Kier, with Joint Venture (JV) partners, McAvoy and Metek has been appointed to all six Lots of Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) new £10bn Offsite Construction Solutions (OCS) framework. The new framework replaces the existing modular building framework and will run for the next four years. Kier has created two unique
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m
The gap between record 2021 volumes and low 2022 volumes began to close in November, with imports resembling more regular winter totals. The disparity in total volumes between 2021 and 2022 was just 14% in November, compared to 22% in October and 21% in September. The reduced disparity between 2021
EKFB, a Joint Venture responsible for delivering works on the HS2 high speed railway running from London to the North-West, has improved the sustainability credentials of the project by choosing to use green construction innovators, Dura Products. The project will involve the installation of Dura Product’s eco-friendly kerbing solution, Durakerb
The final chapter for one of the UK’s great urban regeneration success stories has begun with the appointment of a team to market 7.6 acres of prime waterfront land. Liverpool City Council has procured Faithful+Gould as Development Manager, and BDP, as Architect, to lead on the design process for the
With a crucial vote fast approaching on the EU’s key piece of building legislation, a coalition representing 35 organisations is calling on politicians to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to eliminate carbon emissions from Europe’s building stock. Europe’s buildings account for around 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions.
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has broken ground at its Sherburn42 development, which will see the creation of 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing space in North Yorkshire. Sitting adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, the 37-acre scheme is being delivered by McLaren Construction Group
Energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, has been appointed by Cheshire West and Chester Council to transform a brownfield site in Winsford into 99 net zero carbon family homes. Equans has been granted planning consent to demolish and redevelop a former highways depot on Clough Lane, into a mixed-tenure development, where
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) will be writing to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning Rachel Maclean MP, highlighting the need to deliver Government’s planning reform and housebuilding priorities. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We look forward to working with the Minister, as we
Mace has been appointed to several major projects for Associated British Ports (ABP). It has been appointed through ABP’s Group Professional Services Framework and will provide a range of services, including project management, cost and commercial advisory, project support and site supervision. The consultancy arm of the business has won
Kier, with Joint Venture (JV) partners, McAvoy and Metek has been appointed to all six Lots of Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) new £10bn Offsite Construction Solutions (OCS) framework. The new framework replaces the existing modular building framework and will run for the next four years. Kier has created two unique JVs with external offsite manufacturing partners McAvoy and Metek, who are both experts in their method of construction, bringing high quality, innovative design, manufacturing and installation ability. The two JVs will allow Kier to deliver on every Lot in the OCS framework, which provides public sector organisations with all elements of offsite construction solutions, from design, fabrication, construction and installation, through to direct access to manufacturers. The OCS framework consists of six Lots. 3D Lots within the framework will be delivered by Kier McAvoy, and 2D Lots by Kier Metek. The Lots are: The appointment to the OCS framework builds on Kier’s award-winning cross-sector work in MMC and offsite construction, including HMP Five Wells prison, NHS Golden Jubilee surgical centre, Lewis Cubitt Square, as well as its innovative Choice Factory solution. Stuart Togwell, Group managing director at Kier Construction, said: “Building on the ambitions of the Construction Playbook of using MMC and offsite solutions to drive improvements is a core imperative for Kier, and securing a place on all Lots means we are well-placed to support the delivery of vital new infrastructure in the UK. “Our forward-thinking JVs with McAvoy and Metek will allow us to provide more capacity and high-quality end-to-end solutions for our public sector clients and to continue to deliver the best value through innovation across the wider industry.” Ron Clarke, CEO, McAvoy, from the Kier McAvoy consortium, said: “This is a significant milestone for McAvoy, and we are delighted to be combining our leading-edge, high-quality precision manufacturing capabilities with Kier’s scale and expertise. “We have been innovators and market leaders for more than 50 years. Our team is firmly focused on delivering consistently high-quality product and customer service across the UK and Ireland. “With significant experience of MMC we are very much focused on helping our clients meet their ESG goals. We look