A major fire safety industry body has endorsed the message from specialist AEI Cables about the importance of using only approved cabling in signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of the systems powered
IMAGES of an ambitious new development of grade A office space by the former Broadmarsh shopping centre in Nottingham have been revealed for the first time. The development, called New Albion Place, is a joint venture between Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates – the team behind the successful delivery of
Proposals for a new research and development campus in Birmingham have secured the green light. The scheme is expected to create thousands of jobs upon completion and will provide a hub for healthcare and technology innovators. The hybrid application for the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC) was brought forward by
The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,
In a letter to industry last week, the Fire Protection Association announced a new change within the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 incorporating BS EN 12845, clause 12.4.2. due to be issued very soon. A recent trend from within the industry has highlighted a practice that leads to inconsistencies
The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,
The potential staying-power of any project has always been a key consideration for town planners, developers and private contractors in the construction of building and structural systems. But as we move into a future that’s set to be impacted by the evolving issue of climate change, achieving durability (and the
Owning a home is still a popular choice, and while property markets can fluctuate significantly, the market for houses continues to grow. As exciting as the idea of buying a house is, the hunt for their dream home can be a frustrating process. It can be hard to find the
A major fire safety industry body has endorsed the message from specialist AEI Cables about the importance of using only approved cabling in signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of the systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – in assisting fire services in the case of firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Now the professional fire safety membership body the Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO) is supporting the initiative. Martin Dunne of the IFPO said: “In terms of fire safety compliance, we support the message to the fire safety community to follow the detail of the new Code of Practice under BS8519. Anything which constructively helps to improve fire safety in our buildings is welcomed.” As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes, AEI Cables is warning of the dangers of using any other type of cable. Stuart Dover of AEI Cables, said: “AEI Cables would encourage installers to check with their suppliers that they are using only approved compliant cable for these installations. “We’re receiving a very positive response to our campaign to make the industry aware of the implications of the new Code of Practice. “We must emphasise that any inferior types of cable being used for these applications is dangerous and presents a risk. The standard clearly references and clarifies the products and levels of performance relevant for all parts of the supply chain from specifiers to contractors and installers.” The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and stadia. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
IMAGES of an ambitious new development of grade A office space by the former Broadmarsh shopping centre in Nottingham have been revealed for the first time. The development, called New Albion Place, is a joint venture between Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates – the team behind the successful delivery of the new HMRC headquarters in Nottingham – and will be built by Derbyshire-based Bowmer + Kirkland. They plan to transform two acres of land flanked by Canal Street, Collin Street and Greyfriar Gate into top quality office space. The plans will kick-start regeneration in this important part of the city, which is an area currently very much in the spotlight – and a cornerstone of Nottingham’s transformation. Ralph Jones, managing director of Peveril Securities, said: “We are in early discussions with a variety of occupiers for more than 250,000 square feet of space and are very excited to bring forward this development. For many years Nottingham has needed a dedicated central business district to provide much-needed large floor plate ‘Grade A’ office buildings to retain key employers within the city and stimulate inward investment. “We believe that this development will complement the proposed open spaces being considered at Broadmarsh and through the renovation of Hanson House and Richmond House, will retain some of the original heritage of the area. It will add to the ongoing transformation on the Carrington Street link between the station and central Nottingham, which has included the recent refurbishment of the City Buildings, the construction of the new library and car park complex, and the ongoing public realm work on Collin Street.” The developers have acquired the freehold and long leasehold interests in a large proportion of the site, including the old Midland Scooter Centre, Chinese supermarket, Albion House and open car parking. It is anticipated that the 37,167m² (400,000ft²) office space will create up to 5,000 new jobs with a completed investment value of circa £200 million. Sladen and Peveril are in conversations with Nottingham City Council about New Albion Place – which will boost the local economy and help a city in post-COVID recovery. Nick Sladen of Sladen Estates said: “This scheme is a great opportunity for Nottingham to reinvent itself following the pandemic and take advantage of the transformation of the Broadmarsh area – not just for green space and leisure areas, but for much-needed office development that will provide real sustainable growth and inward investment. “Nottingham has an opportunity to totally redefine its city centre. As a locally based national developer, we are committed to helping the city make this work and our willingness to make such a significant investment in the city will kick start the wider regeneration proposals planned by the city. “We have a proven track record throughout the UK and locally, with Unity Square – a building on former derelict land which has secured thousands of jobs for the city – and has put Nottingham on the map as a major employment city.” The developers are aiming to submit a detailed planning application in the autumn, with a view to commencing construction work in 2022. Construction is expected to take 24 months. The appointed letting agent and development adviser for the scheme is FHP Property Consultants. John Proctor of FHP said: “In order for Nottingham to retain its status as the regional capital of the East Midlands, it needs offices of a scale and nature that one finds in other major centres within the UK. “We are privileged to have national developers of the size and stature of Peveril and Sladen, which are locally-based and capable of delivering a scheme of national importance. Their initial speculative intervention and purchase of the former car park and redundant buildings opposite to Nottingham Station led to the successful delivery of the first phase of Unity Square, which will soon be occupied by HMRC. “For Nottingham to achieve its aspirations as a core city of regional significance we need schemes of this size and stature to both retain our existing employers and attract inward investment. The central business district on the south side of the city has now been more than ten years in the making and finally one can see, thanks to Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates, that this objective can now be realised.”
