Plans are taking shape for the development of a £30m, 83-bed Extra Care scheme in Morpeth town centre, a significant investment in the provision of much-needed specialist housing in the county. Northern housing association Karbon Homes, is working in partnership with Northumberland County Council to bring forward the new affordable
A powerhouse delegation, headed by the Government’s Lisa Nandy MP (Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), visited Everton Stadium during the Labour party’s annual conference in Liverpool. Ms Nandy, the MP for Wigan, was accompanied on the tour of the Club’s new waterfront home by Steve Rotheram,
Construction work on a new low-carbon industrial park at the site of former council offices on Blackbird Road in Leicester is almost complete. Leicester City Council is developing the Blackbird Industrial Park on the location of a previous housing depot, situated near the city centre. It features four buildings that
GRAHAM has been awarded the next phase of key infrastructure works to create the eastern access into the Western Growth Corridor development for City of Lincoln Council. Leading on the design and construction, works include, the new bridge crossing Tritton Road across the existing railway line, a new signalised junction
The management team has successfully completed a buyout at leading workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for
Harron Homes has introduced its enhanced Homemover schemes designed to simplify the homebuying and selling process for househunters searching across Yorkshire and the North Midlands. The two schemes, Assisted Move and Part Exchange, provide practical solutions for customers looking to move into a new Harron home while avoiding the common
Star Platforms is delighted to announce its successful re-accreditation as an IPAF Rental+ company for the upcoming year. The company achieved an outstanding score of 98% during the comprehensive independent audit conducted at its Reading depot. IPAF Rental+ certification is a mark of excellence in the powered access industry, ensuring
CBRE, the global real estate advisory firm, is pleased to announce Tej Singh as the new head of its Southampton office. He takes on the role from 1st October 2024. Tej succeeds James Brounger, who will move to a new role focusing on client management and major pursuits across the
Workspace Design Show announces the theme of its 2025 edition: ‘Activate the Senses’; which will explore how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace. Workspace Design Show returns to the Business Design Centre from 26 – 27 February 2025 and it is a welcomed addition to
Introduction Metal fabrication touches almost every aspect of our daily lives. Metal fabrication plays a crucial role in shaping the world, from the vehicles we drive to the buildings we work in. But what exactly is metal fabrication, and why is it so essential? Whether you’re a beginner curious about
Plans are taking shape for the development of a £30m, 83-bed Extra Care scheme in Morpeth town centre, a significant investment in the provision of much-needed specialist housing in the county. Northern housing association Karbon Homes, is working in partnership with Northumberland County Council to bring forward the new affordable housing scheme, helping to address the shortage of accommodation with care for residents with differing levels of care and support needs. Karbon has now exchanged contracts with Vistry North East, who will build the scheme. It will be developed alongside the third and final phase of homes at King Edwards Park – a joint venture (JV) project called Evolution Morpeth LLP which is regenerating the site of the former St George’s Hospital, in the town. Zoey Hawthorne, Assistant Director of Development Delivery at Karbon Homes, said: “This is an exciting milestone for the delivery of this new Extra Care scheme in Morpeth, which will help fill the need locally for high quality, affordable housing that provides residents with the levels of care and support they need to continue living independently.” “Alongside supporting the Council with the delivery of its Extra Care and supported housing strategy, the scheme will have community at its heart, with a bistro cafe open to the general public and multiple communal lounges and multi-use spaces for activities available to book.” The new scheme will consist of a mix of one and two-bed apartments, 15 of which will be designed for people with dementia and two apartments suitable for bariatric care. Residents will have access to 24/7 care available on site – provided in partnership between Karbon and Northumberland County Council. Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, Portfolio Holder for Caring for Adults, said: “Our aim is to improve access to affordable, high quality, and adaptable accommodation for varying levels of need. “This includes developing accommodation that offers an integrated package which could consist of technology, disability-friendly design, and most importantly, care and support to enable people to continue to live as independently as possible in the community. “This extra care development is a welcome contribution to our strategy for meeting the changing needs of our population.” The JV partners, Vistry North East – which is part of Vistry Group – and Home Group, invited Karbon to become part of the project, after sharing the concept of including an Extra Care offer at the development with Northumberland County Council. Vistry Group is the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed tenure homes. Delivered through the Countryside Partnerships brand, the group is creating thousands of homes every year for the affordable and private marketplaces. Andrew Rennie, Development Director, Vistry North East, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Karbon Homes for the delivery of this Extra Care scheme – part of our wider delivery of new homes at King Edwards Park. “We have extensive experience delivering projects of this nature across the region – including recent Premier Guarantee Quality Award winning schemes in Penshaw and Guisborough – and we look forward to starting work here, later in the year.” The Extra Care scheme is to be part-funded by Homes England, through Karbon’s Strategic Partnership with the Government’s housing delivery agency. Northumberland County Council is also funding a contribution to the capital costs. The strategic partnership has provided Karbon with £165million in funding to deliver 2,200 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years, 10% of which has been dedicated to the development of new homes for people requiring additional support needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A powerhouse delegation, headed by the Government’s Lisa Nandy MP (Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), visited Everton Stadium during the Labour party’s annual conference in Liverpool. Ms Nandy, the MP for Wigan, was accompanied on the tour of the Club’s new waterfront home by Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Andy Burham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Jade Botterill MP prior to their attendance at the conference, which is regarded as one of the biggest political gatherings in Europe. The political VIPs, along with senior Government civil servants and policy makers, were impressed to hear how advanced manufacturing, digital technology and assembly techniques had been utilised on this ‘once-in-a-generation’ development. Everton’s Interim CEO Colin Chong hosted the group with Laing O’ Rourke’s CEO Cathal O’Rourke, as they toured the stadium. As well as learning more about The Plaza, the refurbished Grade II Listed hydraulic tower and the Club’s steadfast commitment to accessibility, the delegation also learnt how more than £280m of social value had been created during the build. Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “Everton is a Club with a rich and proud history – this new stadium will play an important part in not only the club’s next chapter, but also the future of Liverpool City Region. “Both Andy and Steve have expressed the incredible contribution that Everton Football Club makes to the local community, and we absolutely share their excitement for the official opening in August 2025”. Everton Stadium, which has been under construction since the summer of 2021, is widely recognised as one of the largest single-site private sector developments in the country, contributing an estimated £1.3bn boost to the UK economy, creating tens of thousands of jobs and is estimated to attract 1.4m visitors to the city of Liverpool, annually. Colin Chong, Everton’s Interim CEO, said: “It was great to have to the opportunity of hosting the Secretary of State and Lisa’s Labour colleagues at Everton Stadium. “I’d like to thank Lisa, Steve, Andy, Jade and all the civil servants for taking the time out of their busy conference schedule to see this important development for themselves. “I know they were impressed with the stadium and how the Club’s Stadium Operations team and Laing O’Rourke have harnessed digital technologies and modern methods of construction to deliver a project of the highest quality. As the project nears completion, they also saw how transformative it will be for city as the Club’s ambitious plans continue to provide new opportunities, raise aspirations and create a lasting legacy.” Everton Stadium is due to be completed on schedule later this year and the Club is planning a series of test events early next year in anticipation of playing their first competitive fixture at the new waterfront home next August. Cathal O’Rourke, Group Chief Executive at Laing O’Rourke, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State and Mayors of Liverpool and Manchester as well as their Labour colleagues to Everton Stadium to see the incredible progress our team is making. As a result of our manufacturing led approach to construction, in less than three and a half years we have gone from a water-filled dock to a world-class stadium that is now just months from completion. We are proud to be working with Everton on a project that is the catalyst for the regeneration of this part of north Liverpool, and which has created employment, training and educational opportunities for thousands of local people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work on a new low-carbon industrial park at the site of former council offices on Blackbird Road in Leicester is almost complete. Leicester City Council is developing the Blackbird Industrial Park on the location of a