The real estate industry has an opportunity to embrace inclusive design and make workplaces more appropriate, according to a new report. The analysis, from global real estate advisor CBRE, found that despite many organisations striving to improve diversity, equity and inclusion through new policies and culture, a third (32%) of respondents
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has been appointed by IM Properties to deliver phase three of Hinckley Park. Winvic has returned to the 82-acre Hinckley Park to construct the speculative 340,000 sq ft logistics
Hertfordshire-based developer Griggs Homes is on course for a major expansion – and to spearhead growth and seek out fresh development opportunities it has appointed two new Land Directors, Matt Green and Ollie Myrants-Wilson. Griggs Homes is a third-generation family business, based in Borehamwood, which is currently best known for
When E.ON Energy, a UK power company, identified internal corrosion to water cooling lines that serviced its Connah’s Quay gas-fired Power Station in Flintshire, North Wales it called on Fyfe FRP’s UK approved applicator, Construction Composites UK (CCUK), to carry out emergency repairs. The company’s design and maintenance team had
HS2 Ltd has revealed designs for the 150-metre section of viaduct as part of the approach to Birmingham’s new Curzon Street Station, including a 25-metre-high truss which will create a new icon on the city’s skyline. A unique light installation, designed by British artist Liz West, will introduce a dynamic
WORK to construct 157 homes on the outskirts of Carlisle will soon get under way after planning permission was granted for the development. Carlisle City Council’s Development Control Committee unanimously approved a reserved matters planning application from Penrith-based Genesis Homes for 157 high-specification homes to be built on land near
Manchester City Council is to refresh regeneration proposals for the former Central Retail Park. A report updating on the strategic redevelopment of the former Central Retail Park site will be heard on 14 December requesting approval for a new consultation to start in the New Year. The Council has refreshed
BDC 321 : Oct 2024
The real estate industry has an opportunity to embrace inclusive design and make workplaces more appropriate, according to a new report. The analysis, from global real estate advisor CBRE, found that despite many organisations striving to improve diversity, equity and inclusion through new policies and culture, a third (32%) of respondents felt that inclusive design was ‘not important at all’ or ‘not relevant’ to real estate. As well as considering the physical or ‘built’ environment, the report – Building Belonging – highlighted that human and digital components must be considered when planning a space. For example, in addition to physical elements such as designated collaborative and quiet areas, the human desire to socialise and the need for appropriate training on digital tools must be considered in order for a space to be fully inclusive and accessible for all. Jennet Siebrits, Head of UK Research, CBRE, said: “Inclusive design benefits everyone and is incredibly important in attracting a diverse range of talent to the workplace. A workplace that promotes inclusion enables all employees to feel welcome and perform at their best, but sadly incorporating inclusive design remains a relatively low priority for office occupiers, despite its growing importance for organisations to attract and retain diverse talent. “We know that there are several factors contributing to employees leaving their jobs, including lack of flexibility, salary and poor management. However, a primary reason that continually leads to attrition is a toxic workplace culture, suggesting that lack of inclusion and respect are common deciding factors. People don’t stay where they don’t feel they belong, and the pandemic has only magnified this. Making a space usable, flexible and adaptable through inclusive design is key to supporting people.” The CBRE report identified five key areas where organisations can overcome barriers to inclusive design: For behaviours, mindsets and values to truly change, leadership teams must lead by example. If leaders understand the benefit of initiatives before they are launched, they can be instrumental in promoting and championing these. Organisations should take the time to understand their situation as a first step towards identifying gaps, for example by undertaking an assessment by engaging with stakeholders, employee networks or engaging a specialist. Organisation should consider connecting with local charities and organisations with the resources to help to accelerate progress. Opportunities to consider inclusion are not limited to refurbishing an office. For example, when selecting a new office building it’s important to consider its location in terms of accessible transport links and access to nearby green space. Engaging an expert consultant can help to navigate inclusive design and ensure the latest legislation and best practice guidelines are adhered to. Georgina Fraser, Head of Human Capital at CBRE, added: “The spaces that we design and manage should be deliberately and thoughtfully created for people to feel safe and that they belong, while enabling them to do their best work. We need to create and maintain spaces that do this for all users, regardless of age, gender, ability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification or reassignment. Now, more than ever, offices must be destinations that people want to work in; they must now compete with home-working and the hyper-personalisation that provides. It is a great time to ensure inclusion is at the heart of post-Covid workplace strategy, design and operation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has been appointed by IM Properties to deliver phase three of Hinckley Park. Winvic has returned to the 82-acre Hinckley Park to construct the speculative 340,000 sq ft logistics and manufacturing unit with IM Properties targeting Net Zero Ready in line with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) framework. The delivery of Hinckley 340 is on the remaining 18 acres at Hinckley Park, located next to Junction 1 of the M69. The park is home to DPD who has one of Europe’s largest and most technically advanced parcel depots and a 532,000 sq ft unit let to Amazon. Winvic constructed both of these facilities. Winvic will be constructing the BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rated Hinckley 340 in line with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) framework for IM Properties to target Net Zero Ready by achieving Net Zero in Construction and introducing renewable tech into the building specification. The unit has two-storey office space totalling 14,000 sq ft, a 3,000 sq ft pod office, a haunch height of 15m, 30 docks, and parking for 305 cars and 54 HGVs. Winvic commenced earthworks for this next phase at Hinckley Park in September 2022 and will conclude the contract with the final landscaping works in November 2023. In addition to Hinckley 340, phase three will also include two other, Net Zero Ready smaller buildings of 47,000 sq ft and 60,000 sq ft. Working in partnership, Winvic and IM Properties continue to play an active role in the community, committing through an Employment and Skills Charter to provide training and employment opportunities for local businesses and individuals during construction. Winvic’s Head of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, Danny Nelson, commented: “Our relationship with IM Properties continues to go from strength to strength, and once again we’re delighted the leading developer has put its trust in us to construct a new industrial and manufacturing facility with sustainability at its heart. We work extremely well together due to our values being aligned – from meeting quality and commercial goals to social value and sustainability targets – and the whole team is looking forward to completing the remaining external works in June and the unit in late 2023.” Jason Jasper, UK Project Director at IM Properties said: “The increased transparency required for all businesses on the sustainability front allows Hinckley 340 to aid occupiers in futureproofing their operations ahead of regulation and set a benchmark within their own sectors. As a major investor in the Midlands, we hope to use our influence to help set industry standards and work alongside our occupiers and supply chain to create positive change and reduce carbon emissions. “Winvic is part of our trusted supply chain and has worked in partnership with us across our schemes to deliver our sustainability ambitions and we are delighted to be working with them on Hinckley Park to deliver our next level of targets in line with our Sustainable Futures framework.” Further information is also available at https://hinckleypark.co.uk. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hertfordshire-based developer Griggs Homes is on course for a major expansion – and to spearhead growth and seek out fresh development opportunities it has appointed two new Land Directors, Matt Green and Ollie Myrants-Wilson. Griggs Homes is a third-generation family business, based in Borehamwood, which is currently best known for its small, boutique developments and bespoke homes in the surrounding area. Griggs already has an exciting pipeline of land, controlling a number of large scale strategic residential and commercial sites either in planning or with the benefit of planning permission. The appointment of Green, 33, as Land Director, and Myrants-Wilson, also 33, as Land and Planning Director, marks a commitment to crystalising their existing assets and gearing up in scale, as they will concentrate on bringing forward new land to facilitate development across all sectors. Matt Green explained: “Griggs is a very strong company locally, with an unrivalled reputation within Hertsmere and the surrounding areas for delivering complex planning permissions and premium homes. We have the opportunity to take the group from being strong locally to expanding both in terms of the geographical area and the size of projects.” Previously a Chartered Surveyor at Lambert Smith Hampton, Green is determined to steer the company towards growth and to be seen as more than just a premium housebuilder : “Griggs is not only known for the quality of its product but also its drive and creativity. We want to take these qualities and apply them to larger projects including urban sites and investment properties with long term redevelopment potential for a variety of end uses.” Ollie Myrants-Wilson spent the last three years as Land Director on the Board at Troy Homes, and nearly 12 years at Housebuilder Linden Homes, so he has the experience to lead the company into larger-scale projects – but, he said, Griggs intends to do things differently