July 23, 2024

Plans unveiled for 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf

Plans unveiled for 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf

World’s largest transformation of an HQ office tower into a sustainable mixed-use building  Qatar Investment Authority (“QIA”) and Canary Wharf Group (“CWG”) have just released the first images of architectural plans that display the ambition for the redevelopment of the iconic 8 Canada Square building in Canary Wharf. 8 Canada

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Victoria North: FEC executes £210m contract with CR Construction to deliver latest phase of Red Bank Riverside

Victoria North: FEC executes £210m contract with CR Construction to deliver latest phase of Red Bank Riverside

Far East Consortium (FEC), the developer working in a joint venture-partnership with Manchester City Council (MCC) to deliver Manchester’s transformative £4 billion Victoria North regeneration project, has appointed CR Construction to deliver the next phase of 895 homes at the vibrant Red Bank neighbourhood.   Representatives from FEC and CR Construction

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Belgium's First Circular McDonald’s Restaurant

Belgium’s First Circular McDonald’s Restaurant

The design of a McDonald’s site in Bourse, Brussels has been praised for its innovative circular approach. As part of McDonald’s aim to become a net-zero business by 2050, the multinational fast food chain commissioned Antwerp-based design studio WeWantMore to create a sustainable design for its dining areas, with a

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Higgins to build 360 new homes in Brixton

Higgins to build 360 new homes in Brixton

Higgins has clinched a deal with London’s Lambeth Council to build more than 360 new homes in the heart of Brixton. The council is set to work with Higgins Group on the second phase of development in Somerleyton Road under proposals for a net-zero development of 363 new homes, of

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Clegg Construction completes third care home for Avery Healthcare

Clegg Construction completes third care home for Avery Healthcare

Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £10.3m contract to deliver a care home in Peterborough for Avery Healthcare. The 80-bedroom, three-storey building on Waterhouse Lane is the third care home built by Clegg Construction for Avery Healthcare and is a key part of the Hampton Gardens development, which includes a

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Beard appoints new social value manager

Beard appoints new social value manager

Beard, an award-winning contractor in the south of England, has announced the promotion of Paula Baleson to social value manager. In the newly-created position, Paula will take the lead in defining a new company-wide strategy and provide support to a team of social value coordinators, ensuring Beard’s work and actions

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

July 23, 2024

Plans unveiled for 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf

Plans unveiled for 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf

World’s largest transformation of an HQ office tower into a sustainable mixed-use building  Qatar Investment Authority (“QIA”) and Canary Wharf Group (“CWG”) have just released the first images of architectural plans that display the ambition for the redevelopment of the iconic 8 Canada Square building in Canary Wharf. 8 Canada Square is fully owned by QIA, and CWG is the development partner.   Kohn Pedersen Fox (“KPF”), the world-renowned architectural practice won a global competition run by QIA and CWG to reimagine the building. KPF will work with a market-leading team across design, engineering, planning and delivery on one of the world’s largest redevelopment projects. The project is set to begin in 2027, following the expiry of the current HSBC lease. The images of the 1.1 million sq ft building demonstrate the transformation into a unique destination, which will include best-in-class workspaces, leisure, entertainment, education, and cultural attractions. The redevelopment will create a unique proposition for businesses within 8 Canada Square, with unparalleled sustainability credentials, excellent transport links and amenities. Set in the heart of Canary Wharf, the plans will enable a new publicly accessible route between the adjacent Elizabeth line station and Canada Square Park as well as offering the outstanding views across London from Canary Wharf to the public for the first time. The investment from QIA to transform 8 Canada Square is a flagship example of the sovereign fund’s vision for multi-use real estate of the future, ensuring that the iconic building has world-class ESG credentials and meets the changing requirements of business for the long term. The building’s changing shape will create a unique proposition for businesses within 8 Canada Square, with users also benefitting from being in Canary Wharf, where visitor numbers are at an all-time high with 67.2 million people visiting Canary Wharf during 2023. Shobi Khan, CEO of CWG, added, “We look forward to working with QIA on 8 Canada Square to deliver a building of outstanding design, engineering and sustainability standards. This redevelopment is another step in Canary Wharf’s evolution into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood offering workspace, retail, homes, leisure and amenities all in one location – a true 15-minute city.” Elie Gamburg, Design Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), said: “We are extremely excited to collaborate with QIA and CWG to reimagine the single-use office building as a blueprint for the highly sustainable, mixed-use building of the future. This transformation embodies the ethos behind much of our work, we see it as an integral part of the evolution of today’s single-use neighbourhoods into vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods of tomorrow – an evolution of which CWG is already leading the way.” CWG and QIA will be working with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the appointed team to develop plans and submit a planning application. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Victoria North: FEC executes £210m contract with CR Construction to deliver latest phase of Red Bank Riverside

