Baxi’s Parent company BDR Thermea Group today announced the appointment of Tjarko Bouman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bouman will join BDR Thermea Group from 1 February 2024 as successor to Bertrand Schmitt, who is stepping down, as announced earlier this week. Tjarko is currently CEO of NTS Group,
GRAHAM, a leading construction and civil engineering contractor, has been appointed to carry out a major transformation of one of the East Riding of Yorkshire’s most congested road junctions. Work on East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s £86.9m A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme is set to begin in spring 2024,
Every year in the UK, billions of litres of drinking water are wasted as businesses are forced to test their fire suppression systems weekly, without a need to capture the water pumped through the pipes and down the drain. Alpine Fire, one of the UK’s leading specialist providers in the
Mansfield District Council is set to accept funding for two more schemes to retrofit insulation and measures to improve the energy efficiency and lower the carbon emissions of targeted low-income households in the district. Cllr Craig Whitby, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance is due to formally accept funding
Tradesmen could be hit by enforcement actions as the cold snap risks delaying building work. Did you know that taking too long to complete a construction project can constitute a planning breach? – breaches can result in enforcement actions ranging from warnings to prosecution. With both the Met Office and
Today (1st December 2023) sees the launch of Operation Limit – a nationwide crackdown on drink and drug driving which will see all 43 UK police forces step up efforts to catch motorists who disregard the law. The 4-week long campaign is being coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council
The operation was carried out through a pioneering partnership with specialist kiln manufacturer Keramischer Ofenbau. This initiative will position Roca Group as the first player in the world with a net-zero sanitary ceramics production plant, with a significant knock-on effect over the whole sector. Roca Group, the world leader in
Further expanding its commitment to creating even more New Build homes in St Helens, Torus Developments is investing £17.2 million into the development of 77 affordable homes at Rutland Street in Cowley Hill, St Helens. Contributing to a three-year programme to build over 500 new homes in St Helens, Rutland
Construction works for a new two-storey teaching block at Alderbrook School in Solihull has been successfully completed by Midlands-contractor, G F Tomlinson. Delivered on behalf of Solihull Council, the works have provided the school with an additional seven classrooms, ancillary spaces, toilets, a reception area, school bus parking, cycling storage
Leicester Royal Infirmary’s radiotherapy department is celebrating the opening of a full extension and significant enhancement works which will ensure that more patients can receive new state-of-the-art treatments. The larger building can house the latest equipment, alongside comfortable waiting spaces, and pleasant office spaces for staff. Delivered by Midlands-based contractor,
Baxi’s Parent company BDR Thermea Group today announced the appointment of Tjarko Bouman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bouman will join BDR Thermea Group from 1 February 2024 as successor to Bertrand Schmitt, who is stepping down, as announced earlier this week. Tjarko is currently CEO of NTS Group, a global company which develops, produces, assembles and tests complex (opto) mechatronic systems and mechanical modules for high-tech OEMs in semiconductor, analytical and healthcare markets. During his tenure, he has rolled out a refined new global strategy, which resulted in record years for turnover and profitability in 2021 and 2022, and a place in the global top 3 of the semiconductor and analytical market niche in which NTS Group is active. Prior to NTS, Tjarko spent nine years at Vanderlande Industries working as Managing Director responsible for the operating company delivering automated material handling solutions in Europe (excluding DACH) and Asia Pacific to main markets of the food retail, e-commerce, fashion and parcel industries. Before that, he was responsible for global services development at Vanderlande including the spare parts business, global services desk and services expertise centre. Marc de Jong, Chair of the BDR Thermea Supervisory Board, says: “Tjarko brings to his new role as BDR Thermea CEO more than 20 years’ experience in business development, operations and supply chain, both in consulting and management, and a track record of combining innovation and growth with a clear customer focus. Tjarko is skilled in business transformation, as well as having digital skills in developing customer value-propositions.” Tjarko Bouman says: “I’m looking forward to joining BDR Thermea Group, building on Bertrand’s legacy, bringing my own experience and skills to the company, and cooperating with the teams across the globe as BDR Thermea moves forward to further strengthen its position in the energy transition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM, a leading construction and civil engineering contractor, has been appointed to carry out a major transformation of one of the East Riding of Yorkshire’s most congested road junctions. Work on East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s £86.9m A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme is set to begin in spring 2024, with GRAHAM commissioned to undertake the project. When complete, in late 2026, traffic travelling on one of the area’s busiest