Asda has today unveiled plans for a transformational Mixed-Use Redevelopment of its ten-acre Park Royal site in North West London. The retailer has partnered with leading property Developer Barratt London on plans to redevelop the Brownfield site which is currently home to its Park Royal Superstore. The proposal, which is
Heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has become one of the first businesses to operate a 7.5 tonne electric truck on the streets of London. Enfield-based TG Lynes is leading the sustainable transport charge by investing in a UK-manufactured Tevva battery-electric truck to carry out local deliveries
Yorkshire structural engineer Julian Carter has achieved international prominence, following media appearances, as an expert commentator, on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Julian says: “This was a tragic incident which caused the deaths of six construction workers on the bridge, after a fully
To celebrate work beginning on the construction of a brand-new diagnostic centre at Yeovil District Hospital, pioneering construction firm Darwin Group invited key partners in the delivery of the facility to attend a groundbreaking ceremony. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (FT) chief executive Peter Lewis was joined at the ceremony by
Hochiki Europe, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of life safety products, today announced the continuation of its partnership with Banham Academy, the UK’s premier provider of fire safety engineering apprenticeships. This renewed commitment comes in the form of a significant donation of additional fire safety equipment, further enhancing the
A consortium of mechanical and civil engineering, and robotic automation industry leaders, including Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd (TES), i3D robotics (i3D), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Costain, and VVB Engineering, has developed the first robotic and AI solution set to revolutionise the installation of mechanical and civil services in
HS2 yesterday revealed new timelapse footage showing the latest stage of a complex year-long project to slide almost half a kilometre of bridge deck into position, high above Buckinghamshire’s Misbourne Valley. Over a 20 hour period last week, engineers working for the high-speed rail project carefully slid the 3130-tonne structure
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announce their partnership to make CP1 (2020), the recognised Code of Practice for heat networks in the UK, accessible to all, free of charge. CP1 (2020), a publication produced by CIBSE, serves
Barratt Developments has commenced work on the first phase of expansion at Selkirk-based Oregon Timber Frame Limited (Oregon). The work is part of a wider £24 million investment by Barratt following its acquisition of the plant. Work has started on new office premises after the UK’s largest housebuilder announced plans
Being part of a global network of Cat® dealerships has many advantages, not least when it comes to securing delivery of more than 80 fully Cat certified machines to Ukraine ready to help rebuild vital infrastructure and facilities in the country. Finning has a long-standing relationship with the Ministry of
BDC 321 : Oct 2024
Asda has today unveiled plans for a transformational Mixed-Use Redevelopment of its ten-acre Park Royal site in North West London. The retailer has partnered with leading property Developer Barratt London on plans to redevelop the Brownfield site which is currently home to its Park Royal Superstore. The proposal, which is subject to planning approval, includes creating a new town centre for the local community, at the heart of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation major regeneration area. It will feature a brand-new 60,000 sq. ft flagship Asda Superstore and up to 400 car parking spaces for customers. In addition, up to c.1500 new homes are planned, c.500 of these will be provided as affordable. A large number of the apartments will utilise a landscaped podium above the new Asda. The majority of the homes will provide high quality dual aspect accommodation. Sustainability will be at the heart of this new site – with the scheme providing significant biodiversity and ecology net gains. The use of public transport will be encouraged at the proposed car free residential development, while the Asda car park will benefit from new EV parking spaces. This Mixed-Use Redevelopment of an established store site is a first for Asda and represents one of the largest land deals of the last couple of years. The plans would also enable complementary businesses associated with a new town centre to open new retail units, restaurants, health and wellness facilities, and high-quality public realm space. Plans would allow for Asda’s existing Park Royal Superstore to remain fully open and continue to serve the local community whilst work was carried out on the new store development. Ian Lawrence, Head of Mixed-Use Developments at Asda, said: “Asda’s venture into Mixed-Use Property re-development marks a significant milestone for the Business. By