Utilities have worked on a new joint venture that will create extra infrastructure and reduce roadworks for residents in the East End of London. For the past 18 months, UK Power Networks and Thames Water have been working with the Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Coordination Service and the London Borough
Finning, sole dealer of Cat® machines and equipment in the UK & Ireland, is urging its customers to sign up to the new Cat Productivity platform, a cloud-based system designed to gather and analyse a vast range of machine data that will boost machine performance and productivity. Customers will be able to
HS2 Ltd’s 125 metre-long ‘Dorothy’ tunnel boring machine has launched for her second one-mile tunnel bore under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire, marking the next big milestone for construction on the northern section of Phase One. After launching in December 2021, the Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) tunnelling team worked around
NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has proudly confirmed that it has surpassed £5 billion enabled in social value procured through its frameworks since the end of 2017. The achievement is testament to the significance Pagabo places on leaving a positive legacy through all projects procured through its various frameworks, which cover
A new Director of Research is set to take Lancaster University’s School of Architecture in an international direction and to help build a leading global destination for aspiring architects. Having spent the last 15 years at Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), Professor Richard Brook, a registered architect and architectural historian,
Bellway has broken ground on a new housing development which forms part of a major residential and commercial scheme in Bowburn. The housebuilder has started construction work at Clarence Gate, where it is to deliver 91 homes on an eight-acre parcel of land off Rosalind Franklin Way. Planning permission for
Placefirst, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent providers, has submitted plans to develop over 120 apartments in Halifax town centre. The plans for the £16 million development at Cow Green will see the former multi-storey car park site transformed into high-quality homes for rent and, if approved, it will deliver
Jessup Partnerships, one of the region’s leading partnerships developers, has announced the opening of its Beech show home at a new development in Lightmoor Village, Telford. A great choice for families, the Beech style home is designed with an open plan kitchen/dining area taking the best of modern living and
Utilities have worked on a new joint venture that will create extra infrastructure and reduce roadworks for residents in the East End of London. For the past 18 months, UK Power Networks and Thames Water have been working with the Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Coordination Service and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to develop a future-proofing pilot project. As the Isle of Dogs in Tower Hamlets, is a high growth area likely to need new utilities for future developments, extra cabling tubes have been laid during current excavation work in Byng Street.UK Power Networks, Thames Water, the Mayor’s Infrastructure Coordination Service and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets who fund the project, are driving forward a ‘dig-once ‘approach to avoid future disruption. Delivering quick and efficient roadworks earned UK Power Networks multiple national awards over the past two years, including jointly winning the Highways Partnership Award just last month (October). Now the company is collaborating on this unique scheme. Colin Smith, streetworks manager at UK Power Networks, said: “From ensuring work sites are compliant and safe, to letting people know about our works at an early stage, we do all we can to minimise disruption for people whenever possible. This influential scheme of works will help to secure vital supplies for this area in years to come.” Engineers at UK Power Networks work in consultation with local businesses and community groups, to minimise disruption during the essential work and the collaboration is helping to foster innovation. Deputy mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills at Greater London Authority, Jules Pipe CBE, said: “The Byng Street project is a successful example of utility companies and highway authorities collaborating to future-proof strategic locations in high-growth areas. Driving forward the dig-once approach, it demonstrates how innovation in infrastructure delivery brings benefits to local residents, businesses and the environment.” Simon Moore, head of London planning at Thames Water, said: “It makes sense for utility companies such as ourselves and UK Power Networks to better collaborate with the highways authorities. Working closely together we can provide a more streamlined service for local residents and businesses across London and ensure the capital’s infrastructure is ready to meet the challenges of aging assets, climate change and population growth. “Schemes such as in Byng Street show that by working together we can collectively deliver critical asset renewal programmes more quickly, less disruptively and more cost effectively.” UK Power Networks delivers electricity to 2.3 million London properties including homes, businesses, schools and hospitals. With more than 10 million people due to be living in London by 2030, the firm is making sure the electricity network is ready for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning, sole dealer of Cat® machines and equipment in the UK & Ireland, is urging its customers to sign up to the new Cat Productivity platform, a cloud-based system designed to gather and analyse a vast range of machine data that will boost machine performance and productivity. Customers will be able to track how much time their machines spend loading, hauling and dumping and how work is progressing whether they are on site or not. Armed with a superior level of analysis, customers are better placed to make informed decisions to ensure each piece of equipment is performing to a higher level – across multiple sites and projects. Tom Barker, Performance Solutions Consultant for Finning UK & Ireland, said: “The Cat Productivity platform gives customers the information they need to implement the right changes to improve site productivity by lowering the cost per ton through measures such as reducing idle time, reducing fuel monitor material tracking, and track individual assets to ensure they are optimally positioned to reduce cycle time. “We already have a number of customers utilising the platform and have had some great feedback from them because it’s so easy to use and gives them all the information they need in one place, both for reporting purposes to their client and to implement effective changes which add up to big improvements in productivity.” Cat Productivity can be accessed 24/7 from any