August 19, 2024

Fusion and Cheyne Capital Secure Second Brent Cross Town Site for £275 Million Student Accommodation Development

Fusion and Cheyne Capital Secure Second Brent Cross Town Site for £275 Million Student Accommodation Development

Fusion Group, one of the UK’s leading privately-owned developers and operators of student accommodation, has partnered with global alternative investment manager Cheyne Capital to acquire a second site in Brent Cross Town for the development of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). Brent Cross Town is a major 180-acre mixed-use development in

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Henry Boot Construction begins fabrication works on Rotherham Markets

Henry Boot Construction begins fabrication works on Rotherham Markets

Work is well underway on the £36 million redevelopment of Rotherham Markets as Henry Boot Construction begins fabrication works in the outdoor market and underground carpark. Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Robert Taylor, joined Henry Boot Construction’s Managing Director, Tony Shaw, and Head of

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Work to start on Filey sea wall £3m project

Work to start on Filey sea wall £3m project

A £2.95 million repair scheme to protect the Filey sea wall from future erosion is to begin next month. North Yorkshire Council has secured a grant from the Environment Agency to carry out the project, which aims to ensure the sea defence remains viable for the next 50 years. The

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Clowes Developments become Planet Mark ‘Certified’

Clowes Developments become Planet Mark ‘Certified’

Clowes Developments have engaged Environment Social Governance (ESG) specialists BE Design to deliver the group’s ESG strategy. Construction and its impact on the environment have rightly become a regular topic of conversation amongst industry leaders, all looking to find effective and realistic ways to move forward. Clowes have identified the

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Spades in the ground for new affordable homes at Granton Waterfront

Spades in the ground for new affordable homes at Granton Waterfront

The City of Edinburgh Council marked the start of construction on a new affordable housing development with a ceremonial sod-cutting event on Thursday (15 August). Council Leader Cammy Day was joined by Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden and architects Smith Scott Mullan as work got underway on the development

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Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

August 19, 2024

Fusion and Cheyne Capital Secure Second Brent Cross Town Site for £275 Million Student Accommodation Development

Fusion and Cheyne Capital Secure Second Brent Cross Town Site for £275 Million Student Accommodation Development

Fusion Group, one of the UK’s leading privately-owned developers and operators of student accommodation, has partnered with global alternative investment manager Cheyne Capital to acquire a second site in Brent Cross Town for the development of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). Brent Cross Town is a major 180-acre mixed-use development in north London, valued at £8 billion. The project is being delivered by Related Argent in partnership with Barnet Council and will eventually feature 6,700 new homes, workspaces for 25,000 people, schools, a high street, leisure spaces, and over 50 acres of parks and playing fields. The newly acquired site will see Fusion and Cheyne Capital deliver a £275 million scheme designed by PRP, which will include approximately 650 student beds along with a range of associated amenities. The planning application for this development is expected to be submitted in the fourth quarter of 2024. The scheme will feature extensive study areas, a digital gaming zone for virtual sports such as football, padel, and tennis, as well as a health kitchen, zero-waste shop, private dining facilities, a yoga studio, a herb garden, and relaxation pods. Situated just minutes away from Claremont Park and close to Brent Cross West station on the Thameslink line, which provides a direct connection to St Pancras International in just 12 minutes, the development boasts excellent transport links to central London universities. Brent Cross Town is also set to host Sheffield Hallam University’s first campus outside Yorkshire. This latest project marks the seventh collaboration between Fusion and Cheyne Capital, and their second venture within Brent Cross Town. Together, their investments in the area will now total approximately £500 million in gross development value (GDV). Fusion and Cheyne’s initial PBSA project in Brent Cross Town, acquired in June 2022 and designed by Glenn Howells Architects, is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2025. This development will offer 662 rooms spread across three connected buildings, along with a dedicated events space, café, zero-waste shop, cinema room, e-sports arena, and a KTV karaoke room. The development will also include group and private study lounges, an on-site gym, yoga and wellness studios, a basketball court, and an external terrace. Julian Evans, Land and Planning Director at Fusion Group, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Brent Cross Town is London’s most exciting new neighbourhood, and expanding our partnerships with Cheyne and Related Argent to bring more than 1,300 student rooms to it is a privilege. We’ll leverage our extensive experience in developing residential assets in urban regenerations across the country to deliver another best-in-class student scheme as part of the town.” Hamish Gordon of Cheyne Real Estate highlighted the strong demand for high-quality student housing in London, saying, “The student housing market continues to be driven by considerable demand, with a growing need for high-quality and well-located developments across the UK and particularly in London. We are excited to continue our partnership with Fusion to deliver another premium scheme that will benefit both students and the wider community in Brent Cross Town.” Oli Rifkind, Executive Director at Related Argent, welcomed the new development, noting, “Fusion’s track record in providing great student living environments in high-quality and well-managed developments fits perfectly with our aim to create a town where all can flourish. This new development will support future generations to thrive and adds to the vibrant mix at Brent Cross Town.” Councillor Ross Houston, Barnet Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, added, “We are pleased that Fusion and Cheyne Capital have signed up to deliver a second offer for student accommodation, further enhancing our commitment to providing a first-class higher education experience at Brent Cross Town.” This latest development continues the momentum at Brent Cross Town, where seven buildings are currently under construction. The first residents are expected to move in later this year, with the first office building, 3 Copper Square, set for completion in 2026. To date, over 930 homes are under development, including affordable, market sale, and rental properties, alongside the initial 662 student rooms in partnership with Fusion and Cheyne. The first permanent public park, Claremont Park, opened in June 2022, and the Brent Cross West mainline station, operational since December 2023, offers rapid connections to central London. Additionally, Brent Cross Town already boasts a selection of local retail and leisure facilities, with Sheffield Hallam University’s new campus set to further enrich the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Henry Boot Construction begins fabrication works on Rotherham Markets

