The legacy of a respected built environment professional will live on thanks to a new Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) award. Paul Dockerill had an immense passion for building safety, skills development, and improving fire safety in the UK up until his tragic and untimely death in November 2022. After
Logicor, a leading owner, manager and developer of European logistics real estate, has expanded its footprint in the UK by agreeing to forward fund a 500,000 sq ft distribution warehouse on a prime logistics site in Derby. Planning permission has already been secured for the warehouse on Infinity Park Derby.
The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) is asking the government to address the many urgent issues in the repairs and maintenance sector (R&M) as we head towards an election. BCIS is forecasting R&M output will fall 7% in 2024 before recovering in 2025 and beyond, but warned the economic backdrop
Steven Cunningham, Head of Engineering and Project Management at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, has outlined ambitions for 2024 and beyond, focussing on enhancing customer engagement and developing people. With a wealth of experience in many facets of the business including estimating, trade, sales, and project management, Steven
Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – in collaboration with Waugh Thistleton Architects – have released a study on policies from across the globe which encourage the use of timber in construction. Timber Policy is a comparative study of policies, across six
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speedier materials handling, and reduced energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered when the process control specialist overhauled an entire plant design and production line. Saint Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction materials. Since 1984, its
A former office building in the heart of Milton Keynes, that has been transformed into a new 200-unit residential development, has been refinanced following a £35m residential investment loan from Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance Located directly above Milton Keynes Central station, Station House is the result of
Lendlease, in collaboration with its design team featuring David Kohn Architects, has resubmitted plans for the £1.9 billion Smithfield area project in Birmingham’s city centre. Last October, modifications were reported as the developer had to make significant design adjustments to its original planning application filed a year ago. This was
The UK Government has approved the construction of a new Category C super prison in Buckinghamshire, with a budget of £300 million. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has granted planning permission for the prison, which is set to accommodate nearly 1,500 inmates. The facility will be located adjacent to the
VIVO Defence Services today (Thursday, 1 February) marks its second anniversary looking after the UK Military’s Built Estate during which time it has undertaken more than one million maintenance jobs, completed nearly 25,000 special projects and contributed to a number of social value initiatives. Facilities management provider VIVO started working
The legacy of a respected built environment professional will live on thanks to a new Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) award. Paul Dockerill had an immense passion for building safety, skills development, and improving fire safety in the UK up until his tragic and untimely death in November 2022. After being raised in a low-income household and leaving school without qualifications, Paul became a carpenter and joiner in his younger years before progressing his career within the construction sector. Paul worked in social housing for more than 20 years and before he passed away was director of energy and programme management at a non-profit housing provider. His meteoric rise also saw him achieve FCIOB and CIOB Trustee statuses. To commemorate his life, CIOB has launched The Paul Dockerill Award – with a value of £10,000, which is open to any UK resident looking to develop a research project fuelled by innovation, skills development, fire safety, and resident engagement. For example, applicants could seek funding for developing a building safety app or platform for social housing residents to access information on safety and fire issues in their homes. Antonia Lanyiova, Qualifications Liaison Manager at CIOB, said: “Paul was a visionary and a dedicated professional in the construction industry, and this award reflects his passion for innovation in building safety through mentoring, skills development, and, most importantly, improving fire safety and resident engagement in the UK. “He believed that positive change could come from anyone, regardless of their background or professional affiliation, so we are thrilled to open this award to anyone with fresh and innovative ideas. “Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or someone with a unique perspective, we encourage you to submit your innovative project or idea for consideration. You do not necessarily need to work within the construction sector to be considered. “Thank you to Paul’s family, friends, colleagues, professionals, and the amazing CIOB staff for their unwavering support throughout the journey, making The Paul Dockerill Award a reality.” Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Paul worked closely with the fire brigade to ensure their response to a fire in a high-rise building was as quick, safe, and effective as possible. He was fundamental to the development of the Twinnedit digital twin solution following the 2017 tragedy. The idea of creating the award was inspired by his family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom were touched by Paul’s generosity. Kayleigh Hills, Paul’s daughter, says: “Dad was well loved by everyone who had the fortune to meet him, and he often shared his knowledge and skills with anyone who would listen. He never forgot what it felt like to be the family scraping by in social housing, or the new kid on the construction site getting his hands dirty.” Applications opened on 1 February 2024, and must be submitted by 30 June 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in July 2024, with the funding available to the selected successful applicants for up to 18 months. Meanwhile, applications for CIOB’s Construction Innovation Scholarship, designed for aspiring construction management professionals by providing a platform to get involved with a research project or enterprising work experience activity, will be available at the same time. Last year’s winner was Don Samarasinghe, a lecturer in Built Environment at Massey University in New Zealand. He was given funding towards his project titled: Pioneering Sustainable Future in Construction through Raw Earth 3D Printing Training. For more information, visit. www.ciob.me/scholarships Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Logicor, a leading owner, manager and developer of European logistics real estate, has expanded its footprint in the UK by agreeing to forward fund a 500,000 sq ft distribution warehouse on a prime logistics site in Derby. Planning permission has already been secured for the warehouse on Infinity Park Derby. Located in the logistics hotspot of the East Midlands, the site benefits from direct access to the national motorway network (A50, M1, and M6) and its proximity to East Midlands Airport. Throughout the construction phase, and when the building is complete, there is the potential to create over 1300 jobs. The development will be sustainably built and will target EPC A and BREEAM Excellent certification. In addition to solar panels, LED lighting and air source heat pumps, there are plans for extensive landscaping with 112 trees, wetland habitats, bird boxes and bug hotels to improve the levels of local biodiversity at the site. Employees on the site will have access to nature trails, cycleways and footpaths to promote sustainable travel. Construction is due to start early 2024. Charlie Howard, Managing Director, UK at Logicor, said: “Infinity Park Derby fits perfectly with our strategy of further growing our footprint in areas where we know demand for quality real estate continues to outstrip supply. “We are looking forward to bringing to the market a highly sustainable, well-designed asset that is in a prime location for the UK.” Wilson Bowden and Peveril Securities is the development partner and Bowmer and Kirkland is the construction partner for the project. Logicor were advised by Cushman & Wakefield, and the developer were advised by Avison Young. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) is asking the government to address the many urgent issues in the repairs and maintenance sector (R&M) as we head towards an election. BCIS is forecasting R&M output will fall 7% in 2024 before recovering in 2025 and beyond, but warned the economic backdrop remained uncertain and that recent inflation had cut into existing maintenance budgets in all sectors, particularly in the public sector. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “We argue that this fall in the repairs and maintenance sector can’t be allowed to happen, as there are many urgent issues that need addressing. “R&M is integral to improving the quality of our buildings and creating environments that people can live, work and flourish in. “Therefore, in this election year, we are calling for all the main parties to prioritise R&M. “We urge the current government to fulfil its promises in the areas where it has allocated funding, as well as investing more in green collar skills to ensure we have an adequately skilled workforce to achieve these aims. “We also ask any subsequent government to follow through on the current government’s commitments.” There were few sectors that escaped unscathed in 2023, from the negative impact of high borrowing and low consumer demand. Housing was the most affected, as inflationary pressures and persistently high mortgage rates slowed down activity. However, R&M was one sector that performed better than expected and drove growth – with growth of over 6% according to the latest BCIS forecast. BCIS has outlined the key areas political parties should prioritise in their manifestos and allocate funding accordingly. Ensuring social housing addresses both health and safety and energy efficiency concerns quickly and in equal measure, was top of the list. However, BCIS cautioned these competing demands could potentially constrain the proportion of funds that councils are able to allocate to day-to-day repair and maintenance. It also called for the government to prioritise measures which would make existing homes more environmentally friendly, such as the recent announcement that the government has granted £16 million to fund energy saving measures and sustainability initiatives under the Green Home Finance Accelerator programme. Recent proposals to speed up the planning process from the government have also highlighted the lack of skills across planning authorities in energy efficient retrofitting, with just 16% of local authority staff feeling ‘very confident’ in this area, according to a recent survey from Historic England. An appropriately skilled and trained workforce is required to future proof our buildings. The RAAC concrete crisis will have a cost impact across the public sector, including hospitals and schools. The government has also announced it intends to set out plans and measures to decarbonise the UK’s entire education estate. The DfE’s ever-growing to-do list coupled with the urgent need to address pressing remediation works highlight just how essential it is to allocate funds to non-residential and public R&M this year. Businesses that wish to encourage their workforce back to the office will increasingly need to consider how they can improve the quality of the working environment. As minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) regulations are tightened, pressure will also mount to improve the ratings of Energy Performance Certifications (EPC) given to buildings – a move that will meet both government requirements but also the expectations of customers and employees