forward to working in partnership with Kier to deliver on that commitment within the OCS framework.” Oliver Rogan, managing director of Metek, from the Kier Metek consortium, said: “Winning this OCS framework has demonstrated the importance of working as a team. Metek and Kier have been working closely together for the past 12 months, driving a strategy to build projects in a more energy efficient and cost-effective manner, whilst maintaining the very highest health & safety standards. This ground-breaking collaboration unlocks Metek’s manufacturing and installation potential, whilst enabling us to grow, learn and develop alongside a formidable Kier team. “Here at Metek, we have been at the forefront of light steel framed Modern Methods of Construction for over 23 years. I feel that this new alliance is a game changer in terms of adding components to the manufacturing process. “Working with the Kier team on this bid has been inspiring and the whole Metek team are excited to be embarking on this journey and committed to delivering the key requirements of the agreement, whilst continuing to champion UK manufacturing.” Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2021/22, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £2.8 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m plan to deliver 1,100 affordable, modern homes in Oldham and surrounding areas between 2020 and 2026 – will transform the site where tower blocks, Crossbank House and Summervale House once stood at the top of Manchester Rd, Coldhurst. Following demolition of the ageing blocks last year, Caddick Construction is now readied to build FCHO’s £21m contemporary development of twenty-six houses – a mix of two, three and four-bedroom family houses – and 62 one and two-bedroom apartments to meet local housing need. All homes will be off gas, with a high energy performance rating, and use latest sustainable technologies including air source heat pumps and additional insulation to help residents save energy and money. The mixed tenure project will see 26 homes for shared ownership under FCHO’s Fabric Living brand, helping local people to get a foot on the housing ladder at an affordable price. Sixty two properties will be available for affordable rent – set at no more than 80% of the average local market rent. Properties for rent will be allocated in line with Oldham Council’s Allocations Policy. Plans for the West Vale site also include landscaped green spaces and a recreational zone with dedicated play area, providing a much-needed facility for younger children in the neighbourhood. Enabling works on site began in January this year and all new homes at the development are due for completion in winter 2024. Generating social value benefits throughout the new-build phase is a priority for the housing provider. FCHO and the contractor will be working with Oldham College to create training opportunities such as apprenticeships, work placements and T-level placements for local people over the life of the contract and adding further value by maximising local supply chain partners and carrying out wider community engagement. Joel Owen, FCHO’s Director of Development said: “We are very excited to be working with Caddick Construction to bring forward this exemplar scheme in such an important location in Oldham. “We’ve been on a journey with local people, businesses and organisations to get to this point and have worked hard to design a development that meets local need – providing a mix of affordable housing options, making home ownership possible for more people and leaving a positive legacy in the local community. “The build will set the benchmark for how we deliver great, high quality, sustainable homes that meet housing need today and are fit for the future and I look forward to works progressing.” Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction in the North West, added: “I take great pride in the news that Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver on the new build phase of this fantastic development. We look forward to building these much-needed new homes in Greater Manchester on behalf of First Choice Homes Oldham.” Councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Low Carbon and Coldhurst Ward councillor, said: “It is fantastic to reach another key milestone in bringing 88 new affordable and green homes to the West Vale site as First Choice Homes Oldham appoints Caddick Construction to deliver the project. “These new houses will provide much-needed homes for many families who are on the Council waiting list. “This will transform the site where the tower blocks once stood at the top of Manchester Road – and does so in a way that is considerate to the environment around us and leaves a positive legacy for future generations. “This is another development that will contribute to the Council’s, and borough’s, targets for carbon neutrality that we have in the Oldham Green New Deal Strategy and look forward to seeing the homes completed over the next 18 months to two years.” PRP Architect has designed the West Vale scheme and the professional team also includes Markhams as employer’s agent, Alan Johnston Partnership as structural engineering consultants, LeClardo as mechanical and electrical engineering consultants and Jensen Hughes as fire protection engineering consultants. As the West Vale development moves forward, FCHO is also investing