15 October 2016 – by David Hatcher HSBC Alternative Investments is in advanced talks to buy Brindleyplace in Birmingham in what would be the largest office deal in the city. The investment arm of HSBC’s private bank has agreed to buy five buildings at the complex from Lone Star and
One of the world’s largest port developments has been equipped with modern offices in just 30 days using prefabricated units sourced from China. Jim Simpson reports Located south of the Qatari capital Doha, the US$7.4bn New Port Project (NPP) comprises the port itself plus a new base for the Qatar
The British Coatings Federation (BCF) in association with the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) and the Scottish Decorator’s Federation (SDF), has launched a new initiative ‘PaintSafe’ which aims to promote the safe use of paint and related products and provide best practice for decorators and other applicators during preparation, application and
A ventilated rain screen cladding system from Sto has been used to form the crowning section of a major new library and cultural centre in South Shields. The challenging design of The Word highlights the tremendous versatility of the StoVentec R system, as despite the difficulty of the application, a high standard of
INDEPENDENT property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard, has launched a series of new podcasts delving under the skin of the new suite of NEC contracts. The first episode of ‘Perspective’ has now launched, with ‘Common Pitfalls’ now available to download. Partner Alastair Hamilton discusses what listeners can expect from
Since the dawn of steam, Santa has relied on the Polar Express for essential logistics around his festive distribution centre at the North Pole. It performs a vital role moving presents, wrapping paper etc. for next-day delivery. Like a lot of ageing infrastructure, the Polar Express line was starting to
15 October 2016 – by David Hatcher HSBC Alternative Investments is in advanced talks to buy Brindleyplace in Birmingham in what would be the largest office deal in the city. The investment arm of HSBC’s private bank has agreed to buy five buildings at the complex from Lone Star and Hines Global REIT for £260m – a yield of 6%. A deal has been agreed in principle, although the assets are not formally under offer because HSBC is still speaking to clients in its wealth management division about bringing them into a club to make the investment. If completed, the deal would be a major boon to the UK regional markets as overseas investors look to take advantage of the relatively high yields on offer and the devaluation of sterling. For Birmingham it would also be a further boost, with confidence brimming at the prospect of HS2 becoming operational from 2026. Subscribe to Estates to read great articles like this every week. See options below. Source link
One of the world’s largest port developments has been equipped with modern offices in just 30 days using prefabricated units sourced from China. Jim Simpson reports Located south of the Qatari capital Doha, the US$7.4bn New Port Project (NPP) comprises the port itself plus a new base for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and a new industrial and residential development known as the Qatar Economic Zone 3. The project will cover an area of 26.5km2. The port is being built in three phases, the first having a capacity of two million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) a year and two million tonnes of general cargo. On completion the port’s capacity will be more than 12 million TEUs a year. But the port cannot function without the equipment and personnel to monitor and control the vessel movements so an office complex, the last piece of the first phase, has had to be installed swiftly. The new complex comprises eight blocks, each made up from 182 modular flat-pack units which provide a total of 168 offices with a floorspace of 2,268m2. US-based procurement company Source Supply obtained and acquired the materials for the eight prefab buildings from Prefab Building Solutions (PBS), a British/Irish-owned modular building supply company headquartered in Shanghai, China. PBS delivered the materials in 168 flat-pack containers to the port management in Doha in November 2015. They were then assembled by Source Supply staff in just 10 days and the resulting office blocks were finished and fitted out within a month. They were ready for occupation before the end of the year. The Chinese-designed flat-pack buildings are suitable not only for offices but also for site accommodation, kitchens and mess halls. The buildings are designed so that nearly all components can be lifted by just two workers and connected simply using nuts and bolts, so the labour only needs to be semi-skilled. The need for heavy machinery is kept to a minimum too, and the only elements that need to be hoisted are the floor and roof trusses, which can be done with a small crane. Although flat-pack panelised buildings can be adapted to fit any shape or size, the shipping costs are kept down by ensuring that all designs will fit into a 20’ shipping container. The modular design also allows for remodelling of the original configuration to accommodate the expansion or contraction of site operations at a later date. Like all the oil-dependent Gulf states, Qatar has had to develop a plan for life beyond 2030 when it will need to sustain its own development and a growing population without recourse to petro-dollars. The result is a massive surge in infrastructure projects, many of which have been fast-tracked since Qatar secured its bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. One of the biggest is the New Port Project which is located close to the existing Mesaieed Industrial City. This sits on a major shipping channel and has its own port to service heavy industries and a wide range of petroleum products. The raw materials Qatar needs to complete these large construction projects require capacity which the current port does not have – and it must have the capacity in place to complete key infrastructure projects in readiness for the 2022 World Cup. Currently Qatar’s economy is 79% industrial, with half of this related to oil and gas exports. The ultimate aim of the NPP is to develop the non-hydrocarbon sector and create a more sustainable economic base in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The NPP is also intended to transform the country into an import hub for the region so that it is more resilient to changes in the global economic environment. It therefore has links to other transport networks such as Hamad International Airport and the railway and road networks that are also under development. Further Images This article was published on 18 Oct 2016 (last updated on 18 Oct 2016). Source link
