The total value of construction contract awards in November 2020 was £4.9 billion based on a three-month rolling average. This is a marginal (0.2%) increase on October but is 9.1% lower than for November 2019. Contract award numbers decreased by 17.9% this month to 715 compared with 871 in October.
Housing association Poplar HARCA has appointed Housebuilder of the Year, Hill as joint venture partner to deliver the Teviot Estate regeneration in Tower Hamlets, which could include more than 2,500 new homes, new green and play spaces, shops, community and faith facilities, and improved infrastructure. On an 81% turnout, 86%
SCAPE – the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority – has announced the winners of its £1bn Consultancy frameworks today (Friday 18th 2020). Together, the new suite of frameworks is designed to help the public sector achieve better project outcomes, from individual assets through to major town and city centre
A major educational construction project overseen by hub South West on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council and constructed by Morrison Construction, has won gold in the Best Education and Higher Education category of the 2020 International Partnership Awards. Cumbernauld Academy & Community Theatre won the accolade at the 21st annual
Indoor levels of air pollutants are two to five times higher, on average, than outdoor levels, the BBC reports. Indoor air pollution is typically caused by common building materials (like paint, flooring and furniture finishes), which release harmful gases or particles into the air. Poor indoor air quality is linked to
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the lease of a 10,000 SQ M unit at GLP Wroclaw IV Logistics Centre to Dongshin, an innovative manufacturer of, among others, electric car parts. The 10,000 SQ M unit has been leased on a three-year
Staffordshire-based balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is reflecting on a successful, record year as it achieves its highest output levels to date and sets sights on further growth in 2021. Family business SMART Balustrades specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and
John Sisk & Son (“Sisk”) alongside Moda, developer and operator of homes for rent, have teamed up to deliver 100 toys for children at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Birmingham this Christmas. In addition to this Sisk has also donated a set of handcrafted wooden toys, created by Sisk’s
The total value of construction contract awards in November 2020 was £4.9 billion based on a three-month rolling average. This is a marginal (0.2%) increase on October but is 9.1% lower than for November 2019. Contract award numbers decreased by 17.9% this month to 715 compared with 871 in October. Annual comparisons show a 16.4% decrease compared to 855 contract awards for November 2019. The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights levels of construction contract values awarded across Great Britain. In November, London was the leading region with 16.8% of awards and a total of 77 projects. The North West was only slightly behind accounting for a share of 16.3% of awards and a total of 98 projects. The third largest region this month was the South East with 13.9% of awards. Analysis by sector indicates that residential maintained lead status in November accounting for 38.9% of awards. With 19.1% of awards, infrastructure was the second largest sector this month whilst in third place commercial & retail held share of 16.3%. Commenting on the figures, Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI and AMA Research said, “The in-month value of contract awards in November was £3.9bn. This is less than the historical average and is consistent with our previous assessments that, since the first UK-wide lockdown, the construction industry has returned but at lower levels than previously. The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine has raised everyone’s hopes of a return to normality at some point in 2021. But in the meantime we will have to manage many downside risks: a thin Brexit deal at the very best, higher unemployment and continuing movement restrictions over winter and spring.” Download the full report here: http://ubm.io/2FRLrwm
Housing association Poplar HARCA has appointed Housebuilder of the Year, Hill as joint venture partner to deliver the Teviot Estate regeneration in Tower Hamlets, which could include more than 2,500 new homes, new green and play spaces, shops, community and faith facilities, and improved infrastructure. On an 81% turnout, 86% of residents backed proposals for regenerating the estate in a ballot last year. Since then, a steering group of residents and an independent advisor have led the procurement process to select a preferred developer from five initial bidders. Paul Mancrief, Resident Steering Group member said: “As I have been part of an active community for over forty five years, I naturally got involved in the process of selecting a joint development partner to build a new Teviot Estate, ensuring the community voice is heard with aspirations and ideas towards a positive built outcome. Hill were found to be very knowledgeable with regard to the area, the issues Teviot currently faces and were full of practical ways to overcome them both now and in the future.” Steve Stride, Chief Executive, Poplar HARCA said: “Hill demonstrated a complete alignment with the community and our vision for the Teviot regeneration to be a “best in class” exemplar for urban regeneration, putting residents and stakeholders at its heart. “Hill provided an exceptional social value offer and illustrated a well thought through and realistic commercial bid, which balanced pragmatism with some exciting innovations and opportunities. We’re confident this partnership will leave a positive legacy for those living and working in East London.” By developing collaborative relationships with