who increasingly place a high value on green credentials. For more information about BCIS, please visit: www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Steven Cunningham, Head of Engineering and Project Management at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, has outlined ambitions for 2024 and beyond, focussing on enhancing customer engagement and developing people. With a wealth of experience in many facets of the business including estimating, trade, sales, and project management, Steven is now responsible for the design function of the business. He said: “As we look ahead to our ambitions for 2024, customer engagement is a key business driver for us, as well as ensuring a smooth operation from the design to stage all the way through to manufacture and delivery. “The experience I have gained from my various roles in the business has given me a greater understanding, allowing me to see things from many different stakeholder’s perspectives – both customers and internally – to be able to improve processes and the quality of our offering. “As we are part of the wider ASSA ABLOY group, it gives us the ability to provide a more comprehensive solution than competitors, offering both the door and additional hardware as well.” The company’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) application, Openings Studio™, remains a key focus, with Steven keen to promote the benefits of the platform. “Openings Studio™ integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door, frame and hardware schedules and specifications. “This enables seamless extraction of door design intent and all relevant interfaces to assist fabricators to develop complete door requirements that meet building regulations.” In addition to solutions such as Openings Studio™, Steven believes great people are at the heart of the company’s success. He adds: “We’re keen to develop staff, grow the design function, and increase collaboration across departments. We have a very capable design team with different age ranges, some with many valuable years of experience and some newer team members. “This blend helps vastly when it comes to innovation, and I’m always learning new things from younger colleagues and looking at ways we can improve and do things better. “Teamwork is crucial to reach our goals and exceed all expectations, and we are confident we have to tools in place to make 2024 a year to be proud of.” For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, please visit bit.ly/3OpVQRa. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – in collaboration with Waugh Thistleton Architects – have released a study on policies from across the globe which encourage the use of timber in construction. Timber Policy is a comparative study of policies, across six countries, which can act as a powerful tool to support policy makers on their journey to decarbonise construction in the UK, and beyond. Commissioned by TDUK and written by Waugh Thistleton Architects, this new report follows hot on the heels of the UK Government’s Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap, which aims to safely increase the use of timber in construction. Timber is a low-carbon, natural, renewable material, at the heart of transitioning to a sustainable, circular economy for the UK and many nations around the world. This study is a snapshot of a rapidly evolving movement. David Hopkins, chief executive of Timber Development UK said: “What we need to see this year is ambition turned to action. This means forward looking policy – and politicians brave enough to create a framework which places value on low-carbon construction. “Timber is the ultimate low-carbon material, and countries across the developed world have rightly recognized this – working to create comprehensive policy frameworks that support the growth of the timber industry. “The UK Government’s roadmap is a fantastic starting point, but without more action, there is a risk the UK falls behind. We need a clear timeline for change, starting with limits on embodied carbon in buildings, which is currently unregulated. “Embodied carbon can account for more than half of the emissions of a building over its lifetime – hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon per year – but this is currently ignored by UK politicians and policy makers. “Our new book, commissioned by TDUK and written by Waugh Thistleton Architects, highlights the policies being put in place in a variety of countries around the world. “The UK Government, if they are serious about achieving the goals of their roadmap, now need to look at what policies would work in the UK. We hope that these examples give food for thought and we can start to engage policy makers on making this happen, rather than simply relying on the market to change. “This year we must turn pockets of excellence, like the Stirling Prize winning Goldsmith Street, the Phoenix Development in Lewes, or the pioneering Black & White Building from exceptions to the norm. The opportunity has never been greater.” Andrew Waugh, director and co-founder, Waugh Thistleton Architects, said: “As pioneers in timber construction, we are proud to collaborate with TDUK to author the Timber Policy Book. Working at the forefront of global timber construction and participating in extensive research with European partners, we understand first-hand the impact of government policies on sustainable, low-carbon construction. “While the UK once led the world in mass timber construction, recent years have seen a shift in global leadership. Recent assessments, such as the Climate Change Committee’s critique of the UK Government’s Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, highlight the urgent need for accelerated policy development in the UK. “While we commend initiatives like the Timber in Construction Roadmap, our research for Timber Policy reveals that current UK efforts fall short of addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. Bold leadership, as demonstrated by progressive nations such as France, Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark, mandating limits on embodied carbon and