Whitley Bay’s landmark regeneration project, Spanish City, is celebrating after winning an international award for interior design. Adding to the site’s growing list of accolades, Spanish City recently won an FX Award for Best Mixed Use Development. The FX Awards celebrate the best in international design with a prestigious awards
A new £8 million Campus for Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Innovation has opened its doors to students in West Suffolk. The West Suffolk College development has reached completion in Phase 1, comprising a 4,300 sqm teaching facility with two seminar rooms, 10 classrooms, six laboratories, learning hubs, social
Sprinkler tank refurbishment is the most cost-effective way to deal with a range of common water tank problems. Though not always possible, it is the preferred remedy because refurbishment delivers a long-term solution. If a tank is identified during an independent inspection as suitable for remedial works, this is the
Regardless of the size and price, buying a house is an expensive investment. Your financial health will be affected before, during, and after you make this purchase. For individuals who have limited budgets, they’ll likely have to save a lot of money and change their spending habits just to afford
A pioneering project to install lifesaving sprinklers and ground source heat to 364 flats in Sunderland has launched, involving what is thought to be the largest gas replacement in high rise tower blocks in the UK. The project, named ‘Core 364’, is being delivered by Sunderland-based housing association, Gentoo, with
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Whitley Bay’s landmark regeneration project, Spanish City, is celebrating after winning an international award for interior design. Adding to the site’s growing list of accolades, Spanish City recently won an FX Award for Best Mixed Use Development. The FX Awards celebrate the best in international design with a prestigious awards ceremony in London each year. Spanish City beat critically acclaimed design projects as far afield as San Francisco, Salerno and Southern China to scoop the grand prize. Judges described Spanish City as an “amazing restoration” with “extremely high-quality spaces providing a social hub and uplifting connection with the community.” The interiors strategy for the Spanish City project was led by senior interior designer Katie Thompson, who used contemporary finishes, materials, lightings and fittings to recreate the feel of the building when it first opened. She said: “We were thrilled to accept the award for Best Mixed Use Development at FX Awards in London on Monday night – the 13th award for this fantastic building. “The competition in the category was amazing, so we are very happy that the judges thought ADP was a worthy winner.” Since reopening in 2018 following ADP Architecture’s restoration, Spanish City has also won a RIBA North East Award and many others. It is hoped that the restoration will continue to have a positive impact for the local community and economy.
A new £8 million Campus for Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Innovation has opened its doors to students in West Suffolk. The West Suffolk College development has reached completion in Phase 1, comprising a 4,300 sqm teaching facility with two seminar rooms, 10 classrooms, six laboratories, learning hubs, social spaces and a business centre. This marks the first of a multi-phased campus redevelopment programme which will bring state-of-the-art, specialist STEM facilities to the region. Contractor Coulson Building Group worked with landscape architect Wynne-Williams Associates and consultancy Pick Everard to bring the project to life. Speaking about the project, Pick Everard director Keith Prendergast said: “This first phase has significantly modernised the college’s offering. Our designs have enabled further and higher education teaching services to take place under one roof, alongside a space for local businesses. This creates greater links with industry, addressing the skills gap in STEM and creating an opportunity for real collaboration. “The campus is on the site of a former specialist engineering facility, where high-end equipment for TV and media was developed. It’s great that we’re helping to continue this story, creating a space that will train the next generation of engineers. “The space has now been completely refurbished, enhancing its exterior appearance and significantly improving the internal specification. “The site will eventually house 350 students and has also been designed to accommodate space for businesses linked to the educational offer. We’re incredibly proud to have been involved and look forward to seeing the rest of the campus develop.” The completion of the £3.4 million facility in phase one has meant that West Suffolk College can consolidate its computing and engineering departments, bringing them together under one roof. Gary Jefferson, executive director engineering and technology at West Suffolk College added: “The transformation of the Vitec factory is nothing less than remarkable. We have taken a 1960’s factory and, in phase one, we have created a state-of-the-art computer science and engineering facility which will train the creators, programmers and innovators of tomorrow from GCSE level through to degrees. “We now have an ultra-modern teaching accommodation for nearly 400 students, covering digital technologies and engineering disciplines and are already approaching our capacity. The philosophy of the design is helping the cross-disciplinary project work that our students are completing with businesses. By creating spaces for students to circulate and collaborate on projects in a flexible environment, we can future proof them for success in their careers ahead. “At this phase, we have still only developed approximately one third of the site and have amazing plans to develop the remaining two thirds. We’re set to expand our site by creating labs for agritech, physics, chemistry, biology, big data, artificial intelligence and fully immersive augmented and virtual reality technologies.”