in the region of £780k in investment works to its existing properties in the neighbourhood between now and 2025. A range of environmental improvements are underway, too. In the last 12 months the housing association has invested £9.5k on tree inspections, maintenance and planting, and a further £63.5k on clearing alleyways of rubbish and removing fly tipping, repairing and repainting fencing, and overhauling a disused communal garden behind Vale Drive. Read more about the West Vale development at www.fcho.co.uk/westvale Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The gap between record 2021 volumes and low 2022 volumes began to close in November, with imports resembling more regular winter totals. The disparity in total volumes between 2021 and 2022 was just 14% in November, compared to 22% in October and 21% in September. The reduced disparity between 2021 and 2022 was seen most clearly in the softwood category, where a 182,000m3 gap in October was reduced to 72,000m3 in November. Overall, imports in 2022 have been significantly lower than the records set last year, with totals from January to November 2.4 million m3 lower than the same period in 2021. Only hardwood has seen growth in 2022, up 13% compared to last year. TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “Totals in Q4 are beginning to resemble the levels of previous years, with the large disparity seen between 2022 and 2021 starting to close. “These more ‘regular’ volumes, however, are largely due to reduced winter demand in previous years rather than increased volumes this year, with the timber market often winding down for the festive season. “Overall, volumes have been low in 2022, with healthy stock levels and market uncertainty being reflected in this year’s import patterns. “Looking forward, 2023 is set to be another tricky year for the timber trade, with the CPA predicting reduced activity in crucial private housing and RM&I sectors. “The CPA has predicted a shallow recession in 2023, with demand likely to pick up again in 2024. “Demand for timber is also likely to increase significantly in the long-term, as the UK looks to reduce emissions in the built environment and achieve net zero by 2050.” Members can read the full statistics report here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EKFB, a Joint Venture responsible for delivering works on the HS2 high speed railway running from London to the North-West, has improved the sustainability credentials of the project by choosing to use green construction innovators, Dura Products. The project will involve the installation of Dura Product’s eco-friendly kerbing solution, Durakerb at the A43 overbridge in Brackley, Northamptonshire, which will ultimately reduce the overall environmental impact of HS2 and increase positive CO2e recovery. Made from 88% recycled polymers, each Durakerb unit is lightweight and recyclable, providing a safer, greener, faster and easier solution to kerbing that will save the overall HS2 project over 30,000kg of carbon per kilometre installed. Not only that, it aligns with the overall EKFB commitment to protect the environment and create a sustainable legacy. The 1.1km installation is part of a three-year road diversion while construction of the network continues. However, thanks to Dura Product’s ‘Hire, Reclaim and Reuse’ scheme, the units have potential for an extended life following the project demolition in 2025. The modular light structure prevents damage, allowing units to be reclaimed and re-installed as part of different projects, helping the construction industry innovatively tackle waste and enable a circular economy. Steve Bennett, Managing Director of Dura Products has commented “It has been inspiring to work alongside contractors who share the same passion for reducing environmental impacts in the construction industry as we do. Also, it is great to see companies take advantage of our ‘Hire, Reclaim and Reuse’ scheme which aims to tackle demolition waste during temporary projects, in addition to extending the life cycle of our Durakerb units. We are proud to produce and distribute products which cater to this evolving demand. “Durakerb continues to provide a safe, efficient and greener alternative to traditional kerbing methods. Since 2003 we have been dedicated to providing forward-thinking solutions which are kind to the environment, and it is exciting to see the construction industry finally taking notice of this important issue.” Since it was established in 2003, Dura Products has delivered 400,000 Durakerb units saving over 11 million kilograms of carbon. The sustainable construction innovators continue to show their dedication to manufacturing products designed to reduce carbon and climate impacts. Dura Products also offers lightweight green combined kerbing and drainage solutions, Duradrain and Durachannel, to provide a circular method for roadbuilding and managing surface run-off. EFKB, a collaboration of four leading construction and civil engineering companies, specialises in enabling railway construction projects from design to installation and maintenance. The company has been appointed to deliver an 80km section of the HS2 network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The final chapter for one of the UK’s great urban regeneration success stories has begun with the appointment of a team to market 7.6 acres of prime waterfront