Holiday Park Operator Haven and a Blackstone portfolio company, are set to invest more than £170m across multiple sites in the UK in 2023. The expansion follows the continued growth in demand for staycations and includes new activity across its 41 parks. Haven is one of the UK’s most popular
Peel L&P is set to revise its current Liverpool Waters plan, 10 years after being awarded outline planning consent by councillors. The developer said “how we all live, work and socialised has changed” since Liverpool City Council granted consent in 2013. The £5.5bn thirty-year development is due to finish in
Leading Architecture and Design Practice, HKR Architects, in response to client needs, has recently confirmed its move to a new London office and its intention to reopen their offices in Dublin. The practice, which is in its 30th year has recently moved to new premises in Southwark, London, and has
London residential developer Mount Anvil has appointed Katie Rogers as Chief Financial Officer. The new hire is an integral part of the developer’s drive to Pursue Better, Differently as it delivers estate transformation schemes in partnership with local authorities and housing associations in central London. Rogers brings more than 20
Research by Fourth Wall Building Consultancy has found a 53% increase in UK Google searches for the query ‘What is a house survey’ in the last month. Searches spiked for this phrase between March 16-22, the days following the Budget. The most commonly asked question on the topic on Google
A North East firm of engineers has won a six-figure contract to support the construction of a new multi-million-pound care home and assisted living facility in North Yorkshire. The move will see RWO provide onsite civil and structural engineering services around the £8m extra care development of 12 bungalows and
Leading global boiler manufacturer, Navien, has further expanded its unique range of Combi Crossover boilers – adding a compact new option which packs a big punch. Navien’s recently launched an NCB ON range of boilers that do not need a cylinder to consistently deliver hot water to larger homes. Building
Fareham College had a visit from the Managing Director of a Hampshire housebuilder this week to help accelerate next generation learning programmes for future construction workers. James Dunne, Manager Director of Barratt Homes Southampton Division, attended Fareham College’s Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC) and toured its state-of-the-art facilities, set up
The softwood category started 2023 on a high, with volumes up 12% compared to January 2022, according to the latest Timber Development UK statistics. Softwood imports totalled 426,000m3 in January this year, with volume increases from Sweden, Finland and the Republic of Ireland largely responsible. Despite softwood increases, overall timber
Barnet Council has launched a new campaign aimed at helping residents to keep their homes healthy and free from damp, mould, and condensation. The council has recognised that dampness is a common problem for residents, which can lead to a range of health hazards, including respiratory problems and asthma. To
Holiday Park Operator Haven and a Blackstone portfolio company, are set to invest more than £170m across multiple sites in the UK in 2023. The expansion follows the continued growth in demand for staycations and includes new activity across its 41 parks. Haven is one of the UK’s most popular family holiday and holiday home ownership brands. The investment includes a staff recruitment drive, upgrading existing parks and opening new sites across the country in 2023, including Allhallows, in Kent, Thorpe Park, in Lincolnshire and Skegness, in Lincolnshire, both of which are due to open this summer. Haven managing director Simon Palethorpe said the investment would bring “greater employment opportunities and significant economic benefit to the local communities”. The move takes Haven and Blackstone’s total investment in the business to more than £400m. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel L&P is set to revise its current Liverpool Waters plan, 10 years after being awarded outline planning consent by councillors. The developer said “how we all live, work and socialised has changed” since Liverpool City Council granted consent in 2013. The £5.5bn thirty-year development is due to finish in 2043. Currently, the planning permission will see the redevelopment of almost 150 acres of former dockland space into 500,000 sq ft of food and beverage space, 570,000 sq ft of hotels, 3.3m sq ft of business space, 9,000 homes, and up to 4.4m sq ft of parking space. Peel L&P has put forward a number of proposals it is planning to implement, including the creation of a new heritage space in the Clarence Dock neighbourhood, a more diverse mixture of homes, and a 2.3km riverside walk from Everton’s new stadium to Pier Head. The developer is inviting stakeholders and members of the public to put forward their views. Two public consultations will take place on the 17th and 18th of April. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Architecture and Design Practice, HKR Architects, in response to client needs, has recently confirmed its move to a new London office and its intention to reopen their offices in Dublin. The practice, which is in its 30th year has recently moved to new premises in Southwark, London, and has agreed terms on a new purpose designed building in Dublin 2, the Southside Quarter of the capital which will be completed in 2024. Jerry Ryan, Managing Director of HKR Architects comments, “As we enter our 30th year of operation we are delighted to announce the expansion of our London Office and the re-opening of an office in Dublin, our core business locations. As with most companies during the pandemic, working practices changed with much more flexible working within our team, but with many high-profile projects in our core locations, it’s now time to resurrect the traditional workspace.” HKR has recently worked as part of a team including Atkins to gain planning for a 100% affordable development for A2Dominion at Hounslow West, working with Transport for London’s commercial property company (TTL Properties). The 348 one, two three and four bedroom homes will be delivered across four buildings, providing a mixture of shared ownership and London Affordable Rent. In addition to the affordable housing, the scheme will provide a new public realm with a retail store, a public square with a cafe and additional flexible community spaces. It will improve pedestrian connectivity through the site and create a new Green Link from Beavers field Park to the SINC. Jonathan Sutherland, Development Manager Special Projects at A2Dominion said, “It has been a fantastic team effort with all parties including Atkins, HKR and TFL working in partnership to get planning for this important site, which will provide high quality affordable homes and wider public realm for the Local Community. We have a strong working relationship with the HKR team, who completely embed themselves in every project they work on, ensuring the design can be delivered on time and to budget. I would like to congratulate them on their 30th anniversary.” Working for Niche Living, progenitor of co-living developments we have delivered a state-of-the-art facility at Eblana Avenue, Dun Laoghaire which will be the precursor of many more co-living projects. the development in South Dublin. Co-living is very appropriate for a young transient dynamic demographic and should be encouraged to form a part of the ultimate solution to the Country’s Housing need. Niche Living offers fully serviced studios, with multiple shared facilities creating a carefully curated community. Services include a furnished private studio, concierge, superfast internet, all utilities and taxes, suite cleaning, exciting weekly events, movie theatre and gym membership. James Cormican, Head of Development at Niche Living comments, “We worked with HKR from initial planning meetings through to delivery. By working together and utilising their great experience and understanding of quality design and the market we have delivered an extremely successful project. We look forward to working with the team on forthcoming projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London residential developer Mount Anvil has appointed Katie Rogers as Chief Financial Officer. The new hire is an integral part of the developer’s drive to Pursue Better, Differently as it delivers estate transformation schemes in partnership with local authorities and housing associations in central London. Rogers brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, including 15 years in the sector spent building partnerships, securing debt funding, raising equity, and delivering quality homes. Most recently Rogers had an 11-year tenure as Chief Financial Officer of leading developer Telford Homes, with three years of that time spent also as their Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, she is currently a Non-Executive Director of Essex housing association CHP. Mount Anvil has been focused on London for more than 30 years and has a current pipeline of over 4,000 homes primarily in estate transformation partnerships with local authorities and housing associations. Recently the developer broke ground in Islington at the Barnsbury Estate where 914 new homes will be delivered for current residents and those on the council waiting list, and handed over the first block of quality affordable homes at Friary Park in Ealing to the residents who so enthusiastically support the estate’s transformation. Mount Anvil has been shaping London by creating quality, safe and sustainable places for over 30 years. Proven to deliver some of the city’s best residential developments, Mount Anvil has a proud record of working with London’s boroughs, housing associations and the GLA (including a one-of-its-kind £50m investment partnership) to create high-quality, tenure-blind homes for Londoners. As part of its mission to pursue better, differently Mount Anvil is nurturing unique wellbeing and sustainability partnerships with Peloton and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Darragh Hurley, Mount Anvil’s Managing Director, said: “Katie’s arrival is great news for the partners for whom we’re focused on delivering. This year we’re bucking the trend in London – we’re able to keep on building in six boroughs