previous housing depot, situated near the city centre. It features four buildings that will provide more than 30,000sqft of light industrial workspace across 21 separate units aimed at local start-ups and growing businesses. All the buildings incorporate a range of low carbon, energy efficiency measures. These include roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, super insulation, and low-energy smart lighting. Chargers will be provided for electric vehicles in a new parking area, along with safe storage for bicycles. The 21 new units are due to be available for lease from winter 2024. They range in size from the smallest at 750sqft to the largest at between 2,050 to 2,500sqft. Annual rents will vary from £11,250 to £30,000, and at full occupancy the new industrial park could bring in over £400,000 in rental income. The £6.25 million development on Blackbird Road has been backed with government cash following the city council’s successful bid for new investment from the Levelling Up Fund, in 2021. City Mayor Peter Soulsby, said: “This new and much-needed industrial park will breathe new life into a vacant council site and help meet the demand for commercial and industrial workspaces for start-up and growing businesses in Leicester. “Along with supporting local employers and the creation of new jobs, this development also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in cleaner, greener and low carbon infrastructure to support the future prosperity of our growing city.” Leicester City Council appointed locally-based Brackley Property Developments Ltd as its development partner for Blackbird Industrial Park following a competitive tendering process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM has been awarded the next phase of key infrastructure works to create the eastern access into the Western Growth Corridor development for City of Lincoln Council. Leading on the design and construction, works include, the new bridge crossing Tritton Road across the existing railway line, a new signalised junction on Tritton Road including modifications to the existing Dixon Street junction and enabling works. Discussing the award, Alastair Lewis GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “We’re delighted to be leading on the next phase of works for City of Lincoln Council. The new bridge and associated works will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the development of the surrounding area, enhancing connectivity while driving economic growth. Alastair added: “With works off the ground we’re looking forward to playing our part in this project and working collaboratively with the client and key stakeholders.” Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Western Growth Corridor is a key priority for our council, and the next phase of the development will be a crucial step toward achieving our future vision for the city. “This phase of development will fulfil our urban extension plans to improve our city’s sustainability and long-term growth for years to come. With plans to deliver thousands of new homes, Western Growth Corridor will play a transformative role in addressing Lincoln’s housing needs and driving economic prosperity for our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The management team has successfully completed a buyout at leading workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for the company. Operations director Rachel Biddles and creative director Chloe Sproston have been with Blueprint Interiors for 22 and 19 years respectively, having played a significant part in its innovation and growth over the years. The new ownership marks a new chapter for the Ashby-based business – as it celebrates a record 12 months of trading and secures significant projects with household names in 2025. Set up by Rob 23 years ago, Blueprint Interiors continue to shape the future of workplace design, meeting the evolving needs of employer and employee. Rachel Biddles, said: “This has been three years in the planning and it’s wonderful to be able to share the news with the industry. While it’s a strategic move, it has felt a natural transition with Chloe and me being in the business for such a long time. “With a very busy order book and some big projects to announce in the coming months, there is plenty for Chloe and me to deliver and celebrate. This new ownership will enable us to continue to drive forward innovation and quality in workplace design, which is what Blueprint is known for.” Chloe Sproston, said: “Rob has passionately created a vibrant company with strong ethics and values. His success is significant and he has been a fantastic mentor to Rachel and me. “We have always had a clear sense of who we are at Blueprint, our expertise, and our desire to provide the best experience for our clients. We love this company and have always treated it as our own, so to now be a co-owner is incredibly rewarding. “I want to thank Rob for putting his trust in us to take things forward, and the dedicated team who Rachel and I will be working alongside in this next phase of organic growth and expansion.” Rob Day, said “As we celebrate 23 years in business and a number of recent talent acquisitions, we now also celebrate this exciting new chapter for Blueprint. “This has been a long time in the