August 12, 2024

Innovative Rendering by Sto Transforms Oxford Circus Landmark

Innovative Rendering by Sto Transforms Oxford Circus Landmark

Sto, in collaboration with applicators Chiltern Contracts, has successfully completed a rendering project that enhances both performance and aesthetics for a refurbished multi-purpose building in central London. Located in Oxford Circus, Henry Wood House was originally constructed in the 1960s and consists of a 16-storey tower with two interconnecting wings,

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Leeds PIPES wins leading heat network recognition

Leeds PIPES wins leading heat network recognition

The Leeds PIPES heat network has gained international recognition as a international exemplar for city-wide heating systems, following a visit from the Canada-based Boltzmann Institute. The delegation attended as part of a pan-European “study tour”, to gain crucial insights to aid in the expansion of Canada’s low carbon energy infrastructure.

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Energy-efficient homes at Trimdon Village are on sale

Energy-efficient homes at Trimdon Village are on sale

Housebuilder Homes by Esh, has brought forward a development of 41 energy-efficient homes in Trimdon Village. The Bluebell Gardens development features a mix of three- and four-bedroom detached homes and two-bedroom terraced bungalows, with nine house types providing a range of choices for potential buyers. The development, which is adjacent

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Construction starts on major new college in Skegness

Construction starts on major new college in Skegness

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has started work building a new £12 million eagerly anticipated college campus in Skegness. Once complete in 2025, Skegness Learning Campus will offer a diverse range of vocational education courses from the Wainfleet Road site that are tailored to meet the needs

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Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

August 12, 2024

Bouygues UK appointed as lead contractor for Stanmore College under CF21 framework

Bouygues UK appointed as lead contractor for Stanmore College under CF21 framework

Lead contractor Bouygues UK has been appointed by the Department for Education to build Stanmore College, a further education college in Harrow, under the CF21 Framework. The college will be funded by the DfE’s Further Education Improvement Programme. Bouygues UK will be reconfiguring the college’s existing site by replacing four buildings with four new builds, to be completed in summer 2027 with work starting imminently. Education is a key sector for Bouygues UK and the contractor has a strong track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable and inspiring places to learn. Another recent education project completed by Bouygues UK in London is Leigh Academy in Blackheath that achieved a BREEAM score of ‘Excellent’ giving it the sustainability level equivalent to the top 10% of the UK’s non-domestic buildings, demonstrating the contractor’s dedication to sustainable construction. Bouygues UK will be using its education building standardised ‘kit of parts’ approach for the build, incorporating net zero principles. This will help ensure flexibility, affordability, sustainability, reduced ongoing maintenance and surety of price and programme. As construction of the college commences, the contractor will be inducting its first cohort of T Level students into Design Surveying and Planning internships, developed in collaboration with the social enterprise, Class Of Your Own, renowned for its award-winning “Design Engineer Construct!” learning programme which will place future professionals at the heart of its cutting-edge projects. Phillippa Prongué, MD for London and the South East at Bouygues UK said, “We are thrilled to have been chosen for this project, as the education sector is a significant focus area for us, and excited to welcome our T Level interns who will be able to gain an unparalleled understanding of contractor work.  Our construction methods for schools have evolved in line with the DfE’s output specification and we are looking forward to using our kit-of-parts approach and incorporating more off-site construction. We know that the construction of high-quality education buildings plays a key role in producing better student outcomes.” Stanmore College Principal, Annette Cast said. “We are committed to delivering education with immeasurable benefits for our students, both now and for future generations. We are excited to offer them modern, sustainable, state-of-the-art facilities in brand-new buildings that will provide an enhanced learning environment. These new spaces will significantly enrich the student experience, leading to better educational outcomes and equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their future careers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar announces completion of circa 100,000 sq. ft Mid-Box scheme for Vengrove in Birmingham

Glencar announces completion of circa 100,000 sq. ft Mid-Box scheme for Vengrove in Birmingham

