A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and Northwood Urban Logistics has achieved practical completion on its 130,483 sq ft Bridgewater Point development at Trafford Park in Manchester. The last-mile urban logistics scheme comprises 16 high specification Grade A leasehold units, ranging in size from 5,114 sq ft to 13,571 sq
The National Science and Media Museum has announced that it anticipates a 2025 reopening, aligning with the Bradford district’s UK City of Culture celebrations. The museum temporarily closed in June last year to undergo a once-in-a-generation transformation with huge changes through a £6 million capital project called ‘Sound and Vision’,
Sika’s Roofing Division is proud to announce its selection as finalists in two categories of the NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2024. The company has been recognised for its impressive contributions in the technology fields of Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing and Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing. Judges were impressed by two
By Trevor Steven, mental health ambassador, Causeway Technologies Construction sites are bustling hubs of activity, but the focus is often geared towards the finished product and the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants. Rarely do we take a moment to consider the people who bring these structures to life:
Industry-leading decorative panel and sheet experts Panelco has announced a strategic brand partnership with specialist technical and decorative panel designer and manufacturer Polyrey to expand the range of high-pressure laminate (HPL) and compact laminate products it can offer its customers. As a prominent stockist and manufacturer of innovative products, ranges
South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division is delighted to welcome Nicki Hay as its new sales director. Nicki will join the senior management team overseeing all aspects of sales for the two compliance businesses, Integrated Water Services (IWS) Water Hygiene and Omega Red Group. Nicki’s background of over 20 years in
Salford City Council has approved regeneration plans to transform MediaCity and The Quays into an iconic waterfront destination. Inspired by design-led waterfronts such as Oslo in Norway and Australia’s Darling Harbour the revised regeneration proposals also include around 3,000 new homes and approximately 800,000 sq ft of additional commercial space
In a highly competitive market, achieving a harmonious balance between operational efficiency and workforce satisfaction is like walking on a tightrope. This delicate balance is critical for any organization’s success. Neglecting either aspect may result in severe consequences, such as decreased productivity, high employee turnover, and, ultimately, a decline in
A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and Northwood Urban Logistics has achieved practical completion on its 130,483 sq ft Bridgewater Point development at Trafford Park in Manchester. The last-mile urban logistics scheme comprises 16 high specification Grade A leasehold units, ranging in size from 5,114 sq ft to 13,571 sq ft with the potential to combine units to provide a single unit of 44,694 sq ft. Bridgewater Point has been supported by a joint multi-million pound loan from the North West Evergreen Fund and Trafford Council to enable the delivery of high-quality, sustainable employment premises. Located at 103 Barton Dock Road, the scheme sits on one of the most prominent sites in Trafford Park and benefits from excellent access to Manchester city centre and is one mile from junction 9 of the M60. Neighbouring occupiers include Kellogg’s, Amazon, L’Oréal and Adidas. All the units at Bridgewater Point feature electric vehicle charging points and solar cells on their roofs which provide up to 35 per cent of the units’ energy needs. In addition, the units are constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions. The scheme has achieved an EPC A and BREEAM Very Good rating. Following practical completion at Bridgewater Point, a 12,576 sq ft unit and a 8,748 sq ft unit are currently under offer at the development. Chancerygate development director and head of its Warrington office, Mike Walker, said: “Bridgewater Point is the first new build Grade A multi-unit scheme to be built in Trafford Park for 15 years. “Sitting in one of the premier industrial locations for Manchester, the scheme is best placed to serve the city and the wider North West region. “There is strong demand from businesses for high quality, sustainable accommodation, and thanks to its prime location and close proximity to key infrastructure, Bridgewater Point will help meet this. “We have seen strong early interest in the units and currently are in serious negotiations with several occupiers, so expect to put more units under offer very soon.” The North West Evergreen Fund exists to support the delivery of commercial property and infrastructure projects in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Cheshire and Lancashire. It is managed by CBRE’s investment advisory team, part of CBRE Capital Advisors. Northwood Urban Logistics is part of Northwood Investors, a privately held firm that owns and operates real estate across the US and Europe. The firm currently manages approximately $10bn of investor capital with its Manchester office headed by executive director Richard Pellatt. Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company currently has around 2.65m sq ft of urban logistics space under construction or ready for development across 19 sites ranging from Edinburgh to Chichester. Agents for Bridgewater Point are JLL and Davies Harrison. For more information visit www.chancerygate.