November 26, 2019
Komatsu Demonstrates Its Latest Innovation

Komatsu Demonstrates Its Latest Innovation

The latest innovative solution from Komatsu has been demonstrated at the iconic Le Mans 24hrs race circuit in France. A host of distributors, including Irish firm McHale Plant Sales, were on hand to learn more about the Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission (HMT). Fitted to the latest WA475–10 wheel loader, those present

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Water Framework Makes Appointment

Water Framework Makes Appointment

Kier is set to continue serving 1.8 million customers across the South West after being named on the new Network Services Alliance (NSA) Water Framework. The contractor was successfully reappointed to the South West Water framework as it continues to develop its long-standing relationship with the national utility. The framework,

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Appointment Unlocks Dickens-Inspired Project

Appointment Unlocks Dickens-Inspired Project

A development project has been launched at the former Strand Union Workhouse in Fitzrovia, a site said to have inspired Charles Dicken’s classic novel Oliver Twist. Morgan Sindall Construction has signed a Pre-Contract Services Agreement (PCSA) which will see the company work on the first phase of development, overseeing and

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Houston Foundation Repair: Tips for Maintaining Your House Foundation

Several factors can cause foundation issues. They include; drainage issues, poor soil preparation, plumbing leaks, absorption of water by tree roots, etc. You should remember that your home is an investment, and it needs your protection. This will help you stay away from any repairing costs. Here are some tips

Read More »

Asia set for huge casino developments over the next few years

The casino industry continues to expand rapidly in Asia, with Japan set to be the next major country to enter the sector. With gambling operators enjoying huge success courtesy of lavish resorts in Singapore, Macau and elsewhere, it is no surprise to see significant further investment planned in the region

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

November 26, 2019

GMI announces completion of new 103,000 sq ft speculative distribution unit for St Modwen in Burton

New building constitutes the third phase of development completed to date at the popular St Modwen Park development in Burton, Staffordshire. GMI Construction Group has announced the completion of a new 103,947 sq ft speculative distribution unit for leading logistics & industrial developer St Modwen in Burton One of the largest warehouse developments in the Midlands, St. Modwen Park Burton has outline consent for one million sq ft and is now home to a number of established occupiers, including Hellman Worldwide Logistics, Keylite Roof Windows, Supply Technologies and London City Bond. The unit, which includes 10 dock levellers (including 2 euro-docks), a 50m deep yard and Grade A office space, is the latest opportunity for businesses to join the popular scheme, which prominently fronts the A38 to the south of Burton-upon-Trent. The new unit could provide approximately 120 jobs once occupied, in addition to a significant number of construction jobs, which were created during the build by GMI Construction. Speaking about the project GMI Group Managing Director Andy Bruce said: “GMI  is proud to have been trusted by St Modwen to deliver this important new building on time, on budget and to the highest possible standards – which is the promise we make on every project and our primary focus going forward. This project is the 4th logistics and industrial project we have been awarded and completed this year and further endorses our growing credentials in this sector”. Also commenting Rob Richardson, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen Industrial & Logistics, said: “St. Modwen Park Burton is one of our key sites and a significant asset for the business. Our third phase of development expands the scheme’s offering, allowing us to meet market demand for quality, well-located space in the region. Our decision to speculatively build the 103,000 sq ft unit demonstrates our confidence both in the attractiveness of the scheme and in the wider industrial and logistics market.” For more information on St. Modwen Park Burton, please visit stmodwenlogistics.co.uk/property/st-modwen-park-burton/

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London growth sparks office move for leading architects TODD Architects

Recent strong growth has seen TODD Architects, one of the Architects Journal’s UK leading 100 practices, expand its London office with a move to larger premises in Fitzrovia. Explains London office Principal, Katie Parfitt: “Although TODD’s have had a London studio since the 1980s, we needed more space to support the growth of our London business. We’ve had considerable success, especially in the last nine months, winning several large, prestigious projects, including the delivery of major residential developments for Ballymore at Goodluck Hope on the River Thames and for Ardmore as part of the continuing Battersea Power Station redevelopment.” Continues Katie: “With a growing portfolio, we needed extra staff, taking onboard a new Part 1 Architect, Aesha Mehta, fresh from Westminster University as well as architect Stephen Duncan transferring from our Belfast office. With this extra talent, as well as plans to recruit additional staff, we needed to find more space.” TODD’s have leased the fourth floor at 18 Wells Street, a new build Grade A office space in the heart of Fitzrovia. With the new space fitted out by Rubicon Commercial, the essentially open plan office uses free standing shelving to break up the area without creating fixed partitions. A private balcony supplements the excellent natural light with views across the vibrant neighbourhood. Concludes Peter Minnis, TODD’s London Director: “We see this new move as the latest step in our expansion in London and the South East. Our involvement with projects like the Royal Wharf development that we recently completed for Ballymore, has given us a strong platform and we’ve been able to keep up that momentum with the Goodluck Hope and Battersea commissions”. Todd Architects’ new office can be found at: 18 Wells Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 3PG (0203 1469555)