The project involved the construction of one unit subdivided by a 1-hour firewall to create two lettable spaces of 42,000 and 58,000 sq. ft at Erdington Industrial Park in Birmingham. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that is has completed the construction of two lettable spaces of 42,000 and 58,000 sq. ft for investment management and advisory firm Vengrove at Erdington Industrial Park in Birmingham. The units which were built speculatively were constructed to an extremely high specification with best in class ESG credentials achieving the score of BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rating.  The specification includes 10M eaves height, 44M yard depth, roof mounted PV panels together with dock level and level access doors. Speaking about the project Glencar Managing Director Midlands, Pete Goodman said: “This development goes some way towards tackling the shortage of new, high specification mid-box warehousing in Birmingham with occupier demand outstripping supply. Logistics and Industrial is truly at the core of what we do and the best in class ESG specification that features in this development is now firmly established as an industry benchmark.  In this aspect, Glencar is making significant strides and leading the way in terms of delivering sustainable development that features both reduced carbon in construction and eventual operation. I would like to thank the full professional team on this build who have delivered an exceptional end-product and we look forward to seeing the building in operation”. Also in comment Jennie Brown, Asset Manager at Vengrove said:“We’re thrilled to be launching this best-in-class speculative scheme to the market. The levels of occupier interest we have seen in the units to date, both combined and individually, is a testament to the quality of product that has been delivered by Glencar and the professional team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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A2Dominion completes £5 million project to improve fire safety at high-rise building in London

A2Dominion completes £5 million project to improve fire safety at high-rise building in London

A £5 million project to replace cladding and improve fire safety at a 74-home central London development has now been completed.  The works at Barrington Court in Victoria form part of A2Dominion’s wider programme to remediate cladding at a total of 65 developments to ensure they meet new government safety legislation.   Recladding works at Barrington Court   Barrington Court, built in 2009, includes a mix of leasehold and social rented homes.  A2Dominion invested £5m in replacing the cladding, which includes £1.4m from the government’s building safety fund. No costs have been passed to customers.   Saleh Mirza, A2Dominion’s Head of Building Projects, who is responsible for delivering the fire safety remediation programme said: “We first carried out an initial inspection of Barrington Court in 2020 where we found the building used a type of cladding that is now known to be a non-conformant material which is unsuitable for buildings.   “Works began in March 2023, and took just over a year to complete ending in June this year. The building now has a new cladding system which is a safe and non-combustible material. Our wider fire safety programme, which involves undertaking fire safety works at 65 schemes, is on track and due to be completed in 2026.”  A2Dominion employed contractor Equans to deliver the works with minimal disruption.  Solar panels   While carrying out safety works, A2Dominion also upgraded the building’s solar panels with the latest technology. The energy supplied through these drastically reduces the amount of power needed from an energy supplier for the communal areas.  By introducing the new solar power system, leaseholders in the building will save approximately £6,000 in service charges each year.   Continued support offered for customers   A team of Resident Liaison Officers and specialist Property and Safety Managers have been supporting customers where fire safety work is taking place.   Maaz Khan, A2Dominion’s Senior Property and Safety Manager, who is responsible for managing Barrington Court, said: “One of our key objectives is to improve customer engagement by having a weekly on-site presence.  “I have been able to speak to customers face-to-face rather than just over email, which has helped us discuss the building safety works. This collaborative approach has enabled our customers to have their say in decisions about buildings and their homes.”  A2Dominion customer Peter spoke about the improvements they had seen in the service they have been receiving and said: “We are seeing results and benefits I never thought we’d see. Residents would appreciate Maaz’s standard and problem solving at A2Dominion moving forward.”  Building fire safety programme  In 2019, A2Dominion carried out inspections to identify which buildings needed recladding, as part of new safety measures introduced by the government.   Although most of its buildings do not need fire safety works, A2Dominion has created a programme to carry out essential recladding to buildings that need it, which included Barrington Court.   You can find out more about A2Dominion’s fire safety programme here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Innovative Rendering by Sto Transforms Oxford Circus Landmark

