SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement specialists, has launched its new Utilities Works and Services frameworks, designed to empower utility sector organisations to shape their utilities projects and programmes through an accelerated, direct award model. A £3bn framework covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate
Mckay Training is proud to officially launch its expertise into the UK marketplace as a training and consultancy business offering standard as well as bespoke courses and certifications in critical areas such as Health and Safety, Management, and Business Administration for any size of business through a variety of industries.
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured outline planning consent on behalf of property developer St Modwen for a further component of the residential development at Kingsgrove, north east Wantage. Consent was granted by Vale of White Horse District Council on 5 November. The site lies to the north of
The LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 is the UK’s most significant sprinkler installation standard which incorporates the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins. Published by the Fire Protection Association, this document is regularly updated to incorporate new Technical Bulletins and update existing ones, thereby providing
Leading paving and building manufacturer, AG Paving & Building Products, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction by achieving Platinum status, the highest accolade available, in the 2023 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, organised by Business in the Community (BITC). Recognising companies that go above and
Ian rejoins Currie & Brown’s growing Healthcare group Currie & Brown, provider of cost management, project management and advisory services has recruited Ian Mitchell to head up cost management for the Healthcare sector in London and South East England. Ian’s appointment will add to Currie & Brown’s expertise in healthcare
Britain’s leader in Ground Source Heat Pumps, Kensa Heat Pumps, is set to unveil the next generation of home heating and cooling. At an online launch on 29th February, Kensa will reveal its solution to help bring heat pumps to the masses, decarbonise current and future homes and create green
Construction of the University of Huddersfield’s new National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC) has celebrated a key milestone with a topping out ceremony held at the Daphne Steele Building. This first building on the Southgate site, close to the main university campus, is named after the UK’s first black matron. Daphne
Office interior design consultancy Office Principles North has been chosen to deliver two new projects that will upgrade facilities at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry. The Midlands-based firm will design and construct a two-storey mezzanine and new laboratory space at the national battery manufacturing development facility, near
Kimpton, a leading provider of mechanical and electrical services for Built-to-Rent (BTR) and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) markets, has identified significant trends shaping the BTR landscape in the UK and globally. 1. Growing Demand for Rental Housing: A noticeable shift towards renting rather than homeownership is evident, driven by
SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement specialists, has launched its new Utilities Works and Services frameworks, designed to empower utility sector organisations to shape their utilities projects and programmes through an accelerated, direct award model. A £3bn framework covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate dedicated £1bn framework will serve Scotland. Following a rigorous evaluation process, SCAPE has appointed Kier and McLaughlin & Harvey to deliver projects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and McLaughlin & Harvey and RJ McLeod to lead the Scotland framework. All appointments were made on the basis of compliance with the UK Utilities Contract Regulations and Scottish Utilities Contracts Regulations. The frameworks have been created to provide clients with access to specialist contractors capable of helping them to deliver the low carbon energy, transport and water infrastructure needed to meet sustainability targets and serve community needs in the years ahead. The frameworks will enable the delivery of projects across a variety of sectors including docks, ports and harbours, rail and metro’s, aviation, water, renewables, energy (gas and electricity, including maintenance), and telecommunications. Each sector has an important role to play in the UK’s green transition, from enabling new grid connections that facilitate the integration of renewables and protect the country’s energy supply for the future, to connecting communities and unlocking growth through new rail projects and enhanced coastal infrastructure, such as ports and harbours. The delivery partners appointed to the new frameworks share SCAPE’s commitment to sustainability and social value, which will underpin each project delivered through the new frameworks. With a framework duration of four years and an option to extend for a further four, this represents a significant opportunity to create a long-term, positive impact. The direct award Utilities frameworks operate a parallel lotting structure, which gives clients a choice of industry-leading contractors, ensuring efficient procurement that demonstrates value for money. SCAPE is a member of, and actively seeking verification through, Constructing the Gold Standard pilot scheme, an integrated and collaborative scheme facilitated by Constructing Excellence, designed to improve value, reduce risk and improve sustainability through public sector frameworks. SCAPE is also accredited with Carbon Code Champion status; the highest level of compliance to the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment. The new utilities frameworks complement SCAPE’s suite of consultancy, civil engineering and construction frameworks. Mark Robinson, SCAPE Group, Chief Executive said: “The SCAPE Utilities frameworks have been created to support better-connected communities, future-proof national infrastructure and scale-up green energy projects that support the use of renewables. These new