Kingspan’s IKON Innovation Centre in Kingscourt, Ireland, has been recognised for its sustainable design and use of next generation building materials. Completed in 2019, the 1,950 square metre facility was created to act as the global development research, development and test hub for Kingspan products, and also to offer visitors
HS2 has recently revealed the colossal logistics operation that is taking place at HS2’s logistics hub near Willesden Junction. The 30-acre site will be the beating heart of the logistics operation for HS2 in London, and will be where earth from the 26 miles of tunnel will be processed and
Waltham Forest Council’s development partner, Countryside, has secured planning permission to move forward with the transformation of the Town Hall Campus to build a new hub in the heart of the borough and creating hundreds of new jobs. The Waltham Forest development will continue to build on the success of the
Project will increase the capacity of London Gateway logistics hub A Dubai-based logistics company has announced that it will begin work next month on a new fourth berth at its London Gateway logistics hub. The £300m scheme, which is designed to increase supply chain resilience and create more capacity for
Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “It’s to be expected that the astronomic rates of house price growth seen since the introduction of the stamp duty holiday will now start to subside as we approach the final deadline. But don’t be fooled into thinking the market will now
INTERNATIONAL M&E consultancy CPW is celebrating a stellar year with the opening or expansion of four offices, multiple new hires and a companywide rebrand to mark its new strategic direction. The firm, formerly known as Couch Perry Wilkes, has seen significant growth since June 2020 – recruiting 67 people, including
Make UK has welcomed the latest new cohort of 170 engineering apprentices to its Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham – a 41% year-on-year increase in its intake. The apprentices, who will be studying a range of courses from Level 2 Welding Operator to Level 3 Engineering Technician, will spend the
Construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy has introduced the industry’s first plug-in hybrid outdoor lighting tower to the market following a multi-million-pound investment in its UK fleet. The business has added 200 new Speedy V20 Eco Hybrid units to its lighting range through an exclusive partnership with Generac. The
Broadland Housing and R G Carter have celebrated reaching the fourth phase of Canary Quay, a new modern housing development on the River Wensum in Norwich city centre. Construction of 101, one-and-two-bedroom apartments has already started on site and represents the final stage of the Canary Quay regeneration project in
When it came to the specification of a replacement rainwater system for a 19th century school building, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System offered authentic detailing, long-term performance and ease of installation without compromising the integrity of the building. Located in the West Midlands and close to Wolverhampton,
Kingspan’s IKON Innovation Centre in Kingscourt, Ireland, has been recognised for its sustainable design and use of next generation building materials. Completed in 2019, the 1,950 square metre facility was created to act as the global development research, development and test hub for Kingspan products, and also to offer visitors a glimpse into the built environment of tomorrow. The building has now been certified LEED Gold, meaning that the design and construction demonstrated exceptionally high standards in terms of sustainability, energy use and innovation. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Accreditation is achieved by accumulating credits for various aspects of design, construction and operation. Credits are awarded in eight categories, including energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, water efficiency, and innovation. IKON contains state-of-the-art innovation, prototyping and testing labs, and is home to a team dedicated to researching and developing advanced material science with the focus on recyclability, thermal efficiency and reducing the embodied carbon in building products throughout their lifecycle. The building also has a state of the art Digital Twin which was created during the build process and has been expanded to an operating twin that allows for real time data collection which will further the application of the LEED framework. The IKON Innovation Centre is the only office building in Ireland that is certified LEED Gold. Mike Stenson, Kingspan’s Global Head of Innovation, said: “As part of our Planet Passionate programme we’re committed to achieving net-zero carbon manufacturing by 2030 and to developing industry-leading products, solutions and services that set new standards in terms of lower embodied carbon, thermal efficiency and overall product performance. “Being awarded Gold for our IKON Innovation Centre is an important symbol of our commitment to a better built environment. I am very proud of the team who helped us to achieve this recognition, including the many partners, such as the building general contractor CGDM, Niall Smith Architects and Millimetre Design, who worked with us to find solutions at every step of the journey.”