routes will be freed up – benefiting the whole of the East Riding region and helping to grow the local economy. The lead contractor, Northern Ireland-based GRAHAM, employs 2,200 people, is involved in more than 100 projects across the UK and Ireland and has 23 regional offices including one in Leeds. The scheme will involve replacing the Jock’s Lodge junction on the outskirts of Beverley – which links the A164 Hull to Beverley and the A1079 Hull to York roads. A new roundabout will be created on the A1079 to connect it with Beverley and part of the A164 will be widened into a dual carriageway. Over the next few months, construction vehicles and equipment will be seen moving on to sites along the route in readiness for starting work in the spring. Councillor Gary McMaster, the council’s cabinet member for housing and infrastructure, met with Alastair Lewis, GRAHAM contracts director, at the site of the Jock’s Lodge junction, together with members of the council’s civil engineering team in charge of the project. Alastair Lewis, GRAHAM contracts director, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to deliver the A164 Jocks Lodge junction transformation scheme. “The upgrade of the A164 and new junction arrangements with the A1079 dual carriageway, will alleviate congestion and enhance safety for non-motorists via dedicated pedestrian and cycling routes. “Our track record of successfully delivering transformational civil engineering projects stands as testament to our commitment to the highest standards of work, professionalism, and technical expertise. “We are proud to be East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s partner to deliver economic growth to the region. “Over the next few months, the project team will be working hard to ensure the site is ready for the main build phase – we’re looking forward to playing our part in this pivotal project and leaving a lasting legacy”. Councillor McMaster said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome GRAHAM on board for this long-awaited scheme which is one of the council’s largest construction projects. “The council has been working on this scheme for a number of years but now, with the funding in place and the appointment of the contractor, it means we can now move forward and make these improvements happen. “When it’s finished, this will free traffic up on one of the busiest roads in the East Riding and, in turn, give a welcome boost to the local economy.” The announcement of the contractor follows the confirmation, earlier this month, of Government funding for the scheme, during a visit to the site by the then Minister for Roads, Richard Holden MP. The Department for Transport will contribute £40.7m to the project. The council has already committed to investing £46.2million. The A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme This will involve the removal of the existing Jock’s Lodge junction and the construction of: In preparation for the upgrade, the council has built a new roundabout at the junction of Main Street and Beverley Road, Skidby, as well as creating a new bus stop, which is due to be completed soon. GRAHAM is currently involved in several high-profile highways and civil engineering infrastructure schemes, including working as lead contractor on the Western Growth Corridor scheme for City of Lincoln Council. The firm is also delivering improvements to the M2 Junction 5 on behalf of National Highways. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Every year in the UK, billions of litres of drinking water are wasted as businesses are forced to test their fire suppression systems weekly, without a need to capture the water pumped through the pipes and down the drain. Alpine Fire, one of the UK’s leading specialist providers in the design and maintenance of active fire suppression systems, has launched a campaign to reduce, recycle and reuse this water. The business has also partnered with the London School of Architecture and Orms Designers & Architects to design a fire suppressions system of the future that can reuse the water used in tests. Student architects have started work on the project and are due to report back in March. Every week, sprinkler systems in commercial buildings have to be tested for 30 minutes at full power. That means companies are flushing billions of litres of clean water through their pipes which then goes down the drain rather than being saved and reused. The campaign has already engaged with former DEFRA Secretary George Eustice MP and is working with DEFRA to explore how changes can be addressed. In addition, and by way of offset for the hundreds of millions of litres of water that they use each year, Alpine Fire has embarked on a multi-year programme of dam restoration with the Lake District National Park. The first project will see the dam at Throng Moss Tarn restored, a critical haven for wildlife and am important strategic reserve for wildfires in the Lakes. Commenting on the campaign, CEO Steven Nanda said: “Billions of litres of drinking water are needlessly lost every year in the cause of fire safety, and we are working with the officials at DEFRA and leading architects to solve the problem. Water usage in the UK’s fire suppression systems has been overlooked so far, and our customers are under pressure to address every aspect of their sustainability. We are committed to leading the campaign for change. “We are hugely encouraged by our engagement with DEFRA and feel confident that together we can work towards a change in regulation for new builds as well as retrofitting existing buildings” Commenting on the campaign, former SoS of DEFRA George Eustice said: “Water scarcity is a real and live issue in the UK. Any initiative that identifies such a huge amount of unintended water wastage is to be welcomed and I am delighted to be supporting Alpine Fire and their 4 billion campaign.” Commenting on the partnership, Neal Shasore CEO of LSA said: “We are delighted to be part of this worthwhile sustainability initiative and are already inspired by the work our students have produced in response to this challenge.” Gavin Capstick of the Lake District National Park said: “A partnership of this kind with a forward-thinking business like Alpine Fire is something we welcome. Water scarcity is a very real issue for the UK’s National Parks, and as England’s biggest park, the Lake District sees the effects more than most. We are delighted to be working with Alpine Fire to restore Throng Moss Tarn for wildlife and as a strategic water reserve.