Leading office interior design consultancy, Office Principles, is to deliver the new south London headquarters of recruitment specialist, Galago Group. Office Principles will design and refurbish the former Sentinel House, a self-contained office building of 36,700 sq ft fronting the Brighton Road in Coulsdon. The building, which will be known as Galago
Beard Construction has carried out a stunning transformation of Rhodes House in Oxford, the home of world-renowned educational charity the Rhodes Trust. The £26m construction project, designed by architectural firm Stanton Williams and started in November 2020, extended and restructured the basement of the Class A, Grade II*-listed building to
New research from Make UK Modular reveals public backing for greener, more energy efficient homes. Introducing stamp duty incentives for the most energy efficiency homes will ensure the UK is building greener homes for a more sustainable future. Make UK Modular is calling for a radical approach to stamp duty
The jaw-dropping scale of the steep-tiered south stand at Everton Stadium is visible for the first time following the installation of terracing. Virtually all of the double-stepped concrete terracing units are now in place in the stand, which will eventually house over 13,000 Evertonians. The next major visual change will
With storm season in full force, SP Energy Networks is investigating the potential of using artificial intelligence to help predict faults in the electricity network ahead of severe weather hitting In a UK first, SP Energy Networks is trialling AI technology to better pinpoint potential faults on the electricity network
AG has reinforced the importance of health and safety to its 230-strong workforce with its annual safety campaign and ‘Safe Day’ last month. The specialist building products business which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome , Carryduff and Pomeroy chose Health and Safety as its core employee engagement theme for
PUBLIC SECTOR organisations across Scotland are being invited to attend a launch event that will share vital information on a major framework geared towards improving the safety of social housing and public buildings. Taking place at the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) headquarters in Livingston on 23 November, those attending
A2Dominion is making changes to its executive management team following the launch of its new Corporate Strategy. The Group’s strategy was launched six months ago and gives the 38,000-home housing association a new, clear direction and an obvious need for change. Key areas for focus include improving its core services,
The Retrofit Academy has opened its Hampshire Training Hub in partnership with workforce solutions and training specialist, SERT Training, increasing its nationwide network of training hubs to 10. As Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Homes Upgrade Grant (HUG) funding increases demand for retrofit talent, The Retrofit Academy Hampshire has
The jaw-dropping scale of the steep-tiered south stand at Everton Stadium is visible for the first time following the installation of terracing. Virtually all of the double-stepped concrete terracing units are now in place in the stand, which will eventually house over 13,000 Evertonians. The next major visual change will
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Leading office interior design consultancy, Office Principles, is to deliver the new south London headquarters of recruitment specialist, Galago Group. Office Principles will design and refurbish the former Sentinel House, a self-contained office building of 36,700 sq ft fronting the Brighton Road in Coulsdon. The building, which will be known as Galago House, will be remodelled to enable people to collaborate and connect with one another. It will feature a spacious central reception and lounge, two floors of revamped office space and a new centrally placed break out area. Office Principles will upgrade all tea points, carpets, ceiling tiles and lighting in the building, as well as improving the existing lift. Work will be undertaken to ensure compliance with the latest fire safety regulations, flooring will be levelled where required, and there will be new branding and wayfinding. New furniture will also be installed. Employee wellbeing is a central theme of the design, which will feature an abundance of natural light and a palette that uses durable and resilient finishes. Natural tones and textures work in harmony with the light industrial touches, such as areas of exposed coffered ceiling. Externally, there will be new entrance doors and building signage as part of a striking new frontage design. The refurbishment will target an EPC ‘B’ rating and a SKA accreditation for its strong sustainable credentials. All finishes will be BREEAM certified and existing materials will be reused where possible. Galago Group comprises seven recruitment companies specialising in a variety of sectors including healthcare, private nursing, driving and industrial, and engineering and construction. The firm is relocating from nearby Purley and recently acquired Galago House to support its continued growth. It will occupy two floors of the building, with remaining office suites available to let between 2,000-11,600 sq ft. Galago Group chose to work with Office Principles as part of a pre-refurbishment consultancy project. The contractor was subsequently appointed to design and deliver the works following a competitive tendering process, with J3 