Victoria North: FEC executes £210m contract with CR Construction to deliver latest phase of Red Bank Riverside

Far East Consortium (FEC), the developer working in a joint venture-partnership with Manchester City Council (MCC) to deliver Manchester’s transformative £4 billion Victoria North regeneration project, has appointed CR Construction to deliver the next phase of 895 homes at the vibrant Red Bank neighbourhood.   Representatives from FEC and CR Construction were in attendance at a signing ceremony on site on Wednesday 17th July to celebrate this significant milestone in the development process.   FEC secured planning permission in August 2023 for 1,551 new homes, across plots known as NT02, NT03 and NT04, along Dantzic Street, together with a separate outline planning permission for a further 3,250 new homes within Red Bank under its transformative ‘Wild Urbanism’ concept which seeks to prioritise green space, biodiversity and active travel.   CR Construction is currently working on FEC’s neighbouring 634-home Victoria Riverside development which is due to complete in early 2025. Building on the success of this partnership, CR Construction will now deliver the next phase of Red Bank Riverside on plots NT02 & NT03 on Dantzic Street, which will include a collection of three towers reaching 20, 31 and 34 storeys-high, and another mid-rise, nine-storey block set within extensive public realm.   The scheme was designed by Hawkins\Brown Architects and Schulze+Grassov in collaboration with Optimised Environments landscape architects.   Works are due to start on site early next year, following the completion of the enabling works by Manchester City Council and its appointed contractor BAM, which is funded under the Housing Infrastructure Funding secured by the joint venture in 2019.   Nick Whitehouse, Delivery Director at FEC, said: “The execution of this contract to deliver the next phase of Red Bank Riverside is another significant milestone for one of the country’s largest regeneration projects. We’re pleased to engage the market leading skills of CR Construction on this exciting project.”   Calum Kidd, Managing Director said: “CR Construction are delighted to expand upon our existing working relationship with FEC in the UK. Securing this project is another significant milestone for us as we further establish our business and presence in the UK market as we continue to deliver on our promise to be one of the best, providing added value to our clients, partners and stakeholders.”  Shane Kelly, Projects Director at CR Construction said: “We look forward to delivering another prestigious, high quality residential project with FEC in Manchester. Our market presence in the North West is now well established and our reputation is growing as we continue to demonstrate our ability to deliver’’  Apartments are now available for reservation at the 189-home Falcon, with the next tower due to launch to the market later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Belgium's First Circular McDonald’s Restaurant

Belgium’s First Circular McDonald’s Restaurant

The design of a McDonald’s site in Bourse, Brussels has been praised for its innovative circular approach. As part of McDonald’s aim to become a net-zero business by 2050, the multinational fast food chain commissioned Antwerp-based design studio WeWantMore to create a sustainable design for its dining areas, with a focus on décor circularity. This refurbishment follows similar projects from WeWantMore at McDonald’s restaurants in Carbonne and La Guerche de Bretagne, France. The premise for these projects was to create a blueprint that could be scaled to other McDonald’s around the world, facilitated by a measurement index tracking the circularity of McDonald’s global restaurant décor. The building holds historical significance as the first McDonald’s in Belgium, and it now also represents an innovative approach to sustainable restaurant design, where every aspect has been carefully planned to minimise environmental impact. Over 80 per cent of the wood used in the project is from PEFC-certified sources, and the plastic used for tabletops and stools is largely made from recycled materials. Laminates, which are hard to recycle due to their multiple layers of composite materials, have been removed from all furniture and décor elements where possible. The lighting is energy-efficient, and the flooring and ceiling are Cradle-to-Cradle certified, allowing for easy recycling or reuse after their lifecycle. Ruud Belmans, WeWantMore Founder and Creative Director, said, “With this concept, we want to show that sustainable design can be bold and fun while making a significant difference. The main progress was made by choosing the right materials and designing the furniture and interior elements from scratch, simplifying as much as possible.” Looking to the future, the design is also purposely easy to disassemble. Rather than using glues, which can make materials harder to reuse, elements are held together using mechanical fixings. This means restaurant features can be more effectively broken down by raw material type, with the goal of recycling or reusing. Stephen Douglas, Vice President, Global Restaurant Design at McDonald’s, said, “Our new McDonald’s restaurant design bridges creativity and sustainability through a focus on décor circularity, elevating the way design meets the needs of our customers and employees. Not only does the new décor have a bright, optimistic look, but the circularity principles provide a sunny outlook to the future of how we will be feeding and fostering community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Johnson Controls enhances sustainability of eight Paris Olympic venues

