A report to the Council’s Cabinet next Tuesday (17 October) is recommending the adoption of a Tall Buildings Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will be used to shape development in a proactive and positive manner. The guidance within the SPD will ensure that all tall building proposals make a positive
A Spanish-Norwegian consortium, supported by a large group of industry stakeholders, will conduct a feasibility study on an EU database defined in the Construction Products Regulation. The objective is to define a system for a digital product passport which considers the digital information needs of regulators, manufacturers and other actors
Today is World Mental Health Day, an expert has shared their top pieces of advice for UK tradespeople on how to avoid burnout, after research revealed that more than four in five (84%) experience mental health problems due to work-related issues. The research was commissioned by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest
Unbranded Finance, the UK based non-bank real estate lender, has recently closed a new revolving credit facility with Escapade Silverstone to assist with the completion of their flagship £90m development located in the heart of the Silverstone Circuit. The development, which is set to open in Spring 2024, and is
The multi-let industrial sector continues to offer a compelling investment rationale Lismore Real Estate Advisors yesterday released its review of the Scottish investment market for Quarter 3 of 2023. With a number of larger transactions, Q3 was more positive than anticipated, with activity trading at £398m, which is up 17%
Regeneration proposals for MediaCity and The Quays have been unveiled. Following approval for consultation by Salford City Council’s Cabinet, a public consultation is set to commence, which outlines an ambitious vision for MediaCity and Quayside. Spanning 23.30 ha (hectares), it has the potential to bring over 3,000 new homes, more
The world of construction moves at a fast pace, where efficiency and safety are paramount. One might wonder how a utility trailer, seemingly simple and unassuming, plays a significant role in this vast industry. Yet, the utility trailer stands as an unsung hero, bridging gaps, providing solutions, and ensuring that
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
A report to the Council’s Cabinet next Tuesday (17 October) is recommending the adoption of a Tall Buildings Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will be used to shape development in a proactive and positive manner. The guidance within the SPD will ensure that all tall building proposals make a positive contribution to Liverpool’s skyline, distinctiveness and image, the city’s growth and the delivery of high quality and sustainable places. On adoption of the document, which has been informed by significant public engagement, it will be used in the decision-making process for all future planning applications for proposed tall buildings. The new guidance, which sets out in detail what the Council considers to be appropriate in terms of height, design and location, will supplement Liverpool’s Local Plan and will help guide the Council’s forthcoming new waterfront strategy. As well as providing design guidance that complements the National Design Guide, this SPD ensures that future tall buildings will also protect the city’s historic character, heritage assets and city’s unique and world renowned image. Five locations in and around the city centre have been identified where clusters of taller buildings could be appropriate. They are: The Tall Buildings SPD has also mapped current developments and sets out guidelines for appropriate heights for new planning applications in these clusters. It also provides guidance based on nine core principles covering issues such as quality, sustainability, environment and economic growth. The policy also states that schemes will need to pass four tests by demonstrating: Reaction Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Economy and Development, said: “Liverpool’s skyline is world famous and its development needs to be sensitively handled. We need to ensure its historic character and charm are maintained, whilst allowing for economic growth and job creation. “This a very timely document as it will help guide and shape our new waterfront strategy and set a clear path as to how developments can provide growth for the future, without impacting on climate change and net-zero ambitions. “Maintaining that balance between environment and regeneration runs throughout the heart of this policy and it has set out clear principles around design, quality and sustainability and what the city expects from developers to meet those standards. “We want to ensure our next generation of tall buildings will have a long-term purpose and can instil pride when we look up at them – both for how they look – and what they offer. “The Spine in Paddington Village is a prime example and shows we can deliver world-class buildings fit for the 21st century and I’m confident the city can curate and foster many more in the years ahead.” Samantha Campbell, Liverpool City Council’s Director of Planning and Building Control, said: “This Tall Buildings SPD sets out a framework, with a clear objective to guide the development of tall buildings in a positive and proactive manner. “Tall buildings can play an essential part of Liverpool’s growth and regeneration. Indeed, Liverpool has a great tradition of building tall, notably with the Liver Building on the Waterfront and sky scraper construction used at Oriel Chambers, Water Street. “The SPD is part of a suite of placemaking documents, including the recently adopted Local Plan, which seek to secure the best possible development in terms of location, quality and design to further enhance the very special and unique character of Liverpool.