A contractor has been appointed for the Queen’s University Belfast-led Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100m Belfast Region City Deal project, with almost £80m coming from the UK Government. Henry Brothers has won the £30m contract to construct the 10,500m² Factory of the Future building at Global Point Business
Henry Boot Construction has been re-appointed to the £8bn Procure Partnerships National Framework for its second iteration. In addition to securing its position in the Yorkshire region again, having been originally selected in 2019, the business has now been added to the East Midlands region of the framework as well.
St George, a proud member of The Berkeley Group, Morrisons, and Camden Council have celebrated ‘topping out’ at Camden Goods Yard – having reached the full height of Primrose House, the first building to be delivered on the major new project. Camden Good’s Yard includes 644 homes of which 203
The first phase of highways improvements along the A6120 Outer Ring Road are already underway, with the second phase of work programmed following a positive response to the consultation. The overall completion of both phases is scheduled for winter 2024. £20m of the work is funded by the Government’s Levelling
Bennetts Cranes, a leading specialist tower crane hire company, has successfully tackled the complex heavy-lifting challenges presented by a commercial site redevelopment project in Slough. Managed by Feltham Construction, the Bath Road site is an important part of a local regeneration scheme aimed at revitalising the area by building new
“A unique offering of specialist, critical, and sustainability-driven services” for the construction sector The Metcor Group has launched its brand, bringing together over 100 years of experience, providing smarter specialist solutions for a better built environment. Comprising three long-established companies, Metcor Environmental (formerly Metro Mechanical Services), Anglo Pumps, and Aylesford
Golding Homes’ Somerfield Terrace development in Maidstone has seen the arrival of its cutting-edge, factory built “fully modular” homes. The houses were manufactured in three parts by leading fully modular developer TopHat at their Derbyshire factory, fully fitted with kitchens and bathrooms, then transported to Maidstone, lifted into position by
Gemserv is delighted to announce that £13.9 million has been awarded to local authorities, housing associations and private sector applicants in the first Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) funding round. As a testament to the Government’s commitment to heat network infrastructure across Britain, Gemserv can today confirm that £13.9 million
The Right to Manage company (RTM) for Avenue Court in Poole has appointed Rendall & Rittner to take over management of the property’s 48 homes. Rendall & Rittner is one of the UK’s leading property management companies with a wealth of experience in working with RTMs and Resident Management Companies
The future of twelve of the UK’s most historic buildings is to be secured with a £12.2 million investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. From Argyll and Cardiff to Belfast and Lowestoft the investment funding will breathe new life into historic spaces, which will be transformed into important assets
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
A contractor has been appointed for the Queen’s University Belfast-led Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100m Belfast Region City Deal project, with almost £80m coming from the UK Government. Henry Brothers has won the £30m contract to construct the 10,500m² Factory of the Future building at Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey. AMIC will reinvigorate Northern Ireland’s industrial potential and address the future technology and skills challenges faced by the region’s manufacturing sector. It is being delivered by Queen’s in partnership with Ulster University, industry, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and supported by the UK Government and NI Executive. By 2050, it’s estimated that AMIC will have contributed more than £1bn to the local economy, directly and indirectly created over 1,500 permanent jobs and supported the training of 300 apprentices. Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University, said: “Queen’s vision as a civic university and a Belfast Region City Deal partner is to create tangible impact where it truly matters. We are determined to drive societal progress for generations to come through delivering three Innovation Centres in advanced manufacturing, clinical research and secure, connected digital technologies. “Connecting our underpinning high-quality research with industry, government and the manufacturing sector will turbocharge our region’s capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to act as a driver for increased productivity. “Our focus is on driving sustainable economic growth to have a positive impact on the lives of people across Northern Ireland.” Professor Stuart Elborn, Interim Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University, said: “As part of our City Deal programme AMIC will create jobs by supporting local companies to be more competitive on a global scale, attract new investment and ensure that we have the skilled workforce needed for the future. “Through City Deal we are committed to delivering inclusive growth benefits right across Northern Ireland in terms of productivity, jobs and skills and for the AMIC project we’re delighted to be working with Henry Brothers, a company which shares this ethos.” Henry Brothers, which is headquartered in Magherafelt, with more than 200 employees based across Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland, has