Arcadis, Gardiner & Theobald and Turner & Townsend have been picked on the four-year framework and will provide a range of commercial services as well as project and programme management resources on the scheme. Arcadis has been working with Thames Water for the last four years throughout the procurement phase,
Category: Construction Industry Today | Subscribe to Construction Industry Today Feed Published Thu, Apr 21st 2016 With the Government viewing brownfield land as a key enabler for delivering new housing, Landmark Information Group, the UK’s leading supplier of digital mapping, property and environmental risk information, is addressing delegates at
CBRE Global Investors, represented by international real estate advisor Savills, has sold Yorkshire Bank’s headquarters in Leeds to a private Spanish investor for £16 million. The deal reflects a net initial yield of 7%. The landmark city centre property offers 76,344 sq ft (7,092 sq m) of office space across
After last week’s shock decision for the UK to leave the EU, Bsria says it is ‘business as usual’ for its members and that the construction industry should remain confident and optimistic about the opportunities out there for existing and new industry projects. Indeed Bsria is committed to giving
Government Leader of the House and Chief Whip Jane Hutt AM has welcomed plans to build a unique £6.5m construction training centre which will train 1,100 people per year across Wales. Addressing CITB Wales’ Board Dinner, the Minister spoke about the potential of the new Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC),
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE [gdlr_video url=”https://youtu.be/MY6yrBk4MNg” ] The BALI National Landscape Awards, in association with Horticulture Week, are the premier landscaping awards. Celebrating their 40th year, the Awards return for 2016! Use this website to see the categories available for entry and entry deadlines. The Awards will be open for entry in
A complex brief from the client and historic buildings to deal with were two of the challenges that Comelit had to overcome in its latest door technology entry project. In partnership with two separate developers, Comelit helped provide security at converted Grade 2-listed period houses and apartments, as well as
Production is underway at a new £400,000 ready mixed concrete plant at Lynemouth in Northumberland. The new facility is the second to be opened in just 18 months by H-Mix at Lynefield Park, the site of the former Alcan aluminium smelter, which is now owned by Harworth Group plc, one
Kier Property has secured a double deal in Manchester City Centre and revealed it will begin work on an 80,000 sq ft office project on Fountain Street in 2017. Kier Group’s development arm will revamp Oldfellows House, which it brought from Aberdeen Asset Management, to provide floor plates of between
The government has revealed a portfolio of 13 projects to offer £5 billion of opportunities to potential investors from China in the Northern Powerhouse. Chancellor Phillip Hammond presented the schemes to a delegation led by Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai. Hammond commented: “As we seek to take to take the
Arcadis, Gardiner & Theobald and Turner & Townsend have been picked on the four-year framework and will provide a range of commercial services as well as project and programme management resources on the scheme. Arcadis has been working with Thames Water for the last four years throughout the procurement phase, and worked on the transfer of the project from Thames Water to Tideway in 2015. Gardiner & Theobald has also worked on the tunnel programme since 2013. Commenting on the deal, Tideway chief operating officer Mark Sneesby said: “We’re delighted to have Arcadis, Turner & Townsend and G&T on board. “As we start main construction work on the Thames Tideway Tunnel, we are confident that having the knowledge and expertise of three of the most prominent consultancies will be a huge asset in our work to clean up London’s river.” In December last year, Aecom, Mott McDonald and an Arup / Atkins JV were named as design partners for the major works packages on the super sewer, while in February three joint ventures were picked for a £2.3bn deal for the project’s construction contracts. Source link
Category: Construction Industry Today | Subscribe to Construction Industry Today Feed Published Thu, Apr 21st 2016 With the Government viewing brownfield land as a key enabler for delivering new housing, Landmark Information Group, the UK’s leading supplier of digital mapping, property and environmental risk information, is addressing delegates at the BRE ‘City Regeneration’ Cities Convention regarding the importance of data in understanding the history – and associated risks – relating to brownfield sites. Posted via Industry Today. Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday The one day conference, which takes place on 17 May at K&L Gates’ offices in London, will explore what brownfield land development means for planning authorities and developers, examining issues around the effective use of data and mapping, environmental risk and financial viability. It will also seek to create the case for developing more sustainable and connected communities supported by effective infrastructure. The event is open for registration and invites planners, developers, consultants/advisors, housing associations, utilities companies and local authorities to attend to understand the opportunities, and risks relating to brownfield land development. William Kirk, Head of Asset Management at Landmark Information Group said: “There’s a big push for brownfield development right now. With local authorities required to specify which brownfield sites are suitable to Planning Permission in Principle, combined with a new Brownfield Register pilot underway with 73 councils across the country, it is clear that the government is focused on achieving its target for extensive development of these sites. This conference brings together those professionals with a vested interest in regeneration and housing developments to discuss some of the challenges, opportunities and risks relating to construction projects on brownfield land.” During the conference, William Kirk will be hosting a workshop where he will be seeking feedback on the prospective development of a ‘LandSearch’ managed service to assist Local Authorities, developers and landowners in supporting decision making on the suitability and developability of land. Source link
CBRE Global Investors, represented by international real estate advisor Savills, has sold Yorkshire Bank’s headquarters in Leeds to a private Spanish investor for £16 million. The deal reflects a net initial yield of 7%. The landmark city centre property offers 76,344 sq ft (7,092 sq m) of office space across five floors and has been let in its entirety to the bank since it was built in 1980. The annual rental income is £1.19 million, with circa nine years unexpired on the current lease. Located at Twenty Merrion Way, the building is adjacent to the First Direct Arena and Merrion House which is being redeveloped as a 170,000 sq ft (15,793 sq m) headquarters for occupation by Leeds City Council. The city’s civic quarter and main retail quarter are also nearby. Simon Lister, investment director at Savills, comments: “This asset combines a secure income with excellent development prospects and an integral position in a booming area of Leeds city centre. We received significant interest from both overseas and domestic investors, and are very pleased with the strong sale price achieved.” Source link
After last week’s shock decision for the UK to leave the EU, Bsria says it is ‘business as usual’ for its members and that the construction industry should remain confident and optimistic about the opportunities out there for existing and new industry projects. Indeed Bsria is committed to giving ‘extra service to members’ throughout this uncertain time. Julia Evans, chief executive, Bsria, said: “Now that the dust has settled a week on from the Brexit decision – for Bsria it is definitely business as usual – we are where we are. There are opportunities out there for our members to garner new work and deals – we all just need to find them. “Against a backdrop of political and ‘economic spaghetti’ Bsria can lead and support its members into a bright new future. It is a brave new world. We appreciate there is certainly political turmoil, noise and volatility in Westminster – but Bsria needs to join in this debate. “As an industry – we must now start to shape future policy. Indeed it is a chance to revise industry regulations and to renegotiate the framework for the future and find new trade rules. “We need to protect what has already been invested in and make the most of our assets – especially – investments and buildings. And ensure that investors have confidence in our industry. “I was especially encouraged to learn that government ministers have begun efforts to reassure industry leaders that housing and infrastructure spending will not drop and in fact both will become ‘more important, not less’ after Brexit. The Mayor of London has also announced to boost housing. “Industry cannot afford any period of parliamentary inaction and uncertainty on non-EU related issues, whether two years or more in length, and Bsria seeks urgent reassurance from government that this will not be the case.” Source link
Government Leader of the House and Chief Whip Jane Hutt AM has welcomed plans to build a unique £6.5m construction training centre which will train 1,100 people per year across Wales. Addressing CITB Wales’ Board Dinner, the Minister spoke about the potential of the new Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC), and also highlighted the Welsh Government’s: Intention to provide industry with a clear pipeline of public sector projects; Support for construction being recognised as an attractive career choice; Commitment to developing the skills base in Wales, as an imperative to its commitment to tackling poverty and disadvantage. The CWIC will see partners from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and CITB develop a unique ‘Hub and Spoke’ training framework to deliver specialist construction training at all levels across all sectors and supply chains in Wales. The CWIC’s “Hub” will be based at the University’s SA1 Swansea Waterfront. The “Spokes” will be located at colleges across Wales including: Coleg Sir Gâr, Coleg Ceredigion, Coleg Cambria in North Wales and Coleg y Cymoedd in South East Wales. The CITB-funded CWIC (which will be constructed and open in September 2018) will also work