Innovative Rendering by Sto Transforms Oxford Circus Landmark

Sto, in collaboration with applicators Chiltern Contracts, has successfully completed a rendering project that enhances both performance and aesthetics for a refurbished multi-purpose building in central London. Located in Oxford Circus, Henry Wood House was originally constructed in the 1960s and consists of a 16-storey tower with two interconnecting wings, each five storeys high. The building comprises 69,000 square feet of office space, 10,800 square feet of retail, and a hotel occupying the upper seven floors. The external renovation required the refurbishment of the existing façade, including the application of new rendering. Sto was chosen to design a system that would not only repair the damaged façade but also meet a specific design brief from Ben Adams Architects and the building’s owners, Derwent. The brief called for a modern, linear render finish that would bring texture to the building’s surface and provide a durable exterior. Bogdan Stefan, Project Manager for Chiltern Contracts’ façades division, said: “The linear appearance, which was to be applied across thousands of square metres, was particularly challenging and had not been replicated anywhere else in the UK before. “Meticulous planning was crucial to achieve the desired result. Sto provided specialist training for our applicators, enabling us to create extensive mock-ups for the client’s approval before commencing the work.” To create the StoSignature linear appearance, Stolit MP render was applied, and using a special V-shaped trowel, the applicators carefully pulled the trowel in one direction across the render at a specific angle to achieve the exact finish required. Bogdan continued: “Replicating the precise lines approved in the mock-up on a much larger scale required significant skill and patience. To ensure consistency and the highest standards, the applicators who were specially trained by Sto completed the entire project from start to finish.” Before applying the specialist render finish, the StoReno Plan system was used to repair the façade. This system was installed over the failing mosaic tile cladding and granite slips. It comprised an adhesive bedding coat, StoReno A recycled glass, mesh-reinforced carrier boards, a reinforcing coat with embedded mesh, and the decorative render finish. This system ensures the new façade is resistant to cracking and weathering. The new repair system was specifically selected for installations requiring an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification. Given the complexity of the installation, Sto provided ongoing technical advice and support to the applicators throughout the project. Due to the building’s existing structure and high negative wind loads, strict fixing patterns had to be agreed upon and followed. The installation was reviewed by Sto at various stages to ensure the workmanship met the required standards, securing an extended warranty. The rendering project was completed on time and met the high expectations of all parties involved. For more information, visit www.sto.co.uk, email info.uk@sto.com, or call 0330 024 2666. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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STRABAG UK completes exploratory tunnel for a pumped hydro storage project at Coire Glas in Loch Lochy

STRABAG UK completes exploratory tunnel for a pumped hydro storage project at Coire Glas in Loch Lochy

