Prologis, a leading owner and developer of UK logistics real estate, has further strengthened its portfolio in London and the South East, with the acquisition of two prime urban logistics estates in Park Royal and Watford. This transaction continues the company’s strategic focus on Greater London, following recent acquisitions in
Earn while you learn with LABC’s funded training scheme Local Authority Building Control (LABC), the membership organisation for 3,500 public service building surveyors in England and Wales, has launched a fully funded trainee scheme to attract new recruits into the profession. Following the landmark Building Safety Act 2022, LABC is
NIBE Energy Systems has launched a brand-new Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) and Heat Pump solution which offers an innovative approach of transforming a NIBE “ground-source” heat pump product into a “multi-source” heat pump product. NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, innovative, and silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat
Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over a new extension at Glossopdale School to Derbyshire County Council. The £4million extension is the second phase of the Council’s plan to increase capacity at the school, which can now take up to 1,440 pupils. The new space will provide an additional nine teaching
Kayflow continues to demonstrate its commitment to both product development and sustainability by investing in a new injection moulding machine, which is just one element of the company’s ongoing investment programme for 2022. Kayflow’s new Romi – 800T Injection Moulding Machine with Axis Robot will be used for the ongoing
Keyfix has just launched an interview video with the brand ambassador of Lee Marley Brickwork, to discuss the company’s commitment to providing apprenticeships for future generations of construction employees. Christian Hatherall-Good, Training Manager at Lee Marley Brickwork, highlights in the video how Keyfix is supporting the next generation of bricklayers.
Vital Energi, the UK’s leading innovator in efficient energy solutions, has been awarded the Energy Centre contract for phase 3 of Berkeley Homes North East London’s Woodberry Down development. Located next to Finsbury Park, the £3.1 million contract requires Vital Energi to design and build the Centre. Because the Energy
Prologis, a leading owner and developer of UK logistics real estate, has further strengthened its portfolio in London and the South East, with the acquisition of two prime urban logistics estates in Park Royal and Watford. This transaction continues the company’s strategic focus on Greater London, following recent acquisitions in Croydon and Erith in July. Comprising more than 360,000 sq. ft. of prime last-mile logistics space, on a total of 17 acres, both estates offer a range of Grade A units and are 100% leased to customers operating in diverse industry sectors including distribution, construction, pharmaceutical and film and television. Located in two densely populated urban markets, Prologis Central Park (Park Royal) and Prologis Imperial Park (Watford) are strong additions to the UK portfolio, with both benefiting from excellent connectivity to London and beyond. Situated at the heart of Park Royal, the capital’s premier industrial and logistics estate, Central Park was built in 2014 to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification. Imperial Park was built in phases from 2000 and is well located less than 5 minutes from Junction 5, M1 in Watford, north west London’s principal commercial district. The purchase of both assets complements Prologis UK’s existing portfolio – expanding holdings at Park Royal and, in the case of Watford, increasing the company’s presence along the southern M1-London corridor. The Watford site in particular adds to a number of successful projects in Hemel Hempstead. Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK: “The purchase of these prime urban logistics estates illustrates our confidence in and appetite to grow our last mile offering servicing London and the South East. We look forward to working with new customers across the two parks, all of whom are welcome additions to our business.” The assets were acquired from Schroders Capital who were advised by Gerald Eve.
Earn while you learn with LABC’s funded training scheme Local Authority Building Control (LABC), the membership organisation for 3,500 public service building surveyors in England and Wales, has launched a fully funded trainee scheme to attract new recruits into the profession. Following the landmark Building Safety Act 2022, LABC is boosting building control capacity in light of new responsibilities and support for the Building Safety Regulator. The regulator will be responsible for ensuring the safety of all new higher risk buildings and for the oversight of 12,000 existing occupied tall buildings. The capacity building programme will see more than 150 people recruited into the building control profession with a three year fully funded learning and development plan. LABC is looking for people who can demonstrate leadership skills, solve problems creatively and work under pressure. The programme is nationwide with a clear progression pathway. The funded scheme means learning and development will be fully subsidised, and recruits will be paid while they study and progress. The programme allows trainees to gain the skills, knowledge and experience to be able to competently deal with the full range of building work and other statutory functions undertaken by building control. Trainees’ specific development and learning will be supported while they undertake studies for the Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas in Building Control followed by funded level 6 (degree level) learning once they are in permanent employment with a local authority. The educational programme provided by LABC is combined with experiential learning gained while being placed with a local authority building control team. Shadowing building control professionals gives recruits first hand opportunity to see how the knowledge they gain is applied practically to make sure buildings are safe. Once a trainee successfully completes each stage of learning and has gained sufficient experience, they can take the relevant validation assessment through the Building Safety Competence Foundation (BSCF). After the three-year programme trainees will be able to apply for roles within local authority building control teams – this could be as an assistant building control surveyor or higher, depending on how well they progress. Details of the scheme can be found here.
