Robust UK supplies steel doorsets to a wide variety of industries, including transport, education, health, housing, industrial, warehousing, and utilities markets, for both new build and refurbishment projects. Robust UK offer two product ranges with Secured by Design accreditation – TUFF-DOR and SECUR-DOR. Every security door is specially constructed to
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun speculatively developing a 268,063 sq ft last-mile logistics development at Brighton. Panattoni Park Brighton will comprise of seven units, ranging from 19,834 sq ft to 55,632 sq ft, which will be built to a BREEAM rating
West End Gate, located in Edgware Road, Marylebone, London, is a prestigious residential development comprising of eight buildings ranging from eight to 29 storeys. The development boasts modern architecture, efficient transport links, and state-of-the-art facilities. SOCOTEC Fire Engineering and Fire Risk Assessment have been appointed since 2018 to provide comprehensive
Local Bedfordshire housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched its new development, Lewin Park, in the popular village of Langford. Lewin Park has been designed to reflect the surrounding natural environment, including a range of initiatives to protect and encourage wildlife in and around the development. Hedgehog highways enable wildlife to roam
Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the July 2023 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of June 2023, covering all underlying projects with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures
Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has reached a milestone on the M2 junction 5 improvements scheme, with some significant changes made that will benefit road users. GRAHAM was awarded the £92m M2 junction 5 improvements scheme by National Highways in June 2021. The junction is one of the busiest in the
Schlüter-Systems, as a leading manufacturer of tile installation products, also offers both conventional underfloor heating (UFH) and an electrical undertile heating alternative suitable for diverse applications: the manufacturer’s two CAD-enabled options for the 21st century – BEKOTEC-THERM and DITRA-HEAT E. The first is a hydronic system that can be installed
Harley Haddow has received one of the top prizes at The Grafters Awards, scooping the best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy award. The ceremony which took place last night (Thursday 29th of June) at The Mercure Picadilly Hotel in Manchester, recognised the best of the Northwest construction and property industry. Hosted
The award-winning asbestos and abatement company, Amianto Services, is celebrating its five-year anniversary having provided vital services across the UK. Amianto Services, part of The Sovini Group, offers an award-winning asbestos and abatement removal service, in addition to their recent expansion of services to provide passive fire protection (FIRAS). Since
A multi-million pound upgrade to the electricity network is now benefiting 80,000 homes and businesses across Cheshire – and setting them up for a cleaner and greener future – thanks to SP Energy Networks. The £23 million investment gives a new lease of life to Crewe Grid substation – originally
Robust UK supplies steel doorsets to a wide variety of industries, including transport, education, health, housing, industrial, warehousing, and utilities markets, for both new build and refurbishment projects. Robust UK offer two product ranges with Secured by Design accreditation – TUFF-DOR and SECUR-DOR. Every security door is specially constructed to individual project requirements and features internal reinforcement designed to resist a sustained attack from a wide range of tools, offering a physical barrier to deter and delay intruders for a specified period of time. Paul Williams, Robust UK, said: “Our continued partnership with SBD has allowed us to provide our customers with a high level of security and peace of mind that our steel door solutions are secure and of the highest quality. The support and expertise of the Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) is crucial in offering an independent security assessment, allowing end users to know that the Police Preferred Specification has been adhered to.” Hazel Goss, Secured by Design, commented: “It has been a pleasure to renew contracts with Robust, who have been members of Secured by Design since 2013. They offer a great range of Steel doorsets covering various security ratings and styles. I am looking forward to many more years working alongside them.” You can find out more about Robust UK and their Secured by Design accredited products on their dedicated member page. Secured by Design (SBD) is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and increasing safety for businesses and individuals. SBD seeks to improve the physical security of buildings and the surrounding area using products such as doors, windows, locks and walling systems along with fencing systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements. SBD have many partner organisations, ranging from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities through to local authorities, housing associations, developers and manufacturers and work closely with standards and certification bodies. SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK, through the Police Preferred Specification – a product-based accreditation scheme developed over 20 years ago, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that effectively deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends. Learn more about Secured by Design and our member companies at: https://www.securedbydesign.com/
