February 1, 2024
Plans submitted for the £50m NESST Centre

Plans submitted for the £50m NESST Centre

DPP has submitted plans to build a new North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) in Newcastle. DPP put forward the proposals on behalf of Northumbria University. The proposals are for the construction of a five to seven storey building, including partial re-use of the existing structure, to create

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Scheme to protect privately rented homes in Scarborough continues

Scheme to protect private rents in Scarborough continues

A scheme which protects the quality of privately rented homes in parts of Scarborough is to continue for another five years. North Yorkshire Council approved the selective licensing designation for parts of the Castle, Northstead and Falsgrave divisions in the seaside town. Selective licensing allows councils to designate areas where

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Wyatt Homes appoints Financial Director

Wyatt Homes appoints Financial Director

Poole-based Wyatt Homes has appointed Matthew Bennett as its Financial Director. Matthew, who is 48 years old and based in the South West, joined Wyatt Homes this month (January) as it enters a new phase of growth. Before joining Wyatt Homes, Matthew served as a Chartered Accountant for over 25 years,

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Doka's innovative solutions cut construction time

Doka’s innovative solutions cut construction time

By crafting tailor-made solutions like a 21-metre Table Lifting System, Doka caters customers’ specific needs and boosts the efficient construction of the second highest building in Detroit. Doka is playing a key role in shaping tomorrow’s Detroit today by acting as an all-in-one supplier for the 209-metre (685-ft.) skyscraper and

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Ibstock enhances concrete capabilities through the acquisition of Coltman Precast Concrete

Ibstock enhances concrete capabilities through the acquisition of Coltman Precast Concrete

Leading building materials manufacturer Ibstock has announced the further extension of its concrete offering with the acquisition of Birmingham-based Coltman Precast (Valerie Coltman Holdings Limited), one of the largest independent suppliers of precast concrete products. The purchase of Coltman’s 9.25-acre facility in Sutton Coldfield which manufactures hollowcore and staircases, has

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

February 1, 2024

Plans submitted for the £50m NESST Centre

Plans submitted for the £50m NESST Centre

DPP has submitted plans to build a new North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) in Newcastle. DPP put forward the proposals on behalf of Northumbria University. The proposals are for the construction of a five to seven storey building, including partial re-use of the existing structure, to create a new facility for world-leading education and research at Northumbria University. The NESST Centre, which will be delivered in partnership with the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin, has been designed by Ryder Architecture and will replace the existing Wynne Jones building, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne. The building will contain spaces for Northumbria University and its commercial partner Lockheed Martin, including satellite manufacturing and testing facilities, Harvard style lecture theatre and mission control centre, NUSTEM engagement spaces, partner offices, electrical and laser communications laboratories, open plan PhD spaces and academic offices, student hub and collaborations spaces. Research and development undertaken in NESST will reinforce the UK and regional space cluster, positioning the UK as a global leader in optical satellite communications, space weather and space-based energy. Economic assessments suggest NESST will deliver 350 net total FTE jobs and generate £264m in net total GVA over 30 years. Helen Marks, Director at DPP, said: “We have really enjoyed working with the University and Ryder Architecture to prepare the planning application submission for this exciting project for the city of Newcastle. The proposals have also benefitted from collaborative working with representatives from the City Council at the pre application stage which has greatly facilitated the process to date.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Scheme to protect privately rented homes in Scarborough continues

Scheme to protect private rents in Scarborough continues

A scheme which protects the quality of privately rented homes in parts of Scarborough is to continue for another five years. North Yorkshire Council approved the selective licensing designation for parts of the Castle, Northstead and Falsgrave divisions in the seaside town. Selective licensing allows councils to designate areas where there is a high concentration of privately rented housing, and where there may be issues of poor property conditions and management within those properties, plus associated issues such as high levels of deprivation or anti-social behaviour. Executive member for culture, arts and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “Selective licensing is one of the ways we can tackle the problems of poor quality and poorly managed accommodation in the private rented sector as well as address anti-social behaviour. “The private rented sector within the designated area equates to just over 50 per cent of all the homes there so it is vital we look after the interests of the people who rent them as poor housing can have a big impact on health and social care. We have many good landlords and this scheme aims to help both them and their tenants. “Under the Scarborough scheme, which comes into force on 01 June and lasts five years, all privately rented properties within the designated area will have to be licensed by us.” The period of designation will last for five years and include conditions aimed at ensuring licensed properties are safe, meet basic standards and are managed in a satisfactory way. The landlord licence fee is £695 per single-household property to cover the five-year period of the designation. This will be used for the running cost of the scheme. Extra charges will apply for multiple-household properties. Discounts may be available for landlords applying early or if they are a member of a recognised landlord association. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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2023 Prologis Logistics Rent Index: Solid Global Rent Growth and New Leading Locations

