A multi-million-pound housing development and regeneration scheme that has transformed an historic part of Salford is now complete. The £22million Poets redevelopment project in Swinton is now finished and fully occupied – bringing 160 brand-new homes and breathing new life into the area, which is also known as Beechfarm. Poets
Housing construction, fire safety and energy efficiency consultancies are encouraged to register interest for a new consultancy framework launching this summer. Consultancy Services (CS1) from LHC offers public sector organisations a wider range of services across all stages of the design, construction and refurbishment process, all in one framework. The
Thanks to investment from Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a multi-million-pound refurbishment of Maritime Museum got underway at the beginning of January 2022 by Yorkshire based company, Simpson. The transformation will see major changes to the building and exhibitions, offering residents and visitors a much-improved experience
Network Space has secured two significant deals at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link warehouse development, near Sheffield, prior to completion. The first unit, which provides 48,900 sq ft has been snapped up by global company, nVent, which acquired Eldon Holding AB and will move its main UK operations site from
LEADING architecture practice GT3 Architects has seen its focus on team development recognised with a prestigious national award. The firm – which has studios in Nottingham and Newcastle – has received the ‘People Development’ award at Constructing Excellence’s national ceremony, beating nominees from across the UK. The award recognises organisations
Petrarch, one of the first engineered stone rainscreen facades, celebrates turning 50 this year! Since 1972, over 1,000,000m2 of this aesthetically striking panel has been specified for more than 1,000 buildings across commercial, residential, education, healthcare and transport sectors worldwide. Helping to ‘unlock the potential’, it has changed the face
A leading South West housing association is growing its maintenance team as part of plans to provide a single in-house service across LiveWest. Over the course of the next five years, it is hoped that circa £5m savings will be made by bringing all repairs, voids and kitchen and bathroom
A multi-million-pound housing development and regeneration scheme that has transformed an historic part of Salford is now complete. The £22million Poets redevelopment project in Swinton is now finished and fully occupied – bringing 160 brand-new homes and breathing new life into the area, which is also known as Beechfarm. Poets has been a major redevelopment scheme from housing association Salix Homes and has seen 146 defective properties, that were affected by structural issues, demolished. In their place, Salix Homes has built 120 new social housing properties, plus a further 40 homes for outright sale, available through the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “Construction at the Poets began five years ago, but we’ve been developing proposals with the community for many years before that alongside Salford Council, so to see the development finally complete and those ambitions for Poets brought to life is a monumental moment for the area and the community. “This area has always been known for its real strength of community, and we have endeavoured to preserve that community spirit throughout the development, so it’s fantastic to see residents, both new and old, settled and making memories in their new homes. “At a time when social and affordable housing is in such short supply, we’re incredibly proud that Poets has increased housing choice in the area, bringing new, modern homes to both people on the social housing register and aspiring homeowners.” The mixed tenure development of two, three and four-bedroom homes, marks the first new-build scheme for Salix Homes and its first properties available for sale as part of its affordable home-ownership brand – Willo Homes. New homeowner Robin Capon was one of the last residents to get the keys, moving into his new three-bedroom home on Christmas Eve, and the 30-year-old accountant has finally seen his ambition to get on the property ladder become a reality. He said: “I’d been renting for many years, so it was such a relief to finally get the keys and move in. I’d always wanted a new-build as I like the idea that you don’t need to do anything to the property and can just move straight in. “I didn’t really think it would feel much different to renting, but it does. It’s the first house I’ve lived in that’s actually mine and I’ve become really house proud. I love it here.” Poets derives its names due to the surrounding streets being named after famous wordsmiths, which include Shakespeare Road, Wordsworth Road and Tennyson Road. Existing residents have been involved in the redevelopment process from start to finish, and those affected by the demolition proposals were given priority for moving back into the new-build properties. The wider estate has also benefitted from additional investment to make environmental improvements, including new gates, fencing and landscaping. Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration at Salford City Council, said: “It is fantastic news to hear this impressive housing scheme is now finally complete. “In Salford we are desperate for affordable properties for local people to live in and we are living with a national housing crisis. These 120 new social homes will make such a huge different to the lives of people who move into them. “I’d like to thank all involved with this successful project and I look forward to visiting very soon.” Salix Homes is now working on other new-build, affordable housing developments across Salford, which includes Neighbourhood – a 157-home development in Seedley; and Greenhaus – an eco-friendly apartment block on Chapel Street.
