August 26, 2024

Marshalls unveils new London Design Space

Marshalls unveils new London Design Space

Landscaping and building materials specialist opens centre amongst London’s thriving London Bridge design community Marshalls has opened a new showroom for landscape architects and designers at The Leather Market. A short walk from London Bridge station, the centre is designed with creativity in mind, enabling visitors to visualise its product

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GLP Selects Winvic to Deliver its Largest Spec Unit to Date, Taking the Shed Specialist to the Milestone of 100 Million sq ft of Industrial Space

GLP Selects Winvic to Deliver its Largest Spec Unit to Date, Taking the Shed Specialist to the Milestone of 100 Million sq ft of Industrial Space

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been selected by GLP to construct MPN 761 at one of Europe’s premier logistics locations, Magna Park in Lutterworth. The Winvic GLP partnership is a

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FSi Promat open state cavity barriers verified by CCPI

FSi Promat open state cavity barriers verified by CCPI

Passive Fire Protection manufacturer FSi Promat has secured Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) verification for its Silverliner open state cavity barriers, underlining its commitment to supporting the highest standards in the construction industry. The fire stopping and cavity barrier specialist has successfully demonstrated that its Silverliner range of open state

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Leeds property developer opens new base in Sheffield City centre

Leeds property developer opens new base in Sheffield City centre

Torsion Group has opened a new 6,000 sq ft office in a regeneration hotspot in Sheffield city centre. Leeds-based Torsion Group – a leading developer and contractor of student accommodation and build-to-rent residential schemes – has taken over the first floor of Velocity Village at 2 Tenter Street, joining the

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Clowes Developments bolster their team with new recruit

Clowes Developments bolster their team with new recruit

Clowes Developments have further strengthened their team through the appointment of Jenny McCrea, a graduate from Nottingham Trent University. Jenny applied for the Graduate Surveyor position at Clowes in line with finishing her degree in Property Development and Planning where she obtained a 2:1. Jenny will be working with the

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Mitie’s 2024 ESG Report Showcases Strong Progress Towards Sustainability Goals

Mitie’s 2024 ESG Report Showcases Strong Progress Towards Sustainability Goals

Mitie has released its 2024 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report, highlighting significant strides towards its sustainability objectives. The leading facilities management provider achieved or surpassed 13 ambitious targets for the past financial year (FY24), underscoring its dedication to its core social value pillars: Environment, People, Communities, and Responsible Supply

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elementalLONDON announces partnership with CIAT

elementalLONDON announces partnership with CIAT

elementalLONDON is delighted to announce the formation of a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) to help support its membership in the development of construction projects. Reflecting and enhancing the success of the elemental digital platform, elementalLONDON will have the ethos of Advancing the efficiency of buildings at

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Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

August 26, 2024

PFKG and GIRI join forces to enhance fire safety and improve quality in the UK construction industry

PFKG and GIRI join forces to enhance fire safety and  improve quality in the UK construction industry

The Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) and The Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) have announced their intention to work together to improve safety and construction practices by sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and promoting each other’s aims and objectives. This collaboration brings together the specialised focus of the PFKG on passive fire protection with GIRI’s broader based approach to improving construction practices and eliminating errors.  PFKG, established in 2022, is a unique non-for-profit collaboration comprising contractors, consultants, and relevant trade associations. Its mission is to improve the delivery of well designed, specified and installed passive fire protection by focusing on three key areas: Process, Testing and Education. Formed in 2015, GIRI is a group of over 100 leading UK construction industry experts, organisations and businesses actively improving productivity, quality, sustainability and safety in the construction sector by eliminating error. Passive fire protection (PFP), also sometimes referred to as ‘built-in’ fire protection, are those components, materials or systems that integrate with the fabric of the building.  PFP comprises  many different product and system categories including structural steel fire protection, compartment walls and floors, fire doors, fire resisting dampers and ductwork, and firestopping (service penetration seals, linear joint seals, and cavity barriers).  It is a critical fire element of fire safety in buildings which continues to place demands on the construction industry. Commenting on the new collaboration, Cliff Smith, Executive Director at the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI), said: “The construction industry is navigating wholesale changes that have come through the Building Safety Act, with more rigorous standards and regulation at every stage of the development lifecycle. “Through the GIRI Design Guide and our Building Safety Act working group, GIRI is working across the industry to meet these requirements and keep people safe through a common culture of getting things right first time. This collaboration with the PFKG will enable us to highlight the critical importance of addressing fire safety, using our collective expertise to increase the focus on this high priority issue.” Will Pitt and Joe Cilia, Joint Chairs of the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) said:  “Passive Fire Protection is often a key interface between the architecture, structure and building engineering services and getting it right first time requires careful consideration and planning especially at early design stages. “It is clear to us that GIRI shares similar aims and objectives and by working more closely together, we can help amplify each other’s message.” The PFKG and GIRI will collaborate and share best practice guidance including design guidance, quality alerts, knowledge sharing webinars and events. The PFKG continues to produce peer-reviewed knowledge shares covering a wide range of subjects associated with the design, specification and installation of Passive Fire Protection systems. To find out more information about the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) visit www.pfkg.org To find out more information about the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) visit https://getitright.uk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Education Secretary and Minister visit Fife College’s new Dunfermline Campus