Teviot residents and businesses, Hill will deliver a comprehensive and inspiring social value package for the community over the lifetime of the development, including employment and training opportunities, enhancing of community facilities and contributing to existing services. There will also be extensive infrastructure investment to better connect the Teviot Estate to surrounding areas and transport hubs. The vision is to create a safer and more inclusive community and with this in mind, the joint venture will create a Community Chest Fund to give local organisations the opportunity to bid for funding, unlocking socio-economic value. -more- 2/ Andy Hill, Chief Executive at Hill said: “We are proud to be selected to work in partnership with Poplar HARCA and residents to deliver their vision for the regeneration of the Teviot Estate, protecting the close and strong community spirit that currently exists. The residents’ ambitions will be at the heart of the plans, and we will bolster these aspirations with our extensive experience in creating thriving new communities and successful placemaking. The regeneration will boost the local economy by creating a transformed destination for East London and contribute positive social value, bringing pride and vibrancy to the area for existing and future residents.” Poplar HARCA and Hill, in consultation with the Residents Steering Group, will now appoint a master planner with residents in early 2021 and continue consultation with residents, London Borough of Tower Hamlets and other stakeholders to develop the designs. A planning application to the local authority is expected to be finalised in mid-late 2022. The procurement process was supported by employers agent Baily Garner, lawyers Trowers & Hamlins and HACT social value consultants. Andy Tookey, Managing Partner at Bailey Garner said: “Baily Garner were appointed by Poplar HARCA to facilitate and run the tender exercise for selection of the joint venture partner on the Teviot Estate regeneration. We have been involved with the project from the beginning and the tenant ballot on the regeneration option. We did viability modelling, compiled the tender documents and assisted Poplar HARCA in evaluating the tenders over three stages to make the joint venture partner selection.” Trowers partner Amy Shaw added: “We are delighted to have worked with Poplar HARCA over the last 18 months to support them in their search for a JV Partner for Teviot. Trowers has worked with Poplar HARCA from early in the procurement process, advising on process, JV Structure and all corporate, property and construction aspects. We are working with the parties to help bring the scheme forward, delivering homes and improving the lives of residents at the Estate, particularly through Poplar HARCA’s strong commitment to social value, and look forward to seeing the plans that Poplar HARCA, and their selected partner, Hill, bring forward.”
SCAPE – the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority – has announced the winners of its £1bn Consultancy frameworks today (Friday 18th 2020). Together, the new suite of frameworks is designed to help the public sector achieve better project outcomes, from individual assets through to major town and city centre regeneration initiatives, whilst embedding sustainability and zero carbon options that help effectively respond to the climate emergency. Covering six lots across two direct-award frameworks – the SCAPE Consultancy framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework – the new agreements will run from January 2021 until 2025, with the option of a two-year extension. SCAPE Scotland, which is based in Edinburgh, has established its consultancy framework under a separate legal structure to reflect Scottish law and procurement regulation. Accessible to any public sector organisation, the SCAPE Consultancy frameworks will offer the broadest range of professional services available in the construction industry under three distinct lots providing specialist support in each area. SCAPE Consultancy, Built Environment will include surveying and design, project management and quantity surveying for new projects and current assets. SCAPE Consultancy, Infrastructure will provide dedicated consultancy services to support the design, delivery and maintenance of infrastructure across the United Kingdom. SCAPE Consultancy, Place Shaping will offer a unique and specialist suite of strategic advisory services ranging from funding advice, policy development, estate rationalisation, as well as asset, risk and development management. The results of this procurement are as follows: Lot Geography Service Value Organisation Lot 1 England, Wales & NI SCAPE Consultancy, Built Environment £350m Perfect Circle (a company jointly owned by Pick Everard, Gleeds, Aecom) Lot 2 England, Wales & NI SCAPE Consultancy, Infrastructure £250m Perfect Circle (a company jointly owned by Pick Everard, Gleeds, Aecom) Lot 3 England, Wales & NI SCAPE Consultancy, Place Shaping £100m Mace Lot 1 Scotland SCAPE Scotland Consultancy, Built Environment £150m Faithful+Gould Lot 2 Scotland SCAPE Scotland Consultancy, Infrastructure £100m Triskelion ( Arcadis, Sweco and Fairhurst) Lot 3 Scotland SCAPE Scotland Consultancy, Place Shaping £50m Arup Each consultancy partner will be appointed by SCAPE’s direct award approach and supported by an extensive local supply chain to help accelerate projects and amplify the local economic, environmental and social impact on every project. The new frameworks are an evolution of the SCAPE Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework, which was operated with a quantum value of £350m and launched in 2016. Led by Perfect Circle (a company jointly owned by Pick Everard, Gleeds, Aecom), the BECS framework was widely embraced by the public sector, delivering more than 1,000 commissions and engaging with more than 335 SMEs through its local supply chains. Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The quality of the bids we received was simply outstanding. Our new partners for these frameworks have the capacity to be transformative for our colleagues in the public sector seeking specialist consultancy support for projects in their communities. “We’ve evolved these services and applied the lessons learned from the hugely successful BECS framework following extensive client and industry consultation, analysis, as well as expanding the range of services clients can access. It means our new frameworks are not only hugely comprehensive but incredibly pertinent to a public sector now leading the UK’s push to build back better, build back greener and that is eager to help accelerate the economic recovery. “A core commitment to community enrichment, job creation, apprenticeships and tangible social value runs through every lot. The enhanced goals set in these frameworks and the fact that their breadth and scale is greater than what’s gone before will ensure they set a new benchmark for positive social and economic impact from professional services in construction.” Duncan Green, chair at Perfect Circle, said: “We are absolutely delighted that both the SCAPE Consultancy, Built Environment and the SCAPE Consultancy, Infrastructure frameworks have been awarded to Perfect Circle. Our impressive partnership with SCAPE is now set to further strengthen and we look forward to continuing the involvement, growth and collaboration with our extensive and diverse supply chain. “We will share and engage the industry ambition, expertise and innovation to build back better. Our teams will continue to provide value driven services with a dynamic and digital approach to meet the most challenging of needs of our public sector clients. We will be at the forefront of the green industrial revolution crucially promoting projects that underpin the country’s economic recovery and deliver a lasting legacy.” Jason Millett, chief executive for consultancy at Mace, said: “I am delighted that Mace has been appointed to deliver SCAPE Consultancy, Place Shaping. These are particularly challenging times for the public sector when budgets are under great pressure to deliver more with less. We will draw upon our decades of experience and expertise, working with our expert supply chain to successfully unlock the potential of our clients’ projects to create a lasting legacy and societal value for the long-term.” Jon Sealy, UK & Europe managing director at Faithful+Gould, said: “Our team is delighted to once again be part of the SCAPE family of frameworks. SCAPE’s commitment to social value and excellence is something that we share and are extremely passionate about. We are looking forward to collaborating with our framework partners and identifying opportunities to enable investment into Scottish communities and create a national-scale SCAPE legacy in Scotland.” Mark Cowlard, CEO – UK & Ireland at Arcadis (on behalf of Triskelion), said: “Triskelion has brought together the best Scotland can offer in a team of Arcadis, Sweco and Fairhurst, combining our collective strengths in terms of technical expertise, existing client relationships and market intelligence. We believe supporting training, education and community projects can make a real difference to society and we are delighted to have been appointed to this nationally significant framework. “Covid-19 recovery will see a drive to rebuild the Scottish economy which will provide a major boost for the Scottish Infrastructure market. We regard the SCAPE framework as being integral to delivering high quality
A major educational construction project overseen by hub South West on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council and constructed by Morrison Construction, has won gold in the Best Education and Higher Education category of the 2020 International Partnership Awards. Cumbernauld Academy & Community Theatre won the accolade at the 21st annual awards ceremony broadcast online from London on Wednesday 9 December. Another hub South West project, Ayr’s Queen Margaret Academy, was also shortlisted by the judges. The annual Partnership Awards are organised by Partnerships Bulletin – Public Private Partnerships News & Data | Partnerships Bulletin which each year judges projects in regions around the world including Asia, Australia, USA, and Europe. Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of hub South West, said: “It is very gratifying that two hub South West projects were nominated for this highly prestigious award. “The stunning Cumbernauld Academy and Theatre Campus has delivered a modern, campus with architectural finesse and construction quality of the highest standard. “The combination of a high school and professional theatre is the first of its kind in Scotland and provides students, staff and visitors the opportunity for community-wide learning, play and socialising with a creative industry influence. “The project demonstrates that true partnership working can deliver outstanding results to benefits students, local communities, and the local economy with real, tangible results and a long-lasting legacy.” North Lanarkshire Council’s Frank McNally, Convener of Education and Families, said: “Congratulations to all involved in this project and on winning this prestigious national award. The campus is tremendous, and I know how proud the school community is of its stunning new home. “The building is a symbol of our ambition to create outstanding facilities across North Lanarkshire and we are driving forward plans to create new town and community hubs throughout the area.” Two years ago, hub South West’s Dalbeattie Learning Campus, an ‘all through’ campus comprising nursery, primary, and secondary education set in an innovative, landscaped setting, was named Best Social Infrastructure project at the 2018 Partnership Awards at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel, London.