from most mid-sized developers. “Griggs is a growing business and very entrepreneurial, so we are looking at taking more planning risk, and buying and promoting sites without planning permission,” he explained. “It’s a challenge – but with greater risk comes greater reward. There is an opportunity in the land market to go about things differently and we want to be a trusted and dynamic partner for landowners, other developers, local authorities and key stakeholders. We have an expert team with an established track record in delivery and we want to bring a positive and refreshing approach to development.” Griggs’ new Land Directors intend to use their combined expertise to engage with a wide range of landowners with development sites that could be unlocked. One of their strengths will be their ability to make quick, informed decisions and provide certainty to all stakeholders. “We have a short chain of command here and decisions can be made extremely quickly” stressed Myrants-Wilson. “We are an ambitious company, we have a brand-new purpose-built office where landowners, agents and partners can visit, and they can see first-hand the quality of the finished product on our sites. Griggs has the appetite, drive and ambition to grow, whereas other companies this size are more risk averse.” Green added: “Griggs’ strength is in our creativity and our skillset will add to that. Our strategy is straightforward – we want to buy sites where we can add value through planning for residential, commercial or mixed use development. We are a company that can act swiftly and between Ollie and myself we have built up a significant and varied number of contacts and relationships across the industry which we will be putting to good use in the months ahead.” Green and Myrants-Wilson are already hard at work with the company’s expansion plans and are ready to meet with interested agents and landowners to discuss any sites that might be suitable for the next premium development of Griggs Homes. For more information visit www.griggshomes.co.uk. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When E.ON Energy, a UK power company, identified internal corrosion to water cooling lines that serviced its Connah’s Quay gas-fired Power Station in Flintshire, North Wales it called on Fyfe FRP’s UK approved applicator, Construction Composites UK (CCUK), to carry out emergency repairs. The company’s design and maintenance team had carried out internal surveys of the lines and learned that the concrete encased steel pipes were corroded internally to a point where an exposed section of the pipe, that sat above the ground was at risk of failing. The team understood that was a clear risk of failure if repairs were not immediate to the 900mm diameter cooling water lines. These lines are used to carry water from a nearby river to the condensers at the power plant. If left to fail the power plant would be forced to halt operations resulting in a lengthy disruption to the power supply of E.ON’s residential and business customers. The company would also be faced with a costly bill to replace the condenser lines all together. The corrosion was likely caused by decades of continuous use; for large diameter pipes made from steel, ductile iron, or concrete, corrosion can lead to deterioration – threatening the structural integrity of the networks. CCUK worked with E.ON’s technical team to design an external composite wrap system that was able to take the full pressure of the line should a fail occur. Using a combination of bidirectional and unidirectional composite Fyfe FRP strengthening system, an emergency repair was carried out. A section of the pipe was excavated to allow surface preparation including crack repair works to the host pipe and the formation of a smooth transition where pipe diameters reduced using specialist epoxy mortars. All works were carried out during planned shutdowns and each repair took days under reduced pressure without significantly affecting the running of the station. The power station now has a fully encapsulated high pressure repair, complete with UV stable coating in place, that is deigned to take the full water pressure within the line. CCUK’s Operations and Marketing Director, Jamie Dempster said: “Our specialist repairs team was called to survey the 900mm diameter cooling water pipes, owned by E.ON Energy. We quickly determined that Fyfe’s carbon fibre strengthening system would be the quickest and simplest way to repair the pipes. “It took one week for our team to strengthen and restore the pipes, allowing them to regain their original structural integrity and continue normal function”. Jamie said the UK power and water industries are in need of innovative solutions which will provide structural strengthening, the upgrade of internal pressure capacity and a significant extension to the service-life of these structures. “Time and cost-effective technologies are required, while minimum disturbance and disruption of everyday operations during any repair work are necessary,” he added. Fyfe’s FRP system is extremely lightweight, versatile, and stronger than steel and being a carbon fibre product, it is environmentally friendly, making it a well-suited repair solution for the UK energy giant, whose ethos states “we’re taking action for climate”. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 Ltd has revealed designs for the 150-metre section of viaduct as part of the approach to Birmingham’s new Curzon Street Station, including a 25-metre-high truss which will create a new icon on the city’s skyline. A unique light installation, designed by British artist Liz West, will introduce a dynamic colour palette to the apertures of the steel truss, framing views of the city. Titled Out of the Blue, the proposed artwork will establish the bridge as a stunning feature of the city’s landscape both during the day and at night, when the artwork will come to life. The Curzon 2 bridge, which has been nicknamed “The Bellingham Bridge” by the team in honour of England superstar and Stourbridge-born Jude Bellingham’s performances at the World Cup, is the tallest structure in the sequence of viaducts and structures that make up the Curzon Street Approaches. These Approaches take HS2 into Birmingham’s new city centre station. The bridge consists of a gently curved truss in weathering steel which carries HS2 over the Victorian brick rail viaduct below. A truss bridge is light but strong, composed of connected elements that form triangular units, and is economic to build because it’s constructed using a relatively small amount of material. This makes the truss form ideal to assemble offline and then launch from one end and in one piece across the existing railway viaduct below. The team believe this construction method will be among the longest bridge launches ever delivered in the UK. HS2 Ltd’s Design Director, Kay Hughes said: “Our design ambition for the Curzon 2 bridge is to create an elegant, iconic structure, fitting of its prominence on the Birmingham skyline, creating a legacy for HS2 and contributing positively to the city’s identity day and night. “The curved truss design celebrates Birmingham’s industrial heritage, and we’re pleased that we’ve been able to engage a prominent artist to work with our architects to create a distinctive lighting installation, which will be a striking addition to Birmingham’s city skyline.” The gently curved truss is 150-metres long and 25 metres tall. It will be assembled on the ground and then launched into its final position over the existing Victorian brick rail viaduct at around 17 metres above the ground, so the whole structure will be 40 metres high. A truss is the most efficient structural form for a launching process, and this is likely to be one of the largest bridge launches ever carried out in the UK. HS2 trains will cross the truss bridge to leave the city towards HS2’s Washwood Heath Depot. The site, located northeast of Birmingham City Centre, will maintain, service, and store HS2 trains when not in use, generating over 500 long-term jobs for local people. Acclaimed artist Liz West has worked across the UK and the world with organisations including the National Trust, Natural History Museum, London Design Festival and Natural England. Using a variety of materials and exploring the use of light, she blurs the boundaries between sculpture, architecture, design and painting to create works that are both playful and immersive. Liz is based near Manchester with close family ties to Birmingham and knows the city and the West Midlands area well. Artist Liz West said: “The core concept of my work is to depict and symbolize a physical and metaphorical meeting point of colours, people and spaces, linking locations through the creation of an immersive, atmospheric and experiential encounter. The use of colour, light and form creates a sense of connectivity and movement, echoing the ways in which the public use, navigate and experience train travel.” The artwork will ‘paint’ the triangular structures within the new Curzon 2 viaduct with a mixing of multiple linear coloured light. The blending and merging of the light will create dynamic colour-ways and frame the sky beyond and create new vantage points of the city. Anne Mullins, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Art and Culture said: “HS2 is delivering an ambitious arts and culture strategy that will enhance the design and delivery of HS2 for communities up and down the country. I am delighted that artist Liz West has created a new public artwork for HS2 in Birmingham, which will become a new regional landmark that celebrates the creativity and vibrancy of the West Midlands.” The design for the Curzon Street Approaches section of HS2’s Phase One is being developed by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and Systra and architects Weston Williamson + Partners, all working for HS2’s civils contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI joint venture. Nick McGough, Lead Architect for the BBV Design Joint Venture said: “Conceptually, the Curzon Street Approach Viaducts are a series of moments along a coherent thread of structures which will bring HS2 trains into Birmingham. The Curzon 2 bridge, above its V-shaped piers, represents a special and unique moment when the herculean engineering of HS2 will be on full display as it crosses the Victorian viaduct below. This has only been possible with the close collaboration between contractor, engineer, architect and artist. “The curved truss is made from weathering steel, a highly robust material that will pick up tones from the surrounding area as its protective patina develops while reducing maintenance costs across the lifespan of the high speed rail line.” A number of refinements have been made to the design, which is now set to be submitted to Birmingham City Council. These include how the truss has been designed to ‘wrap’ around the viaduct, extending the bottom of the steel to wrap underneath the viaduct deck and forming a visual connection to the steel girders of the adjacent structures. The nodes where the diagonal members meet will have curved corners to provide longevity to the steelwork whilst softening the silhouette of the bridge. The width of the viaduct deck itself has also been increased by four metres, allowing the bridge to carry three parallel high speed rail tracks over the existing east-west rail line. Closer to Curzon Street, the tracks will split even further
