December 3, 2024
GMI tops out on £50m Rialto House PBSA in York

GMI tops out on £50m Rialto House PBSA in York

GMI Construction Group and developer Olympian Homes has celebrated the topping out of Rialto House, a £50m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on the site of York’s former Rialto Cinema and Mecca bingo hall. The four-storey development, named after the historic cinema which once played host to a performance by

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Construction of World-Class Nottinghamshire Planetarium now complete

Construction of World-Class Nottinghamshire Planetarium now complete

Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now finished ready to welcome the public. The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday 15th November. Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by midlands contractor, G

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Aggregate Industries reaches key construction milestone with inflation of its ground-breaking dome silo at Tilbury Docks

Aggregate Industries reaches key construction milestone with inflation of its ground-breaking dome silo at Tilbury Docks

Leading building products supplier, Aggregate Industries, has today reached an important milestone with the inflation of its dome silo airform in Tilbury. This structure will form an integral part of the new state-of-the-art cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility at Tilbury docks which is currently under construction. Once operational in

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JELD-WEN launches RIBA-accredited fire safety CPD

JELD-WEN launches RIBA-accredited fire safety CPD

JELD-WEN, one of the UK’s leading doorset manufacturers, has launched a new RIBA-accredited CPD training course which outlines the key considerations for enhanced fire doorset specification and better fire safety. The course, titled ‘Four Steps to Better Fire Doorset Specification and Long-Term Fire Safety’, focuses on the crucial role that

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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 3, 2024

Waitrose Returns: First New Store in Six Years Signals Convenience Market Expansion

Waitrose Returns: First New Store in Six Years Signals Convenience Market Expansion

Waitrose has made a significant comeback by opening its first new store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, south-west London. This latest addition marks the retailer’s 47th convenience store, as Waitrose shifts its focus towards smaller, community-based outlets. Convenience is Key The new Hampton Hill branch aligns with Waitrose’s strategy to concentrate on convenience stores, typically around 3,000 sq ft in size. The retailer has also announced plans to explore opportunities for larger convenience outlets, approximately double that size, to cater to evolving customer demands. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships The launch in Hampton Hill coincides with Waitrose’s ambitions to expand its collaborations with established partners, including Welcome Break and Shell. The retailer opened a store on the A14 in Spaldwick, Cambridgeshire, in November and is set to open another on the M1 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in January. A third location is planned for 2025, signalling the first new store openings with Welcome Break in over a decade. Having partnered with Welcome Break since 2009, Waitrose currently operates as Little Waitrose at 27 motorway service areas. The new store openings mark a revitalisation of this partnership, reflecting Waitrose’s commitment to offering premium food options to on-the-go customers. Waitrose’s presence at Shell forecourt shops has also surpassed the 100-store milestone, with further expansions planned for 2025. Customer Expectations on the Rise James Bailey, Executive Director at Waitrose, emphasised the growing customer demand for quality food in convenient locations:“The long-associated stereotypes of food at forecourts and service stations are becoming a thing of the past – expectations have moved on, and customers are rightfully demanding more. They want great tasting, quality food no matter where they are. Through new store openings and strategic partnerships, we will continue to evolve our shops to get better and better, whilst reaching new locations that help bring Waitrose’s great quality, service, and value closer to more customers.” A Bright Future for Waitrose With its renewed focus on convenience and strategic partnerships, Waitrose is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of on-the-go food retail. The opening in Hampton Hill represents not just a return to store expansion but a bold step towards meeting modern consumer needs. As the retailer grows its footprint, Waitrose is poised to redefine convenience shopping with its signature quality and service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GMI tops out on £50m Rialto House PBSA in York

