transformed from its more recent audio equipment manufacturing use back to its original residential purpose while maintaining the building’s historic character and charm.
Due for completion in spring 2021, the debut project by Joseph Edmund will see the RED Construction Group produce 19 well-appointed apartments, forming the premium and exclusive accommodation scheme envisioned by award-winning architecture firm Darling Associates. Eight of the apartment units will sit within the retained Audiology House structure, while the further 11 will feature across a new sympathetically converted factory space at the rear of the building.
The regenerative works will include the careful addition of front wings, constructed from a steel frame and precast brick and Portland stone façade, adding a new dimension which will nod to the building’s heritage while adding a modern touch. Existing ancillary buildings will be demolished, and the main Audiology House structure will be underpinned along with all the site boundary walls, to create a lowered ground floor level.
A mixture of face brickwork at a low level will be complemented by zinc cladding across the top half of the building, wrapped over the “north light” style roof. Additionally, a landscaped garden will be restored at the front of Audiology House, in-keeping with the history of the site and its location within walking distance of Clapham and Balham.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of RED Construction, added: “Audiology House is such a unique project steeped in history and something that we were pleased to secure as part of our diverse residential portfolio. We have worked on many projects that require sensitive development and delivery with strict heritage and conservation guidelines, so there is a wealth of experience across our team allowing us to convert this one-of-a-kind building within the short timeframe available. We pride ourselves on collaborating with exciting new developers, and on projects that are inspiring and challenging in the capital, which Joseph Edmunds and Audiology House both present.”
A Joseph Edmund spokesperson commented on the appointment of RED Construction: “As the first development for the company, Audiology House is ideal for us to showcase what can be achieved with the opportunity to sympathetically adapt an exciting and historical building for the residential market. We wanted to create a space that was both unique and appealing and that would really catch the attention of local residents within the South London area. RED Construction were the best contractors for this project as their team really understood our vision and, as London specialists, have delivered previous successful conversion projects within city environments which is essential for this build to be ready for next spring.”
The news follows the announcement of RED Construction Group’s appointment by Seaforth Land to deliver a distinctive commercial project at 20-23 Greville Street in Holborn, due for completion in summer 2021. Working with award-winning architects Groupwork + Amin Taha, RED Construction will reinstate the structure’s original Edwardian architectural details and bring new purpose to the site.
For further information visit www.audiology.house or via Instagram @audiologyhouse.
RED Construction is working with the following project team for the delivery of Audiology House:
Client: Joseph Edmund
Pre-construction Architect: Darling Associates
Construction Architects: Gibberd
PM & PQS: PQS2 Limited
Consulting Engineers: Flatt Consulting
Structural Engineers: Bridges Pound
About RED Construction Group Ltd
RED Construction Group Ltd is a Farringdon based main contractor specialising in Central London and South East projects within the £5m to £30m range. RED Construction undertakes both new build and refurbishment projects and across the commercial, hotel, residential, retail and care sectors.
These often encompass confined or difficult sites, exceptional health and safety requirements for the site and public, tight programmes, rigid budgets, competition for the best trades contractors and the need for excellent community engagement.
About Joseph Edmund
Joseph Edmund was established in 2018. Audiology House, 45 Nightingale Lane, Clapham is the company’s inaugural development project. Working alongside Gibberd, an award-winning architectural studio in Shoreditch and experienced contractors RED Construction the company builds and develops properties that enhance the fabric of the neighbourhood.
RED to deliver Edwardian-inspired value-add development in Central London for Seaforth Land
Farringdon-based construction specialist, RED Construction Group, has been appointed by Seaforth Land for the delivery of a distinctive refurbishment project at 20-23 Greville Street, adjacent to Holborn’s historic Bleeding Heart Yard in central London.
Designed by award-winning architect Groupwork + Amin Taha and backed by Seaforth Land, the unique project encompasses a comprehensive restoration of an existing office building, in close proximity to RED Construction Group’s headquarters, to reinstate the structure’s original Edwardian architectural details and bring new purpose to the site.
Set to commence in Autumn 2020, RED Construction Group’s work will most notably see the implementation of a historically-inspired mesh façade and new windows authentic to the period, complementing the surrounding Hatton Garden Conservation Area. The refurbishment will be executed in a sustainably-friendly manner, retaining most of the existing structure and employing cutting-edge use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) to create two new floors on top. An existing lightwell will also be repurposed to provide cycle facilities for the building’s occupants.
The total refurbishment will span the building’s 35,566 sq ft of floorspace, with the basement, ground and first floor levels fronting both Greville Street and Bleeding Heart Yard to be renovated and adapted for retail and restaurant use. In keeping with the historical character of nearby Hatton Garden as a centre of fine jewellery, the building will also incorporate a dedicated 1,486 sq ft affordable workspace for the craft.
Graham Sturge, Managing Director of RED Construction, commented: “It has been brilliant to apply our drive and expertise to the elaborate requirements of this Greville Street project. We are proud to have the opportunity to deliver on the vision of Seaforth Land’s CEO, Tyler Goodwin to create an authentic historical restoration in collaboration with the esteemed architectural minds at Groupwork + Amin Taha. Our team is looking forward to executing this regeneration and believe the new mixed-use scheme will contribute positively to the ongoing recovery of central London.”
Marcus Hale, Chief Development Officer at Seaforth Land, added: “We appointed RED Construction for Greville Street with the confidence they could overcome the challenges and complexities of the development, particularly with their extensive experience with modern and sustainable construction technologies such as CLT. This project is in direct alignment with our commercial real estate investment strategy and we look forward to seeing it come to life. The view from the new Crossrail Station at Farringdon, looking up Greville Street, will be greatly enhanced and made more inviting once we are finished with the project.”
Completion of the Greville Street mixed-use development is expected in Summer 2021 and Seaforth Land has established a community working group for the duration of the works for local and stakeholder liaison.
This project follows RED Construction Group’s successful completion of a 78-bed lean luxury hotel in London Waterloo for the German brand, Ruby Hotels, as well as the 14 Park Crescent project for Amazon Property, comprising of the fit-out of nine high-quality apartments just South of London’s Regent’s Park.
Project core team:
Client: Seaforth Land
Architect: Groupwork
Structural Engineer: Atelier One
PM: Avison Young
PQS: Quantem Consulting
