A late rebound to contracts awarded and a boost in planning approvals have rounded off a difficult first quarter for the construction industry. In a time of continued volatility in the sector, the latest monthly figures from construction intelligence provider Barbour ABI show that there is still work to be
The redevelopment and conversion of an iconic Liverpool Fire and Police station into an affordable housing development required a modern method of construction that offered buildability, speed of construction and cost certainty. Smartroof’s offsite manufactured modular ‘room in roof’ system met the challenge, playing a significant part in the creation
Award-winning construction and property consultancy, Summers-Inman, has been appointed to two major regeneration projects in Sheffield, both of which form part of the city’s ongoing redevelopment. In both cases, the developer behind the projects is York-based Grantside – well known for its hugely successful Quorum Business Park in Newcastle and
Innovation, decarbonisation and growth: These are the three key topics of this year’s Railtex, the UK’s leading trade event for the entire railway sector. Taking place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, Railtex 2023 will once again provide a unique opportunity to source and explore
The latest research from Searchland, the development site sourcing specialists, has revealed that when it comes to current market appetites for land and development investment, land plots are most in demand amongst the nation’s developers, with farm/agricultural land also proving a popular option. The research by Searchland analysed demand for
![[World Day for Safety at work] Spring safety tips for construction workers](https://bdcmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mk460-768x513.jpg)
Maintaining a safe worksite is vital all year round, but different seasons bring with them a variety of different safety concerns. And with World Day for Safety and Health at Work taking place on the 28th of April this year, what better time to evaluate the conditions of your construction
Lincoln-based Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has completed a new £1.8 million headquarters in Louth, Lincolnshire, for accounting and business adviser Duncan & Toplis. Oxley House is located on the Fairfield Industrial Estate on Lincoln Way and brings 10,000 sq. ft. of premium office space to the town. The
McGoff Construction has started work on site at the its latest residential development in Manchester. The site, located on Rochdale Road, which was previously Rochdale Road Gas Works and home to other industrious businesses, has been derelict for some time. In recent months extensive investigations has been carried out with
Everton and Laing O’Rourke have held a ‘topping out’ ceremony at Everton Stadium to mark the completion of the structure. Dignitaries from the Club and its construction partner jointly celebrated the achievement, just 20 months since work began on the semi-derelict site at Bramley-Moore Dock. All four stands have since been erected
Digging trenches can be challenging, especially for electrical or plumbing purposes. To reduce the difficulty, most people perform slot trenching. It makes installing irrigation lines, plumbing, and underground electrical connections easier and faster. To determine if slot trenching is the method you should take for your project, read this quick
A late rebound to contracts awarded and a boost in planning approvals have rounded off a difficult first quarter for the construction industry. In a time of continued volatility in the sector, the latest monthly figures from construction intelligence provider Barbour ABI show that there is still work to be had. “At the end of Q1 it’s broadly good news with new activity being brought forward in the face of uncertainty and ongoing constraints,” explained Tom Hall, chief economist at Barbour ABI. “And, while activity is very volatile at the moment the smoothed trend shows that the pipeline is looking solid going forward too, albeit at slightly lower levels compared to the recent past.” However, performance varies across sectors. While the majority are at or above their average year-on-year levels, both the residential and commercial sectors are continuing to struggle. Compared with the end of last year, the commercial sector is down by nearly a third when it comes to contract awards and new planning applications for residential are weak. Tom added: “Residential has finished the quarter with a solid performance after two weak months. However, it is a sector that is expected to struggle this year. We’re seeing the lowest level of new planning applications since May 2020, when the country was in the first Covid-related lockdown. “This is common in the face of wider economic uncertainty but is going to cause issues when it comes to supply in the market and the wider trend around property values and pricing. It could be a rocky period as the sector finds a new level of consistency.” The data was published as part of Barbour ABI’s monthly Snap Analysis Report which reviews activity in the residential, infrastructure, commercial, hotel and leisure, industrial, healthcare and education sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The redevelopment and conversion of an iconic Liverpool Fire and Police station into an affordable housing development required a modern method of construction that offered buildability, speed of construction and cost certainty. Smartroof’s offsite manufactured modular ‘room in roof’ system met the challenge, playing a significant part in the creation of this greener, more sustainable building scheme. Immortalised in the Beatles’ song Penny Lane, Allerton Fire and Police Station has been redeveloped by contractor HMS with the former Fire Station being transformed into two 3-bedroom and