Fife College has welcomed Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth MSP and Minister for Higher and Further Education, Graeme Dey MSP, to the site of the College’s new Dunfermline Campus (16 August). Joined by representatives from the Scottish Funding Council, the Education Secretary and Minister were given a tour of the new campus which is set to open later next year. Construction partners Balfour Beatty showed the group the latest progress as work on the site continues at pace, using the latest low-energy and net-zero construction processes to ensure the building is net-zero ready. The build is part of the new Dunfermline Learning Campus – an innovative, integrated and collaborative venture to relocate the College’s Dunfermline Campus, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School to a purpose-built and state-of-the-art new campus. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “It is important that students are able to access opportunities to further education easily and effectively as possible. It is also crucial that their learning environments are fit for the future and support Scotland’s net zero ambitions. That is why the Scottish Government is providing up to £154.5 million in capital investment to support Fife College’s vision for Dunfermline Learning Campus. “I have no doubt that these state-of-the-art facilities will be a huge asset for students in supporting the development of their skills, whilst playing an important role in supporting the economy of both the local area and wider across Scotland.” Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said: “Fife College has a close working partnership with our new neighbours of St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. We’re delighted to work with them, and other schools across the region, to build a student-centred, innovative pathway for learners to move seamlessly from school, to college, and on to work and further study. “The significant investment that the Scottish Government and the Funding Council are making into our new campus, at a time of financial challenge across the public sector, is an invaluable commitment to driving the College and regional economy forward.” Martin Boyle, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “As Scotland’s tertiary education funding body, we’re committed to making it as easy as possible to navigate the pathways between school, college and university. “The Dunfermline Learning Campus will be unique in its ability to support people as they develop their potential from secondary school onwards, and go on to contribute to society and the economy. “As a modern, flexible and low carbon campus, it will also be at the forefront of exciting changes around where and how we learn, and will become a fantastic asset to the Fife region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Marshalls unveils new London Design Space

Marshalls unveils new London Design Space

Landscaping and building materials specialist opens centre amongst London’s thriving London Bridge design community Marshalls has opened a new showroom for landscape architects and designers at The Leather Market. A short walk from London Bridge station, the centre is designed with creativity in mind, enabling visitors to visualise its product ranges virtually and experiment with a wide variety of material types. Following eight years at Compton Courtyard, Clerkenwell, Marshalls has chosen to relocate to this vibrant new location recognising the growth of the SE1 postcode as a hub for landscape architects and designers. The Leather Market is also conveniently situated just a five-minute walk from London Bridge Station, making it easily accessible from various parts of London and beyond. The new unit at The Leather Market offers customers a creative and inspiring environment. It features a workshop-style setting with advanced digital features, enabling customers to explore ranges and laying patterns using augmented and virtual reality technology. The space offers a hands-on approach to testing materials and design concepts, with clients able to touch and feel physical samples and explore various colours, textures, and finishes. The modelling area helps turn digital models into reality with the ability to set out miniature street scenes with their chosen options.   The Leather Market also boasts additional facilities, including various-sized meeting rooms available for hire, a separate break-out space, an on-site café and catering services. James Gosden, National Specification Manager for Marshalls Landscape Products, said: “Whether customers are networking, seeking inspiration for a scheme or development or just want a location to mind-map ideas, our new Design Space is the perfect environment to spark creativity. Located in the London Bridge area, we’re now much closer to many of our customers, too, making it easier for them to pop by at a time that suits them. We can’t wait to start welcoming people to this exciting new space.” Alongside its new London showroom, Marshalls has a second Design Space in Birmingham, located just a five-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station. To book, visit marshalls.co.uk/commercial/design-space Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GLP Selects Winvic to Deliver its Largest Spec Unit to Date, Taking the Shed Specialist to the Milestone of 100 Million sq ft of Industrial Space