Partners acting as project manager. The project is due for completion by the end of Q4 2023. Tom Parsons, sales director at Office Principles, said: “This is very much a people driven refurbishment project which is the result of a collaborative partnership between Galago and Office Principles. We will create a series of purpose-built spaces that allow people to be more connected and work in flexible ways that best suit their needs. “We’ll be delivering significant improvements to the building’s front of house, including the partial removal of existing internal walls to create a much larger and inviting space, complemented by an eye-catching street frontage. Sustainability is a key theme of the project, supporting personal health and wellbeing and ensuring that this multi-tenanted building is even more attractive to prospective occupiers.” Robert Stiff, CEO at Galago Group said: “We are delighted to be working with Office Principles to create our new headquarters at Galago House. Their expertise in designing engaging workspaces that support collaboration and employee wellbeing made them the perfect partner for this exciting next step in our journey. The open, bright and modern environment Office Principles will deliver, aligns perfectly with our dynamic culture and vision of the space we want to create.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard Construction has carried out a stunning transformation of Rhodes House in Oxford, the home of world-renowned educational charity the Rhodes Trust. The £26m construction project, designed by architectural firm Stanton Williams and started in November 2020, extended and restructured the basement of the Class A, Grade II*-listed building to create three new basements housing a 300-capacity, state-of-the-art conference centre, new guest bedrooms and new office spaces. The project also saw the creation of a magnificent, 5m-high structural-glass pavilion, big enough to house 50 people. The pavilion’s green roof sits on a curved, structural timber lattice, which sits on all-glass walls with no steel supports. The pavilion is heated by a trench heater which skirts the base of the glass and the temperature is regulated by automatic solar shading blinds. The building’s East Wing has been refurbished, returning it to its original residential use, providing 21 en-suite bedrooms. All-new commercial catering facilities were also installed in two new kitchens. The work also included new wiring and heating for the entire building as well as the cleaning and repair of the original Blenheim-stone exterior. The conference centre uses the latest in digital infrastructure and technology to allow audiences from around the world to participate and collaborate virtually. The high-spec, state-of-the-art audio visual facilities include a video wall made from eight 92-inch high-definition screens and joinery which conceals speakers and microphones – allowing seamless audience participation. A new post-tension, solid stone spiral staircase has been installed inside an existing marble-clad rotunda, providing impressive access from the ground level to the foyer of the new conference centre. Held within the existing arches by a compression ring, the staircase is held together by three tensioned steel cables. The staircase connects to a new foyer with areas to display public art. The new basement provides 16 new ensuite guest bedrooms in a sunken residential courtyard and open-plan office space for up to 70 staff, freeing up former office space in the existing building for scholars. The building’s management system is regulated by an earth duct, a series of buried ventilation tubes which either warm or cool fresh outdoor air to keep the temperature of the building consistent. The walls and floors of the new double-height basements were formed from reinforced in-situ concrete with a high proportion of cement replacement, much of which has been left visible and expressed. By utilising coffers, ribs and vaults, the amount of concrete used in the exposed slabs has also been greatly reduced by as much as 30%. As part of the process, the existing building was underpinned using jet grouting, which uses high-velocity jets to cement and secure the soil. A movement tolerance of just 3mm was permitted for the existing building and any shifting was examined carefully during this process with movement monitors and tilt meters. The interior of Rhodes House is influenced by the arts and crafts movement and much of the new carved stone and woodwork echoes its themes. The work was carried out during the restrictions created by Covid lockdowns and while the trust’s operations continued as normal. This meant sequencing works, as well as providing water and drainage and temporary usable spaces. The Rhodes Trust funds the internationally famous Rhodes Scholarships – alumni of which include former US president Bill Clinton and musician and actor Kris Kristofferson. The £38m renovation of Rhodes House comes as the Trust launches a new campaign to fund the largest expansion of Scholarships in its history, with the goal of raising £200m to increase the number of worldwide Scholarships from 100 to 125 a year. Specifically, the Trust plans to create 32 new Scholarships per year for students from Africa by 2028 – a key part of the Trust’s commitment to widening its applicant pool and promoting greater equity in the distribution of its Scholarships across the globe. Beard Oxford director Dean Averies said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime project to transform a landmark building of international renown and our reputation for craftsmanship and expertise in working heritage buildings was crucial to the success of the scheme. “We are extremely proud to have delivered on the Trust’s vision for a series of magnificent, inclusive and remarkable spaces.” Beard has a longstanding association with the University of Oxford, completing projects at Pembroke College and Brasenose College. The company also has significant ongoing construction projects at the university including St John’s College and Exeter College. Dr Elizabeth Kiss, Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, adds: “The transformed Rhodes House represents the Trust’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse community of outstanding Scholars, based on inclusive excellence. This new world class building will be an ideal place for gathering, learning, collaborating and sharing, and will offer improved accessibility for all as we open our doors to new local and global audiences.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New research from Make UK Modular reveals public backing for greener, more energy efficient homes. Introducing stamp duty incentives for the most energy efficiency homes will ensure the UK is building greener homes for a more sustainable future. Make UK Modular is calling for a radical approach to stamp duty based on a homes’ energy performance as part of a green housing revolution. A new report by Make UK Modular, in partnership with Octopus Energy, reveals overwhelming backing from the British public for more energy efficient homes.The new report Green Shoots: The future of UK housebuilding shows broad public support for homes that are better for the environment and better for the public’s pocket. Research was carried out by Savanta, surveying 2,300 adults in the UK, using a nationally representative sample, asking their views on greener homes and whether they would be prepared to pay for them. Six in ten home renters and buyers said that the environmental impacts of a new home was important to them, demonstrating the public’s desire for new homes to be more environmentally friendly. This was further underlined by 40% of the public saying it would be willing to pay more upfront if their home was environmentally friendly. By aligning to the Prime Minister’s recently announced net zero approach, the proposed measures would not add additional burdens on households, but instead drive energy efficiency in a way that lowers household bills. This desire to have greener, more sustainable homes was even more in evidence among the next generation of home owners and buyers, with 66% of those surveyed aged between 18 and 30 saying it would be willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly home. With energy bills still higher than in previous years, eight in ten members of the public would be willing to pay more for a home if their energy bills were lowered as a result. This received widespread support but again was particularly the case for those aged between 18 and 30. Modular manufacturers can build greener homes at a competitive price, with many modular companies building homes in the top energy performance band, saving the average family up to £1,000 a year on its energy bills. Octopus Energy has even succeeded in providing a Zero BillsTM guarantee for five years on highly energy efficient homes which are fitted with low carbon technologies. The energy supplier is already working with a number of Make UK Modular’s members in a bid to deliver 50,000 of these greener, bill-free properties by 2025. Make UK Modular, the trade body for modular housebuilders, is now calling for a green housing revolution to tackle the housing and climate change crisis together. By taking a modern approach to stamp duty based on energy performance, reforming the Affordable Homes Programme and ensuring the planning process fast-tracks greener house building, the Government would unlock the potential for modular homebuilders to build the greener homes for the future that the public are demanding. Daniel Paterson, Director of Government Affairs at Make UK Modular said: “We are on the cusp of a green housing revolution. This report clearly shows wide public demand for modular building methods that reduce the costs to the environment and to household budgets. We now need to see action on the part of government to allow for these greener homes that not only help reduce the carbon cost of construction but help the household pocket too. Government can help today at zero cost to the Treasury by introducing demand side reforms of stamp duty rates, reforming the Affordable Homes Programme allocation for modular builders, and using unspent pledged funding to help improve supply chains.” Michael Cottrell, Zero Bills Homes Director at Octopus Energy said “The evidence is clear to see: greener homes are fast becoming hot property, and modular manufacturers are particularly well placed to deliver the revolution. When powered by Octopus’ industry-leading smart tariffs, these homes have the potential to radically lower energy bills for consumers – in some cases all the way to zero. We’re now calling on developers of all shapes and sizes to help us make greener, bill-free homes the new standard.” Read the report here – Make Modular Green Shoots Reports 2023 | Make UK Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The jaw-dropping scale of the steep-tiered south stand at Everton Stadium is visible for the first time following the