The site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote, the former Central England Co-op supermarket, will house confirmed names such as Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins once complete. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by Hawkstone Vale Developments Ltd working
DESPITE the industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges. Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain
Phase two of landmark development ‘The Printworks’ has commenced 137 stylish apartments Property prices in Bradford set to double in the next five years* Bradford just crowned City of Culture 2025 First collaboration between developer The Investment Room and LH1 London Leading master agent LH1 London has been appointed by
The Fire Brigades Union has written to the government to demand it rethinks its decision to reject a key Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation, on the evacuation of disabled residents of high-rise buildings. The inquiry recommended that “that the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law
Global material supplier and supply chain solutions provider, thyssenkrupp Materials UK, has announced a new, long-term strategic partnership with Brickability Group PLC, a leading specialist in products and services for the UK construction sector. The two businesses are set to unveil a new balcony system, sold via Architectural Facades (part
Bouygues UK has welcomed a group of pupils from Pentrehafod School to the 71/72 Kingsway site in Swansea city centre. The pupils were invited to view two new murals they helped to create that are displayed on the hoarding of the construction site, which Swansea Council is developing into a
Summer officially begins on June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, so there’s still some time to prepare your lawn for the hottest days ahead. Ideally, you’d want to start this process in early spring (or whenever soil temperatures rise to about 65 degrees Fahrenheit), but better late than never, right?
The site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote, the former Central England Co-op supermarket, will house confirmed names such as Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins once complete. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by Hawkstone Vale Developments Ltd working with Central England Co-op to construct a major new retail Park development in Tamworth. The £22m development situated on Ninian Way and to be known as Tame Retail and Trade Park is the site of the former Co-op supermarket which is being fully regenerated into a significant new retail and trade park. Demolition works are progressing and site preparation is already underway onsite. Construction is expected to take 52 weeks with the new development expected to be open by March 2023. The huge new outlet has already signed up a number of well-known brands and retailers including Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins. Speaking about the appointment GMI Divisional Managing Director Andy Bruce said: “This significant new development looks set to breathe new life into what was a redundant site and serve as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area creating new and substantial local employment and a brand-new trade and retail destination. GMI are very active currently in the Midlands working on a number of high-profile projects across multiple sectors including retail, industrial/logistics, residential, office/mixed use and manufacturing with an order book currently valued at £150M. We look forward to working closely with both Hawkstone and Central England Co-op and seeing the development rise out of the ground which when complete will be one of the Midlands premier retail and trade park destinations. Also commenting Andrew Kirton, Managing Director of Hawkstone Vale, added: “It is great to see the work on the development progressing and the new development starting to take shape. We are delighted to have attracted Lidl, B&M and Travis Perkins for the retail and trade element of the Scheme, with Starbucks, Greggs and Subway providing the food and beverage offer. We are confident this 80,000 sq ft development will help provide a great boost to the local economy and create hundreds of jobs for the local community in these uncertain times. GMI are already making great progress onsite and come with an exceptional pedigree in the delivery of high quality retail and trade park developments of this scale. Together with Central England Co-op we look forward to forging an excellent partnership. A spokesperson for Central England Co-op added: “We’re delighted to see GMI Construction Group PLC join the project at our former supermarket site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote to help create this exciting development and create a legacy for the local community, creating new and substantial local employment and a brand new trade and retail destination. “GMI have an excellent reputation in the industry for delivering successful and high-quality retail and trade developments on a similar scale to that planned for Ninian Way and we’re excited to be working with them on this project. “We would like to thank locals for their patience through this process and as construction works continue and we look forward to seeing this new future for the site come to life in the coming months.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