planning and I feel grateful and proud that Chloe and Rachel will now take the business forward. They have been instrumental in creating the company we have today so it couldn’t be in better hands. “Their commitment to Blueprint along with their ambition, vision and sheer talent, ensure the ongoing success of the company, providing clients with our unique services and nurturing the best team in the business. “Now is the perfect time to hand the reins over, whilst I’ll remain in my role as chairman and founder, as well as continuing to help drive our community and social value activities. There may also be some sailing on the horizon for me as I relish a little more free time! I wish Chloe, Rachel and the team the very best for the future and look forward to seeing their continued success.” Blueprint Interiors follow the WELL Building Standard; a universally recognised benchmark which puts mental wellbeing and emotional health as key considerations when creating productive workplaces. The Standard helps organisations to optimise their workplaces around the health and wellbeing of their people, which allows teams to be their very best selves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harron Homes has introduced its enhanced Homemover schemes designed to simplify the homebuying and selling process for househunters searching across Yorkshire and the North Midlands. The two schemes, Assisted Move and Part Exchange, provide practical solutions for customers looking to move into a new Harron home while avoiding the common pitfalls of selling their current property. Assisted Move offers a tailored plan for homeowners who need to sell their current home before moving into their new one. First, Harron arranges valuations from three independent estate agents to provide a fair market value for the customer’s property. Then, they create a personalised marketing strategy to sell their property at the very best price. The customer’s property is kept on the market until it has sold, and Harron Homes’ knowledgeable sales experts remain on hand to assist with the sale through-out the entire process. Once the home has been sold, Harron pay the estate agent fees, and the customer can reserve their brand new and energy-efficient Harron home. The second Homemover scheme is Part Exchange, which is available only on selected properties. This process provides a guaranteed cash buyer for the current home, eliminating property chain delays and streamlining the transition into a new Harron home. “We are excited to offer these comprehensive Homemover schemes,” says Natalie Griffiths, Sales and Marketing Director for Harron Homes North Midlands. “Both the Assisted Move and Part Exchange schemes are designed to make the homebuying journey as seamless and stress-free as possible for our customers. One of the most daunting parts of buying a house is the struggle of having to sell your current property while meeting timelines and battling with property chains. With our Homemover schemes, the customer has expert support to ensure they sell their old house and move into their new Harron home at a pace that suits them.” For more information on Harron Homes’ Homemover schemes, please visit: https://www.harronhomes.com/purchasing-assistance/homemover-schemes/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Star Platforms is delighted to announce its successful re-accreditation as an IPAF Rental+ company for the upcoming year. The company achieved an outstanding score of 98% during the comprehensive independent audit conducted at its Reading depot. IPAF Rental+ certification is a mark of excellence in the powered access industry, ensuring that rental companies meet the highest standards in training, equipment inventory, and customer satisfaction. The audit, which this year focused on the Reading depot, confirms that Star Platforms consistently upholds these esteemed standards. Del Patterson, Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) Manager, Star Platforms, commented: “Achieving a 98% score in the IPAF Rental+ assessment is a fantastic accomplishment. This result reflects the dedication and hard work of every member of the Star Platforms team. The IPAF Rental+ accreditation highlights our commitment to providing top-quality platforms and exceptional support to our customers, while maintaining the highest safety and operational standards in the industry.” The IPAF Rental+ scheme, operated by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), identifies rental companies that excel in critical aspects of powered access operations. The certification process evaluates maintenance practices, training and safety records, environmental standards, and company policies and procedures. The IPAF Rental+ status assures customers of high standards throughout the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) hire and rental process, confirming their choice of a company that adheres to rigorous health, safety, and quality standards. To maintain this accreditation, members must undergo an intense annual audit, ensuring a proactive approach to continual improvement. Steve Simmons, Joint Managing Director, Star Platforms, added: “Retaining the IPAF Rental+ certification is a testament to our relentless focus on quality and excellence. This re-accreditation not only affirms our commitment to industry-leading practices but also reinforces our position as a trusted partner in powered access solutions. We are proud of the team’s efforts and the standards we have set.