working with leading developers like Barratt London, we are able to maximise the full potential of our property portfolio for the first time.” “This allows us the opportunity to better serve local communities like Park Royal, with a new flagship store fit for the future, whilst creating windfall sites for Housing delivery. We are also unlocking further opportunities to release value from our extensive property portfolio, which can be reinvested back into the business to fund other initiatives and support our long-term growth ambition to become the UK’s second largest supermarket chain.” Work on the planning application for this ambitious redevelopment deal is already underway and will be submitted later this year to the relevant bodies. Craig Carson, Managing Director of Barratt West London, comments: “We are proud to be partnering with Asda on their first mixed-use development. At Barratt London, we have a strong track record in both rejuvenating brownfield sites and delivering new homes in the Borough of Ealing, so it’s a partnership and site that makes perfect sense for us. This transaction is a sign that there is still land to be unlocked in the capital and reflects one of the markets largest land transactions since 2019. The redevelopment of Park Royal will have a huge impact on the area, with the new town centre unlocking new commercial opportunities for local businesses and providing a new hub for the local community. While the proposed delivery of 1,500 new homes will play a vital part in the Old Oak and Park Royal regeneration plans and will help to unlock much needed new and affordable homes in Ealing.” Newsteer Real Estate, who have worked with other major retailers on similar redevelopment deals in the past, are acting as advisors to Asda throughout the process. Ross Bettridge, Director at Newsteer, said: “Retailers such as Asda at Park Royal provide great opportunities to utilise brownfield sites and deliver much needed housing for people living in the capital. At Newsteer, we are actively advising on similar opportunities with the potential to deliver c.12,000 homes. The key to unlocking these sites is about protecting and enhancing the retail offer while balancing the viability.” Asda recently announced it has now opened 479 Asda Express stores, as part of its rapid convenience expansion, enabling the retailer to reach the landmark of 1,000 UK sites for the first time in its 59-year history. The retailer is on track to have 500 Asda Express stores by the end of this year as new ‘standalone’ sites open throughout the UK as part of its ongoing growth ambition Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has become one of the first businesses to operate a 7.5 tonne electric truck on the streets of London. Enfield-based TG Lynes is leading the sustainable transport charge by investing in a UK-manufactured Tevva battery-electric truck to carry out local deliveries around the capital. Fully electric 7.5 tonne trucks are just entering mass production and there are only a few currently operating within London. Despite accounting for just two per cent of vehicles on the roads, heavy-duty trucks (HDVs) are responsible for over a quarter of road transport emissions. Andrew Ingram, Managing Director of TG Lynes, said the business was proud to be at the forefront of investment in green transport. “We are delighted to take ownership of this state-of-the-art Tevva truck, which is the next step in our journey towards achieving the ultimate goal of net zero,” said Andrew. “While battery electric vehicles are becoming commonplace in the passenger car market, electric commercial vehicle sales are lagging behind. As HDVs make up significant amount of all emissions, it’s vital more businesses consider making the switch. “It’s fantastic that TG Lynes is the first in our sector to have an operational electric truck, and I’m particularly pleased to be backing British manufacturing by purchasing from Tevva. “We will, however, not rest on our laurels and will do all that we can to limit the impact that we as a business have on the planet.” Tevva’s 7.5t battery-electric truck travels up to 140 miles (227 kilometres) from a single charge of its 105 kWh battery. The Tevva truck is just one of three electric vehicles weighing between 4,250kg and 12,000kg to have secured government plug-in truck grant (PITrG) eligibility. Tevva Business Operations Director Kay Jarvis said: “Road transport in general, and HDVs in particular, are one of the largest sources of air pollution, which causes 350,000 premature deaths per year in Europe. Adding electric trucks to fleets will make a considerable difference and will help Britain towards its net zero targets. “We know first-hand that demand for electric trucks is growing at speed, as we have been inundated with requests for our 7.5t battery-electric truck since going into full production.” The introduction of the battery-electric truck is the latest step on the road to net zero for TG Lynes. Last year the business introduced low carbon Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) vehicles to its 18-tonne fleet, making them 90 per