land. Liverpool City Council has procured Faithful+Gould as Development Manager, and BDP, as Architect, to lead on the design process for the future development of seven plots on King’s Dock, all of which adjoin the award-winning ACC Liverpool complex. The appointment comes 15 years after the M&S Bank Arena opened on the dock to officially launch Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture. The venue has gone on to scoop numerous awards as an exemplar for brownfield regeneration. As well as the 11,000-seat capacity arena, which is set to host Eurovision 2023 in May, King’s Dock now also hosts a convention centre – which includes a 1,350-seat conference auditorium – and the 8,100 sqm Exhibition Centre Liverpool, as well as a 1,450 space multi-storey car park, central public plaza, 1,800 residential housing units, and two 3-star plus hotels, along with the 4-star luxury Pullman Liverpool Hotel. The masterplan has been made possible thanks to a £1 million loan from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which will be repaid from proceeds arising from the King’s Dock site sales. Liverpool City Council has now set a brief for the team to follow these schemes by outlining a residential-led, mixed-use development of international standard in design and sustainability, with the potential for a major cultural and/or leisure venue. As part of a two-year process, the King’s Dock Development Team will undertake investigations and review all existing surveys of the site, which includes the former car park which was demolished after a fire on New Year’s Eve in 2017. The team will also be asked to create a masterplan and development programme, undertake extensive consultations with the local community and stakeholders before looking to secure outline planning permission, as well as marketing the opportunity to the highest quality and most aligned investors. The City Council’s brief also requires the creation of a design code centred around an ecosystem-based approach which respects the heritage of the Dock, increases the overall biodiversity connectivity, and inclusivity of the waterfront. The masterplan and development will be in accordance with the council’s social value policy to deliver best value for the tax payer. Peter Jackson, North West Head of Property at Faithful+Gould said: “This is such an important development for the city of Liverpool and wider North West region as this final stage will deliver on multiple fronts for residents living and working here. “At Faithful+Gould we are passionate about projects that deliver real social value on the ground and the King’s Dock regeneration has social value at its core. We will also be drawing on our wide-ranging expertise in development management to support the client’s ambitions and ensure sustainability is locked in at every stage.” KING’S DOCK – THE FINAL CHAPTER: The Process There are four key stages to the development of the final development sites at King’s Dock: 1. Procurement – to secure the relevant experts to act for the City Council. 2. Master planning and development planning – to secure the relevant permissions. 3. Disposals on the open market based on the outline plans approved by the Local Planning Authority (LPA). 4. The development of planned sites by carefully selected developers. Councillor Sarah Doyle, Cabinet Member for Development and Economy, said: “This site marks the final chapter in the regeneration of the King’s Dock site and as such is a unique opportunity for Liverpool to create a world-leading waterfront development, rooted in quality and defined by sustainability. “The regeneration of King’s Dock over the past 15 years has been of the UK’s great urban success stories and the creation of the ACC Liverpool complex has generated billions of pounds for the city’s economy and showcased Liverpool to the world, be it the MTV Music Europe Awards in 2008, to Eurovision this May. “I’m delighted we’ve appointed such a talented and experienced team to deliver this first phase in this development. There is a huge amount of work to be done and it needs to be carefully plotted out with the full engagement of local residents and stakeholders. “The next two years will define the rest of the century for this site – and we need to ensure any scheme that comes forward is environmentally, socially and economically viable. Given the success to date of King’s Dock, the bar is already very high to deliver something truly significant, that will sustain our economy and environment for decades to come and it marks the start of a new chapter in brownfield regeneration.” Mark Braund, Architect Director and head of BDP’s Liverpool Studio said: “This is one of the best sites along the waterfront of Liverpool, it offers huge potential to the city and the wider region. “The King’s Dock is a place that has a diverse context, from performance venue to historic docks, residential neighbourhoods and creative districts. We feel proud to be helping Liverpool shape the vision and masterplan and we are looking forward to engaging with the community over the coming months to help shape the future of the site.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “There’s a reason that hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Liverpool’s waterfront every year – because there’s nowhere else that can match its diverse mix of culture, entertainment and leisure experiences. Even though it’s already a massive contributor to our region’s visitor economy, the council’s ambition for the future of King’s Dock is testament to the strong recovery the city’s tourism sector has made in the wake of the pandemic and associated lockdowns. “We know that a strong city is vital for a strong city region – which is why we’re investing £1m to support the regeneration of King’s Dock, helping to create new jobs, new training opportunities and, hopefully, to act as a catalyst for further investment in the area. I’m really looking forward to
