Affinity Water has announced it is about to begin work on a £2.5 million extension to a storage reservoir in Kent, to help increase security of supply to customers in the Folkestone area. Paddlesworth Reservoir, near Hawkinge, is to receive a second ancillary reservoir cell of 3ml capacity adjacent to
Heathrow Airport has contracted Morgan Sindall to carry out £7.3m of refurbishment and improvement work to its infrastructure, runways and stands. Pre-contract enabling works have been carried out to ensure there is no damage to underground services and the project team has already completed the first phase of the scheme,
The government construction pipeline represents £5.7 billion of Healthcare investment to 2021 and beyond, making the NHS the largest capital construction client in the country. Yet capital investment and maintenance face increasing pressure as the cost of providing front-line services increases. The Healthcare sector is faced with improving the efficiency
Plans for the £1bn Silvertown Tunnel under the River Thames have been approved by the mayor of London despite significant opposition from environmental campaigners and local residents concerned about traffic pollution. Above: The Silvertown Tunnel could open in 2023 The proposed Silvertown Tunnel, consulted on last year, moves to a
ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Thursday 18 June 2015 Press contact: Gagandeep Bedi – gagandeep.bedi@riba.org 020 7307 3814
Residential Property Experts Say Consultation ‘A Welcome Move’ But the Devil Will be in the Detail Leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell’s property experts are calling the Ministry of Housing’s latest consultation on implementing leasehold reforms a welcome move overall, but retain some caution over implementation. The consultation,
The construction of the 3750 ft² Lake House, a contemporary new build private residence situated on a man-made island in a flooded quarry in the Cotswolds, will be overseen by Boon Brown Architects. Having been Lead Consultant and Architect from design inception through to planning and full technical design, Boon
The new LS1219 305mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw joins the family of Makita saws that benefit from the new design of the sliding motor head layout allowing it to be operated close to a wall making it ideal for bench mounted applications. The twin slide rails are set at an
A flagship housing development exclusively for clinical staff in Salford has been honoured at a national awards ceremony. Alexander Gardens in Broughton was Highly Commended in the Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year category in the prestigious 24 Housing Awards. The project by housing association Salix Homes, has seen an
A four year regeneration programme that will prolong Gentoo’s housing stock and ensure residents are living in high-quality, energy efficient and sustainable housing, within a safe environment, will be delivered by Engie’s regeneration business. The work includes re-roofing existing properties and undertaking gable wall repairs at the Racecourse Estate in
Affinity Water has announced it is about to begin work on a £2.5 million extension to a storage reservoir in Kent, to help increase security of supply to customers in the Folkestone area. Paddlesworth Reservoir, near Hawkinge, is to receive a second ancillary reservoir cell of 3ml capacity adjacent to the existing storage reservoir. The extra capacity will help safeguard supplies during dry spells or disruption. It is part of a wider investment programme that also includes the building of a new pumping station at Lower Standen and several mains replacement schemes. Coffey Construction is the main contractor for the scheme. Work will begin shortly and is due to be completed by autumn 2017. The reservoir site is in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the water company said that care has been taken to ensure that environmental and visual impacts are minimised. Project manager Claire Sandhu said: “Our environmental consultants Cascade Consulting undertook extensive ecological surveys to assist with planning and design. The new reservoir will be less than half the size of the existing reservoir and screening and landscaping with grass banks will blend it into the landscape. “Some trees and bushes will need to be removed but these will be replaced by new planting to the southern boundary of the site.” The site is accessed by small roads and construction traffic will be carefully managed to minimise disruption for residents, added Sandhu. Affinity Water had initially envisaged a 4ml extension when planning permission was agreed by Shepway Council in September 2014. However, the plans were later scaled back to 3ml. A version of this article first appeared on wwtonline Source link