STRABAG UK have completed the 1.2km long exploratory tunnel for SSE Renewables on the banks of Loch Lochy using the drill and blast technique. The multi-disciplinary team of over 100 members of staff set up a fully operational tunnel construction site in a remote location 20 miles from Fort William, Scotland in December 2022.  The exploratory works are at the site of the proposed large-scale pumped storage scheme for SSE Renewables. With a potential capacity of up to 1500MW and energy storage of around 30GWh, the Coire Glas hydro scheme would double the United Kingdom’s existing electricity storage capacity, providing homegrown renewable energy when the demand is high or if other variable generation decreases. These exploratory works awarded to STRABAG UK involved the creation of a tunnel approximately 4.5 metres wide, cutting into the hillside towards the proposed location of the underground powerhouse complex, and subsequent ground investigation. The purpose of the tunnel is to acquire information on the geological conditions of the proposed location to inform the detailed design of the main works. Now that tunnelling is complete, the remaining investigation can take place over the coming months. STRABAG UK’s experts have utilised the drill and blast technique, rarely used in the UK, to adapt to the variations in rock type and the geological conditions on site. Holes are first meticulously drilled into the rock using advanced machinery tailored to the rock’s hardness and composition, followed by blasting, where the holes are filled with explosives and detonated in a controlled manner. The blast fractures the rock, facilitating its removal and allowing for the tunnel to progress. With works carried out in compounds surrounded by a nearby forest in the West Highlands, the steep hillside, and the shoreline of Loch Lochy, environmental protection was of paramount importance. Working collaboratively with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) meticulous monitoring and surveillance of both tunnel effluent and noise emissions was carried out to minimise the impact on the natural environment.  The team, combining international expertise with local knowledge, work in shifts across 24 hours, seven days per week. STRABAG UK’s preference for working with local construction partners and suppliers has also created many further jobs in the region. In addition, as well as providing local schools the opportunity to visit the site, apprentices, graduates and young engineers from across the country also spent time on the site to learn about hard rock tunnelling. Managing Director of STRABAG UK, Simon Wild said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have completed the exploratory tunnel at the Coire Glas project. To set up a fully operational tunnel construction site from scratch with all the necessary infrastructure in such a remote location has been a huge achievement for our team. Our use of the drill and blast technique in particular demonstrates our industry leading expertise.” Mike Seaton, Director of Development at Coire Glas for SSE Renewables, added: “Completing the tunnelling is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and a positive step forward in de-risking the project. The works progressed to plan, and samples of the materials excavated from within the hillside are currently being analysed. The findings of the tunnelling works will be used to inform the final design, including the detailed design of underground structures, and will be a key consideration in any final decisions related to the project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Leeds PIPES wins leading heat network recognition

Leeds PIPES wins leading heat network recognition

The Leeds PIPES heat network has gained international recognition as a international exemplar for city-wide heating systems, following a visit from the Canada-based Boltzmann Institute. The delegation attended as part of a pan-European “study tour”, to gain crucial insights to aid in the expansion of Canada’s low carbon energy infrastructure. Leeds PIPES, one of the UK’s fastest growing, major heat networks provides homes, businesses and public buildings with affordable, reliable, low carbon heat and hot water through the use of recovered heat from a nearby Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility. Being delivered by Vital Energi, in partnership with Leeds City Council and Ener-Vate, the scheme was responsible for a near 6,000 tonnes of carbon reduction in 2023 alone, and has delivered over 430 green jobs across the Leeds city region. Its current customers include some of the city’s most notable organisations, including Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Beckett University and St James’s University Hospital. Connecting over 2,300 homes and 28 key buildings across the city centre, the city-wide heating network has attracted national recognition, having recently won the ‘Energy Project of the Year – Residential’ category at the prestigious Energy Awards in London. The project is also making significant local impact through inspiring the next generation of heating and electric engineers, as well as aspiring design and construction professionals. 40 students from the Urban Energy Systems course at the University of Leeds also had the opportunity to tour the network in action and gain unique insights from senior staff at the organisation. Representatives from The Boltzmann Institute visited energy facilities across eight countries in Europe in advance of their ambitious plans for district energy expansion across Canada, helping the country reach its goals for net zero emissions by 2050. Richard Gilbert, Director at the Boltzmann Institute said: “We had an incredibly worthwhile visit with Vital Energi to learn more about Leeds PIPES as part of our Europe-wide study tour, gaining invaluable insight to input into our wider plans for district energy expansion in Canada. We were particularly impressed by our tour of the Recycling and Energy recovery facility, which really demonstrated the brilliant innovation happening both in the city of Leeds, and in our sector.” Mike Cooke, Managing Director from Vital Energi said: “We have seen great progress for the Leeds PIPES network since the project began in 2018. We are proud of our collaboration with Leeds City Council and Ener-Vate and the impact it has on the international effort to achieving Net Zero. The recognition for the scheme is a real reflection of the team’s dedication to innovation in the green transition, and to providing flexible, resilient and future-proofed energy schemes for our clients. We are incredibly proud to see the real impact that Leeds PIPES is having on so many people within the city, and we will continue our work to support as many local businesses, and local lives, as we can.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Energy-efficient homes at Trimdon Village are on sale