internet device and can be used for mixed fleets of Cat and non-Cat machines. It gathers accurate data from multiple jobsites and machines into one platform on everything from tonnes per hour, cycles per hour, load count by site or asset, working vs. idle hours and machine fuel burn, making reporting simple and improvements to jobsite operation easy to implement. In a Cat production study which looked at two scenarios, insights from Cat Productivity led to an optimised bucket-filling process which delivered a 20% advantage in cycle time, and an optimised truck-loading process which led to a 23% improvement in fuel efficiency. Jobsite Dashboards allow users to view a summary of multiple jobsites and metrics at a glance on one screen such as number of assets, tonnes per hour and cycles per hour, while one click into the Productivity tab allows a deeper dive into weekly load counts by asset and site for example, and cost totals for idle time and per tonne. The platform also provides an interactive map so users can monitor the movement of their assets 24/7 and monitor dump events. To help customers get the most from Cat Productivity Finning are offering the platform as part of three support packages – Inform, Advise or Partner – which start from a set-up only bundle and range to a full partnership package to assist in implementing a continuous improvement programme. For an exclusive look at the new Cat Productivity platform register for FINROCK 22 to see a live interactive demonstration. Registration is completely free – register your place here: www.finrock.live Alternatively call the Finning team on 0800 169 2186. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 Ltd’s 125 metre-long ‘Dorothy’ tunnel boring machine has launched for her second one-mile tunnel bore under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire, marking the next big milestone for construction on the northern section of Phase One. After launching in December 2021, the Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) tunnelling team worked around the clock in shifts over seven months, with the TBM becoming the first on the HS2 project to complete a tunnel drive in July 2022. HS2’s Senior Project Manager for Long Itchington Wood Tunnel, Doug Barnett: “After celebrating HS2’s first historic tunnel breakthrough in July, this TBM reassembly and relaunch is another first for the HS2 project. One year after Dorothy launched for her first drive, she’s now set off for the second bore, and we look forward to seeing the next HS2 tunnel breakthrough in summer 2023.” Over the last four months since the breakthrough, the gantries of the tunnel boring machine, which weigh over 1,000 tonnes, were brought back through the tunnel and reassembled at the north portal. The huge cutterhead, weighing 160 tonnes and with a 10 metre diameter, was moved by road during an intricate night-time operation in September. The TBM’s 130 tonne tail skin and eight other large pieces from the TBM’s front shield and middle shield, were also transported by specialist equipment. This is the sixth tunnel launch on the project, but the first time a TBM has been reassembled and reused. Four other TBMs are currently in the ground, digging twin bore tunnels under the Chilterns and London. When the TBM breaks through next summer, Long Itchington Wood Tunnel will be the first twin tunnel to be completed on HS2. Neil Johnson, Tunnels Delivery Director for Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “This has been an intense four months for the 300-strong team, including an intricate logistical operation to safely transport the TBM’s giant cutterhead and tail skin back to the north portal. This is another fantastic milestone for BBV and a proud moment for our fantastic tunnelling team.” Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice Jake Flood from Walsall has just joined BBV’s tunnelling team and was on site to celebrate the launch of the TBM. He said: “After successfully completing my Construction T-level qualification at Walsall College, including an industry placement with BBV, I’m really thrilled to now be working in the tunnelling team. It’s been amazing to be involved in the relaunch of Dorothy, and to celebrate this milestone on site.” 18-year-old Leah Hickman from Cannock, who has just started a degree-level Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship with BBV, also joined the team to mark the occasion. Leah said: “Working on such a huge project while I do my degree apprenticeship is brilliant. As one of BBV’s 100 apprentices, it’s providing so many great experiences, and I’m looking forward to being part of more big moments as HS2 is built in the Midlands.” The tunnel, which preserves the ancient woodland above, forms a key element in how HS2 is managing environmental impacts through the design of the railway, protecting Britain’s precious wildlife habitats. Long Itchington Wood is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with complex ecosystems that have taken hundreds of years to establish. Excavation of the twin bore tunnel will produce around 500,000 tonnes of mudstone and soil, which is being processed at an on-site slurry treatment plant and separated out before being transported by a 254 metre conveyer to be used to build embankments along the route of the railway. The TBM is named ‘Dorothy’ after Dorothy Hodgkin, who in 1964 became the first British woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has proudly confirmed that it has surpassed £5 billion enabled in social value procured through its frameworks since the end of 2017. The achievement is testament to the significance Pagabo places on leaving a positive legacy through all projects procured through its various frameworks, which cover a range of sectors including construction and utilities. While making procurement quicker, simpler, and more effective for both the public and private sectors, tailored social value approaches are encouraged for each project so that social, economic and environmental benefits are all considered based on the needs of communities concerned. A number of important Pagabo procured projects have recently progressed, which have bolstered the firm’s social value statistics – including St Mark’s School in Southampton, delivered by Morgan Sindall. In total, the £5 billion value includes the creation of more than 5,900 new jobs and the safeguarding of a further 23,700 jobs, as well as 1,900 work placements and more than 1,500 apprentice roles. Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “We’re very proud to have reached this major social value milestone and to be proving our commitment to encouraging clients and suppliers to put social value at the core of their business cultures and operations too. “Our impact can be seen across the UK through our full suite of frameworks and will continue to improve lives of those both young and old for years to come. Many areas need local investment in its various forms, which will vary from place to place, meaning the generation of truly impactful, local social value is a true reflection of the amazing work being delivered for public sector clients.” Pagabo generates its figures using Loop’s social value calculation software, which uses The National Social Value Standard’s social value measurement framework that includes more than 800 metrics – 90% of which are monetised – all aimed at increasing the robustness and accuracy of forecasts and estimates. Jason continued: “Social value is referenced in the government’s Construction Playbook in relation to benchmarking, clear specifications, award and evaluation, so it’s importance during the entire construction timeline cannot be more clearly stated.” To help organisations understand, evidence, and measure the social impact of their work, all Pagabo framework users have access to Loop and its social value software developed and updated in line with the latest academic and government thinking. Gerard Toplass, chief executive at The 55 Group, which includes Pagabo and Loop, said: “At Pagabo we’re eager to pursue innovative ways to increase and improve social value. The 55 Group ties together the knowledge of multiple cross-industry businesses and one way we all benefit is through the exposure of social value that many of our partners and clients know they are generating but find difficult to measure and quantify. “As an early adopter of social value calculation, we have been able to refine our processes and ensure we maintain our commitment to having social value at the core of all our business operations. Passing the £5 billion mark is fantastic and we’re on a mission to be in a position in which we look back and realise this was only the beginning.” With Pagabo rolling out its new refit and refurbishment and medium works frameworks in early 2023, the procurement specialist’s social value impact is set to continue rising. For more information about Pagabo, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new Director of Research is set to take Lancaster University’s School of Architecture in an international direction and to help build a leading global destination for aspiring architects. Having spent the last 15 years at Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), Professor Richard Brook, a registered architect and architectural historian, sees his new role at Lancaster as a commitment and investment in the School’s culture, its external relations and its international standing, as well as providing stimulating new challenges and opportunities. Hailing from Chorley, award-winning Professor Brook is a great advocate for the region. “I really believe in the North West as a cultural force and an economic power,” he says. “And, within that, Lancaster University’s School of Architecture is a very different place with a very specific offer. Its proximity to the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park, offers incredible possibilities to explore novel material technologies amidst highly protected landscapes. “The openness of campus and its spacious, green environment presents wonderful opportunities for live building projects already developed through the Summer School events of the past few years.” At Lancaster Professor Brook, is responsible for authoring and leading the architectural history and theory programmes and directing the development of the School’s research. “I view this role as Director of Research as an opportunity to make a serious and lasting commitment, building on the national and international networks I have established, as one that is enticing and energising,” he says. Building on the School’s already strong research culture, with a full complement of research active staff, Professor Brook will lead the development of multi-disciplinary special interest groups allied to the design research laboratory ImaginationLancaster. “In my own research I partner with heritage organisations, charities and statutory bodies, using novel digital means to bring history to life through a strong record of public engagement,” he explains. “As an architectural historian, my work focusses on the post-war period, of which I take a holistic view. “As such, my work examines the architecture, landscape, planning, urbanism and infrastructure of the period, their interwoven ideas and how they were influenced by successive government administrations and their policies. “I want to connect teaching and research in ways that capitalise on Lancaster’s quality as a research-intensive university to create unique programmes that respond to the global challenges of our times. “The School’s existing focus on future practice, digital crafts and the climate emergency are perfectly aligned with its geographical location, research expertise and international networks.” Professor Brook, who qualified whilst working for BDP, an international firm of architects and engineers with their roots in Preston, entered academia as a lecturer at the University of Liverpool. At the MSA he held a succession of leadership roles before his appointment as Professor of Architecture and Urbanism – experience that he is keen to apply to the young School at Lancaster as he joins this month. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway has broken ground on a new housing development which forms part of a major residential and commercial scheme in Bowburn. The housebuilder has started construction work at Clarence Gate, where it is to deliver 91 homes on an eight-acre parcel of land off Rosalind Franklin Way. Planning permission for the homes was granted by Durham County Council earlier this year. Clarence Gate will feature a mix of three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses, totalling 91 homes for private sale. Located just off Junction 61 of the A1 (M), the development is part of the wider Integra 61 project, a mixed-used scheme which is set to create 270 new homes, 4,000 jobs and a £2 billion boost to the regional economy over the next decade. Oliver Wray, Sales Manager from Bellway Durham, said: “The ground-breaking at Clarence Gate paves the way for us to deliver 91 new homes at this strategically important site just off the A1(M). Our development represents one third of the residential element of the Integra 61 scheme and will therefore make a significant contribution to meeting the housing needs of the area. “The mix of three and four-bedroom properties that we are building are intended to suit growing families looking for extra space. The location is well-suited to buyers with children as it is close to local schools such as Bowburn Primary School which is only a mile from Clarence Gate. “The easy access to the A1(M) and A177 also makes this a convenient location for people commuting to Newcastle, Darlington and Durham. “We are planning to release the first homes at Clarence Gate onto the market early next year and anticipate handing over the keys to the first completed properties in Spring 2023.” For more information about the development, call 0191 313 0557 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/durham/clarence-gate.