cent more carbon efficient as they carry out daily deliveries to sites across London, the South East, East Anglia and the Midlands. The business has also installed a 10,000 litre HVO tank at its base for easy on-site refuelling, along with a new electric dropside van. TG Lynes also has a 110kw solar system installed on the roof of its headquarters, providing more than 50% of the energy required for operations. Andrew added: “From fuel combustion to being sustainable when purchasing electricity and recycling to choosing ethical suppliers, we are taking decisive action to ensure we are doing everything we can to lower our impact on the environment. “Sustainability is not just a buzz word for TG Lynes – it has authenticity.” TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available. Visit www.tglynes.co.uk for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire structural engineer Julian Carter has achieved international prominence, following media appearances, as an expert commentator, on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Julian says: “This was a tragic incident which caused the deaths of six construction workers on the bridge, after a fully loaded container ship apparently lost power and collided with one of the concrete bridge supports. Being invited to comment on it was a sobering experience.” The scale of the incident quickly attracted international media attention. At this point Julian became involved. He explains: “I’m on a database of expert witnesses in structural engineering, and it appears that’s how the initial contact was made. I was first called by Sky News who quickly arranged an online video interview.” Julian adds: “Being an expert witness is normally a relatively sedate affair, requiring the assembly of facts and copious preparation. On this occasion it was much different. I was reliant on the latest intelligence about the unfolding events, provided by the media sources. “I’ve worked on extensive bridge structures including the mile long Thelwall Viaduct on the M6, near Warrington, and was able to provide an insight into the nature of the Baltimore Bridge design. “They were keen to understand how the bridge could have collapsed in such a catastrophic manner. I explained the nature of continuous span bridges, in terms of both their strength and their vulnerabilities. “The design basis of the bridge meant that it was a continuous structure. The unforeseen collision with the concrete pillar created a catastrophic collapse.” Julian soon discovered that the news media industry is a kind of eco system where each outlet monitors the coverage of others. He says: “Following the Sky News TV piece, the pace was off the scale. I was invited by media outlets worldwide to comment on the event, as we best understood the facts. News agencies including the BBC, ITN and others from America, Canada, Singapore and Europe were amongst those who called me to arrange TV, radio and newspaper interviews.” At the latest count Julian is credited with about 350 media mentions. Julian concludes: “In this case, the extraordinary circumstances of a container ship which lost power created a tragic outcome. The only good news is that the accident happened at night. The crew of the ship were able to notify the authorities of the likely collision and they closed the bridge to traffic, preventing further loss of life.” The press and TV coverage has prompted colleagues old and new to get in touch. Julian says: “Expert witness work is often done on my regional or county ‘patch’ but in this case my comments had global reach and re-ignited friendships from colleagues, worldwide.” Enquiries into the exact cause of the collision are ongoing, and authorities in Baltimore are continuing with contingency plans to enable the harbour to continue trading. https://www.by-julian.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
To celebrate work beginning on the construction of a brand-new diagnostic centre at Yeovil District Hospital, pioneering construction firm Darwin Group invited key partners in the delivery of the facility to attend a groundbreaking ceremony. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (FT) chief executive Peter Lewis was joined at the ceremony by clinicians at the trust, along with representatives from InHealth, which will provide radiology and endoscopy services, Prime plc, the trust’s strategic estates partner, and funders M&G Investment. The centre, which is expected to open in late 2024, will provide over 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments a year. The modern state-of-the-art, stand-alone centre on the hospital site will benefit patients in Somerset and north west Dorset who will receive quicker diagnostic tests thanks to the additional capacity the centre will provide. Open seven days a week, it will provide radiology, endoscopy, cardiology and audiology diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments. Thanks to Darwin Group’s innovative offsite modular construction methods, the project will be delivered up to 60 per cent faster and with up to 90 per cent less waste than traditional building methods, making