December 2, 2024
Ground broken on zero-gas affordable homes development in Sheffield

Ground broken on zero-gas affordable homes development in Sheffield

Esh Construction appointed by Sheffield City Council to deliver £18.9m Newstead project Work is underway on a £18.9 million zero-gas affordable housing development at Newstead in South East Sheffield. North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is delivering 77 new homes with enhanced sustainability credentials on behalf of Sheffield City Council.

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Marks & Spencer Plans New Flagship Store to Enhance Ipswich’s Retail Scene

Marks & Spencer Plans New Flagship Store to Enhance Ipswich’s Retail Scene

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced ambitious plans to open a cutting-edge, 60,000 sq ft store at the Copdock Interchange in Ipswich, subject to planning approval. This initiative reflects M&S’s commitment to bolstering its regional presence while continuing to serve customers at its established Westgate Street location. The proposed store

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Report proposes ‘Five Cs’ to reduce UK’s road mortality rate

Report proposes ‘Five Cs’ to reduce UK’s road mortality rate

A new report by road marking and highway safety specialists, WJ Group, has highlighted the challenges and potential opportunities for improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network. Released to coincide with Brake’s Road Safety Week, WJ Group’s new report,

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

December 2, 2024

Transforming High Barnet: A Landmark Milestone in London’s £1.9 Billion Housing Partnership

Transforming High Barnet: A Landmark Milestone in London’s £1.9 Billion Housing Partnership

Barratt London and Places for London have officially exchanged contracts on a transformative site in High Barnet, marking the second major project under their ambitious £1.9 billion West London Partnership. This decade-long collaboration, launched in June 2024, is set to deliver over 4,000 new homes across West London, with a significant focus on affordability and sustainability. A Winning Partnership for London’s Future The West London Partnership represents Places for London’s largest undertaking to date, spanning 60 acres of underutilised land across boroughs such as Barnet and Ealing, all boasting excellent transport links. Half of the homes delivered through the partnership will be affordable, fulfilling the pressing housing needs of Londoners. Following a competitive tender process, Barratt London was appointed as the official delivery partner in 2022. The duo has already achieved notable successes, including the completed Blackhorse Road project in Waltham Forest and ongoing developments like Wembley Park Gardens, a 450-home site adjacent to Wembley Stadium. Construction will soon begin on a flagship 900-home development at Bollo Lane in Ealing, the partnership’s first formal project, with 100 affordable homes set to be delivered by 2025. High Barnet’s Transformation The High Barnet site, situated near the station, will see the creation of approximately 300 new homes, 40% of which will be affordable, alongside small-scale commercial spaces designed to enhance the area. The project aims to revitalise the station’s surroundings and provide much-needed housing for the borough’s residents. Construction is slated to commence in 2026, with project completion expected by 2029. Beyond Housing: Community Impact The partnership’s impact extends far beyond housing. It includes plans for 285,000 sq ft of commercial space, generating an estimated 9,600 jobs and supporting the next generation of construction professionals through Places for London’s Educational Engagement Programme. A dedicated £1.5 million investment will help promote diversity in the sector, nurture young talent, and retain future workforce members. Barratt London’s active involvement ensures practical training opportunities and community support. Additionally, over £60 million will be channelled into local communities via Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy payments, alongside dedicated grants for local charities and organisations. Pioneering Sustainability and Quality Strong sustainability commitments underpin the West London Partnership, aligning Places for London’s Sustainability Development Framework with Barratt London’s ESG Strategy. Homes will achieve a Housing Quality Mark (HQM) 4.5 rating, while commercial units will meet BREEAM Excellent standards, reflecting a joint commitment to creating vibrant, eco-conscious communities. Voices of Leadership Craig Carson, Managing Director at Barratt West London, remarked:“We are proud to collaborate with Places for London in delivering the next generation of high-quality homes. This partnership reflects our shared vision to repurpose underutilised land for public benefit while addressing London’s housing needs through sustainable and community-focused development.” Jonathan Cornelius, Head of Property Development at Places for London, added:“The West London Partnership is a testament to our commitment to creating thriving, connected neighbourhoods. Our work in High Barnet will revitalise the area and provide urgently needed homes, continuing our broader mission to deliver over 20,000 homes across London in the next decade.” A Bright Future for High Barnet and Beyond As construction progresses, the High Barnet project will stand as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and community integration. Through this groundbreaking partnership, Barratt London and Places for London are reshaping the landscape of West London, ensuring a brighter future for residents and communities alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Brightside’s Roadside Revival: Fourth Restaurant Opens at Rutland’s Ram Jam Services