Johnson Controls enhances sustainability of eight Paris Olympic venues

As the Paris Olympics 2024 is about to get underway, millions of fans will travel to the French capital city to attend one of the world’s largest sporting events. Thanks to the latest technology from Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), they will enjoy a more comfortable experience at some of the smartest and most energy-efficient stadiums on the continent. By integrating advanced building automation systems, HVAC and fire suppression technologies across eight venues, the company not only is helping the International Olympic Committee prioritise safety and operational efficiency but also is contributing to the Committee’s ambitious goal of reducing the event’s carbon footprint by 50% compared to previous Games. Achieving this goal required making the building infrastructure behind the games’ venues more energy efficient and sustainable.  For example, two of the latest innovations of Johnson Controls’ York 3.3 MW industrial chillers are in operation at the new cooling production plant, the La Chapelle plant, located in the Adidas Arena sports and cultural complex. As the twelfth power plant in the city of Paris’ cooling network, it meets the cooling needs of the Adidas Arena and the surrounding area. This equipment provides sustainable and energy-efficient cooling at one of the flagship sites of the Olympic Games. “With temperatures rising year on year and heatwaves becoming the norm, the need for sustainable cooling technology is critical to ensure optimal conditions in venues while minimising the impact on the planet,” said Marc Vandiepenbeeck, CFO and EMEALA President for Johnson Controls. “Chillers are one of the most energy-consuming pieces of equipment in a building and represent an important opportunity to cut energy use and cost, while minimising carbon footprint and delivering a healthier indoor environment.”    A further example is a renowned tennis stadium where the Johnson Controls Metasys building automation system links the most vital building equipment including HVAC, lighting control and energy management. The system controls and monitors performance and provides real-time data so facility managers can identify potential issues, make adjustments and ensure the stadium is running as efficiently and sustainably as possible.   “We are proud to work with these prestigious venues and help our customers achieve their desired outcomes in energy efficiency, carbon reduction emissions, safety, security and building management. Our expertise in smart stadiums and large venues has made Johnson Controls the partner of choice for stadiums across the world and we continue to innovate in this space to further elevate the fan experience,” continued Vandiepenbeeck.     Johnson Controls drives fan engagement, operational efficiency and sustainability with innovative building technology at sports and entertainment venues across the globe. The company provides smart buildings solutions to Intaleq in Doha,Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, O2 Arena in London,  Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas,  Chase Centre in San Francisco, Borussia Dortmund at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, and more. It offers its full range of technologies for this sector including its OpenBlue digital platform, building automation system, HVAC, fire detection and suppression Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New retirement living apartments for Cowbridge as McCarthy Stone purchases site from Mercian

New retirement living apartments for Cowbridge as McCarthy Stone purchases site from Mercian