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE, the global real estate advisory firm, is pleased to announce Tej Singh as the new head of its Southampton office. He takes on the role from 1st October 2024. Tej succeeds James Brounger, who will move to a new role focusing on client management and major pursuits across the South Coast, as well as continuing to support with the overall growth of the Midlands and South business. Tej joined CBRE Southampton in 2014, where he has worked with investors, developers, lenders, local authorities and occupiers across the UK and the south coast. He was promoted to Director in 2019. Tej said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Head of the Southampton office. The real estate market on the south coast has fantastic potential and I look forward to continuing to work with our talented colleagues across all services to deliver exceptional client outcomes.” James Brounger has led CBRE Southampton for 14 years and will remain based in Southampton, continuing to work with clients alongside his new role. He said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Southampton office and I am proud of all we have achieved. Tej has an impressive track record in the local market and with our clients, and I have no doubt he will be an outstanding successor.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Workspace Design Show announces the theme of its 2025 edition: ‘Activate the Senses’; which will explore how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace. Workspace Design Show returns to the Business Design Centre from 26 – 27 February 2025 and it is a welcomed addition to London’s design calendar, attended by the top architects, designers, occupiers, developers, consultants, coworking and fit-out companies. It is the event to explore workspace innovation, unveil the latest products, ignite your creative spark through thought-provoking talks and immersive programs. “Activate the Senses” invites attendees to embark on a journey of immersive experiences that stimulate all five senses. Guests will step into a space which showcases how each ‘sense’ has a profound impact on the mind, contributing to wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Comfort factors such as light, sound and temperature play a hugely important role in the design of the working environment. The same factors can also be divisive, if not careful considered throughout the design process, with every individual having different levels of tolerance, sensitivity and needs. From acoustics to lighting to aromas and textures, each element plays a central role in creating a multi-sensory workspace to enhance employee focus and wellbeing. As we embrace technological advancements and invest in new design approaches, the understanding of how external influences affect everyone becomes increasingly more apparent. ‘Activate the Senses’ explores what this means for the future of workplaces and the people working within. “With the industry being at such a pivotal point of change we are looking to gain a deeper understanding of how, through research and knowledge, technological innovations can benefit the workplace environment. We are all becoming increasingly more in tune with our personal needs and how they differ from one person to the next. Through talks, exhibitors and connections Workspace Design Show will bring this to life.” – Esha Bark-Jones, Co-Founder of Workspace Design Show. Workspace Design Show, 26 – 27 February 2025, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH workspaceshow.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Introduction Metal fabrication touches almost every aspect of our daily lives. Metal fabrication plays a crucial role in shaping the world, from the vehicles we drive to the buildings we work in. But what exactly is metal fabrication, and why is it so essential? Whether you’re a beginner curious about how things are made or a professional looking to deepen your knowledge, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about metal fabrication. We’ll explore the processes, materials, and applications, helping you understand how this vital industry supports modern manufacturing and construction. Ready to dive into the world of metal fabrication? Let’s get started! What is Metal Fabrication? Defining Metal Fabrication: At its core, metal fabrication creates structures and products by cutting, bending, and assembling various metal parts. This can range from small, intricate components used in electronics to massive beams used in constructing skyscrapers. Metal fabrication is essential in producing everything from household items to complex machinery. Key Processes Involved: The metal fabrication process typically involves three main stages: cutting, bending, and assembling. Cutting can be done through various methods, such as shearing, sawing, or laser cutting. Bending shapes the metal into the desired form, often using presses or other specialized tools. Finally, the assembly process combines all the pieces, usually through welding, riveting, or adhesives. Types of