The British Coatings Federation (BCF) in association with the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) and the Scottish Decorator’s Federation (SDF), has launched a new initiative ‘PaintSafe’ which aims to promote the safe use of paint and related products and provide best practice for decorators and other applicators during preparation, application and drying. Working in collaboration with the major paint manufacturers in the UK, the first phase of the campaign focuses on decorative paints, and was launched 28 and 29 November at the 2017 National Painting and Decorating Show. A second phase to promote safe use of industrial paints will be launched late in 2018. Unveiled as part of the campaign includes a tri-fold leaflet, which outlines do and do not points to follow whilst painting, and specific guidelines with regards to lead exposure and preparation. The leaflet is available for download at www.paintsafe.org.uk and will be available via trade outlets across the UK in the first quarter of 2018. BCF’s Chief Executive, Tom Bowtell commented: “Whilst we know most decorators are aware of best practice, it never hurts to be reminded of the best and safest ways to work with paints and coatings particularly when sanding and spraying, or dealing with period houses that may have been previously painted with lead based paints in the pre-1960s period.”
A ventilated rain screen cladding system from Sto has been used to form the crowning section of a major new library and cultural centre in South Shields. The challenging design of The Word highlights the tremendous versatility of the StoVentec R system, as despite the difficulty of the application, a high standard of finish was achieved. The Word, National Centre for the Written Word – was designed by international design practice FaulknerBrowns Architects. The building’s circular design and external appearance were inspired by the way the pages of a book fan out as it is opened. StoVentec R was used to create the building’s topmost section, which complements the striking combination of glass and cladding used beneath it. StoVentec board was also used to clad the ground floor of the building. “The insulation and StoVentec R cladding system for the building was designed by the specialist contractor, Aire Valley Exteriors of Shipley,” explains Sto Account Manager, Jim Allan. “However, the curved nature of the walls posed a number of installation challenges, as the StoVentec R system had to be applied to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), while still following the curve.” Work to further develop the cladding system design and then overcome the installation challenges involved close liaison between FaulknerBrowns, Aire Valley Exteriors and Sto, who made many site visits and provided technical support to the project. “The lightweight StoVentec boards were fixed to an adjustable stainless steel sub-construction to create a ventilated cavity. This cavity was part-filled with mineral-fibre insulation to provide reliable thermal insulation and create a U-value of 0.26 W/m2k. The cavity also ensures the wall can breathe and remain dry,” adds Jim Allan. “In this case, the sub-construction had to be fixed to the stud members inside the SIPS panels, while also accommodating the position of the building’s existing steel frame, and this involved using some additional brackets. The nature of the roof detailing added yet another dimension to the challenge, but by working together we were able to accommodate all the various factors successfully.” StoVentec boards are manufactured from recycled glass, and although light in weight, are very strong and very flexible. They do not expand or contract with temperature change so there is no risk of cracking. The adjustable sub–construction levels out any unevenness and provides for absolutely perpendicular surfaces. Seamless façades of up to 200m² can also be achieved. The boards were finished with a 1.5 mm coat of StoSilco K, a resin-based plaster that produces a clean, white finish to complement the other aspects of the completed building. The hydrophobic properties of StoSilco help repel rain and moisture and keep the façade cleaner for longer, thus providing great weather-resistance and outstanding protection. Opening on time in October 2016, The Word represents a real paradigm shift in the community library building typology. It is a library for the 21st century, celebrating the dynamic relationship between people, books, traditional media and interactive technologies, in a truly inspiring environment. The building incorporates a library, exhibition space, FabLab with 3D printers and vinyl and laser cutters, television and radio studio, children’s immersive storytelling area, OpenZone IT suite, café, and a rooftop viewing terrace with views out over the River Tyne. The building was commissioned by South Tyneside Council as the first phase of South Shields 365 Town Centre regeneration. The Word is vital to the wider regeneration of the town centre, creating a cultural destination which is promoting footfall and tourism back into the coastal town.