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site in Cowbridge, South Wales, which benefits from planning consent for 50 retirement living apartments. The site was identified by Mercian Developments Limited as suitable for a retirement living development given its underlying affluent demographic and proximity to a wide range of amenities on Cowbridge’s bustling High Street. McCarthy Stone submitted and secured planning consent for a scheme of 50 retirement living apartments (C3) with communal facilities and has subsequently acquired the site from Mercian. Leah Tattersall Land Manager at McCarthy Stone, comments, “It is great news to complete on this site acquired from Mercian Developments after successfully securing a first-time planning consent. We very much look forward to bringing more high-quality retirement living homes to South Wales. Thanks to Christie & Co and Mercian Developments for their collaboration in making this happen.” Chris Towers, Managing Director of Mercian Developments, comments, “We are delighted to have worked with McCarthy Stone on this project, who were successful in securing this planning consent, which is a prime example of a great team effort. This strategically located site will bring forward the redevelopment of a former farmstead, which will be regenerated to deliver new retirement apartments for the elderly residents of Cowbridge and beyond that will integrate well within the local community.” Jordan Rundle, Director – Head of Healthcare Development at Christie & Co, who acted for Mercian Developments in the sale, comments, “According to the ONS, as of 2021 the total population in Wales was circa 3.1 million, with those aged 65 years and over accounting for circa 21%, equating to approximately 650,000 people. Consequently, there is a significant opportunity for developers and operators to provide much-needed future-proof later living accommodation in the country. McCarthy Stone’s high-quality retirement living scheme in the desirable market town of Cowbridge is another example of increased development activity we are now seeing as a trend in Wales.” The site was sold for an undisclosed price. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Higgins to build 360 new homes in Brixton

Higgins to build 360 new homes in Brixton

Higgins has clinched a deal with London’s Lambeth Council to build more than 360 new homes in the heart of Brixton. The council is set to work with Higgins Group on the second phase of development in Somerleyton Road under proposals for a net-zero development of 363 new homes, of which 54 per cent, 195 homes, would be affordable and 138 of these would be for social rent. The development partner was chosen through a procurement process for the scheme and will build on the first phase of the Somerleyton Road project which saw significant local projects completed. Those included the opening of the new Brixton House theatre and the refurbishment of the locally listed Carlton Mansions. Carlton Mansions now runs as an affordable workspace for local businesses, and Brixton House theatre has a mission to empower the undervalued, unheard, and excluded communities through creative and cultural spaces. The second phase of development, which is still subject to planning permission being granted, also includes plans for 63 extra care homes, a two-story standalone community gym and improvements and upgrades to Somerleyton Road itself. Councillor Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader of the Council and Member for Sustainable Growth and New Homes said: “Appointing a delivery partner is an important step towards building desperately needed high quality and energy efficient new affordable homes while maintaining our focus on maximising delivery of new homes at Social Rent. There are also important improvements to the local area and community benefits proposed. “This proposal also exceeded our affordable and extra care homes targets, which is a real achievement at a time when the spike in inflation has made building so much more expensive, and when every single new affordable home matters in Lambeth. “We have set a target to deliver more than 500 much-needed new affordable homes by 2030, to maximise the number of new homes at Social Rent within this and to get these new homes built at pace. To achieve this we need to work with like-minded partners who have the experience to support us in delivering these homes, which we simply would not be able to do by ourselves following over a decade of deep cuts to local government funding and underinvestment in social housing. “Through their commitment to excellent community engagement, I am looking forward to seeing the many opportunities that Higgins will provide to our residents throughout this project. From co-design sessions on the development plans to job and skills opportunities through the construction phase of the project, we will work together to bring positive social and economic impacts to Brixton and wider Lambeth.” Following formal agreement of this partnership this month, the pre-planning and resident engagement work for Somerleyton phase two are due to begin in Autumn 2024. Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Higgins Group added: “We are delighted to be appointed as Lambeth’s development partners to deliver the second phase of Somerleyton Road. We understand the Council’s objectives for the accelerated delivery of affordable homes and are committed to working with residents and stakeholders to create affordable, sustainable communities addressing local housing needs. “We are committed to engaging with the community throughout the design process and will deliver meaningful social value initiatives focussed on the needs of residents including training and employment, volunteering and community support. We look forward to collaborating with residents and stakeholders as well as the team at Lambeth and the community to bring these exciting plans to fruition.” The Somerleyton Road phase two procurement process was carried out under a competitive procedure which began in August 2023 after a Cabinet approval in July 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction work begins at Balfour Beatty Homes’ new development in Chesterfield

Construction work begins at Balfour Beatty Homes’ new development in Chesterfield