2023 Prologis Logistics Rent Index: Solid Global Rent Growth and New Leading Locations

Introduced in 2015, the Prologis Logistics Rent Index examines trends in net effective market rental growth1 in key logistics real estate markets in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Our proprietary methodology focuses on taking rents, net of concessions, for logistics facilities. This index combines the company’s local insights on market pricing dynamics with data from our global portfolio. Rental rates at the regional and global levels are weighted averages based on estimates of market revenue. Global logistics real estate rent growth totalled 6% in 2023, underscoring the resilience of logistics real estate fundamentals. Nearly all markets globally recorded positive real rent growth, amid positive demand, low vacancy, and the need to evolve supply chains in response to changing consumer expectations, operational challenges and persistent disruption. Global Takeaways Data Pertinent to Europe for 2023 Eva van der Pluijm-Kok Vice President, Research & Strategy, Europe adds: “Looking ahead, Europe is likely to see a lower peak in the vacancy rate during the upcoming mini-cycle because new construction starts fell earlier than in the U.S. and other global markets. Improvement in the demand backdrop could cause rent growth to reaccelerate quickly as scarcity returns to many markets on both the Continent and in the UK.”  You will find the full research here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wyatt Homes appoints Financial Director

Wyatt Homes appoints Financial Director

Poole-based Wyatt Homes has appointed Matthew Bennett as its Financial Director. Matthew, who is 48 years old and based in the South West, joined Wyatt Homes this month (January) as it enters a new phase of growth. Before joining Wyatt Homes, Matthew served as a Chartered Accountant for over 25 years, gaining extensive financial and operational expertise at several large companies. Additionally, he held senior board roles for a range of well-known housebuilders in the South West of England. Matthew said, “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Wyatt Homes and to be part of such an ambitious business that builds wonderful developments and homes. “It is refreshing to find a housebuilder whose focus is the production of a truly well-finished product in developments that look exceptional. “I have already seen that Wyatt Homes has a great values-driven culture with an experienced and passionate team, and I can’t wait to assist the business on the next stage of its journey.” Shaun Pettitt, Managing Director, added, “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to Wyatt Homes. His wealth of experience and insight will undoubtedly enhance our bid to deliver further growth for the Company whilst maintaining our commitment to crafting exceptional homes.” Having been in senior roles in the construction industry, Matthew’s diverse background brings a fresh perspective to Wyatt Homes. His wide-ranging industry experience uniquely positions him to lead its operations into the next chapter. Wyatt Homes currently has new homes developments in Wimborne, Puddletown and Charminster in Dorset, Yeovil in Somerset and North Baddesley in Hampshire. It also has plans to expand its operational area further across the south coast. For more information visit www.wyatthomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Doka's innovative solutions cut construction time