it one of the most efficient and sustainable options in the marketplace. Specialising in health and care property development, Prime collaborated closely with Darwin Group to design and develop a cutting-edge facility. The result will be a high-performing, sustainable, low-energy new build, meticulously designed to achieve net zero embodied carbon. Furthermore, it’s projected to yield an impressive biodiversity net gain of 267%. Their partnership working will continue during the construction phase of this innovative build which will be delivered at speed using modern methods of construction. The facility will take shape quickly with 73 modules being delivered and installed overnight over the course of eight days, transforming the estate at pace, whilst minimising disruption to the busy active hospital site. Mr Jonathan Ockrim, a consultant colorectal surgeon and Somerset FT’s clinical lead for the Yeovil Community Diagnostic Centre, said: “I’ve worked at the hospital for 21 years and have never seen such an incredible investment in new buildings and facilities at the hospital, which is giving us much more capacity to care for and treat our patients. “Within the new CDC we’ll have a new audiology unit, a cardio diagnostic centre, as well as an imaging suite so we can get quicker and better-quality CT and MRI scans for our patients. “In additional the centre will house a brand-new state-of-the-art endoscopy unit, which will help to relieve the pressure on our busy endoscopy unit in the main part of the hospital, so it can prioritise emergencies. We also expect waiting times for an endoscopy to be greatly reduced. “The centre will also have a number of additional clinic rooms, as well as a conference room at the top for various clinical meetings to take place. “Overall, it promises to help us to reduce delays in diagnostics and endoscopy, and result in a much-improved service. “We’re really excited to be breaking the ground this week and we’re very much looking forward to the new centre opening later this year and I think our local population will be excited too – it’s such great news!” Geoff Searle, Chief Executive Officer of InHealth, said: “We’re delighted to mark the official start of build works for the new Yeovil Diagnostic Centre. When ready, this will be one of five brand new CDCs in the south west, as part of InHealth’s partnership with NHS England in the south west and we’re proud to be working in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to provide key clinical services to the local population through this new centre. “Across our nationwide network of CDCs, we’ve seen the real difference and positive impact that centres like these can bring for patients, focussed on improving health outcomes, so it’s fantastic to be doing that here in Yeovil. “Our mission at InHealth is to make healthcare better and improve access to services like the ones that are going to be delivered here, as well as reduce the time people are waiting for a diagnosis and care, so it really will be a fantastic healthcare facility and something that InHealth is already very proud of and very much looking forward to opening.” Leighton Chumbley, Chief Executive at Prime, said: “Prime has been proud to work in partnership with Yeovil District Hospital since 2014 and more recently with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. “We have delivered a number of transformational projects including the multi-storey car park opposite the main entrance and keyworker housing at Goldcroft. “Patient and staff experience is at the forefront of the work we do. Yeovil Diagnostic Centre will not only enhance health outcomes in the region, but also enrich the local area by being a model of sustainable construction.” Darwin Group Healthcare Director Alan Davidson, who attended the breaking ground ceremony, said: “We’re proud to work for Prime as partners to design and construct the diagnostic centre at Yeovil Hospital for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. “The projects we deliver help to transform patient and staff experience and improve healthcare outcomes for tens of thousands of people every year, and this diagnostic centre will be no exception. “It’s always great to see work getting underway and to hear firsthand about the impact that the facility will have on the local community.” Kevin Vickers, Director at M&G’s long lease real estate team, says: We are delighted to support the NHS by funding this new diagnostic centre. By using private sector finance to fund public sector projects, it is proof that effective partnerships like this can help to stretch the public purse and enable further societal benefits. “In addition, the provision of patient capital for this project also benefits the millions of savers on whose behalf we invest, through the generation of sustainable long term returns for their pension funds. We look forward to seeing the centre come to life and the better health outcomes it will produce for people in the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The
