GRAHAM, the construction and civil engineering specialist firm, has announced its completion of the new £16m Marsh Barton Railway Station in Exeter for Devon County Council, with the station to open to the public on Tuesday, July 4. The project, which was delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and train
Later living provider Anchor is seeking contractors to deliver a repairs and investment service providing well-maintained, quality homes across their property portfolio. England’s largest not-for profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life is tendering for partnerships with contractors covering an integrated programme of repair, investment,
On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell fire tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 72 lives, Door & Hardware Federation’s General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding, looks back on this year’s developments with regards to legislation, and the resultant impact on DHF members. The high-rise fire which broke out
A north Coventry housing development from top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat has been named the Residential Regeneration Project of the Year at a prestigious award ceremony. The Spirit Quarters development, which will breathe new life into a ‘derelict’ 1950s housing estate, was crowned the winner at the Midlands Residential Property Awards
A Technical Standards team manager with a passion for sustainability and new ways of working has joined UK warranty provider Premier Guarantee as Head of Innovations. Andrew Fox worked with Countryside Properties (now part of Vistry) for 18 years as Associate Director of Technical Standards, focusing on improving homes’ energy
Calderdale Council has launched a tender scheme for its proposed new business park in Clifton. The council had been seeking funds to develop the site, but was unable to secure funding through the UK Government’s levelling up scheme. The council has now launched a search for a suitable developer to
Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded Willmott Dixon a £30 million contract to develop Darlington train station’s entrance. The work will consist of the creation of a new multi-storey car park that will be incorporated into the station’s new wider entrance. The project is part of Network Rail’s £140m masterplan
Cable management specialist, HellermannTyton, has completed a multi-million-pound expansion to its Plymouth factory with an official opening due to take place in July. Based at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford, HellermannTyton has doubled the size of its current factory by adding a new 3,439 m2 production
Dubai is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for luxury living and vacationing. The city is home to some of the most luxurious apartments available, making it a paradise for those looking to find affordable luxury. This article explores the best 1 bedroom apartments in Dubai, UAE. This article covers
GRAHAM, the construction and civil engineering specialist firm, has announced its completion of the new £16m Marsh Barton Railway Station in Exeter for Devon County Council, with the station to open to the public on Tuesday, July 4. The project, which was delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and train operating company Great Western Railway (GWR), delivered a new two-platform station which will provide services for more than 7,000 people employed at Marsh Barton, while also supporting development plans for around 2,500 new homes across the estate. The new Marsh Barton station is located near the ‘Energy from Waste’ plant on the eastern edge of Marsh Barton industrial estate. The scheme involved the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge that will supplement the new station, providing step-free access and improving active travel links between Alphington, Marsh Barton, and the Riverside Valley Park. GRAHAM utilised its vast civil engineering expertise to deliver the bridge in addition to the station, overcoming various planning and design challenges along the way. Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: “We are extremely proud to have delivered this fantastic new station in collaboration with Devon County Council, Network Rail, and GWR. The new Marsh Barton station will reduce road congestion and offer more sustainable travel choices for passengers in the region. With thousands of people using the route for both work and leisure travel, the station will provide a boost to the local economy and reduce the region’s carbon emissions, providing lasting impact to the communities it serves. Andrew added: “This project presented several logistical challenges, but our innovative approach and strong working relationships enabled us to overcome them successfully. We are grateful to our project team and supply chain for their hard work and dedication to delivering this important new station and footbridge.” Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “It’s excellent news that the station has passed all of the necessary checks and that it can now open to passengers on Tuesday 4 July. The station will be a huge asset to this part of Exeter, providing convenient access to Marsh Barton trading estate as well as connecting with active links to access other areas of the city.” GWR Business Development Director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably. Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area.” Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail’s industry programme director for the South West, said:“We are delighted to welcome this brand-new fully accessible station in Marsh Barton onto the rail network. It will unlock better connections to jobs, events, and opportunities for people in Exeter and across the South West.” Marsh Barton station will be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with additional half-hourly services at peak times. The project has been funded by the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund, Devon County Council, Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Exeter City Council, Teignbridge District Council, Network Rail and GWR. For more information about the project, please visit GRAHAM’s website at https://www.graham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Later living provider Anchor is seeking contractors to deliver a repairs and investment service providing well-maintained, quality homes across their property portfolio. England’s largest not-for profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life is tendering for partnerships with contractors covering an integrated programme of repair, investment, and improvement activities across approximately 1,700 locations. The total estimated value for delivering the service over a period of up to 15 years is £1.7 billion. The works cover all Anchor’s residential care homes, retirement housing to rent and to buy, retirement villages, specialist care locations and several commercial properties and non-residential locations throughout England alongside three locations in South Wales. Brian Golton, Director of Property Delivery at Anchor, said: “Helping people enjoy later life by providing high quality, safe homes with resident focused services is paramount . As a result, we are looking to secure long term partnerships with contractors who can demonstrate they can deliver consistently and effectively, to ensure we continue to provide homes where residents love living in later life. We have commenced the initial phase of procurement with an aim to award tenders in June 2024.” John Westwood, Executive Director of Property and Assets at Anchor, said: “With an ageing population providing well maintained, quality homes is needed more than ever. “Anchor is proudly not-for-profit, which means every penny we make is reinvested into our properties and services. Our ambitious repairs and investment service seeks to meet the needs of current and future residents, with responsive and planned works being carried out, that includes retrofitting to improve energy efficiency and create healthier homes.” Companies wishing to be considered can visit the repairs and investment service page for submission information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell fire tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 72 lives, Door & Hardware Federation’s General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding, looks back on this year’s developments with regards to legislation, and the resultant impact on DHF members. The high-rise fire which broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, West London, on 14th June 2017, claimed the lives of 72 people. To prevent such a tragedy from recurring, over the past year, a number of regulations have come into force, for example, the Construction Product (Amendment) Regulations in July 2022; this has enabled the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to act as an enforcement authority for construction products. This legislation paved the way for the new National Regulator for Construction Products to be established by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, thus allowing for enhanced and strengthened regulation of construction products. “It is clear that enforcement of the existing Construction Products Regulations, as undertaken by local authorities’ trading standards departments since 1991, has been ineffective due to a lack of resources and specific training,” explains Michael Skelding, DHF’s General Manager and Secretary. “The report “Testing for a Safer Future” confirms this. The direct involvement of OPSS, acting under DLUHC, should improve the effectiveness of enforcement and lead to more prosecutions where defective and, in particular, dangerous, products are concerned. This will potentially affect all manufacturers of construction products.” In October 2022, the White Paper on Construction Products Competence (CPC) was published by WG 12 of the Competence Steering Group (CSG ); it has been widely supported throughout the construction products supply chain. As a result, in January 2023, BSI Committee CPB/1 established a new project to create a Code of Practice for Core Criteria for Construction Products Competence, to be based on the White Paper. The standard’s purpose is to ensure individuals using or working with construction products are competent and can demonstrate their competence to others. The standard is expected to describe five levels of core criteria that should be achieved, demonstrated, and maintained by all individuals making choices concerning construction products at all levels in the built environment sector. It is expected to include a methodology of application to define how those core level criteria can be mapped by industries within the built environment sector consistently to their competence frameworks. It is intended to be used, in conjunction with BS 8670, by all industries in the built environment sector to map against their existing training and qualifications to demonstrate the competence of their workforce, as well as to identify any gaps in their training and qualifications. Michael says: “While DHF training focuses on installing and maintaining products correctly, this initiative is based on the understanding that many actors in the supply chain must be competent in dealing with construction products; this would include, for example: manufacturers, distributors, architects, risk assessors, building safety managers, installers, and maintainers. We will continue to support this initiative through our membership of CSG WG 12.” On 23rd January 2023, The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, made under Article 24 of the Fire Safety Order 2005, came into force. These impose additional duties on the responsible persons in residential buildings of multiple occupancy (BMO). In buildings taller than 11 metres, the new regulations require quarterly checks on fire doors in communal areas and annual checks on flat entrance doors. As Michael says: “Some members will be involved in carrying out fire door inspections under these regulations and there will be an increased need for training.” The following month saw the first meeting of the new Building Advisory Committee, chaired by Peter Baker, Chief Inspector of Buildings, and head of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) in HSE. “This really was something of a ‘landmark’”, says