HS2 has recently revealed the colossal logistics operation that is taking place at HS2’s logistics hub near Willesden Junction. The 30-acre site will be the beating heart of the logistics operation for HS2 in London, and will be where earth from the 26 miles of tunnel will be processed and critical construction materials, such as pre-cast tunnel segment rings, will be delivered. The hub has been constructed and will be operated by HS2’s Main Works Civils Contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV). The construction of HS2’s London tunnels will require 5.6million tonnes of earth to be excavated. After being processed at the site near Willesden Junction, it will be taken by train to three locations across the UK – Barrington in Cambridgeshire, Cliffe in Kent, and Rugby in Warwickshire – where it will put to beneficial reuse, filling voids which will then be used as a basis for redevelopment, such as house building. The site will also receive over 100,000 pre-cast tunnel segment rings which will be used to form the walls of the London tunnels, delivered by rail from UK manufacturing sites. HS2’s contractor SCS JV has already confirmed that the first contract for pre-cast tunnel segment rings has been awarded to Pacadar UK, and will be delivered to the site from their factory in the Isle of Grain in Kent. At peak operation, eight trains per day will depart and arrive at the logistics hub, maximising the use of rail freight in the construction of HS2 in London and resulting in one million lorry movements not going on UK roads. Speaking at the opening of HS2’s Logistics Hub, HS2’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Thurston said: “In building Britain’s new high-speed railway, HS2 is committed to protecting the environment and minimising our carbon footprint during design, construction and operation. As a result, we are moving as much material as we can by rail as part of our Materials by Rail programme. “The logistics hub at Willesden will be the beating heart of our London logistics operation and is a critical part of how we are building HS2.” The operation is being coordinated from a refurbished building on the site. Sheffield based SME, 3Squared, has developed a bespoke rail logistics software solution to manage and track the railway materials movements in and out. Speaking about the scale of the operation, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture Managing Director, James Richardson, said: “The logistics hub is central to the London Tunnels programme. Collaborating with other partners delivering HS2, we will remove 5.6million tonnes of spoil by rail and bringing in our tunnel segments, taking one million lorry journeys off the road. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and by using rail we will reduce our carbon emissions for logistics by 40%.” Tim Jones, Managing Director of 3Squared, said: “It is fantastic to see the hard work and effort coming to fruition in this large-scale logistics operation, which will radically improve efficiencies and operations across the wider UK transport network. Joining the HS2 project has marked an exciting chapter in 3Squared’s journey, and we look forward to continuing to work with SCS JV and providing our technological skill and expertise, as HS2 progresses.” The London Logistics Hub sits on the old Freightliner Terminal site that first opened in 1967. It went on to become one of nine regional freight terminals developed specifically to handle Channel Tunnel intermodal traffic but eventually went into disuse in 2005. The site’s connections to the conventional railway make it an ideal location to coordinate HS2’s London logistics operation. The logistics trains are currently operated by GB Railfreight and the entire operation is the result of meticulous planning between HS2, Network Rail, SCS JV and HS2’s supply chain. The first train departed the site at the end of June, taking 1,470 tonnes of spoil to Barrington in Cambridgeshire. John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight said: “Today’s opening marks a huge commitment to reducing the impact of carbon emissions caused by construction and we’re proud to jointly recognise this with HS2 by unveiling the fittingly rebranded Class 66, ‘The Green Progressor’. “HS2 Willesden’s logistics hub promises to support the growth of rail freight in the UK by removing one million HGVs from our capital’s roads alone. By increasing the amount of material transported by rail freight for the construction of HS2 in London, GBRf will continue to play a leading role in the delivery of Government’s net zero targets and the decarbonisation of transport.” Nick Coles, Programme Manager, Network Rail, said: “We’ve been working with HS2 and its supply chain on their plans to move excavated materials by rail from the Willesden logistics hub. Timetable, operations and infrastructure preparations have long been in the making and it is a credit to all parties involved that freight services have started life so smoothly. “Today, the UK railway network is supporting approximately 60 rail freight services a week for HS2 and we’ll continue to work closely with its industry partners to make as many carbon savings as possible.”