because we’ve secured planning and funding and are committed to doing what we said we’re going to do. Katie’s 15+ years of experience driving results in central London joint ventures is exactly what will help us keep delivering the quality places that London needs, whatever the economic weather.” Katie Rogers, Mount Anvil’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “Mount Anvil has a clear vision for growing its contribution to London and its impact in the communities that welcome them. They’ve got an unusual culture that drives results, and I’m excited to join a leadership team that I respect as amongst the best in the business as we partner with local authorities, housing associations (and our trusted banking providers) to deliver much-needed quality housing in London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Research by Fourth Wall Building Consultancy has found a 53% increase in UK Google searches for the query ‘What is a house survey’ in the last month. Searches spiked for this phrase between March 16-22, the days following the Budget. The most commonly asked question on the topic on Google was ‘how much does a house survey cost’ suggesting confusion around home surveys extends to pricing as well as its value in the homebuying process. Joshua Weston, Director at Fourth Wall Building Consultancy and recent winner of The UK RICS Young Building Surveyor of the Year 2022 commented: “It is likely that the return of first-time buyers to the market since March’s budget accounts for a large proportion of these Google searches, but ignorance and misconceptions about the role of a survey are on the rise. It’s so important for buyers to understand surveys and ask the right questions early on, in order to avoid costs later down the line. “Recent studies by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed that buyers who opt not to have a survey done when purchasing a property are faced with an average of £5,750 worth of repairs and works when they move in, due to issues they were not aware of. Many buyers, particularly young or first-time buyers, believe the valuation completed by their mortgage lender gives them all the information they need on a property, but this simply isn’t true. A survey must be completed by a qualified surveyor and is undertaken in order to identify potential issues that could cause problems during or after the purchase. “At Fourth Wall, we also ensure you get visibility on budget costs as standard: we provide detailed advice on condensation, damp, building regulations and planning, EPC and energy efficiency, and any structural issues which may affect the property – all things you would want to know before purchasing a home.” Fourth Wall are award-winning Chartered Building Surveyors working with commercial, residential and heritage clients across the UK. Aligning all the benefits of a traditional surveying practice with the pace, flexibility and market-leading knowledge of a dynamic consultancy, Fourth Wall ensures all their clients move forward with confidence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A North East firm of engineers has won a six-figure contract to support the construction of a new multi-million-pound care home and assisted living facility in North Yorkshire. The move will see RWO provide onsite civil and structural engineering services around the £8m extra care development of 12 bungalows and 70 fully equipped apartments in Guisborough, which is being built for care home operator Housing 21 by Countryside Partnership North East. Engineering services to facilitate the development of six pairs of semi-detached units, each featuring a private garden area and off street parking, will be part of a comprehensive package of support provided by the Newcastle-based engineers to bring forward the complex. A mix of one and two bedroomed fully equipped and self-contained apartments to provide independent living are also being designed and engineered by RWO along with a café/bistro, hair salon, communal lounge and gardens among other communal facilities. The work will also see RWO provide designs for both civil and structural engineering associated with the development. With 30 people employed across its North East and Yorkshire offices and targeting revenues in excess of £2.5m in the next 12 months, the Countryside Partnership work comes as RWO continues to see strong growth and recruit skilled engineers to meet demand for its services. RWO’s managing director Ross Oakley, who said two more new care home projects were in the pipeline, said: “Demand for care homes and assisted living accommodation is strong. So, it’s a real privilege to work with Countryside Partnerships and Housing 21 on this latest scheme and to deliver on their vision for the highest quality living spaces for residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading global boiler manufacturer, Navien, has further expanded its unique range of Combi Crossover boilers – adding a compact new option which packs a big punch. Navien’s recently launched an NCB ON range of boilers that do not need a cylinder to consistently deliver hot water to larger homes. Building on this success, the new NCB500-1S+/32K brings the same benefits – but at 32kW