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Spanish-Norwegian consortium, supported by a large group of industry stakeholders, will conduct a feasibility study on an EU database defined in the Construction Products Regulation. The objective is to define a system for a digital product passport which considers the digital information needs of regulators, manufacturers and other actors in the construction value chain. The consortium of Cobuilder, TECNALIA and UNE will deliver a technical assessment for different solutions of an EU database or system for construction products to the European Commission. This system is envisioned in the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which is currently still under development. The expected changes will have both a practical and legal impact for the construction industry, through the potential implementation of Construction Digital Product Passports, as well as detailed documentation of environmental data. “The revised CPR aims to make the construction industry contribute to the digital and green transition and promote efficiency in the value chain,” says Aitor Aragón, responsible for Sustainable construction and BIM at the Spanish Association of Standardization (UNE), one of the consortium participants. A first step will be to decide on the future data infrastructure to support the changes needed. This is where the creation of an EU database for construction products becomes important for the EU market and member states. The goal is to ensure that all stakeholders in the industry across different regions can share construction product data in a standardised way. “We need to understand and decide how product data should be structured, shared and managed on a cross-industry level. The reason why we haven’t succeeded with this earlier is the fragmented nature of the construction industry and its complexity. The push and sense of urgency now coming with the European Green Deal and the need for digitalisation, will definitively take us to the next level,” says Lars Chr. Fredenlund, CEO of Norwegian tech company Cobuilder. Feasibility study for a digital product passport and registry for construction productsThe main objective of the project is to do a feasibility study on five different options for setting up a database or system at EU level, storing information regarding construction products. TECNALIA, a centre of Applied research and technological development in Spain, is the third partner in the consortium. “The study will evaluate combinations of centralised and decentralised solutions, analysing pros and cons from the technological point of view, and from the perspective of different stakeholders such as the EU Commission, manufacturers, market surveillance authorities and information consumers,” says Amaia Castelruiz Aguirre, senior researcher at TECNALIA. Industry partners on board In addition to the contracted consortium participants, the bid is supported by a broad group of industry stakeholders across Europe, including Construction Products Europe, FIEC, Construction SMEs Europe, GS1, BuildingSMART International, and more. Figuring out how a common EU database or system for construction products can be set up, how to exchange data via a digital declaration of performance (smart CE-marking), and how to use data dictionaries, represents an opportunity and an important step towards solving how ambitious legislation and regulative initiatives can be merged and implemented in practice. This will be instrumental in helping the industry to meet the European Green Deal targets. The work on the study is already underway and a start-up meeting with the European Commission has been carried out on 5 October. COBUILDER is a privately-owned international company located in Oslo with wholly-owned subsidiaries in England, France and Bulgaria. The company offers a software platform that employs all relevant international standards for data management to help the construction industry unlock the potential of product data. Fit-for-purpose and accurate product data improves quality and reduces time-use, cost and environmental footprint. Cobuilder is a major driver for the digitization in construction and is a strategic contributor to ISO, buildingSMART, CEN and CENELEC. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today is World Mental Health Day, an expert has shared their top pieces of advice for UK tradespeople on how to avoid burnout, after research revealed that more than four in five (84%) experience mental health problems due to work-related issues. The research was commissioned by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, and the results have been published in its annual industry report. To help tradespeople avoid burning out, and explain the importance of managing workload, IronmongeryDirect has partnered with Liz Sebag-Montefiore, director and co-founder of HR consultancy 10Eighty, to share some expert advice. What is burnout? What does it feel like? Liz says: “With burnout, some will be depressed, lethargic and lack motivation, while others will find it difficult to slow down, hard to focus