September 9, 2024
Homes England goes to TOWN for Northstowe co-housing project Marmalade Lane developer to put people and planet at heart of new neighbourhood

Homes England goes to TOWN for Northstowe co-housing project Marmalade Lane developer to put people and planet at heart of new neighbourhood

Homes England has appointed profit-with-purpose developer, TOWN, to deliver a new cohousing community in Northstowe. Located eight miles northwest of Cambridge city, Northstowe is one of Britain’s most significant new towns under development. Following the success of its cohousing community – Marmalade Lane – in Cambridge, TOWN’s vision will bring

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One Founders Place: A Premier Opportunity for Businesses to Join Newcastle’s £137m Sustainable Development

One Founders Place: A Premier Opportunity for Businesses to Join Newcastle’s £137m Sustainable Development

A landmark office development in Newcastle’s historic Stephenson Quarter has been renamed One Founders Place, as it seeks a pre-let partner for its cutting-edge, £137 million regeneration project. The 100,000 sq. ft office space, spread across 10 storeys, is designed to blend sustainability with the city’s rich industrial heritage, making

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Lancer Scott Secures Major Hard FM Contract with UWE Bristol

Lancer Scott Secures Major Hard FM Contract with UWE Bristol

Lancer Scott Facilities Management has been awarded the prestigious Hard Facilities Management (FM) contract for the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol. The company’s success builds on an established partnership with the university, having previously undertaken several key projects, including the demolition and refurbishment of the Maths

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Bromborough Community Fire Station Commences Major Sustainability Upgrade

Bromborough Community Fire Station Commences Major Sustainability Upgrade

Seddon, a family-owned construction contractor, is set to begin work this month on a significant renovation project at Bromborough Fire Station for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The 31-week project, valued at £1.6 million, will enhance the station’s facilities and contribute to the service’s decarbonisation efforts. The comprehensive upgrade includes

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Salford council hands civils contract to Eric Wright

Salford council hands civils contract to Eric Wright

Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been appointed by Salford City Council for the plans that will transform Chapel Street and New Bailey. The decision was made through the Procurement Board. The £3,896,590 works will transform a section of Chapel Street on the Bee Network including the junction of Chapel Street

Read More »
DARLEY STREET MARKET MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WIN FOR G&H GROUP

Darley Street Market maintenance contract win for G&H Group

Bradford Council has awarded mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) service provider, G&H Group, the maintenance contract for its new state-of-the-art, energy efficient Darley Street Market building.   The 12-month contract, awarded to G&H Group’s Maintenance division, will commence September 2024.  A dedicated team including a contract manager and specialist skilled

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Iconic Gull Wing bridge open

Iconic Gull Wing bridge open

Thousands of Lowestoft residents made history today as they walked, wheeled and drove for the first time across the town’s new world-leading and unique Gull Wing bridge. Lowestoft’s long-awaited third Lake Lothing crossing, which opened to the public on Saturday 7 September – heralds a new era of connectivity and

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

September 9, 2024

Homes England goes to TOWN for Northstowe co-housing project Marmalade Lane developer to put people and planet at heart of new neighbourhood

Homes England goes to TOWN for Northstowe co-housing project Marmalade Lane developer to put people and planet at heart of new neighbourhood

