July 29, 2024
Hampton by Hilton to Debut at London Heathrow

Hampton by Hilton to Debut at London Heathrow

Hilton has announced the signing of Hampton by Hilton London Heathrow Bath Road, marking the brand’s debut at Europe’s busiest airport, as part of a franchise agreement with Acre Hotels Ltd, part of the Westcombe Group. Conveniently located near the M4 motorway, the hotel will be a short 7-minute drive from

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Glencar announces completion of 268,000 sq. ft speculative industrial/logistics scheme for Panattoni in Brighton

Glencar announces completion of 268,000 sq. ft speculative industrial/logistics scheme for Panattoni in Brighton

Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced construction is complete of 7 speculatively built Grade A industrial/logistics units totalling 268,063 sq. ft at Brighton City Airport industrial development for Panattoni, a leading international developer specialising in industrial real estate

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Derwent Facilities Management Part of Preferred Consortium for Major University of Manchester Campus Redevelopment

Derwent Facilities Management Part of Preferred Consortium for Major University of Manchester Campus Redevelopment

Derwent Facilities Management (Derwent FM) has been selected as part of the Viridis consortium, alongside Equitix and GRAHAM, as the preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of The University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus. This ambitious project stands as one of the largest Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) initiatives currently

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Preferred bidder selected for approved University of Manchester Fallowfield campus redevelopment

Preferred bidder selected for approved University of Manchester Fallowfield campus redevelopment

Viridis, a consortium of Equitix (infrastructure investor, developer and manager)), GRAHAM (equity and construction) and Derwent FM (facilities management), has been selected as preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment under a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) model. This selection

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90 new affordable homes and over 300 new jobs coming to Bradford

90 new affordable homes and over 300 new jobs coming to Bradford

The UK’s leading social enterprise, Places for People, in partnership with Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure affordable homes, is set to build 90 new affordable homes in Bierly, Bradford.   The site – Woodlands Edge – in Bierley, a suburb of Bradford, will provide areas of new open

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JELD-WEN supports Golden Thread in data pin doorset launch

JELD-WEN supports Golden Thread in data pin doorset launch

One of the UK’s leading doorset manufacturers, JELD-WEN has launched a new data pin solution that will promote greater fire safety compliance among customers. The new data pin, provided by Door Data Systems, will now be installed across every Certifire doorset by JELD-WEN, allowing for the Golden Thread of information

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Bedford Academy Gets Green Light for £12m Extension

Bedford Academy Gets Green Light for £12m Extension

Plans for a twelve-million-pound extension at Bedford Academy have been approved, marking a significant step forward in its ambitious expansion strategy. The extension on Mile Road will see 16 state-of-the-art classrooms alongside changing rooms, a dining area, and community café added to the school’s facilities. The new classrooms will have

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

July 29, 2024

Hampton by Hilton to Debut at London Heathrow

Hampton by Hilton to Debut at London Heathrow

Hilton has announced the signing of Hampton by Hilton London Heathrow Bath Road, marking the brand’s debut at Europe’s busiest airport, as part of a franchise agreement with Acre Hotels Ltd, part of the Westcombe Group. Conveniently located near the M4 motorway, the hotel will be a short 7-minute drive from Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 and 3, with easy access to Central London in 30 minutes via the Elizabeth Line. The 157-room hotel will offer onsite parking and Hampton by Hilton’s signature amenities including flexible communal spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast, and a retail market for on-the-go food, drink and essentials. Each room will benefit from the brand’s refreshed interior design with warm colour palettes, a work desk, and a 55” HDTV, ensuring a welcoming and functional atmosphere for all guests. Graham Dodd, managing director, development, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “We are thrilled to announce Hampton by Hilton’s debut at London Heathrow, strategically located to serve travellers at Europe’s busiest airport. As we continue to expand our presence at this key global gateway, we are committed to providing dependable, friendly service and comfortable stays for all guests, whether they are preparing for a flight or unwinding after a long journey.” Hampton by Hilton London Heathrow Bath Road joins a growing portfolio of Hilton properties in the area, including the Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3, Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, and DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow Airport. Guests of all Hilton properties can benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences. Hilton Honors members can also unlock access to instant rewards and benefits, such as contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts. Kamal Pankhania CEO of the Westcombe Group commented: “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Hilton, building on our previous work with the business with another franchise agreement. Two of our Group Companies, Westcombe Construction Limited and Acre Hotels Limited, will manage the construction and subsequent operation of the hotel. We’re very much looking forward to delivering another top-quality hotel for an excellent brand, and adding to the significant number of hotels in Westcombe Group’s development portfolio.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar announces completion of 268,000 sq. ft speculative industrial/logistics scheme for Panattoni in Brighton