and struggle with priorities. “Burnout is a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from ongoing or repeated stress. The main characteristic of a burnout is that the person feels that they are not in control of how a job is carried out, nor in control of their workload and autonomy, and this compromises their sense of self.” What are the potential consequences of doing too much work? Liz says: “There are risks to physical as well as mental health. Overworking affects cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone) which can lead to brain fog, high blood pressure and other health problems. “Fatigue, apathy, depression and dissatisfaction and a whole host of other symptoms can make it difficult to see for what it is.” “Burnout can also lead to slip ups, mistakes and accidents which could be serious for the tradesperson, their client, colleagues and employer.” How can you avoid or recover from burnout? Liz says: “Even the most committed employee who enjoys their work will find that long hours of intense work can lead to serious repercussions – stress, burnout, absenteeism, decreased job satisfaction and poor physical health. “When they feel that they have little in the way of resources to manage their situation, it can lead to the feeling of being ‘burned out’. They need to regain control, motivation and commitment to the job but that’s easier said than done. “Try to pace yourself and reward yourself for what you can do. You could try mindfulness to relax and reconnect with self, purpose and wellbeing. “Take a hard look at your priorities. Get clarity on what really matters. Is there a real deadline? Is it urgent because of who is asking for it? Will it impact productivity or profitability? Where can you adjust, what can you decline, who can help? “Take breaks from work. Be sure to use any annual leave and leave work behind when you’re off – don’t work in your downtime! Try not to check work emails when you are off and say if you are not contactable.” Why is it important to take breaks throughout the working day? Liz says: “We need to be aware of the importance of recovery time in maintaining the wellbeing of employees. We should aim to formulate strategies that build in time for breaks from work and routine, with time for recovery activities, and policies and guidelines that address workflow, overtime and availability. “Better work-life balance will make you more productive and healthier overall. It seems counter-intuitive but taking a break makes you more productive. You need to reset and recharge and reinvigorate from time to time.” Why do you think so many tradespeople suffer from burnout? Liz says: “There are skills shortages in many sectors, including the trades. The work is there to be done and it can be hard to turn down. It can also be difficult to refuse contracts and stay on good terms with employers and colleagues.” Do you have any specific advice for self-employed workers? Liz says: “Rethink priorities. Establish boundaries, make and stick to schedules that work for your whole life not just your working life. “It’s hard to talk about burnout at work. It’s perceived as weakness, or lacking control, ambition or toughness, which makes it even harder for the self-employed. Friends and family may not understand the pressures and when people are relying on your income, it may feel like you are letting them down if you can’t cope. You have to be realistic about how much you can take on without damaging your health and future earning potential.” What is the best way to speak to your manager if you think you have burnout? Liz says: “Take some time to identify your concerns and make notes. Outline your concerns and any adjustments to your work that might help. Ask for support, ask for time if you need it. Burnout can lead to mistakes and accidents; nobody wants that to happen. “A good manager puts workers first by understanding how they work and what they need to work well, then they focus on personalised interventions that maximize job satisfaction, high quality performance, and productivity. “ To read IronmongeryDirect’s full Mental Health in the Trades report, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/mental-health-in-the-trades Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Unbranded Finance, the UK based non-bank real estate lender, has recently closed a new revolving credit facility with Escapade Silverstone to assist with the completion of their flagship £90m development located in the heart of the Silverstone Circuit. The development, which is set to open in Spring 2024, and is already over 85% sold, comprises 60 Residences and a trackside Clubhouse. It includes a swimming pool, sauna, driver-focused gym, restaurant and roof terrace. Escapade was advised in the transaction by London based residential and hospitality financing experts, RCP Finance, who were also responsible for arranging the construction financing for another recently completed development at Silverstone. Escapade Silverstone provides the opportunity for individuals and corporates to own a piece of the world-famous Silverstone venue, home of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix. Two-, three- and four-bedroom residences are available for purchase, all sitting within the 14-acre Escapade Silverstone site. Located just 12 metres from the edge of the track and next to Silverstone’s fastest and most beloved series of corners, the Clubhouse and Trackside Residences have far-reaching views across much of