December 1, 2023
The Island Quarter set to Feature in Global Investment Summit

The Island Quarter set to Feature in Global Investment Summit

THE bioscience phase of The Island Quarter is one of just a handful of projects from the Midlands being showcased as part of the government’s Global Investment Summit held on Monday at Hampton Court Palace. The 51,000m2 Discovery Park on the 36-acre Nottingham site is set to feature as one

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Lift off for Apollo logistics scheme at Coventry’s Ansty Park

Lift off for Apollo logistics scheme at Coventry’s Ansty Park

Work is underway on the expansion of a landmark business park that will deliver more than 850,000 sq ft of new warehouse/logistics accommodation in the golden triangle. Four new speculative units are being constructed as part of the second phase of development at Apollo, Ansty Park in Coventry, a 52-acre

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Crest Nicholson acquires land for 88 new homes in Kent

Crest Nicholson acquires land for 88 new homes in Kent

Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson has announced it has acquired new land in the market town of Faversham. The 13-acre site will deliver 88 much needed, high quality new homes to the area, 35% of which will be affordable. The development, which will be called Crown Meadows, follows the sell out

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Powerday supports London communities with health and wellbeing initiatives

Powerday supports London communities with health and wellbeing initiatives

Leading waste management and recycling provider donates £667,000 to London boxing community throughout 2023 Powerday, London’s leading waste management and recycling provider, has donated £667,000 in investment and voluntary support to the London boxing community in 2023 in a bid to help improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of

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Landmark moment for £155m water investment

Landmark moment for £155m water investment

The first pipes have been laid in a new 57km water pipeline, which will support supplies to more than 200,000 people across the North East. Northumbrian Water’s Project Pipeline: County Durham and the Tees Valley is a huge £155m investment in futureproofing the resilience and quality of water supply to

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Harron Homes appoints new Construction Director

Harron Homes appoints new Construction Director

Harron Homes has recently appointed Lee Kirkland as Construction Director for its Yorkshire region. With over 20 years in the construction industry, Lee brings a wealth of experience to his new role overseeing the development and delivery of luxury homes across Yorkshire. Starting out as an apprentice bricklayer at age

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Baxi parent company BDR Thermea Group appoints new CEO

Baxi parent company BDR Thermea Group appoints new CEO

Baxi’s Parent company BDR Thermea Group today announced the appointment of Tjarko Bouman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bouman will join BDR Thermea Group from 1 February 2024 as successor to Bertrand Schmitt, who is stepping down, as announced earlier this week. Tjarko is currently CEO of NTS Group,

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

December 1, 2023

The Island Quarter set to Feature in Global Investment Summit

The Island Quarter set to Feature in Global Investment Summit

THE bioscience phase of The Island Quarter is one of just a handful of projects from the Midlands being showcased as part of the government’s Global Investment Summit held on Monday at Hampton Court Palace. The 51,000m2 Discovery Park on the 36-acre Nottingham site is set to feature as one of the Midlands Engine’s flagship projects at the event, which will be attended by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and more than 200 global CEOs. The landmark event will see the launch of the Universities as Drivers of Trade and Investment pilot, which has been developed by Midlands Innovation and Midlands Engine Universities (MEU). As part of the launch, the Discovery Park at The Island Quarter will be highlighted as a key hub for innovation and growth, with the aim of attracting foreign direct investment to the region. The Conygar Investment Company received detailed planning consent for the first phase of the Discovery Park in June 2023, with the second phase currently in design stage. When complete, the first phase will provide high quality, flexible research and laboratory space, further enhancing the city’s reputation as the bioscience capital of the UK. With more than 200 bioscience businesses in the city already, the proposed facility will act as an incubator for new and growing companies, in what is a strategically important sector within Nottingham. Christopher Ware, property director at The Conygar Investment Company PLC, said: “The Global Investment Summit is a brilliant place to showcase the opportunities at The Island Quarter, particularly those in the field of biosciences. Nottingham has long been a leading light in terms of science and discovery, be that the invention of the MRI scanner or the creation of ibuprofen, and the Discovery Park that forms part of the wider development at The Island Quarter is a logical next step in that journey of innovation.” Roger Mendonca, chief executive of Midlands Engine, said: “Investment in The Island Quarter’s Discovery Park clearly demonstrates the leading role the biosciences sector plays in the Midlands, as well as the power of collaboration between local and regional partners.” Having been given outline planning permission in 2019, The Island Quarter has regenerated a significant area of brownfield land in Nottingham city centre, and is now home to bars and restaurants, as well as a student living scheme set to open in 2024. Christopher said: “With the first phase having already been granted planning consent and more to come as part of the regeneration of the wider area, The Island Quarter provides unrivalled opportunities – not just with the bioscience space, but also with places for workers to live and spend quality time. “This latest step is just a part of the momentum building on site, and we’re excited to continue bringing forward a scheme that will be transformational not just for Nottingham, but for the region as a whole.” For more information on The Island Quarter, visit theislandquarter.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lift off for Apollo logistics scheme at Coventry’s Ansty Park