Housing construction, fire safety and energy efficiency consultancies are encouraged to register interest for a new consultancy framework launching this summer. Consultancy Services (CS1) from LHC offers public sector organisations a wider range of services across all stages of the design, construction and refurbishment process, all in one framework. The framework will cover all five LHC Group regions including Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA) and South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA), Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) and London and South East (LSE). However, housing consultancy services will be only for SPA, WPA and SWPA, owing to pre-existing frameworks already available for CPC and LSE areas. CS1 brings together LHC’s existing Housing Construction Consultancy (H1 WS1), Energy Efficiency (N8C) and Fire Safety (FS1-C) frameworks under one umbrella to make it easier for contracting authorities to procure specialist consultants. Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement at LHC, said: “We recognise the importance of making frameworks more accessible to regional suppliers and SMEs to give them more opportunity to work with public sector organisations – CS1 looks to achieve that. “Bringing housing construction consultancy, fire safety and energy efficiency under one roof allows us to meet client needs for projects of all sizes, reflecting the current market. It also means we can streamline the procurement process while offering a wider variety of high-quality, pre-approved expertise across a wide range of public sector buildings” Consultancies are encouraged to register interest for the framework, which will be opening for applications in early summer 2022. LHC intends to hold further engagement webinars with interested parties in due course to discuss initial proposals and gain feedback, before finalising the framework and issuing the tender. To register interest in the CS1 framework and receive updates and webinar invites, visit Proactis or Gov.uk’s Find a Tender service. For more information on LHC Group, visit https://www.lhc.gov.uk/.
Thanks to investment from Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a multi-million-pound refurbishment of Maritime Museum got underway at the beginning of January 2022 by Yorkshire based company, Simpson. The transformation will see major changes to the building and exhibitions, offering residents and visitors a much-improved experience and secure the museum’s future well into the 21st century. More of the Victorian architecture revealed for the first time, the second floor will open to the public as well as access to one of the building’s domes, offering views across the city skyline. A new three-storey foyer will draw people into the heart of the building, providing a visually stunning and thematic introduction to the galleries beyond. This will be created by re-opening up the original light well that helped to illuminate the Victorian dock offices. New galleries and control systems will allow the museum to host the very best national and international exhibitions. Physical accessibility to the building will undergo major improvements whilst remaining sensitive to the original architecture, including a new entrance ramp and stairs, lift and changing place. Expected to re-open in early 2025, 50 per cent more objects will be on display, along with new exhibitions and stories, an extended gift shop and a brand-new café area will also be created. Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The refurbishment of the Hull Maritime Museum is a significant milestone for the Hull Maritime project. It will be great to see the transformation as it progresses, creating a museum that will attract new and more diverse visitors. “This major investment will ensure the stories of Hull’s maritime past will continue to be told, and importantly in new and engaging ways to showcase our significant collections to the world. “Whilst we will all miss visiting the museum and its collection, this work is vital to its future and the result will be well worth the wait.” The specialist works will be undertaken by award-winning heritage contractor Simpson based in York, who have a proven track record in delivering prestigious restoration and refurbishments projects like the Hull Maritime Museum. These include the Grade I listed World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral, Grade I listed Ledston Hall, York Art Gallery, Bowes Museum, Cliffords Tower and Castle Howard. David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic news that, thanks to the National Lottery players, the Hull Maritime Museum is now entered its renovation phase, a significant milestone for the Hull Maritime City project which we are proud to support. “As work also progresses at the former Dock Office Chambers and on the two iconic historic ships, the Arctic Corsair and the Spurn Lightship, we are looking forward to witnessing the transformation that Hull Maritime is bringing to Hull. We know that heritage in the North can play a huge role in bringing people together and creating a sense of pride in people’s hometowns and cities, and in turn boosting the local economy, and this project is a fantastic example of that.” Managing Director, Andrew Gatenby at Simpson, said: “We are proud to be the main contractor on the works to the historic Hull Maritime Museum. We are looking forward to working with Hull City Council in creating a wonderful attraction for all to enjoy.” The £12m refurbishment of the Maritime Museum is part of the Hull Maritime project, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Other significant improvements involve the restoration of the Spurn Lightship and the Arctic Corsair and regenerating the North End Shipyard. For more information and updates visit maritimehull.co.uk or follow @Hullmaritime on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Network Space has secured two significant deals at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link warehouse development, near Sheffield, prior to completion. The first unit, which provides 48,900 sq ft