Glencar announces completion of 268,000 sq. ft speculative industrial/logistics scheme for Panattoni in Brighton

Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced construction is complete of 7 speculatively built Grade A industrial/logistics units totalling 268,063 sq. ft at Brighton City Airport industrial development for Panattoni, a leading international developer specialising in industrial real estate and warehouse. The works comprised of the design and build of each of the industrial units, including associated external works, services, infrastructure and landscaping, achieving the BREEAM Excellent and EPC ‘A’ Rating and designed to prioritise energy efficiency and reduced operating costs. The units feature an enhanced specification including 15% warehouse rooflights, 20% EV charging points, rainwater harvesting, roof mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system, 50 KN/M2 floor loading, 2.5MWA incoming power supply, upto 10M clear internal height together with cycle parking. In speaking about the completion Roy Jones Glencar Managing Director UK London and South said: “Panattoni Park Brighton stands out as the South coast’s pre-eminent logistics and industrial development, bringing to market 7 Grade A specification units that appeal to a broad range of occupiers. This build features an enhanced specification including an array of cutting edge, ultra-modern, highly sustainable features, achieving the BREEAM Excellent and EPC ‘A’ rating which we and the full professional team are very proud to achieve.  This once again demonstrates our expertise in the industrial & Logistics sector and our ability to construct multi-unit developments simultaneously to an exceptional standard. We have enjoyed a very successful and productive relationship working with Panattoni and the full project team and I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation for the exceptional outcome created and we look forward to working closely again very soon”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Derwent Facilities Management Part of Preferred Consortium for Major University of Manchester Campus Redevelopment

Derwent Facilities Management Part of Preferred Consortium for Major University of Manchester Campus Redevelopment

Derwent Facilities Management (Derwent FM) has been selected as part of the Viridis consortium, alongside Equitix and GRAHAM, as the preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of The University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus. This ambitious project stands as one of the largest Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) initiatives currently active in the UK. The Fallowfield Campus redevelopment will be a transformative project, providing up to 5,400 student beds by replacing older accommodations with 3,300 modern, high-quality bedrooms. The project will specifically focus on upgrading and replacing the existing Owens Park, Oak House, and Woolton Hall residences, ensuring they meet the increasing demand for high-quality student housing on the popular campus. Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director at Derwent FM, said: “Our selection as part of the Viridis consortium for The University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment is a very significant milestone for Derwent FM. This is a testament to our expertise and dedication to supporting the student sector in the UK and the significant experience and expertise of the Derwent FM team!” Achal Bhuwania, Equitix CIO, said: “Delighted that an Equitix consortium has been selected to support the University of Manchester in its next stage of growth and development, to provide a world-class student living experience. This is further testament to the proven capabilities and commitment to UK greenfield infrastructure as well as supporting British supply chain partners. This win was achieved through our relentless focus on building trust and long-lasting relationships as well as providing best in class solutions with core focus on sustainability and value for money.” GRAHAM CEO, Andrew Bill said: “GRAHAM is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Manchester to deliver its vision for the Fallowfield Residences Redevelopment Programme. Together, we will focus on creating an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.” The project is being undertaken under a Design, Build, Finance, and Operate (DBFO) model, ensuring that all aspects from initial design through to ongoing operations will be managed to the highest standards. This comprehensive approach guarantees that the new accommodations will not only meet but exceed the expectations of the students and the university. The University and the Viridis consortium will collaborate to refine their DBFO delivery plans, aiming to achieve financial close by summer 2025. The redevelopment of Fallowfield Campus marks a significant investment in the future of student living at The University of Manchester. It underscores the university’s commitment to providing top-tier facilities and a vibrant community environment for its students. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Preferred bidder selected for approved University of Manchester Fallowfield campus redevelopment