Homes England has appointed profit-with-purpose developer, TOWN, to deliver a new cohousing community in Northstowe. Located eight miles northwest of Cambridge city, Northstowe is one of Britain’s most significant new towns under development. Following the success of its cohousing community – Marmalade Lane – in Cambridge, TOWN’s vision will bring together high-quality design, good placemaking principles, and a commitment to creating a close, connected community in Northstowe. The development parcel – plot 2D1 in the Northstowe masterplan – lies directly to the south of Northstowe’s future town centre. Earlier in 2024, TOWN undertook a successful market testing exercise, which highlighted a high level of interest in cohousing within the Greater Cambridge area. TOWN is now in the process of building a group of future residents, who, through a codesign process, will help to shape the new cohousing community. The scheme will include 40% affordable housing, together with a range of communal spaces and facilities. Jonny Anstead, Founding Director at TOWN, said: “At Northstowe, we want to create a place where residents know and support their neighbours, and share spaces and resources to live more sustainably. The benefits of cohousing are clear: it allows people to live happier, less isolated lives, fosters a real sense of community and enables residents to share resources and reduce their environmental impact. And in delivering a new cohousing community here at Northstowe, our aim is to support Homes England in shaping a unique, thriving and diverse community with more sustainable ways of living at its heart.” The project once more sees TOWN collaborating with Mole Architects and builds on the success and learnings from Marmalade Lane, a 42-home cohousing development in Orchard Park, Cambridge, delivered by TOWN and completed in 2019. Celebrated as an exemplar for new housing in the UK, that project currently has a waiting list of over 400 households – enough to fill the development another nine times over. TOWN has recently published Insights from Marmalade Lane, a post-occupancy report that highlights the impact that the development has had on the lives of its residents and the social value it continues to generate for them and the wider community. This aligns with Northstowe’s ethos of being a place centred around wellbeing and sustainability. A key finding of the report is that the environmental, social, and economic benefits of Marmalade Lane collectively generate over a million pounds in social value. Matthew Brown, Head of Development at Homes England, also commented: “Homes England is committed to making Northstowe a vibrant and successful place. A key component of this will be to provide a diverse range of housing types and tenures. Building on our existing Market and Affordable Homes – including Northstowe Discount Market Sale Homes for first-time buyers – cohousing will make a valuable contribution to this mix. “Appointing TOWN is a great next step in Northstowe’s journey, and we’ll be working to support the developer in bringing forward proposals for an exciting housing development which champions community at its core.” Homes England is master developer for phases 2 and 3, the final phases of Northstowe. Over the next 20 years, Northstowe will be transformed into a thriving community of around 10,000 new homes and approximately 25,000 people. TOWN is committed to supporting Homes England and its local partners in realising this long-term vision for the new town. For updates on the proposals, or to enquire about potential future homes, visit: https://www.wearetown.co.uk/projects/northstowe/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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One Founders Place: A Premier Opportunity for Businesses to Join Newcastle’s £137m Sustainable Development

One Founders Place: A Premier Opportunity for Businesses to Join Newcastle’s £137m Sustainable Development

A landmark office development in Newcastle’s historic Stephenson Quarter has been renamed One Founders Place, as it seeks a pre-let partner for its cutting-edge, £137 million regeneration project. The 100,000 sq. ft office space, spread across 10 storeys, is designed to blend sustainability with the city’s rich industrial heritage, making it an ideal location for forward-thinking businesses. One Founders Place is the vision of RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and is set to be a climate-positive building. The project is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and Building with Nature certification, ensuring it meets the highest standards for sustainability, while honouring its location’s legacy as the birthplace of George and Robert Stephenson’s locomotive factory, established in 1823. This ambitious rebrand comes on the heels of new research from Historic England, which highlights the economic benefits of integrating cultural heritage with modern development. Studies show that areas steeped in history enjoy stronger economic performance, with GDP growth linked to such heritage-led projects. One Founders Place is a prime example of how a development can harmonise the past with the future, combining industrial legacy with eco-conscious design. The building promises to deliver exceptional workspace, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to flood the offices, and outdoor terraces offering panoramic views of the city. State-of-the-art, all-electric heating and cooling systems, along with on-site renewable energy solutions and passive solar shading, will support the building’s sustainability goals. Designed to Well Building Standards, the office prioritises both the wellbeing of its occupiers and environmental impact. Developed by igloo Regeneration and Thriving Investments in partnership with Newcastle City Council, One Founders Place is the centrepiece of the wider £137 million Stephenson Quarter regeneration. Joe Broadley of igloo Regeneration commented: “One Founders Place sits on a historic site with deep industrial roots. Our aim was to honour the Stephenson legacy while incorporating the latest in technology and sustainability.” Alex Hay from Newcastle City Council hailed the development as a key driver of the city’s future, contributing to the growth of a green economy that respects Newcastle’s proud heritage. Knight Frank, the agents tasked with securing a pre-let partner, described the development as a unique opportunity for businesses that value sustainability, employee wellbeing, and a distinctive workspace. Located in the lively Stephenson Quarter, One Founders Place boasts excellent transport links via the Tyne and Wear Metro and is surrounded by popular hospitality spots like the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Gin Bar, and The Arches Beer Street Micropub. Its close proximity to Newcastle’s cultural and retail hubs adds to its appeal for businesses seeking a prestigious and accessible location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lancer Scott Secures Major Hard FM Contract with UWE Bristol