Construction work is progressing well at Balfour Beatty’s brand-new site off Old Road in Chesterfield, where the first showhome is set to officially open its doors to visitors later this year. The development is being built on the site of the former DXC Technology Manor Offices, with demolition work on the old buildings taking place in late 2023. Balfour Beatty Homes is set to build up to 60 new homes at the site, with enhanced biodiversity and public green open space for the whole community to enjoy, as well as homebuyers. Gill Sabin, Sales and Marketing Director for Balfour Beatty Homes, said: “It’s always wonderful to see building work begin to take shape, particularly as this site had become rather run-down and dilapidated – we’re set to bring it back to life with our collection of new homes. “There are so many reasons why someone would want to move to the pretty town of Chesterfield or buy a new home there if they’re already a local, including its 800-year-old open air market and unique ‘Crooked Spire’ church. “It’s a wonderful gateway town to all the rugged majesty of the Peak District, with fantastic hikes and scenic views that the whole family can enjoy. Not only that but it’s perfectly located for great access to Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham – meaning that city workers can benefit from a rural lifestyle with great connections. “We urge people to register their interest on our website, to be among the first to find out more about the new homes coming to Chesterfield as soon as it’s released.” To find out more information on the new homes and register your interest, go to balfourbeattyhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clegg Construction completes third care home for Avery Healthcare

Clegg Construction completes third care home for Avery Healthcare

Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £10.3m contract to deliver a care home in Peterborough for Avery Healthcare. The 80-bedroom, three-storey building on Waterhouse Lane is the third care home built by Clegg Construction for Avery Healthcare and is a key part of the Hampton Gardens development, which includes a convenience store, residential accommodation, and a children’s nursery. Waterhouse Manor Care Home will provide a high quality, dementia-friendly environment for older people, including suites for couples, a lounge, hair salon, café and therapy facility. Managing Director at Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “I am very pleased that Clegg Construction has handed over this superb modern facility which will provide first-class care accommodation. “Clegg Construction has wide experience of working in this sector and this is the third care home scheme that we have delivered in partnership with Avery Healthcare. Everyone involved in this excellent development can be proud of what has been achieved.” Previously, Clegg Construction delivered Middleton Lodge Care Home in Littleover, Derbyshire, and Mousehold View Care Home in Norwich for Avery Healthcare. Other key members of the project team that built Waterhouse Manor Care Home, which will provide residential, respite, and dementia care for residents, included Harris Irwin Architects, project manager and quantity surveyor Holden and Lee, and mechanical and electrical engineer Harniss. Director of developments at Avery Healthcare, Adrian Doyle, said: “Our long-term relationship with Clegg Construction is based on consistently high quality results, the strength of our partnership, and the expertise of the team that continues to deliver successful care accommodation. It’s been great to work again with Clegg on this scheme and I am delighted that our partnership has created valuable care facilities for the local community of Peterborough. “Waterhouse Manor Care Home is part of an extensive development programme being undertaken by Avery Healthcare and we are proud that this is the latest in a number of new care homes that will be opening over the next year, with others in Sheringham, Burley in Wharfedale, Downham Market, Eastbourne and Gravesend all under construction.” Natalie Maxwell, home manager at Waterhouse Manor Care Home, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled with how Waterhouse Manor Care Home turned out. Working with Clegg Construction and project manager Stacey was such a joy—they communicated wonderfully and were both professional and supportive throughout the whole process. I can’t wait for our first residents to move in soon and experience the amazing, homely atmosphere we’ve created together.” During the course of the build, Clegg Construction held site and office-based collections for Peterborough Foodbank which resulted in more than 250kg of food and toiletries donated by staff and supply chain partners. As part of Clegg’s commitment to the local area, a group of Prince’s Trust students and job centre clients visited Waterhouse Manor Care for a tour ahead of completion. Project manager Stacey Humphries and site manager Kevin Gamble led the tour and gave a presentation. This scheme is the latest in a string of care homes built by Clegg Construction over the past five years, including the £9m, 65-bedroom Highfield Care Home in Tadcaster handed over to Barchester Healthcare in May. Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialties across a range of different sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk For more information about Avery Healthcare visit https://www.averyhealthcare.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Firefighters urge Starmer to invest in public safety two years on from UK’s ever hottest day