has been snapped up by global company, nVent, which acquired Eldon Holding AB and will move its main UK operations site from Hellaby to Woodhouse Link. An online retail giant has also agreed a deal for unit 4, where work is set to complete in February on the 23,200 sq ft warehouse with integral office. As a result, only one unit now remains at Woodhouse Link following last year’s letting of unit 3 to BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains Ltd. It is expected that all of the units will be let pre-completion as the remaining unit 2, which offers 13,200 sq ft of warehouse space, is already under offer. Local construction company, Harris CM, is currently on-site delivering 116,505 sq ft of prime industrial space across the four high specification units. All of the units will be ready for occupation in spring 2022 when Woodhouse Link will be capable of fostering some 200 new jobs. Simon Peters, Development Director at Network Space, explains: “Securing a further two significant deals at Woodhouse Link prior to its completion is testament to the quality of space and the great location close to the M1, Sheffield and Rotherham. This, combined with the 24/7 access and wide range of permitted uses has led to strong enquiry levels and the final unit is already under offer.” Woodhouse Link lies close to junctions 31 and 33 of the M1, to the east of Sheffield and on the south side of Rotherham, within the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District and close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley. The development has planning permission for 24/7 operation and is suitable for manufacturing or distribution uses. The detached and self-contained units all provide secure storage yards and parking, 8 to 10 metre high eaves, integral offices and are designed to a high sustainability standard, including EV charging points, and to a BREEAM Very Good rating. Avison Young and CPP are responsible for marketing the site. Colliers advised nVent on the acquisition of the property. Rob Oliver, principal from Avison Young said: “We were delighted to agree and complete lettings on Units 1 and 4 prior to practical completion, and to attract to the scheme both a leading online retailer, and the relocation of a well-known local occupier. “We had received strong interest in both units from other occupiers, as we did for Unit 2, prior to agreeing terms on it with the chosen party. We look forward to seeing construction complete shortly, and the estate fully occupied and functioning in the next few months.” Ed Norris, Director at CCP said: “The latest deals announced at Woodhouse confirm the quality of the location and building on offer. It is fantastic to conclude these deals prior to practical completion of the units and gives confidence to the region.” The Woodhouse Link project team includes DLA Architecture, Spawforths planners, Tetra Tech and CJR Midlands M&E engineers, Walker Sime QS and project management and Gateley legal.
LEADING architecture practice GT3 Architects has seen its focus on team development recognised with a prestigious national award. The firm – which has studios in Nottingham and Newcastle – has received the ‘People Development’ award at Constructing Excellence’s national ceremony, beating nominees from across the UK. The award recognises organisations that value their workforce and ensure they maximise their team’s contribution to the business, something which GT3 Architects has nurtured through its ‘People Architecture’ approach. Alongside a new operations and flexible working policy introduced to mitigate the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the practice appointed a designated ‘people champion’ to lead its focus on personal and professional development. Liz Clarke, associate director and ‘people champion’ at GT3 Architects, said: “For a practice with a fundamental goal to place people – not buildings – at the heart of our projects, processes and practice-life, Covid-19 offered us an unparalleled opportunity to prove ‘People Architecture’ to be more than just a strapline.” The success of this approach was borne out in a staff survey, which showed that 97% of its staff base believed they are supported by their colleagues and team leaders, with 89% feeling that their work during lockdown directly contributed to practice success. Liz added: “We believe that our success stems from our commitment to placing people’s wellbeing at the heart of every business decision, and our quick and sensitive reactions to feedback and changing circumstances. “Throughout all the lockdowns, Simon, Mark, and our leadership team continued to prioritise a collaborative and transparent environment, communicating not just within our own practice, but proactively seeking peer reviews and external mentorship opportunities with our contemporaries.” Alongside staff-centric changes made during the pandemic, the workplace consultancy team at GT3 offered consultation sessions to local businesses struggling to adapt to a Covid-19 working environment, and the practice also launched its first Virtual Work Experience offering for students aged 14 – 18, subsequently supported by both the RIBA and Speakers for Schools. The award period also saw the firm secure new projects and R&D work – including the UK’s first wet and dry Passivhaus leisure facility in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey – and grow its staff base by 10%. Simon Dunstan, director at GT3 Architects, said: “In a year when countless milestones, projects, and career choices were put on-hold, we made a conscious effort to continually put our people first, as well as contribute to the wider industry and support our local communities. “We are a rapidly growing practice, and we recognise that there is still plenty of work to do. We are exceptionally proud of our team, and will continue to align practice strategy and – hopefully – our continued successes with the individual development and wellbeing of our people. This award win is a real testament to our approach and we’re delighted to have been awarded to top spot.” For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects.