Lancer Scott Secures Major Hard FM Contract with UWE Bristol

Lancer Scott Facilities Management has been awarded the prestigious Hard Facilities Management (FM) contract for the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol. The company’s success builds on an established partnership with the university, having previously undertaken several key projects, including the demolition and refurbishment of the Maths block. Chris Abbott, Director of Estates and Facilities at UWE Bristol, praised Lancer Scott’s performance, stating: “Lancer Scott has consistently demonstrated a strong alignment with our values and a deep understanding of our operations through the successful delivery of major projects. They embody a culture of authentic partnership, which is crucial to us as we aim to build a relationship based on trust and collaboration. We see them playing an integral role in our Estates vision and overall success as a university in the coming years.” Dan Knight, Managing Director of Facilities Management at Lancer Scott, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, commenting: “This contract award from UWE Bristol further solidifies our position as a leading provider of Hard FM services within the Higher Education sector. We were able to showcase value through our deep understanding of UWE’s needs, combined with our people, systems, and processes. Our local presence and commitment to high performance, along with our strong sense of purpose, made for a compelling delivery solution. We look forward to enhancing our collaborative relationship with UWE Bristol throughout the contract term and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Goodman supports global fashion and luxury logistics specialists’ entry into the UK

Goodman supports global fashion and luxury logistics specialists’ entry into the UK

The Snatt Omlog Companies, leading logistics and technology service providers for the luxury and fashion sectors, are extending their European business into the UK at Goodman’s London Brentwood Commercial Park in East Horndon, Essex. The fashion and luxury operations specialists, which offer bespoke supply chain solutions for major brands and retailers, have leased 126,000 sq ft of highly specified warehouse space to support their continued global expansion. Focused exclusively on logistics, technology and operational project management for the fashion and luxury industries, the new facility will strengthen their European business, enabling easy access to a UK retail market expected to reach £570.8 billion by 20282. Headquartered in Italy with directly managed operations in China, the U.S. and Europe, The Snatt Omlog Companies work with some of the most prestigious brands and luxury groups in the world. They first partnered with Goodman in 2007 and currently lease over 1 million sq ft at Goodman Western Plaza in Hong Kong and Goodman Industrial Center Murray Hill in New York.  Located only three miles from the M25 and close to world-class multimodal infrastructure, including the Port of Tilbury and the Channel Tunnel, London Brentwood Commercial Park is well-placed for goods coming into the UK. With consumers’ increasing delivery expectations and a greater focus from retailers on streamlining the last mile, proximity to the A13 provides fast access to Central London, key to serving customers quickly and efficiently.  To facilitate the company’s growth plans, a three-storey mezzanine will maximise internal storage capacity and offer a high degree of flexibility to meet customers’ bespoke requirements. In addition to retail and e-commerce logistics, The Snatt Omlog Companies provide end-to-end operational support for store openings and renovations, pop-ups, visual merchandising and media activations, as well as a diverse range of specialised value-added services specific to fashion and luxury. The highly sustainable facility is delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard and achieves an A+ energy performance rating, benefiting from a full rooftop of solar PV to help offset the building’s power needs, innovative SolarWall® technology for heating the building’s office areas, and rainwater harvesting to reduce water use. With infrastructure for future electric vehicle (EV) fleets, there are also plans to offer EV delivery services into Central London, building on the success of the company’s EV delivery solution in Hong Kong.  Austin Whyte, General Manager at Snatt Omlog UK, said:“When we looked to expand into this core market, we wanted to collaborate with an organisation we could trust. We’re pleased to be building on our longstanding relationship with Goodman by opening our first UK facility with them.  “The property’s strategic location, combined with its sustainability credentials, was important to us as a business but also to the brands we work with. It will enable us to service customers quickly, reduce delivery miles and in doing so, support our customers in decarbonising their supply chains.”George Glennie, Development Director at Goodman, added:“Delivering high-quality, sustainable properties that can utilise technology and innovation to increase operational efficiency is key for our customers. We’re excited to be working with The Snatt Omlog Companies in the UK and supporting their continued growth in the luxury retail market.” Goodman’s London Brentwood Commercial Park is a new business community home to aviation supply chain specialist, Farsound, and is set to become the new HQ for Europe’s largest independent retailer for tabletop hobbies, Wayland Games. It serves as an attractive location for businesses due to its well qualified workforce and has seen 4% population growth over the last five years, outpacing the wider South East region3.  To find out more about the opportunities available at London Brentwood Commercial Park, please visit the website for further details.  1 Esri and Michael Bauer Research, 20242 Source: Euromonitor, 20243 Source: Turley Economics, 2023 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New CPD ‘The Best of All Possible Worlds’ - written by an architect for architects