Sprinkler tank refurbishment is the most cost-effective way to deal with a range of common water tank problems. Though not always possible, it is the preferred remedy because refurbishment delivers a long-term solution. If a tank is identified during an independent inspection as suitable for remedial works, this is the course of action that should be followed. As well as delivering durable repairs, it will offer cost savings and limit disruption. Many site owners and municipalities don’t recognise the benefits of refurbishing a fire sprinkler tank. Others don’t even know it is possible. They simply assume an old, corroded or leaking LPCB tank has reached the end of its life. While sometimes a tank will need to be replaced, discarding one that can be repaired is bad for the environment and the more expensive option. There are lots of good reasons why refurbishment is the better choice. So, is it worth having your water tank repaired? Water tank refurbishment The fact is that water tank refurbishment is worth it – if your tank is considered a suitable candidate. Not only will it save money, it will ensure a tank carries on storing water for a fire sprinkler system for many years to come. Other benefits include: Deals with the presence of any corrosion Stops water from being wasted Reduces short and medium-term disruption of water supplies to a sprinkler system Negates the need for a tank to be decommission and removed Minimises on-site hassles Keeps insurers happy Many sprinkler tank refurbishment projects are carried out to reduce downtime. Refurbishment is a much quicker process than draining, dismantling and removing an existing tank ahead of the installation of a new one. Concrete, galvanised steel and GRP tanks are routinely refurbished across the UK. Less expensive than the sometimes-complicated removal process, repairs take a fraction of the time. Fire sprinkler tanks suitable for refurbishment may present with any of the following common problems: Weak spots in tank walls Presence of corrosion Blisters of rust inside the tank Leaks Splits If caught in time, all these issues can be effectively remedied with refurbishment. Sprinkler tank refurbishment process The processes involved in sprinkler tank refurbishment mean a tank will have to be drained before work can start. A contractor will always give a clear indication of how long this is likely to take. Once a tank is empty, the repairs can begin. A typical works schedule will include: Closure of the inlet valve Isolation of electrics Pumps tagged Tank draining Installation of ventilation and other safety equipment Removal of sediment with specialist wet vacuums Repair of tank’s internal surfaces Application of surface tolerant coating Once this work has been completed, and following a necessary ‘curing’ period, a tank can be refilled and put back into service. This type of refurbishment is guaranteed to last for a decade by reputable contractors. They will ensure that a project is completed to the very highest standards. In addition, all those working on the project will have the necessary safety training. Always use a contractor accredited by CHAS. This help you save time at the tendering stage and limits the amount of paperwork that will need to be duplicated. Other things to look out for are links to recognised trade associations, such as the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association. The last thing you want is an unqualified, unaccredited contractor working on a vital component of your life saving sprinkler system. Extending the life of an LPCB sprinkler tank Because an LPCB sprinkler tank forms an integral part of loss prevention strategies, it makes sense to ensure they are properly maintained. Routine checks can flag up early warning signs and ensure sprinkler tank refurbishment is a viable option. Experts recommend yearly inspections from an independent contractor. As well as helping you to save money, this process is convenient and economical. All inspections below the water line should be carried out with ROV equipment. This will ensure a tank does not have to be drained for the process. A fire sprinkler system will be fully operational throughout. If you are ever approached by an inspection team that wants to drain your tank, call another contractor. It is not necessary and significantly adds to the cost. It also wastes water and time. Importantly, it will knock out your sprinkler system’s water supply. Sprinkler tank refurbishment is a savvy move. If you are told by a qualified expert that your water tank is suitable, get the work done. It will be guaranteed and last for at least a decade. At a time when the risks posed by fire are very rarely out of the headlines, now is the time to act. Ignoring problems can make them worse and significantly add to the final cost of putting things right.