Preferred bidder selected for approved University of Manchester Fallowfield campus redevelopment

Viridis, a consortium of Equitix (infrastructure investor, developer and manager)), GRAHAM (equity and construction) and Derwent FM (facilities management), has been selected as preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment under a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) model. This selection followed a competitive tendering process and represents an important step towards a significant upgrade of the University’s student accommodation offering. The University and Viridis consortium will now work together to further develop its DBFO delivery plans with the aim of reaching financial close by summer 2025. The redevelopment will create modern, high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus. It forms part of a phased redevelopment to increase the supply of modern bedrooms and student socialising spaces to provide a supportive residential experience. The University of Manchester’s proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus to provide more high-quality, modern student accommodation was approved by Manchester City Council Planning and Highways Committee in January 2024. The approved plans encompass the redevelopment of Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall to meet the demand for student bedrooms in inclusive, safe and sociable surroundings. Located near the University’s main buildings, the site is well-connected and provides students with a wide range of support services to ensure a world-class student experience.  On completion, the wider Fallowfield campus will offer up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing older accommodation on-site and delivering 3,300 updated bedrooms to meet the growing demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular campus.    The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases. Demolition of Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings, which have been closed for several years, is ongoing and due to complete early in 2025. Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester said: ‘We are delighted to have reached another key milestone in the progression of our plans for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment with the selection of Viridis as preferred bidder and our delivery partner. Clearly, there remains a lot of work to do in order to reach financial close on this exciting programme by summer 2025. ‘As we have said previously, these plans show our commitment to providing our new and returning students with modern, high-quality accommodation. This much needed update to one of our most popular student campuses will help us to continue to meet the needs of our student population by delivering well-connected, serviced, modern accommodation in a supportive and inclusive environment.   ‘As we progress, we will continue to work with our Fallowfield neighbours and local neighbourhood managers so that both our students and the surrounding community can benefit as much as possible from the redevelopment project.’ Achal Bhuwania, Equitix CIO said: ‘Delighted that an Equitix consortium has been selected to support the University of Manchester in its next stage of growth and development, to provide a world-class student living experience. This is further testament to the proven capabilities and commitment to UK greenfield infrastructure as well as supporting British supply chain partners. This win was achieved through our relentless focus on building trust and long-lasting relationships as well as providing best in class solutions with core focus on sustainability and value for money.’ GRAHAM CEO, Andrew Bill said: ‘GRAHAM is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Manchester to deliver its vision for the Fallowfield Residences Redevelopment Programme. Together, we will focus on creating an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.’ The University of Manchester advisors for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment Programme are: RLB, CBRE, Student First Group, QMPF and Pinsent Masons. The Viridis advisors are: Sheppard Robson (design), Operis (financial and accounting), Osborne Clarke (legal and tax), Howdens (insurance) and WSP (technical) To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project website at Fallowfield student campus Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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90 new affordable homes and over 300 new jobs coming to Bradford

90 new affordable homes and over 300 new jobs coming to Bradford

The UK’s leading social enterprise, Places for People, in partnership with Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure affordable homes, is set to build 90 new affordable homes in Bierly, Bradford.   The site – Woodlands Edge – in Bierley, a suburb of Bradford, will provide areas of new open space, green corridors and landscaping. Existing pedestrian connections will be improved, and work will be undertaken to enhance nearby Brierley Hall Woods.  The new homes will include a range of two- and three-bedroom houses, offered in affordable rent and shared ownership tenures.   The development is expected to create 144 full-time construction jobs and almost 180 supply chain jobs across the build period, injecting £23m into the local economy. As part of their commitment to social value, Places for People will also work closely with local schools and colleges to provide site visits, toolbox talks, and work placements, as well as supporting local schools’ own initiatives.   Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North of Places for People comments:   “As the UK’s leading social enterprise, we have a long-term plan to help address England’s chronic shortage of homes and build sustainable communities, with a big focus on delivering much-needed affordable homes. We are delighted to work with Bradford Council and our strategic partners, Vistry Group to create 90 much-needed affordable houses for the local community. We’re also proud to provide significant employment opportunities and showcase the opportunities a career in the built environment can offer.”  Vistry secured planning permission for the development back in October 2023 and work is set to start on site this summer.     Andrew Poyner, Managing Director of Vistry, West Yorkshire, said:   “Thanks to the engagement and support of Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we’ve been able to work together with Places for People to unlock this site for development. It will now deliver 90 high-quality, affordable homes, making a significant impact on Bradford’s affordable housing supply.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Breaking new ground – Saltash is Bloor Homes’ first development in Cornwall

