February 3, 2021

WILLMOTT DIXON COMPLETES £46.5M UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM DEVELOPMENT

BUILDING work has completed this month (February 2021) on the £46.5m School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham, thanks to national contractor, Willmott Dixon.   The state-of-the-art 12,000 sqm facility spans five floors and features a double-height atrium. The development aims to not only bring together many of the institution’s engineering disciplines, but also

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GLP ACQUIRES 8-ACRE SITE IN CRAWLEY TO DEVELOP 159,000 SQ FT OF MID-BOX SPACE

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the acquisition of an 8-acre site in Crawley and plans to develop 159,000 SQ FT of mid-box warehouse space. The mid-box development will support GLP’s customers’ increasing requirements for last-mile logistics solutions, particularly in the South

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NABC Unveils Ambitious 2021 Growth Plans

Following a successful year and partnerships with companies such as HBXL, Trade Direct Insurance and BuildSafe Escrow Services – NABC – one of the UK’s fastest growing construction trade associations unveils its ambitious growth plans and recruitment drive for 2021, as it heads towards new milestone. James Hopkins, CEO, NABC, comments: “The

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PERMAROOF INVESTS IN COVID SAFETY MEASURES FOR ITS EMPLOYEES

DERBYSHIRE roofing firm Permaroof has taken unprecedented steps to protect its workforce by investing £2,000 in coronavirus safety equipment. Permaroof has installed three Radikal Health systems – which purify and eliminate viruses and bacteria from the air – at its head office in Alfreton and will also carry out twice

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LEISURE EXPERT SELECTED FOR NEW WATERFRONT CENTRE

SPORTS and leisure specialist GT3 Architects has been named as the architect for a new multi-million-pound leisure centre scheme for Hartlepool Borough Council. The Newcastle and Nottingham-based practice was selected to deliver the design for the new facility, which will be situated by the town’s marina and form a key

Read More »

VPS Group Digs Deeper into Construction Site-Security

 Specialist security provider VPS has appointed Andy Brind as Business Development Director for its growing Construction Site-Security operations.  In January, a criminal gang was brought to justice in a Belgian court over a million-euro series of crane, excavator and trailer thefts. The haul,  including a £480,000 cement pumping truck, a

Read More »

GOODFELLOW CONFIRMS MEMBERSHIP IN THE BSI UK GRAPHENE GROUP

Leading research materials supplier, Goodfellow, has announced it is a member of the UK-China Joint Working Group on the Graphene standardisation. The BSI Graphene Program, launched in 2017, aims to “conduct research into how standards can help support UK innovators accelerate the rate of commercialization of graphene applications”. Goodfellow’s involvement

Read More »
The Design of City Bridge in Norway Is Approved

The Design of City Bridge in Norway Is Approved

The design of the new City Bridge in Drammen, Norway has been formally approved by the client, City of Drammen (Drammen Kommune). The 280m long crossing, co-designed by Knight Architects (UK), Saaha (NO), structural engineers Degree of Freedom (NO) and landscape architect Asplan Viak (NO) will replace an 84-year-old road

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Jan Snel Establishes UK-Based Offices

Jan Snel Establishes UK-Based Offices

Dutch company Jan Snel BV, a pioneer in modular building, is bringing its commitment to smarter, swifter and more sustainable construction to the UK market. Jan Snel is a subsidiary of Japanese market leader Daiwa House, which provides industrialised modular and commercial buildings in Asia, North America and Australia. From