Waltham Forest Council’s development partner, Countryside, has secured planning permission to move forward with the transformation of the Town Hall Campus to build a new hub in the heart of the borough and creating hundreds of new jobs. The Waltham Forest development will continue to build on the success of the first phase of works that completed in July 2021 seeing the historic Grade II listed Town Hall fully refurbished and the creation of Fellowship Square and water feature. The schemes‘ design respects the heritage setting, improves connectivity across the site and the delivery of the new Civic Building will complete architect Phillip Hepworth’s original design intent. Countryside was selected in January 2020 as the delivery partner for the second phase redevelopment, which includes the building of 433 homes on the campus site, landscaping, and the construction of a brand-new civic building. It will drive economic recovery in the borough and bring hundreds of new jobs to the area, including over 600 during construction and over 800 supply chain jobs, as well as nearly approximately 160 additional jobs from new commercial and community uses. There will also be a programme for schools and colleges to visit and learn about apprenticeships and training opportunities. The residential scheme addresses the climate emergency by being car-free, providing 815 secure cycle spaces, over 200 new trees planted, provide renewable energy through PV panels, deliver landscaping that promotes biodiversity and mitigates flooding. Subject to a Section 106 agreement, work will start later this year with the first new homes being ready to occupy in early 2023. As phase two progresses, Waltham Forest Council will continue engaging with local residents and the community to gain essential feedback on the transformation. Countryside will be working alongside the Council for the remainder of the redevelopment, ending in 2024. Phase two includes: Building more than 433 new, high-quality homes prioritised for local people, with a target of 50% affordable. 11% of these will be wheelchair adaptable homes A new Civic Building with ground floor café/restaurant space opening onto Fellowship Square Restoring the war memorial with a better space for memorial events New landscaped gardens with over 200 new trees and play facilities on Chestnuts Field A new crèche/nursery space A new shop/commercial space. Sustainable communities for future generations Kevin Delve, managing director, East London, Countryside, said: “We really are honoured to have been appointed by Waltham Forest Council on such a prestigious project in the heart of the borough. “Having worked in the borough since 2013, we are deeply aware of our responsibility here in Waltham Forest; not just to build high-quality homes but to create sustainable communities for future generations. “To ensure this, we are putting local people at the heart of the project, working closely with the council and local people to ensure that the new architecture and amenities encourage Waltham Forest’s rich cultural history.”
Project will increase the capacity of London Gateway logistics hub A Dubai-based logistics company has announced that it will begin work next month on a new fourth berth at its London Gateway logistics hub. The £300m scheme, which is designed to increase supply chain resilience and create more capacity for the world’s largest vessels, comes on top of the £2bn DP World has ploughed into the UK over the past decade. British ports have been under pressure from Brexit and coronavirus-fuelled stockpiling surges that have caused UK businesses to face vastly higher container shipping costs than normal. This has been one of the factors helping drive pressure on the construction materials crisis. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and chief executive of DP World, said: “As a central pillar of Thames Freeport, London Gateway’s new fourth berth will allow even more customers to benefit from world class ports and logistics, with unrivalled global connectivity, on the doorstep of Europe’s largest consumer market.” In the first six months of 2021 London Gateway saw record throughput of 888,000 20-foot-long containers – up 23% on the previous best performance for the first half of a year. The new fourth berth will raise capacity by a third and completion will coincide with the delivery of a new wave of 24,000 20-foot-long container vessels in 2023/2024, which will all be operated between Asia and Europe. Along with the Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham plant DP World London Gateway will form the Thames Freeport, which was awarded freeport status by the government earlier this year. DP World Southampton has also been awarded freeport status as part of Solent Freeport.
Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “It’s to be expected that the astronomic rates of house price growth seen since the introduction of the stamp duty holiday will now start to subside as we approach the final deadline. But don’t be fooled into thinking the market will now deflate like a cheap birthday balloon. Buyer demand is extremely high and property prices will remain robust, largely driven by second and third rung buyers upgrading to larger, higher-value homes.” Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: “We’re heading into an extremely busy period where the property market is concerned and so the expiry of the stamp duty holiday and its impact on the market is going to be far less pronounced than first feared. With the stamp duty holiday causing manic market conditions and long delays to transaction times, many homesellers and buyers chose to retreat until the rush had subsided, having long given up hope of a stamp duty saving. However, we will now start to see them emerge from their boltholes and this additional stock will help rejuvenate the market throughout the remainder of the year. The London market, in particular, is poised for a strong finish with an abundance of stock now available and a sharp uplift in domestic and foreign demand being driven by pandemic restriction lifting both where the workplace and travel are concerned.” Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “It’s fair to say that the process of selling first to improve your buying position has long been a tactic utilised by UK homebuyers and so we’re not seeing the ‘rise of the power buyer’ as such. That said, a high level of competition for a limited level of stock has highlighted the importance of a strong buying position when it comes to securing your ideal home. Unfortunately for the nation’s first-time buyers, those with an existing property to fund their onward purchase are in a far stronger position when it comes to placing an offer and this has pushed up the cost of buying quite considerably. As a result, those looking to buy their first home are now paying 12% more compared to just 12 months ago. However, the cost of borrowing remains very favourable and given current market delays, some sellers will place the stronger position of a first-time buyer above that of a few thousand pounds extra.”