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has begun speculatively developing a 268,063 sq ft last-mile logistics development at Brighton. Panattoni Park Brighton will comprise of seven units, ranging from 19,834 sq ft to 55,632 sq ft, which will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ to prioritise energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. They will benefit from eaves ranging from minimum 7m to 10m, 15% roof lights and EV charging for vans and cars. The development is scheduled for completion in Q2 of 2024. Situated adjacent to Brighton City Airport and the A27 dual carriageway, Panattoni Park Brighton will deliver much-needed Grade-A space within this fast-growing region. It will be the third development for Panattoni this year south of London, joining a 452,469 sq ft last-mile development at Burgess Hill and a 200,000 sq ft development in Crawley. This reflects Panattoni’s confidence in the strength of the south coast logistics market, where the demand-supply imbalance is acute. David McGougan, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “This development presents a very rare industrial and logistics opportunity. Panattoni Park Brighton is the ideal location for last-mile delivery operations looking to address consumer markets clustering the south coast. We look forward to bring forward these speculative units. “Brighton and Hove is predicted to become one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing economies by the end of 2023”. Letting agents at Panattoni Park Brighton are DTRE, Savills and SHW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
West End Gate, located in Edgware Road, Marylebone, London, is a prestigious residential development comprising of eight buildings ranging from eight to 29 storeys. The development boasts modern architecture, efficient transport links, and state-of-the-art facilities. SOCOTEC Fire Engineering and Fire Risk Assessment have been appointed since 2018 to provide comprehensive fire safety support throughout the construction process. SOCOTEC’s involvement in West End Gate began in 2018 with the commencement of Phase 1 and continues into Phase 2, which is expected to conclude in 2026. One of the primary objectives was to produce a detailed report outlining the necessary measures to meet life safety requirements and contractual obligations set by the site’s insurer. To provide fire safety during construction, SOCOTEC relied on two essential guidance documents: HSG168 and the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation (JCOP). These documents guided the information provided to the contractors, covering various critical topics, including: A. Protection of temporary structures: Ensuring the safety of welfare containers and other temporary structures on-site. B. Means of escape: Establishing safe escape routes from the construction site. C. Protection of sleeping occupants: Implementing fire safety measures for occupied areas of the complex after handover. D. Managing ignition risks: Properly managing activities such as hot works to prevent fire incidents. E. Preventing fire growth and spread: Effectively managing the storage of combustible and highly flammable materials, temporary compartmentation, and other fire prevention measures. F. Preventing external fire spread: providing guidance on preventing external fire spread between building on the site and existing buildings outside the site boundary, This include the strategic installation of (temporary) fire stopping and the management of combustible materials. G. Providing firefighting facilities: Establishing temporary firefighting facilities on-site. The construction fire safety strategy developed by SOCOTEC was regularly checked on-site by qualified and experienced fire risk assessors. These professionals identified deficiencies and potential fire risks, ensuring the information provided in the strategy remained updated and aligned with the current conditions on-site. The collaborative approach between SOCOTEC’s fire safety engineers and the fire risk assessors ensured a comprehensive and effective fire safety management system throughout the construction process. The West End Gate project presented several challenges that required innovative fire safety solutions. Some of the notable challenges included: A. Provision of basement storage and basement welfare, including phased handover of the basement: Ensuring safe storage practices in the basement area to mitigate fire risks, including providing smoke clearance systems and ventilated lobby protection to the protected stair cases following handover. B. Compliance with social distancing restrictions: Adapting welfare areas to adhere to social distancing guidelines while maintaining adequate fire safety measures, during the COVID-19 pandemic. C. External fire spread between the buildings under construction: Some of the blocks are within close proximity to each other. Static temporary fire stopping was placed, as well as the management of combustible materials employed to prevent any fire spread between the blocks under construction. The primary aim of SOCOTEC’s involvement in the West End Gate project was to meet the expectations of the site’s insurer and the construction company’s requirements for safe management of a large, complex, and high-rise construction site. While prioritising life safety requirements, many of the fire safety recommendations also contributed to property protection, reducing the potential for property damage in case of fire incidents. SOCOTEC’s comprehensive fire safety management approach for the West End Gate development demonstrates their expertise in ensuring compliance with life safety requirements and contractual obligations. By incorporating guidance documents, conducting regular site checks, and addressing project-specific challenges, SOCOTEC played a vital role in creating a safe environment during the construction process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local Bedfordshire housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched its new development, Lewin Park, in the popular village of Langford. Lewin Park has been designed to reflect the surrounding natural environment, including a range of initiatives to protect and encourage wildlife in and around the development. Hedgehog highways enable wildlife to roam safely and freely, whilst bug hotels provide a safe haven for insects. The hedgehog highways and bee hotels are supported by other initiatives, including hedgerow and tree planting and the provision of insect-loving plants such as lavender to encourage bugs and bees to the development. The new development will offer a range of three to