is specifically designed for smaller properties. For installers, the cylinder-free design means easier installation and space-saving benefits for their customers, particularly for those where space is already at a premium. Navien’s unique design ensures that this compact model delivers a flow rate of 13.1L/PM – noticeably outperforming alternative boilers at a similar price point which provide around 10L/PM. This means that the NCB500-1S+/32K can comfortably supply one shower and one tap simultaneously, as described by the 1S+ in its name. Jason Davies, National Business Manager at Navien UK, said: “The NCB500-1S+/32K is a reliable and easy to install boiler which never compromises on power or performance. Installers are already fitting the NCB ON range for their customers with larger properties and have been asking us to extend the range. Now their clients in smaller homes can also benefit from efficient, future-proofed boilers that deliver superb energy savings.” The new model is equipped with Navien ON technology, which delivers consistent temperatures and endless hot water. The latest addition to the NCB ON range is also backed up by an up to 10-year warranty while high efficiency helps homeowners save up to 38% in energy costs every year. Designed to be 20% hydrogen-blend ready, it is also prepared for the future of home heating. A best-selling brand in the USA and Canada, Navien is rapidly growing in the UK thanks to reliable availability of products, competitive pricing, ease of installation, and a host of end user benefits. Installers are further supported by a dedicated UK technical support team, while Navien has also opened nine new training centres in the UK and Ireland in the last four years. Installers can also earn prizes through the new ‘Navien Choice’ rewards programme. Those who register with the programme online can earn points for fitting Navien boilers and exchange these points for a range of tech and gadgets from top-quality brands. Be eligible for brand-new Apple AirPods by installing just 8 NCB500 ON boilers or save the points and save up for a Samsung TV! The South Korean manufacturer launched its new, state-of-the-art NCB Combi Crossover boiler range in late 2022, offering a fresh approach to home heating. Three new models help installers meet the changing demands of Britain’s heating systems, from small two-bedroom homes to larger five-bed properties with multiple bathrooms. The new range is also lighter in weight and far more compact. The NCB500-1S+/32K is the latest addition to the range and is available now. With the technology, pedigree, and network of a trusted supplier to the trade, Navien prides itself on rapid supply, reliable stock availability, unmatched prices, and future-proofed quality products. To learn more visit: https://navien.co.uk/professional Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fareham College had a visit from the Managing Director of a Hampshire housebuilder this week to help accelerate next generation learning programmes for future construction workers. James Dunne, Manager Director of Barratt Homes Southampton Division, attended Fareham College’s Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC) and toured its state-of-the-art facilities, set up in 2017 to address the skills shortage hindering civil engineering growth and expansion in the south of England. Its high-profile apprenticeship programme has been supporting the industry ever since, by creating more jobs and opportunities for skilled groundworkers in the region. James was shown around CETC’s purpose-built two-acre mock construction site, dedicated to the delivery of its specialist Civil Engineering and Groundworks Apprenticeship, and looked around neighbouring classroom areas, where relevant theory is taught to support the students’ practical training. Barratt Homes is committed to providing career prospects for young people in the local area, and the MD was keen to see how the developer could widen its support for budding construction workers in the region, in collaboration with CETC. James said: “At Barratt, we want to provide young people with an alternative to full-time university study by helping them to explore their potential in the building industry. “We already offer apprenticeship schemes to the next generation of tradespeople but are looking to expand this support. CETC is offering an incredible facility here in Fareham, and I’m thrilled to have been offered the chance to look around today. Hopefully we can discover a way we can work together in the future.” Director of CETC, David Richardson, said: “CETC was set up to tackle the skills shortage in the civil engineering and construction industry, and to nurture the talent of our young people in the area. “It has been a real pleasure to show James from Barratt around today, and it would be fantastic if we can work alongside the developer in providing these important apprenticeship schemes to the local community.” CETC was created after a group of local civil engineering employers set up the Solent Civil Engineering Employer Group (SCEEG) in conjunction with Fareham College to produce a unique apprenticeship training programme to support the construction industry across the region