installation of terracing. Virtually all of the double-stepped concrete terracing units are now in place in the stand, which will eventually house over 13,000 Evertonians. The next major visual change will see blue seats installed in the upper sections, as part of the ongoing programme which has spread across the north stand – and aims to have them in place across the whole upper tier of the bowl by Christmas. Externally, the south stand is also showing off its new façade following the installation of glazing in the second level concourse. The angled panels, which stretch across the entire face of the stand, have been designed to reflect the water from the adjoining Nelson Dock and help tie the stadium into its maritime surroundings. Meanwhile, the first giant speakers have been positioned into the roof spaces of the north stand. The curved units will hang from all four stands as part of the PA system. This has coincided with the departure from site of the last 600 tonne crawler crane, which was used mainly in the complex construction of the roof. A service tunnel, left open in the east stand to provide vehicular access to the pitch area, can therefore be closed off now in preparation for lower terracing units being installed. Work also continues to finish off the restoration of the historic Hydraulic Tower and Engine House. The buildings, dating back to 1883, have been lovingly renovated using existing and salvaged brickwork, new zinc roofing and the installation of windows sympathetic to the original design. A decorative capstan was this week reinstated at the entrance to the Hydraulic Tower, again as a nod to the building’s huge importance in the dock’s rich maritime history. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With storm season in full force, SP Energy Networks is investigating the potential of using artificial intelligence to help predict faults in the electricity network ahead of severe weather hitting In a UK first, SP Energy Networks is trialling AI technology to better pinpoint potential faults on the electricity network caused by severeweather and help ensure equipment and engineers are on hand to tackle problems – even before they happen. The revolutionary £5 million Predict4Resilience project will use AI technology to predict where faults could occur up-to seven days in advance, allowing the electricity network operator to mobilise engineers and equipment to shorten the time power supplies could be disrupted. By using AI, historic weather and fault data along with network asset and landscape information are used to develop machine learning models. Combined with real-time weather forecasting, Predict4Resilience will inform SP Energy Networks’ control room about where the weather will hit and what damage it’s expected with much more accurately than ever before. This will enable the control room to mobilise teams and send them out ahead of time, ready to restore power should a fault occur. This innovative technology adds to SP Energy Networks’ storm response and will ultimately allow the network provider to respond more quickly to power cuts and more efficiently target resources ahead of storms. Guy Jefferson, Chief Operating Officer at SP Energy Networks, said: “Ahead of a severe weather event we mobilise hundreds of engineers, vehicles, and generators alongside thousands of pieces of other materials so we are ready to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. “We know the disruption severe weather can bring to our customers and we are constantly investing in our network and investigating new technologies that could be used to keep this disruption to a minimum. “Projects like Predict4Resilience offer us another tool to help inform our decision making during a storm and help to reduce the time it takes us to restore power, minimising the impact of severe weather on our customers and communities even further. “Through collaboration with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution to expand our testing area, the trial phase of this project will provide us with robust learnings to meet our ambition of rolling this technology out across the UK.” The leading network provider is working with partners to roll out the technology across the UK, including The University of Glasgow, who are developing the AI methods that underpin this new forecasting capability; Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution, which will use the findings to test a different regulatory area, resulting in a wider scale area being tested, and Sia Partners, a global consultancy who bring the technical capabilities to build the software and its supporting infrastructure, as well as its business expertise to ensure this technology can be rolled-out across all network operators. The project secured £4.5million funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) from energy regulator Ofgem and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which supports ambitious and innovative projects to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions. Sebastien Gerber, Head of Data Science and AI, UK and Ireland, at Sia Partners, said: “Sia Partners will continue its work from the previous phase of the project where it led the development of the solution prototype and built the supporting business case to secure further funding from Ofgem. “Our multidisciplinary team brings expertise in energy networks operations, data science, data engineering and UX / UI design to provide the end-to-end capability to deliver a software solution