Metal Fabrication: Several metal fabrication methods are suited to different applications. Welding is the most well-known method for combining pieces of metal by melting them at the joint. Machining involves removing material from a metal piece to achieve the desired shape, often using lathes, mills, or drills. Forging, on the other hand, shapes metal by applying compressive force, usually by hammering or pressing. It is often used to create parts that need to be exceptionally strong. Materials Used in Metal Fabrication Common Metals: Depending on the project’s specific requirements, a wide variety of metals can be used in metal fabrication. The most common metals include steel, aluminum, and copper. Steel is known for its strength and durability and is ideal for construction and heavy machinery. Aluminum is lightweight yet strong and is often used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Copper is highly conductive and is commonly used in electrical components. Material Selection: Choosing the suitable metal for your project is crucial to ensuring that the final product meets the specifications. Strength, weight, conductivity, and corrosion resistance must be considered. For example, buying a steel frame for a building requires a metal that can withstand immense loads, while aluminum might be better suited for parts that need to be lightweight but strong. Specialty Metals: In addition to common metals, specialty metals are used in specific applications that require unique properties. Titanium, for example, is solid yet lightweight, making it ideal for aerospace applications. Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, making it perfect for use in medical instruments or food processing equipment. Each metal brings its own set of advantages, allowing fabricators to tailor their work to the project’s specific needs. Applications of Metal Fabrication Construction Industry: The construction industry relies heavily on metal fabrication to create the frameworks and structural elements of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Steel beams, columns, and trusses are all metal fabrication products, providing the strength and durability needed to support large structures. Additionally, metal fabrication creates decorative elements such as railings, gates, and facades. Automotive Sector: Metal fabrication is essential in the automotive industry for creating everything from the chassis to the smallest engine components. Precision is key in this sector, as each part must fit perfectly and perform reliably under high-stress conditions. Metal fabrication allows for the mass production of vehicle parts, ensuring consistency and quality in every component. Technology and Electronics: Metal fabrication also plays a significant role in the technology and electronics sectors. From the casing of your smartphone to the intricate circuits inside, metal parts are fabricated to exact specifications to ensure functionality and durability. Creating tiny, precise components is vital in this field, where even a small error can lead to device failure. Benefits of Metal Fabrication Durability and Strength: One of the primary reasons metal fabrication is so widely used is the durability and strength of the finished products. Metals like steel and aluminum are incredibly robust and capable of withstanding significant stress and wear over time. This makes them ideal for applications where longevity is essential, such as construction and manufacturing. Customization: Metal fabrication offers a high level of customization, allowing for creation of bespoke designs and structures. Whether you need a unique architectural feature or a custom-made part for a machine, metal fabrication can deliver precisely what you need. The versatility of metal fabrication techniques means that almost any design, no matter how complex, can be brought to life. Cost-Effectiveness: While metal fabrication can require a significant initial investment, especially for custom projects, it is often cost-effective in the long run. Metal products’ durability and longevity mean they need less maintenance and replacement over time, saving money. Additionally, the ability to mass-produce parts through techniques like machining or welding can reduce costs for large-scale projects. Choosing the Right Metal Fabrication Service Factors to Consider: When selecting a metal fabrication service, several factors must be considered to ensure the best results. Quality should be your top priority—look for a fabricator with a strong reputation for producing high-quality work. Expertise is also crucial, as different projects may require specific skills or knowledge. Finally, the technology the fabricator uses, and advanced tools and machines can significantly enhance the precision and quality of the final product. Understanding the Costs: Metal fabrication costs can vary widely depending on the project’s complexity, the materials used, and the labor involved. It’s essential to clearly understand the pricing structure before committing to a fabricator. Ask for a detailed quote that breaks down materials, labor, and additional services costs. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure the project stays within budget. Evaluating Work Samples: Before hiring a metal fabricator, it’s
