New whitepaper explores how to identify and mitigate fire risks for flat roofs functioning as additional social or practical spaces of a building, including for solar installations The role of the roof in modern building design has expanded significantly in recent years. Now ROCKWOOL® has published a whitepaper aimed at
The historic Hydraulic Tower and Engine House at Bramley-Moore Dock is set to be handed over to Everton for the next phase of works. Painstaking work has been undertaken over the past two years to restore the Listed building, dating back to 1883, to its former glory. And with the
Award-winning UK supplier of external wall insulation (EWI) solutions, K Systems, has launched two innovative new systems to the industry in a matter of weeks. The most recent innovation, a new KIWA BDA-certified Direct Fix system is ideal for new build or retrofit steel framed structures of any height, delivers
Despite the significant rise in the profile of artificial intelligence (AI), the UK’s Construction SMEs are largely undecided about the impact it will have on their business, sector and jobs. The findings are taken from the latest independent research* from Close Brothers Asset Finance and Leasing. Nearly six in 10
Development and regeneration company, Cityheart has acquired the 442-home Royal George Village site on Greek Street in Stockport, continuing its commitment to the transformation of Stockport town centre. Cityheart secured the site following the withdrawal of previous developer Investar Property Group, which had originally been appointed as the developer in
An event at a new development of homes in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire has marked Stonewater’s 6000th new home. Customers and community members joined partners involved in the delivery of the homes at Blunden Meadows to celebrate both the completion of the scheme and Stonewater’s 6000th home to be provided since
Spencer Bridge Engineering has been recognised for its outstanding work on two iconic bridges at separate industry awards ceremonies. The company has won awards for projects on Union Chain Bridge and Menai Suspension Bridge. Spencer Bridge Engineering completed a programme of essential works to preserve Union Chain Bridge linking England
SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has submitted a detailed planning application to build 147 new homes on surplus land at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Nuneaton, alongside an application for the college to build a new 3G Sports Pitch. The housing proposed within the application will be
Two brothers are striding towards successful careers as Quantity Surveyors with the help of Newbury-based construction firm, Helix. Brothers Oliver and Flynn Pearce are both on their way to promising careers, with support from their employer, contractor and developer Helix, an SME company who build high-quality homes across the
Beard has commenced work on a major renovation project at Nuffield College, a graduate college of Oxford University. The three-phase, £3.3 million project will see Beard undertake significant remodelling and accessibility improvements across the Grade II listed building. In the first phase – which is already underway – Beard is
New whitepaper explores how to identify and mitigate fire risks for flat roofs functioning as additional social or practical spaces of a building, including for solar installations The role of the roof in modern building design has expanded significantly in recent years. Now ROCKWOOL® has published a whitepaper aimed at helping specifiers and roof contractors to consider and plan for possible fire risks arising from flat roofs being used as multifunctional spaces for a variety of social and practical applications, highlighting, for example, the increasing number of solar energy installations. The Flat roofs: The functional fifth façade paper explores the fire safety implications of modern multifunctional roofs and discusses best practices for identifying and mitigating the risks. It also explains the role of the guidance provided in approved documents, including Approved Document B (ADB) for fire safety, and examines potential limitations of such advice for non-standard flat roof circumstances and scenarios. The whitepaper can be downloaded at https://rockwool.link/ffpr “While the use of flat roofs as functional spaces is not a new concept, the practice has become more and more popular in recent years, especially in increasingly crowded urban areas,” explains Lisa Stephens, Product Manager – Building Envelope, ROCKWOOL UK. “Now, flat roofs don’t just house plant and building services but energy efficiency infrastructure and social spaces too.” With the increasing complexity of the flat roof space in mind, this whitepaper addresses the risks associated with social and commercial uses of flat roofs, considering implications such as greater footfall and the impact of penetrations from building services and cabling on compartmentation and fire resistance. With the market for solar energy growing rapidly in the UK and Europe, Flat roofs: The functional fifth façade also places a specific focus on the lack of dedicated guidance for solar panels despite evidence that their presence may increase fire risk. “The information in the whitepaper will help those involved in the design and installation of flat roofs to make responsible choices when selecting materials to enable a modern