WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff has agreed to buy the industrial water consultancy business of global oilfield services company Schlumberger. Acquisition of the 250-employee business will enable the company to provide water consulting services to industrial clients worldwide and will establish a presence for WSP in Chile and Peru. The acquisition will
Savills, on behalf of Pelican Partners (Peterborough) LLP, has let office space at Midgate House on Midgate, Peterborough to The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). The charity has agreed to a new 15-year lease for offices on the first and second floors of the building, totalling 19,145 sq
Tideway, the company established to construct the Thames Tideway Tunnel in London, has listed bonds totalling £100m on the London Stock Exchange. Above: Preparatory works are already under way in central London Linked to the retail price index, £50m will mature in 2048 and the remaining £50m in 2054. They
A Halifax paper mill firm has been fined for safety breaches after a worker suffered severe crush injuries to his right hand. Bradford Crown Court heard that the injured worker sustained serious crush injuries in September 2013 while changing a couch roll on a board machine at Sonoco Cores & Paper Ltd’s
Property company Network Space has completed phase two of an industrial development that is taking shape in Merseyside. The first phase of the Mere Grange development in St Helens was completed in July 2018 and comprised 90,500 sq ft split across four individual buildings, ranging in size from 18,500 sq
Dulux has been named the UK’s most innovative brand by BrandZ, the largest global brand equity platform, in its second annual review. The 2018 BrandZ list places the paint brand ahead of names such as Dyson, Brewdog, Innocent and Sky, hailing its innovation in product development, its world leading colour
I would like to offer you an exciting case study on the £75m state-of-the-art Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex in County Tyrone, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. Moulded by the latest healthcare research and initiatives, TODD Architects’ design creates a “natural environment for healing”, using expansive
Leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has strengthened its senior team with six internal promotions. The company has promoted four Project Directors and two Senior Surveyors, building on the wealth of expertise already across the team. Gilbert-Ash recently announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December
Shelbourne Motors has appointed local building contractor O’Hare & McGovern to build its new £5m multi-franchise facility in Newry as Renault signs-up to the showpiece development. The Newry based Chartered building company has commenced work on the 50,000 sq ft development that will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled
Good news for the construction industry of Britain, as construction output has increased by 1.5% in the last three months. This statistic is lead by a 15% growth in construction throughout the North West, which official data has shown is at least 10 times the national average for growth rate.
WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff has agreed to buy the industrial water consultancy business of global oilfield services company Schlumberger. Acquisition of the 250-employee business will enable the company to provide water consulting services to industrial clients worldwide and will establish a presence for WSP in Chile and Peru. The acquisition will also add to the company’s presence in a number of, including the United States, the UK, Colombia and Mexico. “The industrial water consultancy team will bring WSP an increased presence in the attractive global water market, more specifically, in the supply, management, control and environmental protection of water,” said Alexandre L’Heureux, the incoming president and chief executive officer of WSP. “We are strengthening our presence in South America, a region we are targeting in our 2015-2018 strategic plan. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016. This article was published on 20 Jun 2016 (last updated on 20 Jun 2016). Source link
Savills, on behalf of Pelican Partners (Peterborough) LLP, has let office space at Midgate House on Midgate, Peterborough to The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). The charity has agreed to a new 15-year lease for offices on the first and second floors of the building, totalling 19,145 sq ft (1,778 sq m). This follows the recent letting to Reed Recruitment, who will also occupy space on the first floor totalling 2,970 sq ft (276 sq m). Refurbishment work has commenced on the entrance and reception area at Midgate House where up to 17,578 sq ft (1,633 sq m) still remains available to let on the third floor. The space is being marketed at a quoting rent of £10 per sq ft (£107 per sq m). 109,778 sq ft (10,197 sq m) at the RNIB’s former premises at Orton Southgate is also being sold by Savills. Edward Gee, associate in the business space team at Savills Peterborough, comments: “Situated in the heart of Peterborough city centre, Midgate House offers good quality office space and is an ideal location for The RNIB’s new Peterborough office. We are very pleased to have helped facilitate the move and to retain such a high profile occupier in the city.” The Royal National Institute of Blind People was advised by Spoke Consultancy. Source link