Heathrow Airport has contracted Morgan Sindall to carry out £7.3m of refurbishment and improvement work to its infrastructure, runways and stands. Pre-contract enabling works have been carried out to ensure there is no damage to underground services and the project team has already completed the first phase of the scheme, which involved resurfacing the T5 end of the southern runway. The runway was re-surfaced with a new polymer modified bitumen (PMB) asphalt, designed specifically for use in airports due to its high strength and resistance to cracking. The next stage of the project involves working directly in front of the British Airways Engineering line maintenance base to replace underground stone water-drainage pipes. The site team is working during the night and has constructed a purpose-built route so that aircraft can reach the base, thus minimising disruption to one of the airport’s busiest areas. Morgan Sindall is one of four contractors on the Q6 framework, appointed to deliver a £1.5bn programme of upgrades and improvements at Heathrow Airport by 2019. Keith Cannin, managing director of aviation at Morgan Sindall, said: “We have a long standing relationship with Heathrow Airport and a track record of successfully delivering this kind of work. Our site team understand the pressures and considerations involved working in a live airside environment and always take the necessary measures to mitigate interruptions at the airport.” The work is expected to be complete by the end of 2017 and follows the refurbishment and resurfacing of the airport’s Sierra Taxiway as part of a £16m contract completed last year. Further Images This article was published on 23 Sep 2016 (last updated on 23 Sep 2016). Source link
The government construction pipeline represents £5.7 billion of Healthcare investment to 2021 and beyond, making the NHS the largest capital construction client in the country. Yet capital investment and maintenance face increasing pressure as the cost of providing front-line services increases. The Healthcare sector is faced with improving the efficiency of building stock whilst delivering cost savings. The newly released Construction Market Report – UK Healthcare Sector provides an impartial overview of opportunities for the construction industry. For those product manufacturers wishing to supply the construction Healthcare sector this is an invaluable resource for informing your marketing strategy. The total Healthcare construction market is valued at 2.6bn in 2015, with a forecasted increase of 6.1% by 2018. The government has allocated £4.8bn capital funding for health every year up to 2020. During this period at least £500m will be invested in building new hospitals, including Cambridge, Brighton and Sandwell. The NHS has one of the largest estates in Europe. And as the cost of providing front-line services increases, so funds have to be diverted from capital investment and maintenance. With a £4.3bn in maintenance backlog reported for 2014/15. Therefore, products and systems that can contribute to efficiencies in estates management and use are necessary to achieve envisaged improvements to the NHS. BIM is seen as key to delivering cost savings. Already BIM has been identified as contributing to 14% of cost savings since 2009. Improving efficiency of building stock is also key. All NHS organisations are required to have a Sustainable Development Plan (SDMP) in place to support the NHS’s Carbon Reduction Strategy. To meet the need for greater efficiencies in estate management long term partnerships between the NHS and the private sector to modernise buildings, equipment and services is being encouraged by government. More about the Construction Market Report – UK Healthcare Sector research:This report present’s the Healthcare sector’s structure, the opportunities following the Conservative Party Manifesto 2015, the Chancellor’s Spending Review and the Autumn Budget Statement 2015. The objectives the Construction Market Report – UK Healthcare Sector achieves are: Contribute to the marketing strategy of businesses wishing to supply the Healthcare construction sector with a focus on building product manufacturers Provide an impartial overview of Healthcare opportunities for the construction industry, Identify key decision makers and influencers in the Healthcare sector, including Clients, Architects and Main Contractors Present the structure of private and public Healthcare in the UK Along with the report we include a listing of 370 architects’ practises identified as designing Healthcare projects in 2015-16. The report costs £500 + VAT and is available to purchase online at www.cadvantage-knowledge.co.uk The report was compiled in September and October 2016 by Competitive Advantage Consultancy Ltd. It comprises of 72 pages with 21 charts and tables of data and contains: Lists with contact details for leading Clients, Architects and Contractors working on Healthcare projects. Details of the structure of the NHS and health authorities for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are included. Details of the top private healthcare providers for private hospitals and care homes. An overview of the composition and size of the NHS Healthcare Estate. A forecast of Healthcare construction output. Split of Healthcare projects by value and type. Details of the government’s Construction Pipeline for Healthcare. Information on the NHS Property Services Disposal Schedule. The report is comprised of desk research from many sources, combined with Competitive Advantage’s own primary research, presented in a consolidated and logical format. Where possible, web links have been included to allow the reader to go to original sources or gather further information. ENDSFor further information please contact:Helen JohnstoneCompetitive Advantage Consultancy Ltd01276 378053Helen@cadvantage.co.uk Source link
