VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have staged a topping out ceremony on a £6m scheme at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. A key point has been reached in the construction of the new facility for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop which is
Celebrations have taken place at Wirral Waters yesterday to celebrate the practical completion of the first 150 highly sustainable waterside apartments at Peel Waters’ Millers Quay development. With extensive views across the water, the £130m cornerstone residential scheme of 500 new homes across six buildings is transforming the Left Bank of
A national planning and development consultancy has urged the Labour government to clarify national planning policy guidance, enabling local planning authorities (LPAs) to develop bespoke local policies that support investment and growth at developed Green Belt sites. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement on Green Belt development, Lichfields highlights the
The Council’s executive committee will be asked to approve the move to consult on a Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF) for the east Manchester neighbourhood. Earlier this year, Studio Egret West were chosen to lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop the neighbourhood regeneration plan that will guide investment in Holt Town
Social housing provider A2Dominion is pursuing a new approach to property development, as part of a raft of changes being brought in by the Board and Executive Management Team. Going forward the 38,000-home housing association will focus on regeneration and the redevelopment of neighbourhoods which need the greatest amount of
Construction work at a site in Ketton is progressing well, with the four-bedroom detached Boughton showhome now ready and waiting for visitors to explore. Balfour Beatty Homes is building a collection of 50 two, three and four-bedroom homes called The Crescent in the beautiful rural location near Stamford. Figures from
A substation in Wrexham is at the heart of SP Energy Networks’ first live network deployment of smart transformers to help the connection of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps as part of a £8.3m innovation project. Funded by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition, LV Engine will
HS2’s tunnelling team are celebrating completing half of the 8.4-mile twin bored Northolt Tunnel underneath London. Four tunnel boring machines (TBM) are being used the complete the tunnel that will carry high-speed trains between HS2’s super-hub station at Old Oak Common, west London, and the outskirts of the capital at
Managing Director of McLaren Midlands and North, Gary Cramp, said: “Following the recent election and this afternoon’s King’s Speech, we are feeling ambitious about the UK’s targets to enhance economic growth through the measures outlined. The government will aim to ‘Get Britain Building’ through the planning reform, to accelerate the
Reynaers Aluminium has introduced its new DigiTrace digital product passports across all its systems to allow instant access and complete transparency for performance, material and sustainability information. Supporting the demand for easy access to sustainability data, and the need to demonstrate clear and accessible product information to support the golden
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have staged a topping out ceremony on a £6m scheme at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. A key point has been reached in the construction of the new facility for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop which is relocating from Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham, to the Warwickshire base. The project is being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The building will feature space for offices, garages and stores, and is being built at Gamecock Barracks ready for the Troop’s move next year. Now, as it reaches a significant point in construction, a topping out ceremony has been held, attended by representatives from VIVO, Midlands-based construction company Henry Brothers Construction, the DEO Army Programme, DIO, Gamecock Barracks and construction partner William Gough. Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, said: “We are continuing to deliver significant investment across the Defence estate to support military capability and provide modern, high quality working facilities for Army personnel. “I am delighted to see the steady pace of progress on the new infrastructure at Gamecock Barracks, and I look forward to completion of the project next year when the EOD Troop are due to relocate and take full advantage of their new building.” Warren Webster, Programme Director for DIO Major Projects (Army) said: “This is another demonstration of our commitment to increase the pace, quality and volume of Defence infrastructure delivery, by doing things differently. “We are working closely with our colleagues in DIO Regional Delivery and their long-term partner VIVO and its suppliers, to build this important capability. Collaboration remains at the heart of our delivery intent, and when completed, Gamecock Barracks will provide first class Explosive Ordinance Disposal facilities for the central region.” Jerry Moloney, Managing Director of VIVO Defence Services, added: “As one of the UK’s largest providers of estate services to the MOD, we at VIVO are involved in a huge array of innovative and important design and build projects for the military. “I am really pleased that we have reached such a key stage in the building of this excellent new facility for the Troop when they relocate and would like to thank our teams across VIVO and our supply chains for all their hard work.” Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “We were honoured to be appointed to build this new purpose-built facility for EOD Troop and very pleased to have now reached the topping out stage. “Henry Brothers has worked on numerous projects at MOD sites across the UK and we are proud to see how this latest project is progressing.” The scheme for EOD Troop at Gamecock Barracks is due to be completed in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celebrations have taken place at Wirral Waters yesterday to celebrate the practical completion of the first 150 highly sustainable waterside apartments at Peel Waters’ Millers Quay development. With extensive views across the water, the £130m cornerstone residential scheme of 500 new homes across six buildings is transforming the Left Bank of the River Mersey and seen as an exemplar in brownfield regeneration. Millers Quay is the single biggest development to date at Wirral Waters, the largest regeneration project of its kind in the UK. The transformational Millers Quay development will also include 100 affordable new homes and has been commended for the social impact delivered within the local community. Following completion, residents will shortly move into the one- and two-bedroom apartments within phase one, which includes blocks ‘Copper Mill’ and ‘Steam Yard’. Phase two, the final 350 new homes, within blocks Soda Factory, Salt House, Glaze Works and Lime Studio, are expected to complete early in 2025. Millers Quay is part of the emerging Northbank neighbourhood at Wirral Waters, where contemporary and sustainable urban living is surrounded by green spaces and dockside walkways. Representatives gathered yesterday from Peel Waters, its funding partner, Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”), construction firm GRAHAM, Homes England, Wirral Council, and staff and students from Wirral Met College, who have all been instrumental in the delivery of Millers Quay, to celebrate the practical completion of Millers Quay phase one. Designed in collaboration with award-winning architects Howells, Millers Quay offers striking architecture, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours, metalwork, and warehouses that defined the area’s 19th Century industrial heritage. These waterfront apartments also offer expansive views, south-facing shared spaces, dockside walkways, and access to new green spaces and micro parks, inviting residents to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying urban comforts. With 100 affordable new homes included, this transformational residential scheme is delivering high levels of sustainability and social impact. Throughout its construction, a wide range of unique learning and employment opportunities have engaged the local community and students at neighbouring Wirral Met College. Wirral Waters is part of Peel Waters, a UK wide portfolio of vibrant and innovative, waterfront developments, delivering large-scale, sustainable regeneration projects, creating jobs, economic growth, new homes and new public realm across the country. Richard Mawdsley, Development Director at Wirral Waters, said: “We are very proud to mark this special moment in Wirral Waters’ history with the practical completion of the first phase of this mammoth project. Millers Quay is the result of incredible partnership working between Peel Waters, PIC, GRAHAM, Homes England, Wirral Council and Wirral Met College, each bringing something very important to the project. “The impact that this development has had on local construction students and the local community over the last couple of years is truly inspiring and the innovation and skills learnt around green methods of construction will benefit many future generations too. This great work continues as we look forward to completing phase two early next year.” James Agar, Head of Long Income at PIC, said: “Millers Quay exemplifies the ideal partnership of a long-term investor, a highly experienced developer, and a forward-thinking local authority working together to generate a development of considerable social value. “As an example, over the course of construction the average monthly spend on local labour has exceeded £1 million per month with 41% of the costs of construction placed with businesses located within a 50-mile radius of Wirral Waters. The benefits of cutting the distance goods and contractors need to travel has helped to reducing energy consumption, particularly of fossil fuels. “This Build-to Rent development has been funded through a long-term, regeneration lease structure, which operates like a fully amortising loan, providing funding for Wirral Council, which would not have been available from traditional sources. Wirral Council will now lease the buildings for 50 years, with annual rent increases linked to inflation, after which ownership of the building will pass to Wirral Council.” Peter Reavey, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “Millers Quay exemplifies our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that positively impact the local community. We are particularly proud of the unique learning and employment opportunities this project has provided to local construction students, fostering the next generation of skilled professionals. Additionally, the development has supported local businesses and created jobs, demonstrating the positive social impact we aim to achieve through our projects.” Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “As well as being a colourful and prominent new landmark on Wirral’s skyline, Millers Quay is an important and successful example of the council’s commitment to working with partners in providing new homes while demonstrating our commitment to a pro-growth, brownfield-only local plan. Including many affordable homes in this development, working with students at Wirral Met College throughout the construction, engaging with the local community, and showing how we attract vital inward investment demonstrate how regeneration can and will deliver for everyone across our borough.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A national planning and development consultancy has urged the Labour government to clarify national planning policy guidance, enabling local planning authorities (LPAs) to develop bespoke local policies that support investment and growth at developed Green Belt sites. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement on Green Belt development, Lichfields highlights the potential economic and social benefits of planning reform. Their newly published research points out the challenges posed by current national Green Belt policy guidance, which could hinder investment and prevent existing businesses from enhancing their facilities, remaining competitive, and delivering a range of essential services. The report, titled ‘Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt – The Land That Policy Forgot?’, reveals that a portion of the Green Belt, which encompasses about 12.6% of England’s land area, is used for various purposes, including leisure and tourism with theme parks and other major attractions, education, medical institutions, business parks, and transport infrastructure. Lichfields notes that pre-2012 national policy recognised many of these areas as Major Developed Sites (MDS), providing clearer guidance on how LPAs should assess development proposals. However, this was removed by the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which established more subjective, generalised guidance. This change removed the detailed guidance on how LPAs could identify, define, and guide development at such sites in local plans, potentially limiting these sites’ ability to evolve and contribute to local economies and services. Ian York, a Planning Director at Lichfields and co-author of the report, stated: “Our research shows that the majority of LPAs are adopting generalised policies that repeat national guidance. We must move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and adopt local, bespoke policies that recognise the unique characteristics of these sites. The report urges LPAs to engage with landowners and operators to create detailed policies that clearly define development parameters, ensuring these sites can thrive without compromising Green Belt integrity.” The research indicates that of the 180 LPAs with Green Belt land, only a third have adopted criteria-based, bespoke policies, while two-thirds rely on generic NPPF guidelines. This local policy context creates uncertainty for owners and operators planning for their sites’ future, especially where there is a continuous need to renew and refresh attractions and overnight accommodation to remain attractive to visitors and competitive. Additionally, there is a regional disparity in the policy approach, with the North West of England having the highest reliance on generic NPPF-based Green Belt policies, while the South East of England leads in bespoke policies. York added: “National Government has a very important part to play. With the new Labour government’s commitment to update the NPPF within its first 100 days, there is a crucial opportunity to reintroduce policy guidance akin to the previous MDS framework. This will provide much-needed clarity and support for LPAs and developers alike.” Lichfields urges policymakers to consider these recommendations seriously. Tailored local policies are essential to unlocking the full potential of developed Green Belt sites, enabling them to significantly contribute to local economies, enhance community services, and support sustainable growth across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Council’s executive committee will be asked to approve the move to consult on a Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF) for the east Manchester neighbourhood. Earlier this year, Studio Egret West were chosen to lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop the neighbourhood regeneration plan that will guide investment in Holt Town over the next decade and more. Holt Town presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform 74 acres (30ha) of brownfield land to create a link between Manchester’s city centre and Sports City and the Etihad Campus in east Manchester – two key economic drivers for the city – and presents a natural extension of the ongoing, long-term regeneration in Ancoats and New Islington. The NDF will present: The proposals will look to deliver a major mixed-used, residential led programme of regeneration that will have the capacity to deliver 4,500 new homes, with significant affordable housing alongside a range of tenures and housing types to help diversify the housing offer in the city. The vision presents a low carbon, sustainable neighbourhood that will take a nature-based approach to development. The investment will change the face of the area from post-industrial to modern urban district while celebrating the existing heritage buildings and canal waterways. The pockets of nature that have persisted against the backdrop of industrial decline will be enhanced and woodland regrown as part of the ambition to create 15 acres of new and enhanced public and green space, including a 1km play link for you people to enjoy outdoor activities safely. Investment in new commercial space has the potential to create around 1,500 new local full-time jobs and the growing neighbourhood will include a new cultural and community space for local residents. The community will enjoy low-car principles, underpinned by safe walking and cycling routes connecting the emerging district to the surrounding communities and the city centre – and supported by a new mobility hub to help limit the number of cars in the area. The development framework also considers the need for new health and education services for the community to meet a growing need in the area. And the Council is also exploring how digital technologies can be embedded into the fabric of urban regeneration projects to modernise the way residents can access public services – from traffic management, waste collection and neighbourhood management to health and social care. Following executive approval, a six-week consultation is expected to begin later this summer. Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of the Council, said: “The evolution of East Manchester over the last two decades is driving forward our exciting plans for Holt Town. The neighbourhood is an under loved area of the city and investment in this community will create that vital missing link between the city centre, Ancoats and New Islington and the ongoing investment at Sport City and the Etihad Campus. “Holt Town is an ambitious opportunity to create the equivalent of a new town in the city. A brand new district showcasing innovation, culture and sustainability – including 4,500 new homes, with a focus on affordable housing – that will support continued and sustainable economic growth for our city. “The momentum to deliver our ambitions follows the successful regeneration of Ancoats and New Islington and this platform is already driving the regeneration ambitions for Holt Town – which will drive innovation, create new jobs and support population growth, new high quality green spaces, and a new era for urban renewal in Manchester.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Social housing provider A2Dominion is pursuing a new approach to property development, as part of a raft of changes being brought in by the Board and Executive Management Team. Going forward the 38,000-home housing association will focus on regeneration and the redevelopment of neighbourhoods which need the greatest amount of investment to make a real and positive impact on residents and communities. The housing association is aiming to improve the quality and performance of customers’ homes and to provide affordable housing by bringing together internal expertise to improve, regenerate its existing portfolio. The new approach moves the Group away from its previous emphasis on new developments, particularly those for private sale via its FABRICA by A2Dominion brand. As a result, the Group has seen its new build programme drop from 7,817 at its peak in 2018 – when it was one of the country’s top ten developing housing associations – to 1,645 today. The move also aligns with the Group’s decision to re-focus priorities to make improvements to services following its recent downgrade. To reflect the new strategy and reduced programme, the Group intends to reduce the size of its development team by half with colleague consultation already underway. It will also take a regional approach to the delivery of its current pipeline and future projects, with dedicated teams for London and the South East. This includes a technical team focused on a regeneration-led approach to future development, whilst ensuring continuity with its current joint venture projects. Michael Reece, A2Dominion’s Chief Property Officer, said: “We remain committed to building new affordable homes for those in need, however this will be done in a slightly different way. The shift will see A2Dominion targeting the regeneration and redevelopment of properties that need the greatest investment. Our new strategy will also improve the quality and energy and environmental performance of homes to either improve, regenerate or disinvest in our existing portfolio. “This new way of developing homes and improving existing customers’ living environments is designed to build resilience and flexibility into our development programme. “We will also focus on individual investment strategies for each local authority partner which will focus on reviewing and regenerating current stock. This will also look at stock rationalisation and dis-investment in stock that distracts the Group from its core purpose. “We’ll be looking at opportunities for redeveloping and improving densification and consider stock rationalisation where necessary to fund new development opportunities within the area. “Importantly we’ll consult with our key stakeholders and focus on customer needs within that local authority, providing a tailored approach to each of the communities we serve.” “We also recognise the impact these difficult decisions have on our colleagues and appreciate their hard-work and reliance through this change” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work at a site in Ketton is progressing well, with the four-bedroom detached Boughton showhome now ready and waiting for visitors to explore. Balfour Beatty Homes is building a collection of 50 two, three and four-bedroom homes called The Crescent in the beautiful rural location near Stamford. Figures from Rightmove pay testament to the growing popularity of the location, with data showing that sold prices in Ketton were up a huge 36 per cent from last year – so house hunters are being urged to buy now to avoid missing out. Gill Sabin, Sales and Marketing Director for Balfour Beatty Homes, said: “We always knew that homes at The Crescent would be popular with buyers, but the reaction has really blown us away. Over the launch weekend we received nearly 150 enquiries from buyers, which really does show how successful the development is proving to be. “It’s no wonder though – with a picturesque location in Rutland and high-quality homes, this home is ideal for all sorts of people, from families through to downsizers. There are great links to Peterborough, Grantham and Leicester too, making the homes ideal for commuters. “While these employment hubs are easily reachable, the historic town of Stamford is also only three miles away. We’ve found that our buyers are keen to live near this town and it’s no wonder – with lovely streets, tasty food and independent shops, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon. “Our showhome is now open, so we’re encouraging people to visit as soon as they are able to and see The Cresent for themselves.” With a spacious, airy kitchen/dining area, separate living room, study and utility room, as well as four bedrooms upstairs – two complete with ensuites – the Boughton showhome is now open and has been designed to showcase the very best that Balfour Beatty Homes has to offer. There are three and four-bedroom homes currently available at The Crescent, with prices starting from £445,000. As part of the development’s S106 contributions, money is