flat roof to be multifunctional, safe and long-lasting,” says Lisa Stephens. “It offers practical advice to simplify specification whilst going above and beyond legislative requirements.” For more information and to download the whitepaper go to: https://rockwool.link/ffpr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The historic Hydraulic Tower and Engine House at Bramley-Moore Dock is set to be handed over to Everton for the next phase of works. Painstaking work has been undertaken over the past two years to restore the Listed building, dating back to 1883, to its former glory. And with the external remediation works close to completion, including salvaging and reinstating existing brickwork, extensive re-pointing and the installation of new windows and doors sympathetic to the original design, the next phase of internal works to help breathe new life into the structure will commence next year. Emily Watson, Assistant Section Manager at Laing O’Rourke, explained: “We’ve have had to undertake a lot of remedial repairs and original make-safe works to get the building into a safe spot. “There has been some major re-pointing work, some new roofing elements installed and some structural work to make the building safe for the next stage. “The heritage aspect has always been a careful consideration. Originally, there were a lot of plans that needed to be signed off by Liverpool City Council, planning consultants CBRE and Heritage Project Management. “We’ve had close relationships throughout, and they have carried out inspections throughout the process too. There have also been Listed Building conditions that we’ve had to sign off and go through just to make sure that everyone was happy with what we were doing to the Grade II Listed structure. “That includes providing samples and showing them drawings, such as the windows and doors, so they can keep in touch with progress. “There was another Listed Building condition that meant we had to get sign off on the brickwork, so it could match the original design as much as possible. “In fact, the bricks from the old station master’s office, which was taken down because it was unstable, were all salvaged. The rebuild was actually done with all the existing brickwork, to keep it exactly the same.” Complementing the major project to renovate the Hydraulic Tower and Engine House has been an extensive amount of work to restore heritage assets to the site, particularly across the Fan Plaza. With the help of a £15m grant from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, historic maritime features such as railway lines, capstans, mooring bollards and cobblestones – a feature during the dock’s heyday, when Liverpool’s docks dominated global trade – have been recorded, tagged and carefully reinstated. In total, more than 400 heritage assets have been preserved, with any additional items used as either exhibition items, or to be bequeathed to Liverpool City Council or Peel Waters for future development. And with the Fan Plaza currently being paved, and decorative benches featuring the famous Archibald Leitch truss design installed – the jaw-dropping entrance to the stadium site is gradually coming to fruition. The main feature, however, is sure to be the imposing Hydraulic Tower, which will even feature the original air raid siren bolted back onto the side of the building, following yet more work to restore it and cover it in a protective coating. Emily added: “When we first came, the air-raid siren had to be taken off, so we could replicate the original bracket on which it hung. “We’ve now refitted it onto the building and it has had a special coating, so it can remain there” “We now have the last ongoing works with the glazing, the louvres and the doors, and we’ve started to layer the roof, then there will just a few final touches, such as flashing and give it one last clean over before it can be handed over.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning UK supplier of external wall insulation (EWI) solutions, K Systems, has launched two innovative new systems to the industry in a matter of weeks. The most recent innovation, a new KIWA BDA-certified Direct Fix system is ideal for new build or retrofit steel framed structures of any height, delivers outstanding cost efficiency compared to cavity-based systems, and offers four stunning finishes, the widest range available on the market, with A1 fire resistance options within that. The new solution by K Systems, a renowned brand by industry leaders Kilwaughter Minerals, represents a significant R&D investment and follows extensive market research in partnership with existing customers and stakeholders. The launch of the distinctive and transformative Direct Fix system comes hot on the heels of K Systems’ introduction of its new M VBriQ+ system to market. The A1 fire-resistant mineral wool system with clay brick slip finish is a perfect architectural solution for buildings at all height levels and offers exceptional levels of durability and workability. The system is available in a variety of colours and textures providing unrivalled choice for customers to achieve their desired aesthetic with a standard range of brick slips available in stock. Kilwaughter Minerals’ Business Development Director, Caroline Rowley, said: “At Kilwaughter Minerals, we pride ourselves on maintaining continuous dialogue with our customers and the broader market to innovate and formulate