London’s Southall Waterside regeneration project has welcomed its first new residents into their homes, marking a key milestone of the development. The first 304 homes are ready for occupancy and are specifically targeted at existing Ealing residents on either an affordable rent or shared ownership basis. “Southall Waterside was previously
A major transformation project will bring two new buildings to a school in Slough. Wates Construction has commenced work on the site of Langley Grammar for the 63,300 sq ft facilities, which will include space for 200 more students. “We’re pleased to be starting the important task of building these
The refurbishment of a ward at Bristol children’s hospital includes printed ceilings. Hospital stays for children striving against cancer in the Bristol area are now more positive and stimulating, thanks to Armstrong Ceiling Solutions and its chosen charity Rays of Sunshine, a charity that brightens the lives of recovering children
You can start a career in real estate while you’re still working a full-time job, even if you aren’t currently making big bucks. While it doesn’t require a college education, it does require careful research, planning, and sometimes sacrifice. The real estate market favors those who are resourceful, so always
OnlineDoorStore.co.uk launches a new collection of elegant doors inspired by modern takes on classic design OnlineDoorStore.co.uk, the UK’s leading door specialist, has launched a brand new collection of elegant doors. The styles are set to inspire architects, self builders, renovators and home improvers with options for all house styles, from
London’s Southall Waterside regeneration project has welcomed its first new residents into their homes, marking a key milestone of the development. The first 304 homes are ready for occupancy and are specifically targeted at existing Ealing residents on either an affordable rent or shared ownership basis. “Southall Waterside was previously a disused industrial site and the much-needed regeneration of this land means that it is now beginning to actively contribute to our local economy. The development is providing jobs and will bring a diverse mix of new amenities to the area. Importantly, it is also delivering affordable homes for Ealing residents – this means that Southall Waterside is a community for all and I am looking forward to continuing to work with Berkeley and Catalyst as we welcome more residents to Southall Waterside,” commented Cllr Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council. The project aims to create around 3,750 homes of all tenures over the next 25 years, bringing back to life the 88-acre former gasworks. The site’s masterplan, developed in close collaboration with Ealing Council, will create a welcoming, open landscape with a mix of new amenities. This includes plans for a health centre, primary school, community centre and a buzzing commercial district with shops, restaurants, a cinema and public squares, open for everyone to enjoy. “This is one of the most challenging and ambitious regeneration programmes Berkeley Group has ever undertaken and it’s a huge pleasure to see the first local people making Southall Waterside their home,” said Tony Pidgley CBE, Chairman of Berkeley Group. “Together with Ealing Council and our fantastic local partners, we are transforming this long derelict site into a welcoming new part of Southall for the whole community to enjoy. In the years ahead we will create a truly sustainable place with up to 40 acres of beautiful parkland and biodiverse landscapes.” The new affordable homes have been delivered in partnership with Ealing Council, Catalyst and Clarion. The development of Southall Waterside is set to create 21,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, and a further 600 permanent roles.
A major transformation project will bring two new buildings to a school in Slough. Wates Construction has commenced work on the site of Langley Grammar for the 63,300 sq ft facilities, which will include space for 200 more students. “We’re pleased to be starting the important task of building these long-awaited, new facilities for Langley Grammar School. At Wates, we understand how learning environments have a direct impact upon the development of young people and attainment levels and we bring our appreciation to every stage of the process. We will be drawing on our vast experience as a trusted contractor for the education sector here in Slough to ensure the quality delivery of this new school building,” said Alec Jackman, Business Unit Director, Wates Construction Southern Home Counties. Delivered across three phases, the project includes the construction of a three-storey teaching block and provision of temporary accommodation for the school’s dining facility, library and administration offices. Once the new building is completed, the original one will be demolished. The third phase will then commence with the construction of a two-storey front-of-house building, providing the school with administration offices, dining room, hall, library, a small number of classrooms and a dance studio. The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the DfE as part of the Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP2) to rebuild or refurbish school buildings across the country. “It is fantastic to see work starting on our new buildings, which have been so long in the planning. The project will deliver first class facilities for our students for many years to come. This is the biggest construction project in the school’s history and will transform the site into an attractive campus environment. We have developed a strong and positive relationship with Wates during the design stage and look forward to that continuing as the new buildings take shape,” added John Constable, Headteacher at Langley Grammar School. The new facilities are expected to be complete by July 2021.
The refurbishment of a ward at Bristol children’s hospital includes printed ceilings. Hospital stays for children striving against cancer in the Bristol area are now more positive and stimulating, thanks to Armstrong Ceiling Solutions and its chosen charity Rays of Sunshine, a charity that brightens the lives of recovering children by granting their wishes and providing support in hospitals. A refurbishment of the oncology day beds unit at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, part of the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, includes acoustic ceilings featuring sky scenes and shoals of fish to reflect its new name as the Ocean Unit. The ceiling systems donated by Armstrong, totalling almost 300m2, were installed for free as a part of a ward wish by specialist sub-contractor H + L ceilings- a member of Armstrong’s approved national network of Omega contractors. The BioGuard ceiling tiles that feature anti-bacterial benefits for healthcare environments were finished with a coating of sky scenes in the recovery bay for older children, a school of fish swimming down a river in the reception/waiting area corridor, and a shoal of fish in a small treatment room. They were installed by a team of three from H + L over two weekends, with the old tiles from the 10-bed ward being sent to Armstrong’s factory in Gateshead for recycling and the company’s streamlined TLS grid, which is up to 20% faster to install, replacing the existing suspension system. Around 35% of the total tiles were white and screen-printed which Armstrong supplied with a number on the back so H+L could follow appropriate layout guidelines. Armstrong became involved in the project after its chosen charity Rays of Sunshine identified the refurbishment of the ward, which had not been updated for 15 years, under its Hospital Ward Wish programme. This works to, among other elements, decorate treatment rooms to transform sterile spaces into stimulating environments which provide a distraction and enable children to respond better to treatment. The refurbishment of the Ocean Unit, which has two six-bed bays and four single rooms as well as four consulting rooms, and looks after all oncology, haematology and bone marrow transplant children up to 19 years, also included new wall art and furniture. H+L director Darren Hopkins said: “When Armstrong asked us to install the project we were more than happy to get involved. It was treated like any other job but the installation team volunteered themselves for the weekend work.” And of the tile numbering system he added: “We have never had to work that way before but it was pretty easy to install by following the instructions Armstrong gave us.” Jane Sharpe, CEO of Rays of Sunshine, said: “A very big thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. The ceiling makeover will make such a massive difference to the children visiting the ward for treatment. It will make their time there so much more bearable and will put lots of smiles on lots of faces.” Jane Thomas, donations co-ordinator for the children’s services division of University Hospitals Bristol, thanked Armstrong for their support in “transforming” the ceilings for the patients and their families. She said: “The work completed by Armstrong Ceilings has made the area a brighter but still calm place for the children to be in, with the fish gently swimming through. Especially popular is the large bay under the tropical picture where the children can recover following treatment.” Isabel Blanco, Armstrong’s marketing communications manager, said: “Our latest exercise for Rays of Sunshine was particularly rewarding as it was easy to see the difference the bright, fun ceilings made to the children.” BioGuard tiles are cleanable and perform to Sound Absorption Class C and Clean Room Classification ISO 5. They are also 85% light reflecting and 95% humidity resistant and manufactured from 42% recycled content. More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
You can start a career in real estate while you’re still working a full-time job, even if you aren’t currently making big bucks. While it doesn’t require a college education, it does require careful research, planning, and sometimes sacrifice. The real estate market favors those who are resourceful, so always be on the lookout for things like reliable repair-people, affordable marketing services, and freebies to help you get the job done. Here are some other ways to get your real estate business started with limited capital. Starting with no capital There are a few different activities that can enable you to turn a profit over time: the most widely known is called “flipping”, but this is rarely as easy or profitable as some television shows would have you believe. Many investors take a more patient approach, keeping property over two years to reduce tax liabilities and earn more equity. This means they’ll become landlords in addition to renovators, which can be a steady and reliable way to accomplish your long-term goals. One of the hardest things to overcome is the lack of initial funds for a down-payment, but if you have the desire to become a real estate investor and are willing to live in a home that might not be your dream home at first, you can get to work. One way is by purchasing a multi-unit (a single building split into two to four units) using