DESPITE the industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges. Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain issues, aside from waiting for the worst to pass, PermaGroup has continued to follow its unique approach to ensure customers are still catered for. Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaGroup, said: “I’m proud of the way we have responded as a company to the stock shortages, which have been an issue since early 2020. We’ve taken decisive action to support our customers and stayed flexible to allow us to respond quickly to the changing circumstances.” Having implemented a three-pronged approach at the start of the crisis, involving purchasing in bulk, establishing CPD seminars to upskill individuals and rewarding customer loyalty, PermaGroup’s strategy has paid off, reaching all of its key KPIs, and exceeding many, in the first four months of the year. The first quarter of 2022 also saw PermaGroup expand its board, welcoming new investment and expertise to support and bolster the company’s ambitious plans for growth and strengthen its leadership team – safeguarding the business’ future. Adrian added: “Recently, I made the decision to sell some of my shareholding to a private equity company and bring on new board members – something that had always been part of my plans when I became MD. Now was the perfect time to implement this, as it has allowed us to reset targets, adapt our strategy and prepare confidently for the coming years.” James Wooster, director of Owner Venture Managers, the additional shareholder alongside Adrian, said:” PermaGroup is an innovative business and I’m eager to join the board to support its future success as it continues to grow from strength to strength to service more customers than ever before. Adrian’s remarkable leadership has seen it thrive, despite the challenges of the past couple of years, and it’s a journey I’m excited to be on.” Adrian added: “The coming year is full of possibilities for us and, as we look ahead, I want to continue delivering the best possible solutions to our customers, no matter the obstacles. As a business, this is our number one priority and, with several potential acquisitions on the horizon, alongside the introduction of a southern and northern base as well, there’s a lot to look forward to.” To find out more about PermaGroup, visit: www.permaroof.co.uk/permagroup. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Phase two of landmark development ‘The Printworks’ has commenced 137 stylish apartments Property prices in Bradford set to double in the next five years* Bradford just crowned City of Culture 2025 First collaboration between developer The Investment Room and LH1 London Leading master agent LH1 London has been appointed by property developer The Investment Room as works commence on site to launch phase two of Bradford’s landmark residential development – The Printworks. Comprising of137 newly built luxurious one and two-bedroom apartments, the build follows the completion of phase one – the conversion of a listed building known as ‘Card House’. Occupying a highly sought-after affluent location within the city of Bradford, The Printworks is to be built upon the site that was formally home to WN Sharpe of Bradford and later, Hallmark Cards. The apartments will provide potential buyers with well-appointed living, featuring spacious, larger than average accommodation and high-quality fixtures and fittings – with homeowners also benefitting from onsite parking including EV charging ports and visitors parking bays, spacious communal courtyards and a Costa Coffee shop. The development marks a flurry of inbound investment into the city, with property prices in Bradford set to double within the next five years* – offering great opportunity to savvy investors searching for strong yields and affordable pricing amidst a post covid property price boom. The Printworks has been welcomed by local councillors who are keen to meet the increased demand for housing due to rising numbers of people moving to the area. Benjamin Hunter, CEO of LH1 London, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside The Investment Room to bring this landmark development for Bradford to market. The development is a remarkable project and will be a real asset to the city. “We are also really pleased for the people of Bradford receiving the much-deserved accolade ‘City of Culture for 2025’. This reflects not only their truly diverse culture but also the City’s willingness to create opportunities for all. Bradford can now expect considerable inbound investment and huge growth in Employment which will only fuel the requirement for high quality property in the area. We see Bradford as the Jewel of The Northern Powerhouse and this award is testament to that. “We have already seen increasing demand and interest in the build following the success of phase one, and would encourage international buyers and local owner-occupiers to take note of the opportunity here. Bradford, being one of the largest cities in the UK housing over 500,000 people, is becoming a growing investment opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. This is where Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool were a few years ago.” Councillor Love, The Lord Mayor of Bradford, commented: “The scheme will create 385 flats and preserve the iconic character of the Art Deco style Grade ll listed building Sharps Card Factory (known as Hallmark House). “The proposed works to the listed building are considered to largely protect its heritage significance, and the development would deliver a substantial provision to meet the district’s housing need”. Lee Jones, Director at The Investment Room, added: “Having successfully sold all of the 144 apartments in the first phase of the development in record time, I am extremely proud to have broken ground on the second phase of The Printworks. The positive feedback and sentiments from the local residents and buyers alike has been encouraging. It is refreshing to see that our respect for the immense heritage of the existing buildings, whilst also utilising the rest of this large brownfield site through high quality new apartments, has been widely recognised and partnering with LH1 to sell the apartments to the owner occupier market as well as selected investors makes this site even more special”. Work at The Printworks is underway, and the anticipated practical completion is Q3 2023. LH1 London is the UK’s leading global developer sales and marketing partner for off plan, off market property and work on a range of developments in major cities throughout the UK including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Luton, and London commutable regions. To find out more about The Printworks email: info@lh1.london. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