Henry Boot Construction begins fabrication works on Rotherham Markets

Work is well underway on the £36 million redevelopment of Rotherham Markets as Henry Boot Construction begins fabrication works in the outdoor market and underground carpark. Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Robert Taylor, joined Henry Boot Construction’s Managing Director, Tony Shaw, and Head of Operations, Ian Gresser, on the site to have a look at how the Rotherham Council delivered project is progressing. Currently, the former outdoor market space flooring has been stripped while downstairs, works have begun to strengthen the foundations of the outdoor market space. Preparation work for demolition has also begun on the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings. These are set to be demolished in autumn 2024 to make way for a brand-new library building. Following the demolition of the Drummond Street shops, the outdoor market canopy will be removed in stages. Covering over 3,500sqm of the market, removing the structure will be a very complex operation. A crane will be moved on site during the removal. The Indoor Market remains open throughout the redevelopment, with a range of stalls and products available from local traders. Outdoor markets, such as the Tuesday Market, have been relocated to Effingham Street while the project is under way. Henry Boot Construction, the contractor for the Rotherham Market redevelopment, was onsite when ground was broken in October 2023. Since then, they have been working with teams at Rotherham Council to progress the project. Henry Boot Construction’s Managing Director, Tony Shaw, said: “We are pleased to see the Rotherham Markets project progressing. We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Council and breathing new life into this area of the town centre.”  “Creating high-quality, vibrant urban spaces is part of our DNA. Having led on several of the region’s major regeneration over recent years, we have witnessed first-hand the transformative impact investments like this one can have – helping to boost community pride and identity, increase footfall and grow the local economy. “We pride ourselves on leaving a positive legacy in the places where we work. To do this we have committed to deliver significant social value outputs by utilising a local supply chain wherever possible, local site-specific employment, and delivering multiple training and educational initiatives.” Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and Local Economy, Cllr Robert Taylor, added: “The Markets redevelopment is part of the Town Centre Masterplan, and to see people on site and spades in the ground shows that the plan is becoming a reality. The redevelopment of the markets is a complex project which will not only breathe new life into our community, but also provide economic opportunities for our local businesses. Working with Henry Boot Construction, the markets redevelopment will provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all which celebrates our diverse community and heritage. “Rotherham Market continues to remain open for the public with the fantastic range of outdoor markets now taking place in the town centre, so I encourage residents to continue to support our local traders until they are in their new facilities.” Once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, extensive public realm, a new modern and accessible central library and improved links to the town centre and college. Rotherham Council received funding from the government’s Future High Street Fund to pay for part of the improvements at the market with additional funding secured from the Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Keep up-to-date with the markets redevelopment project at www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CMDP+ joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment wins AMP8 framework with Southern Water

CMDP+ joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment wins AMP8 framework with Southern Water