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Science and Media Museum has announced that it anticipates a 2025 reopening, aligning with the Bradford district’s UK City of Culture celebrations. The museum temporarily closed in June last year to undergo a once-in-a-generation transformation with huge changes through a £6 million capital project called ‘Sound and Vision’, including two new permanent galleries, a new passenger lift and improvements to the main entrance, thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The museum had initially been set to reopen this summer, however due to unforeseen delays to the excavation of an additional passenger lift shaft, it is now anticipated that the museum will open in two phases, with the building welcoming visitors at the start of the Bradford district’s City of Culture year, and the new Sound and Vision galleries launching later in 2025. Commenting on the plans, Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum said: “Our new Sound and Vision galleries will completely transform the museum’s visitor offer by showcasing our incredible collections and ensuring visitors can find stories that resonate with them. “Having an additional passenger lift is a crucial part of our transformation that will enable us to welcome many more visitors in 2025 and beyond. Despite extensive survey work before the excavation commenced, our contractors encountered an unexpected make-up of ground at the base of the lift, which took much longer to excavate than anticipated. Whilst the impact of this delay in the short term is frustrating, our Sound and Vision project will future proof the museum for decades to come. “Our new gallery designs reveal how the spaces will be dynamic, interactive and inspiring, underlining how all areas of our collection from photography to videogaming are embedded in every aspect of our lives. Visitors will be able to see the first ever photographic image; have a go at being a sound engineer; step inside the studio of a local radio station and enter a live art installation. We’ve also worked closely with local communities to ensure we’re telling stories that are relevant to Bradford, showcasing the creativity and diversity of our home city. We look forward to welcoming visitors back into the museum and into our new Sound and Vision galleries in 2025.” During this extended temporary closure, the museum will continue to engage with audiences through a vibrant off-site offer. Since June, the museum’s Learning team have been bringing their ‘Visiting You’ programme of educational workshops and activities to local schools and community venues, reaching out to more than 6,000 school children to date. The team has also developed an exciting school holiday offer in partnership with venues across the Bradford district. Elsewhere, while Pictureville Cinema remains temporarily closed until this summer, the museum continues to host a series of cult and classic film screenings as part of its busy Pictureville Presents off-site offer at Bradford Alhambra Studios. With more details about the upcoming cinema programme to be announced soon. As well as announcing the updated reopening plans, the museum has revealed a tantilising glimpse of the latest designs for its new permanent Sound and Vision galleries, including details of gallery themes and stories, along with an artist commission for an interactive installation. Thanks to £3.4m support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, the new galleries will completely transform two floors of the museum, reimagining the display and interpretation of its world-class collections of photography, film, television, animation, video games and sound technologies. Designed by gallery architects, AOC (Agents of Change), the new galleries will showcase the museum’s core collections through the four key themes of Innovation, Identities, Storytelling and Everywhere, to lead visitors on a journey through the explosion of sound and image technologies, and the impact on our lives. The latest design renders illustrate some of these themes and the key moments and stories that visitors will be able to explore throughout the galleries. In the section on Identities, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in an interactive space with ‘sound showers’, a mixing desk and dance floor to evoke the shared experience and thrill of live performances and gigs. A key moment in Storytelling will take visitors through the long history of creating animation from flipbooks and stop motion to digital illustrations through the stories of beloved fictional characters such as the March Hare from Alice in Wonderland. Local radio station, Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB) will also feature in the new galleries in Everywhere, where an interactive studio space will tell the story of how sound and image technologies have enabled local community representation in broadcasting and give visitors the chance to be a radio DJ. In a newly reconfigured part of the galleries which has opened up a double height space, artist Nayan Kulkarni has been commissioned to create an interactive installation called ‘Circus.’ Visitors will be invited to enter a room that comes to life using a captured live feed of themselves, like a chamber of mirrors, encouraging visitors to engage with broadcast technologies and see how image manipulation has changed over time. Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is incredibly exciting to see the designs of the new gallery spaces as part of the Sound and Vision project, which we’re thrilled to be supporting thanks to National Lottery players. The transformation of the National Science and Media Museum will ensure this national and local treasure is a star attraction for City of Culture 2025, and it will also have a lasting and meaningful future with local people and visitors enjoying it for generations to come. Improving access to the museum is an important element of the project, so although there is a short delay, this work will enable more people to experience the wonders of science and media.” A vibrant activity plan sits alongside the development of the new galleries, supporting greater access, representation and volunteering opportunities, focused on enabling more people to engage with the museum.
