June 15, 2023
Work underway on new primary school for CringlefordWork underway on new primary school for Cringleford

Work underway on new primary school for Cringleford

Work is now underway on the much-needed 420-place new primary school in Cringleford near Norwich. A ground-breaking ceremony, which traditionally marks the beginning of construction for new building projects, was attended by: Norfolk County Council, which is funding and commissioning the new school; Inspiration Trust, which will be running it;

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Keys handed over for new Woodland View School, East Dunbartonshire

Keys handed over for new Woodland View School, East Dunbartonshire

The construction of the brand-new Woodland View School building in Waterside, Kirkintilloch, is now complete, ahead of opening its doors to pupils in August 2023. Accommodating children and young people from ages 2- 18 from across East Dunbartonshire who currently attend Campsie View and Merkland Schools, the building is designed

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10 Types Of Garage Doors For Homes & Businesses

10 Types Of Garage Doors For Homes & Businesses

When it comes to garage doors, there are so many options available in the market that choosing the right one can be daunting. From traditional wood designs to modern glass ones, you must know what’s best for your home or business. In this blog, we have compiled a list of

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

June 15, 2023

Work underway on new primary school for CringlefordWork underway on new primary school for Cringleford

Work underway on new primary school for Cringleford

Work is now underway on the much-needed 420-place new primary school in Cringleford near Norwich. A ground-breaking ceremony, which traditionally marks the beginning of construction for new building projects, was attended by: Norfolk County Council, which is funding and commissioning the new school; Inspiration Trust, which will be running it; and RG Carter which is building it. The new school is being built on land off Colney Lane on the edge of Norwich. It will be a second primary school for the growing village of Cringleford, which is due to see around 1,300 new homes built. Cllr Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s really exciting to see work starting, it demonstrates the council’s commitment to making sure there are the right number of school places so children can go to school in their local communities.” Cllr David Bills, local member for the county council’s Humbleyard division, said: “I know local residents will be pleased to see that the project to make this new school a reality is underway, enabling more children in this growing community to go to school close to home.” Mario Rackham, Director and General Manager at R G Carter, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed to deliver this much-needed school for the local community and to have hosted this celebration to mark the start of its construction. “We have extensive experience in providing high-quality educational facilities across the region and are looking forward to working in partnership with Inspiration Trust and Norfolk County Council Children’s Services to deliver this exciting new project in Cringleford.” Gareth Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of Inspiration Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to open a new free school in Cringleford and it was wonderful to see the building works underway. “We have a clear mission across all our schools – to provide the children of our county with the best possible education and being able to open this new free school in Cringleford will enable us to expand further on this, improving outcomes for even more children and setting them up to succeed in the next stage of their education.” The new school will be two storeys with car parking for staff and visitors, including electric charging spaces, and external hard and soft surfaced outdoor play areas. Its design and layout has been carefully done to reduce net carbon in the operational energy demands of the school and respects the local area and new housing. The new building would have solar panels, passive stack natural ventilation, air source heat pumps and an all-electric kitchen. The school is due to open in September next year. It is one of a proposed 26 new schools proposed for the county within the next 10 years as part of Norfolk County Council’s £308 million Local Growth and Investment Plan to ensure sufficient places in areas of major planned housing growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Enrok Construction Completes £4.6m Build to Rent Brixton Apartment Project

Enrok Construction Completes £4.6m Build to Rent Brixton Apartment Project

Enrok Construction has announced the successful completion of its flagship scheme in Brixton, London, which has seen the firm deliver sixty-three one-and two-bed luxury apartments for Node.  The construction specialist has worked on the Build to Rent (BTR) project since March 2022, overseeing the complete renovation of a 1940s building on Shakespeare Road, including adding an additional fourth floor to create six luxury apartments. The penthouses boast premium views across the capital city with a number of iconic buildings in sight, including The Shard, The City, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. The site has now been handed over to Node and will become the company’s first London location. Aimed at young professionals, the site also includes residents’ lounges, co-working spaces, a communal roof terrace, wellness garden and patio area. It is intended to become a community for creatives and entrepreneurs.   Speaking on the project, Simon Bennett MCIOB, Enrok’s Operations Director, commented: “We are pleased to hand the completed building over to our client, and to see the first residents moving into their new homes. We are sure the scheme will be hugely popular given its location and the quality of the environment Enrok, along with our partners, have created.  “I am particularly pleased with the additional fourth floor that we have created. Building outwards is not always feasible in high-density areas, so developing upwards is an effective solution and the view from the penthouse suites is a huge selling point.” Enrok worked on the project alongside architects 56Three, Engineer Rodgers Leask and Employers Agent The Construction Consultants. Enrok Construction is a privately owned construction company, operating across the UK from its headquarters in Derbyshire. The firm provides developers and clients from the UK and beyond with an all-inclusive construction service. It has built a reputation across the Midlands for consistently designing, building and project managing the delivery of homes and commercial buildings that people aspire to live, work, socialise and visit and which benefit their communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Keys handed over for new Woodland View School, East Dunbartonshire

