The rapid growth and development of the offshore wind sector offers a huge opportunity for the UK supply chain. But what does this opportunity really mean and what is the UK supply chain? A vast number of offshore wind projects, alongside tidal stream, solar and other renewables, are set to
Work is underway on a new public square next to the #BuiltByGMI apartment block at the £200m Becketwell regeneration project in Derby city centre. GMI Construction were joined by developers St James Securities as well as representatives from Derby City Council, D2N2, and other key stakeholders at a ground-breaking ceremony
A development partner is being sought for a major, first-of-its-kind industrial regeneration scheme on the Greenwich Peninsula. The 3.38-acre site at 75 Bugsby’s Way will be transformed into one of London’s first multi-storey industrial buildings, meeting one of the Mayor Sadiq Khan’s key objectives for industrial intensification set out in the
Investment and development company Cole Waterhouse has completed the acquisition of a key development site in Digbeth, paving the way for the creation of Upper Trinity Street (UTS), a £260 million mixed-use scheme which will deliver 943 new homes and a new public park for the city. Cole Waterhouse has
The UK company behind a pioneering new building material is another step closer to mainstream production, as it gears up for growth following international notoriety and investment. Environmental innovator, Sphera, now Low Carbon Materials (LCM), is one of many companies shaping the ‘green construction’ sector as its science-based, lower carbon,
The importance of understanding the revised Code of Practice for Category 3 Control fire performance cables which reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire cannot be stressed enough. These cables maintain the circuit integrity of a building – providing power for essential
Are you bored with your idea of fun? What about having a spot of fun in your basement rather than running out of things to do, right? Now, sometimes having some fun in the underground basement can be exhilarating. However, a good basement underground mapping is necessary first before you start having
Manchester City Council has announced the regeneration plans to transform Wythenshawe Town Centre. The council has recently completed the acquisition of the town centre from St. Modwen’s and early plans for how the centre could be redeveloped have been drawn up ready for consultation. The plans include the redevelopment of
Sphera, an established environmental innovator shaping the green construction industry, has announced it is rebranding as Low Carbon Materials (LCM), to build on its huge success. Known for its pioneering new building material, the UK company is using its international notoriety and investment to get a step closer to mainstream
The rapid growth and development of the offshore wind sector offers a huge opportunity for the UK supply chain. But what does this opportunity really mean and what is the UK supply chain? A vast number of offshore wind projects, alongside tidal stream, solar and other renewables, are set to go ahead over the next 10 years – including projects linked to ScotWind, INTOG and the Celtic Sea leasing round. Not only will these projects propel the country towards its net-zero targets, but they will also help to create greater energy independence through a strong and sustainable domestic renewable energy supply. But with a UK Government target to reach 50GW of offshore wind installed by 2030, there are challenges as well as opportunities, ahead. There is significant pressure on both industry and governments to make sure this rapid expansion in offshore renewables is matched with tangible benefits for the UK economy. For the UK to fully reap the economic rewards of offshore energy development, new and innovative ways of working are needed to prepare UK companies for future deployment. The supply chain is made up of people – their skills and knowledge, as well as technology – the engineering and AI of the future, and innovation. All of these are needed to make offshore installation a reality. The UK supply chain is local, regional and national, but strategic collaboration is needed to realise the opportunity across coastal communities, regional boundaries and national interests – joining together people, technology and innovation. As demonstrated by the various leasing rounds mentioned, the UK has successfully established a project pipeline, but the focus also needs to be firmly on ensuring we are developing the right skills pipeline. Industry and government have an important part to play but we should be open to innovative new ideas as we invest in and attract the skills needed for the near future. At ORE Catapult we are supporting the UK supply chain by working with companies that are developing new products and services for the market, de-risking offshore projects to secure future jobs, and addressing the various stages of supply chain growth with programmes that support companies from concept to commercialisation. We support innovation and the development of technology and provide programmes that allow ideas to become a reality.