Sika’s Roofing Division is proud to announce its selection as finalists in two categories of the NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2024. The company has been recognised for its impressive contributions in the technology fields of Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing and Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing. Judges were impressed by two exemplary projects that showcase the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in roofing solutions. In the Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing category, Sika has been shortlisted for its involvement on a project at Rhodes House, part of the University of Oxford and home to the scholarship team. As part of a large refurbishment plan, large subterranean spaces were excavated beneath the building to create lecture theatres and new pavilions were created. The project required large volumes of concrete to be waterproofed and installed at zero-degree falls. Roofing contractor, Fenland Flat Roofing successfully installed a high penetration primer, before the SikaShield® hot melt structural waterproofing system. Fenland Flat Roofing was able to overcome multiple challenges such as tight workspaces, close proximity to other trades and the aesthetic requirements needed to keep the building in line with its impressive history. For the Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing category, Sika submitted its large-scale residential project, Burnt Mills in Harlow, Essex. Once home to a series of garages and workshops, it has been redeveloped into 173 homes over 15 storeys, forming one of the tallest buildings in Harlow. Roofing contractors, Contour Roofing used Sikalastic 625N PU Liquid in Grey for the project. The product’s exceptional quality and ease of installation helped Contour Roofing overcome numerous obstacles, such as roof penetrations, to allow for services, and roof plant housing. Mark Gatrell, Business Unit Manager at Sika expressed their excitement at being shortlisted for the awards: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for two NFRC UK Roofing Awards. This acknowledgement reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality roofing solutions, and we are proud of our team’s dedication and expertise, working alongside high quality roofing contractors, which has directly contributed to us reaching this achievement.” Sika’s Roofing Division looks forward to the opportunity to showcase its projects and expertise at the finalists’ ceremony, taking place on Friday 10th May at InterContinental London – The O2. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Trevor Steven, mental health ambassador, Causeway Technologies Construction sites are bustling hubs of activity, but the focus is often geared towards the finished product and the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants. Rarely do we take a moment to consider the people who bring these structures to life: the construction workers. However, it is important to ensure they are not overlooked. The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that 45 building workers died because of work-based accidents in 2022/23. Shockingly, there were 507 cases of suicide among them in 2022. The real crisis in construction Having visited several construction sites throughout the country in my role as mental health ambassador for Causeway Technologies, I’ve surveyed a total of 1,439 workers about their mental health. Over an 18-month period, I gathered valuable insights into the reality of the mental health of such workers. More than half (56%) of respondents said they were either currently experiencing or have experienced a mental health problem in the past and 12% said they had experienced or were experiencing suicidal thoughts. The top five mental health issues were anxiety (40%), depression (37%), fatigue linked to low mood (28%), lack of self-confidence (25%), and feeling overwhelmed (25%). Just 21% of those surveyed said they have been diagnosed by a GP or other professional as having a mental health problem, which indicates there is a large group of construction site workers having to cope with undiagnosed symptoms. Work is having a negative impact While many said they were fighting battles in their personal lives, workers are plagued by worries in a professional setting about unrealistic deadlines, poor work/life balance and inadequate staffing. When asked what they think contributes to poor mental health in the construction industry, 59% said long and irregular working hours. Almost half (45%) of respondents cited job security as a key contributing factor for poor mental health. This is not necessarily surprising when you consider that government data from 2018 suggests nearly half of construction workers might lack the security of a permanent position. Such statistics show the importance of acknowledging the prevalence of temporary workers and subcontracted workers within the construction industry, as they often miss out on the benefits typically associated with permanent roles. Some of the feedback we gathered from construction workers was about how they don’t always receive financial support if they require time off for any sickness absences. It was said that factors such as this could be contributing to poor mental health and high suicide rates. A new definition for construction cost Our research prompts a critical re-evaluation of how we define construction cost. Traditionally, this refers to the financial figures outlined in project agreements. However, our findings suggest we should adopt a potentially more holistic perspective: to prioritise the idea of talking about mental health at work. Perhaps the true cost of construction should include not only the financial outlay but also the human cost – the impact on the mental health of the workforce who transform blueprints into reality. The UK construction industry is worth £132.989 billion (in annual output). Is it fair to stand and watch future construction workers suffer mentally while the industry flourishes? Causeway’s commitment We are urging all contractors to consider the mental well-being of staff and demonstrate to workers their commitment to ensuring mental health is made just as important as profits by signing up to our pledge. The support we receive will allow us to lobby the government – centrally and locally – to drive a change in legislation to support better mental health in the construction industry. Specifically, we