three 4-bedroom townhouses, two 3-bedroom semi-detached homes, all of which are available via shared ownership. The Torus owned development will also see the conversion of the former police station into a 40-unit independent living scheme for over 55s, with all apartments available via affordable rent. A key design feature is the mansard roof which required an offsite manufactured ‘room in roof’ solution with the contractor specifying Smartroof as the company able to deliver and meet their requirements. Whilst a Smartroof system typically averages 100m2 in size, the contractor HMS required a roof 25 times larger at 2,500m2. Initially this raised concerns for the Smartroof team in terms of logistics of the roof within the scale of the project. The old police station was refurb and new build, which added challenges for the Smartroof team due to different slab levels throughout the building. The team also had to work with the existing structure of the building, such as steel that was not previously considered. This resulted in a numerous site visits to reconfigure the design to make it possible. Smartroof’s nationwide contracts managers are site based and work closely with Site/Project Managers.The advantage of the Smartroof system is that everything is produced in a factory control environment so the challenges experienced at this redevelopment can be overcome in the factory, instead of operatives working at height when a roof is being built. Commenting, Tom Wright, Design & Technical Director at Smartroof said “We worked very closely with the HMS team and also developed a great working relationship with the architect and engineers in order to overcome these design challenges. Such was the success of the system and our involvement, our Smartroof solution saved 16 weeks compared to if HMS used traditional methods of construction.”The Smartroof system is a complete roof solution, designed to offer housebuilders and developers a way to exploit a new home’s full potential by creating rooms in roofs. Comprising a series of factory produced panels incorporating insulated roof panels, spandrel wall panels, dormers, roof windows, decorative chimneys, soffit and fascia, it is delivered to site and craned into place. The system has many benefits – less waste, better control of quality, safer to install – and meets the industry’s demand for solutions that allow us to build better quality homes, more efficiently.The controlled environment of the Smartroof offsite fabrication facility meant the technical team could achieve the mansard roof design with millimetre precision both in terms of cutting and fabrication.Manufactured at the Smartroof factory in Derbyshire, the prefabricated ‘room in roof’ systems were then delivered to the Allerton site, craned into place and installed by the Smartroof team. At a time when housebuilders need to embrace new and faster methods of construction as well as comply with more stringent energy efficiency demands, the offsite fabrication of the roofs at the Allerton Police Station redevelopment offered huge benefits in terms of health and safety, speed of construction and quality control.John Barrow, Construction Director at HMS said: “Allerton is the second large-scale refurb and new build project HMS has undertaken and as a team, we were keen to implement learnings from previous developments in order to progress the build quickly, yet efficiently. Smartroof and their team offered a complete solution that not only saved us time but embedded greener technologies into the heart of our development programme and one which is now leading the way for how we use innovative build techniques going forward.”Smartroof has fabricated and installed a complex and high-performance roofing system which has enabled the developer Torus to reduce costs and build times as well as health and safety risks on site. The room in roof system has also ensured this iconic police station development remains on track for completion in the spring of 2023.To find out more download the Smartroof brochure or contact info@smartroof.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning construction and property consultancy, Summers-Inman, has been appointed to two major regeneration projects in Sheffield, both of which form part of the city’s ongoing redevelopment. In both cases, the developer behind the projects is York-based Grantside – well known for its hugely successful Quorum Business Park in Newcastle and the Bonding Warehouse, York. At The Hive, Kelham Island – widely considered to be the coolest place to live, work and socialise in the city – the first Carbon Net Zero building will be developed, and Summers-Inman will be responsible for cost consultancy and project management. Located on Bowling Green Street, The Hive includes 100 co-living studios, spread over five floors and is designed with a focus on a curated community living style. It will offer residents facilities such as communal kitchens, roof top allotments, laundry/café facilities and dedicated working and rest zones, whilst at ground floor level, commercial units will provide space for start-ups, independent traders and entrepreneurs looking for creative and inspirational space to grow their businesses. The second project, known as 190 Norfolk Street and located on the corner of Charles and Norfolk Street, is also a Net Carbon Zero scheme. Seen as an architectural exemplar of design for Sheffield, it will overlook the award-winning public space, Peace Gardens. Summers-Inman has an expanded brief on this project, also taking on the role of principal designer. Grantside’s proposals for this six-storey office development were approved by Sheffield City Council’s Planning Committee in November 2022. This mixed-use office development, which is set to become a new landmark location in the heart of Sheffield’s commercial district, has again