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Komatsu Demonstrates Its Latest Innovation

Komatsu Demonstrates Its Latest Innovation

The latest innovative solution from Komatsu has been demonstrated at the iconic Le Mans 24hrs race circuit in France. A host of distributors, including Irish firm McHale Plant Sales, were on hand to learn more about the Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission (HMT). Fitted to the latest WA475–10 wheel loader, those present were shown how HMT works and the benefit it will bring by enabling the WA475-10 to deliver more power whilst being more efficient in its fuel use. Thanks to a variable speed and traction control, top speed is adjustable throughout its entire speed range, in accordance with the conditions of the job site, while variable traction control limits wheel spin in difficult ground conditions. By dispensing with the need for a torque convertor, the Komatsu WA475-10 could carry 20 percent less fuel while the HMT system delivered some 17 percent better fuel consumption. McHale Plant Sales director, John O’Brien observed: “Powered by an EU Stage V engine and covered by a five years or 10,000 hours warranty, the next generation WA475-10 wheel loader with HMT proved to be a very versatile performer. “Built on the recognised benefits of its predecessor, it has the appeal of being up to 30% more fuel-efficient and is perfect for any moving, transport or loading job, combining outstanding fuel efficiency, productivity and ease of operation. “Hydraulic speed can be independently controlled, directly from the accelerator pedal, making it easy for the operator to find the right balance between traction and lifting power. The optimised Z-bar linkage system provides much more lift force and a higher tonnes-per-hour production rate while lift speed and class-leading machine stability help boost productivity, especially in narrow-space loading applications,” he added.

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Water Framework Makes Appointment

Water Framework Makes Appointment

Kier is set to continue serving 1.8 million customers across the South West after being named on the new Network Services Alliance (NSA) Water Framework. The contractor was successfully reappointed to the South West Water framework as it continues to develop its long-standing relationship with the national utility. The framework, which is part of AMP7, will begin in April 2020 for an initial three-year period with the potential for a five-year extension.   Under the framework, Kier will continue to deliver both planned and 24/7 reactive services including mains network repair and maintenance, metering, new connections and developer services to SWW customers. A new scope of works for AMP7 will now also include waste reactive network and developer services into the contract. Barry McNicholas, group managing director at Kier Utilities and Rail, said: “It’s testament to our long-standing relationship with South West Water that we have been awarded these ongoing AMP7 works. Delivering quality services for 1.8 million customers in the South West has been our focus for over 25 years and we are looking forward to continuing to ensure this vital infrastructure is maintained to the same high standard and working in collaboration with South West Water to offer an industry leading experience for its customers.” Iain Vosper, South West Water’s Operations Director – Drinking Water Services, added: “The Network Services Alliance (NSA) contract is our most significant operational contract between 2020 and 2025.
 “The NSA contract has been a key strategic contract for SWW that has been successful in delivering network distribution, metering and new connection activity since 2016/17 for both South West Water and Bournemouth Water regions. The collaborative approach the business took to the tender process has resulted in the inclusion of similar activities across the water, wastewater and engineering directorates to target greater efficiencies in activities previously undertaken under separate contracts. “This is an exciting time for South West Water and Kier, as we have both accepted stretching and challenging performance metrics, delivering industry-leading service to our customers.”  

