National housing association, Accent Housing, has appointed Office Principles North to deliver its new collaborative workplace in Peterborough. The leading interior design consultancy will fit out 7,000 sq ft of office space at WestPoint, an award-winning Grade A building at Peterborough Business Park. The new office has been designed to
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in three hundred solar-powered lighting towers manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist, Trime. The company has chosen to invest in Trime X-Solar lighting towers to meet the growing demand from their customers for emission-free equipment. The investment supports
WernerCo, the world’s leading manufacturer of ladders and access equipment, announces its continued support to the No Falls Foundation and pledges its ongoing support of their initiatives to encourage safety and risk awareness when working at height. After initially becoming a Gold Sponsor in 2021, WernerCo will continue its
New office for M&G plc sets the standard for sustainable development in Stirling Stirling Development Agency Limited’s (SDA’s) recently completed development at Kildean Business Park has been short-listed for the 2023 Scottish Property Awards in the commercial development of the year category. The £22.4 million bespoke office building was developed
Pre-construction work has officially started on the multi-million-pound planetarium at Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Leading midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed through Scape’s Beyond the Public Sector framework to complete pre-construction design and planning, with the state-of-the-art centre expected to be completed and fully
Last week, the UK Government charged a dedicated energy department with bringing down electricity and gas bills. The Department for Energy and Net Zero will work to reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources, giving the UK more secure and cleaner energy supplies whilst simultaneously cutting emissions. Simon Pinkney, director
Lothian Pension Fund has acquired Corstorphine Retail Park from Hunter Real Estate Investment Management for £16.265 million. The park has recently undergone extensive redevelopment with new lettings secured to Lidl and The Gym Group, with further lease re-gears to McDonalds, Pets at Home and Cancer Research giving an average lease
HS2 yesterday confirmed that traditional Warwickshire ‘ironstone’ will be used to clad the piers supporting the high speed railway’s new Oxford Canal Viaduct as a nod to the canal’s architectural heritage after engaging with the local community. Set low in the landscape, three concrete spans will carry the railway 62.5m
Sodexo has secured a new £3.3 million a year, five year extension to its catering and FM services contract with TriRx Pharmaceuticals Services in Speke, Liverpool. Sodexo has been the catering and FM partner at the Speke site since 2012, the facility was acquired by TriRx Pharmaceuticals in February 2022.
Casinos have been a source of entertainment to people all over the world for centuries – and this is particularly true for the UK. While advances in technology have seen the development of online casinos and real-time gambling, landmark casinos remain popular. Some of the most iconic casinos in the
National housing association, Accent Housing, has appointed Office Principles North to deliver its new collaborative workplace in Peterborough. The leading interior design consultancy will fit out 7,000 sq ft of office space at WestPoint, an award-winning Grade A building at Peterborough Business Park. The new office has been designed to function as a ‘community hub’ and will contain a variety of settings to promote inclusivity through different ways of working. Visitors to the space will be greeted by a welcome lounge which flows through to a large, open plan tech hub area, occupying the centre of the space. It will be complemented by bookable deskspace, workbays, high tables and hot benching areas for informal meetings, with several flexible meeting and training room spaces, a boardroom and private meeting booths. Employees will benefit from the creation of a cafe area to support team working and socialising, with a central dining table, island unit and bench seating. There will also be a large emphasis on wellness, with a design that maximises natural daylight and includes features such as a wellbeing room and extensive use of biophilia. The workplace will be connected through a neutral colour palette and the use of branding to create a sense of identity and belonging. The seven-week project is expected to be completed in March 2023. Tina Batham, joint managing director of Office Principles North, said: “Accent Housing does such a brilliant job in providing homes for others but this project is all about creating a central ‘home’ for its people. “Collaboration is at the heart of every thriving workplace and has become especially important for companies that have adopted hybrid working. Our design will deliver a multipurpose space with high-quality acoustics, which works as well for those handling customer queries, as it does for people calling into the office for a meeting.” Sarah Ireland, executive director of strategy & growth at Accent, said: “We are delighted to be working with Office Principles North on our new Peterborough office. The office design considers our Accent values and branding at its core, providing an inspirational and flexible working environment for our staff as we embrace modern ways of working.