The Fire Brigades Union has written to the government to demand it rethinks its decision to reject a key Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation, on the evacuation of disabled residents of high-rise buildings. The inquiry recommended that “that the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to prepare personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)” for all disabled residents. But last month the government rejected the recommendation and revealed downgraded plans, which have been roundly criticised including by Grenfell campaigners and disability rights campaigners. The government had promised to implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase one recommendations “in full”, of which this is one. In a letter to Lord Greenhalgh dated 6 June 2022, Minister of State for Building Safety, Fire and Communities, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary wrote [abridged]: “The FBU was disappointed with the Westminster government’s decision to downgrade work towards ensuring residents with disabilities are provided with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) “The [government] statement claims that implementation would involve significant issues with practicality, proportionality and safety. The FBU argues that resident safety is paramount, so there is a greater safety issue in declining to implement PEEPs. As for proportionality, the Inquiry has found the introduction of PEEPs to be a proportionate strategy, and the FBU agrees. “Some reasons given for the refusal seem poorly evidenced, for example stating that if a PEEP advised the purchase of an evacuation chair, there would be an “impact on the good relations between disabled residents and non-disabled residents if disproportionate costs were passed on to the latter. Building owners should carry the costs.” “The government’s decision is a negative, backward step, and the FBU stands with disability campaigners, the Grenfell campaign groups and the LGA in asking you to reconsider.” 15 out of 37 disabled Grenfell Tower residents lost their lives in the fire. The union represents the vast majority of the hundreds of firefighters and fire control staff who were involved in the Grenfell response.For more information, interviews or further comment please contact Ben Duncan-Duggal on ben.duncan-duggal@fbu.org.uk or 07825635224 Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Global material supplier and supply chain solutions provider, thyssenkrupp Materials UK, has announced a new, long-term strategic partnership with Brickability Group PLC, a leading specialist in products and services for the UK construction sector. The two businesses are set to unveil a new balcony system, sold via Architectural Facades (part of the Brickability Group), that will benefit our customers across the industry in the coming months. With the COVID-19 pandemic reshaping the housing market, there has been a significant increase in demand for apartment buildings with private outdoor spaces, especially in built-up locations such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, the North-West and Scotland. Over the last year, prospective buyers, particularly first-time buyers, have been looking for apartments with either a shared garden or balcony space as a must-have feature. Paul Hamilton, Group Chief Operating Officer at Brickability Group PLC said: “We are very much looking forward to adding this new product to our portfolio. As a progressive business with over 30 companies working within the construction sector, we have an in depth understanding of the needs of the industry. Therefore, we have designed the next generation of balconies that will improve lead times and time spent on-site, whilst providing exceptional curb appeal and functionality. Entering the market with an experienced partner in the manufacturing of lightweight MMC balconies and fabrication services such as thyssenkrupp Materials UK, is further ensuring the superior quality, traceability and sustainability of our product.” In 2020, thyssenkrupp Materials UK opened a new, paperless factory dedicated to its fabrication services. The facility has been producing specialist balconies since and has set a high standard for quality of products as well as full digital traceability. This was possible through the company’s vast expertise in materials, particularly aluminium extrusion, from which the balconies are being manufactured. Using a modern blend of exclusively non-combustible materials, that are also fully recyclable, allows the company to reduce weight and increase strength and carbon savings. Adrian Palmer, Head of Operations at thyssenkrupp Materials UK, said: “We are proud to partner with the leader in the construction industry, Brickability Group PLC, on this innovative product. We are looking forward to introducing the new balconies to our fabrication site, as this fits perfectly with our long-term vision of supporting the construction and architectural sector in the most efficient and sustainable ways. The market will also benefit from our strategically central location, allowing streamlined logistics and fast delivery.”