the Silverstone estate. Owners will be able to uniquely benefit from the hospitality returns generated from the 1.2 million+ visitors that are attracted to Silverstone each year, the 7 million visitors that head to nearby Bicester Village, and a central UK location which ensures 50% of the population are within a 90-minute drive. It will also offer a private space to stay and entertain, owners will have year-round access to the Clubhouse and all its amenities, even when not staying overnight, as well as priority access to the legendary tarmac and tickets to all events. Unbranded co-founder, Oliver Holt, said: “Escapade Silverstone is an ambitious, creative and original concept which has proven to be highly successful. With construction now 70% completed, and only a few properties remaining, it demonstrates the huge demand for this motorsport centric ownership and investment opportunity. We were immediately impressed with Will Tindall and the wider Escapade team’s vision and execution of this exciting project. Unbranded remains committed to providing funding for best-in-class borrowers with high quality property assets like Escapade Silverstone. Will Tindall, Founder and CEO of Escapade, said: “The Unbranded team have personal interests in motorsport, deep knowledge of the hospitality sector, and a strong understanding of the project requirements. They have proven to be a highly flexible partner, quick to respond, and a pleasure to deal with at each stage. We have now sold over 85% of the properties and are nearing construction completion. We’re looking forward opening in Spring 2024 and being able to work with Unbranded on our future projects”. Christopher Khoi, Managing Director of RCP Finance, said: “I’m thrilled to have teamed up with the Unbranded team and the dynamic Will Tindall at Escapade to put together this financing solution. We can proudly announce that this is our second successful transaction at the racetrack. We are looking forward to closing more hospitality and lifestyle related financing transactions across the UK, Europe and overseas”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The multi-let industrial sector continues to offer a compelling investment rationale Lismore Real Estate Advisors yesterday released its review of the Scottish investment market for Quarter 3 of 2023. With a number of larger transactions, Q3 was more positive than anticipated, with activity trading at £398m, which is up 17% on Q2 of 2022 and 8% below the five-year average. There is an increase in stock coming to the market and Lismore anticipates that Q4 volumes are likely to be lower than the five-year average. The key transactions in the quarter included the £62.5m (7.8% yield) acquisition of Craigleith Retail Park, in Edinburgh by US investor, Realty Income from Nuveen. Also in the capital, the prime mixed-use block, 40 Princes Street was bought by Remake Asset Management for £29.525 (7.5% yield) from Redevco. Scotland’s largest outlet centre was acquired by Global Mutual and Patron Capital for a price of £57m (14% yield), whilst pension fund manager, Weslayan, acquired a prime industrial asset let to Biffa at Eurocentral from Capreon for £6.74m (6.2% yield). In terms of pricing, the gap between buyers and sellers has started to narrow. Confidence remains elusive but there is an acknowledgement that we are starting to “find a level” where valuers are more comfortable. Logistics and multi-let industrials remain stable, whilst offices remain the hardest sector to call with a real divergence of opinion on future prospects and where true value lies. Retail warehousing looks like offering good value and in the living sector, appetite remains robust, but the number of relevant transactions has been limited. When looking at buyer activity, funds remain selective and quite opportunistic, with core-plus buyers starting to see some value in offices, leisure and retail warehousing where values have fallen to a level that debt can be accretive. Stock selection remains paramount, and the patience shown by opportunistic buyers looks like it will be rewarded in the not too distant future. Chris Macfarlane, Director of Lismore comments: “While there are encouraging signs at a macro-level, with interest rates peaking, inflation easing and build costs plateauing, it still feels like there are some challenges ahead, particularly for those with historic debt, grappling with the prospect of more expensive re-financing. “The market will settle and we are anticipating an improvement in investment volumes, as confidence improves over the next 12 months. The recovery is unlikely to be uniform across all sectors but multi-let industrials seem to have weathered the storm better than others and are well-placed to see improvement. It offers good letting prospects, is less capex hungry and a lack of new development all make for a compelling investment rationale.” Investors expect next year to be a buying opportunity in the multi-let industrial sector Recently Lismore investor research showed that more than two-thirds of respondents will be seeking buying opportunities in the multi-let industrial sector during Q4, with property companies and investment managers, with 69% and 88% being most positive. Over the next 12 months, 46% of respondents expect prime yields in the sector to remain the same, with considerable positive sentiment from investment managers with 56% expecting yields to harden. With prime yields having moved out by 150-200 bps, the sector should