Scheme set to enhance Salford’s global reputation for industry and innovation Plans to bring forward Crescent Innovation, a pivotal element of the wider £2.5bn, 252-acre Crescent Salford masterplan, have been approved by Salford City Council. The proposals are being brought forward by the Crescent partnership, comprised of Salford City Council,
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group today revealed its financial accounts for 2023, representing another period of record-breaking performance during which the company surpassed revenues of £1bn for the first time. Hill posted record profits before tax of £70.1m from revenues of £1,145.9m for a 15-month period ended 31 March 2024. The
Mace has scooped a £184 million contract to deliver the next expansion phase at The Oxford Science Park, The Daubeny Project. The project will see the construction of three new state-of-the-art laboratory and office buildings, further cementing Oxford’s position as a world-leading centre for scientific innovation. The expansion will add
Brick manufacturer Forterra has recently launched a load selector calculator to allow customers to tailor their brick orders to the precise mix of products they require. With the ability to choose the exact number of bricks they need from Forterra’s entire range of London Bricks, plus Ecostock’s Atherstone Red and
A petition with over 3700 signatures has been handed to Shropshire Council as Albrighton Village Action Group (AVAG) steps up its campaign to protect over 50 hectares of beautiful green belt. Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, joined concerned residents at The Shirehall to reinforce calls for Boningale Homes’ plans
A Proud History and a Bright Future Energy & Utility Skills celebrates 25 years as an industry skills body, collaborating with employers, regulators, governments and agencies across the UK. For over a quarter of a century, the business has identified workforce and skills needs, adapting to many challenges, and delivering
Average speeds at peak times drop by nearly a half in the morning rush hour between Hinckley and Tamworth, according to new research by transport body Midlands. Analysis shows the route drops 44% in average speeds in the AM peak, between 6 am and 10 am compared to off-peak journey
Bobcat has launched the company’s new PG40 and PG50 portable generators, providing a leap forward in portable generator design. Powered by Stage V D24 engines and Stamford alternators, these eco-conscious models replace the previous generation Stage IIIA G40 and G60 units, delivering a combination of increased power output and lower
Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries. The BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments. Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in
Scheme set to enhance Salford’s global reputation for industry and innovation Plans to bring forward Crescent Innovation, a pivotal element of the wider £2.5bn, 252-acre Crescent Salford masterplan, have been approved by Salford City Council. The proposals are being brought forward by the Crescent partnership, comprised of Salford City Council, the University of Salford, and ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse. The scheme comprises 933 new homes, 1.7m sq ft of new commercial innovation, academic, and research floorspace, active ground-floor space, and a new movement hub, along with significant improvements to public spaces. Creating a high-quality innovation ecosystem around the University of Salford, Crescent Innovation will build on existing world-class research and development capabilities; help drive further economic growth in the city and wider region; and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research, and business. Spanning 29 acres between Broughton Road East and University Road, Crescent Innovation will be linked to the wider masterplan by Salford Rise – a near five-acre podium which will span Frederick Road. Laying the foundations for connectivity and collaboration, Salford Rise will act as a key gateway between the University of Salford’s campus and the wider innovation zone. Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “With our Crescent partners – ECF and University of Salford – we are pushing ahead with our vision to create world-class research and development facilities that local people and businesses can benefit from. The Crescent Innovation proposals are a key element of the wider vision for the Crescent area and will change the face of the area through the creation of a high-quality innovation environment, where people can achieve their full potential. I am delighted to see that this important planning application has been approved and look forward to seeing our vision delivered on the ground.” Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, Professor Nic Beech, commented: “This is a major milestone in our shared mission to transform Salford into a global hub for innovation and groundbreaking research. Working alongside our Crescent partners, we are committed to advancing our vision of creating world-class facilities that will benefit local residents and businesses. I am thrilled that this significant planning application has been approved and eagerly anticipate seeing our shared vision come to life.” Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF, said: “The approval of the plans for Crescent Innovation marks a significant step forward in our collective mission to make Salford a global hub for innovation and groundbreaking research. The city has always been a pioneer of industry, and the creation of Crescent Innovation will equip Salford – and the wider region – with the facilities and opportunities to make an impact on the world stage, as well as driving growth and prosperity.” Crescent Innovation forms one aspect of the Crescent masterplan being delivered by ECF in partnership with Salford City Council and the University of Salford. It will bring together industry, education, and the local community by delivering more than 3,000 homes, 1m sq ft of offices, retail, leisure, a new multi-model transport hub, and vast areas of green space. The site is located within Salford’s Innovation Triangle, which is made up of Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, the University of Salford, and Salford Royal Hospital. The go-ahead for Crescent Innovation follows the completion of three world-leading university facilities – the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, the Science, Engineering, and Environment (SEE) building, and Energy House 2.0. CBRE advised ECF on planning for Crescent Innovation, while Make Architects is leading on design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group today revealed its financial accounts for 2023, representing another period of record-breaking performance during which the company surpassed revenues of £1bn for the first time. Hill posted record profits before tax of £70.1m from revenues of £1,145.9m for a 15-month period ended 31 March 2024. The Hill Group chose to extend its reporting period to March 31, 2024, to align its financial year-end with that of its many joint venture partners. This strategic move will strengthen collaboration and enable better coordination on shared goals with partners, both for current and future projects. Joint ventures have become a significant pillar of Hill’s recent success, and this alignment will further enhance the Group’s continued growth. A total of 2,886 new homes were delivered in the period, with considerable expansion to the company’s development pipeline, which now stands at 12,900 homes with detailed or outline planning permission, from an overall development pipeline of some 27,000 units. Hill’s controlled pipeline now represents £10bn of potential future revenues, up from £6.7bn in 2022. A further £155m was invested in new land over the reporting period. As a consequence of the Group’s substantial growth in the period, net assets are up 14% to £368.9m with net cash at bank closing at £86.4m on 31st March 2024, net of borrowings. Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, comments: “These outstanding results, recorded during a challenging political and economic market, are testament to the resilience of our business, the high quality of our developments, and most importantly the dedication of all our staff and supply chain partners. Achieving revenues in excess of £1.1bn and record profits is an important milestone for The Hill Group, which together with our strong balance sheet and impressive development pipeline positions us for further sustained growth in the years to come.” Andy Hill said: “This year, we celebrate our 25th year in business and I am delighted we can mark this occasion as a dynamic, forward-thinking business achieving high standards in all that we do. With these excellent results, we are on course to surpass the targets we set ourselves for this current business cycle, and as we begin plotting new heights to reach for over the next five years, we are well positioned to continue delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence remains steadfast, and I am confident that the future holds even greater success for The Hill Group.” Hill was recognised by the industry as Housebuilder of the Year at the 2023 WhatHouse? Awards, marking the third time the company has won this prestigious accolade. Hill was also awarded Best Large Housebuilder at the awards, the first time the company has entered the category. FINANCIAL RESULTS SUMMARY FOR 2023: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace has scooped a £184 million contract to deliver the next expansion phase at The Oxford Science Park, The Daubeny Project. The project will see the construction of three new state-of-the-art laboratory and office buildings, further cementing Oxford’s position as a world-leading centre for scientific innovation. The expansion will add 400,500 sq ft of premium laboratory and office space to the park, addressing the critical demand for high-quality facilities in the thriving life sciences sector. The Oxford Science Park is majority-owned by Magdalen College, Oxford, and is at the heart of its strategy to support discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. The new buildings are designed with sustainability and occupant well-being as primary considerations, featuring biodiverse landscaping, extensive photo-voltaic energy generation and optimised building orientation for natural light and energy efficiency. Mace, in collaboration with the client and the design team, has been working to ensure that sustainability translates into the build, using innovative ground engineering solutions that will save around 3000 tonnes of embodied carbon. The facades will also be the largest use of recycled aluminium for a stick curtain wall project in the UK, saving over 500 tonnes of embodied carbon. These solutions demonstrate Mace’s ability to add value beyond traditional construction services and deliver its vision to build sustainable communities. Rory Maw, CEO of The Oxford Science Park, commented: “Mace’s knowledge and expertise in large-scale construction projects will be crucial to helping us deliver The Daubeny Project, our most ambitious development to date. “These new high-performance laboratory and office buildings will offer much needed space for life science and biotech companies to scale and allow them to benefit from being located at the heart of Oxford’s thriving innovation ecosystem.” Robert Lemming, Managing Director, Public Sector and Life Sciences, Mace Construct said: “The Oxford Science Park is home to some of the most forward thinking and innovative companies, and these new cutting-edge facilities will help unlock ground-breaking research that people will rely on for decades to come. “As our population grows and ages, more