Housing 21 is delighted to confirm plans have been approved to build an 80 unit Extra Care scheme at Kenmore Drive, in Kirklees, West Yorkshire. The scheme, which will be developed in partnership with Kirklees Council and Brewster Bye Architects, is Housing 21’s first Extra Care scheme in Kirklees and
London-based regeneration specialist, Hadley Property Group, has this month submitted a full planning application to reimagine the 1.7 hectare riverside Blackwall Yard site, in London, following more than 18 months of extensive face-to-face and digital consultation with local residents, Councillors and local community groups. For years a privately-owned car park
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the priorities for UK home buyers and what they are looking for in a new home – particularly in relation to location and specific property characteristics – has changed rapidly. Estate agents have reported record interest from potential new buyers
Successful pilot of world’s first retrofit on large construction equipment will have massive impact across the HS2 project, saving millions of pounds Reduced emissions will benefit communities, the environment and the workforce Certified by the Energy Savings Trust, making it available industry-wide HS2 Minister: “this ground-breaking technology will protect our
Paul Roehricht, UK strategic account manager for Brandsafe, considers the critical role aftersales care and partnership plays in delivering the highest standards of safety and protection in the warehouse and logistics environment. It should really go without saying that taking care of your customers once you have provided and installed
Many construction businesses think they’re providing their teams with sufficient high-visibility work wear, when in fact they could be putting their lives at risk. At this time of year when a lot of construction teams are working outside in low light and poor visibility conditions, they need to be wearing
With environmental impact being such a major topic in recent years and scientists urging everyone to take action now, there have been environmental targets set for practically every industry in order to reduce environmental impact. Despite new technologies and tools which are energy-efficiency, the construction industry is one which is
Housing 21 is delighted to confirm plans have been approved to build an 80 unit Extra Care scheme at Kenmore Drive, in Kirklees, West Yorkshire. The scheme, which will be developed in partnership with Kirklees Council and Brewster Bye Architects, is Housing 21’s first Extra Care scheme in Kirklees and will provide much needed accommodation for local people over the age of 55, who have a connection to the local area. The scheme will offer 80 one and two bedroom apartments, all of which will be available for rent. Designed to promote independent living in a community setting, a care team will be on-site 24/7 to deliver planned care packages to residents if needed. It will offer people over the age of 55 their own home, with a range of facilities on hand including an activity room, communal lounge and gardens. An on-site hair salon and café/bistro for residents will also open to the public, subject to government guidelines and social distancing rules upon scheme opening. Clare Hemming, Senior Property Development Manager at Housing 21 said: “The scheme will provide much needed affordable homes for older people in the area, with on-site, tailored care and support packages available to help residents live independently for as long as possible.” For more information about Housing 21, visit www.housing21.org.uk.
London-based regeneration specialist, Hadley Property Group, has this month submitted a full planning application to reimagine the 1.7 hectare riverside Blackwall Yard site, in London, following more than 18 months of extensive face-to-face and digital consultation with local residents, Councillors and local community groups. For years a privately-owned car park and data centre, Hadley is proposing to deliver an open and inclusive mixed-use neighbourhood with clearly defined and measured environmental and social sustainability standards, actively contributing to the health and wellbeing of Tower Hamlets’ residents and wider London under three pillars: empowering communities, stimulating economies and protecting the planet. Over the 10 years from the beginning of construction, the development will generate over £220 million of total additional social and economic value. Engagement with local people has directly informed the design and uses of Blackwall Yard. In the first round of consultation, residents made it very clear that there was a dearth of spaces for the community to use for faith meetings, that they wanted the dock to be brought back into use, and that they would like the provision of a pub or restaurant on the riverfront. These ideas were welcomed and have been worked into the proposed development plans. Blackwall Yard is one of the last substantial