provide opportunity for the weight of capital targeting the sector to acquire prime assets offering genuine value. When asked to rank the key drivers of occupational demand, location was identified as the most important by 54% of respondents, with macro-economic sentiment second on 34%. Surprisingly total occupational costs was a distant third on 9%,suggesting there is potential for rental growth to continue its upward trajectory. Only 3% of respondents identified ESG credentials as the key driver, suggesting that sustainability in the multi-let sector is still being driven by landlords. For an expert view on the multi-let industrial sector, Lismore spoke with Will Lutton, Head of Investment, Industrials REIT who said: “We have ambitious growth plans, so portfolio acquisitions will form the lion share of transactions by value. The multi-let industrial sector remains fragmented and we have always seen value in aggregating smaller individual estates along the way and we want to continue to benefit from this. “In the short term, we expect rates to remain high and economic conditions to be uncertain, which may to lead to investment opportunities for well capitalised investors, as others struggle to refinance existing holdings. When the underlying risk free rate starts to come down as central banks get comfortable that inflation is under control and we move into a more normalised debt market, yields are likely to harden. In the short term, we anticipate rates remaining high and uncertain economic conditions to continue which may lead to investment opportunities for well capitalised investors. Chris Macfarlane concludes: “No sector has been immune from the wider macro-economic challenges and the effect that they have had on the market, however, it has not been a uniform slow-down. While the logistics, office and retail markets have seen more significant adjustments, the multi-let industrial sector has fared better. We predict that yields will stabilise into 2024 and investment volumes will increase in the sector as confidence starts to return.” The full Lismore Quarter 3 2023 Review, including Research Findings & Expert Views is available to download from: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regeneration proposals for MediaCity and The Quays have been unveiled. Following approval for consultation by Salford City Council’s Cabinet, a public consultation is set to commence, which outlines an ambitious vision for MediaCity and Quayside. Spanning 23.30 ha (hectares), it has the potential to bring over 3,000 new homes, more business opportunities across circa 75,000 sq metres as well as unparalleled access to employment, retail, leisure and recreation. The regeneration framework builds on the ‘Salford Quays 2030 Vision’ and outlines four key aspirations for the area: creating a vibrant and convenient town centre offering, developing more commercial office space, delivering high quality and affordable homes within attractively landscaped neighbourhoods and enhancing the current waterfront and public realm areas while creating new green spaces. The vast scale of the proposed regeneration project will stretch from MediaCity’s current footprint doubling its size including the area around Quayside and will be defined by four distinct quarters each characterised by a specific purpose. The Media Quarter includes the current cluster of creative, tech and digital companies positioned around the main Piazza and along the Manchester Ship Canal. The Waterfront and Gateway zone will maximise MediaCity and Quayside’s unique waterfront setting. As the historic gateway to the site, new flexible structures and pavilions are proposed to enable the space to be activated in all weathers. Proposals also include a new pedestrian link bridge from MediaCity to The Lowry and Quayside as well as plans to activate North Bay. The Living Hub presents a new opportunity for the destination featuring new, highly sustainable homes, businesses and convenience retail. This zone will incorporate striking architecture, leafy boulevards and tranquil courtyards. The Culture and Community Hub centred in and around Quayside and The Lowry Arts Centre is the vibrant cultural, leisure and retail heart of the destination which residents and visitors from across the region can access and enjoy Stephen Wild, MediaCity’s Managing Director said: “This proposed Regeneration Framework for MediaCity and Quayside is a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of this dynamic area to reach its full potential over the next 10 to 15 years. “In partnership with Salford City Council, we want to deliver an unrivalled destination which will provide more quality homes, employment opportunities, community facilities, a rich cultural and leisure scene while making the most of The Quays greatest assets – the waterfront. We’re creating a place for the people of Salford to be proud of which is why feedback on the proposed framework from our local community is so important. “We’ve already started to bring forward improvements to Quayside in line with Salford City Council’s 2030 vision for the area, with the £3.5 million investment in Central Bay – the new independent food and drink destination. However, we still have a way to go to improve the town centre amenity but through working in partnership with other agencies and Salford City Council we can accelerate these improvements which will be a crucial element of the agreed planning strategy going forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The