been designed with wellbeing and sustainability at its core. It will include around 2,200 sqft of retail and active space on the ground floor, with 19,500 sqft of flexible office space above. Designed for multi or single occupancy, the building benefits from excellent natural daylight, local controllable ventilation and terraces at each floor level giving access to outdoor space and will be completed to shell and core standard for fit-out by the incoming tenant(s). Summers-Inman was appointed to both projects following the submission of a competitive fee bid. Speaking about the firm’s appointment, North-East based John Harvey, Associate Director of Summers-Inman, is delighted to be working with Grantside’s Steve Davis again after a break of some years. He said: “We last worked on a project with Steve about ten years ago. Since then, as a construction consultancy, we have greatly increased our capacity and developed our expertise on inner city projects, making us perfectly placed for this appointment, which we hope is the first of many for Grantside. “We are just about to embark on detailed designs for both schemes and then we can go out to tender. I expect that construction will begin at The Hive in Bowling Green Lane first, later this year. “As a Net Carbon Zero building, the conservation of energy will be a key aspect of the final design. In seeking a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for both buildings, every opportunity will be taken to reduce their carbon footprint with the use of recycled materials, cross-laminated timber, rainwater harvesting and the incorporation of planting with bee-friendly flowers and foliage.” Steve Davis, Managing Director of Grantside Developments, added: “As a developer we always adopt a ‘people first’ approach to design, embracing wellness, the environment and technology. The human interfaces of our projects are always our starting point and I believe that both of these projects demonstrate our philosophy well. “We have taken the utmost care in designing the buildings to ensure they achieve the highest quality standards and we are very much looking forward to beginning the process of collaborating with Summers-Inman and the rest of the design team to take our plans to the next stage.” It is hoped the two-stage tender for The Hive will be launched before the end of April with construction likely to start around 20 weeks later, allowing for work on the detailed building design with the chosen contractor. Summers-Inman operates nationally with a staff of over 130 employed in seven offices throughout the UK in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Teesside, Manchester, Leeds, Leicester, Birmingham and London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Innovation, decarbonisation and growth: These are the three key topics of this year’s Railtex, the UK’s leading trade event for the entire railway sector. Taking place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, Railtex 2023 will once again provide a unique opportunity to source and explore the latest products and services aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of rail transport. The show features a strong line-up of national and international suppliers, the popular On-Track Display area, and a three-day supporting programme packed with expert talks and special activities. Just a few weeks to go until leaders, innovators and trailblazers of the rail industry will come together at Railtex 2023 in Birmingham to discuss, present and source the latest technologies and solutions addressing some of the rail sector’s challenges. With continued growth and investment expected for the coming years, current goals are centred around improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the sector, while also enhancing the passenger experience and connectivity between different modes of transport, as well as supporting economic growth. “Digitalisation, automation, and electrification are just some of the key developments that have opened up new possibilities for the rail industry in the years to come,” says Olaf Freier, the Transport Portfolio Director, on behalf of show organiser RX. “Railtex offers the ideal platform for industry professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in the rail sector to connect with manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and peers. There is plenty of opportunity to explore the latest products and innovations and learn about new projects, policies and initiatives. The whole event is geared towards networking, knowledge sharing and technology sourcing to help attendees grow their business or career in the rail industry.” Supporting programme with high-profile speakers and networking A three-day conference and activity programme, organised by the main show partner, the Railway Industry Association (RIA), provides exclusive insights into the latest developments and projects in the rail sector, exploring how rail companies can successfully innovate and change to meet future industry challenges. Participants will also benefit from excellent networking opportunities with suppliers and peers. The Future Focus Conference & Young Rail Professional Conference The Future Focus Conference features an exciting agenda of keynotes, presentations and panel discussions by leading industry experts and thought leaders, covering key aspects of sustainability, safety and policy. This year’s topics will touch on rail supply chain issues ahead of CP7 (Control Period 7), the decarbonisation of rail, and international opportunities for the sector. Speakers include representatives from the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), Great Western Railway, Network Rail, the Railway Industry Association, Siemens, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), and Midlands Connect. The Young Rail Professional