closely with the first new school of architecture in Wales for 120 years, which is part of UWTSD. Speaking on CWIC at CITB Wales’ Board Dinner the Minister said: “I’m pleased that the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and a consortium led by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, is establishing the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC), to offer state-of-the-art facilities and world-class training for individuals and construction companies. Congratulations, it’s really great to hear about this centre. “The Welsh Government is committed to supporting the construction sector and our joint investment program with CITB, Construction Futures Wales, which is targeted at facilitating the growth and development of companies has been, and continues to be, a success.” Mark Bodger, Strategic Partnerships Director for CITB Cymru Wales, said: “Over the years some apprentices have had to leave Wales to gain industry-recognised construction skills across the border. The CWIC will help ensure Wales has home-grown skills in place to meet the construction industry’s current and future needs. CWIC will be a major step forward for the construction industry in Wales.” Gerald Naylor, Director Construction Wales Innovation Centre, said: “CWIC is already making strong connections between employers and the collaborative partnerships formed to deliver the specialist training courses and engagement events. The combined CWIC event with the Royal Society of Architects Wales and Constructing Excellence Wales drawing over 70 delegates is a perfect example of working together for the benefit of the wider industry.” In addition to the CWIC, the Minister spoke of the “importance of the construction sector, one of our key priority sectors” and welcomed the contribution made to the sector by CITB Wales. The Minister acknowledged how the construction sector has “come together to develop “GoConstruct, the first industry wide interactive portal showcasing the wide variety of jobs in construction”. She added that the Government’s intention was to “provide industry with a clear pipeline of public sector projects” stating that “with several large infrastructure projects in the pipeline it is crucial that construction is recognised as an attractive career choice. Large projects will bring their challenges, as well as opportunities to promote construction careers, so providing good career advice is vital.” She added: “The Welsh Government wants to showcase opportunities and broker strong links between employers, colleges and universities, to help young people and jobseekers get the skills employers need. Developing the skills base of our citizens is imperative to the Welsh Government’s commitment to tackling poverty and disadvantage.” Concluding her speech the Minister, who said the Welsh Government is “committed to apprenticeships”, citing their aim to create at least 100,000 all age apprenticeships over the next 5 years, said: “With many strategic infrastructure projects planned, offering huge opportunities, these are exciting times for the construction sector.” Source link
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE [gdlr_video url=”https://youtu.be/MY6yrBk4MNg” ] The BALI National Landscape Awards, in association with Horticulture Week, are the premier landscaping awards. Celebrating their 40th year, the Awards return for 2016! Use this website to see the categories available for entry and entry deadlines. The Awards will be open for entry in March. To receive a BALI National Landscape Award is one of the landscape industries’ highest accolades. Recognition of a high level of achievement, from within the industry, has a positive motivational effect on staff. Winning one of these awards offers a company great marketing opportunities, with the benefits lasting long beyond the ceremony and the Awards’ association with Horticulture Week will enhance a winner’s profile even further. To learn more about BALI itself, please visit the association’s main site: www.bali.org.uk
A complex brief from the client and historic buildings to deal with were two of the challenges that Comelit had to overcome in its latest door technology entry project. In partnership with two separate developers, Comelit helped provide security at converted Grade 2-listed period houses and apartments, as well as at a private gated riverside development called Fitzroy Gate in Old Isleworth, Middlesex. The project involves leading UK retirement developer Beechcroft Developments and nationwide property developer St James (part of the Berkeley Group). This site on the Thames waterfront includes the White House, a stucco Georgian building created in 1832, in addition to an Edwardian red-brick chapel and a range of new apartments. Systems integrators Standing Power Electrical have installed Comelit’s Ikall panel at the entrance to Fitzroy Gate. The Ikall panel is modular in design, which allows easier installation and customisation. The standard unit features a 128×64-pixel display and 21-button backlit keypad. It is easily programmable via USB and RS485 ports. Once inside the parkland estate, visitors use a secondary audio-only entrance panel from Comelit’s 3one6 range to gain access to an apartment block. These panels have a 4-mm stainless steel plate and are flush-mounted. Green solution Many of the new apartments have been fitted with SimpleHome, Comelit’s home automation system, which gives residents full control of their lighting by enabling them to create their own ‘scenarios.’ SimpleHome reduces the building’s carbon footprint by showing occupants frequent updates of their energy usage by connecting to pulsed output meters installed by the utility companies. This seems to be the goto technology that will be incorporated into many housing projects. SimpleHome won a Benchmark Innovation Award earlier this year, with judges praising it for turning appliance management into a lifestyle product. It is compatible with any type of switch and is used on other projects for a broader range of utility readings, including water usage. SimpleHome also allows customised management of audio-visual entertainment by zone for individual family members. This aspect of the Fitzroy Gate project was implemented by EML Installations. Versatile monitor In the houses and apartments, residents use either Icona or Icona Manager monitors to speak with visitors. Icona Manager combines door entry functions with home automation. It uses touchscreen technology and responds to gesture and ‘swipe’ conventions similar to that of a smartphone technology or tablet device. John Line, Business Development Manager at Comelit Group UK, said: “Fitzroy Gate is interesting insofar as Comelit’s door entry and SimpleHome automation system have met the differing requirements of two developers and two installers. The estate is extensive and has multiple building types, but we have succeeded in responding to current needs, as well as supplying a future-proofed IP solution. The project shows Comelit excelling on yet another project of historical interest by providing a really flexible and adaptable installation.” Twickenham-based EML Installations Ltd, designs, installs and tests electrical systems for new properties and refurbishments. The company has a track record stretching back over 20 years. Disciplines covered include access control, fire alarms, CCTV and data cabling. The company is a NICEIC-approved contractor. Standing Power Electrical Contractors is Camberley-based and has a portfolio that includes many high-end domestic projects of this type. Six apartments are the result of the conversion of the Grade 2-listed White House at Fitzroy Gate, which has a classical Georgian façade. It was designed by Edward Blore in 1832 for Sir William Cooper, a former chaplain to George III. Blore is best known for his work on Buckingham Palace. Fitzroy Gate has also been used in the past by the Sisters of Nazareth, who formed a convent on the site in 1892. Their chapel, with little structural change, is part of the new complex.
Production is underway at a new £400,000 ready mixed concrete plant at Lynemouth in Northumberland. The new facility is the second to be opened in just 18 months by H-Mix at Lynefield Park, the site of the former Alcan aluminium smelter, which is now owned by Harworth Group plc, one of the largest property and regeneration companies in the UK. The new plant for H-Mix will see the firm double its production capacity to more than 500 cubic metres of concrete – around 1,200 tonnes – per day. Managing director John Hudson says the business is now ideally placed to win new business while continuing to serve its existing customers. “We really haven’t looked back since opening our first production facility at Lynefield Park in May 2015,” explained John. “Security of supply is critical to our customers so the new plant provides important back-up to the first. It also provides us with the capability to tender for the new business opportunities that will come on the back of the growth in house building, commercial property and other infrastructure investments that are being made across the North East.” With the new plant in production, John’s targets for 2017 include doubling his workforce to 12, taking on an apprentice and investing in additional delivery vehicles. One of the main customers for H-mix is its Lynefield Park neighbour, Lynx Precast, which makes beams for flooring in the construction of homes, offices and public buildings. Other businesses operating on the 320 acre site include C&J Marine, which is involved with caravan disposal and storage and construction firm Sisk. And Paul Scott, a former Alcan employee, has returned to the site to set up a business recycling wooden pallets. Aluminium production ended at Lynemouth in March 2012 and Harworth Group took over the site in April 2015. Since then, some of the smelter’s buildings have been demolished including the eight distinctive potroom chimneys, while others have been retained for alternative commercial uses. We’re making good progress Harworth Group director, Eddie Peat, said: “We’re making good progress on the redevelopment of the site and H-Mix’s investment in a second facility here provides a very clear example of what ambitious businesses can achieve at Lynefield Park. “This is an ideal location for business growth and Harworth Group is committed to attracting high-value, secure employment back to the site.” Businesses interested in the opportunities at Lynefield Park should contact Harworth Group’s retained agents who are Cushman & Wakefield (telephone Richard Scott on 0191 223 5711) and HTA (telephone Nick Atkinson on 0191 245 1234).