NIBE Energy Systems has launched a brand-new Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) and Heat Pump solution which offers an innovative approach of transforming a NIBE “ground-source” heat pump product into a “multi-source” heat pump product. NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, innovative, and silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps, removing the requirement of a ground or bore hole collector array. The PV-T collectors produce electrical energy that can be used to operate a ground source heat pump. On a hot day, the circulating brine helps cool the PV-T panel, increasing PV-T generation efficiency. Following successful trials in homes and public sector buildings in the UK, NIBE is pleased to officially launch this new technology which produces two types of energy, thermal energy and electricity, by using a unique solar panel. The PV-T system builds on NIBE’s promise to continuously update its products, and to make it easy to be ‘smart.’ The system was recently successfully installed at the University of West London. The ground-breaking scheme is considered as one of the largest of its kind in the world and was made possible thanks to a £5 million Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund. The project involved the replacement of old gas boilers with ground source heat pumps alongside 580 solar PV-T panels. The site remained active throughout the build due to the use of prefabricated structures and the innovative PV-T design removing the need for extensive groundworks. Jonny Hancock, Product Manager at NIBE Energy Systems (UK) said: “The NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, innovative and silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps. The installation of a PV-T array can be utilised as a direct alternative or supplement to a traditional borehole or surface collector, while delivering the same levels of efficiency. It is also an excellent solution for when an air/water solution is not desirable. “PV-T panels are equipped with PV cells at the front that convert sunlight into electricity. The rear consists of a thermal heat exchanger that extracts aerothermal energy from the ambient air. The operation of the heat exchanger is therefore comparable to that of an air/water heat pump, without the requirement of a mechanical fan. A PV-T system therefore works 100% silently. Depending on the heating requirements, they can replace traditional boreholes or ground arrays, minimising disruption and removing the need for extensive ground works which can be impractical on some sites.” The PV-T collector is designed so that even on cloudy days and at night, the heat exchanger provides sufficient energy for the heat pump. In warmer months, the heat extracted by the collector helps cool the PV aperture surface, improving generation efficiency. The system has also been designed to provide additional comfort in the summer through passive cooling – increasing efficiencies and maximising carbon savings. It can also be used in new build properties to provide an efficient solution where noise is a concern and space is at a premium.
Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over a new extension at Glossopdale School to Derbyshire County Council. The £4million extension is the second phase of the Council’s plan to increase capacity at the school, which can now take up to 1,440 pupils. The new space will provide an additional nine teaching spaces comprising eight standard classrooms and a demonstration science lab. It will also provide flexible options for dining and social spaces and extra staff workrooms. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “Having built the main Glossopdale School, which has proved so popular, Henry Brothers is delighted to have now delivered an extension to create additional space for a further 200 students. “We have partnered with Derbyshire County Council on several school projects over recent years, helping to enhance facilities, and it’s great to see the completion of this latest scheme. “Working alongside employers agent Concertus, DLA Architecture, civil and structural engineer Curtins and Couch Perry Wilkes for M & E services, Henry Brothers has helped to deliver a superb scheme, which will allow additional pupils to attend this popular school.” The addition, which was funded by the Council, is set into the hillside and also includes a new multi-use outdoor games area for play and PE. Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “It’s great to see the handover of the new phase of the planned Glossopdale expansion, and we’re really pleased that it’s been delivered ahead of the original strategy to help us meet local demand. “We’re committed to ensuring young people in Derbyshire have the best possible start in life and access to a high-quality education is at the heart of that. I’m really pleased that the school will be welcoming pupils back into this new space from September.” Jess Etienne, Key Account Manager at Concertus Design & Property Consultants, said: “Considering the economic climate during the construction period, we are pleased to have been able to play our part in delivering these high-quality educational facilities and we are so thrilled with the outcome. The close and positive working relationship between Concertus, Derbyshire County Council, and Henry Brothers has played an instrumental part in the success of this project, and we are excited to see the students continue their journey in their new setting.” Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. Henry Brothers is on a carbon reduction journey and is committed to cutting its carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030, and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk
Kayflow continues to demonstrate its commitment to both product development and sustainability by investing in a new injection moulding machine, which is just one element of the company’s ongoing investment programme for 2022. Kayflow’s new Romi – 800T Injection Moulding Machine with Axis Robot will be used for the ongoing production of Kayflow’s underground soil and waste range of mouldings. The machine’s extensive collection of innovative features will aid production as well as helping to reduce the company’s energy consumption. The machine’s ‘Stop and Go’ system is driven by a Servopump for high precision, repeatability, and energy efficiency, whilst the modernised power system will result in a 60 percent reduction in energy usage. Its reduced cycle times will also help to improve machine utilisation and capacity, both of which support a more sustainable operation. In addition to contributing to Kayflow’s energy efficiency objectives, the Romi – 800T also enables consistent production and a superior finish aiding the company’s commitment to providing only the highest quality products on the market. Alan Tunnicliffe, Technical Director at Kayflow, explains: “The Romi – 800T is one of ten new machines we plan to purchase in 2022, following on from our investment in three machines last year. Overall, 70 percent of our machinery has been modernised over the past two years, which has enabled us to maintain our high-quality standards and increase productivity, whilst reducing our energy consumption and carbon footprint. “Quality will always be at the heart of everything we do, but we are constantly aware of the impact our processes have on the environment. This is why we strive to employ systems and procedures that work to mitigate any negative environmental effects and increase our sustainability. “We’re confident that the investments we have made – and continue to make – will have a positive impact on our business processes, both in terms of product quality and energy consumption, for many years to come.” Further information about Kayflow and its product range can be found at www.kayflow.co.uk or by calling 01827 317 269.