Conference on day three is dedicated to the new generation in rail. The Conference Zone is located at Stand U11. The drop-in sessions are free to attend and CPD certified. Updates on the programme and speakers are published on the official event website. Innovation Village RIA’s Innovation Village, built at the centre of Railtex, provides a collaboration platform between technology suppliers and rail clients to help create game-changing solutions. Each day features a different client with pioneering solutions developed in collaboration with suppliers, offering a great opportunity to learn from delivered projects. Innovation village “mayors” include the Network Rail R&D Portfolio, the Transport for Wales Lab, and the Train Operating Companies (TOC) Innovation Community. The Innovation Village is part of the “Unlocking Innovation” programme, a multi-award-winning initiative by RIA designed to accelerate innovation. Top suppliers and newcomers from across the entire rail supply chain Attendees can expect an excellent cross-section of technologies and services that facilitate the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of rail transport. Exhibits cover rolling stock technology, track, and infrastructure, signalling and communications, vehicle maintenance, fare collection systems, cable technology, and many other rail-related products and services across the entire rail supply chain. Attendees are invited to use the Railtex Exhibitor List Tool and Online Show Preview to explore exhibitors and products that are of particular interest to them. Venue, tickets, and opening times Railtex 2023 will take place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC Birmingham, UK, right in the heart of the Midlands region. International flight connections and the excellent local infrastructure make the venue easily accessible. For further travel information please visit our Travel Hub. Visitors can register online and order free tickets ahead of the event. During the show, tickets are available on a purchase basis via the online ticket shop or on-site. For fast and easy access, visitors are advised to print out their e-ticket or download their mobile ticket prior to the show. Show opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 17:00 PM on Tuesday, 9 May, and Wednesday, 10 May 2023, and from 10:00 AM to 16:00 PM on Thursday, 11 May 2023. For further information please visit: www.railtex.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest research from Searchland, the development site sourcing specialists, has revealed that when it comes to current market appetites for land and development investment, land plots are most in demand amongst the nation’s developers, with farm/agricultural land also proving a popular option. The research by Searchland analysed demand for development plots of all varieties across each region of England based on the proportion of all plots listed for sale that have already been sold subject to contract or gone under offer from developers. Overall Development Plot Demand The research shows that demand for all available development opportunities is high in the current market, with 47% of all development plots already going under offer or being sold subject to contract. It’s the East of England that ranks top with respect to this overarching demand for development opportunities, with current development plot demand levels at 54.5%, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (52.9%) and the South West (50.5%). Highest Demand by Plot Type However, when dissecting current market stock by the type of plot, the research by Searchland shows that it’s land only plots that are currently most in demand. Across England, 48.4% of all land only plots have already been snapped up, with agricultural and farm land plots also proving popular with current demand at 47.3%. Residential development opportunities are the next most sought after (39.4%), followed by industrial sites (37.2%) and finally commercial development plots (35.9%). Differing Demand by Region When breaking the data down by each region of England, the research by Searchland shows that land-only plots remain the most in-demand development opportunity across London (33%), the North East (34.9%), North West (44.7%) and South East (£48.5%). However, across the South West (75%), Yorkshire and the Humber (75%) and West Midlands (75%), it’s farming plot opportunities that investors and developers have their sights firmly fixed on. In the East of England, commercial plots are most in demand (55%), while in the East Midlands, it’s industrial sites (50%). Co-founder and CEO of Searchland, Mitchell Fasanya, commented: “Despite the wider economic landscape there remains a robust appetite for the development of all land site types across England, but it’s certainly land only and agricultural plots that are proving the most popular amongst investors and developers. This is hardly surprising given the clean slate that a land only plot provides and the time and cost saved during the development stage as a result. It’s also become increasingly common for developers to look to the agricultural sector to secure land suitable for commercial projects, such as logistical sites and warehouse storage. This demand is predictably focussed across the regions with a traditionally more prominent agricultural DNA such as Yorkshire and the South West. But while demand remains high, the challenge facing developers is staying ahead of the game when it comes to identifying potential opportunities that suit their individual needs and being able to act quickly enough to secure them before their competitors. The good news is that, like much of the UK property sector, technology is helping to streamline this process, removing much of the heavy lifting during the laborious search process, so developers can concentrate on the more important tasks at hand.” Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maintaining a safe worksite is vital all year round, but different seasons bring with them a variety of different safety concerns. And with World Day for Safety and Health at Work taking place on the 28th of April this year, what better time to evaluate the conditions of your construction site? To help you and your employees get prepared for the lighter evenings, warmer days, and those inevitable April showers, industrial tool and PPE supplier Zoro have shared their top tips for creating a safer, more supportive worksite this spring and summer. Expect the unexpected While the weather might finally be turning, the Great British springtime can still be notoriously unpredictable as we make the transition from a long, cold winter. It’s therefore important to keep a close eye on the weather forecast while running a worksite, even if conditions seem to be fairly stable or mild for the time being. As well as keeping up with regular, reputable weather forecasts, be sure to keep your winter or wet weather equipment on stand-by, stored in a convenient location. This allows you to be prepared for all eventualities and means that you and your employees won’t be caught off-guard by a sudden turn in the weather. Working through cold, wet conditions with insufficient clothing and PPE can leave workers vulnerable to illness as well as make your worksite liable to accidents. Slip hazards You’ve probably heard of the term April showers, and this is a real weather phenomenon that means there are a higher number of sporadic rain showers throughout April. They might be lighter and shorter than standard rain, but these showers result in frequently changeable conditions for outdoor vocations like construction. As the rain isn’t heavy enough to postpone work onsite, this often means that workers must adapt to some on-and-off wet conditions throughout the day. Light rain like this can make surfaces much more slippery than usual, meaning that one of the key hazards of springtime construction is slips, trips, and falls. It’s important that every worker is provided with the proper equipment to help prevent this, such as good-quality boots with sufficient traction, wet floor signs, and tools with textured, non-slip handles. Keep walkways free of standing water and remind your team to be extra-cautious when positioning ladders or scaffolding, as these can become even more dangerous in wet conditions. It’s also important for workers to stay visible with bright, reflective clothing when working in fog or grey, rainy weather. Uneven surfaces In spring, the ground gradually thaws after winter due to a slow rise in temperature. This might make breaking ground easier for your construction company, but it’s always wise to proceed with caution in between seasons. This is because thawed ground or even melted ice can lead to uneven, unstable surfaces for builders to work on. Clearly communicate to everyone in your team that they must check the stability of the ground before using any heavy machinery, positioning ladders, or even just digging the soil — especially on slopes or key parts of the foundations. Sun protection and hydration As we edge into the summer months, onsite health and safety should shift to beating the heat. By its very nature, the majority of construction takes place outside and it is an inevitably physical career. So, when temperatures begin to rise, it’s vital that all the workers on your site are equipped with everything they need to stay cool, hydrated, and protected from the sun. Firstly, ensure that there is a supply of fresh drinking water onsite at all times, so that workers can take as many drink breaks as they need throughout the day. They are likely to lose plenty of water through sweat, and it’s important that this is replaced in order to avoid dehydration or even heatstroke. Secondly, on particularly hot days, sites should also encourage breaks in the shade, so that no-one becomes overexposed to the sun. If you don’t have an existing spot of shade available, an affordable and effective solution would be to erect a gazebo or add an awning to the site of the building, where workers can take a moment to cool down before heading back to the task at hand. It’s also wise to remind employees about using suncream to prevent getting burned, or even provide some for them onsite. “Onsite safety is paramount all year round, and as World Day for Safety and Health at Work is taking place on the 28th of April, it’s the perfect time to assess whether your construction zone is ready for the change in seasons. Lighter evenings and warmer temperatures might be more comfortable to work in than ice or snow, but spring and summer bring their own set of challenges to a worksite. “The changeable British springtime means a sunny day can quickly turn blustery, and April showers can add extra slip hazards to a busy construction site. In the height of summer, you will also require measures to protect staff from sun exposure and dehydration. Providing your workers with adequate PPE and clear communication about the right safety measures for the season is vital to keeping everyone within the construction industry safe and healthy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lincoln-based Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has completed a new £1.8 million headquarters in Louth, Lincolnshire, for accounting and business adviser Duncan & Toplis. Oxley House is located on the Fairfield Industrial Estate on Lincoln Way and brings 10,000 sq. ft. of premium office space to the town. The two-storey building includes open-plan office spaces, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and a reception area. Sustainable elements of the project include EV charging points and a renewable energy solar system to the roof. The ground floor is