Indoor levels of air pollutants are two to five times higher, on average, than outdoor levels, the BBC reports. Indoor air pollution is typically caused by common building materials (like paint, flooring and furniture finishes), which release harmful gases or particles into the air. Poor indoor air quality is linked to health issues like poor attention span and cognition, respiratory illness, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and even cancer. By designing buildings to improve indoor air quality, both commercial and residential buildings can be made safer and healthier than ever before. Air purifiers Indoor air pollution in homes, schools, and nurseries is a growing problem that’s been found to cause a myriad of health issues in children (including, asthma, eczema, wheezing and conjunctivitis). Common sources of indoor air pollution include cleaning products, aerosol sprays, damp, mould, dust, and chemicals from paint, building materials and furnishings. Tobacco smoke, in particular, is a major health hazard linked to illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fortunately, installing air purifiers can trap and remove harmful particles and help ensure safe and clean air. The best air purifier for tobacco smoke will feature a CADR (clean air delivery rate) of over 300, which makes the purifier as efficient as possible. It should also be a size suitable for use in the room intended to maximise smoke removal while on a quieter setting. Biophilic design The biophilic principle — which incorporates live greenery in building design — is undoubtedly a trend here to stay. Living walls, in particular, feature entire walls of plants, and are a popular way of using biophilic design in both residential and commercial buildings. Biophilic design has a number of health and environmental benefits. In particular, plants are naturally good at purifying the air and turning carbon dioxide into oxygen, which ultimately improves air quality and decreases humidity. Snake plant, for example, is an attractive plant that’s easy and low maintenance to care for; it works to remove harmful chemicals, including benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, and clean the air. VOC free Building materials like paint, flooring, caulking, adhesives and sealant commonly off-gas harmful chemicals for years after they’re installed. VOCs (volatile organic compounds), in particular, are a serious element contributing to poor indoor air quality, and have been linked to a number of health issues, including, headaches, nausea, dizziness, asthma, liver and kidney damage, cancer, and central nervous system damage. Opting for water-based coatings and non-toxic materials can minimise exposure to VOCs and promote healthy indoor air. Flooring, for example, can also be made from natural wood, stone or marble, and laid with sisal, wool and coir carpets. These materials are cost effective and durable, and don’t emit harmful VOCs. Paying attention to indoor air quality is an increasingly important part of building design and construction. Air purifiers, biophilic design, and low-VOC materials can help ensure healthy indoor air quality in commercial and residential buildings.
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the lease of a 10,000 SQ M unit at GLP Wroclaw IV Logistics Centre to Dongshin, an innovative manufacturer of, among others, electric car parts. The 10,000 SQ M unit has been leased on a three-year term. Dongshin is an LG subcontractor specializing in producing metal parts for electric cars. These parts are produced for electric cars made by by the worldwide famous car makers. The unit benefits from increased floor loading capacity, 13 dock levelers, a level access door and 60 car parking spaces. It has been designed to reduce energy usage, for example with strategic skylights to enhance natural lighting. It also includes sustainability features including beehives in the park. The Wroclaw IV Logistics Centre is located within Wroclaw city, providing ready access to a skilled labour force of approximately 1,200,000 people. The site is situated close to two motorway junctions: Wroclaw-Bielany (A4 Motorway) and Wroclaw West (A8 Motorway), allowing convenient access to the whole of Poland, as well as Germany and the Czech Republic. The site is also well-served by public transport. The manufacturing section of Wroclaw IV Logistics Centre is well-equipped for modern automotive producers, and is also occupied by Gestamp, an international group dedicated to the design and manufacturing of metal automotive components. Gestamp have just extended their lease at the park for another ten years. GLP will soon start developing Wroclaw V Logistics Centre, which will have five buildings comprising 240,000 SQ M of warehouse space. The units are currently available to lease. Michal Szczepaniak, GLP, said: “We are excited to welcome this new customer into our growing portfolio. We look forward to working together to support Dongshin as it expands its operations to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicle parts.” The tenant was represented in the transaction by Colliers International, a leading commercial real estate advisory firm. Filip Deleżyński, Colliers International, said: With Dongshin’s specific manufacturing process in mind, I believe GLP Wrocław IV Logistics Centre is a great fit – industrial facility in a high production standard, with significantly strengthened floor load, perfect for presses, and the developer which is experienced in working with automotive clients requiring technical expertise.”