Plans for the £1bn Silvertown Tunnel under the River Thames have been approved by the mayor of London despite significant opposition from environmental campaigners and local residents concerned about traffic pollution. Above: The Silvertown Tunnel could open in 2023 The proposed Silvertown Tunnel, consulted on last year, moves to a six-month public examination phase next week (11 October). The road link between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks is part of a package of new river crossings to be built in the next five to 10 years. Others are a new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Rotherhithe & Canary Wharf, which is to be accelerated, and a Docklands Light Railway (DLR) crossing at Gallions Reach towards Thamesmead, helping support the development of around 17,000 new homes across Newham and the Royal Borough of Greenwich. There is also to be further assessment work for a Barking Riverside-Abbey Wood London Overground rail crossing and further assessment of a North Greenwich-Isle of Dogs ferry crossing, supporting new development on the Greenwich Peninsula and the Isle of Dogs. The Silvertown Tunnel would open in 2023 to alleviate traffic congestion in the Blackwall Tunnel and be paid for via a user charge. As a sop to pollution concerns, the plans inherited from the previous mayor, Boris Johnson, have been adjusted slightly. It is now proposed that a special cycle-bus will carry cyclists and their bikes through the tunnel, rather than have them breathe unfiltered tunnel air. The new mayor is also hoping to improve the new tunnel’s green credentials by stipulating more construction traffic maximises river use rather than roads and that all vehicles working on the construction of the Silvertown Tunnel will be Euro 6 standard and comply with the mayor’s new Direct Vision Standard. The mayor has also asked for the acceleration of the new pedestrian and cycling bridge linking Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. Due to river traffic at this location, the bridge would need to open for shipping and TfL has carried out analysis on whether a bascule or swing style bridge could be more suitable. A competitive procurement process will be held next year and subject to funding, availability of land and relevant approvals, the new bridge could be open by as soon as 2020. On current estimates, these new crossings, along with the future Elizabeth line, could all be delivered within the next five to 10 years, TfL reckons. Funding would mostly come from developer contributions. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “It’s no secret that London has long needed more river crossings in the east. With new homes and economic growth across East London, it becomes even more important that we deliver new greener transport links that allow Londoners to cross the river quickly and more easily. “But we don’t want these to have a damaging impact on our environment, and that’s why I’ve reviewed and improved plans for Silvertown Tunnel and why I’m pushing forward with crossings that encourage public transport, walking and cycling. “As we continue to unlock the massive economic potential of East London, we must secure the very best transport infrastructure that improves the quality of life for everyone living and working in the area.” TfL acting managing director of planning Alex Williams said: “London’s population continues to grow and it’s vital that we do everything we can to support this to ensure that everyone can continue to move around freely and easily. The mayor’s new vision for river crossings in East London is firmly rooted in supporting growth and providing better public transport links for all. We will now work hard to develop the designs for these new crossings, as well as identify potential funding opportunities, to allow them to be constructed more quickly.” David Leam, infrastructure director at business lobby group London First, said: “Better river crossings will help unlock the economic potential of East and South East London and connect thousands of new homes in Newham, Barking, Greenwich and elsewhere. We’re delighted the mayor has sped up these plans, aiming to deliver new ways of getting across the river within the next five to ten years.” The Freight Transport Association was also glad to hear the Silvertown Tunnel getting the go-ahead. FTA head of policy Christopher Snelling said: “London’s biggest growth is going to come in the east, and the shortage of road crossings beyond Tower Bridge is already holding back the economy in that part of the city. The congestion we currently have at crossings like Blackwall causes massive unnecessary local pollution and disruption for residents – we would all be better off with smoother flowing traffic. This new crossing will not be enough to solve everything, but it will be a big step forward. It will help the local economy and communities as it will support the logistics industry as it tries to provide the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of goods that London needs every day to keep functioning.” He added: “We still want to see more detail on the charging regime. It is crucial for the best use of the crossing that we do not discriminate against essential users like freight – as well as buses, coaches, disabled drivers and tradespeople. Charges should not be set in favour of car users who have other options as to how to get about. Freight traffic won’t increase with more crossings as car traffic might, as the quantity of freight needing to be moved will not change.” Others don’t want it built at all. “For Sadiq Khan to call this a ‘greener Silvertown Tunnel’ hides the fact that Greenwich and the Royal Docks would be a dumping ground for the south of England’s congestion and pollution,” said Anne Robbins, chair of the No to Silvertown Tunnel campaign group. “He talks a good game when it comes to pollution and congestion in central London, but communities in east and south east London clearly don’t seem to matter as much. They will be living with even worse traffic and poorer air.
ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Thursday 18 June 2015 Press contact: Gagandeep Bedi – gagandeep.bedi@riba.org 020 7307 3814 The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is delighted to announce the longlist for the 2015 RIBA Manser Medal, sponsored by specialist insurer Hiscox. 20 remarkable homes, from Somerset to Scotland, are in the running for the prestigious award for the best new house or major extension in the UK. Highlights include a modern family house created from disused farm buildings in the Scottish Highlands (The Mill), an architect-owned extremely low-energy self-built house on the edge of a Somerset village (Dundon Passivhaus), an unusual house in County Londonderry constructed from four shipping containers with a dramatic first floor cantilever (Grillagh Water House) and a split-level family home on a steep slope in suburban Belfast (House on Church Road). RIBA Past President Stephen Hodder said: “The longlist for the RIBA Manser Medal reveals the UK’s most ambitious and innovative new homes and highlights the ingenuity of talented architects. With this year’s exciting longlist, the bar for well-designed new homes has clearly been raised.” Jonathan Manser, of The Manser Practice, said: “The enthusiasm and commitment of clients all over the country in commissioning the design of houses large and small is reflected in this long list. It shows that, at its best, the relationship between architect and client, results in inspiring buildings and beautiful homes. The quality of the houses on the list will make choosing a winner both difficult but rewarding.” The judges for the 2015 RIBA Manser Medal, sponsored by Hiscox, are Jonathan Manser, Chair of the RIBA Manser Medal jury, James Standen of Hiscox, Chris Loyn, the recipient of the 2014 Manser Medal and Tony Chapman, RIBA Head of Awards. The longlist for the 2015 RIBA Manser Medal, sponsored by Hiscox is: 1. Cefn Castell, Gwynedd, Wales by Stephenson Studio LTD State of the art contemporary house overlooking Cardigan Bay 2. Dundon Passivhaus, Somerset, England by Prewett Bizley Architects An architect-owned extremely low-energy self-built house on the edge of a Somerset village 3. Fitzroy Park House, London, England by Stanton Williams An elegant contemporary home in the Highgate Conservation Area 4. House on Church Road, Belfast, Northen Ireland by Hall McKnight Split-level family home on a steep slope in suburban Belfast 5. Cliff House, Swansea, Wales by Hyde + Hyde Architects Set on the coast, this three-storey home delivers stunning panoramic views of the Bristol Channel 6. Courtyard House, London, England by Dallas Pierce Quintero An exemplar of working within limited space, this house creates a light and airy feeling throughout 7. Flint House, Buckinghamshire, England by Skene Catling De La Pena A fascinating building of masonry and flint, its construction seems to dissolve as it reaches towards the sky 8. Folly Farm, Reading, England by Frances and Michael Edwards Architects A substantial restoration of a Grade 1 listed Lutyens house, with renovation materials sourced from their original quarries 9. Grillagh Water House, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland by Patrick BradleyArchitects Constructed from four shipping containers, this home uses discreet steel props to create a dramatic first floor cantilever 10. House in Formby, Liverpool, England by Shedkm An intriguing villa with subtle undertones of Scandinavia 11. House at Maghera, County Down, Northern Ireland by Mcgonigle McGrath Set on the stunning Mourne Mountains, this family house consists of two linear buildings rotated from one another 12. Kew House, London, England by Piercy&Company This house creates a link between the rustic and refined by integrating an original 19th century stable wall into its design 13. Levring House, London, England by Jamie Fobert Architects Arranged as a series of volumes, the house converges around a central lightwell climbing from the basement 14. (The) Mill, Scottish Borders, Scotland by WT Architecture Overlooking a valley in the Scottish Borders, a collection of disused farm buildings have been revitalised to create a modern, rural holiday home with historic character 15. Pobble House, Kent, England by Guy Hollaway Architects Timber, cement board and Corten steel is combined deliberately and carefully to give the house a strong profile of three pitched roof cabins, with a side pod appearing to float delicately above a bed of shingle 16. Stackyard, Diss, Suffolk by Mole Architects With a focus on sustainability, this predominately timber built house is a fantastic addition to its countryside setting 17. Sussex House, West Sussex, England by Wilkinson King Architects A stand-alone contemporary villa with an over-sailing first floor, this house is effortlessly orchestrated by a double height void and staircase 18. Vaulted House, London, England by vPPR Architects This family house features six roofs, each topped by a skylight, that help spatially define and individually illuminate various parts of the open plan interior 19. Victoria Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland by Hall McKnight This house bridges a deep cut stream with most of the accommodation on the far side, freeing up the flatter upper landscape to become a spacious family garden 20. Westmorland, Liverpool, England by Snook Architects An unashamedly modern house with long span in-situ concrete frame, narrow brick cladding, steel window frames, stone and timber floors and a generous and light interior ENDS Notes to editors RIBA press contact: Gagandeep Bedi – gagandeep.bedi@riba.org 020 7307 3814 For access to the architects and clients on selected Manser Medal longlist projects please contact Gagandeep Bedi The RIBA Manser Medal is awarded every year to the best new house designed by an architect in the UK. It was created in 2001 to celebrate excellence in housing design and was named to honour Michael Manser CBE, a designer of exceptional homes and former RIBA President. Previous winners include Loyn & Co for Stormy Castle (2014), Carl Turner Architects for Slip House (2013) and Acme for Hunsett Mill