been awarded the construction contract after a competitive tendering process. Work includes the early contractor involvement process, construction of an engineering hall, a clean room, laboratory spaces, an auditorium and office accommodation as well as external landscaping and mechanical and electrical services. Planning permission for the building was given in May, and it’s hoped that construction work at the site can start next spring. AMIC plans to be operating from the Factory of the Future by 2026, with capacity for 150 staff, as it delivers for Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector. David Henry, Managing Director, Henry Brothers, said: “We are pleased to be working with Queen’s University on the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, which will provide support for the manufacturing and engineering sectors in Northern Ireland and beyond. “As one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction companies, we understand how important facilities like these are in addressing the industry-wide skills shortage. “Having previously delivered the redevelopment of McClay Library and David Bates buildings at the University, we have an established relationship with Queen’s that we look forward to building on. “Working with the Belfast Region City Deal partners and sharing their vision to create ‘inclusive economic growth that delivers more and better jobs’, Henry Brothers is committed to embedding social value through delivery of this project, with a focus on creating apprenticeship opportunities and providing student placement and professional trainee opportunities, together with delivering paid employment opportunities for those currently facing barriers to employment.” Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy, said: “The Department, along with Invest NI, continues to support the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and we are delighted to see another key implementation milestone being achieved by Queen’s University Belfast. “The £100m investment shows the commitment that exists within Queen’s and the Belfast Region City Deal to collaborate with industry partners in order to unlock innovation within our region. AMIC will play a key role in the realisation of the 10x vision for our economy, by driving growth through innovation.” Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Mark Cooper BEM, said: “The appointment of a contractor for AMIC is great news bringing the development a step closer. The Council is delighted to support this project with a £10m investment which will see this flagship facility, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, set for Global Point Newtownabbey. “This state-of-the-art centre will act as a catalyst for advanced manufacturing in our Borough and will further strengthen the Council’s plans to transform Global Point into a world-class hub of advanced manufacturing excellence.” AMIC is building on 50 years of sustained innovation and industry support through the Northern Ireland Technology Centre (NITC), the Polymers Processing Research Centre (PPRC) and the more recent university-industry partnership, the NI Advanced Composites and Engineering (NIACE). It will provide a specialised environment for advanced manufacturing, materials, and engineering sectors to access the latest digital, automation and robotics technology supported by experienced engineers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot Construction has been re-appointed to the £8bn Procure Partnerships National Framework for its second iteration. In addition to securing its position in the Yorkshire region again, having been originally selected in 2019, the business has now been added to the East Midlands region of the framework as well. The second framework will start to support the procurement of projects from November 2023 and run until 2027. Henry Boot Construction’s Framework Manager, Jason Thompson, shared his thoughts on the appointment: “The framework really aligns with our own company values ambitions – putting social value, sustainability and technical innovation at the heart of the projects we undertake. “In the first edition of the framework we represented Yorkshire, seeing us secure the £7.5m Weston Park Hospital Linear Accelerator contract “We are now thrilled to be able to increase our coverage and add East Midlands to the programme. This will offer us and our supply chain even more business opportunities further afield and continue to grow our reputation across the UK. “It is also a fantastic opportunity to be able to build on the strong, successful working relationships we at Henry Boot Construction have developed with those in the Procure Partnerships team. “Developing these relationships is essential to the success of frameworks such as this one. Collaboration and shared learnings are key to frameworks succeeding and that is something that we value greatly. “This is not just an opportunity to bid for and hopefully win projects, but it also will help to provide us with the support and growth opportunities that will allow us to expand our regional supply chain – supporting the wider sector in the Midlands and the North of England.” Speaking about Henry Boot Construction’s appointment Robbie Blackhurst, Director at Procure Partnerships Framework at Procure Partnerships, added: “Henry Boot Construction has an extensive portfolio of delivering successful projects and we’re delighted to welcome them back onto the second iteration of the Procure Partnerships Framework. “The new edition of the framework is set to transform public and private sector procurement and we look forward to seeing what Henry Boot achieves over the next four years.” Established to support public sector bodies to procure contractor partners, the Procure Partnerships Framework is divided regionally, supporting the framework values of local delivery with national governance. The Procure Partnerships Framework pushes the boundaries of how procurement can support public sector bodies to deliver their strategic targets. The framework is designed to be flexible and provides clients with different call-off options and up to eight forms of call-off contracts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