new products tailored to their evolving needs. “We understand growing industry demand for EWI systems that are not only cost effective but that comply with stringent safety regulations whilst also offering superior durability. “With Direct Fix we have perfected an unmatched product which ticks all of those boxes, and we are delighted to finally bring it to market.” Two of the four finishes available with Direct Fix are A1 rated systems, offering the highest standards of fire safety. This launch and the A1 rated M VBriQ+ launch takes K Systems’ A1 portfolio to four A1 rated systems, evidencing the company’s equal dedication to safety and compliance in addition to innovation. Benefits of the newly introduced Direct Fix system also include an easier, faster installation process for applicators due to significantly reduced components, and an option for category one impact resistance rating guaranteeing buildings maintain a pleasing aesthetic for longer, and an unrivalled variety of finishes, colours and textures. Chief Executive of Kilwaughter Minerals, Gary Wilmot, added: “At K Systems, safety is non-negotiable, so we are proud to once again have our products awarded with the industry’s highest A1 fire resistance rating, enabling us to offer a solution that provides complete peace of mind to both customers and residents alike. “The launch of both systems is a shining example of our ability to deliver innovation without compromise and further testament to our prowess in creating products which provide tangible advantages for both those working with our systems and those living in the designated buildings.“ K Systems is a trusted supplier of EWI systems into the UK market for over 30 years and boasts a proven track record of reliability and durability. To learn more about Direct Fix, M VBriQ+, or various other industry-renowned K Systems available, visit www.k.systems. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Despite the significant rise in the profile of artificial intelligence (AI), the UK’s Construction SMEs are largely undecided about the impact it will have on their business, sector and jobs. The findings are taken from the latest independent research* from Close Brothers Asset Finance and Leasing. Nearly six in 10 (56%) of respondents are of the view that AI will have a bearing on their business, but are undecided about the scale, with 21% (UK average: 20%) thinking it will have a large impact compared to 16% (UK average: 9%) who say it won’t have any measurable impact. Q: How much of an impact, if any at all, do you think the increasing presence of artificial intelligence will have on your business? A large impact 21% Some impact 35% Not much of an impact 23% No impact at all 16% Unsure 4% Business owners are split about whether to incorporate AI into their business processes, with 39% (UK average: 41%) saying they will against 47% (UK average: 40%) who have no intention of doing so. The remaining 15% (UK average: 19%) haven’t yet made up their minds. The key question about potential job losses brought about by AI also divided the crowd, with 43% (UK average: 42%) saying AI will lead to large scale job losses in their sector; 45% (UK average: 43%) are of the opposite view while 12% (UK average: 15%) are unsure: Yes No Unsure UK total 42% 43% 15% Manufacturing & Engineering 42% 43% 15% Food and Drink 42% 40% 18% Construction 43% 45% 12% Print and Packaging 52% 40% 8% Recruitment 40% 44% 16% Agriculture 38% 48% 13% Services (e.g. Finance, healthcare, Education, IT) 46% 35% 19% Transport & Haulage 34% 49% 17% Wholesale and distribution 39% 46% 15% While many see AI as a potential threat, more of the UK’s Construction SME business owners see the technology presenting opportunities for growth and employment in their sector than those who do not. Yes 46% (UK average: 46%) No 35% (UK average: 36%) Unsure 19% (UK average: 18%) The business areas (in order) most at risk from AI – according to respondents – are: Our view Matt Roper, CEO of Close Brothers’ Commercial business, said: “Artificial Intelligence already impacts us on a daily basis in hundreds of ways, from route mapping to using chat bots to answer questions, and it’s only likely to become more prominent in the coming years. “Our research is telling us a number of things; firstly, there’s an understandable lack of consensus about AI’s current and potential impact, largely because it’s only gained traction in the public imagination fairly recently. There’s also no agreed definition of what AI actually is. “Secondly, there’s a recognition that it could present opportunities for firms to use AI to their advantage, particularly in those sectors that are more reliant on digital innovation. “And lastly, firms aren’t yet sure quite how to incorporate AI into their business processes.” For a more detailed breakdown or discussion about the results, contact Anton Nebbe, Head of PR and Communications, 07736 286 144, anton.nebbe@closebrothers.com. For more news from Close Brothers Asset Finance, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Development and regeneration company, Cityheart has acquired the 442-home Royal George Village site on Greek Street in Stockport, continuing its commitment to the transformation of Stockport town centre. Cityheart secured the site following the withdrawal of previous developer Investar Property Group, which had originally been appointed as the developer in 2022. Royal George