July 4, 2024

Derwent FM Secures Integrated Facilities Management Deal at RCA

Derwent FM Secures Integrated Facilities Management Deal at RCA

The Royal College of Art (RCA) has awarded Derwent Facilities Management (FM) an integrated facilities management (IFM) contract to manage its estate for the next five years, subject to contract. The contract encompasses responsibility for all hard and soft services, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, mechanical and electrical maintenance,

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Consort Architectural Hardware Launches RIBA-Approved CPD on Ironmongery Finishes

Consort Architectural Hardware Launches RIBA-Approved CPD on Ironmongery Finishes

Consort Architectural Hardware, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of architectural hardware solutions, has launched a new RIBA-approved CPD training course, titled ‘Architectural Ironmongery Finishes: Finding the Right Balance‘. Delivered by accredited experts at Consort and part of the ‘Design, Construction and Technology’ RIBA core curriculum topics, the course explores the

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Fassa Bortolo's Expertise Shines in New Specialist Residence

Fassa Bortolo’s Expertise Shines in New Specialist Residence

Leading Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, has successfully completed work on ‘National Star’, a £6.2 million specialist residence in Ullenwood for young people with complex needs and learning disabilities. The project was specified in collaboration with Fassa’s National Specification Manager, Stephen Gore, and Richard Moores from Coombes Everitt Architects. This

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Jigsaw Homes to complete Arnold development

Jigsaw Homes to complete Arnold development

Jigsaw Homes Midlands has selected a new contractor to complete the development of over 130 homes at Rolleston Drive in Arnold. Midlands-based Morro Partnerships was appointed following a procurement process and will start work on the scheme from July. Morro will complete the homes, originally manufactured off site by ilke

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Contractor announced for Coventry's cultural hub

Contractor announced for Coventry cultural hub

Plans to create a new cultural hub in Coventry city centre have reached a significant milestone. Construction on the city’s former IKEA building to transform it into a large-scale cultural landmark with facilities for residents and visitors will be starting this summer.  The City Centre Cultural Gateway will be developed

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Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

July 4, 2024

GMI Construction Group completes topping out of innovative lab and workspace, Citylabs 4.0

GMI Construction Group completes topping out of innovative lab and workspace, Citylabs 4.0