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

February 3, 2021

WILLMOTT DIXON COMPLETES £46.5M UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM DEVELOPMENT

BUILDING work has completed this month (February 2021) on the £46.5m School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham, thanks to national contractor, Willmott Dixon.   The state-of-the-art 12,000 sqm facility spans five floors and features a double-height atrium. The development aims to not only bring together many of the institution’s engineering disciplines, but also provide opportunities for successful collaboration between academia and the industry.  Procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework, the School of Engineering puts industry at the heart of the University’s campus, alongside the £16.4M UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Centre of Excellence in Digital Systems.  The facility’s design was curated specifically with agile and collaborative working between academics, researchers, students, and staff, in mind. The development offers open plan spaces and cellular facilities including a dedicated Student Support Hub, a new 179-capacity Design Centre, a 50-seat electronics and electrical focused projects space, 20 flexi-bays specifically allocated for staff and student interactions, three 50-seat seminar rooms and also features 160 drop-in study spaces throughout the building.   The basement also houses a full-size set of railway points, the University’s pantograph test rig and a test track for the scaled hydrogen-powered train – further expanding the university’s commitment to the integration of academia and industry.  Nick Gibb, deputy managing director for the Midlands at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are delighted to have completed such a significant development, both regionally and within the sector – the facility is set to pioneer advancements within engineering and digital systems research. “Despite completing the final stages of the project during the Covid-19 pandemic, our teams optimised industry-leading safety and social distancing measures, which meant we were able to remain on-site throughout the pandemic and ultimately deliver the project to the agreed timescales. This development is the fifth major partnership we have entered into with the University of Birmingham, having recently completed the Teaching and Learning Building, along with the Green Heart campus development.  “One of our main aspirations for this development was to provide a highly energy-efficient building. Throughout the project we implemented a sustainability strategy to ensure the facility would be built and operated in an energy efficient way right from the outset, including the optimisation of Passivhaus design measures. These efforts, combined with the adoption of our industry-leading Energy Synergy™ process has enabled us to predict that 45% of the building’s energy consumption will come from unregulated sources, such IT equipment, lab equipment and external lighting. These sources are highly linked to occupant usage and can fluctuate throughout the building’s lifecycle.  Designed by Associated Architects, the School of Engineering demonstrates the university’s commitment to providing first-class engineering education. The development aims to improve student experience, allowing engineering undergraduate and postgraduate students to get involved in cutting-edge research and ensuring students graduate with a strong connection to the industry.  Head of the University of Birmingham’s School of Engineering, Professor Clive Roberts, said: “We are delighted to receive the keys to the newly built School of Engineering. We are committed to providing the best facilities for our staff, students and researchers, as well as enabling collaboration with our industry partners and encouraging different and more flexible ways of working.  “We are passionate about educating the next generation of engineers. Alongside accessing features such as the Design Centre and our expanded computer labs, our new building provides students with the opportunity to work with engineers across the disciplines. Their learning will mirror the workplace, encouraging and developing their understanding of industry and their role within it. “The new building also sits alongside our new centre of excellence in railway innovation, the UK Railway Research Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Digital Systems Innovation Centre, placing industry at the heart of our campus. In the coming months, we are looking forward to opening its doors to welcome staff, students and industry partners.” Warren Jukes, director from Associated Architects, said, “This scheme has afforded us the opportunity to design a beacon of engineering excellence, to attract the world’s best academics and students to the University of Birmingham.  The project was a major engineering feat in its own right, and we take immense pride in overcoming the challenges it brought. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work closely with the School of Engineering, University and Willmott Dixon to realise such an inspiring facility that will enable growth and achieve research excellence.” As part of Willmott Dixon’s commitment to leaving a legacy in the local community, throughout the development the contractor ran its Enrichment Programme in partnership with the University of Birmingham School for local pupils. The programme was created to broaden the students’ understanding of career opportunities whilst giving them a chance to develop their character virtues. The contractor also facilitated 157 student visits to the site, hosted 71 work experience weeks with local people and enabled 202 weeks of ‘on-site’ apprenticeship training.

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GLP ACQUIRES 8-ACRE SITE IN CRAWLEY TO DEVELOP 159,000 SQ FT OF MID-BOX SPACE

