According to recent figures construction activity continued to rise in May, however experts claim that the recent high rate of growth is losing momentum. Provider of construction intelligence services, Barbour ABI revealed last month that the total value of all new construction contracts awarded in May increased by 5.3% compared to April. However, the total value of construction contracts in May was 3.7% lower than the same month last year, and economists believe this indicates that the recent high levels of growth are beginning to slow.
Barbour ABI went on to reveal London was once again the UK’s hotspot for construction activity in May, accounting for 24% of the UK total as a result of big ticket projects. To illustrate the high value projects being commissioned in the country’s capital, FC&A this month profiles the launch of an exclusive W2 development, Westbourne House.
Working with award-winning architects Stiff + Trevillion, London development expert Alchemi Group has taken a dismal 1980s office building and created a highly contemporary 28,000ft² development of 20 exquisitely detailed one, two and three bedroom apartments together with a penthouse commanding 360 degree panoramic views from its 1,386ft² terrace.
Elsewhere in this issue, FC&A is delighted to announce the launch of a new category for the CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards scheme, ‘Green Buildings’, sponsored by Radian. The organisation is inviting entries from local architects, developers, housing associations and renewable energy companies who want to showcase their examples of good environmental practice in building design and construction. Turn to our Sustainability in Development feature on page 11 to read about the previous winners and find out how you can get involved.
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