GMI Construction Group has completed the topping out of the £42m innovative lab and workspace offering Citylabs 4.0, located within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s (MFT) Oxford Road Campus. To celebrate the milestone, Bruntwood SciTech, a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, hosted a morning interactive session with patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, followed by the official afternoon ceremony with local partners. Citylabs 4.0 is expected to achieve net zero carbon in construction and operation in its shared spaces and will be 100% electric. As a highly energy efficient building, it is targeted to be EPC A and include 208m2 of solar panels, enough to charge an average electric car approximately 1235 times. The building’s cladding system will be made from 75% recycled end-of-life aluminium (post-consumer scrap), meaning its content will have one of the smallest carbon dioxide footprints worldwide; seven times less than the global average for aluminium production. It is expected to be complete in Spring 2025.  Once complete, the 125,000 sq ft, seven storey lab and workspace will offer world-leading, highly specialist space specifically designed to support companies working in precision medicine, including those in diagnostic, genomics, biotech, medtech, health-related AI and digital health. It will also bolster the existing Citylabs cluster, strengthening the internationally significant health innovation campus – a joint venture partnership between Bruntwood SciTech and MFT.  GMI Construction Group is leading the build of the Sheppard Robson-designed development and local teams also working on the development include Arup, Hilson Moran, Gardiner and Theobald, and Layers. The development of Citylabs 4.0 is supported by a £32m senior loan from the North West Evergreen Fund, managed by CBRE’s Investment Advisory team, part of CBRE Capital Advisors. Citylabs 4.0, the third phase in the Citylabs masterplan, already home to more than 20 life science and healthcare businesses, and takes the campus from 192,000 sq. ft to 327,000 sq. ft, The topping out ceremony began at Citylabs 1.0, with guests walking through the MFT campus to the Citylabs 4.0 site, to get a true understanding of the scale and vibrancy of the existing cluster which sits at the heart of the largest clinical academic campus in Europe. Bruntwood SciTech also worked with Manchester Foundation Trust Charity to host a ‘skills sharing’ session with their Youth Zone situated within Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital which neighbours both Citylabs 2.0 and 4.0. Children and young people between 11 and 25, were given the opportunity to learn about the Citylabs campus and what a career in science or construction could look like.  Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “To date, the Citylabs campus has helped to support hundreds of specialist healthcare businesses that are changing the face of medical science across the UK and beyond. By creating a cluster of like-minded businesses all centred around one of the country’s most eminent teaching hospital Trusts, we have seen first-hand how the ability to collaborate and knowledge-share will drive forward innovations in medicine and healthcare.”  Citylabs 4.0 incorporates infrastructure to accommodate containment level 2 (CL2) biology and chemistry labs and specialist equipment, including increased floor loading, enhanced cooling systems and ventilation provisions, and a large platform lift. Businesses that locate here will also benefit from 100GB superfast connectivity, shared breakout spaces, an internally secure cycle storage with showers and kit drying room and have access to the campus’ 150-person event space, multiple meeting rooms, cafes and supermarket. Anthony Judge, GMI Construction Group’s Regional Director, North West, said: “The topping out of Citylabs 4.0 marks a significant achievement for GMI and our delivery partners. This state-of-the-art facility is set to become a hub for innovation in precision medicine and life sciences and we are extremely proud to be part of a project that will drive advancements in healthcare diagnostics and treatments and foster collaboration between businesses and leading research institutions. “GMI has a considerable track record in delivering much needed workspace for the research, science and technology sectors throughout the North and the Midlands and Citylabs 4.0 demonstrates our ability to deliver these in-demand developments.” Mark Cubbon, MFT Group Chief Executive, said: “Today’s ceremony marks a significant milestone in the Citylabs 4.0 development which will present new and *exciting opportunities for us to co-design the future of healthcare with industry partners and transform scientific breakthroughs into a reality for our patients across Greater Manchester and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Development certainty and pro-growth policies top construction sector’s demands to Government

Development certainty and pro-growth policies top construction sector’s demands to Government

PRO-DEVELOPMENT policy must take precedence if the construction industry is to achieve its full investment potential into the future, according to the results of a new survey of construction professionals conducted by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard and planning and development consultancy Lichfields. With just one week to go until the UK goes to the polls, respondents have identified policy changes the next government can enact immediately to kickstart growth ambitions and counter key barriers to growth. Indeed, 83% of respondents identified policy or economic uncertainty as major investment stumbling blocks. Among the key aims across the sector was the need for a pro-development policy platform to increase investment activity. 55% of respondents stated the need for achieving comprehensive local plan coverage as a priority, while separate Lichfields research found just 22% of plans are currently projected to be fit for purpose by the end of 2025. Also emphasised is the need for a long-term industrial strategy, with 40% advocating for clear investment paths, while public investment decisions on housing (38%), clean energy investments (39%), and national grid capacity improvements (38%) also topped contractor, developer, and consultant wish lists. Gavin Mason, operations director at Pick Everard, said: “Our survey has been carried out against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty, and in a market which is challenged by inflated construction costs, decreased public-led investment, increasing complexity in securing planning permission, continued shortages of skilled labour and a sector that is recording 4,000+ insolvencies a year – the highest of any sector in the UK. “All of these issues will need to be addressed by the next government, which is going to have a key role to play in improving sector output. “It is also clear from the results of the survey that the industry is calling for constructive reform of existing legislation to deliver the construction investments the country desperately needs.” Ciaran Gunne‑Jones, ​senior director, head of economics at Lichfields, said: “We need to see more local plans adopted, unlocking more homes and economic opportunities. The next government has the opportunity to work with the development industry to turbo-charge the UK economy, and to do it quickly.” Further results within the survey reveal that 96% of respondents expect tender prices to rise in the next year, with 76% predicting increases between 1% and 6%. Contributing factors include the impact of government legislation (26%), construction industry capacity (20%), and geopolitical volatility (19%). Taking stock of current industry issues, 24% of respondents asked for a review of current legislation on Biodiversity Net Gain, which only came into force earlier this year, alongside Gateway 2 of the Building Safety Act and Part L building regulations (2022), each of which have been widely debated among construction circles over the past year. Finally, reducing interest rates (36%) and increasing investment in training grants (24%) were also seen as vital for industry growth, with the latter being especially important to help plug the widening skills gap in construction. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Injecta Fire Barrier expands operations with new Managing Director, Shaun Tasker

