March 25, 2019

London’s Tech-City Development Complete

A building in London’s Tech-City has been redeveloped in order to create 75,000 sq ft of new stand-out office and retail space. The work was delivered on Arnold House by Gilbert-Ash, with mechanical and electrical works completed by Irwin M&E. “Arnold House was a really interesting project to work on,”

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Is This the Ultimate Home Study?

LEADING architects and designers have heralded the mezzanine studies that are a feature at Scotland’s most upmarket new development. Boasting a dramatic view out to the grounds and building of one of the country’s most iconic estates, the studies at The Crescent at Donaldson’s benefit from the sweeping homes’ almost

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HAT-TRICK OF FRAMEWORK WINS FOR WOODHEAD GROUP

Woodhead Group has made a great start to the first quarter of 2019 after securing a trio of framework wins to deliver a range of  housing and public sector construction projects. The group has been appointed to the Westworks Procurement Development and Construction DPS and re-appointed to the Blue Skies

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CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON NEW HOSPITAL WORKER HOUSING

Construction work has begun on a new accommodation complex for NHS staff and medical students working at Yeovil Hospital. The key milestone in the project was marked by a turf cutting ceremony held on 15 March 2019 on the site of the town’s former Nautilus Works, just off the A30

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Spec Built Space Boost in the UK

The current rise in speculative development will help replenish an undersupplied  UK market, according to research from Cushman & Wakefield. Eight million sq ft of speculative development was underway across 44 buildings over 50,000 sq ft at the end of 2018, while the average void period for spec built space

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Introducing your waste management strategy as a business

A challenge faced by a lot of business owners is being able to effectively manage waste — whilst saving costs by doing so. We’ve teamed up with Reconomy, the UK’s leading outsourced waste management provider of 8 yard skip hire services, to find out how your business can save on

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

March 25, 2019

London’s Tech-City Development Complete

A building in London’s Tech-City has been redeveloped in order to create 75,000 sq ft of new stand-out office and retail space. The work was delivered on Arnold House by Gilbert-Ash, with mechanical and electrical works completed by Irwin M&E. “Arnold House was a really interesting project to work on,” said Matthew Bowden, Irwin M&E Contracts Manager. “Delivered under a Design and Build contract, we used 3D Autocad to design the duct work which was prefabricated off site. This allowed us to implement just-in-time delivery to site, which was important as it is located on a very busy street with restricted access. This in turn meant a quicker turnaround and installation, with no bottlenecks on supplies. It was also preferable from a Health, Safety and Quality perspective as the duct work was prefabricated in a controlled factory environment and meant that a Hot Works permit was not required on site.” Adding to the company’s success in delivering technologically advanced buildings, the project benefited from several sustainable technologies, incorporated by Arnold House. It also attained a BREEAM Very Good certification and a WiredScore Gold Certification. “The project architect BuckleyGrayYeoman, incorporated traditional-style industrial lighting fixtures which acknowledged the building’s industrial past. We procured these high-bay lights from a recycling yard and installed them as impressive feature lighting in the building’s reception,” added Matthew Bowden. Irwin M&E worked with Shoreditch Council, while also employing two apprentices on site, one Mechanical the other Electrical, for the duration of the project. The company has previously worked on the new Innovation Centre for 5G Technology at the University of Surrey.

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Is This the Ultimate Home Study?