sites like these will be needed to meet the pressing demand for high-quality laboratory space, and at The Oxford Science Park we are setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Brick manufacturer Forterra has recently launched a load selector calculator to allow customers to tailor their brick orders to the precise mix of products they require. With the ability to choose the exact number of bricks they need from Forterra’s entire range of London Bricks, plus Ecostock’s Atherstone Red and Hampton Rural Bricks, a selection of Butterley bricks, Thermalite blocks and Conbloc aggregate blocks, customers can benefit from increased stock flexibility and potential reduction in invoice value. Other benefits include reducing the environmental impact of transport by streamlining deliveries to one truck, which also eases traffic on customers’ sites. The online calculator gives Forterra’s customers the opportunity to create a visual representation of their Load Selector order, as they choose their products and determine how much of each product they require to make up their latest load. Once the truck is at capacity, customers will see a breakdown of the order which they can download or send straight to Forterra’s sales office to receive a quote. Load Selector is the latest service designed to make Forterra’s purchasing experience as smooth as possible. Recently, builders merchant Collier & Catchpole, who have two large yards, one in Colchester and one in Ipswich, as well as a smaller yard in the village of Lawford in north-east Essex, have been taking advantage of the Load Selector service to improve their stock profile. The option to order mixed loads of brick and block has brought numerous benefits to the business; because they now order little and often, Collier & Catchpole are able to keep a greater variety of Forterra’s brick and block range at any one time. The smaller volume also makes it easier to keep stock neat and tidy. Jasper Smathers, Purchasing Manager at Collier & Catchpole, said, “Forterra’s Load Selector has been a game changer for our business. Having the option to mix London Brick with other bricks and Thermalite and aggregate block on a single load – and at full load rates – is fantastic. It’s also enabled us to reduce our stock levels and have better control of our ordering. Most importantly of all, it’s helped us improve our product range and service to customers – it means we are now able to really shine.” Adam Smith, Commercial Director at Forterra, said “We are thrilled to launch the calculator and continue to improve our Load Selector Service. We’ve already had great feedback on the original service from customers like Collier & Catchpole and hope the calculator will ensure an even easier purchasing experience that will make our customers’ orders more efficient in transport and their stock profiles.” To find out more about the Load Selector visit: https://www.forterra.co.uk/load-selector/ For more information on the calculator visit: https://www.forterra.co.uk/load-selector/calculator/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A petition with over 3700 signatures has been handed to Shropshire Council as Albrighton Village Action Group (AVAG) steps up its campaign to protect over 50 hectares of beautiful green belt. Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, joined concerned residents at The Shirehall to reinforce calls for Boningale Homes’ plans to build 800 homes and change crucial road infrastructure to be rejected. Members of AVAG have said that nearly 83% of the Shropshire village’s eligible population has backed the petition, highlighting the overwhelming anger at the speculative overdevelopment. The campaign group, which is made up of local volunteers, is now urging local people to turn signatures into official objections via the Shropshire Council planning website (https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/) – with 194 already lodged ahead of the current August 8th deadline. To make things as easy as possible, AVAG has created two video guides (available on www.albightongreenbelt.co.uk) on how to register an objection and compiled nearly 40 key reasons why the overdevelopment should not take place and how it will change the village forever. It is also hosting eight-drop-in sessions at the Red House, Melville Club and Scout Den, where volunteers will be available in person to help villagers go through the objection process. “The campaign to protect our green belt really starts now and we are urging people who are opposed to Boningale Homes’ plans to strongly object – this is one of the best ways for us to win,” explained Charlie Blakemore, co-chair of the Albrighton Village Action Group. “You can see the overwhelming feeling from local residents, with over 3700 signing the petition asking the council to reject this unneeded overdevelopment. There have also been 194 objections to the planning application already and this is growing daily. We are delighted to present this petition to Shropshire Council today on behalf of the village.” He continued: “Our group supports appropriate development, and we have 771 new homes being built as part of the Local Plan that we support – that’s more than our fair share and will help support Labour’s housing push. “Our village’s infrastructure, roads and amenities will not cope with another 800 houses. Location and scale of this speculative proposal is just not right. “AVAG was also delighted that all general election candidates – across the complete political spectrum – recognised this and said they would object to the plans.” Albrighton Village Action Group believes the Boningale Homes plan is just an attempt to make a quick profit on large swathes of green belt, a lot of which is currently being used for productive farming. It will turn the village, referred to as the home of the English rose, into a town and put even more pressure on stretched infrastructure, including doctor’s surgery, roads and the train station. Talk of economic benefit is misguided as the distance between the development and the high street could have a detrimental impact to independent retailers, whilst a new school is not needed and will just make other established nearby schools unviable. Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, added his support: “I want to reiterate my support for the green belt and in protecting Albrighton against the overdevelopment proposed by Boningale Homes. “My objection to this speculative green belt grab, which has little thought of how it may affect the village, has already been lodged and I will work with AVAG to fight these proposals.” Charlie concluded: “The deadline for objecting is getting closer. We must translate this strong feeling into official objections and by donating to our fundraising campaign. This will cover the fees of the legal and planning specialists we are using to help fight these proposals and the green belt grab. “It is important that our group and local residents fight greedy developers to ensure that future generations have rural villages and green spaces to live in and enjoy. There are so many brownfield sites that lie decaying that are in desperate need of development, and this is where the focus should be and not on permanently destroying beautiful countryside. “We have the chance to be on the right side of history and protect our village for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Proud History and a Bright Future Energy & Utility Skills celebrates 25 years as an industry skills body, collaborating with employers, regulators, governments and agencies across the UK. For over a quarter of a century, the business has identified workforce and skills needs, adapting to many challenges, and delivering solutions to meet employers’ needs. Celebrating the anniversary on 22 July, Phil Beach CBE, CEO of Energy & Utility Skills said, “As the industry skills body for the sector, we are delighted to celebrate 25 years of achievement. This milestone reflects our success in collaborating with our members, government and key stakeholders to help deliver the skills that employers need. Our recent company party celebrated the wealth of experience and knowledge within our team and everything we have accomplished together. As skills and workforce experts, we’re proud of our work to set industry standards and deliver high-quality apprenticeship assessments, qualifications and schemes. We’re looking forward to continuing our work in support of industry and the UK’s ambitions for achieving net zero and environmental goals in the years ahead.” The organisation began in 1999 as the Gas Industries National Training Organisation (GINTO). In 2003 it began trading as Energy & Utility Skills and was awarded its licence to operate as a Sector Skills Council by the Department for Education and Skills. The Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR), launched in 2005, improves workforce safety and regulatory compliance through quality assurance, scheme development and a register of skills. Partnering with industry to provide a trusted, authoritative voice ensures a skilled, competent workforce. In 2006, EUSR launched the National Water Hygiene scheme, standardising hygiene training across water companies to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. EUSR is also the CSCS Alliance Partner for all on-site utilities work. In 2015, the business reacted to apprenticeship reform by launching Energy & Utilities Independent Assessment Service (EUIAS). It carried out the first end-point assessments in the country for the Power Network Craftsperson standard in 2016. Last year, the business expanded to develop qualifications to support the sector’s skills requirements. Energy & Utility Skills is the sector’s strategic voice on all skills issues, ensuring the right schemes, qualifications, apprenticeships, assessments and funding are in place across the UK. It supports the delivery of the workforce required to meet the UK’s energy and utilities infrastructure demands. Membership secures a seat at this influential table, enabling engagement as an industry with government, regulators and other key influencers, while receiving sector intelligence, research and insights to strategically drive their industry forward. Phil Beach added, “Our industries underwrite the UK’s ambitions to tackle the impacts of climate change through the drive to net zero and environmental improvements. A safe, skilled and sustainable workforce is critical for achieving these goals and we bring industry together to champion skills issues.” With this in mind, the inaugural Energy & Utility Skills Conference and Awards will be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 10 September 2024. With significant changes ahead, the conference will focus on skills and jobs related to the green agenda and achieving net zero, sharing knowledge and celebrating excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Average speeds at peak times drop by nearly a half in the morning rush hour between Hinckley and Tamworth, according to new research by transport body Midlands. Analysis shows the route drops 44% in average speeds in the AM peak, between 6 am and 10 am compared to off-peak journey times. The average speed on the route is 48 miles per hour, dropping to around 32 MPH during peak periods. In some locations, it can dip down as low as 10 miles per hour. There were 180 road traffic incidents on this section of the A5 from 2017 to 2021, with 45 in 2019 and one in five of these (20%) resulting in ‘serious’ injuries to one or more people. The corridor is one of the Midlands’ most important east-west connections and is at the heart of the “Logistics golden triangle” bounded by the M1, M6 and M69. This is an area of the country from which drivers can reach 90% of the population within four hours, a