being invested into increasing the biodiversity of the location and supplying a number of affordable homes for local people just down the road in Chater. To find out more information on the new homes and to make an appointment to visit, go to balfourbeattyhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A substation in Wrexham is at the heart of SP Energy Networks’ first live network deployment of smart transformers to help the connection of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps as part of a £8.3m innovation project. Funded by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition, LV Engine will carry out this world first demonstration at Wrexham to investigate how power electronics – a way of controlling and converting voltage – can help improve the quality and efficiency of power supplied into customers’ homes and reduce the need for disruptive and costly network reinforcement. LV Engine will use cutting-edge power electronic technology aiming to demonstrate greater voltage control at a substation level. The smart control system will recognise where electricity capacity can be shared between itself and other transformers on the network to maximise space on the existing network, allowing more low carbon technologies to be connected. Smart meter data will help tailor voltage in line with demand to ensure a high quality of supply for customers. This real-time data will also help operational planning and further increase capacity on the grid. Graham Campbell, Director of Processes and Technology of SP Energy Networks said: “Power electronics are playing a critical role in enabling our decarbonisation journey. This has become increasingly critical at distribution level to increase capacity and stability of the network as demand increases, while providing more flexibility for customers. Being a global first, LV Engine is developing engineering solutions that will enable a sustainable and efficient energy future by helping to shape future network design and make our LV network more flexible, adaptable and ready for our low carbon future. “This project is a culmination of collaboration between SP Energy Networks and its partners, particularly Ermco, to test and trial this globally unique solution. By improving the quality of the power supplied to customers’ homes we can continue to provide a resilient and reliable electricity supply while enabling more customers to adopt low carbon technologies and, potentially, in the longer term, reduce their bills.” The LV Engine project in Wrexham is part of wider works by SP Energy Networks innovation team to investigate and establish ways of adapting the electricity network to best meet the electricity needs of customers well into the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s tunnelling team are celebrating completing half of the 8.4-mile twin bored Northolt Tunnel underneath London. Four tunnel boring machines (TBM) are being used the complete the tunnel that will carry high-speed trains between HS2’s super-hub station at Old Oak Common, west London, and the outskirts of the capital at West Ruislip. The machines will excavate 16.8 miles of tunnel overall – two bores over the 8.4-mile length – making it the second longest tunnel on the new railway after one recently excavated beneath the Chiltern Hills. The first machine, named Sushila after a local teacher, was launched eastwards from West Ruislip in October 2022. This was followed one month later by TBM Caroline, named after astrologer Caroline Herschel, which is used to excavate the adjacent tunnel. Both will complete 5 miles of the route, finishing their journeys at the Green Park Way vent shaft in Greenford – just over half way – where they will be lifted out. In February this year, TBM Emily, which is named after Emily Sophia Taylor, began its journey west from HS2’s Victoria Road Crossover Box site near Old Oak Common towards Greenford. She was joined by the fourth machine, named Anne, after Lady Anne Byron, in May. They will both complete 3.4 miles of the tunnel. Combined, the four machines have now travelled over 8.4 miles – half of the total distance for the twin-bored tunnel. The completion of each tunnel drive will be staggered as they reach the final destination at Green Park Way, with the first TBM, Sushila, arriving later this year. Each machine operates like an underground factory, excavating the tunnels, lining them with pre-cast concrete tunnel segments, grouting them into place before moving forward at an average speed of 16 metres per day. Teams work around the clock below ground on the TBMs along with teams on the surface supporting them. Marking the significance of the tunnelling milestone, Malcolm Codling, Client Director for HS2 Ltd, said: “Our London tunnels team are making significant progress taking HS2 from design to reality underneath the capital, building Britain’s new transformational low carbon railway. Completing half of the Northolt Tunnel has come after years of work from the team and we are now looking forwards to the TBMs reaching the end of their journeys, with the first arriving at Green Park Way in Greenford later this year. “ As the TBMs progress, other vital features of the tunnel are put in place such as cross passages, vent shafts and headhouses. Along the Northolt Tunnel there are five shafts and headhouses which will provide ventilation systems and emergency access to the tunnel when in operation. Between them, the quartet of machines have excavated nearly 2 million tonnes of earth. The excavated material is being put to beneficial reuse. Around the West Ruislip portal, it is being used around the Copthall Green Tunnel, to remodel a nearby golf course that has been impacted by HS2’s tunnelling and is being used sustainably to create new green spaces in the Hillingdon area surrounding the new railway. London Clay removed from the Victoria Road Crossover Box side of the tunnel, is being taken to the London Logistics hub using a spoil conveyor. From there it is taken by rail to beneficial reuse sites across