GLP Selects Winvic to Deliver its Largest Spec Unit to Date, Taking the Shed Specialist to the Milestone of 100 Million sq ft of Industrial Space

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been selected by GLP to construct MPN 761 at one of Europe’s premier logistics locations, Magna Park in Lutterworth. The Winvic GLP partnership is a first and the industrial facility totalling 761,000 sq ft is the largest speculative unit that the developer has brought forward to date. Furthermore, the project will see the main contractor reach a significant milestone in its 23-year history of constructing industrial facilities; MPN 761 located on Magna Park North marks Winvic’s construction of 100 million sq ft of industrial space. MPN 761 will be the sixty-fourth industrial building that Winvic has been contracted to deliver with Net Zero Carbon requirements and it is set to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating and EPC A. The sustainable first-in-class design means it is 100% PV ready and WELL Building Standard compliant, which will allow the occupier to manage their environmental impact as effectively as their operations. The building, with an 18-metre clear height to haunch, comprises a 716,662 sq ft warehouse, an 8,202 sq ft undercroft warehouse, a 1,615 sq ft plant deck and 34,667 sq ft space across a three-storey office and two transport offices; Winvic will fit out the offices to Cat A standards. Enabling earthworks and service installations will commence on 1 July and the steel frame erection will commence in the Autumn. The project will be handed over to GLP in June 2025. MPN 761 benefits from 360 circulation; two service yards of 50 metres will be connected to ease movement and parking. Winvic will also construct the parking areas for 525 cars, 277 HGVs and 180 bicycles as well as undertake landscaping and planting.  Winvic will be working with GLP to undertake several social value activities to benefit people and businesses that are local to Magna Park as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver positive project legacies. For example, Winvic will focus on providing employment opportunities to young people, engaging Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and working with local schools and community organisations; this will include volunteering and providing regular donations to local food banks. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, said: “MPN 761 has become a special project for three reasons; it marks Winvic’s construction of 100 million square foot of industrial space, it’s GLP’s largest ever speculative unit and it has brought the start of a new and exciting contractor-client relationship. I’d like to thank GLP for appreciating our industrial sector expertise and ESG credentials, and for appointing us on this next phase at Magna Park. The premier and historic logistics developer is widely acclaimed within the industry for setting new standards in terms of design, environmental management, sustainability, occupier efficiency and local job creation, and we’re proud to now be a part of the Magna Park story. The team is looking forward to progressing safely through the programme and have their sights set on completion in June 2025.” Peter Baird, Senior Construction Manager, GLP commented: “We are pleased to be partnering with Winvic to deliver MPN 761 as we embark upon the next important phase of development at Magna Park North. This is a testament to our confidence in the resilience of the UK logistics market and the strategic importance of the Midlands in particular. Winvic possess an impressive track record within the industrial sector, and we are pleased to welcome their expertise to our supply chain as we deliver a best-in-class mega distribution unit with occupier demand, technological advancements and environmental, social and governance principles at its core.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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FSi Promat open state cavity barriers verified by CCPI