frameworks will help clients accelerate the works and services needed to support a low-carbon economy in the years to come. As with all our frameworks, enhanced social value will underpin every project, ensuring we leave a positive, sustainable legacy within each community.” John Simons, group procurement director at SCAPE, added: “We are excited to welcome our new partners, who have all demonstrated their ability to deliver efficient and effective best-in-class projects for clients. The quality of these new frameworks is a testament to the research and development applied across all of SCAPE’s procurement services.” Andrew Bradshaw, Group managing director for Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks “We’re thrilled to have been appointed to the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We have a proven track record of delivering successful projects and we’re looking forward to working with SCAPE to bring our capabilities to new clients.” Chris Boyle, Framework Director at McLaughlin & Harvey “McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to be awarded a place on the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services Frameworks for Scotland and England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We look forward to working with SCAPE and the utility providers to deliver exceptional projects. “This framework offers the opportunity to provide utility companies and their customers real value for money in project delivery whilst also providing economic and social benefits for local communities across the United Kingdom.” The SCAPE Utilities Works and Services frameworks will now enter the mobilisation phase, with clients anticipated to be able to begin using these from the end of February 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mckay Training is proud to officially launch its expertise into the UK marketplace as a training and consultancy business offering standard as well as bespoke courses and certifications in critical areas such as Health and Safety, Management, and Business Administration for any size of business through a variety of industries. With an experienced team of trainers and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Mckay Training empowers individuals and businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Mckay Business, Safety, and Risk Training also offer a comprehensive consultancy service to ensure your business and workplace are fully compliant with current legislation. Our expert consultants provide valuable health and safety advice, including customised risk assessments to address your specific needs. Stephen Mckay, the founder of Mckay Training, brings over 35 years of invaluable experience in the construction industry, having worked in various roles from mid to senior management. Recognising the need to support businesses of all sizes, Stephen established Mckay Training with the vision of advising and guiding each company, ensuring their policies and procedures align with current Government guidelines. Stephen said: “Drawing from my senior positions in companies, I understand the significance of training and supporting every employee to contribute towards increased productivity, morale, and protection against potential costs that insurance may not cover. Mckay Training aims to empower businesses, and by leveraging my expertise and industry insights, I can help mitigate risks and drive success”. Mckay Training will be working closely with Oaks Training & Development Ltd to deliver a whole range of group, 1-2-1 and bespoke courses. Heather Worsdale of Oaks Training said: “We are thrilled to be working in association with Mckay Training, who align perfectly with our strong ethos towards focusing on staff development. Both of our organisations share a common goal of delivering the highest standard of training to empower a highly skilled, supported workforce, which serves as the ultimate foundation for any organisation. We believe that success in today’s fast-paced environment can only be achieved by working with individuals or entities that possess the skill sets required to take your organisation to the next level. By partnering with Mckay Training, we can proudly demonstrate that we practice what we preach.” For more information about the courses, certifications, and consultancy services offered by Mckay Business, Safety, and Risk Training, please visit https://Mckaytraining.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured outline planning consent on behalf of property developer St Modwen for a further component of the residential development at Kingsgrove, north east Wantage. Consent was granted by Vale of White Horse District Council on 5 November. The site lies to the north of A417 and east of the of A338 in attractive market town of Wantage, approximately 15 miles south of Oxford. Kingsgrove is an already-established new community spanning approximately 227 acres. When complete, it will provide up to 1,534 homes, central park, sports facilities, public open spaces, community allotments, a new primary school, retail uses. This new outline consent follows the expiry of the original outline consent and allows for the development of up to 669 residential units and a neighbourhood centre, along with associated infrastructure and open spaces. Approximately 243 of the new homes will be allocated as affordable housing. Within weeks of this planning consent, Carter Jonas also secured reserved matters planning consent on behalf of LSP Developments Limited for a local centre, which will form an integral part of the new development. The local centre is located at the heart of the new community. It will serve a variety of purposes and will include a nursery, and retail units including convenience retail as well as parking. Additional street furniture, EV charging, cycle parking and landscaping, including new trees and shrubs also forms part of the latest planning consent. Nicky Brock, Partner at Carter Jonas in Oxford commented, ‘We are extremely pleased to have helped St Modwen achieve planning consent for what is undoubtedly a very popular, sustainable new development and go some way to addressing the concerning shortage of homes in Oxfordshire.’ William Bayston, Development Director at St Modwen commented, ‘We are delighted to have worked closely with Carter Jonas to secure the latest planning consents for our Kingsgrove development in Wantage. We look forward to continuing to work with them, and the wider community, as we move forward with the delivery of the Kingsgrove community. In achieving planning success, Carter Jonas worked alongside master planners OPEN and engineers Atkins. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 is the UK’s most significant sprinkler installation standard which incorporates the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins. Published by the Fire Protection Association, this document is regularly updated to incorporate new Technical Bulletins and update existing ones, thereby providing a specification designed to ensure the highest practical levels of resilience to fire can be achieved. To improve the distribution of new and updated Technical Bulletins for our customers in a cost-effective way, the FPA is pleased to launch a subscription model which means you will automatically receive updates to the LPC Sprinkler Rules (including new and revised Technical Bulletins) throughout the year for an annual fee, ensuring you remain at the forefront of changes for life safety and property protection purposes. With the BS EN 12845:2015 standard published by BSI currently under major review, which could result in significant changes to the Technical Bulletins, the subscription model will support the timely release of updates. New and updated Technical Bulletins The FPA is also pleased to announce the release of several new and updated Technical Bulletins which are now available via the subscription service: The following Technical Bulletins are in progress and will therefore be released via the subscription model once finalised: You can find out more about the updates here. How to subscribe To access the latest LPC Sprinkler Rules and related Technical Bulletins, new customers will pay an initial fee which includes the first year’s subscription fee. The subscription fee will then be due on an annual basis thereafter for updates to the Technical Bulletins. If you have already purchased the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 incorporating the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins from the FPA, you will only need to pay the annual subscription fee. You can choose to receive updates in print or digitally. Purchasing the online version enables access to the LPC Sprinkler Rules App so you can view the document on a mobile phone or tablet, as well as via the FPA website. Pricing Print Version Initial fee for access to the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 including 1 year’s subscription for updates: £695.00 (£625.50 for FPA Members) Annual subscription fee: £250.00 (£225.00 for FPA Members) Digital Version Initial fee for access to the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 including 1 year’s subscription for updates: £595.00 (£535.50 for FPA Members) Annual subscription fee: £190.00 (£171.00 for FPA Members) Please note that the initial subscription fee is for the 2015 standard only and does not include the upcoming standard due to be released in 2025/26. To receive the latest Technical Bulletins, you can subscribe to the LPC Sprinkler Rules here or contact us at shop@thefpa.co.uk or on 01608 812 500 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading paving and building manufacturer, AG Paving & Building Products, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction by achieving Platinum status, the highest accolade available, in the 2023 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, organised by Business in the Community (BITC). Recognising companies that go above and beyond to reduce their environmental impact, the survey benchmarks companies that drive change through integrating sustainable practices into corporate strategies. The firm, who has recently released their Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, was one of 125 organisations from a range of sectors in Northern Ireland to participate in the survey. AG was also awarded ‘Most Improved Performer’ at the awards ceremony recognising its continuous improvement commitment. AG previously reported a reduction in its Scope 1 & 2 emissions from its baseline of 2019 to 2022 by 53% – despite an increase in production volumes as the company faced unprecedented demand for its products. As well as this, the firm reduced its scope 3 emissions from 2022 by 10% – reinforcing its commitment to a greener future in construction. AG are continuously working to reduce the environmental impact of both its operations and the end product, which includes a recent investment of £5m into its operations enabling the firm to modernise its plant, equipment, and technology, driving the firm’s sustainability agenda. In addition to this the company have recently gained level 3 in the “Take 5” workplace wellbeing accreditation, recognition for their longstanding commitment improving both physical and psychological safety. Stephen Acheson AG’s CEO AG commented: “Sustainability is one of AG’s core values, we were delighted to achieve Platinum Status in this year’s Environmental Benchmarking Survey. As part of our commitment to a sustainable business, we strive to continuously reduce our environmental impact, whilst holding our people and local community at the centre of everything we do. These results further demonstrate our commitment to making long lasting and impactful changes.” To find out more about AG, visit www.ag.uk.