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Appointment Unlocks Dickens-Inspired Project

Appointment Unlocks Dickens-Inspired Project

A development project has been launched at the former Strand Union Workhouse in Fitzrovia, a site said to have inspired Charles Dicken’s classic novel Oliver Twist. Morgan Sindall Construction has signed a Pre-Contract Services Agreement (PCSA) which will see the company work on the first phase of development, overseeing and enabling the safe excavation and removal of over 2,000 burials at the site. The scheme will see 40 per cent of the existing buildings retained, including the imposing Grade II listed workhouse. New public space and communal gardens, designed to reveal and enhance the historic character of the listed building, will be created within the heart of Fitzrovia. The contractor will also deliver a new mixed-use development consisting of commercial, healthcare and residential space behind the workhouse. The eight storey building will house 34 residential units in the heart of Fitzrovia, approximately 70 per cent of which will be affordable for social rent and for key workers. The building will provide circa 5,000 square feet of commercial space and healthcare facilities including a new MRI Imaging Suite with six new MRI machines at basement level. Under the first phase of work on the development, Morgan Sindall Construction is delivering the enabling works at the site. The multifaceted works package will see the company support and enable archaeologists to safely excavate and remove thousands of bodies buried at the site, linked to its historic use as a local cemetery and workhouse. During these works, three other buildings at the front of the site will be refurbished by another contractor, making collaboration and effective coordination fundamental to the success of both projects. Richard Dobson, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s London office, said: “This is a fascinating project in an area of London that has huge cultural resonance on a global scale and it’s our privilege to be working alongside the expert archaeological team to enable the safe excavation and removal of these precious remains. “This is a delicate and complex operation that will be delivered while works on a number of live projects around the site continue at pace. This requires expert coordination, cross-party collaboration and the experience of working effectively with minimum disruption on major schemes on logistically challenging, tight, urban sites. “This is a challenge our team has the experience and expertise to deliver upon and we look forward to enabling our colleagues to safely secure the historic legacy of the site, while work on the development continues to schedule.” The project for Middlesex Annexe LLP, a subsidiary of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charity, is part of The Bedford Passage Development, which falls within the Charlotte Street Conservation Area, and is part of the Fitzrovia Area Action Plan. The excavation works are due to start in January 2020. Once the enabling works are completed, works to the main building will commence in 2021.

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Houston Foundation Repair: Tips for Maintaining Your House Foundation

Several factors can cause foundation issues. They include; drainage issues, poor soil preparation, plumbing leaks, absorption of water by tree roots, etc. You should remember that your home is an investment, and it needs your protection. This will help you stay away from any repairing costs. Here are some tips to help you out: Inspect your home You should walk around your infrastructure after a few months and check if there is any sign of trouble. In case you spot cracks or holes on your wall, it is essential to fill them. This will help you destroy the infestation of insects, which could ruin your wall. If you have a bean and pier foundation, inspect the crawlspace to see if there is any indication of mildew, dampness, and wood rot. When checking for cracks, you should keenly look at them to see how large they are and also where they are coming from. Stopping the fractures when they are small will help you to prevent further damage on your wall. It is difficult for you to see the movement happening because of the weight of the house sagging down the foundation. In case your home is setting or sinking, you should seek help from a profession to inspect your wall. You can also find more information when you checkout Houston foundation repair. Keep the moisture level consistent Prevent the soil around your structure from becoming extremely dry or wet. This is because the soils around your structure contract and expand as humidity levels change. Therefore, you will have extra work to keep up the moisture levels. The movements created due to contraction and expansion of soil are the source of cracks or holes in your structure. Putting a water control program into action will help you prevent any further damage to your wall. During the warm season, it is crucial to water the base. It is good that you use an underground irrigation system though it is ambiguous on rainy seasons, and it is also expensive to install. The best option for your home is using a soaker pipe or an automatic lawn sprinkler to keep the dirt around your foundation a little bit moist. You can also consider setting up rock beds. These beds will enable the needed moisture to go into the soil hence preventing any cracks on the base of your property. Establish a proper drainage system A lot of water around your structure is not good as also little because it can lead to upheaval (a case when your structure raises above its supposed position). It is also advisable to install some gutters. They should be sufficient enough to dispose of a large mass of water, which can pile up during heavy rains. You can also use downspouts to discharge water from your structure. If your area has sandy soil which quickly absorbs water, you can discharge water at 3” from the foundation. In case water is standing around your structure and drainage is an issue, it is advisable to install surface drainage. If smaller dampness is a problem, you can install a French drain to prevent your house from smaller but extremely destructive amounts of humidity. The drainage system and drainage collection will help you to solve your issues. Protect your house from large trees For trees to live, they need a lot of moisture, and their large roots will absorb water from the soil surrounding your structure. This might cause damage to the base of your house. When planting trees, make sure you plant them some distance away from your house. This depends on the kind of trees you want to plant. Consult your nurseryman to learn more about the moisture needed and the expected root size of the tress you wish to plant on your landscape. Yearly inspection of your home plumbing Plumbing leaks mainly under slab leaks are the biggest causes of foundation damage. The holes take place in sprinkle irrigation systems, freshwater, and any other part of your plumbing system. In case there is a plumbing leak, call a licensed plumber to conduct hydrostatic testing to enable him to detect invisible leaks. Installation of a root barrier Suppose you already have planted large trees around your house. The best thing to do is to install a root barrier. The wall is implanted in the ground. It is made of metal, plastic, or any other materials. It will help to prevent tree roots from getting to your foundation. They direct roots away and down from your structure. Construct your structure on a proper slope It is essential to have good grading to enable water to drain away from your structure. The ground surrounding your building should be sloping away from it. In case it is not, you can install a moisture barrier approximately 5” deep around your house. Protectection against cracks      When a house is lifted, there will be a formation of a significant break. Cracks can cause severe problems in areas of metroplex. Seasonal weather conditions cause various foundation issues. In case you spot such issues, contact a foundation constructor. You can also repair the cracks if need be. This will prevent further damage to your wall. Have a contractor examine your foundation issue In case you spot a foundation problem, consult a reputable contractor. Through inspection, he or she can tell the difference between cracks, which shows foundation problems, and those that indicate there were some movements. They will stop by your home to inspect the extent of the damage and advise accordingly. They can also help you to fix the issue. Click here to see more tips. Conclusion The tips will enable you to protect your house foundation. They will also help you reduce costly repairs. As a homeowner, it is crucial to be careful and prepared for any issue which may destroy your home foundation and property. It is best if you avoided any foundation repairs. Early detection of foundation issues will save you money and time.