FSi Promat open state cavity barriers verified by CCPI

Passive Fire Protection manufacturer FSi Promat has secured Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) verification for its Silverliner open state cavity barriers, underlining its commitment to supporting the highest standards in the construction industry. The fire stopping and cavity barrier specialist has successfully demonstrated that its Silverliner range of open state cavity barriers is compliant with the code, which aims to improve standards across the construction industry by ensuring that ‘product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous’. In offering the CCPI-verified product set, FSi Promat can assure specifiers, contractors and installers that all the information around the cavity barriers is clear, transparent and easy to understand. The code further stipulates that technical information and support should be easily accessible, and that information is supplied by a representative who has received adequate training and demonstrates competency in their knowledge of the system.   Introduced by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following the recommendations of the Hackitt Review to raise standards across the industry, the CCPI aims to protect the market for certified products and reinstate trust through ensuring construction processes are as safe and robust as possible. FSi Promat’s Silverliner open state cavity barriers are designed to reinstate the lines of compartmentation within an external façade system, when required, yet allow for the free movement of air to satisfy ventilation requirements.  In the event of a fire the intumescent edge of the barrier expands to close the air gap to prevent the spread of fire and heat from one area to another. The time frame within which this contains a fire is vital to allow anyone inside the building to move to a place of safety.   Liam Blears, Head of Facades at FSi Promat, said: “Life critical safety products by their very nature must meet the highest performance standards. FSi Promat is dedicated to meeting and exceeding the requirements of fire and safety regulations, and very much welcomes the introduction of the CCPI to help to enforce standards and build trust. “We also understand this needs to be supported by clarity in the messaging around appropriate use and installation – and have built this into our systems and the information around them.  “All of our products are third party tested and supported by qualified technical advisors, as we have always believed this is the route to sustain best practice. All key members of the FSi Promat team are qualified to, or working towards, IFE Level 3 to demonstrate competency and we offer training across all of our products.  “With the CCPI verification of this product set we are delighted to offer a highly regarded level of compliance in addition to the robust testing and certification systems we have in place at FSi Promat.” Find out more about the Silverliner range of cavity barriers online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Leeds property developer opens new base in Sheffield City centre

Leeds property developer opens new base in Sheffield City centre

Torsion Group has opened a new 6,000 sq ft office in a regeneration hotspot in Sheffield city centre. Leeds-based Torsion Group – a leading developer and contractor of student accommodation and build-to-rent residential schemes – has taken over the first floor of Velocity Village at 2 Tenter Street, joining the likes of DLP Planning, Anytime Fitness, Ministry of Justice and Wake Smith Solicitors. Torsion Group is working on a number of flagship projects across the UK, including Sky Gardens in Leeds and Hollis Croft in Sheffield.  The under-construction Hollis Croft – a 17-storey tower boasting 234 build-to-rent apartments – is located just a stone’s throw from Torsion’s new Sheffield base. The development also sits directly next to True Sheffield – a 27-storey student-residential tower that is currently being delivered by Aztec Construction. Like Torsion Group, Aztec Construction has also opened a new office in the area and now occupies over 10,000 sq ft of space at the nearby Pennine Five campus, which has undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment over recent years. Both Velocity Village and Pennine Five are owned by RBH Properties, who are passionate about the significant development opportunities in this district of the city centre.  Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties, said: “We are delighted to welcome Torsion Group to 2 Tenter Street and are looking forward to seeing them join the evolving business community in the area. “Much like Aztec Construction over at our Pennine Five campus, Torsion has realised the huge potential of this area of Sheffield City Centre, basing themselves here while simultaneously developing a new residential scheme just metres away. “We believe our own investment into the area has provided real confidence and acted as a catalyst for further growth. It’s incredibly exciting to see several new residential developments underway and new businesses moving in, helping to cement the area’s promising future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clowes Developments bolster their team with new recruit