Tideway, the company established to construct the Thames Tideway Tunnel in London, has listed bonds totalling £100m on the London Stock Exchange. Above: Preparatory works are already under way in central London Linked to the retail price index, £50m will mature in 2048 and the remaining £50m in 2054. They have deferred purchase dates of June 2020 and June 2021. Tideway is stumping up £3.1bn of the super sewer project’s total £4.2bn cost, with the remainder coming from Thames Water. Last month Tideway agreed a £700m loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). Tideway chief financial officer Mark Corben said: “This innovative, deferred-purchased bond issue marks Tideway’s debut on the capital markets. Combined with our loan recently agreed with the EIB, it will help secure the financing for our long-term investment programme, locked-in at 2015 rates. It is another key step forward in our work to clean up the River Thames.” Main construction work on the Thames Tideway Tunnel is due to start later this year and be completed by early 2024. Construction of the £4.2bn project (2011 prices) will be under three main contracts: BMB JV (BAM Nuttall, Morgan Sindall and Balfour Beatty) has the £416m West contract FLO JV (Ferrovial Agroman UK and Laing O’Rourke Construction) has the £746m Central contract CVB JV (Costain Vinci Construction Grands Projects and Bachy Soletanche) has the £605m East contract. Stretching 25km through the heart of London, the main tunnel’s inner diameter will measure 7.2 metres. It will have a storage volume of 1.24 million cubic metres and run up to 66 metres underground, largely following the course of the river. Tideway is the trading name of Bazalgette Tunnel Limited, established in August 2015. Its shareholders are a consortium of investors comprising funds managed by Allianz Infrastructure Luxembourg, Amber Infrastructure Group, Dalmore Capital Limited, and DIF from the Netherlands. This article was published on 3 Jun 2016 (last updated on 3 Jun 2016). Source link
A Halifax paper mill firm has been fined for safety breaches after a worker suffered severe crush injuries to his right hand. Bradford Crown Court heard that the injured worker sustained serious crush injuries in September 2013 while changing a couch roll on a board machine at Sonoco Cores & Paper Ltd’s Halifax plant. The worker’s middle finger was severed in the machine and he required subsequent amputation of both his index and ring fingers. He is now registered as partly disabled. Sonoco Cores & Paper Ltd of Stainland, Halifax pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £120,000.00 with £6,354.00 costs. After the hearing, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspector Jackie Ferguson said: “The company failed to provide a safe system of work for changing couch rolls on a board machine. Their risk assessment for this type of work was not suitable or sufficient, it had identified the hazard , yet it did not consider the likelihood or severity of the risk and did not identify appropriate measures to prevent an uncontrolled fall of the machine’s hinged steel arm” “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those that fall below the required standards.” Notes to Editors: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk Journalists should approach HSE press office with any queries on regional press releases. Source link
Property company Network Space has completed phase two of an industrial development that is taking shape in Merseyside. The first phase of the Mere Grange development in St Helens was completed in July 2018 and comprised 90,500 sq ft split across four individual buildings, ranging in size from 18,500 sq ft to 26,350 sq ft. Each unit is self-contained, built to a high specification and designed to appeal to the needs of a wide range of logistics and industrial users. Phase 2 comprises a 51,400 sq ft unit which is currently under construction and has been pre-let to a specialist commercial laundry firm, Synergy LMS, on a 25-year lease. Caddick Construction are the contractors responsible for the build and completion is anticipated next month. Network Space has also recently secured planning for a 20,000 sq ft unit on the final phase which has been pre-let to an electrical distribution business. Construction of the unit is due to commence on site next month with completion before the end of the year. Stephen Barnes, Managing Director (Development) at Network Space, said: “We are delighted with progress at Mere Grange as we near completion of Phase 2 and shortly look to commence Phase 3. “In attracting the calibre of occupiers we have, Mere Grange has beaten off strong competition from other sites in the region. This is not only testament to the quality of accommodation we are delivering at the site but also the quality of the location and our proactive approach in responding to occupiers needs. “I’d like to thank the professional team for their hard work, together with our partners St Helens MBC and Homes England who have been actively involved in supporting the project. We look forward to successfully completing the final phase later this year.” Mere Grange is being developed in association with Homes England, St Helens Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Regional Authority. Cllr Derek Long, Leader of St Helens Council, added: “The development at Mere Grange is precisely the type of new employment space we require in St Helens in that it can support multiple different sectors. The Borough has a tradition in pharmaceuticals, and health and medical technology businesses.”