Placefirst, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent providers, has submitted plans to develop over 120 apartments in Halifax town centre. The plans for the £16 million development at Cow Green will see the former multi-storey car park site transformed into high-quality homes for rent and, if approved, it will deliver a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments with bike storage and electric car charging points. Designed as a nine-storey building by JM Architects, the development takes inspiration from the town’s rich heritage and will integrate with the Council’s wider Cow Green highway improvements through attractive landscape features and public realm. Placefirst is working collaboratively with West Yorkshire Combined Authority on the delivery of the scheme, while pre-application advice has been sought from Calderdale Council and a public consultation. “We are excited to submit our plans to regenerate this area in the centre of Halifax with our most sustainable scheme to date. We have worked closely with the Combined Authority and Calderdale Council to ensure the scheme delivers the shared objectives of all partners and sets the standard for high quality build-to-rent in Halifax. We hope that the proposals are well received and look forward to starting work next summer to create new homes for residents,” said James Litherland, planning and development manager at Placefirst. Plans for Cow Green represent Placefirst’s most sustainable project to date as it transitions towards ‘net zero’. A fabric first approach has been taken to maximise the thermal performance of the building in addition to renewable and efficient technologies including photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and wastewater heat recovery. This will deliver a superior EPC rating which will limit energy consumption and allow for lower bills for residents. The proposal links closely to Calderdale’s vision for Halifax as a vibrant place to live, work and visit, and plans dovetail with current and future ‘Calderdale The Next Chapter’ proposals for the town centre such as the refurbishment of the bus station and the train station gateway. Placefirst is well known for creating quality, well-maintained rental neighbourhoods in multiple regions across the UK, and this scheme in Halifax would follow in the footsteps of its other successful developments including ‘Elevate’, 53 high-spec apartments near Manchester city centre, and ‘Skye Edge’, a thriving family community of 113 new build homes with incredible hilltop views across Sheffield. Once each neighbourhood is complete, Placefirst also maintain a presence on site and manage their neighbourhoods with skilled, friendly in-house teams, and dedicated resident services managers. If approved, work is expected to start in mid-2023 and would be completed by 2025. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jessup Partnerships, one of the region’s leading partnerships developers, has announced the opening of its Beech show home at a new development in Lightmoor Village, Telford. A great choice for families, the Beech style home is designed with an open plan kitchen/dining area taking the best of modern living and pairing it with a traditional exterior. Downstairs, the three-bedroom home offers a large living area with French doors opening to the rear fenced and turfed garden, as well as a handy downstairs cloakroom. Meanwhile, off the landing on the first floor are three bedrooms and a family bathroom, with an ensuite to the main bedroom. The development, located on Wellington Road, features a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes which are perfect for families and young professionals. Each is built with ecological and environmental living in mind and to a generous specification. “The Beech is the perfect home for first-time buyers looking to set up a home as well as families which are expanding and looking for more space. All our homes within The Woodlands development are designed to be as sustainable as possible resulting in low running costs for all of our buyers. We encourage anyone looking to purchase a home to come along to the show home to avoid disappointment,” said Chris Timmins, Managing Director at Jessup. Located in the friendly village of Lightmoor, The Woodlands is a short drive away from the village centre which has a number of shops, a community hub, a flourishing school, and three popular parks which are perfect for any canine companions. The Woodlands is also close to open countryside and has great transport links on its doorstep. Nearby is 20 hectares of Lightmoor Nature Reserve, plus Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton are easily accessible via junction five of the M54. Lightmoor Village is a joint venture between Bournville Village Trust and Homes England, modelled on the principles of a Garden Village. Established for 34 years, Jessup is already a trusted partner to local authorities and registered providers of social housing. Its 92-strong team provides a full development management service from land acquisition and planning consent, through to the construction of high-quality homes across the wider Midlands. Jessup also benefits from preferred partner status with Homes England. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