Win marks Costain’s latest major AMP8 award of 2024. CMDP+, a joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment, has been selected by Southern Water to shape and deliver its next strategic asset upgrade programme. The award is for an initial seven-year term worth at least £500m to Costain, with an option to extend by up to five years. CMDP+ has successfully secured a place on two Lots of the new Strategic Delivery Partner framework, and the joint venture continues the long-standing relationship between Costain, MWH Treatment and Southern Water. The framework will deliver upgrades to water and wastewater assets, including treatment sites, pumping stations and reservoirs, during Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) and beyond. Southern Water expects that its AMP8 programme, which runs from 2025 to 2030, will be the largest it has ever undertaken. Costain has worked successfully with Southern Water through every asset management investment period since 2000 (AMP3). Earlier this year, the joint venture was awarded £65m of additional work for Southern Water’s current AMP7 investment programme. Alex Vaughan, CEO, Costain, commented: “This AMP8 announcement builds on our growing positions with the leading water companies as they prepare for a nationally important period of record investment. “This framework marks three decades of delivering industry leading essential solutions for Southern Water. Through our successful joint venture with MWH Treatment, we will upgrade water and wastewater services for Southern Water and its customers, safeguarding the environment, and securing water supplies across the region; as well as creating new jobs and added social value.” Paul Bresnan, Chief Executive, MWH Treatment, commented: “I am delighted that MWH Treatment is continuing our long-standing relationship with Southern Water, alongside our joint venture partner, Costain. “We will see the need for continued innovation, along with more sustainable solutions that provide great value for customers with increased resilience against the impacts of climate change and population growth. “Together with Costain we look forward to working with Southern Water to meet these challenges, collaboratively delivering the AMP8 investment into both water and wastewater services across the entire region. “This significant award is particularly pleasing as many of our staff are Southern Water customers and will get the opportunity to make a difference in the area they reside.” Stuart Ledger, Chief Financial Officer, Southern Water, said: “This announcement marks an important milestone in our preparation for the next regulatory investment period 2025-30 and beyond. Southern plans to more than double its investment over the next 5 years to meet the needs of customers and the environment. I am confident that working together with our partners we will fully meet this challenge.” Costain continues to increase its presence in the water sector, and has recently secured long-term framework agreements with United Utilities and Northumbrian Water to deliver strategic infrastructure programmes for their respective AMP8 investment cycles. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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More than 95% of planners call for change to strategic planning as government consults on NPPF

More than 95% of planners call for change to strategic planning as government consults on NPPF

The new government has made it clear that it intends to promote a more strategic approach to planning. New research, commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), revealed overwhelming support for effective strategic planning in England across the public and private sectors, with 96% of planners agreeing that a change to current practice is needed. ​ Research from the Centre for Sustainable Planning and Environments at the University of the West of England is the first nationwide study that seeks to understand the nature of current strategic planning practice. It shows that over 80% of planners are in favour of strategic planning being mandated by the Government. ​ While statutory strategic planning is widely regarded as vital for the management of key issues that cannot be addressed properly at the local scale, like building economic, climate, and nature resilience, and articulating long-term development and infrastructure needs, it was almost completely abolished in 2010. ​ Since then, there has been no mandatory requirement for a nationwide approach to strategic planning in England. Today, parts of England remain without strategic planning activity. ​ Although the new Labour government has signalled strong support for the practice, announcing ambitions to have universal coverage of strategic plans by 2029, researchers say it will not be achievable without a new generation of strategic planners. ​ 40% of local authority planners surveyed by the researchers reported that they did not work in an area with statutory strategic planning, while 25% reported that there was no non-statutory strategic planning activity in their area. Alongside a reduction in planning resources, this has resulted in a loss of technical knowledge and experience in strategic planning. ​ Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “It’s really rewarding to witness our members producing such high-quality research at a time when we know the government is attempting to change the system through the NPPF.” ​ Catriona Riddell, Catriona Riddell Associates, said: “The profession has been arguing for a return to an effective approach to strategic planning since 2010 and this research will be vital for the new Government as it moves forward with its proposals for reinventing it.” ​Hannah Hickman, Associate Professor in Planning Practice, UWE “It has been a privilege to lead research on behalf of the Royal Town Planning Institute on strategic planning. With over 400 participants, this research provides compelling evidence on the case for a return to a more effective, and mandatory form of statutory strategic planning.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Future Biogas Acquires Majority Stake in Six Anaerobic Digestion Facilities