Lift off for Apollo logistics scheme at Coventry’s Ansty Park

Work is underway on the expansion of a landmark business park that will deliver more than 850,000 sq ft of new warehouse/logistics accommodation in the golden triangle. Four new speculative units are being constructed as part of the second phase of development at Apollo, Ansty Park in Coventry, a 52-acre site near the M6 and M69 motorways. The detached buildings range in size from 116,000 to 300,000 sq ft and offer highly specified accommodation to suit a range of occupier types. ESG is at the heart of the scheme, with roof-mounted PV arrays and EV charging points being provided as part of the base build. All four new developments will target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Ansty Park also benefits from a high quality, landscaped park, including a running track, nature trail and wildlife corridor, and offers 24/7 security and out of hours access. The new units are expected to be available for occupation from January to March 2024. JINGDONG Property, Inc. (“JDP”) purchased the first and second phases of Apollo, Ansty Park in July 2023 as a part-completed development within a portfolio that combined, represents one of the largest investment transactions to take place this year. Cromwell Property Group is the asset manager for Apollo, Ansty Park. The first phase of the scheme comprised two units totalling more than 240,000 sq ft, which are fully let. John Vincent, Head of Asset Management, UK at Cromwell Property Group, said: “Ansty Park is the premier logistics destination in Coventry, with unrivalled access to the UK’s motorway network and excellent ESG credentials. We are keen to build on the successful letting of the first phase of development at Apollo, Ansty Park, by delivering high quality warehouse/logistics accommodation in a location with a highly skilled workforce that meets the needs of a range of occupiers.” Colin Lawrence-Waterhouse, Partner, National Logistics & Industrial Agency (Midlands) at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “We’re delighted to be working with JDP and Cromwell Property Group on what is one of the best located logistics and industrial schemes in the Midlands. Ansty Park lies adjacent to the M6 and M69 motorways at the heart of the golden triangle, and with Coventry’s strong track record with both manufacturing and distribution demand, we have no doubt that the second phase will be just as popular as the first.” Richard James-Moore, Director at JLL, said: “Apollo, Ansty Park is delivering highly sustainable logistics units in a super prime location which we are confident will be a recipe for success. JLL looks forward to working with JDP and Cromwell Property Group in delivering further success with the second phase of development following the recent lettings of phase one.” Ansty Park is a major commercial location strategically positioned at the heart of the UK’s logistics, manufacturing and aerospace sectors. The park’s location adjacent to Jct 2 of the M6 and Jct 1 of the M69, provides unrivalled access to the UK’s motorway network whilst also benefiting from strong public transport links. It lies in close proximity to Birmingham Airport and has excellent connectivity to London, and regional freight terminals. Existing occupiers at Ansty Park include Rolls-Royce, Sainsbury’s, Cadent Gas and aerospace giant, Meggitt. For more information please contact retained agents, Colin Lawrence-Waterhouse, Tom Kimbell and David Binks of Cushman & Wakefield, and Richard James-Moore and Chris Clark of JLL, or visit: www.apolloanstypark.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vital Energi help Solenis take strides on its sustainability roadmap through new partnership

Vital Energi help Solenis take strides on its sustainability roadmap through new partnership