GMI tops out on £50m Rialto House PBSA in York

GMI Construction Group and developer Olympian Homes has celebrated the topping out of Rialto House, a £50m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on the site of York’s former Rialto Cinema and Mecca bingo hall. The four-storey development, named after the historic cinema which once played host to a performance by The Beatles, will offer 275 beds and 80,000 sq. feet of state-of-the-art living space. It will also feature a range of amenities including gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working spaces, group dining areas, integrated cycle parking, and landscaped courtyards. Honouring its cinematic roots, the development will also feature a bespoke in-house cinema. Located in Fulford, a 10-minute walk from the historic city centre and seven-minute bus ride from the University of York, it is well-positioned to meet the city’s growing demand for high-quality student accommodation. GMI is utilising a predominantly local supply chain for the project, reinforcing its commitment to supporting regional businesses and sustainable practices. Rialto House is scheduled for completion in time for the 2025 academic year intake, and is expected to make a significant contribution to alleviating the city’s current shortfall of student accommodation. William Sharpey, Senior Construction Manager for Olympian Homes, said: “Reaching the topping-out stage on time and within budget is a major milestone, and perfectly positions us to focus on achieving practical completion by June 2025. “Rialto House is set to raise the bar for student living. In a market with a significant undersupply of PBSA, it will provide students with an exceptional living experience, helping them thrive both academically and socially.” Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “The topping-out of Rialto House is a testament to the seamless collaboration between GMI and Olympian Homes. It signifies the progress we’ve made in bringing this project to life, balancing and blending a modern design with the site’s historical legacy. “We’re proud to deliver a sustainable, best-in-class accommodation that addresses York’s critical need for high-quality student housing, while also enhancing the area’s unique character and community.” The site, rich in history and cultural significance, is adjacent to York’s Central Core Historic Conservation Area and within an area of archaeological importance. Once home to the iconic Rialto Cinema, which first opened in 1913, the site was most recently used as a car park following its 2003 demolition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Liverpool’s Great George Street: A New Chapter for Historic Chinatown and the Baltic Triangle

Liverpool’s Great George Street: A New Chapter for Historic Chinatown and the Baltic Triangle

Liverpool City Council has taken a major step in its regeneration efforts by acquiring the 4.55-acre Great George Street brownfield site. Positioned at the gateway to the city’s historic Chinatown and adjacent to the thriving Baltic Triangle district, the site sits close to Liverpool Cathedral, making it a prime location for transformative development. Unlocking a Long-Stalled Opportunity Development of the Great George Street site had been stalled since 2017 due to complex legal challenges surrounding leaseholds. The situation was further complicated when the former owner, The Great George Street Project Limited, entered administration in February 2022. Since then, Liverpool City Council has been working with administrators Cowgills Limited and Farleys Solicitors LLP to finalise the acquisition. In a landmark achievement, the council successfully secured ownership of the site, clearing the way for future development. The sale required approval from the High Court due to the complexities involved, which was granted on 15 November 2023. Just two weeks later, the transaction was completed, bringing the site under unified ownership. Support from Government and Regional Authorities The acquisition was supported by a £10 million funding allocation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). This financial backing reflects a shared commitment to unlocking Liverpool’s potential and reinvigorating stalled development sites, including nearby projects like Festival Gardens and Central Docks at Liverpool Waters. This move also underscores the council’s determination to address a legacy of failed developments following its successful exit from statutory government intervention. Regenerating Chinatown and Beyond Liverpool City Council is now drafting proposals to catalyse regeneration in the wider Chinatown area. This effort builds on recent engagement with local businesses, student entrepreneurs, community groups, and investors, who came together to discuss strategies to revive the district’s business, cultural, and visitor economy. The Great George Street site also ties closely to ongoing developments in the Baltic Triangle, where the new Liverpool Baltic Station has secured £96 million in funding from the LCRCA and is set to open in 2027. The proximity of these projects creates a unique opportunity to transform the area into a thriving hub of activity. A Vision for Growth and Opportunity Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy at Liverpool City Council, expressed optimism about the project’s potential:“The acquisition of the stalled Great George Street development is a hugely significant step in resetting the story of this major gateway site. Its proximity to the Baltic Triangle, which is undergoing huge change, means its development is critical to Liverpool’s future. I’m looking forward to delivering new opportunities, homes, and businesses to create a vibrant and positive future for our historic Chinatown district.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, echoed this sentiment:“I’m really pleased to see Liverpool City Council break through the many legal hurdles that have held this important site back for far too long. With that cleared, we’re now in a position to crack on with bringing new homes and jobs to the area, creating genuine opportunities for local people. Along with the new Liverpool Baltic Station, this is one of the most exciting development projects in the country.” A Bright Future for a Historic Neighbourhood The successful acquisition of the Great George Street site marks a turning point in Liverpool’s regeneration efforts. By unlocking the potential of this key location, the city is set to deliver much-needed homes, jobs, and opportunities while breathing new life into its historic Chinatown and vibrant Baltic Triangle district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction of World-Class Nottinghamshire Planetarium now complete