regeneration sites on the north bank of the Thames, opposite the O2 and a short walk from Canary Wharf and Poplar High Street; it fronts directly onto the River Thames and is a two-minute walk from East India DLR station. Hadley’s submitted masterplan combines high-quality architecture and new public spaces; the opening-up of the filled-in historic graving dock to become a large water feature with outdoor swimming; a carefully-considered ground-floor plane incorporating community spaces, as well as a pub and a grocery shop; and 898 new homes, of which at least 35% will be affordable housing, with access for all to a large communal roof terrace. It is also proposing to build a new, two-form primary school for the Borough. Blackwall Yard is a car-free development and the finished scheme will include an 100% electric car club. Its landscaping will provide spaces and equipment for children’s play, including a nature trail and sand pits. A new public square, larger than a football pitch, will contain a playable water feature and an indoor-outdoor café. Located in an area with lower-than-London-average skills and training opportunities, Hadley will offer local people 3,500 hours of apprenticeship work with the development’s design and construction teams. Up to £264 million of local economic value is also estimated to be generated through local spend in the supply chain during construction, of which up to 20% is targeted to be spent with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, generating up to £52.9m of local economic value. The development will create 277 construction jobs, 30% of which will go to local people, and 15 permanent, full-time jobs in estate management as well as 52 new jobs in the tenant businesses. Blackwall Yard also wants to make a positive contribution to the local and global environment. Its landscape design has greening wherever possible and uses natural materials such as granite and timber for structural seating. Between the buildings, a biodiverse pocket park will have green areas for nesting birds and wildlife, seasonal planting and mature trees. All buildings have rooftop gardens. Site-wide low carbon heating and cooling system with air source heat pumps mean sustainable energy provision. And for the first time in thirty years, public access to a wide stretch of the Thames Path will be opened up, allowing visitors to enjoy calming water views. To help residents and locals travel more sustainably, Blackwall Yard will also provide a mobility hub, with subsidised hire of fold-up Brompton bicycles, e-bikes and electric scooters. Andy Portlock, Chief Executive Officer at Hadley Property Group, says, “The submission of our Blackwall Yard application draws an intensive first phase of work to a close. Three years spent walking up and down the Thames Path, talking to local residents and working with an excellent team has got us to the point where we have proposals which we are really proud to submit. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with both Tower Hamlets and the people of Poplar to deliver homes, educational facilities, and community spaces as part of a development which reactivates a stretch of the river which has been neglected for far too long.” The main architectural team was selected through an international design competition, selected specifically for their work in tall buildings, waterside development and in the creation of inclusive public realm. It comprises Glenn Howells Architects, White Arkitekter and Panter Hudspith; and LDA Design. William Poole, Partner, Glenn Howells Architects, says, “We are delighted to have been part of this highly ambitious, community-focussed project. With sustainable living at its heart, Blackwall Yard brings together an incredible array of public benefits, including the restored Graving Dock, a new primary school and more than half a hectare of public realm that provides residents with much needed outside space in a post-Covid world. Michael Woodford, Partner, White Arkitekter, says, ““lackwall Yard represents a unique opportunity to create a spectacular and truly sustainable mixed-use residential neighbourhood on the River Thames. The site demanded a creative design approach that responded to a unique set of constraints. The proposal creates an essential link between existing communities and the riverfront whilst taking the opportunity to bring the historic graving dock back into public use as part of a vibrant public realm and sunny riverside destination. White Arkitekter is delighted to have worked with Hadley and the fantastic design team to deliver the masterplan and detailed designs for the waterfront buildings.” Gareth Hunter, Associate, Panter Hudspith Architects, says, “We were delighted to be chosen to participate in this compelling project from the inception of the masterplan. Our detailed design elements create fantastic social-rent family homes, a fascinating new-build primary school over five storeys and ‘The Hub’ which will form the community heart to the project. The collaborative nature of the project, with