Proposals for a new research and development campus in Birmingham have secured the green light. The scheme is expected to create thousands of jobs upon completion and will provide a hub for healthcare and technology innovators. The hybrid application for the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC) was brought forward by a long-term collaboration between the University of Birmingham, as landowner, and investor-developers Bruntwood SciTech. The application site comprises approximately 10.6 acres of brownfield land and is located adjacent to the district centre of Selly Oak, in close proximity to the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Full planning permission was sought for phase one, which consists of a seven-storey office and research development building (building one), with an ancillary café, a temporary surface car park, as well as associated infrastructure and landscaping. Three floors of building one will be home to the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA). This facility will be occupied by the University of Birmingham and will focus on enabling the classification of patients and their treatments. Building one has a gross internal floor area of approximately 171,000 sq ft and, in addition to being occupied by the university, will provide a hub for businesses working in medtech, biopharma, precision medicine, healthcare AI and genomics. Supporting facilities will also be provided, including meetings spaces, and a café on the ground floor. The temporary surface car park, providing 258 spaces, including six accessible spaces, five motorbike spaces, and 68 bicycle spaces, will provide parking for occupiers of building one, as well as accommodate occupiers of the second phase of development. Outline planning permission was also sought for the remainder of the application site to bring forward up to a further five office and research development buildings and a multi-storey car park. A gym is also proposed in one of the buildings. The maximum provision for the multi-storey car park is 1,333 car parking spaces. The 10-year masterplan is expected to support the creation of more than 10,000 jobs and contribute £400m of GVA to the regional economy by 2030. “The proposed hybrid application will deliver a health and innovation campus that will have substantial economic benefits for the locality. In terms of both the full and outline elements, no concerns are raised in relation to highway safety, character, ecology, amenity, drainage, contamination or flood risk. The proposal constitutes sustainable development and is therefore in accordance with the aims and objectives of both local and national planning policy and should be approved,” said a Birmingham City Council document.
The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses, with prices starting from £250,000 to £800,000. Situated in a prime waterside location to the south of Trent Lane, The Yacht Club will offer residents panoramic views of the river and The Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay. Following the government’s budget announcement at the beginning of March, the stamp duty holiday has now been extended until the end of June for homes under the value of £500,000, and until the end of September for homes under £250,000 – presenting house hunters with considerable potential saving opportunities for any property purchases in the coming months. Prospective homebuyers can also take advantage of the return of 95% mortgage schemes, which started at the beginning of April – allowing buyers to put down a deposit of just 5% on the home of their choice. With all south-facing apartments featuring either a large balcony or terrace overlooking the River Trent, including on the lower floors – the development boasts majestic waterside vistas in tranquil surroundings, with the green landscape from The Hook nature reserve located just over the river, and Colwick Country Park less than half a mile away. Designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2009, The Hook is home to abundant wildlife, an orchard and wildflower meadows, providing The Yacht Club with stunning, uninterrupted views. The location also benefits from no passing traffic, except that of boats, rowers and paddle boarders along the river. The scheme boasts high spec fixtures and fittings throughout including Italian-style kitchens, AEG appliances, underfloor heating, resident parking and picturesque outdoor communal spaces for residents to enjoy, in its prime location. Just a mile away from the vibrant and chic West Bridgford, it is close to a host of independent shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the world-renowned Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground and Notts County FC’s Meadow Lane stadium. The Yacht Club sits close to a number of waterside developments transforming the banks of the River Trent, becoming known as Riverside – and plans have been put forward for a pedestrian footbridge to be built over the river in the next couple of years, to cater to the burgeoning waterside residential communities. In close proximity to Nottingham train station and the city centre – less than two miles away – the luxury development will provide residents with access to Nottingham’s prime retail and cultural amenities, with the likes of John Lewis, Flannels, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker among the high street stores. As well as two world-class universities and major employers such as Boots, Experian and E.ON being based in the area – the historic Nottingham Castle, Victorian Lace Market district and 19th Century Arboretum park and gardens make up some of the city’s best points of interest and unique and quirky attractions. The show suite is now available for private viewings, enabling