Petrarch, one of the first engineered stone rainscreen facades, celebrates turning 50 this year! Since 1972, over 1,000,000m2 of this aesthetically striking panel has been specified for more than 1,000 buildings across commercial, residential, education, healthcare and transport sectors worldwide. Helping to ‘unlock the potential’, it has changed the face of working and living spaces internationally, and been showcased on numerous award-winning buildings. To mark the anniversary, Architectural Panel Solutions (its manufacturer) is holding an architectural photo and drawing competition with chances to win three special golden tickets throughout the year. The prize consists of a hot air balloon ride for two (see Show some love for Petrarch and architecture, with our 50th year anniversary photo competition. – Petrarch Architectural Panels (petrarchpanels.com). Blending both form and function perfectly, Petrarch has been manufactured in the UK for 50 years, currently at its factory in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex. On the form side, it features more than 1,500 shades and five distinctive textures, and just like natural stone, it matures over time, giving character and depth to any architectural scheme. The reconstituted stone panel can also be custom ribbed or routed. On the function side, Petrarch is BBA and CWTC approved and carefully designed to be extremely weather resistant yet low maintenance and lightweight. The panels will not delaminate or decay under any conditions. They are also impact resistant and boast an A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire rating (EN 13501). Petrarch is a reconstituted stone panel created predominantly from natural by-product materials such as stone and marble. Highly durable and impact resistant, it is considerably lighter than natural stone systems and is extremely weather resistant – designed to withstand severe environmental conditions. Used on a myriad of award-winning projects worldwide, UK projects include Pawson Williams’ Natural History Museum in London (riven Graphite), TP Bennett’s The Filmworks in Ealing, London (smooth Alabaster), Engles’ Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham, North Wales (riven Heather and Graphite), and WCEC Architecture’s Royal Wharf at the Royal Docks in London (smooth matt custom colour). The competition and the introduction of new features on the Petrarch website triggers the start of a year of celebrations and initiatives to mark 50 years of success and #petrarchpassion. Petrarch has already launched a “Lookbook” on its website where architects and specifiers can select their own swatch of inspiring projects worldwide, to read at their leisure. Go to Petrarch turns 50! – Petrarch Architectural Panels (petrarchpanels.com). Show some #petrarchpassion
A leading South West housing association is growing its maintenance team as part of plans to provide a single in-house service across LiveWest. Over the course of the next five years, it is hoped that circa £5m savings will be made by bringing all repairs, voids and kitchen and bathroom planned programmes in-house. Last month, new colleagues joined from MD Group, who have provided day-to-day repairs and void works services to 2,700 LiveWest homes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire since 2014 and further recruitment is taking place to deliver the full range of services to customers. The move will not only create new jobs but improve stimulation for the local economy. Liane Sheppard, LiveWest’s Director of Property Services, said: “We have been working hard for the last fewyears to gradually insource key services and works to help ensure that we are providing the same high-level customer service across all of the areas we operate. “Bringing our repairs and maintenance in-house will deliver us significant savings, reduce our costs and improve service quality. In the Somerset, Bristol and Gloucestershire area LiveWest have historically outsourced repairs and maintenance services to several partnership contractors. In April, the electrical testing contract and kitchen and bathroom contract will also be insourced.” In July 2019, LiveWest welcomed new colleagues from Spectrum Property Care to deliver repairs and voids works to 1,800 homes in the Frome area in Somerset. LiveWest have also invested in two new minor project teams to deliver complex managed repairs including a focus on improving properties. The new teams will bring together people from across Asset and Property, as well as new roles, to ensure responsibility and accountability, and improve customer experience. Due to the challenges of operating in a Covid environment, this year is set to be busier than ever for the new teams with an increase in volume of managed repairs which includes roof repairs to replacement retaining walls. The team structure will continue to evolve as LiveWest’s insourcing progresses across the operational area, reducing the number of contractors supporting its in-house Maintenance Service. Liane added: “Insourcing builds in-house capacity, facilitates the joining up of services, shores up financial flexibility, manages quality standards, improves customer experience and boostsemployee morale. We have continued investment in our teams to ensure we have the right amount of support to deliver a quality repairs and maintenance service that is customer focussed and responsive. It’s exciting times for the LiveWest property team.” “Recruiting across property maintenance has been quite challenging over the past year. There is a skills shortage so we’ve had to think outside of the box. We have reviewed our terms and conditions for current and future colleagues to ensure we are offering a great benefits package. We are really confident we are offering one of the best out there. We’re also investing in the future, and have a great apprenticeship programme” LiveWest has invested heavily in their successful apprenticeship programme, which will see around 18 apprentices join the property team just this year. Five new starters joined last month and we have offered another 10 so far, following a comprehensive assessment centre and interview process. The focus of LiveWest’s apprenticeship drive has been on attracting talent of all ages and backgrounds to ensure the workforce is as diverse as possible. LiveWest has been encouraging people to change their career and try out for the apprenticeship programme. Some 40% of the new apprentices are female with more and more women taking up a career in the trades.