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in three hundred solar-powered lighting towers manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist, Trime. The company has chosen to invest in Trime X-Solar lighting towers to meet the growing demand from their customers for emission-free equipment. The investment supports Sunbelt Rentals’ commitment to their action plan ‘Our Planet’ as the X-Solar sets provide a more environmentally focussed solution with zero emissions and zero fuel usage. The main attribute which attracted Sunbelt Rentals to the Trime X-Solar Lights is their reliability. This ensures that all users will receive emission-free lighting 365 days a year in all conditions. In addition, Sunbelt Rentals’ clients have commented on the ease of operation and low maintenance requirements that the X-Solar lights provide. As of January 2023, Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland have over 2000 Trime lighting towers in their lighting fleet. This fleet consists of various other Trime models including X-Chain, X-Hybrid Solar, X-Hybrid, and X-Eco. The Trime X-Solar lights will be deployed on construction sites and outside events throughout the UK and Ireland. These include extremely remote sites such as the Highlands of Scotland. The X-Solar is fitted with four 60-watt energy-saving LED lamps fitted to a fully galvanised 8.5-metre mast. The X-Solar delivers a light coverage of 2000 square metres and the compact dimensions of the X-Solar mean that four units can be loaded onto one single truck. This helps to reduce the amount of traffic arriving at a site. The build of the X-Solar is robust, with galvanized metal works, and an 80 µm powder coating finish, making it ideally suited for a wide range of markets. For safe handling and efficient manoeuvrability, the frame of the X-Solar is fitted with forklift pockets and a central lifting eye. Safety is also heightened by the AMOSS security system, which automatically lowers the mast if the lighting set is moved whilst the mast is still erected. Unlike many lighting towers on the market, this device is included as standard on the X-Solar machine. Commenting on this new investment, Dave Harris, Sunbelt Rentals Sales, and Marketing Director said “We believe that the Trime Lighting products are the best in the market. This investment highlights the commitment that Sunbelt Rentals is making to provide our customers with equipment that is not only built for purpose but also helping reduce emission outputs and impact on Our Planet.” Sunbelt Rentals has made a short video on the use and setup of the Trime X-SOLAR; this video can be viewed below…. Trime has its’ headquarters in Cassinetta di Lugagnano, near Milan, Italy, and operates two production facilities. One is based in Cassinetta adjacent to their head office, and a further facility is situated near Pavia, just south of Milan. Aside from its lighting tower range, the company also manufactures a wide range of water-recycling wash bays and dust suppression products. Trime UK is based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Sunbelt Rentals is the UK’s largest equipment rental provider, with 200 depots throughout the UK and Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WernerCo, the world’s leading manufacturer of ladders and access equipment, announces its continued support to the No Falls Foundation and pledges its ongoing support of their initiatives to encourage safety and risk awareness when working at height. After initially becoming a Gold Sponsor in 2021, WernerCo will continue its sponsorship of the charity, which is the first within the industry to offer advice and guidance to those working at height, including providing support to those who have been affected by falls from height. When falls from height account for 38,000 non-fatal injuries to workers each year – 40% of which were made up of falls from ladders in 2022 – the No Falls Foundation’s work remains as vital as ever as it aims to provide a greater level of prevention and awareness for those working at height. Justin White, Managing Director for WernerCo UK, said: “Our shared mission with the No Falls Foundation of raising awareness of the accident rates and educating users on working at height safety remains a priority for both organisations and in turn makes it an ideal charity for us to support. “We look forward to our ongoing relationship and hope that our collaboration will continue to strive to make a difference to the number of incidents that are reported each year.” Hannah Williams, Charity Manager of the No Falls Foundation, said: “We are delighted that WernerCo will be continuing their Gold Sponsorship of our Supporter Scheme.” “It is thanks to commitment from such organisations that we are allowed to undertake a broad range of research, provide assistance to individuals in need and further our work in combatting falls from height. We look forward to continuing our partnership with WernerCo in 2023.” WernerCo prides itself in providing safe work at height equipment that goes through rigorous testing and meets all latest safety standards. Its recent campaign, Stepping up to Ladder safety, was launched in 2022 in order to help professionals take proactive steps towards safe working practices, and offers a range of guides demonstrating how to use access equipment safely; how to choose the right ladder for the job; and practical training courses. To find out more information on WernerCo’s range of access solutions, training available and Ladder Safety Guides, visit: www.wernerco.com/uk For more information on the No Falls Foundation, please visit: https://nofallsfoundation.