Brightside’s Roadside Revival: Fourth Restaurant Opens at Rutland’s Ram Jam Services

Hospitality group Loungers has unveiled its fourth Brightside roadside restaurant, this time at the bustling Ram Jam services in Rutland. Located on the busy route between Peterborough and Grantham, the new eatery is part of a purpose-built retail hub featuring four units, a petrol station, and a bakery. A New Era for Roadside Dining Brightside, launched by Loungers to “reinvigorate roadside dining in the UK,” continues its mission to transform the dining experience for travellers. Following its debut last year with three restaurants in Exeter, Honiton (Devon), and Saltash (Cornwall), Brightside is now bringing its unique twist on roadside dining to the heart of the East Midlands. Charlie Jones, Operations Manager at Brightside, shared his enthusiasm:“We are delighted that our Brightside experience, and our unique reinterpretation of roadside dining, is now available for those heading north. Ram Jam Services is an incredibly popular stop for motorists, so this is a fantastic opportunity to offer something fresh and exciting.” Perfect for Travellers and Locals Alike The new restaurant benefits from its proximity to Rutland Water, a major regional attraction drawing nearly two million visitors annually. Brightside Ram Jam is perfectly positioned to serve both travellers passing through and local residents seeking a welcoming dining spot. “As well as catering to travellers, we are an excellent choice for those who live nearby. We’re looking forward to meeting lots of locals too,” Jones added. Loungers’ Expansion Continues In addition to Brightside, Loungers operates the popular Lounges and Cosy Club brands. The group has been thriving, with its chair recently noting that property availability for new ventures has “never been better.” Loungers has capitalised on this favourable climate, achieving a record year of openings in 2023. A Fresh Stop Along the Way With its latest opening, Brightside is well on its way to redefining roadside dining in the UK, offering travellers and locals a fresh and inviting alternative. Whether you’re passing through or nearby, Brightside Ram Jam promises a dining experience worth stopping for. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ground broken on zero-gas affordable homes development in Sheffield

Ground broken on zero-gas affordable homes development in Sheffield

Esh Construction appointed by Sheffield City Council to deliver £18.9m Newstead project Work is underway on a £18.9 million zero-gas affordable housing development at Newstead in South East Sheffield. North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is delivering 77 new homes with enhanced sustainability credentials on behalf of Sheffield City Council. Designed by Peak Architects, the development will feature 36 one and two-bedroom apartments with communal gardens and balconies, alongside 41 two, three and four-bedroom properties with off street parking and gardens. All homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers, as well as enhanced insulation and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Esh Construction’s Operations Director, Simon Woodward, said: “This project underscores our commitment to delivering more sustainable and future-proofed housing that meets the needs of the community and supports the transition to greener living. “Marking the first affordable homes Esh will deliver for Sheffield City Council, we are proud to be supporting the council’s goal to develop energy efficient housing stock that will reduce the environmental impact and ensure long-term affordability for residents. We look forward to showcasing progress over the coming months.” Sheffield City Council has been awarded £1.3 million of funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund towards the Newstead development. Cllr Douglas Johnson, Sheffield City Council’s Chair of the Housing Policy Committee, said: “Sheffield City Council is delighted to be pushing ahead with expanding our council housing offering for current and prospective tenants. “Our plans remain to build or acquire more than 1,000 council homes in the next five years – and partners such as Esh Construction are instrumental in helping us achieve this. “Our aim, as always, remains to provide more choice of good quality, environmentally friendly and affordable homes for residents. “The Council continues to face an unprecedented demand for affordable and social housing in the city, and projects such as Newstead being completed will help to meet some of that demand.”  While on site, Esh will deliver a range of employability sessions to local schools and colleges, while investing in a local workforce and apprenticeship opportunities through its Constructing Local strategy The scheme is expected to complete in Summer 2026. To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Network Space Developments secures planning for four new industrial units on former Manchester College site

Network Space Developments secures planning for four new industrial units on former Manchester College site

Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning permission for four new industrial units at its site on Welcomb Street, Openshaw, in Manchester. Bought by NSD in 2022, the former Manchester College site covers 4 acres and will be redeveloped to form an extension to the adjacent City Works Business Park. Approved by Manchester City Council, the full planning application allows for the demolition of several buildings that had been previously used as workshops by the Manchester School of Building. These will make way for 75,173 sq ft of multi-let industrial accommodation for B2 and B8 uses. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, is accessed from Ashton Old Road (A635) and will comprise of four highly sustainable commercial units with first floor ancillary office space, ranging from 7,674 sq ft to 29,439 sq ft. Externally, there will be generous service yards, 98 car parking spaces with 20 EV charging points. The site is just 4km from both the city centre and the M60 which, in turn, provides transport links to the M67, M56 and M62, allowing connectivity with key regional hubs Liverpool, Warrington, Leeds and Sheffield. The scheme’s sustainability credentials are strengthened with various bus routes close by and Ashbury train station just 1km away. Joe Burnett, Development Director for NSD, commented: “We’re thrilled to have secured planning permission for this project, which marks the final phase of development at City Works Business Park. While this new scheme will have its own identity, it will complement the existing City Works, which remains a flagship NSD project and is a testament to our commitment to deliver high-quality, sustainable industrial spaces.” “Located in a sought-after area of Greater Manchester, the site is perfectly positioned for industrial and last-mile logistics uses, with the added benefit of accessibility to a skilled local workforce. This new phase will provide commercial occupiers with premium, sustainable facilities in a prime location. Demolition is now underway and we intend to be on site with the main building works next year.” City Works Business Park, also developed by NSD and now owned and managed by Network Space Investments, is a highly successful hub of 48 trade and warehouse units ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 sq ft, totalling 173,330 sq ft. Fully let to a mix of trade, industrial, and employment tenants, the park exemplifies NSD’s expertise in delivering high-quality, functional, and sustainable developments. The professional team included AEW Architects, GWB Consultants, Hydrock, Hannan Associates and Spawforths, who all advised NSD on the planning application. The agents for the scheme are Rob Taylor from Cushman & Wakefield and Ruth Leighton from JLL. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Marks & Spencer Plans New Flagship Store to Enhance Ipswich’s Retail Scene

Marks & Spencer Plans New Flagship Store to Enhance Ipswich’s Retail Scene

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced ambitious plans to open a cutting-edge, 60,000 sq ft store at the Copdock Interchange in Ipswich, subject to planning approval. This initiative reflects M&S’s commitment to bolstering its regional presence while continuing to serve customers at its established Westgate Street location. The proposed store will showcase the best of M&S, featuring a comprehensive range of food, clothing, and beauty products, as well as an 80-seater café. Beyond enhancing the shopping experience, the development is expected to create over 90 jobs, bringing significant economic benefits to the local community. With an anticipated opening in Summer 2027, the Copdock Interchange store is part of M&S’s broader investment strategy. Over the past three years, the retailer has allocated more than £60 million to developing and upgrading stores across the East of England, reaffirming its dedication to customer satisfaction and regional growth. This new store is set to elevate Ipswich’s retail landscape, offering a modern shopping destination and enriching the local economy. In addition to this exciting development, M&S is preparing to make its mark at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) as a gold partner. This high-profile role will provide M&S with a prime platform to showcase its achievements and future plans. Engaging with an influential audience of over 16,000 developers, investors, local authorities, and decision-makers, M&S aims to solidify partnerships and drive further growth. Marks & Spencer’s continued investments reflect its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strengthening its connections with communities across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Charging expert EVC announces rebrand to Roam, driving the future of EV infrastructure in the UK and beyond

Charging expert EVC announces rebrand to Roam, driving the future of EV infrastructure in the UK and beyond