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the priorities for UK home buyers and what they are looking for in a new home – particularly in relation to location and specific property characteristics – has changed rapidly. Estate agents have reported record interest from potential new buyers as a result of the temporary stamp duty break announced in July 2020, with the highest number of mortgage approvals since 2007 in August. However, having spent the initial lockdown period in homes that no longer fit the bill, feedback from many recent buyers shows they have specific requirements for their new homes, as evidenced by numerous surveys from industry insiders such as Rightmove and Nationwide since the property market reopened in May 2020. So, what are likely to be the most common priorities for buyers’ in 2021 and how can you market your property accordingly? Top of the list of requirements for over two thirds of prospective buyers this year, and with no signs of abating in 2021, is a bigger garden. Following hot on the heels of garden envy was the desire for a bigger home in general, with nearly 50% of buyers looking to upsize, particularly ‘second-steppers’ looking for more space for both family time and the ability to comfortably work from home. In fact, 36% per cent of buyers were on the move in search of better workspace in their home specifically. This interest in up-sizing has seen house prices for 3-4-bedroom properties and more expensive, detached mansion style properties rise significantly (55% and 104% respectively) in 2020 and continue to do so. 28% of UK wide buyers surveyed by Nationwide in September were in the process of moving or contemplating a move purely due to the pandemic. This was particularly evident in London and other cities. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, many buyers were seeking more outdoor space, with 31% wanting to live closer to parks and green spaces and 30% looking for a complete change of pace with a move to a rural area, particularly buyers in the older age groups. To have access to these new necessities within their budget, more buyers than ever before (35%) are happy to relocate to a completely different area. However, it would be unfair to say that everyone is headed for the countryside. There are of course only a certain number of jobs where you can truly work from home, 5 days a week. For those that do need to commute to the office, there has been a rise in buyers seeking a shorter commute which allows for walking or cycling to work rather than cramming into packed public transport. This is particularly the case in London, where many estate agents have seen three times the interest in central London properties since the start of the 2020 property boom compared to the same point in 2019. For first time buyers for whom a large, detached property will generally be out of reach regardless of location, avoiding a lengthy commute has become a popular option and location is king. First-time buyer sales in Zones 1-3 have risen from 28% to 35% from pre to post lockdown and fallen from 36% to 31% in Zones 4-6. So even the most bijou of city centre properties can still sell quickly when marketing is focused on the location. Highlighting proximity to big employers or local schools, colleges and universities can also be a big draw to potential buyers. Whilst sales may be less popular for properties with two bedrooms or fewer, the number of sales agreed for this sector has still grown by 36% since 2019. So, in terms of marketing your property, it really pays to do your research and find out what buyers are looking for in your particular area and whether it is the features of the property itself or its location and proximity to work and local conveniences that are attracting buyers. Speak to local agents and find out the types of buyers who are most commonly purchasing properties like yours and tailor the property and advertisement accordingly. It is also helpful to find out what has put people off making offers to ensure the layout appeals to as many buyers as possible. Make sure you save or revisit the most attractive features of the house – such as a good-sized garden or separate office space – at the end of the viewing to keep these plus points at the forefront of the buyer’s mind. Make sure you asking price is also realistic. Whilst we may have seen a property price boom in 2020, buyers will be cautious of the potential of an economic recession in 2021 and won’t want to pay over the odds despite the competition in the current market. Online and hybrid agents definitely offer vendors the advantage when it comes to buyers’ priorities, with specific online tools designed to offer direct access to buyer feedback, vendor and buyer communication and the ability to keep track of your property advert’s performance and quickly and easily adapt it where necessary to really appeal to buyers.