Energy-efficient homes at Trimdon Village are on sale

Housebuilder Homes by Esh, has brought forward a development of 41 energy-efficient homes in Trimdon Village. The Bluebell Gardens development features a mix of three- and four-bedroom detached homes and two-bedroom terraced bungalows, with nine house types providing a range of choices for potential buyers. The development, which is adjacent to Salters Lane in Trimdon Village, has good connections to the A1 and A19. Homes by Esh has opened the market for the site’s first properties, providing buyers the opportunity to reserve off-plan. Buyers can also benefit from Homes by Esh’s Mortgage Subsidy Scheme, which makes the first two years of mortgage repayments easier with a £250 contribution towards your payments. Stamp duty on all four-bedroom homes will also be paid for. Part exchange options are available while flooring and integrated kitchen appliances can be factored into bespoke purchase packages. Homes by Esh’s Deputy Managing Director, Colin Willetts, said: “As mortgage lenders put forward more favourable mortgage rates and the Bank of England cut inflation back to 5%, now is a good time to act for those who are looking to buy their first home, upsize or even downsize. “By merging our expertise with technological upgrades, the homes have been constructed with the latest features to reduce energy consumption.” Each home has been designed with expert technology and energy efficient features, including electric vehicle charging points, solar photovoltaic panels, smart technology and secure bike storage. The homes will be compliant to the 2022 Building Regulations Uplift – bringing increased insulation, improved ventilation and enhanced energy efficiencies – as well as the Nationally Described Space Standards and M42 building regulations. Every property that Homes by Esh builds undergoes thorough quality control checks before it is handed over to buyers and comes with a 10-year NHBC warranty. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction starts on major new college in Skegness

Construction starts on major new college in Skegness

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has started work building a new £12 million eagerly anticipated college campus in Skegness. Once complete in 2025, Skegness Learning Campus will offer a diverse range of vocational education courses from the Wainfleet Road site that are tailored to meet the needs of Skegness and its surrounding communities. The campus is supported by a £14 million government-funded Connected Coast Town Deal and is poised to make a significant impact by providing accessible education opportunities in critical areas such as construction, engineering, hospitality, tourism, and digital skills training. This latest contract win for Hobson & Porter follows the successful completion of a £5.5m technical, engineering and construction facility at York College, which was delivered on time and within budget.  Joe Booth from Hobson & Porter said: “The Skegness Learning Campus adds to our growing portfolio of further education projects in recent years, on the back of us delivering successful large-scale projects for both York College and Bishop Burton College at its campuses in both Lincoln and Beverley. “This latest contract win also builds on our expertise in the education sector and as well as building and refurbishing schools and colleges across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, we’re using these opportunities to create a sustainable workforce for the construction industry by educating, developing and upskilling the next generation through our Foundations scheme. “The initiative, which was born after we completed work on a construction hub at Bishop Burton College, helps to enrich career opportunities in the industry, and whilst working on that project and the one at York College, we were able to give students live on-site experience, which is as essential part of their T Level qualifications. We hope to follow a similar model during the construction programme at Skegness Learning Campus.” Adrian Clarke, Group Vice Principal for Corporate Services at the TEC Partnership, stated: “I am thrilled that construction is underway on our new Skegness Learning Campus. It is exciting to witness our designs and plans come to fruition. The new learning campus will introduce a broad curriculum and fresh opportunities for the community of Skegness.” Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast, echoed this sentiment, and said: “The new, state of the art Skegness learning campus is set to be an economic game changer for the area. Not only is it our flagship Town Deal project in Skegness, it is also the single largest Towns Fund project in Lincolnshire. “The new campus is also part of the Skegness Gateway and will be a catalyst for change in the area, providing an inspirational space where local people can get the skills, knowledge, and training they need to access the employment opportunities they want. Consultation is also being carried out with local employers and learning providers to ensure the training offered meets the needs of the local economy now and in the future. “It is great to see work now underway on this fantastic facility and I forward to seeing the difference the campus will make within the community and for local people in the years to come.” The Skegness TEC campus will be located at the heart of the Skegness Gateway initiative, which includes 1,000 new homes, approximately 41,000 sq m of commercial premises, tourist accommodation, a crematorium, a primary school, a local retail centre with shops, pubs, and eateries, as well as 4,000 sq m of storage facilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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From Troubled Youth to Community Champion; How apprenticeships can turn lives around