very important location for logistics firms. Integrated Transport Programme Lead, Swati Mittal said: “The A5 corridor is home to a million people, sitting at the heart of the so-called Logistics Golden Triangle and supporting major employment sites such as Magna Park and MIRA. Anything we can do to upgrade the route is vital for residents, commuters and businesses in the area. “With improvements, Midlands Connect believes the route has the potential to provide an alternative route to our congested motorways and support significant housing and employment growth.” Sarah Edwards, Member of Parliament for Tamworth said: “Fixing our roads is a priority and plays a major part in our economic productivity and development. We must get our road networks fit for purpose. “The A5 plays a crucial role for commuters across the West Midlands, my constituents in Tamworth included, and it is important that appropriate funding and support is made available to ensure it can keep delivering for residents. I have written to the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure investment in road infrastructure supports our constituency and its prospects for growth.” Bill Cullen CEO of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and chair of the executive of the A5 Partnership said: “What these findings demonstrate is that the A5 continues to be a significant route through the Midlands, but we must unlock the blockages with key road investment in priority areas of the corridor to ensure it continues to support economic growth and remains fit for purpose.” Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways Mark Deaville said: “Improved connectivity is a priority to the county council and the A5 corridor is a key east/west route in the south. The M42 junction is particularly busy and congested at peak times which we hope can be addressed. As a centre for the logistics sector, especially with the development of the West Midlands Interchange, we need effective and efficient transport routes to help grow our economy. This route also supports our visitor economy, particularly with attractions like Drayton Manor Park and the National Memorial Arboretum. We wholeheartedly support any moves to upgrade the corridor and remove obstacles to growth.” Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “While the A5 is managed and maintained by National Highways, we fully support the work being done to secure improvements. “As the highway authority, we know problems such as bridge strikes, congestion and accidents are having a detrimental impact for our residents throughout Hinckley as well as the villages in the south of the county. The A5 isn’t functioning, and we share the views of partners who are calling for improvements to be prioritised and additional funding made available. “Securing and delivering improvements on the A5 also resonates with the core themes of our draft new Local Transport Plan, which include supporting growth and boosting the local economy, improving people’s health and reducing the impacts of traffic on our communities. The urgent need is there to improve the road.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bobcat has launched the company’s new PG40 and PG50 portable generators, providing a leap forward in portable generator design. Powered by Stage V D24 engines and Stamford alternators, these eco-conscious models replace the previous generation Stage IIIA G40 and G60 units, delivering a combination of increased power output and lower fuel consumption compared to their predecessors. The D24 engine in the new generators is a very impressive unit – more powerful than those in other machines of this size on the market and with a higher capacity. This has allowed Bobcat to offer a true 50 kVA prime unit on the market in the new PG50 model and still be below the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system requirement. Alongside the PG50, the PG40 delivers a prime power output of 40 kVA. In addition, both generators have a new sleek, compact design, with a selection of novel features including optional factory-mounted running gear, with either fixed or variable height, for easy transportation such as towing behind a car. This upgrade provides unmatched convenience, ensuring mobility on and off the job site. The new generators also have ‘Liquid Heat’, a low-load management system designed to reduce downtime and deliver peace of mind. Their versatile capabilities allow the new generators to manage lighter loads while preserving engine life, making them the perfect investment for job sites. Power Matched By Versatility The Stamford alternators on the PG40 and PG50 continue the use of this brand that started with the previously introduced PG100 100 kVA generator. The mechanical and electrical configuration and options also follow most of what is offered on the PG100, providing owners with the versatility they require. The COMAP MRS16 controller is again at the heart of the PG40 and PG50, with telematics options that allow units to be easily located and for their status to be read remotely. Building on its proven track record, the successful connection system from the PG100 is incorporated in the new models. Tested and trusted, these connection points guarantee optimal efficiency, facilitating hassle-free set-up and smooth performance. Operation is again quiet, with the new models offering a low noise level – the LWA 88 sound power level on the PG40 and LWA 89 on the PG50, make them among the quietest units on the market. As well as being quiet, the PG40 and PG50 are also clean running, featuring a bunded base designed for 110% fluid containment, where spills are virtually eliminated, ensuring environmental protection and reducing maintenance needs. The standard product warranty – as well as technical training and parts availability – are covered by Bobcat and the company’s extensive dealer network. The major difference in