Vital Energi are working with speciality chemical manufacturer, Solenis, to reduce the carbon consumption at its Bradford site through a new 17-year partnership to upgrade and operate the site’s energy centre, futureproofing the site’s production capabilities. Solenis is always looking for ways to run its sites more sustainably, enhancing growth while decreasing environmental impact. Vital Energi will upgrade the existing combined heat and power (CHP) system and install two new efficient steam boilers. A new control system will be installed to ensure efficient and reliable energy generation. Once the construction process is complete, Vital Energi will operate and maintain the energy centre under an Energy Services Agreement (ESA). This agreement is targeted to optimise availability and energy use guaranteeing the projected carbon and financial savings for the next 15 years and setting the foundations for further carbon reduction initiatives. Key members from Solenis, Vital Energi and consultancy JRP Solutions, who supported Solenis, came together to mark the start of the ground works on site. They were joined by local councillor, Sarah Ferriby. Ashley Malin, Managing Director at Vital Energi, said, “We’re really pleased to be adding to our growing number of industrial clients, helping forge the pathway to net zero for Solenis and improving energy supply resilience across their site for the next 15 years. As well as the fundamental works on site, we’re also delighted to be delivering a host of social value initiatives which will benefit Solenis employees, the local community, and beyond.” David Calder, Site Manager at Solenis added, “Entering into a partnership with Vital Energi is an important step for Solenis on our journey towards Net Zero and ongoing sustainability for the site.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Crest Nicholson acquires land for 88 new homes in Kent

Crest Nicholson acquires land for 88 new homes in Kent

Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson has announced it has acquired new land in the market town of Faversham. The 13-acre site will deliver 88 much needed, high quality new homes to the area, 35% of which will be affordable. The development, which will be called Crown Meadows, follows the sell out success of Crest Nicholson’s nearby Kingsmead development. The new community will offer a range of two to five bedroom new homes to suit a range of purchasers, as well as plenty of open space and recreational areas. More than £1m has been committed to fund vital local infrastructure and services, such as an NHS Healthcare centre and youth services. Work is anticipated to start in December, with first residents expected in summer 2024. Karen Coulson, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson Eastern, comments: “We’re pleased to announce this acquisition in Kent, enabling us to respond to local demand for high quality new homes in the area. Crown Meadows joins an already thriving community and popular area thanks to the range of amenities that are easily accessible within the wider Kingsmead development, including a number of Ofsted-rated “outstanding” schools nearby.” “There are a range of schemes available to support prospective buyers to secure their dream home. Interest at Crown Meadows has been high from both locals and those from further afield. We’d therefore recommend anyone interested to get in touch with our friendly sales team as soon as possible, to be the first to secure your dream home.” Faversham, the oldest market town in the country, is also home to regular markets, selling local produce and artisan products, as well as a variety of pubs, restaurants and cafes. For those who travel by rail, Faversham train station is reachable in just 10 minutes by car or by bus from Crown Meadows, where there are at least three trains an hour to London with journey times of just over one hour. To find out more about Crest Nicholson and homes available at Crown Meadows, please visit https://www.crestnicholson.com/crown-meadows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Powerday supports London communities with health and wellbeing initiatives

Powerday supports London communities with health and wellbeing initiatives

Leading waste management and recycling provider donates £667,000 to London boxing community throughout 2023 Powerday, London’s leading waste management and recycling provider, has donated £667,000 in investment and voluntary support to the London boxing community in 2023 in a bid to help improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of marginalised people living in the capital. Since the partnership began back in 2011, over £13m in funding has been raised by Powerday for London Boxing. Throughout the year, The Powerday Foundation – the company’s charitable arm – has collaborated on various initiatives with estate-based clubs in hard-to-reach areas of the city, aimed at promoting health and well-being, combatting unhealthy habits, and enhancing community interventions. This has enabled individuals of all ages and from a variety of different backgrounds to improve their lives, bolster their physical and mental well-being, and foster social inclusion through active lifestyles. As one of London’s leading waste management companies, Powerday’s day-to-day business involves providing responsible waste management services to help clients manage their resources sustainably.  While the company is proud of its role in helping to reduce its clients’ impact on the environment, its aim is to use its sustained growth to support local communities in the capital. Powerday understands it plays a vital role in society and has a commitment to the wider community in which it operates, which is how the Powerday Foundation was born.   One club in particular that has benefited from the Foundation’s generosity is Cricklewood Boxing Club in North London. Together with Brent Council and the National Lottery, The Powerday Foundation has donated over £60,000 for a new female-only gym at the club, while a partnership between Powerday, Brent Council and the club (totalling £25,000) enabled a four-week long Summer Camp providing 100 marginalised youths with activities and meals. Other beneficiaries during this period include Dale Youth Club, Fairbairn Boxing Club, Powerday Hooks, The Academy Boxing Club, South Oxhey Boxing Club, and London Boxing. Commenting on partnerships, Tara Crossan, Head of Marketing & Communications at Powerday, said: “We are dedicated to making a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Through our collaborative efforts and strategic funding, we aim to create a positive and transformative change, especially in areas that often face significant challenges. We believe in the power of sport to improve health and wellbeing and have been working in partnership with London Boxing since 2011 to improve sports facilities and equipment particularly in disadvantaged communities.” The Powerday Foundation remains resolute in its mission to drive sustainable community development and empower the lives of young individuals through the transformative power of sports and communal engagement. Tara continued: “It’s well-known that a combination of physical activity, social interaction, sense of achievement, and community involvement, all make a positive contribution to overall mental health and well-being, making it a powerful tool for fostering stronger communities, which is our main focus.” Earlier this year, Powerday organised the inaugural Sam’s Listening Mental Health First Aid training session. In collaboration with London Boxing, the certified programme received funding from Powerday client, MadiganGill. The initiative aimed to enhance the understanding of London-based boxing clubs regarding the challenges and indicators associated with mental health concerns. More training courses will be announced for 2024 soon. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Landmark moment for £155m water investment