investing in sustainable timber projects, is essential for a meaningful transition to a low-carbon future. The Roadmap sets out timelines to consider options, encourage voluntary reporting, and seek advice, after which revisions to policy will be put in place. The Timber Policy Guide shows how this process has already happened in the six example countries and policies which have already been implemented. “Despite challenges, some progress in the UK is evident; for example, the DfE’s flagship project to standardise mass timber school fabrication underscores its commitment to innovation. Additionally, the Mass Timber Insurance Playbook and New Model Building Guides, funded by Built by Nature, a philanthropic organisation, provide invaluable resources for navigating the complexities of timber construction. “The urgency of climate action cannot be overstated. With projections indicating a 1.5-degree increase in global temperatures by 2050 and up to 3 degrees by the end of the century, decisive steps must be taken. The Timber Policy book serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how public-private partnerships can drive systemic change towards a sustainable future.” Embodied carbon is recognised by major policy influencers such as the United Nations, Royal Society and World Green Building Council, and in the UK by the likes of the Climate Change Committee and Environmental Audit Committee as crucial to overcoming climate change. Despite a wide array of evidence and calls from these bodies to implement key policies, such as the regulation of embodied carbon, there has been a highly variable policy approach across the world. The UK, once positioned as a leader in sustainable construction using timber, now lags behind many other nations due to its regulatory environment. With this book, Timber Policy, we outline how six different countries around the world are helping to support the transition to low-carbon construction. This is the second in a trio of essential books, with the first edition Timber Typologies providing clarity on different timber systems. The final book in the series, Timber LCA, will demystify lifetime carbon analysis for timber buildings. Collectively, these books are intended to act as a stimulus for action – in the UK, and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speedier materials handling, and reduced energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered when the process control specialist overhauled an entire plant design and production line. Saint Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction materials. Since 1984, its Reynosa factory in Mexico has been involved in the manufacture and sale of solid and nonwoven fibre abrasives (such as abrasive pads and wheels). Promtek developed a complete turnkey solution for the factory which had the purpose of filling boxes with a predetermined number of ingredients/materials. The redesigned Reynosa trolley dispensing system consists of 250 individual ingredient locations arranged in two rows over approximately 50m of track. With a laser guided trolley that has two weigh scales per unit, the whole system can handle five boxes simultaneously. The overall system specification consists of: In what was a highly intensive, six figure value project, Promtek applied its twenty years of specialist R&D experience, bringing proven ideas and designs to bar on this unique project. Promtek revisited the original innovative solution, re-engineered it, and implemented significant improvements. As the new system was going to be twice the size in load capacity and volume, the technology needed to be brought up to date to meet the customer’s considerable performance requirements. Charles Williams, Promtek’s Managing Director, explained: “The opportunity to innovate and improve is always an excellent motivator but so is delivering the best solution for St Gobain. Previously, a total system had been designed for a smaller factory in Stafford. Despite this factory being one of the smallest in the group, it was the best performing, meaning Promtek sought collaboration with the engineers, designers, and everyone else involved. Engineering should be universal with core concepts and solutions able to be shared across borders.” To complement and support the new production solution Promtek installed the Kestrel Control System, an advanced system that featured a bespoke software design supplied by a subcontractor, Aptech Powder Handling Systems. Working collaboratively, the two companies created the mechanical design of a first generation total process system to then create a brand-new second generation system which resulted in leaner maintenance, reduced downtime, and improved workforce utilisation, amongst a multitude of other modernisation benefits. Promtek built a full working 1:10 scale prototype in the UK. 1:10 scale was an appropriate model size as it enabled the full system to be demonstrated with correct relative speed, size, and operation of the laser guidance systems. Laser positioning, which is accurate to the millimetre, helped the system to be flexible and fast. Trolleys and tanks could have their positions changed as necessary, meaning loading and unloading positions could be adjusted and manipulated as required. St Gobain’s Jaime Guzman commented: “This was a complex but incredibly exciting project across international borders. Promtek engineers designed an excellent system which far exceeded all the factory’s current needs. They are known for exceptional engineering, and we were delighted with the results. “As a construction materials manufacturer we make a wide range of different, complex products that can be strangely shaped, or obtuse, or abrasive. Our system must be millimetre accurate and precise, and with the expert engineering support available at Promtek the system has been completely reliable since completion.