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New office for M&G plc sets the standard for sustainable development in Stirling Stirling Development Agency Limited’s (SDA’s) recently completed development at Kildean Business Park has been short-listed for the 2023 Scottish Property Awards in the commercial development of the year category. The £22.4 million bespoke office building was developed for M&G plc in Stirling. Providing 77,380 sq ft of Grade A office space across three floors, this striking landmark building sets the standard for sustainable office development in Stirling and the central belt of Scotland. Built on a six-acre riverside site, close to the entrance of Kildean Business Park at junction 10 of the M9, the building has panoramic views towards Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. The building has been designed to BCO 2019 standards, accredited ‘BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has achieved an EPC ‘B’ rating. It was constructed with sustainability and well-being firmly in mind, with all-electric infrastructure and VRF air conditioning. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, a number of the bespoke design features allow for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, energy waste and energy consumption, including enhanced thermal insulation and next-generation air source heat pump technology to maximise efficiency. By using point of use domestic hot water heaters, low energy equipment, LED lighting on all floors and high-performance building materials, the property will enable M&G to reduce their environmental footprint. The design of the development makes use of natural light-filled spaces and offers 100% ventilated fresh air delivered to the working environment via heat-recovery air handling units to support the health and well-being of staff. Set in a beautiful riverside location on the banks of the River Forth, the building offers a safe and secure, green and sustainable environment that also features outdoor meeting and eating areas, along with an outdoor exercise zone, a pilates area and raised bed gardens for the staff gardening club. Externally, there are 280 car parking spaces, including 62 EV charging bays, on-site coach parking, 88 covered and secure bike racks plus locker spaces with changing and shower facilities. David Lawrence, Head of Strategic Projects, Europe at Cromwell Property Group and SDA Board Member said: “Our vision is to create an environmentally friendly business park offering sustainable workspace within a green landscape. The new office building is a great example of our collaborative approach to development and commitment to sustainability. “It is another major step forward in the on-going growth of Kildean Business Park and we are hugely honoured for it to be short-listed for this award. “The new building will offer a contemporary and modern working environment, but crucially all set within a highly sustainable office, with significantly reduced operational energy demand. This is of particular importance given the environmental benefits of reduced energy consumption. Stephen Brewer, Project Director of Michael Laird Architects said: “This development has created a new landmark for Stirling. Sustainability has been a core focus during the design and development of this project, to meet occupier requirements for low emissions and a reduction in environmental footprint through careful material specification and high-quality construction of the external envelope to meet and exceed minimum standards for insulation and airtightness. “Strong rustic brick and metallic bronze-coloured windows combine to create a contemporary Scottish aesthetic in this magnificent setting. “Completing this project is a significant milestone and we are very proud of the sustainability credentials it has achieved.” Craig Watson, Director of JLL said: “Kildean is one of the most sustainable and green business parks in Scotland. We anticipate that it will be an attractive prospect for many occupiers due to the high specification, strong environmental credentials and excellent connectivity.” The journey for the successful completion of this project started at the end of 2019 and continued during the pandemic in 2020, with planning submitted at the end of May 2020. Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc completed a £22.4 million forward funding agreement with SDA in January 2021 and the pre-let off plan 20-year lease of the office building to M&G plc was agreed and construction commenced in February 2021. Practical completion of CAT A and CAT B was achieved in May 2022, with tenant CAT C in August 2022. Kildean Business Park is just 35 minutes away from Glasgow / Edinburgh and easily accessible by the M80 and M9 motorways ensuring all that Scotland has to offer is close at hand. Designed as a high quality, environmentally sensitive development, the masterplan is capable of delivering more than 400,000 sq ft (37,161 sq m) of new Grade A office accommodation. The size and use of the individual buildings can be tailored to suit specific requirements, subject to planning. JLL is letting agent for SDA at Kildean Business Park. Further information on other opportunities at the park can be found HERE The full list of those short-listed for the 2023 Scottish Property Awards can be found HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pre-construction work has officially started on the multi-million-pound planetarium at Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Leading midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed through Scape’s Beyond the Public Sector framework to complete pre-construction design and planning, with the state-of-the-art centre expected to be completed and fully operational by autumn 2024. Working alongside SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has enabled the client to accelerate the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson. The development will transform a disused underground Victorian reservoir, which was dug in the 1880s, into an education centre for school and group visits, and will feature an exhibition hall, classrooms, a café and meeting rooms, as well as the state-of-the-art planetarium. The reservoir will have a new structure built above it, to increase the useable space and transform the existing structure into a habitable and unique building. The scheme aims to inspire interest and careers in STEM learning, as well as increasing footfall to the local area. Plans were submitted to Ashfield District Council by Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, in November, following aspirations to increase annual visitor numbers from 3,000 to 20,000. Funds for the project have recently been awarded through a contribution of £3.1 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund Round 2. Further funds were also secured through the council’s £62.6 million Towns Fund. Craig Stopper, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to have been chosen as the main contractor, by Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, to lead on such an exciting and unique project, and what promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational attraction. “The multi-million-pound scheme will attract thousands of visitors to the region and raise not only awareness of the local area and the history of the site, but STEM career opportunities for future generations. We very much look forward to bringing the vision for this planetarium to life.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The Sherwood Observatory will not only breathe new life into the local community but will provide exceptional social value by inspiring interest in STEM learning careers. “We are, therefore, delighted to be working closely on such a special project with our partner, G F Tomlinson and Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, via our SCAPE Beyond the Public Sector Framework. Our delivery teams will be instrumental in ensuring efficiency, time and cost savings throughout.” Dr Steve Wallace at Sherwood Observatory said: “We have been eagerly anticipating this moment for several years and it’s great to have reached the point where we are able have G F Tomlinson join the team. We believe that the young people in our area should be afforded the same opportunities for extracurricular enrichment as those from more affluent areas. “The new Centre greatly increase the capacity of the observatory, to deliver outreach, and will help to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers from across the region, thereby supporting jobs growth and prosperity.” Cllr Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration and corporate transformation, said: “This is such a fantastic project that will help supercharge the astronomical society’s brilliant work on engaging young minds with STEM subjects, lighting a fire in our next generation of scientists and engineers. “It’s one of the many interconnected projects – covering health and wellbeing, tourism, skills and jobs and urban regeneration – that are coming to Ashfield over the next few years as part of our ambitious regeneration programme to turn around decades of neglect. These projects will benefit not just Ashfield but the broader region too. Yet another great reason to Discover Ashfield.” To find out more about G F Tomlinson and its projects, please visit: https://gftomlinson.