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the acquisition of an 8-acre site in Crawley and plans to develop 159,000 SQ FT of mid-box warehouse space. The mid-box development will support GLP’s customers’ increasing requirements for last-mile logistics solutions, particularly in the South East. The growth of the mid-box market in the UK reflects the increasing need for smaller warehousing with proximity to key urban centres. The development will span three units comprising 87,000 SQ FT, 46,000 SQ FT and 26,000 SQ FT. GLP will commence development of all three units in November 2021, once planning permission is received, with construction expected to complete in July 2022. The site is located on Manor Royal, the premier industrial and business district in the South East. It is strategically located 1.5 miles from Junction 10 of the M23 motorway, 2 miles from London Gatwick Airport, and 10 miles from the M25 motorway. The sites proximity to London and position in the South-East makes it ideal for a range of logistics uses, including last-mile logistics. Adrienne Howells, Development Director, GLP, said: “The growth of ecommerce has fundamentally altered and expanded our customers’ distribution requirements. This acquisition and development will allow us to offer a different type of space to both existing and potential customers. We will continue to selectively target acquisitions of prime mid-box opportunities to meet this growing demand in addition to our extensive development pipeline of over 1 million sq ft of space currently underway in the UK.”

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NABC Unveils Ambitious 2021 Growth Plans

Following a successful year and partnerships with companies such as HBXL, Trade Direct Insurance and BuildSafe Escrow Services – NABC – one of the UK’s fastest growing construction trade associations unveils its ambitious growth plans and recruitment drive for 2021, as it heads towards new milestone. James Hopkins, CEO, NABC, comments: “The demand for our service is increasing rapidly, especially post Brexit and the residential construction industry is under extreme pressure to reduce the number of rogue builders. “We have recently had a growing number of calls for us to help create a clear and transparent payment solution for both home owners and tradesmen across the UK, so we have launched our new BuildSafe platform for both consumers and contractors which ensures that the project is securely funded from start to finish. “The aim of the new platform is to ensure that the funds are held safely until the set-out completion of each stage. Payments to contractors or sub-contractors may be issued upon bench marks (draw basis) or in full (project basis). “BuildSafe will raise the level of trust and security for everyone involved in a construction project. Owners can be assured that payments will be held securely and properly disbursed, and contractors can be assured that their projects are funded and that they will be paid in a timely manner. “The BuildSafe agreement is designed to supplement a standard construction contract for the utmost in security with funds held by an FCA approved partner. “It’s almost a daily occurrence to hear of another bricks and mortar business entering administration or in trouble. Our new Buildsafe technology will give these bricks and mortar companies the safe technology they need to level the playing field and financially stay afloat. “Our ambition is to be the first trade association to roll out a construction industry-based escrow platform across the UK which will give us the ability to create a war for acquisitions to enable insane growth.” The plan to achieve this will see National Association of Building Contractors create 15 new jobs in 2021 in South Devon. Most of these positions will be technology and sales roles. James adds: “Over the last few years, we’ve learned a huge amount and we have grown from our experiences to get to a position where we really understand what our customers want and needs from us. “Part of the transition was bringing in an experienced leadership team with an operational leader and product officer to ensure we create the best possible working environment that we can be proud of.” BuildSafe’s new insights engine also aims help building contractors become better at what they do. This shift in mindset is creating an environment where people can learn, develop and progress using the latest technology and solve complex problems whilst augmenting a customer success platform. To find out more visit: https://www.nabc.org.uk/ For further information on opportunities at NABC, ambitious individuals are invited to send their CVs to laura@nabc.org.uk Media contact Sarah Watson Email: info@nabc.org.uk