Doka’s innovative solutions cut construction time

By crafting tailor-made solutions like a 21-metre Table Lifting System, Doka caters customers’ specific needs and boosts the efficient construction of the second highest building in Detroit. Doka is playing a key role in shaping tomorrow’s Detroit today by acting as an all-in-one supplier for the 209-metre (685-ft.) skyscraper and providing one of the fastest self-climbing formwork solutions on the US market. The Hudson’s Site project is a mixed-use development located in downtown Detroit, Michigan, USA. The project includes two buildings: a 209 meter (685-ft.) high-rise tower and a 70 meter (232-ft) mid-rise building separated by a through-cut. The tower will house modern offices, event venues, high-tech residences, and a luxurious 5-star hotel. It is expected to be completed in 2024 and will be the second tallest building in Detroit after the Renaissance Center. Experts are expressing high anticipation for this project, considering it a potential game-changer for the city. The Hudson’s Site project on Woodward Avenue is considered a bold and even iconic project. Its scale, prime location and the rich history of the neighborhood make it a colossal undertaking. Doka’s role in crafting a 49-storey masterpieceTo meet the special requirements of the project with limited on-site space in this urban area of Detroit, Doka developed a key to eliminating the need for traditional crane lifts between level-to-level transitions. Doka’s engineers came up with a self-climbing Table Lifting System solution, spanning a total of 21-metres (68,9-ft.) that is exclusively designed to lift slab formwork across six levels of the Hudson’s Site Tower. The hydraulic Table Lifting System not only increases efficiency by strongly improving the speed of material hoisting but also helps ensure safety – a paramount aspect in every Doka endeavour. Additionally, the adaptability of Doka’s Framed formwork Frami S Xlife system proved essential in navigating the project’s 112 different column cross-sections. Brian Gulick, Superintendent with Barton Malow, recognizes Doka’s professional support, saying: “It was crucial for us to have Doka on board. Doka’s personalized Table Lifting System enabled us to operate the construction site without the use of crane lifts between level-to-level transitions, which helped us to optimize construction speed.” Doka’s cutting-edge BIM Revit model is designed to analyse potential suspension points of the climbing systems of the core and slabs and to detect and prevent possible clashes on site by re-coordinating the schedule in advance. Doka ensured early on that the right solutions were in place for this complex project by collaborating closely with all stakeholders, which enabled the project to stay on track and meet its ambitious schedule. Global expertise, local precision in engineeringDoka’s engineering services for the Hudson’s Site project epitomize the global fusion of expertise of the engineers in the Austrian headquarters and the Doka team in the US. This dual approach ensures that the project benefits from cutting-edge solutions provided by Doka that are tailored to meet the specific demands of the local construction environment in Detroit. Doka’s engineers faced further challenges, such as providing the right formwork solutions for the skyscraper’s unequally-shaped core. Doka crafted a custom-made formwork solution featuring the large-area formwork Top 50, and the Super Climber SCP, which is recognized as one of the fastest self-climbing formwork solutions on the US market. A mini crane mounted at the top level of the Super Climber, supported the installation of heavy steel embeds, which significantly reduced the crane’s period of use. This tailored solution achieved an average five-day cycle time instead of the usual seven-day cycle time, resulting in significant acceleration of the construction while increasing efficiency and safety. What’s more, an integrated concrete placing boom facilitated the concrete pouring of the core, slabs and columns. A self-climbing Xclimb 60 Protection screen was designed for slab edge protection, as were several screens with integrated storage platforms as an extra feature. Project: Hudson’s Site TowerLocation: 1200 Block of Woodward Ave – Detroit, MIType of structure:High Rise, Residential & CommercialHeight: 209 m (685 ft.)Storeys: 49Developer: BedrockGeneral Contractor:Barton Malow CompaniesConcrete Contractor:Downtown Concrete Partners (JV between Barton Malow Concrete & The Colasanti Companies)Architect: SHoP ArchitectsStart of construction: 2017Overall completion: 2024Cycle time: 5 daysSq. Ft: 1,500,000 ft2 Products used:Core: Super Climber Platform SCP, Large-area formwork Top 50 SFacade: Xclimb 60 Protection Screen with integrated storage platforms & stair towers, self-climbing Table Lifting SystemSlabs & Shoring: Dokamatic S Table, 10k Shoring, SuperDekWalls & Columns: Framed formwork Frami S XlifeServices provided: DokaCAD 9 for AutoCAD, DokaCAD 9 for Revit, BIM with Doka, Doka Manuals, Engineering and Pre-Assembly Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction industry accounted for 12% of UK administrations in 2023, analysis reveals

Construction industry accounted for 12% of UK administrations in 2023, analysis reveals