Residential Property Experts Say Consultation ‘A Welcome Move’ But the Devil Will be in the Detail Leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell’s property experts are calling the Ministry of Housing’s latest consultation on implementing leasehold reforms a welcome move overall, but retain some caution over implementation. The consultation, announced this week follows the recommendations made by the Law Commission’s earlier call for evidence to address a number of significant issues that buyers and sellers face in the housing market. In particular it focuses on: the use of leasehold houses in new developments, the impact of high ground rents and the fees linked with getting information when properties are sold. The consultation proposes that future ground rents are capped at a nominal £10 per annum. On one hand this will ease the buying and selling process and remove the current problems facing lenders where Assured Shorthold Tenancies have been unwittingly created by exceeding the rent limits. However, as Brian Dowling, Senior Associate at Irwin Mitchell pointed out, “A properly administered ground rent can often incentivise effective management of leasehold property. There is an attraction to having a stable, indexed long-term income from an asset and it is arguably more transparent to describe this as a rent than try and recover a profit element from providing services under a service charge”. “It does not seem that a compelling argument has yet been made to justify ground rents or argue that the rate of increase should be capped. This consultation seems like the last chance for developers and investors to do that.” A second aspect of the consultation indicates that the sale of leasehold houses will not be banned altogether as there are some justifiable circumstances where the use of the leasehold system will be necessary to ensure management of common facilities on a new development. Shared ownership properties, community-led housing and certain sites on Crown and National Trust land will be exempt from any ban on new-build leasehold houses. This may also be extended to retirement housing and sites with complex infrastructure. Brian Dowling commented, “If the democratic decision is made that ground rents should no longer be chargeable on long residential leases then the only reason for having long leasehold houses is when it is essential to ensure that a shared structure or infrastructure is effectively maintained, or to secure the long-term use of a house in accordance with charitable purposes. This view seems to have registered, which is encouraging. In particular, retirement living developers, community land trusts, and co-housing groups will be encouraged, as they all have their own reasons for wanting to sell leasehold houses.” “The devil is in the detail though and it is important that developers and investors make the case for using leasehold when the structure of a development scheme demands it. Examples including having duplex homes above shops or commercial space, or having houses above shared underground car parks. One further element of the Government proposals which will be welcomed by house owners, is the proposal for equivalent rights to be given to freeholders to challenge reasonableness of freehold service charges or estate rent charges for maintenance of common areas which are currently only available to leaseholders. Dowling commented, “It is not clear though that freehold house owners on new or recently built estates face the same problems with escalating or opaque charges that a number of leaseholders have faced. In particular, the service charges are typically low because few services need to be provided- often just minor roads and planted areas. It is also common practice for the house owners to eventually control the management company following the sale of the last house on the estate. “If these rights were introduced, they may impact more on groups of neighbouring owners who need to keep their estates looking smart and have to negotiate amongst themselves, rather than on consumers dealing with management companies, as at present.” The consultation further seeks to ensure that information packs required for the transfer of ownership of leasehold properties is provided in a timely manner by managing agents and freeholders. This is move welcomed by Irwin Mitchell. Marcelle Turner, Associate and specialist residential leasehold lawyer in Irwin Mitchell’s Leasehold Enfranchisement Team said, “Investing in leasehold property can be risky for those who are not properly informed. Many buyers are unaware and often confused as to their rights and the correct legislation which applies to their property. The consultation seeks to align some of the procedures which will benefit both freehold and leasehold owners although current owners will not see any change to their existing leases.” The consultation will run for six weeks and closes on the 26th November; Irwin Mitchell will be submitting a response.