INDEPENDENT property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard, has launched a series of new podcasts delving under the skin of the new suite of NEC contracts. The first episode of ‘Perspective’ has now launched, with ‘Common Pitfalls’ now available to download. Partner Alastair Hamilton discusses what listeners can expect from the firm’s first podcast and what the common pitfalls are when using the contracts. Producing a podcast series is a first for Pick Everard and we’re delighted to have launched such an innovative and insightful series which aims to aid discussion and improve understanding, educating those in the industry who may not have yet come into contact with the new suite of NEC contracts. Each episode will feature property and construction leaders – from mechanical and electrical engineers to project managers to surveyors – with a combined experience of more than 100 years. We’re passionate about the industry and I think it really shows. Our first episode looks at common pitfalls that can arise from NEC3 contracts and how best to avoid them. The first potential pitfall highlighted as a potential cause for concern is: not understanding what you’re trying to produce and deliver. It’s imperative that there’s clear understanding among all delivery partners involved in a scheme – as well as the client – as to what they’re looking to achieve; what are the client’s key objectives? Once this has been established this will inform a brief and, ultimately, the contract type. Secondly, understanding the client itself is important as a pitfall can often be a misunderstanding of a company’s structure, its attitude to risk and any potential constraints with regards budget and time. Some clients don’t have a construction background so need and advice and guidance – particularly when it comes to contracts – and, in order to provide this information, a clear understanding of a business is required. Selecting the correct NEC contract is crucial to ensure that it can enable the key drivers for the project and allocate risks appropriately. Failure to select the most appropriate contract will result in a programme of works that simply doesn’t work for anyone – not to mention creating a particularly difficult job for the project manager, having to negotiate a contract that is not aligned to the requirements of the project. The idea of ‘one size fits all’ contracts is a contentious subject when it comes to the introduction of Z clauses. These are put in place to personalise a contract but clients need to be aware that they can create ambiguity and duplication which can potentially promote misunderstanding. At Pick Everard, we have a standard set of Z clauses we use but we adopt a precautionary approach to their use to ensure they do not become contradictory. Finally, the terminology used in NEC contracts can present pitfalls. There are changes to terminology in the new edition, NEC 4, and it is imperative that this is maintained throughout to avoid ambiguity. Failure to maintain consistency means that you risk a subcontractor or client not understanding a contract. This is particularly important with the NEC suite as it is also an important project management tool which is referred to at every stage of a project so needs to be as clear as possible. Small differences in terminology – for example ‘risk registers’ now being referred to as ‘early warning registers’ – can have a large impact on a project if they’re not accurately identified and understood. Getting a clear and accepted programme of work in place is crucial from the outset and, if used correctly, NEC contracts are an excellent project management tool to ensure that this is the case.
Since the dawn of steam, Santa has relied on the Polar Express for essential logistics around his festive distribution centre at the North Pole. It performs a vital role moving presents, wrapping paper etc. for next-day delivery. Like a lot of ageing infrastructure, the Polar Express line was starting to show its age and this year Santa sent elf envoys to Barnshaws Section Benders for some support. Ash Pan, Chief Stoker Elf aboard the Polar Express, explains: “We only travel in winter, so the Polar Express isn’t immune to some wear and tear. Usually this only amounts to chocolate stains on the seats, but after decades of service it was clear this Christmas that the rails needed some attention. For that we needed section bending, so we contacted Barnshaws to help ensure the Polar Express doesn’t become stationary.” Barnshaws, one of the world’s largest metal bending companies, has a proven track record in providing high quality steel curving to Santa’s operation. Last year, the business helped to avert a candy crisis by bending candy canes, and the year before, rolled new skis for Santa’s sleigh. This year it was subsidiary company Barnshaws Polska that was best able to help deliver the project, due to his North Polish location, and because the business had recently helped to design a new tram system in Poland. In the UK, Barnshaws has also been producing railway wiring gantries to aid with the electrification of older railway lines. Train Driver on the Polar Express, Rayul Way, added: “The Polar Express can hit speeds of over 100 presents per hour (pph), so it was really important to have perfectly curved rails. Barnshaws Polska was able to service this substantial order very quickly, and trust me we know about global logistics. “Thanks to this work, we’ve been able to ensure children from around the world get their presents from Santa, and the new lines which are millimetric perfect, form a solid platform for future success.” Santa was delighted with the work and said… “Ho Ho Ho!” A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Barnshaws!