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mansfield District Council is set to accept funding for two more schemes to retrofit insulation and measures to improve the energy efficiency and lower the carbon emissions of targeted low-income households in the district. Cllr Craig Whitby, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance is due to formally accept funding totalling £583,500 from the government via the Midlands Net Zero Hub in a delegated decision on Friday (1 December). This funding would enable the retrofit of 16 low-income households with external wall insulation, loft insulation and new doors and windows and provide six properties with solar photo-voltaic panels. Cllr Whitby is also due to formally accept funding of £495,000 from the Hub for another scheme targeted at 38 poorly insulated privately owned homes which do not use mains gas as their chief energy source. The money would enable a range of measures to be fitted, including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and external wall insulation. To be eligible for this scheme, households must be identified as having a low income, high energy costs and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E ,F or G for their property. Cllr Whitby said: “These schemes would be aimed at low income households therefore helping some of the most vulnerable residents in the district. “Increasing the energy efficiency of low-income households would help reduce energy bills and lift households out of fuel poverty for those that need the most assistance. “The projects would reduce carbon emissions from homes, which would help support a reduction of Mansfield’s carbon footprint, and they would also support economic resilience by employing a local contractor to install the external wall insulation.” These two schemes follow four previous government projects where the council successfully bid for over £2m in funding to retrofit external wall insulation and install loft and cavity wall insulation to over 200 low-income households across Mansfield. Most were privately owned properties and 35 were council homes. The district was also chosen as one of 19 areas of the country to benefit from a government decarbonisation pilot project to help lower energy consumption in social housing. Work has been carried out at three blocks of flats at Farnsfield Court and Shireoaks Court on the Bellamy estate, focusing on walls, roofs, floors, windows and doors, for strategies for ventilation, heating efficiency and cooling in the summer. The work cost £720,000 with £360,000 coming from the government and the same amount funded by the council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tradesmen could be hit by enforcement actions as the cold snap risks delaying building work. Did you know that taking too long to complete a construction project can constitute a planning breach? – breaches can result in enforcement actions ranging from warnings to prosecution. With both the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing warnings about freezing temperatures, icy conditions and snowfall expected to last until 5th December, building work across the nation could be delayed. London is one area subject to the weather warnings, so builders in the capital city could see their projects put on hold. Research from the experts at Confused.com home insurance reveals that London sees the most enforcement actions nationally even without extreme weather, so the cold snap could compound this issue even further. The research compared the number of planning applications and the number of total enforcement actions for local authorities across the UK to reveal the following top 10 offending areas: 1 October 2022 – 30 June 2023 Rank Local authority Applications decided Total enforcement actions Total enforcement actions (%) 1 Newham 991 193 19.48% 2 Brent 2,050 241 11.76% 3 Colchester 1,370 137 10.00% 4 Slough 728 71 9.75% 5 Bromsgrove 603 50 8.29% 6 Ealing 2,402 196 8.16% 7 Barking and Dagenham 786 60 7.63% 8 Newark and Sherwood 938 70 7.46% 9 Isles of Scilly 54 4 7.41% 10 Broxbourne 632 44 6.96% But planning breaches don’t only affect builders – they can cause significant problems for homeowners themselves. Matthew Harwood, home and lifestyle expert at Confused.com home insurance, warns against skipping planning permission: “Rushing home improvements without proper permissions risks severe consequences, especially with your home insurance. Here’s why you should stick to proper planning procedures: 1. It could affect your home insurance policy “Tell your home insurer if you’re doing major work on your house. Let your insurance company know if you’re planning big changes like an extension or building a conservatory. Such adaptations can influence your home’s value and possibly your insurance costs. “Smaller updates like painting or putting up shelves don’t usually need to be shared with your insurance company. However, it’s smart to record all home improvements, big or small, in case you need to make a claim later. 