Keys handed over for new Woodland View School, East Dunbartonshire

The construction of the brand-new Woodland View School building in Waterside, Kirkintilloch, is now complete, ahead of opening its doors to pupils in August 2023. Accommodating children and young people from ages 2- 18 from across East Dunbartonshire who currently attend Campsie View and Merkland Schools, the building is designed to be both practical and stimulating for pupils who have a broad range of additional support needs. Council Leader Gordan Low joined Head Teacher Kay Hunter and pupils from both schools to receive the keys from contractors McLaughlin & Harvey and to have their first glimpse inside the custom-built development. Councillor Low said, “After having my first tour inside Woodland View School, I am confident this purpose-built place of learning will well serve the needs of the 200 pupils from Merkland and Campsie View Schools who will start attending here in the August term. “Our contractors have delivered a school built to a very high standard, that boasts plenty of open spaces and a sensory trail leading from the ground floor to the first floor. Both indoors and out, the school is undoubtedly a welcoming and comfortable learning environment for our children and young people with modern décor and fittings.” Head Teacher Kay Hunter, added, “It was very exciting to see inside our new school – the building is absolutely fantastic! It has been designed to meet the needs of all of our pupils; from extra wide lifts to an accessible walkway, connecting the ground and first floor. “There is so much light and space, with lots of access for outdoor learning. The use of natural materials contributes to the creation of a happy and nurturing environment throughout.  Outdoors we have beautifully landscaped gardens and courtyard areas as well as a super Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). I am sure all our children and young people, and our parents and carers, will be absolutely thrilled with it.” Chris Boyle, Scape Framework Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented: “We are delighted to hand over the new Woodland View school to East Dunbartonshire Council. We have enjoyed working in collaboration with the Council, the two merged schools and the community to create a bespoke learning environment that will enhance the lives of so many young people in the area. “The project was delivered using the Scape framework to maximise the economic benefit to the local community. This has included using local labour and supporting community groups and individuals in Waterside, Kirkintilloch and East Dunbartonshire.” Ms Hunter added, “Over the coming weeks, all pupils from Merkland and Campsie View Schools will come along to see the new accommodation, to help prepare them for the move in August.  I can’t wait to see the excitement on their faces.” Whilst the school building and playground areas are complete, work continues on the community area which consists of a full-size football pitch and biodiversity planting.  It is anticipated these works will be finished in the coming months The £34.9m Woodland View School is being delivered by the Council in partnership with Scape and main contractor, McLaughlin & Harvey.  The architects are Norr. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Students on site as the Enfield Construction Skills Academy officially opens