Hochiki Europe, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of life safety products, today announced the continuation of its partnership with Banham Academy, the UK’s premier provider of fire safety engineering apprenticeships. This renewed commitment comes in the form of a significant donation of additional fire safety equipment, further enhancing the Academy’s ability to train the next generation of fire safety specialists. Building on a successful initial donation in 2023 to the then newly established Derby-based training facility, Hochiki Europe’s latest contribution includes a selection of ESP intelligent and CDX conventional devices for Banham’s London-based academy. This donation of industry-standard equipment will now allow apprentices at Banham to gain practical experience with innovative life safety technologies, ensuring they graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers. “We are delighted to continue our support of Banham Academy,” said Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director at Hochiki Europe. “Equipping future fire safety engineers with the tools and expertise they need is essential for maintaining the highest standards of life safety. By providing apprentices with hands-on training on our industry-leading products, we are confident that they will be well-prepared to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.” Kevin Faulkner, Operations Director at Banham Academy expressed his appreciation for the donation “Last year Hochiki were able to donate a vast range of equipment, this gave our Derby students invaluable real-world experiences. Hochiki manufacture some great products and of course we want to offer the best education to our students, so we were thrilled when they said yes to providing more equipment again this year for our London academy.” Hochiki Europe’s ongoing partnership with Banham Academy underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a new generation of fire safety professionals. With a commitment to innovation and education, Hochiki Europe plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of buildings and occupants across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa. To learn more about this relationship please visit our website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A consortium of mechanical and civil engineering, and robotic automation industry leaders, including Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd (TES), i3D robotics (i3D), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Costain, and VVB Engineering, has developed the first robotic and AI solution set to revolutionise the installation of mechanical and civil services in tunnels. Traditionally, installing these services in tunnels is hazardous, labour-intensive and time-consuming. The prototype Automated Tunnel Robotic Installation System (ATRIS) can autonomously select brackets, locate where they need to be mounted along a tunnel wall, and install them. In doing so, the automated solution can improve on-site health and safety by reducing the risks associated with manual labour at the tunnel work face, for example, working at height in confined spaces, and hand-arm vibration experienced by workers during installation. Once fully-developed, the final system can be deployed in tunnel construction for a variety of sectors including transport, water and energy. It is expected to increase productivity by 40% due to faster installation, reduce installation costs for new mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems by 30%, and cut construction plant movements by 40% to decrease embodied carbon. The 22-month project, partly funded by Innovate UK’s Smart grant, was led by TES, which developed the initial concept in partnership with the consortium. Leveraging its expertise in robotics and automation, MTC spearheaded the design and manufacture of the robot’s end effectors. i3D developed crucial visualisation software for precise navigation, whilst Costain and VVB provided industry knowledge and expertise in tunnelling and fit-out requirements. Alan Worsley, Design and Project Manager at Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd said: “TES has over many years designed and manufactured Mechanised Tunnelling Machines and special purpose equipment for the construction industry. Over this time, innovation has been at the forefront of our business, and the need for automation in traditionally manual M&E fit-out techniques has led us to develop ATRIS and make it commercially viable for the market. We believe the system can offer a safer, more cost-effective and sustainable solution for future infrastructure projects.” Steve Nesbitt, Chief Technologist for the Built Environment at MTC, said: “Like many sectors, construction has faced labour challenges over the past few years which has driven greater interest in using robots, beyond manufacturing and logistics, to address these issues. By contributing our expertise to this project, we are paving the way for construction companies to adopt technology for greater control and structuring of on-site works, making infrastructure delivery safer, more productive, and more sustainable.” Dr Jon Storey, Lead Engineer at