the new PG40 and PG50 is the engine coverage, which is handled by Bobcat’s own network without any third party involvement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries. The BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for lithium-ion battery storage and transport. Its unique cable gland design allows users to safely charge their batteries within the case, ensuring maximum safety and convenience. The case’s lightweight and robust construction, coupled with its easy handling, makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Key features of the BSK-1 fire protection case include: • Affordablility: BSK-1 is available for less than £500 per unit • Fire-resistant interior fittings: Derived from cutting-edge fire and explosion protection technologies, including dust-free PyroBubbles cushions. • Maximum protection: The case maintains an outside temperature below 100 °C, with no emission of flames or splinters in the event of an emergency, providing top-tier protection for people and their surroundings. • High dielectric safety: Suitable for strong power tools or defective batteries, ensuring versatile use. • Tested technology: Developed according to the latest hazardous goods technology and successfully tested in real-time fire scenarios. • Capacity: Accommodates a maximum dangerous goods weight of 8 kg with inner dimensions of 520 x 320 x 245 mm. Rising incidence of lithium-ion battery fires There has been a significant rise in the use of lithium-ion batteries globally, driven by the growing popularity of power tools, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. However, this surge in usage has also led to a concerning rise in lithium-ion battery fires, with UK fire services attending 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 than 2022. The impact of lithium-ion battery fires can be devastating; a factory fire in South Korea in June 2024, involving exploding lithium-ion batteries tragically resulted in 22 fatalities and highlights the urgent need for reliable and safe storage solutions . Speak to the experts As the go-to experts for lithium-ion battery storage, Chemstore has become the preferred partner for industry leaders across multiple sectors, including construction, education, logistics and motorsport, where the demand for safe battery storage is paramount. The BSK-1 represents the latest addition to Chemstore’s expanding range of lithium-ion battery storage solutions, which includes safety products at every stage of the process when working with lithium-ion batteries, including: – Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore, commented on the launch: “The BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case is a simple yet effective solution to the increasingly common problem of safely charging, storing, and transporting lithium-ion batteries. Whether for power tools, ebike/escooter charging or defective batteries, the BSK-1 offers peace of mind that batteries are protected.” “We are thrilled to expand our lithium-ion battery storage offering, reinforcing our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers and ensure the highest safety standards.” For more information on the BSK-1 fire protection case and other lithium-ion battery storage solutions, visit: www.chemstore.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments. Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in Leeds’ vibrant cultural quarter, which were built by Caddick Construction. This build-to-rent development is part of SOYO Leeds – a new neighbourhood in the heart of the city which has transformed a site along The Headrow. A mix of studio, one, two and three-bed apartments were designed by DLG Architects, together with new public realm, outdoor courtyards, retail, restaurant and ground floor amenity spaces. Deanestor provided bespoke, contemporary kitchens for 331 apartments in a range of configurations to suit each apartment layout. This involved the manufacture and installation of around 4,500 items of furniture including base and wall cabinets, drawers, tall fridge unit, oven housing and solid white quartz worktops. According to Eugene Cannon, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Caddick Construction,“The Deanestor team excelled commercially and in the design phase for this complex and large-scale co-living scheme. They were helpful at each stage and had a common-sense approach to any challenges, such as the need to upgrade appliances. The finished kitchens are great – good quality, contemporary detailing, superior worktops, and gave us the value for money we were looking for.” The kitchen cabinetry was supplied in two colour palettes for alternate floors – stone grey and dark blue, and with black D-shaped handles and brushed satin taps. Each kitchen was fully equipped by Deanestor with integrated appliances – a built-in oven, microwave, ceramic hob, washer dryer, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The apartments have oak flooring throughout the kitchen, dining, living, and utility areas to create a seamless flow. There is a range of amenities for residents, including an exclusive on-site gym, bike storage and repair station, 24/7 concierge, lounge space, and secure private parking. Deanestor provides a complete furniture and fitout service for both bedrooms and kitchens, working on major co-living schemes for some of the UK’s leading residential property developers and contractors. Its high specification cabinets are built for longevity and crafted using robust glue and dowel constructions which provide a modern yet durable finish for build-to-rent developments. The kitchens are all bespoke, offering developers a vast range of options, and are pre-assembled in Deanestor’s factory for consistently higher quality installations and to reduce work on site. For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk, call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