Injecta Fire Barrier expands operations with new Managing Director, Shaun Tasker

Following continued success, fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has appointed a new Managing Director to lead their operations. Shaun Tasker joins Injecta Fire Barrier as the patented Injectaclad installers pursue new strategies for long-term growth and sustainable profits. With over 20 years of experience in commercial management, sales and operations, Shaun has successfully overseen multiple high-revenue businesses, as well as co-managing his own facilities management company. “After four years as Operations Director at a fitness and well-being charity organisation, I was keen to put my skills and experience to use in another industry. I am thrilled to be starting as the new Managing Director and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively alongside our fantastic team to strengthen the Injecta Fire Barrier brand” says Shaun. Shaun’s extensive experience spans all areas of business, including project management, sales, marketing, finance and construction. As managing director at Injecta Fire Barrier, Shaun Tasker will be responsible for the overall success of the business by executing strategies, implementing changes in operations, identifying potential leads and targeting long-term goals. Using his expertise, Shaun aims to expand Injecta Fire Barrier’s operational reach and focus on growing and converting the order pipeline. Injecta Fire Barrier has experienced significant growth within the last year, in part due to the acquisition by Light Science Technologies Holdings PLC in 2023. As a result, the Derbyshire-based trading subsidiary is now developing its team and seeking new business opportunities. “With our current forward order book and impressive pipeline of quoted sales, there is so much potential for Injecta Fire Barrier to expand. As the new Managing Director, I hope to introduce new strategies that continue our abilities to apply our life-saving fire safety products to high-rise buildings across the UK” adds Shaun. Injecta Fire Barrier are the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system. With years of experience in passive fire protection, the company can help property managers and building owners seamlessly install cost-effective cavity fire barriers that protect their buildings and occupants. With an expanding team and new project prospects on the horizon, Injecta Fire Barrier and the Light Science Technologies Holdings group are confident about the business’ success in 2024 and beyond. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Albany Park in Church Crookham to provide more rental and shared ownership homes

Albany Park in Church Crookham to provide more rental and shared ownership homes

Vistry Group is to provide an extra 71 properties for shared ownership or rent at its Albany Park location in Church Crookham, where construction is nearing the halfway point and a new phase of homes has been released for sale. The housebuilder is delivering an additional five shared ownership homes and 66 homes for private rent – over and above the 120 affordable properties for low-cost rent or shared ownership originally planned at Albany Park – as part of the company’s focus on partnership working. Vistry is building a total of 300 homes at the development off Watery Lane, under its Bovis Homes and Linden Homes brands. Work has now been completed on 140 homes and on Saturday (25 May), Vistry officially launched the fourth phase of the development, which is being built under the Bovis Homes brand. A selection of properties were released onto the market and two have already been reserved. Melanie Richards, sales and marketing director for Vistry Southern, said: “Our focus on delivering a mix of properties and tenures at Albany Park is having a positive effect on the availability of high-quality homes for people in this part of Hampshire. “Providing more homes for shared ownership or rent gives more local people the opportunity to stay where they’ve grown up in and keep families close together in an area where the market might normally price them out. It also allows key workers and new people to move to this lovely village and enjoy living in a well-designed and energy-efficient new-built home. “Our fourth phase of homes, which launched at the weekend, also offers a real mix of private homes to meet the needs of local people looking to buy, from one-bedroom maisonettes to three, four and five-bedroom houses.” The 125 affordable homes at Albany Park include 78 homes for low-cost rent and 47 for shared ownership, with another 66 homes sold to high-quality private rental home provider Leaf Living. Vistry Group is investing £5 million in local infrastructure and services as part of its planning agreement for the development. This includes a new 40-acre country park to the west of Albany Park, with Vistry investing £1.3 million in the upkeep of this natural green open space. This will help to encourage local biodiversity to the area as it will include new planting, wildlife habitats, boardwalks and footpaths. Vistry will also contribute £2.7 million towards education, £600,000 for transport and more than £500,000 towards leisure and open spaces. With many of the new homes now occupied, a new Co-op Food convenience store has opened within the development, off Redfields Lane, to serve the new community. To find out more, visit bovishomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Derwent FM Secures Integrated Facilities Management Deal at RCA