St George, a proud member of The Berkeley Group, Morrisons, and Camden Council have celebrated ‘topping out’ at Camden Goods Yard – having reached the full height of Primrose House, the first building to be delivered on the major new project. Camden Good’s Yard includes 644 homes of which 203 will be affordable, over 214,000 sq ft of commercial space including a flagship 48,000 sq ft Morrison’s urban supermarket, new office space and affordable workspace for local start-ups and light industrial workshops for makers – all alongside a new urban rooftop farm and restaurant. This exciting new development will include a community facility, youth space and the Interchange Yard community space which will act as a focal point for the community and includes allotments and fruit trees. CIL funding of £10.1 million to date has delivered substantial investment and outcomes locally in Camden. This includes new shower and changing facilities for Pirate Castle and the delivery of groundbreaking health, wellbeing and horticulture programmes by Castlehaven Community Association. As is synonymous with all St George developments, Camden Goods Yard is truly mixed-use, with focus on community and exceptional commitment to sustainability. There will be extensive green and brown roofs, rainwater recycling, rain gardens, as well as incorporating low carbon design features such as photovoltaics and all electric air source heat pump system. The landscape has been designed to provide a tranquil space for relaxation and play, featuring over 200 new trees and planting alongside seating areas across 3 acres of new public space. These spaces will include a mix of natural habitats featuring wild planting and extensive play facilities for children of all ages. The development will deliver a net biodiversity gain as the masterplan creates a far more valuable natural landscape that can support more wildlife and community wellbeing on this former supermarket site. The development also features over 1,500 cycle spaces to promote sustainable travel to the site. Piers Clanford, Divisional Managing Director for St George, said: “Camden Goods Yard is a great example of brownfield redevelopment, and thanks to St George’s amazing ability to place make, will create investment, homes, jobs and benefits to the whole community. “’Topping out’ represents a significant milestone in the regeneration of the Camden Goods Yard. Building on the vibrancy of the local area, Camden Goods Yard will not only provide very high-quality new homes, including 203 affordable homes, but also significant commercial space, a Morrisons supermarket, a rooftop urban farm, three acres of new landscaped open space, public squares and allotments for the whole community to enjoy. We’re committed to delivering new jobs for Camden; with new state-of-the-art offices and affordable workspaces within the development on track to deliver over 1,000 permanent jobs and also provide apprenticeships, work experience placement’s, school visits and community events during construction. We look forward to building on our strong partnership working with Morrisons, Camden Council, as well as the community and our other partners as we bring our hugely exciting vision for Camden Goods Yard to life.” Charles McKendrick, Group Property Director for Morrisons, said: “To actually see our former shop and car park now being transformed into homes, workplaces and a new flagship store for us is testament to the partnership-led approach taken by Morrisons, Camden Council, St George and local community groups. We continue to serve customers from our store on Chalk Farm Road during the construction period but are really looking forward to opening on Camden Goods Yard with a store that will make us, customers and the community very proud.” The site’s namesake stems from the area’s tremendously rich industrial heritage; it was once the location of the former 19th Century Camden Goods Yard depot, the original terminus for railway goods traffic (trains, boats via the lock and horses). Inspiration has been drawn from the historical industrial warehouses and complemented with contemporary architecture to the surrounding buildings and open landscaped gardens. Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park are both less than a 20-minute walk away. Chalk Farm and Camden Town Station (Northern Line, Zone 2) are less than a 10-minute walk away. For more information about Camden Goods Yard please visit www.camdengoodsyard.