Michael. “The BSR is becoming the building control authority for work on higher risk buildings in England; previously, this was the local authority in most cases. According to government: the Building Safety Regulator’s approach to formal enforcement and sanctions will serve the public interest and will be undertaken in a fair, equitable and consistent manner, targeting, and taking firm action against those who repeatedly offend, act irresponsibly, or whose actions could cause serious harm. It promotes the principle that those who create the risk are responsible for managing that risk and are held accountable when they fail to do so.” In April of this year, an independent review of the construction product testing regime (a follow-up to Dame Judith Hackitt’s report “Building a Safer Future”) was published. Named “Testing for a Safer Future”, the review identifies potential weaknesses in the system and makes recommendations for improvement. “We are yet to receive a response from UK Government. This could affect the existing intentions for conformity marking of construction products and safety critical products; the official response will be important as it will affect testing and certification requirements for manufacturers of construction products,” explains Michael. “Looking ahead, we expect the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 Final Report, as well as legislation on competence requirements (provided for in Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022) which will potentially affect any building activity subject to building regulations approval in England. In addition, the Golden Thread of information: Part 3 of the Building Safety Act Amends the Building Act 1984 to allow building regulations to make provisions regarding creating, obtaining, storing, and transmitting information and documents. Part 4 imposes duties on Accountable Persons to manage such information and documents, subject to regulations to be made by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The necessary regulations have not yet been published but guidance about implementing the regulations and obtaining and handling the data is also expected. Once in place, information provided by manufacturers and installers of construction products will assume greater importance.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A north Coventry housing development from top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat has been named the Residential Regeneration Project of the Year at a prestigious award ceremony. The Spirit Quarters development, which will breathe new life into a ‘derelict’ 1950s housing estate, was crowned the winner at the Midlands Residential Property Awards 2023 in Birmingham last night. Now in its fifth phase, the development is set to provide Coventry with a thousand new homes and transform the formerly deprived quarter into an appealing destination, whilst generating jobs and reintroducing nature. The development also features modern methods of construction, including the use of timber frames and a prefabricated cassette roof system. This approach will improve insulation and energy efficiency, minimise disruption to local traffic and reduce site waste and its overall environmental impact. To achieve the ambitious goals of this landmark project, the housebuilder partnered with Citizen, Moat House Community Trust, Coventry City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority in the most recent phase. Amanda Bishop, Regional MD of the West Midlands, said: “We’re extremely proud and humbled to have won the Regeneration Project of the Year for our inspirational Spirit Quarters development. At Keepmoat we want to help develop communities and what better example than the former housing estates of Wood End, Henley Green and Manor Farm that had long since fallen into disrepair. “Now, the site boasts a thousand new homes, of which almost a third is affordable housing, attracting more than 900 new homeowners – replacing “no-go” zone with a lively new, urban neighbourhood. The influx of new families has also attracted new shops and amenities, creating a welcoming buzz, new jobs and cementing north Coventry’s status as an up-and-coming area.” Director of Regeneration at Citizen Housing Kevin Roach added: “Citizen are thrilled to be part of an award winning project that will deliver much needed housing in Coventry. Working with Keepmoat has been fundamental to the success of this project.” For more information about Keepmoat and its developments across the Midlands please visit www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Technical Standards team manager with a passion for sustainability and new ways of working has joined UK warranty provider Premier Guarantee as Head of Innovations. Andrew Fox worked with Countryside Properties (now part of Vistry) for 18 years as Associate Director of Technical Standards, focusing on improving homes’ energy efficiency and educating staff and customers on modern methods of construction. Describing the move to the latent defects insurance sector, he said: “I am really looking forward to supporting the structural insurance sector further embrace modern methods of construction and more innovative ways of building.” His career in housebuilding began with Barratt as a joiner and within five years he had been promoted to Site Manager. With Countryside, Andrew drove a programme to improve the energy fabric of new homes through incremental testing of products, systems and design details and refined the improvements to achieve a significant cost efficiency for the business. Premier Guarantee Technical Director Sarah Sheppard added: “We are really pleased to welcome Andrew to the innovations team and we are sure his experience and his passion on the subject of innovative and sustainable construction will be a huge asset for us.