With a crucial vote fast approaching on the EU’s key piece of building legislation, a coalition representing 35 organisations is calling on politicians to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to eliminate carbon emissions from Europe’s building stock. Europe’s buildings account for around 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions. Currently, EU policy only addresses the operational emissions of buildings but to support total decarbonisation of the EU building stock, policy must evolve to cover both operational and embodied emissions, known as Whole Life Carbon. Without addressing both sources of emissions it is inconceivable that the EU will be able to achieve its climate targets. This is why WorldGBC has convened a coalition of 35 built environment stakeholder groups, representing over 5,000 organisations from across the building value chain, to call for high level ambition as Parliamentary negotiations on the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) enter their final stage. This morning the coalition published an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) to support an ambitious revision of the EPBD in the upcoming vote this Thursday 9 February and support measures that will: The coalition’s message is clear – by supporting a high level of ambition MEPs will deliver a more prosperous future for all EU citizens. This is not only limited to the climate benefits of more sustainable buildings, but the social and economic benefits of tackling energy poverty and the creation of up to 3.3 million green jobs annually, whilst boosting local communities. Widespread industry support for Whole Life Carbon policy This letter comes amid growing political and industry support for policy that tackles the Whole Life Carbon impact of buildings. In 2022 WorldGBC launched an EU Whole Life Carbon Roadmap for the building sector, with the support of a coalition of over 35 leading industry bodies. This has been complemented by national Whole Life Carbon roadmaps developed by ten Green Building Councils across Europe, with input from over 600 experts and organisations. These EU and national roadmaps were developed as part of the #BuildingLife project, which has also seen over 150 leaders publicly declare their commitment to policy addressing Whole Life Carbon in buildings, including nine Members of European Parliament. WorldGBC and its coalition of stakeholders keenly awaits the vote of the ITRE Committee on the EPBD on 9 February. Cristina Gamboa, CEO, WorldGBC: “With this open letter we are witnessing a clear consensus. Europe’s building sector is ready for a truly ambitious revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. “Buildings are a key agent of change as Europe undergoes the transition to a decarbonised society. This is ever more important as Europe grapples with geopolitical uncertainties undermining energy security, and price rises driving a cost-of-living crisis. “Politicians must seize the opportunity to support the transition away from inefficient practices, increase the EU’s autonomy and provide energy security for the most vulnerable households, whilst creating green jobs and boosting local economies. “Our #BuildingLife project has proved that industry and policymakers are ready and willing for the deep collaboration needed to eliminate carbon emissions from Europe’s building stock. “Our sector is ready for bolder action, and Members of European Parliament should be too.” Tina Paillet, RICS President Elect: “The EPBD is a critical piece of EU legislation in the combat against climate change and for RICS Europe its revision is an opportunity not to be missed. “RICS encourages the EU to ensure that new buildings and refurbishments will be required to be both energy and carbon efficient over their whole life cycles, as well as contribute to the uptake of the circular economy in the construction sector. “The RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment Professional Statement provides a standard approach for assessing WLC across a project lifecycle.” Ruth Schagemann, President, Architects’ Council of Europe: “Architects need an ambitious and level playing field across the EU when it comes to whole life carbon, to grow skills and the local production of materials and products needed to support a just transition to a circular economy. “The revision of the EPBD is a unique opportunity to set a clear trajectory for the next decades for a comprehensive decarbonisation of the EU building stock. Embodied carbon from construction materials is a significant part of the whole-life carbon emissions from the construction and buildings sector. “To operate as a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 it is essential that current emissions from construction make buildings more resilient in the next 20 years, reducing the need