Member Article

Station Square – designed by humans, built (in part) by robots

Worthing’s multi-million pound Teville Gate redevelopment looks set to become the first site in Britain to benefit from modular housing using robotic construction.

Sixty members of the Sussex Property Alliance heard from Aized Sheikh of Mosaic Capital, the developer behind the proposed Station Square transformation. He described how they have set up an advanced robotics facility to build the 1000 self-supporting steel-framed pods that will make up the 350 homes destined for the town centre scheme.

The vision for Station Square is to create a new, vibrant, public space that will bring together beautiful apartments, retail spaces, leisure facilities and public car parking. Work has just started on the 25-week demolition phase.

“This will be a very different way of developing and building,” said Mr Sheikh. “Our architects are experts in modular design and this, together with our unique off-site construction capability, means that once the site is prepared by local contractors, we will simply crane in the fully-fitted pods. This will cut the time on-site by about 40% over conventional methods, and reduce construction costs by up to 20%.

“Through our partnership with the council in Worthing, we will be creating a community that will breathe life back into this part of the town,” he said.

At the meeting, Worthing Borough Council Project Officer Cian Cronin outlined the progressive approach being taken to future development, with a focus on a number of strategic sites to meet the housing and business needs of the local economy. To wrap up the meeting Dan Hobbs, Tax Associate at MHA Carpenter Box, provided expert insight into the requirements of the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED), which is often overlooked by property companies and can result in significant financial penalties if neglected.

The Sussex Property Alliance provides a forum where property professionals get together, exchange ideas, and build relationships. It is supported by Sussex-based MHA Carpenter Box chartered accountants, Bennett Griffin solicitors and Michael Jones commercial real estate agents.

Our photos shows (l-r): Dan Hobbs (MHA Carpenter Box), Cian Cronin (Worthing Borough Council), Gemma Lawrence (Bennett Griffin), Aized Sheikh (Mosaic) and Steve Berrett (Michael Jones).

www.sussexpropertyalliance.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Colin Bridgman .