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last week, the UK Government charged a dedicated energy department with bringing down electricity and gas bills. The Department for Energy and Net Zero will work to reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources, giving the UK more secure and cleaner energy supplies whilst simultaneously cutting emissions. Simon Pinkney, director of offering manager at Honeywell, welcomes the Government’s move and comments on what else needs to be considered. “Given rising energy bills, it is great to see the Government take a proactive approach in assigning the energy department to address this issue. Energy consumption is a growing concern for businesses worldwide driven by sustainability targets and, more recently, as energy costs create a burden on the operations of many organisations in the UK. “Indeed, the UK Government implemented a cap on wholesale business energy bills starting late last year, but it is essential that businesses take steps to reduce their energy usage. Whilst many energy managers start with larger scale or longer-term efficiency projects, like modernising heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to improving building insulation, these efforts typically come with sizeable upfront investments that may not be achievable with smaller budgets. “One of the most overlooked ways of reducing energy usage is by addressing small power usage, which relates to the volume of power consumed by plugged-in devices. In any commercial building, there can be hundreds of electrical devices, such as computers, printers, water coolers and fridges which collectively account for a significant percentage of a building’s energy use. Data indicates that small power can account for up to 25% of energy in a minimally efficient building. “Most buildings lack the capabilities to monitor and control small power, but new technologies now make it possible to connect electrical sockets to the building management systems, enabling constant insights and control of small power loads, socket temperature, and more. Energy managers need this level of visibility in their buildings to accurately assess opportunities to lower site energy consumption. It’s critical that energy managers do what they can to drive down building energy use in as quick and cost-effective way possible. The cumulative benefit of addressing small power can deliver on this and make buildings safer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lothian Pension Fund has acquired Corstorphine Retail Park from Hunter Real Estate Investment Management for £16.265 million. The park has recently undergone extensive redevelopment with new lettings secured to Lidl and The Gym Group, with further lease re-gears to McDonalds, Pets at Home and Cancer Research giving an average lease length in excess of 18 years. Lothian Pension Fund was advised by Lismore Real Estate Advisors, Hunter was advised by Sheridan Keane. Commenting on the retail warehousing sector, Chris Macfarlane, director of Lismore said: “Towards the end of 2022 and into this year we have seen retail warehousing yields soften, but those parks anchored by food stores and also with an element of drive-thru, located in strong urban catchments, remain robust and still offer good value.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 yesterday confirmed that traditional Warwickshire ‘ironstone’ will be used to clad the piers supporting the high speed railway’s new Oxford Canal Viaduct as a nod to the canal’s architectural heritage after engaging with the local community. Set low in the landscape, three concrete spans will carry the railway 62.5m across the canal, towpath and a country lane near the village of Wormleighton close to the border between Warwickshire and West Northants. Local ironstone will be used to face the piers and abutments that face onto the towpath and passing canal boats. Tough and hardwearing, the warm-brown stone been a feature of local buildings for hundreds of years and gets its name from the small quantities of iron ore contained within it. As part of the design process, local residents were given a choice of smooth concrete finish or a rough-cut masonry finish for the viaduct piers – with the majority opting for ironstone. As well as using local stone, the viaduct has been designed to be as open as possible to improve the environment for boaters and walkers, allowing views across the landscape and the horizon. The design combines a simple overall form with a special focus on materials for the parts of the structure that are close to the canal and its visitors. Opened in stages between 1774 and 1790, the 75 mile long Oxford Canal is one of the oldest in Britain and was designed to bring coal from the Coventry coalfields to Oxford and the River Thames. HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager, Paul Cooper said: “The construction of the first canals revolutionised transportation and helped to build the country we live in today so it’s fitting that our contemporary design includes a nod back to those eighteenth-century pioneers.” “Once complete, HS2 will transform journeys across the UK, help to boost the economy and support the UK’s transition to net zero. But it’s also important that key structures like the Oxford Canal Viaduct are sensitive to their location, which is why we were keen to involve the community in key decisions, like the design of the viaduct piers.” Construction of the HS2 project – which is designed to improve rail links between London, Birmingham and North, help level-up the economy and provide a zero carbon alternative to car and air travel – is ramping up across the UK with almost 30,000 jobs now supported