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first phase of highways improvements along the A6120 Outer Ring Road are already underway, with the second phase of work programmed following a positive response to the consultation. The overall completion of both phases is scheduled for winter 2024. £20m of the work is funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with the remaining £3.257m being provided by West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Phase 1 Phase 1 of the work was consulted on in November and December 2021 and is made up of improvements to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway, Horsforth roundabout and the creation of a segregated off-highway cycle path. Improvements to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway and Horsforth roundabout are already underway and due to complete at the end of this year. Construction of the segregated cycle path, from Horsforth roundabout to Rodley roundabout, will begin early next year and is scheduled to complete autumn 2024. Phase 2 Phase 2 was consulted on between July to September 2022, and is made up of an accessible bridge, connecting the communities Calverley and Farsley; an off-highway mixed-use path for walking, wheeling and cycling between Rodley roundabout and Dawsons Corner; traffic light improvements to Rodley roundabout; no right turn safety measures out of the junctions of Calverley Bridge and Calverley Lane; planting and landscaping; and the reduction of speed to 50mph from Horsforth roundabout to Stanningley Bypass at Henconner Lane Bridge, including enforcement through average speed cameras. The second phase of works are currently in detailed design. Construction of the mixed-use path is scheduled for winter 2023 and the accessible footbridge spring 2024. The accessible ramp to Leeds-Liverpool canal is not possible to deliver due to land ownership constraints. Alternative options for the ramp also cannot be progressed due to impact on existing utilities, and extensive tree removal including the loss of at least two mature oak trees. Instead, alternative upgrades to the existing cycle network link to the canal are being planned to improve access. The speed reduction to 50mph on the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A647 Stanningley Bypass, from Horsforth roundabout to Stanningley Bypass at Henconner Lane Bridge will be enforced by average speed cameras, a first for West Yorkshire, and is currently being delivered. Additionally, the existing 40mph speed limit on A647 Bradford Road from Dawsons Corner to Thornbury roundabout shall be enforced by average speed cameras. Road signage to support the new lower speed limit and the calibration of the average speed cameras has commenced and is due to complete next month. Once completed, the cameras will become operational. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: ‘It’s encouraging to see a major scheme developing in the north-west and west areas of Leeds. Phase two proposals were met with a 74% positive public response at consultation and I’m pleased the momentum of delivering this work is being swiftly progressed. Both phases aim to better link local communities, improve active travel options for residents, and make progress towards our carbon-neutral targets. The new speed limit, and enforcement through average speed cameras, will aim to reduce the number of speed-related collisions on these routes, creating a safer road environment for all users whilst aiming to meet our Vision Zero target of zero deaths on Leeds roads by 2040. Together with our construction partners, we will update local residents and businesses affected by any construction work throughout.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bennetts Cranes, a leading specialist tower crane hire company, has successfully tackled the complex heavy-lifting challenges presented by a commercial site redevelopment project in Slough. Managed by Feltham Construction, the Bath Road site is an important part of a local regeneration scheme aimed at revitalising the area by building new residential properties on underutilised commercial sites . To ensure efficient and high-capacity lifting of the concrete frames onsite, Bennetts Cranes recommended a Jost JTL 108 luffing jib tower crane for the project. This crane effectively addresses the risks of oversailing and collisions common in high-density urban sites and provides a more environmentally friendly and quieter option as it doesn’t need a generator. Adam Jervis, Senior Contracts Manager at Feltham Construction, comments: “Choosing the right tower crane for prominent sites, like the one in Bath Road, can be tricky due to the proximity of neighbouring buildings and residents. Having collaborated with Bennetts on a number of sites around Wiltshire and Oxfordshire since 2009, we approached the team confident in the level of site planning expertise they would bring to this build. The Jost JTL 108 has provided the perfect solution and is helping ensure an efficient and productive build.” One of the main requirements of the Bath Road redevelopment site is to lift concrete frames and concrete skips filled with reinforced steel bar, bricks, blocks, plasterboard and other general building materials. The Jost JTL 108 is proving to be the optimal choice, offering a lifting capacity of up to 6 tonnes and the ability to handle large and heavy loads with ease. Another key consideration for Bennetts was the efficient coverage of all corners of the development while managing the risk of oversailing neighbouring properties. The Jost JTL 108, with its minimal out-of-service radius of 9.6 metres, provides an ideal solution by delivering heavy lifting capabilities while mitigating the potential for oversailing and collisions. Edward Seager, Managing Director, Bennetts Cranes adds: “What’s particularly interesting about the Jost JTL 108 is that it also excels in energy efficiency, requiring only a 50kVa mains power supply. With inverters on all three motors, it achieves a power surge just 20% higher than the running current. This innovative design makes it ideal for city centre sites as it reduces power consumption, eliminates the need for a separate generator, and offers cost savings, environmental benefits, and quieter operation.” Additionally, the Slough site benefits from the crane’s compact design, requiring a relatively small 24-metre tower. At this size, the tower can be transported to and from the site on a single lorry, reducing costs, minimizing disruption, and lowering emissions associated with delivery vehicles. The Jost JTL 108 is currently on site at Bath Road having originally been erected in March 2022. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