five bedroom homes and a range of house types to respond to local need, meaning there is something for a wide range of prospective buyers, from first time buyers to growing families looking to upsize. Ready to reserve now, residents are expected to be welcomed from the end of May and can visit the brand new show home, the four bedroom Keswick house type, which has just launched. Charlie Joseph, Sales and Marketing Director for Chiltern, comments: “We’re excited to launch our new development Lewin Park, which makes the most of the surrounding Bedfordshire countryside and its village location. As part of Crest Nicholson’s sustainability strategy, we have created bug hotels and hedgehog highways as well as wildlife-friendly plants, all of which can play a huge part in helping us to make a positive impact on the local biodiversity. “Interest in Lewin Park has been high ahead of the launch, so we’d recommend anyone interested get in touch with our friendly sales team as soon as possible to visit the brand new show home, so you can be one of the first to secure your plot here.” Lewin Park is perfect for those who enjoy countryside living within a quaint village whilst having easy access to amenities and transport links on their doorstep. The development is located less than three miles from Biggleswade train station, which runs regular direct trains to London St. Pancras Station in 30 minutes. The development also has great access to the A1 and M1 making this an ideal location for those who need access to surrounding towns and cities such as Bedford, Cambridge and Luton. For families, there are a selection of schools rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted within walking distance of the development including Langford Village Academy and St Andrew’s C OF E VC Lower School, which are 0.9 and 1.2 miles away from Lewin Park. There are a range of local amenities within and around the village of Langford that residents can enjoy, including several restaurants and bars, plus Stortford Watermill and Nature Reserve. Prices for three, four and five bedroom homes start at £380,000, £520,000 and £650,000 respectively, with select plots available to purchase SmoothMove, Part Exchange and Deposit Unlock. For more information about the development, or to book an appointment, please call 01234 481 376 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/lewin-park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the July 2023 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of June 2023, covering all underlying projects with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. Heading into Q.3 2023, construction-starts continue to slide on a consistent downhill trajectory. Similar to previous, recent editions of the Index, performance remained frustratingly sluggish across the sector, amid eye-watering price inflation, interest spikes, and widespread economic uncertainty. However, striking a more positive note, residential construction rallied following a long-lasting period of depression, with starts-on-site increasing by a tenth during the Index period. Commenting on the findings, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen, says, “Further weakening in project-starts in the second quarter is disappointing but unsurprising, with a continued slowdown largely attributed to the UK’s stagnant economic situation, which will likely persist into the latter half of the year. The UK economic outlook remains weak, denting investor and consumer confidence further and consequently stifling private sector activity. Particularly, civils starts have disappointed, which is a shame, given the Prime Minister and Chancellor’s big commitments to critical infrastructure. This is due, in part, to sharp drops in infrastructure approvals throughout 2022, feeding through to this year. “Despite this, a modest residential project-start recovery is encouraging, which will be welcomed by many housebuilders, whose activity has stalled thanks to icy market conditions and a raft of new regulations. Whilst we’re not out of the woods yet, these nascent green shoots reflect the predictions made in our recent Construction Forecast, which expects the industry to return to growth in 2024 as UK economic prospects improve.” Taking a closer look at sector verticals and UK regions… Sector Analysis – Residential Residential construction experienced a slight upturn during the three months to June as starts advanced 10% but stood 40% lower than a year ago. Private housing also enjoyed a growth spurt, with starts increasing 17% against the preceding three months but weakening 46% compared with the previous year. Social housing performance was weak, finishing 9% down on the preceding three months, dropping back 3% on 2022 levels. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential The value of starts across non-residential sectors fell by 11% during Q.2, down 30% on a year ago, with most verticals experiencing decline against the previous year. Hotel & Leisure experienced a relatively strong period, with work starting on-site increased by 2% against the preceding three months to stand 1% up on the previous year. Industrial project-start performance was mixed, with the value of starts increasing a modest 1% during the three months to June but remaining 33% lower than a year ago. It was a similar story for health, where the value of underlying project-starts fell back 22% against 2022 levels, but, more positively, advanced 51% against the preceding three-month period. Offices project-start performance was especially poor, with project-starts weakening 38% during the three months to June to stand 57% lower than a year ago. Retail project-starts also slipped back abruptly, declining 14% against the preceding three months to stand 44% down on the year before. Education and Community & Amenity also decreased 18% and 43% against the preceding three months, to stand 2% and 45% down on the previous year, respectively. Civils work starting on-site dropped 40% against the preceding three months to stand 54% down on a year ago. Infrastructure starts dropped 35% during Q.2, down 59% on the previous year’s figures. Utilities starts also declined 44% against the three months