want to see mental health policies mandated for all procurement frameworks, contracts, and processes. The construction industry does have the capacity to change, despite the tragic statistics. Just look at how much progress has been made in other areas of health and safety. Read more about our mental health campaign and sign the pledge today via: www.causeway.com/about-us/mental-health Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Industry-leading decorative panel and sheet experts Panelco has announced a strategic brand partnership with specialist technical and decorative panel designer and manufacturer Polyrey to expand the range of high-pressure laminate (HPL) and compact laminate products it can offer its customers. As a prominent stockist and manufacturer of innovative products, ranges and decorative designs, Panelco has grown over its two-decade history to become a byword for quality in the sector. This new partnership sees the company work together with Polyrey, part of Wilsonart Egineered Surfaces, the global leader in engineered decorative surfaces. Beginning in April, the two businesses will cooperate to offer an extensive collection of Polyrey products to Panelco’s customer base of design and architectural professionals. The collection will include Polyrey’s newly-launched Galerie range – the largest single collection of interior panels for commercial applications. Galerie gives fabricators, manufacturers and specifiers the opportunity to choose from a collection of over 800 designs comprising a multitude of decors and finishes inspired by the most prominent design and societal trends driving the interiors market. With 90 new designs and a new Silk finish which brings Galerie’s total number of finish options to 18, Polyrey has fused premium technical performance with aesthetic impact. The new partnership will see Panelco offer Polyrey’s Galerie Integral and Plus ranges, alongside the brand’s other specialist collections including Cubicle & Washroom, Durion and Doors. With over 60 years of manufacturing heritage, Polyrey are at the forefront of technical and decorative surfaces. Galerie Integral decors are available in high pressure laminate (HPL), melamine faced chipboard (MFC) and compact laminate. The Galerie Plus collection presents specifiers with an additional set of premium designs available in HPL and compact laminate. “We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Polyrey and be able to offer their extensive product range, covering all applications associated with their HPL and Compact collections.” said Julie Dean, Group Marketing Manager at Panelco. “Polyrey is well-known for supplying innovative surface solutions to the design and architectural sectors; their exceptional designs, quality, service and availability will strengthen our wider decorative portfolio. We are truly excited to be part of this partnership and look forward to seeing how the start of this new chapter will benefit both businesses.” Polyrey is a registered RIBA CPD provider in the UK, ensuring its team of engineered surfaces experts is on hand to support architects with their ongoing professional development. This expertise proved appealing to the Panelco team, who are looking forward to taking their next step as a company together with Polyrey. For more information on Panelco’s new offering, please visit panelco.com or contact sales@panelco.com. Alternatively, to explore the new Galerie collection by Polyrey, visit wilsonart.co.uk/polyrey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division is delighted to welcome Nicki Hay as its new sales director. Nicki will join the senior management team overseeing all aspects of sales for the two compliance businesses, Integrated Water Services (IWS) Water Hygiene and Omega Red Group. Nicki’s background of over 20 years in senior sales leadership means that she brings with her a wealth of experience specialising in people and process development, sales leadership, sales analysis and sales and marketing improvement. Nicki is customer focused with a passion for developing individuals, sales teams, and strong customer relationships. Neil Shailer, managing director of South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Nicki to the team as sales director. With Nicki’s vast experience in sales and passion for forging strong customer relationships, I’m confident that she will be an invaluable member of our leadership team and play a fundamental part in our continued success and growth.” The compliance division of the Group offers lightning protection services, electrical earthing solutions, height safety solutions, Legionella control, water treatment and air hygiene services all of which help clients achieve compliance to a range of relevant standards and regulation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford City Council has approved regeneration plans to transform MediaCity and The Quays into an iconic waterfront destination. Inspired by design-led waterfronts such as Oslo in Norway and Australia’s Darling Harbour the revised regeneration proposals also include around 3,000 new homes and approximately 800,000 sq ft of additional commercial space across 60 acres. The approval comes following an extensive consultation period and input from the local community. A new artist’s impression has been released to illustrate the new vision for the waterfront at MediaCity and the Quays – the focal point of the regeneration plan’s waterfront and Gateway quarter – forming one of four zones. The aspirational vision for the waterfront will bring new and flexible, all-weather glass-fronted structures and pavilions. This includes a new pedestrian link bridge from MediaCity to The Lowry and Quayside as well as plans to activate North Bay. A new boardwalk and link bridge along the MediaCity waterfront will feature more, quality nature and green space, innovative art installations, and places for people to eat, drink or enjoy the tranquil views from new, design-led fixed outdoor furniture. The giant Piazza will also be reimagined with moveable structures which can house a variety of brand activations all year round. The backdrop to the waterfront is the media quarter – home to the current cluster of 250 creative, tech and digital companies including ITV, BBC and dock10 studios positioned around MediaCity’s main Piazza. The Living Hub will bring a new opportunity for the destination featuring new, highly sustainable homes, businesses and