LEADING architects and designers have heralded the mezzanine studies that are a feature at Scotland’s most upmarket new development. Boasting a dramatic view out to the grounds and building of one of the country’s most iconic estates, the studies at The Crescent at Donaldson’s benefit from the sweeping homes’ almost entirely glass frontage. Featured in both show apartments, a three-bed duplex and two-bed apartment, exactly half (42) of all the homes at the CALA Homes (East) development feature the stand-out studies – made possible by the complex and rare interlocking storey structure. Acclaimed architect Richard Murphy OBE, who led the bold design of the project, said: “These amazing study levels are made possible thanks to the freedom that CALA granted us to create dynamic spaces – with homes across multiple levels and not bound by fixed lateral storeys. “This is rare – and typically only seen in seminal architectural projects and is certainly not associated with residential projects. “This directly enables us to create the double-height living areas that enable the south-facing mezzanine studies at the front of the home – benefiting from the outlook to Donaldson’s and beyond.” Located within the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Crescent is set within 18 acres of grounds that make up the largest new shared garden to be created in the Scottish capital. This creates a feel of a secluded private estate just minutes from Haymarket station, and a mile from the heart of Princes Street. The design of the two show apartments has been inspired not only by the architecture itself but also its outstanding surroundings, led by multi-award-winningexander James Interiors. Speaking specifically about the home studies, Stacey Sibley, Creative Director at Alexander James, said: “It’s not too often you get to work on a project as distinct as this – and the study spaces are a key part of what makes The Crescent so special. “They really are inspiring and I’d personally love to have a space like this to get my head down. “With this in mind, when it came to the show apartment interiors, we really wanted to keep it minimal, with on-trend mid-century furniture. “We also made sure to reflect the gorgeous view with coffee table books on Scottish painters and architects.” Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes (East), said: “We’re finding that home study spaces are increasingly in demand with our buyers – both with flexible working on the rise and the desire for a quiet space for hobbies or home admin. “The design teams have done an incredible job taking office spaces to ‘that next level’. “Yes, they are jaw-dropping, but ultimately they work on a practical level – as they also allow for copious storage spaces beneath the mezzanine level – and thus the feedback we have had from buyers and visitors to the show homes has been incredible.” Designed by Richard Murphy OBE, the architecture of The Crescent has been directly influenced by Edinburgh’s famous Georgian crescents. Paired with an impressive glass façade are generous flowing spaces, enhanced height living areas and dynamic levels and with each apartment offering a dual-aspect living arrangement, The Crescent uniquely combines classic design with modern style. Prices range from £950,000 to £1,925,000. Visit https://www.cala.co.uk/the-crescent or call 0131 516 2667 for more information.

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WYG and SGP celebrate Bus Interchange success as part of £300million Stevenage regeneration scheme

Award-winning professional services firm, WYG and leading architectural practice, Stephen George + Partners (SGP), are delighted to confirm their appointment by Stevenage Borough Council to design the new Bus Interchange for Stevenage Town Centre.  Part of the biggest town centre regeneration scheme in the east of England with a gross development value of £300m, the project was awarded via the HCA Framework and brings back together key personnel from the design and delivery of the successful Haymarket Bus Station for Leicester City Council. The relocation of Stevenage Bus Interchange is a vital enabler in the town’s masterplan, unlocking a key site to kickstart SG1, the first phase in Stevenage Borough Council’s long-term plan to regenerate Stevenage Town Centre. The Bus Interchange move, from its current location adjacent to the Town Square to an alternative location in the town centre, will be the first step in improving connectivity to the railway station and provide an upgraded modern bus station – a step change in the quality and level of facilities for users. Alistair Branch, Director & Head of Transport for SGP commented: “We are pleased to bring our extensive experience of delivering award winning bus interchanges to this exciting project and supporting WYG and Stevenage Borough Council in developing their plans from first principles.” John Pattinson, Director of WYG commented: “The council’s regeneration of its town centre doesn’t just bring significant social value, but also respects its ‘new town’ heritage. Delivering this transport interchange will go a long way towards supporting the town’s ambitious growth plans. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with Stevenage and SGP again to make this happen.” Following an initial public consultation event late 2018 to understand the public and user’s aspirations for the new Interchange, the proposed plans are being presented to the public week commencing 11th March 2019 to share the preferred Interchange design and give the public the opportunity to make comment, prior to a detailed planning application.

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HAT-TRICK OF FRAMEWORK WINS FOR WOODHEAD GROUP

Woodhead Group has made a great start to the first quarter of 2019 after securing a trio of framework wins to deliver a range of  housing and public sector construction projects. The group has been appointed to the Westworks Procurement Development and Construction DPS and re-appointed to the Blue Skies Contractor framework, which delivers social and affordable homes for local housing associations. The wins come just weeks after the company’s appointment on two value bands of the Pagabo framework. Tom Woodhead, director of the Woodhead Group said: “Securing a place on three public sector frameworks demonstrates that we are trusted partners, we have delivered excellent social value returns and as a company we are passionate about working collaboratively to hand over successful projects. “This trio of appointments has got 2019 off to a flying start and we are very pleased to have secured places on each framework.” The Westworks Procurement Development and Construction DPS is available for use by all Westworks and Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) members as part of the Collaboration arrangement between several like-minded procurement consortia. Woodhead Group has been part of EEM for seven years – during this time, the company has delivered or is on site with more than £50m of projects, and is set to complete its 500th home secured through the framework in 2019. Blue Skies Contractor framework is run by the Blue Skies Consortium, which is a collection of housing associations. It aims to deliver primarily affordable housing residential developments for the different associations.  Woodhead Group has previously delivered a number of challenging projects through the framework, including the multi award winning Cross Street Eco Town Development for Longhurst Group and a programme of complex infill sites for Spire Homes, which received three National Considerate Constructors Awards. The Pagabo framework simplifies public sector procurement, making it quicker, simpler and more effective. Woodhead Group is one of 46 national and regional contractors appointed to the Pagabo framework. Tom added: “These frameworks act as a strong trust signal for councils and housing associations that are looking to work with us, and is a real testament to the high standard of work we deliver and our commitment to deliver real social value to local communities.”