Future Biogas Acquires Majority Stake in Six Anaerobic Digestion Facilities

Future Biogas, a leading developer of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants and biogas producer in the UK, has agreed to acquire a 51% stake in a portfolio of six gas-to-grid AD facilities. The transaction, valued at £68.1 million, is being funded with £30 million from 3i Infrastructure plc, while the remaining amount will be financed by Future Biogas through committed debt facilities. These six facilities have a combined gas output of 333GWh. Future Biogas has a deep familiarity with these assets, having originally developed five of the six plants and operated them for an average of eight years. As the new majority owner, Future Biogas plans to implement investment-driven enhancements identified by its management team. The acquisition also provides the company with immediate scale, enhancing its attractiveness to potential future acquirers. Since 3i Infrastructure’s initial investment in Future Biogas in 2023, the company has successfully transitioned from being a third-party plant operator to an asset owner and developer, with a pipeline of new sites totalling 1.3TWh. Additionally, construction has commenced at the Gonerby Moor site, which will operate on an unsubsidised basis under a 15-year green gas offtake agreement with AstraZeneca. Philipp Lukas, Chief Executive Officer of Future Biogas, commented: “We are very pleased to acquire a stake in this portfolio of anaerobic digestion plants from JLEN, with whom we will continue to work constructively. We are well-acquainted with these assets, having developed and managed them for an average of eight years. This transaction is a critical step in building a scalable AD platform under Future Biogas, allowing us to upgrade the plant portfolio and extend their operational lives beyond the current RHI subsidy. Importantly, it supports our Project Carbon Harvest mission to generate and supply green gas, contributing to the decarbonisation of UK farms and industry.” Scott Moseley and Bernardo Sottomayor, Managing Partners and Co-Heads of European Infrastructure at 3i Investments plc, added: “It is increasingly evident that biogas will play a significant role in the UK’s energy transition. This acquisition is a key milestone, firmly establishing Future Biogas as the leading independent owner and developer of AD plants in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Work to start on Filey sea wall £3m project

Work to start on Filey sea wall £3m project

A £2.95 million repair scheme to protect the Filey sea wall from future erosion is to begin next month. North Yorkshire Council has secured a grant from the Environment Agency to carry out the project, which aims to ensure the sea defence remains viable for the next 50 years. The scheme will cover a 1.1-kilometre stretch of the coast between Coble Landing in the north and Royal Parade in the south. The defences were built between the 19th and 20th centuries, protecting 626 residential and 166 non-residential properties, as well as five Yorkshire Water assets, including sewage pumping stations. Executive member for highways, transport and coastal protection, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “We are pleased to be able to begin the essential repair scheme which will enhance the condition of the sea wall by replacing damaged blocks, slipways and steps. “Extensive preparatory work has been carried out to ensure the stability of the wall and public safety. This includes comprehensive surveys and investigations to enable us to choose the best construction method and equipment. “We are also addressing concerns around erosion at St Martins Gill where the slipway meets the softer undefended cliffs. These vital improvements aim to bolster the integrity and resilience of our coastal defences, ensuring better protection for our community, infrastructure, and coastline.” The council has worked closely with its delivery partner and local businesses to minimise disruption. The project is due to begin on 24 August, but construction won’t start until mid-September to avoid the peak tourist season. The Filey sea wall scheme is due to be completed by the spring of next year, and earlier this month Jackson Civil Engineering Limited was appointed to carry out the work. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clowes Developments become Planet Mark ‘Certified’

Clowes Developments become Planet Mark ‘Certified’