Village is the largest purpose built apartment development in Stockport and has a GDV of £120m. Following the acquisition Cityheart made an immediate start on site with PP O’Connor commencing enabling works on the day the purchase completed. The scheme is part of the 130-acre regeneration district Town Centre West, which is being driven forward by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). The district will deliver 4,000 new homes, alongside local amenities, green spaces, new workspace and radical transport improvements, transforming Stockport into the most liveable and well-connected town in Greater Manchester. A £9m GMCA brownfield grant has been secured to support the delivery of the scheme which was previously part of the Stockport College campus. Cityheart is now procuring a contracting partner for the first phase of the scheme and will commence demolition and construction works in mid December, the full scheme is scheduled for completion in 2026. Jonny Wrigley group chief executive of Cityheart comments: “Royal George Village is one of Stockport’s most important residential opportunities and we are proud to be bringing these much-needed contemporary homes forward, further enhancing the quality of housing in Stockport town centre. Since topping out our 196 apartment scheme with our joint venture partner Rise Homes at Stockport Interchange in May, we have been keen to contribute further to the regeneration of Stockport and investing in Royal George Village provides the ideal opportunity to continue our relationship with the town. “We have made an immediate start on site and will implement a rapid build programme to deliver these high quality new homes at Royal George Village which will be a key contributor to Stockport’s ongoing renaissance.” Eamonn Boylan, interim chair of Stockport MDC said: “Delivering more, high quality homes for local people to live in the town centre is where true regeneration starts – we then start to see the positive impact on our high streets, in our retail centres, and we create a larger workforce which attracts businesses and drives forward the town’s prosperity. 2023 has seen significant progress to Stockport’s £1billion town centre regeneration, and, as we look ahead to what is set to be a monumental year with the completion of a number of our landmark developments, we look forward to working with the team at Cityheart to deliver these essential new homes for Stockport.” The regeneration of the three-acre site on Greek Street and six neighbouring buildings will see the former college campus redeveloped into a mixed-use scheme which includes 442 apartments both for sale and rent. The 115,000 sq ft Torkington Building will be converted into 122 apartments, while the 60,000 sq ft Lyme Centre would be demolished and replaced with a 16-storey apartment block comprising 258 units. The grade-two listed Greek Street Building – the former Metropolitan Girls’ School – will be converted into collaborative co-working space for local businesses. In addition, a new-build six-storey ‘Gateway’ building will be constructed providing 62 apartments at the corner of Greek Street and Royal George Street with off plan sales set to launch in Q2 2024. The Hexagon lecture hall, located close to the grade two-listed War Memorial Art Gallery, is set to be demolished and replaced with public realm and civic space. The 16,000 sq ft University Centre building will also be demolished to provide an internal, south-facing courtyard to create additional public open space and private gardens for residents. Original architects, DAY Architectural has been retained to work on the new scheme. Beyond Corporate has provided legal support during the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An event at a new development of homes in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire has marked Stonewater’s 6000th new home. Customers and community members joined partners involved in the delivery of the homes at Blunden Meadows to celebrate both the completion of the scheme and Stonewater’s 6000th home to be provided since the leading social housing provider was formed in 2015. The completion of the development, which has provided 38 new homes with a mixture of houses, bungalows and maisonettes, brings Stonewater’s contribution to affordable housing in Herefordshire to over 2700 homes. The event bought together representatives from construction firm Speller Metcalfe, based just over the county border in Worcestershire, local authority Herefordshire Council and Homes England, who have partially funded the almost £8 million new development. Special guest at the celebratory event was former Chair of Stonewater’s Board George Blunden, whose father the site is named after, and who planted a commemorative tree to mark the 6000th home. During his tenure, George was responsible for establishing the Longleigh Foundation to address the gap between the needs of Stonewater customers and support available to them. He also championed public art on development sites resulting in the launch of Stonewater’s Blunden Prize, now in its second year, being named after him, and was also asked to unveil the public art installation at Blunden Meadows and a plaque commemorating the housing provider’s milestone. Stonewater has advocated and commissioned public art on its development schemes for over a decade, often relating the design to the local area and history. The Ewyas Harold