The construction of the 3750 ft² Lake House, a contemporary new build private residence situated on a man-made island in a flooded quarry in the Cotswolds, will be overseen by Boon Brown Architects. Having been Lead Consultant and Architect from design inception through to planning and full technical design, Boon Brown will continue to work with the client to administer the build contract and ensure every detail of Lake House is delivered to specification. “Right from the outset, our client demanded a bold, high specification design with a strong visual connection with the lake. We applied our experience in bespoke residential design with commercial scale architecture to explore original solutions and create the architecture and language the client sought. The form, layout and technical detailing will deliver expansive views of the lake unhindered by the distraction of structural elements, window framing or railings,” explained Craig Jones, Architectural Director at Boon Brown. The new build’s reinforced concrete frame will enable large column-free spans whilst maintaining a slim flat-slab floor construction and low storey height. Exposed concrete is largely left fair faced internally in an honest expression of the structure. The elevational design expresses a light, modular clad ground floor with a high percentage of energy performance glazing and black glass spandrel cladding, allowing the first floor to visually float above a reflective base. The upper floor directs views over the lake, with the master bedroom having a stunning 6m by 3m frameless corner-glazed floor to ceiling picture window. The upper floor cladding incorporates larch vertical strips to the main form, matching surrounding buildings and being sensitive to the woodland setting, whilst the expressive parts are sheathed in black render. Meanwhile, the minimalist interior required exceptional design coordination with building services to ensure systems are discreet and complement the interior. A VRF refrigerant comfort cooling system serves fan coil units unobtrusively built into each habitable room and coordinated with fit-out furniture. The building fabric is highly insulated, and the underfloor heating is via water source heat pump, taking advantage of the lake setting. The central ventilation system incorporates heat recovery and tempered fresh air supply. Lake House is a family home at The Lakes by Yoo, a disused quarry site that has been flooded to create sculptured island plots for individual dwellings. The accommodation is divided over three floors, with all the principal rooms enjoying the south-westerly view over the lake. In addition to five bedrooms, living, dining and media rooms, there is a roof level reading room that connects to a terrace and hydropool.