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Asia set for huge casino developments over the next few years

The casino industry continues to expand rapidly in Asia, with Japan set to be the next major country to enter the sector. With gambling operators enjoying huge success courtesy of lavish resorts in Singapore, Macau and elsewhere, it is no surprise to see significant further investment planned in the region over the next few years. The rapid growth of online casinos in Japan sparked a clamour amongst consumers for brick and mortar venues to be allowed to open across the country. The Japanese government subsequently reacted to the calls by agreeing to allow new casinos to be constructed at up to three different locations. Tokyo, Hokkaido, Chiba, Yokohama and Nagoya are amongst the cities vying to host what could be the most stunning casino resorts on the continent. There have been some truly staggering venues built in Asia over the past few years and Japan can be expected to follow suit when construction begins. Read on as we look at the latest state of play regarding major casino developments across the Asian continent. Iconic Singapore venue set for huge expansion Owned by the Las Vegas Sands organisation, the Marina Bay Sands resort is undoubtedly one of the most iconic properties in Asia. The three-tower design, which was inspired by decks of cards, originally cost $5.5 billion to build but its owners are not resting on their laurels. The operator is planning to add an impressive arena, exhibition halls and a new luxury hotel tower that will take the total number of rooms to more than 3,600. Las Vegas Sands believe that the $3.3bn investment will keep the resort at the pinnacle of the gambling industry over the coming years. While the casino is a hugely important part of Marina Bay Sands, experts believe that the provision of other facilities will ensure it remains a successful venture for years to come. Operators plan massive investment in Macau Having generated Gross Gaming Revenues of nearly $38bn in 2018, Macau is firmly established as one of the most important gambling destinations in the world. Many of the main operators there are planning major new developments over the next few years, with a view to ensuring that the government issues new licenses to them when they expire in 2022. Galaxy Entertainment is leading the way with plans to expand the stunning Galaxy Macau over the next couple of years at a projected cost of HK$45bn. SJM Holdings are also planning major investment in Macau, with the Grand Lisboa Palace scheduled to open during the second half of 2020 at a cost of HK$36bn. MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and Melco Resorts & Entertainment have also confirmed ambitious expansion plans in the region. NagaCorp ready to cash in on monopoly in Cambodia NagaCorp Ltd’s position of dominance in Cambodia is set to continue with another expansion of its superb NagaWorld casino resort in Phnom Penh. Naga 3 will feature a theme park with the latest digital rides and attractions, plus world class shopping, restaurants and much more. The venue will be the largest resort in Cambodia, further cementing NagaCorp’s status as one of the biggest casino operators in the world. The company currently has a 41-year gaming monopoly within a 200-kilometre radius of the Cambodian capital that runs through until 2035. Their gaming license runs for a further 30 years after that, and their latest multi-billion dollar investment in the area highlights their ongoing commitment to remain at the forefront of the industry in the region.

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