November 30, 2022
Midlands contractor commences work on Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

Midlands contractor commences work on Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd has started works on Phase 1A of Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Horizon 29 is a new distribution development located one mile from junction 29a of the M1. When complete, it will span 1,150.256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered

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Sainsbury’s unveils new look Superstore after major investment

Sainsbury’s unveils new look Superstore after major investment

Customers in Stoke-on-Trent have been trying out their newly upgraded Sainsbury’s supermarket recently following a six month programme to refresh and refurbish the store. Sainsbury’s Stoke on Trent Superstore Store Manager Ann Greenall said: “We’ve worked really hard in the last few months to revitalise our store and I’m very

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Bellway starts work on 98 new apartments at Gateshead Quayside

Bellway starts work on 98 new apartments at Gateshead Quayside

Work has started on transforming part of a former railway goods yard in Gateshead into a modern development of 98 apartments. Bellway North East is to deliver the one and two-bedroom apartments across three, four-storey blocks at its Modello development, at Gateshead Quayside. The housebuilder bought the 2.2-acre parcel of

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The Build Chain Bolsters success with pivotal senior appointments

LEADING digital procurement platform The Build Chain has reinforced its plan for rapid growth through two senior level appointments, bolstering its approach of providing solutions for the trade from experts within the industry.  The Build Chain, developed to revolutionise the construction procurement process, is an online platform that connects contractors

Read More »
Data Twins of Commercial Spaces joins Bentley's iTwin

Data Twins of Commercial Spaces joins Bentley’s iTwin

iNESS 360 has announced the addition of Data Twins of Commercial Spaces to Bentley Systems’ Powered by iTwin programme. Data Twins of Commercial Spaces enables owners and operators to better manage the use of commercial spaces by integrating human behaviour modelling with a building’s operations. “Imagine an internet where buildings

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

November 30, 2022

Midlands contractor commences work on Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

Midlands contractor commences work on Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd has started works on Phase 1A of Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Horizon 29 is a new distribution development located one mile from junction 29a of the M1. When complete, it will span 1,150.256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases. On behalf of Equation Properties and Bentall Green Oak, McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) is progressing with the construction of two, single storey distribution warehouses as part of Phase 1A. Unit 1 comprises 70,000 sq. ft of warehouse space and 3,500 sq. ft pf office space, along with six loading docks. Unit 2 features 127,000 sq. ft of warehouse space and 6,400 sq. ft of office space, with 12 loading docks. All units at Horizon 29 will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating and Phase 1A is expected to complete in April 2023. The contractor has also been appointed on Phase 1B, which will consist of a further two units, with an expected completion in Summer 2023. Sustainable features of Horizon 29 include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) is undertaking all external works including general hardstanding, car-parking, electric vehicle charging points, landscaping, mains services and drainage. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre in a prime location in the Midlands, making it the ideal address for tenants wanting direct and easy access to the M1 north and south. “We are pleased to be appointed by Equation Properties and to be working with them on the first phase of this impressive scheme.” Equation Properties is a London-based property development company for the distribution and industrial sector. Dick Smallman, construction director at Equation Properties, said: “We are delighted to have appointed McLaren Construction for the first phase of development at Horizon 29. Construction is now underway for the scheme.” McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd is part of McLaren Group – a group of companies formed in 2001 which operate in construction, property and development throughout the UK and UAE. From its head office in Essex, McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sainsbury’s unveils new look Superstore after major investment

Sainsbury’s unveils new look Superstore after major investment

Customers in Stoke-on-Trent have been trying out their newly upgraded Sainsbury’s supermarket recently following a six month programme to refresh and refurbish the store. Sainsbury’s Stoke on Trent Superstore Store Manager Ann Greenall said: “We’ve worked really hard in the last few months to revitalise our store and I’m very proud of the way my team has stepped up to support our customers during the transition. I’m delighted by the response we have had from customers so far and I’m looking forward to hearing more feedback in the following months.” Sainsbury’s Property Director Patrick Dunne said: “We’re constantly investing in our store estate to help ensure we provide the best offer we can to the communities we serve, supporting our commitment to helping everyone eat better. I hope our customers in Stoke enjoy their new look store and once again I’d like to thank them for bearing with us while we completed this extensive project.” Sainsbury’s has invested in the supermarket to bring customers a bright, fresh new instore shopping experience that is more enjoyable and convenient. The upgrades have also been focused on making the store more energy efficient to run as part of Sainsbury’s wider sustainability plans and ambitions. The upgraded features that customers will find within the store include: The enhanced offer also includes a brand new Starbucks® café as part of a wider expansion plan between Sainsbury’s and Starbucks across the UK, with over forty cafés now open inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets. The works to upgrade the store even extend beyond the shop floor – for example improvements have been made to colleague-only areas to help foster a more interactive and inspiring workplace. As well as investing in stores, Sainsbury’s is also committed to supporting its colleagues and customers with the rising cost of living. Earlier in October the retailer announced a £25 million investment in a wide-ranging support package for hourly paid colleagues, as well as launching its biggest ever September value offer for customers that will see it spend £65 million across the business to keep prices low. This latest investment is part of Sainsbury’s commitment to spend £500 million by March 2023 in keeping Sainsbury’s high quality, great value products affordable for customers.