2. Legal repercussions and devaluation “Without proper permission, you may be forced to undo any changes. This can often be expensive and a big hassle. “Unpermitted modifications can devalue your home, making it harder to sell. People may avoid buying a house without proper permits, fearing future legal issues. 3. Potential safety hazards “If unapproved work on your house causes problems, like a fire, your home insurance might not cover it. “Having proper permission, though seeming like extra work, is vital to keep you safe and legal. It also helps your home’s value and could save you from extra costs and legal issues later. Always consult your insurer and obey local regulations for a safe home and peace of mind.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today (1st December 2023) sees the launch of Operation Limit – a nationwide crackdown on drink and drug driving which will see all 43 UK police forces step up efforts to catch motorists who disregard the law. The 4-week long campaign is being coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence (NRPOII). Results from every police force will be analysed and ranked – last year, the same campaign saw an 18% rise in arrests with 6,130 drivers caught compared with 5,186 during the same period in 2021. The initiatives ‘National Campaign Status’ will help to mobilise national mainstream media and local television and radio to help to create a greater deterrent, to save lives and serious injuries on our roads. In July this year, drug driving made the headlines when latest government statistics were published showing that drug driving convictions have trebled in five years with a record high of 77 prosecutions a day on average. Owing to the success of these nationally coordinated efforts, NPCC and NRPOII have indicated their intentions to plan and manage an annual Summer Drink Drug Drive Campaign starting in 2024. Previously, efforts throughout the year have largely been confined to police forces with a strong focus on roads policing. National coordination will ensure that every force in the UK will be doing more to catch drink and drug drivers going forward. Ean Lewin, Managing Director of D.tec International, the UK’s sole distributor of DrugWipe, the global leader for police roadside driver drug screening, used by all 43 police forces in England, Wales and Scotland as well as hundreds of corporate clients said; “Drink and drug driving remains the biggest strategic threat to roads policing, and I am delighted to see that NPCC and NRPOII are extending their support for Operation Limit beyond the festive period. Some police forces have started to increase their focus on drink and drug driving even before Operation Limit officially gets underway. Merseyside Police caught 25 drink and drug drivers within the first 24-hours of their campaign. According to their official X (formally Twitter) account, the force has made 172 arrests in 7-days, 47 for drink drive and 125 for drug drive. This clearly isn’t a problem confined to ‘party season’ which hasn’t even started yet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The operation was carried out through a pioneering partnership with specialist kiln manufacturer Keramischer Ofenbau. This initiative will position Roca Group as the first player in the world with a net-zero sanitary ceramics production plant, with a significant knock-on effect over the whole sector. Roca Group, the world leader in the design, production and commercialisation of bathroom furnishings and LAUFEN’s parent company, has invested in the world’s first electric tunnel kiln for sanitaryware. In an effort to decarbonise the inherent energy and carbon-intensive production of ceramic goods, the company has taken a decisive step towards electrifying its production processes at its Laufen plant in Gmunden (Austria) thanks to the cutting-edge technology from Keramischer Ofenbau, world technology leader in the manufacture of ceramic kilns. The German kiln manufacturer has been focusing on sustainable innovation for over 25 years and is a market leader in energy efficient ceramic kilns, making it the ideal partner for Roca Group’s decarbonisation project. Electricity, no gas: a revolution for the sanitaryware industry Albert Magrans, CEO at Roca Group, said: “We have a long-term goal to decarbonise our operations and we have been working hard to find solutions that will help us achieve this. This new pan-European partnership not only helps us on our way to net-zero but is also a clear step forward for the industry as a whole”. The first production results of the new kiln system show great potential for the entire industry, because not only sanitaryware production can benefit from this new technology, but also other ceramic sectors such as structural and technical ceramics or tableware. This kiln proves that the complete decarbonisation of ceramic production is not only possible, but also realistic and economically feasible. The new tunnel kiln is highly efficient, decarbonised, and automated and provides a valuable alternative to conventional production dependent on fossil fuels. It is a key milestone in ensuring that Gmunden becomes the world’s first net-zero sanitaryware production facility by 2024. This investment is also central to Roca Group’s decarbonization strategy. The Group closed 2022 with a 39% reduction in direct CO2 emissions compared to the 2018 baseline, approaching its SBTi target of carbon neutrality by 2045. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Further expanding its commitment to creating even more New Build homes in St Helens, Torus Developments is investing £17.2 million into the development of 77 affordable homes at Rutland Street in Cowley Hill, St Helens. Contributing to a three-year programme to build over 500 new homes in St Helens, Rutland Street will see 23 Shared Ownership houses and 54 over 55s Affordable Rent apartments created. Focused on reducing the carbon footprint of the development itself and future residents’ energy bills, Rutland Street will see Torus Developments further its commitment to becoming a greener, future-focused developer. Funded, in part, by Homes England’s Strategic Partnership 2012-2026 programme and £1.16 million from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Brownfield Land Fund, the scheme will redevelop a site, that was vacant for over 10 years, by creating modern, energy saving homes of the highest quality. Discussing the scheme, Director of Development and Technical, Steve Alcock, said: “Rutland Street showcases our ongoing dedication to creating new affordable homes and employment opportunities in St Helens. It’s a fantastic scheme overlooking Victoria Park and everyone involved has worked collaboratively to reach this point. “Torus are committed to improving the experience of our customers and neighbours in St Helens, creating a development that is fully embedded in its local community way before keys are handed over to future residents.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “We are specifically targeting brownfield sites to help protect our precious green spaces from overdevelopment – turning once-forgotten areas back into thriving communities. “I want everyone in our area to have the chance to realise their home ownership ambitions – to get their foot on the property ladder and invest in their future. Yet, for too long, achieving that dream has been out of reach for many of our residents who have been forced to contend with a broken housing market, that simply doesn’t work for them. Thanks to devolution, we are working to put that right by investing £60 million to open up a pipeline of 4,000 homes across our six boroughs by ensuring that there are suitable sites for development.” Kate Collins, Senior Manager, Provider Management, Large and Strategic Providers at Homes England, continued: “As a Homes England Strategic Partner, Torus has committed to delivering new affordable homes via the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26. It’s fantastic to see works underway Rutland Street, which brings a neglected urban area back into use and represents a significant contribution to the programme. At Homes England we are committed to supporting our partners to increase the supply of good quality affordable housing in the communities where they’re needed most.” HMS’ Construction Director, John Barrow, continued: “Rutland Street is the largest site HMS has undertaken in St Helens to date and I am looking forward to be leading the development of a scheme that will see a number of green solutions embedded into its design. For HMS, we want to be at the forefront of building more eco-friendly schemes and be able to continue working with Torus on developing homes that meet residents’ needs in the short and long term, is something I am proud of. When completed, Rutland Street will not only be a great example of how we work to build fantastic homes, but actively create opportunities for local people and suppliers.” Due for completion by Summer 2025, Rutland Street will completely redevelop a brownfield site to create a thriving housing development that will give future residents access to numerous local amenities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction works for a new two-storey teaching block at Alderbrook School in Solihull has been successfully completed by Midlands-contractor, G F Tomlinson. Delivered on behalf of Solihull Council, the works have provided the school with an additional seven classrooms, ancillary spaces, toilets, a reception area, school bus parking, cycling storage and increased car parking for staff and visitors. A new security access and egress gate to the school grounds was also incorporated. Built using a structural steel frame system and blockwork, the building features a flat roof, with rendered walls and full height curtain walling to three of the elevations. As part of the scheme, G F Tomlinson also planted a number of trees and wildflowers on the school grounds – with the help of Alderbrook School pupils – enhancing the existing ecology of the site and attracting insects and animals to thrive within the grounds. G F Tomlinson committed to providing social value-added initiatives throughout the scheme and pledged to deliver 27% ‘social value added’ against the project. The contractor, achieved 48% added value, almost doubling their initial target, resulting in a social economic value of over £1.7 million. During the project, G F Tomlinson sourced 92% of local labour within 40 miles of site and hosted a local Supply Chain Collaboration event to encourage local companies to get involved in the project. They recycled 95% of site waste and rescued 3.4 tonnes of materials from the waste stream collected by VCSE Community Wood Recycling. G F Tomlinson offered work experience placements on-site for Alderbrook pupils, and supported the school’s ‘Life Ready’ day, which included ‘career in construction’ workshops and mock interview sessions. The contractor also supported the local Marston Green Parish Hall by donating materials for a much-needed refurbishment of its welfare facilities alongside key supply chain partners – MGD Specialist Interior Finishes Limited and Palings Mechanical & Electrical Services Limited. Materials donated to the communal charity building included providing hygienic cladding, a toilet, urinal, handwash basin, taps, a radiator, wall fan, new light fittings, and hand dryer. Chris