Breaking new ground – Saltash is Bloor Homes’ first development in Cornwall

Bloor Homes has celebrated the start of its new ‘Treledan’ development at Saltash, the developer’s first in Cornwall. Bloor Homes will complete phases 2 and 3 of this key 300-acre site for the county, which already has outline planning consent for 1000 new homes, a brand-new primary school, allocation for commercial development and infrastructure improvements. As well as delivering much needed two, three, four and five bedroom new housing for people in the local area, including 90 affordable homes across phase two, the new development will retain large areas of public open spaces including parkland, children’s play areas, allotments, community orchards, forest gardens and sports pitches as part of its Section 106 (S106) commitments. There will also be a new cycleway across the whole site, a new footbridge over the A38 and a new access roundabout from the A38. Bloor Homes will also make S106 contributions towards local infrastructure, primary and secondary education, health care, public transport and a new neighbourhood centre, bringing the total in excess of £2 million. Bradley Davison, Managing Director for Bloor Homes’ Exeter region, said: “Since Treledan is our first development in Cornwall we have worked very closely with Cornwall Council and other key stakeholders in the local area to ensure we are providing quality new homes for Saltash which are sympathetic to the local area and meet Cornwall Council’s sustainability and affordability requirements. “We have been building new homes and communities across England since 1969, but we are really looking forward to sharing our vision for phases 2 and 3 here and opening our showhomes to the public in Cornwall for the first time next year so they can experience the high quality and style we are bringing to this important location.” The land was allocated for development in Cornwall Council’s Local Plan as part of the ‘gateway to Cornwall’ and is a helping to address the issue of affordable housing as part of its economic growth strategy. The new development is in line with Saltash Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan whose vision for a ‘prosperous and diverse economy’ is linked to excellent provision of new homes. Bradley adds: “Although we are in the very early stages of building our first new homes at Treledan, people can already find out more about them and register to receive priority information by visiting our website – bloorhomes.com and we look forward to welcoming people to the sales cabin this Autumn.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Alliance Leisure And Partners Celebrate The Completion of Steel Works at Wilson Sports Village, Clayton-le-Moors

Alliance Leisure And Partners Celebrate The Completion of Steel Works at Wilson Sports Village, Clayton-le-Moors