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PERMAROOF INVESTS IN COVID SAFETY MEASURES FOR ITS EMPLOYEES

DERBYSHIRE roofing firm Permaroof has taken unprecedented steps to protect its workforce by investing £2,000 in coronavirus safety equipment. Permaroof has installed three Radikal Health systems – which purify and eliminate viruses and bacteria from the air – at its head office in Alfreton and will also carry out twice weekly Covid lateral flow testing for its 17 office-based employees. The team includes both office and warehouse-based staff, ranging in roles from marketing and sales to warehouse operatives and delivery drivers. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof and the wider PermaGroup, said: “Throughout the entire pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of every single member of our team has been of paramount importance. “For those employees who are unable to work from home, we have implemented a strict set of Covid-19 measures, including restricting access to our headquarters to staff members only, regular temperature checks, and daily cleansing of all surfaces and door handles. “This month, we also installed one Radikal Health anti-viral air and surface sanitising machine in our main sales rooms, which covers our staff on reception and those in customer services, and another in the accounts office. The third captures all of the air in corridors and remaining side offices. “We want to eradicate as much risk as possible, which is why we have invested in the air purifying machines and regular testing, as well as placed a huge emphasis on creating a Covid-secure environment. “Not only are we committed to keeping our staff and their families safe, some of whom are very vulnerable to the virus, we also want to protect the business as, if a breakout occurred at our head office, we would have to temporarily close, which would cost the business six-figure sums.” In 2020, Permaroof celebrated its most successful year in its two-decade history after maximising the lockdown effect on the DIY market and quickly diversifying in the face of the pandemic. The firm added products to its portfolio, including a disinfectant spray to help customers work safely. At the same time, it worked closely with modular companies for the first time, which included supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects during the first month of lockdown. Simultaneously, the business recruited a new marketing co-ordinator to push out a formal communications strategy and partnered with a mindset and coaching programme for the sales team, which has helped them adapt and understand customers’ challenges and provide bespoke solutions. Adrian attributes the success of the past year to a fast response to Covid-19, investment in an already solid team and diversification into new services and products. He said: “We had to rewrite our business plans, raise funds for the unknown and rework all our numbers while adapting the business to ensure it was Covid-secure for the Permaroof team and its customers.” Permaroof offers products and services that provide “permanent solutions to age-old problems”. It offers this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing – as well as artificial grass through its PermaLawn brand and maintenance-free fencing via PermaFence. This is in addition to PermaTile promenade tiles, rooflights through The Skylight Company and, most recently, steel framed buildings. For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.

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LEISURE EXPERT SELECTED FOR NEW WATERFRONT CENTRE

SPORTS and leisure specialist GT3 Architects has been named as the architect for a new multi-million-pound leisure centre scheme for Hartlepool Borough Council. The Newcastle and Nottingham-based practice was selected to deliver the design for the new facility, which will be situated by the town’s marina and form a key part of The Waterfront regeneration. The new site – which will replace the town’s existing Mill House Leisure Centre – is set to feature a range of facilities, including three swimming pools – a main, a learner and a recreation pool – a multi-station fitness suite, a flexible space for multi-activities and a refreshments area. As part of the project, GT3 Architects will be undertaking extensive stakeholder and public engagement exercises to help inform their plans and create a design that fully serves the local community. Simon Dunstan, director at GT3 Architects, said: “We’re delighted to be involved. As a local practice it’s great to see the amount of regeneration work and funding happening in the North East – and in Hartlepool particularly. “The Waterfront has been such an exciting project to be involved in over the last few years and we’re excited to take it to the next stage with the introduction of the new leisure centre. This ambitious project will create an exciting new leisure and community destination for the region and support the ongoing regeneration of the town.   “We want the new leisure centre to go beyond the standard gym, studio classes and fitness facilities. Our ambition is to create a unique waterfront destination, designed for the people of Hartlepool, with a real focus on health, wellbeing, and inclusivity. The marina setting offers plenty of scope for outdoor fitness, as well as a spectacular backdrop to any indoor activities, so there are lots of opportunities for our design team to work with and be inspired by. “Our engagement work will start early this year, and we’re looking forward to speaking to the local community about their thoughts on the design and identity of the new leisure centre.” This latest project win is the latest of several similar schemes for the practice in the region, including The Sands in nearby Carlisle, and a £21 million leisure centre in Morpeth.” Councillor Shane Moore, the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The appointment of a company of the calibre of GT3 Architects to design the new leisure centre is fantastic news. “We look forward to working closely with them to create a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs and aspirations of local people.” GT3 Architects will be working with Hartlepool Borough Council, Desco, BGP, Summers Inman, Design Fire Consultants and Apex Acoustics to deliver the project. The appointment of GT3 Architects follows national recognition for phase 1 of The Waterfront development, which was recently named as runner-up in the Pedestrian Environment category at the 2020 LocalGov Street Design Awards for the quality of the public walkways created on the site. For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects

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VPS Group Digs Deeper into Construction Site-Security