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CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON NEW HOSPITAL WORKER HOUSING

Construction work has begun on a new accommodation complex for NHS staff and medical students working at Yeovil Hospital. The key milestone in the project was marked by a turf cutting ceremony held on 15 March 2019 on the site of the town’s former Nautilus Works, just off the A30 at Reckleford, where the new accommodation complex will be built. There to mark the occasion were Jonathan Higman (Chief Executive, Yeovil Hospital), Paul von der Heyde (Trust Chairman, Yeovil Hospital), Leighton Chumbley, Chief Executive of development partner Prime and Chris Watkins, Contracts Manager of construction firm Speller Metcalfe. The key worker accommodation scheme is the latest project to be funded by Canada Life and delivered through Yeovil Hospital’s strategic estates partnership with Prime. To date, the joint venture has delivered the Hospital’s new multi-storey car park and link road, an Emergency Assessment Unit, outpatient waiting area and a special care baby unit. Jonathan Higman, Chief Executive, Yeovil Hospital said: “This was an exciting moment for the hospital. The accommodation being built will provide frontline staff with modern, high-quality accommodation, just yards from the hospital site. “It’s an investment into our future and one which will help us recruit and retain employees whilst adding to the vibrancy of the wider community.” Leighton Chumbley, Chief Executive at Prime said: “The key worker accommodation complex is a much-needed scheme, which will not only improve the lives of the hardworking and dedicated NHS staff and students who work at the hospital, but it will also breathe new life into a town centre site which has been derelict for a number of years. The turf cutting ceremony celebrates our progress onto the next phase in the scheme, turning plans into real transformation for the town and the hospital workers who support it.” Chris Watkins, Contracts Manager at Speller Metcalfe said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to partner with Prime and Yeovil Hospital to deliver this fantastic new accommodation complex and are looking forward to the construction phase starting. We will be using our experience of building first-class residential accommodation to deliver the modern, comfortable and high-quality facilities the NHS workers and medical students deserve for the tremendous job they do for their community.” Designed by One Creative Environments Ltd (One), the accommodation complex will provide 176 bedrooms in total, in a mixture of one, two, four- and eight-bedroom apartments. Located just 500m from the Hospital, the scheme also includes shared living spaces and landscaped gardens to enable staff and students to socialise and relax away from work. Planning permission for the key worker accommodation project was awarded by South Somerset District Council planners in November last year, and £20m of funding was secured for the build by Prime in December 2018. With building contractors now on site, the project is expected to be completed by late summer 2020. Enquiries about the project can be sent to future@ydh.nhs.uk.

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Spec Built Space Boost in the UK

The current rise in speculative development will help replenish an undersupplied  UK market, according to research from Cushman & Wakefield. Eight million sq ft of speculative development was underway across 44 buildings over 50,000 sq ft at the end of 2018, while the average void period for spec built space fell to nine months in the final quarter of 2018. Cushman & Wakefield estimates that at current take-up rates, vacant newly built space will reach 14 million sq ft by the end of 2019. However, the research said that low vacancies (around 5 per cent), scarcity of land in prime locations and a restrictive planning regime are likely to prevent any over-supply while pent-up demand for Grade A space will continue to fuel rental growth. Simon Lloyd, partner, national logistics & industrial, said: “While there will continue to be demand from occupiers for built to suit solutions, particularly in the manufacturing sector, the availability of speculative buildings is important in this dynamic market sector. The immediacy of a building solution for an occupier means they can focus on the operational aspects of their requirements, and therefore satisfy the demands of their customers. The current supply of new buildings does not represent many months’ take-up, and consequently occupiers will still need to focus on building solutions at an early stage.”