Clowes Developments have engaged Environment Social Governance (ESG) specialists BE Design to deliver the group’s ESG strategy. Construction and its impact on the environment have rightly become a regular topic of conversation amongst industry leaders, all looking to find effective and realistic ways to move forward. Clowes have identified the urgent need to proactively integrate ESG into the day-to-day function and decision-making processes across the group, from land and planning to development through to asset management. ‘Building for future generations to prosper’ has always been a key value instilled into the team at Clowes but the board have now invested heavily into this area of the business’s long term strategy. Clowes have taken several essential steps this year to kick start making their ambitions a reality. The team have had to review and implement several changes to ensure data is correctly gathered and reported according to government legislation including Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR). The group have historically published their carbon usage in their end of year accounts through Companies House but are now taking that a step further by verifying the data through an industry leading carbon tracking platform, Planet Mark. Backed by the Eden Project, CEO and Founder Steve Malkin began Planet Mark as an effective, people-driven sustainability certification. Clowes have been focusing on carbon reporting which involves measuring and disclosing the amount of carbon emissions produced by a business. Understanding your carbon footprint is the first step on your journey to becoming net zero. By becoming Planet Mark certified, it will help the business implement an effective carbon reduction strategy, stay ahead of legislation and mitigate risks, eliminate the risk of greenwashing and help to boost operational efficiency. The group’s utility co-ordinator, Daniel Houldey-Wright collated the groups energy usage data in line with the reporting requirements for Planet Mark which also comply SECR scope 1 and 2. Daniel commented, “At first it felt a somewhat overwhelming task. The group has a large number of properties and meter supplies which needed to be streamlined. We identified exactly which supplies needed to be reported to comply with scopes 1 and 2 and began gathering the data. We have had to implement several administrative changes to the way we collect our data as well as expanding our efforts to have smart meters installed across our portfolio; allowing us to not only access readings more swiftly, but to also better manage energy consumption across the group. During the process, we were also very pleased to calculate that around 90% of our total energy usage stems from renewable sources, so we will be working on the balance of our supplies to achieve 100% renewable energy across our portfolio. We now have all our processes working efficiently and we feel confident in our ability to accurately track our energy usage across the portfolio. This has been reinforced by the speedy certification we have received through Planet Mark. We anticipated queries and inaccuracies but were pleasantly surprised with the quick turnaround from submission to certification.” Managing Director, Thomas Clowes, Development Director, James Richards and Head of Marketing, Kate Henderson are leading on the set up, roll out and ongoing management of the groups ESG Strategy. Thomas commented, “I am incredibly pleased with the teams’ efforts to submit this year’s Planet Mark data successfully and according to a tight schedule; we now have an accurate benchmark of our current carbon footprint, and we can begin our journey to reduce this year on year. Our aspiration is to deliver a 5% reduction by 2025. Clowes have a responsibility to play our part in reducing carbon emissions.” According to the World Green Building Council, buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction. Now that Clowes have received their first year’s certification, BE Design will be working with Thomas, James and Kate to firm up their ESG strategy and carbon reduction action points which will be published online later in the year. Clowes will also be engaging their ESG committee members to help communicate with and empower employees across the group to support and drive forward the ESG strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wilko and The Range Appoint Matalan Property Director to Lead Expansion

Wilko and The Range Appoint Matalan Property Director to Lead Expansion

CDS Superstores, the parent company of Wilko and The Range, has appointed Antony Darbyshire, former property director at Matalan, as its new Head of Property. Darbyshire brings over 30 years of experience in the retail property sector to his new role, where he will oversee the expansion of Wilko’s concept stores across the UK and Northern Ireland, as well as manage the 200-store portfolio of The Range. Darbyshire’s previous roles include a decade at Matalan and nine years as Head of Property at Sports Direct within the Frasers Group. His extensive background in property management is seen as a key asset as CDS Superstores moves forward with its ambitious growth plans. Commenting on the appointment, Alex Simpkin, Chief Executive of CDS Superstores, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Antony to our leadership team. His extensive experience and expertise in property management are exactly what we need as we accelerate our expansion plans and build on our success to date. Antony will play a critical role in ensuring that both The Range and Wilko continue to thrive and reach even more communities across the UK.” Simpkin also highlighted the company’s focus on revitalising the Wilko brand through innovative concept stores, encouraging landlords with suitable spaces to engage with them as they increase the pace of new store launches. Wilko, which was acquired out of administration by The Range last September, is set to open its sixth concept store in Poole on 16 August, following successful launches in Exeter, Luton, Plymouth, Rotherham, and St Albans. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Spades in the ground for new affordable homes at Granton Waterfront