professionals, couples, families and downsizers the chance to peek into the exclusive riverside lifestyle that The Yacht Club has to offer. It will also provide the first opportunity for confirmed buyers to personalise and upgrade apartments – with bespoke options to choose from for interior décor, fixtures and fittings. Kam Mogul, managing director at KMRE Group Ltd, said: “We are extremely proud to be delivering this unique flagship residential scheme, providing the finest quality spacious homes, with unrivalled views of the River Trent, in an idyllic waterside location, that really provides a tranquil oasis for residents. “With excellent transport links, local amenities on your doorstep and quality living spaces, The Yacht Club offers residents a luxury lifestyle, with a tranquil setting and picturesque views over the water. This is the first of our landmark ‘Southern Gateway’ developments in Nottingham, which also include the 62-apartment Hindle House residential scheme.” Steve Parker, director at the selling agent, FHP Living, said: “The central, yet serene location of The Yacht Club makes it a truly idyllic place to live alongside the river. “As the area’s residential riverside communities continue to grow, Nottingham is experiencing an influx of people moving to the city from areas including London, as many look for a fresh start following lockdown. The stamp duty holiday extension and the introduction of 95% mortgage schemes have also been welcomed by the housing sector, as they are great incentives for those looking to move to a new home and take advantage of the potential savings in the process. “We have had a great deal of interest in The Yacht Club so far, with 40% of the properties already sold, so we’d urge anyone keen to view the show home to act quickly and register interest.” Construction works at The Yacht Club involve a phased completion, with the first practical completion in June 2021, and a full handover of the site expected in July 2021.
In a letter to industry last week, the Fire Protection Association announced a new change within the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 incorporating BS EN 12845, clause 12.4.2. due to be issued very soon. A recent trend from within the industry has highlighted a practice that leads to inconsistencies in design and installation of sprinkler systems that exponentially compromises the effectiveness and speed of sprinkler head activation. Details of the changes are outlined in the letter to industry, issued by the Fire Protection Association’s Principal Consultant and RISCAuthority Active Sprinkler Rules Working Group convenor, Dale Kinnersley. The update is expected to be released at the end of June. All customers who have a copy of the Sprinkler Rules, either print or digital, will be provided with the updates. Read the full letter to industry here. To purchase a copy of the LPC Sprinkler rules, please visit their website.
The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses, with prices starting from £250,000 to £800,000. Situated in a prime waterside location to the south of Trent Lane, The Yacht Club will offer residents panoramic views of the river and The Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay. Following the government’s budget announcement at the beginning of March, the stamp duty holiday has now been extended until the end of June for homes under the value of £500,000, and until the end of September for homes under £250,000 – presenting house hunters with considerable potential saving opportunities for any property purchases in the coming months. Prospective homebuyers can also take advantage of the return of 95% mortgage schemes, which started at the beginning of April – allowing buyers to put down a deposit of just 5% on the home of their choice. FHP Living has been appointed as the selling agent for The Yacht Club development and interested parties can contact Steve Parker on 0115 841 1155 for information and viewings. With all south-facing apartments featuring either a large balcony or terrace overlooking the River Trent, including on the lower floors – the development boasts majestic waterside vistas in tranquil surroundings, with the green landscape from The Hook nature reserve located just over the river, and Colwick Country Park less than half a mile away. Designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2009, The Hook is home to abundant wildlife, an orchard and wildflower meadows, providing The Yacht Club with stunning, uninterrupted views. The location also benefits from no passing traffic, except that of boats, rowers and paddle boarders along the river. The scheme boasts high spec fixtures and fittings throughout including Italian-style kitchens, AEG appliances, underfloor heating, resident parking and picturesque outdoor communal spaces for residents to enjoy, in its prime location. Just a mile away from the vibrant and chic West Bridgford, it is close to a host of independent shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the world-renowned Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground and Notts County FC’s Meadow Lane stadium. The Yacht Club sits close to a number of waterside developments transforming the banks of the River Trent, becoming known as Riverside – and plans have been put forward for a pedestrian footbridge to be built over the river in the next couple of years, to cater to the burgeoning waterside residential communities. In close proximity to Nottingham train station and the city centre – less than two miles away – the luxury development will provide residents with access to Nottingham’s prime retail and cultural amenities, with the likes of John Lewis, Flannels, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker among the high street stores. As well as two world-class universities