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Conrad Energy awarded significant Pathfinder contract by National Grid ESO

Conrad Energy awarded significant Pathfinder contract by National Grid ESO

Conrad Energy, the largest flexible power producer in the UK, continues to put supporting the transition to a low carbon economy at the heart of their strategic plans. Conrad Energy are delighted to have been awarded a stability pathfinder contract with National Grid ESO to help enable the operation of the UK’s national electricity transmission network with zero-carbon by 2025 and to set up the UK to deliver a net zero electricity system from 2035. Sonia Quiterio, Conrad Energy’s New Business Director, said: “This contract award represents a major win to support the UK’s net zero strategy and stabilise the UK’s electricity network. This technology will provide stability services for at least 30 years. These contracts will keep building strong foundations for us to deliver a better world for generations to come.“ Julian Leslie, ESO Head of Networks, said: “These new contracts represent a major milestone in delivering a low-carbon network for the future and will help support the delivery of our 2025 ambition to be able to operate the network at zero-carbon. These contracts demonstrate the type of savings that can be made and the importance of investing in net zero now in order to unlock benefits for consumers for the future.“ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bellway starts work on 98 new apartments at Gateshead Quayside

Bellway starts work on 98 new apartments at Gateshead Quayside

Work has started on transforming part of a former railway goods yard in Gateshead into a modern development of 98 apartments. Bellway North East is to deliver the one and two-bedroom apartments across three, four-storey blocks at its Modello development, at Gateshead Quayside. The housebuilder bought the 2.2-acre parcel of land off Fletcher Road in July after Gateshead Council granted full planning permission for the scheme in May. The developer is to build 83 new properties for private sale and 15 affordable homes for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership. The site will feature 87 two-bedroom apartments and 11 one-bedroom apartments. David McCrindle, Regional Director of Bellway North East, said: “There is much to do to help prepare the site as we have to first demolish a number of derelict industrial buildings before construction work can start. Some of the vacant buildings were in such a poor state of repair that they were propped up to prevent them from collapsing. “Once the demolition is complete, we will forge ahead with the build programme and hope to release the initial selection of new homes onto the market this winter. We anticipate that the first homes will be completed and ready for their new owners to move into by the autumn or winter of 2023.” Modello is part of the regeneration of the former Greenesfield Railway Works which has taken place over the past 15 years. Bellway has previously delivered new homes within this wider neighbourhood. David said: “Modello forms a key part of the ongoing transformation of this former railway goods yard into a collection of stylish and modern apartments. Bellway North East has already delivered new homes here and Modello is testament to our ongoing commitment to providing more housing locally and helping improve the area by turning a former brownfield site into a vibrant new community. “These apartments will appeal to a range of buyers as the development is in a fabulous location which is a short walk from the River Tyne with footpaths leading into Newcastle city centre. Gateshead high street is a mile from the site and the Metrocentre is only a 13-minute car journey away. “Commuters will well-served with the Gateshead Metro Station within half a mile and Junction 69 of the A1, which connects to Sunderland, Newcastle and Northumberland, just a ten-minute drive away.” For more information about the new homes at Modello, call 01916 222339 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-east/modello. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The City of Liverpool College partners with Worcester Bosch to train engineers of the future

The City of Liverpool College partners with Worcester Bosch to train engineers of the future

The City of Liverpool College (COLC) has renewed its alliance with long-term partner and Heating and Hot Water Products Manufacturer, Worcester Bosch, as part of its commitment to providing first class training for the next generation of engineers. Recognising a need for more collaboration between industry and training providers, Worcester launched its College Links Learning Scheme in 2007 and has since worked closely with leading colleges across the country, including The City of Liverpool College, to increase skills, expertise and value in the market. The COLC prides itself on being a leader in training in the energy sector, green technologies and supporting the drive towards Liverpool City Region’s green agenda. This new partnership will see the COLC working collaboratively with Worcester to develop a bespoke training area with industry leading equipment, including emerging green technologies, for current and future engineers to train on. Last year, the UK committed to a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 – a target which will require new technology and industry changes across a number of sectors, including heating and hot water. Worcester has led the way in the creation of green technologies – such as the nation’s first fully functional boiler system that runs on 100% pure hydrogen gas – making the partnership a natural progression for both organisations. The focus of the partnership is to train students and apprentices in current and future technologies, while also supporting those in industry to reskill and upskill, using high-class equipment. James McCawley, Deputy Head of Apprenticeships at The City of Liverpool College, said: “We’re delighted to be renewing our long-standing partnership with Worcester Bosch. Over the lasttwoyears, we have worked closely with the company to train and upskill the industry’s current and future talent and we look forward to developing our training offering together as the country moves towards greener technologies. “The partnership will ensure the very highest of standards in training for the region’s future engineers, while also providing Worcester Bosch engineers with access to the facilities and enable them to learn about new and existing products.” Worcester has donated equipment to the College’s training area, including new boilers, air source heat pumps, indoor immersion unit and an unvented cylinder for the use of its apprentices and engineers. College students and Worcester staff will have access to the state-of-the-art equipment to stay up to date with the latest technology, legislation, industry developments, fault finding and best practice. The COLC students will also benefit from learning opportunities with Worcester staff through guest speaker sessions and industry insights throughout their course duration. Ewan Sutherland, National Training Manager at Worcester Bosch, said: “I am delighted with the progress made at The City of Liverpool College to date. “The College is reputationally strong in green technologies and the energy sector, with a clear vision and ambition of adapting to green technologies. Its responsive nature to industry needs makes it the ideal partner for Worcester to collaborate with as we work towards a greener future and continue to create a highly skilled workforce. “The training facility at the College is a fantastic space for apprentices, engineers, and employers in which they will be able to keep right up to date with all the latest industry developments.” For more information on opportunities at The City of Liverpool College, visit: https://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Build Chain Bolsters success with pivotal senior appointments

LEADING digital procurement platform The Build Chain has reinforced its plan for rapid growth through two senior level appointments, bolstering its approach of providing solutions for the trade from experts within the industry.  The Build Chain, developed to revolutionise the construction procurement process, is an online platform that connects contractors nationally to suppliers locally. It helps its users to solve long-standing supply chain issues by giving instant competitive quotes for hire equipment or purchased building materials.  The appointment of Keith Wright as non-executive director, and Phil Sheldon as sales director, further strengthens the growing team with a combined industry experience of more than 65 years.  Keith said: “I love the business model and ethos of The Build Chain, as well as the energy and enthusiasm of the team for the product they’re offering. It felt like an exciting prospect just to hear about the solution they’ve created, let alone being a part of its direction.  It’s important to help to continue modernising the way the construction industry works, allowing contractors and merchants to become more efficient and streamlined in the digital era of doing business. I’m excited to have a hand in establishing The Build Chain as a leading digital procurement platform.”  Phil Sheldon has more than 35-years’ experience at previous roles at leading contractors, major manufacturers, and national merchants.  Phil said: “Despite significant progress in recent years, the construction industry continues to lag when it comes to digital solutions. This role presents a fantastic opportunity to help solve that industry-wide challenge.   Over the next year my focus will be on building a solid and sustainable base for the business while bringing procurement into the modern digital world. Beyond that, I want The Build Chain to become a heavyweight name in the industry, and to expand upon its digital offering into areas that will enhance the customer experience even further.”  Matthew McClune, co-founder of The Build Chain, added: “These two key appointments mark a step change for the company’s growth plans and progression. We’re really excited about Keith and Phil joining the team at this pivotal time – they both bring fantastic experience to the team, and the ideas they have brought to the table are avenues we’re excited to explore.”   To learn more about The Build Chain visit its website here: www.thebuildchain.co.uk.    Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Data Twins of Commercial Spaces joins Bentley's iTwin

Data Twins of Commercial Spaces joins Bentley’s iTwin

iNESS 360 has announced the addition of Data Twins of Commercial Spaces to Bentley Systems’ Powered by iTwin programme. Data Twins of Commercial Spaces enables owners and operators to better manage the use of commercial spaces by integrating human behaviour modelling with a building’s operations. “Imagine an internet where buildings are connected and talking. In the future, anyone would be able to buy data from commercial buildings. This data is the evolution of how companies are able to interact with modern commercial spaces. INESS is proud to announce our adoption of the Bentley iTwin platform to create the next version of Data Twins for Commercial Spaces that is not only smart, but also intelligent,” said CEO Soner Haci. INESS converts commercial spaces into data streaming sources to model human behavior and how indoor circumstances affect that behavior by integrating the INESS system into the structure of the building. The system developed predictive models on usage trends and indoor circumstances to optimize space, energy usage, and operations without needing to invest in expensive BMS systems By using the Bentley iTwin platform INESS will integrate the data and data models directly to the building architectural model and create a data twin of the day-cycle of the building. “We are very pleased to have iNESS 360 add their Data Twins of Commercial Spaces to the Powered by iTwin programme. In doing so, iNESS 360 joins the growing ecosystem of software developers enabling digital twin solutions with the iTwin platform. Their Data Twins of Commercial Spaces solution is a great example of how digital twin technology can model human behaviour with streaming data to optimize indoor space, energy usage, and operations,” added Adam Klatzkin, Vice President, iTwin Platform, at Bentley Systems. INESS is a behavioural occupancy analysis system for small-medium-sized commercial properties. INESS converts commercial spaces into data streaming sources to model human behaviour and how indoor circumstances affect that behaviour by integrating the INESS system into the structure of the building. The system developed predictive models on usage trends and indoor circumstances. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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