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ian rejoins Currie & Brown’s growing Healthcare group Currie & Brown, provider of cost management, project management and advisory services has recruited Ian Mitchell to head up cost management for the Healthcare sector in London and South East England. Ian’s appointment will add to Currie & Brown’s expertise in healthcare cost management, and experience ensuring that complex healthcare projects are delivered within budget. The firm has provided cost management services on a number of New Hospital Programme (NHP) schemes, and for NHS clients including Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, University College London Hospitals, Barts Health, James Paget and Lewisham & Greenwich. Ian rejoins Currie & Brown following a seven-year period. He brings with him extensive experience in whole life costing, business case development and benchmarking, along with a deep knowledge of technical standards. Alongside adding value to Currie & Brown’ clients, he will also play an important role in implementing the firm’s growth strategy, drawing on his experience in senior leadership teams at top-tier construction consultancies. David Keith, Senior Director, London, comments: “We’re entering a pivotal period for NHS estates. The Government is investing heavily in our healthcare infrastructure to future-proof facilities and deliver high standards of care. Ian’s specialist experience in healthcare cost management means he is ideally placed to support our clients through this period and ensure their investments deliver on expectations.” Ian Mitchell, Director, comments: “I’m hugely excited to be rejoining Currie & Brown. The firm has maintained its excellent reputation for cost management and long-standing client relationships within the NHS and public sector. I look forward to working with team members old and new, and applying my 25 years plus experience to add even greater value to our clients in the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Britain’s leader in Ground Source Heat Pumps, Kensa Heat Pumps, is set to unveil the next generation of home heating and cooling. At an online launch on 29th February, Kensa will reveal its solution to help bring heat pumps to the masses, decarbonise current and future homes and create green jobs. The launch will be presented by Kensa CEO, Tamsin Lishman, who’ll be joined by special guest Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee. Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa Heat Pumps, said: “Mass adoption of heat pumps, including Ground Source Heat Pumps, will grow the economy, create green jobs and bring people out of fuel poverty. “We are about to embark upon the biggest transformation in home heating since the conversion to natural gas fifty years ago. We will show how the next generation of Ground Source Heat Pumps can provide millions with long-lasting clean, energy-efficient home heating and cooling.” For 25 years Kensa has proven that ground source heat pumps can work in all property types. From retrofit projects in high-rise flats to new build housing installations, ground source heat pumps are already reducing consumer energy bills, taking people out of fuel poverty and cutting CO2 emissions. Studies have shown installing more heat pumps will: Research also shows mass heat pump adoption improves people’s health, and could save the NHS £1.4bn per year [4] : With the Future Homes Standard set to effectively ban installations of gas boilers in new build homes from 2025, ground source heat pumps are expected to be an essential solution for the Government to meet its target of 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028 and propel the UK to Net Zero. By 2030 Kensa plans to deliver 70,000 ground source heat pumps a year, a move that will create 7,000 green jobs and put more people in control over when they heat their homes. Registrations for the online launch are open now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-next-generation-of-home-heating-tickets-807897371787?aff=PRGen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of the University of Huddersfield’s new National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC) has celebrated a key milestone with a topping out ceremony held at the Daphne Steele Building. This first building on the Southgate site, close to the main university campus, is named after the UK’s first black matron. Daphne Steele emigrated to the UK from Guyana in the 1940s and the ceremony was attended by her son, Robert Steele, who unveiled a plaque watched by members of the Steele family. The building named in Daphne’s honour is the first of the exciting project that will help to improve health outcomes and lead innovation in healthcare for the North of England. It will bring together public-facing facilities including award-winning student-led clinics, and be a focus for entrepreneurial academic activity, serving the regional and wider health economy in strong public-private partnerships. Specialist clinical teaching facilities will provide unparalleled support for workforce development. The ceremony was attended by University of Huddersfield Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan CBE and guests included James Wimpenny, Executive Director of construction partners BAM Construction, Anthony Langen, Managing Director of architects AHR and Russell Green, Project Manager of construction consultants Gleeds. Completion of the Daphne Steele Building, which also received a grant of £5.8m in capital funding from the Office For Students, is expected in September 2024. “The scale of the thing is massive and everything I have heard about the innovative facilities plus the benefits to students and the wider community are fantastic,” declared Robert Steele. “What would Daphne have made of all this? I think she would have been stunned, blown away and surprised that this is part of her legacy.” “We were truly honoured when we were allowed to name this new building after Daphne, so I was absolutely delighted that Robert, along with members of her family and friends, joined us for the topping out ceremony,” said Professor Cryan. “Daphne’s ethos of care and compassion allied to expertise is something that we hope everyone who studies and works in this facility will take with them. We are relishing the prospect of this building being fully operational later this year.” James Wimpenny, Executive Director – Construction, at BAM, said: “This milestone marks not only the highest point of the build but also the culmination of the collaborative efforts of the client, design, and construction teams. “At BAM we are passionate about building inspiring spaces that empower learning and enrich the University experience, and that is exactly what we are delivering here at the University’s new National Health Innovation Campus.” Plans for more construction on the site adjacent to the Daphne Steele Building are well under way, with a reserved planning application for the second NHIC building having been submitted late in 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Office interior design consultancy Office Principles North has been chosen to deliver two new projects that will upgrade