Derwent FM Secures Integrated Facilities Management Deal at RCA

The Royal College of Art (RCA) has awarded Derwent Facilities Management (FM) an integrated facilities management (IFM) contract to manage its estate for the next five years, subject to contract. The contract encompasses responsibility for all hard and soft services, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, mechanical and electrical maintenance, cleaning, security, pest control, grounds maintenance, transportation, and more. These services will be provided across 12 buildings at RCA’s three campuses in South Kensington, Battersea, and White City. Founded in 1837, the RCA has been rated the world’s top art and design university for the past ten years by QS World University Rankings. It is the world’s most influential institution for postgraduate art and design studies, with 3,000 students. Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director at Derwent FM, said: “Derwent FM are hugely proud to have been awarded the contract with The Royal College of Art, an iconic and prestigious educational institution, and look forward to working in partnership to deliver our services to the highest possible standards. “RCA is world-renowned, and to support that, its facilities must run to the very best standards, and that is what we provide. We’re really looking forward to managing such important buildings and facilities and supporting the continued success of RCA and its students.” Paul Draper, Director of Estates at RCA, said: “Student experience and customer service are at the heart of everything we do here as the RCA’s Estates team. “Our estate is not merely a collection of buildings; it is the backbone of our academic pursuits. The goal from the outset was to create a world-class environment for learning, research, and collaboration, ensuring that the Royal College of Art remains at the very forefront of higher education. “Derwent’s team were very impressive in being able to demonstrate their affinity and knowledge to support that ambition, and their pure enthusiasm to deliver our vision.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Colliers bolsters its National Offices team with a new director hire in Manchester

Colliers bolsters its National Offices team with a new director hire in Manchester

Colliers has welcomed Jonathan Cook to its market-leading National Offices team in Manchester as a director. Additionally, Ella Millington is also joining the team as a graduate surveyor, further highlighting the continued expansion and expertise of the team. Cook has over 12-years of experience in the Manchester office market, including working at LSH and CBRE. He is a highly renowned and experienced agent who provides localised strategic asset management and development guidance, leasing and tenant mix advice for the North West’s prominent occupiers and landlords. In his new role, Cook will be pivotal in strengthening Colliers’ agency presence across the North West and supporting the firm’s expanding portfolio of projects in the region. Millington, as a graduate surveyor, will bring fresh perspectives and support to the team, highlighting Colliers’ commitment to nurturing new talent alongside experienced professionals. Dominic Pozzoni, head of Colliers’ Manchester office and director in Colliers’ National Offices team commented: “I am thrilled to announce Jonathan’s hire and welcome Ella to the team. Jonathan’s impressive client network and extensive industry knowledge and experience will make him an invaluable addition to our team and will ensure that we continue to provide a best-in-class service and drive real value for our clients across the North West. Ella’s addition also underlines our focus on growth and innovation through nurturing emerging talent.” Tony Horrell, Colliers CEO, UK and Ireland added: “Jonathan’s proven track record and connections within the market will undoubtedly drive Colliers’ growth and enhance our service offerings nationwide. We look forward to the significant impact he will have on our company’s continued success. Ella’s involvement in the team further demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future of the industry.” Jonathan Cook said: “The office landscape is changing but activity levels remain high, with occupiers realising the true value of collaborative and cohesive space, and I am really excited to be joining Colliers at a time of significant growth. The opportunity to work with such a highly respected agency team and impressive client portfolio, whilst bringing new contacts, ideas, and innovative solutions to drive performance and expansion, was one that I couldn’t miss.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Consort Architectural Hardware Launches RIBA-Approved CPD on Ironmongery Finishes

Consort Architectural Hardware Launches RIBA-Approved CPD on Ironmongery Finishes