now the home of the Louth team of Duncan & Toplis and the first floor is occupied by Wilkin Chapman Solicitors. “Oxley House is a fantastic example of Stirlin Construction delivering the design, and build, of a fit-for-purpose new facility, on time and on budget – and we are thrilled with the result. We worked closely with our long-standing client at Duncan & Toplis to design a premises that would provide a contemporary workspace to accommodate its growing team. This project was a pleasure to deliver alongside local construction delivery partners, and we’re really pleased to see the building complete and now being enjoyed by two flourishing businesses. Thank you to all involved who worked hard to deliver this brilliant facility,” said Howard Griffith, Head of Construction at Stirlin. After reaching capacity at its previous office, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire-based Duncan & Toplis appointed Stirlin as principal contractor, to develop a contemporary headquarters with sustainability and accessibility at the forefront of its design. “The opening of our new premises in Louth is a landmark moment for Duncan & Toplis. The new office is a major investment, underlining our dedication to the region, adding real, lasting value to our communities, by creating a future-fit working environment designed in collaboration with and for our team members. I am absolutely delighted with how the office is looking and we can’t wait to welcome colleagues and clients,” commented Duncan & Toplis Managing Director, Adrian Reynolds. Other partners on the project include Lincoln-based CRM advisors Hunt & Sykes, John Roberts Architects and structural engineer Steve Gilman Design, and Newark-based civil engineer William Saunders. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McGoff Construction has started work on site at the its latest residential development in Manchester. The site, located on Rochdale Road, which was previously Rochdale Road Gas Works and home to other industrious businesses, has been derelict for some time. In recent months extensive investigations has been carried out with McGoff Construction preparing the land for build. The archaeological test pits are complete, and the demolition of all smaller buildings will now take place. Part of Manchester City Council’s Victoria North Strategic Regeneration Framework, the new £50m development, which will be part of the Group’s ‘Downtown’ brand, will comprise 237 homes, including a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments. In addition, there will duplex apartments with some of these properties benefiting from garages and storage areas, including a private drive. Known as Downtown Victoria North, it will be a true Build to Rent development, with Downtown Asset Management maintaining ownership and managing rental lettings. Creating a superb new community in the city centre, the development will offer a spacious communal lobby with 24hr concierge, a stylish resident lounge, meeting area and gym facilities, as well as secure underground parking for 29 cars and a cycle store. There will also be landscaped grounds and courtyards within the development for resident-only use. With construction now underway and the Manchester project scheduled to take approximately 145 weeks to complete, Brendan Caloe, Head of Special Projects Division within McGoff Construction, commented: “It’s great to be back building in the city centre and the plans for Downtown Victoria North are excellent, with a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments set within a stunning development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Everton and Laing O’Rourke have held a ‘topping out’ ceremony at Everton Stadium to mark the completion of the structure. Dignitaries from the Club and its construction partner jointly celebrated the achievement, just 20 months since work began on the semi-derelict site at Bramley-Moore Dock. All four stands have since been erected to full height, with the final sections of steelwork and terracing units being installed on top of the east stand, where the ‘topping out’ ceremony and speeches took place. Chief Stadium Development Officer Colin Chong, who poured the concrete mix into the final slab at the ceremony, praised the “professionalism, commitment, dedication and effort” of all involved in the stadium development. He added: “It’s a real milestone! Topping out ceremonies are very common in the building industry, but to do it in such circumstances, where the relationship with the contractor is absolutely fantastic, makes this a great occasion. “Laing O’Rourke have taken on their responsibilities wholeheartedly and it’s a pleasure to be a part of this ceremony. “The project has had to overcome many hurdles, but what can’t ever be questioned is its importance to the future of Everton Football Club and, more dramatically, its importance to the economy and the people of the Liverpool City Region. “That is why we should all take immense pride in ‘topping out’ while the project remains firmly on track.” Chong added: “As a Club, we are just the enablers. We pull a plan together, procure the land, secure the planning application and pick the right partner. “They then take that ownership off us and deliver, so this stadium is testament to the truly collaborative relationship between Everton and Laing O’Rourke, as well as our partners and consultants.” During the ‘topping out’ ceremony, and following tradition within the construction industry, a fir tree was hoisted atop the east stand in a symbolic gesture that has several origins, including a Native American belief that no building should be taller than a tree. Laing O’Rourke Project Director Gareth Jacques explained: “The ceremony is traditional in the construction industry when a structure reaches its highest point. When we finish the last piece of