for future retrofit, and contribute to the transition towards a circular economy. To do this, we must enable built environment professionals to significantly reduce the embodied carbon of building materials and construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has broken ground at its Sherburn42 development, which will see the creation of 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing space in North Yorkshire. Sitting adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, the 37-acre scheme is being delivered by McLaren Construction Group and will be ready for occupation from Q3 2023. Comprising four highly specified Grade-A industrial units, ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq ft, Sherburn42 will be accredited by the UK Green Building Council for its net-zero carbon construction, with a design that looks to help occupiers reach their own operational sustainability targets. Rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and ‘WELL-ready’, the enhanced specification also features full PV coverage and LED lighting to offices, in addition to existing and future EV charging capabilities. Benefiting from up to 4MvA power, plans include eaves heights of 15m to haunch, 11 ground-level access doors and 633 parking spaces. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn, said: “It is great to see work now underway to deliver this market-leading development, which we believe will offer a smart and sustainable solution for businesses looking to expand their operations. “With excellent transport links across road, rail and sea, we look forward to bringing this scheme forward with McLaren over the next six months, as we work to further enhance connectivity within the region, boost the local economy, and improve the availability of modern and sustainable warehousing solutions across the UK.” Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, commented: “We are delighted to be starting works on-site at the Sherburn42 development, which will provide fantastic opportunities for the region’s workforce. We are excited to be building a long-lasting relationship with forward-thinking developers, Firethorn, working closely together to deliver this landmark logistics warehousing project in the North Yorkshire region.” “The four high-quality Grade-A industrial units will create an attractive, fit for purpose, sustainable workspace for multi-national distributors and ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises. This is our first Net Zero Carbon build with Firethorn, and alongside liaising closely with our supply chain to ensure that the most sustainable materials are being specified, the project team is working hard to reduce the embodied carbon in the project, to ensure our client’s offset payment is as low as possible.” The scheme’s close proximity to junction 42 A1 (M) provides direct connections to Leeds, the M1, M62 and coastal ports of Hull and Grimsby, as well as a number of regional rail stations and airports. Enquiries should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents: Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton, and Carter Towler. For more information on Sherburn42, please visit https://sherburn42.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, has been appointed by Cheshire West and Chester Council to transform a brownfield site in Winsford into 99 net zero carbon family homes. Equans has been granted planning consent to demolish and redevelop a former highways depot on Clough Lane, into a mixed-tenure development, where homes will be delivered with high environmental credentials and designed to meet net zero carbon status. Recognising both the climate emergency and cost of living crisis, the development will also provide in-use zero-carbon housing to future homes standard. This means that the new homes will not be connected to the gas network and will instead be equipped with energy-efficient insulation and heated by a low-carbon heating source such as an air source heat pump together with solar PV panels. A new pedestrian and cycle access onto Weaver Street will also enhance the connectivity and legibility of the development, encouraging sustainable travel. This builds on Equans’ presence in the area, with the developer already working on two low-carbon housing developments in Winsford. One of these – Wharton Green – is seeing 138 two, three and four-bedroom homes, constructed along with improvements to local highway infrastructure and a community open space. Five of these homes are set to be zero-carbon, a pilot which Equans will roll out across all 99 homes on the Phoenix scheme. Steven Gregory, Regional Director at Equans, said: “We’re delighted that planning permission has been awarded for this exciting scheme as it’s our first 100% in-use zero carbon homes project. It’s a pleasure to see our good work continue in Winsford and surrounding areas and to also support the Council in meeting their sustainability targets. “All stakeholders have worked collaboratively and enthusiastically to move this scheme on and I can’t wait for it to get underway.” The scheme will be undertaken with Equans as the lead contractor, in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Torus. Demolition will start on 6th March this year, and the build is anticipated to complete in May 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) will be writing to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning Rachel Maclean MP, highlighting the need to deliver Government’s planning reform and housebuilding priorities. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We look forward to working with the Minister, as we did with her predecessors to continue building a stronger planning system for the future. “The RTPI has worked tirelessly to help shape planning reform to benefit local communities and unlock economic, environmental and societal opportunities. The Housing Minister has been an important ally in achieving those goals. “However, like many others, we are concerned that the high turnover of Ministers in such a fundamentally important role, to deliver the homes the nation so desperately needs, risks undermining the urgency of the situation, and does not tally with the recognition by the Government in its Levelling Up White Paper for a strong planning system. “Now, more than ever, we need consistency in our leadership as we progress through the National Planning Policy Framework consultations and edge closer to the Levelling U and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Asset. We hope that Rachel Maclean MP brings the strong leadership and consistency to the position and as ever, offer our assistance in helping to inform decision-making. “We believe that, by working together with the Housing Minister, we can continue to build a strong planning system for communities and businesses to thrive throughout the country, whilst delivering on the Government’s ambitions for achieving net zero.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace has been appointed to several major projects for Associated British Ports (ABP). It has been appointed through ABP’s Group Professional Services Framework and will provide a range of services, including project management, cost and commercial advisory, project support and site supervision. The consultancy arm of the business has won work on a number of professional services contracts for schemes across ABP, including at the ports of Immingham, Southampton, Lowestoft and Plymouth, as well as a further project in Newport in Wales. “It’s been an exciting time for our ports team, with these latest wins marking a sizeable expansion in our portfolio. Our team will combine their practical delivery experience in the transportation sector with localised knowledge to provide fresh thinking to deliver the projects successfully. We are looking forward to playing our part in delivering these projects which will leave a lasting positive legacy for their users and wider communities,” said Sean Gray, Director of Transportation, Mace. Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro (roll-on roll-off) terminal in North East Lincolnshire is a major project involving the construction of a new Ro-Ro facility within the eastern side of the port, which will include the creation of two new harbour berths. On this project, which is set to complete in 2025, Mace will provide contract administration, cost management and scheduling services. Once complete, the works will allow increase capacity between the UK’s east coast and continental Europe, predominantly for the freight market, giving more options and supply chain resilience for British businesses. The Port of Southampton project focuses on the expansion of the existing container-to-rail facility in the Western Docks, taking more trucks off the road, reducing emissions and improving air quality. The project will involve an expansion of the existing rail terminal at the dock alongside extending the existing rail loading platform. The finished project will include new access points for HGVs and new site offices at one of the UK’s largest ports. Here Mace’s work will include project management, scheduling, cost management, contract administration and site supervision. Mace’s work at the Port of Lowestoft, otherwise known as the LEEF (Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility) project, will focus on the redevelopment of the Suffolk port’s Outer Harbour. This redevelopment will support offshore windfarms by providing an additional three service operation vessel berths and six crew transfer vessel berths, alongside six acres of land to support the operations and maintenance stages servicing the offshore energy industry. The project positions Lowestoft as a key hub for handling larger, greener vessels together with growing more good jobs. On this project, Mace will provide contract administration, cost management and scheduling services. Additionally, the win on Millbay Ferry terminal in Plymouth will involve delivering a RIBA Stage 3 developed design for the terminal facilities, with upgrades agreed to improve the older existing infrastructure. Mace will provide contract administration, cost management and scheduling services to provide new facilities, aimed to improve the experience of the terminal’s users. The project at Millbay includes creating a new passenger boarding bridge system to connect vessels with the terminal building, updating the existing Ro-Ro ramp and refurbishing part of the historic West Wharf to support ferry operation activities. The upgrades will have a significant impact as part of wider plans to make the facility a key strategic port and cruise terminal with the ability to handle more international freight. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