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Calderdale Council has launched a tender scheme for its proposed new business park in Clifton. The council had been seeking funds to develop the site, but was unable to secure funding through the UK Government’s levelling up scheme. The council has now launched a search for a suitable developer to work alongside them to provide funding, planning, construction and marketing of the project. The site already holds planning permission and the council remains confident in its ability to develop the site. Members within the council feel the site’s proximity to the M62 as well as the nearby town of Brighouse would make it an attractive prospect for developers. Additionally, they believe there are a sufficient amount of businesses that would be willing to move to the site once work is complete. The tender process is expected to take place throughout the remainder of this year with reports about the next steps for the scheme set to be discussed by the council in early 2024. Commenting on the plans, Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “We want people to feel pride in the place where they live and do business, and a key part of this is the Council’s commitment to support all parts of Calderdale to thrive. We also want to build on our borough’s strong contribution to the wider West Yorkshire economy. “The proposed Clifton Business Park – a major regeneration project – aims to do just that. It’s an example of our ambition for Calderdale, and our aim to make things happen in line with our Vision 2024 for Calderdale and the Local Plan. “The site has the potential to create 1,300 high-quality new jobs for Calderdale and West Yorkshire, attract significant investment and new businesses into Brighouse, support our inclusive economic recovery through sustainable development, and add to local climate action through new walking and cycling routes, trees and plants. “So, we’re being bold and saying Clifton is worth investing in. We’re determined to make the Business Park a reality through an enterprising new route, exploring the option of bringing in an external partner with expertise in moving sites like this forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tees Valley Combined Authority has awarded Willmott Dixon a £30 million contract to develop Darlington train station’s entrance. The work will consist of the creation of a new multi-storey car park that will be incorporated into the station’s new wider entrance. The project is part of Network Rail’s £140m masterplan to deliver extra train capacity and better passenger facilities at the station. This will include work to build two additional platforms at the site. The scheme is set to be complete by 2025 in time for the Stockton and Darlington Railway bicentennial celebrations. Commenting on the project, Nick Corrigan, North East director for Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re proud to say that, as well as creating a vibrant and transformative new gateway into Darlington, the station development really will be changing lives and creating opportunities for local people. In addition to new local jobs, apprenticeships and training weeks, in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority, we are creating employment opportunities for local people facing barriers to work through our dedicated Building Lives Academy programme. “Over the coming months, we will be working with the likes of Darlington Borough Council’s Youth Employment Initiative and Aycliffe Secure Centre, to deliver Building Lives Academies for local young people who are not in education, employment or training. This is a project for the people of Darlington, built by the people of Darlington and we’re committed to spending £12m with local supply chain businesses.” Reflecting on the potential impact of the development, Tees Valley Mayor Mayor Houchen said: “With hundreds of Government jobs coming to Darlington, the town and its people deserve a modern and vibrant station to provide a gateway to the rest of the great developments on their way. This is another significant milestone and I’m thrilled the station project is steaming ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cable management specialist, HellermannTyton, has completed a multi-million-pound expansion to its Plymouth factory with an official opening due to take place in July. Based at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford, HellermannTyton has doubled the size of its current factory by adding a new 3,439 m2 production facility. The new site expansion will support recent developments across a variety of sectors including rail, automotive and defence, which has caused a 60% growth in business at the site. The expansion features a bespoke extrusion hall, high-speed extrusion lines and state-of-the-art feed systems which have allowed HellermannTyton to increase its manufacturing capacity. The new site also gives the company the ideal combination of production space, warehouse storage, access to shipping docks, as well as innovative machinery. Barry Phelps, Commercial Sales Manager for HellermannTyton, comments: “We are delighted to announce that our new Plymouth site will be opening in July. This expansion has been made possible by the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team and we are keen to see the amazing work and solutions that will be created at our state-of-the-art new facility. “The expansion is also part of our decade-long plan to reinforce our status as the leading supplier of cable management solutions, and with this, comes our commitment to preparing the next generation of manufacturers,” said Barry. “The new investment means we can flourish as a local employer; creating nearly 100 new jobs and providing a training academy and research and development labs to give a boost to both the local economy and the future of cable management solutions.” As a global manufacturer that offers high-performance fastening, connecting, protecting, and identifying cable solutions, HellermannTyton works with a diverse range of industries and key manufacturing processes at the factory have been implemented to create solutions for a multitude of industries such as aerospace, solar and electrical. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dubai is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for luxury living and vacationing. The city is home to some of the most luxurious apartments available, making it a paradise for those looking to find affordable luxury. This article explores the best 1 bedroom apartments in Dubai, UAE. This article covers location, floor plans, prices, amenities, features, shopping, dining, transportation, outdoor activities, nightlife, and entertainment. This article explains Dubai’s affordable luxury. Dubai’s stunning coastline and cultural attractions attract apartment hunters. Location Considerations Dubai has many 1 bedroom apartments in various locations, providing many exciting opportunities to explore and experience the city’s vibrant culture. When choosing a neighborhood, consider school proximity and safety issues. Researching the city’s transportation system is also important to determine how easy it will be to get around. Location affects floor plans and prices for luxury 1 bedroom apartments in Dubai. When choosing a place to live, consider utilities and community amenities. It’s also important to compare prices since some complexes offer discounts or special promotions that can save you money over time. Living in Dubai means having access to world-class shopping centers, restaurants, and other attractions. Before committing long-term, research the cost of this luxurious lifestyle. Use online resources like real estate listings and reviews from previous tenants to maximize your rental budget while enjoying Dubai’s attractions. You’ll find an affordable luxury 1 bedroom apartment that meets your needs with these considerations. Floor Plans and Prices Dubai one-bedroom floor plans and prices show options. Space planning finds cheap luxury apartments. Comparing rents shows the best deals. Tenants can compare Dubai neighborhoods. When looking at floor plans, tenants should consider whether there are enough windows to let natural light into the apartment if the living room is big enough to host guests, and if there are balconies or terraces with stunning city skyline views. Furnished apartments vary. Location, apartment size, landlord amenities like gyms or concierge services, security deposits, and utility bills affect rent. Tenants should shop around before signing a lease. Compare floor plans and prices to find a Dubai one-bedroom apartment that meets all needs without breaking the bank. Amenities and features will be explored in Dubai’s affordable luxury real estate market. Amenities and Features Amenities and features determine Dubai’s one-bedroom apartments. Many affordable luxury apartments have private pools, fitness centers, and other perks. Home gyms and pools make exercise convenient. Add high-tech security, 24/7 concierge services, and stylish finishes. Amenities vary. Tenants should compare complexes before choosing. Doing so ensures they get all the features they need within budget. Some luxury complexes have better recreational facilities. If they fit a person’s lifestyle, luxury apartments can be worth the extra money. Researching all options will help people choose a Dubai apartment that suits their needs and budget. With this information, shoppers can find nearby shops and restaurants. Shopping and Dining Dubai residents can shop and dine near their apartments. From pet-friendly cafes and restaurants to luxury stores, tenants will find the perfect fit: Affordable luxury apartments in Dubai offer shopping and dining options for everyone. With so many options, tenants can explore the town without worrying about transportation costs or availability. There’s something for everyone who wants an unforgettable shopping and dining experience, from downtown districts with handmade vendors to high-end boutiques in upscale neighborhoods. Transportation Options Dubai’s transportation makes sightseeing easy. Dubai’s buses and metro lines move people quickly and cheaply. Taxis are an alternative for tourists. Taxis cost less. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem make traveling cheaper and easier for budget-conscious and direct-route travelers. Dubai’s many options simplify exploration. This vibrant destination has extensive public transport, taxi, ride-hailing, and other transportation networks. Dubai’s parks, malls, deserts, and mountains are easily accessible. Dubai’s waterparks, beaches, and desert safaris are easily accessible by public transportation. With so many options, finding affordable luxury apartments in Dubai is easier. Outdoor Activities Dubai has waterparks and desert safaris for locals and tourists. The Arabian Gulf coastline offers many beach options. From Jumeirah Beach Park to Al Mamzar Beach Park, public beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor sports like volleyball and soccer. Dubai has several parks with dune bashing and other adventurous activities like camel riding. Activity Location Swimming/Sunbathing Jumeirah Beach Park & Al Mamzar Beach Park Outdoor Sports (Volleyball & Soccer) Jumeirah Beach Park & Al Mamzar Beach Park Dune Bashing Rides & Camel Riding Various Parks Across Dubai Family-friendly city theme parks. Waterpark Atlantis The Palm has thrill rides and shark and ray encounters. Motiongate Dubai has 27 thrilling rides inspired by Hollywood films. In contrast, Legoland Dubai has over 40 interactive LEGO-themed attractions for all ages, including roller coasters and educational experiences like building a LEGO car. Dubai’s luxury and adventure attract tourists. This vibrant city has night markets, live music, rooftop bars, dance shows, and more. Nightlife and Entertainment Dubai’s vibrant markets, live music, and rooftop bars offer exciting nightlife and entertainment. This lively city has sports bars, speakeasies, and more. Nightlife venues in Dubai include: Dubai nightlife surprises! You’ll find something to please your senses wherever you go, whether you prefer traditional or modern experiences. It’s easy to see why tourists flock to this amazing city with many nightlife options. Conclusion One-bedroom apartments in Dubai offer affordable luxury. When choosing an apartment, consider location, floor plans and prices, amenities and features, nearby shopping and dining, transportation, outdoor activities, nightlife, and entertainment. These factors can help tenants find a 1-bedroom apartment that fits their budget and lifestyle. Dubai’s many affordable luxury apartments allow anyone to enjoy the city’s benefits without breaking the bank. Read more on the official website https://dubai-properties.sale