Firefighters urge Starmer to invest in public safety two years on from UK’s ever hottest day

Two years on from the UK’s hottest ever day, the Fire Brigades Union has issued call on the new Labour government to “urgently invest in the fire service to protect public safety”.  The call comes as a yellow heat alert is issued for parts of England. Since 2010, the fire and rescue service has lost 1 in 5 firefighter jobs and more than 30% of its central government funding. As climate change accelerates, firefighters are warning that a failure to put resources back into the fire service could cost lives. On 19 July 2022, temperatures hit 40.3 degrees in Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Fifteen fire and rescue services declared major incidents due to wildfire, including Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Hertfordshire, Humberside, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, London, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Suffolk. The London Fire Brigades had its busiest day since the Second World War. In the capital alone there were: The LFB ran out of fire engines, with 39 appliances sitting idle because of a lack of firefighters to crew them.  Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Firefighters know first-hand that the climate emergency is real and getting worse. Wildfires, flooding and heat are a growing threat to lives, homes and communities. “But in recent years, austerity has robbed fire and rescue service of the resources it needs to respond effectively. One in five firefighter jobs has been lost, hundreds of fire engines have been axed and dozens of fire stations closed. “It is welcome that Labour has committed to introducing national standards to address fragmentation. But the new government must urgently invest in the fire service to protect public safety”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Beard appoints new social value manager

Beard appoints new social value manager

Beard, an award-winning contractor in the south of England, has announced the promotion of Paula Baleson to social value manager. In the newly-created position, Paula will take the lead in defining a new company-wide strategy and provide support to a team of social value coordinators, ensuring Beard’s work and actions deliver wider social, economic and environmental benefits. One of her first duties has been developing the company’s new social value framework. This will set out social value targets for the business for 2030, and will be rolled out across Beard’s entire team and its five regional offices in the coming months. Paula joined Beard in 2022 as communications manager, having previously spent five years at building firm Midas Group. Having emigrated from South Africa in 2016, Paula joined Midas’s residential division, Mi-space, as business development and office coordinator, before moving into a central role as group marketing executive. She has also spent time as marketing communications manager for water solutions company SDS Limited. Across its 130-plus year history, Beard has been committed to social value through its sustainable construction, its charitable work and good relationships with the local communities in which it works. But social value is becoming both more formalised in the construction sector, and increasingly important from both an ethical and business perspective, with a growing number of tender opportunities, including Government contracts, now having social and environmental requirements. Beard’s social objectives and ambitions align well with the new Government’s agenda of supporting SMEs, increasing their spend with social enterprises and providing best value to customers. Alongside the introduction of the new Procurement Act in October this year – which is designed to make public procurement more accessible, efficient and beneficial for councils and suppliers – the Government has used its first King’s Speech to set out imminent plans to change planning regulations and increase infrastructure delivery.  Speaking on her promotion, Paula Baleson said: “I am incredibly proud to be taking this next step in my career with Beard and taking on such an important role. While Beard’s community, environmental and charitable spirit has always been clearly visible, the focus this new role brings enables us to really strengthen our efforts, particularly as social value continues to play an even bigger part in the construction sector in the UK. “I’m hugely passionate about supporting everyone at Beard to create positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for local communities. The development of our social value framework will certainly help to facilitate this and I look forward to sharing this with all our colleagues, partners and customers very soon.” Mike Hedges, company operations director at Beard, added: “As a proud family-run firm, Beard has always been a business with social consciousness. Our ongoing commitment of adding value to the communities in which we work and taking care of the planet, highlights the broader benefits of our projects. Beyond constructing buildings, we focus on ensuring that every project lives on beyond its site boundaries, delivering meaningful value to the entire community. Paula is a fantastic fit to lead this initiative, and along with her talented team, will ensure our work and our actions have a clear social footprint and a lasting legacy.” Beard is a family-owned and run construction company based in Swindon, with a wealth of experience in both public and private sectors, including education, healthcare, sports, leisure and the arts. Alongside its head office in Swindon, Beard has regional offices in Bristol, Oxford, Guildford and Southampton. For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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