Keyfix has just launched an interview video with the brand ambassador of Lee Marley Brickwork, to discuss the company’s commitment to providing apprenticeships for future generations of construction employees. Christian Hatherall-Good, Training Manager at Lee Marley Brickwork, highlights in the video how Keyfix is supporting the next generation of bricklayers. “Lee Marley appreciates all of Keyfix’s support and the work that they do with us. Their CPD work really enhances apprentices’ understanding and helps them in their careers going forward,” said Christian. Keyfix acknowledges the importance of investing in the construction industry and is passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers, construction workers and brickayers. After discovering that there is approximately a 70% dropout rate between Level 1 and Level 2 Bricklayers, Keyfix decided to extend its support by sponsoring relevant industry bodies with apprenticeships. The company’s intention is to support the progress of novice bricklayers, with the aim of encouraging them to progress in their careers. The masonry accessory manufacturer and supplier collaborates closely with its apprenticeship partners to identify where it can offer its industry expertise and support. Lee Marley Brickwork has been collaborating with Keyfix for 18 months to deliver Continual Professional Development (CDP) resources for on-site staff and apprentices to help enhance their skills and knowledge of their Non-Combustible Cavity Trays (NCCTs). In light of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, fire safety is a heightened concern for the construction industry, with the increased use of non-combustible products as part of building design. Therefore, education on non-combustible cavity products will be crucial to bricklayers newly entering the profession. Keyfix has provided CPD at the colleges attended by Lee Marley brickwork apprentices to ensure the attainment of essential industry knowledge for apprentices. Keyfix continues to work in conjunction with colleges and universities to offer construction career pathways for students. Keyfix’s sponsorship can take many forms; the company provides funding, merchandise, product samples for product training, product training, tool box talks, as well as online CPD webinars aimed at informing and educating bricklayers about the latest regulations regarding non-combustibility following the Grenfell tragedy. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Vital Energi, the UK’s leading innovator in efficient energy solutions, has been awarded the Energy Centre contract for phase 3 of Berkeley Homes North East London’s Woodberry Down development. Located next to Finsbury Park, the £3.1 million contract requires Vital Energi to design and build the Centre. Because the Energy Centre will be a double height space (9m high) located adjacent to the basement and ground floor levels, plant deliveries will need complex engineering, including a specialist movement company and temporary works design. “We have worked closely with Vital Energi for over fifteen years and have established a fantastic working relationship with them over this time. Sustainability and energy efficiency are key pillars at Woodberry Down, and are at the forefront of everything we do. The introduction of the Energy Centre will play a huge part in our mission to reduce carbon emissions and will also lower energy costs for residents here,” commented David Barry, Operations Director at Berkeley Homes (North East London) Ltd. Vital Energi will install 800kW of air source heat pumps (ASHP) on the roofs of two blocks, which will extract heat from the air and supply heating and hot water to the development. Moreover, primary low-temperature heating system (LTHW) pipework will be installed within the Energy Centre, as well as distribution pipework which will run from the heat pump down to the energy centre, which when complete, will serve all 8 phases of the development. Three 1.5MW condensing boilers will be fitted within the new Energy Centre along with a Building Management System, as well as three 6.5m high 27,000 litre thermal stores. With work due to start at the end of August, Vital Energi is ready to provide all the right solutions for the project. Once complete, the company will also operate and maintain the Energy Centre for 2 years, to ensure all equipment is maintained to a high standard, and carry out planned and reactive services of the Energy Centre. Commenced in 2009, Berkeley is regenerating the neighbourhood in a 30-year project which will deliver over 5,500 mixed-tenure new homes. The development will be built over 8 phases, and will create a bustling community which is also home to 15 acres of landscaped parkland, 42 acres of open water, including a water sports and open water swimming reservoir, and the Woodberry Wetlands –a dedicated nature reserve cared for by the London Wildlife Trust. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