“A unique offering of specialist, critical, and sustainability-driven services” for the construction sector The Metcor Group has launched its brand, bringing together over 100 years of experience, providing smarter specialist solutions for a better built environment. Comprising three long-established companies, Metcor Environmental (formerly Metro Mechanical Services), Anglo Pumps, and Aylesford Electrical Contractors, Metcor provides planned preventative maintenance and emergency response services to many FTSE 100 and 250 construction companies, and iconic UK landmarks, including company headquarters and national museums. The Group focuses on putting people first, delivering sustainable solutions, and dedication to excellent service provision for property, building, facilities management and construction sectors. Metcor Group CEO, Nico Gaisman, said: “The time is right to give our business a new and truly differentiated brand in the market – and one which reflects the critical role our company plays in preventing pollution and mitigating environmental and regulatory risk. As part of the Metcor Group, Metcor Environmental’s longstanding construction and FM clients will be able to benefit from expanded capabilities, including specialist electrical testing and inspection, commercial plant room remediation, clean water pump solutions, electrical vehicle charger services, and solar panel installation. We believe that this unique offering of specialist, critical, and sustainability-driven services will drive tremendous value for our fast-growing customer base.” Metcor’s businesses share a decades-long track record of technical specialism, a commitment to driving sustainability and efficiency, and longstanding partnerships with the leading global construction, property and FM companies across the UK. Annually, the Metcor Group maintains over 10,000 miles of pipework infrastructure, tests 100,000 electrical installations, and saves more than 7 million kilowatt hours of energy by upgrading pump systems. The group’s critical services support over 3 million workers in office, hospital, school, retail, and government sites, ensuring the health and safety of their working environments. With Metcor Environmental, Anglo Pumps and Aylesford Electrical together under the Metcor Group umbrella, these industry-leading service providers are harnessing their expertise to provide a powerful resource for facilities and commercial property managers. Metcor Environmental’s rebrand from Metro Mechanical Services, is the UK’s leading specialist in drainage maintenance, acknowledging the Metro brand’s thirty-five-year heritage, whilst reflecting the company as the cornerstone of the Metcor Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Golding Homes’ Somerfield Terrace development in Maidstone has seen the arrival of its cutting-edge, factory built “fully modular” homes. The houses were manufactured in three parts by leading fully modular developer TopHat at their Derbyshire factory, fully fitted with kitchens and bathrooms, then transported to Maidstone, lifted into position by crane and bolted together to create new homes. The six four-bedroom houses will be available for shared ownership and market rent customers in 2024.Modern methods of construction – and fully modular in particular – are a more efficient and sustainable way of building homes, with lower carbon emissions to build and more energy efficient to run. The Somerfield Terrace site dates back to 1850 and was formerly a private and military hospital. The site includes four blocks of Grade II listed semi-detached villas which have been converted, with some of the original features being preserved. Once complete, the development will consist of 73 homes – including flats and houses – for market rent, shared ownership, social rent and discount market sale. Executive Director of Development at Golding Homes, Tom Casey, said: “Somerfield Terrace is an exciting development with both Grade II listed buildings and ultra-modern homes side by side, bringing a unique housing offer to the county town. “Using modern methods of construction is part of our commitment to providing homes that are both sustainable and affordable. This is the first time we’ve used modular homes at one of our developments in Maidstone, so seeing them arrive here on site is a significant milestone that we’re really proud of.”Jordan Rosenhaus, CEO and Founder of TopHat said: “We are delighted to see our beautifully designed, precision engineered new homes arrive on site in Maidstone. “There’s increasing awareness of the benefits of modern factory-built homes – from the lower carbon to build and run, through to quicker, quieter building sites – so it’s great to work with Golding Homes and to be bringing this to life in Maidstone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gemserv is delighted to announce that £13.9 million has been awarded to local authorities, housing associations and private sector applicants in the first Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) funding round. As a testament to the Government’s commitment to heat network infrastructure across Britain, Gemserv can today confirm that £13.9 million of capital and revenue grant funding has been awarded to improve the efficiency of existing district and communal heat networks. This equates to 45% of the total budget allocated to the scheme and will seek to improve heat networks serving over 11,000 residents, demonstrating its popularity and the demand for support. Heat networks present a vital technology that can deliver efficient, lower cost heating, cooling and hot water to the UK’s built environment at scale. HNES aims to improve heat network performance in existing/operational projects where customers and/or operators are experiencing sub-optimal outcomes. With a focus on reducing customer detriment, HNES supports heat network consumers impacted by the cost-of-living crisis by enhancing efficiency and combating poorly performing networks. Today’s announcement shows the positive engagement from heat network owners and operators across the country as they seek to embrace the technology, ensure customers are getting the best value for money and that networks are operating efficiently. The first three funding rounds have proven incredibly popular, and we anticipate that future rounds will be very competitive. Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, welcomed the announcement today: “Families and businesses shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will receive a reliable heating and hot water supply. This funding means improvements will be made to old and inefficient heat networks, preventing further breakdowns, and ensuring they use less energy. We’re investing millions to build new heat networks, reducing emissions, and providing low-cost heating to communities across the country. But it’s equally important we upgrade and maintain existing systems so everyone benefits. Heat networks offer carbon emissions savings by supplying heat to buildings from a central source, avoiding the need for households and workplaces to rely on individual, energy-intensive heating solutions – such as gas boilers. As such, heat networks provide a significant contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction commitment. But some heat networks haven’t been upgraded since they were installed more than 40 years ago, meaning many are inefficient due to not being installed properly, poorly maintained or the equipment wearing out. The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), which opened in February this year, forms an important part of the government’s support for heat networks. This also includes the £288m Green Heat Network Fund, which supports the creation of heat network projects that use a low carbon heating source, such as a heat pump, solar or geothermal energy, to provide heat and hot water to connected homes and businesses.” Commenting on first funding announcement from the HNES scheme, Louise Singleton, Principal Consultant at Gemserv said: “Today’s announcement shows the substantial impact that HNES will have on the efficiency of heat networks across the country. Funding from the scheme today will play a huge part in improving the efficiency and lowering the costs of domestic heating for thousands of residents and businesses. Over £13 million awarded will ensure existing heat network infrastructure is fit for the future, ensuring the technology can provide the most efficient, economical heating for consumers, and preparing them for greater expansion to new and existing homes.” Capital Grant Funding Capital grant funding will go directly towards covering the cost of operational works to improve the efficiency of existing heat networks. In this round, nearly £13 million will directly improve the efficiencies of heat networks serving over 4,000 residents. Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Notting Hill Genesis Notting Hill Genesis, one of the largest housing associations in London and the South East, has been awarded over £3.6 million for improving the efficiency of heat networks that serve over 800 residents. Building on optimisation studies funded through the HNES Demonstrator, the Glyn Street, Windmill Park, St Pancras Way and Factory Quarter Estate projects will use their capital funding to replace HIUs and pipework, install more efficient control systems and insulation, and for other general efficiency improvements. Southern Housing Southern Housing, one of the largest housing providers in the UK with more than 78,000 homes across London, the South East, the Isle of Wight and the Midlands has been awarded over £176,000 to improve a heat network serving homes on Dagenham Heathway & Church Elm Lane Dagenham, Essex. Additional insulation, new HIUs and other improvements will be installed using funding from HNES which will create a more efficient heat network and as a result a reduction in resident bills and the buildings carbon footprint. Great Places Housing Association Great Places Housing Association,with 25,000 homes across the North West, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, has been awarded over £1.6 million to improve the efficiency of its Richmond Park heat network, serving 299 residents across the development. Drawing on the recommendations from their HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation study, capital funding will seek to remedy high heat loss issues, bad insulation and old equipment. The Guinness Partnership The Guinness Partnership, with over 140,000 customers across the country, has been awarded £2 million for the improvement of four heat networks serving almost 700 residents. Taking learnings from HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation studies at Whitfield Street and Loughborough Park, these heat networks alongside Bearbrook Place and Edgeley will utilise funding to reduce heat network costs and heat losses, improve insulation and replace outdated infrastructure. Local Authorities Leeds City Council Leeds City Council has been awarded over £2.2 million to improve the efficiency of heat networks serving 837 residents across the borough. Using the recommendations from their HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation studies, Cottingley Heights & Towers, Ebor Gardens and Saxton Gardens will use HNES capital funding from the first round to improve their heat networks’ efficiency through improving insulation levels, reducing heat losses and leakages and for additional improvements. The London Borough of Hackney The London Borough of Hackney will receive over £114,000 to improve the