Students on site as the Enfield Construction Skills Academy officially opens

A new skills academy has given future students a taste of what it would be like to be part of landmark regeneration projects such as Meridian Water. Delivered through a partnership by Enfield Council, Capital City College Group and Countryside Partnerships, the Enfield Construction Skills Academy officially opened on 14 June with workshops to demonstrate the wide range of courses on offer. The academy aims to train around 500 people per year enabling local people to develop skills to access good quality work. There are several positions available for people at the academy to gain employment in the construction of Meridian Water, Enfield Council’s landmark regeneration project in the east of the borough. Enfield Council is committed to empowering people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in Enfield by providing education and training. The academy will offer courses and apprenticeships in core construction skills with a focus on sustainable development based on the needs of the industry. Learners will benefit from a range of facilities including dedicated indoor and outdoor workspaces to give them hands-on skills training using various construction methods and equipment. The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “Meridian Water is about benefiting the local Edmonton community. By investing in Enfield through programmes such as the Enfield Construction Skills Academy the Council can help to deliver positive outcomes that will enable people to gain the qualifications they need for a successful career in the industry. This investment will ensure people have ongoing and sustainable employment which in turn will support the local economy.” “We are thrilled to see the first learners arriving at the academy this summer and hope they continue onto careers across the development of the Meridian Water site.” Kate Ives, Strategic Growth Director, London at Countryside Partnerships, commented: “The need for the construction industry to recruit and retain talent in the sector has never been greater, so we are immensely proud to open the Enfield Construction Skills Academy alongside our partners Enfield Council and Capital City College Group. Providing the workforce of the future with the skills and training opportunities to help deliver the crucial Meridian Water regeneration programme and more, the academy is set to leave a considerable legacy across the borough and beyond.” Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal of Capital City College Group, said: “At CCCG, we are committed to working with employers to reduce the huge shortfall of skilled construction workers in the UK. The academy will provide excellent construction training to industry standards to boost employment in Enfield and support the local and wider economy.” “The academy will further enhance CONEL’s excellent reputation for training people for great construction careers. Our experienced teachers have a huge wealth of skills and knowledge from across the industry from bricklaying and plumbing to carpentry and electrical, to give students and apprentices the best possible training. Many of our programmes will place an emphasis on sustainable development in line with our Mayor’s Academy Green Hub” “We look forward to building our relationship with Enfield Council and Countryside Partnerships and the new academy becoming a centre of excellence for construction training in London.” Enfield Construction Skills Academy is the latest addition to the ever-growing Meridian Water development which will deliver 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs. The academy is run by the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) which is part of CCCG. To learn more about the development, visit the Meridian Water website where you can also find information on the Enfield Construction Skills Academy. To explore the range of courses available visit CCCG’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Birmingham road workers share shocking stories in a plea to end the abuse they face

Birmingham road workers share shocking stories in a plea to end the abuse they face

In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents threatening road workers with weapons, such as machetes, crossbows and dogs. A driver threatened to chop off an operative’s head with an electric handsaw unless he was allowed through a closed road. One worker was shot at with a pellet gun, while another regularly receives homophobic abuse. Road workers are there to do a critical job to improve the roads and environment for communities living in the city, and every single person deserves to go home to their families safe and well at the end of each shift. Kier Highways site supervisor, Paul, said: “The people I work with are not confrontational. They are good people, there to do a job that they have been instructed to do. Yet they have been threatened with machetes, shot at, driven at, had things thrown at them. “And what for? Just because somebody wants to drive down the road that must be closed for safety reasons? “Road workers are there to do a job and earn a living. We should respect that and afford the people in these jobs the right to earn that living.” Expect Respect features stories from five different operatives who work across Birmingham. They each tell their lived experience of abuse and call on the public to make a change to their behaviour. The campaign has been launched by the Integrated Programme Alliance (IPA), which delivers vital network improvement works across the city and was established by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Highways Ltd, together with Kier, Arcadis, Tarmac, Highway Traffic Management (HTM) and WJ Group.  It is also supported by Councillor Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council. Cllr Clements said: “Everyone working on our highways network is doing an important job – and all of their tasks are carried out for the people of our city and those using our roads. “That is why it is totally unacceptable that they are subject to any form of abuse. Some of the incidents that have been reported are shocking and horrific, which is exactly why I back this campaign.” Birmingham Highways Ltd (BHL) manages and maintains the roads in the city. To support road workers and to provide the police with better evidence, BHL has invested in CCTV towers, body cameras and warning systems to alert workers when people or vehicles enter a live work site. Dave Pugh, Technical Director at Birmingham Highways Limited, added: “Over 800 people across our IPA teams are working hard to improve the standards of the roads in Birmingham, and they deserve our respect. The work they do is vital to the safety and efficiency of our roads, and we hope that the proud people of Birmingham will support our workers and call out any incidences of abuse or assault to collectively help stamp out this shocking behaviour.” Road workers on the contract receive regular training on public interactions and how to keep these positive, as well as incident reporting training and these messages are being reinforced throughout the campaign. Should a resident wish to raise an incident about a road worker and their conduct, they should do so via the website.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Lovell Partnerships appoints seasoned property expert to head up sales and marketing team in North East region 

Lovell Partnerships appoints seasoned property expert to head up sales and marketing team in North East region 