EVC, the experts in fully-funded destination charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) announces its rebrand to Roam.  The change reflects Roam’s broader ambitions for 2025, including European expansion and rolling out the next stage of its £165m commitment, announced last year, to install 100,000 fast and rapid EV chargers across hospitality, workplaces, multi-dwelling residentials, leisure and retail sectors. Since Roam started in 2020, the company has made significant steps in providing a nationwide network of accessible and reliable charging solutions. Working with over 14 national hotel groups including Hilton Hotels and Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, as well as sporting organisations including The Professional Golfers Association and workspace clients like BizSpace Ltd. Roam has also established a strong presence in the residential sector, specialising in EV chargers for multi-dwelling apartment buildings. Roam is set to accelerate its expansion in this space in both the UK and Europe in 2025, with current clients including Galliard Homes, Ballymore and Battersea Power Station, which was once the UK’s third largest energy generating site and is now home to close to 100 Roam charging bays for its residents. The new Roam brand embodies the company’s vision of enabling drivers to “roam” freely, instilling confidence that drivers can leave behind concerns around “range anxiety” and have access to a reliable EV charging network. “Our mission has always been to provide convenient and hassle-free EV charging at destinations where drivers need them most, and this remains at the heart of everything we do at Roam,” says Roam’s CEO, James Randall. “Our newly energised identity reflects our growth, our values, and our dedication to empowering cleaner, greener communities and accelerating access to an electric future.” “As Roam prepares to expand its reach and bring charging solutions to an even greater number of destinations, our new identity signals our commitment to enable drivers to have an effortless charging experience that fits around their day to day, without the need for detours.” Roam’s national rebrand across their EV charging network takes place from this week, with the first four locations confirmed as Forge Retail Park in Stourbridge, Tweedmill Shopping Outlet in Saint Asaph, Hilton Hotel in Leicester and Chartham Park Golf & Country Club in West Sussex. All remaining EV chargers will be rebranded throughout 2025. The official rebranding of Roam’s website and app takes place on Tuesday 26th November. Existing registered users will be able to continue to enjoy the benefits Roam offers via their existing accounts with no need to change or update their details. For more information and to find your nearest Roam charging point, visit www.Roamcharging.com  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® Expands Lighting Solutions on the MX FUEL™ Equipment System

MILWAUKEE® Expands Lighting Solutions on the MX FUEL™ Equipment System

MILWAUKEE® expands the MX FUEL™ Equipment System* with the new MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light. The new solution delivers the most power-dense lighting in a compact form, allowing maximum portability on and off the job site. The MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light eliminates the hassles of cords and removes petrol headaches for users. The light’s 2.13 m folding mast can be quickly deployed in seconds for a faster set-up, while its compact size provides maximum portability and minimises the hassles with transporting the light on and off the job site. It features an oversized carry handle and is 21.8 kg with the kitted MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ XC406 battery. For additional portability, the light’s impact-resistant moulded base connects with the MILWAUKEE® PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System through integrated mounting locks allowing for more ways to carry the light on and off the jobsite.  Delivering 15,000 lumens of task and area lighting, the MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light provides lighting over 100 square metres. Compared to the M18™ LED Stand Light, the new MX FUEL™ Light delivers five times more usable light on the job site. Featuring three modes, the MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light allows professionals to manage output and run time based on the needs of the job site. When paired with an MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ XC406 battery, the light can run for 3 hours on High Mode or 10 hours on Low Mode all day without the hassles of cords or generators. For additional run time, the light features an AC plug-in option. The MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light features an IP56 rating, increasing durability and allowing the light to survive on the toughest job sites. The MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light includes a ONE-KEY™** Bluetooth®*** card which gives users the ability to remove, replace, or upgrade connectivity over the life of the equipment. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. *The MX FUEL™ Equipment System: This groundbreaking cordless system revolutionises the light equipment market by delivering the performance, run time, and durability demanded by the trades without the hazards associated with emissions, noise, vibration, and the frustrations of petrol maintenance. Each of the solutions on the MX FUEL™ system goes beyond the limitations of gasoline and power-cord units and operates off one completely compatible system all on the same battery. This is Equipment Redefined. **ONE-KEY™ is the first digital platform for tools and equipment. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program, ONE-KEY™ provides a new level of control and access to information that revolutionises the way work gets done. The ability to customise, track, and manage through ONE-KEY™ fundamentally changes the way users interact with their tools and equipment. ***The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by (TTI corporate name) is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Specifications MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light (MXF TLIC-601) • High: 3 hours • Medium: 6 hours • Low: 10 hours • High: 15,000 lumens • Medium: 8,000 lumens • Low: 5,000 lumens Kit Includes: (1) MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light, (1) MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ XC406 battery pack (MXFXC406), (1) MX FUEL™ CHARGER (MXF C) To find out more about the new MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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year’s National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job Awards.