Dulux has been named the UK’s most innovative brand by BrandZ, the largest global brand equity platform, in its second annual review. The 2018 BrandZ list places the paint brand ahead of names such as Dyson, Brewdog, Innocent and Sky, hailing its innovation in product development, its world leading colour expertise, its approach to sustainability and its commitment to new technology. Five specific developments were highlighter, including Dulux’s expertise in the art and science of colour, as represented by its annual Colour of the Year and ColourFutures™ 2019. The second was the brand’s pioneering stance on sustainability in moving appliers, specifiers and homeowners away from solvent-based paints by providing proactive education on the benefits of water-based formulas. The third development was Dulux’s commitment to technology to support homeowners, naming the Dulux Visualizer, specifically, for allowing any room to be ‘virtually’ decorated in any Dulux colour in an instant. Fourthly was the success of the Dulux Academy – launched in March 2017 and now in numerous locations UK-wide – in continuing to upskill the trade in new techniques such as spray and urban effects. Finally, the list also praised the brand’s dedication to quality, with the production of Dulux materials in the UK coming from the world’s most advanced and sustainable paint factory in Ashington, Northumberland, which opened in 2017. At the heart of the Dulux brand is our mission to add colour to people’s lives, because we know – when used effectively – it can be absolutely transformative,” said Kathryn Ledson, marketing director of Dulux. “Today’s accolade is testament to a UK-wide team of experts who work everyday to make a meaningful difference, ensuring we are continuously raising the bar when it comes the quality of our products, our leadership in colour and our commitment to cutting-edge consumer solutions. As a result of this tireless dedication to innovate, we ensure that – as a brand – our tools, services and expertise has the power to transform spaces and improve lives,” she added. All these innovations saw the brand value of Dulux, owned by Dutch paints and coatings company AkzoNobel, rise by almost a fifth (18%) year on year in the BrandZ list, which is run by advertising giant WPP, in association with market data group Kantar. This saw it place 50th overall in the list of the UK’s most valuable brands.
I would like to offer you an exciting case study on the £75m state-of-the-art Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex in County Tyrone, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. Moulded by the latest healthcare research and initiatives, TODD Architects’ design creates a “natural environment for healing”, using expansive lines of sight and a user-friendly interior layout to maximise the patients’ connection with nature and promote positive, relaxed social interactions. Officially opened in April 2018, and garnering a host of awards since, the 27,000 m² building consists of a series of interlinked pavilions that bring together acute and primary care on a single shared campus. Grouping the departments together helps reduce patient waiting times and the need for a referral and return visit, delivering what a clinician described as ‘a one-stop shop’. Within an overall linear form with a single spine-like “street”, each department is housed in a distinct but connected pavilion, arranged around landscaped courtyards. The design maximises the views – and connections – between the patients, staff and visitors and the stunning County Tyrone landscape, as well as with the richly planted internal courtyards and on-site planting. Internally, the departments dissolve the traditional clinical barriers between staff and patients with break-out areas that offer informal space for relaxed patient-staff conservations. External architecture is a key part in the delivery of this holistic therapeutic environment, from the external design that sits proudly but not overwhelmingly within its context, to the carefully coded colour-based wayfinding and expansive use of glazing to maximise natural light as well as views out of and through the areas. The Campus also goes beyond traditional hospital services, providing community meeting places and group facilities to support out-reach services and engage with patient groups. In addition to award recognition, including best acute healthcare project in Europe in the 2018 EHD awards and Building of the Year – Public at the recent Building and Architect of the Year awards, the post occupancy feedback has been most positive from patients, staff and visitors alike. As the case study hasn’t yet been written, we can focus the article exclusively for your specific interests.
Leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has strengthened its senior team with six internal promotions. The company has promoted four Project Directors and two Senior Surveyors, building on the wealth of expertise already across the team. Gilbert-Ash recently announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2017. The results confirm a 50% increase in pre-tax profits to reach over £2, up from £1.4m in 2016. With results driven by the dedicated 180-strong team, the contractor reported an overall turnover of £165.5m, an increase from £148m in the previous year. It aims to build on this success with the recent Project Director and Senior Surveyor promotions, tapping into the strong potential that has been developed within the company. Whilst carrying out multiple complex projects across the UK and beyond, Gilbert-Ash has been striving to improve its workforce culture and inspiring working environment, through continual investment in its people and innovation. Sean Doran, John Davis, Ciaran Begley and Rodney Coalter have each been appointed as Project Directors, with Paul Carroll and Lyndon Park both promoted to Senior Surveyors. This allows their knowledge to be utilised at a strategic level and for each of them to help guide the company as it moves into a successful future. Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director, Gilbert-Ash commented: “This is an exciting time for Gilbert-Ash as we match our industry success with several in-house promotions to new senior positions. This demonstrates the talent, skills and expertise that Gilbert-Ash possesses, not only at the top level but running throughout the entire team from the ground up.” Current projects include John Davis leading the team at the new £17m Royal College of Pathologists headquarters in London, whilst Ciaran Begley is sharing his expertise at the redevelopment of the Royal College of Music in South Kensington. Additionally, Lyndon Park is readying the £19.5m Cambridge Mosque for completion in December this year. Rodney Coalter is currently working with the team to finalise the refurbishment of Bristol Old Vic, rediscovering its theatrical heritage. The company also continues to work with hotel group Whitbread on numerous concurrent projects, led by Sean Doran and Paul Carroll. As Whitbread Supplier of the Year 2017, Gilbert-Ash’s work takes place across the UK and includes its next generation, technology-enabled Premier Inn hub hotels. Each of the Project Directors and Senior Surveyors joined Gilbert-Ash in the early stages of their career, with Sean Doran and Lyndon Park both joining during their placement year. This demonstrates Gilbert-Ash’s cohesive work culture that has led to an employee retention rate of 87%. Ray Hutchinson added: “Our team of Project Directors and Senior Surveyors will help shape the future of construction at Gilbert-Ash through their determined work ethic and skilled attention to detail. I congratulate each of them on their success and look forward to seeing what the future holds under their steer. The company’s strong growth is driven by our continued focus and investment in both our chosen markets and our people.” Gilbert-Ash recently received the renowned accolade of Contractor of the Year at the Construction News Awards 2018. It has also been shortlisted for Contractor of the Year (up to £300m) at the Building Awards 2018. Over the past 12 months, it has performed strongly on a national level with several high-profile projects, including the £21.5m AC by Marriott Hotel in Belfast City Quays and the £19.5m Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts project in London.