From Troubled Youth to Community Champion; How apprenticeships can turn lives around

The life of Louis Bienaime might easily have gone in a different direction, but instead he is a great example of how the construction sector can help turnaround the fortunes of individuals, and gain valuable employees.  Uncertainty over employment, an appearance before the court, and limited outlook nearly took Louis on a downward trajectory. But despite the odds, Louis turned his life around and within two years, is now helping others improve their life chances as part of his role as a Customer Services Apprentice at Wates Living Space on the housing maintenance contract for Croydon Council, a key function which is supporting the company’s social values initiatives that help other young people. After his brush with the courts, Louis’ family pointed him towards taking the Construkt course run by Serious About Youth at Croydon College. The Construkt programme focuses on those aged 16 to 25 years old from black, asian and minority (BAME) backgrounds, particularly those not in education, employment or training (NEETS). It provides individuals like Louis with pathways into construction industry and engineering careers, builds confidence, teaches team working, and in the case of those choosing a career in building, Health and Safety Level 1 and CSCS card training. The course also helps individuals secure apprenticeships, permanent employment and work experience, and has resulted in positive outcomes for more than 75 per cent of participants. Louis joined the Construkt course sponsored by Wates, and it turned his life around. It gave him the confidence, knowledge, skills and ambition to work in the construction sector, and trained in how to work collaboratively in a positive team environment alongside others. It also taught planning, including practical exercises such as producing the technical as well as engineering elements involved in producing tenders. This includes building large scale models out of timber. A key element the Construkt programme also involves preparing individuals for what comes after the course, including writing a CV and interview skills. This says Louis, was very significant in providing the confidence to tackle the jobs market, which again was made easier because another factor of the course is arranging for perspective employers to attend an end of course social get together.     As a course sponsor, and because Wates has a hands-on approach to social and community projects it supports in Croydon and elsewhere, the course was visited by Jamie Clancy-Toomey, Social Value Manager at Wates, and that is where she and Louis first met. And it could also have been their only encounter. But it was not, thanks to Rommell Wallace, Co-founder and Director of Serious About Youth, who had become a trusted mentor to those on the course. Louis explains: ‘At the end of the Construkt course there was a celebratory get together attended by local employers. Lacking a bit of confidence, I wasn’t going to go in, but Rommell told me I needed to. That I needed to put myself forward in front of those who were offering apprenticeships. He told me nobody could do it for me. So I went, and I met Jamie again, and the result is me now working for Wates.’      Louis was not the only one on the course to land an apprenticeship with Wates. Jermal Douglin-Kirton, another Croydon Student, got an apprenticeship as a carpenter, and at least two others have done the same course and undertaken work experience with Wates, with the potential of them going for a further internship or employment. The benefit to individuals is clear, but it also benefits the wider community and economy.  As a Customer Services Apprentice, Louis’ primary role is in liaising with Croydon Council in the delivery of Wates housing maintenance contract services, and involves working with a wide range people and organisations to ensure services are provided to standard and on time. It involves constant learning, and Louis finds great reward in no two days being the same. ‘One of the great things about the job is the variety. One minute I can speaking with suppliers, the next it can be a liaising with someone in a council department. No day is the same,’ says Louis.  However, a key part of Louis’ job is also helping to implement social value programmes run by Wates in Croydon, including supporting students work experience, helping the elderly with digital skills and community building projects planting allotments.  Louis also shares his experiences with other young people as part of the programme.  As Louis comments, ‘I’m in a great position to help others. Because of my experiences I can relate to people in ways that helps them, and allows them to find the right direction. Louis recognises his life could be very different, and is absolutely clear about why his journey has taken the positive course that it has. Support from family, and being able to join the Construkt course, and the dedication of Wates in implementing social value commitments, but crucially, it is the influence of Rommell Wallace as an effective and influential mentor that pushed Louis into helping himself. Louis emphasises there is an important lesson for others. There are opportunities for young people, but you have to make the most of them, to be bold in a positive way, and be prepared to get noticed for the right reasons. ‘Others cannot do it for you,’ he says. Jamie Clancy-Toomey points out, the new phase of Louis’ life is a result of others creating opportunity, and Louis himself taking responsibility. ‘Wates provides a range of opportunities for young people. We provide finance for courses, plus support in other ways. There are opportunities out there created by Serious About Youth and others, but when it comes down to it, young people also have to put themselves out there.’ This sentiment strongly endorsed by Rommell Wallace. ‘In areas like Croydon, negatives circles of influence can be found all over, and it is often easy to get drawn in. But there are also positive entry points and avenues to be taken if individuals have the motivation,’