Successful pilot of world’s first retrofit on large construction equipment will have massive impact across the HS2 project, saving millions of pounds Reduced emissions will benefit communities, the environment and the workforce Certified by the Energy Savings Trust, making it available industry-wide HS2 Minister: “this ground-breaking technology will protect our health and the environment.” HS2’s Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) retrofit innovation adds exhaust technology to existing engine systems on plant machinery to upgrade them to the latest EU Stage V engine class, leading to cleaner air around construction sites. The six-month pilot of the retrofit solution was carried out by UK company Eminox on a Balfour Beatty Stage IIIA piling rig (Junttan PM20). It was tested by Imperial College London (Centre for Low Emission Construction) and Emissions Analytics, and has just been validated by the Energy Savings Trust, providing certainty for the sector and making it available industry-wide. HS2 has set strict (NRMM) emissions requirements, with all plant operating needing to meet at least EU Stage IV requirements from 2022. This innovation will deliver the first EU Stage V equivalent retrofit solution in Europe – taking the piling rig to the lowest emissions level possible. This retrofit solution gives HS2 and its suppliers confidence that existing NRMM can be successfully retrofitted to meet HS2’s 2022 NRMM criteria at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new equipment. For example, it enables an older £1.5M piece of equipment to be converted into a lower emissions product for a fraction of the cost. For HS2 this could potentially mean a £300m saving across the project. Unlike on-road exhaust emissions reduction retrofit technologies, which typically use compressed air from the existing system the new technology removes particulates, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide emissions using new airless dosing technology. This is the first of its kind and the innovative technology will also benefit users of NRMM working in other clean air zones such as Greater London and Birmingham. HS2’s Director of Environment Peter Miller said: “HS2 will be low carbon in operation and we’re also minimising the project’s carbon emissions as we build by utilising new low carbon materials and technology. This is one of many projects we’re developing with partners to cut carbon across the HS2 project, and bring wider benefits for the whole construction industry.” “Working in partnership with Imperial College London and our contractors CSJV and BBV, this ground breaking innovation has allowed us to better understand plant emissions on site, create an NRMM plan to reduce worker exposure and community impacts, and develop technology to further reduce emissions in and around our construction sites.” HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “We are going to enormous efforts to ensure that HS2 is one of the most environmentally responsible infrastructure projects ever delivered in the UK. “By cleaning up the air on construction sites, this ground-breaking technology will protect our health and the environment, all while saving millions of pounds across the project. “As the first retrofit solution of its class in Europe, this technology will be welcomed right across the construction industry.” Eminox’s Director of Retrofit & Aftermarket, Carlos Vicente said: “At Eminox we’re focused on helping to reduce emissions across a wide range of sectors and working on this pioneering HS2 project has enabled us to extend our leading retrofit technology from on road applications to construction equipment. Being first to market with Energy Savings Trust accreditation for non-road mobile machinery demonstrates the project’s innovation – it enables the construction industry to have new opportunities for cost-effectively reducing emissions to the lowest possible level and improving air quality across the industry.” Daniel Marsh, Centre for Low Emission Construction, Imperial College London said: “The NRMM retrofit project has allowed us to work in partnership with key organisations to produce scientific evidence to give the construction industry the confidence to adopt new cost-effective measures to reduce machine emissions. The use of new technology will allow contractors to upgrade their most polluting machines to meet the latest emission standards and help reduce the air pollution impacts across the whole HS2 project.” Bekir Andrews, Group Head of Sustainability & Reporting, Balfour Beatty Plc said: “Reducing emissions from plant on construction sites is a key challenge that our sector faces – it is something that we are particularly passionate about at Balfour Beatty, having recently launched our Sustainability Strategy – Building New Futures. Whilst engine standards are improving and new electric, hybrid and hydrogen solutions are starting to enter the market, there is a lot of plant and machinery that still runs on IIIA and IIIB engines. We are immensely pleased to have worked alongside HS2, Eminox and the Centre for Low Emissions Construction to develop a practical solution to improve emissions from construction sites and offer a solution for our sector.” As the largest infrastructure project in Europe, HS2 will create huge demand for construction equipment, supporting UK manufacturers and suppliers. The project’s fleets will be a mix of new, existing and retrofitted old plant, and HS2 will also continue to promote innovative alternative fuel plant such as hydrogen, electric and solar. A second pilot is currently underway on the larger Bauer BG30 403kW rig, to test whether larger machines within the 350kW to 550kW range can also be retrofitted, providing even more benefits to the sector.