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Introducing your waste management strategy as a business

A challenge faced by a lot of business owners is being able to effectively manage waste — whilst saving costs by doing so. We’ve teamed up with Reconomy, the UK’s leading outsourced waste management provider of 8 yard skip hire services, to find out how your business can save on expenses: The amount of waste businesses dispose of can cost up to 4-5% of their overall turnover, according to the CIPS — this can rise to 10% in more detrimental circumstances. If businesses are not putting one foot forward to reduce their waste disposal spend — it will soon become a more prioritised concern. With rising landfill taxes, as well as recycling and sustainability becoming a main concern within ethical business principles, creating a reliable waste management solution is more important than ever for any forward-thinking business that is looking to make a change. The duty of care Under British law, businesses in the UK have a duty of care and a responsibility to dispose of their waste using the most appropriate methods. The requirements that you should meet are broadly as follows: Adopt the Waste Hierarchy principles in order to keep waste to a minimum by preventing, reusing, recycling, and recovering waste where possible. Store or sort waste securely in a safe environment. Complete a waste transfer note for each load of waste that leaves the premises. Check to establish whether your waste carrier is registered. This can be done by visiting the official Environment Agency Do not let your waste carrier dispose of waste illegally. As a producer of waste, the legal responsibility for safe and correct disposal falls on you, and not the waste carrier. You have a responsibility to ensure safe disposal through an auditable document trail. Storing waste in a secure location Businesses should follow our simple steps to ensure that their waste is secured safely: Use suitable and EU-approved containers to prevent leakage. Label containers in a way which clearly stipulates what type of waste they contain. Use waterproof covers — where appropriate — so that no contaminated run-offs are created. Use lockable containers to safeguard your waste. Removing the waste In order to have non-hazardous waste removed from your business site, a waste transfer note must be completed — an alternative can be a document that contains the same information, such as an invoice. It’s important to register with the correct services to complete a waste transfer note — if you plan to have waste removed multiple times, you can create a series ticket. Regarding the waste transfer note, your business and the organisation that collects your waste should: Fill in the sections of the note that applies to them. Sign it. Keep a copy for two years. Be able to present it to an enforcement officer from the local council or the Environment Agency, if requested. Lowering the cost of waste disposal After initially seeing the costs of waste disposal, businesses soon look to the best methods of reducing future costs. However, this can be a leap in the dark if business owners are uncertain of how to do this effectively. The way forward for a business is waste segregation — but to ensure it works, it must be monitored closely to allow you to create a report to see the volume and cost of waste from your business. From this you can set your strategy, highlighting your own targets and goals to ensure the best results possible when it comes to disposal. Technically, environmentally and economically practicable (TEEP) is something that businesses should know about. This determines whether a business should segregate and store various types of produced waste within the business premises prior to its collection by a waste management contractor you have teamed up with. Although Britain is set to leave the European Union, legislation that was put forward in 2015 states that commercial and municipal waste generators are obliged to manage the disposal correctly. They can use a third party to achieve this, but businesses will continue to remain responsible. The reason businesses may need to split their waste into different areas is to do with the environment — will this have created a benefit or reduce a negative that already exists? The overall waste disposal Automated systems have been introduced to help businesses across the country reduce their spend — whilst also giving them a greater insight of their entire waste plan. Through waste management portals, each business can have tailored permissions that help provide them with an overview of waste statistics and management information. If you would like to evaluate the amount of waste your business produced internally, start by visually assessing how much is disposed on a regular basis (it might be a good idea to begin when your bins are empty, then see how much space you use). It will allow businesses to have a greater insight if they reduce the amount of waste collections — giving them more of a challenge to save on waste and save the business money overall. They will have to deal with the limited bin space they have for waste ensuring that every decision is important. Carrying out these evaluations are vital for businesses to save money, especially with the landfill tax on the rise. The landfill tax price is set to rise further to £88.95 from the 1st of April 2018. With the cost of landfill waste rising year or year, it’s clear that businesses need to ensure that their waste solution system is driven towards recyclable methods to keep the costs of landfill waste to a minimum. Sources https://www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview/your-responsibilities https://www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview/sorting-storing-waste https://www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview/waste-transfer-notes https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/advantages-and-disadvantages-recycling-business-waste https://www.cawleys.co.uk/teep-waste-legislation/ https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69403/pb13530-waste-hierarchy-guidance.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/environment/waste-tips https://www.cips.org/Documents/About%20CIPS/Develop%20Waste%20v3%20-%2020.11.07.pdf http://www.letsrecycle.com/prices/efw-landfill-rdf-2/ http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/waste-sector-creates-6-8bn-uk-defra-claims/ https://www.reconomy.com/portal#benefits

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