site is no exception, with a steel train and benches representing the Golden Valley Railway, which used to run in the area, created by local architect firm, Studio Bad. Alongside the public artwork, the village site has been landscaped with green areas and trees and includes a children’s play area. Children from Ewyas Harold Primary School have also been busy making bird boxes and bug hotels for the site. As well as encouraging wildlife to the site, sustainability and the environment has been at the forefront of construction plans, with the new homes featuring the Kensa “shoebox” ground source heat pump system, used successfully on earlier Stonewater sites, and the Switchee system, which helps to save residents money by reducing energy wastage, as well as photovoltaic solar panels. Nicholas Harris, Chief Executive of Stonewater, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to have been able to mark the fantastic milestone of providing 6000 much-needed affordable homes across the country. We’re also honoured to be naming this scheme after the Blunden family, in dedication of their committed public service. “Developments like this make an important contribution to meeting the housing needs of the local community, at a time when affordable housing couldn’t be more important. “The Blunden Meadows site is a fantastic showcase for the amazing work that has been done not only here but on previous Stonewater development sites, working with partners to provide new homes alongside public art, sustainable features and community initiatives.” Mark Eaton, Director at Speller Metcalfe said: “We’re delighted to have finished this new housing scheme. Not only does the project mark a significant milestone for Stonewater, but it also means the residents of Hereford and Abergavenny have affordable and sustainable housing available to them on their doorstep.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spencer Bridge Engineering has been recognised for its outstanding work on two iconic bridges at separate industry awards ceremonies. The company has won awards for projects on Union Chain Bridge and Menai Suspension Bridge. Spencer Bridge Engineering completed a programme of essential works to preserve Union Chain Bridge linking England and Scotland, which is more than 200 years old. The crossing over the River Tweed from Horncliffe in Northumberland to Fishwick in Berwickshire has a single span of 449ft (137m) and was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1820. Spencer Bridge Engineering was appointed by Northumberland County Council to dismantle the bridge and carry out a complete refurbishment and rebuild. A key element of the project was to ensure modifications were in keeping with the historical significance of the bridge. This included restoring, rather than replacing, the suspension chains wherever possible and using stone from the original quarry to repair masonry work on the bridge’s two towers. Spencer Bridge Engineering has been named both the ‘Gold Winner’ of the Restoration Project of the Year Award and the ‘Silver Winner’ of the Community Engagement Award for the Union Chain Bridge project at the National Building and Construction Awards 2023. It received the Community Engagement Award for its commitment to working closely with partners and stakeholders throughout. These included Northumberland County Council, the Scottish Borders Council, Museums Northumberland and the Friends of Union Chain Bridge. The Spencer Bridge Engineering team became a part of the community it worked in, taking time to help residents with roof repairs, handing out firewood, building a community bar at a local village hall and even providing medical assistance to a resident living near the bridge. Spencer Bridge Engineering has also been recognised for emergency works carried out on the Grade I listed Menai Suspension Bridge, the second oldest operational vehicular suspension bridge in the world. The bridge crosses the Menai Strait between the island of Anglesey and mainland North Wales and, when opened in 1826, it had the longest span in the world at 176m. It was designed by prolific road, bridge and canal builder Thomas Telford, who became the first President of the Institution of Civil Engineers. The bridge was immediately closed to vehicular traffic on October 21st, 2022 after a safety issue related to potential hanger failure was identified. Spencer Bridge Engineering rapidly designed, procured and installed secondary fail-safes at strategic hanger locations, enabling the bridge to be reopened on schedule on February 1st, 2023. In partnership with UK Highways A55, COWI, and the Welsh Government, Spencer Bridge Engineering has now won both the Infrastructure Project of the Year Award and the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award at the Welsh Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Awards 2023. Luke Fisher, Director of Spencer Bridge Engineering, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been honoured with these prestigious awards across two separate awards ceremonies. “These awards further reinforce Spencer Bridge Engineering’s reputation as a leading specialist bridge works company. “Our expertise, experience and wide-ranging capabilities across the company mean we’re a partner that can be trusted to deliver for our clients. “I’d like to congratulate the team on their tremendous work that’s lead to this recognition.” Spencer