On Wednesday last week, Alliance Leisure was joined by construction company, ISG; architects, Pozzoni and project managers, Axiom on the site of the £12 million new build sport and leisure complex at Wilson’s Playing Fields, Clayton- le-Moors to mark the completion of the buildings steel structure. The event coincided with the unveiling of the Borough’s plans to launch an Active Environment Strategy which saw a number of local Place Partners including Hyndburn Leisure and Sport England at the new build development site. “It’s absolutely fantastic to see this development taking shape” says Tom Gardner, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure. “Now that the steel frame is in place, you can visualise the size of the building and how it will complement the surrounding active spaces. “Once completed, the facility will further enhance the sport and physical activity opportunities for the community, making it a fitting location to share plans of the new Active Environment Strategy, designed to encourage more people to adopt active lifestyles.” Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of the Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, adds: “Wilson Sports Village is the result of a £12 million investment by the Council, including £2.4 million contribution from Sport England via its Strategic Facilities Fund to deliver leisure facilities and services that are inclusive and diverse in their appeal. “Our vision is to create opportunities for everyone in our community to be able to access and enjoy an active lifestyle. Working with Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, has enabled us to employ expertise at every stage of the design and development to create a physical activity hub that fully complements the surrounding pitches, woodland and athletics track.” The build project in Clayton-le Moors is set to complete in Spring 2025. James Watson, Project Manager at ISG, says: “Wilson Sports Village is an excellent example of how local authorities can transform health, wellbeing and fitness outcomes in a community. Through detailed design, planning and engagement, the village seeks to encourage movement and has been designed with the local community in mind. Many people who stop to watch the progress on site tell me that they are excited to see it open. “Not only will the project deliver for the community once it opens, we have also worked closely with the council to ensure we deliver social value legacy, through job creation, training and development, and local supply chain spend.” Wilson Sports Village will offer a range of targeted facilities including a 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness suite, sauna & steam room, multi-purpose studio, café, large changing village and dedicated changing facilities that will service the outdoor sports facilities. Lyndsey Sims, Chief Executive, Hyndburn Leisure, says: “Wilson Sports Village has been designed to accommodate everyone. The facilities, housed within a single storey building, reflect the Council’s ambition to support all individuals, including those with a disability and/or long-term health conditions. The Leisure Trust are working alongside the Together an Active Future, Place Partnership and the Activity Alliance, to appoint a team, of ‘Let Me Move’ champions to enhance our engagement with people with a disability and/or additional needs. Sims continues: “Hyndburn has some of the worst levels of inactivity and obesity in England resulting in lower health expectancy rates and poor quality of health and wellbeing for residents. We are working closely with the council and local partners to tackle these statistics. This is what the development of the Wilson Sports Village and the new ‘Active Environment Strategy’ is all about so it is fantastic to be able to bring partners together, here on site, and get a real feel for how our vision for change is playing out into reality.” Speaking of the development, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place at Sport England, says: “The Wilson Sports Village is a testament to both the Council’s and Sport England’s commitment to health and wellbeing.  “With the help of £2.4m of Sport England funding via the National Lottery, this is genuinely a landmark development for Hyndburn, with the ambition for the Sports  village to be a  catalyst to help more people, of all abilities, get physically active for the benefit of their wellbeing. It is particularly pleasing to see the development of their Active Environment Strategy alongside the facility to ensure people have the opportunity to move in their outdoor places and spaces. For more information about Alliance Leisure visit: allianceleisure.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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JELD-WEN supports Golden Thread in data pin doorset launch

JELD-WEN supports Golden Thread in data pin doorset launch

One of the UK’s leading doorset manufacturers, JELD-WEN has launched a new data pin solution that will promote greater fire safety compliance among customers. The new data pin, provided by Door Data Systems, will now be installed across every Certifire doorset by JELD-WEN, allowing for the Golden Thread of information to be implemented at the earliest stage. Offering an advanced level of digital recording and data collection for fire doorsets in commercial and multi-occupancy buildings, the pins will enhance traceability and enable individuals in positions of responsibility to demonstrate a comprehensive approach to fire door compliance. Fitted in the hinge side of the door during the manufacturing process, the pin will provide immediate access to its certification, technical documentation, installation guides, warranties and inspection reports. These records are linked to a state-of-the-art system, whereby data is stored and available via a free-to-download app. To further enhance the user experience, data is presented in a clear and easy-to-read central dashboard, meaning no specialist training is required, while features such as scheduled reminders can support building management in future fire door maintenance. Glyn Hauser, R&D Senior Group Manager at JELD-WEN comments: “As one of the first manufacturers to introduce this advanced data pin system, we’re advocates for greater transparency throughout the supply chain, which we believe is needed to improve modern fire door practice. “Compliance is in the DNA of every JELD-WEN product, and launching the data pin is an important step in ensuring the Golden Thread can be implemented at the very first opportunity. We believe this capability will allow for better facility management of a building and, ultimately, a safer environment for the people within it.” As part of JELD-WEN’s commitment to providing customers with end-to-end support throughout the lifecycle of their doorsets, a number of easy-to-follow videos will ensure best practice is achieved during the installation stage of the Golden Thread process. For more information on JELD-WEN’s new data pin solution, visit https://www.jeld-wen.co.uk/door-data-pin Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Balfour Beatty introduces human recognition standards across UK projects