INTERNATIONAL M&E consultancy CPW is celebrating a stellar year with the opening or expansion of four offices, multiple new hires and a companywide rebrand to mark its new strategic direction. The firm, formerly known as Couch Perry Wilkes, has seen significant growth since June 2020 – recruiting 67 people, including 12 apprentices, created a new acoustics department to meet growing demand as well as opened dedicated London and Manchester offices, doubled the Leicester team, and tripled the Bristol office to better serve clients across the regions. The sustainable building services firm has also renewed its commitment to sustainability through its own processes and on projects, pledging to reach net zero by 2035. This is supported by the firm’s ‘charter’ – a commitment to put its five pillars of sustainability, innovation, social value, people, and clients at the heart of all it does. Carl Humpage, director at CPW, said: “We’ve had an incredibly strong year so far, with turnover in excess of 10% over the previous year and a number of successful project tenders for new clients such as the University of Oxford and other prestigious clients. “We are extremely proud of our staff and the support they have provided during the last year – they are true ambassadors of CPW. Therefore, the strength of our people with their experience and expertise as well as our quality services is what defines us, and our new brand – which includes a refreshed brand identity, logo, website, and office fit outs – really reflects this. “We’ve had a fantastic year with a raft of new team members joining us. We’re particularly excited about our apprentices as we’re passionate about training the next generation and offering equal opportunities to all. We have a robust apprenticeship scheme and it’s something we’re looking forward to building upon in this new chapter.” Founded in 1978, CPW works across a wide range of sectors including healthcare, residential, education and more. With a team of more than 280 staff across nine UK regional offices and two international offices in India and Poland, the consultancy has sustainability at its heart and specialises in designing and integrating a full range of energy solutions into existing and new buildings. As a result, CPW has secured a number of important projects including the University of Oxford carbon reduction framework, Cambridge Road Estate regeneration, a project in Kingston Upon Thames and The Island Quarter in Nottingham. This impressive client roster also supports the firm’s mission to build zero-carbon buildings to help create better lives for many generations to come. Carl added: “The rebrand marks a significant milestone in our 43-year history, especially moving away from the full company name of our founders. However, we wanted the name and brand to reflect the modern, sustainability focused, forward-thinking business that we are today. “It also encompasses our aim to deliver truly amazing buildings that minimise their impact on the environment, while improving the lives of those who use them. To do this we have developed five pillars of activity, which are intrinsic to our business: sustainability, innovation, social value, our people, and our clients. “We’re very proud of everything we’ve achieved in the last year and beyond, despite the challenges of lockdown. The entire team is therefore looking forward to this new chapter in our history and building on this rebrand to expand our team and service offering to be the UK’s go-to sustainable M&E firm.” For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on Twitter.
Make UK has welcomed the latest new cohort of 170 engineering apprentices to its Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham – a 41% year-on-year increase in its intake. The apprentices, who will be studying a range of courses from Level 2 Welding Operator to Level 3 Engineering Technician, will spend the next 12 months with Make UK, learning the technical side of their chosen specialism, as well as other areas like health and safety and time management, before returning to their employers, who include companies such as Severn Trent, Jaguar Land Rover, Ibsock, Forterra and Ishida. Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices and Technical Training at Make UK said: “It’s fantastic to accept the latest intake of apprentices and see a full return to face to face teaching; the increase in numbers shows that there is a great appetite for apprenticeships amongst both young people and employers alike. It’s vital that we work together to help bridge the skills gap which manufacturing currently faces.” Make UK recently announced it is backing a new initiative by support platform Next Gen Makers to help manufacturing and engineering employers retain apprenticeship talent and maximise their investment in young people. As leading training provider sponsor, Make UK will help promote the Engineering Apprenticeships: Best Practice Programme – an initiative designed to support firms to overcome skills challenges and build talent for future success. For more information on apprenticeships with Make UK, call 0121 344 7900 or email asrecruitment@makeuk.org
Construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy has introduced the industry’s first plug-in hybrid outdoor lighting tower to the market following a multi-million-pound investment in its UK fleet. The business has added 200 new Speedy V20 Eco Hybrid units to its lighting range through an exclusive partnership with Generac. The four-in-one units can run directly from the mains, an internal battery, a solar panel hired separately, or on green HVO D+ (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel and they can operate automatically in reaction to changing light levels. An external battery pack can power the towers for up to five days at 10 hours per day. Speedy’s £6.3m investment also includes 225 new MX Fuel Lighting Towers, 200 X-Eco Lighting Towers, 100 VB9+ Lighting Towers and 100 solar powered lights to its fleet for contractors to hire across the UK. The 825 new towers from Generac, Trime and Milwaukee will help construction, infrastructure engineering and events contractors to reduce carbon emissions through electric-only operation, while offering users options which run on diesel