New CPD ‘The Best of All Possible Worlds’ – written by an architect for architects

Reynaers Aluminium UK, a leading supplier of sustainable architectural aluminium systems, has unveiled a new RIBA-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar focused on curtain walling systems.   This comprehensive program, titled “The Best of All Possible Worlds – How Curtain Walling can help meet the needs and demands of architecture and construction in the 21st Century,” offers architects an in-depth understanding of using curtain walling to meet modern design objectives.  The CPD was crafted by an architect for architects, the architect being Paul Iddon, Vice President of the Manchester Society of Architects.  This new seminar provides an overview of the evolution of curtain walling in response to the changing needs of the architecture and construction sectors. It covers essential regulatory frameworks across approved documents, referencing the Building Safety Act (BSA) and Construction Design & Management (CDM) regulations.  With a comprehensive exploration of curtain walling systems, participants will gain a thorough grounding in its co-development with construction technology. The seminar provides a broad understanding of relevant systems, delving into their usefulness in meeting various design criteria, and elucidating key considerations for architects and specifiers.   Practical applications are illustrated by case studies that showcase diverse uses and exemplary contextual designs. While valuable insights are offered into the relevance of curtain walling in meeting sustainability and circular economy goals.  Richard Jekiel, National Consult Manager at Reynaers Aluminium UK, commented: “At Reynaers, we are committed to supporting architects in realising their visions. This new CPD exemplifies our dedication to providing not just premium quality, versatile systems, but also the knowledge and technical expertise necessary for successful specification and sustainable design.   “By offering in-depth insights into curtain walling systems, we aim to empower architects to make informed decisions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.”  The seminar is designed to equip architects with a thorough understanding of curtain walling systems’ potential to expand their creative horizons and improve their technical capabilities. This latest seminar complements Reynaers’ existing portfolio of RIBA-approved seminars, which cover topics such as specifying aluminium sliding doors, acoustic glazing solutions, and sustainable aluminium systems.  The launch of this CPD underscores Reynaers’ position as an industry leader in architectural aluminium systems and reinforces its dedication to supporting the professional growth of architects and specifiers. By providing high-quality, relevant educational content, Reynaers continues to bridge the gap between innovative product solutions and the evolving needs of the construction industry. Architects and other industry professionals interested in participating in this new CPD seminar or exploring Reynaers’ other educational offerings can contact the company directly to schedule a session.   With options for face-to-face, virtual, or on-site delivery at Reynaers’ Knowledge Centre in Birmingham, the company ensures flexibility and accessibility for all participants. As the construction industry continues to evolve, Reynaers Aluminium UK remains at the forefront, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to create sustainable, innovative, and visually striking architectural solutions.  Reynaers will present its ‘Best of All Possible Worlds’ CPD via webinar this October and November. For in person sessions, onsite or at Reynaers’ UK headquarters in Birmingham, enquire online or contact the Reynaers Consult Team.  Find out more online.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bromborough Community Fire Station Commences Major Sustainability Upgrade