world of construction moves at a fast pace, where efficiency and safety are paramount. One might wonder how a utility trailer, seemingly simple and unassuming, plays a significant role in this vast industry. Yet, the utility trailer stands as an unsung hero, bridging gaps, providing solutions, and ensuring that projects move forward without a hitch. Below, you’ll explore the reasons that make utility trailers indispensable in the construction landscape. The heart of any construction project lies in its materials. Whether it’s the foundational bricks, the robust steel beams, or the stacks of lumber, transporting these raw materials often poses a challenge. Enter utility trailers. These trailers act as reliable vessels, enabling easy and safe transfer of materials from suppliers to the construction sites. Gone are the days of multiple trips or waiting on outsourced transport. With a utility trailer at their disposal, construction companies can have what they need anytime and anywhere they need it. In the construction domain, every penny counts. Projects run on tight budgets, and unexpected expenses can quickly turn profits into losses. Relying on external transportation services may seem like a solution, but frequent hiring can bleed a company’s resources. By investing in a utility trailer, companies gain control over their transportation needs. This control translates into substantial savings over time, especially for long-term projects where transportation needs can be recurrent. Utility trailers aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Their diversity in sizes, from compact single-axle trailers for smaller loads to expansive double-axle trailers for hefty equipment, offers construction projects the adaptability they often require. Depending on the nature of the project, be it a small home renovation or a large-scale infrastructure development, there’s a utility trailer tailored for the task. This flexibility ensures that the right tools and materials are always within reach, catering to the evolving demands of the project. Construction sites can sprawl over vast areas, and sometimes projects are split between multiple sites. This geographical challenge necessitates constant movement of tools and materials. Utility trailers step in as the perfect solution. They act as mobile storage and transportation units, ensuring that materials can be easily shuttled from one site to another or moved across a vast construction landscape. This on-site mobility ensures that work continues seamlessly, with minimal disruption due to material transportation needs. The construction industry is fraught with potential hazards, and the safe transportation of materials is a priority. Utility trailers, designed with safety in mind, reduce risks associated with the transport of heavy, sharp, or potentially hazardous materials. With features like tie-downs, safety chains, and well-balanced designs, these trailers minimize the chances of accidents during transit. Thus, they don’t just move materials—they ensure that the journey is safe for both the cargo and the people around. Every construction site battles with space constraints. While the primary goal is to build, there’s also an immediate need to protect valuable tools, equipment, and materials from unpredictable weather conditions, potential theft, or damage. Utility trailers come to the rescue by doubling as temporary storage solutions. Their enclosed or semi-enclosed designs ensure that the stored items remain protected, providing peace of mind to site managers and workers alike. Time is money in the construction world. Delays can cost dearly, not just in terms of finances but also in project credibility. Ensuring that materials and tools are on hand when required is a game-changer. Utility trailers make this possible. By guaranteeing that necessary items are available on-site and on time, these trailers play an integral role in streamlining operations, ensuring that there’s no unnecessary downtime. The construction world is diverse, with each project bringing its unique set of challenges. Utility trailers recognize this diversity, offering avenues for customization. From specialized load-securing systems and tool racks to secure boxes, these trailers can be modified to align with specific project requirements. Such tailored solutions not only make tasks more manageable but also enhance the efficiency of the entire construction process. Beyond the bustling world of construction, utility trailers find their place in various sectors. Be it landscaping, farming, or even general hauling, the uses are myriad. This adaptability makes them a worthy investment for companies. Even if a construction project wraps up, the utility trailer remains a resource, ready to serve in myriad other capacities. Investments in the construction industry are seldom made lightly. The good news is that, when maintained well, utility trailers promise a high resale value. This means that even after serving its purpose for a particular project or company, the trailer can be sold, ensuring that companies recoup a good portion of their initial investment. It’s an asset with enduring value. The Takeaway Utility trailers might not grab headlines in the world of construction, but their contribution is undeniable. By ensuring safe transportation, providing storage, and adapting to varied needs, these trailers hold the fort, making sure construction projects sail smoothly from inception to completion.