i3D, said: “Developing an automated system to install infrastructure in tunnels has been a long-standing ambition for the construction sector. ATRIS has moved us significantly closer to that goal. The use of stereo vision with machine learning and robotics to place bolts precisely on a curved surface is an unprecedented achievement, with potential applications beyond the construction sector, such as nuclear decommissioning and defence.” Lee Bateson, Mechanical and Engineering Manager and Robotics Lead at Costain, said: “Teaching the robots to learn seemingly simple tasks – such as how to avoid cross-threading the screws that go into the sockets – has been hugely fulfilling, thanks to the consortium’s collaborative spirit. Whether it’s carbon reduction, increasing productivity or improving workforce health and safety, this is transformative technology that will have enormous benefits for the customers that we build tunnels for.”Nicholas Beedle, Group Operations Director at VVB Engineering, said:“Tunnel works historically are expensive to build and maintain, and in the higher risk bracket for safety during construction and operation. It is important that ongoing improvements are made to address both of these issues. The development of the robotic AI solution is a step towards solving both of these industry challenges.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 yesterday revealed new timelapse footage showing the latest stage of a complex year-long project to slide almost half a kilometre of bridge deck into position, high above Buckinghamshire’s Misbourne Valley. Over a 20 hour period last week, engineers working for the high-speed rail project carefully slid the 3130-tonne structure 270 metres, using Teflon pads to reduce friction – a material usually found to the surface of a non-stick frying pan. The deck of the Wendover Dean Viaduct – which will eventually stretch for 450m – is being assembled in three stages, ranging from 90m to 180m sections, with each one pushed out from the north abutment before the next section is attached behind it. This painstaking process means that the weight of the deck will increase with each push, up from an initial 590 tonnes at the start of work in January – to 3700 tonnes by the end of the year. It is one of 50 major viaducts on the HS2 project – which is designed to improve connections between London, Birmingham and the North while freeing up space on the most congested southern end of the existing West Coast Main Line. At this point in the Chilterns, the railway will be on a slight gradient, so to help maintain control, the deck – which will eventually weigh the same as 264 double-decker buses – is being pushed slightly uphill, with the finish point approximately 1.8m higher than start point. HS2 Ltd Senior Project Manager Ben Sebastian-Green said: “It’s great to see so much progress at Wendover Dean Viaduct over the last few days – with all the piers and the first three slides now done. The narrow site has always made it a challenging place to build, but I’m really impressed by how everyone’s pulled together to get us where we are today. “Once complete, the viaduct will form a crucial part of the HS2 project – carrying fast trains between London and Birmingham and freeing up space on the existing mainline for more local and freight services.” The Wendover Dean Viaduct is the first major railway bridge in the UK to be built with a ‘double composite’ structure, which uses significantly less carbon-intensive concrete and steel than a more traditional design. Instead of using solid pre-stressed concrete beams to form the spans between the viaduct piers, the hollow ‘double composite’ structure uses two steel beams sandwiched between two layers of reinforced concrete to create a more efficient super strong span. A similar approach will also be used for HS2’s Small Dean, Westbury, Lower Thorpe and Turweston viaducts. All five viaducts are being built by HS2 Ltd’s main works contractor, EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall – with the manufacture and installation of the beams being led by specialists at Eiffage Metal. James Collings, EKFB Agent said: “It’s great to see the next phase of the installation of the steel work. The team have worked together to achieve the delivery and welding of the structure and installation of the precast concrete planks as well as completion of the nine piers. I am extremely proud of the team” EKFB worked with their design partner, ASC (a joint venture between Arcadis, Setec and COWI) and architects Moxon on the ‘double composite’ approach which was inspired by structures on the French and other European high-speed networks. The approach is set to cut the carbon footprint of the structure by around half and help HS2 achieve its goal of halving the amount of embedded carbon in construction. The beams are made of ‘weathering steel’ which naturally fades to a dark brown colour over time and will help match the natural tone of the surrounding countryside. Weathering steel gets its characteristic colour from a surface layer of corrosion which protects the steel and removes the need for