Bromborough Community Fire Station Commences Major Sustainability Upgrade

Seddon, a family-owned construction contractor, is set to begin work this month on a significant renovation project at Bromborough Fire Station for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The 31-week project, valued at £1.6 million, will enhance the station’s facilities and contribute to the service’s decarbonisation efforts. The comprehensive upgrade includes re-roofing the whole fire station, new M&E installations, interior fit-out to modern standards, and implementation of sustainability measures to reduce the station’s carbon footprint. Key to the project is the removal of gas systems and traditional fossil fuel boilers, to be replaced with green energy solutions. This shift towards renewable energy sources is a crucial step in Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s decarbonisation plan, demonstrating Seddon’s continuous commitment to environmental sustainability. The green energy upgrades will not only lower the station’s carbon emissions but also contribute to long-term cost savings and energy efficiency. Another crucial aspect of the project is ensuring the fire station remains fully operational throughout the renovation. Seddon’s experienced team will work closely with station personnel to minimise disruption and maintain emergency response readiness at all times. This commitment to uninterrupted service underscores Seddon’s expertise in managing sensitive, live-site renovations where maintaining functionality is key to public safety. Matthew Sargeson, Operations Director at Seddon Property Services, said: “We’re proud to partner with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on this important project. Our team’s expertise in managing complex, live-site renovations will ensure Bromborough Fire Station continues to serve its community while we deliver these crucial upgrades. This project aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting essential services and promoting sustainability in the built environment.” Anthony Holland, Estates Development Manager at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “The newly refurbished and modernised Fire Station will provide an improved working environment for firefighters and improved facilities for the community. “As Estates Development Manager I am extremely proud to be leading on this key project for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, the works have begun on site and are quite extensive.The scheme will run for approximately 30 weeks while we continue to operate as a live fire station. Operational staff have been supportive and patient through the development of the scheme, from feasibility to work commencing on site.” This project strengthens Seddon’s growing portfolio in the blue light sector, following successful collaborations with other emergency services including Staffordshire Police. The company is also poised to undertake similar decarbonisation projects at additional fire stations in the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Salford council hands civils contract to Eric Wright

Salford council hands civils contract to Eric Wright

Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been appointed by Salford City Council for the plans that will transform Chapel Street and New Bailey. The decision was made through the Procurement Board. The £3,896,590 works will transform a section of Chapel Street on the Bee Network including the junction of Chapel Street and New Bailey Street, which is the final phase of the New Bailey Gateway project. Eric Wright will also carry out improvements to Chapel Street between New Bailey Street and Blackfriars Street as part of the Salford Chapel Street East Phase 1 project. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is fantastic news that this contract has been awarded so works can begin soon. The works are part of a long-term plan for the city centre which is designed to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists with better road crossings and cycling provision. “Public realm improvements will also support the wider regeneration of the area to make it a much more attractive area for people. “The approval also means that the contractor will use local suppliers and subcontractors where possible. Staff will use volunteer hours to be spent at local school and college visits with extra support for getting young people aged 16 to 24 into work. There will be work placements as well as staff volunteering hours on community projects. “The artists impressions of what the scheme will look like when finished are very impressive and I can’t wait to see works finished and open for everybody to use.” The scheme will use a ‘complete streets’ approach to rebalance the space in favour of pedestrians and cyclists while also catering for buses, general traffic and loading. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Adaptations to older homes could cost households thousands, Habinteg says