Bellway project manager wins coveted regional title in housebuilding awards competition

Bellway is celebrating after one of its site managers in Derbyshire scooped a top accolade in a prestigious national housebuilding awards competition. James Kilby, who is overseeing construction at Holbrook Park in Chellaston, was announced as the winner of the coveted Large Housebuilder Regional Award for the East region in this year’s National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job Awards ceremony. He and his colleague Jamie Smith, who is site manager at Hatton Court in Hatton, were also presented with Seal of Excellence awards at the event. James was picked as the winner from 67 site managers across the region, who had all already been selected for Quality Awards in the first round of the competition for the exceptional standard of construction on their developments. James and Jamie are two of just 18 site managers in the East region to win a Seal of Excellence. James, from Rolleston on Dove, spent five years with Bellway earlier on in his career and rejoined Bellway East Midlands in 2022 as a Project Manager. He has worked on multiple sites across the Midlands. The 39-year-old said: “I am ecstatic to win such a prestigious award from the NHBC. To win a Seal of Excellence is exciting enough but to be chosen to receive a Regional Award is genuinely thrilling. I feel humbled. “It is great to know that all the hard work and dedication that I and my team have put in to make sure that we always put the customer first has been recognised. My ethos is that I want to build a home and a development that I would be happy and proud to live in myself and my team work effortlessly towards that target. Second best is just not good enough, so we strive to ensure we get it right first time.”  Jamie, who works for Bellway’s West Midlands division after joining the company 10 years ago as an assistant site manager, has won a Quality Award and a Seal of Excellence Award for three years running at Hatton Court. The 36-year-old said: “Once again, I get to step up on stage and accept an award but I have to thank the whole team at Hatton Court who have been there for me every step of the way. It’s about the team as everyone here has given their all and bought into my desire to ensure that only the best will do in every facet of the job, every day on site. “I know I have given this job 100 per cent and, with the backing of a great team and supportive senior management, have been able to create a first-class environment on the site where homes of the highest quality are being delivered. It is a good feeling to get this recognition from the NHBC and is validation of all the blood, sweat and tears we have all put in.”   Every site registered with the NHBC is judged against exacting criteria each year. Site managers are assessed on a wide range of aspects of their work including attention to detail, leadership, technical expertise and health and safety. Lee Wilkinson, Construction Director at Bellway East Midlands, said: “We are incredibly proud of James and his team at Holbrook Park, not just for the East Midlands division but for the whole of Bellway. Everyone in the industry knows just how difficult it is to achieve the Regional Award. “We’re also thrilled our colleague Jamie from the West Midlands division has been recognised with yet another highly deserved Seal of Excellence. The quality control, determination and team leadership skills which both James and Jamie have demonstrated are second to none. “We now look forward to the Supreme Awards in London in January and would like to wish James and his team the very best of luck for then – we know everyone at Bellway will be rooting for him to win.” For more information about Bellway’s new homes in Derbyshire and across the UK, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Report proposes ‘Five Cs’ to reduce UK’s road mortality rate