LEADING house developer, has recruited an industry-leading light to head up its sales and marketing team, continuing its impressive trajectory of growth in the North East as it expands its current portfolio of developments.  Tracy Iles joins the team bringing more than 20 years’ new homes and construction experience to the role. Before Lovell, she previously worked for four national housebuilders, working her way up from field sales manager to senior sales manager, before becoming sales director.   She joins Lovell as its new sales and marketing manager, where she’ll be responsible for directing marketing initiatives to promote new developments and enhance sales.  Tracy said: “I’ve worked in the property world for so many years now, but Lovell’s reputation for excellence has always preceded it. Following the North East region’s launch in 2021, the team has gone from strength to strength, and it’s exciting to get the opportunity to be a part of that.”  “The North East region has an ambitious growth plan with a number of new sites coming to fruition across North Yorkshire, Durham and Tyne & Wear, and I’m looking forward to supporting the team during what is set to be an exciting time.”  Tracy’s new role will also see her managing and recruiting sales staff and assessing land opportunities.  Tracy said: “I’ve joined an incredible team committed to delivering homes of outstanding quality. I’ve been inspired by their enthusiasm, and I look forward to engaging with existing and new clients in the coming months”.   Paul Devaney, regional managing director of Lovell Partnerships in the North East region, said: “At Lovell, we always aim to achieve and exceed the expectations of internal and external stakeholders, as well as our customers, by striving for a five-star house builder status.    “This is because it’s really important to us to ensure that our house buyers are in a happy environment, and having the right staff members in place is a key part of that.  “Tracy has a wealth of experience in the construction industry and is a great asset to our team. With her help, I’m looking forward to building on our success to date.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Changes made to CITB Managers and Professionals test to reflect the needs of today’s industry

Changes made to CITB Managers and Professionals test to reflect the needs of today’s industry

Important changes are being made to the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals (MAP), supported by the launch of updated revision materials for candidates. The MAP test is an important way of assessing that Managers and Professionals know how to keep themselves and those around them safe and healthy, whilst maintaining respect for the environment. MAP test certification is a key requirement for obtaining major CSCS cards, including: In November 2021, CITB surveyed 10,000 Managers and Professionals across the UK who had taken the CITB HS&E MAP test in the previous two years. They were offered the opportunity to provide feedback, with the insight used as part of a review, leading to the inclusion of six new additional subjects: Further changes to the test include updating existing questions and adding new ones, as well as updating the corresponding revision materials to ensure candidates are well prepared for taking the test. The new test is also available for candidates to take in Welsh, a significant milestone in CITB’s commitments to the Welsh Language Scheme and increasing accessibility. Industry feedback plays an important part in CITB’s product and service development and reflects the needs of the construction industry and that of the modern workforce, which evolve over time. CITB wants to ensure the test remains relevant, fit for purpose, and reflects changes made to legislation, working practices and new technology. Coming into effect from 27 June 2023, the new test will equip Managers and Professionals with the most up to date and accurate information, to ensure they can confidently lead their teams on health, safety and environmental matters. Garry Mortimer, CSCS Head of Operations, said: “CSCS is pleased to have worked with CITB over the revision of its MAP test to help ensure that it meets our minimum standard required, which it does, ensuring that those individuals who take the test have the appropriate levels of knowledge and skills to carry out their role safely and to keep others safe in the process.” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to gain industry insight and carry out these important updates to the HS&E MAP test and revision materials, with consideration to new technologies and legislation. Our purpose is to support the construction industry in developing and maintaining a safe, skilled, and competent workforce, both now and in the future. To do that, we must move with the times to ensure our tests remain relevant – it’s about keeping people safe.” If candidates are taking the test on or after 27 June 2023, they will need to ensure that they are using the new revision materials. Developed to align with the changes to the test, the new revision materials are available via the CITB Shop. There is also a revision app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app can be used to take mock tests in advance of a scheduled test. Visit the CITB website to book a test or find out more on the HS&E MAP test changes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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10 Types Of Garage Doors For Homes & Businesses