and create more jobs and opportunities for skilled groundworkers. Barratt Homes works in tandem with the communities where it is building new homes, to offer career opportunities for young people. For more information on the housebuilder’s new developments in Hampshire, visit: Harbour Place and Pebble Walk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The softwood category started 2023 on a high, with volumes up 12% compared to January 2022, according to the latest Timber Development UK statistics. Softwood imports totalled 426,000m3 in January this year, with volume increases from Sweden, Finland and the Republic of Ireland largely responsible. Despite softwood increases, overall timber import volumes were 8.7% lower than in January 2022. This is due to significant declines in panel product imports, with plywood and particleboard down 42% and 18% respectively. Hardwood imports also dropped by 37% following a record year in 2022. Looking long-term, there is room for positivity, with yearly import volumes around 100,000m3 higher on average than in 2013. TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “It is great to see softwood imports on the up once more following a tricky 2022. “This growth is largely attributable to returning construction activity, with recent Department for Business and Trade figures reporting increased RM&I work in early 2023. “These latest softwood figures suggest that normality may finally be returning to the market after a tumultuous few years of Covid, conflict and general uncertainty. “The panel and hardwood sectors are a little further behind, with imports well below 2022 levels. This, however, is due in part to unusually high imports in January 2022 rather than downward market trends. “Looking long-term, the stats paint a positive picture with timber imports consistently on the up since 2013. “This is likely to continue in the years ahead as the UK Government looks to decarbonise the built environment using timber.” Members can read the full statistics report here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barnet Council has launched a new campaign aimed at helping residents to keep their homes healthy and free from damp, mould, and condensation. The council has recognised that dampness is a common problem for residents, which can lead to a range of health hazards, including respiratory problems and asthma. To help combat this issue, the council is providing residents with a range of advice on how to tackle dampness, mould, and condensation. This includes information on the causes of dampness, tips to prevent it, and guidance on how to treat mould growth. Alongside this, the council is also investing £2.2million per annum for the next 10 years to address damp and mould issues across the council’s housing stock. The council’s arms length management organisation, Barnet Homes, has already surveyed more than 80% of homes, so that any damp or mould can either be treated immediately or prioritised on the basis of its severity. Dampness can be caused by a range of factors, such as leaking pipes, missing roof tiles, defective damp proof course, and condensation. Condensation, in particular, is a common issue in poorly heated, insulated, or ventilated homes, especially during colder weather. It can lead to moisture build-up and tiny droplets of water appearing, causing staining, mould growth, and damage to your home, furniture, and clothing. In extreme cases, mould growth can also have severe health consequences. Residents can follow these tips to minimize the risk of dampness and mould growth in their homes: By taking these simple steps, residents can improve their health and prevent further damage to their homes. Councillor Ross Houston, Chair of Barnet Council’s Housing and Growth Committee, stated, “Keeping your home healthy is essential for a comfortable and safe living environment. We understand that residents face various challenges, and dampness is one of them. We want to provide our residents with the tools and advice they need to tackle these issues effectively.” To treat mould growth, residents can use a bleach and water solution or mould remover spray to wipe down walls and window frames, shampoo carpets, use good quality fungicidal paint to help prevent mould, and use wallpaper paste containing a fungicide to prevent further mould growth. If you notice any signs of dampness or mould in your home, it is crucial to tackle the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage and health hazards. Barnet Homes residents living in council housing can report damp or mould using Barnet Homes’ online form at barnethomes.org/report-damp. They can also report the issue by emailing healthyhomesteam@barnethomes.org or calling 020 8080 6587. Other residents living in social housing (such as housing association homes) should report damp or mould directly to their landlord. Private Sector Housing residents can report unresolved issues to Environmental Health on environmentalhealth@barnet.gov.uk or call 0208 359 7995. Visit the Barnet Council website for more guidance on ‘Keeping your home healthy – damp, mould and condensation advice’ at www.barnet.gov.uk/mouldanddamp. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