Work is underway on a new public square next to the #BuiltByGMI apartment block at the £200m Becketwell regeneration project in Derby city centre. GMI Construction were joined by developers St James Securities as well as representatives from Derby City Council, D2N2, and other key stakeholders at a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of building works on Springwell Square, which will be located on the site of the former Central United Reformed Church. Springwell Square will be the centrepiece of the #BuiltByGMI development, adjacent to the two-bedroom Build to Rent (BTR) apartments, currently being built on the site previously occupied by Debenhams on Victoria Street. The development will be operated by Grainger PLC, the UK’s largest residential landlord, and is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2023. Future planned phases at the site include new grade A offices and commercial space, 3,500-capacity performance venue, a hotel and a multi-storey car park. Delighted to see work begin on the multi-purpose square, GMI Divisional Managing Director Andy Bruce said: “Over £1m is being spent on the square and it will make a massive difference to the area, with its high-quality finish and landscaping making it a real focal point for the development. “In terms of the apartment block itself, the interior is progressing at a great rate of Knots, and it’s a job that we’re going to be extremely proud of when it’s finished. “It has really kick-started the re-development of the Becketwell area of Derby, which has been needed, and is a welcome boost to the East Midlands.” Growing their portfolio of public and private clients in the Midlands, GMI were awarded the contract worth £30m by St James Securities ahead of the demolition work, which started in March 2021. “This is yet another job we’ve secured in the East Midlands on top of those including a Bottling Plant at Dove Valley Foston, which we’re working on for a German Client,” added Bruce. “It’s a really exciting time for GMI in the Midlands.” Anticipated to create more than 2,000 jobs, the regeneration scheme has been given a ringing endorsement by Steve Hassall, Member of Regeneration, Decarbonisation & Strategic & Transport Cllr. He said: “It’s great to see the building itself going up, but it is also great to see the ground-breaking on the public square, which will be open for the public to enjoy. “For a lot of years, this particular area of the city has languished as a bit of a forgotten piece of the city, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for this site to be utilised like it has never been before. “We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with GMI throughout the process, with quality of work and timescales second to none. “It’s a real testament to everyone on site that things are on target.” The most significant development in Derby city centre since the Westfield Centre in 2007, considerable planning has gone into ensuring work is both sustainable and environmentally friendly. Strict noise, dust, vibration monitoring and environmental controls have been put in place to minimise the impact on surrounding businesses and properties. David Williams, Deputy Chair of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) said: “It’s one of those really good examples of collaborative working between the City Council, developer and contractor. “Considering this is an enormous development in the middle of quite a tight area, the impact on the city has been minimal. “I haven’t heard of any issues at all, so I think it’s a fantastic achievement.” Explaining how the square will benefit the area, Director of St James Securities Paul Morris said: “We’re delighted to see construction work start on schedule as we move to the next stage of this landmark regeneration scheme for the City of Derby. “Over the past five years, we have been real trailblazers, prepared to take on a site that has been challenged for many years and put together a scheme which will breathe new life into the area. “Springwell Square will open up land to the south and bring it back into use. It will be a place where people can meet and relax in an informal space, and it will improve the vibrancy and attraction of the city centre.”
A development partner is being sought for a major, first-of-its-kind industrial regeneration scheme on the Greenwich Peninsula. The 3.38-acre site at 75 Bugsby’s Way will be transformed into one of London’s first multi-storey industrial buildings, meeting one of the Mayor Sadiq Khan’s key objectives for industrial intensification set out in the London Plan. The Mayor is keen to attract new business to the area and create employment opportunities for the local community through the initiative. The project will be highly sustainable, serving as a benchmark for future industrial development. The successful developer will enter an agreement with Greater London Authority Land and Property (GLAP) to design, develop and build the £107 million scheme and will be granted a 250-year leasehold on the site. This new project forms part of the £8.4bn, 20-year regeneration of the Greenwich Peninsula, including the creation of seven new neighbourhoods, 17,500 new homes and 48 acres of public green space. Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said: “The Mayor and I are committed to the regeneration of Greenwich, and other areas in London with significant potential for growth. “The regeneration of 75 Bugsby’s Way into one of London’s first multi-storey industrial buildings will be a landmark moment, transforming the Greenwich Peninsula into a thriving hub for commerce and business. This is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to securing a partnership which brings to life our vision for a more prosperous city for all Londoners.”