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A former office building in the heart of Milton Keynes, that has been transformed into a new 200-unit residential development, has been refinanced following a £35m residential investment loan from Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance Located directly above Milton Keynes Central station, Station House is the result of a conversion of disused offices into 200 vibrant apartments across four floors. Developed by New York and Bahamas-based real estate specialist, Gold Wynn Group, the scheme is one of the latest property developments in an area predicted to see one of the highest long-term growth rates among UK cities outside London. Having topped the UK Competitive Index for 2023, the development will provide much needed housing at a time when demand is on the rise. The deal for the three-year residential investment loan, agreed at 59% loan to value (LTV), was led by Mike Feasey, Relationship Director at STB Real Estate Finance, alongside Matthew-Blaine Young, the bank’s Head of Origination. BBS Capital advised on and secured this facility for Gold Wynn, continuing its high level of activity in the refinancing space. Mike Feasey commented: “It was a pleasure to be able to deliver this transaction on behalf of Secure Trust Bank and showcase many of the bank’s strengths. Our hands on approach and team ethos, coupled with a strong working relationship with our professional partners, ensured we were able to deliver on a complex transaction in a relatively short period of time. The success of this deal shows what it truly means to be a relationship-led bank and I look forward to building on this success with Gold Wynn over the years to come.” Taking no longer than an hour to reach London from Milton Keynes Central station, the development is particularly ideal for commuters working, but not living, in the capital. Ben Friedland, President of Gold Wynn’s US & UK real estate divisions, said: “We’re delighted to have now opened the doors to Station House’s 200 stylish apartments. Milton Keynes is a thriving area on the rise and Station House is proof of this. As experts in property finance, the tailored approach provided by STB ensured that we were able to seal the deal against the clock, proving it to be one of the quickest refinances we have been involved in.” The bank’s longstanding relationship with BBS Capital, was crucial to completing the process within an allotted timeframe of three months, with it taking just six weeks from sanction to drawdown. Mark Geraghty, Director at BBS Capital said: “BBS Capital is pleased to have supported Gold Wynn on this key refinancing and build on its relationship with Secure Trust Bank. This was a notable transaction in the office-to-residential conversion space, demonstrating good liquidity in the marketplace for quality assets with robust business plans and credible sponsorship. The structured finance was arranged and executed over a short timeframe despite current market conditions, which is testament to all parties involved.” Matthew-Blaine Young added: “It was a pleasure to work alongside BBS Capital once again; this deal is the latest of several success stories we have achieved together. As a result, BBS Capital was confident of our ability to provide the necessary property investment finance and deliver on a significant deal associated with unique challenges.” Acting on behalf of the bank for this property finance loan was solicitors Shepherd & Wedderburn, while BNP Paribas was the appointed valuer for the deal. Both parties played a vital part in organising the deal, alongside Secure Trust Bank’s experienced Relationship Support Specialist, Julie Percy. Visit here to discover more about Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lendlease, in collaboration with its design team featuring David Kohn Architects, has resubmitted plans for the £1.9 billion Smithfield area project in Birmingham’s city centre. Last October, modifications were reported as the developer had to make significant design adjustments to its original planning application filed a year ago. This was prompted by objections from Historic England regarding potential harm to the historic cityscape and concerns from the government’s heritage watchdog about disturbing ‘significant medieval remains.’ The revised plans also incorporate adjustments to comply with forthcoming changes to fire safety legislation, necessitating a second staircase in residential buildings over 18m tall. The masterplan for the 17ha site, home to Birmingham’s historic markets, was devised by Prior + Partners with New York High Line lead James Corner Field Operations. It features contributions from RCKa, Stirling Prize-winners dRMM and Haworth Tompkins, as well as local practices Intervention Architecture and Minesh Patel Architects. Significant alterations were made to the proposed market designed by David Kohn Architects and Birmingham-based ‘artist-run multiverse’ Eastside Projects. Originally set above the buried remains of the historic moat and manor house of the de Birmingham family, the indoor markets (Plot 5A) will now be relocated north to avoid the archaeology. The site will become the main public space in the development’s early stages, renamed Manor Square to highlight its significance as the Birthplace of the City. The indoor market building maintains the design principles of the original application, featuring a sawtooth roof over the fish and meat market hall, colourful signage, wayfinding, and a brick exterior with shops along the perimeter. The relocation of the public square resulted in adjustments to the workspace building by Haworth Tompkins and Minesh Patel Architects (on Plot 3A). An extra storey has been added to increase the total office space. All residential buildings by dRMM and Intervention Architecture (on plot 1D) have been redesigned to include an additional staircase accessible to all residents. Lendlease was named as the development partner by Birmingham City Council in late 2018 for the site, a portion of which previously housed the now-demolished wholesale markets. Colin Murphy, project lead on Smithfield Birmingham for Lendlease, stated, ‘Throughout 2023, Lendlease and our design teams redesigned aspects of the masterplan to further enhance and protect the heritage of Birmingham’s markets. The resubmission of our planning application reflects that engagement and is an important step forward in Birmingham’s transformation as an international city.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK Government has approved the construction of a new Category C super prison in Buckinghamshire, with a budget of £300 million. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has granted planning permission for the prison, which is set to accommodate nearly 1,500 inmates. The facility will be located adjacent to the existing HMP Springhill and HMP Grendon sites. This initiative is part of the Government’s ambitious new prisons programme, which has secured over £4 billion in capital funding. The goal is to accommodate an additional 18,000 inmates across the prison estate by the mid-2020s. The project, gaining momentum after last year’s approval of Wates’s £300m HMP Gartree 2 Category B super prison in Leicestershire, is now advancing. ISG is reportedly in contention to construct the Grendon Springhill 2 Category C resettlement prison. The plan involves building six house blocks, including essential facilities like kitchen workshops and a central services hub. Each of the four-storey house blocks is designed to house 240 prisoners. However, before construction commences, the existing education block associated with HMP Springhill prison needs demolition, and a new sports pitch will be installed to serve the existing prison. The construction phase is expected to create around 100 jobs and inject over £77 million into the local economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVO Defence Services today (Thursday, 1 February) marks its second anniversary looking after the UK Military’s Built Estate during which time it has undertaken more than one million maintenance jobs, completed nearly 25,000 special projects and contributed to a number of social value initiatives. Facilities management provider VIVO started working on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) providing maintenance, asset management and project work at military bases across the southwest and central regions in February 2022. This covers a wide array of tasks such as maintaining hangars and runways at air stations, looking after Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and providing grounds maintenance across Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, Strategic Command and Defence Equipment & Support bases. During that time, VIVO undertook around 260,000 preventative planned maintenance tasks in 2022 and over 372,000 in 2023. These were largely brought about due to VIVO moving the service towards one where planned maintenance work is carried out to keep things running, rather than the ‘fix on fail’ approach of the previous contract. In regards to reactive maintenance tasks, VIVO carried out around 148,000 in 2022 and nearly 226,000 the following year. In total, this equates to around 1,006,000 overall planned and reactive maintenance tasks across the more than 100 military bases it is charged with looking after stretching from the Scottish borders to Cornwall. VIVO also operates a 24/7 helpdesk across its Built Estate regions so military personnel can report maintenance issues directly and this received over 204,000 emails and phone calls in 2022 and nearly 246,000 in 2023. In fact, the helpdesk recently had its busiest day ever on 8 January 2024, following Storm Henk, when it received 1,099 calls and 679 emails in one day. VIVO has invested heavily in extra resources – increasing the number of people available on its contracts by 40 per cent – and carried out almost 25,000 Billable Works projects – work outside of the contract scope that includes everything from repairing a gate to building a new facility. For example, at MoD Ashcurch, in Gloucestershire, VIVO replaced all the windows in a 71-block barracks, making it warmer for those living in them and much more energy efficient. At RAF Waddington, in Lincolnshire, along with its supply chain partners VIVO completed a £3.6 million dye-bay for the Red Arrows in July 2023 – the first bespoke maintenance facility the world famous aerial flying team have had for their dye pods , which make their iconic smoke trails. The Red Arrows were so pleased with this they performed a fly-past to mark its opening (picture attached). VIVO also recently completed – with partners – a Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility at RAF Waddington for service personnel with musculoskeletal injuries and upgraded a data centre at ISS Boddington, in Gloucestershire. Other tasks have included rebuilding the historic grade II listed Serpentine Wall at RM Norton Manor, in Somerset, and refurbishing the entrance gates at Britannia Royal Naval College, at Dartmouth, Devon, which have been battered by the elements for 117 years. At the same time, VIVO has carried out much social value work including providing work placements for armed forces personnel to practice their trade skills in a private sector environment. This is aimed at helping them gain work when they leave active service. Other social value projects include working with partners to provide a safe space ‘listening ear’ for school children from military families and their friends to talk about concerns at a school in Dorset. The next 12 months will see a whole new range of billable work projects, for example, a new nine-mile security fence at RNAS Culdrose. in Cornwall, a glider storage building at RAF Shawbury, in Shropshire, and an accommodation block at MOD Kineton, in Staffordshire. Jerry Moloney, VIVO Defence Services Managing Director, said: “It has been a really busy, but productive time on our Built Estate regions over the past two years with more than a million maintenance jobs carried out and tens of thousands of special projects completed. “I am particularly proud that, in addition to the major contribution we have made to the military bases where we work, our people have contributed to some extremely worthwhile social value initiatives. This is a total credit to them, and I thank all our hardworking teams and our partners for everything they have done.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