Landmark moment for £155m water investment

The first pipes have been laid in a new 57km water pipeline, which will support supplies to more than 200,000 people across the North East. Northumbrian Water’s Project Pipeline: County Durham and the Tees Valley is a huge £155m investment in futureproofing the resilience and quality of water supply to customers. Phase 1 of the project, which will connect Lartington Water Treatment Works in Upper Teesdale with the town of Gainford and across to Shildon, County Durham, is being constructed by Northumbrian Water’s partners, Farrans Construction. The project will see the replacement of sections of the network that have served the area for more than 100 years, alongside new stretches of pipeline. Pipelaying started from Whorley reservoir and the teams are working in the directions of Lartington and Shildon. A second phase is currently being planned, with work scheduled to start in 2025, further connecting the pipeline on to Teesside at Long Newton. James Dawes, Project Manager, said: “This is one of the biggest ever investments in customers’ water supplies here in the North East. Following years of planning and preparation, to ensure we can deliver this project in the best way possible, it’s fantastic to see the first pipes in the ground. “There is still a long way to go, with Phase 1 scheduled to see us working into 2025, and Phase 2 for a further three years after that, but this is a huge milestone. “We will continue to work with Farrans Construction and our other partners, with local stakeholders, communities and customers, as we progress across the south of County Durham and into Teesside, on the road to putting this new pipeline, that will deliver benefits for 200,000 customers, into service.” Stephen Coates, Project Manager, Farrans Construction, said: “We have been on site for the last two months making final preparations ahead of the pipe work being laid so this is an exciting milestone for this project, our client and our team. The route of the pipeline will cross the River Tees and we are constructing a tunnel to carry the pipe 12m below the river bed, close to the villages of Lartington and Cotherstone in Teesdale. “This is an important project which will provide resilience in the water supply for many years to come. We look forward to continuing to support the local community through our social value programme and already we have worked with social enterprises, charities and taken part in the Cotherstone 5km run.”

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Harron Homes appoints new Construction Director