Clowes Developments bolster their team with new recruit

Clowes Developments have further strengthened their team through the appointment of Jenny McCrea, a graduate from Nottingham Trent University. Jenny applied for the Graduate Surveyor position at Clowes in line with finishing her degree in Property Development and Planning where she obtained a 2:1. Jenny will be working with the Land and Planning and Development team in a hybrid role giving her a unique insight into both departments. Tom Morley, Surveyor in the Land and Planning team, commented on Jenny’s appointment, “We are delighted to welcome Jenny to the team. Jenny will be supporting two departments which are closely linked in the lifecycle of a typical Clowes project. Namely, she will be assisting on the delivery of a brand-new site, Pleasley Hill in Mansfield, Nottingham along with progressing existing sites through planning and onwards. Jenny added, “As a local graduate, I wanted to find a company where I would fit in and feel part of a team. I took a look at the website and noticed Clowes have a healthy mix of employees and a culture which would allow someone like me to thrive and grow as a young surveyor. The head office at Ednaston Park is beautiful, who wouldn’t want to work in that environment? Additionally, I noticed some great opportunities which most graduates could only dream of being involved in. Fairham is an exciting project, 606-acres of mixed-use development opportunities and a desire by Clowes and Homes England to nurture a brand-new neighbourhood from scratch. It’s a relatively small team at Clowes, so it’s all hands-on deck, that really appealed to me.” Jenny has aspirations to complete her Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) in Planning and Development whilst working at Clowes. With a whole host of opportunities ahead of her, this will surely be a realistic goal for the new graduate. Clowes Developments are celebrating 60 years in business, they are one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property investment and development organisations, dedicated to a simple aim: to build a lasting legacy of strong, sustainable places that will enable future generations to prosper. The Derbyshire-based property group presented their strongest numbers in its history with turnover of £253.2m and operating profit of £43.4m for the financial year 2022-23. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Mitie’s 2024 ESG Report Showcases Strong Progress Towards Sustainability Goals

Mitie’s 2024 ESG Report Showcases Strong Progress Towards Sustainability Goals

Mitie has released its 2024 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report, highlighting significant strides towards its sustainability objectives. The leading facilities management provider achieved or surpassed 13 ambitious targets for the past financial year (FY24), underscoring its dedication to its core social value pillars: Environment, People, Communities, and Responsible Supply Chain. Key highlights from the report include: Environmental Leadership As part of its ‘Plan Zero’ initiative, which aims to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025, Mitie has successfully reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 5%. Major contributors to this reduction include the installation of low-carbon heat pumps across its sites and the ongoing transition to electric vehicles (EVs). With the introduction of its 5,000th EV, two-thirds (66%) of Mitie’s fleet is now fully electric, making it one of the largest electric fleets in the UK. In recognition of these achievements and its ongoing environmental efforts, Mitie received an ‘A’ grade for its carbon reduction strategy and reporting from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), placing it in the top 2% of organisations evaluated annually. Beyond reducing its own environmental impact, Mitie has also leveraged its expertise in green solutions, such as solar power and biodiversity, to assist its clients in reaching their net zero goals. Notable achievements in FY24 include increasing recycling rates at London Euston station from 10% to 81% through the introduction of an on-site recycling facility and installing 2,000 solar panels at the Associated British Ports site in Southampton, reducing carbon emissions by 235 tonnes annually. Empowering People Through Skills Development Mitie has continued its investment in training and development to foster long-term, fulfilling careers for its employees. Over FY24, the company supported over 1,200 apprentices at any given time, offering 90 apprenticeship courses. This includes the new Professional Security Operative Level 2 apprenticeship, which Mitie helped to develop to create more career progression opportunities within the security industry, and a heat pump engineer apprenticeship to support the growth of the UK’s green workforce. In April, Mitie reached a significant milestone by surpassing £2 million in Apprenticeship Levy gifting pledges. Through this initiative, Mitie has enabled over 25 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local community services across the UK to fund apprenticeship schemes. Making a Positive Impact in Communities Mitie has exceeded all its goals under the Community pillar, maintaining its commitment to making a difference in the communities it serves. This includes nearly 25,000 hours of volunteering for local causes, supported by Mitie’s initiative to offer employees ten hours of volunteer time each year. Mitie’s independent charity, The Mitie Foundation, which aims to support disadvantaged groups in securing employment, celebrated its tenth anniversary. Over the past year, the foundation helped recruit 418 individuals, while Mitie continued its support for the Armed Forces community by welcoming 790 forces leavers. Promoting Sustainability Through the Supply Chain Mitie takes pride in being a responsible business, with nearly half (47.7%) of its supply chain spend directed towards SMEs and £3.3 million allocated to voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), surpassing its target by 46%. The company also achieved a 12% reduction in supply chain emissions compared to FY23, marking the completion of a three-year supply chain transformation programme focused on enhancing sustainability through procurement. Peter Dickinson, Chief Legal Officer at Mitie, commented: “As one of Britain’s largest businesses, we are committed to making a positive impact on our people, communities, and the environment. With our 2025 net zero targets fast approaching, it’s encouraging to see that we have exceeded so many of our goals this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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elementalLONDON announces partnership with CIAT