fit for all DNOs, as well as any adjacent sectors who suffer weather-related interruptions. “We’re proud to play such an integral role in Predict4Resilience and help create a more resilient network that minimises disruption and stress for customers, particularly for the vulnerable. We anticipate Predict4Resilience will bring about a range of significant financial, social and environmental benefits to the networks and their customers.” Dr Jethro Browell, Senior Lecturer in Statistics at the University of Glasgow says, “We are excited to be working with a great team of partners to make our electricity networks more resilient in the face of climate change. This is a fantastic example of how the mathematical sciences can impact our everyday lives for the better.” SP Energy Networks serves more than 3 million homes and businesses across the UK, who can benefit from this investment, ensuring a resilient and reliable power supply. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AG has reinforced the importance of health and safety to its 230-strong workforce with its annual safety campaign and ‘Safe Day’ last month. The specialist building products business which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome , Carryduff and Pomeroy chose Health and Safety as its core employee engagement theme for October. During the campaign, the firm held its annual ‘Safe Day’, where production across each of AG’s sites was temporarily suspended to enable employees to concentrate on this serious subject. The initiative, led by CEO, Stephen Acheson and the Health, Safety and Environment team at AG, encourages staff to ‘make safety personal’ by focusing on the health and safety risks across all AG sites. The session centred around the promotion of physical safety on sites as well as mental wellbeing. A host of excellent speakers covered everything from emergency first aid, mental resilience, unlocking potential, nutrition and even some yoga! The company were also joined by a number of exhibitors where employees were offered health checks, hearing checks and advice on issues such as physical fitness, skin care and cancer prevention, The event also raised money for the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland charity. AG has a longstanding commitment to its people and to providing a safe and healthy working environment, which is core to the firm’s better, faster, safer vision. As a third-generation family-owned business AG wanted to promote the company’s strong family values within this intensive programme which included sessions on Personal Responsibility, Mental Health, Transport, Traffic Management and Pedestrian Segregation, and Isolation and Lockout of machinery and equipment. HSEQ Manager, Cathy Maguire said: “This campaign aimed to focus on the prevention of fatal accidents that are responsible for 94% of deaths in our industry. We need to ensure that all employees, contractors and visitors always leave our premises in the same healthy and safe way in which they arrived. We can only achieve this aim if we each take personal responsibility for safety. “Whilst SafeDay was a tremendous success that has attracted a lot of very positive feedback across all our sites, our emphasis on health and safety continues all year round. Our staff are encouraged to report any hazards immediately through our ‘good catch’ programme via our Engage app. We want everyone at AG to always go home safe to their loved ones each day.” CEO, Stephen Acheson added: “Our employee’s wellbeing is one of our core values at AG. Safety is essential and must be managed to avoid, reduce or (at the very least) control risk. It is the most crucial investment we can make. “The objective for AG’s SafeDay campaign is to help make safety personal. We want to encourage ‘good catches’ and hazard spotting as part of everyday work practice and run a range of initiatives throughout the year. We have made great progress in improving health and safety practices across the business and will continue to develop this positive culture into the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PUBLIC SECTOR organisations across Scotland are being invited to attend a launch event that will share vital information on a major framework geared towards improving the safety of social housing and public buildings. Taking place at the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) headquarters in Livingston on 23 November, those attending will gain vital information about the new framework that launched in September this year. SPA’s new framework aims to support public sector organisations in safeguarding their buildings, covering a range of works like asbestos removal, gas works, fire safety and water hygiene. Known as the Asset Safety and Compliance (ASC1) framework, SPA’s 120+ partners will learn how the framework can help them meet government regulations and initiatives in the most cost-effective way. Lesley Anderson, Regional Director at SPA, Scotland’s largest free to join procurement organisation said: “There is a huge mountain to climb for the public sector right now. With major government targets looming, it’s important we are bringing valuable and accessible frameworks to the fore at the right times. “The timing of this framework has aligned perfectly with ongoing consultations on social housing regulation in Scotland and its very much at the forefront of our partner’s minds. “With rising inflation and broader cost pressures stemming from rent freezes, contractor sustainability issues, slowing