Report proposes ‘Five Cs’ to reduce UK’s road mortality rate

A new report by road marking and highway safety specialists, WJ Group, has highlighted the challenges and potential opportunities for improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network. Released to coincide with Brake’s Road Safety Week, WJ Group’s new report, ‘Making Vision Zero a Reality’, has been informed by a highways industry roundtable with industry leaders to drive progress on road safety. The roundtable discussion involving 15 senior highways professionals concluded that standards in the UK are now at risk of falling far behind those found in other European nations. The roundtable, which took place earlier this year, gathered influential figures from across the industry to review current efforts for preventing serious incidents on UK roads. Attendees were unanimous in their view that collectively as an industry we must take firmer action to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the road network. Once considered a leader in road safety, consecutive years of reductions in funding and a lack of strategy has seen the UK’s KSI (killed or seriously injured) rate effectively plateau over the past decade compared to significant improvements in the 2000s. According to the latest government figures, the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network stands just under 30,000. Although this shows a small reduction when compared to previous years, this number has remained relatively stable since 2010, barring a minor improvement during 2020, although this could be attributed to COVID reducing traffic levels. Given this current trajectory, ‘Vision Zero’ – the objective to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries – is a distant hope rather than a realistic goal. At the WJ Group roundtable, attendees shared different stories of highways incidents from across the country. It soon became clear that many could have been avoided or less severe. While dangerous driving and genuine mistakes did account for loss of life, poor design, maintenance and management issues were also major contributing factors to the UK’s KSI rate. Using the insight from the roundtable, WJ Group has created ‘Five Cs’ to help the highways industry make Vision Zero a reality: 1. Culture The further development of the industry’s safety-first culture, considering safety within every aspect of the decision-making process and ensuring it is never compromised. Lessons can be learned from other sectors such as aviation where any safety breach is treated as something going catastrophically wrong. 2. Centralisation There are multiple databases filled with information about the road network such as how to improve safety that have not been brought together. By doing this, highway authorities will be able to continuously learn and improve from one another, as well as provide a forum for contractors and councils to discuss regulation. 3. Creativity By maximising existing technology, highway authorities can reestablish the connection between efficient asset management and safety. Alongside this, it can also create the link among innovations and demand which, in turn, can deliver road safety interventions with measurable outcomes in mind. 4. Conflict By creating a baseline standard for road safety that is recognised across the industry, conflicts such as justification for noise reduction versus improved safety and funding both can be addressed and managed by highways authorities. This can be done by implementing safe systems approach to enhance design and management of the network. 5. Collaboration Detailed in depth in WJ Group’s new report, safety successes across the industry must be shared to promote new learnings alongside the need to facilitate knowledge sharing according to a recognised structure. This will help collaboration within the industry, bringing different stakeholders together and help push it towards a safer future. Speaking on the roundtable’s findings, Wayne Johnston, CEO at WJ Group said: “Strategies such as Vision Zero should not be considered unachievable. By bringing together 15 experienced highways leaders, we have been able to further the conversation on what the industry thinks and what must be done to reduce the number of people who lose their life through avoidable road incidents. “Using their years of expertise, we have created the ‘Five Cs’ as a blueprint for the industry to implement change without the need to significantly increase budgets. “If we continue this trajectory, then members of the public are still at risk each and every time they use the road network. It is our duty to mitigate this and create a safe environment for everyone. By recognising and implementing learnings from ‘Making Vision Zero a Reality’, we as an industry can take small and simple steps that will greatly impact road safety.” For more information about WJ Group, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Furniture distributor takes turnkey solution at leading Northamptonshire logistics park

Furniture distributor takes turnkey solution at leading Northamptonshire logistics park

Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, investor and developer, has welcomed Flexispot Limited,a kinetic furniture manufacturer, to Prologis Park Wellingborough West. The move to DC2 forms part of the business’ expansion plans and move from its former base in nearby Northampton. Flexispot, owned by global 3PL business Lecangs LLC, is leading the kinetic furniture movement, putting ergonomics and eco-consciousness at the heart of its operations. Flexispot’s offering encompasses a range of office furniture such as adjustable desks, chairs and storage solutions made from fully-recyclable materials with a focus on advanced engineering and technology. Strategically located only half a mile from the A509, with fast access to the A45, A14 and M1 in the East Midlands, Prologis Park Wellingborough West is a perfectly situated logistics hub. Soon to be Flexispot’s new home, DC2 spans 130,726 sq. ft. of fully-fitted and racked warehouse space. The unit was built with the environment in mind, achieving an EPC A rating, energy efficient LED lighting and is Net Zero in operation, in line with the UKGBC framework. Flexispot’s arrival to the Park community will boost the local economy, providing a number of new job opportunities for the surrounding area. Tom Price, leasing director for Prologis UK, said: “Working with Flexispot has been incredibly rewarding and it’s excellent that the business has chosen Prologis Park Wellingborough West for its expansion. The team’s top priority was a facility with racking already in place and DC2 fits the bill perfectly. We’re all looking forward to welcoming the business to the Park’s thriving community.” The newly signed agreement builds on the global partnership between Lecangs LLC and Prologis, covering circa two million sq. ft. of logistics space internationally. Richard Tang, Business Operational Director at Flexispot Limited, commented: “Choosing DC2 at Prologis Park Wellingborough West was the natural choice for us. Our parent company already has a longstanding relationship with Prologis, so we knew that we would be in good hands right from the outset. Finding a unit with racking already in place was a ‘must-have’ for us too and we’re confident we’ve found the perfect base from which to grow our business further.”  Cushman & Wakefield and Fisher German acted on behalf of Prologis UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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