Paul Roehricht, UK strategic account manager for Brandsafe, considers the critical role aftersales care and partnership plays in delivering the highest standards of safety and protection in the warehouse and logistics environment. It should really go without saying that taking care of your customers once you have provided and installed products is best practice and the number one priority for any supplier. But too often in the scramble to deliver and look for new customers, it can be to easy to fail to follow through or appreciate that active aftercare can be beneficial for business. Indeed, aftersales care and support reflects a genuine insight into customer needs as well as an opportunity for a supplier to secure additional business in future: it’s been estimated that margins generated by post-sales activities can be several times higher than those of initial product sales. Good customer service does not stop once a purchase has been made, installed and your team has left the building. It’s only right that customers investing significant sums in safety and impact protection systems – indeed, any products – deserve the highest quality service, fast and effective resolution of problems or queries, as well as a touch of added value. Understanding demand and managing the supply chain efficiently to secure product stock levels, supported by the deployment to customer sites of skilled, well resourced service teams, who understand the nuances and critical issues on the ground when it comes to onsite installation of systems and products, are key ingredients in a recipe for getting things right first time, every time. For example, if you cannot supply customers with the right part or product when they need it, and then install properly, they will go elsewhere. Positive experience Customers will be far more satisfied if they see your demonstrable focus on service and aftercare support, too. They’re more likely to purchase from you in the future if they have a positive experience of your company and project management capabilities – they may even recommend the brand to other potential customers as a result. For most companies, better service and aftersales support boosts revenue, delivers greater profitability and inevitably creates a powerful competitive advantage for the brand. Simply put, it’s good business. Undoubtedly, the current pandemic is re-shaping the way many organisations conduct business. And this can be reflected in the role partnership plays in areas such as project management – and how sector suppliers such as Brandsafe go the extra mile. Suppliers and customers who adopt a partnership approach can see rewards and reap significant benefits; particularly in the warehouse and logistics industry, which has been prone to accusations of unwillingness to share best practice and engage collaboratively on safety matters to drive wholesale improvements for the benefit of all sector operators. Supply chain collaboration has a lot to offer. Relying on your supply partner to effectively project manage critical installations, for example, can reduce costs while improving quality and service levels. As we see online sales surge as a result of the pandemic seemingly without end, many retailers and distributors are peddling fast to re-organise and invest to either upgrade or redevelop existing warehouse infrastructures, or build new multi-complexes and international distribution hubs to accommodate strategic growth and expansion. Operators may be rightly concerned about investing at a time when managing the bottom line is crucial but, with so much current change in consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions, there is no time for businesses to rest on their laurels. Indeed, online sales in 2020 are expected to grow 19% year-on-year, up from pre-pandemic estimates of 11%, rising from a total of £66bn in 2019 to almost £80bn this year. Some forecasters suggest UK e-commerce will grow in value by as much as £5.3bn by the end of the year. Supermarket supply chains are also seeing big surges in demand, placing additional pressure on their distribution and supply chain infrastructure. Partnership delivers Skilled labour, which should be utilised effectively, is a resource in short supply, whose use must be effectively deployed. Many businesses in the warehouse and logistics sector might not be able attract or retain all the skills they require to support their capital investment and redevelopment plans, or may need these skills on a more flexible basis. Working in partnership with your supplier, who will have the requisite experience and expertise in place and available for use, will add even more supply chain value and allow people to benefit from skilled resources. Innovative approaches can be shared throughout our sector, opening up advantages and delivering benefits for all. Partnership can make things a lot easier, quicker and cheaper, helping to support your health and safety commitments as you move into new geographical areas, expand operations or enter markets to access new customers and opportunities. It will unquestionably facilitate new dynamics in the supplier/customer relationship, paving the way to mutually beneficial commercial and operational advantages. So in a sector that constantly evolves to meet the ebb and flow of changing consumer tastes and faces challenges around keeping people safe and secure while maximising productivity, surely there’s no better time to explore partnership with your suppliers and the role it plays in delivering the highest standards of protection? More at www.brandsafeprotection.com