private housing sales due to mortgage rates, and increased demand for social housing, public sector organisations face significant challenges ensuring their buildings comply with safety and property protection regulations.” “By bringing together life safety and property protection requirements, as well as maintenance needs, this framework is designed to enable public bodies to achieve compliance at scale while achieving the best value for money.” ASC1 consolidates three existing frameworks and encompasses five critical public sector safety and compliance workstreams. It will run until 3rd September 2027 and is valued at up to £100 million in England, £20 million in Scotland and £15 million in Wales. The latest framework covers five workstreams including asbestos consultancy and removal, property protection and associated services, water testing, treatment, and management, heating and air conditioning compliance and electrical testing and services. Lesley added: “Theres been a host of field research and insight analysis from our regional business units across the UK to help shape this framework and we’ve been working closely with specialist suppliers and public organisations in Scotland from the outset to get the right end product. “By incorporating what we’ve learned from on-the-ground studies as well as gaining an understanding of local and regional requirements, we’re certain this framework delivers the best possible results for the construction industry as well as communities across Scotland. “The launch event will offer a brilliant chance to learn more about the framework and the suppliers that have been awarded a place. With presentations offering valuable information on essential aspects of housing and building compliance requirements, delivered by the framework suppliers. “The presentations will cover asbestos, property protection, water safety, HVAC and electrical with the aim of helping asset managers and building owners understand their responsibilities. “We want to give partners the information they need on this framework so they can take full advantage of it and help keep social housing and public buildings in Scotland as safe and secure as possible.” As a committed not-for-profit organisation, SPA reinvests its surpluses into local communities through its Community Benefit Fund (CBF), in partnership with the dedicated charity Lintel Trust. SPA currently has more than 600 active projects valued at £1.1 billion, benefiting the 300 suppliers that offer works and services to its associates. Additionally, these partners have complimentary access to a range of value-added services, such as expert technical, procurement, and social value advisory support. Since 2017, the CBF has distributed more than £1.7 million in grants and matching funds, assisting community groups, charities, and various causes. This initiative has generated a social value exceeding £3.9 million. Those interested in the event can apply here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/743400319367 To find out more about The Scottish Procurement Alliance, please visit: https://www.scottishprocurement.scot/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A2Dominion is making changes to its executive management team following the launch of its new Corporate Strategy. The Group’s strategy was launched six months ago and gives the 38,000-home housing association a new, clear direction and an obvious need for change. Key areas for focus include improving its core services, investing more in customer and building safety, a shake-up of its operating model, and how it reacts and adapts to the economic and financial challenges it’s facing. The changes follow the appointment of Ian Wardle as CEO just over a year ago, as well a new Chair – Alan Collett. Focusing on customers The Group has already started to implement some service improvements. However to effectively face these challenges head-on, it’s also making changes to its leadership structure. One key area that has been identified as a priority is improving its services to customers. Historically, all operations sat under a single Executive Director, covering every aspect of customer facing services including housing, customer services and property repairs and maintenance. In order for the Group to implement the improvements identified in its new strategy more quickly and effectively, it has split its Executive Director of Operations role into two: Splitting the role will allow the Group to fast-track the delivery of its plans and gives both roles the dedicated time and resource they need to make improvements for customers. Alongside these changes, A2Dominion will also be combining its two central services roles for Treasury and Central & Financial Services into one executive role, Chief Finance Officer. New look team Overall, A2Dominion’s Executive Management Team now comprises: Interviews for the Chief Customer Officer and Chief Finance Officer roles are currently underway, with the appointments expected to be announced in the New Year. The changes follow A2Dominion’s previous announcements that Dean Tufts, Executive Director of Finance & Strategy, and Nick Hutchings, Executive Director of Commercial, will both be retiring in early 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Retrofit Academy has opened its Hampshire Training Hub in partnership with workforce solutions and training specialist, SERT Training, increasing its nationwide network of training hubs to 10. As Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Homes