Bouygues UK has welcomed a group of pupils from Pentrehafod School to the 71/72 Kingsway site in Swansea city centre. The pupils were invited to view two new murals they helped to create that are displayed on the hoarding of the construction site, which Swansea Council is developing into a new office building that will provide space for 600 jobs. The colourful murals were produced by Fresh Creative Co in a joint initiative between Bouygues UK – the council’s main contractor for the project – and the local community, through the Art In The City project. They were designed following discussions with a group of 60 young people as part of an engagement programme called ‘School Swap’, a regional project to explore cultural and social differences between young people across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Bridgend. The inspiration for the murals came directly from these workshops and the visit allowed the pupils to have their say on the final artwork, the location, and the possible impact of the art on the local community. Located at the former Oceana nightclub site, 71/72 Kingsway will be operationally carbon zero and worth £32.6 million a year to Swansea’s economy. Due for completion in the summer of 2023, the scheme will include 114,000 square feet of commercial floor space with flexible co-working and office opportunities for businesses in sectors like tech, digital and the creative industries. Other features of the new development include a roof terrace, a new link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street, and balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay. The scheme is being part-funded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal and supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Bouygues UK’s Nick Toulson and Hadley Hands gave the pupils a site tour, allowing them a chance to see the construction in progress and look at the murals, which respond to issues the children feel strongly about like racism and hate crime, on the board hoardings. Bouygues UK Social Value Advisor Nick said: ‘’It was fantastic to welcome the Pentrehafod pupils to the Kingsway site. During the tour, we explained the process and the proposed use of the building as a communal office and agile working space. The children were eager to listen and learn and they were big fans of the murals that we have on the hoardings. We also discussed ideas for more artworks that tie in with Bouygues UK’s Diversity and Inclusion programme and we look forward to seeing more creations soon.’’ Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the visit and loved the artwork, which form part of a construction scheme that will create space for 600 jobs and further boost Swansea’s economy, following on from our Copy Bay district that includes Swansea Arena. “These artworks aim to celebrate diversity and encourage people to be respectful in our communities. It’s hoped that people will see these murals and feel connected to their local area as the messages promote peaceful and integrated communities.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Summer officially begins on June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, so there’s still some time to prepare your lawn for the hottest days ahead. Ideally, you’d want to start this process in early spring (or whenever soil temperatures rise to about 65 degrees Fahrenheit), but better late than never, right? Taking the necessary steps to prepare your lawn for a new season allows the grass to get all of the nutrients it needs to thrive all season long. This is especially important since summer is the hottest season, and it can really dry out your grass. Here are the steps you need to take to prepare your lawn for summer. Preparing Your Lawn for Summer Water Your Lawn Because it’s getting warmer, you’re going to need to water your lawn once every week. Make sure the grass is saturated with about one inch of water, and water either in the morning or in the evening to avoid the ground drying out too quickly. Also, if it rains a lot where you live, you may not need to water your lawn as frequently. Watering your lawn is just one of the steps to maintaining a lush green lawn this summer. Seed/Reseed Your Grass Some areas of your lawn may need to be reseeded, particularly if there are barren patches around your yard. Start by spreading some fertilizer on the bare spots, then go over with the seeds. Just keep in mind that any seeding/reseeding is best done in early spring. Doing so in late spring may not guarantee full grass coverage. Mow Your Lawn This tip is probably a no-brainer since the majority of people mow their lawns. However, it’s important to know the correct way to mow your lawn for each season. For instance, grass shouldn’t be cut any more than one third of the way, and raising the cutting height on your lawn mower helps keep the soil shaded. Also, regularly mowing your lawn throughout the springtime will help make the roots stronger. Fertilize Your Grass Not all lawn grasses are the same, so fertilization before and during summer will look different for everyone. For example, warm-season grasses need a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring and late summer, whereas cool-season grasses will need less nitrogen in early spring and a higher nitrogen content in the early fall. Dethatch Your Lawn The colder months allow for more thatch (dead leaves, grass, weeds, and other debris) to build up on your lawn, so you’ll need to make sure you remove it before mowing, fertilizing, and watering. The reason is because thatch blocks sunlight, water, and other nutrients your grass needs to thrive. All you need is a dethatching rake to remove this debris, but remember to rake in only one direction to avoid damaging the roots. Balance the Acidity of Your Grass Sometimes even fertilizing your grass doesn’t make your lawn lush, and the reason behind this may be that your soil is too acidic. The proper pH level for soil is between 6 and 7, and you can check this with an at-home soil tester. If your soil level is below a 6, you’ll need to purchase lime and a rotary spreader to treat your soil. Aerate Your Lawn Aeration is the process of loosening compacted soil to allow water, sunlight, and other nutrients to penetrate the soil better. You should aerate your lawn right after dethatching for the best results. This can be a tricky task, so contact a professional lawn service that specializes in aeration if you have no idea where to start. Maintaining Your Lawn Through Summer Depending on the type of grass you have, you may need to do more or less lawn maintenance over the summer. Warm-season grasses usually need the most maintenance throughout the summer months, so here’s what you need to do: Set your lawn mower blades about one inch higher and mow more frequently. Continue to water once a week unless it gets really rainy throughout the summer. Fertilize every month or every other month (about every 4-8 weeks). Don’t think that it’s impossible for you to have a lush green lawn for your summer barbecues, picnics, or pool parties— because it is possible! However, if you are experiencing serious problems with your lawn it’s best to have a professional lawn care service check it out and help you determine the cause of the problem and a solution.