The construction industry accounted for 12% of administrations in 2023 – the second highest sector in the UK – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. A total of 1,641 businesses, 200 of which came from the construction industry, filed for administration last year – marking a 22% increase compared to 2022 and 91% rise in comparison to 2021. Retail, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and real estate were the worst-hit sectors, collectively accounting for 59% of the administrations. Regionally, Greater London led the way with 22% of the filings, followed by the North West (14%) and South East (12%), data from The Gazette Official Public Record has revealed. While January (76) was the quietest month, administration numbers leapt to 177 in October – the most recorded for 43 months (185 in March 2020). With administrations nearing pre-Covid levels (1,794), an insolvency and restructuring expert has warned that sustained difficult trading periods combined with rising geopolitical tensions means we could see more businesses failing throughout 2024. Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “The significant uptick in the number of companies filing for administration in 2023 underscores the challenges faced by businesses amid changing consumer habits, financial pressures, and geopolitical uncertainties. “In the labyrinth of economic complexities, the retail sector in particular is bearing the brunt, noted by the collapse of major player Wilko. There has also been a reduction in housebuilding, which has a knock-on effect in the construction and real estate sectors. “The cost of money, marked by high interest rates throughout 2023, exacerbates financial strains on businesses with models that thrived in a sub-2% interest rate environment. Organisations can only bear that pressure for so long before its sustained impact starts to wash through and they begin running out of cash. “A shift in consumer buying habits, exemplified by a challenging January for the hospitality sector, adds to the narrative of subdued spending. Moreover, HMRC continues to be more active, with threatened enforcement pushing businesses towards considering their options, and many opting for administration as an alternative to being wound up on a compulsory basis. “The global stage, marked by geopolitical tensions in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza, contributes to economic uncertainty and suppressed growth. Businesses reliant on imports face increased outlays, as shipping companies opt to avoid the dangers of the Suez Canal and seek to pass on the extra costs of transport to customers. “Many predict the rate of inflation to continue its downward trajectory in 2024, perhaps even approaching Bank of England’s target of 2%. If that trend continues one might anticipate something like three interest rate cuts in 2024, which will hopefully stimulate growth. However, the economic landscape remains unpredictable, and our advice remains consistent – seeking professional advice early can open up more options for struggling businesses. “It is crucial not to ignore the signs and bury your head in the sand and instead, take a proactive approach to address underlying issues. By doing so, businesses can better navigate the tough trading conditions and increase their chances of survival.” Businesses filing for administration per year By sector 2023 2022 By region 2023 2022 Administrative 26 24 British Isles 12 3 Agriculture 7 10 East Midlands 130 74 Arts and entertainment 68 21 East of England 118 94 Automotive/transportation 87 72 Greater London 364 265 Construction 200 208 North East 61 50 Education 16 4 North West 231 212 Engineering 31 35 Northern Ireland 9 18 Financial 75 79 Scotland 63 59 Health and social 74 66 South East 205 213 Hospitality 190 140 South West 119 68 Information and communication 87 55 Wales 31 48 Manufacturing 186 174 West Midlands 139 101 Mining and quarrying 7 10 Yorkshire & The Humber 159 135 Others 7 10       Professional services 64 90       Public admin and defence 16 7       Real estate 155 95       Retail 239 138       Utilities 73 61       Total 1,641 1,340 Total 1,641 1,340 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ibstock enhances concrete capabilities through the acquisition of Coltman Precast Concrete

Ibstock enhances concrete capabilities through the acquisition of Coltman Precast Concrete

Leading building materials manufacturer Ibstock has announced the further extension of its concrete offering with the acquisition of Birmingham-based Coltman Precast (Valerie Coltman Holdings Limited), one of the largest independent suppliers of precast concrete products. The purchase of Coltman’s 9.25-acre facility in Sutton Coldfield which manufactures hollowcore and staircases, has the capabilities to expand Ibstock’s current range, whilst also increasing manufacturing capacity, which supports Ibstock’s Flooring and Structural concrete growth plans.  Established in 1972, Coltman Precast has grown into one of the UK’s largest suppliers of precast concrete products to the construction industry. The central location of Coltman’s Midland-based factory complements Ibstock’s existing flooring factories in the South (Sittingbourne) and the North (Dewsbury), enabling the business to competitively deliver a full portfolio of precast concrete products at a national level. Tim Wright, Commercial Sales Operations Director at Ibstock said: “The acquisition of a brand as well-known and respected as Coltman Precast is a significant milestone for Ibstock. We believe it further increases Ibstock Group’s ability to manage the short-term challenges which are being impacted by the wider economic climate, whilst helping us plan and work towards longer term success. “We look to the future with excitement as the unlocked potential of this acquisition is immense. Once we have fully integrated the Coltman Precast facility and team into our wider operations, the business will go from strength to strength.” With the acquisition of Coltman Precast, Ibstock’s Flooring and Structural Precast system now comprises: For more information, please visit: https://www.ibstock.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Should You Move to One of the 55 and Older Communities in Las Vegas?

Should You Move to One of the 55 and Older Communities in Las Vegas?