the UK in Rugby, Kent and Cambridgeshire. The logistics hub has now transported over 2 million tonnes of materials to these sites, which are being used to backfill quarries to support housing developments and build wildlife areas for birds. The Northolt Tunnel is being built by a joint venture formed of the companies Skanska, Costain and STRABAG (SCS). The same JV will also construct the Euston Tunnel eastward from Old Oak Common to the centre of London. James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture, said: “Reaching the halfway point of our tunnelling programme for the Northolt Tunnel demonstrates the huge progress achieved to date on one of the most complex and ambitious programmes embarked upon in the UK. Alongside the tunnelling operations we are now moving into the fitout stage of the works in readiness for track and rail systems to be installed. “At Old Oak Common, we are gearing up to assemble and install our final two TBMs, ready to take the high-speed line into central London.” In May, HS2 revealed that across the route between London and the West Midlands, half of all the twin bored tunnel had been complete highlighting the significant progress HS2’s 31,000 strong workforce have made in constructing Britain’s new high speed rail line. Two of the tunnels are now complete – one stretching for 10 miles under the Chiltern Hills and another one-mile in length beneath Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire. Two others remain under construction – the Northolt Tunnel in London and the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel in the West Midlands taking the line into central Birmingham. Preparations to bore the final tunnel between Old Oak Common station and Euston are underway with two further TBMs due to arrive in the UK this summer ready to be assembled in the underground box at the station site. Timings and funding for the construction of the Euston Tunnel are being confirmed with government. When complete, HS2 will improve connections between London and the West Midlands, with trains running further north on existing lines. The new high speed railway will create quicker and more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while crucially freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Managing Director of McLaren Midlands and North, Gary Cramp, said: “Following the recent election and this afternoon’s King’s Speech, we are feeling ambitious about the UK’s targets to enhance economic growth through the measures outlined. The government will aim to ‘Get Britain Building’ through the planning reform, to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing and the English Devolution Bill will introduce increased powers for combined authorities and local leaders. “With the government focusing on enhancing Britain’s position as a leading industrial nation, the transport and industrial and logistics sectors will be key areas for growth, and we are feeling positive about the future economic benefits and opportunities that new powers for combined authorities and mayors in the Midlands and North region, will bring to local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reynaers Aluminium has introduced its new DigiTrace digital product passports across all its systems to allow instant access and complete transparency for performance, material and sustainability information. Supporting the demand for easy access to sustainability data, and the need to demonstrate clear and accessible product information to support the golden thread, the DigiTrace system is instantly accessible via element-specific QR codes. DigiTrace is the latest online support tool to be unveiled by the aluminium doors, windows and curtain walling specialist, which aims to deliver a seamless software information solution to support its products, and their use, from start to finish. Through DigiTrace, building owners, architects and contractors can share and access in-depth system, technical and performance data for specific products and elements. Supporting the entire process from manufacturing through to end use, the specially developed software solution is added to products at the manufacturing stage, usually by fabricators, who can then use DigiTrace to share and access information. Product details and technical information are exported directly from ReynaPro, the company’s calculation, order and production software, while additional certification, documentation and information, such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), maintenance guides, warranties and installation guides can be added by stakeholders throughout the product lifetime. The tool can be used by scanning the QR code to share feedback and to flag up any issues. Martin Boland, Technical Support Manager at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “With the introduction of the golden thread and an increasing commitment to sustainable building design, the need for precise and up-to-date information is growing. “DigiTrace is an end-to-end product passport system that enables complete transparency from start to finish. Every element is labelled with a unique QR code enabling instant access to online information via a smartphone. “With the ability to upload images and share information with other stakeholders through the platform, DigiTrace supports communication between sites and offices to discuss any issues, as well as between contractors and fabricators. There is also a feedback feature where building owners can upload pictures to help explain any queries they might have. In addition, the level of detail around the materials used allows for appropriate end of life recycling. “DigiTrace is a real step forward in promoting product circularity and transparency to support the development of safer, more sustainable buildings.” The introduction of DigiTrace follows the company’s recent launch of the Docu Portal system with Hardware Configurator to make technical guidance easily accessible online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