to the end of June, finishing 45% down on a year ago. Regional Analysis Regional performance was poor, with project-starts weakening across nearly every part of the UK during the three months to June. Project-start performance in the North East and Northern Ireland was mixed, increasing 18% and 15%, respectively, but slipping back 33% and 7% on 2022 levels. The East of England also experienced a mixed period, increasing 31% against the preceding three months but remaining 36% behind last year’s figures. Wales suffered the heaviest fall, declining 46% against the preceding three months to stand 52% down on a year ago. It was a similar story in Yorkshire & the Humber, with the value of project-starts decreasing 17% against the preceding three months and remaining significantly down (-41%) on the previous year. Project-starts in the East Midlands also experienced falls against both the preceding three months (-1%) and previous year (-40%). London and the South West weakened against the preceding three months, falling back 18% and 11%, respectively. Both regions were down on the previous year, remaining 36% and 46% lower than a year ago. Scotland was down against both the preceding three months (-9%) and the previous year (-27%). This was also the case in the West Midlands, the South East, and the North West, which all crashed compared to both the preceding three months and previous year. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. 2023 sees Glenigan celebrate its 50th anniversary, commemorating half a century of delivering the highest-quality construction market intelligence. To find out more about its services and expertise click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has reached a milestone on the M2 junction 5 improvements scheme, with some significant changes made that will benefit road users. GRAHAM was awarded the £92m M2 junction 5 improvements scheme by National Highways in June 2021. The junction is one of the busiest in the region and experiences large queues and heavy congestion on a daily basis. It also had one of the highest collision rates across England’s motorway and major A roads nationally. The project team has recently implemented major changes to the way drivers use the Stockbury roundabout. Earlier in the year, GRAHAM switched the A249 southbound traffic onto a new stretch of road on the south side of the roundabout, that runs adjacent to the existing carriageway. The new section is temporarily carrying southbound traffic and once complete will become the new Oad Street Link Road, which will carry traffic directly from Oad Street to the Stockbury roundabout. The A249’s northbound traffic has also been switched onto the existing southbound carriageway to allow construction of the Stockbury South bridge structure. Once complete, the flyover will allow traffic to flow without restrictions over the Stockbury roundabout, reducing delays and improving safety. Last month GRAHAM opened the new Maidstone Link Road, a new carriageway connecting Maidstone Road to Oad Street. The project team also opened the new southbound diverge (slip road) to southbound traffic. The start of this new slip road consists of continuously reinforced concrete paving (CRCP), to tie in the existing carriageway, with surfacing also recently completed. Once works are complete, the southbound diverge will have a dedicated slip road to the M2 (westbound). The switching of traffic to the southbound diverge will enable the construction of the northern Stockbury flyover, with the first step being the installation of 900mm dia CFA (Continuous flight auger) piles. Now the traffic has been switched, GRAHAM’s team is demolishing the CRCP slab beneath the existing A249 carriageway utilising excavators with hydraulic breakers. Recent progress has seen the construction of the southern abutment for the new Stockbury south bridge structure. The abutment is constructed with 170 cubic meters of steel-reinforced concrete. Following completion of the abutment, GRAHAM has made major progress on the scheme’s bespoke flint-clad reinforced earth RECO walls. The RECO walls will see 1,500 RECO panels placed in total, allowing earth to be backfilled behind them. The faces of the panels have been chosen to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the scheme, with a coarse finish of locally sourced flint utilised to suit the scheme’s natural surroundings in the Stockbury Valley. Once complete, the scheme will lead to smoother and safer journeys for hundreds of thousands of drivers each day. For more information about the scheme visit the M2 junction 5 project website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Schlüter-Systems, as a leading manufacturer of tile installation products, also offers both conventional underfloor heating (UFH) and an electrical undertile heating alternative suitable for diverse applications: the manufacturer’s two CAD-enabled options for the 21st century – BEKOTEC-THERM and DITRA-HEAT E. The first is a hydronic system that can be installed in the traditional way beneath different floor finishes throughout the home or in commercial buildings. But unlike many rival UFH systems, BEKOTEC-THERM is based on studded modular panels which are quick and easy to install and offer a low build height with rapid warm up times. A screed is laid across the pipe runs and, rather than waiting weeks for it to cure, tiling operations can commence as soon as the surface is hard enough to walk on by using Schlüter-Systems’ DITRA uncoupling mat which means BEKOTEC-THERM is ideal for time-critical refurbishment contracts such as in shops and offices. Then, as an electric powered undertile solution, applications for DITRA-HEAT E are only limited by the imagination: they encompass demisting mirrors, warming walls or seats in spas and showers, and vanity areas or countertops. DITRA-HEAT further finds applications for flooring and plant shelving in conservatories while the system has been specified widely in prestigious locations such as The Lanesborough Hotel and Langham’s in London. Schlüter-Systems’ Technical Specifications Consultant, Tony Taylor-Sheriff, commented: “UFH technology has progressed enormously since the Roman