Nowadays, luxury retirement communities cater specifically to those 55 and older. Thus, living in one of the 55 and older communities in Las Vegas is one of these options. Though the program has numerous benefits, it might also have some drawbacks if it needs to be better implemented. But have you been debating whether or not to move into this kind of community? As with any other type of community, living in a community where you can spend your retirement days has many advantages. It would help if you took your time deciding where you will live in retirement. Additionally, there are a few things to think about while deciding on an age-qualified active-adult community. Below is a list of the benefits of living in a 55+ neighborhood to assist you in making an informed decision!  Retirement Neighborhoods in Las Vegas Can Offer You Socialization and Relaxation The abundance of facilities and events offered by 55+ neighborhoods is a perk of living there. A wide variety of recreational facilities are available to residents in active adult communities from Las Vegas. These may include swimming pools, clubhouses, golf courses, pickleball, bocce, courts for tennis, and more! Where else in your area can you discover so many exciting things to do in such proximity to your home? The ability to lead an active lifestyle is a big selling point of retirement communities. It might be far more challenging to make acquaintances or join social organizations and boost your social skills when you reside in an all-ages area without the advantages mentioned above, as opposed to a peaceful neighborhood. Being able to enter a wide variety of clubs and organizations is an excellent perk of any strong community. Throughout the year, you may discover a travel club that embarks on exciting cruises and excursions. Alternatively, you might play in pickleball tournaments and matches every week. Plus, because most individuals were about the same age, it was much simpler to find common ground and form friendships. It would be best if you considered the many benefits of relocating to a 55+ community. Home Designs Tailored to Your Needs Your needs will be carefully considered throughout the design and construction of the houses, townhomes, and condominiums in retirement communities. Because they are often one- or two-story homes, they are more efficient with the square footage you have because some fewer bedrooms and bathrooms are not needed. If you want to make new friends and boost your social skills, consider looking for condos for sale in the Las Vegas Strip since it will give you the opportunity to meet people who share the same interests as you. The home and grounds are also often designed with the purpose of making aging in place simpler. Among other things, this may pave the way for walk-in showers, stairless entryways, and broader door frames. These home communities are specifically tailored to residents aged 55 and above, so they include all the amenities and thoughtful features that you are looking for. Secured by Gates or Patrols in a Spectacular Setting Although not all 55 and older communities in Las Vegas have security or gates, many do have guard-gated entrances or even roving guards. One of the main draws of these communities is the peace of mind that residents get from having guards at the entryway or keeping an eye on their property. Moreover, no matter where you want to settle down in retirement, you will be able to locate a peaceful community that suits your needs. But there is more good news about these communities: you can find an excellent variety of them in many of the top retirement locations in order to have the best time of your life in a calm, fantastic area. When considering retirement communities, it is essential to take geographic availability into account in order not to be disappointed by the scenery. After all, life is better when it has a stunning view. Live a Good Life with Your Furry Friends For the most part, when people downsize, it means they have a smaller home that needs less attention overall, and they are now solely responsible for inside or daily upkeep. Homeowners association members are relieved of the duties of building maintenance, cleaning, and repair. Common examples of such tasks include clearing snow off walkways and driveways, painting exterior walls, and maintaining and cleaning gutters. Moreover, many 55 and older communities do permit pets, but there are usually restrictions on things like the breed and quantity of pets someone may have. Thus, do not hesitate to look into these fantastic and peaceful areas in order to start living your life to its fullest, surrounded by people who understand you and with whom you may share mutual interests. Final Thoughts You may be considering moving forward after reading this since you have learned about all the significant benefits of retirement neighborhoods. Prior to making a final choice, it is advisable to gather as much information as possible, including advice from loved ones and real estate agents. Remember that one of the benefits of the 55 and older communities in Las Vegas is the weather, as a reputable, peaceful community realtor will always find a plot of land with the ideal environment for the seniors. But you need to have a long conversation with yourself and think everything through. After all, people may often find a spacious and well-designed home for their retirement days. However, in some cases, these homes are usually more modest in size than houses that cater to large families. Since it would need less effort to keep up, many consider it a benefit. The room may be on the cramped side, however, so you should think twice about inviting the whole family over for special events. Even if most houses have plenty of room for a small party, hosting a vast gathering could be difficult. Ultimately, whether you choose to reside in a 55+ community or not is a personal choice. Thus,

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