WORK to construct 157 homes on the outskirts of Carlisle will soon get under way after planning permission was granted for the development. Carlisle City Council’s Development Control Committee unanimously approved a reserved matters planning application from Penrith-based Genesis Homes for 157 high-specification homes to be built on land near Cumberland House Clinic, west of Cumwhinton Drive. Outline planning permission for the construction of up to 160 homes on the site was granted in 2020 on behalf of government agency Homes England, which acquired the site to promote is use for housing. The Woodlands development from Genesis Homes, which will comprise a range of one to five bedroom houses, flats and bungalows including the conversion of Victorian building Cumberland House into six apartments, will preserve surrounding woodlands to encourage biodiversity to thrive. John Blue, the company’s Land Director, said: “Genesis Homes is committed to making all our developments as environmentally friendly as possible, and a main aim of ours is to enhance the biodiversity and ecology of the local area. “We are delighted to be able to create a distinctive, characterful housing development which is sensitively embedded within the existing landscape, and preserve the beautiful surrounding wooded areas.” The development will be located close to the proposed St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, an ambitious housing and economic development scheme planned to regenerate the local area. The St Cuthbert’s development, identified as one of 14 garden villages across the UK by the Government, proposes to construct thousands of new homes, create new employment opportunities, build new community facilities and improve local transport links. The Woodlands development will complement the garden village and provide a further boost for the community. John said: “There is a strong vision for regeneration in the area and plans to create a new market area locally, and we are excited to form a positive relationship with the nearby development to boost the community even further.” Thirty of the homes on the Woodlands development have been designated affordable housing to help local people onto the property ladder. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council is to refresh regeneration proposals for the former Central Retail Park. A report updating on the strategic redevelopment of the former Central Retail Park site will be heard on 14 December requesting approval for a new consultation to start in the New Year. The Council has refreshed a Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the former retail site that was previously agreed by the Council in 2020. The commitment remains to develop a flagship, highly sustainable commercial district that can attract new business and talent to the city, that will also promote social value and well-being. The Government Property Agency (GPA) is exploring options for delivering office solutions in Manchester, to meet the needs of various civil servant departments, which supports the Government’s commitment to locate more civil servants outside of London and support levelling up. Therefore, the new framework also responds to potential interest from the GPA to locate government offices on the site. “The former Central Retail Park is a key site and one of the final pieces of the puzzle in the long-term regeneration story of New Islington, which has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in the city. For decades the site has created a physical barrier between Great Ancoats Street and the growing community around New Islington Marina. Developing this site will create a new public link through to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and create a green space at the heart of the low-carbon commercial district,” said Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council. “We have a real opportunity to create a flagship, highly sustainable development of renown – and we would encourage people to take part in the consultation. A six-week consultation will begin in early January and we invite feedback around the proposals for site.” The overall vision of the refreshed Former Central Retail SRF is: • Create a high-quality, sustainable office district to bring the currently vacant former retail park back into use. • Create a range of new employment opportunities, including through the construction phase of the development project. Thousands of jobs are expected to be located at the site, many of which will be new employment opportunities to the city. • A new high-quality, green public space will be at the heart of the former retail site, creating a link between Great Ancoats Street to Cottonfield Park and the growing New Islington community behind. • New connections and routes will be created through the site from adjacent neighbourhoods. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