elementalLONDON announces partnership with CIAT

elementalLONDON is delighted to announce the formation of a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) to help support its membership in the development of construction projects. Reflecting and enhancing the success of the elemental digital platform, elementalLONDON will have the ethos of Advancing the efficiency of buildings at its core. It will deliver an exhibition and content programme created around the wants and needs of its audience that combines deep insight with practical understanding of the challenges faced by building owners and operators, and the entire supply chain, across commercial and residential projects. The partnership will facilitate the delivery of information to the CIAT membership and give elementalLONDON visitors the opportunity to connect with the Institute’s team and understand more about architectural technology as a discipline. (pictured) Adam Endacott, Head of Creative & Communications, Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, comments: “CIAT is excited to be working with elementalLONDON for this all-new show aimed at specifiers. It is an ideal opportunity for Architectural Technologists to broaden their knowledge development, explore products and processes and gain essential CPD. We look forward to this show becoming a staple part of the built environment exhibition calendar.” Rebecca Pearce, elementalLONDON Event Director, adds: “We’re delighted to have agreed this partnership with CIAT. We look forward to being able to share our plans and vision with the Institute’s members in the coming months, and welcoming them to ExCeL London in 2025 and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Housebuilder renovates apartment for parents visiting poorly children at Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Housebuilder renovates apartment for parents visiting poorly children at Addenbrooke’s Hospital

An apartment used as a ‘home from home’ by the parents of children undergoing treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge has been given a facelift by the developer which built the property. Staff from Countryside Homes have carried out a full redecoration of the one-bedroom home at its Aura development in Trumpington as part of the company’s ongoing support of the Rhys Daniels Trust. The charity, which provides free accommodation for families close to specialist children’s hospitals across the UK, bought the apartment at Aura – just a five-minute drive from Addenbrooke’s – four years ago Countryside, which is now part of the Vistry Group, agreed to help maintain the property for 10 years, including carrying out regular redecorations and other essential works. The latest redecoration took place earlier this year after Nicky Brody, manager at the Trust, reached out to Vistry to see if they could help. Chris Overton, customer service director at Vistry Central Home Counties, said: “Nicky called the customer service team in the year and asked if we could do a few bits of touching up, but we said it would make more sense for us to carry out a full redecoration as it would look better for new guests for the year. “We’ve kept to the original colour of white as it does not age and we hope this will create a more welcoming and relaxing environment for parents at what must be an incredibly stressful and difficult time of their lives. “Nicky and the team don’t like to ask, but we are here to help should they need us. The Rhys Daniels Trust is such an incredible charity and one we’re extremely proud to support. Painting a few rooms may seem like a small thing to us but it can make a huge difference to the families who stay here while their child is undergoing treatment.” Nicky Brody, Manager at the Rhys Daniels Trust, said: “For the past four years, since the Trust purchased the flat at the Aura development in Trumpington, the team at Countryside Homes has been very supportive of what we do here at the charity. Right from the start they signalled their support by furnishing the apartment free of charge, which was a huge help. “The team has been providing maintenance services at the flat since we have been here, ensuring that the families that stay here are at their most comfortable, to help make it as stress-free as possible for them. “We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and would not be able to be here without the support of some truly wonderful companies. On that note, we would like to say a big thank you to Countryside Homes for its continued support which helps us to carry on providing our free ‘Home from Home’ service for families.” The Trust, which is based in Essex, also provides a free ‘home from home’ property for families whose children are being treated at King’s College Hospital in London, Bristol Royal Infirmary and the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. Countryside Homes is part of Vistry Group, which also includes Bovis Homes and Linden Homes. Vistry is building under its Countryside Homes brand at the St Michael’s Hurst and St James’ Park developments in Bishop’s Stortford. For more information, visit countrysidehomes.com. Further details about the Rhys Daniels Trust can be seen at www.rhysdanielstrust.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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