Consort Architectural Hardware, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of architectural hardware solutions, has launched a new RIBA-approved CPD training course, titled ‘Architectural Ironmongery Finishes: Finding the Right Balance‘. Delivered by accredited experts at Consort and part of the ‘Design, Construction and Technology’ RIBA core curriculum topics, the course explores the pivotal role that finishes play relative to the durability, aesthetics and functionality of architectural hardware products, and is designed to help educate architects, specifiers and other industry professionals involved throughout the hardware specification process. During the course, attendees will learn of the complexities and nuances of different coating methods, with detailed sections covering the process, applications and the opportunities and obstacles associated with Living Finishes, Surface Finishes, Powder Coatings, Electroplating and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). The course also examines industry regulations and standard considerations; including BS EN 1906:2012, BS EN 1670:2010 and BS EN 179:2008, before reviewing the environmental impact, energy efficiency and sustainability fundamentals aligned with each finish type. David Gray DipGAI, RegAI, Director of Operations at Consort Architectural Hardware, discusses the launch: “Whether restoring a heritage site or designing a modern space, choosing the most appropriate architectural ironmongery finish is essential in enhancing a project’s aesthetics and ensuring the longevity and performance of hardware solutions. “With a long-standing expertise in this area, Consort is proud to launch a new RIBA-approved CPD. Our course has been developed to support professionals in making informed decisions on future building projects and covers the fundamentals of ironmongery finishes whilst demonstrating key factors such as material compatibility, corrosion resistance and environmental considerations. “Our session will act as an invaluable resource for those looking to develop their knowledge and understanding on architectural ironmongery finishes and we welcome architects, specifiers and industry professionals to register for this CPD.” The new course will run for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, with additional time allocated for questions and answers at the end. Following successful completion of the course, attendees will be presented with a CPD certificate, recognised by RIBA and supported by the CPD certification service. To register for the CPD, visit: www.ribacpd.com/consort-architectural-hardware/235535/overview/. For more on Consort Architectural Hardware, visit: www.consort-hw.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Fassa Bortolo's Expertise Shines in New Specialist Residence

Fassa Bortolo’s Expertise Shines in New Specialist Residence

Leading Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, has successfully completed work on ‘National Star’, a £6.2 million specialist residence in Ullenwood for young people with complex needs and learning disabilities. The project was specified in collaboration with Fassa’s National Specification Manager, Stephen Gore, and Richard Moores from Coombes Everitt Architects. This high-specification project demanded precision to ensure flawless facilities, further supporting the excellence of students and residents. Additionally, the requirements of Speller Metcalfe and Coombes Everritt necessitated a cost-effective design solution with a warranty and third-party certification. Covering an area of 430 square metres, the project utilised Fassa’s renowned Fassatherm system, celebrated for its efficiency in External Wall Insulation (EWI) applications on timber frames. The process began with the application of Fassa’s proprietary A 96 adhesive, used to affix the mineral wool insulation panels. This was followed by the application of FS 412 as a primer, and finished with RSR 421 silicone resin top coat, providing both protective and decorative attributes to the system. We are thrilled to announce that National Star has been shortlisted for ‘Education Project of the Year’ in the Michelmores Property Awards 2024. We are honoured to have worked on this project and to be recognised among many esteemed projects, both in the Education category and across the board. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Jigsaw Homes to complete Arnold development

Jigsaw Homes to complete Arnold development

Jigsaw Homes Midlands has selected a new contractor to complete the development of over 130 homes at Rolleston Drive in Arnold. Midlands-based Morro Partnerships was appointed following a procurement process and will start work on the scheme from July. Morro will complete the homes, originally manufactured off site by ilke Homes before the company went into administration, and build the four remaining homes on site. The Homes England-backed scheme, known as Birch Fields, will have 45 two-bedroom homes, 73 three-bedroom homes and 13 four-bedroom homes and will be available for either shared ownership or affordable rent. The affordable rent homes will be advertised through Gedling Borough Council’s Homesearch scheme and allocated accordingly to meet local housing needs. Garnet Fazackerley, Operations Director of Development at Jigsaw Homes Group said: “This was an incredibly challenging time following the collapse of ilke Homes in June 2023. However, we remained committed and confident that we could find a suitable partner who could complete the scheme and provide much-needed affordable homes and we are delighted to be working with Morro Partnerships to complete this development. “The homes will have NHBC warranty following stringent quality and compliance checks and will be finished to a high standard as they have been kept watertight and secure since the development stalled. We appreciate the patience from Gedling Borough Council, Homes England and local residents as we know this has been a frustrating time for all concerned, but we are now on the right track to deliver new homes for those most in need.” Giovanni Corbo, Head of Technical and Design at Morro Partnerships said: “Morro are delighted to have been selected on this project and to be working in partnership with Jigsaw Homes and Gedling Borough Council. As a sustainable partnerships’ developer, we are keen to showcase our delivery of affordable homes on this project and complete the homes on this much needed affordable housing scheme, though a modern and sustainable form of build system. “Morro specialise in the delivery of affordable high efficiency homes developments in the Midlands for Registered Providers and Local Authorities, and our current pipeline of over 2,500 plots will help meet the growing demand for affordable housing across the region. We are exciting to be embarking on our first scheme with Jigsaw Homes and are looking forward to working with them on other developments to jointly deliver significant numbers of mixed tenure, highly efficient homes across the region. “Works will commence on these high-performance modular homes in July 24 with phased handover of plots allowing new residents to occupy the homes within the first few months of our 12-month programme. We hope to engage with local subcontractors where possible as part of our sustainability policy.” Chief Executive of Gedling Borough Council, Mike Hill said: “We’re very pleased to hear that the homes will be completed and we can get families, who have been waiting for such a long time, into these much needed affordable homes. This has been a very stressful time for families, and it has also impacted housing waiting lists in the borough, so we look forward to being able to reduce that list and get people out of temporary accommodation. “We know that this has been an incredibly difficult time for Jigsaw Homes to resolve this exceptionally unfortunate situation and we welcome this news that Morro Partnerships will be delivering these homes for local people.” The first homes are expected to be completed in October with the whole scheme aiming to finished by September 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Contractor announced for Coventry's cultural hub

Contractor announced for Coventry cultural hub

Plans to create a new cultural hub in Coventry city centre have reached a significant milestone. Construction on the city’s former IKEA building to transform it into a large-scale cultural landmark with facilities for residents and visitors will be starting this summer.  The City Centre Cultural Gateway will be developed by international construction specialist, ISG, with initial site mobilisation activities taking place this month and construction due to start in August. The work is scheduled for completion in autumn 2025.  In addition to transforming the external appearance of the building, with a new combination of cladding and spray-painted finishes, ISG will increase the levels of natural light entering the existing structure by installing panoramic windows across the top two floors. As part of changing the use and purpose of the building a major internal reconfiguration will be undertaken, including structural alterations throughout, mechanical and electrical services upgrade, and a full strip out of the 60,000 sqm accommodation. This work also includes the careful and systematic removal of elevated travellators, lifts and associated distribution systems. A key-note element of the scheme sees the transformation of the existing nine-metre-high warehouse area into a highly specialised temperature-controlled art storage facility. This facility will be served by a newly installed state-of-the-art oversized heavy load lift – nearly three times the size of a standard lift – which will be used to transport large art installations up to the third floor. Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have appointed a contractor and that work is now starting on what will be a really impressive new cultural landmark in the city. One that will be enjoyed by local people, visitors and of course the creative sector. “The start of the construction process is a milestone to be celebrated and there will be even more to come as we see changes to the building that will soon become a cultural destination in our city. We’re really looking forward to sharing more in the coming months and of course even more excited to see the work finished next year.” As the project takes shape, it aims to not only enrich Coventry’s cultural landscape but also stimulate economic growth. High-level economic projections suggest the potential for significant job creation and economic value, bolstering Coventry’s position as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and tourism.  Louise Daville, Director of Public Sector Strategy at ISG, said: “This is a bold and innovative vision to reimagine former retail space as a cultural hub for the City of Coventry. The Cultural Gateway brings together complementary, yet distinct, partners within a key central location, providing a richly diverse experience for visitors, students and academics. “The legacy of transformational projects is hugely impactful regionally and on a national scale. With schemes as complex and technically demanding as the Cultural Gateway, the use of the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) construction works framework has been instrumental in assisting early-stage collaboration and driving efficiencies and innovation across the construction process. As we pass this key milestone, we have a highly motivated team focused on delivering an outstanding cultural destination for Coventry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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