 Specialist security provider VPS has appointed Andy Brind as Business Development Director for its growing Construction Site-Security operations.  In January, a criminal gang was brought to justice in a Belgian court over a million-euro series of crane, excavator and trailer thefts. The haul,  including a £480,000 cement pumping truck, a £108,000 bulk tanker, and £50,000 worth of trailers, were stolen then resprayed, and sold to unsuspecting customers across the UK and Ireland. Bringing with him 20 years of experience in the construction sector, having worked for multinational Algeco Group , Mr. Brind aims to highlight the extra benefits beyond the protection of plant by deploying leading-edge technology for building site security: “In these exceptional times, the construction sector is under greater pressure than ever before. As Brexit and the Covid-19 lockdowns cause supply shortages and operational delays, they are struggling to square the circle of delivering projects whilst cutting costs, and doing so all the time within a Covid-secure environment.” Andy explains: “For example, there’s been a lot of media coverage recently about the pandemic dangers of London tubes filled with construction workers going to work. Some of these journeys could be reduced  by deploying modern methods of construction, using technologies designed specifically for the sector. CCTV Smart Towers, for example, could replace traditional security guards, of which there must be thousands in London alone. The 24/7 cameras and sensors are monitored off-site and run independently, often without an external power supply. They could help alleviate the need for so many workers to travel on the tube, plus they can save thousands of pounds in security budgets.”  VPS Site Security had seen a dramatic switch from human patrols to more guardless systems in the twelve months prior to the pandemic, but the trend is likely to keep rising. Recent projects have seen savings of over 60% in security budgets, providing an improved, more comprehensive security net overseeing sites 24 hours a day but at low cost.  They are working strategically to increase their construction partnerships with some of the key players in the market,  and launching additional partnerships shortly. Their current customer base includes  household names in the construction sector, deploying CCTV systems to improve their site security. VPS itself has been supporting the security and protection of several Highways of England Schemes and also the massive CrossRail construction project at Paddington Station, comprising five storeys, mostly underground, with 83 HD CCTV cameras, smart analytics ‘virtual’ tripwires, and onsite monitoring.  “Manned guards have always been the traditional main­stay approach in the building sector to secure difficult or remote sites such as highway construction, and they will always be needed in certain circumstances.” Andy says ​”But technological solutions have really proven themselves in recent years. So much so that, combined with truly dramatic cost-savings and better 24⁄7 protection and safety, we’ve seen a definite shift towards systems designed with CCTV included as the preferred choice.” Mobile patrols may still be required, but they are seen now as much more efficient when deployed with the support of Tower systems, as they can help target problems.

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GOODFELLOW CONFIRMS MEMBERSHIP IN THE BSI UK GRAPHENE GROUP

Leading research materials supplier, Goodfellow, has announced it is a member of the UK-China Joint Working Group on the Graphene standardisation. The BSI Graphene Program, launched in 2017, aims to “conduct research into how standards can help support UK innovators accelerate the rate of commercialization of graphene applications”. Goodfellow’s involvement not only underpins the quality and high standards of its own Graphene, but also shows its commitment to facilitating innovation for science and industry. Joel Aleixo, Global Marketing Manager at Goodfellow, commented: “Standardisation and guidelines of any material used in research and development can only fuel growth and use, and ultimately, innovation – which is a big part of what we support here at Goodfellow. “We’re happy for our own materials to be held up to these standards, as it helps us ensure we’re providing the best quality, and helps our customers trust they’re getting the best of the best.” To learn more about Goodfellow, visit www.goodfellow.com

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The Design of City Bridge in Norway Is Approved