Construction of World-Class Nottinghamshire Planetarium now complete

Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now finished ready to welcome the public. The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday 15th November. Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, and procured through SCAPE, one the UK’s leading procurement specialists. Using the SCAPE Venture framework, client Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, supported by Ashfield District Council, accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson – driving collaboration, time efficiency and cost savings. The landmark scheme which completed this month involved the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a visitor attraction, and education centre for the general public, schools and group visits, breathing new life into the historic building which now features an exhibition hall, meeting room and café, alongside the cutting-edge planetarium. Works included building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space, maintaining original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, while evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building. Designed to inspire interest and careers and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with a wraparound experience, the facility will also help to increase annual footfall to the location. G F Tomlinson concentrated on supporting the local community during construction, and multiple educational and employment opportunities were provided through a dedicated Social Value Working Group (SVWG). 76% of local spend took place within 20 miles of the construction site and 77% of labour was sourced within the same radius. Over 2,000 tonnes of excavated sand from the site were donated to two separate golf clubs close to the observatory at a value of £20,000. The contractor delivered 2,100 hours of educational value through school talks, visits, mock interviews and career fairs with local schools and colleges, and 10 work experience placements were also provided alongside six apprenticeships which totalled 30 weeks of onsite experience. T level students spent time weekly on site with the design management team, and the contractor also organised mental health visits with the Lighthouse Charity and two ‘Women in Construction’ events. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have completed works to this unique and significant Nottinghamshire landmark scheme – providing a world-class immersive facility for all ages in the heart of the Midlands. The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space. “We’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed working alongside the Sherwood Observatory team, Ashfield District Council and other stakeholders who helped in bringing this incredible project to life.” Dr Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager said “Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork.  The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible.  We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.” Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE said: “The Sherwood Observatory planetarium has been an excellent project to be a part of. Procured via the SCAPE Venture framework, we worked closely with our partner, G F Tomlinson to support greater efficiency, deliver cost savings and help embed social values initiatives. “Now open, the planetarium provides a one-of-a-kind attraction not only for the local community but for visitors from further afield. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and astronomers that the planetarium inspires.” Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It really is spectacular, and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also further afield. “It has been incredible to see the building through the various stages of construction and to see the vision really come to life. I am proud to have been some small part of the process. “The immersive shows really are incredible and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the Planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will see more visitors coming to Ashfield as they are transported through space. “It truly is an educational experience like no other and hopefully will see more young people develop an interest in learning more about space.” One of 16 projects being funded by the £62.6million Towns Deal which was secured by the council from the Government in 2021, the project benefitted from Levelling Up funding and grants from the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund.  Solar panels at the scheme were sponsored by Mansfield Building Society and the Changing Places toilet by East Midlands Rail Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hochiki Powers Fire Safety at Costa Coffee: A Case Study in Retail Fire Protection

Hochiki Powers Fire Safety at Costa Coffee: A Case Study in Retail Fire Protection

JCB Fire Ltd, a leading fire alarm contractor, recently partnered with Hochiki to supply and commission a state-of-the-art fire detection system at Costa Coffee’s brand-new flagship store at Solihull’s Touchwood Shopping Centre for their long-standing client Otec Electrical Limited. Costa Coffee, a beloved British coffeehouse chain, has become synonymous with high-quality coffee and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Situated in the popular Touchwood Shopping Centre, which attracts over 13 million visitors annually, the new flagship Costa required a fire safety system that would meet the demands of this busy retail hub and ensure the safety of all coffee lovers who visited.  The installation included the integration of a new fire detection system that would interface seamlessly with the existing building’s infrastructure, including security and sprinkler systems and meet the company’s strict adherence policy to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). JCB Fire Ltd selected Hochiki’s fire detection devices for their innovative features and because their open protocol capability ensures compatibility with various fire alarm control panels, providing flexibility in system design. Additionally, the devices are easy to install, reducing project timelines, and offer ultra-reliability, minimising false alarms. Hochiki’s ESP range of sensors simplifies the installation process with electronics-free mounting bases and easy addressing. The versatile sensors offer a variety of detection options, including smoke, heat, and multi-criteria detection as well as the ability to enhance visibility for individuals with hearing impairments and improve audibility of fire alarms ensuring that all occupants can be evacuated quickly and efficiently.  Grant Wheeler, General Manager of JCB Fire, highlighted the benefits of partnering with Hochiki.   “The successful installation at the Solihull store was completed in less than a week, by our client Otec Electrical demonstrating the effectiveness of our partnership with Hochiki. We were able to combine our expertise with Hochiki’s innovative technology ensuring the safety and security of Costa Coffee’s customers and staff in this brand-new store”. Hochiki’s ESP range, as demonstrated in this exciting project at Costa Coffee’s new outlet, offers a robust and reliable fire detection solution for retail and restaurant environments.  To learn more about how Hochiki’s ESP range can elevate your fire safety measures, visit the Hochiki website or contact a local authorised distributor.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Aggregate Industries reaches key construction milestone with inflation of its ground-breaking dome silo at Tilbury Docks