10 Types Of Garage Doors For Homes & Businesses

When it comes to garage doors, there are so many options available in the market that choosing the right one can be daunting. From traditional wood designs to modern glass ones, you must know what’s best for your home or business. In this blog, we have compiled a list of 10 types of garage doors that are popular among homeowners and businesses. We will discuss each type in detail, along with their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision. We also have sections on how to choose the perfect garage door opener and troubleshoot common garage door problems. Lastly, we will help you decide whether you should repair a garage door yourself or call a professional repairman. So sit tight and read on! What are the 10 types of garage doors for homes & businesses? There are many types of garage doors for homes and businesses, including sectional, roller, side-hinged, and tilt-up. Other options include sliding, bi-fold, canopy, and round-the-corner doors. You can choose from custom-made or prefabricated doors based on budget, style preferences, and functional requirements. B&D Garage Doors offers a wide selection to meet these varying needs. Sectional Garage Doors – Pros and Cons Sectional garage doors offer a compact solution for homes and businesses that prioritize good insulation and energy efficiency. These doors can be customized with different materials, colors, and finishes to match your home or business’s aesthetic. While maintenance and repairs can be costly due to the complex mechanism involved, hiring garage door repair services with years of experience ensures excellence in customer satisfaction. These professionals handle everything from opener installation to necessary adjustments to hinges and lag screws. They also provide installation services for new garage doors and perform garage door tune-ups. Contact a garage door repair company today for a free estimate on all your overhead door needs. Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors Insulated garage doors offer multiple benefits beyond just keeping your garage warm. By regulating temperature and reducing energy costs, they provide an efficient way to keep your garage comfortable year-round. Additionally, they offer added strength and durability to withstand harsh weather conditions, along with noise reduction for homes with bedrooms above the garage. Installation services for insulated garage doors are provided by experienced installers who also offer repair services for hinges, overhead door obstructions, necessary adjustments, or new installations altogether. At our garage door repair company, we ensure customer satisfaction with years of experience in the industry and free estimates on all services provided. Roll-Up Garage Doors – Pros and Cons For those constrained by overhead space limitations, roll-up garage doors are a great option. You can customize these doors by choosing from a wide range of materials, such as steel or aluminum, according to your requirements. Regular upkeep is necessary to ensure they function smoothly and effectively. Their tough security features make them an ideal choice for homeowners or businesses that store valuable items in their garages. While these doors might not have the same design flexibility as other types of garage doors, they’re still an excellent option. Carriage House Garage Doors – Pros and Cons If you’re looking for a classic appearance for your garage door without breaking the bank on aesthetics alone, then carriage house garage doors could be perfect. Made with durable materials such as wood or steel and composite to suit your preference ranging from easy maintenance to high-quality durability. There are some caveats, however; carriage house doors tend to cost more due to their design and unique materials. It’s important to have enough clearance space for proper operation, which might not be great for smaller garages or driveways. Maintaining these doors requires experienced technicians who possess years of experience in repair services such as lubrication of hinges & rollers or adjustments of typical garage door issues such as obstructions. Wood Garage Doors – Pros and Cons While being durable and long-lasting if properly maintained, wood garage doors provide a timeless appeal that can complement the aesthetics of any home or business. Natural wood materials can be customized to match any color scheme, making them a popular choice among homeowners and installers alike. With years of experience in the garage door industry, our repair services ensure great job satisfaction while offering free estimates for new garage door installations and opener installation services. We prioritize customer satisfaction by providing necessary adjustments for obstructions, lubricating hinges with grease, and securing our work with lag screws. Aluminum Garage Doors – Pros and Cons These types of garage doors have become popular due to their lightweight nature and rust-resistant properties that ensure durability over the years. These doors offer low-maintenance and easy-to-clean solutions for homeowners while providing the freedom to customize finishes with different colors and styles that complement their homes’ aesthetic appeal. Even though they are susceptible to dents and scratches caused by obstructions or typical wear and tear, garage door repair services can make necessary adjustments using lag screws or grease without necessarily requiring an overhead door repairman. However, it is essential to note that aluminum garage doors may not provide as much insulation as other materials like roller or wooden garage doors during extreme weather conditions leading to higher energy bills. Steel Garage Doors – Pros and Cons Steel garage doors are an excellent choice for those seeking durability and low maintenance requirements. You can rest assured that your garage will be well-protected from the elements as steel doors can withstand harsh weather conditions typical of various regions. Moreover, they come in a range of designs and styles to complement the look and feel of your residence or commercial space. It is worth noting that even though they are highly durable, steel garage doors may dent or scratch easily; hence necessary adjustments, such as lubricating the hinges with grease, may be required for optimal functionality. Remember to get in touch with experienced overhead door installers who offer garage door repair services like opener installation, new garage door installation services, and roller replacement services,

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