The Design of City Bridge in Norway Is Approved

The design of the new City Bridge in Drammen, Norway has been formally approved by the client, City of Drammen (Drammen Kommune). The 280m long crossing, co-designed by Knight Architects (UK), Saaha (NO), structural engineers Degree of Freedom (NO) and landscape architect Asplan Viak (NO) will replace an 84-year-old road bridge across the river Drammenselva and the local rail station, becoming a vital link within the city’s infrastructure network. The landmark bridge project is a key element in the city’s successful redevelopment programme, turning a former industrial enclave into a modern city with high living standards. The new City Bridge starts at the station square in Strømsø, the southern part of the city, crossing the newly redeveloped Drammen Rail station, including four platforms and six rail tracks, before stepping over the 150m wide Drammenselva river and tying into the central public square of Bragernes, on the north side of the city. Six stair ramps will provide access to the platforms of the station and to the promenade along the south shore. The width of the bridge will be increased from the current 15m to 19.4 m, providing ample space for pedestrians and cyclists on both sides of the road deck. The central carriageway has been designed exclusively for public transport. The central element of the bridge, the main river crossing, will be a pair of low lying, shallow steel arches spanning 85m across the river, leaping dramatically between two narrow piers located close to the river shores. This distinctive shape will be emblematic for the city of Drammen. At both ends of the bridge, significant consideration has been taken to provide a seamless transition between the deck and the local pedestrian and cycle routes. This includes a terraced plaza stretching along the north riverbanks on Bragernes allowing easy access to the bankside promenade crossing underneath the bridge. The promenade on the south bank, providing fishing spots and mooring for small boats, will be accessed from the bridge via a bespoke lift. Being the pivotal link for commuters and leisure pedestrians alike, great attention has been given to the detailing of the crossing. High quality finishes including granite paving and Accoya handrails will be accompanied by bespoke furniture including benches and flag poles. Carefully designed lighting (by Light Bureau) will ensure user safety at night and illuminate the striking bridge silhouette. The development is a joint operation by the City of Drammen (Drammen Kommune) and the Norwegian rail authority Bane NOR which is carried out in two separate lots. Detailed design stage of the bridge will finish in March 2021 and the construction tender will be announced before summer 2021. Construction works, including the demolition of the existing bridge and the erection of a temporary crossing, will start in 2022. The opening of the new City Bridge is scheduled for 2025.

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Jan Snel Establishes UK-Based Offices

Jan Snel Establishes UK-Based Offices

Dutch company Jan Snel BV, a pioneer in modular building, is bringing its commitment to smarter, swifter and more sustainable construction to the UK market. Jan Snel is a subsidiary of Japanese market leader Daiwa House, which provides industrialised modular and commercial buildings in Asia, North America and Australia. From their new waterfront offices in Swansea, Wales, the team at Jan Snel UK will focus on the residential market but work across the sectors to provide healthcare, education and commercial solutions. Ben Pemberton has been appointed as the UK manager, bringing over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry. He is the ideal person to shape the company’s further UK growth, supported by a team of industry professionals who are all passionate about what Jan Snel UK has to offer. With the opening of the new office, Jan Snel wants to set a high quality standard for modular building in the UK. “In the UK – particularly in the social housing sector – there is an urgent need for high-quality accommodation that can be delivered quickly,” notes Harry van Zandwijk, CEO of Jan Snel. “Modular construction is the ideal solution. By opening our UK office, we can meet this need expediently, combining our modular expertise with local market knowledge.” The Jan Snel UK team is already working on an exciting project with developer Abode Waterstone and Coastal Housing Group, one of Wales’ most innovative and forward-thinking housing associations. The project will provide affordable homes on the former oil refinery site, now the Coed Darcy urban village in South Wales. When completed, the site will create an entirely new community, one with comfortable and well-appointed homes, many of which will be eco-friendly. The development also includes schools and green open spaces. As a next step, Jan Snel UK is looking at opening a factory in Wales. The team is already discussing the possibilities with the Welsh Government. Ben says: “We want to bring more jobs to the area and make a positive contribution to the local economy, and we are incredibly excited about what lies ahead. Jan Snel’s product is head and shoulders above everything else in the modular market in terms of quality, and I am proud to represent the brand in the UK.”