Investment and development company Cole Waterhouse has completed the acquisition of a key development site in Digbeth, paving the way for the creation of Upper Trinity Street (UTS), a £260 million mixed-use scheme which will deliver 943 new homes and a new public park for the city. Cole Waterhouse has entered into an agreement with debt facility provider Ingenious to acquire the land from multiple private owners, with Auxillium Real Estate acting as the debt broker. The purchase comes after Birmingham City Council granted planning permission in July 2021 for the transformation of the industrial land into a cultural, commercial and residential scheme. It will include the creation of Pump House Park which will sit alongside the canal and the historic lock keepers cottage which will be retained. Last year Cole Waterhouse signed the first tenants at UTS including the world’s first Museum of Youth Culture, Birmingham Music Archive and Digbeth’s legendary Pat Benson Boxing Academy which together will occupy over 15,000 sq ft of space. Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, UTS will deliver a blend of rentable and open market sales homes, some with live-work space and roof gardens, a 133-bedroom hotel, 60,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space, car parking and large new areas of public realm across a network of landscaped yards, squares and hidden spaces. The development of UTS is expected to create 600 jobs during the construction phase, deliver £229.5m GVA to the local economy and will create up to 313 additional jobs once built. Phase one will see the development of a portion of the residential element of the scheme comprising build-to-rent housing. Speaking about the acquisition, Damian Flood, CEO at Cole Waterhouse commented: “With the land now successfully acquired, we look forward to the delivery of this major mixed-use scheme. Over the course of the next few months we will be tendering the construction contract for phase one, and aim to start on site by Q3 next year. We will also be appointing a real estate adviser to support us with marketing the residential offer both locally and internationally. “There has been a huge collaborative effort from the stakeholders including the City Council, the local community of Digbeth, the Canal & River Trust and our project team and I would like to thank everyone for supporting our vision and for their unwavering commitment to the delivery of UTS.” Simon Delahunty, Assistant Director Development Planning & Development at Birmingham City Council added: ““The announcement that Cole Waterhouse and its funding partners have now acquired the land to bring forward Upper Trinity Street is very welcome news for the city of Birmingham. We look forward to seeing their plans emerge and to witness the transformation of this area of Digbeth with investment for new homes, spaces for people to enjoy and places for people to work.” The value is undisclosed.
The UK company behind a pioneering new building material is another step closer to mainstream production, as it gears up for growth following international notoriety and investment. Environmental innovator, Sphera, now Low Carbon Materials (LCM), is one of many companies shaping the ‘green construction’ sector as its science-based, lower carbon, new-age building material proves real promise as a solution for the construction industry in achieving net zero emissions. The company’s flagship product, OSTOⓇ, has been technically engineered to utilise waste and by-products in its manufacture which would otherwise be destined for incineration or landfill – further reducing carbon emissions – and creating a ‘win-win’ solution for both industry and the environment twice over. Such is the radical innovative nature of the company’s approach and solution, in just a few years since its inception, it has already achieved global recognition, business acceleration support, and a string of awards, including, not least, an Earthshot Prize nomination, placing it among the 1,000 most impactful and inspiring solutions for environmental issues globally. Dr Natasha Boulding, CEO, and Co-founder of Low Carbon Materials, a purpose-led company, said: “We’re thrilled to be taking the company forward into its next phase of development, multiplying the amount of waste diverted from incineration, and helping construction companies achieve net zero – all whilst helping our planet. There is nothing more important or rewarding than that for us. “The targets set out by the UK government to achieve net zero can only be achieved with the right solutions and a new way of thinking and working. We’re scientists working with a wide range of industry specialists to realise our product plans, which once on the market, could radically redefine how we build, and significantly reduce environmental damage, particularly as concrete accounts for 8% of carbon emissions*. Globally, and working collaboratively, we have the potential to save hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO2e with this approach. “LCM has enjoyed a phenomenal year, but this is only the beginning and we’ve much more on the horizon to announce”. The re-brand marks the next stage in the company’s development, with its products currently being trialled in the market, while next-stage growth plans are underway to develop and scale carbon-negative materials for the wider built environment. As part of its expansion plans, LCM is quadrupling the size of its HQ, with a move to Jade Business Park, County Durham. The site will include a state-of-the-art R&D facility and production centre to support the scaling and development of new products. LCM has also tripled its workforce in less than a year with plans to expand it further into 2023 and beyond. For more information, visit https://www.lowcarbonmaterials.com *’Making Concrete Change: Innovation in Low-carbon Cement and Concrete’ Chatham House Report, 2018.
The importance of understanding the revised Code of Practice for Category 3 Control fire performance cables which reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire cannot be stressed enough. These cables maintain the circuit integrity of a building – providing power for essential services and fire-fighting systems – for fire and rescue services to carry out a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. AEI Cables has won widespread support for our initiative highlighting the need for only using approved cabling for the range of critical applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables. Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for Washington and Sunderland West, is supporting the initiative while other industry organisations have also expressed support including Electrical Safety First and national fire safety membership body The Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO). The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables apply to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Circuit integrity The revised Code of Practice for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under BS 8519: 2020 – which covers how to select and install fire-resistant power and control cable systems – makes various amendments and requires a full understanding for those in the supply chain. The standard clearly references and clarifies the products and levels of performance that should be used. The new Code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, Health and Safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. It is worth examining the standard itself. Indeed, BS 8519:2020 makes reference to the recommendations of BS 9999and BS 9991, with regard to the design and installation of the electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment. It also makes reference to three categories of circuits required to maintain their circuit integrity under defined fire conditions for varying fire survival times of 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes. Appropriate cable tests are identified for each cable category derived from applicable British Standards, assessing cable performance under conditions of fire as might be expected in an a real fire incident. Critical systems BS 8519:2020 also aims to ensure that the level of circuit fire integrity is not compromised by other components of the whole electrical distribution system, including cable glands, terminations, joints and cable support systems. The revised standard supersedes BS 8519:2010 and includes added recognition of other critical systems, other than life safety or fire-fighting applications; added information on uninterruptable power supplies and further detailed recommendations for the design and selection of the cable enclosure support systems. There are also recommendations for internal and external fire stopping to maintain the switch room fire compartmentation and the need to cater for the thermal expansion of the cable protective enclosure. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire-fighting systems, for example sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy. International standards AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. By incorporating this guidance into the selection of cabling for these critical systems, those people using these striking new buildings can move about safe in the knowledge that they are safe.