Kier Property has secured a double deal in Manchester City Centre and revealed it will begin work on an 80,000 sq ft office project on Fountain Street in 2017. Kier Group’s development arm will revamp Oldfellows House, which it brought from Aberdeen Asset Management, to provide floor plates of between 10,211 sq ft and 11,668 sq ft. There will also be two retail units on the ground floor. When finished, Oddfellows House will be known as Eleven York Street. Furthermore, Kier Property has sold nearby 81 Fountain Street to real estate investment firm Aprirose. Constructed in 1988, a comprehensive refurbishment of the 40,100 sq ft property is underway and should complete in December. Managing Director for Kier Property (North), Tom Gilman, commented: “These two deals demonstrate the high demand for office space in the heart of Manchester, and we are excited to be involved in the transformation of the transformation of the CBD. “We have been looking for the right opportunity for some time and Eleven York Street provides us with a perfect platform to break into Manchester and expand our already successful northern operations. “81 Fountain Street is a fantastic space, and the sale demonstrates the demand for high quality office space.” Managing Director of CBRE, John Ogden, advised Kier on the purchase of Eleven York Street. He said: “With a number of high profile lease events over the coming 18 months there are certainly some high calibre suitors for this highly desirable HQ opportunity.” Last month, Kier announced the completion of the disposal of Mouchel Consulting to WSP Global Inc. for £75 million cash. Mouchel Consulting, bought in June last year as part of Kier’s acquisition of Mouchel, provides engineering, environmental and asset management consultancy services, principally to infrastructure markets. Kier announced in July that it was undertaking an evaluation of the strategic options for the Mouchel Consulting business including a possible disposal.
The government has revealed a portfolio of 13 projects to offer £5 billion of opportunities to potential investors from China in the Northern Powerhouse. Chancellor Phillip Hammond presented the schemes to a delegation led by Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai. Hammond commented: “As we seek to take to take the golden era of UK China relations to the next step, we have a major opportunity to open up investment opportunities across the Northern Powerhouse. “This portfolio, opening up billions of pounds of investment ready projects to Chinese investors, will support our work to grow and create jobs across the north, as well as underpin our ambitions to bring world class infrastructure to every corner of Britain.” The Department for International Trade has also confirmed that they are working with 15 investors from China on property development and infrastructure schemes in the North of England. Some of the projects within the Northern Powerhouse Investment Portfolio are: AeroCentre, Doncaster: working with Sheffield Airport in the next phase of development to create new offices, logistic units and aviation hangars. Future Carrington, Trafford: opportunities for investment in a large scale residential and employment development in a prime location, providing over 14,000 new jobs and contributing an additional £720m GVA per annum. Kampus, Manchester: an exciting opportunity to create new city centre apartments and retail including bars, cafes and shops. Kirkstall Forge, Leeds: an opportunity to develop a new neighbourhood of 1,050 new homes, office space, retail, leisure and community space. Liverpool Waters, Liverpool: this offers sale of land to develop a full range of uses, as part of an overall £5 billion project which transform the city’s northern docks. MediaCityUK, Salford, Greater Manchester: home to the BBC, ITV and more than 250 smaller creative and digital businesses, an investment would double the size of MediaCityUK, creating studio, office, residential and retail space.