convenience retail interspersed with pockets of green space and boulevards. While, the Culture and Community Hub centred in and around Quayside and The Lowry aims to be the cultural, leisure and retail heart of the destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a highly competitive market, achieving a harmonious balance between operational efficiency and workforce satisfaction is like walking on a tightrope. This delicate balance is critical for any organization’s success. Neglecting either aspect may result in severe consequences, such as decreased productivity, high employee turnover, and, ultimately, a decline in profitability. Fortunately, there are various ways to help you strike this balance. In this guide, you’ll discover some strategies that can help you boost productivity without compromising employee happiness: Understand Operational Efficiency And Workforce Satisfaction Before you decide to shift schedule and make any necessary changes in your workplace, it may be helpful to know the basics first. Generally, operational efficiency revolves around streamlining processes, optimizing resources, and minimizing waste. It’s about doing more with less, reducing costs, and increasing output. On the other hand, workforce satisfaction involves creating an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and engaged. It encompasses factors like fair compensation, work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and a positive company culture. Foster Open Communication Clear and open communication lays the groundwork for a positive work environment. Encourage team members to share their ideas and feedback. This open-door policy empowers them and provides valuable insights that can improve operations. Incorporate regular check-ins and an anonymous feedback system to ensure all voices are heard, regardless of their position within the company. Creating channels for open dialogue encourages a culture of trust and respect, making it easier to address challenges proactively and collaboratively. Regular meetings and updates keep everyone on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and increasing efficiency. Invest In Employee Development Investing in your workforce’s growth is a win-win. Offer training programs, workshops, and opportunities for advancement. This enhances skills and demonstrates career value. As employees grow, so does their ability to contribute to the company’s success, creating a cycle of improvement and satisfaction. Initiatives for employee betterment could include: These efforts towards employee betterment demonstrate a commitment to not just the company’s growth, but also to the individual growth of each team member. By investing in the development of your employees, you’re laying the groundwork for a more knowledgeable, versatile, and motivated workforce. Streamline Work Processes Simplifying and streamlining work processes can significantly boost efficiency. Automate routine tasks where possible, freeing up your team to focus on more strategic activities. Review and refine your workflows regularly to eliminate bottlenecks and redundancies. It speeds up operations and reduces frustration among employees, leading to a more satisfied workforce. Encourage Work-Life Balance Recognizing the importance of work-life balance is vital to maintaining workforce satisfaction. Here’s how you can support this balance: A healthy balance between work and personal life leads to happier, more productive employees. By implementing these strategies, you create an environment that values and respects the individual needs of your team, contributing to the overall success of your organization. Recognize And Reward Efforts Acknowledgment goes a long way in elevating team spirit. Celebrate successes and recognize individual and team efforts. This could be through formal rewards systems, shout-outs in meetings, or simple thank-you notes. Feeling appreciated motivates employees to maintain high performance, enhancing both satisfaction and efficiency. Implementing a variety of recognition programs ensures that different kinds of achievements are celebrated, catering to diverse motivations among employees. Whether it’s hitting a sales target, mastering a new skill, or going above and beyond to help a coworker, recognizing these efforts reinforces a culture of appreciation and achievement within the company. Embrace Technology Embracing technology means staying ahead of the curve and integrating systems that can transform the way work is done. From cloud computing to artificial intelligence, these tools can automate mundane tasks, enable better data analysis, and improve communication across teams. By adopting cutting-edge technology, companies not only increase their operational efficiency but also provide their employees with engaging and innovative tools that make their jobs easier and more enjoyable. This proactive approach to technology adoption not only keeps businesses competitive but also attracts and retains top talent who are eager to work with the latest innovations. Create A Supportive Work Environment A supportive work environment nurtures employee well-being and productivity. Ensure your team has access to the resources they need to perform their best. This includes a comfortable workspace, the right tools, and a supportive management team. A supportive atmosphere reduces stress, fosters a sense of belonging, and increases both efficiency and satisfaction. Consider the following to enhance support: Investing in these areas can create an environment where employees feel supported both professionally and personally, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce. Measure And Adjust Finally, keep track of how well you’re balancing operational efficiency and workforce satisfaction. Use surveys, feedback forms, and performance metrics to measure success. Be prepared to adjust your strategies based on this feedback. Continuous improvement in this area ensures that both your operations run smoothly and your employees are happy. Conclusion By prioritizing both operational efficiency and employee satisfaction, you create a win-win situation. Your company thrives with a productive workforce, while your employees enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling work experience. Remember, it’s an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and adaptation. But the rewards—a happy, engaged workforce and a thriving business—are well worth the effort.