Hypocaust, but there is still much that is not understood across the wider construction industry regarding relevant efficiencies and potential problems such as the importance of uncoupling layers, load distribution and vapour management. Our solutions have been developed to help professionals achieve quick and energy efficient installations, with BEKOTEC-THERM, for example, being able to offer the benefit of low temperature flow which makes it ideal for use with heat pumps or other renewable sources of heat. DITRA-HEAT E likewise offers rapid response and is very flexible in use.” For specifiers and architects, as well as installers of flooring finishes wishing to increase their knowledge of underfloor heating technology, Schlüter-Systems also offers a CPD seminar entitled Specifying Integrated Underfloor Heating Systems which can be delivered online or in person. With more than 2,300 employees and seven offices across Europe and North America, Schlüter-Systems is the world’s largest and most innovative manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tiles and natural stone flooring. Schluter-Systems in the UK offers a very wide product portfolio including the Schluter-KERDI range waterproofing membranes, the versatile tilebacker KERDI-BOARD and its underfloor heating solutions. For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harley Haddow has received one of the top prizes at The Grafters Awards, scooping the best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy award. The ceremony which took place last night (Thursday 29th of June) at The Mercure Picadilly Hotel in Manchester, recognised the best of the Northwest construction and property industry. Hosted by television and radio presenter, Jenny Powell, the awards, part of Grafters Super Group, celebrate achievements from those across the Northwest industry. Ian Chalk, director at Harley Haddow said: “We are delighted to have been awarded best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy and are proud of the accomplishments we have made over the last year in the Northwest. “It has been an incredible journey so far from when we first opened our office in Manchester, with great project wins and team expansion. Winning something like this really consolidates all the hard work and dedication that has gone in across the consultancy and we can’t wait to build on this even more.” The consultancy is going from strength to strength, with this most recent accolade one of seven award nominations in 2023 so far. Having opened their Manchester office last year, the team is continuing to grow their Northwest hub with further recruitment ongoing. If you would like to know more about opportunities within Harley Haddow please visit: https://www.harleyhaddow.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The award-winning asbestos and abatement company, Amianto Services, is celebrating its five-year anniversary having provided vital services across the UK. Amianto Services, part of The Sovini Group, offers an award-winning asbestos and abatement removal service, in addition to their recent expansion of services to provide passive fire protection (FIRAS). Since 2017, Amianto Services have worked on large and complex projects across both the public and private sectors; from NHS trusts and higher education providers to the housing sector and established commercial businesses. During this time, the firm has also successfully passed all its six external industry-standard audits, including ACAD (Asbestos Control & Abatement Division), ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractor Association and SafeContractor, to name a few. In 2022, Amianto Services proudly scooped the ARCA Gold Standard accolade, a prestigious industry award. In 2022 alone, Amianto Services have also provided additional meaningful employment opportunities, for both trainee and highly skilled operatives. Tony Loughran, Managing Director of Amianto Services, said: “We established in 2017 to provide asbestos abatement services for our parent company, The Sovini Group. Since then and gaining a wealth of experience in the housing sector, we’ve expanded our service offer and delved into various industries and sectors. Throughout our journey we’ve been recognised by leading industry bodies for our excellence. Furthermore, we’ve continued to provide new and unique employment opportunities across the North West and beyond.”To find out more about Amianto Services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multi-million pound upgrade to the electricity network is now benefiting 80,000 homes and businesses across Cheshire – and setting them up for a cleaner and greener future – thanks to SP Energy Networks. The £23 million investment gives a new lease of life to Crewe Grid substation – originally commissioned in 1966 – and will help ensure the network is able to cope with the growing number of green technologies, like electric vehicles and heat pumps, that will need to connect to the grid in the months and years ahead. Mark Sobczak, 132kV General Manager at SP Energy Networks, said: “This project marks a significant milestone as we strive to ensure our distribution network provides a secure and reliable service now and in the future. “Crewe substation was designed and built decades ago when the world was a very different place and how we used electricity, and where it came from, were nothing like the electricity system we have today. “This upgrade, using the latest innovation and technology, means that Crewe will remain right at the heart of our network as we move towards a net zero future and will continue to make a difference for generations to come. “It also supports our commitment to embedding sustainability across our operations, through our supply chain, across the industry and into our everyday lives. “ The project supports SP Energy Networks work to provide energy security for the UK – supporting jobs, the supply chain and the wider economy. It will ensure no community is left behind in the transition to low carbon technology and net zero emissions. For more information about SP Energy Networks and its services, visit: spenergynetworks.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