Upgrade Grant (HUG) funding increases demand for retrofit talent, The Retrofit Academy Hampshire has been established to meet this demand by upskilling workforces and unlocking new career opportunities for individuals. The new training partnership will provide contractors and housing providers in the region with the highest quality training for Retrofit Advisors, Assessors and Coordinators required to work on upcoming programmes. The Retrofit Academy’s nationwide network of Training Hubs is licensed to provide leading retrofit courses curated by the UK’s experts in retrofit knowledge and skills. From The Retrofit Academy Hubs, contractors and social housing organisations around the country can access sector-specific qualifications ranging from levels 2-5, including: Successful delegates will be able to unlock new career paths that the SHDF and HUG have provided, helping contractors, local authorities and housing associations to address their practical retrofit skills gaps. As more organisations begin to understand the labour requirements that their projects present, they can now work with The Retrofit Academy to develop a workforce capable of delivering high-quality retrofit at scale. With hubs across the North East, Midlands, South East and South Wales, The Retrofit Academy’s licensing gives technical colleges and other further education centres the tools to deliver the leading, nationally recognised retrofit training. Licensed partners are granted access to a host of helpful resources and support, including a ‘train the trainer’ programme for two staff members, learner and tutor support from The Retrofit Academy’s expert team and full Retrofit Academy membership for 12 months. Mark Edwards, CEO of SERT Training, said: “We are thrilled to announce our exclusive partnership with Retrofit Academy to deliver their qualifications across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This milestone signifies our commitment to providing individuals with the skills needed to drive their own retrofit plans forward. “With our range of domestic clean heating and power courses, these qualifications will complement our offering perfectly. We are grateful for the support we have received from The Retrofit Academy, and we are excited to welcome the first cohort of learners onboard early November. Both our organisations share the same high standards in learner experience and content quality, so alignment has been very straightforward and a lot of fun.” David Pierpoint, Chief Executive at The Retrofit Academy added: “The launch of TRA Hampshire in partnership with SERT Training is another great step in extending the capacity for delivering retrofit at scale in the South East. Learners who train at The Retrofit Academy Hampshire will get access to the nation’s leading and most established training courses and graduate in a strong position to support with delivery of high-quality, large-scale retrofit across the UK. “Our work with training providers to create career paths for qualified retrofitters and bring graduates together with employers is important to address the practical retrofit skills gap for SHDF programmes. With 10 training partnerships established and over 5,500 learners having put their trust in us to date, we are keen to replicate this model other key UK regions to increase numbers and develop the workforce even further.” For more information on how to become a training partner with The Retrofit Academy, please visit:https://retrofitacademy.org/training-licence-partnerships/?utm_medium=feature&utm_source=pr&utm_campaign=pressoffice&utm_term=trahampshire Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The jaw-dropping scale of the steep-tiered south stand at Everton Stadium is visible for the first time following the installation of terracing. Virtually all of the double-stepped concrete terracing units are now in place in the stand, which will eventually house over 13,000 Evertonians. The next major visual change will see blue seats installed in the upper sections, as part of the ongoing programme which has spread across the north stand – and aims to have them in place across the whole upper tier of the bowl by Christmas. Externally, the south stand is also showing off its new façade following the installation of glazing in the second level concourse. The angled panels, which stretch across the entire face of the stand, have been designed to reflect the water from the adjoining Nelson Dock and help tie the stadium into its maritime surroundings. Meanwhile, the first giant speakers have been positioned into the roof spaces of the north stand. The curved units will hang from all four stands as part of the PA system. This has coincided with the departure from site of the last 600 tonne crawler crane, which was used mainly in the complex construction of the roof. A service tunnel, left open in the east stand to provide vehicular access to the pitch area, can therefore be closed off now in preparation for lower terracing units being installed. Work also continues to finish off the restoration of the historic Hydraulic Tower and Engine House. The buildings, dating back to 1883, have been lovingly renovated using existing and salvaged brickwork, new zinc roofing and the installation of windows sympathetic to the original design. A decorative capstan was this week reinstated at the entrance to the Hydraulic Tower, again as a nod to the building’s huge importance in the dock’s rich maritime history. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