Aggregate Industries reaches key construction milestone with inflation of its ground-breaking dome silo at Tilbury Docks

Leading building products supplier, Aggregate Industries, has today reached an important milestone with the inflation of its dome silo airform in Tilbury. This structure will form an integral part of the new state-of-the-art cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility at Tilbury docks which is currently under construction. Once operational in 2026, this facility will allow Aggregate Industries to serve its customers 24/7 with conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious materials from 5 loading heads. The innovative dome structure is one of only a handful of its kind in the UK and offers a compelling alternative to traditional large-scale industrial storage facilities. Due to its large storage capacity, the dome silo provides a viable long-term solution to manage supply and demand fluctuations across the construction sector. Contractor Dome Technology LLC inflated the airform and will now commence placing nearly 4,500m3 of sprayed and wet mix concrete to form the 45m tall, 32m diameter dome silo, which will eventually store 30,000 tonnes of cement. “This new facility is a strategic investment in both the infrastructure of Tilbury and in Aggregate Industries’ mission to lead in supplying low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions,” said Project Manager, Tim Fry. “The dome silo maximises storage capacity with minimum footprint, and reflects Aggregate Industries’ proactive commitment to embrace new innovative technologies.” CEO of Dome Technology, Bradley Bateman, says, “Dome Technology and Aggregate Industries worked closely together to develop the most efficient and economical solution for this project, relying on the many decades of industry experience and innovation from both teams.  When completed this facility will be state of the art and the result of the teams’ collaborative dynamic ability to innovate and find solutions.” Tilbury’s strategic location amplifies the facility’s impact by enhancing supply chain resilience across the region. This landmark project marks a significant investment in the local economy, creating job opportunities and providing new business for suppliers and trades involved in its construction and operation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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JELD-WEN launches RIBA-accredited fire safety CPD

JELD-WEN launches RIBA-accredited fire safety CPD

JELD-WEN, one of the UK’s leading doorset manufacturers, has launched a new RIBA-accredited CPD training course which outlines the key considerations for enhanced fire doorset specification and better fire safety. The course, titled ‘Four Steps to Better Fire Doorset Specification and Long-Term Fire Safety’, focuses on the crucial role that fire doorsets play in a building’s fire safety strategy. Accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the CPD course is designed for architects and other decision makers with a responsibility for fire safety in a building project.  During a one-hour seminar, delegates will learn about the key considerations that should be front of mind when looking to use fire doorsets in building projects to achieve compliance. Topics covered include an explanation of the current fire safety regulations, why it’s important to procure the correct fire doorset, and the installation and maintenance procedures that will ensure doorsets perform as intended. Rob Pace, Head of Sales and Business Development at JELD-WEN, commented: “Delivering better fire safety standards is a key issue within the industry, but we know that barriers to compliance still exist. “We have invested over £3million in the development, testing and certification of fire doorsets to ensure they meet the highest industry standards, however, the intended level of protection against the spread of smoke and fire will only be achieved if the product is installed and maintained correctly. “Meanwhile, regulatory changes have continued to evolve, so it is crucial that decision makers have a robust understanding about their current responsibilities, in order to achieve compliance. The launch of our new accredited CPD training course will play an important part in helping to increase understanding and improve awareness of proper fire doorset specification as part of a building’s wider fire safety strategy.” All JELD-WEN UK doorsets adhere to rigorous standards in testing, auditing and accreditation. These include the independent third party certifications such as PAS 24, Certifire and Certisecure, to offer complete assurance of fire door performance and protection. JELD-WEN’s new CPD training course is offered as a face-to-face or online session. Places are available to book via this link. For more information, visit www.jeld-wen.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Quintain marks national tree week, celebrating the planting of over 1,000 trees in Wembley Park

Quintain marks national tree week, celebrating the planting of over 1,000 trees in Wembley Park

