Work is underway to deliver Amethyst Homes second development in Newcastle city centre, following the success of its previous development located at Northbourne Street, for Home Group, five years ago. The joint development, in partnership with Bellway, will create 124 new homes, 45 built by Amethyst, comprising two, three and
Barhale has secured two further contracts under Thames Water’s AMP7 Conditional Allowance Trunk Main Schemes both adjacent to major London railway terminuses. The awards bringing the total value of works Barhale has been awarded under the scheme to £24.8M. The Victoria Station Trunk Main Replacement and the Eversholt Street Mains
Millcroft Scaffolding has started work on the contract to provide an essential logistics gantry for the major works project at Blashford Tower on the Chalcots Estate in Camden. Situated on Adelaide Road in northwest London, Blashford Tower comprises 72 flats over 19 storeys and is one of five high rise
Leading investor, developer and operator of rental communities Moda Group has announced its Fitwel Champion status. This prestigious grading has been given to Moda as it continues to lead change by committing to use Fitwel for its vast and growing portfolio, applying exceptionally high standards from the world’s leading certification
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the the positive impact that apprenticeships make them and the wider economy. We met two on a building site at Barratt Homes Bristol Two years ago, Alex Biruls
Prolec Safety Systems Unveils: Game-changer “One Screen” Solution Redefining Safety and Productivity (2D) in Construction. Meeting Industry Demands: In response to the time-sensitive nature of the construction sector, Prolec, Europe’s largest manufacturer of plant safety equipment, is set to make waves once again. Just over a year ago, Kinshofer’s acquisition
A host of charities and organisations supporting communities across Scotland have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Net Zero Fund to introduce innovative net zero technology. The groups will receive grants to help them decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner – through the installation of solar panels
Blues teenage football sensation Layla Banaras yesterday spoke of her pride after netting the role of youth ambassador at Birmingham Housing Week which also started yesterday. The Birmingham football star, who at the age of 16, became the first woman from a South Asian background to play for the Birmingham
Everton is proud to reveal the fourth and final phase of ‘ALL’ seasonal memberships at the club’s iconic new waterfront stadium. Village Street and Trinity Place Bar, located in the West and East Stands respectively, offer supporters the chance to experience a range of vibrant bars and traditional style pubs
Units F and G in Baldonnell have achieved a BREEAM rating of Outstanding Mountpark has achieved the highest BREEAM accreditation scores in Ireland on two units at Mountpark Baldonnell. The units, located at Baldonnell Business Park, were assessed under the BREEAM International New Construction V6 and at the time of
Work is underway to deliver Amethyst Homes second development in Newcastle city centre, following the success of its previous development located at Northbourne Street, for Home Group, five years ago. The joint development, in partnership with Bellway, will create 124 new homes, 45 built by Amethyst, comprising two, three and four bedroomed houses. The project has been facilitated by Tynexe, a joint venture company comprising Newcastle City Council and Consett based Dysart Developments, which carried out the necessary reclamation works to prepare the land for development. Richard Bass, Managing Director at Amethyst Homes, said: “This is an exciting development for Amethyst, located just off Westmorland Road in the heart of Newcastle’s West end. “We are confident that this site will help address local housing need and will prove popular, due to its location and the variety of homes on offer. It is rewarding to see work finally starting on site, as it has taken a true partnership approach to unlock this brownfield land.” The properties at Amethyst Homes’ Vallum Heights will be built using modern methods of construction, with the use of timber frame, which is a first for Amethyst. Working in partnership with Aberdeen based, Kirkwood Timber Frame, this method of construction will enable each home’s structural frame to be erected on site within a day. In addition, benefits to the buyer include highly efficient insulation – in line with latest industry Building Regulations – and cost savings on energy bills. Andy Lewis, Business Development Manager at Kirkwood Timber Frame, added: “It is great to help Amethyst Homes deliver its first timber frame properties. The benefits are far reaching for the developer and the home buyer. “By using timber frame a housebuilder can reduce its carbon footprint by up to 40%* and it offers efficiencies during the construction process. For the homebuyer, timber frame offers a greater level of insulation. Timber is a natural thermal insulator stores and offers low energy consumption, which in turn saves homeowners money on their bills. “Scotland are leading the way in timber frame construction with over 90% of all new homes using this build method, far less in England with just 23% across the UK overall. It is great to see Amethyst embrace this technology, which we know is growing in popularity in the region.” The timber frame panels are made in Kirkwood’s state of the art manufacturing facility using the latest machinery in a semi-automated process. This means that external and internal walls are made to precision, reducing time and labour required on site. Whole houses are delivered to the site where a crane lifts the panels, floor and roof into place usually within a single day, allowing following on trades to complete the build in double quick time. 68 homes on the joint 12-acre site will be fitted with solar panels to generate renewable energy and further reduce carbon emissions. As part of the regeneration of the area over 25 jobs will be safeguarded and a new homes sales executive recruited. Through the lifetime of the project there will be investment in training and employment, parks and recreation and local community initiatives, which will include allotments and open space developed at the south of the site, next to Wolsingham Street. Among the new trees and shrubs will be butterfly bank features to encourage biodiversity in the area. For more information about Vallum Heights, please visit https://amethysthomes.co.uk/our-developments/future-developments/vallum-heights/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barhale has secured two further contracts under Thames Water’s AMP7 Conditional Allowance Trunk Main Schemes both adjacent to major London railway terminuses. The awards bringing the total value of works Barhale has been awarded under the scheme to £24.8M. The Victoria Station Trunk Main Replacement and the Eversholt Street Mains Replacement join the recently announced Fortis Green Trunk Main Replacement in the programme of AMP7 upgrades to essential water assets across London. At Victoria Station, civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale will rehabilitate more than a kilometre of a 30” cast iron water main. Work is divided into two sections: 609 metres between Eaton Square and Victoria Street and a further 412 metres at Wilton Road to a point immediately south of its crossing with Warwick Way. The majority of the existing main will be sliplined with 710mm SDR17 Polyethylene pipe. Short open cut sections will be required at launch and reception pits and connection locations. At these points the original pipe will be replaced with 600mm nominal bore ductile iron pipework. At Eversholt Street near Euston Station, Barhale will rehabilitate a 660 metre length of 16” cast iron water main also using a combination of opencut and slip lining using 355mm SDR17 Polyethylene pipe. Shane Gorman, Barhale’s Water Director – Southern Region explained that the extremely busy nature of both locations had a significant influence on the engineering solution. “These are two of the most important rail gateways to the capital with thousands of passengers travelling through every hour,” he said. “Also, around each site, the roads are very busy so it has been important to develop an approach that would not only protect future water supply in each area, but one which also minimises the impact to the local communities, businesses and rail and road users. “Our engineers will use a number of launch and reception pits to slipline the existing water main. This means we will be able to avoid the large-scale disruption that can be caused by continuous trenches and deliver a faster, better result. We will also reduce environmental impact in comparison with traditional open-cut methods. “We are very pleased that Thames Water has demonstrated its confidence in Barhale with these awards for schemes at such sensitive locations and we look forward to working closely with the Thames Water team to deliver this innovative solution.” Esther Sharples, Operations Director for London said: “We’re committed to keeping the taps flowing for Londoners and this multi-million-pound investment will further future-proof our network. “By working with Barhale and investing in innovative technology to upgrade our ageing Victorian pipes, we’re also able to reduce disruption for our customers in a busy central London location.” Handover and commissioning is expected at Eversholt Street in Spring of 2024 and at Victoria Station towards the end of 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Millcroft Scaffolding has started work on the contract to provide an essential logistics gantry for the major works project at Blashford Tower on the Chalcots Estate in Camden. Situated on Adelaide Road in northwest London, Blashford Tower comprises 72 flats over 19 storeys and is one of five high rise towers that form the Chalcots Estate. The £22m design and build recladding and fire safety works contract is part of Camden Council’s commitment to deliver a new standard of safety for residents. GRAHAM, awarded the Blashford Tower contract in September 2021, is delivering the project in two stages. The first stage involved extensive design work and tests to determine how the safety improvements would be implemented. The ongoing second phase includes setting up the site and installing an A1-rated cladding system, a curtain wall, new windows, and the replacement of brickwork to the underground level. Millcroft’s integral role in the project is to provide scaffolding, which will form a logistics gantry and distribution route and provide safe access to the site accommodation for workers. This entails the erection of a heavy-duty gantry extending from the face of Blashford Tower towards the site welfare facility, with scaffolding spreading to the Adelaide Medical Centre adjacent to Blashford Tower. The tower’s location and tight site constraints, including limited storage, have presented several challenges for Millcroft’s team. This is a live site with residents remaining in the tower until work on their respective floor level starts, when they will be moved to temporary accommodation. Further complications arise from the need to always keep the pedestrian ramps along the tower’s east and west sides clear, as it serves as vital access to the medical centre. The tower’s location has also required careful consideration. The site runs adjacent to Network Rail tracks at the bottom of a densely vegetated slope. A ground investigation was conducted to assess the slope’s stability and confirm its capacity to withstand the additional force and loads imposed by the gantry and scaffolding. Additionally, as the scaffolding is being erected on Network Rail land, the design of the scaffold had to be submitted to Network Rail for approval. Billy Jones, Managing Director at Millcroft, said, “GRAHAM is a long-term strategic partner and valued client of ours, and our Pre-Commencement team has been working with them on this project for around three years to ensure all aspects of our scaffolding meet the required standards and design for this complex site. We started on site at the beginning of November and expect to complete our part of the contract installation works by February 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading investor, developer and operator of rental communities Moda Group has announced its Fitwel Champion status. This prestigious grading has been given to Moda as it continues to lead change by committing to use Fitwel for its vast and growing portfolio, applying exceptionally high standards from the world’s leading certification system for healthy buildings and communities. Fitwel has already awarded the highest accreditation of 3-star to four of Moda’s neighbourhoods, making Moda a world leader in certifications. The Fitwel Champion news comes as Moda releases its new ESG report looking back on 2023 as part of its Next Generation Futures strategy, first announced in 2022, and looks ahead to initiatives planned for 2024. Moda is the first developer and operator to have all its operational neighbourhoods achieve some of the highest sustainability targets in the sector, working to industry standards set by LETI, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the UK Green Building Council, as well as achieving: Moda has also worked closely with councils across the UK to add social value through employment and skills, culture and placemaking with a number of landmark ESG projects. In the West Midlands, Moda worked with contractor John Sisk & Sons and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to launch the second WMCA-funded on-site Skills Hub at Moda’s Great Charles Street site in Birmingham. The hub offers free training and employment opportunities for local people with a guaranteed job interview. It continues the work carried out by the group at Moda, The Mercian, which exceeded all its targets and supported 140 new employment opportunities at the site during construction, including seven apprenticeships. The new hub at Great Charles Street is targeting a further 240,000 work hours specifically for local people. In Brighton & Hove, Moda worked closely with the city council and a dedicated Community Liaison Group (CLG) to plan a £10m investment in public realm in its forthcoming Moda, Hove Central neighbourhood. The CLG, made up of community representatives and local MP Peter Kyle, developed an ambitious £450,000 public art strategy which has already resulted in on-site murals painted by local artists and the funding of the Flight of the Langoustine sculpture of Hove Plinth on the city’s seafront. Following a national call, several artists have been selected to co-produce a range of sculptures and installations across the site’s public realm. Moda has also been a major sponsor of the Brighton Festival for two years running, which welcomed 53,000 attendees in 2023. In Leeds, Moda worked in collaboration with creative agency New Citizens and Leeds City Council to create the biggest outdoor event space in Leeds with Canvas Yard, based in an area which Moda is in the process of developing. Canvas Yard welcomed 14,000 attendees to its range of music, sports, cultural and arts events in 2023 with a series of events lined up again for summer 2024. Other key highlights from the new ESG report include: Tarry Depledge, ESG Manager, Moda Group, said: “Our ‘Next Generation Futures’ ESG strategy set out a bold and ambitious roadmap for Moda, and this report is a summary of everything we have been doing to create positive change to our environment, our communities, and our business governance for the last financial year. There has been a large focus on reducing our embodied and operational carbon levels, doing the right thing for our communities, hiring locally and offering skills and training while promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing for both our residents and our team. “Apart from continuing to roll out innovative ESG initiatives, we remain focussed on keeping our culture, purpose and resident vision aligned with our ESG Strategy while achieving our 2025 targets. “There is however still a long way to go, and being welcomed as a Fitwel Champion is just one way we can commit ourselves to making sure that we have a positive impact on the communities we operate in for generations to come.” The Fitwel Standard translates the global public health evidence base into practical, implementable design and operational strategies and guidelines to be used at the building level, community level, and at scale. Joanna Frank, President & CEO of the Center for Active Design, the sole operator of Fitwel, said: “We’re thrilled that Moda has committed to becoming a Fitwel Champion. It is commendable to see Moda commit to Fitwel as part of their ‘Next Generation Futures’ ESG strategy to create positive change by focusing on developing healthier spaces and communities. In today’s real estate landscape, prioritizing the health of our planet and people is no longer a trend; it’s a business imperative, representing both risk and opportunity. By embracing an evidence-based health-focused approach, Moda is not only responding to stakeholder demand but also leading the way in shaping a healthier future in the UK. We applaud their trailblazing efforts and welcome them as Champions in the healthy building movement.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Beyond reshaping the Birmingham skyline, Moda, The Mercian – thanks to its on-site Skills Hub – created training and employment opportunities for hundreds of local people. The West Midlands Combined Authority proudly played its part in funding that important initiative. “It’s good news that Moda and Sisk are continuing this work at their Great Charles Street site in the Jewellery Quarter, so familiar to Brummies as ‘The Bomb Site’. This is testament to the power of partnership – where we see what can happen when people right across our region work together. “I look forward to Moda continuing to make a positive impact – as set out in their new ESG report – in the months and years ahead.” Peter Kyle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Moda on the delivery of their Hove Central neighbourhood and on a range of social value initiatives including the public art strategy for Hove. Their new ESG report demonstrates the boldness and ambition of Moda’s commitment
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the the positive impact that apprenticeships make them and the wider economy. We met two on a building site at Barratt Homes Bristol Two years ago, Alex Biruls was selling cars. He’d left school not really knowing what he wanted for his future and spent the next three years taking roles in a supermarket and then the motor trade. But, while he was at it, he discovered and developed skills and confidence that shaped a desire to ‘go back to school and learn more’, an interest in surveying and a pathway into the construction industry, in his case with Barratt Homes in Bristol. Today, at just 26, he’s picked up a Level 4 HNC and is studying (part time) for a degree at Sheffield University to become a Quantity Surveyor. Both courses are fully funded. Ambassadors of apprenticeships have long fought to see them on an equal footing with other qualifications and recognised as a prestigious option that meets the skills needs of employers across the country. Crucially, they’ve advocated the pathway for students who don’t want or aren’t suited to full time academic study so they can enjoy an alternative route into their chosen career. This week – National Apprenticeship Week [ed note hyperlink if required at https://naw.appawards.co.uk/] – is celebrating and showcasing their success in doing that, with stories across the sectors – from accounting to agriculture, the creative industries to construction – looking at how the schemes deliver skills for life. “We’ve seen and celebrated so many of our team training and taking on key roles in Barratt thanks to apprenticeship training,” says Andrea Pilgrim, sales director at Barratt Homes Bristol. “At the moment we have both Construction Graduate Apprentices (a five year programme) and Trade Apprentices (in areas like Bricklaying and Carpentry) and we know, like the organisers of this awareness week, that the opportunity to learn while you earn, to combine study with skills training on the job among a team of trained professionals, is absolutely the best route for some people and never a ‘second best’ option. It brings so many benefits, not least allowing people to learn while they earn with colleagues established in the industry.” “I think I was lucky,” says Alex Biruls today. “My parents were ambitious for me but there was no pressure – they wanted me to find something that was right for my future. But nothing was wasted during those early exploratory jobs – they showed me what I was good at (skills like negotiation, customer service) and gave me chance to explore careers and find one that was right for me. “Now it all seems like a no brainer,” adds Alex. “The surveyors I work with are fantastic, and this role allows me to be part of a bigger team building something special for communities. Learning while doing a job makes me more enthusiastic about my study, and the study is absolutely relevant to my day-to-day work.” Alex’s degree course is delivered in residential blocks up in Sheffield. “So I can be in a technical lecture one week learning about, say, timber frame construction and the materials involved, and then I am back on site the next with a real understanding of what I am seeing and the methods we’re using,” he says. “And I have a mentor to monitor and support me all the way. I was a chatterbox at school, but now I am a bit of a bookworm. I am really invested in this role and know what the outcome and future might look like. And, while I study, I am part of a team building these new, more efficient than ever houses and communities and I find it really fascinating. Even developing the playgrounds on the developments is special. The attention to detail – the landscaping, flooring and more – to deliver a positive experience for families is really exciting to see and be a part of.” Finn Tucker, 16, will be one of the apprentices working on those timber framed houses Alex describes. Growing up in a household with a dad who is a self-employed plumber and a brother who is a bricklayer, he knew he wanted a physical, hands on, out-in-the-fresh-air practical job and says learning while he earns is brilliant. “It was the practical stuff I’d loved at school – design, technology, sports – and because I was doing okay there was some pressure to go onto A Levels and there were several options presented to me, like mechanics or sport. But I really wanted to be a carpenter, was focused on and loved woodwork, and I am so glad I made this choice. “The role I am in and the course I am taking feels so different from learning in a classroom or even doing practical projects in a college workshop. Carpentry here covers everything you can imagine – the doors, the floors, the roof – and I am part of a team who are teaching me every day while I work with them. It’s hard work, but none of it – the work or the study (via two-week college placements) ever feels like a chore. I have a mentor based at the college who visits me on site. And, crucially, I am learning fast that when you enjoy something you feel like you can achieve anything. It makes you hungry to learn more.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prolec Safety Systems Unveils: Game-changer “One Screen” Solution Redefining Safety and Productivity (2D) in Construction. Meeting Industry Demands: In response to the time-sensitive nature of the construction sector, Prolec, Europe’s largest manufacturer of plant safety equipment, is set to make waves once again. Just over a year ago, Kinshofer’s acquisition of Prolec marked a significant move in the industry. Today, 06th of February, Prolec is poised to take the construction industry by surprise once again. In a remarkable initiative, Prolec will become the first in the industry to seamlessly combine Safety and 2D Guidance on a single screen. Overview of Prolec Safety Systems: For the past 40 years, Prolec Safety Systems has been dedicated to engineering cutting-edge solutions that prioritise safety without compromising on productivity. Our unwavering commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction has led us to become a trusted leader in the industry. Prolec Safety Systems integrates Height and Slew Limiters with RCI (Rated Capacity Indicators) for comprehensive safety control. Our safety systems are designed to ensure operators maintain control within defined parameters, setting the standard for reliable and precise plant safety solutions. A Shift in Dynamics: Prolec Safety Systems brings forth a transformative shift, replacing the complexities of dual screens with an all-encompassing solution. Imagine seamlessly integrating safety and productivity with automatic stops to prevent costly damages and cutting-edge 2D guidance. Overview of Prolec 2D Guidance: Prolec 2D Guidance, a state-of-the-art technology, enhances construction productivity with unparalleled precision. The system provides real-time 2D guidance, empowering operators to achieve optimal digging accuracy. Prolec 2D Guidance minimises errors and enhances efficiency, reducing project timelines and costs, making it an indispensable tool for construction professionals aiming for unmatched precision. Global Debut: Prolec 2D Guidance Options for PME400 and PME500 We are thrilled to announce the global debut of our groundbreaking integration, set to take place on the 6th of February. Kinshofer Prolec will become the first in the industry to seamlessly combine Safety and 2D Guidance on a single screen. This revolutionary system will be available for firsthand experience at INTERMAT in Paris. Prolec 2D Guidance options include: Unparalleled Advantages: Why Prolec Stands Out: Prolec PME Safety and 2D add-in solution removes the need for moving hardware between machines. It utilises existing, securely anchored hardware for safety across all tasks, offering a cost-effective choice. This shift ensures safety and productivity seamlessly integrate, going beyond a checkbox approach. The system halts the machine automatically when hazard thresholds are reached, ensuring an unprecedented level of safety for both personnel and infrastructure. Endorsement from CTA Training Academy: Upgrade in the Field Option: For those already benefiting from Prolec safety, our upgrade in the field option maximises cost-effectiveness, utilising current hardware and preparing the machine for diverse projects. Trusted Distribution Network: Prolec Safety Systems has collaborated with trusted distributors across the UK who are well-equipped to support with new sales and existing customer upgrade inquiries. For their contact details, please reach out to Prolec directly. Prolec – Where Safety Meets Efficiency: This isn’t just a product; it’s a game-changing advancement. Prolec offers a dedicated safety ECU. There is a clean separation between safety and guidance functions. Lead the industry in combined efficiency and safety on a singular screen, making it not just a smart investment but a commercial triumph. Prolec – Elevating Safety to Priority #1: Experience an all-in-one-screen solution, encompassing Height & Slew limiters, RCI, and 2D Digging Guidance in a single, user-friendly interface. Prolec Safety Systems is setting a new benchmark for safety and productivity in the construction domain. For enquiries, please contact: Marketing@prolec.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A host of charities and organisations supporting communities across Scotland have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Net Zero Fund to introduce innovative net zero technology. The groups will receive grants to help them decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner – through the installation of solar panels and heat pumps, to the purchase of electric vehicles and retrofitting listed buildings to increase energy efficiency. The £5million Net Zero Fund was launched in 2022 by SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group, to support vulnerable communities and ensure no one is left behind on the country’s journey to net zero emissions. It directly supports organisations within SP Energy Networks’ transmission areas who have green ambitions and are looking to decarbonise their communities across Central and Southern Scotland. The next round of the Net Zero Fund is now open and is welcoming applications from eligible charities and community organisations. Alongside financial support, the fund also offers guidance and support to community organisations and charities looking to take the next step on their decarbonisation journey. Scott Mathieson, Network Planning and Regulation Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “SP Energy Networks takes pride in serving all of the communities of Central and Southern Scotland. “Our staff and networks are part of the fabric of the central belt and it’s right therefore that we play our part in ensuring the most vulnerable customers in our areas also obtain access to the benefits that zero emission energy can bring in transport, heat and jobs. “The projects awarded in our first round of our Net Zero Fund are diverse, they range from addressing renewable heat challenges in Victorian buildings in Govan in the heart of Glasgow through to enabling a smart energy community hub and Scout hall in Ardrossan. The ingenuity of these community led schemes is inspiring and we feel privileged to help them realise their net zero future. “Our next funding round is now open, and we’re welcoming applications from eligible charities and community groups looking to accelerate their net zero plans.” Among the recipients of the first round of funding is Govan Heritage Trust – a group dedicated to preserving and promoting Govan’s cultural heritage. Following the closure of Govan Old Church in 2007, the community Trust rescued the A-listed building and its contents which included the internationally renowned Govan Stones, one of the most impressive collections of early medieval sculpture in Europe. Now in community ownership, the property is being developed into a museum to showcase the site’s heritage. The renovations will also offer a meeting space for local organisations and charities such as those catering for elderly and isolated members of the community; groups welcoming and supporting refugees; organisations working with Govan’s youth; and local schools looking to learn about heritage. To support the Trust in its efforts to lower emissions, the Net Zero Fund is providing a grant of £150,000 to install a River Source Heat Pump, an initiative ran in partnership with the Clyde Mission Fund. The renewable plant will deliver a 93% reduction in carbon emissions and 20% saving in energy costs. Speaking on the support, Pat Cassidy, a Trustee of Govan Heritage Trust said: “Govan Old church and the Govan Stones are our community’s greatest architectural and cultural assets and we’re using them to benefit local people. “Achieving net zero has always been at the forefront of our redevelopment plans, but there are particular challenges when it comes to making sustainable improvements to such a historic site. We are very grateful for the generous support of the Net Zero Fund which helps us overcome these obstacles and complete the installation of a Heat Pump that will generate energy from the Clyde – resulting in a dramatic reduction on both our carbon emissions and outgoings. “We know that times are tough for many of the groups who use our community hub, and this investment will help us provide a more flexible and affordable space and increase our visitor numbers.” Food Train’s Stewartry branch has also been awarded over £100,000 in funding to replace two of its current vehicles with new electric models and install a charging point at the Dumfries and Galloway base. The charity makes life easier for older people by providing vital services to those who are no longer able to manage independently. Its team of volunteers make hundreds of grocery deliveries every week – making access to reliable and efficient transport an essential part of its operation. Gaynor Grant, Business Development Manager at Food Train, said: “Our volunteers are out on the road most days of the week, and while the service they are providing is absolutely crucial to the older people in the community, we have always been conscious of the miles on the road we clock up and the impact this has on our carbon footprint. “The support of SP Energy Network’s Net Zero Fund will allow us to electrify our fleet and make a significant reduction to our current emissions output. For our customers, our volunteer visits are a key part of their life; having the onsite charging point will be essential in ensuring we always have reliable transport to reach them.” 1st Ardrossan 15th Ayrshire Scout Group has also been awarded funding, receiving a grant of £93,000 to support extensive renovations of their current Scout hall, including the installation of an air source heat pump, insulation, and replacement glazing. The hall is currently used by a host of different community organisations – from mental health support groups to those working with people with additional support needs. The sustainable improvements are predicted to allow the hall to increase weekly visitors by as much as 50 people, providing a vital community space for more local groups. To involve young people in their net zero transition and help them learn about the importance of reducing carbon emissions, the Scouts are also planning on incorporating the learnings from the project into the current Global Issues and Community Impact Scout badges. Alan Donaldson, Trustee
Blues teenage football sensation Layla Banaras yesterday spoke of her pride after netting the role of youth ambassador at Birmingham Housing Week which also started yesterday. The Birmingham football star, who at the age of 16, became the first woman from a South Asian background to play for the Birmingham City Football Club, will share her experiences and encourage young people to get involved in the conversation around housing during Next Generation workshops being held at Birmingham Housing Week. Running from February 5th-9th Birmingham Housing Week will inform young people and communities on the scale of public and private investment in existing housing stock and large-scale housing regeneration schemes happening across the City and the vast amount of opportunities on offer to them; invite them to get involved in the conversation and have a voice and inspire them to join the movement. The week is a private sector initiative, powered by national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships, with support from Birmingham City Council, STEAMhouse, Howells, Platform Housing Group, Shakespeare Martineau, Marrons and Birmingham Social Housing Partnership, with more set to be announced in due course. Today Birmingham Housing Week organisers were thrilled for Layla to be appointed as its youth ambassador to help inspire the next generation to get involved in the week-long event. One of the main focuses of the week is to promote inclusivity and collaboration with the younger generation around their expectations of the housing sector and inform them about the job opportunities available to bring their ideas to life. Delighted to accept the ambassador role, Layla, now 17, said “I think it’s really important to create opportunities for young people as it gives them a voice and allows them to feel heard.” Thanks to sponsors Platform, STEAMhouse and Howells, the Next Generation Workshops are taking place on February 6th and 8th respectively, to bring together local pupils from the following schools: Eden Boys, Lyndon Academy, Cockshut Hill and Nine Styles. STEAMhouse has invited Year 9 pupils to its interactive activities focused on raising awareness around the housing sector and the variety of career opportunities they can choose to be more involved. The workshop will also feature a Q&A session with both the council and industry professionals, to encourage an open discussion around the future of Birmingham for current and next generations. Patrick Bek, Head of Service Innovation and Experimentation at STEAMhouse, added: “A people-centred approach is definitely needed to innovate towards the best future for Birmingham’s housing sector. Listening to and co-creating with the younger generation is a great way to encourage a more collaborative approach and unlock a new regenerative era of the city.” Architecture and planning body, Howells, will host its programme of activities aimed at Year 10 & 11 students on the Tuesday and Thursday of housing week, to inform them of the ‘Our Future City’ project, an initiative led by the Birmingham Housing Council setting a strategic 2040 framework to achieve inclusive, sustainable and equal spaces for the city’s communities. This will also involve the pupils sharing their thoughts on what the framework should include and incorporate them into a design project accordingly. The students will also have the opportunity to talk to key professionals in the Modelmaking and VR technology sectors and see how the respective tools work and support the variety of job roles in the housing sector. The innovative side of the sector is a key component in involving the younger generation and showcasing its potential to achieve more sustainable infrastructure. Dav Bansal, Partner from Howells, commented: “Birmingham Housing Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness on the current initiatives of the council and how students can actively participate in this exchange of opinions thanks to the workshops and the wide array of career opportunities the sector offers. Howells is based in the industrial heart of the city, and we’re excited to meet local young people to get their input into the future of Birmingham.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Everton is proud to reveal the fourth and final phase of ‘ALL’ seasonal memberships at the club’s iconic new waterfront stadium. Village Street and Trinity Place Bar, located in the West and East Stands respectively, offer supporters the chance to experience a range of vibrant bars and traditional style pubs that will entertain Evertonians on matchdays within the stadium footprint. ‘ALL’ delivers a revolutionary re-set of traditional football hospitality by allowing supporters to choose from a variety of bars, restaurants and experiences at Everton Stadium, designed to reflect the matchday rituals of fans. Ranging from fine dining and international cuisine restaurants to sports bars, traditional pubs and tapas-style venues, the choice of ‘ALL’ experiences on offer at Everton Stadium are unprecedented. They are also proving hugely popular, with the three earlier phases selling out ahead of schedule a demonstration of the demand for this new approach to premium experiences. This final phase incorporates names that are clearly associated with the fabric of Everton’s history and which are set to become go-to destinations before and after home games. Access to either Village Street or Trinity Place Bar is offered through a seasonal membership, which includes food and drink as well as some of the best seats in the stadium, spanning the half-way line. Village Street takes its name from the road in the city where St Domingo’s FC became Everton Football Club in 1879. It will now become home to a new era of matchday memories. Located in the heart of the west stand, this vibrant pre-match destination is home to four individual pub and bar spaces, offering a unique experience never seen in football. All offer different types of food and have been inspired by moments in the Club’s history, as well as legendary players and managers. One of two traditional pubs, The Queens Head, is named after the historic Village Street hostelry where, in November 1879, local football team St. Domingo’s FC was renamed Everton Football Club. The design of The Queen’s Head will provide a modern tribute to the aesthetics of the old pub, with a wooden bar and rich upholstery as well as a traditional beer menu. A second authentic pub, inspired by the vibrant matchday spirit of Evertonians, will help to be shaped by supporters to replicate the sights and sounds of traditional fan-favourite public houses. Also taking its place on Village Street is Kendall’s, a lively social bar named in honour of one of Everton’s finest players, and the Club’s greatest ever manager, Howard Kendall. This contemporary social space will offer supporters a vibrant place to enjoy some authentic beers and enjoy pre-and post-match entertainment. Dixie’s Sports Bar, named after the iconic Dixie Dean, completes the Village Street establishments and features big screens and televisions to keep track of all the latest sporting action from around the world. All seasonal memberships for Village Street are inclusive of food, wines, beers and soft drinks, for pre-match and half time. In addition to access to any of the four pubs and bars, members also benefit from premium padded seats spanning the half-way line in the upper tier of the West Stand. The second membership on offer is Trinity Place Bar, located in the east stand, adjacent to the Fan Plaza. The name is instantly synonymous with Everton fans of all ages through its link to the Club’s ‘Holy Trinity’ – Howard Kendall, Colin Harvey and Alan Ball. Trinity Place Bar celebrates the Club’s history through immersive media and treasured memorabilia, which members can explore each matchday. Live entertainment adds to the pre-match atmosphere and fans can stay close to the pre-match build-up across the many big screens. A key feature of Trinity Place is the striking central island bar, making it the perfect space for Evertonians to socialise, eat and drink within in a unique matchday environment. As well as complimentary drinks and a choice of freshly prepared street food dishes, Trinity Place Bar members also enjoy direct access to some of the best views the stadium has to offer on the halfway line, close to the pitch and with convenient access to the bar. Village Street and Trinity Place Bar complete the Club’s innovative portfolio of bars, restaurants and experiences available to all supporters at Everton Stadium, with demand for both these memberships unprecedented. The dedicated Everton Stadium Sales Team is currently managing consultations by private appointment, and fans can request information about securing Seasonal ‘ALL’ Bar Memberships by visiting the Everton Stadium website at www.evertonstadium.com/all and completing the Register Your Interest / request form. Highlights of the ALL portfolio, including the already seasonally sold-out Restaurants and Experiences can also be found at www.evertonstadium.com/all. Keep up to date with the latest developments on the construction of Everton Stadium at evertonstadium.com or @evertonstadium on twitter / X. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Units F and G in Baldonnell have achieved a BREEAM rating of Outstanding Mountpark has achieved the highest BREEAM accreditation scores in Ireland on two units at Mountpark Baldonnell. The units, located at Baldonnell Business Park, were assessed under the BREEAM International New Construction V6 and at the time of certification Unit G achieved 92.5%, the highest percentage of any building in Ireland, with Unit F achieving the second highest of 91.5%. Mountpark and the design team originally set out to deliver BREEAM Excellent, but through hard work, achieved the highest rating of Outstanding. This ambitious approach from the team has paid off, with the certification being awarded based on assessment in several different areas. These areas include management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use and innovation. Mountpark looks to develop its buildings to create desirable workplaces, and to minimise the impact on the environment, by considering the wellbeing of the people who will occupy the spaces and taking steps to develop the ecological environment with local flora and fauna. Julie-Ann Lambert, Construction Director UK & Ireland at Mountpark said: “It is a testament to the hard work of the design team and the high standards that we hold ourselves to at Mountpark that we have been able to achieve these ratings for Unit G and Unit F. We are constantly learning and looking to improve, and we continue to push design and construct developments that demonstrate this sustainably. I would like to extend my thanks to our supply chain and our design team for striving for the very best and helping us achieve these fantastic ratings.” Mountpark Baldonnell is a state-of-the-art logistics development for the Dublin market. Unit F of 72,646 sq ft and Unit G of 96,930 sq ft make up the final phase of the development and are both occupied. If you are interested in learning more about Mountpark’s sustainable practices click here, or for its portfolio please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