and major employers such as Boots, Experian and E.ON being based in the area – the historic Nottingham Castle, Victorian Lace Market district and 19th Century Arboretum park and gardens make up some of the city’s best points of interest and unique and quirky attractions. The show suite is now available for private viewings, enabling professionals, couples, families and downsizers the chance to peek into the exclusive riverside lifestyle that The Yacht Club has to offer. It will also provide the first opportunity for confirmed buyers to personalise and upgrade apartments – with bespoke options to choose from for interior décor, fixtures and fittings. Kam Mogul, managing director at KMRE Group Ltd, said: “We are extremely proud to be delivering this unique flagship residential scheme, providing the finest quality spacious homes, with unrivalled views of the River Trent, in an idyllic waterside location, that really provides a tranquil oasis for residents. “With excellent transport links, local amenities on your doorstep and quality living spaces, The Yacht Club offers residents a luxury lifestyle, with a tranquil setting and picturesque views over the water. This is the first of our landmark ‘Southern Gateway’ developments in Nottingham, which also include the 62-apartment Hindle House residential scheme.” Steve Parker, director at the selling agent, FHP Living, said: “The central, yet serene location of The Yacht Club makes it a truly idyllic place to live alongside the river. “As the area’s residential riverside communities continue to grow, Nottingham is experiencing an influx of people moving to the city from areas including London, as many look for a fresh start following lockdown. The stamp duty holiday extension and the introduction of 95% mortgage schemes have also been welcomed by the housing sector, as they are great incentives for those looking to move to a new home and take advantage of the potential savings in the process. “We have had a great deal of interest in The Yacht Club so far, with 40% of the properties already sold, so we’d urge anyone keen to view the show home to act quickly and register interest.” Construction works at The Yacht Club involve a phased completion, with the first practical completion in June 2021, and a full handover of the site expected in July 2021.
The potential staying-power of any project has always been a key consideration for town planners, developers and private contractors in the construction of building and structural systems. But as we move into a future that’s set to be impacted by the evolving issue of climate change, achieving durability (and the most sustainable use of carbon-intensive raw materials) represents a growing challenge to the construction industry. For both existing buildings and new projects, building cladding offers protection from the elements, keeping buildings and infrastructure functional and attractive far into the future. With many options for cladding available, vitreous enamel provides architects and builders with the benefits of longevity, protection, safety and design versatility in their construction ventures – making it the ideal choice in a variety of circumstances. What Is Vitreous Enamel Cladding? Vitreous enamel is created by fusing powered glass to a substrate – and in the case of cladding and signmaking, stainless steel – by firing it to a very high temperature, allowing the glass to harden into a smooth, durable coating. The word “vitreous” drives from the Latin vitreum, which means glass, and it’s this element which allows for such creative freedom (including a hugely extensive colour range) in designs – making it ideal for exterior murals and public art projects. The resulting surface on vitreous enamel cladding benefits from low static, preventing dust adhesion and reducing the need for continual maintenance. The colours chosen for a project are unaffected by sunlight and therefore won’t fade over a building’s lifetime, suiting vitreous enamel cladding to both practical and aesthetic utilisations in any suitable construction project. What are the Advantages of Using Vitreous Enamel Cladding on Buildings and Structural Systems? There are a variety of factors at play when we consider the advantages of using vitreous enamel cladding on buildings and structural systems. At its most basic, the purpose of cladding is protection. To the general person, building materials can appear broadly infallible and adding further protection may seem redundant, but everyone in the construction industry is aware of how quickly materials can degrade – potentially undermining both structural integrity and energy rating. Cladding increases the mechanical strength of a variety of structures and protects key structural elements from exposure to the environment. We can expect to see greater extremes in temperature, as well as more adverse weather events, in the coming decades, and cladding can ensure buildings are less susceptible to water absorption, chemical pollution and cracking caused by thermal expansion and contraction. Vitreous enamel can also increase the fire safety of a building or structure, as a zero smoke, zero fire rated material that can be used as a cladding or rain shield system to a building, tunnel or even room. People’s safety should of course be the primary consideration for any building or public space, and enamel coatings applied to steel panels not only offer greater protection to the core building material, but the individuals who use that space. At a glance, the practical benefits of cladding in this material include: Durability Weather-resistance Easy maintenance UV resistance Dirt-repellent Non-flammable Graffiti-proof But aside from the purely pragmatic, cladding using vitreous enamel has the scope for some truly artistic applications, and can