Flint, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re pleased to have completed works on the new-build teaching facility for Alderbrook School and are proud with all of the ‘social value added’ opportunities we achieved as part of this scheme. “I want to say a huge congratulations to our hardworking team for not only delivering a high-quality teaching space, but also for exceeding our social value-added target by such a significant amount. This is testament to our dedication to this project and passion for giving back to the communities in which we operate.” Tom Beveridge, Headteacher, Alderbrook School, said: “The completion of the building ready for September has been transformational for our school; students are enjoying learning in state-of-the-art classrooms and the creation of outdoor play space has markedly improved the experience for our students. We are delighted with the enhancements this project has brought to our school and are very grateful to all involved in this project.” Councillor Michael Gough, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “I am really pleased that these works have been completed at Alderbrook School, providing much improved facilities for our children for the future. It is also a great example of investing in local resources. Well done to all involved.” To find out more about Alderbrook School, please visit: www.alderbrookschool.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leicester Royal Infirmary’s radiotherapy department is celebrating the opening of a full extension and significant enhancement works which will ensure that more patients can receive new state-of-the-art treatments. The larger building can house the latest equipment, alongside comfortable waiting spaces, and pleasant office spaces for staff. Delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, works involved a significant extension to the existing Radiotherapy department in Leicester Royal’s Osborne Building to deliver a secure treatment facility as part of the improved health care provision for local people in the region. The £3.5m scheme commenced in the summer of 2022 and completed in August this year, with construction comprising two blocks – a radiotherapy bunker, control room and plant room, and an ancillary accommodation block, both of which connect to the existing Osborne Building via link corridors. The treatment area incorporates high security controls to prevent unauthorised access and provide a safe environment. A specialist force protection engineering consultant was appointed to review the structural design of the room and the building was also reviewed by the Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSA), to ensure compliance. As part of the new building’s green credentials, 32 PV panels were installed on the roof to provide power to the facility, alongside air source heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling through the building, generating fewer carbon emissions. To safely deliver construction works within the fully operational hospital site, a site-specific traffic management plan was implemented to minimise disruption and provide safe access and egress to local residents, hospital visitors and staff. A full-time logistics manager was appointed onsite to assist with the running of the car park, deliveries and to maintain a safe environment. A web-based system was utilised to plan and monitor materials deliveries in order to avoid congestion on the surrounding road networks of the busy hospital site. Social value was incorporated into the project with the site team instigating several initiatives including over 20 hours of litter picking which took place in the surrounding area to improve the environment and help make for a better experience for hospital visitors. A local supply chain was utilised on site which resulted in 77% of local labour being sourced within a 40-mile radius and 94% of all construction waste was recycled locally. As part of G F Tomlinson’s other social value commitments, the contractor provided work experience for a local student studying at a nearby college to provide them with practical experience on site. Six apprentices were also allocated to the site for a combined total of 113 weeks. During their time at the radiotherapy facility, they had the opportunity to monitor the programme and plan works on site, manage quality assurance, supervise health and safety, and assist with the traffic management within the car park, as well as attending colleges and universities on day release programmes. Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It was an honour to be part of the extension and improvement of the current facilities at Leicester Royal Infirmary, to ensure that patients are getting the very best treatment and care possible. “We have extensive experience working in a live hospital environment and we implemented special measures during construction to ensure that the site always remained safe and accessible to patients and staff, working closely with the hospital team in achieving this. “We are very pleased that the client is happy with the quality of the build and that the enhanced, secure facility is in operation and open to the public.” Dr. Jenny Marsden, Head of Radiotherapy Physics, said: “We are extremely pleased with the new facility which meets the requirements of various external agencies to allow us to perform our work. It provides a lovely environment for patients and staff alike. The team are looking forward to welcoming patients and giving cancer care in a bespoke environment which meets their needs. We are also very keen to develop our service in the future, which is now possible as we have space for clinical development and improvement.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals