Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), states national renewal of the planning system could have a significant impact on the planning profession and the UK economy. A recent report by Public First, commissioned by the RTPI, revealed that investing in planning could unlock £70 billion
To meet its manifesto pledge of 1.5 million new homes within this parliamentary term, Labour must deliver just over 1,150 new homes consistently every single working day for the next five years without defaulting – this is roughly equivalent to delivering at least five large scale housing estates every single
Landsec, one of the UK’s leading commercial real estate companies, is launching an optimised Landsec Experience app across its entire London portfolio of prime workplaces using Smart Spaces’ smart building OS. The new app is designed to help people who work in Landsec’s buildings get the most from their time
Independent commercial property management and building consultancy firm, Workman LLP, has made 49 promotions across the business, including six new partners. Charting an upward trajectory, it currently manages more than 4,000 properties, with a capital value of approximately £20 billion and rising. The latest promotions extend across the firm’s 11-strong
Industry leader AEI Cables is issuing a reminder to the electrical cables supply chain to keep safety at the front of mind when it comes to Category 3 Control fire performance cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in
Scott Black, Chief Operating Officer for Places for People. “Today’s statement from the Chancellor has our unequivocal support, we need more new homes and there is no time to waste. This is one of the most pressing issues for the UK, for economic growth, for families across the UK, and
You will have to excuse the flowery copy on this one, but we’re buzzing to announce that the ACC Liverpool Group marked this year’s annual World Bee Day by welcoming some new and very exciting VIPs…that’s ‘Very Important Pollinators’, to its waterfront site with support from Hard FM partner, Kimpton.
MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Capita One, a leading provider of software solutions across the UK public sector. Upon close, MRI expects that the acquisition will expand and complement its existing offering and accelerate
Willmott Dixon has been appointed construction delivery partner for the Staffordshire University new Student Village being built on its main Stoke-on-Trent campus, which is due for completion in 2026. The development received planning permission in March and Willmott Dixon is set to start on site imminently. The contractor has been
Loughborough, UK: Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened a multi-million-pound world-class transformer test cell facility at its transformer manufacturing facility in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. The facility, housed in a huge former workshop at the firm’s iconic Falcon Works in the Leicestershire town, will put newly built power transformers
Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), states national renewal of the planning system could have a significant impact on the planning profession and the UK economy. A recent report by Public First, commissioned by the RTPI, revealed that investing in planning could unlock £70 billion in additional value for communities and the UK economy. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “The Chancellor has wasted no time in preparing plans that will have a positive impact on the planning profession and the UK’s economy. Her goals highlight the role of our planning system in boosting the UK economy, and mark a clear shift in the government’s understanding of what our system can provide. Our members should be under no illusion that this will put a focus on delivery across the planning system. “However, our members in local authorities are overworked and understaffed, and have faced years of severe strain. Economic success will therefore require proactive planning and an investment into our planning system.” On local plans and green belt: “It is promising to see the government begin its parliamentary term with policy changes keenly fought for by the RTPI, including universal coverage of local plans, and reviews of greenbelt boundaries. These changes will be essential for rebuilding trust and coordination in our planning system and for ensuring that new developments are done with local communities, rather than to them.” On reforming the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF): ”The Chancellor outlined plans to reform the NPPF and restore mandatory housing targets. Our members have been clear that recent changes to the NPPF have left many councils, especially those with significant land constraints, with few incentives to deliver on existing housing targets. “Locally-determined housing targets that are well evidenced and aligned to a plan-led ‘vision’ can play a constructive role in planning for housing. However they must come with adequate investment in the infrastructure and planning services required to support them.” On onshore wind: “The minister has wasted no time in pushing forward reforms to the NPPF that the RTPI has long called for, including ending the ban on onshore wind and committing to consult on it’s return to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime. On the appointment of Matthew Pennycook as Housing Minister: “We will now work closely with Mr Pennycook to support the government’s ambitions by unlocking the power of the planning system. Throughout his time in opposition, the minister demonstrated a clear understanding of the value of planning, playing a positive role during the Levelling Up and Regenerations Act’s passage through parliament, and championing many of the amendments supported by the RTPI.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
To meet its manifesto pledge of 1.5 million new homes within this parliamentary term, Labour must deliver just over 1,150 new homes consistently every single working day for the next five years without defaulting – this is roughly equivalent to delivering at least five large scale housing estates every single week to achieve the newly set housing target. A more detailed plan is needed as a priority from the UK Government on how their aim will be delivered and when. There must also be full disclosure on infrastructure planning to support homes as they are being built. Developments must have comprehensive design regarding essential services such as education, policing, health, transport, and employment – it cannot ever be a case of weaving thousands of additional new homes into current metropolitan areas and expecting the current structure to absorb the additional pressures. In addition, there must be due consideration for ensuring there is a wide-ranging skillset and workforce in place that can bring this enormous vision to life. There must be cross party cooperation and strong stakeholder engagement to ensure plans are workable, realistic, and can be delivered within the timeframe promised. Each area identified as having potential for new housing must pay full respect to greenbelt status, and there should ideally be a focus on bringing brownfield land back to purposeful use first. However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the UK Government intends to build on some green belt land, but this should involve a full review to prioritise alternative available land to achieve their housing targets. Referring to the planning system ‘an obstacle’, Ms Reeves committed to building their targeted package of new homes. However, there must also be a variety of different tenures when it comes to constructing new homes to ensure both buyers and renters are served well. To implement such a bold task, it is right to review the entire system from top to bottom, implement potential improvements and make better use of technology for both insight and delivery. With the UK population expected to surge to around 70m within the next ten years, it is critical that supply keeps up with demand. Currently, the housing sector continues to suffer from a drastic undersupply of sustainable new homes, which in turn is contributing to artificially higher costs for both buyers and renters. Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, comments: “There is no doubt that the new UK Government must prioritise building homes the nation desperately needs, and that is why we welcome a commitment to deliver new homes and review green belt boundaries with a view to prioritising brownfield and grey belt land to meet manifesto pledges. “Local councils need as much support as possible in meeting the new UK Government’s aims. Building 1.5 million new homes by the next general election is an challenging target, but Propertymark would like to see urgent clarity and detail as to how this ambition can be achieved. This goal would require over a thousand new homes to be built every working day before 2029.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec, one of the UK’s leading commercial real estate companies, is launching an optimised Landsec Experience app across its entire London portfolio of prime workplaces using Smart Spaces’ smart building OS. The new app is designed to help people who work in Landsec’s buildings get the most from their time in and around their offices. In addition to digital access control, it provides office customers with access to a range of personalised experiences, events and discounts along with the latest information about their workplaces, through their smartphones and smartwatches. The app also integrates with Landsec’s flexible office brand – Myo – allowing Landsec customers to book meeting rooms and events spaces through the app in Piccadilly, The City of London, Southbank and Victoria. In line with Landsec’s wider focus on leveraging data and insights to improve customer experiences, the app will also enable two-way consumer feedback for Landsec with customer surveys to better understand how its buildings are being used and any opportunities for its services to be enhanced. Smartphone access to buildings is now ‘live’ The Landsec Experience app will also provide contactless entry for customers, aligned with Landsec’s strategy to deliver digital-led solutions which enhance guest experience. At all London locations, access credentials can now be stored in digital wallets to make this a seamless experience. To facilitate this, Landsec has optimised the technology throughout its spaces with upgraded doors readers in many buildings, as well as implementing HID Mobile Access. This makes it straightforward to deal with all the licensing and credential management for tenants and visitors, as well as setting building access rights which is now all done quickly and remotely. Oliver Knight, Head of Workplace at Landsec said: “Alongside our exciting plans to activate our places and buildings, the Landsec Experience app is designed to help the people who work in our spaces get the most out of their time in and around the office. By launching this optimised Landsec Experience app, with even more capabilities, we’re providing a personalised and digital user experience which will enhance the working week for everyone who uses our workplaces.” Today, registered users simply have to download the Landsec Experience app to then use their Android or Apple smartphones or watches to have quick and seamless access by holding their device near any HID reader to open the turnstiles and doors automatically. Smart Spaces’ OS provides easy central control with the ability to modify the app per building and an architecture designed to allow access control software from multiple vendors to be incorporated easily. Dan Drogman, Smart Spaces’ Chief Executive Officer, says, “We’re delighted to support Landsec with the development of its customer experience app and introduction of mobile access. It’s an important step on their smart building journey with our OS platform capable of scaling with them. It helps a customer like Landsec maximise the investment in its estate to the full.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent commercial property management and building consultancy firm, Workman LLP, has made 49 promotions across the business, including six new partners. Charting an upward trajectory, it currently manages more than 4,000 properties, with a capital value of approximately £20 billion and rising. The latest promotions extend across the firm’s 11-strong nationwide office network and cover vital sectors. These include core property management and building consultancy, along with high-growth services, such as building technology, ESG, and project management. The geographic spread and multi-disciplinary nature of the promotions highlights continued growth across all parts of the business. The new partners are: Matthew Pateman, Managing Partner, said: “Investment in our people continues to be a cornerstone of the Workman culture, and these promotions are shining examples of the career development and progression on offer here. Talent is the driver of positive change, so the energy, determination, and dedication of our teams deserves to be recognised and rewarded. Our recent promotions are testament to these individuals’ commitment to delivering the highest standards of service to our valued clients. I congratulate every one of this year’s group and look forward to working alongside them, as they continue to develop in their careers.” These latest promotions come after the firm recruited 46 graduates and apprentices across the business during 2023, with more planned for 2024, to continue to develop the talent of the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Industry leader AEI Cables is issuing a reminder to the electrical cables supply chain to keep safety at the front of mind when it comes to Category 3 Control fire performance cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and enabling safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We’re advising those in the supply chain to check guidance on Category 3 Control fire performance cables and ensure safety is the priority. The latest guidance was issued in 2020 but is still entirely relevant for these important cables. “Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services to fight a fire and evacuate people in the event of an incident. By incorporating this guidance into the selection of cabling for these critical systems, those people using these striking new buildings can move about in the knowledge that they are safe.” The Code of Practice for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under BS 8519: 2020.which covers how to select and install fire-resistant power and control cable systems that, in the event of a fire, will maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and firefighting. The new Code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, Health and Safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire-fighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy. BS 8519:2020 makes reference to the recommendations of BS 9999and BS 9991, with regard to the design and installation of the electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment. The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also apply to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scott Black, Chief Operating Officer for Places for People. “Today’s statement from the Chancellor has our unequivocal support, we need more new homes and there is no time to waste. This is one of the most pressing issues for the UK, for economic growth, for families across the UK, and for us all at Place for People, whose mission is to build, help, and support communities across the UK. “The measures Rachel Reeves has announced today are a positive first step for housing of all tenures including much-needed new affordable homes. As well as bringing forward the delivery of new homes, our own ‘Time to Build’ research illustrated that approximately three-quarters of people also want greater investment in local infrastructure to support new housebuilding, which must not be forgotten. “Building must be scaled up now and we are ready to do our part to help. On top of mandatory housebuilding targets and a taskforce to accelerate stalled housing sites, we think more can be done to get Britain building again. “If we are to maximise investment into the sector and tackle the current housing crisis for those most in need, we need certainty and more specifically, confirmation on rent at CPI plus 1% while the financial settlement between Government and housing associations is reviewed. This would provide housing associations nationwide with the stability to invest in the homes they own and to accelerate building new homes. “This is an exciting time, and we look forward to further details of the Government’s strategy, including the greenbelt review and recruitment of 300 more people into planning which will help to get things moving again. For too long we haven’t done what is necessary to meet the nation’s supply and demand challenges, and it is great to hear the new Chancellor address some of the key barriers that have held us back for too long, so early in her tenure, a clear framework that unlocks more land for new homes and delivers planning consents quickly and efficiently is needed if we are to meet the needs of the nation. At PFP we are here to help the government get Britain Building at scale and for everyone across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
You will have to excuse the flowery copy on this one, but we’re buzzing to announce that the ACC Liverpool Group marked this year’s annual World Bee Day by welcoming some new and very exciting VIPs…that’s ‘Very Important Pollinators’, to its waterfront site with support from Hard FM partner, Kimpton. The project was made possible by the support and sponsorship of a number of supply partners, co-ordinated by experts in bee husbandry. These included Sunlight Bees, Kimpton, Sodexo Live! and members of Kimpton’s supply chain Ultra Civils, Metro Rod, ADC, North West MEWPS, AHS, AWS, and Service Graphics who all donated towards the cost. World Bee Day was marked by a community of more than 140,000 honeybees, who were officially welcomed to Liverpool’s event campus in two brand new beehives, each with its own queen bee. Supported by Wirral beekeepers Sunlight Bees, the hives have been installed in a newly planted wildflower garden on the site and following a competition on ACC Liverpool Group’s social media channels, the hives were named Oh BeeHive! and Let it Beehive! The introduction of beehives and wildflowers to the site is an important development in ACC Liverpool Group’s sustainability journey. This initiative aims to increase the biodiversity on Liverpool’s event campus and showcases their commitment to environmental sustainability. Habitats in urban areas that include wildflowers, grasses, and flowering plants attract insects and other invertebrates like butterflies, spiders, and millipedes, as well as birds and mammals. Bees pollinate our wild trees and wildflowers, which support other insects, and in turn support birds, bats, and other mammals by creating bee-friendly environments. Members of the ACCL staff, some of the Kimpton team, and other sponsors of the project enjoyed bee-themed refreshments at the launch, and sunflower seedlings were handed out for people to take home and nurture before bringing them back to be planted in the wildflower garden in the summer. Eddie dos Santos, Director of Operations at ACC Liverpool, said: “We know how important it is that we minimise the environmental impact of our operations to do our bit to tackle the climate crisis. The arrival of these beehives on-site marks a key milestone in our sustainability journey. They have captured the imagination of our colleagues, and we hope the public will be equally excited by the development. We’re grateful to Sunlight Bees for their advice and guidance and to our ever-supportive suppliers who have made the project happen.” Matt Breakwell, Business Development Manager from Kimpton said “A crucial part of our ongoing relationship with ACC Liverpool is working in partnership to support their Sustainability Strategy. Having already completed a number of decarbonisation projects, we were delighted to be able to deliver the bees’ new home with the help of the specialist suppliers that support us to deliver the FM contract.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Capita One, a leading provider of software solutions across the UK public sector. Upon close, MRI expects that the acquisition will expand and complement its existing offering and accelerate future technology innovation for local authorities and local education. Founded in 1994, Capita One is a subsidiary of UK-listed Capita plc, a modern outsourcer supporting primarily UK and European clients with people-based services underpinned by market-leading technology. “The acquisition of Capita One significantly enhances our ability to serve the UK public sector with flexible solutions that meet its evolving needs,” said Patrick Ghilani, Chief Executive Officer of MRI Software. “MRI’s AI-first approach and platform are designed to empower clients to break down information siloes, unify data across systems and deliver the best outcomes for their communities. Today’s announcement ushers in new possibilities for the industry, and our teams are excited about what’s ahead.” The combination of MRI and Capita One is expected to create a broad suite of solutions that help local authorities optimise the asset lifespan, reduce team workload through self-service tools, drive data-informed decisions, and manage educational touchpoints to deliver optimal outcomes. The public sector has been subject to continuous regulatory change, driving an increased need for software solutions that enable compliance. MRI’s offerings are designed to improve the living experiences for millions of residents worldwide through specialised technology that automates processes, streamlines operations, and adapts to changes in legislation. Capita One brings additional capabilities to expand MRI’s solutions for public sector customers in the UK and Northern Ireland, including: “This acquisition will give Capita One’s clients access to a wider range of complementary technology to address the complexities of a highly regulated sector, while clients who use our other products will benefit from our new scale and pace of innovation in the future,” said Jon Peart, Managing Director, Capita One. “The combined expertise of MRI and Capita One will build a bright future for the industry.” The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the boards of MRI and Capita and is expected to close by the end of August 2024, subject to regulatory approval and approval by Capita’s shareholders. Capita One will continue to serve its clients as usual, without interruption. For full details of the transaction, please see Capita Plc’s market announcement here: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/CPI/disposal/16558237 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been appointed construction delivery partner for the Staffordshire University new Student Village being built on its main Stoke-on-Trent campus, which is due for completion in 2026. The development received planning permission in March and Willmott Dixon is set to start on site imminently. The contractor has been appointed by Staffordshire Campus Living for an improved student residential offering as part of the scheme. Staffordshire Campus Living is a consortium formed by Hochtief PPP Solutions UK and Ireland, Willmott Dixon, Plenary, Pinnacle Group and Staffordshire University. Willmott Dixon has a well-established track-record delivering major projects on university campuses, including being behind the Stirling Prize winning Town House project at Kingston University in 2021. It will bring its expertise for sustainable construction and net zero in use property to meet the student village’s important ambitions that include low operational and embodied carbon, and EPC A-rated homes. Dan Doyle, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This new Student Village at Staffordshire University is a significant investment in the student experience. What’s exciting is how it has been designed to blend contemporary sustainable architecture with nature in a unique natural setting. We will be incorporating modern methods of construction and offsite manufacturing to ensure it is a low-carbon development. Combine this with renewable energy sources, building to Passivhaus design principles and structures that are directly inspired by the setting, the university will have a development with a strong character and identity – fostering a sense of place and community. Offering a safe, secure, and inclusive environment, students can expect a true home from home.” Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, FIRA and Ramboll, the village will provide 700 new student rooms in a mix of cluster blocks and townhouses. It includes the refurbishment of the Clarice Cliff Court accommodation that will improve its energy efficiency by 250% through new low-energy solutions. Demolition of existing student accommodation on the university’s Leek Road site following the completion of the Student Village will make way for accessible parkland, which will result in a project biodiversity net gain of 12%. The Student Village also includes a net-zero carbon in operation ‘hub’, which will provide individual and group study areas, flexible use space, and an outdoor seating area on the rooftop terrace. A new pedestrian bridge and boardwalk will link the new accommodation and ‘hub’ with the university’s wider Leek Road site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Loughborough, UK: Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened a multi-million-pound world-class transformer test cell facility at its transformer manufacturing facility in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. The facility, housed in a huge former workshop at the firm’s iconic Falcon Works in the Leicestershire town, will put newly built power transformers through their paces before being shipped out to BRUSH customers. Key customer representatives joined BRUSH employees for the official opening of the test cell which features a high-voltage acoustic test area with 12-metre-high doors. From this new testing facility, BRUSH has the capability to conduct a comprehensive range of tests on its transformers, ensuring they surpass the high standards of performance the company’s customers have come to expect. With dedicated storage for up to four of BRUSH’s biggest transformer units, the facility allows the company to significantly increase its production capacity to meet the UK’s fast-growing demand for power transformers as the country gears up for decarbonisation. The test cell also enables BRUSH to offer the most comprehensive suite of routine and type tests for transformers up to 170kV, both new builds and retrofit units. Energy efficient by design, with a whole raft of health and safety features, the purpose-built, high-capacity space is both IEC (BSEN) and ENA compliant. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group said: “We’re seeing rapidly increasing demand for power transformers from all segments of our customer base in the UK, from power networks operators and renewable energy producers to public infrastructure providers and commercial developers. “Opening of our new world-class test cell here in Loughborough allows us to keep pace with that demand and play our part in the domestic supply chain, enabling energy producers and consumers to connect to the grid and accelerate towards net zero. “I’m really proud of what the team at BRUSH has achieved with this latest investment, and especially pleased with our team of new engineering apprentices who have come on board to support our growth including operating the new test cell.” The range of tests offered includes winding resistance, CT tests, core and frame insulation, capacitance and insulation power factor, short-circuit impedance, load loss / no-load loss, applied voltage, NVD bushing capacitance, impulse test, temperature rise test, hot spot measurement, SFRA, RSO, tank vibrations and sound levels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