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The Five Most Incredible Architectural and Engineering Designs Used in Casinos

Going to a casino is one of the most enjoyable forms of entertainment for many adults. It goes far beyond the ability to play games such as poker or roulette, or even spend a few hours playing at the slot machines. Many of these casinos are meccas of entertainment. They have incredible entertainment venues where you can watch shows and live concerts, there are five-star restaurants, and many of them are affiliated with a hotel, allowing you to have a full-service experience. Casinos are truly spectacular places to visit. They not only offer these spectacular accommodations, but the beauty of these casinos is quite spectacular. It is clear that an amazing degree of architectural design and engineering feats have been used to build these facilities. What Makes for a Great Casino? One important thing to consider when discussing the beauty of a casino is that there are certain standards that need to be met. It is not just about having a large number of lights, a tall building, or thousands of gaming machines. The casino must go the extra mile. However, when you are one of the world’s largest casinos it does help to get you more attention. It takes a lot of craftsmanship and design to build such an elaborate facility, so some of these places have earned a special recognition because of how big they are. It also takes an architect with the vision. Sometimes there is already a structure located at the site of the new casino. It is the job of the architect to take the current structure and envision something completely different, something extravagant, something truly breathtaking. Then it is the job of the engineer and the construction crew to turn that vision into a reality. This collaboration has led to some of the most extravagant and spectacular casinos on earth. Here are the top five. Venetian Macao This opened in 2007 and is still one of the largest in the world today. With its incredible design and fantastic accommodations, it has quickly become a destination spot for tourists across the globe. For those who love to gamble, there is a lot to love about this facility. It starts with over 550,000 ft.² of gaming space that includes 870 tables and over 6000 slot machines. You would be hard-pressed to find a casino with so much gaming activity available to it anywhere else on the planet. In fact, renovations in 2009 had made this the biggest casino on the planet. That is no longer the case as the WinStar, the next casino on our list, has surpassed it. The casino is divided into four sections: the Imperial House, the Phoenix, the Golden Fish, and the Red Dragon. In the resort are nearly 3000 suites that are available. There is an entertainment venue that includes live sporting events, concerts, and international award shows. You do not have to play casino games to enjoy your time here. The Venetian has 24 great restaurants with international cuisine from across the planet. Because it is the Venetian, you can also take gondola rides around the complex, taking in a day of shopping, theater, or other forms of entertainment, including bars and nightclubs. There are also swimming pools available for guests. WinStar World Casino (Oklahoma, USA) If you are traveling down I-35 in Oklahoma, just before reaching the border with Texas you are going to find one of the most spectacular casinos on earth. The WinStar is constructed to provide you with a little taste of the wonders of the world as you enter the complex. The casino is built to show you some of the most spectacular sites across the globe, including the Eiffel Tower, Roman Coliseum, Big Ben, and much more. However, the WinStar is just as spectacular inside as it is out. There is a large casino that has thousands of table games and slot machines available, great restaurants, and they provide world-class entertainment as well. Plus, the resort has a spectacular hotel with incredible dining, a world-class golf resort, two gigantic swimming pools and much more. It is located conveniently about an hour from both Dallas and Oklahoma City, making it easy to get to. Rio Casino Resort (South Africa) Do you like big games? Or should we ask if you like big games? This is the great advantage of heading to the Sun City Resort in South Africa as you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Not only are you able to play casino style games in a fantastically built resort, but you can also head out to check out the incredible wild animals of the land. The resort-casino is built to give you the feel of a real-life Safari. It is beautifully designed to include several features that make you feel like you are out on the Serengeti. All of the grandeur of the natural habitat of South Africa is contained in this resort, you may even walk out a door one day feeling like you are out on a safari. There is plenty of great gaming action for you to enjoy. This includes nearly 300 slot machines +260 additional types of gaming machines. There are plenty of table games as well as the total gaming space is over 266,000 ft.². Plenty for you to enjoy the Rio Casino Resort. Casino de Genting (Malaysia) Malaysia is a mysterious land to many, but it is also a growing area that draws tourists from across the globe. It also is a great destination for those who like playing poker, roulette, or other casino games. The Genting Highlands is a complex that contains five hotels, hundreds of table games, and several bars, clubs, and restaurants. Plus, this is part of the 20th Century Fox World park, a first of its kind theme park dedicated to the entertainment giant. You can watch television shows filmed live, watch movies at the incredible cinema, even take a scenic gondola lift to view the beauty surrounding the complex. It

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