incorporate everything from wayfaring to abstract design. Urban design has been linked to the mental health of town and city dwellers in a variety of ways (including access to green spaces and active space for exercise), but a sometimes-underappreciated aspect of this phenomenon is how urban spaces look. City dwellers have an almost 40% increased risk of depression, over 20% more of anxiety, and double the risk of developing schizophrenia compared to people who live in the countryside. While the causes are complex, mental health is closely associated with strong social connections and social capital, and urban design can be a key part of this. Firstly, the aesthetic potential of vitreous enamel gives those in the construction industry a chance to engage the local community concerning colour and design – which increases the pro-social potential of any development and lets residents feel more in control of the area they live in. Secondly, while most of the research into urban spaces and mental health focuses on green areas like parks, making streets, buildings and public spaces aesthetically pleasing can also boost people’s sense of wellbeing and pride in their city, as well as increasing its cultural capital. As the construction industry (and wider society) grows more aware of the importance of sustainability, increasing environmental pressures and the impact of urban spaces on the mental health of those who live in them, the priorities in construction and design are likely to continue to shift. Vitreous enamel cladding offers architects and builders a way to respond to these changing priorities in a forward-thinking way, future-proofing their projects and ensuring they can withstand evolving pressures in a changing world.
Owning a home is still a popular choice, and while property markets can fluctuate significantly, the market for houses continues to grow. As exciting as the idea of buying a house is, the hunt for their dream home can be a frustrating process. It can be hard to find the right house, at the right price, in the right area and those elements are such a balancing act that it can feel like an impossible task. For those who cannot find a home they want, building their own is an increasingly popular choice. Those that choose to build their own home want to ensure that they have as much control as possible over every aspect of the home-buying process by creating the home of their dreams from scratch. While this can be hugely exciting and a cost-effective way to get the home you really want, there is a lot more to building a dream home than many people realise. Designing your dream home The self-build movement has gathered momentum over the last few years, with many homebuyers getting frustrated with the traditional process of finding and buying a house. The ever-changing nature of the housing market means that people can be priced out of their local areas without ever getting a chance to buy their own home. A self-build property can be a cost-effective option that allows you to prioritise the things that are most important to you. You can choose an energy-efficient design that will maximise the natural resources of the area you’re building in and can save you money on your ongoing running costs. You will be able to design a house that suits your needs exactly, so you can build in the space-, labour- and time-saving features that make a household run smoothly. You can include anything you want from a wet room to a workshop or even an annexe or a stable. Things you need to consider before starting a self-build project As with all large projects, preparation is key and there are several areas to consider when deciding whether a self-build house is the right choice for you: Location – it is easier to find suitable plots in some areas than others, and you will need to ensure that you have or can get planning permission to build. Specialist services are available to help you get an idea of what’s available, but this will represent a significant portion of your build budget so you need to research it thoroughly and choose wisely. Budget – there are plenty of ways to save money with a self-build so your budget can be more flexible than when buying through the traditional route. Detailed financial plans are important to ensure that you have the funds you need available. Specification – from the most basic build to more elaborate projects, you will need to decide on the scope of your build and have an idea of your priorities for your project. Balancing quality and cost is important to ensure you stay on budget, so choosing the right building materials is vital. Involvement – some people choose to take an active role in their build, living on-site and completing as much of the work themselves as they can. Others hire a team to take care of everything, but most fall somewhere in between. It is important to be realistic about how much you can or want to do yourself. Find the right team: Your house build is your top priority, and you want a team that will work with you to ensure that your project comes in on time and on budget. Delays can push costs up, so you need a team that works efficiently and to your plan. A home is so much more than just a roof over your head: it’s a place to share with your family and friends, a space to relax and have fun, and a sanctuary that allows you to shut out the world. A self-build project allows you to choose everything about your home and focus your time and budget on the things that are most important to you. If you research your project thoroughly, you can make the most of others’ experience and expertise to help you maximise your budget. A self-build project could be the secret to finding your dream home with the added satisfaction of a home designed to your specification and with everything on your wish list.