facilities at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry. The Midlands-based firm will design and construct a two-storey mezzanine and new laboratory space at the national battery manufacturing development facility, near Coventry Airport. The initial 20-week project will create up to 8,000 sq ft of open plan office space, meeting and conference rooms in the warehouse process hall. The extension will connect to the building’s second floor via a new link bridge attached to the main building and will involve steel and M&E works. Phase two will see the creation of a single storey structure housing c.3,000 sq ft of new laboratory space for exploratory work. It will be fitted out to modern standards, and will include wipe down surfaces, electrostatic flooring, and air conditioning. Office Principles North will deliver all works in a live environment and will employ sound proofing and dust monitoring equipment to ensure optimum air quality. Both projects will be delivered in collaboration with Ridge and Partners LLP and AtkinsRéalis, and are in addition to a new enhanced battery laboratory which is also currently under construction. Gary Tailby, joint managing director of Office Principles North, said: “We are delighted to further our relationship with UKBIC, having initially worked together more than two years ago. We will be creating much needed new space for the UK’s growing battery sector and helping to ensure that this highly important operation in Coventry continues to flourish. “Office Principles North has developed a reputation for first class office fit out and refurbishments but this project will enable us to showcase our construction expertise too. The design for the new extension has been developed in collaboration with UKBIC and will involve the installation of steelwork within the existing concrete floor. As air quality is critical in a battery production environment, we’ll be taking additional measures to ensure that appropriate levels of cleanliness are maintained at all times.” UKBIC opened in July 2021 and is used by organisations with new or existing battery technologies. It recently secured £38 million in funding to upgrade the facility’s scale-up capabilities in support of innovation projects for high-tech developers and users of battery technologies. The new funding, announced as part of the autumn statement, is principally for UKBIC’s innovative flexible scale-up line, and builds upon the £36 million already committed by the Faraday Battery Challenge in May 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kimpton, a leading provider of mechanical and electrical services for Built-to-Rent (BTR) and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) markets, has identified significant trends shaping the BTR landscape in the UK and globally. 1. Growing Demand for Rental Housing: A noticeable shift towards renting rather than homeownership is evident, driven by factors such as higher interest rates and the desire for flexibility. Housing affordability, particularly in certain areas, is a significant challenge making rental housing an appealing and sometimes the only option. 2. Institutional Investment: Institutional investors, including pension funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs), are increasingly showing interest in BTR projects. The sector’s potential for long-term, stable returns makes it an attractive option for building a balanced investment portfolio. 3. Focus on Amenities and Community Spaces: BTR developments are prioritising high-quality amenities and communal spaces to attract tenants. Gyms, co-working spaces, communal lounges, and outdoor areas contribute to creating a desirable living environment, moving away from high-density accommodation blocks. 4. Technology Integration: The integration of smart home features and efficient property management using technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and energy-efficient systems is becoming a standard in BTR developments. This aligns with the increasing prevalence of remote work, requiring adaptable designs for work-from-home spaces. 5. Sustainable and Green Practices: BTR developers are incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient designs and green building materials. The demand for green technology among environmentally conscious Gen Z and Millennials is evident. 6. Location and Connectivity: Proximity to transportation hubs, employment centres, and lifestyle amenities remains crucial in BTR development. Access to urban conveniences and connectivity, exemplified by Kimpton projects like the Conington Road BTR Scheme in Lewisham, enhances the appeal of such developments. 7. Sustainability and ESG Considerations: A growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors is driving BTR developers to adopt more sustainable practices. Compliance with evolving regulations, especially in relation to EPC ratings, is a priority for new developments. 8. Diversification of BTR Offerings: Developers are diversifying their BTR portfolios to include various unit types, catering to different demographics and lifestyle preferences. The inclusion of larger units accommodates families, reflecting shifts in household structures. 9. Demographic Changes: Population growth, urbanisation trends, and changes in household structures influence the demand for rental housing. The aging population and the rise of single-person households in the UK are shaping the types of properties and amenities being created. 10. Brownfield Takeover: The reshaping of city landscapes, including the conversion of empty retail units and downsized office spaces into BTR units, presents an opportunity for developers. Coordinated and sensitive planning is crucial for ensuring the future vibrancy of cities. Matt Breakwell, Business Development Manager at Kimpton said: “The BTR sector is experiencing substantial growth and will become an increasingly significant driver of the housing market. Kimpton recognise the opportunity for developers and investors to reshape cities, creating sustainable communities and create a genuine solution for individuals seeking long-term, flexible, high-quality living arrangements in a changing housing landscape. We are delighted to be continuing to play our part in the decarbonisation of the BTR sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