section of steel or in this case concrete slab, we pass a fir tree over the structure, which is an ancient tradition and is said to being good luck and prosperity to the occupants for many years to come. “Personally, I love the ceremony because it is focused on the workforce and what the construction team have achieved. With the support of our designers, supply chain partners and office colleagues, what everyone can see today is what has been achieved in 90 weeks. That is phenomenal. “What we do isn’t easy and we have some of the best people in the industry, and some of the engineering we adopt at Laing O’Rourke is very cutting-edge. “What you see is a result of doing some really difficult sub-structure work through the winter months, when there was rain, hail, it was very windy and not pleasant at all. “To do all that and keep slightly ahead of schedule is impressive and I am incredibly proud of everyone involved. “I genuinely believe that what the team are delivering is going to be a fantastic stadium, which the fans will love.” Work continues at Everton Stadium to complete the roofing structure on the west and east stands, while the initial fit-out has begun simultaneously on numerous levels of the two main stands. Everton Stadium, which will have a capacity of 52,888, be fully accessible and include safe-standing, is due to be completed in the 2024-25 season. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Digging trenches can be challenging, especially for electrical or plumbing purposes. To reduce the difficulty, most people perform slot trenching. It makes installing irrigation lines, plumbing, and underground electrical connections easier and faster. To determine if slot trenching is the method you should take for your project, read this quick guide. It answers the most common questions about slot trenching. What Is Slot Trenching? Slot trenching is a method used to dig narrow trenches with minimal excavation. You can use it for installing underground electrical, plumbing, or irrigation lines. Some companies prefer to use it when installing posts and signs. Unlike traditional trenching, slot trenching creates a narrow trench that requires minimal soil displacement. And because of this, slot trenching is an excellent choice to minimize the damage that regular digging may cause. Often, you can perform hydro excavation to make slot trenches. Hydrovac slot trenching uses a specialized machine that deploys pressurized water and sucks in loose soil. It makes slot trenching easier, faster, and less destructive. What Are The Benefits Of Slot Trenching? Slot trenching has many benefits, including reduced excavation, less soil displacement, and quicker installation times. It also allows for more precise line placement and minimizes damage to surrounding landscaping and structures. Aside from that, it prevents damaging any nearby roots too much. And since only a tiny area is dug or removed, it reduces accidents for those careless enough to slide inside a huge messy trench. What Equipment Do You Need For Slot Trenching? You need a specialized trencher or a saw that can make narrow cuts in the ground to perform slot trenching. You’ll also need shovels, measuring tape, and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection. As mentioned, you can also use a hydrovac for this construction method. Here’s a quick tip: You can use some tools in slot trenching for DIY projects like upgrading your deck area. How Deep Should You Dig Your Slot Trench? The depth of the slot trench depends on the size and type of the line you install. Slot trenches should generally be at least 12 inches deep. However, it can vary depending on local building codes and regulations. Also, they should be narrow, typically no wider than three inches, to minimize soil displacement and excavation. Note that OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has defined standards for performing slot trenches. Their objective is to improve the safety of the people working or digging ditches, mainly aimed at construction firms and contractors. These standards or policies can also apply to slot trenches. How Do You Backfill Your Slot Trench? After installing your line, you can backfill your slot trench with the soil removed during the digging process. Thoroughly compacting the ground is essential to prevent settling and ensure the line remains level. Depending on the technique you’ll use when slot trenching, you may need to get new soil to fill the trenches. Can You Do Slot Trenching By Yourself? Slot trenching can be a DIY project. You can do it yourself—especially if it involves installing electrical wiring for your backyard lighting or something similar. You can also get someone to help you, as an additional person can significantly speed up the work. Obtaining all the right equipment and safety gear is a must if you’re doing it alone. Be sure to follow all local building codes and regulations. It’s essential to consult a professional if you need clarification on any aspect of the project. How Much Does Slot Trenching Cost? The cost of slot trenching varies depending on the length and depth of the trench and the type of line to install. Getting quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices is best to ensure you get a fair price for your project. Regarding DIY, the cost depends on the availability of all the equipment necessary for the project. Mostly, you’ll worry more about the time you need to spend instead. What Are Some Safety Tips You Need To Follow? Slot trenching can be hazardous if not done correctly. It’s wise to follow the safety tips below: Conclusion Slot trenching can help install underground lines with minimal excavation and soil displacement. This quick guide should have given you enough information to get you started with your project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