Are you bored with your idea of fun? What about having a spot of fun in your basement rather than running out of things to do, right? Now, sometimes having some fun in the underground basement can be exhilarating. However, a good basement underground mapping is necessary first before you start having some fun in it. This basement mapping will allow you to have a spot of fun in your basement and not worry anymore about something getting broken. If you’re starting a basement remodeling project, you’re probably excited about turning your dingy, dark basement into a beautiful and functional space. So, before you get started, here are the most popular uses of the basement. 1. Home Bar If you’re looking to kick back and relax, consider having a home bar. With a home bar, you can pull up a chair or sofa and call up your favorite cocktail. Of course, having a bar space in your home means you don’t have to venture to a bar or liquor store. You can even find home bar supplies online and have them delivered right to your door. 2. Game Room A game room in the basement for parties and family get-togethers is a great idea. It is multi-functional, allowing you to play card games, board games, and video games. A game room in the basement also makes a wonderful place to hang out. Kids can play video games with their friends, and adults can play cards, board games, and more. 3. Den or Informal Living Room The den or informal living room is one of the most important rooms in your home, as it’s where you spend most of your time. Whether you’re reading or watching TV, relaxing, or having a conversation with a friend, it’s the place you’ll want your home to feel warm, welcoming, and comfortable. 4. Wine Cellar The wine cellar is one of the most desirable rooms in any home. It’s a place to keep wine and other alcoholic beverages at the perfect temperature and a place where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite drink. 5. Theater / Media Room A basement is a great place for home theaters and entertainment centers. A home theater gives you the same experience as the movies themselves, minus the long trip to the theater. A theater is perfect for entertaining guests, while a media room is great for watching your favorite movies and television shows. A home theater and media room will keep your guests entertained and allow you to relax while they’re in your home. 6. Library When planning your basement remodel, you’ll likely want to think about more than just the square footage. The most used room in the basement, besides the bathroom, is often the basement library. It’s one of the most popular uses of the basement in your home. Libraries can offer space for books, toys, puzzles, games, and anything in between. A library can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be. 7. Extra Storage Everybody needs to store things. Whether it’s that new Star Wars toy you’ve just received or an extra box of clothes you brought with you from the move, it’s important to have somewhere to store it. Basements are ideal for this purpose. In fact, basements can be turned into the ultimate storage area. 8. Workout Room / Home Gym A basement workout room is a great place to work out. Basements give you plenty of room, have heat and air conditioning, and offer lots of natural light. You can even make your basement a workout space, including working out. You can lift weights and do different types of cardio. You can make a DIY gym by recycling exercise equipment you already have, or you can buy new gym equipment for your home. Additionally, incorporating red light therapy for workout recovery in your basement gym can provide additional benefits to aid muscle recovery and improve circulation. 9. Playroom Kids love playing, and they love having their own space to play. It is a “safe” place for them to play and run around and ‘be a kid.’ If you have a large basement, you can turn it into the ultimate playroom for your kids. 10. Additional Bedroom(s) When remodeling your basement, one idea to consider is to add a bedroom. Building up the basement (or adding a second story) is one of the most expensive home improvement projects a homeowner can undertake, but adding an additional bedroom in the basement is typically much less expensive than building an entirely new structure. 11. Bathroom The bathroom in the basement is a space filled with opportunity. It is on the same level as the laundry, food prep, toys, and laundry. It is the perfect space to add in storage, a sink, add in a shower, or even create a half bath. With a bathroom in the basement, you don’t have to take the steps or climb stairs to get to the main level bathroom. 12. Nooks A basement is a place that many homeowners try to keep clean and organized. Basements can take a lot of work to keep clean, and clutter can build up quickly. Luckily, more homeowners are learning that a nook is a great way of storing things that are rarely used. 13. Kitchenette / Kitchen The basement is the ideal place for a kitchenette or kitchenette renovation. The basement tends to be humid and damp, so any kitchen problem will manifest first in the basement. Since basements are generally unfinished, they are easy to clean and maintain. 14. Home Office Basements are great spaces to set up home offices. They are usually quite spacious and have a generally high ceiling. The basement of your home is probably the one space in your house where you’ll be most comfortable, and that’s exactly what you need if you’re setting up an office in your home. 15. Utility / Laundry Room Having a laundry room in the basement