HVO D+ if projects require. Speedy takes delivery of the new kit ahead of the clocks going back for winter, with shorter nights driving high demand from contractors for lighting towers to keep sites safe. Many of the towers will be used to support major rail development projects across the country, with a large quantity already earmarked for HS2 delivery partners. Andy Connor, group supply chain director at Speedy, said: “The new, sustainable products will enable contractors to reduce carbon footprints across their projects. Working closely with Generac on the launch of the Speedy V20 Eco Hybrid towers is an excellent example of how we’re using our intermediary position in the construction supply chain to introduce new, transformative technology to the market. “The investment represents a significant expansion of our fleet, giving contractors greater access to high-performance and versatile lighting that’s capable of meeting the varied demands of live sites.” Alessandro Rossi, Managing Director at Generac, said: “We’ve worked closely with Speedy to develop this new-to-market specification of lighting tower. They are a great addition to our existing range of light and heavy-duty towers that are built around easy operation and durability. “By calling on Speedy’s contractor relationships and industry expertise, we’ve designed a new lighting tower that effectively meets both the day-to-day needs of site workers, and the overarching sustainability requirements of the industry.” For more information, visit: https://www.speedyservices.com/
Broadland Housing and R G Carter have celebrated reaching the fourth phase of Canary Quay, a new modern housing development on the River Wensum in Norwich city centre. Construction of 101, one-and-two-bedroom apartments has already started on site and represents the final stage of the Canary Quay regeneration project in which a total of more than 300 affordable and privately-owned homes are being created, offering modern living space in a desirable riverside location. Michael Newey, Group Chief Executive of Broadland Housing, said: “One of our priorities is to provide much needed affordable homes for the people living in the city. This development is part of the solution.” Andrew Savage, Executive Development Director, Broadland Housing added: “We are delighted to progress to phase 4 of this important development. Our strong partnership with Carters showcases what can be achieved together”. The final phase is expected to be completed in 2022 and will sit alongside 222 apartments completed in Phases One, Two and Three of the scheme’s construction officially named Patricia Hollis House, Richard Hawthorn House, Solace, Olive, Norada and White Moth. Mario Rackham, Director and General Manager at R G Carter, said: “We’re incredibly proud of this development and our continuing partnership with Broadland Housing. It’s great to see the Canary Quay regeneration finally coming together transforming the riverside area, while providing high-quality modern housing for the local community.” The spacious apartments will offer open plan living spaces, contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, a communal garden, riverside views and access to a new riverside walk that leads to the City Centre. The new apartments will be marketed from Autumn 2022 and available for residents to move in from Spring 2023. A drone video of the completed apartments can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/604911410/7aa5ce3a39 For more information on homes available to buy or rent at Canary Quay go to www.canaryquay.com
When it came to the specification of a replacement rainwater system for a 19th century school building, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System offered authentic detailing, long-term performance and ease of installation without compromising the integrity of the building. Located in the West Midlands and close to Wolverhampton, the original cast iron rainwater system at Wightwick Hall School was no longer fit for purpose and required replacement as part of remedial works prior to the school’s conversion to an academy. Brett Martin provided the client with full on-site technical support as well as recommending a cost-effective rainwater solution which had the look and feel of cast iron but offered the long-term benefits of plastic. Due to the building’s age and change of use over the years, there were no technical drawings from which a bill of quantities could be created. To meet the challenge, Brett Martin’s technical team were able to visit the site and help with the specification along with calculations and assistance with installation techniques. The specification of the Cascade rainwater system comprised 112mm Roundstyle Gutters and 68mm Round Downpipes with Tudor Rose Hoppers, all in Classic Black and providing the authentic detailing and finish they were looking for. This was complemented by the Cascade 110mm Push-Fit Soil System to provide a complete look which was architecturally sympathetic to the 19th century building and the original detail of the previous cast iron system. “We are very pleased with the replacement gutter and soil systems as the cast iron style is in keeping with the age and design of the school building. And since leaking gutters are now a thing of the past the Cascade will help protect the building for years to come,” said school site manager, Simon Bruce. Significantly lighter than cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at height, helping to offer the contractor and their client huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs. The system also features external fixing lugs designed to facilitate the use of power tools, further speeding up installation. Using a reputable manufacturer such as Brett Martin offers far more than the quality and versatility of the product itself – they provide superior technical support, detailed installation instructions and maintenance guidelines to ensure rainwater systems perform exactly as promised. With this school building now fully protected and ready for its conversion to an academy, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System has met the aesthetic and performance requirements of the client whilst ensuring a fast, efficient and economical installation.