Bridge Engineering is part of Hull-based multi-disciplinary engineering specialists Spencer Group. To find out more about its expertise, visit www.thespencergroup.co.uk/our-work/bridges/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SevenHomes, the regional housebuilder by SevenCapital Group, has submitted a detailed planning application to build 147 new homes on surplus land at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Nuneaton, alongside an application for the college to build a new 3G Sports Pitch. The housing proposed within the application will be well designed, in fitting with the existing college buildings and local surroundings, to be delivered in two phases. The homes will be a mix of tenure, including one-bedroom apartments and maisonettes, two- and three-bedroom houses through to 2.5-storey four-bedroom houses, to appeal to all family sizes and budgets. Of the 147 homes, 38 (over 25%) will also be affordable housing. The submission follows outline planning permission which was granted in 2020 and, alongside introducing new homes to help meet local need, it proposes to bring significant and direct benefits to the college. The proceeds of the land sale will enable the introduction of the new state-of-the art pitch, and crucially will allow the college to invest in new and improved facilities for students. Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “This marks an important milestone in our plans to invest in improving our college, ensuring that students at our Nuneaton Campus have access to the contemporary learning environments that they deserve and benefit from the same high standard facilities already available at our other campus locations. “The funds raised from the sale of this surplus land on campus will create exciting modern facilities that will help to unlock the full potential of technical skills, across all industries, based on an enhanced digital capability. Our aim is to ensure that all students, now and in the future, as well as the local community, and local and regional businesses, benefit from our vision.” Richard Hodson, Head of planning at SevenHomes said: “We’re really pleased to be able to bring forward this detailed application for a development that will be of huge, direct benefit to both the college and surrounding communities through enhanced amenity provision, as well as the introduction of sensitively planned and much needed new homes for the area.” Subject to full planning approval, work on site is expected to commence in early 2025. For more information on SevenHomes, please visit: www.sevenhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two brothers are striding towards successful careers as Quantity Surveyors with the help of Newbury-based construction firm, Helix. Brothers Oliver and Flynn Pearce are both on their way to promising careers, with support from their employer, contractor and developer Helix, an SME company who build high-quality homes across the southeast. Oliver (Ollie) is an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, now in his fourth year of a five-year part-time degree which is being fully funded by Helix. As well as studying for his Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management degree, Ollie is gaining priceless experience on site, working across Helix’s development sites building for a range of clients including social housing and residential buildings. Not to miss out on his brothers’ success, Ollie’s younger brother Flynn joined the company recently. He is also an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, studying one day a week for the same degree as his older brother, with the London Westminster University, which is again being funded by his employer. Flynn was already aware of the opportunities available with Helix, after doing work experience with the company as part of his business A-level, as well as seeing Ollie’s success and enjoyment of his role, and began to consider Quantity Surveying as a potential career path. His degree will take five years to complete part-time, and Flynn says he’s grateful to be working while he undertakes his studies, as he knows others who have completed their degree full-time and struggled to find a suitable role afterwards. After spending a week working on a project with his brother, Flynn is now working on Helix’s development in Hemel Hempstead, where he will stay until its completion in 2025. Flynn says: “I’m so grateful to Helix for this opportunity and am really enjoying it so far. I think you can get lost in some of the bigger companies but here everyone is open and accessible. The company’s investment in the younger generation, supporting us to excel in our various careers and pathways is amazing and I feel incredibly lucky to be here.” Ollie added: “Helix has shown complete faith in me, and I feel like that sort of investment results in loyalty in return. I hope to continue my career with the company, learning from the team here, and I’m glad Flynn has been given the opportunity to work here too.” Helix employs 51 people and offers a number of career pathways to allow the best talent to join the construction industry and grow with the company. The construction firm is working on £25 million worth of new housebuilding projects this year, many being delivered in partnership with the social housing sector to provide high-quality and energy-efficient affordable homes. As well as Oliver and Flynn, there