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Planning Granted for the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme

Planning Granted for the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme

Planning approval has been granted for a series of exciting development projects at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Midlands in Cosford. These plans include the construction of a state-of-the-art Collections Hub, the refurbishment and extension of the historic Hangar 1, and significant enhancements to the surrounding landscape. Nationally renowned architects, GSSArchitecture, have been selected to lead the design and planning efforts for this transformative project. The new Collections Hub will centralise the Museum’s off-site collections, making them accessible to the public for the first time and enhancing visitor engagement. Additionally, the revamped Hangar 1 will undergo internal remodelling and re-cladding, transforming it into a dynamic exhibition and learning centre. The landscaping improvements will enhance visitor experience by thoughtfully redesigning public spaces and pathways, increasing biodiversity and ensuring the site remains welcoming and functional for years to come. This development is a key component of the RAF Museum Midlands’ long-term masterplan. The design process has been comprehensive, involving extensive consultations and reviews. These included design meetings, workshops, co-creation activities, and engagement with stakeholders, local communities and visitors. From initial sketches to fully developed designs, every stage has been shaped by the insights and feedback gathered during these sessions. Public engagement has been a cornerstone of the project. A variety of consultation events and co-creation workshops were held, including a permanent display in the Visitor Centre showcasing the development, and interactive activities such as half-term drawing events where visitors were invited to contribute ideas for the Hangar 1 re-cladding design. One notable workshop involved No. 1047 Wolverhampton Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets, who met with GSSArchitecture and Museum representatives to discuss the future of Hangar 1. The valuable insights from these discussions were shared with the wider design team, ensuring that the perspectives of key stakeholders were integral to the development process. Tom Jagger, Partner at GSSArchitecture, said “We are thrilled to have achieved this step with these transformative projects. The collaborative design and consultation process involving Museum paid staff and volunteers, visitors, and the broader community has been invaluable. We are committed to creating modern, sustainable museum facilities that will enrich the visitor experience for generations to come.” Karen Whitting, Director of Content and Programmes at the RAF Museum said “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for these crucial projects. The creation of the Collections Hub and the refurbishment of Hangar 1 are significant milestones in our commitment to sharing the RAF’s rich history. By involving our visitors and local communities throughout the design process, we have ensured that these new facilities will meet the needs and expectations of our diverse audience now and for future generations. We extend our gratitude to our funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, for supporting this comprehensive programme that will deliver lasting benefits for all our visitors.” GSS has been appointed to carry out architectural and multi-disciplinary design services and is working closely with the Royal Air Force Museum, Project Managers – Focus, and Quantity Surveyors – Greenwoods, together with supply chain design partners SWJ Consultants (Structural Engineers), CPW (M&E Consultants) and LDA Design (Landscape Design). To find out more about GSSArchitecture and the services they offer, as well as their extensive portfolio of projects in a range of sectors across the country, please visit www.gssarchitecture.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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