by the project. The Oxford Canal Viaduct is one of 15 viaducts and bridges across the central section of the HS2 route which is being designed by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial and Bam Nuttall – working with architects Moxon and design partners ASC – a team made up of Arcadis, Setec and Cowi. EKFB’s Interface and Stakeholder Director, Simon Matthews said: “The Oxford Canal You Said We Did community event is a prime example of how HS2, EKFB and its designers worked alongside the local community to further enhance the exterior appearance of the viaduct’s supporting piers and abutments. “The local stone detail reflects the canal’s original architectural characteristics which enriches and remains in keeping with its surrounding area. “EKFB is pleased with the outcome from the community event and thanks the community for its input and support.” More information about the design can be found here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sodexo has secured a new £3.3 million a year, five year extension to its catering and FM services contract with TriRx Pharmaceuticals Services in Speke, Liverpool. Sodexo has been the catering and FM partner at the Speke site since 2012, the facility was acquired by TriRx Pharmaceuticals in February 2022. Sodexo demonstrated its expertise and capability to support TriRx in the provision of a workplace which supports the productivity and wellbeing of its 350 plus colleagues and contractors based at the facility which manufactures animal and human health products. The new contract, which starts on 1 January 2023, will see Sodexo’s 50 plus colleagues deliver an ecosystem of services to optimise the workspace for TriRx colleagues. Services include catering, security, cleaning, laundry, workwear, stationery, mail, grounds maintenance, waste as well as general GMP cleaning of production and laboratory facilities. To elevate TriRx’s employee experience and wellbeing, a newly remodelled restaurant is being introduced, including space to facilitate meeting and social connections. In addition, Sodexo’s Everyday digital app has recently been introduced, enabling TriRx colleagues to order in advance at the touch of a button for grab ‘n’ go options or to eat-in at the facilities staff restaurant. Julie Ennis, CEO Corporate Services, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “The Sodexo team at TriRx has gone over and above to understand what is important to the new owners of the Speke facility. We are delighted to have been awarded this new contract and to modernising the food offer. We know how important workplace food is to attracting talent to organisations and having a high quality, flexible food offer will enable TriRx colleagues to feel valued and collaborate more which ultimately helps sustain productivity.” Sodexo’s corporate services business delivers workplace services, facilities management and food services to some of the world’s most recognisable brands. Its teams have expertise operating across a range of different environments in the corporate sector, including headquarters, regional offices, data centres, manufacturing centres and research and development hubs, in sectors as diverse as professional services, financial services, pharmaceuticals, media and technology. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Casinos have been a source of entertainment to people all over the world for centuries – and this is particularly true for the UK. While advances in technology have seen the development of online casinos and real-time gambling, landmark casinos remain popular. Some of the most iconic casinos in the UK include the following establishments: Why UK casinos have become popular tourist attractions Some of the factors that have contributed to the popularity of UK casinos as tourist destinations are their outstanding facilities. Furthermore, there are a variety of gambling opportunities these land-based casinos offer. Finally, most of these casinos – such as the Ritz club – already have a distinguished past, making them attractive for long-term members through to the next generation of casino players. How do these casinos contribute to the local economy? Firstly, some of the effects of UK casinos on the economy are fostering job growth – from dealers to waiters to security guards. Secondly, the large amount of income generated by these casinos means high taxes – and ultimately this contributes to the wider economy in the UK. Lastly, these casinos enhance the growth of tourism due to their status as world-class establishments – attracting people from all over the world to the UK. Are there any plans to build new iconic casino construction buildings in the UK? The UK is home to some of the most iconic casino buildings in the world, such as The Ritz Club and Crockfords. However, there are currently no plans to build any new iconic casino construction buildings in the UK. This is due to several factors. For example, gambling laws have become increasingly strict over recent years, and additionally, many casinos have closed due to financial difficulties post-pandemic. Despite this, there are many exciting casinos throughout the UK for visitors and locals to enjoy – long into the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