Adaptations to older homes could cost households thousands, Habinteg says

Cost comparisons by Habinteg Housing Association of grab rail, stairlift and wet room home adaptations show that people living in an M4(1) visitable dwelling who need to carry out such adaptations could be almost £27,000 worse off compared to those living in an accessible and adaptable M4(2) home. Families and individuals could be forced to spend savings to privately fund essential adaptation whilst Local Authorities would be picking up the bill for those who do not have savings through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). With Government allocating £625 million to Local Authorities’ DFG funds in 2024/25 (185% more than 10 years ago), unless homes are designed to be more adaptable from the outset, Councils are set to face increasing pressure on home adaptation grants as the population ages and disability rates rise1. This is one reason why Habinteg is urging the Government to make the M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard the baseline for all new homes in England, and to immediately hold the one short consultation with industry stakeholders on the implementation details to make it happen.  If it does not, its pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes this parliamentary term could see the country’s housing crisis worsen for future households that include disabled and older people. Currently: Habinteg’s price comparison illustrates that the cost of adapting an older or M4(1) home, for a person who may need one or all three of the most common adaptations, could cost almost £27,0002. In a typical scenario, a bathroom grab rail can cost over £270 to install in an older home. As the property’s wall may be too weak to mount a grab rail, the work would include wall strengthening. For an M4(2) property – which already has walls capable of supporting a grab rail – a builder could install the grab rail at a more affordable cost of around £125. If someone needs a stairlift, it can cost between £9,000 – £10,000 to install one in an M4(1) home, depending on the design of the stairs. An M4(1) property is likely to have steeper and narrower or curved staircase. Whereas the cost of fitting a stairlift in an accessible and adaptable home would average between £2500-£4000. In some older homes stair lifts are not possible to fit, due to the narrowness of the stairs or other prohibitive design issues, in which case a through-floor lift is needed which can cost between £18,000 and £20,000. Meanwhile, converting an entry level WC to a wet room – completing all the structural and plumbing work needed – would typically cost at least £6500 in an M4(1) home. In contrast, adapting the same room in an accessible and adaptable home (using the pre-existing drainage) could be close to £1,800 cheaper, with less work required, making it 37 per cent cheaper to adapt than an M4(1) home. Disability Activist and wheelchair user Kerry Thompson said: “We’re living in a society where individuals are living longer, with a life expectancy in England of 79 years for males and 83 years for women. Add appropriate housing to that and it can dramatically improve a disabled or older person’s ability to live independently. We know that those with homes that do meet their accessibility needs also report improved health and well-being. “And, having the right adaptations to a home that is already accessible and adaptable can create significant savings to the public purse, reducing social care costs for local authorities and health costs for the NHS.  “I urge everyone to think for just a few seconds of the type of future disabled and older people face if the M4(2) standard is not implemented now. Very few of us have the income or savings necessary to afford the kind of adaptations needed to an older or M4(1) home. The DFG isn’t an endless pot.”  Christina McGill, Habinteg’s Director of Social Impact & External Affairs, said: “Almost 80% of disabled people acquire their impairment after the age of 16, so the accessibility and adaptability of new homes is critical if they are to be fit for purpose for the whole population. Our simple cost comparisons show it’s much cheaper to adapt an M4(2) accessible and adaptable home, making this standard fantastic value for money. “We should also remember that M4(2) homes are not specialist, they are designed to be inclusive, welcoming and easy to live in for everyone, whether it be a young person starting out, a family with young children or older people in retirement. “So, as the Labour Government embarks on its ambitious house-building program, we urge them to prioritise accessibility and adaptability in all new homes. “Bringing in the accessible and adaptable standard, now, for all new homes built in England will ensure that our housing stock is fit for the future and will send a strong message that the health and wellbeing of all citizens is being prioritised.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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DARLEY STREET MARKET MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WIN FOR G&H GROUP