The Right to Manage company (RTM) for Avenue Court in Poole has appointed Rendall & Rittner to take over management of the property’s 48 homes. Rendall & Rittner is one of the UK’s leading property management companies with a wealth of experience in working with RTMs and Resident Management Companies (RMC). Rendall & Rittner is a trusted partner-of-choice for many hundreds of RTMs and RMCs, committed to best practice and is regulated by RICS, a member of RICS’s Client Money Protection Scheme and is highly accredited by ARMA, British Safety Council and Investors in People. The company, whose South West region is based in Poole, offers a tailored service to its clients and residents focussed on protecting financial liabilities and giving professional guidance on all aspects of property management. Divisional Director Lee Johnson comments: “At Rendall and Rittner we have the resources, safeguards, accreditations and the standards of service that come from being part of a national property management company, combined with the power of local expertise and knowledge. Our locally based property managers and independent contractors are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, backed by our robust systems and 30 year track record for customer service and innovation.” Lee Johnson adds: “Avenue Court is a highly desirable address in the local area and we are honoured to have been selected by the people who live here to take on the responsibility of managing their homes. Rendall & Rittner has extensive experience in collaborating with Resident Management Companies and Right to Manage companies, and we look forward to working together at Avenue Court to deliver an exceptional standard of service.” Avenue Court is an impressive collection of modern apartment buildings located off The Avenue, a conservation area to the west of Bournemouth known for its outstanding natural beauty. The property sits within large and well maintained communal grounds and has easy access to Branksome Beach, Bournemouth town centre and Poole. Rendall & Rittner will commence property management duties from 1st November, 2023. The addition of Avenue Court represents an impressive addition to Rendall & Rittner’s South West division which has recently seen notable growth in its portfolio of properties under management. The South West team is located a short distance from Avenue Court in Poole, however the reach of the team goes much further, covering all of Hampshire and Dorset, as well as a growing influence across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The future of twelve of the UK’s most historic buildings is to be secured with a £12.2 million investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. From Argyll and Cardiff to Belfast and Lowestoft the investment funding will breathe new life into historic spaces, which will be transformed into important assets at the heart of local communities. Five projects have received a combined total of £10.4m in grants and a further £1.8m has been awarded to seven organisations to develop their plans to revitalise heritage. Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Eilish McGuinness, said: “Saving heritage is core to what we do, and we look forward to seeing these fantastic projects improving the condition and understanding of the important heritage they guard, reducing the amount of ‘heritage at risk’, and delivering transformational projects for communities across the UK.” The five projects receiving heritage grants are: Historic Ice House, Great Yarmouth (£1,968,061) Built between 1851 and 1892, the site was once used to house freshly caught seafood ahead of transportation to London’s Billingsgate fish market. Led by Out There Arts, the site will be brought back to life as a Centre of Excellence in Outdoor Circus and Arts. The Strand Arts Centre, Belfast (£768,069) Led by Belfast City Council and the Strand Arts Centre, Northern Ireland’s oldest cinema will be transformed with our funding. Visitors will step back in time for a ‘living museum’ experience of a pre-war cinema. Victorian market, Cardiff (£2,091,500) The Grade II* listed market in Cardiff’s Castle Cultural Quarter will be restored by Cardiff Council, revitalising its structure and reducing energy costs. The site opened in 1891 and stands on top of the infamous Cardiff Gaol and gallows site. St. John’s Church in Chatham, Kent (£2,318,287) This ‘at risk’ building is set to become a thriving, sustainable Gateway Community Hub. The project, which will also receive £1m from the future High Streets Fund via Medway Council, will revitalise heritage in Chatham for generations to come. Lowestoft Town Hall, Suffolk (£3,257,512) Vacant since 2015, Lowestoft Town Council will restore the Grade II listed building. It will establish a community venue to engage local people, improve residents’ lives and transform the town’s historic heart. The funding is helping organisations develop their projects. Seven more organisations have been awarded development funding to finalise plans for creating community hubs for engagement, education, creativity and wellbeing: • St Conan’s Kirk, Argyll, Scotland (£93,792) • St Collen’s Church, Llangollen, Wales (£94,886) • Alice Billings House, Stratford, Newham, London (£467,172) • Rock Hall Revival, Bolton (£466,662) • Woodoaks Farm, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire (£201,392) • Ellesmere Yard, Shropshire (£409,993) • Napper Cottage, Guildford – England’s first Cottage Hospital (£58,700) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