Staffordshire-based balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is reflecting on a successful, record year as it achieves its highest output levels to date and sets sights on further growth in 2021. Family business SMART Balustrades specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and handrails for the commercial and residential sectors. Recently named as the third fastest growing balustrades company in the UK by Plimsoll, the company reported record months in July, August and November this year, with turnover up 20% from 2019. After making a number of key hires earlier this year, the firm is now nine strong, with further plans to expand its team in the new year, as it continues to invest in the manufacturing side of the business. All of SMART Balustrades’ fabrication and assembly is done in-house at its Burntwood production facility and it has recently made a significant investment of £30,000 in a specialist tube drilling machine, which will accelerate production by up to five times. Despite the challenges of 2020, the business has remained strong; working in buoyant markets such as residential and education. Notable residential projects delivered by the firm this year include a balustrade scheme in Lewes, a platform balcony scheme in Luton and a roof terrace balustrades scheme in Bournemouth. The company is also working on a substantial project for national hotel brand Fairmont on its new Fairmont Windsor Park hotel, next to Windsor Great Park. Works include the installation of stainless steel and structural glass balustrades for the hotel’s stairways, terraces and spa areas. David Hough, managing director and co-founder of SMART Balustrades, said: “We couldn’t be happier ending this year with record results for our business. Despite the pandemic, we’ve continued to adapt to the market, offering new products and services such as platform balconies as the demand for outdoor space increases. “Like most construction-based companies, installation slowed down due to uncertainty onsite, but once social distancing guidelines had been clarified and necessary safety measures were put in place we were back to normal levels of output. It’s been a different year for everyone to say the least, but we look forward to continuing to learn and grow in 2021 and beyond.” Jonathan Hough, contracts director and co-founder, added: “Being up 20% with our year-on-year growth is an incredible achievement, especially in the current climate and we have ambitious growth plans for 2021 – with a target of 35% further growth. “Manufacturing remains a key part of our business, and next year we will continue to invest in our equipment and our team to increase efficiency and productivity. The tube drilling machine is a worthwhile investment and throughout 2020 we have invested in systems, accreditations and staff, to put ourselves ahead of the rest. Thank you to our brilliant team who have been resilient throughout the year, and our clients who have continued to support us.” SMART Balustrades is part of the Unitech Group, and it designs and manufactures its products at Unitech Group’s 75,000 sq. ft. production facility in Burntwood, Staffordshire
John Sisk & Son (“Sisk”) alongside Moda, developer and operator of homes for rent, have teamed up to deliver 100 toys for children at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Birmingham this Christmas. In addition to this Sisk has also donated a set of handcrafted wooden toys, created by Sisk’s apprentice carpenters at the company’s workshop in Dublin. This is part of a longstanding Sisk tradition which will see 400 wooden toys donated throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. West Midlands Rehabilitation Service in Birmingham is a key service provided by Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust based in Selly Oak. Their specialist teams provide wheelchair services; communication and technology device support; functional electrical stimulation (FES) a technology that helps children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy to walk and amputee and prosthetic rehabilitation. Work on the wooden toys commences in mid-November and takes four to five weeks to complete, with all staff and management in the Sisk training centre getting involved. Each November, the team get together to decide on the toys they are going to make, sourcing ideas from books, websites and feedback from the charities who have received toys in the past. The Sisk Christmas toy project was started by John G Sisk at the Sisk Joinery Workshop in Dublin almost 45 years ago. Today, Sisk has a state of the art training facility for apprentice carpenters and joiners located at its head office in Dublin and also has ten apprentices working at its Broad Street project. Sisk is currently building The Mercian (Birmingham’s tallest residential tower) at Broad Street in Birmingham city centre for its client, Moda. The project is located on the former site of the renowned nightclub, The Click Club at Burberries. Working in partnership with Moda, Sisk has already delivered on its promise to create hundreds of new jobs at The Mercian. In addition, with support from the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority), a bespoke Training Hub has been implemented on site. Simon Dingle, Regional Director, John Sisk & Son, said: “This past year has been extremely challenging for everybody, particularly families who need to access vital support services. We are delighted to be able to team up with Moda to deliver our handmade toys to West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre. One of our greatest success stories has been our ability to give back to the many communities in which we work through our longstanding Sisk Christmas toy story. The toys are handmade by our apprentice carpenters and joiners, utilising the skills taught to them at our training centre. We would also like to thank all our supply chain partners who have donated a further 70 commercial toys as part of our donation the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre.” Tony Brooks, Managing Director at Moda, said: “With the extreme challenges faced by so many this year, it is a true pleasure to be able to bring some Christmas joy to children in Birmingham, our newest home. At Moda, we work hard for the communities we live in and The Mercian is no different – we’re proud to stand tall against the Birmingham skyline and give back to the community as we look ahead to everything we can bring to the city when we open late next year.”