Darley Street Market maintenance contract win for G&H Group

Bradford Council has awarded mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) service provider, G&H Group, the maintenance contract for its new state-of-the-art, energy efficient Darley Street Market building.   The 12-month contract, awarded to G&H Group’s Maintenance division, will commence September 2024.  A dedicated team including a contract manager and specialist skilled engineers will deliver a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme, to ensure the optimum performance and compliance of the building. As part of G&H Group’s commitment to training the next generation, apprentices will also have the opportunity to attend site visits with the engineers. G&H Group’s Maintenance team’s responsibilities include maintaining the heat pump and boiler systems, ventilation, EV chargers, air conditioning, heat recovery unit, solar PV, rainwater harvesting, and fire safety systems. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This is another piece of the jigsaw in place as we move toward Darley Street Market opening in Spring next year. We’re pleased G&H Group shares our enthusiasm for the building and its future and warmly welcome them to the Darley Street Market team.” David Ridsdale, G&H Group’s Maintenance Director said: “G&H Group has been involved with Darley Street Market since main contractor Kier appointed our Building Services division to deliver an extensive MEP package. To be appointed to deliver the maintenance contract too, and service all aspects of the building installed by Building Services, reinforces our position as a complete MEP service provider.  “Darley Street Market is a magnificent, low carbon building and we are looking forward to working with Bradford Council in ensuring it performs optimally, all year round, for the comfort of traders and visitors alike.” Established in 1998, G&H Group is an innovative MEP provider. Its 180-strong experienced team design, manage, deliver and maintain every aspect of MEP schemes.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Iconic Gull Wing bridge open

Iconic Gull Wing bridge open

Thousands of Lowestoft residents made history today as they walked, wheeled and drove for the first time across the town’s new world-leading and unique Gull Wing bridge. Lowestoft’s long-awaited third Lake Lothing crossing, which opened to the public on Saturday 7 September – heralds a new era of connectivity and regeneration for the town. The new multi-million pound bridge, built on behalf of Suffolk County Council by leading civil engineering contractor Farrans, is a significant step forward for Lowestoft and promises to bring both immediate and long-term benefits to the town, its businesses and residents. Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “Today is a significant moment in Lowestoft’s proud history, and it was wonderful to see so many local people being part of it. “The people of Lowestoft have waited decades for a third river crossing. Suffolk County Council promised to build it, and we have. I am delighted that we have delivered on that promise. “The Gull Wing will not only serve as a vital transport link between north and south Lowestoft, but also stands as an iconic new landmark for the town. It represents a new era of development and prosperity for Lowestoft. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.” The bridge not only addresses longstanding issues with traffic congestion but will also act as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting new investment and positioning Lowestoft as a dynamic and forward-looking commercial centre and community. By providing another route over Lake Lothing, the Gull Wing bridge will significantly ease traffic congestion in the town centre, shortening journey times and improving journey reliability. Modern cycle and pedestrian facilities on either side will encourage more sustainable modes of transport and better connect communities on the north and south of the waterway. The bridge is expected to attract new businesses and trade to the area, create new job opportunities and to streamline logistics and transportation – laying the foundation for continued growth in the town and surrounding area for many decades to come. Tristram Browne, Project Manager at Farrans, said: “Our team is proud to have delivered the iconic Gull Wing Bridge for the town of Lowestoft. We have been able to leave a lasting legacy not only with the completion of the bridge but also through our programme of social value and stakeholder engagement. During the delivery of this project we have employed 76 local people, provided apprenticeships, volunteered on local community projects and donated significant sums to local charities. “We have brought the region on the journey of the bridge build with us, creating some memorable sights with the arrival of the bridge and bascule sections. It has been a pleasure to work on such a complex, technical project and we would like to thank the local community for their support.” A rolling road closure will be in effect on the morning of Sunday 8th September, as the Tour of Britain crosses the Gull Wing during their preliminary ride-out ahead of the final stage between Lowestoft and Felixstowe. The formal civic opening and naming ceremony for the bridge is set to take place on Tuesday 19th November. Additional details will be provided closer to the date. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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