Manchester City Council has announced the regeneration plans to transform Wythenshawe Town Centre. The council has recently completed the acquisition of the town centre from St. Modwen’s and early plans for how the centre could be redeveloped have been drawn up ready for consultation. The plans include the redevelopment of the current town centre and deliver a new focal point for the community, celebrating Wythenshawe’s roots as a garden city in a new civic square, new planting, trees and a large boulevard-style public realm. On top of that, thousands of new homes will be built on the Council-owned brownfield land next to the Town Centre, many of which will be affordable. The official proposals for the regeneration of Wythenshawe Town Centre include a culture hub with artist studios, performance space and a community cinema in the former Co-op department store, a food hall with a large, flexible events space championing local produce by day and leading a new night-time economy through a food, drink, live music and street food offering by night, as well as a new flexible employment accommodation ranging from co-working spaces through to a new enterprise centre with a focus on local start-up and small and medium-sized businesses and larger floorplate managed office space. A large new focal point will also represent the new heart of the town centre, capable of hosting community events. Improved accessibility and the creation of small naturally-planted ‘sponge parks’, designed to increase biodiversity and help adapt to the impacts of climate change while reducing the risk of flooding. Sustainability is indeed a priority for the regeneration. Sustainable retrofit of existing building will help improve energy performance and reduce carbon emissions plus the installation of solar PV cells on rooftop spaces. “Consultation is incredibly important at the beginning of a major regeneration programme like this. Feedback and input from local people about how their local town centre works for them is invaluable. We have big ambitions to improve the area for this community, but this only works if the result is welcomed by the very people that use it daily,” said Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Development. “Wythenshawe town centre has a huge amount of potential and this investment will help improve the offer for residents and attract people to the centre as well, while also creating new jobs and new homes for the community. We have a real opportunity to create a town centre that benefits generations to come, so I would urge as many people to take part and take time to visit the drop-in. We really want to hear from you.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Sphera, an established environmental innovator shaping the green construction industry, has announced it is rebranding as Low Carbon Materials (LCM), to build on its huge success. Known for its pioneering new building material, the UK company is using its international notoriety and investment to get a step closer to mainstream production. Its science-based, lower carbon, new-age building material proves real promise as a solution for the construction industry in achieving net zero emissions. The company’s flagship product, OSTO, has been technically engineered to utilise waste and by-products in its manufacture which would otherwise be destined for incineration or landfill, further reducing carbon emissions, and creating a ‘win-win’ solution for both industry and the environment twice over. “We’re thrilled to be taking the company forward into its next phase of development, multiplying the amount of waste diverted from incineration, and helping construction companies achieve net zero, all whilst helping our planet. There is nothing more important or rewarding than that for us,” said Dr Natasha Boulding, CEO, and Co-founder of Low Carbon Materials (LCM). “The targets set out by the UK government to achieve net zero can only be achieved with the right solutions and a new way of thinking and working. We’re scientists working with a wide range of industry specialists to realise our product plans, which once on the market, could radically redefine how we build, and significantly reduce environmental damage, particularly as concrete accounts for 8% of carbon emissions. Globally, and working collaboratively, we have the potential to save hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO2e with this approach. LCM has enjoyed a phenomenal year, but this is only the beginning and we’ve much more on the horizon to announce.” In just a few years since its inception, Sphera, now LCM, has achieved global recognition, business acceleration support, and a string of awards, including an Earthshot Prize nomination, placing it among the 1,000 most impactful and inspiring solutions for environmental issues globally. The rebranding represents the next stage in the company’s development, with its products currently being trialled in the market. Following that, other growth plans are already underway to develop and scale carbon-negative materials for the wider built environment. As part of its expansion plans, LCM is quadrupling the size of its HQ, with a move to Jade Business Park, County Durham. The site will include a state-of-the-art R&D facility and production centre to support the scaling and development of new products. LCM has also tripled its workforce in less than a year with plans to expand it further into 2023 and beyond. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