regular painting. The Wendover Dean Viaduct will be supported by nine evenly spaced piers, some of which are up to 14 metres high and all of which are now complete. These were formed from a series of hollow pre-cast concrete shells – manufactured in Northern Ireland – which were placed on top of each other and filled with concrete and steel reinforcing. This approach was chosen to enable a crisp, clean external finish to the concrete, cut the amount of work on site and reduce disruption for local residents. The last few months has also seen significant progress at HS2’s other major viaducts, with the first sections of the approach viaducts for Birmingham Curzon Street station completed and the first beams installed at the Delta Junction in North Warwickshire. In total, HS2 is building more than 500 bridging structures – ranging from small road bridges to massive viaducts like record-breaking Colne Valley Viaduct which will become the longest in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announce their partnership to make CP1 (2020), the recognised Code of Practice for heat networks in the UK, accessible to all, free of charge. CP1 (2020), a publication produced by CIBSE, serves as a comprehensive guide offering technical guidance and establishing voluntary minimum standards for UK heat networks. Widely acknowledged as the go-to resource in the industry, CP1 (2020) has garnered widespread acceptance and support since its last update in 2020. It has been utilised by industry professionals as a vital technical reference and by developers to set standards for their new heat networks. Previously available exclusively to CIBSE members, CP1 (2020) is now accessible to all stakeholders, thanks to the generous funding provided by DESNZ. This collaborative effort aims to democratise access to crucial information outlined in CP1 (2020) and facilitate better preparedness for the forthcoming heat network regulations in 2025. CIBSE and DESNZ are not only removing the paywall but also actively collaborating to update the voluntary Code of Practice throughout 2024. This joint initiative ensures continuous alignment with the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly with the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) standards under development. The next version of CP1 is scheduled to be freely available for download in 2025. CIBSE’s Technical Director, Dr Anastasia Mylona said about this partnership: “We’re excited to partner with DESNZ to offer CP1 (2020) free to all stakeholders. This vital guide sets standards for UK heat networks, promoting industry preparedness for upcoming regulations. It reflects our commitment to advancing best practices and sustainability.” For more information and to access CP1 (2020), please visit CP1 Heat networks: Code of Practice for the UK (2020) (pdf) | CIBSE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt Developments has commenced work on the first phase of expansion at Selkirk-based Oregon Timber Frame Limited (Oregon). The work is part of a wider £24 million investment by Barratt following its acquisition of the plant. Work has started on new office premises after the UK’s largest housebuilder announced plans in 2022 to increase its workforce and invest in plant development. The 900m2 office block will accommodate up to 60 permanent staff members, approximately double the capacity of the current temporary block. Plans for a new training room, which will hold up to 20 people, have also been revealed as well as more meeting rooms and improved kitchen and welfare facilities over two floors. The Oregon expansion, comprising two phases, will create over 70 new jobs in the Borders community. Phase one includes the development of a new office for its growing workforce, due to be completed in 2025, while phase two will see the extension of the plant’s existing manufacturing capacity. The plans form part of Barratt’s long-term goal to increase its use of modern methods of construction off-site while reducing its carbon footprint, both of which are enabled by timber frame technology. Timber frame construction is also a key element of Barratt’s strategy for addressing the skills challenge facing the industry. Douglas McLeod, Regional Managing Director for Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “Starting construction on phase one of this expansion is a fantastic milestone for us. Since acquiring Oregon five years ago, we’ve worked hard to bring our plans to fruition, so commencing work on the new office is one step closer to achieving our goals. “The new block will double in capacity which aligns perfectly with our ambitions to create new employment opportunities in Selkirk. We’ve invested in a great business with a high-quality product and look forward to rolling out both phases of the project.” Building more homes off-site will help Barratt meet the 2025 Future Homes Standard, cut carbon emissions, reduce waste and minimise disruption to local communities, as part of its wider commitment to become carbon neutral in its operations by 2030. By 2030, Barratt aims for at least 30% of its homes to be built using modern methods of construction. Using a timber frame system also enables Barratt to cut the build time on development by an average of five weeks, compared to using traditional methods of construction. In FY 2023, Barratt built 3,200 of its 17,000 homes across the UK using timber frames from its two Oregon factories. On completion of phase one, work will commence on phase two with the expansion of the north and south factories. The north factory will welcome 24 new factory operatives with two semi-automated open line panels and three extra floor benches. Meanwhile, the south factory will accommodate 26 new operatives with three extra floor benches and five spandrel benches. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Being part of a global network of Cat® dealerships has many advantages, not least when it comes to securing delivery of more than 80 fully Cat certified machines to Ukraine ready to help rebuild vital infrastructure and facilities in the country. Finning has a long-standing relationship with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the UK, having worked with them over the past 20 years, previously providing generators as well as customised wheel loaders and excavators. In November the MOD, on behalf of the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, placed a contract with Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and services, for 82 fully operational machines delivered to Ukraine by the end of April. The equipment was primarily needed to support rebuilding works on important parts of the country’s infrastructure including reclamation works on sites damaged during the conflict as well as clearing buildings, reinstating infrastructure and repairing underground utilities. Given the variety of tasks, Finning worked with the MOD to select a combination of machines – including excavators, a variety of D6 dozers, and various wheel and track loaders – providing the greatest flexibility when on the ground in the Ukraine. Having agreed on the machines required, Finning then looked at availability, given the tight deadline for delivery of April 2024 for all 82 machines. Finning began looking at its stock of used equipment available in the UK and widened this out to identify suitable machines to meet the MOD’s needs from other Cat dealerships in the US, Europe and Canada. “Being part of a global dealer network, meant we were able to mobilise the required used machines from across Europe and the US to meet the MOD’s requirements,” explained Adam Smith, Head of Used Equipment at Finning. “Over half of the machines were sourced from our stock of used equipment here in the UK. However, we were able to meet the demands of the full machine requirement by sourcing equipment from Cat dealerships in the US, Norway, Spain, Germany, and France. “This really emphasises the strength of the dealer network across the world and with all dealers adhering to the same inspection standards – we were able to provide absolute reassurance for the MOD on the quality and performance of the machines. All Finning used machines undergo an end-to-end, full 140-point service inspection prior to delivery. To this end, all the machines were prepped at one of 10 Finning service workshops in Glasgow, Leeds, Winsford, Cannock, Chesterfield, Dublin, Lisburn, Ashford, and Llantrisant. The end-to-end service inspection includes a full function test and visual inspection of the machine itself. Then checks to the hydraulic system, powertrain, axels and gearbox are carried out. This includes fluid analysis checks to determine engine health and a full inspection of the undercarriage, tyres and any work tools. Finally, all the electrical systems on the machines are tested to ensure they are fully operational. Adam continues: “Carrying out such a detailed inspection means we can provide a standard Cat warranty package in line with the machine’s age, hours on the clock and general condition, and includes providing a full-service history. “This is standard practice across the sale of our used equipment and is universal across all Finning dealerships to provide customers buying used equipment with complete peace of mind and confidence that their equipment has been fully inspected and is fit for the job it needs to do.” “The next stage involved us preparing all the equipment for transit. This required us to remove any blades, guides, belly guards and rippers so they wouldn’t be damaged en-route. We then had the task of coordinating with hauliers and shipping agents to manage their journey.” Finning delivered the first 25 units by the end of December 2023, with the balance of machines due to be delivered by the end of April 2024. Maj Gen Anna-Lee Reilly, Head of Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations at DE&S, said: “We’ve been impressed with the level of expert input and service from Finning, which had a real task with sourcing such a range of machines in a very short time. The company has applied their proven expertise and combined it with creativity to find a solution which delivers a huge benefit to Ukraine.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