Shelbourne Motors has appointed local building contractor O’Hare & McGovern to build its new £5m multi-franchise facility in Newry as Renault signs-up to the showpiece development. The Newry based Chartered building company has commenced work on the 50,000 sq ft development that will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled to open in summer 2019. The new state-of-the-art facility, designed by Clarman Architects, is a significant investment by the family-owned vehicle retailer in the Newry area as it celebrates its 45th Anniversary. It will include new car showrooms, new car handover bays, lounge-style waiting area with café and a drive-thru service centre with a 28-bay service workshop. The Renault partnership will see Shelbourne Motors become the dedicated dealer of new and used Renault vehicles in the Newry and Mourne area. Kia was the first manufacturer to be confirmed for the site. Caroline Willis, Financial Director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “This is a significant milestone for Shelbourne Motors. We are delighted to partner with one of Northern Ireland’s leading Contractors to carry out the building works on our largest ever single investment.” “We implemented a rigorous procurement process to appoint the best contractor to deliver our vision. O’Hare & McGovern have demonstrated the skills, experience and resources to match our ambitions to build a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the strength and growth of our brand. “It will create 60 new jobs for the Newry area, as well as offer an environment that’s modern and spacious with a host of technologically-advanced features that will provide local customers with an unrivalled sales and after-care experience. “Our long-term relationship with Renault made the manufacturer an obvious fit for this new development and it demonstrates their confidence in our business to incorporate a brand-new dealership into our Newry expansion.” Martin Lennon, Managing Director of O’Hare & McGovern said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won the contract to build this new state-of-the-art showpiece facility. It strengthens our relationships with Shelbourne Motors which stretches back more than 40 years, and it is also a huge economic boost for the city, and the wider Newry area. “The Ward family are to be commended for committing to such an investment. The benefits will be enormous, especially with the provision of so many new jobs.” Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward Family in 1973. It currently employs over 130 staff at its 9-acre Portadown headquarters, where it operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a Used Car Supermarket, Accident Repair Centre and Valet Centre.
Good news for the construction industry of Britain, as construction output has increased by 1.5% in the last three months. This statistic is lead by a 15% growth in construction throughout the North West, which official data has shown is at least 10 times the national average for growth rate. New housing in the North West has been of incredible value to the construction industry as a whole over the country, with the value increasing by £368 million in this quarter compared the the same quarter last year (2017). According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the output of new infrastructure has also seen significant growth, which puts Britain’s construction industry in a steady position before the new year and before Brexit becomes reality. The North West has become a hustle and bustle of new housing developments, but even though this comes as welcomed news, it is believed there is still more to be done. Although encouraging, a wider range of residential property needs to be explored, as the vast majority of North West builds are being marketed to suit the first time buyer. Regardless, this is still very positive with huge benefits being spread across the North West and beyond, the fact new buyers are being targeted more than any other buyer is due to the Help To Buy scheme taking place. The government run scheme was launched five years ago and is available until 2020, although aimed at any home buyer, not just first time buyers, the Help To Buy scheme is only accessible on purchasing a new build property. A buyer is required to raise 5% of the properties value as deposit, which is much less than the previous 10%+ which first time buyers often struggled to provide. Since the launch of the Help To Buy scheme, first time buyers have gone from accounting for 37% of mortgages to 51%. Given there is less than two years left of the scheme definitively being in motion, the British government are eager to get things moving in terms of new construction developments in the residential sector. This is not just for the first time buyer, more bungalows have been proposed to help the elderly move from larger housing and family homes are being thought of for those who need to up-size their property. It is widely thought that fewer homes than are needed are being constructed as more and more people are wanting to get their foot on the property ladder. However, the statistics come as welcomed news that the construction industry is heading in the right direction for a successful future in terms of new residential builds.