are currently five other members of the team studying for a range of qualifications to complement their roles with Helix, and not all involve being on-site. Bradley Turrell, an Office Administration Assistant with Helix, is studying a T-level at Newbury College. He joined the company following a talk that Helix’s CEO Nic Davies gave at his college about opportunities in construction. The qualification, which is the equivalent of three A-levels, requires 315 hours to be spent in the business environment over two years, which Bradley sees as the future of education. He said: “I think this way of gaining qualifications while also gaining actual work experience is the new era of recruitment. It’s the best of both worlds; I get to work with Helix two days per week and study for the other three. And the best thing for me is that I get to work for such a great company who are supporting me with my career.” Other employees benefitting from the flexible recruitment and education options offered by Helix include Reno Edwards, who recently joined the company as an Assistant Site Manager and is being supported to complete an HND in Construction Management to further his career in the sector, and Helix’s most recent recruit, Luke Schofield, who is undertaking a Trainee Design Coordinator apprenticeship and will shortly join a HND course, before completing a part-time degree. Nic Davies, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re very proud of the diverse opportunities we offer those wishing to join the company and the construction industry, in whatever way works for them and their circumstances. We’re also very proud of the amazing team we’re growing, and of the hard work and dedication they give to our company and our clients. “Supporting these exceptional members of the team is something that’s very important to us; it brings huge value to Helix, helps young and diverse communities join the sector, and is worth every penny we invest in them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard has commenced work on a major renovation project at Nuffield College, a graduate college of Oxford University. The three-phase, £3.3 million project will see Beard undertake significant remodelling and accessibility improvements across the Grade II listed building. In the first phase – which is already underway – Beard is building new, fully accessible facilities in multiple locations at the college site. Phase two will see Beard relocating the main entrance, moving the porters’ lodge to the Worcester Street entrance to the College, where it was originally planned to be, providing more modern and accessible facilities. This will then be followed by phase three, with the existing lodge site transformed into accessible meeting spaces, as well as the refurbishment of existing facilities to create a new 100-person lecture theatre. Throughout the project, the Beard team will also be completing major landscaping works to improve access to the ground floor spaces. In addition to raising the paving in the upper and lower quads to door level, Beard will also be increasing ramped access between the quads. To meet the requirements of the Grade II listed building and reduce the loss of embodied energy, Beard will be retaining and re-using the old York stone paving slabs. The project, which is set to complete next summer, is taking place in a live building. As a result, Beard has split the project into 15 mini-phases to ensure the college can maintain access. Meanwhile, the team has implemented partitions, walkways and fences, as well as a full-time traffic marshal to keep all members of the college safe. This is particularly important as the college’s arched entranceway will mean deliveries will have to be forklifted onto the site, while materials used for the landscaping will be transported using dumper trucks. Dean Averies, Beard director for Oxford, said: “Beard has built a formidable reputation in the education sector and we’re incredibly proud of the longstanding partnership we have with Oxford University and its colleges. To be chosen once again to support the growth of one of the country’s finest educational institutions is certainly not lost on us. “Working on any listed or heritage building presents its own challenges, especially when the building is still active and in regular use. However, we have plenty of experience in complex refurbishments in education and in live environments across Oxford and further afield. The college has clear ambitions to enhance its facilities – and we believe we have the skills and expertise to help make that a reality.” Andrew Dilnot, Warden of Nuffield College, added: “This project represents one of the most significant interventions made to the College since it was built. The works will radically improve accessibility into and around the main College site and through the refurbishment of internal areas will provide outstanding facilities which will further support the College’s core functions as a centre for research and teaching in the social sciences. We are pleased to see Beard begin work and are grateful to them and the wider professional team on the project for the expert ways in which they are approaching what is a very complex project while also enabling the College’s day to day activities to continue to the fullest extent possible. We look forward to the project’s completion next summer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