Spades in the ground for new affordable homes at Granton Waterfront

The City of Edinburgh Council marked the start of construction on a new affordable housing development with a ceremonial sod-cutting event on Thursday (15 August). Council Leader Cammy Day was joined by Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden and architects Smith Scott Mullan as work got underway on the development of 143 energy efficient social and mid-market rent properties. In partnership with Cruden, the project will deliver a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes across the site, including wheelchair accessible accommodation. Work will include upgrades to greenspace and the main footpath linking Salveson Cresent and Marine Drive to create safer, easier access to the shorelines. Plans also include a new Pavilion for Craigroyston Community Football club. The development is part of the £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration which will create a new residential-led mixed-use community and will deliver around 3,500 net zero carbon homes, a primary school, a health centre, commercial and cultural space, and a new coastal park. Council Leader Cammy Day said: It was great to attend the sod-cutting ceremony at the Silverlea site today as we marked the beginning of construction on this exciting development here in Edinburgh. We’re facing a Housing Emergency so we must continue to build more affordable housing to address our chronic shortage. To deliver our net zero targets for the Capital, sustainable regeneration is so important, and every element of this development has been designed with that in mind. I’m delighted that plans also include a new Pavilion for Craigroyston Community Football Club which will be a real asset to the community. The project forms part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the Granton area where we’re unlocking brownfield land to build a new sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood. We’re continuing to work hard to ensure Granton is somewhere residents will be proud to live and I look forward to seeing progress continue throughout this year. Fraser Lynes, MD of Cruden, added: Silverlea is a great example of development with sustainability and community at its heart, and we are thrilled to be involved in the delivery of this transformational project. The City of Edinburgh Council must be commended in bringing forward these much needed social and mid-market homes amid the capital’s housing emergency, and for specifying them to net zero carbon standards, making them greener, cleaner and more efficient to heat and run.   During this development, we’re looking forward to providing the new pavilion for Craigroyston Boys Club, carefully re-using the Griffens from the historic Muirhouse Mansion, as well as delivering an important programme of new tree planting and a wildflower meadow to enhance local greenspace. The progress is the latest in the Granton Waterfront regeneration with work already well underway on several other projects in the area. Over 400 net zero homes at Western Villages as well as 75 net zero homes at ‘Granton D1’ are currently under construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Innovative fire alarm system helps save life of resident in serious house fire

Innovative fire alarm system helps save life of resident in serious house fire

An interlinked fire and carbon monoxide alarm system played a vital role in saving the life of a tenant living in a social housing property in Scotland.  Neighbours were alerted to the fire in Dalkeith, near Edinburgh, when home safety specialist Aico’s multi-sensor alarm was activated and began to sound. While the resident was initially unable to respond, neighbours who heard the alarms through the wall were able to wake them so they could get to safety.  The fire started in the main bedroom of the property, which is owned by Melville Housing Association, whilst the occupant slept downstairs.  The flames moved quickly through to the upstairs hallway and activated alarms which were interlinked and located throughout the property. Due to the AudioLINK+ function on the Aico alarms, the landlord was able to review the data following the incident, which showed a peak temperature within the home of 102C, with carbon monoxide levels of 450ppm (parts per million) – nine times the safe limit.        David Todd​​​​, Property Manager for Melville Housing Association, said: “After speaking with the fire service, neighbours and the tenants of the property, it’s clear that the smoke and heat detection is very likely to have saved the occupant’s life.  “The fire started in the upstairs of the property with all alarms sounding due to being interlinked.  “The occupant, who has complex needs, was unable to recognise the dangers, however neighbours alerted him by banging on the door and signalling through the window.  “Thankfully, the occupant was ushered away to safety and is now fine.  “The neighbours were alerted due to the noise from the alarms themselves. “With us being able to take readings off the smoke alarms, which showed temperatures of over 100C and carbon monoxide being nine times the safe limit, it left us in no doubt that the alarms were working, did their job, and played a significant part in keeping everyone safe. “The law on fire alarms means all Scottish homes need to have interlinked alarms, which this incident has proved is very important.” Neal Hooper, Managing Director at Aico, said: “Lives were saved, which is the most important thing. This really brings home the importance of life safety and of having things in your home which give you peace of mind every time you go to bed. “If the alarms had not alerted the neighbours and, ultimately, the tenants, a tragedy would surely have occurred. Instead, everyone was evacuated from the property and did not come to any lasting harm.  “Fire and carbon monoxide alarms are critical life safety devices and this example, along with many others, is testament to the hard work and dedication we give to our products to ensure they perform as expected when they are needed. “Too often people will wait until there is increased legislation and regulation before they are forced into taking life safety seriously. We do need better and clear legislation, but at the same time there are relatively inexpensive options which can be fitted to give you peace of mind.” All Aico alarms are manufactured in-house, and each alarm is individually tested multiple times before it leaves the factory. “This incident illustrates the importance of everyone having working, compliant smoke alarm and CO systems in their home. “People often think nothing like this will happen to them, but it can, and it’s important to stress to regularly test all of their alarms to make sure they’re working and to check their expiry date,” Neal added. Melville Housing Association has been working with Aico for a number of years and about 95 per cent of alarms in its properties have been supplied by the manufacturer. “Aico facilitates a number of roundtable events with housing associations which are very well received and where we are able to share important knowledge about fire safety including smoke alarms and fire doors,” David added.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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