Regardless of the size and price, buying a house is an expensive investment. Your financial health will be affected before, during, and after you make this purchase. For individuals who have limited budgets, they’ll likely have to save a lot of money and change their spending habits just to afford to buy a house. You might even think to sell my mobile home to earn money for a new house. Paying for a house is one of the most expensive investments you’ll make in your life, but this doesn’t mean that you should live or keep it forever. There are situations in life when selling your home to a we-buy-houses company such as Element Homebuyers can provide more benefits than actually holding on to this investment long-term. To help you decide whether or not it’s time to sell your home, look for the following signs: 1. Your Family Is Growing As the number of your family increases, expect that everyone in the household will have different needs. The house that perfectly provides comfort and safety to you and your partner might not have the same efficacy when you welcome new members in the family. How can you let your kids play if your home isn’t spacious enough for a play area? Can you guarantee your kids’ safety in your current house? If your home has bedrooms enough for you and your kids, how can you accommodate a guest? If you notice that your house is too cramped to accommodate all the members of your family, consider selling your house to a we-buy-houses company such as Fair Cash Deal. A growing family is one of the most obvious signs that you’re ready to sell your house. Although convenient and cheap, choosing to live in a house that no longer fits the size and lifestyle of your family can result in inconvenience and stress. Choosing to live in a small house if you already have kids can even impair their development and growth. 2. You Have Savings Selling your home is a great way to earn money. Since the value of real estate investments will increase over time, selling your home allows you to earn bigger money from the amount you spent in buying it. Selling a home can be financially rewarding, but don’t expect that you’ll incur zero costs during the process. Contrary to popular belief, selling your home isn’t cheap. In order to haul in buyers fast and sell your home at the best price, you’ll have to: Hire the services of a real estate agent to help you properly hold open houses. You need their professional services to know what you should and shouldn’t to ensure that your open houses will be successful. Pet owners will also have to board their pets, so potential buyers aren’t disturbed by frequent barking or purring. Pets are adorable, but not everyone likes the idea of having a furry friend in their properties. Think about homeowners who have sensitive skin or allergies. Since you’ll have to move out the moment you decide your home, you’ll also have to pay for movers and the down payment of your new house. Expect to pay bigger moving expenses if you’re relocating to another country. If you’re confident that you can pay for all of these costs, go ahead and sell your home. Having enough savings is vital for you to successfully sell your home and transition to a new neighborhood. Moving is already stressful, and not having enough money can make the entire move more taxing. 3. You’re Ready To Cut Emotional Ties It’s common for homeowners to become emotionally attached to their homes. Aside from the money that you’ll have to shell out when buying a home, you’ll also be living in this space for years. You’ll have memories with your friends and family in different areas of the home, which is why selling the house and letting go of these memories can be tough. But if you’re ready to cut emotional ties with your home, choosing to sell it might be an easy decision to make for you. Once you’re emotionally prepared to sell your home, removing your family photos from your living area, or putting your favorite seating furniture in the storage area won’t be a heartbreaking experience. Instead of being unhappy with the changes made to your home, you’ll likely see these as opportunities to sell your home fast and earn the most profit from it. Decide How To Sell Once you’ve ticked any signs in this article, decide how you’re going to sell your home. Are you going to do it through a we-buy-houses company? Or are you planning to dramatically reduce your selling price? Scheduling open houses and renovating certain areas of your house can also help when you’re selling your house. However, to ensure that you’re going to sell your home fast, compare all of your available options and choose one that suits your schedule, and financial goals.
A pioneering project to install lifesaving sprinklers and ground source heat to 364 flats in Sunderland has launched, involving what is thought to be the largest gas replacement in high rise tower blocks in the UK. The project, named ‘Core 364’, is being delivered by Sunderland-based housing association, Gentoo, with its energy and regeneration partner, ENGIE, as part of a £9million investment in the tower blocks. Residents in Gentoo’s seven blocks are set to benefit from significant energy bill savings as a result of uniquely heating both their home and water with renewable heat from the Earth’s core. The move, which aims to maximise the fire safety of these seven tower blocks, will also see upgrades to the fire alarm and smoke detection systems in each of the blocks, as well as the installation of a state of the art sprinkler system. ENGIE will manage all aspects of this project, working in partnership with contractor Kensa Heat Pumps Contracting, to install the new low carbon, high efficiency and cost-effective Ground Source Heat Pump system. Andrew McIntosh, Regional Managing Director at ENGIE, said: “We have a great partnership with Gentoo and are delighted to help bring this innovative and energy efficient solution to all residents involved in this project. Our expertise in wide scale regeneration and energy projects will ensure this project is delivered effectively, providing North Tower residents with a modern heating system and enhanced fire safety features.” Gentoo’s Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Wilson, said: “Gentoo is committed to providing safe and affordable housing for its tenants and I’m delighted to welcome the start of this important work, delivering real savings for our tenants and generating renewable heat for their homes.”