Quintain, the asset manager and development company behind London’s renowned culture and entertainment hub, Wembley Park, is showcasing its commitment to biodiversity and natural capital this National Tree Week. Aligned with the start of the UK’s annual tree planting season, National Tree Week runs from 23rd November to 1st December 2024, bringing the conservation sector, volunteers and dendrophiles together.  This National Tree Week, Quintain is celebrating the planting of over 1,000 trees across Wembley Park’s public realm and resident podium gardens in accordance with its award-winning, site-wide tree planting strategy. This strategy has been in place since 2005, at which time there were just a few dozen trees dotted across the entire 85-acre Wembley Park site. Now, there are 1,333 trees flourishing in the neighbourhood, with an impressive survival rate of 99.5% following the implementation of a careful management approach. The trees are spread across the entire estate, including public areas and the gardens of those living with Quintain’s management company, Quintain Living. Trees play a key role in Quintain’s placemaking strategy, not simply for aesthetic purposes but for their role in delivering a sense of connection to nature (with a resulting boost to visitors’ and residents’ mental wellbeing) and in enhancing local air quality. Wembley Park’s trees span an impressive 103 species. They include Snowy Mespilus, English Oak, Pin Oak, London Plane, Lime, Double White Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Dogwood, Hop-Hornbeam, Japanese Stewartia, Japanese Maple, Birch, Silver Birch, Sweetgum, Ginkgo and many more. Different species are used to create distinctly different vibes across the neighbourhood, boosting the distinctive character of its various public and residential areas. One of the most recent new species in 2024 is the Tupelo Tree with stunning Autumn foliage.  You can see them in Union Park. Tree-lined Olympic Way is a notable example of this, with pairs of trees used to draw the eye along the promenade towards Wembley Stadium. Trees from temperate zones around the globe are used to create a sense of arrival and destination, while celebrating different cultures and enhancing biodiversity as part of the neighbourhood’s overall tree matrix. The avenue of ‘champion trees’ uses height, texture and colour to create a heightened sense of interest along the boulevard. In total, 62 trees of 25 species line the famous pedestrian zone leading up to the stadium, including 24 matched pairs. Quintain’s tree-planting strategy extends to ensuring residents and visitors have ample opportunities to enjoy the leafy Wembley Park neighbourhood. The firm has a dedicated Wembley Park hub on the Greentalk platform, which shares a selection of mapped walking routes that take in some of the area’s most notable and impressive trees. Walkers can also devise their own routes, focused on passing specific green points of interest along the way. Guided walks also take place, with Julian Tollast, Head of Masterplanning and Design at Quintain, on hand to talk participants through the technical aspects involved in urban tree planting and maintenance at such a scale. Tree maintenance is a priority for the Quintain team. With some trees decades old and an average canopy size of 20 sqm, tree health is excellent across the neighbourhood, from the extensive planting in Union Park and the many residents’ gardens and pocket parks, to the trees along the wide boulevards. The character of the latter changes in line with the seasons, serving as welcome shade in the summer to beautiful creations adorned with twinkling lights throughout the festive period. Across the neighbourhood, Wembley Park’s design teams have measurable targets for Biodiversity Net Gain and Urban Green Factor, providing encouragement to boost wildlife-friendly planting and maintain the existing glorious greenery. In 2022 alone, an additional 380 sqm of tree cover was added to the neighbourhood, while the total amount of public realm delivered at Wembley Park to date runs to 98,324 sqm. That equates to 38.75 trees per hectare across the entire estate.  “The abundant, flourishing growth of the greenery around Wembley Park delivers a huge range of benefits as part of Quintain’s sustainability strategy. National Tree Week serves as an excellent reminder of the importance of such greenery and we are delighted to be celebrating the planting and survival of more than 1,000 trees across Wembley Park. From headline environmental benefits and enhancement to air quality to positively impacting the mental wellbeing of all those who spend time in the neighbourhood, Wembley Park’s trees provide much to celebrate. Every tree is logged on a publicly accessible online tree map – Greentalk – accessible through the Wembley Park Website.  Treemendous!” Julian Tollast, Head of Masterplanning and Design, Quintain Moving forward, Quintain’s tree-planting strategy will continue to centre on three key areas: biodiversity, natural capital and pollution prevention, with an overarching objective of preserving, protecting and improving biodiversity across all of the asset manager’s developments. Within Wembley Park, the focus is on reconnecting the surrounding network of natural ecosystems and wildlife corridors and providing open space within the heart of Wembley. This will encompass further planting over the coming years, not only as part of the opening of a new section of Union Park, but within podium gardens for new residential developments and across other areas of public realm.  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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