Harron Homes appoints new Construction Director

Harron Homes has recently appointed Lee Kirkland as Construction Director for its Yorkshire region. With over 20 years in the construction industry, Lee brings a wealth of experience to his new role overseeing the development and delivery of luxury homes across Yorkshire. Starting out as an apprentice bricklayer at age 17, Mexborough-born Lee quickly rose through the ranks at his first job, becoming a site manager by the age of 23. “I had worked for Harron Homes earlier on in my career as a site manager, for a period of about two and a half years, and I really enjoyed my time there,” says Lee. Lee’s vast experience working for several different housebuilders across Yorkshire has seen him work in many different environments, but what stands out about Harron Homes is the family feel. An all-round people person, Lee approaches his role with a team-based mindset: “It’s important to lead, but it’s equally important to empower others to lead as well. “I’ve been in this role for only a few months, yet I’ve already seen tremendous success stories of employees delivering spectacular results.” Having been in the industry for over 20 years, Lee is the first to acknowledge that the support of colleagues and family is vital to success. Lee met his wife, Jemma, when he was 17, and the two married 6 years later. Lee says, “Jemma has been beside me through thick and thin, and we’ve supported one another for over two decades. She’s an advanced nurse practitioner, so between us we work very hard. When we do get time off, we tend to our farm, rearing the animals and racing around on quadbikes with our two children, Lincoln and Bodhi.” When asked about his aims for the future, Lee said, “I want to keep building the team up and improving its confidence. This goes hand in hand with ensuring we continue to hit our KPIs on a consistent basis. “Ultimately, it’s important that when we say we do something, we do it – I want to cement that reputation so that all our employees can continue to have the utmost pride in Harron Homes.” Tony Lee, Managing Director for Harron Homes Yorkshire, said: “Harron Homes is a place where anyone with the ambition and compassion to deliver the best homes around can make an excellent career for themselves. Lee’s trajectory is testament to his dedication to the industry and to housebuilding. That he has shown himself to be invested in the evolution of each employee under his wing, as well as in the evolution of the business as a whole, is proof of his unflagging commitment to his career. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.” Harron Homes is a housebuilder with developments located across Yorkshire and the North Midlands. With a range of two, three, four and five bedroom homes suitable for couples, professionals and families alike, there truly is something for everyone. For more information on Harron’s Yorkshire properties please visit: https://www.harronhomes.com/find-a-home/. For more information on Harron Homes careers, please visit https://www.harronhomes.com/careers/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Baxi parent company BDR Thermea Group appoints new CEO

Baxi parent company BDR Thermea Group appoints new CEO

Baxi’s Parent company BDR Thermea Group today announced the appointment of Tjarko Bouman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bouman will join BDR Thermea Group from 1 February 2024 as successor to Bertrand Schmitt, who is stepping down, as announced earlier this week. Tjarko is currently CEO of NTS Group, a global company which develops, produces, assembles and tests complex (opto) mechatronic systems and mechanical modules for high-tech OEMs in semiconductor, analytical and healthcare markets. During his tenure, he has rolled out a refined new global strategy, which resulted in record years for turnover and profitability in 2021 and 2022, and a place in the global top 3 of the semiconductor and analytical market niche in which NTS Group is active. Prior to NTS, Tjarko spent nine years at Vanderlande Industries working as Managing Director responsible for the operating company delivering automated material handling solutions in Europe (excluding DACH) and Asia Pacific to main markets of the food retail, e-commerce, fashion and parcel industries. Before that, he was responsible for global services development at Vanderlande including the spare parts business, global services desk and services expertise centre. Marc de Jong, Chair of the BDR Thermea Supervisory Board, says: “Tjarko brings to his new role as BDR Thermea CEO more than 20 years’ experience in business development, operations and supply chain, both in consulting and management, and a track record of combining innovation and growth with a clear customer focus. Tjarko is skilled in business transformation, as well as having digital skills in developing customer value-propositions.” Tjarko Bouman says: “I’m looking forward to joining BDR Thermea Group, building on Bertrand’s legacy, bringing my own experience and skills to the company, and cooperating with the teams across the globe as BDR Thermea moves forward to further strengthen its position in the energy transition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GRAHAM appointed to deliver £86.9m A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme

GRAHAM appointed to deliver £86.9m A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme

GRAHAM, a leading construction and civil engineering contractor, has been appointed to carry out a major transformation of one of the East Riding of Yorkshire’s most congested road junctions. Work on East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s £86.9m A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme is set to begin in spring 2024, with GRAHAM commissioned to undertake the project. When complete, in late 2026, traffic travelling on one of the area’s busiest routes will be freed up – benefiting the whole of the East Riding region and helping to grow the local economy. The lead contractor, Northern Ireland-based GRAHAM, employs 2,200 people, is involved in more than 100 projects across the UK and Ireland and has 23 regional offices including one in Leeds. The scheme will involve replacing the Jock’s Lodge junction on the outskirts of Beverley – which links the A164 Hull to Beverley and the A1079 Hull to York roads. A new roundabout will be created on the A1079 to connect it with Beverley and part of the A164 will be widened into a dual carriageway. Over the next few months, construction vehicles and equipment will be seen moving on to sites along the route in readiness for starting work in the spring. Councillor Gary McMaster, the council’s cabinet member for housing and infrastructure, met with Alastair Lewis, GRAHAM contracts director, at the site of the Jock’s Lodge junction, together with members of the council’s civil engineering team in charge of the project. Alastair Lewis, GRAHAM contracts director, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to deliver the A164 Jocks Lodge junction transformation scheme. “The upgrade of the A164 and new junction arrangements with the A1079 dual carriageway, will alleviate congestion and enhance safety for non-motorists via dedicated pedestrian and cycling routes. “Our track record of successfully delivering transformational civil engineering projects stands as testament to our commitment to the highest standards of work, professionalism, and technical expertise. “We are proud to be East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s partner to deliver economic growth to the region. “Over the next few months, the project team will be working hard to ensure the site is ready for the main build phase – we’re looking forward to playing our part in this pivotal project and leaving a lasting legacy”. Councillor McMaster said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome GRAHAM on board for this long-awaited scheme which is one of the council’s largest construction projects. “The council has been working on this scheme for a number of years but now, with the funding in place and the appointment of the contractor, it means we can now move forward and make these improvements happen. “When it’s finished, this will free traffic up on one of the busiest roads in the East Riding and, in turn, give a welcome boost to the local economy.” The announcement of the contractor follows the confirmation, earlier this month, of Government funding for the scheme, during a visit to the site by the then Minister for Roads, Richard Holden MP. The Department for Transport will contribute £40.7m to the project. The council has already committed to investing £46.2million. The A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme This will involve the removal of the existing Jock’s Lodge junction and the construction of: In preparation for the upgrade, the council has built a new roundabout at the junction of Main Street and Beverley Road, Skidby, as well as creating a new bus stop, which is due to be completed soon. GRAHAM is currently involved in several high-profile highways and civil engineering infrastructure schemes, including working as lead contractor on the Western Growth Corridor scheme for City of Lincoln Council. The firm is also delivering improvements to the M2 Junction 5 on behalf of National Highways.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Alpine Fire launches campaign to reduce four billion litres of drinking water wasted every year by UK businesses in mandatory fire tests

Alpine Fire launches campaign to reduce four billion litres of drinking water wasted every year by UK businesses in mandatory fire tests

Every year in the UK, billions of litres of drinking water are wasted as businesses are forced to test their fire suppression systems weekly, without a need to capture the water pumped through the pipes and down the drain. Alpine Fire, one of the UK’s leading specialist providers in the design and maintenance of active fire suppression systems, has launched a campaign to reduce, recycle and reuse this water. The business has also partnered with the London School of Architecture and Orms Designers & Architects to design a fire suppressions system of the future that can reuse the water used in tests. Student architects have started work on the project and are due to report back in March. Every week, sprinkler systems in commercial buildings have to be tested for 30 minutes at full power. That means companies are flushing billions of litres of clean water through their pipes which then goes down the drain rather than being saved and reused. The campaign has already engaged with former DEFRA Secretary George Eustice MP and is working with DEFRA to explore how changes can be addressed. In addition, and by way of offset for the hundreds of millions of litres of water that they use each year, Alpine Fire has embarked on a multi-year programme of dam restoration with the Lake District National Park. The first project will see the dam at Throng Moss Tarn restored, a critical haven for wildlife and am important strategic reserve for wildfires in the Lakes. Commenting on the campaign, CEO Steven Nanda said: “Billions of litres of drinking water are needlessly lost every year in the cause of fire safety, and we are working with the officials at DEFRA and leading architects to solve the problem. Water usage in the UK’s fire suppression systems has been overlooked so far, and our customers are under pressure to address every aspect of their sustainability. We are committed to leading the campaign for change. “We are hugely encouraged by our engagement with DEFRA and feel confident that together we can work towards a change in regulation for new builds as well as retrofitting existing buildings” Commenting on the campaign, former SoS of DEFRA George Eustice said: “Water scarcity is a real and live issue in the UK. Any initiative that identifies such a huge amount of unintended water wastage is to be welcomed and I am delighted to be supporting Alpine Fire and their 4 billion campaign.” Commenting on the partnership, Neal Shasore CEO of LSA said: “We are delighted to be part of this worthwhile sustainability initiative and are already inspired by the work our students have produced in response to this challenge.” Gavin Capstick of the Lake District National Park said: “A partnership of this kind with a forward-thinking business like Alpine Fire is something we welcome. Water scarcity is a very real issue for the UK’s National Parks, and as England’s biggest park, the Lake District sees the effects more than most. We are delighted to be working with Alpine Fire to restore Throng Moss Tarn for wildlife and as a strategic water reserve.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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