a state housing program. State housing programs offer low down-payment options, are typically offered in metro areas, have provisions for borrowing money for repairs, and are specially designed for buyers with a lower average income and credit score. Veterans can use a special program called a VA loan, which has a no down-payment option and other benefits as well. In rural areas, USDA RD loans offer buyers an affordable route to homeownership as well. Sweat equity and patience With the rise of YouTube, a person can get a crash-course on how to do almost anything, but it’s important to know when to call in a professional. Building codes must be followed and some activities, such as electrical or HVAC work must be performed by a licensed professional. Other activities, such as tile work, flooring, painting, and deck repair can be completed by people with no prior experience. Don’t worry if you don’t have skills at first; they come with practice, research, and learning from mistakes. In the beginning, you will likely have to prioritize repairs on a tight budget, but don’t forget that time can work in your favor. Over time, your property values may rise, giving you the equity you’ll need to pull cash out for repairs down the road, as long as you maintain the property adequately in the meantime. Marketing and screening tenants Taking the time and diligence to find dependable tenants can take as much elbow grease as re-caulking a bathroom, but it’s a top priority. While you might think listing your rental on Craigslist or in the paper is the easiest way to go, putting your rental information in the right places is one of the best ways to get reliable tenants. The first step is presentation: stage your rental and take high-quality photos, then work with a printer to create some branded materials like brochures and even custom pocket folders so you have quality handouts for your property. You can bring these to nearby businesses who might have employees looking to move closer to their place of employment, especially hospitals, restaurants, and retail stores. Highlight the benefits and conveniences of both your property and your process with things like a free tenant screening or maybe off-street parking, for example. Follow all Fair Housing laws but screen tenants carefully to reduce your potential liabilities. Though you may experience a slow-down at your day job, people will always need places to live, so investing in property and becoming a landlord is a virtually recession-proof career that can give you long-term income stability.
OnlineDoorStore.co.uk launches a new collection of elegant doors inspired by modern takes on classic design OnlineDoorStore.co.uk, the UK’s leading door specialist, has launched a brand new collection of elegant doors. The styles are set to inspire architects, self builders, renovators and home improvers with options for all house styles, from period designs though to on trend industrial-style internal glazed doors. OnlineDoorStore.co.uk has introduced the new collection to reflect the growing demand for designs that are a little out of the ordinary and make a bold statement. Available from May 2019, the new offerings will consist of 79 styles of internal and external doors, many of which can be made to bespoke sizes, all available for delivery across the UK. There’s an extensive collection of colour options available too, including Pearl Grey and Charcoal Black along with natural finishes such as Oak Wood Grain. All the doors are handcrafted from solid wood and benefit from heavy weight quality construction. In addition to the standard configuration, many of the designs have a glazed or fire door option as well. Highlights from the collection include: Knightsbridge This door has stately style and elegance, and is available in black or white. The Knightsbridge has a primed plus finish (a special lacquer to add lustre), and comes in a glazed option or as an FD30 fire door, too. Greenwich An Art-Deco inspired design with geometric glazed panels. This, almost completely glazed door, offers simple elegance and is the ideal choice to optimise light transfer between rooms. The door comes as a single, in pairs, or in various widths as room dividers. Tres A flush design that has three horizontal panels of woodgrain set in opposing directions to offer a calm and restful design. Choose from Pearl Grey, Charcoal Black or Walnut. Available as standard or as an FD30 fire door. Heta An intriguing design concept. A central panel with horizontal woodgrain is flanked on either side by curved vertical borders. Choose from modern Pearl Grey or a more traditional Oak Woodgrain. Available as standard or as an FD30 fire door. Vancouver Since its launch, the Vancouver has become a best-seller. There are two new additions to the Vancouver range with Charcoal Black and Pearl Grey finishes. There is a solid timber model and also a fully-glazed option for maximum light transfer between rooms. The solid door has an FD30 fire door variant, too. OnlineDoorStore.co.uk prides itself on not just being a website where you ‘click and collect’. Every potential customer can speak to a member of the team, on the phone or by email, where they will be given a personalised service no matter the requirements from style guidance to size and fitting recommendations. For more information visit www.onlinedoorstore.co.uk