Many construction businesses think they’re providing their teams with sufficient high-visibility work wear, when in fact they could be putting their lives at risk. At this time of year when a lot of construction teams are working outside in low light and poor visibility conditions, they need to be wearing high visibility clothing that reflects from all angles. When buying PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for your employees, there are a number of things that need to be considered. What factors need to be considered The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require a number of factors to be taken into account to ensure the correct clothing is chosen for a particular task. Some of the things your business needs to asks itself are: Is it suitable for the risk? – the choice of clothing should take into account any ambient and artificial lighting conditions, as well as the effect of conditions such as fog or snow. Is it suitable for the job? – if your employees are working in a warehouse for example, they may find that some types of loose fitting hi-vis vests snag on moving machinery parts. Is it compatible with other forms of PPE? – if two or more types are being worn, they shouldn’t interfere with each other. Are there any standards the clothing should meet? – hi-visibility clothing should be manufactured to a recognised standard. The current British standard is BS EN 471. Different types of high-vis jackets that can be used There are a number of options available depending on the job being undertaken. Whether you opt for a hi-vis vest which are perfect for warehouse work or a long-sleeve hi-vis polo shirt or jacket for outdoor construction in the colder temperatures, it’s important to get the right ones for your employees. There are even trouser and jacket combinations for even more high risk environments, for example while working on a motorway. What employers need to offer their workforce As an employer you must do the following according to the 1992 regulation: Provide any hi-vis clothing free of charge to any employees who may be exposed to risk Maintain any hi-vis clothing. It must be in a clean state and in good working order Provide adequate information, instruction and training to allow employees to use the high visibility clothing correctly Supervise employees to make sure they’re wearing the clothing correctly whenever it’s needed What employees need to do If required, employees should wear hi-vis clothing provided as instructed by your employer. They should also look after any clothing that is issued to them, check for and report any damage and use any storage facilities provided when the clothing isn’t in use.
With environmental impact being such a major topic in recent years and scientists urging everyone to take action now, there have been environmental targets set for practically every industry in order to reduce environmental impact. Despite new technologies and tools which are energy-efficiency, the construction industry is one which is struggling with many feeling that these targets are currently unachievable and data reflects this. The Impact of COVID-19 Obviously, right now the construction industry is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic which could delay any significant strides being made towards hitting environmental targets. Unlike most industries, construction can’t fully switch to remote work and there are added challenges of supply chain delays, temporary suspension of work and new health and safety measures to manage in this challenging time. New Tech & Tools The construction industry is always one to embrace new tools and technologies, which is one plus as there are many ways that the industry has become greener through this in recent years. In particular, the use of air compressors in eco-friendly construction projects has been key as using air compressors and pneumatic tools helps construction companies to reduce their energy consumption (and costs) while still working to a high standard. Depending on the task, variable flow streams will be required and rotary screw air compressors will be found in nail guns, compactors and various other construction tools. Data While there are positive steps being taken, the data suggests that the construction industry will fail to meet its environmental targets. The Government’s targets include electrifying construction machinery, reducing waste and retrofitting homes yet a staggering 77% of construction industry professionals agreed that these targets would not be met without significant change. The Future Obviously, the pandemic has hit the construction industry hard with output down an eye-watering 40.2% in April and it may take some time to recover once it has ended which could delay progress in terms of making the industry greener. This could result in a shift in targets, but there are reasons to be optimistic as green technologies and trends continue to appear in construction as well as society becoming increasingly eco-sensitive and selective of the businesses that they use. The construction industry has made good progress in preparing for a greener future but it is struggling when compared to other industries, plus the impact of the pandemic cannot be ignored as construction has been one of the hardest-hit areas. Hopefully, construction will have a sharp recovery in 2021 and be able to step up its efforts for a greener future.