Balfour Beatty introduces human recognition standards across UK projects

Balfour Beatty has become the first Tier One contractor to mandate human recognition cameras on certain items of plant and machinery across all its UK operations. According to the latest Work-related fatal injuries report by the Health and Safety Executive, the construction sector continues to account for the greatest number of workers involved in fatal incidents in the UK every year. Among these incidents, 18% of the injuries were from workers being struck by moving vehicles.  As part of its Zero Harm mission, Balfour Beatty has mandated human recognition technology to improve the people and plant interface risk.This latest technology is designed to proactively cover the “Blind Spots” around the plant. The cameras detect the human form and will trigger an alarm to alert pedestrians and the operator of the plant to the potential risk.    In addition to the camera, a ‘digital thumbs up’ system has also been introduced so plant operators can temporarily disable the machine to allow individuals to approach – creating a no entry sign outside the machine which turns into a green thumbs up symbol, when the operator signals that it is safe to approach.   Alongside the on-site alarms, data collection and sharing of hazards and incursions from the technology will enable site discussions and change individual and site behaviours. Balfour Beatty will mandate human form recognition cameras on excavators above 13 tonnes, forward tipping dumpers over 6 tonnes, articulated dump trucks weighing more than 9 tonnes, rollers of 13 tonnes and above as well as telehandlers, dozers,and wheeled loaders.  Discussing the Group’s commitment to leveraging technology for safety, Balfour Beatty Chief Technology Officer Chris Johnson said:  “At Balfour Beatty, we believe that our long-term success is dependent upon our ability to keep our workforce, suppliers, subcontractors and members of the public safe. It is of utmost importance and our biggest priority.   “Today’s announcement is another important step towards eliminating harm across all Balfour Beatty projects. By mandating these new strident measures, we will continue this positive trajectory and ensure that everyone gets home safe, everyday.”  The human form recognition requirement for plants on Balfour Beatty projects across the UK came into effect in June this year and will be rolled out to supply chain partners as a standard in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bedford Academy Gets Green Light for £12m Extension

Bedford Academy Gets Green Light for £12m Extension

Plans for a twelve-million-pound extension at Bedford Academy have been approved, marking a significant step forward in its ambitious expansion strategy. The extension on Mile Road will see 16 state-of-the-art classrooms alongside changing rooms, a dining area, and community café added to the school’s facilities. The new classrooms will have a bright, safe and simple design, with whiteboards and ICT facilities, catering for an additional 300 students. Following the extension, Bedford Academy is set to be one of the largest secondary schools in Bedford Borough, with ambitious plans to reach a total of 1,800 pupils by 2029. The two-storey extension will operate to high energy efficiency levels with ‘U Values’ that ensure minimal heat loss through the facade of the building, as well as designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation. Multi-disciplinary firm Pick Everard, operating through Perfect Circle and accelerated under the SCAPE Consultancy framework, has been appointed by Bedford Borough Council to project manage the scheme, alongside GSSArchitecture and Ashe Construction. Sean Conneely, director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide much-needed additional pupil places and facilities for the children of Bedford and the local community. “Working collaboratively with the design and construction team, we have engaged with user groups to influence the design, and we will deliver a ‘Net Zero Carbon in Operation’ sustainable building ready for use in September 2025.” The versatility and flexibility of the space will allow Bedford Academy to function as a community hub outside of school learning hours for football, basketball, badminton, faith groups and dance schools. The multi-use space will also include a kitchen, dining hall and community cafe with Wi-Fi and will be open to parents and visitors during evening and weekend activities, with space for up to 300 people in one sitting. Chris Chapman, partner at GSS, said: “The building and materials have been carefully chosen to provide a modern and contemporary addition to Bedford Academy. “We have listened to students, staff and local community groups to ensure that we have designed a modern sustainable building set in the heart of the local community, and we are looking forward to seeing it progress in the future.” A silent study area and office spaces for staff to work will be also included and 300 student lockers will be installed. 20 new car parking spaces, disabled parking and four electric vehicle spaces will be created. The school will also add 77 new cycle spaces to encourage sustainable travel to school. The project is expected to be completed for the 25/26 school year. Bedford Academy, which is part of the HEART Academies Trust, has a reputation for promoting high standards and good relationships with all members of the local community to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential. In addition to the educational work, the relationship between Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council has also seen it undertake cross-sector operations in the region, with healthcare centres, heritage works, residential, and commercial projects amongst its portfolio, alongside the new railway station in Wixams.  For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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