The new LS1219 305mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw joins the family of Makita saws that benefit from the new design of the sliding motor head layout allowing it to be operated close to a wall making it ideal for bench mounted applications. The twin slide rails are set at an angle in the rigid aluminium alloy chassis frame, while the rear chassis fixing is positioned right at the rear of the saw assembly. The robust rails allow the saw head to move forward to cover the total sawing zone without the wasted movement of the motor head passing back behind the sawing zone. The new LS1219 mitre saw has a no load speed of 3,200rpm and features a bigger mitre and bevel range than its predecessor the LS1216. This new mitre saw has class leading mitre and bevel capacities – 60° L to 60° R mitre, and 48° L to 48° R bevel. A front knob enables easy bevel adjustment with easy-to-operate mitre angle lock and one-touch sliding head lock. The LS1219 benefits from DXT – Deep and Exact Cutting Technology – and the 12” blade has an impressive 72 tooth count which has been developed to dampen vibration and be super quiet to enhance the work environment. This also improves both durability and reliability of the saw blade and equipment. A lower vibrating blade produces greater cut accuracy, and also reduces wobble, giving a beautifully cut surface. The robust aluminium alloy main bed is fully machined for accuracy giving a large turning base. The rear fence has adjustable material locks and side holders to support a wide workpiece. The new LS1219 can also be connected to a dust extractor for operator safety. The electronic controls feature soft start for machine and operator safety; constant speed control; electric brake; double insulation and a laser marker system on the LS1219L model. 110v and 240v versions of this new mitre saw are available. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk. About the LS1219 305mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw Maximum 3,200rpm Maximum mitre range 60° to 60° left/right; bevel range 48° to 48° left/right Sliding arm can be operated close to a wall Laser marker version also available
A flagship housing development exclusively for clinical staff in Salford has been honoured at a national awards ceremony. Alexander Gardens in Broughton was Highly Commended in the Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year category in the prestigious 24 Housing Awards. The project by housing association Salix Homes, has seen an empty sheltered housing complex completely remodelled and transformed to provide 26-apartments for doctors, nurses and other clinical staff who work at Salford Royal Hospital. Salix Homes teamed up with Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust to provide affordable homes for its workers after it emerged the hospital was struggling to fill 200 vacancies, with the lack of affordable accommodation cited as one of the barriers to attracting people to the area. Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “Our Alexander Gardens development is a fantastic success story for Salix Homes, providing much-needed affordable accommodation for doctors, nurses and clinical staff at our local hospital. “We are incredibly proud of this project which demonstrates just what can be achieved when the health and housing industries work in partnership to improve the lives of people living and working in our communities. “As a nation in the grips of a housing crisis, we are very proud to be leading the way in providing affordable accommodation for key workers, so to be recognised for our work in this area in such prestigious industry awards is a real honour.” Alexander Gardens on Gorton Street has stood empty since the Boxing Day 2015 floods after the former residents were re-housed when their homes were damaged by the worst flooding to hit Salford in decades. Salix Homes has spent more than £2million converting the building into modern one and two bedroom apartments, working alongside its partner contractor A Connolly Ltd. The project was partially funded thanks to a £780,000 grant from Homes England Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme. Salford Royal is letting the homes to new recruits in a bid to encourage more medical professionals to come to Salford to work, and reduce its reliance on agency staff. The first residents are expected to move in over the coming weeks.
A four year regeneration programme that will prolong Gentoo’s housing stock and ensure residents are living in high-quality, energy efficient and sustainable housing, within a safe environment, will be delivered by Engie’s regeneration business. The work includes re-roofing existing properties and undertaking gable wall repairs at the Racecourse Estate in Houghton le Spring and Town End Farm in Sunderland. As several properties have been identified as shortly needing repointing, brickwork, leadwork, fire breaks and topping up roof space insulation, Gentoo has committed to investing now, in an effort to future proof homes for their tenants. “This is a sensitive but vital project, in which resident welfare is the utmost priority. Gentoo has a very clear and direct vision of ensuring their housing stock is fit for purpose and their tenants are safe and happy. We have demonstrated our extensive abilities in this line of work and have the infrastructure in place to ensure we deliver a seamless and inclusive programme for residents,” said Andrew McIntosh, Regional Managing Director for Engie’s Places & Communities division. All work will be completed with residents in occupation, while Engie will be working openly and closely with the residents throughout the duration of the project to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. Those who are affected by the programme of works will benefit from several consultation meetings and coffee mornings, as well as a dedicated resident liaison officer that will be on hand at all times. “As with all of our projects across the UK, we will also be looking to use a local supply chain and provide employment and training prospects for people in the area, including Gentoo tenants, to ensure we are putting as much as possible back into the local community,” Andrew concluded. As a leader in the energy revolution, Engie offers a comprehensive range of clean mobility solutions that transform the way energy is used. The Group has developed a systems-based approach that combines its skills and expertise in alternative fuels, transport infrastructures, smart transit systems, and upstream design and planning.
